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SOCIAL RIVALRY, OR THE DANGERS OF MODERN | modern luxury, extravagance and pride, the

LUXURY.

"He lived too fast, and hence his life was short."

It is well observed by a distinguished medical writer, that "the cost of living in our artificial society causes demands on exertion which have a most injurious tendency. Besides the mere competition, the house-room, the furniture, and the provisions, in a great city, the growth of luxury creates wants, and custom intrudes with fantastic demands, which tend to make the man of science and genius the slave of his station in society. The sweat of his brain ought to be spent in something better than merely to live in a fashionable square, to dress his family in the newest gauds, to enable them to appear in all places of public resort." This is indeed true, and although intended more immediately for the great metropolis, it is applicable to every leading city in the American Union. A large portion of the community are voluntary slaves, and this language will apply not only to the humbler walks of life, but to many of the higher, and to individuals who are engaged in scientific pursuits. The simplicity of the olden time is forgotten, disregarded, or despised, and the keen rivalries which exist in social life, tax and task the energies to the utmost, rack the mind and the brain, induce a thousand shifts and expedients, often lead to crime, and even provoke death itself. The objects sought are not comfort, ease and independence, but fashionable position, a dangerous emulation of neighbors, and often at the sacrifice of all that is really and truly desirable. The truth simply is, that many live, not for themselves and their families, not in accord dance with their own notions of right and propriety, but in a spirit of absurd social competition, and with the object of dazzling and astonishing the out-door world. A sense of false pride is the leading motive. It stimulates, bewilders, and in some sense maddens. Nay, there are thousands at this moment within the limits of Philadelphia, who are living beyond their means and they know it. They see the abyss before them, and yet they will not pause. Only a few days since, we heard of a lamentable case. It was that of a young, active and enterprising man, who, full of life, energy and ambition, and yet with limited means, desired to mix and mingle in a sphere somewhat fashionable, and far beyond him in a pecuniary point of view. In order to keep pace with, and gratify his desire, he ventured into various wild speculations, was disappointed, failed to meet his obligations, was overwhelmed with shame and mortification, sickened, was seized with a brain fever, died, and left his family nearly penniless. Had he pursued a more moderate course, had he acted with some degree of economy, had he not been fascinated with

chances are, that he would have prospered, retained his health, accumulated an independence, and been at this moment a stay and support to his family. But it is, perhaps, idle to admonish or complain. A city like this, is, to a great extent, artificial, and it is constantly becoming more so. The cost of living and the penalties of fashion make demands upon human effort, which, in many cases, it is impossible to respond to. The wonder is, not that so many falter and fail, but that there are not more disasters of the kind. We can imagine no more miserable position, than that of an individual, who is compelled from the necessities of his position, to live, from day to day in a high state of excitement, and on the verge of a precipice, so to speak, and simply because he will not practice a little economy, and exercise a little care and moderation. He has persuaded himself that he must pursue a certain course, must mingle in a particular circle, must assume to be fashionable, nay, to be rich, no matter what his means, or how fearful the struggle. And in carrying out this mocking cheat, this wretched pretence, he wastes not only his energies and his strength, but his means and his health, and in the end is compelled to throw off the disguise, and confess the hollow and preposterous fraud. Earnestly, therefore, we counsel a greater simplicity of life, to all who have their fortunes to make, and especially to the young, who are but beginning the journey, through the devious paths that lead either to success or failure. Certain it is, that the individual, whether young or old, who wastes in luxury, in fashion and in folly, the means and earnings that would at once make his family comfortable, and enable him to save something for the hour of adversity and affliction, commits a fearful, nay, a fatal error, and one which, in the end, he will repent, in the very bitterness of anguish and unavailing regret.--Pa. Inq.

Juvenile Essay, No. 2.

MOTHER'S WORK BASKET. Things associated with the memories of happy childhood are always dear to us. Who does not regard with pleasure any object that vividly recalls incidents of by-gone days? And where shall we meet with one furnishing more pleasing recollections, or one fraught with more interest, carrying us back over years that have fled, to the scenes of home, than the sight of a dear mother's work-basket?

Though it has been laid aside for years, and its place supplied by modern improvements and inventions, it still remains a precious relic,-one that is "bound by a thousand ties to the heart." In reflecting upon it, imagination carries us back to the nursery, as though it were but yes.

terday we were seated upon the floor by our mother's side, whiling away an idle hour by examining the contents of her well-filled basket, throwing the various articles about in every direction, and wondering in our childlike simplicity to what use were applied all these strange looking things, such as scissors, bodkins, stilettoes, and the various other articles belonging to a well-filled work-basket.

