A GREAT WRONG.

WE cut the following from an article in the Philadelphia" Inquirer," and endorse its sentiments with our whole heart. We know persons who have taken the conversation of private intercourse and used it for mean purposes, and we have the same feeling towards them that we have towards the cholera-distance is better than nearness.

"To steal into the confidence of a fellow-being, of a friend or neighbor, to win upon his feelings, and worm out his secrets-all under the mask of friendship—and then to betray those secrets to the world-nay, to exaggerate and pervert them, is a species of social delinquency and deliberate wickedness, from which all who are truly high-minded and virtuous, must shrink with horror. It involves the double guilt of treachery and hypocrisy. It perverts the holy privilege of friendship to the basest purpose, and stabs at the victim, when he not only least suspects, but when he leans and relies upon the base and guilty hand, as that of an adviser and a companion. But, there is another description of social treachery, which is far more common. We allude to the disposition which prevails so generally, to listen to the frank and unpremeditated remarks of another-remarks made in his own family circle, and thus on privileged, if not hallowed ground, and then go forth into society and repeat them. The repetition, too, is often made in an unkind spirit. The manner is changed or misrepresented, and thus what was meant in jest or playfulness, is converted into a serious matter, and is made the cause of irritation or ill-will. The idle tattlers of the hour, who are ever on the watch for some hasty remark, and who eagerly catch it up, and bear it from ear to ear, are not only common nuisances, but they are worse. They are the disturbers of quiet and happy homes-they are the fomenters of discord and disunion among friends-they are either the thoughtless or the malignant causes of scandal, calumny, bitterness and feud. Alas, how many of these are to be found, not only in every great metropolis, but in every little village. They hasten from door to door, as if bent on mischief. The slightest whisper of slander is magnified into something serious, and thus by nods and shrugs, and strange surmises, reputations are trifled with, characters are assailed, and household circles are rendered miserable. Should it not be regarded as a duty on the part of those

who are admitted to the confidence of friends and families, who are made parties to their secrets, and before whom many things are said notintended for the general ear of the world-is it not a duty on the part of all such, to avoid the repetition, even of harsh remarks, or the betrayal of any single circumstance that was evidently made known in a spirit of confidence? Is it not a heartless and treacherous occupation, to repeat language that was meant only for the private ear, especially if the repetition be calculated to injure the reputation of the original utterer, or to wound the feelings of another? All have errors and infirmities, and all, therefore, are liable to mistakes. It is impossible to keep watch and guard upon ourselves at all moments, while there are many, moreover, who are quick, impulsive, and thoughtless, and who, indeed, often say things which they do not really mean. It is cruel, therefore, to take advantage of such, to gain their confidence and enjoy their friendship, and yet abuse both to their disadvantage. The dearest ties, the most sacred attachments, the holiest bonds, have been sundered by this species of wanton hypocrisy and heartless treachery. The little things of life are often pregnant with mighty consequences. A remark made in confidence, and repeated in a vicious, jealous, or malignant spirit-nay, if repeated at all, will often open the door for misconstruction, and lead to misunderstandings, that years of after effort will not fully reconcile. Nothing wounds so deeply as the slight, or unmerited censure of a friend. Nothing rankles so keenly in the human heart, as a belief or impression that one to whom we have been in the habit of turning with confidence for a long period, and of whose faith, good-will, and sincerity we never entertained a doubt, has said or done something, either calculated to destroy the kindly feeling at a blow, or to throw a suspicion upon his conduct for ever after. And yet this is the bitter fruit of social treachery. A word or hint, a suggestion attributed to a friend, and calculated to annoy or to wound, will often disturb an intimacy, and rupture bonds that have existed closely and kindly for years. The spirit that would deliberately engage in this foul work, and with the malevolent purpose of exciting suspicion, or destroying confidence and good will, is at once despicable and demoniac. Its trophies are severed bonds-its triumphs are broken hearts."

THE Soul of the high minded and honorable is like the sun's rays, full of warmth and beauty.

FEMALE MEDICAL COLLEGE OF PENNSYLVANIA.

FIRST COMMENCEMENT.

THE First Commencement of the Female

ence.

Medical College of Pennsylvania, for conferring degrees, took place in this city, Dec. 30, 1851. The occasion drew together a very large audiThe exercises were introduced with music and by prayer, after which the President of the College, William J. Mullen, conferred the degree of " Doctor of Medicine" on eight ladies in the following manner:

"Ladies, after a careful and thorough examination, on the part of our Board, you have been found fully qualified to become practitioners in the healing art of Medicine and Surgery. In the name, and on behalf of the Corporators of the Female Medical College of Pennsylvania, I present you a Diploma, signed by the President and Faculty, conferring upon you the degree of Doctor of Medicine, with all the honors, rights and privileges appertaining thereunto."

