Jenks' Portland Gazette. Maine Advertiser

For this Gazette.

The Reform—No. 2.

THOUGH it is long since my first number of this paper appeared, yet I have not forgotten my obligations to those into whose mind I may occasionally introduce a useful thought. The reader may recollect, that in the former attempt, some remarks were made on female education, illustrated by an example, with which we are familiarly acquainted. In continuing this object, I hope to be excused for a little indulgence of imagination, in which, however, we shall not be carried far from real life.

Cerulia is a character, whom her young acquaintance cannot behold and imitate, without being inspired with the love of wisdom, and at the same time, advanced some steps in its pursuit. —Happy will it be if death, which destroys so many of our best hopes, should spare this bud of virtue until it be unfolded in full beauty and perfection. A diffidence which suits her age, with an uncommon share of natural reserve, prevent that easy access to her mind, which would unfold at once its treasures. But where is the necessity of many words, when the countenance itself is so eloquent? In proportion to the nearness of your friendship, the strength of your sympathies, you will dwell with rapture on an expression, through which intelligence, contentment, mildness and love breathe their mingled lustre. Language of this kind is the most forcible in nature. In the eye alone "there is more than shape, and motion or colour: there's thought and passion, there is life and fire, there is reason and speech." One of the most pleasing and instructive lessons I ever received, was from the transient view of a face, where Heaven seemed to be enshrined in all its greatest softness of glory. To possess a mind, a heart, which those show themselves by such splendor, occurred to me as the highest object of ambition. A friend has informed me, that the first remarkable impression of seriousness he ever felt, arose from an interview with a person of that figure, mien and countenance, which were calculated to exhibit, to the greatest advantage, the elevated piety he was known to possess. With such an object before him, he became discontented with himself, but did not comprehend the reason of the change. The seed of religion, thus insensibly planted, has since sprung up, and flourished; it now promises to yield a hundredfold. It is true, this language of looks and expression could not be recommended as a virtue, if it depended entirely upon the gifts of Nature. There are few, however, who have not an exterior sufficiently transparent, for showing the strongest movements of the heart, and the prevailing features of character. If we cultivate within ourselves every excellence and perfection, there is no danger but we shall carry their appearance about with us, and thus afford even to a cursory observer, an opportunity to catch a gleam of virtue.

That the present state of society opens a field for reformation with respect to fashionable amusements, few will deny. These if considered as innocent in themselves, are liable to be indulged to a dangerous excess. In this respect, Cerulia is a happy example of abstinence. Confessedly fond of books, of solitude and domestic occupations, it is not easy to conceive, that she can give too much of her mind to mere social satisfactions. Her taste and judgment are so accurate in these things, that her parents, pleased with the success of their labours, begin now to leave their child to that discretion, which promises to become so faithful a guide. In the choice of her books, she exercises both judgment and conscience. She is far from thinking it right to dip into every new publication, even though it should fall into the current of popularity; thinking it wise to spend her small quantity of leisure rather in reading works of established worth, than in trying dangerous experiments. Those authors who seek to enlighten and elevate the mind, instead of exhibiting merely the sportive feats of a lively, though innocent fancy, have her respect and affection; while such as aim to poison the sources of the heart, by artifices whether more or less concealed, are objects of her settled abhorrence—But sweet indeed are the moments of retirement and meditation enjoyed by this estimable young female. With her bible, or some other book of devotion, she endeavours to assist the native ardour of piety; and musing till the fire burns, she pours her spirit into the bosom of her God, whom she seeks as a father, trusts as a protector loves as a friend.—Beginning the day with such exercises, with what readiness and delight does she afterward discharge that part of domestic duty