Those were indeed our happiest days, as we played by her side, so free from care and trouble. But, alas! we were unconscious of it, until they had passed never to return.

either allow them to become scourges to society, or make them its brightest ornaments. The part she plays in forming the character of nations is also a very important one. It is, indeed, a true saying that the greatest blessing a nation can possess is good mothers. Upon her in a great measure does its destiny depend; for she forms the moral sentiments which make nations prosperous or dergaded. If we refer to the lives of our greatest and best men-those who have been a blessing to the age in which they lived-we will find that they have all had pious mothers, and it is her lessons that have enabled them to Many were the plans we then formed for the live in the hearts of the people, and leave their future, when we should be old enough to assist examples as incentives to the young that follow our beloved mother in her various employments. them. Thus we see the influence a mother may If that basket had the power of speech, what an exert, not only upon her own immediate family interesting round of events it would relate! It but upon the whole world; and where does this would tell of the many, many hours our mother influence begin, if it is not as the child plays has spent by its side, toiling for her children,- around her and her work-basket? hours that should have been devoted to the repose Springdale. of her weary limbs. It would speak of the selfdenial practised by her in behalf of those entrusted to her care, and it would reveal many other things that only a mother would think of performing. In meditating upon this a mother's silent companion, how many pleasant reflections are produced respecting her! This is a subject upon which memory loves to dwell How faithfully does she discharge the duties assigned to her, both in her household cares and in the management of her children.

The contents of her basket are not more varied than the means she adopted to conduce to their comfort and happiness, or to lead them back when led astray.

B. S.

PRIZE FOR MATHEMATICAL SKILL.

It is announced that Uriah A. Boyden, a civil engineer of Boston, has offered a prize of $500 to any pupil of Harvard University who shall be decided by the Trustees to have attained the greatest skill in mathematics. This gentleman was concerned in a suit, last year, brought by him in the Supreme Court of Massachusetts against the Atlantic Cotton Mills of Lawrence, of a very interesting character, the particulars of which the New York Post now brings for the first time before the public. Mr. Boyden had agreed to make a turbine water-wheel for the Atlantic A mother's love is infinite! No one can Mills, which should save, or "utilize," as it is fathom its depth! Through all the vicissitudes termed, seventy-six per centage; he was to have of life, in poverty, shame and disgrace, will it $2000, if not, he was to have nothing, and for seek her offspring and protect it from danger.- every one per cent. above that he was to receive The child of her bosom, in whom her fondest $350. Mr. Boyden went to work and produced hopes were centered, may have disregarded her a wheel which saved, as he affirmed, ninety-six warnings and wandered from the path of duty, per cent. The labor involved in this result may and even become an outcast and a vagabond, yet be imagined from the fact that Mr. Boyden the mother's love is as strong as ever, and her spent more than $5000 in the mere mathematidaily prayers continue to ascend in behalf of her cal calculations. The Company had provided wayward child; and notwithstanding its disobe- no sufficient means of testing the question pracdience she is ready at any time to reclaim her tically, and as the per centage claimed by Mr. prodigal. Boyden was altogother unprecedented, they conHow important is a mother's station! How tested the claim. The case went into Court. No great an influence she exerts in training up each jury on the globe could comprehend the quesrising generation, in forming the character of tion, and the learned bench also found itself The case was accordingly the young! Her every word and action is no- entirely at fault. ticed and cherished by her children, and the referred to three well chosen parties: Judge impressions produced by them are rarely for- Joel Parker, of Cambridge; Professor Benjamin gotten. She holds in her hands the plastic Pierce, the mathematician, and James B. Frances, minds and hearts of those whom she is to mould of Lowell, the agent of the united companies of for the coming age-those who will soon enter Lowell in the management of the common water Professor Parker furnished the law, upon the great stage of life-and the manner in power. which they perform the tasks allotted them will Mr. Francis the practical acquaintance with hydepend on the principles instilled in their youth.draulics, and Professor Pierce, the mathematical ful minds by her judicious training. She can knowledge. That learned geometer had to dive

deep and study long before the problem was settled. But settled it was at last, and in Mr. Boyden's favor, to whom the referees awarded the sum of eighteen thousand seven hundred dollars. Mr. Boyden had previously constructed turbine wheels that utilized respectively the extraordinary amounts of eighty-nine and ninety per cent.; the last wheel utilizing ninety-six per cent. exceeds anything of the kind that was

ever made. The wheel is one hundred and four and three-quarter inches in diameter.