The following are the names of the graduates, with the subject of the thesis chosen by each one:-Phebe M. Way, of Pennsylvania, on "Wounds"; Hannah E. Longshore, Pennsylvania, "Neuralgia"; Anna M. Longshore, Pennsylvania, "Electricity;" Martha A. Sawin, Massachusetts, “Anæmia"; Ann Preston, Pennsylvania, "Diagnosis"; Annette A. Hunt, New York, "True Physician"; Frances G. Mitchell, England, "Chlorosis"; Susanna H. Ellis, Pennsylvania, "Influence of the Nervous System on the Functions of Respiration and Nutrition."

An address was then delivered by Prof. J. S. Longshore, which was very interesting, giving a history of the origin of the institution-the first Female medical college in the world. By its chartered rights and privileges, its acts are equal to those of any other medical institution where the "M. D." is conferred; and those on whom it had then been conferred were counselled to claim equality with other physicians, but to do it with that delicacy and with attention to those properties which command respect. They were urged not to consent to perform secondary offices in the sick room, except in cases of necessity; to require compliance with their prescriptions; to never visit for the purpose of merely giving an opinion where another physician was attending a patient; and never, in any other way, interfere in the least with the practice of others. They were warned to expect and to VOL. XX.

45

prepare for prejudice, misrepresentation and misconstruction, and to be all the more cautious and prudent because of their peculiar position; to withdraw from arrogance; to be ever ready to make reparation for a wrong done, but to submit to no wrong offered; to wait upon the poor cheerfully, faithfully, gratuitously, but to demand of others a full and fair payment, and to send in their bills at least twice a year. These last two items seemed to please the audience mightily. A similar commotion was caused by the remark, 'In your prescriptions, give no alcoholic drinks." This was enforced by good reasonings and facts, and the position was taken by the orator, that the physician ought to unite with the moralist and divine, in all places, in efforts to arrest the evils of intemperance.

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The address expressed the solicitude with which the Faculty had followed the ladies in their studies, and the high gratification in view of their success, proving that their sex are not only good students, able to pursue all the studies of a regular course of medical instruction, but also to think, reason, analyze, compare, and deduce for themselves. The Faculty was confident that these graduates would exert a good influence in behalf of the College.

Many hopes are connected with the success of this institution. We learn that two wealthy lastantial edifice for the College. A large number dies have promised to build a handsome and subof influential ladies of Philadelphia are much interested in its success, among whom Mrs. Sarah J. Hale is prominent, and of whose kindness the students make honorable mention. We see no reason why this new avenue to honorable distinction and emolument should not be trodden by noble minded women; and certain we are that if nature teaches any thing, she teaches that woman is as well entitled to the office of Doctor as man. Some persons sum up the whole of their aversion in the remark, "How queer to see a woman doctor for a man!" We presume the intention is, for the "woman doctor" to confine her practice to her own sex; but pushed to the extreme, let the question be asked, What is there wrong in having a woman doctor, while it seems all right to have a woman nurse, for the sick man? A hundred good arguments could be written in favor of the doings of the Female Medical College of Pennsylvania. Philadelphia, Pa.

B.

"DEATH, to the wise man, is the desired port where he moors his bark gladly, as in some quiet haven of the Fortunate Isles."

UNIVERSALISM IN DEATH.

DEATH is an inevitable event. We cannot turn from the path in which it lies. No vision can be deemed more real than that of the open grave as ready to receive us. Sad is our lot if we see nothing beyond it, and have no heavenly vision unto which we may be obedient,and which can give us "strong consolation and good hope, through grace." The Universalist realizes this, and therefore his gratitude is devout and earnest towards Almighty God for the "sure and steadfast" hope given in the Gospel, that brought life" and immortality to light." No disciple of Jesus has stronger reasons for the exercise of calm submission and serene hope at the approach of death, than he has, and more triumphant conquests over the darkening power of the great enemy have never been witnessed than among the true believers in the unlimited grace of God.

But yet the opposing voice is continually heard against the sufficiency of Universalism for support in Death. With a singular contradiction, we are told, "It will do to live by, but not to die by." I call this a contradiction, because the religion which will do to live by, must do to die by, for what is the best preparation for death, if it be not religious living? If, however, they mean by this remark, that if there were no future life, our faith would do well enough to live by, we say it is a remark unworthy of the serious subject with which it is connected, for while we all admit the absolute certainty of a future and immortal life, and controvert only the question, "What is to be the character of that life ?" there is no use in descending to the employment of sneers and squibs.

