Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1859-01-05

nlnchlng resolution. She possessed too,
an unconqnerable thirst for applause and
distinction, but was utterly void of one at
ON OF modesty, or real womanly dignity.
A marked assumption of Importance was
the first impression on beholding her. [
did not wonder that the orphan shrank
from the intimate relationship proposed BY
this unfeminine person. Her countenance
was not at all agreeable, or her voice mu-
sical, though her force of character, her
tiuency ofspeech, and her known wealth,
had placed her in the foremost ranks Of
those boasting female philosophers, the
Woman's Rights Association.
Mrs. Woodbyman was the daughter of
certain tradesman, who neither thought
OF cared about another life his only aim
was to accumulate wealth in this, and
thereby secure the elevation among his
nelghbors which that wealth alone could
demand. His wife was actuated by con-
genial aspirations. No Bible was in this
tradesman's house: no Bible consequently
was ever read by parents or Children
lher immortal souls were thus IN perish
ing condition, while their worldly stores
were overtiowing. The holy day of rest,
instead OF being passed in the House Of
God, was consumed in gossi ping and other
worldly amusements. They had two chill
dren, son and daughter. Both were
lndulgedin all their hearts desired, (strange
to say,) Notwithstanding their passion for
growing rich. They were sent to school
and no pains spared for their education.
though no questions were ever asked
Their children pursued what studies they
pleased, under teacher as worldlv-minded
as themselves. Their standard of morality
could not but be the lowest of the low
What safeguard had these children against
the world, the flesh and the devil? None
whatever. The citadel of their hearts was
open to every assault of the Enemy of
souls. Thus did this woman, ignorant of
the word Of God, or the value of her i'm
mortal sou, come to commit the awful
blasphemy Of denouncing that sacred
Book, and scoffing at its saving contents.
Mrs. Woodbyman was married early to
a pro1igate young man, who sought her
for her wealth. She was very unhappy
with her husband; he ran a profigate
course in short time, and died in the
Watch-house In astate of ofintoxieation. So,
the wife was disgusted with matrimony.-
Soon after this. both the -narapts- of Mrs
W oodoyman died; leavingstheir large foT-
tune to be equally divided between their
children. The son speedily accomplished
the career Of a drunkard, leaving what re-
manned ola spendthrift's fortune to his sis
ter. And now Mrs. Woodbyman, as might
be expected, alone in the world, wealthy
and In the morning Of life, was surrounded
by host OF tiatterers and designing self
aggrandizers. Not havingat all associated
with religious persons, they could have no
possible opportunity of exertng a saIutary
influence over her. To the companions of
her past life alone, could she now look, for
comfort and congeniality.
Among the associates of Mrs. Woodby-
man, were those Independent females OF
the human species calling themselves the
Asserters and Defenders of Woman's
Rights She was induced to attend the
lectures of their Association and there
meeting with e, 3itement the first Offered
to an active but ill-governed mind, unac
quanted with purer or more elevated pur
suits, she soon became enamored of thei
strange doctrines, regular attendant or
their Lectures, and finally, distinguished
Lecturer herself, in that peculiar extrava
gance.
At meeting Of this philosophical Asso
cation, it was resolved that it was the du
ty of every member to instiIl their sublim,
principles into the youthful mind. Ever,
effort was to bc made in the training O
distinguished orators and teachers, in or
der that future generations might be bles
with their exalted doctrines, and appl
them to the perfect attainment of Woman
Rights.
Being wealthy, entirely without natura
ties, and distinguished Lecturer in th
Association, no one could so ctfectually &C
complish this praise-worthy enterprise a
Mrs. Woodbyman. She accordingly dc
ternined that this should be her enviatl
part She would devote her time, her fol
tune, her talents, her fame, to this magnit
icent undertaking: and educate an orator
Statesman, and Defender of Woman
, Rights.
Mrs. Woodbyman felt the ability With
herself, to perform this noble part for th
honor and glory of Woman's Rights an
) the pulling down of boasting man from tn
superiority he had so presumptiously a.
f sumed. Being fully resolved upon tn
z achievement, Mrs. Woodbyman visited th
l Aunt of little Mary Lane nothing doub
ing but that she would eagerly seize upo
!, this good fortune for her orphan charge
e But much to hersurprise, the Aunt hesit
u ted to comply.
: Why, you silly woman exclaime
:, the astonished female philosopher, sure
n you do not intend to let such good fortur
d toryour niece slip from your grasp? Com
:, accept my offer at once, for can assu
y you, You will repent when too late if vo
are so siliy as to refuse
- Now 1is selfish Aunt who had decl
!, ed the offer of Mrs. Wrightway, for h
e niece, for the same reason hesitated no
This was much more magnificent off
Il and she coveted it still more for one Of h
h own. Ambition was now added to. h
| motives, and she answered Mrs. Woodb
tie man-that Mary was already promised
another person.
You shonld think well, good woma
insisted the philosopher, before you !
er fuse. promise you the child shall be W
%, brought up, and elevated to position
,ss Importance in the world You NAV Y
l;,,o =, bo &c ,-o,,u :