A BEAUTIFUL THOUGHT.-Some one has said of those who die young, that they are like the lambs which the Alpine shepherds bear in their arms to higher, greener pastures, that the flocks may follow.

Aim at perfection in every thing, though in most things it is unattainable. However, they who aim at it, and persevere, will come much nearer to it than those whose laziness and despondency make them give it up as unattainable.

PHILADELPHIA MARKETS. FLOUR AND MEAL.-The Flour market continues very quiet. There is but little inquiry, either for export or home consumption, and only a few hundred barrels were disposed of at $7 00 a $7 12 for fresh ground superfine, and $6 50 for old stock. Sales to retailers and bakers for fresh ground and fancy brands, from $7 25 up to $9 25. Rye Flour has improved, and sales are now made at $4 50 per barrell, and Corn Meal is held at $4 per barrel.

GRAIN. There is a moderate inquiry for Wheat, and no change in prices. Southern is held at $1 62 1 63 per bushel for red, and $1 65 a 1 69 for good white. Rye is steady at 95 cts. Corn continues in fair request, and yellow sold at 88 c., afloat and in store. Oats continue dull; new Southern is held at 40 a 43 c., per bushel.

WYNEDD BOARDING SCHOOL FOR YOUNG G MEN AND BOYS.-The next winter session of this School will commence on 2d day the 9th of 11th month, 1857, and continue Twenty weeks. Terms $70 per session. Those desirous of entering will please make early application. For circulars giving further information, address either of the undersigned. DANIEL FOULKE, Principal. HUGH FOULKE, Jr., Teacher. Spring House P. O. Montgomery County, Fa. 8 mo. 22, 1857-8 w.

RIENDS' SCHOOLS, (on Meeting House premises,
Fourth and Green streets.)-Green Street Gram-

signed. The higher branches of Mathematics, also more elementary studies will be embraced in the course made to render it worthy of patronage. of instruction in this school; and an effort will be ANNA MORRIS, Teacher.

The Primary School for Boys and Girls will also re-open under the care of Ann Bailey. Vacancies as they occur, will be filled by "Friends" children, in the order of application.

above Green. Jane Johnson, No. 533 N. Fourth St. References, David Ellis, No. 617, Franklin St.

Phila. 8th mo. 13th, 1857.

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PRINGDALE BOARDING SCHOOL.-This

School, situated in Loudoun Co., Va., was founded by an Association of Friends belonging to Fairfax Quarterly Meeting, in order to afford to Friends" dance with our religious principles and testimonies. children, of both sexes, a guarded education in accorThe next session will open the 7th day of the Ninth month and close the 11th of Sixth month following.

Thorough instruction is given in the branches usually embraced in a good English education, and lectures are delivered on History, Natural Philosophy, and Chemistry. A philosophical apparatus, a cabinet of minerals, and a variety of instructive books, have been provided for the use of the school.

Experience confirms us in the belief, that in classing together boys and girls in the recitation room, we have adopted the right method, as it stimulates them to greater diligence, and improves their deportment. They have separate school rooms and play grounds, and do not associate, except in the presence of their teachers. None are received as pupils except the children of Friends, or those living in Friends' families

and intended to be educated as Friends.

Terms. For board, washing and tuition, per term of 40 weeks, $115, payable quarterly in advance. Pens, ink, lights, &c., fifty cents per quarter. Drawing, and the French language each $3 per quarter. Books and stationery at the usual prices. Purcelville within two miles of the school. There is The stage from Washington to Winchester stops at a daily stage from the Point of Rocks, on the Balt. and Ohio R. Road, to Leesburg, where a conveyance may be had to the school, a distance of 9 miles.-Letters should be directed to Purcelville, Loudoun Co., Va. S. M. JANNEY, Principal. HENRY SUTTON HANNAH W. SUTTON Superintendents. 7 mo. 11th, 1857.-8w.

F mar School for Girls will re-open on Second day, 31st F

inst. There will be but one session per day. It is designed to introduce higher branches of study than have hitherto been taught, thus making it a finishing school for those who wish to avail themselves of the opportunity.

