Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1846-02-27
YOUNG LADIES, GARLAND.
'RsEnvATIoNs on MENTAL B!rRevENENT.
/ look for spirit IN her eyes;
And meaam2 in her air.

III And meaaing in her air.
Ia Tie human mind has been handsomely COM
PPare3 to marble in the quarry, which shows none
of its Inherent beauties, until the skill OF the ar
list snlooths and polishes the surface, and dlscoy-
E4rs every ornamental spot, cloud and vein The
lhina uneducated, has inherent qualities and pow
lSrs, which often would pass unknown were it not
ffsr the developing influence of education. The
T1Iental powers are not brought 70 Light by educaS
don hnt they are improved and strengthened, just
AS any of the locomotive organs are by exercise
land as mental Strength and energy are prefsraS
EEle toscorpofeal so will be the inducements TO
I9ivate andspraetice those meaEs calculated to pro-
4stuce that effect.
Isl Science, as we'll as knowledge Of men and the
world contributes to divcst us of many rnreason--
able preindices; it liberates us from errors, which.
t3.rongll ignorance, blind the Intellectual eyes OF
i,hany. and enable us to view things and principles
IA tlieir proper light. Nothing can be moro I'M
idlyorahle to the character Of a female. than those
ilsttlc ideas which result from ignorance, and
!i(hica represent objects of the mind with erro-
.fteou6 Impressions, and poison 1t with eXtraYa-
Giant supcrstitiOns.
q The knowledge derived from a good education,
affords a constant fund for conversation, without
to those trivial discourCes, 10 which.
ihe unintormed necessarily are obliged to resort.
Not nuly does it thereby elevate its possessoT
Above the ignorant, but it gives animation to
the countenance and air, without which none
,1an be really beautiful; for what signifies cle-
dance of form, and softness OF expression, with
rtut tia sacred inspiration which the mind alone
lran give?
"a damask cheek and ivory arm,
Shall meier my wishes win;
Give me an animated form,
Il That speaks a mind Within"
Dear females, let not the season of youth be
Iarrcn OF Improvements, so esscntial to your fu-
talre youth and felicity. In youth, the character
If every one, and especially Of females, is in our
.Awu roYer, to give it in some degree whatever
.:omuiexion they will, hencE: in some measure,
iE,ey have the direction OF their own fate. Youth
III, the proper season likewise, for clevating the
Humane and benevolent affections, and for subiG-
AItirg and training the passions Tor whatever i'm
are made on the mind in youth will gen
.&ralIy he most permanent insubseqVent lie. And,
vgharrver may be the situation in life, nothing can
lie mere necessary TO peace and happiness, than
the requirements OF ~virtuous dispositions and
Eabits. These in part may be acquired by read
ilm biography; 'for by observation and reflection
On others, we begin an early acquaintance wish
Eumsn nature, extend orr views OF the moral
World, aud are enabled to acquire such a habit of
disccrnment, ard correctness of judgement as
&lhe!~ obtained by experience"
\ 1requent association with good company is
essential to give an elegance OF manners, and
thereby add to mental excellence. But company
{yitha;.t mcmtI Improvement caI!:iot give lie va
hue and interest to individuals, which is so desira-
bic It alone cannot render them good comPan-
ions. good parents, and good citizens. The one
Is useful To us only in the higher walks Of
life; the other will be Il treasure TO us, even
If our lot should place Us in the earth-built cot
tagc of the forest,
But oh! where both their charms unite,