The Perrysburg journal. [volume] (Perrysburg, Ohio) 1853-1861, 1857-01-08
For tho Journal,
The Beautiful.
BY HELEN MoRNIHGToN.


external properties; the other is that beauty
which is visible only to mental vision. This
definiuon--what pleases-leaves the beautiful,
in some measure dependent upon the mental
constitution. And, as that constitution is per-
feet or, as the different functions Of the mind
are developed in harmony. so do mems ideas of
beauty come to agree. This difference Of cul-
ture makes the difference in the judgment Of
beauty, in great degree. Hence what pleases
the eye of an American, may be disgusting to
Chinese. The piece OF art which will stir up
the admiration of one nation, may awaken no
such feeling in another.
How differently do WE view the sculpturing
Of the old world from the old EgyptiOns. Their
artistic merits do not move our feelings, like the
works OF modern time. Yet those creations of
Egyptian genius were regarded as beautiful by
the minds of that age. And, no doubt, they
produced as deep emotions in the beholder, and
gathered around his soul as many pleasing
images as the creation of Raphael or Powers
will the amateurs of the present day.
"Gol made everything beautiful" The world
in which we live is beautiful. We have but TO
group around US, the various natural scenery to
be convinced of this. There stands the grove,
Gods first temple with its stately columns
whose capitals vie with the genius Of man-its
roof of woven branches adorned with glittering
gems and crown-like drapery mot made with
hands"
The sun in the heavens is beautiful, As he
gathers his beams into smiles, and sheds them
in oSr pathway, as he gilds our houses with the
brightness Of his rising, as his rays glitter on
Elrth's snowy robe all sparkling with jewels,
and fringed with pendants taken from the treas
ure of Jack Frost, or as he leaves his farewell
blessing in golden letters on the parchment of
the sky, as he bids us goodnight" he brings
| forms of beauty into the soul, and heavenly
visions Of light that knoweth no clouds. The
sun =
| "Io now apparent all,
He sheds the shining day, that FURNISHED plays
Onrocks and hills and towcrs,and wandering streams
| High cleaning from afar."
The seasons as they change are beautiful
The buds of spring are full of unfolding beauty.
To the eye of the lover of nature, they excite
curious sug ,estions-what will be the tints of
their petals They look like hope Just bursting
into ftution-some glad anticipation opening
the leaves Of fulG Gllment.
Beautiful is the spring-tme. Beautiful as
youth full of promise-as the soul stirred by
enrapturcd hopes-as heart moved by lofty de-
sires that flash the eye, and send the warm blood
to the cheeks-as some half-revealed scent that
ra wishes with its unfolding charms.
! The summer is beautiful
"From the Frightening fields ofethcr fair disclosed,
Child of the sun reiulgcnt summer comes,"-
The summer SO bright SO cloudless so fearless,
stands before our minds eye like young life
Few cloGds gather in the sky Of youth, tear
showers are full gushings that soon pass away,
and leave the heart as light as blossom in
June 'Tis Summer THEN,-how beautiful does
it appear!
Autumn is beautiful.
"Attemper'd suns arise
Sweet beamd and shedding oft through lucid clouds,
i pleasing calm; while broad and brown, below
Extensive haryests hang the heavy head.
| Rich silent, deep, they stand; for not gale
! Rolls its light billow DER the bending plain;
A calm of plenty till the rulled air
a'ls from its pose, and gives the breeze to blow"
Au,umn--the fruition of what the spring
promised, or, deCaying moments of disappoint-
ment,-is beautiful to the rejecting soul, though
very solemn in its suggestions. Autumn wears
the mantle of PURPLE which hung GREEN around
the form of spring; the wreath, part faded, and
part fresh, yet full blown, are the same buds
which were twined by the young hand of spring
and the 'blushng fruits that fll her horn, were
months before, seen only in promise. As hopes
that have changed into glad fruiton, realized
desires that cheer the heart, and loved anticipa-
tons are beautiful, so is autumn beautiful.
And Winter too though stern and cold is
transcendently beautiful. 1t gives us season
of reflection upon tie past. and upon the re-
solves for the future. 1t leads US 10 reflect upon
the winter of life, that we may be prepared for
its cold currents and chilling frosts. 1t gives
birth TO thoughts that lift the soul above lis
storms and SHOWS and freezing blasts, on the
hope of joyous spring to come. And the
soul feels.
"Thc storms of wintry time will quickly pass
And one unbounded spring encircle all"
Thus is winter beautiful. Thus wherever
thought travels,-above, around, beneath-it
brings home gems of beauty which the Creator
scattered so prolusely in his creation. The har-
monious soul drinks in rapturing Joy from
every work of the Infinite, His own lovely
image is impressed upon all his creations. And
there is wonderful wisdom in this The perfec.
ton of God is exhibited, and the elevation of
the soul is promised.
This beauty, which is everywhere, affords
high and exquisite pleasure to the mind. Aud
this is universal God has not so deserted any
soul that the beautiful will not produce lively
| JOY. in it. Look ye, at these wondrous beauties
and admiration must be the "ruling passion
in your hearts, at least while you gnze.