MISCELLANEA. "THE CHRONICLES OF THE CANONGATE." By the author of Waverly, &c. In the Introduction to these volumes, Walter Scott has presented himself in the character of their sole author, and thus forever ended the long controversy, on which so much ingenuity has been wasted. How far some of the denials of their authorship heretofore made to the public, apparently under the sanction of his name, can be reconciled with a strict morality, we will not decide. But we must say, that the work which he has selected to bear his name, is, in our opinion, the least creditable to his talents. We might almost believe it the rejected composition of some unpropitious period, which nothing but the opportunity of thereby unveiling the mystery of the "great unknown,” or the still less worthy motive of pecuniary gain, has called forth from the neglected slumber of years. The narrative which precedes the several tales, has little or nothing to reward the reader's patient perusal. The first tale contains some affecting illustrations of strong maternal and filial love, and, like the second, some striking illustrations of the Highland character. And the last tale, composing the second volume, possesses in some parts an interest almost sufficient to redeem its other pages of dullness or vulgarity. The trusting and artless confidence of the female heart, the persevering kindness of friendship, the unprincipled sacrifice of every virtue to avarice, and the humble scenes of Scottish life contrasted with the splendors of Asiatic luxury, are severally pourtrayed with much force and fidelity. But the praise which we thus liberally give, cannot obviate the censure which we must again repeat on the general character of this work. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF EDUCATION.-The subject of Education has lately excited the attention of enlightened men throughout Europe and America, and we think some correspondent degree of interest is felt, in regard to it, in the more intelligent classes of society. But there is much yet to be done in two respects the public, including all ranks, need to be more thoroughly impressed with a sense of the supreme importance of education, and ideas, as to the best method of instruction, require to be propagated. We can see no natural or moral impossibility in bringing every individual in community to a high degree of mental cultivation. Society indeed would actually realize this state of things, if every person felt the real importance of education, and if knowledge as to the happiest methods of teaching was generally diffused. We know of nothing that can more effectually contribute to this desirable end, than the circulation of a work, like the Journal of Education. Its design is to collect from every source, foreign and domestic, the light that is discovered by various minds and present it to the reader. The work seems to us indispensable to teachers, who wish to make advances in the noble art of enlightening, and enlarging the juvenile mind-to parents whose greatest stake is in their children, and whose happiness is their fondest study, we recommend the work, as calculated most essentially to aid them in the choice of the best means to secure the true interests of their offspring. WIDOW AND FATHERLESS' SOCIETY.-Females, sustaining a good moral character, may become members of this truly benevolent society, by paying the annual sum of fifty cents, or upwards. The sum of ten dollars paid into the treasury at any one time, constitutes the subscriber a life member. The annual meeting of this society is held on the second Wednesday in October, at which time the officers for the ensuing year are chosen. At their last annual meeting the following ladies were elected officers, from October 1827, to October 1828:- Mrs. A. McLean, President; Miss L. Clouston, Vice President; Mrs. E. T. Larkin, Secretary and Treasurer; Miss R. A. E. Hope, Assistant Secretary; Mrs. D. H. Francis, Mrs. E. Lothrop, Mrs. T. Willis, Mrs. L. Griggs, Miss L. Procter, Mrs. P. C. Morris, Mrs. S. Cobb, Mrs. A. M. Jones, Trustees; Mrs. H. L. Pierce, Mrs. J. Hayt, Mrs. M. Lamson, Collectors. By the anxious inquiries and tender assiduities of these benevolent females, the gloomy abodes of misery and despair have been sought out; and their unfortunate inmates restored in some measure, to hope and happiness. The heart of many a widow and fatherless child, has swelled with joy and gratitude, for the seasonable and effectual assistance rendered by this society. To those who have thus gone forth in the career of benevolence, it can scarcely be considered of much avail, to offer the tribute of human praise; their aim is far higher, and their reward of a more noble nature, "Whosoever giveth a cup of cold water to one, even the least of these, giveth it also unto me." FEMALE BENEFICENCE.-The Synod of North Carolina reports several examples of female societies which have been active in doing good. One small society, in a town where there was no appropriate house of worship, determined that one should be erected. From the sale of needle work they obtained two hundred dollars, and by other means, they increased the sum until they were able to erect a church which cost twelve hundred dollars. Another society of younger females, in the same town, are at the expense of educating an Indian child, at one of our mission stations. Another has purchased a parsonage, and presented it to their church, which cost eight hundred dollars. Another, besides making some expensive additions to their church, has paid, during the last year, one hundred dollars to the Edu'cation Society. LITERARY GAZETTE.