The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1856-06-18

1t Is not the most perfect IN outward
form who usually inspire the deepest love.
History shows Us tlat the most las,inp
and profound attachments were lavishel
On women possessing but a moderate share
OF personal attractions. Beauty in itself
IS SO aIlur.ng and captivating, that it is
worth our while to consider in what con.
snts the mysterious and subtle charms
winch has the power to cnchain the heart
IN spite of the eyes criticism. Women
have, III all ages, regarded beauty AS the
most eiiectuai weapon to conquer and
suhduc man; and the desire TO possess it.
we beg to suppose, results not from anv
passion for domination, but from a lauLa
DC desire to influence him for his own
comfort and happiness. However this
may he, wcll-intenioned or not, their So
!'c'tude Tor the possession Of beauty has
induced women Of all times and nations
10 search after those things which seem
to oiler a chance of conctaIing impcriec-
tons, and enhancing or em5c.ishiny their
natural attractions. This has led them
INTO numerous foIlics and cXtravapauc,s.
aud gwen encouragement to crowd of
charIatanS, who have known how speru-
late upon womans anxiety to appear
beautiful. If the hours expended in con
trivances for the aIornment of the caskct
were employed for the polishing Of the
Jewels withln-if half the time consumed
IN the consideration ola coifurc, or the
arrangement Of a corSage, were devoted
to the moral training of the heart which
beats within, and the developing of the
vast capabilities OF that noble portion of
the human frame which renders il the most
beautiful and intelligent of created BEINGS
Woman would had her influence more
powerful and unIaiIing; the admiration
she would excite would be a sentiment
compounded of esteem, respect and love :.
and IN rendering herself worthy of these
she would attain what the toilette. with
all It's attendant mysteries, is of itsef incr
hclent 10 accomplish. That woman shouId
derive satisfaction from believing herself
an object of mans homage, is n natural
feminine instinct; aid we would not quar-
rel with it If she would be little more
fastidious AS to the kind of admiration that
Is awarded to her. She should more 70.
Ject that which seems paid to the mere
material combinations Of form, color, style
and elegance, and learn TO value only The
tar more tattcrng tribute which seems
called forth from Just appreciation of
those noble and tender qualities of the
mind, whose intrinsic beauty neither plain
features nor an i'll dressed figure can des
troy. This discrimination would tend TO
crush vanity and coEceit coquettino, with
its selfish hear,lcssness and the msnv
frivolous cravings after beauty, all ofwhci
arse from wrong-based ambition. The
impress of these vicious sentiments defeats
their object; the temper becomes sour and
irritable, the expression of tie features at
once silly and anxious, and the mind de.
generates into a state approaching de.
piavity.
The loftier ambition to be admired fer
the graces Of the mind M )re than for those
OF the person, would suggest the habi,ual
practice Of the social virtues of amiabilitv
kindness and good.temper. as well as the
careful culture Of all the faculties which
refine the taste, elevate the soul, and en-.
noble the heart. Intelligence, unlike the
fashions ofa day, becomes all countenances
and sweetness Of temper has the ines,ima.
bic advantage of making ugly women ap.
pear pretty, and elderly ones youthful.
1t Is a responsible duty a woman owes
to herself, as well as to her family and
society, to render herself pleasing and a.
greeabIe. Her person claims n certain
degree Of attention; she has right to
study the art OF dress, and to avail herself
OF the legitimate appliances for The improve
ment OF her appearance; but the most
scrupulous attention to the toilette will
never make her sufficiently attractive to be
loyeaLlc and csiimab!c, Rich, well chosen