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 OFFERING 
 
 -OF- 
 
 THE MUTES, 
 
 SELECTED AND ARRANGED BY 
 
 Barnum C. Cross, 
 
 (Graduate of the Institute for Mutes at Indianapolis,) 
 
 A collection of Essays, Sketches, Poems, Etc., by the 
 Deaf Mute.^j of Indiana. 
 
 "The ears of the Deaf shall l>e vinstopped, 
 .Vnd the Tongue of the Dumh shall sing." 
 
 -ISAIAH. 
 
 To me though neither voice nor sound, 
 
 From earth or air may come. 
 Deaf to the world that brawls around. 
 
 The world to me is dumb ; 
 Yet may the quick and conscious eye, 
 
 Assist the slow dull ear : 
 Light can the signs of thought supply, 
 
 And with a look I hear. 
 
 HERALD COMPANY STEAM PRINTERS, 
 
 LA PORTE, INIDANA. 
 
 (Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1874. by BAENmi C. Cross, in the 
 office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D. L.) 
 
OFFERING 
 
 ■OF- 
 
 THE M 
 
 SELECTED AND ARRANGED BY 
 
 Barnum C Cross, 
 
 (Graduate of the Institute for Mutes at Indianapolis,) 
 
 A collection of Essays, Sketches, Poems, Etc., by the 
 Deaf Mutes of Indiana. 
 
 ''Tile ears o±" tlve 33eaf8lia.ll Ije iiiiiBtopijedl, 
 A-iid. tlie 'X'onKVie oftlie Uvimb sliall sing-." 
 
 -ISAIAH. 
 
 To me though neither voice nor sound, 
 
 From earth or air may come, 
 Deaf to the world that brawls around. 
 
 The world to me is dumb ; 
 Yet may the quick and conscious eye. 
 
 Assist the slow dull ear: 
 Light can the signs of thought supply, 
 
 And with a look I hear. 
 
 
 HERALD COMPANY STEAM PRINTERS, 
 
 LA rORTE. IliiDANA. 
 
 1874. "~ 
 

INTRODUCTORY. 
 
 In the issue of this little volume, the author flatters himself that he 
 is presenting the public with something unique, if not entirely nev^^ : 
 the book may fairly claim the merit of novelty. While not a little of 
 the matter on the following pages is from the pen of the undersigned, 
 the contents consist largely of addresses, essays, sketches, and poems 
 from his fellow-students of the Institute at Indianapolis — the same 
 being selected and arranged by him, and published by permission of 
 the writers. The reader will, of course, not expect to find in these 
 productions, any very profound reach of thought, or great splendor of 
 literary finish ; for they are the simple, unpretending efforts of Deaf 
 Mutes — of young men and women newly graduated, or (in some in- 
 stances) still in school. But I trust these offerings, in themselves 
 humble, modest, and artless, will be found interesting, instructive, 
 and even touching, as showing the wonderful and beneficent progress 
 achieved in the education of those bereft of hearing and speech. And 
 whoever shall buy this little volume, will not only testify his (or her) 
 generous interest in and humane sympathy with a certain class of un- 
 fortunates, but will confer a special and precious favor on one who 
 seeks to gain an honorable living by introducing his fellow men and 
 women to the better acquaintance of the Mutes. 
 
 LaPorte, Februarv, 1874. B. 0. C. 
 
DEX 
 
 My Native Land 7 
 
 What Shall I Do 9 
 
 Partinp Thoughts 10 
 
 Live and Hope 12 
 
 Indolence Corrodes the Mind 15 
 
 Natural Beauty 17 
 
 We Meet but to Part 19 
 
 Our Separation • 21 
 
 Our Institution 24 
 
 Dare and Do 27 
 
 Farewell 31 
 
 Happy Days Gone By 33 
 
 Pleasant Thoughts 34 
 
 Faded Blossoms 37 
 
 Diligence 38 
 
 Beautiful Days and Nights 4u 
 
 Thanksgiving 41 
 
 The Tree of Liberty 43 
 
 Homes 45 
 
 The True Dignity of Labor • 46 
 
 Education 48 
 
 Washington and Napoleon Compared 50 
 
 Indolence 52 
 
 Morning Scenes 52 
 
 Happy lafe 54 
 
 About Sallie 55 
 
 Valedictory Address 5G 
 
 Remember Me 56 
 
 Stray Thought! 57 
 
 A Fairy Tale 58 
 
 Hattieand Bettie 59 
 
 Fanny and Her Chickens 60 
 
 Esther 80 
 
 Something which I once Read in a Book 61 
 
 To H. S. Gillet 62 
 
 Parting by the River Side 64 
 
 To Dr. Latham 64 
 
 To W. N. Burt 65 
 
 The Sowing Machine and Needle Work- 65 
 
 Humbugs 67 
 
 Nature 69 
 
 The Benefit of Plants 71 
 
 A Rich Love Letter 73 
 
 Idle Fancies ■ 73 
 
 Venture not too Far lest you Fail 75 
 
 Deaf, and Yet I Hear 77 
 
 The Fame of Niagara Falls 78 
 
 The Future of American Women 79 
 
 The Great Gift. 84 
 
 Voiceless 85 
 
 An Excursion Down the Ohio 85 
 
 Silence 86 
 
 General Washington 87 
 
 Ruth 88 
 
 How to make Home Beautiful S8 
 
 Beautiful Things «9 
 
 What do I Want to Say 89 
 
 The Sky 90 
 
 Another Twelvemonth 90 
 
 Conversation between Barnum and Jesse 91 
 
 The Mute's Lament 92 
 
 Not Ashamed of his Occupation 92 
 
 Egotism. 93 
 
 Children of Silence 94 
 
 The Orphan Brothers 94 
 
 School Miseries 95 
 
 Perfection of the Universe 96 
 
 Improvement 97 
 
 Winter 98 
 
 Beautiful 99 
 
 Happiness 100 
 
 Life Passes away like a Stream TOO 
 
 The Scenery of the Mountains 102 
 
 Our Beloved Teacher IttS 
 
 Country Life 103 
 
 About Nora 104 
 
 Thanks to Jesus 105 
 
 Farewell to Summer 106 
 
 The Everlasting Hills 106 
 
 How to Conquer an Enemy 108 
 
 A Description of Carrie's Life 108 
 
 Silent Meditation 109 
 
 Education IKi 
 
 Stray Sunbeams 110 
 
nn^J MUTES' OFFERING. 
 
 3Iy Native Land. 
 
 This vast land area, stretching in all its magnitude between two 
 magnificent oceans, which roll their giant waves unceasingly against 
 its shores, is my native land. Here my forefathers lived and died, 
 and the lowly pilgrims trod its soil in years agone, and their dust now 
 slumbers beneath its green grass, waiting for the coming of the last 
 great day which shall call us all to a final judgment. Its beauties are 
 made manifest in everything : in its great rivers, bordered by beauti- 
 ful groves and mossy banks ; in its old forests, where the trees lift 
 their giant branches till they seem to meet the sky ; where the wild 
 flowers bloom in beauty in the green meadows, where the little lambs 
 may be seen skipping around their dams ; in the farm yards, where 
 in the well hangs the moss-covered bucket; in its mountains, with 
 their snow covered peaks towering far in the distance like the pillars 
 of the firmanent, and in the magnificent cities which here and there 
 point their spires towards the heavens. Yes, its beauties are seen 
 everywhere, from the ground where the green grass, strewn with vari- 
 ously colored flowers, forms a soft carpet for my feet, to the blue sky 
 above me, where white clouds float by like drifts of snow glittering in 
 the light of the sun. Not many hundred years ago it was a vast wil- 
 derness, unknown to any nation, and inhabited only by fierce tribes of 
 Indians and wild animals. But many and great changes have taken 
 place since it was discovered. It has grown into a mighty republic, 
 whose fame has spread far and wide over all the globe, and people 
 come from far and near, some to make this their home, some to climb 
 its mountains and traverse its plains, and others to go away laden 
 with its riches. Many dear friends lie slumbering beneath its sod. It 
 sways no sceptre but that of a free republic. Its laws are mild and 
 just; its schools of learning are not surpassed. It gives a safe refuge 
 to all who love its freedom and are worthy of its benefits, no matter 
 what their color or condition may be. No country can rival it in 
 strength and greatness. Its soil has been dyed with the blood of 
 many brave men, who, when it was sinking under the curse of slavery, 
 came out in arms, and fought, bled, and died for its freedom and its 
 security. But have they succeeded, do you ask ? Yes, they have ; 
 
^ THE MUTES' OFFERINQ. 
 
 and now the stars and stripes wave gloriously over tliis happy land, 
 and no traitor's hand shall trail them in the dust while time and 
 brave hearts shall remain. Its law is peace ; its cities have no walls, 
 and need no forts, for it is at peace with all nations. Though my 
 native land has many virtues, yet its name is not without a stain, for 
 many vices have cast a shadow over its fame. Intemperance prevails 
 here as elsewhere, luxury riots in our great cities, and avarice is gra-sp- 
 ing and hoarding its millions. If these could be taken away, our 
 country would be as a paradise upon earth. But alas!] it cannot be; 
 there is too much depravity ji in human nature. But despite these 
 blots upon, its character, I love my native land ; yes, I love its hills 
 and valleys, where I have passed many happy hours ; I love its pretty 
 brooklets, where I have often lingered to watch the finny inhabitants 
 as they swam merrily about in the clear crystal water, or on whose 
 sand covered Ijanks I have gathered bright colored pebbles and curi- 
 ou.sly formed shells. I love its meadows and forests, where I have so 
 often wandered to gather wild flowers or pick the delicious fruits. I 
 love every tall tree beneath whose wide spreading branches I have 
 lingered, and every little flower that gladdens the eye. No place on 
 earth has so great a charm for me. Here the pure air of heaven blows, 
 an emblem of the freedom which is the inheritance of all. How often 
 have I heard of other lands where naught but strife prevails ; then 
 have I looked with rapture on my native country, where peace doth reign 
 and love dwell, and thought of the goodness and grace of the great 
 being who cast my lot in a spot so highly favored. Then who shall 
 chide me for loving the land of my birth? No ocean shall roll be- 
 tween me and its pleasant shores ; foreign lands cannot entice me to 
 leave my native home. I see its beauties, and enjoy its bounties by 
 day, and dream of them by night, and nothing shall tempt me to turn 
 my back upon it and upon my kindred who dwell here. Then give 
 cheers for the "land of the free and the home of the brave." Weave 
 bright wreathes of laurel for the heroes who fought to win, and have 
 struggled to maintain its liberties. Rear monuments over the tombs 
 of its founders and preservers, where they sleep their last great sleep 
 under the sod of the land they loved so well. The cost was great, but 
 cheerfully paid, which broke the cruel chains of slavery ; but it is free 
 at last, and blessed with wealth, power, and patriotism. May it never 
 again be bound in any slavery which shall restrain its freedom of 
 action or thought, and may its fame extend and brighten till the sun 
 of time shall set on this world's history. 
 
 K. M. F. 
 
What Shall I Do? 
 
 Many years of my life have passed away. The last term of my 
 school life has gone, and I shall now leave the Institution. I am be- 
 fore you as a pupil for the last time. The years have come and gone 
 like the turning of a wheel. I have reached the age of manhood, and 
 must now determine what I shall do. I have no parents living. They 
 died in New York when I was about four years old, and left me an- 
 orphan. A kind gentleman took care of me till I was nine years old. 
 Then I was brought to La Fayette and went to live with my guardian.. 
 They were all deaf mutes, gentleman and lady who lived at Clark's 
 Hill, Ind. My guardian father had been educated at this Institution, 
 and his wife who was afterwards my guardian mother, had been edu- 
 cated at the Institution in Columbus, Ohio. They sent me to this 
 school, where I have received instruction and learned a trade. He 
 was a good guardian, but he is dead, and my guardian mother is dead. 
 I shall remember their kindness. And now I am able to earn a living 
 and take care of myself. I intend to be industrious and get money, 
 and not spend it foolishly. I must save enough to buy some land' 
 and do business for myself. I shall try to avoid the evil example of 
 bad men, and set a good example to others. If I am honest and tell 
 the truth,. if I am kind and polite, I shall have many friends who will 
 give me good advice, and help me in my future business. I wish to 
 have a good chara'cter and must try to have a good name among men, 
 and they will respect me. I shall also do good to others, because 
 others have been kind to me, and I must pay the debt which I owe to 
 the poor orphan. I have heard of deaf mutes who forgot the good 
 advice and instruction they received here. They did not care for it. 
 Perhaps they did not stay in the Institution during the whole course 
 of instruction, but the Superintendent sent them away on account of 
 bad conduct. They learn to drink whisky, and like to go to saloons. 
 They are fond of the company of idle and dishonest men. They fight 
 and are sometimes put in prison. We are ashamed and sorry when 
 we hear of them. We must never imitate them. Sometimes a deaf 
 mute wanders about the country and begs for a living. He does not 
 
 2 
 
10 THE MUTES' OFFERING. 
 
 pay his fare on tlie railroad, or for his food and lodging at the hotels. 
 He hates work, and thinks it a disgrace. He should go to the West, and 
 he could find plenty of work. He could buy cheap land, and get a 
 farm and raise grain and stock. He could become rich. The bible 
 teaches us to do right and hate wrong. It commands us to be diligent 
 in business, true, just, and merciful. If we trust in the Lord and obey 
 his commandments, he has promised to bless us, and we may hope to 
 succeed in life. We may accept the favor of God and man. We 
 should read the bible much, and go to church every Sunday. If we 
 cannot hear the preaching and singing, we can silently worship. I 
 have been a pupil in this Institution about, nine and a naif years. I 
 have not studied as much as I ought. I have often been idle and dis- 
 obedient. I' was careless and fond of mischief, and wonder the Super- 
 intendent did not dismiss me from the Institution. I am really very 
 sorry that I made trouble ,for the teachers sometimes. I thank 
 the officers of the school for their patience and forbearance. They 
 were right in correcting me, for I suppose I deserved it. I hope they 
 have saved me from becoming a bad man. I shall remember their 
 kindness and their zeal in teaching me to do right, and shall strive to 
 do well all my life. My friends, you have long been my fellow pupils. 
 These teachers and officers are trying to help you become intelligent, 
 ■wise and good. You ought to try to become such. Your parents and 
 relatives at home greatly desire it. When they hear that you are 
 improving in your studies and behavior, they are very glad. If they 
 sometimes hear that you are idle and troublesome, they are sad and 
 unhappy. Try to do well, and everybody will rejoice. You will be 
 good pupils in the school, and useful and highly respected men and 
 women in all the future years of your lives. And now the only thing 
 that remains for me to say, is to wish each one of you a prosperous 
 and happy ihture, and to bid you all farewell. 
 
 D. B. 
 
 Parting Tlioiiglits. 
 
 The years of my school life are finished. They have been very 
 pleasant years. I have liked to spend my vacations at home, and was 
 always glad to return again to meet my associates in school, and en- 
 gage in the studies and labors and amusements of the terms, I came 
 here when a child, and was a little stranger to the pupils, ^and they 
 were all strangers to me. But now these are all acquaintances, and 
 some of them have been for years intimate companions and dear 
 friends. At the beginning of every term I have welcomed new faces, 
 
THE MUTES' OFFERING. 11 
 
 and at the close liave bidden farewell to familiar ones. And now I 
 must take leave of all these, and go home not to return. But my 
 school life has been full of agreeable things, which will be pleasant 
 memories in my future life. There are some unpleasant things in 
 every person's life, and we have our little troubles in school. Some- 
 times they seem very great, yet as the years pass away they become 
 smaller in our memories, and are forgotten. But the agreeable inci- 
 dents will always be bright, and the recollection will make us happy, 
 and we shall love to think about them.- 
 
 What we shall do in the future, is uncei'tain. We shall return to 
 our homes and mingle with our friends, and help in the labors of home 
 life. We know not what new friends we may find, or what new asso- 
 ciations we may form. We are ignorant of the happiness or sorrow 
 that may come upon us. But we shall remember the instructions and 
 advice of our Superintendent, and try to do well in every situation ; 
 and we hope God will bless us and give us success, and make us happy 
 and useful. He intended that we should be happy and enjoy the good 
 things of )ife. He has surrounded us with beautiful things in nature ; 
 he has made th<e stars in the skj above, and the flowers which grow 
 on the earth. We behold the rivers, mountains and forests. Th 
 beasts go on the ground, the birds and insects fly through the air, and 
 fishes swim in the waters. They all seem full of life and joy. We 
 have dear friends who have loved us and cared for us, and desire our 
 prosperity. We have received an education, and can read good books 
 and correspond with our friends, and understand the operations of 
 the natural world. We should be thankful for these blessings. H we 
 do right and are kind, we may expect God will help us in every time 
 of need. 
 
 Some of us are now to leave the Institution." We shall no lonaer 
 be pupils. You will continue to study- and learn, and increase in 
 knowledge. You must be industrious in your lessons and work, kind 
 and forgiving to one another, obedient and respectful to those ap- 
 pointed to watch over you and instruct you. Try to spend the days 
 and years of school life in getting ready for future life. You will not 
 always.be children. You will in a few years be men and women, and 
 must earn your own living, and aid m caring for others. If you try 
 to be good children and industrious pupils, you will be wise when you 
 are full grown, and respected by all who know you. Remember that 
 the wicked have much trouble and small enjoyment, but God gives to 
 the righteous few sorrows and large happiness. How often I shall 
 think of you, and see you in my dreams and wonder what you are 
 doing. How I shall long to visit you and take you by the hand. But 
 when I come here again, I shall probably see many strange faces, and 
 
12 THE MUTES' OFFERING. 
 
 few old acquaintances. Perhaps these grounds will be changed, tlie- 
 old trees gone, and the others larger. The houses of the city will 
 surround the Institution. New teachers, also, will be here. Some- 
 who have taught me will be in other institutions. Some may have 
 engaged in other kinds of business, and some may have finished tkeir 
 work on earth. 
 
 I am glad that I shall graduate to-day, and that I shall be released 
 from the study of daily lessons. But I am sad to think I must part 
 with all these good friends, and go away from these delightful asso- 
 ciations. I take this last opportunity to thank you for your pleasant 
 society, to thank the officers of the Institution for their kind care and 
 good counsel, and constant efforts for my welfare. I thank you all 
 •for your kind wishes and silent prayers, that we who graduate to-day 
 may be prosperous and happy in our lives, that we may be a comfort- 
 to our friends, and our good conduct reflect credit on this Institution, 
 
 A. B. 
 
 Live and Hope. 
 
 Life is mysterious, but it is real. We cannot tell why it acts, bufc 
 we can see how it works. Vegetable life feels the influence of heat 
 and moisture, and the roots grow downward and the stem upward. 
 The buds swell, and the leaves spread out to the air and the sunshin e. 
 The flowers open in their beauty and send out fragrance. The fruit 
 ripens and the seed is formed. But the frosts come, and the leaves 
 wither and fall, and all the beauty had departed. But the life re- 
 mains in the trunks, or the roots, or the seed, and waits for the spring 
 to come again and give it a new form, and clothe it in a new dress. 
 
 Animal life has organs to circulate the blood and breathe the air. 
 It changes food into flesh, bones and nerves, and moves about in the 
 water, or through the air, or on the land. It feels pain and pleasure. 
 It smells and tastes things to eat, and likes or dislikes them. It sees 
 difierent objects around, and hears all the various sounds. It is 
 pleased with things and follows them, but is afraid of others and flees 
 away. It understands many things, and learns and increases in 
 knowledge. 
 
 Animals have hope ; they wander about in search of food, and ex- 
 pect to find it. I think when the horse goes on' a journey he hopess^ 
 soon to turn and travel towards home. The robins go far to the south 
 to spend the winter, and expect to return in the spring and build 
 their nests and feed their little ones. The bees are remarkable in- 
 sects, and are very intelligent. They are industrious to gather honey 
 all summer and store it in the hive. When the sunshine in Marck. 
 
THE MUTES' OFFERING. 13 
 
 wak'es them from their long sleep, I wonder whether] they hope the 
 warm weather and the flowers will soon come, so they]can all go out 
 auto the fields to their daily work. The house-fly, perhaps, hopes to 
 get out through the glass of the window, and is surprised that he can- 
 fsot. But the hopes of all these animals are for things in this life. 
 Tiiey do not think of eternity. They do not ask questions about 
 events a thousand years ago, or what will happen a million years after 
 tilie present time. Their hopes are very few, and do not reach far. 
 
 Human beings belong to the animal kingdom. They can go from 
 ^lace to place, and al&e nourished with food, and are fond of society. 
 But they have more knowledge than the birds and beasts, and can in- 
 ■icrease in wisdom. They delight to look upon the beautiful objects in 
 aaature, and watch the changes of the seasons. Some persons travel 
 in foreign countries, ascend lofty mountains, and see the volcanoes ; or 
 cross the ocean and visit tropical regions, where the beautiful birds, 
 ■wild animals and poisonous reptiles abound. They behold vast deserts 
 and enter the caves of the earth. Men have many languages, and 
 read books. They learn the history of the world, and study the 
 sciences. They become acquainted with natural philosophy and chem- 
 istry, -and examine the stars. They understand how the trade winds 
 Mow and the currents flow through the ocean. 
 
 Human beings understand business. They work at trades and on 
 farms. Many are engaged in commerce. They go to new countries, 
 build large cities, and make railroads. They enact laws. They have 
 Mngs and governors to rule the people, and have order and justice. 
 They have schools, churches, and institutions for the instruction of the 
 deal and &e blind. They are more intelligent than the beasts of the 
 
 Men can read the bible that God created the heavens and the earth, 
 and made man a living soul. He has a body which will die like the 
 animals, and he has a soul that will live forever like the angels. He 
 learns about a happy land where we shall meet our friends who • have 
 left us, and they will die no more, and there will be no more weari- 
 less, or pain, or sorrow. Why do people work to get wealth, and 
 study to obtain knowledge, and to De respected among men? Why 
 are they industrious and careful to improve the time and save money? 
 They hope to be happy in the possession of these things. They have 
 many enjoyments, but they never have enough. They always want 
 snore. Thus they live and hope. 
 
 Parents send their .children to school, and are glad when they are 
 ■smart and improve rapidly in their studies. They hope their sons and 
 •daughters will be intelligent and respected, live long and useful lives 
 an plenty and comfort, and at last die happy in the hope of eternal 
 
14 THE MUTES' OFFERING. 
 
 life in heaven. The children hope to have a good time during the 
 holidays, in their amusements, and to receive fine presents from- their 
 friends. Then they think about the close of the school, and the vaca- 
 tion, v\rhen they will visit their friends at home, and be free from tlie 
 confinement of lessons and recitations. As they become young gen- 
 tlemen and ladies, they hope for the end of school life, when they will 
 repeat their essays, graduate, receive their diplomas, say good-bye to 
 their school mates, and commence the earnest work of life. Hope 
 leads us forward as long as we live. Sometimes a person loses all 
 hope, and is. discouraged. Some have been in despair and killed 
 themselves. They have no hope and do not wish to live. The young 
 are full of hope, and expect much happiness in the future years. But 
 our hopes are often disappointed. We trust to become rich, but fail. 
 Friends sometimes deceive us and fill our hearts with sorrow. Our 
 dearest companions suddenly die, and leave us to mourn for our loss. 
 But the bible tells us about a hope of heaven. It is called an "anchor 
 of the soul." It is the best of all our hopes, because it is the brightest 
 in the darkest hour. 
 
 We are deaf; our parents hoped the physicians could cure us and 
 restore our hearing; but their hopes were disappointed. We cannot 
 expect ever in this world to hear the voices ot our friends, or the songs 
 of the birds; but we hope through the mercy of our Heavenly Father 
 to hear the golden harps of the angels, and the songs of the redeemed, 
 and to join with them in " the song of Moses and the Lamb.'' There- 
 fore we will not be sad, but think of that happy future which will be 
 better than the past. We will try to do well, and hope to the end. • 
 While we live we shall enjoy the benefit of the education we have re- 
 ceived in the Institution. We shall remember with gratitude the 
 kindness of the Superintendent and other officers, and try to follovsr 
 the advice they have so often given. We shall read books and learn 
 the news, and take great pleasure in corresponding with our absent 
 friends. We hope the long years of labor and expense in educating 
 us, will not be in vain. 
 
 We shall never cease to hope earnestly that this Institution will 
 continue to bless the unfortunate deaf children of our State in all the 
 future years; that no accident will ever happen to injure or destroy 
 it; that the methods of instruction will be improved, and the pupils 
 be able to learn faster and graduate with greater knowledge. 
 
 And now we trust these pupils will soon be welcomed by their fam- 
 ilies and acquaintances at home, and return at the commencement" of 
 a new term in health to pursue their studies, and that every year may 
 bring the untaught and ignorant within these walls, and send out aa 
 
THE MUTES' OFFERING. 15 
 
 enlightened company, happy and hopeful, to be industrious and useful 
 citizens, and an honor to the State which has so abundantly provided 
 for their comfort and welfare. 
 
 L. E. M. 
 ♦ ♦ ♦ ■ — 
 
 Indolence Corrodes tlie Mind. 
 
 In our cabinet shop the tools are bright, because the pupils use thera 
 every day. Sometimes one is lost. After several weeks it is found, 
 but it is rusty. The plow is bright while the farmer is using it m the 
 field. How would a lady like to sew with a rusty needle, or a man to 
 shave with a rusty razor? People work with tools of wood and metal. 
 They also work with their minds. Every one has a mind, and he 
 must use it for thinking. The pupils in the Institution study and im- 
 prove with their minds. They are very weak when they first come 
 here, but the teacher makes them study and read and write. Then 
 they become strong and bright, and can think and remember the lessons 
 and write compositions. Parents send their children to school, but 
 some of them dishke it. They do not care to study and get knowledge 
 and improve their minds. Some prefer to stay at home and play or 
 go v,rith bad company. They do not follow the advice of their parents 
 and obey thera, and are not kind to their schoolmates. They think 
 they are wiser than their parents, and deceive and disobey them, and 
 are often punished. They imitate the example of the vicious, and do 
 not care for Sunday or the Irible. But they make a great mistake. 
 They will be sorry when it is too k^te to go to school and improve 
 their minds and manners. I'hey will be fools, with no love of good 
 books and no habits of industry. They will associate with the idle, 
 ignorant and degraded, and will delight in laughter, noise and folly. 
 Their minds will be corroded by indolence, and they will always hate 
 work and study. They will be like an old knife which has become 
 rusty and dull, and is no longer useful for doing any good. But some 
 children like to go to school. They study diligently' and improve. 
 Their minds are never corroded by indolence, because they try to gain 
 knowledge and love good books,. They are bright and sharp, like a 
 razor. They will be industrious and skillful, and know how to do 
 business and make monev. Tiieir minds are always active and strong, 
 and they enjoy themselves in this lite. They will understand what is 
 right, true and honest, and learn wis lorn from the bible. Everybody 
 will respect them, and they will have :n;uiy friends. If the mind is 
 lazy and idle, it will hate hard work, and become weak and wicked. 
 The person will try to get a living easily by tricks, or by cheating. 
 He will be tempted to sell wliisky or giimble, and get money without 
 
16 THE MUTES' OFFERING. 
 
 honest labor. All good men detest them, and they are unhappy. 
 Indolent men cannot sapport their families well, and do not live in 
 nice comfortable houses. They are sometimes caught by the police 
 and are obliged to pay a fine or be put in prison. If all men would 
 work hard all the time they would not often be drunkards, thieves 
 or murderers. There would only be a few people in the peniten- 
 tiary. There would not be so many poor folks. All things in 
 nature are in motion. The earth turns on its axis every day, and re- 
 volves round the sun every year. Beasts go about on the land, birds 
 fly in the air, and fishes swim in the rivers and seas. The rivers flow 
 to the sea, the ocean has currents to it, and the air moves about in 
 winds. The vapors rise and become clouds in the sky, and fall to the 
 earth again in showers of rain. If water did not move, it would be- 
 come putrid and poison the air. If the air was shut up for a long 
 time, it would be unhealthy, and those who breathed it would be sick. 
 The wind bends the plants and trees, and shakes the leaves. Young 
 animals and children love to run and play, and the old must work for 
 their foo'd. If we continually use any part of our bodies, that part 
 becomes strong. The blacksmith uses his arms to lift heavy iron, and 
 they become- large and strong. The sailor tries to look far over the 
 water, and he can see anything at a great distance. The blind must 
 feel of everything around them because they cannot see, and they can 
 read the raised letters. Some of them can thread a needle, and know 
 the color of some objects by touch. I have read about a man who 
 knew a bad coin by taking it in his fingers. At the siege of Gibraltar 
 two boys could see the cannon balls coming, and tell the soldiers, who 
 would lie down and be safe. If any part of the body is not used for 
 a long time, it will become weak. A bird that is always imprisoned 
 in a cage, and never plumes its wings, cannot fly well. Some men in 
 India hold up one arm for several years. They never take it down, 
 and it becomes stiff, and they cannot move the fingers or bend the 
 elbow. The muscles are corroded and shrunken, and the arm is use- 
 less. In Europe a man named Cas])ar Hanser was put in a little cage 
 when he was an infant, and lived in it till he was about eighteen years 
 old. When he was taken out he could not walk. He liardly knew 
 how to take things in his hands. He could not judge of the distance 
 of obje^'ts when he looked out of the window. He thought ^11 the 
 objects he saw were in a pijture on the window. Poor boy! All his 
 body and mind were coiTOvled by inactivity. Activity is necessary for 
 the organs of the body, and it is also necessary for the faculties of the 
 mind. If we wish to be good scholars, we must study diligently and 
 study every day. If we would be skillful mechanics, we must han- 
 dle tools continually. If we desire a good memory, we must exercise 
 
THE MUTES' OFFERING. 17 
 
 it, and it will improve. We should ciphier much, and we shall 
 learn to reckon rapidly. We must write often, and we shall be able 
 to compose easily and correctly. My dear friend, remember that in- 
 dolence corrodes the mind. Be diligent in your studies, industrious 
 in yoar work, and lively in your life. When a person is freezing to 
 death, he wishes to lie down and sleep; but if he sleeps he will never 
 wake. His'friends scourge him to save his life. And it has been neces- 
 sary some times for our teachers to whip some of us to prevent our 
 minds from sinking into the sleep of indolence. 
 
 E. J. L. 
 
 Natural Beauty. 
 
