THE
RURAL MAGAZINE,
AND
LITERARY EVENING FIRE-SIDE.

Vol. I.     Philadelphia, Fourth Month, 1820.     No. 4.

FOR THE RURAL MAGAZINE.

THE DESULTORY REMARKER.

No. III.

He whose object is to make an impression on the public mind, must first, as an indispensable preliminary, secure the public attention. Much that is said or written, partakes in so great a degree of an unimpressive and a common-place character, as to be utterly disregarded. To succeed in obtaining the public ear, is as difficult as it is important. This success is perhaps most efficiently promoted, by listening with attention to every remark of criticism, whether good-natured or severe;—by then adopting the counsels of wisdom, and leaning on the solid column of experience. If these papers should fail to acquire popularity, and, like many of their predecessors, sink into undeserved oblivion; it shall not be from the want of a disposition to please, but from the absence of higher powers. It is the peculiar province of genius to render prolific the most sterile soil, to invest with interest the most intractable topic, and to mould into the form of beauty the most unpromising materials. For this rare and brilliant endowment, no adequate substitute can be found.

Should every public speaker, or public writer, be required to confine themselves to what is absolutely original, or strictly relevant to their subject; what would become of a vast majority of the tribe of authors, and ninety-nine out of a hundred of our orators in Congress? Of a speech of three or five hours in length, one effect may be confidently predicted; that those of the audience who do not fall asleep, will be fatigued and justly irritated, by such an unwarrantable trespass on their time and patience. Our national character is not yet completely formed; but some features of it are assuming a permanent shape. Among these, there is one, by no means calculated to elevate us in the estimation of the rest of the world. Instead of that simplicity and Spartan brevity, by which republicans should be distinguished, we habituate ourselves to the unnecessary use of a multitude of words. We are giants in profession, but pigmies in action. It has been confidently asserted, that the speeches of one of the members of our federal legislature, from Tennessee, have actually cost the United States more money, than would defray the entire expense of completing the Delaware and Chesapeake canal. Now that the Missouri discussion is terminated, how honourable to the nation, it is not my present purpose to inquire; it would be desirable to ascertain whether the vote of a solitary member was changed, by the endless speeches which were delivered on the subject. If not, I should presume it was a pretty clear point, that they cost the PEOPLE much more than they were worth; and that such a prodigal waste of the time and treasure of the nation, is highly reprehensible. But instead of arraigning the conduct of others, and exposing their weakness and defects, it may perhaps be the part of prudence to spare our censure for errors to be met with much nearer home. By giving publicity to the following communication, I trust I shall not trespass on the indulgence of my readers; while at the same time I shall evince a spirit of no fictitious candour, by which I wish at all times to be actuated.

"Harrisburg, March 20.

"To the Desultory Remarker.

"Sir—You will pardon the liberty which, as a perfect stranger, I take of addressing you. I have long cultivated a taste for literature; not that which abounds in circulating libraries, but that which is met with in those "founts of English undefiled," the classical poets and essayists of Great Britain. Of the latter, I have a decided preference for Addison; because his humour is as innocent as it is exquisite; and because his sincere and fervid piety is diametrically opposed to every thing like monastic gloom and austerity. He was a benefactor to mankind during the course of his life; and left them his example in the hour of death—"See how a Christian can die!" I have not trimmed the midnight lamp, in perusing the pages of sentimental and mischievous nonsense; but derive the highest gratification from those books which have long enjoyed the united suffrages of virtue. But to my purpose. You have embarked in an honourable undertaking, and one in which very few have been successful. You should profit, not merely by the wisdom of those that have gone before you, but also by their mistakes. I have read your two first numbers; and unless some improvement shall take place, either in your matter or manner, you will never be a favourite of mine.—There is too much unvaried gravity, and studied elaboration, in them.—When we take up a newspaper, or magazine, we do not expect to meet with a sermon, however well disposed we might be to welcome it on a proper occasion. Permit me to observe, that a long, prosing, lifeless essay, will never be read; and, if frequently met with, will create a distaste for the journal itself, in which it may appear. Being friendly to your success, you will indulge me in repeating, that should you fail to impart a greater degree of vanity and interest, to your future numbers; if you do not more frequently smooth the wrinkled brow of care, and assume the aspect of cheerfulness, you will lose many of the female readers you have at present, and among the rest,

"Your humble servant,

"STELLA."

This is a sensible, well written letter; and, if it would not be indecorous to express an opinion as to another feature of it, not overburthened with compliment. I am aware of the force and truth of some of Stella's observations; and will endeavour occasionally to profit by them. Though considerably advanced in the vale of years, I hope never to be insensible to the good opinion of that sex, which can successfully prefer claims to excellence, in every department of virtue; and whose influence on the well-being of society, is so incalculably important. What if my temples be encircled with the frosts of many winters, and the wings of my fancy be enfeebled, by that incurable malady, old age; I still shall be delighted to minister to the pleasure of those, whose approbation is worth desiring—

The wise and the learned, the witty and the fair.

An outline of the female character has been thus happily and accurately sketched, by the pencil of a poet.—The last couplet is descriptive of a trait in this character, which is as amiable as it is true.

FOR THE RURAL MAGAZINE.

THE VILLAGE TEACHER.

In my younger days, I passed a considerable time in the pleasant village of G——. The society was lively and agreeable; and, as it consisted chiefly of ladies, our usual place of meeting was at the tea table and the evening circle. Literature, the news of the day, and our little amusements, furnished the principal subjects of