During the winter familiar lectures will be given on Philosophy, Chemistry, Physiology, &c., illustrated by appropriate apparatus; and in every particular an effort will be made to meet the wants of those entrusted to my care.

S. HAYHURST, Teacher. Green Street Grammar School for Boys will re-open on Second day 31st inst., under the care of the under

ALLSINGTON BOARDING SCHOOL FOR GIRLS.-BEULAH S. LOWER and ESTHER LOWER, Principals. The first session of this school will com

mence on the 14th of 9th mo. next.

In this Institution will be taught all the branches of a thorough English education, and no efforts will be spared on the part of the Principals in promoting the comfort and happiness of those under their care.

Terms. For tuition, board, washing, the use of books and stationery, $75 per session of 20 weeks. French and Drawing each $5 per session extra.

For further particulars and references address B. S. and E. LOWER, Fallsington, Bucks Co. Pa. 7th mo. 11th, 1857.-8 w.

Merrihew & Thompson, Prs., Lodge St., North side Fenna. Balk

FRIENDS' INTELLIGENCER.

VOL. XIV.

PHILADELPHIA, EIGHTH MONTH 29, 1857.

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The first religious engagement, of which she has left any account, was a visit to the families of Friends in Limerick, accompanied by her dear friend Margaret Grubb.

The next religious engagement upon which my dear mother entered, wasoneof an extensive and deeply important nature-the prospect of this, and her preparation for entering upon the service, will be best described in her own words, Alluding to the year 1787, she says—

"About the fall of that year I was seized with an alarming illness, out of which few expected I should recover, nor did I myself when judging from bodily feelings. As to my mind, it was kept in such a state of deep poverty that I could form no settled judgment respecting any thing, save that at some seasons the evidence of having passed from death unto life, by the feeling of near unity with the brethren, consoled me.

"During this probation, though apparently I was near the closing scene, there were moments when the love of the gospel so prevailed, that a willingness, and even desire to live, was felt, so that I might by any means be thought worthy to suffer or do any thing for the promotion of truth, and the good of others. These impressions were accompanied with a belief, that if I were raised up again, it would be for this purpose; and my heart was called (at a period when those about me expected my dissolution) to such a deep attention to the discoveries of light, that, as in a vision, though perfectly a wake and sensible, I was carried to some distant parts, even to a people of a strange language; where gospel liberty was felt in a remarkable manner then the vision was again sealed, being for an appointed time, nor did I ever fully understand it (though from that pe

No. 24.

riod a solemn covering spread over my mind), till my ever dear and valuable sister S. R. Grubb laid before our Monthly Meeting her concern to visit some parts of France and Gerin her watchful attendance on me during the many. The nearness of spirit I had with her, first of my illness, was surprising; and often, when no words passed, we mingled our sighs and tears, though she never gave me any hint of the exercise she was under, nor had I then any perception of being under preparation for any service in conjunction with her.

After she had obtained her certificates, we united in a little visit to a branch of our Monthly Meeting; and on returning I wished to hasten her departure, but found she felt no liberty to proceed, and said all concern was taken from her; but so closely queried of me respecting my feelings, that without saying much I wept, and thereby discovered what I was struggling against, or at least wished to conceal, believing it was impossible I ever could be resigned to such a

movement.

"From this time the weight grew almost insupportable, so that sleep, appetite, and strength, nearly departed from me, and my dear husband queried (after watching unperceived by me) what can this be? He once mentioned France, but I requested him no more to do it, being affected to trembling, and I believe I could as readily have given up my natural life as made this surrender. Oh! great indeed was the struggle, until at length the precious grain of all-conquering faith proved victorious, and believing Him faithful who had promised, I ventured to move in this awful matter, and, when the needful steps had been taken, left all and endeavored resignedly to follow my Great Master."

She had seven children at this time, the youngest only ten weeks old, and her health was very delicate, so that the sacrifice was indeed great, but the merciful extension of proportionate assistance is thus acknowledged by herself:

"In the course of the embassy, many and sore were my provings, and of a closely trying nature my conflicts, but the arm of all sustaining help was near, and I feel thankful that this cup hath been drunk; for though mingled with deep and exercising sufferings, it has, I trust, tended to the further reduction of the creaturely will and choosing, and brought measurably into

willingness to submit to the humiliating lead- | matter, near sympathy and unity were expressed, ings of the holy hand."