-James William Miller Esq. of this city, a gentleman of acknowledged talents, and fine literary taste, has commenced the publication of a periodical with the above title. The design of the editor is to present a comprehensive view of the literature of the day. In the prosecution of this object, it is intended to furnish the earliest intelligence of works published-to give concise reviews of such works in English Belles Lettres as may be deemed worthy of attention, with occasional strictures upon the spirit and tendency of the literature of the age. The first number is principally made up of original matter-it is indicative of a work of high literary character. We doubt not, it will merit, and we ardently hope it may receive a most liberal patronage. LADIES' MAGAZINE. VOL. I. MARCH. No. III. SKETCH OF A BEAUTY. THIS sketch will not include a description of her personto that, when in the perfection of its loveliness, the painter only could do justice. Neither are the events of her life to be here recorded. What could there be worthy of particular notice in the short term of sixteen years, all passed in unvaried prosperity. Only one scene will be attempted. Those who would know aught of the beautiful Amelia, must draw near to her bed of death. Close not the book, my young, gay reader. Were I about to describe Amelia's first introduction to the fashionable world-her sensations on entering the splendid circle where she was the acknowledged belle-the dress she wore-the impression she made on the heart of one she there met, would you not eagerly read it? And yet, in such a brilliant assembly, you may never appear-never perhaps expect to appear. But you must die. Young, lovely, accomplished you may be you will not therefore be exempted. Amelia was not. Is it terrible to you to reflect that one so beautiful and beloved should exchange the blessed light of day; the blandishments of the world, where not one thorn had sprung to wound her path; and the embraces of her idolizing friends, for the dark, cold, solitary grave? She did not thus consider it. The warm, sultry month of August had just closed; fresher winds began to breathe the air seemed purified, and more fraught with the principle of life. But the healthy atmosphere does not always impart health to the sick. Amelia, in the spring, was fair and blooming as the opening flowers; she had faded with them, and her delicate frame seemed now, like a fragile rose, but waiting one breath to be dissolved. The bright beams of the setting sun shone through the white window curtains of her apartment,-the light, as it came softened through the thin muslin, looked pure, and gave a slight glow to her otherwise perfectly pale face, for the hectic flush that usually mantled it at that hour had not appeared. It was the only symptom of approaching dissolution; her eyes still beamed with their joyous lustre; the same sweet, fascinating smile, which had been so often admired, played on her lip-there was even an expression of pleasure, of unspeakable, exalted pleasure, on her wasted features, as if she anticipated the near approach to some exquisite bliss. Yet her countenance displayed none of that agitation, that fever of the mind where joy and fear alternately prevail, which marks the votaries of the world when near the goal of their hopes. Hers was the calm joy of peace which no worldling ever knew. I have often thought consumption was a sickness more favorable to calmness of spirit in the closing scene, than any other mortal disease. The long interval for reflection,-the gradual loosening from earth, which the certainty that the decree has gone forth, appears calculated to produce; the tender and solemn farewell permitted to be taken of those dear relatives left behind, and which seems to insure a remembrance in their hearts-all these things conspire to make the consumptive victim feel that he has indeed done with the things of time, and that to die would be gain. This resignation, however, may be only the effect of necessity, or feebleness. There is a brighter hope, a more sure foundation-the consciousness of an innocent life, and faith in the Redeemer. This consciousness, this faith constituted the triumph of Amelia. A triumph we may well call it, for the fear of that enemy, whose frown withers the pride of kings, and makes the hero tremble, was conquered. The imagination of Amelia had, even from her earliest recollection, been familiar with the unknown world. A bud, a flower, but especially a rainbow or star, always brought to her fancy an image of the beauty and glory of the country beyond the skies; and she would sit whole hours beneath the shade of a favorite tree, seemingly engaged in plucking the white clover heads, while her mind was wandering beyond systems and suns, and endeavoring to form some idea of the blessed beings she had been told inhabited heaven. Such fancies are, I believe, more frequently indulged by children than those persons suppose, who, from frequent vicissitudes in life, or active engagements in business, do not retain much remembrance of their early mental impressions. And yet, can the mind of sensibility forget those pure and beautiful, though perhaps erroneous, thoughts of heaven, and the angels, and spirits which come so sweet and soothing in infancy? O, who but dwells on childhood's dream? When angels in the rainbow play, Is sent to light them on their way; As callous age would shrink to ponder. These imaginings doubtless differ much in different children; capacity, education, situation, each has its effectthe first probably, the most powerful. Education may impart literature, but neglect cannot stifle the workings of genius. Images of fancy will throng the mind of such a one, even though the possessor of this mental kaledoscope should not know how to name them when they do appear. But it was not on such fancies, (vain they are often called-I cannot think them wholly so,) Amelia's anticipations of blessedness were founded. The principles of her pure and ardent faith were drawn from the word of God; and on the promises of salvation to such as "believe on the Lord Jesus Christ," she rested unshaken and unshrinking, though the shade from the dark valley was already falling athwart her path. To her weeping friends, as successively she kissed and bade them farewell, she suggested every consolation affection and religion could inspire. I cannot repeat her words-if heard they would have melted the most frozen spirit, and convinced the most obdurate, that true piety is not merely a set of particular opinions, adopted from habit, convenience, or selfishness, but that it is indeed, the true comforter of the human mind when all earthly support fails-the only treasure worth seeking, because the only one which will not perish, which cannot be taken from us. When she had finished her adieus, she covered, for a few moments, her face with her |