 Many things possess natural beauty. Some are short lived and 
 fading; some have existed since the dawn of creation. We read of 
 caves which have masses of lava, shaped like icicles, hanging from the 
 roof, the sides spangled with beautiful crystals, and the floors car- 
 peted with curious formations. Surely here is beauty. Man could 
 not have wrought this wonderful variety. They must have been 
 Ibrmed when God created the heavens and the earth. When people 
 visit these caves and behold the specimens of nature's handiwork, they 
 are filled with surprise and delight to find such stores of beautiful 
 things hidden in these vast apartments under the ground. They carry 
 ;away pieces of trie fallen fragments, to show to others what exquisite 
 things the sun has never shone upon. The clouds present a display of 
 natural beauty in their grandeur, as they move like islands floating in 
 the blue sky, or arrange themselves like immense mountain ranges 
 :alongthe horizon. When they pour their showers upon the earth, the 
 ■sun often paints on them the beautiful arch of the rainbow. The drops 
 decompose the rays into glowing bands of varied colors. It is the often 
 repeated token that the earth shall never again be destroyed by a 
 £ood. They welcome the morning in robes of red and blue, and take 
 leave of the sun at his sitting, in orange and crimson. When I look 
 upon the sky and consider its vast extent, its rich colorings, and its 
 ever changing forms, I am astonished at the wisdom which has spread 
 it over -the earth. People love to visit great waterfalls, where a river 
 leaps down a lofty prec'pice. They ascend high mountains, where 
 they can look over a wide prospect of charming country, dotted with 
 cities and villages, and see winding streams bringing their waters from 
 every direction to the river which carries them to the ocean. 
 
 In the sultry months of isummer, the fields are covered with the 
 green grass or waving grain. The trees are dark with foliage, and 
 
18 THE MUTES' OFFERING. 
 
 the landscape everywhere is alive Avith beauty. The 'trees of the for- 
 est vary in form, and height; some rise till their tops seem to touch 
 the sky; but all rejoice in the sunshine, and are refreshed by the 
 showers. We are deaf, but we have eyes to ]Derceive the beautiful 
 things which surround us, and therefore we prefer our condition to- 
 that of the blind. They cannot know the beauty of form and color 
 through the eye, yet they can discover that which is not seen but- 
 heard. They enjoy the charms of music, the sound of the human, 
 voice that accompanies thought, the voices of the animals and insects, 
 the whistling of the wind, the roar of the waterfall and the tempest. 
 We see the lightning as it flashes from heaven to the earth, and thej 
 hear the loud crash of the thunders. Sounds as well as sights soothe 
 and delight the soul. I think the spring is the most beautiful of the 
 seasons, for the green that covers the fields and the woods is new and 
 bright, and the flowers are fresh. Everything appears young, and 
 nothing has begun to fade. Autumn, too, is beautiful, for the leaves- 
 change to brown and golden before they fall, and carpet the ground 
 with their various colors. We walk abroad at night, and behold the 
 silver moon surrounded by her company of stars. Many of them 
 twinkle, a few give a steady light, while many are almost beyond our 
 sight. This shows that there is beauty in the heavens by night, a.=4 
 well as by day. When night covers the flowers and foli^ige with its 
 black robe, shuts out the rainbow, and hides all the brilliant hues of 
 summer and autumn, ten thousand distant orbs and worMs lend us 
 their sparkling lights and make the darkness over our heads beanti- 
 ful. The gloomiest period of the twenty-four hours is made pleasant 
 to ou.- eyes. In the cold months of winter the snow flakes fall to the 
 earth, covering it with a white mantle, and protectin g the germs 
 which are waiting for che coming of .spring. People cross the wide 
 ocean in ships or .steamers, and look out upon the waves as they chase 
 one another with white crests, and reflect the sun.shine like a thousand 
 mirrors. Some are delighted with this kind of beauty. Others trav^ 
 around the earth in search of what is most charming or magnificent. 
 But there are worlds of beauty which the eye alone cannot reach. By 
 the aid of the microscope a shapeless and colorless speck may be en- 
 larged to a wonderful thing of life, with brilliant colors and graceful 
 form. So the telescope opens to our eyes new regions of space, where 
 we can behold blazing suns and planets, surrounded by glittering 
 rings and attended by satellites. The.se suggest to us larger and 
 brighter scenes of landscape and sky than any on this earth. I sup- 
 pose the wise and kind Creator, who has covered this planet with so 
 many beautiful things, has also scattered them over other Worlds, and 
 put intelligent beings there to enjoy them. Man tries to create beauty, 
 
THE MUTES' OFFEBINQ. 1^ 
 
 but lie can cmly imitate nature. He can paint the objects wbicb he- 
 sees around him, but he cannot give life to his pictures. He tries to 
 restore the freshness and color of natural objects when they begin to-^ 
 fade. He often attempts to increase natural beauty, and destroys it- 
 It fills our hearts with joy when we look upon the panorama of nature* 
 which the Maker of all things has spread around us, under our feet 
 and over our heads. The imagination creates for itself scenes whick 
 are not real, but are pleasing to the mind. But we are taught to look 
 with an eye of faith to a brighter and happier world, where beauty is 
 not mixed with deformity. There age does not wrinkle the face, noir 
 sorrow dim the eye. The tempest never darkens the sky, and disease^ 
 never steals the bloom from the cheek. -The soul will be fair and 
 good, like all the objects around it. There the leaves will not wither,^ 
 the flowers will not fade. The spring will not disappear in summer^ 
 and summer will not die when autumn comes. The natural beauty of 
 earth and sky is but a type of the richer and grander beauty whicb 
 fills the realms of Paradise. 
 
 A. W. 
 
 Ve Meet but to Part. 
 
 The anticipation of the fact to which the thoughts are directed by 
 this tneme, is a perpetual source of sadness to some minds, and in sen- 
 sitive natures call forth bitter tears. Some of us can now feel the 
 truth of this sentiment by experience, though it has never before im- 
 pressed us. We are rejninded that a wide ocean rolls before us whose' 
 waves are relentlessly bearing us onward. We are conscious that our 
 thbughts rise and sink like the flow and ebb of the tide. Methinks 
 they fall into mournful moods, and again pour forth strains of glad- 
 ness and songs. There is said to be but a step between the sublime- 
 and the ridiculous. So in our emotions, the passage is often short 
 from exultation to sadness. Meeting and parting are common events 
 in human life, but they move the hearts of men with a thousand vi- 
 brations, and give expression to thoughts that find an echo in every 
 moralizing or poetizing fancy. We find this language in the pages of 
 our literature, both prose and poetry. It has been ringing in the ears 
 of men down through the generations, for thousands of years, and wilt 
 not rease till the end of time. It will stir the sympathies of men m 
 all the vicissitudes of human life. Look at home, the bond of society^ 
 the kingdom of the heart, where love, patience and self-sacrifice reign ; 
 the center around which gather smiling faces, affectionate friends and 
 sympathizing souls. Contemplate the changes that must occur in that 
 charmed spot. The demon of separation soon crosses the threshold: 
 
^0 THE MUTES' OFFEBINO. 
 
 and disturbs the calm of the cottage. One after another takes his de- 
 ■'.parture. We meet but to part, is the burden which oppresses every 
 lieart. The brave soldier, who leaves the family fireside to fight and 
 f)erhaps die for his country, never imagined that he would have to 
 cutter these ■words for the first time on such an occasion. How strong- 
 ly they impress our minds when bereft of some dear object of our af- 
 fection ! What an influence they exert over our wills ! How fre- 
 •quently they seem to come from the air, like the knell of our hopes, 
 '■casting their strange spell over our hours of repose ! The bonds of 
 •friendship tremble at their foreboding. No confidence of security can 
 •quiet the spirit. Their tones will never cease to terrify until we have 
 crossed the pearly threshold of heaven. This Institution has been my 
 home, and now I am about to take my leave. My eyes may never 
 again rest on these sacred walls, which for nearly half my life have 
 %een my dwelling place. These cherished associations must cease. 
 Cruel fate whispers that our time is fulfilled and we are destined to 
 part. Our first meeting was with aversion, afterwards we learned to 
 'love, and now we separate with regret. We must part, too, with our 
 teachers, whom we hold in such high regard ; whose generous sympa- 
 i;hy we have experienced in the struggling years of student life. 
 While under their instruction the time has sped swiftly yet safely. 
 Our labors have been lightened by their kind counsel and cheerful en- 
 •couragement. They have guided our feet in the paths of knowledge. 
 "We have traveled the rugged way and have reached the long-looked- 
 for goal. And now in the retrospect we think our school days, with 
 'their joys and .sorrows, will return no mose. Yet we rejoice that we 
 liave conquered the difficulties which met us, and have come safely 
 ^through the long and weary way. You, my friends, are plodding on 
 in the same path, and struggling against the same difficulties. Dare 
 •.and do, press onward, are the laws of progress; obey them and you 
 will win. We have secured a treasure more precious than rubies — 
 jewels that will never crumble or decay. If the truths which have 
 'been taught us from the bible, have led us to anchor our hopes in the 
 haven of immortality, the highest end of life has been attained. We 
 <;annot claim eminence in learning, yet we have acquired sufficient 
 'knowledge to pass through life with comfort and credit. We shall 
 ■•endeavor to employ the education we have received, while reason 
 Iiolds to her throne. This Institution is a fair tree which the State of 
 Indiana has jjlanted and nourished ; its fruits nre found scattered in 
 this and other States. Each year produces the swelling buds, the 
 opening flowers, and the ripened fruits How the vast fields of 
 knowledge spread out before us, inviting exploration and piomisiug 
 rich reward to the adventurer. Wherever we are we can find pleas- 
 
THE MUTES' OFFERING. 2f 
 
 ant intellectual recreations, with something new to learn and enjoy .- 
 Our thoughts will often wander back to the dear old Institution, and 
 our hearts long to look upon its happy inmates, but a voice will whis- 
 per to us that a great bay lies between. Our feet will no more mingle^ 
 in the clatter through these halls, and up and down these stairs. How 
 seldom shall we be remembered by the friends with whom we once- 
 walked on these shady lawns ! With oiir departure the happy mo- 
 ments are forever buried. Time marks everything with change » 
 Even the mountains shall crumble and the heavens pass away. Here- 
 we speak our farewells with shadowed faces, but at home we shall 
 greet the long absent ones with smiles of welcome. Within these^ 
 walls a voice comes softly as the fragrance of the flowers : " We meet- 
 but to part." We are even the first to pronounce these words m thia-- 
 new chapel. The lot has fallen to us-, and we do it with subdued feel- 
 ings. The mantle of mercy has been over us. Here in other days- 
 we first received, through the language of signs, the sweet messages of 
 the bible, taking the veil from our minds and driving away the 
 shadows which hang over us. We look out of these windows ; the- 
 blue heavens are specked with the vapor of the morning; the bold 
 sun glows upon us, and birds make the air vocal with their songs of 
 rejoicing. How can sorrow and discord come upon a scene so fair?" 
 But the sighing of the wind seems to break the sweet repose with a 
 '' good-bye." We are meditating upon the past, and old memories' 
 come stealing softly over our spirits, and we cling to the pleasing; 
 fancies. But school days, with their delightful associations, are ended.. 
 The sunshine is changed to cjouds, and noonday to moonless midnight. 
 But home will disperse the clouds, and bring again the sunbeams. We- 
 may drop a tear on the leaves of memory as we recall the thought 
 that we meet but to part. To-day the class of 1873 say farewell. To- 
 morrow we go forth in different directions to engage in the battle of 
 life. So large a portion of our early years have been spent here, that 
 home will seem almost strange. Though our thoughts and yearnings 
 have tended thither, yet we may find that our attachments are weak- 
 ened. And now, havir.g fulfilled this part of destiny, I bid you a re- 
 luctant, silent, and affectionate farewell. 
 
 M. F, 
 
 ♦ ♦ ♦ 
 
 Our Separation. 
 
 During the period of our instruction in school, we have thought but 
 little of its close. But now at last the day has arrived when our final 
 separation is to be a reality. For us the full course of stiidy has beeiit 
 completed, and we bid adieu to this Institution and its pleasant asso- 
 ciations. It has been to us the gateway to the land of light. The 
 
■22 THE MUTES' OFFERING. 
 
 aiine or ten years of study and labor, of social intercourse and recrea- 
 tion, cannot be closed without leaving lasting impressions and pro- 
 ducing strong emotion. With the improvement of mind and charac- 
 ter we have secured, we sever our connection with the Institution, 
 i)reak away from the companionship of our fellows, and enter upon 
 the ai'ena of the world ; perhaps to form new and pleasant friend- 
 ships, perhaps to meet its stern gaze and struggle amidst its rivalries. 
 
 But we go forth cheerfully, trusting that He who has so highly 
 favored us hitherto will be our helper all the way through. The peo- 
 ple of Indiana have placed us under great obligations in founding and 
 maintaining this Institution for the education of deaf mutes. But for 
 their benevolence, so heartily expressed by every assembly of their 
 Eepresentatives, our condition would have been sad and helpless. We 
 thank our kind Father of all, that he has been pleased to inspire the 
 hearts of his creatures to care so tenderly for their less fortunate 
 children, and provide the means for their mental and moral culture. 
 We shall endeavor to fulfil these obligations by being faithful citizens 
 and useful members of society. 
 
 To our respected Trustees, we improve this last opportunity in ex- 
 pressing our gratitude for permitting us to enter this Institution, enjoy 
 its privileges, and receive its benefits. Language cannot convey the 
 full measure of the thanks we would utter. The bounty of the State 
 lias been wisely dispensed, and we leave this place carrying with us 
 the fruits of your care, in minds enlightened and disciplined for the 
 work of life. We wish you large usefulness in your official relations 
 liere, and bid you farewell. 
 
 To our beloved Superintendent, we owe a debt which we cannot es- 
 timate, much less pay. We have received our share of the life labor 
 lie has devoted to the welfare of the deaf and dumb. This Institu- 
 tion with its surroundings, one of the finest in this broad land, these 
 -yarious departments so well arranged, these grades of children a.d 
 youth advancing in knowledge and skill, all show how earnestly your 
 days and nights have been given to planning and executing schemes 
 for our improvement and happiness. Though we go out from your 
 parental care, we cannot forget the wise and afiectionate counsel we 
 have received, the spiritual instruction given, the prayers unceasingly 
 ofifered for us. We hope your days of usefulness will be many, and 
 your final reward great. With filial regard we reluctantly express to 
 you our final farewell. 
 
 To our dear Matrons, we extend a parting salutation and words of 
 adieu. If we need the kind heart and ready hand of an Institution 
 father, what could this great family of children do without sympa- 
 
THE. MUTES' OFFERING. 23 
 
 thizers to stand in the place of mothers? We hope the young ladies 
 will allow us boys a share in the gratitude due to these faithful offi- 
 cials. In health and in sickness, in every domestic relation of the In- 
 stitution, your kind and qaiet hands have ever ministered to our com- 
 fort and welfare. You have been to not a few of us, all the mothers 
 we have among the living. ' We cannot forget you. Though with re- 
 gret, we are compelled to say to you farewell. 
 
 , To our faithful teachers, how much we would like to say. We came 
 here ignorant; the world of nature was a mystery to us; the volumes 
 of knowledge were a vast blank. The names of our dearest friends 
 were unknown to most of us. From feeble beginnings you have led 
 us along the slow and toilsome way of learning. Now, thanks to 
 your patient labors, we feel able to go alone. You have given us the 
 key of knowledge, and taught us to go boldly and search for its other 
 treasures with our own strength. We shall remember you with glad- 
 ness, even when our idleness and folly have compelled you to give de- 
 served reproof. May your labors of love be lengthened many a year, and 
 joyful graduates for many a year signify to you, as we do now, a heart- 
 felt farewell. 
 
 To our dear schoolmates, our brothers and sisters of this large In- 
 stitution family, we would say a few words. We should rejoice to 
 greet you again on the opening of a new term, and enjoy your annual 
 partings and returns. We have studied and labored together; we 
 Lave mingled in happy hours of amusement and social intercourse; 
 we have sorrowed together when some of our fellow pupils have 
 fallen by disease. But now we leave you. We know not whether we 
 shall see all your faces again. Study diligently ; improve the hours 
 of study and labor ; be hungry for knowledge ; render a cheerful and 
 prompt obedience to all the rules of the Institution ; live in peace 
 with one another ; and when the day of departure shall come, and, as 
 we do now, you bid adieu to the friends and associations of school-life, 
 the world will welcome you among its army of useful laborers ; you 
 will carry with you the means of happiness for yourselves, and the 
 ability to make others happy. And now, dear friends, all, we com- 
 mend you and ourselves also to the care and the mercy of Him who 
 loves to bless his creatures, and who is worthy of our affection and 
 trust. To each and all, we give an affectionate farewell. 
 
 B. 0. C. 
 
24 THE MUTES' OFFERING. 
 
 Our Institution, 
 
 This Institution for the education of the deaf and dumb, has beere 
 built more than twenty years, and from its commencement to the 
 present has admitted about a thousand deaf mutes. It was commenced 
 in the year 1848, but several years previous to the erection of this- 
 building the school was begun in the railroad city. The number of 
 pupils has been increasing almost every year till the present time, and^ 
 now there are two hundred and fifty. Until the year 1843 there was 
 no school for deaf mutes in Indiana. In the autumn of that year Mr. 
 Wm. Willard, long a teacher in the Institution at Columbus, Ohio^ 
 came here and attempted to induce the people of this State to organ- 
 ize a school, and to [support it out of public funds raised by taxa- 
 tion. The effort was successful. He engaged in the enterprise with 
 zeal, and traveled over the country on horseback, to persuade the 
 friends of the deaf mutes to send them to Indianapolis, in order to 
 secure for them a good education. After diligent effort, he found there 
 were but a few pupils in the school in the year 1844, but he taught 
 them so zealously and successfully, that for several seasons the num- 
 ber of pupils became greater and greater, audit was necessary to erect 
 a new building for the school. Therefore he laid the subject before 
 the members of the legislature, and asked for an appropriation of 
 money to erect such a house. They were unanimously agreed to help 
 this object with money. In the meantime Mr. James Brown was 
 chosen principal of this school, and Mr. Willard became a 
 teacher. In a few years after the buildings were erected, Mr. Browu 
 resigned and became the superintendent of the Louisiana Institute for 
 deaf, dumb and blind, at Baton Rouge. Mr. Thomas Mclntire suc- 
 ceeded him upon his retirement. He has been engaged here as 
 principal for eighteen years. During that time he has been improving 
 the buildings and perfecting the system of .instruction, bringing it to 
 its present condition of usefulness. We know without doubt that the 
 pupils will always remember him as a father, on account of his uni- 
 form kindness and care of them, and will desire to retain him in his 
 position for life. Night and day he has given his thought and labor 
 to the unceasing duties of his office. He has been led by the motive 
 of doing good to an unfortunate class, and securing their education 
 and intellectual and moral elevation in all future time. We should 
 love him as our benefactor, and cherish toward him the deepest grati- 
 tude. 
 
 We picture it in the imagination as first a seed, then a tree that 
 continually grows larger and larger, until it becomes widespread, and 
 bears fruit abundantly in coming years, under a careful cultivation. 
 
THE 3IUTES' OFFERING. 26 
 
 We desire this Institution to stand as long as the earth rolls on its 
 axis and performs its annual circuit i-ound the sun. As ripened fruits 
 each returning autumn are separated from the parent tree, so may 
 those who have completed their period of study, take their leave, only 
 to fill places of usefulness for which they have been qualified. We 
 are not exempt from the common ills of life. Sometimes disease com- 
 pels one to return to his home and place himself under the care of his 
 friends. Occasionally, but seldom, however, we are called to perform 
 the sad duty of following the mortal remains of some stricken one to 
 his last resting place. In the annual partings and returns, we some- 
 times miss an expected face, and learn that his place is vacant at home 
 as well as here. But a kind Providence has thus far highly favored 
 our little community. We came here helpless in our infirmity, en- 
 veloped in mental and moral darkness. We could but faintly under- 
 stand the purpose of remaining, or the object of these books, slates, 
 and apparatus for instruction. Our minds have been awakened ; in- 
 telligence has dawned upon our understandings. The light of knowl- 
 edge has banished our darkness ; the world has been revealed to us in 
 its operations and laws. We have become acquainted with ourselves 
 as moral and accountable beings. The gospel has revealed its spiritual 
 benefits, and offers life and immortality to our acceptance. Though 
 our infirmity has not been removed, yet it has been compensated. If 
 the ear has been closed never to be opened in this life, the eye has 
 been doubly quickened and the perception doubly sharpened. 
 Sound has ceased to be the mystery it once was, for its laws and" ope- 
 rations have been made familiar. 
 
 This Institution, founded and sustained by the benevolence of the 
 State, confers upon us the advantages bestowed by the common schools 
 upon the other children in the community. We here become qualified 
 to be citizens of an independent State, discharging the duties and en- 
 joying the privileges of free men. If we cannot make speeches on 
 the platform, we can make known our sentiments through the printing 
 press. And though we may not aid directly in making the laws, we 
 can help choose the law-makers, and what is better, we know how to 
 obey them. Let us remember with gratitude the dear parents and 
 kind friends who have provided the means of sending and keeping us 
 here until we have completed the course of study. They have en- 
 couraged us to diligence in study and exemplary conduct. They have 
 deprived themselves of comforts to bestow them upon us. Let us feel 
 how great are the obligations we are under to them, and omit no op- 
 portunity to manifest our gratitude by making such return as we are, 
 able, to solace them in their declining years. During these years we 
 
 3 
 
27 THE MUTES' OFFERING. 
 
 have been spending liappy tiours in the society of our schoolmates and 
 teachers, who have been enthusiastic in improving our intellects and 
 trying to bring us out of mental darkness. Now we are expecting to 
 graduate and bid adieu to these associates and guardians, who have so 
 long labored with us and for us. 
 
 These scenes will remain fixed in our memories ; these instructions 
 will direct our conduct. The habits here formed will shape our lives. 
 We must trust in the same Providence who has dealt so kindly with 
 us heretofore, and go forth to the duties and responsibilities of life 
 with courage and honesty of purpose. May prosperity ever attend 
 the progress of this Institution, and the blessing of heaven rest upon 
 all within its walls. 
 
 J. J. C. 
 
 Bare and Bo. 
 
 There is nothing more striking and wonderful than the constant ac- 
 tivity that pervades the whole system of nature. That was, indeed, 
 a most natural and beautiful theory announced by the old philosopher 
 when he said, " All things are in a perpetual flow." That there is no 
 being but all is becoming, is the universal principle. How astonished 
 would be the scientific world, should some astronomer reveal the ex- 
 istence of a star without an orbit ; a star, that stood motionless in 
 space^ that joined not in the niarch of revolving systems, and chimed 
 not in with the music of the spheres ! Still greater would be our sur- 
 prise at the revelation of a pulseless world, a world that teemed not 
 with busy life; where were landscapes that rested in eternal stillness; 
 groves that never heard the sweet melodies of song, and oceans ever 
 resting, stagnant and vile, that sent not their crystal waters to the dis- 
 tant shore ; no vernal gales, nor running streams, nor gathering storms, 
 to enliven the universal calm. Such a world would the Almighty 
 ■wipe as a foul reproach from the fair bright fields of creation. • 
 
 But scenes more wonderful and terrible than this, deform the uni- 
 ■verse of mind. Around the central sun of universal being, a few 
 fulfill their destined course, approaching in ever narrowing circles the 
 divine effulgence ; but the unnumbered many exist but as lifeless 
 worlds, or aimles^y wander oif into the cold and cheerless void be- 
 yond the limits of life and happiness. Yet compare matter and mind 
 and see how infinitely superior is the one to the other. What, is this 
 boundless creation with its mysterious systems and profound wonders ? 
 'We answer, it is merely the temporary dwelling place of pure being. 
 
THE MUTES' OFFERING. 28 
 
 "wliich shall sooner or later burst the enclosure, and cast it aside as a 
 forgotten garment ; and when the bold bright stars are dark as death 
 dust, the soul shall only have entered on its youthful existence ; it 
 shall smile above the universal waste, and bid defiance to the elements 
 of destruction. 
 
 It is then the all wonderful immortal mind is sublime in its action. 
 Beflect and think of its vast resources of power and means of enjoy- 
 ment. There is reason, with her boundless stores and precious mines 
 of thought. There extend the fair bright realms of imagination, 
 adorned with ever varying beauty. And there, too, is fancy, ever 
 creating her forms of loveliness, spreading her vail over life's deepest 
 doom, and spanning every scene of despair with the bright rainbow of 
 hope. Memory says to the past. Give up thy precious treasures, thy 
 teachings of wisdom, thy scenes of fadeless beauty ; and they present 
 themselves all glowing with their original freshness. Hope antici- 
 pates the joys of a boundless future, and crowds them into a moment 
 of time. 
 
 It is likened unto one who stands upon a promontory, and looks out 
 upon the broad expanse of ocean, and back upon a continent teeming 
 with populous cities, while above stretches the deep mysterious sky. 
 Just so the mind is capable of taking a perspective view of life's 
 coming joys, surveying the past with its ever thronging memories, and 
 .exploring an eternity of limitless hopes. H;w mysterious and sub- 
 lime are the operations of the human will. Motive and circumstance 
 and impulse may determine its destined course, but when once roused 
 to action the whole being must yield to its sway. As the movement 
 of one planet from its course is felt throughout its celestial sphere, so 
 one vibration in the great chord of moral sympathy sends trembling 
 to its remotest limits. If such be the ultimate consequences of human 
 effort, we cannot but deem it the highest aim of our lives to give it 
 direction and energy. The forms and uses of matter are continually 
 changing, and everything around us perishes. But these vast capaci- 
 ties of power and influence shall exist forever. As the gay butterfly 
 springs joyously from its cell, as the freed fountain bursts forth from 
 its rocky bed, so shall the soul seek a wider sphere, a more exalted 
 ife, when freed from the shackles of mortality. 
 
 And does not action become a being intrusted with such high 
 iestinies ? Shall man dishonor his high vocation, and choose a life of 
 nglorious ease ? Universal humg,nity must answer, no ! The little in- 
 ! ect may flit away its summer existence amid fields aud flowers ; the 
 Drute, devoid of reason, may live only for the pleasure of sense ; but 
 
29 THE MUTES' OFFERING. 
 
 as for man, his character is forever forming for an endless existence, 
 his capacities ever widening for a boundless sphere. His deeds do 
 but foreshadow a destiny, a destiny more lasting than time itself. Yes, 
 time. 0, time ! desolator of kingdoms, transformer of the earth and 
 of the heavens, at whose touch life becomes death, hearts cease to beat, 
 the ties of earthly bliss are severed, thrones crumble into dust, and 
 all things perishable dissolve. We ought not to let these immortal 
 energies lie dormant, but call them into glorious activity. True, there 
 are attractions in a life of ease. Indolence has her castle ever filled 
 with the thronging crowd. Through all her enchanted realms there, 
 are flowery paths that lead to oblivion, and pleasant arbors that in- 
 vite to sweet repose. Her victims yield to the soothing spell, and sink 
 in dreamy slumber. But honor, nobly won honor, dwells not there. 
 He that seeks the highest excellence, must toil for it ; toil with an 
 earnest purpose and a determined will. 
 
 It is not ease and pleasure, but labor and conflict and victory, that 
 are noble. " We should live in deeds, not years ; in thoughts, not 
 breaths." He most lives who thinks most, feels the noblest, and acts 
 the best. Many di£&culties will present themselves in our path to 
 success ; but brave them, for therein consists one of the chief glories 
 of existence. It is opposition that nerves the noble soul to conflict, 
 and gives it the joys of triumph. 
 
 Every organized thing is glowing with life and movement. Every 
 tiny sleeping germ of animal and vegetable life, although lying dor- 
 mant for a while, soon springs up, wide • awake, and is ever active, 
 faithfully fulfilling the mission for which Providence hath designed it. 
 There are the lilies of the field. We behold their exquisite beauty, 
 itheir elegant and tasteful adornment, their symmetrical forms, their 
 delicate and beautiful coloring, their velvety softness and delicious 
 fragrance. But there also stands in contrast the rough and thorny 
 hedge. When we say that the flower has no care for itself, we do not 
 mean that it does not exercise its appointed functions of life. It 
 steadily and carefully draws nutriment from earth and air. It even 
 turns upward its face to the kiss of the sunbeams. No function of 
 life elaborating growth or beauty is neglected. 
 
 The true hero lingers not in the low valley of ease, but seeks the 
 rough and stormy eminence, and climbs the rugged heights where 
 honor lies. Let the youthful being who starts on life's eventful course, 
 possess a heart to do and dare. Let him seek for mental life and 
 moral excellence, with earnest tail, by which alone they may be won. 
 Then let opposition buff'et him, let persecution harrass his path, and 
 
THE MUTES' OFFERING. 30 
 
 evil spread its enchantments, friends turn false, and foes unite. Such 
 obstacles will be but stepping stones in his onward march to victory. 
 
 Having completed the prescribed term of study in the Institution, 
 five of us will terminate our relations with it as pupils, two to prose- 
 cute the higher branches of science in college, three to go forth as we 
 may be able, and as God shall give us strength and opportunity, to 
 dare and do. But we cannot forget the unwearied kindness with which 
 during all the years of our school life you have dispensed the bounty 
 of the State for our highest welfare. Our beloved Superintendent, the 
 Trustees under whose counsel he has acted, the officers of the Insti- 
 tute who have aided him, not omitting the members of his family, we 
 must always hold in grateful remembrance. May their eminent use- 
 fulness be long continued, and receive its rich reward. Dear fellow- 
 pupils, our materia] duties, our pleasant intercourse, are about to 
 cease. Classmates, we have been mutual helpers in toiling up the hill 
 of science ; now we must bid each other adieu and go forth to the bat- 
 tle of life, with such aid as God shall give to brave hearts and toiling 
 hands. Let our lives prove worthy of the lessons we have received, 
 and our example invite those who shall come after us, to dare and do 
 in every good work. To each one and all we tender our earnest 
 wishes for your future welfare, and not without regret, yet with high 
 hope, a closing farewell. 
 
 I AM DEAF. 
 
 Bright and beautiful fcrms of earth, 
 
 Are living, acting, and moving round me; 
 Playmates, alive with youthful mirth, 
 
 Ever loving and kind I've found thee. 
 
 The very air in whicli I move 
 
 Seems to be an atmosphere of joy ; 
 All round me are the ones I love — 
 
 All seems pleasure, yet 'tis mixed'with alloy. 
 
 Though I live and move in this fairj^ scene. 
 
 And play an active part with hearty will, 
 Yet o'er my heariua; there is a screei^ — 
 
 Sweet sounds to me forever still. 
 
 The stillness of this gladsome air, 
 
 Is li;je the dead calm on ocean's wave; 
 Around mg all is bright and fair. 
 
 Yet sound is hushed, and still as the grave. 
 
 I list, but cannot hear the sweet birds sing, 
 Nor hear the breejce that makes the forest wave; 
 
 I cannot iiear the joyous sounds of spring- 
 All, all is still, and silent as Ihe grave. 
 
 S. C. W. 
 
31 THE MUTES' OFFERING. 
 
 Farewell. 
 
 This little word is fragrant with meaning, and laden with the sweet 
 odors of friendships nurtured by long years of loving intercourse now 
 to terminate, but to be cherished in memory forever. Sweet word ! 
 sad word ! We utter you to-day, though we linger for a while in 
 these scenes, where our life has flowed sweetly along through the few 
 and rapid years of study. There is a pleasure in the associations of 
 school. Farewell ! sad and long remembered word. How often have 
 we clasped the fond and loving hatid of a father, a mother, or friend, 
 and received the parting kiss ; and with what a heavy heart we took 
 a long last look, when they spoke the sad word and the wish of wel- 
 fare to us at parting. 
 