The following is extracted from her own account of this journey.

and a Committee was appointed to draw up certificates for us, and one for G. D., who laid his concern before them. We had a conference this day with Adey Bellamy respecting our proposed journey.

"Third day, 11th. Sat a quiet solid Meeting, at the Peel, held in silence, wherein a little renewal of faith was afforded, and cause for confidence in holy help. Last night confirmed me in a feeling sense of my short-sightedness. The southern parts of France being all along the first

2 mo. 27th, 1788. "I parted with my beloved husband, and many dear friends, in Waterford, and in company with R. and S. Grubb, went on board a vessel bound for Minehead, setting sail with a tolerably fair wind, but after being out all day, and getting several leagues out to sea, the wind changed, and the captain found it best to put back into harbor. Being very sick we con-object in my view, the way to get there the cluded to go on shore about noon, landed at Passage, and spent a comfortable night at Brooklodge, embarked again about ten next morning, were favored with a safe, though rather rough passage to our destined port, and met a kind reception at our friend Hannah Davis's, where after the inconvenience of sea-sickness we were consoled by friendly attention.

"We left Minehead on third day, and arrived in London on fifth; I was affectionately received by my dear friends I. and M. Eliot, and retired to rest under, I hope, a thankful sense of many unmerited mercies, with the additional one of hearing from my family that all were well.

"Sixth day, attended Meeting at Gracechurch street-a low time to my poor mind, which seems oppressed, and as it were in prison. Some prospect of moving forward opened this evening in a conference with G. Dillwyn, who seems bound to the awful service on the continent. It is pleasant to have the prospect of so strong a link to this chain. I am very low and poor, emphatically going forth weeping'-may the right seed be kept in dominion! Amidst such qualified servants in this mission how little do I feel myself? Yet hope I have not entered presumptuously on the list-the cause, I know, is in the best hands, and if my venturing brings no dishonor to it, I hope to be thankful-further seems not now in my view.

soonest, appeared desirable, and the passage from Dover to Calais that which effected this desire most speedily; but our beloved companion G. D. feeling the passage to Holland most clear to his mind, I felt mine greatly tried, wishing if I had but ever so small a bit of ground to move on, it might be my own-I went to bed thus exercised, and endeavored to think only of Dover, but after a season of very close conflict, and I think honest travail for right direction, a serene sky seemed over this prospect of G. D.'s, and every other passage to France utterly closed, so I simply communicated my feelings this evening to my companions, and thus far peace attends.

Our dear friend J. Eliot is, I believe, bound to the south, but has yet made no movement in his Monthly Meeting. Adey Bellamy has laid his prospect before Friends, and it is likely will be liberated by the time J. E. is, if he discloses his feelings at his next Monthly Meeting. Our having come hither seems providential, as J. E. and A. B. understand the language well; and the hope of this seasonable assistance has tended to renew my faith and patience, which I sometimes trust will hold out to the end.

"Fourth day, 12th. We attended Gracechurch-street Monthly Meeting; that for worship was low to my feelings, the one for discipline long and flat, much business agitated, and many pertinent remarks made, but life seemed. oppressed, and human more than divine wisdom uppermost.

"First day, the 9th, was a day of peace and liberty to me, though one wherein there was rather a descending to the deeps than ascending "First day, 16th. Went to Horsleydown to the heights. The Morning Meeting at Meeting in the morning-a low time: GraceGracechurch-street was large, gay, and oppres-church-street in the afternoon, and at six in the sive, but it is a favor to be allowed to visit the seed in prison, and a great one to feel a willingness so to do. My beloved S. G. was afresh anointed in both meetings, and I thought my small vessel contained a little more than was properly my own; and, we read, the debt was first to be paid, before the residue of the oil was set apart to live on. The day closed comfortably in a little season of retirement at Richard Chester's.

Second day, the 10th, attended the Morning Meeting and produced our certificates. Friends seemed disposed to enter thoroughly into the

evening a public meeting appointed by G. D., in which he was largely engaged. I again felt, in a painful manner, the consequence of withholding more than is meet, yet trust wilful disobedience was not the cause, but a fear of not feeling sufficient authority:-seekest thou great things?' seems the query often put to my poor mind on such occasions, and though the injunction is added 'seek them not,' how slowly do I learn!

"Second day, 17th. Morning Meeting, a time of favor through several instruments; our certificates were signed, I believe, by all present,

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