The Factory Girl | Page 8

wish to neglect those lessons of instruction in early life, the neglect of
which would prove the eternal ruin of a beloved child? And yet how
many are unmindful of the duties devolving upon them, while their
influence is most potent in its agency, and suffer their children to go
forth into the wide world, without the palladium of virtuous principles
as a defence, and with no guide but their own impulses! And how
fearful the consequences of such a course!
But not only to discharge their duty towards their offspring, but with a
regard to their future good, did these pious parents strive to instruct
their children in these essential principles; and the result of that
instruction alone, could prepare Calliste to encounter the vicissitudes
and dangers of a city life. And that a mind adorned with the graces of

virtue and religion, shines conspicuously and with true beauty in
society, no one can deny; for daily observation teaches us that we may
find in the humble and unpretending mind those accomplishments so
desirable, which cannot be found in the gay and fashionable ranks of
society.
There is, indeed, true beauty in Humanity; and this garment becomes
every one, for though this favorite grace of virtue, the light of every
other accomplishment, shines with brighter lustre, we love the
unpretending and unobtrusive violet, not so much for its superior
beauty over other flow ers, but as an emblem of an accomplishment
that is the immediate jewel of our hearts whose radience beautifies
every other grace it is humility. This grace, so conspicuous in the
character of the parents, was not less so in the mind of Calliste, and to
this source may be traced her pre-eminence for intellectual worth.
This ever proves a gem serene,
Still loved the more, the more 'tis seen;
And in the halo of its flame,
All other graces find a name
A name to live when pride shall die,
And royalty forgotten lie;
This, ever still the same shall be
Gem of the heart, Humility.
Indeed, surrounded by such scenes, and in a rural seclusion which
furnished so many lessons in the changes of Nature, and being blessed
with so excellent precepts and examples, from a source which of all
others is calculated to gain attention, we may justly suppose that the
mind of Calliste, though still young and highly susceptible, was far
better prepared for the active scenes and vicissitudes of life, than those

whose passions are unrestrained, and who are not blessed with that
salutary and hallowed influence, which flows from paternal love and
solicitude. We may anticipate, indeed, in a great measure, the future
character of the mind, from the nature of the early impressions which
that mind receives for it will receive impressions of some kind very
early in life. How important that they be of the right kind?
But to return from our digression, which we trust the reader will pardon.
Such was the home of Calliste, which she had left; and who will be
surprised, if, on leaving the scenes of her child hood, and the tender
associations of such a home, she had, from an overflowing heart,
suffered the tear to fall upon her fair cheek at the separation? The
stranger can feel none of that deep sympathy for a fellow being that
characterizes the hearts of kindred spirits, though benevolence, and
what the world calls sympathy, come to our relief in the hour of trial.
And, however humble, home is dear to us, though its value is never
sufficiently realized until we are deprived of it, and find our selves
surrounded by strangers. Then, all those scenes so dear to our hearts,
rush upon the mind, and cause the dim cloud of sorrow to overshadow
every pleasure, and transform it into pain. With home, we have very
many blessings. No friendly admonition will the stranger give us, no
warning voice do we hear from those whose chief aim is self-interest;
and when sickness comes, no tender mother, like a guardian angel, is at
hand to soothe each sorrow, and relieve each bitter pang. O! ye who are
blessed with a home, however humble your lot, forget not that you
cannot be too grate ful for the blessings you enjoy, or prize them too
highly; for never can you know their value, till thrown in the midst of
new associates, with none to care for your welfare, or protect you from
the dangers which surround the young, especially the unsophisticated
and confiding. For,
Too oft, alas! the smile allures,
And flattery, a curse ensures;
Too oft is confidence betrayed,
To land a victim in the shade!

And false Deceit, with Love's young trust,
Tramples the flowret in the dust!
CHAPTER IV.
Why, when the world is locked in sleep,
Should