 Perhaps we go out from the loved parents or affectionate friends, 
 for the few or many years of the future ; but can we lose the remem- 
 brance of the latest word? No, never. It is a little word, and not 
 so hard as it is sad to utter ; and it would be sadder still did we know 
 surely that it would be the last word. iVEany have parted froGi the 
 dear parents or friends, thinking to return again after a brief time. 
 But the Father above, who is wiser than we, had determined other- 
 wise ; and before the reunion, he had taken the dear one to embellish 
 his own bi'ight world, to which he is gathering the brightest spirits 
 that adorn the earth. And when the mournful news reaches us, what 
 words can tell the thoug-hts that crowd before our minds, and the 
 thousand incidents that memory recall. It is when we know that 
 they are gone away from us, where we can see them no more ; it is 
 then we feel the true iorce and real power of the little wish of wel- 
 fare at parting. We are made glad to see the happy company, even 
 in imagination. It is impossible to tell how happy we shall be to see 
 our dear parents ; but we knoAv not when we shall be permitted to 
 return here and see you again in the future years. 
 
 The few graduates of each year will confess, that it is one of the^ 
 most serious events of their lives to be compelled to look for the last 
 time upon this honored place, now no 'longer their home. We may 
 perhaps be compelled to say farewell to other friends, again and again, 
 as we go down the path of life. Some, who have been our com- 
 panions in childhood, and have grown up with us, will bid us adieu. 
 They go to a distant State, perhaps to make a new home and form 
 new acquaintances. If they ever return to view the scenes of their 
 early life, all will seem changed to them, and they will appear changed 
 to us. The winds and sun will have faded the roses on their cheeks. 
 We have no desire of going far from the friends of our youth, and we 
 
THE MUTES' OFFERING. 32 
 
 deem tliat we had better never be separated from them. We should 
 not treat them lightly. Our wish would be to remain with you, but 
 it is best that, like others of us, we should leave this beautiful Institu- 
 tion. We will exchange our farewell greetings with the long cherished 
 friends who have been our companions in study and in work, in joy 
 and in sorrow. They will return to complete their course of instruc- 
 tion, and repeat the tender adieus which are so painful to us. When 
 their time arrives to graduate, they will realize that it is a very hard 
 and mournful duty to sever these ties. 
 
 We have increased our knowledge by study. We must keep our 
 hearts with all diligence, and temper our lives by industry. We must 
 remember the lessons of advice, so often received from those who de- 
 sire our highest welfare. We must be faithful in performing the 
 duties of life. The pam of parting with friends here, is mingled with 
 the joy of meeting with the dear friends and kindred of home. We 
 look back and feel that our years have been very short, and that the 
 changes which in nine or ten years have taken place, will influence 
 our lives forever. 
 
 We shall remember our dear friends. We know thi^t they have been 
 anxious for our improvement. It is with the deepest gratitude that 
 we appear here to-day and thank them for their sympathy and zeal 
 in our behalf, during the years we have spent in this beautiful place. 
 It will afford us pleasure deep and lasting, that we shall ever keep our 
 esteemed friends here in the most grateful remembrance. In this 
 pleasant and beautiful place, with a sad heart and grateful tears, we 
 bid you farewell. We have not seen our Trustees every day, but we 
 have always considered them as kind gentlemen, M^ho loved to see us 
 happy and increasing in knowledge, and who governed the Institution 
 for our benefit. We honor them and thank them, and bid them fare- 
 well. Our Superintendent, our friend anrl adviser, our teacher and 
 father, we cannoi rell how much we owe lum and his kind family, and 
 we never can forget them. But we must say to them farewell. The 
 Matron, I can say especiall}^ for the girls, must ever have an affection- 
 ate place in our memoiie.s and in our hearts. To them, our institution 
 mothers, we say farewell. Our teachers, particularly those who have 
 taught us in the school-room, we shall grarefuliy remember while we 
 enjoy the fruits of their labors. To them also we say farewell. To 
 the other officers, and to all who have so kindly cared for our welfare, 
 and made onr years nf instruction so happy — officers, pupils, domes- 
 tics, we bid you each and all adieu. 
 
 A. W. 
 
33 THE MUTES' OFFERING. 
 
 Happy Days Gone By. 
 
 The years that have passed are no more. They are gone forever. 
 The happy days we have spent will be constantly before ns in the 
 future. The pleasant seasons we have enjoyed here will return no 
 more. Friends who were loved and cherished, who brightened our 
 youthful days during their short sojourn here, have perished. Those 
 youthful days have gone to the vast receptacle of the past, and we 
 look anxiously to see what the future will iDring us. While some have 
 departed from us, and we cannot look upon their faces again, we know 
 not how soon we may he called to part with other beloved ones. We 
 feel almost alone withoiit them, though we can seek others who per- 
 chance may be as dear to us, but can we find those who will really 
 fill the places of the departed, whom we can ag fondly and truly love, 
 and in whom we can place the same confidence? ! it is impossible. 
 We recall the past ■when we were thoughtless and wayward — the very 
 spot, the woods and walks, which were and will always be as familiar 
 to us as household words — where we were free to frolic and enjoy our- 
 selves to our heart's content, with not the least trouble, thought or 
 care, to mar our pleasures. 0, the pleasant days gone by ! Now, 
 sterner duties stare us in the face. We realize our conditions and our 
 duties. We look around and behold each one of us doing something 
 for his own future usefulness and comfort ; and we feel and know that 
 so must we go to work, and take an active part in the great busy world 
 in which we move. The world is wide, and each one and all have a 
 part to perform. It was not our Creator's design that we should re- 
 main idle, or go through this life "on flowery beds of ease." Then let 
 us be up and doing, and fill our post nobly. Now, as sterner duties 
 face us, and we are each day to meet with trials, and are surrounded 
 by temptations, let us gird ourselves to face them. Many precious 
 days and years have been given us to read, study, and improve our 
 minds for future usefulness. They are becoming stronger, and being 
 fitted for the duties and responsibilities of life, in the part which 
 Providence may call us to act among our fellows. We wish to use 
 wisely the education we have received. The pleasant holidays of the 
 past years have gone to the memories of blissful days, to return here 
 no more. We have reached the present year and the closing exercises 
 of the session. We wouM like to linger and lengthen out these pleas- 
 ant associations. We have been cheerful, and had a glorious time 
 during the coming and departing years. We are deeply gi-atefal, and 
 can truly say that we never shall forget the kindness of those who 
 
THE MUTES' OFFEBLNG. 34 
 
 have conferred upon us this happiness and these benefits. We have 
 received our share of these benefits, and now depart for others to take 
 our places and receive like advantages. May the happiness we have en- 
 joyed be theirs. These pleasant halls and grounds will resound with 
 the gladness of our own blissful days, while we occupied this beauti- 
 ful place. The happy days accompany us to the last, and now while 
 we can see so many beauties of nature, the joyous hours crowd upon 
 us. They will be cherished and give us peaceful memories for our 
 whole lives. All the beauties of returning seasons will come out in 
 the future years, and give happiness to every Jiving thing. We should 
 rejoice in all this abundance of joy and beauty. But ! how they 
 will remind us of the old delights of times gone by. Our loving 
 friends have tried to promote the good and happiness of us all with 
 great kindness. Oar society and social enjoyments were furnished us 
 in the simple pleasures 'of our youthful days. We look back upon the 
 past, and they seem to have been our happiest days. But we think 
 the past does not contain all our happiness. The future is full of 
 hope. Why should it not be as full of happiness as we can expect in 
 this life? We were born for the future, and while the past is remem- 
 bered and cherished, we will look forward witn courage, and expect 
 better things. The days are pleasant and joyous, as our lives pass 
 and our duties are performed. The future is full of peace and hope. 
 We are made happy to sojourn here, and fulfill our mission and des- 
 tiny. We should be thankful to the Author of all blessings for the 
 benefits, improvement and enjoyments we have experienced during 
 the past years. The graduates have now to close their connection 
 with the Institution. We shall soon leave these pleasant scenes and 
 associations. We bid an affectionate adieu to all our esteemed friends. 
 We have reached the close of our last school year. Perhaps we shall 
 visit these familiar scenes no more, tiiougli we hope it may be cur 
 privilege to' look upon them again. 
 
 A. M. K 
 
 Pleasant Thoughts. 
 
 In my room I sit, and while' busy culling my thoughts, I see the 
 sun just peeping out of the silvery clouds, that are shaded with purple 
 and edged with amber. His warm beams touch my face, and the soft 
 zephyrs play with the ringlets on my shoulders. As I look out of the 
 window, fancy directs my thoughts, and brings her visions so near to 
 my eyes, that she seems to have unveiled her creations in all their 
 
35 THE MUTES' OFFERING. 
 
 picturesqueness. Now I can recognize the songs of birds in the air, 
 and the echoes of the busy dwellers on the earth, which always ac- 
 company the rising sun. The roses open wide their petals ; the dew 
 kisses the blushing flowers and then disappears ; while the su.n pours 
 his burning heat upon their heads, till their pride droops and their 
 beauty languishes. But to behold the flowers withering and fading, ' 
 does not give me pleasant thoughts, and I try to keep the tears from 
 starting-; for I remember that my parents were once my comfort, but 
 they were taken away by disease. But they were removed to shine 
 as spirits of light in heaven. These thoughts soothe my grief, and 
 give me hopes of a happy future. I lift my eyes to the sky, and near 
 the horizon I see a volume of black clouds approaching the zenith, 
 and soon the crystal drops descend in torrents that flood the earth 
 with water. But the air is refreshed, the sun shines again, and the 
 heavens are glowing with its radiant beams. The rainbow spans the 
 eastern sky. It is a token that there will not be another deluge. In- 
 deed there is no danger of water again destroying the world. We see 
 the assurance of the Father above, showing us that these things are 
 his own handiwork. It gilds the globe with so much beauty and 
 grandeur, that it cannot be fully described. While colors illuminate 
 the earth, methinks there is a world beyond thig. The earth is 
 mantled with green, and shrubs and flowers begin to appear in their 
 freshness, and woo the gentle breeze. The rain has sprinkled the 
 earth with silvery drops; the sun breaks forth, reflecting its light on 
 them, and they all dazzle like crystal jewels. These things make my 
 thoughts flow as the murmuring stream. The brook comes from the 
 hill, unites with other streams, and all go in an unbroken river to join 
 the mighty sea. So my thoughts, having begun to move, are joining 
 with others whidi flow farther and become wider, till they cannot be 
 counted. I have old and new thoughts which are not quiet, but pleas- 
 ant; a mind whose imaginings can reach tO' the throne of heaven. 
 There we may never check their activity, nor will we forget the hard 
 and rugged way that we have traveled. The thoughts of sorrow and 
 trouble in this dreary world will end, and we shall bid farewell, but 
 not forever, to friends who have tried to cherish and protect us. Our 
 guardian spirit will lead us to the climes of bliss, to live with the 
 hosts of happy beings torever and ever more. Shall we see our prom- 
 ised home, whose streets are of pure gold, and the gates of precious 
 stones, and the river that flows by the throne of God? There we 
 need no more the light of the sun ; for the Lord himself, who built 
 these mansions, and spread out their magnificence, will be their glory. 
 We shall dream, of our afflictions, and the years will have no end. 
 
THE MUTES' OFFERING. 
 
 36 
 
 Here we behold the everlasting mountains, whose breath is perfect re- 
 pose and whose crowns are perpetual snow. They are majestic, but 
 have no charms. There is a mountain that faces the mighty ocean. 
 On the beach we find golden sands and thousands of pearly shells. ^ 
 Oh, how great is the contrast between the mountain and the ocean ! 
 We may walk upward toward the' top, and obtain a glance of the dif- 
 ferent regions of the earth and. their productions. Look on the ocean 
 when the heavens are dead with the thick and black clou<ls, and be- 
 hold the forked lightning playing on the water, and the wind causing 
 the ship to dance as a feather. More and more^they alarm the people 
 on board. The raging waters seem as if they were going to take the 
 vessel to the bottomless depths. None are able to save that winged 
 vessel. Mountains show the splendors of the earth, and explain the 
 miracles of ancient times. Yea, wonderful miracles occurred upon 
 them. There God gave the ten commandments, on the tables of stone, 
 to Moses, and there was his burial place. On a mountain Jesus was 
 tempted, and on the mount transfigured. Sometimes people have 
 thoughts of traveling from the Old WorW to the New, to perceive 
 the wondrous works of our Maker. Some go to Niagara Falls to see 
 the grand operations of nature, to hear the waters dash and plunge 
 far down the precipice in a spray of white foam, and behold how 
 beautifully they are spanned with rainbows. They are radiant with 
 these arches of light, caused by the sun and moon when their rays fall 
 on the mists below. Men sometimes feel as if they were standing m 
 a world of their own ; but here their thoughts cannot forget whose 
 great hand takes hold of its magnificences. In the South there is the 
 Paradise of the earth. I call it so on account of its wealth, beauty, 
 and infinite variety of trees and flowers, fruits and animal life. Me- 
 thinks there should be little labor there. The earth yields all that 
 can gratify the most delicate tastes, and the thoughts can revel m 
 dreams of the future. Yet in this lovely clime, that glows with 
 beautiful colors and fragrant flowers, whose odors are borne upon the 
 air to the distant shores, the beasts of prey roam and fill the heart 
 with terror. Who can hear the roaring of the lion and see the crawl- 
 ing reptile, and enjoy the charms of nature? These thoughts are not 
 pleasant dreams, but frightful fancies. The air is filled with the voices 
 of wonderful birds that flit among the branches, wearing garments of 
 orange and blue, green and gold. Their melodious songs make the 
 forests constantly ring with music. My thoughts grow weary with 
 the objects which crowd upon them. Every day they wander over 
 the happv or sorrowful hours and years that are past, or lie along our 
 path to the grave. But still nature adorns the earth with beauty, and 
 
37 THE MUTES' OFFERING. 
 
 its sounds compel us to listen to its reverberations of music or mourn- 
 ing. The time comes when our dearest friends must take their de- 
 parture from this world, to be with us here no more. We look upon 
 them for the last time, and follow them to the grave. Their monu- 
 ments tell us that they have gone to their rest ; and we may stand by 
 the chiselled marble to mourn, and water with our tears the roses that 
 bloom over them. We love to read the inscriptions written above 
 them. Though our thoughts are sad, we hope to meet them again. 
 Though we do not see them as we once did, yet their last tender and 
 sad words often whisper to us. We are lost in wonder why they are 
 so soon gone to rest ; but their voices seem to echo the songs of bliss 
 to the sacred spot where we are meditating. These precious thoughts 
 of the absent ones, often save us from being plunged into despondency. 
 
 M. F. 
 
 Faded Blossoms, 
 
 I held in my hand a bunch of faded flowers, the leaves dry and 
 withox^ed, the petals crushed and drooping — pure, white, and beauti- 
 ful in outline. I had gathered them with gladness, and placed them 
 on my bosom where their sweet fragrance breathed a pleasant accom- 
 paniment to the dreamy thoughtsof the summer eve. Now the rosy 
 morn peeped over fche hills, and their sisters outside were lifting up 
 their dew-crowned heads to the glad sunlight, while they meekly 
 bowed theirs, as if they would reproach by their sadness the rude 
 hand that had wrought their desolation. Poor, little, abused flowers. 
 Again I lifted them to my nostrils. Ah ! the fragrance was there yet, 
 just as sweet and delicious as when they gayly nodded to the touch of 
 the caressing wind. This humble sweetness seemed to plead for them, 
 and I put them aHvay in a drawer, that their odor might leave a last- 
 ing memento of their life, and the enjoyment they gave me. And 
 then I thought of other faded blossoms, fairer, sweeter, better ; yet so 
 fragrant that although their early plucking had wrung bitCer tears of 
 agony from my inmo.st soul, yet the sn'-eet odor lingereth still, and 
 will bear fruit "even unto the perfe;'.t day." 
 
 Last winter there was a funeral — -bur no matter. This funeral was 
 more to me than other funerals, because it was the last tribute paid to 
 a faded blossom that I dearly I'ove'l. A stranger would have seen 
 nothing but the wasted form of a young girl in that casket of clay; 
 but I saw more, gazing with eye.^ that had both known and loved. I 
 saw a beautiful life and triumphant death ; a face glorified by the love 
 ■of the Lord Jesus. I saw the sevei-ing; of a friendship cemented by 
 hours of loving intercourse, and gi'aud les.sons of patience anrl humil- 
 
THE MUTES' OFFERING. 3S 
 
 ity taught in those months of heroic suffering, as she gradually passed 
 away in the relentless grasp of consumption. I saw a dying hour 
 crowned with glory, and dark eyes looking into mine with the calm 
 light of peace and unbounded trust. I heard a feeble voice praising 
 God with its last breath, and saw white hands lifted in earnest en- 
 treaty for the cause of her Saviour, until the last pulse was still, and 
 the sweet mouth was silent forever. This is what I saw m that coffin, 
 and the sweet fragrance of that faded blossom will cling to my heart 
 forever. And yet another faded blossom. I saw, one day, a baby die 
 — a sweet, golden-haired baby, with dark luminous eyes, and coy, 
 sweet mouth, ever inviting love and kisses — a mere waif on the great 
 tide of humanity, yet its mother's darling and its father's pride — their 
 first born, and first jewel from the love they bore each other. United 
 to me by ties of blood, it had gradually twined itself around my heart, 
 and when the tendrils that had grown but two years, were broken, I 
 wept over the faded blossom, from my own sorrow, as well as over the 
 agony of that pale-faced mother, who consigned her treasure to the 
 grave with throes more deep than when she gave it birth. Dear, faded 
 blossom, buried with anguish and tears, your fragrance still lingers 
 and bears fruit in the better life of those who so deeply felt your loss. 
 Oh! these faded blossoms, how thick they fall ; how hard to release 
 to the breath of the destroyer. 
 
 They are not always our friends, they are not always types of hu- 
 manity, these blossoms wrenched from our selfish grasp, that the fra- 
 grance and the losing may make us purer and better, if we will but 
 recognize our Father's hand. Sometime it is the humbling of a vain 
 ambition, as the blasting of hopes that have become interwoven with 
 our very life ; or it may be some heavy personal affliction, or the bear- 
 ing of some heavy cross ; yet a beautiful fragrance may come out of 
 all if we but kiss the Father's hand, and read the precious promise, 
 " Blessed is he that overcometh." 
 
 L. S. 
 
 Diligence. 
 
 Diligence produces industry, and industry is the quality of laying 
 up for ourselves a store, either of knowledge or worldly goods. Let 
 us think how we may advance step by step towards our object ; and 
 as we look back over the past, we may change our course for the bet- 
 ter in the future, and improve in the work we are doing. The object 
 must be wisely selected and steadily pursued, from year to year, until 
 it is accomplished ; and though we may feel interested in other things, 
 we must not cease our efforts. Many students go to school. They 
 
39 THE MUTES' OFFERING. 
 
 wish to improve their minds and manners, and increase their knowl- 
 edge of mankind and of nature. Some of them fail in these things, 
 because they are less industrious, or do not properly direct their in- 
 dustry. The morning comes over our beautiful country, and finds it 
 happy and prosperous. Many farmers work earnestly with horses in 
 the smiling fields, and they wish to be more industrious and more 
 prosperous. If they waste the time, poverty will come without delay, 
 like a thief at night, and their wealth will pass away like smoke. 
 When they have finished their day's work in the evening, they un- 
 hitch their horses and ride home, and put them into barns and feed 
 them, and meet their children gladly. 
 
 It is delightful to observe vegetation in the equatorial and tropical 
 regions, where moisture abounds. The stately trees of the forest glow 
 with blossoms of scarlet, purple, blue, pink, and golden hues. Bright 
 orchards bloom with brilliant flowers, that entwine the trunks and 
 hang from tree to tree, till the forest overflows with its wealth of 
 beauty. The magnificent lily floats on the river; the Victoria Eegia 
 flourishes, whose leaves are six feet long, and its flowers of blended 
 white and crimson, twenty-three inches in diameter. The two great 
 divisions of vegetation are flowering and flowerless plants. The one 
 is divided into those which grow outwardly and have many splendid 
 flowers, and those which grow inwardly. The flowerless class is wide- 
 ly diffused, and embraces the ferns, mosses, lichens and mushrooms. 
 The fe.ns are spread over the globe, and are splendidly developed in 
 the tropical regions, where the slender and lowly stem is changed into 
 a woody trunk, rising to the height of from forty to eighty feet, ;and 
 crowned at the summit by a verdant dome of graceful leaves. They 
 attract our notice and gain our admiration. Many birds make their 
 nests and hiding places in them. They do not waste the time. They, 
 too, are industrious. The pupils may follow their example, and im- 
 prove the years while they are in the benevolent institutions, and 
 study in preparation for their future lives, until it is necessary to stop 
 because they have completed their course. Sometimes they can easily 
 engage in various employments, and make money as well as speaking 
 people ; because they can understand how to manage these things. 
 Let us look at it sensibly and be instructed. In some places parties 
 of ants gather provisions and keep them in their homes in the ground, 
 and when winter comes rudely over them they are not troubled, for 
 they are so warmly housed. Once a party of > . asshoppers that were 
 suffering, found the homes of the ants, and invailej them very roughly. 
 The ants asked them what they wanted. Theyt r.hwi jney had 
 
THE MUTES' OFFERING. 40 
 
 no homes. But the ants drove them out, because they were careless 
 and did not prepare for the future. 
 
 Some animals and insects are industrious in the long days of sum- 
 mer, and lay up provisions for the winter. Others do not prepare for 
 the future, and sufi'er with cold and hunger during the cold months. 
 Sometimes they die of cold and want of food. Men can earn more 
 than they need for their own use. They should earn enough for old 
 age, when they cannot work, and for children who cannot labor hard, 
 but must go to school and get an education. We look abroad and see 
 farms and houses, with orchards and fields of grain. These are the 
 results of industry. We see cities, with their shops, and stores, and 
 manufactories. We travel on railroads and in steamers. Industry 
 has made all the'se things. Here is an institution for the education of 
 the deaf and dumb. By diligence and industry they are educated 
 and enabled to engage in business ; to understand the duties of citizens, 
 and to lead useful lives. Fine churches are built, and men sent to 
 preach the gospel to heathen nations. Barbarous nations become 
 civilized, and learn to worship God and obey his commandments, and 
 rejoice in the hope of a happy immortality after death. All these 
 changes and improvements are made by diligent minds and industri- 
 ous hands. We should love to work, for idlen.e.ss leads to wickedness. 
 Let us work while life and health lasts, for our bodies will rest in the 
 grave, and our souls enjov the heavenly rest. 
 
 B. C. 0. 
 
 Beautiful Bays and Nights. 
 
 When the sun rises in the morning, it shines resplendently. All 
 places are tinged with beauty, and romantic. Flowers sparkle with 
 dew and unfold their petals in the glory of the morning and evening. 
 When the sun shines at noon, we cannot gaze upon its brightness, be- 
 cause it dazzles and blinds our eyes. People are always fond of beau- 
 tiful days, and frequent the picture galleries, and ride in magnificent 
 caiTiages, and visit rivers, lakes, and romantic valleys, or seek the 
 shade of the green woods. Sometimes they explore caves, and wonder 
 at the beautiful things in the darkness under the ground. They sit 
 down on the quiet banks of creeks or ponds. They search for the 
 wild flowers of summer, or the yellow and red leaves of autumn, and 
 admire their richness and fragrance. Gentlemen gather them to make 
 boquets. In summer the fields are green, the gardens are filled with 
 flowers and fruits, which glow in the rays of the burning sun. But 
 
41 THE MUTES' OFFERING. 
 
 spring displays its flowers and opening buds in tlie richest and great- 
 est variety. Then they climb the hills or mountain sides, to gather 
 the new blossoms, and seek the shade of the cool woods, where they 
 can gaze at the blue sky and be refreshed by the beautiful verdure. 
 They love to visit other places, and pluck the fruit. They love to eat 
 the odorous strawberries or blackberries ; to partake of the delicate 
 cherries, the downy peaches, or the juicy grapes. The orchards and 
 gardens tempt the appetite with the choicest delicacies. Some prefer 
 to walk in the graveyards and read the inscriptions on the tombstones, 
 and meditate on the end of earthly things. When the moon shines 
 brightly, it looks like the queen of the night, but the sun resembles 
 the king of the day; and the stars, like the children of the night, 
 seem to like the moon better than the sun. But without the sun all 
 living things on the earth must die. When the moonlight streams 
 over the face of nature, we love to talk and stroll among the blossoms 
 along the rivers, or over the verdant hills. Rain causes the plants, 
 grain and flowers to grow, and the fruits to ripen. When the showers 
 descend to the earth, the sun shines on the falling drops, and forms 
 the rainbow, that most wonderful and beautiful of all the objects in 
 nature, reminding us that God has promised that the world shall 
 never again be destroyed by a flood. We look out upon the lofty 
 trees, velvet meadows, and golden harvest. Eain makes the beautiful 
 and verdant world. Lightning sometimes destroys objects on the 
 earth, but it purifies the air. The morning is clear and sunny, and 
 the fields are covered with white daisies, violets and dandelions, and 
 the bees hum on every bank, and swallows play about the villages. 
 The flower gardens are variegated with the large roses and lilies, 
 clothed in the fairest colors ; blue and golden butterflies luxuriate in 
 the blossom, while many-hued birds are singing their songs, and the 
 pretty lambs are skipping in the fields. The light of the conflagra- 
 tion at night excites the multitude everywhere, and people are filled 
 with terror and dread of danger. There is pleasure in the conversa- 
 tion of parties, , and exercises of dancing, and singing songs, with 
 music. Night is beautiful, and day is glorious. 
 
 A. W. 
 
 Thanksgiving. 
 
 " 0, praise the Lord all ye nations : praise him all ye people. For 
 his merciful kindness is great toward us : and the truth of the Lord 
 endureth forever. Praise ye the Lord." — Psalms cxvii, 1, 2. 
 
THE MUTES' OFFERING. 42 
 
 In accordance with the proclamation of the President of the United 
 States and the Governor of this State, who have named this as a day 
 of thanksgiving and praise, as is the custom, we in common with oth- 
 ers in this dear country of ours, dispense with our daily routine of 
 business, and observe this day to rendering thanks and praise to our 
 Bountiful Giver, who has blessed us another year with boundless 
 blessings and happiness, and who has prospered our country in a great 
 many things which deservedly call forth our thanks to him. A hut 
 Slimmer with di'ouths, and very little rain, which did not visit us for 
 a long time, came and left our country with some injury to agri- 
 cultural productions, while in other parts of this world a great loss 
 was felt; and almost every year finds our barns and cellars filled with 
 all the heart could wish, for which we ought to thank the Giver will- 
 ingly and gladly. 
 
 Our Institution has been undergoing much change, and enlarged for 
 the accommodation of a larger number of pupils than at any other 
 time since its establishment. It is ably managed by our experienced 
 Superintendent, who still devotes much time and labor, more and 
 more zealously and patiently. He has given much time with more 
 or less zeal, to get such an Institution ready for us and our fellow 
 mutes, who have no place else to get a mental education, and who will 
 become recipients of all the conveniences we are enjoying now, 
 while some of us will not be here. More new pupils have been ad- 
 mitted into this Institution this term, that they may get a good edu- 
 cation. 
 
 . "We have a corps of able and efiicient teachers, who with the utmost 
 patience and exertion, endeavor to train our intellectual faculties, 
 preparatory to entering into a life of peril with the world. We should 
 be grateful for such an Institution and gifted officers. Look across the 
 water and notice the disturbance and bloodshed that shroud Europe 
 in gloom, and consider whether we should be thankful to heaven that 
 we live in America, where peace and happiness and prosperity reign. 
 Our public officers in most cases, all over the country, have done their 
 best in attending to the public duties entrusted to them, and have 
 the thanks of a great many people ; yet our God should be gratefully 
 remembered for helping us in choosing such officers, to preserve the 
 government of this Republic and execute the laws with fidelity. 
 
 Many of God's churches were almost lifeless and apparently de- 
 stroyed not many years ago, but to-day we see them reviving, and a 
 great many more still looming up with active lite. Besides this privi- 
 lege, many other institutions are being erected for the benefit of the 
 
 4 
 
43 THE MUfES' OFFERING. 
 
 people. Now let us thank God that we have a religious country, and 
 are in a ripe age. Just think of the many blessings God has bestowed 
 on us, and let us give thanks and praise to him for his merciful and 
 manifold acts toward us. And as we sit down at the table, laden with 
 all the luxuries of life, let him be remembered with tender feelings. 
 Now do not let us only once in a while pour out our heartfelt thanks 
 to him, but always and at every meal. Let us hope he will continue 
 Ms manifold goodness to us. 
 
 E. W. 
 
 The Tree of Liberty, 
 
 Liberty may be regarded in every sense of the word as one of the 
 most valuable gifts ever conferred by nature upon man. It consti- 
 tutes our hope, our strength, and our security. It is the pride, glory 
 and wealth of our nation. When deprived of this natural right, man 
 sighs for it, dreams of it, toils for it, and risks everything to obtain it. 
 "When restored to him, he is satisfied, and feels that all other things 
 are within his reach. In general, to deprive him of this fondly cher- 
 ished treasure, is to inflict upon him one of the greatest of injuries, 
 perhaps the most flagrant injustice, that man is capable of doing. 
 . So far as can be judged from the experience of mankind, the great 
 Giver of all natural rights has manifested his purpose, and according- 
 ly executed his will. Liberty was among the first of the legacies 
 which he bequeathed to the dwellers in this newly created world. 
 This was evidently intended for our highest happiness, and therefore 
 it must be admitted that we have such rights to sustain in our rela- 
 tions to each other, and that they are essential to national happiness 
 and security. In the earlier stages of civilization, liberty began to be 
 looked upon as one of the , natural rights of mankind ; and since the 
 day our indepence was declared, it has been regarded as the Magna 
 Charta of our nation. Our patriotic countrymen nobly and valiantly 
 defended this cause, and loved their country too well to allow it to be 
 trampled down by its foes. They would sooner sacrifice their lives 
 for its sake, however appalling the circumstances. They prided them- 
 selves in their own poverty, and gloried in the riches of their dear 
 country. In Greece, the tree of liberty was early nourished, highly 
 prized, and nobly defended by its protectors ; but at a later period, 
 when the people were subdued or taken captives, the tree which they 
 proudly watched was now stripped and desolate, though the poets 
 loved to recount in song the days of its prosperity and power. 
 
