The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1843-04-25

What object is there In nature from the highest TO
The lowest, animate or inanimate, swimming in tho
sen or in the air, the surface buried inhe EARTH
which is not, upon examinations found to be beau
iulas IT it were finished for other purpose Than to
be looked All Take the shell that lies in the bottom
ofthe ocean, the bird that bathes its wings in Ieav-
ems purest light, the flowers that carpet the earth
with their varied spendor, the gtering stars that
light M the deep arches of the skies with an eternal
glory; take the combination of the countless elements
orbeauty, when the morning slowly lights up the
veil of night, and the dawn Of creation reveals
the gories ofhe visible world or when spring breathcs
upon the earth, and recalls the dead to re and myr-
lads and myrads Of new beings come forth Mt her
voice; take the descending sun as he reclines upon
his western throne, and wraps around him the gor-
geous robe of unrivaled majesty: take the perec-
ton of beauty seen in nearer, but more trans
cendunt form, in man himself, in his symmetrical
stature, in the well turned limbs in the web Of I'M
rivalled sofnesa and texture, which covers him in
the tints Of his complexion, in the grace Of his
ments, in the melody Of his voice. in the eloquence
of the eye, pouring ont the fires Of genius or rud-
ant with the charms ofthe affections, and so speak-
ing to the soul; and will say that appearance is
nothing, and that tn pleasures of the sight to
be valued or cultivated? | say that appearance is
always to be regarded; that ,ce cannot render our
house too beautiful and attractive. Our first object
should be to make dwellings as convenient and
comfortable art can make them; our second OBJ
ject should be to render them equal taste
full and elegant. DO what we can, and all we can,
we shall fall far short Of rivang the simplest
forms and combinations ofnuture.
We should do this on the ground Of selfnterest.
Separate from the pleasures which we ourselves de-
rive from it, it essentially increases the value Of
estates. The beauty of place, the ornamental trees
and shrubs. the garden flowers which emhellish
it, always objects Of attraction to purchaser.
We should do this from considerations ofbenevolence
Buildings, erected in good and proportions, and
exhibiting refined judgment and skill, and grounds
highly cultivated and enibeshed, charm the eye of
the traveller passer by, and allow to mpart
most bountfully, without diminishing stores.
But there is another influence be overlooked.
Habits Of order and nentness, mere personal clean
ness still snore the cultivation of a taste for beauty
in ourselves and in every thing which surrounds
and comes under control, in themselves pro-
moers and securities Of virtue. They become so by
inspiring sef-respect, and exatng Of char
acter. The man who is known to respect himself,
Is always in measure, for that alone, secure
of the respect OF Others. He finds, in that fact, pro
lection from indictments within wrong and unwor-
thy actions, against degrading and dishonorabe pro
positions from without There likewise nat
ural sympathy and connection between the love of
natural beauty and the love of moral beauty. Respect
ing that in the physical world which is neat useful
regular symmetrical, and elegant, we COME natural
~ to love and venerae in the moral world that which
o,d 81, Whatav
tends in the best inspire strengthen
tmcnt Of the dignity Of nature, to secure
us from that which is degrading, unworthy and dis
honorable. Personal appearance and personal man
ners are Of vastly importance, in a moral view,
than men in general are willing to consider them
Va lgary and slovenlness leads low tastes and pur
suits. not anxious 10 see the race of gentlemen
farmers, technically called, increased, though
feel on prejudice against them; but ann very anxios
that all farmers should be gentlemen. l have 10
parality for the kid glove style Of farming; but, on
The other hand, cannot why the farmer should
90 with his hands unwashed. have not little con
tempt for farmer who would consider himself above
performing any labor which the business ofthe farm
might render necessary, whether It be standing in
the ditch or treading down the manure heap; but
cannot think it necessary TO his proper character
farmer, that he should carry about him, when his
services are finished, the badges of his employment,
to the discred of his appearance, to the Of
fence and discomfort OF others.
Be slow to choose friend, and slow to change
him; be courteous ALL intimate with few: slight no
man because he is poor, esteem none because he Is
rich; and cultivate constant remembrance that ev-
ery act of our lives is be presented to
our view in the day of judgment.
Rise