THE MUTES' OFFERING- 44 
 
 Before the advent of our Savior, throughout the civilized world 
 universal peace prevailed, while in surrounding heathen nations the 
 inhabitants were subjected to constant invasions and annoyances. At 
 that time Eome had risen to the zenith of her power, and the 
 star of empire rested over the imperial city. When the Christian era 
 had started on its course, this far famed metropolis became the corrupt 
 mistress of the world. It attained the highest pitch of glory and re- 
 nown, and attracted the admiration of the neighboring nations by its 
 imposing grandeur and accumulated wealth. The sages and poets, 
 the orators and philosophers, thronged its palaces and courts. Insti- 
 tutions of learning were established, and arts and sciences flourished. 
 There the tree of liberty was planted by a brave people, and nourished 
 by its watchful guardians. It grew, bloomed, and spread its branches 
 but a brief period. The formidable foe, like a worm, was preying at 
 the root. It gradually withered away, and the people, blinded by 
 the gross errors of that age, sank into lower depths of crime and dis- 
 sipation tnan ever before. This once hopeful tree of liberty was crushed 
 by despotic power. The tyranny of the ^Rapacy was stretching its 
 iron scepter far and wide over the minds of an enslaved people. Be- 
 neath the smiling skies of Italy, the sweet influences of Christianity 
 were demoralized by priestly ambition and bigotry, which' overspread 
 the fairest regions of the globe. Many a sorrowful tear was shed over 
 its fall, and the friends of humanity shuddered at the coming desola- 
 tion. Previous to the close of the sixteenth century, the terrible In- 
 quisition was introduced, the Papal religion was tolerated and then 
 established, and its complicated and monotonous rites were performed. 
 The noble institutions of civilization were in great danger of beino' 
 abolished. The Papacy exerted wider and more powerful influence 
 over the benighted minds of the people, and the whole of Europe sunk 
 into d9,rkness and ignorance. It rocked itself in bitter agony and 
 calamity, struggling for ages in vain to regain its original condition. 
 There the tree of liberty was then unknown, and not one trace of it 
 was left. Its former protectors wept in despair that it seemed to be 
 utterly extirpated from the earth. 
 
 Before Europe was attired in the beauty of the gospel, and brought 
 to the glorious light of knowledge, one of the greatest events which 
 took place during the sixteenth century, was the Reformation. His- 
 tory shows that the Reformation was one of the most formidable up- 
 risings ever encountered by the power of the wicked one, yet at the 
 same time one of the most wonderful events ever accomplished by 
 man through the agency of an invisible presence. Its secret workings 
 
45 THE MUTES' OFFERINO. 
 
 were hardly or not at all perceptible to either the learned or the ig- 
 norant. Such were the workings of the Reformaticn. This great 
 revolution was mainly carried forward by a wonderful personage, who 
 was worthy of the name of the Invinc-ib[e Reformer. His daring deeds 
 shone forth in the brilliant pages of literature. He was a man of pen- 
 etrating genius. He saw the numerous errors into which the people 
 were sunken, and which greatly marred national happiness; and in 
 righteous anger he poured forth volumes of indignation against the 
 Papacy. Nothing daunted him ; he bravely iindertook the task, and 
 confidently committed himself to the guidance of God. His faith in 
 his ever ready Helper, was lofty and unwavering. It clearly shows 
 that Providence had raised him up on purpose for this great work, 
 and led him to plant anew the tree of liberty, which had long been 
 buried beneath the dust of oppression and ignorance. There the tree 
 grew, bloomed, and sent forth its branches, and bore its fruits ; and 
 under its grateful shade many a weary patriot gladly sought repose. 
 It became hardier and more invigorated. Christianity triumphantly 
 moved through the world of moral depravity, and diffused a more 
 serene and genial atmosphere. It has continued to flourish until this 
 day. A vigorous scion was transplanted on the American soil, and 
 the hearts Of a brave people have ever burned with a pure love for 
 the land which nourished it. Nobly and valiantly did they fight for 
 it, and protect it. Foreign conflicts, combined with internal struggles, 
 could not shake the faith of the Americans in the perpetuity of their 
 free institutions. The tree of liberty has struck its roots deeply, and 
 is fondly watched and cherished everywhere. May its trunk strength- 
 en, and its branches lengthen, and its fruits abound,' and its leaves ever 
 be for the healing of the nations. 
 
 N. S. H. 
 
 Homes. 
 
 There is a sweet, deep undertone of melody in this word, un- 
 recognized by tne coarse, and unheeded by the careless and indiffer- 
 ent. Sweet natures, born to love and be loved, only appreciate the 
 blessed privileges and delights of a home — a safe harbor of rest from 
 the toil and strife without, where little children twine their soft arms^ 
 in loving caress, and merry voices make' glad music for the heart ; 
 where bright eyes dance loving welcomes, and willing feet and hands 
 perform affectionate offices for our comfort and convenience ; where 
 the sweet lessons of patience, love, and self sacrifice are learned, and 
 
THE. MUTES' OFFERING. 46 
 
 where no trouble ever crosses the threshold that is not shared by all 
 with the sympathy that weeps when others weep, and rejoices when 
 others rejoice. This is our idea of home, no matter how humble it is, 
 if love is only the ruling law. Some one has truly said, " Home is 
 where mother is." Ah ! blessed words ! Well may you go together, 
 for what would a home be without a mother ?— the mother, with her 
 gentle voice, her loving hands, and cheerful, s'ympathizing words and 
 gi^iles— without a mother to guide the little feet in the right path, 
 and bind up the broken, tender hearts", with words of love. It would 
 be like a ship without a pilot, and humanity without a Grod. We have 
 a warm place in our hearts for the person who wrote, " Home, sweet 
 home,"— those sweet, sweet words that will never die so long as the 
 purest emotions of the heart are embodied in verse and song. Oh ! 
 grand is the poet's mission, and happy is he who uses this sublime gift 
 to portray that which is pure and good. Methinks I can see the white' 
 tents pitched on the hillside, in the shadow of a dying day, while the 
 lonely soldier, sitting by the camp fire, or pacing his weary beat, 
 thinks of the loved ones under the old home tree, who may be left 
 desolate and grief-stricken by the bloody work of coming day. Per- 
 haps no more shall he see the light shining through the night to bid 
 him welcome home : no more feel his mother's kiss upon his lips, and 
 his father's hand resting with a blessing on his head ; no more feel his 
 wife's true heart beating nest to his, or little arms twining around his 
 neck, while children's voices whisper the sweet cadence, " Papa." But 
 a grave may be found for him on a strange soil, where loving hands 
 will never plant forget-me-nots and roses, nor sorrowful tears moisten 
 the clayey soil. Ah ! it is in moments like this that the thought of 
 home becomes most vivid and glowing; when the long gone memories 
 of the past rise up before us, like the ghosts of our years, and spread 
 before us the events of our lives, Happy will it be for us if our home 
 life has been glad and beautiful ; if no discords have ruffled the seren- 
 itv of its love; if no contentions have marred the links of the golden 
 chain that unites a family into a home. Not until the last great day, 
 can mothers ever know how many safeguards they are throwing around 
 their children in teaching them how to prav, aiiii making their home 
 attractive and beautiful by throwing around it the garment of love. 
 
 L. C S. 
 
 The Tj'ii5i Dignity of Labor. 
 
 Ever since the foundation of the world, labor has been the true 
 dignity of man, the example of the Almighty m his works of crea- 
 
47 THE MUTES' OFFERING. 
 
 tion, and Providence has ever influenced and still influences the 
 human being. Had the world not been deprived of its innocence and 
 happiness, we should not, it is thoaght, have had so much difficulty in 
 labor as we have now. But, owing to the fall of man, his innocence 
 and happiness immediately passed away, and great burdens were laid 
 upon him. Therefore he was compelled to work for himself with his 
 own hands. The world'^at first received God's favor, but afterwards 
 become the subject of his curse. The earth has been cursed of God, 
 but man's labor has not been cursed. Work is of various kinds. We 
 work for ourselves, or for others. We engage in various kinds of 
 business, as agriculture, and the numerous mechanic arts. By means 
 of labor, we are enabled to support ourselves and others, and to culti- 
 vate our minds. Labor is the employment of the body or of the 
 mind. The intention of God in creating the world as a place for the 
 perpetual happiness of man, has been thwarted by man himself, but 
 his labor has never been cursed. Truly just, he determined to destroy 
 the world, which he had once created; but the great and merciful 
 work of our blessed Savior, set us free from this great prison, if we 
 put Our confidence in him. 
 
 The ground yielded and still yields tnoins, thistles, shrubs and 
 weeds, mingled with different varieties of good products. Man is 
 compelled to cast out the weeds from the other products, in order to 
 cultivate them. A scripture ejxpression is, " They that sow in tears 
 shall reap in joy." So far is labor from being a curse, or from being a 
 disgrace, that it has difiFused Christianity, awakened education and 
 extended commerce. What is it that caused a refinement and 
 civilization to arise from the savage class ? What has founded many 
 settlements, and built for us comfortable homes ? What has caused 
 whatever is useful to man ? They are the products of labor. With- 
 out our labor, these products must sink like a ship, which being 
 wrecked, disappears in the water. Labor is the instrument of hap- 
 piness, comfortable joys, and usefulness. Whatever we see or conceive 
 of — knowledge, influence, or gain — are the products of labor. What- 
 ever a man does well, he is always satisfied with. It is a comfort and 
 joy to him. Labor is the grand thing which flows out from the all 
 wise Creator. Labor is not the only cause of all these things. It can 
 do no good without intellect. Intellect always includes labor. The 
 former thinks, invents, and discovers, and then the latter executes. 
 Both must go together. The head and the hands must be fellow- 
 laborers, the brain forming useful and benevolent plans. " An idle 
 brain is the Devil's work-shop." The hands, engaged in some profit- 
 
THE MUTES' OFFEETNO. 48 
 
 able employment, though hard and sunburned, are better than hands 
 white and delicate with indolence. 
 
 In ancient times, the labor of men was spent in building pyramids, 
 temples and monuments. In our day, the noblest products of labor 
 are the canals and railroads, with the engines used in transportation. 
 While the intellectual efforts of men in former times were directed in 
 the uncertain paths of philosophy, in the present age they work in' 
 the practical field of science and art. A field of labor almost unknown 
 to our ancestors, was that of Christian benevolence in the founding of 
 institutions for the infirm and unfortunate. 
 
 The spread of the knowledge of science and religion by means of 
 the press, is a means of educating and enlightening men. When labor 
 is employed in elevating the minds, purifying the morals, and relieving 
 the misfortunes of men, it dignifies man, idleness becomes degrading, 
 and labor possesses true nobility. When we visit' a people living in a 
 climate which unfits them for labor, and see how little progress they 
 have made in the highest civilization, we can estimate the value of 
 labor. It gives strength to the physical frame, and calls forth the 
 activity of the mind in the exercise of skill, as well as exerts a health- 
 ful influence on the moral nature, 
 
 Man is formed for labor. Adam was placed by his Creator in a 
 garden, to dress and to keep it. The exquisite mechanism of the 
 human hand, and the great variety of its adaptations, is a proof that 
 man was made for industry. In useful labor he fulfills the true end 
 of his earthly being. He dignifies himself in advancing his own wel- 
 fare and ministering to the comfort and improvement of his fellow- 
 beings. In proportion to the extent of his labor, the earth is clothed 
 with beauty and productiveness. The fields smile with golden har- 
 vests, and the trees bend with delicious fruit. The land is adorned 
 with prosperous cities, and the ocean whitened with the riches of com- 
 merce. The desert is turned into a fruitful field, and made to blossom 
 
 as the rose. 
 
 C. M. H. 
 
 Education. 
 
 Education is one of the most important things in the world. It is 
 the improvement of the minds and formation of the manners, and 
 includes.all that concerns the intellect, the atfections and the morals 
 of human beings. It affects the person for both the present and the 
 future life. It involves the welfare of the individual and of the com- 
 
49 THE MUTES' OFFERING. 
 
 munity. " 'Tis education forms the common mind ; just as the twig is 
 bent, the tree's inclined." This woidd is a place in which human be- 
 ings are moulded for good or for evil. They must take their form in 
 some degree from the circumstances surrounding them. It is a world 
 which contains evil as well as good. If men are left to themselves, 
 they will take the evil with the good in the formation of their minds, 
 as well as in the growth of their bodies. The strength of mind and 
 purpose will be accompanied by strength of improper desires, unruly 
 passions, and evil habits. They, like plants, need cultivation and care 
 in their growth, if they are to become useful. Child^iood and youth 
 are the best time for education. All classes of persons can receive its 
 benefits in our country. Those who are deprived of one or more of 
 the senses, can be improved by education. Eighty years ago there 
 were no schools for the deaf and dumb in the United States. They 
 were shut out from the world of intelligence and sympathy. To them 
 the great book of natui-e was a sealed volume. Men did not think 
 that all moral beings were created to be educated ; that there were' 
 methods and mean i by which they could be trained. When the ap- 
 pointed time arrives, Grod always inspires some soul to lead the way, 
 and moves the multitude to follow. 
 
 Gralladudet was the prophet for the deaf and dumb. He went to 
 France and made himself master of the method of instruction, im- 
 proved it by his own experience and genius, and founded the Ameri- 
 can Asylum. With that In titution the sun of a new day has risen 
 Upon the deaf and dumb of this land. Tli'ey no longer grope in the 
 darkness of hopeless ignorance. They are taught how to talk by 
 means of signs and the fingers, and to write their thoughts in the 
 common language of their fellow men. Institutions for the deaf and 
 dumb, and for the blind, are distributed throughout the United States, 
 and a kind Providence has disposed the hearts of the people to pro- 
 vide for the children of mi.'^fortune, and by means of education to 
 elevate them to a knowledge of their relations to men and to Grod, to 
 the present and to the future. Before we came here, our notions of 
 right and wrong were very vague, and the limits of our accountability 
 Avas as grear a puzzle to others as to us. Many people in their compassion 
 had the charity to exclude us from humanity. They believed we had no 
 souls. But these institutions have revealed in us souls endowed with 
 immortality, and bearing the image which God impi'essed upon man. 
 
 These are the results of edujation, under the disadvantages of a loss 
 of one of the impoi'tant avi.-nues of knowledge. For what purpose do 
 we come here? To be fashioned for our destiny. Our minds become 
 
THE MUTES' OFFERING. 50 
 
 thouglitful and attentive to books, and we learn to read the open 
 volume of nature, which Providence has filled with lessons of wisdom 
 for all. Like the busy bees which work for honey every hour of the 
 day, we can spend the summer of life in gathering stores for the vast 
 future. We can feel all the pleasant influences which make men 
 happy. 
 
 How kind the great Father, who gives knowledge and the means of 
 obtaining it, and realizing its benefits to all his creatures. 
 
 W. R. C. 
 
 Wiishingtoii and Napoleoii Compared. 
 
 The government of different countries vary ; some are despotisms, 
 some limited monarchies, some republics, while some have no systems 
 worthy of the name of government. In like mannei the character of 
 different monarchies vary. In despotisms we seldom find a, king who 
 cares less for himself than for his people, while in a republic a larger 
 proportion of the men who attain to the chief magestracy, are patriots. 
 This M'^as the case with the Greek and Roman republics, at least in 
 their earlier and better periods. In modern times the South American 
 and Mexican republics have unfortunately been cursed with un- 
 principled rulers. In our own country, however, with tew e.xceptions, 
 they have been men of pure motives and honest desii-es, who have 
 ■faithfully discharged the duties of their high position. Every nation 
 has its own list of fan^ous warriors and politicians, stamped in the 
 annals of its history. Switzerland has its Tell, France its Napoleon, 
 England its Wellington, America its Washington, and Rome itsCsesar. 
 Napoleon and Washington were both brave and famous men, but their 
 fame was different in kind. Napoleon won his by slaughtering his 
 fellow men. He made war on other nations merely because he loved 
 war and wished to conquer. Instead of staying at home and attend- 
 ing to. the affairs of his own realm, he was forever in the field. Be- 
 lieving himself the child of destiny, he could see the highest welfare 
 of France only through his own exaltation, and no exaltation which 
 did not include the dominion of all Europe. " He was in turn a roy- 
 alist, a republican, and an emperor ; now a Mohammedan, then a 
 Catholic, and again a patron of the synagogue ; asubalten, he became 
 a sovereign, as it suited his purpose ; he was a traitor or a tyrant, a 
 ■Christian or an infidel." He squandered gold, and took the life of 
 thousands merely to gmtiiy his own ambition, but in the end failed 
 utterly. He reached the highest pinnacle of human glory, and aimed 
 
51 THE MUTES' OPFEBTNG. 
 
 still higher, and, as a necessary consequence, fell. He died a misera- 
 ble exile on the lone island of St. Helena. The fame of Washington, 
 on the contrary, was true and lasting. " Csesar was merciful, Scipio' 
 was continent, Hannibal was patient, but it was reserved for Wash- 
 ington to blend them all in one, and like the lovely chef doeuvre of 
 the Grecian artist, to exhibit in one glow of associated beauty, the- 
 pride of every master." He acted only from necessity. A lover of. 
 peace and private life, he entered the war only because his country 
 needed his services. Liberty unsheathed his sword, necessity starved, 
 and victory returned it. ' He had no other ambition beyond that of 
 keeping his own name untarnished, and deserving well of the people, 
 in whose welfare he had staked fortune and life. He scorned the use- 
 less sacrifice of human life, and when he had conquered his enemies, 
 let them go in peace; and when his work was done, he retired to the 
 comforts of his home and family. But fate had not decreed that his 
 name should now sink into oblivion ; so he was re-called, and twice 
 became the chief magistrate of the nation whose independence he had 
 achieved. He filled this office successfully during the prescribed time, 
 and declining a third, left an example which none of his successors 
 have disregarded. As a distinguished citizen, engaged in the duties 
 of private life, he died lamented by all. 
 
 Far away on the barren rock of St. Helena, the bones of Napoleon 
 were lowered to their final resting place. No kindred were near to 
 speak words of comfort in his last dying hour. What must have been 
 the thoughts of the mighty conqueror as, a prisoner chained to his 
 rock, he gazed over the blue waters of the ocea"^, toward his native 
 France, for the last time ? And years afterward, when France had re- 
 covered from the disasters of war, and Louis Philip had the remains 
 of Napoleon brought to his native land, of what value was it, when 
 his soul was awaiting, at the bar of God, the sentence of its Judge ? 
 None. No, Napoleon was a conqueror on earth, but, we fear, a miser- 
 able exile from the world of happiness hereafter. 
 
 How different was the death of Washington. In a darkened cham- 
 ber in his mansion at Mount Vernon, the great hero lies dying. All 
 is peace in that calm breast. Listeg ! he is speaking : " It is well ; I 
 must sleep now," and his soul departs to meet that Redeemer in 
 whom he trusted. Teuder hands robe that loved and honored form 
 for the grave. Iron hearted men weep like children. Every one feels 
 the solemnity of the occasion.' 
 
 In the Hospital Invalides at Paris, the bones -of Napoleon lie crum- 
 
THE MUTES' OFFERING. 52. 
 
 bling in decay. Hundreds visit the place daily, and all agree in the 
 same verdict : " He was a great conquaror, but a cruel tyrant." 
 
 In the tomb at Mount Vernon rests all that was mortal of the 
 lamented Washington. Like Napoleon's resting place, each day it is 
 visited by hundreds, who 
 
 " Tread lightly around ; 
 'Tis the grave of a freeman, this liberty mound." 
 
 E. S. 
 
 Indolence. 
 
 I will not try to write a nice composition on the subject of "Indolence." 
 It is one of the most dangerous things. I do not wish myself to waste 
 the time in learning all the arts from the least to the greatest, so that 
 I keep my thoughts right. When I leave school I can talk more 
 easily with my friends, in writing or spelling with the lingers, or in 
 talking by signs. It will surely make me happy as long as I live. 
 Our neighbors are very poor, and cannot get farms large enouoh to 
 produce grain, vegetables, kc. Why are they poor ? May be they 
 have wasted their minds in attending to their various improvements 
 and business. People have many thoughts in their heads. I cannot 
 know what our minds a e worth. I suppose they are worth more 
 than the sum of the gold and silver in the world. Because minds are 
 used for us much to get gain, and make improvements, and secure ad- 
 vantages. Some years ago some of our pupils who left here, neglected 
 to learn and improve. They look sorrowful when they meet us. 
 Sometimes they call themselves foolish. Their examples advise us 
 what they were. Mind is one of the most valuable things. It will 
 love you if you seek it ; if you consider it much, it will support and 
 improve you; but when you betray it in the way of idleness, the latter 
 will itself injure you, and trouble you, and make you unhappy. 
 
 B. C. 0. 
 
 Morning Scenes. 
 
 When first the morning dawns, the sky in the east is brilliant like 
 the rainbow. Then how beautifully the sun comes up in its robe 'of 
 glory, and remains as -bright as when it fiist peeped out from the blue 
 horizon. The sky is clear, and the wind blows gently. The breath of 
 the morning is sweet when she opens her golden gates, and througu 
 comes the glorious king of day, and a million of golden rays stream- 
 ing through the azure, which warms and dazzles. 
 
53 THE 3IUTES' OFFERING. 
 
 When we behold the sun shining, we pee different colored beams. 
 We sometimes see floating in "the heavens, the white crystal cloud, 
 above and along the horizon. Frequently at sunrise the light vapors 
 veil the sun for a while ; the colors that adorn the sky span the whole 
 earth with a diffused glory. How beautiful the heavens when it is 
 clear. They beam forth smiles upon us, giving joyful hope of a splen- 
 did day. 
 
 Before the sun is up, the earth is wet with the morning fogs, which 
 seem like white smoke going up fo meet the sun. True to himself, the 
 sun sits on his lofty throne, like the king of the universe, arrayed in 
 sublime beauty and loveliness. He is the ruler and the center of the' 
 lieavenly globes around him. But none can imagine what he is, 
 whether or not he is a fountain of fire, for no human being can reach 
 him. 
 
 If we rise early in the morning, and lift up our eyes to the sky, it 
 is a delightful object to the view of the beholder. How the azure 
 vault is matitled with its gorgeous ra.js ! Then every cloud in the sky 
 is touched with its bright beams, and the waves sparkle, and the 
 mountain tops flame in light. The lofty mo'intain displays the beauty 
 of Paradise, where locks hang on the green slopes;, while above, its 
 top is robed with a snowy dress, which every day the sun passes wirth 
 chilly silence. Half a mile below, the moss catches the smile of the 
 sun. The highest mountains lift their vast peaks in the hazy blue, 
 and look majestically at the sun with unblanchmg face, till their dark 
 shadows shrink into the smallest compass beneath their feet. They 
 .are the princes of the earth. 
 
 The lakes, rivers and oceans flicker and glitter, and the fresh wind 
 gently dimples their smooth surface, while white-sailed vessels glide 
 meekly over the waves, and joyful sea birds float in the sunshine. 
 Every bird in the air sings the same song wi.tli joyful voice. Every 
 plant, trea, flower, and rock, and the blades of the valley, echo the 
 same joyful note. Men at work in their field, women managing their 
 households, or childi'en playing on the green, all I'eet the same in- 
 fluence of the bright genial sun. Perhaps some persons are sailing on 
 the deep blue ocean, unrl seem to feel their solitude, but when they 
 turn their eyes and behold the morning with a glance of wonder, they 
 begin to sing a song of gladness. It m.Hlces them glad to feel the air 
 so balmy, and the wind so exhilarating 
 
 Some people that travel through the forests, see what a serene 
 majesty prevails in woodland scent-ry. Under the thick loliage there 
 •can hardly a sun's ray penetrate, and the ground is overshadowed. 
 
THE MUXES' OFFEBINO. 6* 
 
 Above they wave their boughs, and melodious music adds its charm to 
 
 ^'ThTrw^Tnd favors the growth of verdure. The'Sowers 
 everywhere droop under the heat. The mystery of the sun rs rmpos- 
 sible to be more beautifully revealed thau it >s, because .t ,s tar above 
 t ted rn a palace of splendor, beaming rn all the glory o rts own 
 natae. Every mormng rt is perfectly revealed, and for twelve hours 
 sheds its direct iniuence upon the earth. The sun rs the ear est 
 syorbol of the Almrgbty. He upholds the earth wrth h.s golden 
 sceptre. He appears to us as a blazu.g ball of fire, and filling the 
 
 universe with, light. ■ p ^.i.^ 
 
 The morning hours are more enlivening than the evening, for _ the 
 air is m its freshness. If we rise early in the mon.ing, we obtain a 
 X; of one of the most glorious sights which the Creator has offered 
 us At the entrance of the sun on the hemisphere of the eai-^h, all 
 nature gazes with wonder, and gives praise to the maker of he sun, 
 that he made it to rule the day. When the sun is near the horizon, 
 Tsends up great columns of light, which rival the orb itself m 
 
 '^Let^u's not Bleep till the morning is passed. Let us not lose the 
 enioyment of the grandest panorama of nature. Let us sympathize 
 with the newly awaked world, in the joy of a new born aay. 
 
 Happy Life. 
 
 Many can positively say that a happy life is the greatest blessing 
 ever bestowed upon man. All people^wish for happiness .^^ l.fe, but 
 niany fail of obtaining it, because they did not seek ;t aright. Hap- 
 piness often flees from those who most desire it. God- intended us to 
 be happy, and is pleased to see us enjoying the good things of life. 
 
 People who are kind and cheerful are almost sure to be happy m 
 life Much of our happiness depends upon our friends, and there is 
 no better way to gain friends than to bestow our friendship on them. 
 If we are iJd an^d cheerful, we shall have plenty of friends, and they 
 will cause us to be happy and enjoy life. Some people do not esteem 
 their friends and neighbors, and therefore they are -^^om happy^ 
 ' We see all the beautiful things of nature : the gentle little lambs 
 the beautiful birds, and ever so many other things which, seem so 
 happy and which were created doubtless for our own enjoyment^ We 
 should try to enjoy these blessings. Some people look cross and un- 
 
55 THE MUTES' OFFERING. 
 
 happy. We do not like to be witli them, because we cannot be their 
 friends, and their company is not pleasant. I love to be in a family 
 where all is peace and love, and who treat each other with the fondest 
 affection. Their sweet smiles take away many sorrows, and bestow 
 on them a glorious light. When I rise up in th€ morning, I always 
 like to go out of the door, and see the oeautiful birds sing as they 
 fly from branch to branch. They look so happy and enjoy themselves. 
 I love to see them, but I am so sorry that I cannot hear the birds sing. 
 And I often like to see the little lamb skip on the green grass, and 
 play with the sober old sheep. They look so happy, the people ought 
 to take heed to the lambs and birds. If every person would try to be 
 contented with his circumstances, and make the best of the present, 
 this world would be by far happier than it is. No person can have all 
 things to act in harmony, or expect to be happy by mere chance ; and 
 I think if we will try to improve and be contented with these bless- 
 ings our kind Father has given us, we shall be happy in this life, and 
 be more ready to enter upon the life to come, and enjoy its great de- 
 lights. 
 
 M. N. 
 
 About Sallie. 
 
 Sallie was a native of Missouri. She was seven years old. She was 
 a good girl. She had parents who were good Christians. One fine 
 day she asked her parents to let her go to a field to gather some toma- 
 toes. Her mother told her that she might go. She was very glad to 
 go. She took her bonnet and put it on her head ; then she took her 
 basket, and went to the field. When she reached the field, she gath- 
 ered some tomatoes. When her basket was full, she started home. 
 While she was walking along the road, she heard a loud noise. She 
 looked around, -and saw a bad boy whipping h-is sister who was three 
 years old. Sallie let her basket fall, and spilled the fruit on the road. 
 She ran after the bad boy, but she could not catch him. She took 
 some stones and threw them at the boy's head, but she missed it. At 
 last Sallie told the boy that she would tell his father about him. Then 
 she took the little girl home. Her mother asked Sallie what was the 
 matter with the little girl. She told her that the bad boy had whipped 
 his little sister. Her mother said to her r.hat she might go with the 
 little girl home. When they reachej her home, Sallie told the father 
 that his son had whipped the little girl. He was angry with his son, 
 and punished him severely. The boy told his father that he would 
 never do so again. His father told him that he was glad to hear it. 
 
 C. V. B. 
 
THE MUTES' OFFERING. 56- 
 
 Valedictory Address. 
 
 Farewell, old room ! Never more wilt thy sacred . walls echo with 
 the squeaking cadence of my voice. Nevermore wilt thy classic halls 
 resound with the involuntary groan of despair, at being able to hiss 
 
 forth s . No, nevermore. Oh, must we part ? Must cruel fate 
 
 tear asunder the sacred ties that bind us together? Yea, even so. A 
 tear rolls down my cheek, and a sigh heaves my breast at the thought. 
 Our three long months of association are now at an end. You will 
 stay here and fulfill your destiny, while I go forth from you with my 
 voice squeaker than before. But, plague on you, you haven't helped 
 me much anyhow ; and so I will dash aside the tear, and leave you 
 forever. Old room, farewell ! The hour has come. Farewell ! 
 
 E. S. 
 
 Remember Me. 
 
 Eemember, 0, remember me when this you see, Maggie, though 
 many miles apart we be. 
 
 Pv,emember your darling Alice, when you are far away in a foreign 
 land amid strangers. 
 
 Remember that Alice fondly and truly loves you with all her heart. 
 
 Remember that you are the precious jewel of my heart, Maggie. 
 
 Remember that I am ever true to you, and hope the same from you. 
 
 Also remember me when you are in trouble or sorrow. 
 
 Maggie, remember me when you are in the dreamy land, and don't 
 forget me. 
 
 Ah ! I remember the happy hours we spent in association ; but alas ! 
 those happy days are drawing to a close, and we must part, perhaps 
 forever. 
 
 But remember me and forget me not, no never ; never till you have 
 passed over and beyond that beautiful river of crystal. 
 
 Remember me, Maggie, while far away in some distant land. 
 
 0, keep these lines while you have breath, and read them while I 
 sleep in death. 
 
 And so now the hour has come, and we must part, perhaps forever ; 
 but. remember me always and forever. 
 
 A. F. 
 
57 THE MUTES' OFFERING. 
 
 Stray Tin oughts. 
 
 Another New Year is here ; another leaf is added to the book of 
 the past, which, like the grim spectre of fate that it is, seizes our joys 
 before they have hardly bloomed into life, and thrusts them beneath 
 that dark mantle which we may never, no never, hope to lift ! 
 
 Idly my pen lies to-night, for fancy leads me far- away through the 
 vista of the years of my life. Eighteen years of it have already 
 passed, and yet so little accomplished, I am thinking of my home 
 to-night, the home where one ye rr ago this very eve, I wrote of the 
 old year with angry throbs of pain, and restless, turbulent sadness 
 and longing. " Stray Thoughts" I also called them, those few words 
 which I penned over the burial of the old year. Another, year is 
 going out in the night, but not with the old longing and pain. 
 
 My heart is sad again to-night, reader, but it is a sweet sadness 
 born of that which our Father has taught us, and the regret at part- 
 ing with a friend. • " We are taking a retrospect,, reader, but the tears 
 that moisten my eyes are those of joy; for no new graves are on the 
 hillside, and the old year has taught us heart lessons that, are learned 
 only in the valley where faith clasps the hand of humility and love. 
 The two graves are as dear as ever, but the thought of them no longer 
 brings bitterness with it. Our nature is just the same, but the prayer 
 of our heart is to be guided by His will. The old year has brought 
 few other individual changes for us, although in foreign lands the 
 Father's hand has rested heavily. Persia sends up the sad, sad wail 
 of starvation ; Kussia sits in sackcloth and ashes for her dead ; haughty 
 France weeps over her bloody desolation, while Germany, although 
 victorious, mourns for the bereaved homes in the fallen land. 
 
 Strange as has been the fiery visitation upon America, we can only 
 bow our heads and say, " Father, we thank thee that our punishment 
 has been so light." We believe there was a warning in those flames, 
 a warning to preserve our national purity and integrity, if we would 
 not become as the rotten nations of the old world, an ofFscouring upon 
 the face of the earth ; a warning that if those in high places did not 
 cease to smile upon the terrible ravages of those sad curses, the social 
 evil and intemperance, we shall lose our purity as a people, and verge 
 rapidly onward to become a companion of down-fallen France. We 
 protest against it, this rapid growth of aristocracy, intemperance and 
 vice. Even our literature is becoming tainted, and when it becomes 
 foul, we may bid farewell forever to pure-hearted sons and daughters. 
 Then there is another wily, creeping serpent in the fold. Roman- 
 ism, is fast forming her plans for sapping the foundation, not only of 
 
THE MUTES' OFFERING. 58 
 
 our religion, but of our government. Oh, America, beware ! Moth- 
 ers, we entreat you, in Grod's name, to empty your cellars of their wine, 
 and drive the fashionable, wealthy libertines from your parlors. As 
 you value the future, not only of your daughters, but of America, 
 don't screen their "youthful indiscretions" behind their wealth. Keep 
 your children out of Roman Catholic schools, if you wish to preserve 
 the faith of our fathers and keep from America the torture of the 
 flaming stake. 
 
 And now to another old year we say farewell. May the lessons 
 which it has taught us, make our path brighter and brighter, even 
 unto the perfect day. 
 
 L. S. 
 
 A Fairy Tale. 
 
 Once upon a time, as a story of olden times began, there lived in a 
 house on a hill, two little girls, named Julia and Annie. Julia was 
 very unkind to her sister, but Annie was a nice and pleasant little 
 girl, who tried to make those around her happy. Annie's father had 
 married twice, and she was his only child. Julia was his second wife's 
 child, and Julia and her mother both treated Annie shamefully when 
 her father was away. One day their father gave them each a golden 
 cup, and told them to take care of them. While using hers to get 
 some water, Annie let the cup fall into the well ; and her mother, be- 
 ing informed of it, went out and got a whip and whipped her, andtold 
 her to go into the well and get it. When she had commanded the 
 water to depart, Annie went into the well, which was not deep, and 
 creeping around, discovered a hole, and on going through came to an 
 apple tree, and all of a sudden the apples commenced speaking all at 
 once. This is what they said : " Little girl, gather some of us, or we 
 will thump your head till you will be glad to do it." Annie replied, 
 " I will do so with pleasure," and gathered her apron half full ; then 
 she went on till she met a hen, which said it would pick her eyes out 
 if she did not catch it. Annie caught it, and went on, crying be- 
 cause she had not found the cup. At last she arrived at a hut, and a 
 man with a white beard said to her, " Little girl, why are you crying?" 
 Annie replied, " Because I have lost my pretty gold cup." He re- 
 plied, " If you will stay with me a few days, I will give you a lot of 
 gold things." So Annie stayed a few days, and when she returned 
 home, she had a trunk full of beautiful dresses, and Julia, who envied 
 her, tried to steal them. But finding that she could not do so, she de- 
 
 5 
 
59 THE MUTES' OFFERING. 
 
 termined to throw her cup into the well, and then said that it was an 
 accident that she did so. Her mother was very angry, and whipped 
 her, and said to her to go into the well and get the cup. Julia dis- 
 covered the hole Annie had gone through, and kept on till she came 
 to the apple tree ; but when the apples told her to gather them, she 
 refused, and the apples came thumping down on her head. She met 
 a hen, which said if she. did not catch it, it would pick her eyes out. 
 When she arrived at the old man's house, he asked her what was the 
 matter, and she informed him of her trouble. He said if she would 
 stay with him a few days, he would give her some beautiful gold things; 
 but she refused' to stay, and called him a lazy old brat, which made 
 the man mad, and he put her in a barrel of tar, and next in a barrel 
 of feathers, and sent her home, crowing like a rooster. Thus she 
 missed the pretty things that Annie got. 
 
 A. A. 
 
 Hattie aud Bettie. 
 
 Hattie and Bettie lived in a beautiful village, which was called 
 
 P-lainfield. It was situated on the T river. They were unhappy 
 
 because they were in the country — they were so lonesome. They 
 always wanted to play games. One day they asked their mother to 
 let them go to the river to swim. Their mother told them that they 
 could not swim. She was afraid that they would get drowned. They 
 told her they could take care of themselves. They insisted so much, 
 that at last she consented. She told them that they must be careful. 
 They were glad to have a swim in the river. Hattie ran up stairs 
 and got Bettie's hat and her own, and then ran down stairs and gave 
 Bettie hers. They went down to the river, and when they got there 
 they saw a great many green trees upon the bank. They went to the 
 bridge and crossed over a branch of the river. They did not 'think 
 the water was very deep, because they could see some stones at the 
 bottom. Perhaps there were some fishes in it ; they would like to 
 catch some fishes. Bettie told Hattie that she did not want to swim, 
 but she would like to catch some fishes. She asked Hattie if she 
 wanted to swim. She told her that she did not want to. Bettie asked 
 her if she would like to catch some fishes. Hattie said that she would. 
 So they went to a log and sat on it, and took their shoes off and put 
 them on the bank. Then they waded into the river. Hattie caught 
 a great many fishes, and laughed at Bettie so much because she did 
 not catch any. Bettie told her that she did not care. But Bettie's 
 
THE MUTES' OFFERING. 60 
 
 luck changed, and before they returned home, she had caught more 
 than Hattie. When Hattie saw this, she was very angry. They took 
 them home, and gave them to their mother, who cooked them for their 
 breakfast. 
 
 I. K. F. 
 
 Fanny and her Chickens. 
 
 There was once a little girl named Fannie Fay, who could not learn 
 to read and write. Fannie told her father that she wanted to be of 
 some use in the world. Her father said she must learn to write before 
 she could be of any great use. She said she could read a little now, 
 and she would soon learn to write. She had plenty of time for play, 
 and she would like to do something useful. She tried and thought 
 what she would like to do. So she thought and thought, and at last 
 she said that she would like to take care of the hens and chickens. 
 Her father was a rich man, and he had a nice farm. He said she might 
 do it, but she must learn to take good care of them. She said she 
 would learn all she could. So she took charge of them, and every day 
 she fed them with care, and they laid a good many eggs. Her father 
 told her to sell the eggs, and make money for herself. She had no 
 need of spending it, for her father gave her everything she wanted. 
 So she saved it for future use. When she was sixteen years of age, 
 her father lost all his money, and became so ill that he died. Fannie 
 was then a young lady, and she thought she must do something for a 
 living ; so she took the money which she had saved up by selling the 
 eggs, and bought a little cottage with it, and a good many hens. She 
 knew just how to take care of them, and she made money, besides 
 supporting her mother and young sister. 
 
 I. K. F. 
 
 Esther. 
 
 In the reign of King Ahasuerus, he once made a large feast unto 
 the people of his province. He was a very haughty man, and wished 
 to show the glories and riches of his kingdom. While he was sitting 
 in the court of his garden, boasting of all the fine things he had, he 
 thought he would bring his wife, and show her to the people. She 
 was said to be the handsomest lady in India, but she was not naughty 
 like her husband, but was kind and benevolent to everybody. When 
 he entered her chamber and told her what he wanted with her, she 
 refused to go with him, which made him so mad that he instantly 
 
61 THE MUTES' OFFERING. 
 
 ordered her to be sent away from his palace. He then sent officers to 
 find another lady to share his royal estate. They found Esther, a 
 poor orphan girl. She pleased him greatly, but she did not like to 
 live with such a wicked king; but he coaxed her again and again, and 
 at last she accepted him, and the royal crown was set upon her head. 
 She stayed in her chamber most of the time, like his first wife, and 
 that also troubled him very much. One day she put on her royal 
 apparel and came down -into the parlor. The king met her at the door 
 and presented a golden sceptre to her, and asked her to make a re- 
 quest. She told him her request was to let Mordecai, a Jewish mazi, 
 come into his palace. The king did not like to do it, but he did it 
 just to please the queen. While they were reclining in her garden, 
 he saw that Esther paid more attention to Mordecai than she did to 
 him, and he ordered a gallows to be made, and Mordecai to be 
 hung the next day; and Esther was not allowed to leave the palace 
 or converse with the Jews, till she had promised to love King Ahasu- 
 erus all her life. 
 
 A. R. 
 
 Si^metliiiig Whicli I Once Read in a Book. 
 
 When I- was a little girl, I once read a little fairy book, called "Sa- 
 lome." Salome was a little girl not more than fifteen or sixteen years 
 old. Her father was a wealthy Count, and did all he could to please 
 her. One day her father told her he was going to invite all the young 
 men of Kelrany to a dinner party, and that he wanted her to choose 
 the prettiest one for a husband. While they were seated at the table, 
 Salome was ashamed to choose one, and asked her father which he 
 liked best. He first chose a tall, red headed man ; next a low, white 
 headed man, and ever so many more ; but she did not like any of 
 them. After dinner was over, they all went away, leaving her father 
 in a very bad humoi:. Late in the afternoon he called Salome to him 
 and told her he was going to London early the next morning to be ab- 
 sent about a week, and asked her what she wished him to bring her. 
 She told him to get six yards of green velvet and some fringe, and 
 ever so many other things. He bought them and ordered them sent 
 to her. She staid in her room all the while he was gone, and made a 
 little wax boy about the size of Tom Thumb. She made him a little 
 suit out of the green velvet, and trimmed it with fringe, and various 
 other ornaments, and named him St. Elmo. As she wanted to sur- 
 prise her father when he came home, she asked her fairy god-mother 
 to make him stand up and walk. She immediately did it, and there 
 
THE MUTES' OFFERING. 62 
 
 before her stood the prettiest boy in all creation. She made up her 
 mind to marry him the very day she was expecting her father. She 
 invited all the people around Kelrany. The old woman of the Chenk- 
 ing Prairies was there, and fell in love with St. Elmo, and wanted to 
 take him home with her. While Salome was putting on her wedding 
 things, the old woman of the Chenking Prairies led St. Elmo out in 
 the yard, and coaxed him to get into her coach. The driver then 
 whipped t'he horses, and they bounded off to the old lady's castle. 
 Salome ran after them, but she never recovered her beautiful St. 
 
 Elmo. 
 
 A. K. 
 
 To H. S. Gillet. 
 
 Dearly Beloved Teacher and Friend: 
 
 To-morrow is your birthday. Since we have been under your care 
 and instruction, you have shown us great kindness, and for this reason 
 we all wish you to know that we feel deeply grateful to you. For 
 myself, I wish to say that I thank you for assisting me in the marriage 
 of the church in times past. We all wish you a happy life in your 
 
 declining years. 
 
 B. C. C. 
 
 Our Beloved Teacher and Friend : 
 
 Permit us to give at least a feeble expression of our thoughts, as we 
 remember that to-morrow is your birthday. It has been some years 
 since we were privileged to enter this class and enjoy the benefits of 
 your excellent instruction. We can truly and gratefully say that 
 you have treated us with unvarying kindness, and have done us much 
 ^ood ; and that we have not derived still greater benefit, is, we regret 
 to say, in a great measure our own fault, m that we have not applied 
 ourselves as faithfully as we ought to hav^ done. The past, however, 
 cannot be recalled, and we can only say with truth that nothing will 
 give you more pleasure, and better show our sense of gratitude, than 
 for us in the future to exhibit greater diligence in our studies, and 
 greater devotion to our duties to God and man. We shall endeavor 
 in that way, if we can in no other, to show our sense of what you have 
 done, or tried to do for us. We shall try, by continued advancement 
 and correct deportment, to prove that your labors in our behalf have 
 not been without fruit. The close of thiKS day will mark another year 
 of your earthly pilgrimage, upon the records of the past. To-morrow 
 
63 THE MUTES' OFFERING. 
 
 will open a new year. What it may bring to you, God only knows ; 
 but we trust that your journey through it will be full of peace and 
 happiness. As a slight token of our regard, we ask your acceptance 
 of this cane. We hope that as it aids you over the rough places in 
 your daily walks, it will" be a reminder of the sincere respect and love 
 felt for you. 
 
 W. K. . 
 
 Deaely Beloved Teacher: 
 
 You stand to-day on the threshold of a new year. Another leaf is 
 added to the book of your past, which we know is filled with the 
 record of many deeds of beauty and kindness, from our knowledge of 
 the meekness and goodness of the owner. It is a matter of rejoicing 
 and intense gratitude to us, this morning, that the best and ripest of 
 these years have been spent in the noble work of alleviating the sad 
 condition of ignorance and darkness in which the mind of the mute 
 is ever enshrouded, until liberated by the efiforts of zealous and self- 
 sacrificing teachers such as yourself. We know that we li;ive often 
 grieved and wounded you, clear teacher, by our carelessness and 
 numerous faults; and the knowledge that you have borne with ail 
 these with uniform kindness and forbearance, but increases the love 
 and respect that we have always cherished towards you, and rest as- 
 sured that our devoted thanks will follow you to the grave. 
 
 You are growing old and gray, dear teacher, and your youth and 
 prime have slipped away from you forever ; but those gray hairs are 
 dearer to us than if they were black as the raven, for each one • tells 
 the tale of the years that have been glorified by the earnest work of 
 the owner. Perhaps the day may come when iLfirmity will take you- 
 away from these walls forever ; when your feet will no more trod the 
 old familiar path of duty ; when it will be a pleasure to you to dwell 
 upon the expressed love and regard of your pupils. If so, we will 
 be fully repaid for the little effort that we have made to make this 
 day a pleasant one to you. In a few months some of us will part from 
 you forever, and we would that you would think of us sometimes with 
 a kindly feeling in your heart. We all wish you many happy returns 
 of this day, and when the silver chord of your life is run, we know 
 that in the Golden City set among the eternal hills, you will reap a 
 rich reward in the glorious fruit of immortality. May God make your 
 old age peaceful and happy, and your dying hour calm and joyous, 
 Avith the joy that is born not of earth. May the white-winged mes- 
 senger bear you safely over the roaring flood, and the arm of faith 
 
THE MUTES' OFFERING. 64 
 
 sustain you until your freed spirit is set within the golden gates for- 
 ever. There we hope to meet you, and join in the praise of the Lamb; 
 with tongues no longer tied, and ears no longer deaf. 
 
 L. S. 
 
 Parting 1)y the River Side. 
 
 We parted by the river side, 
 
 The moon looked down on you and me; 
 The stars put on their look of pride. 
 
 The dewdrop kissed the blushing rose ; 
 The gentle winds did sigh, 
 
 One word broke nature's sweet repose, 
 Tliat sad word was Good-bye ! 
 
 Chorus— Oh, tell me that you love me yet, 
 . For oh ! the parting gives me pain : 
 
 Say, tell me that you'll not forget, 
 For we may never meet again. 
 
 We parted by the river side, 
 
 A tear drop trembled on your cheek ; 
 In vain to tell my love I tried, 
 
 My heart was sad, I could not speak. 
 I promised that I would be true. 
 
 As long as I should live ; 
 The parting kiss I gave to you. 
 
 Was all I had to give. 
 
 Chorus— Oh, tell me, (fee. 
 
 We parted bj- the river side. 
 
 And I have ronnded a. distant clime; 
 My heart has not forgot its pride, 
 
 For I have loved you all the time. 
 And I am waiting for you still. 
 
 While I believe you true ; 
 Afar or near, let come what will, 
 
 I love you, only you.. 
 
 Chorus— Oh, tell me, &c. 
 
 I. A. W. 
 
 To Dr. T.atliam. 
 
 Dear Teacher: 
 
 Please accept these presents as a slight token of our. affection for 
 you. Though we often seem careless and inattentive to your instruc- 
 tion, yet we hope your efforts in our behalf are not entirely lost, and 
 that the bread now east upon the waters may be found in future years 
 yielding a rich return. 
 
 By His Class. 
 
65 THE MUTES' OFFERING. 
 
 » 
 
 To W. N. Burt. 
 
 Dear, Beloved Teacher : 
 
 We have looked forward with pleasant anticipations to the anni- 
 versary of your happy birthday, that we might testify something of 
 our gratitude to you for all your past kindness, and zealous, untiring 
 labor for our welfare and good. We know not how to express our 
 sincere gratitude to you, dear teacher, but rest assured whatever you 
 do or Avherever you go, the kind wisnes of your ever grateful pupils 
 will follow you ; and it shall be our constant prayer that the same kind 
 influence which has attended y9u thus far, may go with you through 
 all your future life. Please accept this trifling gift as a token of the 
 esteem and sincere friendship that will ever be felt for you by your 
 grateful pupils. 
 
 A. A. 
 
 The Sewing Machine and Needle Work. 
 
 BY HATTIE A. ADAMS AND AURILLA WARFORD. 
 
 Aurilla — Hattie, we are going to recite a dialogue about the sewing 
 machine and the needle work. I like the old fashioned way ; which do 
 you like best, the sewing machine or the needle work ? 
 
 Hattie — Why do you like the needle better than the sewing machine? 
 
 Aurilla — I like the needle better because I can wax the thread when 
 it breaks all the time, and then it will last longer than when you stitch 
 anything on your old sewing machine with thread that breaks all the 
 time. Tell me why you like the sewing machine better than the' 
 needle ? 
 
 Hattie — I like the sewing machine better than the needle, because 
 the work is easier. When I am sewing any clothes on the sewing ma- 
 chine, I can get them done in one or two days ; but when you make 
 your clothes with the needle, you sew so slowly that you do not get . 
 them done in less than three or four weeks. 
 
 Aurilla — I know that it will take me longer to make them when I 
 sew with the needle, but they will stay sewed .longer than they will 
 when you stit.ch them on your old sewing machine. I expect you like 
 it better because you are afraid you will stick the needle in your fin- 
 gers. 
 
 Hattie — I dislike the needle on that account. I would be sorry for 
 it, because I want to keep the:n nice ; but when you sew with a needle, 
 your fingers become black by sticking the needlo in them so much. 
 
THE MUTES' OFFERING. 66 
 
 Aurilla — Well, I think it would be better for my fingers to be black 
 and hard, than white and soft. I think you want to keep your hands 
 white to show them to the boys. 
 
 Hattie — What you said about my hands, is all right. 
 
 Aurilla — I want you to tell me how you will rock your ci'adle and 
 stitch, both at the same time, when you get married, if you don't know 
 how to sew with the needle, and are afraid of spoiling your fingers. 
 
 Hattie — I know how to sew with the needle, but I don't like to do 
 , it. When I am busy at work, and the children trouble me, I will find 
 a girl to take care of them. If your finger gets sore, how do you sew 
 with the needle ? 
 
 Aurilla — Oh ! I can put my work off" till my finger gets well, for it 
 will not be sore long. 
 
 Hattie — When you sew with the needle, and the child cries, can you 
 take her, and sit and sew with her on your lap ? 
 
 Aurilla — I will not take her, but put her in the cradle, and I can 
 . rock her and sew, both at once ; but you cannot do both; and so you 
 will have to jump up all the time ; and when you take the baby, and 
 put it in the cradle and get it to sleep, and begin to stitch, the old 
 sewing machine will make such a noise that it will wike up, and begin 
 to call " Ma" again. 
 
 Hattie — I think it would not wake up and cry, for it would like to 
 lie and listen to it. I know that you don't know how to sew with the 
 machine. Poor Aurilla ! 
 
 Aurilla — I can stitch with ihe sewing machine, if I was to try; but 
 I would rather sew with the needle. I think Hattie does not know 
 how to sew with the needle; and if she cannot, and makes her hus- 
 band's pants on the sewing machine, with rotten thread, he .will not 
 wear them long till they all come loose, and burst open like the door 
 when the wind blows against it; and he will say he wished she had 
 learned how to sew with the needle before- he married her. 
 
 Hattie — What you said about my not knowing how to sew with the 
 needle, is not of much importance: for 1 can learn how to sew pants — 
 but I don't want to do so. 
 
 Aurilla — If you don't learn, your husband will say. " Oh, poor wife, 
 I want you to sew my pants with the needle, and not be afraid of 
 spoiling your hands." 
 
 Hattie — I think we had better stop on this subject, for we are both 
 about of the same opinion. 
 
67 THE MUTES' OFFERING. 
 
 HumbuffS. 
 
 This world is full of humbugs. 
 
 A lady went to the store to buy some coffee. When she had got 
 some, she went straight home, and roasted it, and boiled it for coffee, 
 but it tasted like peas or beans. She said she had been humbugged. 
 
 A Grerman maid servant bought a ham, and she thought how nice 
 it would taste for supper ! but when she tried to cut a piece off, she 
 found it was wood, painted in the shape of a ham. She had been 
 humbugged. 
 
 A man who desired to sell his farm, drew the shape of it on a sheet 
 of paper. His land was not very nice, but the drawing was very 
 picturesque. He went away about fifteen or twenty miles, and met a 
 man whom he asked if he wished to buy a farm. The man said yes. 
 So he showed him the picture, and the man bought the farm, aud the 
 swindler ran off with the money. When the buyer came to his farm, 
 he saw it not in such a nice shape, and found that the farm was a 
 humbug. 
 
 Some Yankees in New York made a great many boots and shoes of 
 thick paper, painted to look like leather, and sold them at the lowest 
 prices. When a merchant came and bought all that they had, for a 
 few thousand dollars, he thought he could make a great deal of money. 
 The merchant was selling them, and when those who had bought some 
 had worn them two or three days, the soles broke and opened, and the 
 men blamed the merchant for deceiving them ; then he found that the 
 rest were all made of the same material, and that it was a big humbug. 
 
 White lead is sold, mixed with sulphate of baryta, and vinegar is 
 made of sulphuric acid and wood. These are chemical humbugs. 
 
 A veiy fine gentleman walked about the city with his friend, and 
 then took him to his room. First he took off his wig, and was bald; 
 then he took out all his teeth, then a glass eye; next he took off a 
 wooden leg. His friend thought he was taking himself all to pieces. 
 Was he not a humbug? » 
 
 A man met another on the road, and said with tears in his eyes, that 
 his wife was dying, and he had no money to go home. He had a gold 
 watch worth one hundred dollars, but would sell it for fifty. The 
 other offered him forty, and he took it. The watch was brass, and 
 was worth about a dollar and a half. Alas ! all is not gold thLt glit- 
 ters. The jewelry worn by fine people is more than a humbug. 
 
 A beautiful lady once humbugged her lover. She arrayed herself 
 in a splendid dress, put on gold jewelry, and painted her cheeks red, 
 and covered her head with false curls. She expected that some hand- 
 
THE MUTES' OFFERING. 68. 
 
 some gentleman would fall in love with her. She wished to many 
 some one who had plenty of money. A very good looking gentleman 
 was captivated, and they agreed to be married. But she did not love 
 him. After they were married, he discovered that her face was not 
 naturally beautiful, and that she wore sham curls. He found that she 
 was a grand humbug. She told him a lie when she said that she loved 
 him with all her heart ; but her heart was a humbug, too. 
 
 Quack doctors are humbugs, wbo promise to cure sick persons, or 
 restore to the deaf their hearing. They get the sick man's money, but 
 do not cure him. Frequently druggists sell medicines that are not 
 pure ; they want to get more money by humbugging the doctors and 
 their patients. 
 
 A gentleman with an umbrella under his arm, stopped to look into 
 a large mirror. Another came along and accidentally walked against 
 the umbrella, and pushed it into the mirror. The owner was in a rage, 
 and demanded twenty-iive dollars for his mirror. The gentleman 
 handed him a hundred dollar bill, and received seventy-five dollars in 
 change, and walked away. The bill was counterfeit. The owner had 
 lost his mirror and seventy-five dollars. He felt badly humbugged. 
 
 A greenhorn was carelessly showing some gold rocks. A sharper 
 asked where he got them. The fellow told him. Is there more there"? 
 Yes. He showed him the place, and they found more nuggets. The 
 sharper bought the land for a high price, but did not find any more 
 gold. Greeny had- put the rocks there himself, and the biter was 
 bitten. 
 
 A minister was the pastor of a church. He was a splendid speak-er. 
 People thought and believed that he was a good and honest man ; but 
 after he was gone, they found that he was guilty of some bad conduct. 
 They were filled with surprise that he was very bad in his private life, 
 but never showed his wickedness in his public conduct. He had his 
 secret sins. People were convinced that he was a great humbug. Why 
 did he wish to deceive the people? . Because he wanted to get money 
 of them for a living, and for church expenses ; and then he could be- 
 come a rich man, and live in style and enjoy himself. 
 
 You must not forget, when bad people crowed around you with their 
 flattering words, and want to sell to you articles fair on the outside, 
 but deceitf'il within, that they are trying to humbug you. You must 
 be careful, and examine the true nature of everything that you buy. 
 You know that many people make a living by humbugging the com- 
 munity. 
 
 The greatest humbug of the world, Mr. Barnum,said people wanted 
 
69 THE MUTES' OFFERING. 
 
 to be humbugged ; tbey likeil it, and were willing to pay for it. But 
 it is dishonorable. A man of cultivated mind, clear conscience, and 
 true heart, will never humbug, lie, steal, swindle, or cheat. 
 
 Remember you must be true in your life, and never try to pass off 
 what is false for the true, and thus deceive ignorant people. They 
 will soon know your character, and shun you, and will not believe 
 you when you are Iwnest. If you sometimes gain by deceit, you will 
 afterwards loss more by it. If a man practices humbuggery all his 
 life, he will find at last, too late, that he has been humbugged by the 
 Devil. 
 
 J. H. 
 
 Nature. 
 
 Since the creation of the world, nature has undergone infinite and 
 marvelous changes, wliich have excited the astonishment of man. 
 Nothing has preserved its original form. For instance, flowers bloom 
 in beauty, but fade in a short time. The most solid substances are 
 changing their forms, and are destined to crumble to pieces and 
 mingle with the dust from which they were originally made. The 
 -Strongest man cannot live longer than his appointed time, because 
 nature has the power to despoil him of life when the hour shall 
 .arrive. As the world is in motion, the changes of climate and the 
 -scenes on the earth's surface, have often a very strange appearance. 
 Rivers flow from higher to lower levels, and alternately rise and abate. 
 "Winds and tide move the waters of the ocean. Hurricanes sweep ovei' 
 the surface, leaving desjlati'Dn and death in their track. The land is 
 .shaken by earthquakes, and thousand.s perish, while the noblest struc- 
 tures of man are -i educed to a heap of ruins. All things, therefore, 
 whether great or small, ai-e subject to the laws of nature, and fulfill 
 the purpo.-^e for which they were created. 
 
 Pluinan nature, with its union with soul and body, is a subject of 
 the 2freatest curiosity, and is so mvsteriou.s that it is impossible to ob- 
 tain a perfect knowledge of it. Although man seems overwhelmed by 
 a sense of the vastness of things around him. and of his own littleness, 
 ■yet he has thesupremacy over them all. His skill and industry are 
 the primary cause of the advantage-; of iutei'course. the inventions of 
 the age, the subordination of brute' force, and the architectural struc- 
 tures which are the monuments of his genius aad energy. As the dif- 
 ferent parts of the earth s surface, covered with beauty, exhibit a 
 ■grand and glorious scene to the eye of man ; and as there is no rest in 
 
THE MUTES' OFFEBINQ. 70 
 
 nature, but sounds are produced and conveyed to the ear, lie writes 
 poetry and sings the songs of earth. Thus he is elevated to a higher 
 position through the instrumentality of his vocal powers ; and putting 
 himself in the field of labor, he calls his brain into action, and thus 
 fulfills his destiny. 
 
 We see that, in ancient times, bloody oattles were fought, and many 
 were put to death in various ways, bytyrants. Some fought only for 
 pleasure, some for the pillage of cities or countries, and some for glory. 
 Many have attained to the highest pinnacle of fame, but have fallen 
 back into a state of insignificance, never to arise again. Much trouble 
 has prevailed throughout the old countries. Why so ? Because their 
 natures, that had been perverted, were averse to obedience and peace. 
 But in our country peace generally reigns, on account of the excel- 
 lence of the governments, which are maintained only by intelligent 
 men. Good sense leads to obedience, peace and happiness. 
 
 We see that the flowers of the field obey the laws of nature, and 
 grow in beauty. But artificial things do not always obey the laws of 
 art, and thus are not rendered so suitable to human enjoyment. 
 Therefore art does not always fulfill the purpose for which it is in- 
 tended by human contrivance, but nature does, through the infinite 
 power of its great Author. Were there no nature, there would be 
 no art. Man, with his reasoning intellect, is fearfully and wonder- 
 fully made, and consequently is capable of executing productions 
 through the agency of his own skill, scarcely inferior to those of 
 nature herself. Plants present to man a brilliant and smiling aspect, 
 as if to laugh at him for his ill-nature and his deformed countenance, 
 and they give him more pleasure in looking upon them, than the most 
 magnificent works of art. Furthermore, their usefulness in sustain- 
 ing his vitality, is the reproof of his own uselessness in doing nothing 
 for the good of others. Everywhere are the works of nature con- 
 stantly attracting the admiration of man, and it is a fact that one of 
 the most essential purposes for which they were created, is to offer 
 themselves to be investigated, and their mysteries to be disclosed. 
 This arouses the ambition of many souls, and advances them to a 
 higher situation, as they engage in the honorable rivalry of making 
 new discoveries in science. Let every department of nature be ex- 
 plored, the mysteries of creation be revealed, and man be elevated, 
 and his destiny thus be fulfilled. 
 
 Our beloved Institution presents an example of what can be ac- 
 complished by studying the lessons of nature, by which the light of 
 knowledge is cast into the long darkened minds of such an unfortu- 
 
71 THE MUTES' OFFERING. 
 
 nate class of persons as those deprived of the sense of hearing. Many 
 Institutions have been dedicated, and the plan v^rhich has long been 
 employed to bring the deaf and dumb to a knowledge of nature, has 
 been successful. Yet they have not reached as perfect a knowledge of 
 the English language, as those possessed of vocal powers. What leads 
 man to have 'the Institutions established, and the deaf mutes educated ? 
 We answer, natural conscience, given from on high. Let us say, as 
 we have entered this Institution to receiv-e an education, and now can 
 possibly address you while upon -this platform, that we are very thank- 
 ful to all those who, with unspeakable kindness, have given us such 
 privileges as we had never before enjoyed. Now we say farewell to 
 one and all. 
 
 t W. J. K. 
 
 The Benefits of Plants. 
 
 Plants are the most useful things which are produced on the earth. 
 If there were no vegetables for food, animals could not live. God 
 created many kinds of plants for the use of man. Many people en- 
 gage in the business of cultivating plants and flowers in spring. They 
 plant corn and other grains in the fields. God sends rain and causes 
 the warm sun to shine, and they will grow fast. They will cover the 
 ground all over with green. How beautiful is the scenery of thte green 
 fields ! It gives us much pleasure to behold the vegetation. We will 
 be glad as the new green plants begin to grow, and our happiness will 
 be increased. The plants and flowers flourish in summer. There will 
 be an abundance ; the breezes will bring sweet perfumes, while many 
 will be fond of seeing and smelling the beautiful plants and leaves, 
 flowers and fruits. Plants are benefited when they are in the vicinity 
 of rivers, ponds, or lakes. The rain will fall upon them and cause 
 them to grow. If any are left without moisture, they will wither and 
 become dry. Many ladies are very fond of engaging in planting 
 flower seeds, and raising flowers, and watering and nursing them. 
 They will soon blossom. Their colors are yellow, pink, purple, red, 
 crimson, scarlet, violet, and blue. If they grow in darkness, they will 
 be white. They wish the sun to shine on them with its light and heat. 
 Those who are very fond of the sweet fragrance, sometimes put some 
 flower-pots on the windows in their room. Some gardeners know how 
 to cultivate various kinds of flowers and plants. He takes his flowers 
 into the green-house during the winter, to keep them warm. He 
 watches them, and takes much pleasure in it. He smells the fragrant 
 
THE MUTES' OFFERINO. 72 
 
 blossoms, and often carries tlie watering pots and refreshes the flowers 
 to make them grow. He works patiently to raise them, and sells the 
 flowers to those who want them. Light produces as great an influence 
 on man as it does on plants. In the Polar climes there are no forests, 
 plants, or flowers, but a few shrubs and flowerless mosses and lichens, 
 and some very small plants which grow in the snow. The people live 
 in houses of ice, and have lamps for fire. They do not take pleasure 
 in cultivating the diff'erent varieties of flowers, with their bright colors 
 and sweet fragiance; but they are very fond of hunting Polar bears, 
 the walrus and seals. There are a few stunted forests for making fuel. 
 They have many deer, and a few domestic animals. How sad it is to 
 see these poor people ! In North j^merica there are abundant har- 
 vests of grain. Excellent fruits abound, such as the apple, peach, 
 quince, plum, and cherry. The soil yields everything necessary for 
 the food and clothing of the people. The gardens and woods are 
 filled with flowers in summer. The forests produce wood for building 
 houses, or making furniture, or the diff'erent articles of wooden manu- 
 facture. Numerous ornaments of wood are used in our dwellings and 
 churches, and the use of wood is seen everywhere, in the city and in 
 the country. We see it on river and lake, and on the great ocean. 
 In the cities of the Eastern countries, they have the most splendid 
 houses. They built large cities, which are old and full of ruins, and 
 almost deserted. Long ago, emigrants came from England and settled 
 in the forests of North America. Some landed at Plymouth in Mass- 
 achusetts, and some at Jamestown in Virginia. They were the first 
 English settlements in this country. They rapidly changed the woods 
 into farms 'and cities. They built homes, and cleared the land, and 
 planted orchards. They kept themselves warm in the storms of win- 
 ter. In this climate there are four seasons. The rains fall and water 
 the ground, -which causes the grass and grains to grow, and the trees 
 to yield their fruits. In winter snow covers the ground, and protects 
 it from the' severe cold. In South America there are two seasons, the 
 dry and wet. The rain falls for nearly six months, and then does not 
 fall for several months. There are many varieties of tropical regions, 
 both humid and hot. Many people wonder on beholding this beauti- 
 ful country, where every comfort abounds. Plants yield cotton, hemp, 
 and flax, which are useful for clothing, and also for many other things. 
 Flax is sometimes made into artificial hair, for ladies to wear. Cotton 
 is mixed with linen, and is made into handkerchiefs and various other 
 articles. Cotton grows a soft, white, cream-colored fibre around the 
 seeds of the plant. How beautiful is the scenery of the cotton field I 
 It looks like large snow flakes sprinkled over it. Negroes pick it, and 
 
73 THE MUTES' OFFERING. 
 
 fill the baskets with cotton. It is carried to the Northern States and 
 sold, and makes calico and muslin. Hemp is a plant which grows in 
 many countries. It is a fibrous bark, which is made into ropes and 
 coarse cloth. It is necessary for ships, and various mechanical uses. 
 Medicinal plants are found in every part of the world. They supply 
 the means of cure of various diseases. When people are in great suf- 
 fering or poor health, they take these medicines, and recover. We 
 should be thankful for all these plants. Without them, the earth 
 would be barren and desolate. 
 
 L. E. M. 
 
 A Etch Love Letter. 
 
 Dear sweet, my love of love, clarified honey of oil of citron, white 
 loaf sugar of my hope, and molasses of my expectation, you have 
 been absent from me three whole days. The sun is dark at mid-day, 
 the moon and stars are black when thou art absent. 
 
 Thine is the music of the sphere, and the wind of youj gown, when 
 you pass by, as a zephyr from the garden of Paradise, in the time of 
 early flowers. I kissed you when we last met, and my whole frame 
 was filled with sweetness. One of your curls touched me on the 
 cheek, and that organ was transmitted into loaf sugar. ! spice of 
 spices, garden of' delights, send me a lock of yo.ur hair. Send me 
 anything your blessed fingers have touched, and I will go raving mad 
 with ecstasy. 
 
 One look from thy bright eyes would transmit me incontinently into 
 the third heaven. Your words are mother of pearl, dropiping from 
 your mouth. 
 
 My brain is everlasting fire ! The blood runs and scorches my veins 
 and vitals, as it passes through them. ! come, most delightful of 
 delights, and with your seraphic breath, breathe upon me. When you 
 do come, be sure and bring that shilling you borrowed of me, as I want 
 to buy some tobacco. 
 
 * 
 
 Idle Fancies. 
 
 Idly my thoughts wander far away, and dream of the past, and 
 picture visions of the future. As the streamlet bursts forth fi'om the 
 mountain side, and flows onward through fields and forests, never 
 pausing till it is lost in the mighty ocean, so are my thoughts eVer 
 
THE MUTES' OFFERING. 74 
 
 dreaming, unbroken save now and then when I arouse myself from 
 my reverie. I can imagine myself as a little girl, sent daily to school ; 
 then I lose my hearing, and come to this Institution' tp be educated. 
 Oh, what a great change ! How hard it is to be sent away from the 
 home of my childhood, the dearest spot in this wide world, and mingle 
 with strangers, having no mother's sympathizing voice to soothe me 
 in all my troubles ; to go home only for a few weeks' vacation, and 
 then come back to my hard tasks again. Often I imagine I stand by 
 Niagara Falls, and hear the roar of the falling waters' as they plunge 
 far down the precipice, sending up a mist that resembles the steam of 
 a boiling abyss. Then I hear the sound of the rolling and maddening 
 ocean, as it rolls in waves toward the land, and breaks against the 
 cliffs. Then I see a ship in the distance, struggling and batr.ling 
 bravely against the storm. The life-boat is lowered and is rapidly 
 filled with people, and departs from the side of the sinking ship. 
 Some, who were left to sink with that noble vessel, cling to the masts, 
 and sway to and fro as it slowly sinks and disappears forever. Oh ! 
 what hungry and cruel waves, to swallow so many ships, and leave 
 them lying idly far below, with all their treasures, and merchandise, 
 and human forms, with nothing to mark the spot where friends might 
 come to weep over the loved and lost. Again I stand by the side of 
 a lake, and see it stretching far and wide before me, clear, silvery and 
 calm in the early morning, not a single person in sight. I see it 
 bordered on one side by tall and stately trees, which bend their 
 branches down to the water's edge, on the pebbly shore shut in by 
 cliffs. In the distance I see a lone island, the central figure of the 
 lake, dotted here and there with a few trees. How different is the 
 lake from the ocean ! But when there is a storm on the lake, we can 
 not compare them. 
 
 Now I am in a distant country, and taking a view of the surround- 
 ing scenery, I view, stretched before me, fields yellow with the golden 
 grain, ready for the harvest. Here is a meadow, with herds of cattle 
 and flocks of sheep lazily grazing in the shade of the trees. There is 
 a farm house, its chimney sending the smoke over the tree-tops. On 
 the left we see an orchard, with its trees laden with the ripe and mel- 
 low fruits. How beautiful is the landscape I have just described, and 
 how can we compare it with the city, whose crowded, dusty, and noisy 
 streets are thronged with people from sunrise till sunset. How differ- 
 ent is the outside from the inside world. In the country we can see 
 and enjoy nature's works to our heart's content ; but in the city we 
 must take our leave of nature. 
 
 6 
 
75 THE MUTES' OFFERING. 
 
 Another scene appears. I see a large brick mansion with parks and 
 fountains, and a shady avenue leading from the road to the house ; 
 but within that mansion we find no joy or gladness, but sorrow 
 Weeping children stand around the death bed of a mother. Without 
 all is lovely ; nature seems to be unconscious of the hearts that are 
 breaking within. 
 
 The vision dissolves, and I stand on the shores of " Bonnie Scot- 
 land." I see a small village, with a few houses and huts scattered 
 here and there, with unwashed children standing on the thresholds 
 and playing in the yards. I pass out of the village into the open 
 country, and see the sun rising in all its splendor ; the fields and 
 meadows sparkle with the morning dew. I imagine I hear the song 
 birds as they fly from tree to tree. I meet some people going to their 
 labor in the field, and others going to the city, driving wagons loaded 
 with fruits and vegetables for the market. 
 
 Once more my wandering fancy transports me to the regions of the 
 sunny South. " Away down South" I see majestic groves of trees, 
 some loaded with tropical fruits, some with beautiful and fragrant 
 flowers. I see also reptiles crawling along under the bushes and up 
 the trees. Birds of brilliant plumage sing in the trees. But in spite 
 of all these grand and shady groves, no one can dwell beneath their 
 . lovely foliage, because there is no security from the reptiles, and no 
 refuge from the intense heat. 
 
 Oh, why were all these beautiful things created, when so few can 
 fully enjoy them? Why are the loathsome and venomous placed 
 amidst the bright and beautiful ? Why must we go to other lands 
 when winter contends with summer, to find " peace on earth and good 
 will to men" ? 
 
 A. F. 
 
 Yenture not too Far, lest you Fail. 
 
 We should not venture too far, lest we fail in doing what we desire 
 and intend to perform. People often desire to be rich, and to live in 
 splendid houses. They try to have them built so that they think 
 nothing can destroy them. But it sometimes happens that a fire 
 breaks out near them, and burns them down before they get them 
 done, or after they are completed and furnished. Nothing is then 
 left but a mass of ruins and ashes, and they then see that they have 
 ventured rather too far, in thinking nothing could destroy them. 
 Then perhaps they will have to beg from door to door to get their 
 
THE MUTES' OFFERING. 76 
 
 living, because they are as poor as some otlier people that have to do 
 so. People who are rich and proud, sometimes think about going to 
 Europe, Asia, and other countries. But before they can get there, 
 they have to cross the wide ocean in ships, and they think not of what 
 may happen to them, but how they will be honored by all people who 
 know them, because they have been around the world. It sometimes 
 happens that the vessels are wrecked in a storm, or strike on a rock 
 and sink in the water, and they are gone never to return to their 
 homes here on earth. I once read of a little boy, who thought he 
 knew more than any one else, and always tried to save his money 
 that he might become rich. He went to see his cousin, who was very 
 wealthy and could buy anything he wished. They both thought they 
 would go fishing, but they had no fishing lines ; and so the wealthy 
 boy said he would buy lines for both ; but the other, who wished to 
 save his money, said he could make them, as he knew how to do every- 
 thing. After they had got them made, they thought they could catch 
 many fish ; but they ventured too far, for while they were finding 
 poles, they fell into a quarrel about them, and went home without any 
 fish. They were afterwards sorry, just as we often are when we ven- 
 ture too far and get disappointed in what we wish to do. Wicked 
 people often venture too far in taking strong drink, which is very 
 dangerous, and in other things which they will be sorry for, if they 
 are called to die before they are prepared. Sometimes when people 
 venture too far, and at last fail, they become so enraged that they wiah 
 themselves dead, and threaten to kill themselves, or actually do it, by 
 taking poison or by some other means, though they will be sorry for it 
 when they are called to stand before God, who will judge them. Some- 
 times we boast in saying we know our lessons, and when the teacher 
 tells us to study, we don't obey as we ought, but talk all the time ; 
 and when we go to recite, we fail. Some people often venture too far 
 in thinking they know more than any one else, or more than can be 
 known ; for they think they know when they will die. But death 
 sometimes comes when they least suspect, and when they are not pre- 
 pared for it. These things that I have been writing about, appear to 
 be true, for it often happens so. You know that the famous city of 
 Chicago, which was called the miracle of tiie West, was founded only 
 about forty-two years, and was noted as the third largest city in the 
 United States. It contained many large and magnificent buildings, 
 and also a park which was surrounded by a lake ; and it was the 
 largest grain depot in the world. The people were rich and proud, 
 and many of them cared for nothing but their own welfare. But one- 
 
77 THE MUTES' OFFERING. 
 
 fourth of the city was reduced to a heap of ruins, and many of the 
 people who were wealthy and honored, are as poor as church mice, 
 and have scarcely anything to wear, and but little to eat. I think 
 they have ventured too far in thinking more of their worldly welfare 
 than they did of saving their souls. I pity them. Many of the poor 
 sinners that were burnt to death in that fire, may be sorry for thinking 
 more of their bodily comfort than they did about their spiritual wel- 
 fare. This may have been the case in Wisconsin, where a city was de- 
 stroyed by fire, and many of the people burned to death. I think it 
 would be better not to ventui-e too far in depending upon our own 
 strength, but try and lean on an Almighty Friend ; so that if it 
 should happen here, as it has in other places, and we could not save 
 our lives, our souls would be safe, and we could have a crown of glory 
 which could never be taken from us. 
 
 A. W. 
 
 Deaf, and yet I Hear, 
 
 To me, though neither voice nor sound 
 
 Prom earth or air may come. 
 Deaf to the world that brawls around, 
 
 The world to me. is dumb ; 
 
 Yet may the quick and conscious eye. 
 
 Assist the slow, dull ear ; 
 Light can the signs of thought supply, 
 
 And with a look I hear. 
 
 The songs of birds, the water's faU, 
 
 Sweet tongues and grating jars; 
 Hail, tempest, wind, and thunder, all 
 
 Are silent as the stars. 
 
 The stars that on their tranquil way, 
 
 In language without sptech. 
 The glury of the Lord display. 
 
 And to all nations preach. 
 
 Now, though one outward sense be sealed. 
 
 We find the remaining four, 
 To teach me needful knowledge, yield 
 
 Their earnest aid the more. 
 
 Yet hath my heart an inward ear, 
 
 Tlirough which its powers rejoice; 
 Speak, Lord, and let me love to hear 
 
 Thy spirit's still, small voice. 
 
 So when tlie archangel from the ground 
 
 Shall summon great and small, 
 Tlie ear now deaf shall bear that sound, 
 
 And answer to tlic call. 
 
 J. M. 
 
THE MUTES' OFFERING. 78 
 
 The Fame of Niagara Falls. 
 
 The Falls of Niagara are known to thousands. It is the grandest 
 spectacle of the kind on this globe. It is arrayed in rough magnifi- 
 cence, where in all its glory it stands, and interests every one who 
 looks upon it. These great falls were constructed at a remote period, 
 by the creative hand of God. Many have announced it to be the 
 most wonderful object ever witnessed; but I think that there must be 
 some things more remarkable than this. Yet the Falls of Niagara 
 may be ranked among the wonders of nature. It seems to be the 
 language of praise which the earth sends up to the azure skies. 
 
 Its power is so great that no human pen can fully describe it ; 
 yet it is attractive, and possesses the sublimest beauty in the grandeur 
 of its height and the splendors which surround it. I may say it is a 
 divinity in the rushing of water, felt by. all who acknowledge any 
 sympathy with nature. The mist formed by the fall of water, rises 
 from beneath, and those who glance upon it, conjure it into a fleecy 
 cloud which whirls and circles upward, touching everything and rest- 
 ing on the verdure and foliage in 'the vicinity. 
 
 The waters of the Niagara acquire momentum in the rapils above, 
 and plunge headlong over the precipice. There is a small stream 
 which proceeds from a mountain, and rushes and leaps from rock to 
 rock till it reaches and mingles with the mighty stream, and never 
 more can it pursue its course in any other direction. Down, down it 
 goes, thundering, roaring, then foaming at the bottom of the gigantic 
 precipice, glaring at its devious and stony channels, while showers of 
 mist blind the eyes. The scene thrills the hearts and haunts the 
 memories of those who possess taste and imagination. Lovers of 
 nature who make a journey to pay homage to that great monarch of 
 cataracts and the sovereign of mighty waters, would no doubt fall into 
 reveries and dreams. The s^ene clings, as by some indefinable spell, 
 to the affection of those who inhabit its borders. So we see it is 
 classed among the wonders and natural curiosities of the world. This 
 .amazing fall of water in the Niagara river is formed by its passage 
 from Lake Erie into Lake Ontario. It flows through a channel about 
 thirty-five miles in length. About twenty-one miles from its out- 
 let from Lake Erie, are the famous falls, where the whole body 
 ■of water is precipitated down a descent of more than one hundred 
 and fifty feet. 
 
 It is well known that its roar can be heard a distance of many 
 miles ; but of course this is constantly modified by the direction and 
 
79 THE MUTES' OFFERING. 
 
 strength of the wind. The dashing of the spray and the fury of the 
 waters seem wholly inconceivable. There is a sort of fascination about 
 this mighty cataract, in my imagination, which seemed to chain me to 
 the spot, and when I sought to leave it, drew me irresistibly back. Its 
 grandeur clings to me with all the vividness of early impressions. It 
 is not easy to bring the imagination to correspond with the greatness 
 of the scene. 
 
 The Almighty has invested Niagara with a power which none can 
 resist. Let us here consider that this now mighty and beautiful 
 wonder will fade away in the ages to come ; but in my imagination 
 its impressions are indelibly stamped, and the scene will haunt me 
 in after years, and linger in my memory till time is swallowed up in 
 eterniiy. 
 
 F. S. 
 
 The Future of American Women. 
 
 Although conscious of our inability to do justice to this subject, we 
 make no apology for it, because we know that the youth and inexperi- 
 ence of the writer will atone for all deficiencies displayed in its de- 
 velopment. We were led to its choice from the belief that it is the 
 duty of every member of our sex to possess some clearly defined ideas 
 upon this most prominent topic of the day ; involving, as it does, 
 the future of American homes and history, as well as the future of 
 American women. 
 
 Oh ! that we could lift the veil of futurity just for a moment only, 
 and view in its unknown realm the effects of the diverse opinions and 
 projects that are now convulsing the social world, under the general 
 term of " woman's rights." Would I see a grand and noble woman- 
 hood developed by a liberal culture and worthy ambition to be some- 
 thing more than mere ciphers in existeiice? would I see peaceful 
 homes glowing with love-light and harmony, where sensible, cultured, 
 Christian mothers sing lullabys to their babes, regarding it an honor 
 to rear their own children ? or would I see a corrupted nation weep- 
 ing over the ashes of the most beautifal system ever inaugurated by 
 the eternal God? Ah! we cannot tell, but we feel that the issue de- 
 pends upon herself; that a future generation shall rise up and curse 
 her, or call her " blessed," just in proportion as her influence at the 
 present time is exerted for the pure and the true. We feel that a 
 ^•isis has arrived in the history of the world, whose issue will affect 
 its condition for all time, and that the future of dear, free-born Amer- 
 
THE MUTES' OFFERING. 80 
 
 ica depends upon the present action of American women. A great 
 question is before the people ; a question that first threw the whole 
 world into convulsionsof laughter, next into sneers, and at last earnest, 
 wide-awake debate. It has grown and grown ; new questions and 
 new ideas have arisen, and although not identical with them, it has 
 paved the way for a set of fanatics whose ideas and influence threaten 
 to unsettle the very foundations of our social system. This agitation 
 can no longer be laughed at, or dismissed with a shrug of the should- 
 ers. Its proportions have increased until it is evident to every think- 
 ing mind that it will take intense study and careful management by 
 the pure and good, to resolve these discordant elements and opinions 
 into a result that shall really attain the original aim — the develop- 
 ment and elevation of woman. Although we think the vile doctrines 
 taught by Victoria Woodhull and Theodore Tilton, to be as much a 
 man's as a " woman's movement," yet as professed advocates of " wo- 
 man's rights," they do that cause a great deal of injury by the mere 
 truth of this fact, and it behooves the good to use all their influence 
 to counteract this baleful poison that is working in the heart of Amer- 
 ican society, and to demonstrate to the world that the doctrines taught 
 by " free lovers" have no place in the minds of the true friends of 
 woman, except that born of abhorrence and disgust. What a specta- 
 cle. is this presented by the nineteenth century! Men and women 
 with noble intellects, grand powers, highly cultured minds, standing 
 before the world as the advocates of a system that would reduce man- 
 kind to the level of the beast of the field, and forever and ever anni- 
 hilate all that is pure and good in the heart of man, all that tends to 
 make his life happy, and give him a place to prepare for the future 
 world. 
 
 This is why we are concerned for the future of American women, 
 and why we would have the women of our country take an active in- 
 terest in this matter, and use their influence to promote the true ele- 
 vation of our sex, that shall bring to her nothing that shall change 
 her womanly character, but all that shall tend to elevate her, morally, 
 intellectually, and physically, and open wide the doors that shall give 
 her free scope for her powers. 
 
 Are we " an opposer of woman's rights?" With all our heart t^nd 
 soul we answer, no ! No one could have the interest and happiness 
 of her gex more at heart than the humble person before you ; but as 
 different individuals ecitertain different ideas as to what her rights are, 
 that answer does not give you a clear idea of our belief. With the 
 vexed questions of her " rights" and " duties" in the abstract sense of 
 
81 THE MUTES' OFFERING. 
 
 the term, we do not wish to deal, any more than with that hardest 
 question of all, the extent of her "sphere"; for we feel that these 
 things should be left in a great measure to individual prudence and 
 conscience. Whatever feeble ideas we do entertain upon the subject, 
 were born of. our reason, and our understanding of the original de- 
 s'gn of God in creating man and woman, whatever may have been 
 the process by which the latter has since been reduced to degradation 
 in various times and places. We may appear to some of you in an 
 unfavorable light to-day, but we remember a time when we would 
 have shrunk from the discussion of a question like this, so great is our 
 detestation of anything that implies a lack of womanly delicacy, or 
 the desire to appear strong and mannish. Nothing could be farther 
 from our thoughts; but a quiet study of the subject has modified our 
 views somewhat, and those we hold are the firm convictions of our 
 sense of justice, and our native love of liberty and equality, of which 
 we possess a very large share. However different may be the general 
 cast of their minds and natures, we do not stand here to-dav to con- 
 fute the idea that woman is inferior to man, for we regard that ques- 
 tion as a relic of the past, that has no place in the mind of the well 
 informed of the present day, who judge her, not by what she has been 
 with her inferior advantages, but' by the ability she displays in the 
 early school room, to keep up with the other sex, when the same lib- 
 eral culture shall be accorded her. We care nothing about the ballot; 
 we care not whether a woman ever becomes President of the United 
 States; but we do care when we see laws made that oppress her, on 
 the ground of protection; when we see her toiling with inferior wages, 
 and most of all when we see the doors oC our colleges closed against 
 her. while she expeiuls the energy that should have beeu directed in 
 making her a noble, sensible, well informed woman, in the unhealthy 
 atmosphere of fashionable boarding schools, or in ihe frivolous gaye- 
 ties of fashionable society. Perhaps you say thMt woman has not the 
 time ior a collegiate education. Certainly not, i; .^he expects to spend 
 the best years of her lite m rivaling her sisters as a fashionable belle, 
 and if she is taught to believe that the only end o! her existence is to 
 " marrv well," and that before she is twent',--hvo, or she is forever 
 doomed to be an " old maid" ! We believe that woman is in her ele- 
 ment in the home Mod iaaiily, and however much we may think them 
 mistaken in their tears, we honor those who uppose this movement on 
 the ground that it will neutralize her womanly nature, interfere with 
 her peculiar functions, and produce discord in the family circle. 
 
 Yet it is . because we would have them better mothers, would 
 have them send iorth stronger and purer beings to battle, with the 
 
THE MUTES' OFFERING. 82 
 
 great sin of the world, that we plead for her a deeper culture and 
 a broader field of labor, to draw her away from the many detrimental 
 objects and ideas upon which she now sacrifices her better nature and 
 abilities. Oh ! the injustice of modern cities, who close the avenues 
 of success against her, and then cry "deficiency" and "lack of power," 
 because the vitality essential to a deep education, has been expended 
 in making a fashionable fool of herself. Is it any wonder that some 
 of them have arisen in absolute rebellion, and are working off the 
 growing bitterness of years in demonstrations so loud and unwomanly 
 as to prejudice many against their cause? The world has no right to 
 say what a woman can do, or what she cannot do, until she acts under 
 that great source of power founded only on the basis of a liberal and 
 equal education. No system of oppression or injustice has ever been 
 able to stand in the light of universal knowledge, and we believe the 
 right of all these vexed questions will triumph only in that light, and 
 that of the bible. We thank God for the bible; not as defining the 
 position of woman, for that it does not do any more than it defines for 
 us a mode of worship or civil govern.ment'; but for the equality it 
 teaches, in giving to both the same system of rewards and punish- 
 ments, and moral government^, leaving those things of occupation and 
 temporal power, to the individual conscience. We know that there 
 are a few verses in the writings of St. Paul, to the ancient Greeks, 
 that form a very knotty place to some, in considering this question, 
 for he tells us that it is a shame for woman to speak in the chiirch, 
 and that they are to be keepers at home, and ask their husbands when 
 they want to learn anything. These words never puzzle us at all, 
 when we consider that this epistle was written for the express govern- 
 ment of the church at Corinth at that time, and that their customs 
 were such, and woman had sunk to such a low state of degradation, 
 that they were confined in the house like prisoners, and not allowed 
 to go out without leave from the head of the house, and then only 
 when closely veiled and with protectors, or else they were thought to 
 be wholly lost to chastity. In his desire that no reproach should ever 
 come upon the church in that place, it is not strange that the apostle 
 should have uttered these words ; but as a national command they 
 are not applicable to the women of the present day, and it is incon- 
 gruous to suppose that the bible, which is so non-committal on all but 
 spiritual subjects, should have suddenly deviated from its path, to lay 
 down a final rule that should fix the position of woman for all time, 
 and make her nothing less than a slave, by forever closing her mouth, 
 except when she had leave to open it, from her earthly master. We 
 
83 THE MUTES' OFFERINO. 
 
 have often felt, like Heary Ward Beeclier when he said, that if Paul 
 had just thought to add the two little words " in Greece," to that com- 
 mand, what a world of bother it would have saved a great many good 
 people. If woman was made for a toy or slave, this command may 
 be permanent ; but if she was made to be man's helpmeet and equal, 
 it is utterly void at the present day. 
 
 There is a strange, beautiful law, that has given man and woman a 
 different nature, that has planted within them a mysterious influence 
 that draws them together by the law of contraries; a law on which 
 the marriage covenant is founded, planted by the Creator for the per- 
 fection of earthly happiness, ,^nd the peopling of the world. This law 
 is imperishable; it cannot be changed, and on it rests the foundation 
 of our homes. We believe that the crown and glory of woman's life 
 is wifehood and motherhood, and that a nobler work could not be 
 found for the exercise of all her faculties. Yet we know that women 
 cannot all be wives, and we know that she often suffers much injustice 
 in that relation. Those wrongs are too well known to need enumera- 
 tion, for we all know how those beautiful laws, laid down for the reg- 
 ulation of married life, are violated and perverted by' husbands, to 
 secure their own selfish ends, while they forget that they have been 
 commanded to be pitiful, courteous, and love their wives, * even as 
 Christ loved the church." This is a beautiful command, for it implies 
 all that tender love and solicitude felt by the Savior for his children. 
 " When a woman marries, she ceases to be a woman only, and becomes 
 something more," and these commands take in all that great need of 
 help in performing her functions as a wife, but without any implica- 
 tion of inferiority. They embrace all that difference in their natures 
 in relation to each othe; : that delicacy, grace and refinement that 
 man admires in woman, and that strength, nobility and manliness that 
 a woman loves above all other things in man. " What a woman may 
 do, and what a wife may do, are two very different things," but as a 
 woman, we believe she may and can do whatever God has especially 
 fitted her for, and that she may do this without unsexing herself, by 
 doing it in a womanly way ; that she may follow any calling that her 
 physical strength will permit, and that because she cannot go to war, 
 it is no reason she cannot fill a pulpit. 
 
 We have often heard school-boys say, with a wonderful air, " Wo- 
 men can't fight, and they shan't vote." Now, we are not particular 
 about the vo.ting, but we always felt like asking them if fighting was 
 the end of creation, and if they were able to raise a family of children. 
 Oh ! what will the future of American women be ? We feel that it 
 will be just what she chooses to make it. If she continues to waste 
 her energies on frivolous objects, and educate her daughters witn false 
 
THE MUTES' OFFERING. 84 
 
 ideas ; if she continues to sit in apathy while such individuals as Vic- 
 toria Woodhull sows the seed of discord and sensuality in our homes-, 
 if she continues to raise the horrified cry of "immodesty," at every 
 attempt to widen the circle of her labor and influence — then we can 
 not answer for the future of our beloved country-women, without sad, 
 sad tears. But if she takes the talents which God has given her, and 
 goes earnestly to work for the bettering of the world, with an innate 
 consciousness of her own purity and womanliness — then we feel that 
 the future of American women is hopeful, and that a better race of 
 human beings will be born to honor this noble Republic. My dear 
 sisters, because God made us to be women, that is no sign that he 
 made us to be fools ; because we are physically weaker than man, we 
 were not made to be his toy or slave ; because in past ages it was 
 thought more honorable to be the wife of a fool than be an old maid, 
 it is not so now. 
 
 Eemember that manliness m man and womanliness in woman, de- 
 pends not upon their occupation, but upon themselves and their con- 
 duct ; that modesty is not prudishness, any more than fearlessness 
 and independence are immodesty ; that many a modern ball-room con- 
 tains more to bring the blush of shame to our cheek, than a quiet walk 
 in an unusual occupation. God has made a beautiful world, and 
 placed human beings in it to improve it and themselves, and becaus'e 
 you are a woman, that is no reason that ycu should bury your talents, 
 because the edicts of barbarous ages says so. Our ear]y dreams of a 
 liberal education went down in our father's grave, but we long to see 
 you all strive for a noble culture, a deep womanhood ; for willing 
 hands, strong bodies, strong hearts, and strong minds. Then as wives 
 you will be something more than a drag on man's existence, and when 
 single you may be workers in this great world, instead of miserable, 
 aimless beings. Show the world that you can do these things without 
 losing any of that indefinable influence which the chivalry and respect 
 of man has thrown around the name of woman, and all obstacles will 
 vanish before you like snow in the sunshine. 
 
 L. S. 
 
 The Oreat Gift. 
 
 Long ago, one winter's night, when the stars were shining like dia- 
 monds in the blue ether, some shepherds were watching their flocks 
 on the hills of Judea, when suddenly the heavens above them were 
 liglited with brilliancy, such as they had never seen before, and a 
 company of the heavenly host surrounded them. At first they were 
 afraid of this dazzling beauty, but an angel told them to fear not, for 
 
85 THE MUTES' OFFERING. 
 
 in the city of B(3thleliein was that chiy born a Savior. The shepherds 
 looked in amazement up into the sky, and shortly after that beautiful 
 vision had disappeared, they said to each other, " Let us go to Beth-' 
 lehem, and see the wonderful chikl." So they hastened, and found 
 Mary with the wonderful babe, which had left heaven to proclaim 
 salvation to man ; not a gift to the land of Palestine' only, but to the 
 whole world. No wonder the angels shouted for joy, for never before 
 was such a gift sent to a guilty, sin-stained world. How good our 
 Father was in sending his only son away from his bright home above, 
 and how good in him who died to save us all. Think what would 
 have been our fate and the world's fate without that great gift, which 
 was sent to the whole world on that never-to-be-forgotten night. 
 
 • A. E. 
 
 Yoiceiess. 
 
 Alas! my life is mute; desire 
 Is m^ine, strong, yearning— utterance never! 
 lu dream.s I snatcli the tnneful lyre, 
 And pour forth raptured words of fire ; 
 la dreams I stray, sweet influence round, 
 Till fio'^ers seem springing from tlie ground, 
 And waive the same dull clod forever. 
 
 O, soul of mine ! hast thou no art 
 To testify thy mighty yearning? 
 In all things beautiful, thy heart. 
 In all things glorious claims its part; 
 The sculptured form, the pictured face. 
 The poefs vision, all taut trace 
 The thoughts within me powerless burning. 
 And must this being never speak? 
 And must it perish unsuspected? 
 Are all it.s fierce attempts too weak, 
 Or only like the madman's shriek? 
 That when at lasi it utterance gains. 
 Tells but of dungeons, scourge, and chains. 
 To duress ever more subjected? 
 
 Ah ! well rejoice, ye souls that shine 
 Witli power, God-given, of self revealing; 
 Yours IS a happier fate than mine; 
 In life-long silence I must pine ; 
 I hail you, brothers, kindred own. 
 Yet walk among you all unknown ; 
 The fountain waits for death's unsealing. 
 
 Au Excursion Down the Ohio. 
 
 August 29th, 1870, was a long anticipated day among the boys and 
 jirls in the neighborhood of Dillsborouah. Tnere was to be an ex- 
 
THE MUTES' OFFERING. 86 
 
 cursion down the Ohio on that day. We started very early in the 
 morning, and reached a little place called Poplar Grove just as the 
 sun sent forth his glorious rays. My sister and I got our fishing- 
 tacklO; sat down on some long projecting reefs of rock, and remained 
 there till near dinner time, trying to catch some fish, but never caught 
 one. We then went up to a long, white house, where hot clams were 
 cooked. We had to wait an hoar for the waiter to bring them in. At 
 last he brought a great big dish tuU, and set it down at our table. 
 We ate them up as fast as a cat could wink her eye, and then ordered 
 some more, but the waiter said the rest was not done. We got tired 
 of staying there so long, and went out in the woods and gathered wild 
 flowers. We got our aprons full, and then we went back to the boat 
 and were soon on our way home, just as the disk of the sun became 
 totally obscured by a lurid shade of darkness, which blotted out the 
 summer twilight. Soon the wind began to blow, and raised a mass 
 of water which rolled up in large waves on the deck of the boat. It 
 .was raining so hard that we had to stay on the boat all night, and did 
 not reach home till noon the next day. 
 
 A. R. 
 
 Silence. 
 
 Down through the starry intervals, 
 Upon this weary -laden world, 
 How soft the soul of silence falls ; 
 How wide her mantle is unfurled ; 
 How deep the spell wherewith she thralls. 
 
 She broods o'er you, bewildering street, 
 Lo ! day's sore feet and striving cease ; 
 She holds in sleep the rushing feet ; 
 On traffic, racing loud and fleet, 
 She lays the signet of her peace. 
 
 The world is full of weary noise, 
 The dreary discords of the air, 
 That jar the spirit from its poise; 
 Of human voices harsh with care. 
 Whose cry the charm of life destroys. 
 
 Within the (^ity's prisoning room, 
 My spirit roams by hill and flood ; 
 I feel the hush and Lender gloom. 
 At twilight drops on glimmering wood, 
 The silence of the grasses bloom. 
 The peace of nature deep and good. 
 
 Dear silence ! weary soul and brain 
 In every age with tiiee apart, 
 
87 THE MUTES' OFFERING. 
 
 Have prayed thee heal the pulse of pain, 
 The low, slow aching of the heart, 
 When friends drop off, and love lies slain. 
 
 Of all the loving Father's gifts, 
 I often wonder which is best. 
 And say. Dear God, the one that lifts 
 Our souls fi-om weariness to rest, 
 Thy peace of silence, that is best. 
 
 I see and ponder in my grief. 
 How it will seem when evil fall 
 Upon the struggle, sharp and brief; 
 The last silence stilling all, 
 The hush that brings life's last relief. 
 
 I deem a little further on. 
 Though morn or eve I cannot tell, 
 We'll halt, our long day's journey done. 
 And softly murmur, It is well ; 
 God's perfect silence, it is won. 
 
 M. C. A. 
 
 General Washington. 
 
 Among the names of our noble statesmen, is General George Wash- 
 ington, the leading spirit during the war of the Revolution. His 
 fame is high, bright and grand throughout the United States. In 1775 
 Congress unanimously appointed him commander-in-chief of the Amer- 
 ican army. He accepted in a modest speech, in which he declined 
 any compensation but the payment of his expenses. He brought hi,s 
 army into a steady state of discipline, and provided for their wants. 
 During the war he accomplished some of the most brilliant operations. 
 In 1776 he drove the enemy from Boston, and this bloodless victory 
 was hailed with joy throughout the country. Congress passed a unan- 
 imous vote of thanks to Washington, and ordered a gold medal to be 
 struck in remembrance of the event. The year of 1778 was considered 
 the most gloomy of the war. His army was without clothing and pay, 
 and the suffering of the troops was terribly distressing. Through all 
 this dark hour Washington served faithfully. On the 2d of November 
 he issued his farewell address to the army, and retired to his home at 
 Mount Vernon, on the banks of the Potomac river. In 1789 he was 
 elected President of the United States. The people erected triumphal 
 arches, and processions in every place met and escorted him through 
 the neighborhoods which he passed on his way to New York. On the 
 14th of December, 1799, he died at his home in Mount Vernon, alter 
 a short illness. All parties paid the greatest honor to his memory, 
 and he was universallv mourned as the Father of his Country. 
 
 L. S. 
 
THE MUTES' OFFERING. 
 
 Ruth. 
 
 There was once a certain man named Elimelech, who lived in the 
 land of Moab, with his wife and two sons. The name of his wife was 
 Naomi, and the names of their sons Were Mhalor and Chilion. The 
 woman's husband soon died, and she was left alone with her two sons. 
 When they were grown to be men, they took themselves wives. They 
 had not been married long before both of them died, and their wives 
 were left widows. Their names were Ruth and Orpah. Naomi thought 
 it best to go back to Judah, where she had been brought up; so she 
 told both of her daughters-in-law to go back to their own mothers, 
 and she would leave them and go to Bethlehem. Orpah kissed her 
 mother-in-law, and left her ; but Ruth loved her too dearly to part 
 from her, and would not leave her. Naomi told her that she had 
 better stay in her own country ; but Ruth clung to her, and entreated 
 her not to leave her. She said where her mother-in-law went she 
 would go, and where she died she would die also. Both Naomi and 
 Euth were very poor, and they did not like to part from each other, 
 as they had no body to live with ; so they both went to Bethlehem. 
 When they arrived there, they saw one of Naomi's kinsmen — Boaz, a 
 mighty man of wealth — in the field with his workmen, gleaning wheat. 
 Euth asked her niother-in-law to let her go and help the men, so Boaz 
 could see her ; and she went and followed the reapers, and when Boaz 
 saw her he asked the men who she was, and they said she is a Moab- 
 itish damsel, who came to Bethlehem with Naomi ; and when Boaz 
 saw Naomi, he ran to her and embraced her. Naomi told Boaz that 
 Euth was her daughter-in-law, and they were very poor; so Boaz 
 soon made Ruth his wife, and they always lived happily. 
 
 L. S. 
 
 How to Make Home Beautiful. 
 
 There are persons of refined tastes who live for years contentedly in 
 a house, without making any effort to beautify it. It seems un- 
 furnished to other people, although grand productions of the cabinet- 
 maker might occupy it. They miss the pictures from the walls, and 
 other little things of ornament and taste which add to the enjoy- 
 ments of home. It is of no moment to the wealthy how those orna- 
 ments can be made. They can wander through splendid galleries and 
 collections, and purchase the most costly adornments to be had. It is 
 not so with some poor people, who, with the same tastes and longings, 
 
89 THE MUTES' OFFERING. 
 
 wish to have these fine adornments in their homes. They could easily 
 produce these pretty things for themselves by gathering shells from 
 the beach, and making nice shell frames or boxes, or varnished ones 
 that might look as if they had come from a great exposition ; or getting 
 small clusters of flowers and putting them in vases, or tying them up 
 in little bunches and hanging them somewhere near the mantel. These 
 ornaments are said to be more attractive than anything to be found in 
 the most fashionable mansions. This style was first originated by 
 the people of Japan, while they were shut up in their island from the 
 outer world. 
 
 A. R. ■ 
 
 Beautiful Things. 
 
 There are many beautiful things on the earth, which are made for 
 us to enjoy. There are the cities and villages, parks, fields and gar- 
 dens, orchards — all of which give token of a dense and industrious 
 population. There are the hills, valleys, lakes and rivers, the woods 
 and forests, covered with green foliage, and majestic trees scattered 
 here and there, making the woods almost as dark as night. It ig 
 pleasant to look upon all these beautiful things. There are also the 
 birds, which send forth their sweet songs from the dawn of morning 
 until night casts her robe over the world ; and flowers of every hue 
 are seen in gardens and yards. God has clothed the earth with many 
 fceautiful things. He has given breath to every living thing, even to 
 the smallest insect. It is not from man that we enjoy all these things. 
 
 L. S. 
 
 What do I Want to Say^ 
 
 I want to say something about what I was when a little and super- 
 stitious firllow. When I saw the sun move itself across the sky from 
 east to west every day, I thought it passed through a big hole under 
 the crust of the earth. I frequently asked people, before I was a- 
 student here, why the stars were twinkling above the sky, and was 
 told that there were blacksmiths up there, who were hammering red 
 hot iron, which emitted sparks that winked like any of our eyes. It 
 seemed strange when I saw the shooting stars falling through the 
 air. I was afraid that they would kill me by striking me ; but at last 
 I became fearless, and would go out and play about in the moonlight 
 near our old log house. I resolved that I would love them, and then 
 they would not injure me. 
 
 B. C. C. 
 
THE MUTES' OFFERING. 90 
 
 The Sky. 
 
 I will tell you why the milky way appeared to me like a road above 
 the sky. Because the moon is carried up there every night. There 
 are many dwelling houses standing near the road where she frequent- 
 ly passes. The face of the moon looks like a woman,_and the sun like 
 a man, and it is supposed they were married, and the stars are their 
 children. The little ones were allowed to play about on the road. I 
 thought that the road must be covered with dust, on account of the 
 way being traveled so much. I asked some one to see it, and he told 
 me if I wanted to see it, I must ask the moon to let me ride in her 
 * chariot, which is drc.wn by two golden ponies. 
 
 I know I was a very superstitious fellow. I did not know how water 
 was caused to fall from the clouds. I asked how it was that such a 
 thing happened. I always played about on pleasant days, and did 
 not like to see it rain. 
 
 B. C. G. 
 
 Another Twelvemonth. 
 
 Another twelvemonth has rolled around, and we again assemble in 
 this familiar place to offer up our thanks for the countless blessings 
 our Heavenly Father has continued to us. This is a day of national 
 thanksgiving and public acknowledgement of our deep obligations to 
 the Great Author of every good and perfect gift, and from every 
 church and circle in the land go up prayers of thanksgiving and praise 
 from grateful hearts. 
 
 " He hath made his wonderful Avorks to be remembered ; the Lord 
 is gracious and full of compassion." — Psalms cxi., 4. 
 
 The text refers to the wonderful works and character of the Great 
 Author and Giver of all things to his people, the rich or poor, the 
 white or black, the deserving or undeserving. There are none, how- 
 ever base and undeserving they may be, to whom the Lord does not 
 show himself gracious and full of compassion ; nor any so righteous 
 and deserving of favor that they can justly receive the smallest gift 
 without an appropriate acknowledgment. However poor, way-worn 
 and afflicted we may be, there is still much to be thankful for, and it 
 is peculiarly appropriate to thus observe this day, and unite in praise 
 and thanksgiving to the Most High, while we enjoy his many bless- 
 ings and partake of the " feast of gratitude." 
 
 Every one, except the fool who says in his heart, " There is no God," 
 
91 THE MUTES' OFFERING. 
 
 must deeply feel his entire dependence upon the Supreme Author of 
 all things, who has graciously continued his favors towards the nation. 
 He has caused the land to yield another bountiful supply of grain and 
 fruit for the support and comfort of all his creatures. You have seen 
 the great abundance of grain and fruit growing in the fields and 
 orchards during the by-gone summer ; now you see it garnered, and 
 barns and cellars filled to overflowing for our use and comfort during 
 the coming bitter season. We have been subjected to no calamity 
 similar to either that of Boston or New York (the epizootic), neither 
 to that most dreadful epidemic of the Barbary States and Persia, 
 which sweeps thousands of souls away yearly. The land has escaped ^ 
 ruinous war, with its train of evils. 
 
 All these favors bestowed upon the nation are attributable to the 
 Supreme Dispenser. He has preserved the nation and all the differ- 
 ent institutions in the land, by placing the right men at the head of 
 every department. He has inspired the people of our State with feel- 
 ings of benevolence, through the means of which this Institution has 
 been so liberally supported. He has spared the life of our honored 
 Superintendent, who has. for more than half his days labored with 
 unabated zeal for the amelioration of our condition. 
 
 How much we have to be thankful for. Pestilence, famine, disease 
 and war have passed lightly by us, and as I glance over the throng 
 gathered here to-day, I meet everywhere sparkling eyes and the rosy 
 flush of health. In conclusion I will say, that I sincerely hope we 
 may all so conduct ourselves on earth, that when Death's icy hand 
 shall free us from the fitful fever of life, we may join in the eternal 
 thanksgiving, about the great white throne above. 
 
 J. L. H. 
 
 Conversation Between Barnum and Jesse. 
 
 B. How are you ? 
 
 J. I am well at present. 
 
 B. I am glad that you are well. Some time ago I heard that you 
 were thinking of discontinuing business here, and establishing yourself 
 in some other locality. Are you still thinking of going away ? 
 
 J. Yej, sir, I am; but perhaps my father and mother would not 
 like for me to go away from them, like the Prodigal Son. When I 
 become an orphan boy, maybe I can go away. Do you think so? 
 
 B. Well, of course I think so, but am glad to see that you have 
 concluded to stay with your parents while they live. When they die, 
 
THE MUTES' OFFERING. 92 
 
 tlien you could easily go away from here ; or if you inherit property 
 from them, you had better not leave it. 
 
 J.- I am thinking some of becoming a clerk in a store. I told a 
 person that I wonld probably seek a clerkship on a steamboat ; hvit 
 he said that I had better not do so, because it was too dangerous, and 
 said I had better be in a store. What do you think I had best do 
 when I graduate from this school ? 
 
 B. I will tell you. There are many young people who move away 
 to the West, and soon become wealthy. They look more happy than 
 before they moved. My plan is to move away from here. I trust you 
 could find a situation in a store. But why do you look so sorrowful ? 
 
 J. Because I feel that I should be far away from my old friends 
 and neighbors; and then, perhaps, some terrible accident might befall 
 us; then om plans for the future would be ended forever. 
 
 B. C. C. AND J. R. A. 
 
 The Mute's Laiiieut. 
 
 I move, a silent exile on this earth, 
 
 As in his dreary cell one doomed for life ; 
 
 My tongue is mtite, and closed ear heareth not ; 
 
 No gleam of hope this darkened mind assures, 
 
 That the blest power of speech shall e'er be known. 
 
 Murmuring gaily o'er their pebbly beds, 
 
 The limpid streamlets, as they onward flow 
 
 Through verdant meadows and responding woodlands, 
 
 Vocal with merry tones, I hear them not. 
 
 The linnet's dulcet tone; the robin's strain ; 
 
 The whippowil's; the lightsome mock-bird's cry. 
 
 When merrily from branch to branch they skip,' 
 
 Flap their blithe wings, and o'er the tranquil air 
 
 Diftuse their melodies— I hear them not. . 
 
 The touches lyric of the lute divine. 
 
 Obedient to the rise, the cadence soft, 
 
 And the deep pause of maiden's pensive song, 
 
 While swells her heart with love's elated life, 
 
 Draw forth its mellow tones— I hear them not. 
 
 J. C. 
 
 Not Ashamed of his Occupation. 
 
 I write these words down plain before me ; and I would ask every 
 man or woman, "Are you ashamed of your occupation?" Perhaps 
 they will answer in the affirmative, or the negative. If it should be 
 the former, then we ask why should a man be ashamed of his voca- 
 tion when he earns an honest living by daily toil ? The wealthiest 
 men to-day, years ago may have been mere outcasts in this cold 
 
93 THE MUTES' OFFERING. 
 
 world ; out in the streets begging food and money of the people ; 
 going past with threadbare garments, stockingless and shoeless feet, 
 with no shelter above them but the blue canopy of heaven. But by 
 hard labor and careful perseverance they gradually became better off, 
 till they arrived at the position they now occupy. The poorest beggar 
 may, in years to come, be sitting in the lap of luxury ; or the wealth- 
 iest person of to-day may be sitting in the cinders to-morrow. No 
 one should be ashamed of his occupation. One should be ashamed if 
 he spends his time in mere idleness, day after day and year after year. I 
 often think that as a pupil I am not doing much good, but it is a mis- 
 take. I am doing many things, such as preparing myself for my 
 future life, and making myself better fitted to associate with others. 
 A person may even be a shoemaker, a tailor, or a blacksmith, yet he 
 should not be ashamed of his calling. When he has reached the 
 goal at last, he will look back and rejoice that he has succeeded at 
 last. 
 
 A. B. 
 
 Egotism. 
 
 Egotism is the praise of one's self. It is frequently seen in conver- 
 sation, in the use of the word I. "We often hear a person speaking of 
 himself, how he did this, and how he accomplished that, and of the 
 praise and honors he received from others. It would have been better 
 for him to let others speak his praise, than to speak of himself with 
 his own tongue. 
 
 How often we are disgusted at the language of some silly person, 
 who says, " I am glad that I am not like some persons, so unedu- 
 cated" ; or, ''I am. more distinguished than he is." Sometimes we 
 hear a young lady speaking of herself, as being a great favorite of 
 some distinguished person, and praising herself for her beauty, and 
 telling of the compliments which she received from others. I once 
 read a story of a boy who boasted that he could jump over a deep 
 ravine, which no one dared to do. He took the fatal leap, his foot 
 slipped, and he was whirled down into the dreadful abyss below. Thus 
 instead of boasting of himself, if he had kept his lips sealed, it would 
 have been better for him. I hope in the school room we shall not 
 practice this vain and idle boasting, but throw aside all silly things, 
 and try to live together happily and peacefully. 
 
 L. E. S. 
 
THE MUTES' OFFERING. 94 
 
 CMldreii of Silence. 
 
 Playing in the sunshine, 
 
 Sitting in the sliade, 
 "Wandering througli the meadow, 
 
 Or down the mossy glade , 
 Yet in sliade or sunshine, 
 
 Together or alone. 
 Silent, sil^it ever, 
 
 Deaf to every tone. 
 
 Watching those who listen, 
 
 With earnest brow and eye ; 
 Drinking in the wisdom 
 
 Of ages long gone by ; 
 Seeing how they mingle 
 
 In converse sweet around, 
 Yet doomed to dwell in silence, 
 
 Deaf to every sound. 
 
 Waiting, waiting silently, 
 
 Ijife's journey almost o'er; 
 Waiting lor the hand of death 
 
 To burst tiie prison door ; 
 Waiting for the angels 
 
 To bring his spirit home, 
 To his Father's house in lieaven. 
 
 Where there are no deaf and dumb. 
 
 O ! poor child of silence, 
 
 A lonely lot was thine, 
 As silently thy childliood passed, 
 
 Thy youth and manhood's prime ; 
 But now the dawn is breaking, 
 
 The night is almost o'er. 
 And with the angels thou will soon 
 
 Be singing evermore. 
 
 Tlie Orpbaii Brothers. 
 
 W. T. 
 
 Once upon a time there was a woman named Margaret, who had 
 -two sons named Terence and Mikey. Terence was older than Mikey, 
 •and they were both loved. But an unfortunate thing to them was that 
 their mother was weak and helpless, so that she knew her life would 
 be short, and i'erence and Mikey would become orphans. She was 
 left by her neighbors, and was alone with her two sons in a low, dark, 
 ■damp cellar. One day she was taken very sick, and was about to die. 
 .She called her sons to her side, and told them she could' not live any 
 longer on the earth, and must go to the dark grave. She said, " The 
 blessings of God be on yor, as you will be orphans in this wide world." 
 Before she died, she told Terence, the older son, to take good care of 
 
95 THE MUTES' OFFERING. 
 
 little Mikey, to be as a mother to him, and love him and speak gently 
 to him, as she did. He promised to do this, and then kissed her cold, 
 pale face, and Mikey kissed her, too. After a few minutes she died,- 
 and when Terence spoke to her, no answer was returned. 
 
 There was a dead woman in the cellar, and some of the neighbors 
 came in and buried her body. One of them housed Terence and Mikey 
 two days, and then sent them to the giseat public almshouse. They 
 had been staying there many sad, dark days. At last a sore trial 
 came to tJiem. A farmer from a distance in the country came to visit 
 the almshouse, and wanted Terence to work on his farm. It was too 
 hard for Terence to leave Mikey in the almshouse alone, and he knew 
 that Mikey would grieve for him. But there was no choice allowed 
 him in the almshouse, and he had to go. When he was gone away, 
 and had not seen Mikey for many days and nights, it made him sad 
 and sick. When the farmer saw Terence grew thinner and paler, he 
 was troubled, for he had learned to love him as his own son. He said 
 nothing to any one, but went to the almshouse and brought Mikey to 
 his home. How can I tell you about the meeting of the brother? ? 
 How pleased was Mikey ! Terence held Mikey to his breast, and wept, 
 and Mikey laughed for joy, not seeing Terence's tears. But it was too 
 late to save Terence. In a few minutes he said to Mikey, " Kiss me 
 a sweet kiss," — and then died. After the death of Terence, the good 
 farmer gave Mikey a home in his house and heart, for Terence's sake, 
 and tried to love him as he had loved Terence. 
 
 S. J. S. 
 
 School Miseries. 
 
 When a young girl first begins her school life, if her parents are 
 poor and cannot dress her nicely, she is considered by the other girls 
 who are rich, to be beneath their notice, and is treated coolly and 
 disrespectfully. How scornfully do they speak of her, and everything 
 she does. If she is smarter than they are, and gains the praise and 
 love of her teacher, for her industrious efforts to obtain a good edSjca- 
 tion, they are sure to be jealous of her, and try by every means to 
 molest her in her studies, and laugh at her for keeping the rules of 
 the school. Poor girl ! how badly she must feel when she finds she 
 .has not a friend among the girls who treat her so meanly. While they 
 neglect a poor girl, they will do anything for a rich one. How differ- 
 ently do they treat a rich girl who wears nice dresses and costly jewels. 
 They are sure to be her friends, though they do not often really love 
 
THE MUTES' OFFERING. 96 
 
 her, but only flatter her. If she gets up parties for them, they think 
 she is just as good as she can be, while perhaps she does it only be- 
 cause she likes to be flattered. Sometimes a poor girl has some charm 
 about her which makes it impossible for them to help loving her ; but 
 they take great care not to show it, as they would be laughvid at if 
 their companions knew it, and of course they would not like to be 
 laughed at. At boarding schools they have a great deal of fun. They 
 get up midnight suppers ; they lower one of the girls down out of a 
 window, by means of a rope fastened to a bedstead, and she goes and 
 buys a basket full of nice fruit and cakes. She fastens it to the rope, 
 and the girls draw her and the basket up. They spread the things on 
 one of the beds, and commence eating ; but they make so much noise 
 that the cross old matron hears them, and comes to see what is the 
 matter. But they are too sharp for her, and hide everything, and are 
 in bed, pretending to be asleep, by the time the matron comes into 
 their room. Gr. H. 
 
 Perfectiou of the Universe. 
 
 Is there anything more strikingly wonderful than the perfection of 
 the universe '? When you view this wonderful expanse, do you see 
 anything that does not appear suitable about it? You look above you 
 and see the blue canopy, the place wheri' the King of day and the 
 Queen of night reside, and Avhere in the evening a thousand shining 
 orbs move and twinkle in silent grandeur till the morning star an- 
 nounces the approach of day ; where the polar star is always perma- 
 nent ; where the clouds veil the sky, and the place where the beauti- 
 ful rainbow appears after a storm. Is there anything to mar the 
 grandeur of this beautiful phenomena overhead, which covers the 
 wide world and the pathless deep ? As you sail across the boundless 
 ocean, and set your feet on terra firma, and take a view of the land- 
 scape before you, you behold delightful hills and valleys, orchards and 
 vineyards, with trees laden with the rich tropical fruits. In the Al- 
 pine regions, where the eye of the spectator is made dim by the sight 
 that he beholds, he sees the summits of the Alps covered with per- 
 petual snow. The balmy air and sunny skies of Italy and France are 
 well adapted to the inhabitants of those countries. The mind of tk^ 
 spectator may be bewildered by what he sees. He stands on the sea 
 shore,and views the mighty ocean rolling far and wide before him. Did 
 th^ Almighty Father do wrong to make such a vast basin of water to 
 separate us from the nations of Eiu'ope? He did not. Without the 
 
97 THE MUTES' OFFERING. 
 
 ocean, and the waves and tides which accompany it, the climate of 
 our country would no longer be purified, but would become poisonous 
 and unhealthy. We could not live without the ocean, nor without the 
 sun. The sun'illuirjinites half the world by turns eauh succeeding 
 year. It cheers all the inhabitants with its ever welcome beams. It 
 adorns the landscape with a thousand shades and colors. Without it 
 the earth would become a dreary waste, and the blue heavens over us 
 would be shrouded in perpetual darkness. The eyes of the traveler 
 are enchanted as he enters the woods, and looks above him ; instead of 
 a light blue, he finds himself beneath a canopy of dark green foliage-. 
 He looks to the right and left, and sees lofty and stately trees bending 
 their branches in every direction. z\s he emerges from the woods, he 
 sees before him fields of grain, waving to and fro in the soft sunimer 
 breeze. The changes yf the seasons and the climate are all adapted 
 to the nature of its inhabitants. God mide each creature to live in a 
 place adapted to its constitution ; and he made all nature to enchant 
 the eyes and fill the mind of the beholder with wonder and awe. 
 
 A. B. 
 
 ImproveiMent. 
 
 This beautiful moniing, as we are going to write our compositions, 
 I will write one ai'O nt " Improvement." It is for the purpose of learn- 
 ing the arts, from the least to the greatest, that there are many schools 
 established in every State and country for educating the people, that 
 they may become intelligent. We should try and remember every- 
 thing which is taught us by our teacher, if we wish to improve. You 
 have seen hens teaching their oroo:]s how to scratch the ground in 
 search of hoi. When th^y grow to be hens, they will know how to 
 help themselves. Their examples are good for us to remember; but 
 they have no souls, and are interior to us. Tln^ city has made im- 
 provements in its streets, and everythitig looks nicely. The birds 
 awake in the early morning, and iiy about in tlie air, in search of some 
 place fo build their nests m the woods, fields, gardens, or yards ; and 
 I think they are more industrious than we ar.'. 
 
 We should remi-mber Mr. Wiilard, an old and venerable man, as 
 long as we live, for his great kindness in establishing this Institution, 
 that all the deaf mutes might come here and be educated. He was 
 our former teacher. I have never heard of any deaf mute Institute 
 in this country, being destroyed by fire. I think that Goil loves us 
 very^much, ami wishes us to improve ourselves, so that we can read 
 
THE MUTES' OFFEBINO. 98 
 
 the bible. I earnestly wish God to teach us to do right, so that we 
 may be enabled to live an upright life among our fellow men. 
 
 B. 0. C. 
 
 Winter. 
 
 Winter has come again ; nature has again resumed her mantle of 
 pure white snow. Again we hear the jingling of the sleigh bells, the 
 moaning of the cold north wind, the old familiar sound of the boys 
 and girls skating on the pond or river, singing, " We're skating o'er 
 the ice and snow." The grand old trees have laid aside their green 
 foliage ; the lawns and the lonely flower gardens are stripped of their 
 " rainbow flowers," and are covered with snow. The filthy alleys, the 
 ash barrels, the streets, and the hills and valleys, are decked with a 
 pure downy mantle. Jack Frost again goes his daily round, pinching 
 everybody, freezing everything, fie is, indeed, a very unwelcome 
 visitor to me, and I do not thank him ior letting me catch cold, for 
 then I had to be deprived of one of my most important senses. 
 
 Winter is one of the most delightful seasons of the year. In spite 
 of the cold, we can enjoy ourselves to our hearts' content. We can 
 skate on the ice, go sleigh riding, and in the evening gather' around 
 the hearth-stone, tell stories, crack and eat nuts, then go to bed with 
 light and happy hearts, but to wake up in the morning and be. com- 
 pelled to get up in the cold. But we must not forget that while we 
 are protected from the piercing cold north winds, there are many poor 
 people in this wide world who are shivering over the dying embers of 
 their fires, penniless and hungry ; and many poor little children hud- 
 dled together in one bed, with only a single threadbare quilt to pro- 
 tect them from the cold and piercing wind that blows through the 
 crevices. I am thankful that I was not made to suffer the pangs of 
 poverty. 
 
 When the snow melts, the streets and alleys become sloppy and 
 disagreeable. I like to walk on the new fallen snow, and hear it 
 creak beneath my feet. And I like to see a sno\^ storm. I often 
 stand at a window, and watch the snow-flakes fall one by one. When 
 I was a little girl, I thought that tlie fairies were making their beds, 
 and sent the feathers flying in every direction. The snow often blinds 
 my eyes by its dazzling brightness in the sunlight ; the icicles 
 hanging on the trees look like large diamonds, and the frost on the 
 windows remind me of some iron ornaments that are made in France. 
 Snow keeps the ground warm. I would like to see the Falls of Ni- 
 
99 THE MUTES' OFFERING. 
 
 agara in winter. It must be a wonderful sight to behold the ice hang- 
 ing over the precipices and glittering in the sunlight. 
 
 A. B. 
 
 Beautiful. 
 
 Make your horae beautiful— bring to it flowers; 
 
 Plant them around you to bud and to bloom ; 
 Let them give life to your holiest hours, 
 
 Let them bring light to enliven your home. 
 Make your own world— one that never has sorrowed, 
 
 Of music, and sunshine, and glad summer air ; 
 A home world, whose forehead care never has furrowed, 
 
 And whose cheek of bright beauty shall ever be fair. 
 
 Make your hom.e beautiful — weave round its portal 
 
 Wreaths of jasmine, and delicate sprays 
 Of red-fruited woodbine, with joy immortal. 
 
 That blesses and brightens wherever it strays. 
 Gather the blossoms, too, one little flower, 
 
 Varied vei-bena or sweet mignonette, 
 Still may bring bloom to your desolate bower. 
 
 Still may be something to love and to pet. 
 
 Make your home beautiful— gather the roses 
 
 That hoard up the sunshine with exquisite art; 
 Perchance they m.ay pour, as your darkest day closes, 
 
 That soft summer sunshine down into your heart. 
 If you can do so, O ! make it an Eden 
 
 Of beauty ami gladness— remembar it is wise; 
 "Twill teach you to long for that home you are needing, 
 
 That heaven uf beauty beyond the blue skies ! 
 
 gake your hom.e beautiful— sure 'tis a duty; 
 
 Call up your little ones, teach them to walk 
 Hand in hand with the wandering Angel of Beauty, 
 
 Encourage their spirits with Nature to talk. 
 Gather them round you, and let them be learning 
 
 Lessons that drop from the delicate wings 
 Of the bird and the butterfly— ever returning 
 
 To Him who has made all these beautiful things. 
 
 Make home a hive where all beautiful feelings 
 
 Cluster like bees, and their honey-dew bring ; 
 Make it a temple of holy nivealings. 
 
 And love its bright angel with " shadowing wings." 
 Then shall it be when afar on life's billows, 
 
 Wherever your tempest- tossed children are flung, 
 They will long for the shade of the home " weeping willow," 
 
 And sing the sweet songs which their mother has sung. 
 
THE MUTES' OFFERING. 100 
 
 Happiness. 
 
 God is the source of happiness. He permits the light of his smile 
 to illumine the human countenance with joy, or by a frown over- 
 shadows it with sorrow. Happiness is the most precious gift the earth 
 can afford. The heavens nnd the earth are the emblems of happiness. 
 The wondrous beauty of God's works, the bright panorama of nature 
 with its thousand varied colors, seems to be a proof that we, too, 
 should wear a smiling face. Happiness is like a rose, it blooms and 
 its beauty influences every living creature ; and especially those who 
 understand the works of the supreme Author of all things. Filled 
 with joy we forget self, and our thoughts wander far beyond the lim- 
 its of the world. Happiness is very intimate with all individuals. It 
 gives a smile to the weary and sick. When we are happy we suffer 
 no pain, no sorrow. Our faces wear smiles, and kind, loving words 
 drop from our lips wherever we are. How delightful is it to live 
 where happiness presides. Some people that live in the "lap of luxury" 
 are still nob satisfied without having that blossom in their hearts. How' 
 can it be so? Their houses are built of precioiis stones', and inside 
 adorned with the most gorgeous materials man can obtain. Women 
 are robed in the attire of rp.ieens, though sober their hearts must be. 
 Some one said that she would I'ather live in a log house, and have 
 happiness stay with her, than to dwell in a palace. To gaze at the vast 
 mountains which are edged with ice and frost, behold the marble pal- 
 ace, dazzling in splendid setting, or when we glide in a forest, our ears 
 are charmed with the thousand glul voices of nature ; and to see the 
 silvery stream, making music 'as it ripples and flickers in the sunshine; 
 to be in a cave some hours to obtain a view of the silent and motion- 
 less things. We find beneath the earth, lined with shining pearls, 
 some glittering stalactites, scattered like diamonds here and there, half 
 wrapped in the sand. The candle is our sun in this darkness, how- 
 ever our hearts are flowing with happiness to see the result of such a 
 wonderful journey. Does a person feel sorry "when he passes a garden 
 fdled with flowers, and the air is heavy with their fragrance? They, 
 methinks, must lend their flower of happiness to all who wander be- 
 neath the blue vault of heaven. The heavenly orbs lend their en- 
 chantment to the scene, and as we raise our eyes to the everlasting 
 dome above, they seem to smile in unison with our happy hearts. Yet 
 lasting happiness is only the reward offered to those who have gone 
 through the struggle of our great spiritual warfare. Happiness beck- 
 ons every one, and let us have her stay with us as long as we have to 
 tread on the thorny paths of the earth. And heieafter we shall have 
 her stand side- by side with us forever. 
 
 M. F. 
 ♦«« 
 
 Life Passes Away Like a Stream. 
 
 Life is like a stream, gliding away. So you can see the leaves fall- 
 ing from the trees in autumn. The water flows onward till it enters 
 the great river where the torrent rushes through the groves, covered.'" 
 
101 THE MUTES' OFFERING. 
 
 by the beautiful green, and shaded by the trees. Innumerable little 
 animals seem to enjoy themselves in climbing upward and downward. 
 '0, how happy they appear ! But they will pass away soon, as you 
 often see the shaile of some hundreds of acres of cloud pass over us 
 and away in a few minutes. 
 
 There are four periods of human life: childhood, youth, middle age 
 and old age. The period of childhood is mild and not exercised se- 
 verely. Children should not too' early be sent to school, for the mind 
 and memory are not strong enough to pay good attention to study ; 
 but when they become youth, they should be required to go to school, 
 in order to get a better education, and should learn trades before they 
 reach manhood. For it is their duty to leairi some business during 
 the time of youth, tiiat, can be depended on for a livelihood. But th(3 
 period of childuood arid youth will pass a\v;iv. So you often see a 
 leaf dropping into a small brooi< ; it will lioat on it slowly away. 
 When it arrives iit the rapid creek, it will hurry long faster. The 
 labor of manhood is needed in business of rlie fartQ, or in different 
 trades, for supporting the family or tliemselve-; daring life. In old age 
 people who cannot work engage in light enijiloymeuts, or take their 
 rest. We think that youth and middle age are happier than old age ; 
 for they who are at the point oi death, are as the htrge, si agglsh river 
 when about to empty into the great ocean. How life passes away like 
 a sluggish river 1 
 
 When summer comes you will see the red blossoms of clover flowers. 
 There are innumerttble bees buzzing' di'owsily over them. We take 
 great pleasure in Ciitching the fragrance of the flowers and watching 
 the bees sucking the sweet juices from th'e red blossoms for the pur- 
 pose of making honey and storing it for their living during the in- 
 
 ■ clemency of the winter. They appear to be contented and happy. 
 
 Yes, summer is rather the happier season, and seems to be dedi- 
 cated to the shining of the sun. If we climb up the high mountain, 
 seeking the cool shade of the groves, we shall observe the beautiful 
 vegetation covering the ground, the clear blue sky, the clouds that 
 water the thirsty earth. v,'hen all nature seems refreshed. . e feel the 
 wind and hear the thunder. But they will all pass away when the 
 cold season comes. 
 
 When we come down. and stoop our hetids toward the eai'th, we see 
 hundreds of industrious ants, which are constfintly engaged in work 
 
 ■ or preparing to gather stores of fooil into their houses beneath the 
 ground, for supporting themselves during the winter. We are in- 
 .structed in the book of wisdom, to iniit.ite the ants, and to do every- 
 thing necessary for our subsistence, duriiis the spring, summer, and 
 fall. Of course we are fearfully and wonderfully m ide by the hand 
 of the great Creator. 
 
 The darkness of the world has began to fiide away, and we are an- 
 ticipating the coming of the sun. Soon h. begins to send forth his 
 rays through the air and upon the earth, clothing it in loveliness, 
 while his beams redden the eastern sky. We observe the few stars 
 which twinkled before the sun arose, have disappeared. If we stand 
 
THE MUTES' OFFEPdNG. 102 
 
 nnahieliMll we can direct our attention to the valleys overspread 
 1 +S an Hpn and vellow wheat, bending in waves before the power 
 :f'S.e':.?andtetlhe various colors of the blossoms and the fru.t. 
 The eve wil be delighted with the prospect, and the mind will be 
 Jtmufated to healthful vigor by inspiring the pure atmosphere. The 
 
 -^!^^^^^^^^^T^^ that sing and gaily^mp 
 from branch to branch, and fly about m the air ; but we need not be 
 
 world a last and long adieu. ^ -^ ^^ 
 
 -♦♦♦ — 
 
 The Scenery of* the Mouutaius. 
 
 In the night we see the sky above us, with its millions of twinkling 
 stars They shine over the mountains, and bring to our eyes a view 
 of mountain scenery in the prospect. But we experience a great deal 
 higher pleasure when we gaze at the bnHiant^rays coming from the 
 sun ovL the tops of the mountains, though the orb itself is beyond 
 our' view. And therefore we picture in our fancy a great conflagra- 
 tion beyond the mountains, so fierce that there is danger of the in- 
 habited world being annihilated by the raging element. But when 
 we step a little higher and peep over the hills, we exclaim, ! wha 
 beautiful scenery! How magnificent and glorious the prospect! 
 How delightful the sight! We behold the fkce of the luminous orb 
 m the reddening eastern sky of the morning. The glorious King of 
 day seems to awake from his slumber. He slowly starts on his daily 
 lourney. and sends forth his rays to warm the slopes of ^He mountains 
 and make the earth more cheerful. Soon our ears are filled wi h 
 hundreds of varied notes of the birds, that make the air ring with 
 their songs, while flymg about in the fields or jumping fi-om limb to 
 limb, ancf darting to and fro through the forest. But tte activity and 
 enioyment of the little musicians will cease m a short time. They 
 appear and are gone, like a leaf on the surface of a stream, hurrying 
 along and out of sight in a few seconds. ,. , , ur 
 
 Oi? the tops of the mountains we begin to feel the little trembling 
 waves of ex.citing winds surging around us in every direction, beating 
 to and fro, driven by unseen causes. So our minds aiid eyes will be 
 stimulated to healthful vigor and energy, by inspiring the purer and 
 pleasanter atmosphere. What wonderful scenes delight oar eyes! 
 
103 THE MUTES' OFFERING. 
 
 We should be mindful of what the great . and omniscient Griver has 
 done, so bountifully supplying us with what we need. All these we 
 know are the handiwork of the glorious Lord who dwells in iieaven. 
 We often say to ourselves, we wish to dwell on the mountain tops, so 
 that we could enjoy the privilege of seeing far over the surface of the 
 earth, and beholding the velvet and green beauties of vegetation that 
 seem to slake their thirst from the moisture of the vapors in the morn- 
 ing, and we can enjoy the cool and pleasant atmosphere, and can catch 
 the sweet fragrance of the flowers coming from the distance. 
 
 J. J. C. 
 
 (hir Beloved Teacher. 
 
 Many a day have you labored patiently and unweariedly in teach- 
 ing us, that we might become useful men and women in time to come. 
 We give you these presents, though they are not very costly. They 
 come from those who respect and love you dearly — your pupils of 
 1873. With our whole hearts we wish you a long and happy life, and 
 when your days here on earth are numbered, we hope to meet you in 
 a better world than this, beyond the blue skies. We shall try and 
 follow your example, by living in the way of righteousness. We give 
 our grateful thanks to you for your kindness, and hope that your re- 
 maining days here may be peaceful and happy. 
 
 B. C. C. 
 
 Country Life. 
 
 A great many people who live in the country are farmers. Some 
 of them who are rich live on large and nice farms, but some of them 
 are poor and live on small farms. When the spring comes, the poor 
 farmers have to work hard, but the rich ones have but little work to 
 do themselves. They have large orchards, where nice fruits grow. 
 
 There are many nice houses in the country, and many pleasant 
 homes. They often take a walk in the evening, and it makes them 
 feel happy to see the beautiful high trees with their green leaves, and 
 to smell the sweet flowers. I love to see the earth with its green car- 
 pet, and beautiful flowers growing in the gardens. 
 
 When the sun is very hot, the people go out of their houses and 
 lounge in the pleasant yards, under the shade of trees, and sleep, or 
 read newspapers and books. Sometimes the people do not go to 
 church, but waste their time in idleness, sleeping alm^ost all the day. 
 
THE MUTES' OFFERING. 104 
 
 The streets in the city are full of dust and smoke, but the roads in 
 the country are clean, and the air is fresh. The people who live in 
 the country often go to a river and fish, and sit on the pleasant banks 
 under the shade of trees. 
 
 There are some nice churches in the country. Some are erected in 
 pleasant places, with beautiful high trees around them, and large 
 rivers near by. The church is a holy place, and we should all try 
 and attend the meetings on the Sabbath. 
 
 The little boys and girls who live in the city, often go to the country 
 to see their friends, and breathe the pure, fresh air. How the beauti- 
 ful flowei's and the green grass delight them ! We must thank our 
 Heavenly Father, for he made them, and gives us an abundance of 
 things that we want. We thank him for his kindness and goodness. 
 He is the author of all the world. 
 
 I am going to tell you about the celebrations. The people have nice 
 celebrations in the country. A great many persons march in pro- 
 cession, with bands of music. At noon they all spread the table 
 cloths on the ground, and arrange the good things on them ; then they 
 invite their friends together around them, and have a joyous feast. 
 
 S. J. S. 
 
 About Nora. 
 
 Nora had no father, but she had a mother who lived in Missouri. 
 She could not take care of Nora, for her health was very poor ; so 
 she went to live with her aunt, who was very kind to her. She had a 
 little kitten as white as snow, which her uncle gave to her as a birth- 
 day present. One day, being lonesome, she thought she would get 
 her kitten and dress it in her doll's dress. She went and got the kit- 
 ten and dressed it. Then she went and showed it to her aunt, who 
 laughed heartily. She took her little rocking chair, and rocked the 
 kitten till it went to sleep. Then she brought it and laid it on the 
 bed, where it slept sour,dly. 
 
 One day her aunt went to see her husband, where he was at work 
 in a saw-mill, three miles from their home. When she had gone, Nora 
 thought she would catch a chicken for dinner. So she went to the 
 chicken coop, and caught one, and wrung its head off. There was 
 only one chicken in the coop, which her aunt had bought, and now 
 Nora felt afraid that she would get a whipping for killing it ; so she 
 hid it in the coop. When her aunt came home, Nora went to 
 get the chicken for dinner, but she found that it was gone. 
 
 S. J". S. 
 
105 THE MUTES' OFFERING. 
 
 Thanks to Jesus. 
 
 Far from home a child lies suffering, 
 Bat he cannot tell his pain; 
 
 Words of love and tones of pity, 
 Fall upon his ear in vain. 
 
 For in one unbroken silence. 
 His young spirit dwells alone ; 
 
 Glance and sign the only language, 
 He has ever used or known. 
 
 Slowly, sadly has the Sabbath, 
 Passed in care and pain away ; 
 
 Restlessly upon his pillow, 
 He is watching for the day. 
 
 In these weary hours of watching, 
 Thoughts of home his memory throng 
 
 And his eager signs, " My mother,'^ 
 Speak a yearning deep and strong. 
 
 Morning dawns, but hope has vanished ; 
 
 Naught of skill that life can save ; 
 Will lie dread the gloomy valley? 
 
 Does he fear the lonely grave ? 
 
 See ! the hands again are lifted, 
 Words of faith and love lo frame, 
 
 " Thanks to Jesus ! Thanks to Jesus !'' 
 All is peace through that dear name. 
 
 Folded now the busy Angers, 
 Motionless the res tless feet. 
 
 But a heavenly peace still lingers 
 On the brow so calm and sweet. 
 
 Not for him earth's pain and sorrow, 
 All liis trials here are passed ; 
 
 Now in heaven the ear is opened. 
 And the tongue unloosed at last. 
 
 Yet, oh Lord ! our hearts will falter. 
 And our eyes with tears are dim ; 
 
 Give us grace to bear our sorrow. 
 All is well we know with him. 
 
 Leave us not till in thy pi-esence. 
 
 Unitedly we'll sing, 
 " Thanks to Jesus ! Thanks to Jesus !' 
 
 Praise and glory to our King ! 
 
 M. A, B. 
 
THE MUTES' OFFERING. 106 
 
 Farewell to Summer. 
 
 Summer, with all her glories, has faded away. The last blushing 
 rose died before the cold month came. The blue violets, which were 
 so pure and so modest, have sunk beneath the cold ground, where 
 never more will they look at the blue sky, but lie motionless, and de- 
 cay among the dead and withered leaves of autumn. The sweet 
 songs of birds have ceased. 
 
 In summer, people often visit the country, because there they find 
 plenty of fruits, vegetables, and flowers. They gather the flowers, 
 and admire them for their beauty. We should thank God for all 
 these blessings. We prefer the season of warm sunshine, and waving 
 vegetation, and blooming flowers. In summer all the beauties of 
 nature come out, and the balmy air gives happiness to every living 
 thing. 
 
 When summer retires, she gives place to autumn, with golden fruits 
 and ripened grain, furnishing food for man and beast through the 
 dreary winter. When we bid farewell to summer, we know that it is 
 a short separation ; that in a few months we shall welcome it again, 
 and rejoice in all its abundance of joy" and beauty. May its return 
 always be welcomed with gratitude to 'the Author of the changing 
 seasons, and its last farewell on earth be followed by an eternal spring 
 
 in a brighter land. 
 
 A. M, E. 
 
 The Everlasting- Hills. 
 
 Other things do not last. Matter is constantly changing its form 
 and place. The most solid substances will in time wear away. Veg- 
 etation flourishes but for a brief period, and decays. Robust manhood 
 follows youth, and it is ere long exchanged for the gray hairs of oLl 
 age. Even the air surrounding us is never perfectly still. Sometimes 
 we see water as a liquid, sometimes as a vapor, sometimes m clouds. 
 Animals die, decay, and their forms vanish from our sight. Yes, the 
 world and everything it contains shall pass away. But what is still 
 more wonderful, all things are continually changing almost without 
 our observation. Other things come and make us glad for a brief 
 period, and then pass away. We that knew them for a little time, 
 know them no more. The hopes that were sweetest, have flown; faces 
 tliat wore the dearest smiles, now smile but in memory ; lights that 
 were brightest, are flitting, and soon vanish from our sight. Only the 
 
107 THE MUTES' OFFERING. 
 
 everlasting hills are firm and unchanging through each succeeding 
 year. 
 
 How long the storm-clouds may have hovered around their brows, 
 we cannot tell. How many cycles may repeat themselves before the 
 end Cometh, we cannot conjecture. They who look upon them now, 
 who climb their rugged steeps, who seem overwhelmed by a sense of 
 their vastness and their own littleness, as they stand in awe, shall go 
 their way and be forgotten — but they will remain. The Creator willed 
 that their existence should be everlasting, and I fancy that their ex- 
 istence is almost as sublime as our being. There is a sublimity in ex- 
 istence, when it conquers time and all its ravages, and keeps pace with 
 the ages, which fully equals life itself; for life fails sooner or later. 
 Life implies death and a passing away; existence knows nothing of 
 either. Mountains are also holy, in a certain sense, and have been 
 ever since our Savior preached, upon one of them, that remarkable 
 sermon. It was upon one of them that Moses received the ten com- 
 mandments. On their peaks we breathe a refreshing atmosphere. 
 There all is pure, far above the dross of earth and its wickedness ; 
 there we can hope to become pure in heart, and receive the blessings. 
 Far above the battling storm-clouds, where all is calm serenity and 
 peace, we can understand more clearly why our Savior said, " Blessed 
 are the peace-makers." 
 
 If we could only live on the mountains always ; if there were never 
 any low valleys, where life is a dim twilight, in which we grope 
 blindly for better things ; if the clouds were always below us, and the 
 warm sunlight ever above ; but this cannot always be so. But while 
 the moumtain tops are grandly magnificent, the valleys are charmingly 
 beautiful. 
 
 Little Alpine flowers, it is true, are sometimes found amid the wild 
 majesty of the everlasting hills, but far down below them the valleys 
 are covered with violets, buttercups, and daisies. And are not the 
 low lands of our lives beautified by sweet flowers, watered by rippling 
 brooks, and made cheery by the songs of birds ? In the cold magnifi- 
 cence of dizzy heights there are no enchanting melodies. The svi''eet- 
 est songsters fly lowest, and perch on the window-sill of the humblest 
 homes ; for the lowliest workers they trill all the day long ; but days 
 cannot be long nor work wearying whei"e music floats on the ear and 
 lingers in the heart. The whole lesson of the mountains is one of 
 sublime repose. They are the indexes of the Almighty, pointing for- 
 ever upward, and continually calling for us to climb higher. They 
 stimulate our ambition, but they also sanctify it. Vision grows weak 
 by limitation ; it is not well to look always along the level of the nar- 
 
THE MUTES' OFFERING. 108 
 
 row plain. We should glance upward out of these close confines, away 
 into wide fields, where are splendid possibilities. A broader outlook 
 is a revelation, a revealing of the beyond, which is a glorious country. 
 It IS the Canaan that is before us, when we climb the uplands of hope, 
 the promised land wherein we shall dwell. 
 
 ^ S. C. W. 
 
 How to Conquer an Enemy. 
 
 There were two little girls who used to go to school together, named 
 Julia and Jennie. They were of the same age, and pleasant little 
 girls. On their way to school they often met a larger girl, who would 
 always insult and abuse them. This girl was very naughty, and ap- 
 peared to take pleasure in teasing these little girls and hurting them 
 When she met them on their way to school, she would always push 
 them off the sidewalk, and throw snow-balls in their faces, and hurt 
 them so badly, though they had never done her any harm. At last 
 they could not bear it any longer, and when they came home, they 
 told their mother about the wicked girl, and asked her what they 
 • should do. The lady told Julia that she had better take a large, nice 
 apple in her pocket before going to school, and give it to the bad girl. 
 The next day when they met, Julia gave the apple to her. When she 
 took the apple in her hand, she felt ashamed, and said that she would 
 not throw snow-balls at them any more. So the two little girls con- 
 quered the bad girl, and they afterwards became great friends. 
 
 S. J. S. 
 
 A Description of Carrie's Life. 
 
 When Carrie was four years old, she had golden hair with pretty 
 curls, red cheeks, and blue eyes. She was always smiling, and all 
 loved her. Her parents were very good, and always feeling happy. 
 They lived in Atlantic City, near the ocean. One day her father made 
 up his mind to make a visit to a friend who lived in New Orleans, and 
 who was very sick. Carrie did not cry when he had gone, but when 
 he had been absent some months, she wanted him to come home. One 
 night the wind blew so hard that the vessel was wrecked, andlher 
 father was drowned. Carrie was only eight years of age, her mother 
 was feeble and weak, and they were left in very destitute circum- 
 stances. So Carrie had to sell flowers to get money for their support. 
 The poor widow's heart was broken, and she could not feel haH'y 
 
109 THE MUTES' OFFERING. 
 
 again. During the winter the ground was covered witii snow. At 
 midnight, one very dark night, her mother was found dead, halt buried 
 in the snow. So the poor girl was left an orphan. 
 
 ■ S. J. S. 
 
 Silent Meditation. 
 
 Sitting in silent thought one day, 
 
 Questioning wliat I ouglit to do, 
 A- voice beside me seemed to say, 
 
 " Advance, press forward, brave and true ; 
 For others bear like thee a cross, 
 
 A heavy cross, and cry for aid ; 
 Advance to help them— it is loss 
 
 To tarry; haste, be not afraid. 
 
 "Advance and tell them tliere is light. 
 
 To guide them, on their weary way ; 
 Tell them that wisdom's paths are bright. 
 
 And lead to everlasting day ; 
 Tell them that heart and mind may gr(3w, 
 
 Though ears be dull, and dead to sound ; 
 Thoughts in expressions freely flow, 
 
 And make glad echoes all around." 
 
 I heard the charge, and pressed ahead, 
 
 With willing hand and hopeful heart, 
 Undaunted, though gainsayers said 
 
 That I had made a puny start. 
 But when a year of days was told. 
 
 With calm, firm purpose, looking back 
 Through summer's heat and winter's cold, 
 
 I saw success upon my track. 
 
 Tlie)i sai'l, more friendly still, "Advance! 
 
 Press forward ! scattering light and joy; 
 Make sound in silence, and enhance. 
 
 The common good ot man and boy. 
 Woman and girl — aye, every soul 
 
 That bears like me the heavy cross 
 Of silence; aye, for me, for tliem 
 
 To tarry, is and will be loss." 
 
 Kind friends ;iiid patrons, standing here 
 
 Witii you once ukjiv upon the brink 
 Or thresliold of another year. 
 
 Whatever you have thought, or think, 
 Of past advancement, not content 
 
 Witli what is past, again I say 
 Advance! and witli more firm intent. 
 
 Press forward to a broader way. 
 
 A. F. 
 
THE MUTKS' OFFERtJSG. 110 
 
 Education. 
 
 Edacatioii is the most important gift l)estowed on tJie niiiul of -.i 
 person, though it is mucli neglected. It expands and elevates the 
 mind, which has no power of doing well without it. It is generally 
 the case that a person without it does not know how to take care of 
 himself, and behave among strangers. It renders a green and stupid 
 fellow useful and fit for citizenship ; therefore eveiy youth should try 
 and obtain it, and not spend his time idly. It is much more necessary 
 for a youth to gain this most valuable gift than to remain at home, 
 helping his parents work ; because, if they are in good health, they 
 are able to provide for themselves, and educate their children. There 
 are more free schools in this country than in any other. But there is 
 one fault, and that is there are still many persons in a state of igno- 
 rance. Parents wdl regret it in atter years, if they do not simkI tlicir 
 children to school*. The way to obtain an ediicjiiioii is to toil li;ird ; 
 perseverence and industry always make, a ujan prosperous. Without 
 these things he could not thrive. An idle man always leads a 
 wretched life of poverty and want. 
 
 J. L. H. 
 
 Stray Siiiibeaiiis. 
 
 These words, thougli simple, are eloquent and full of meaning. How 
 many kinds of sunbeams there are! The real suvibeam comes from the 
 sun ; the others are merely figurative. All of you may be stray sun- 
 beams, simply by speaking i)leasantly and wearing a cheerful counte- 
 nance wherever you go. We have ofteu observed thSm, yet we never, 
 perhaps, fully appr^ -sir true ■ Without the suu, we 
 
 should have no beaiu :; nature aiL-.. ^.v.-ce glad our hearts. We 
 
 should doubtless reiji.; bate of 'perpetual darkness and unhap- 
 
 piness. No one can live without their inliuence. The invalid often 
 languishes for want of them. ; they keep the roses on our cheeks from 
 fading,, and cause the merry sparkle in our eyes. Without them we 
 should see no robust, stalwart people, but pale, sickly forms instead, 
 about to drop and wither. The majestic oak, the monarch of the 
 forest, was once a tender bud, kindly cared for by the sunbeam. What 
 made our native land so prosperous and wealthy? The sunbeams.- 
 Thus you see such sunbeams, however small they may seem, keep our 
 huge globe kindled with perpetual light, and its inhabitants animated 
 with prosperity and .joy. Re;dly sunbeams are life';^ eihiliraLors. I 
 
Ill THE MUTES' OFFERING, 
 
 propose to speak of sunbeams figuratively. A new pupil, when lie 
 first enters the walls of our Alma Mater, gropes in the darkness of 
 his intellect. The knowledge which is implanted in his mind is like 
 a stray sunbeam, which works its way through the crevices of his cell 
 to a lonely prisoner. When we are absent from the home circle, and 
 receive a kind message, no matter how small or few the words it con- 
 tains, it is like a stray sunbeam ; for we know the loved ones are well, 
 and still care for the absent. The departure of one who has long been 
 the pet of the household, is like the withdrawing of the sun's beams from 
 the summer sky. When we go to church, and the organ pours forth 
 its deep tones of melody, and the people lift up their voices in songs 
 of praise, we sometimes fancy that our ears catch some of the vibra- 
 tions, and they send a thrill through our souls; and the tears start 
 from our eyes when we think how sweet will be the music that will 
 one day fill our ears, when in the better land. It gives brighter hopes 
 that though our tongues are mute, it is only for a short time, when 
 they will be unloosed to join the heavenly band in singing by the crys- 
 tal river that flows by the throne of God. A little child is often the 
 sunbeam of the household. It gladdens every heart by its joyful 
 laugh and childish prattle. I have heard of aged people, the father 
 and mother of a large family, who have been bereft, one by one, of 
 their earthly treasures, by the cruel hand of death, and only one is 
 left to brighten and cheer them in their old age. The student, who 
 consumes the midnight oil ; the busy merchant, who visits the marts 
 of nations ; the lonely widow and orphans who think of home, the 
 happy companions united in present afiections, and past memories of 
 a father's counsel and mother's tender care — all these will think light- 
 ly of the hard tasks and the long weary way before them which leads 
 to the goal of their hopes. These thoughts which are stirred in their 
 minds are like stray sunbeams, lighting up the dark future of their 
 lives. The mariner who clings to the frail spar, which alone stands 
 between him and eternity, thinks of his loved ones who are far away 
 in a distant land. The thoughts of them enable him to cling with 
 more strength and energy. Thesg stray sunbeams can reach him even 
 in mid ocean, when he is within the grasp of death. However dark 
 may be the clouds above us, and however fiercely the storm may rage 
 around us, we know the sun is bright above the tempest, and his 
 beams will come upon us through the first opening in the sky. I now 
 address the seniors, who are about to take their final departure from 
 the walls of our beloved Alma Mater, which has so kindly sheltered 
 them during these past years, and brought them forth from darkness 
 
THE MUTES' OFFEBim. 112 
 
 to light, and made them competent for the performance of noble 
 duties. To-morrow you go forth from here, some to happy homes, 
 some to face sterner duties which urge you forward in the struggles of 
 life. Perhaps never more will you enter the chapel from the right 
 and left ; perhaps never again mingle with us, and share our joys and 
 sorrows. I know not how many of you have been sunbeams in the 
 circles from which you came ; you go forth from here to shed light 
 and gladness in the households and in the society where your lot may 
 be east. May we who remain to complete our course in the Institu- 
 tion, be diligent and faithful, and gather such a store of knowledge, 
 skill and wisdom, that we may be able to do well in the business which 
 the future may put into our hands. Then this Institution will be a 
 central sun, and its graduates will be sunbeams sent forth to carry joy 
 and blessings to the friends with whom they may associate and the 
 community in which they may dwell. 
 
 A. H. F. 
 
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