But why is the common objection made that Universalism will fail the soul in Death? Not because facts certify the truth of it. No. Facts are altogether in the opposite scale-numerous, weighty, definite and beautiful. A long catalogue has been published under the title of "The Christian's Triumph, or Happy Death Scenes." No man can question in the least the truth of them, and they stand out in bold relief in contrast with the death scenes so commonly witnessed where there is more of fear than of hope. Dr. Thomas Scott, the author of a very popular Commentary on the Bible, was often distressed with fears and anxieties respecting his eternal state, and when he was earnestly desired to take comfort from the remembrance of his labors for the church and his faith, he said, "Even one fear, where infinity is at stake, is sufficient to

countervail all the consoling effects of faith.” And here is the great evil with which the believer in a limited redemption must struggle. The possibility of being lost has more force to depress many souls, than all the hopes they can foster have power to console. And this will be in proportion as believers in a limited salvation are humble and cherish but little pride for what they have done for the cause of Christ. When they recall the past, and with it contrast what they should have been and done, the soul is overwhelmed, and they are prostrated in view of sinfulness. And not seeing the absolute infinite grace of God-his interest in every child of his creation, and his unalterable purpose to redeem all, they have died in darkness-their sun went

down in clouds. Take Andrew Fuller for an example. He was a great divine and esteemed as truly "orthodox." His life is spoken of in the most exalted terms. When he lay on the bed of death, he was desponding, and his friends attempted to cheer him by detailing what he had done for the cause of the Redeemer. But no; conscience recalled more omissions of duty than performances, and he said," I have been a great sinner; and if I am saved at all, it must be by great and sovereign grace." The brother who preached his funeral sermon touched upon this matter, asserting that "it is not the voice of congratulation on a well spent life, however just, that is most acceptable in those awful moments, to pious minds; that is often heard with trembling diffidence and conscious apprehension of contaminating motives and counteracting defects. The sweetest music in the ears of expiring piety, must be struck from another string: "This is the record, that God hath given us eternal life, and that life is in the Son." "The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life, through Jesus Christ our Lord."

Now, whatever lessons the certainty of God's grace being extended to all, must weaken individual hope, and give room for every heart to tremble in fear and doubt. This is common sense, and no subtleties of the schools can cover its simplicity or alter its truth. Universalism allows the full evidence of the Resurrection of Jesus, and the immortality of all mankind. It has, therefore, as much influence to support the soul in death, as any other form of Christianity, so far as belief in a future and immortal life is concerned. And as it asserts the continuance of God's universal love over the myriads of the immortals, it has a most powerful support for the dying which no other religion can impart."

We will give an example of the support which Universalism has afforded in the trying hour of death. I refer to Mrs. S, of Haverhill, Ms., who was beautiful in life as in death.

Of her I can truly and earnestly say, that she was one of the most exemplary women I ever knew. Her mind was early convinced of the truth of the Gospel, and she walked in its holy influence. Her trials in sickness were many and severe-unutterably so-attended with circumstances too painful for narration. Could I command the most eloquent language, it would be impossible to convey an adequate idea of the reality, awakening as it did the most sorrowful emotions in those who were but attendants where they could not aid. Her sufferings were protracted in a degree astonishing to aged experience and profound medical skill; but were borne with a fortitude and patience that well accorded with the Christian harmony of her life. Never was a being more resigned; though repeated instances of severest trial called anew for the exercise of every feeling of fortitude and patience. When she first supposed herself dying, she said to a sister friend, "If I die, tell them (her husband, relatives, and friends) I die perfectly happy." This I have reason to believe she said, because some of her relatives who dislike our faith, had many times assured her that she would renounce her faith when death was near; and also to give a thought of pleasantness to her friends, as she expected she should expire without being able to converse, and would have them understand the emotions of her soul.

Her severest sickness continued for about a week. She was then told by her physician that he thought she could not live through the day. Myself and wife were sent for; but my wife only was able to obey the call. To her she confided a most tender message to the children, expressive of her anxiety for their welfare, and a kind remembrance to a social society in which she was an officer, adding, in her conversation, her contentment and hope in the Gospel. About this time she told one of her friends to inform a Calvinistic relative that she never felt more confidence in the doctrine she had long believed than then, and to assure her that her prophecies of her apostacy were vain.

On the day previous to her death (Saturday) I visited her, and found her somewhat more easy than on the preceding evening. She expressed to me her longings to die, saying, “I never wanted any thing in my life so much as I want to die." And then in a moment she added, "To die is pleasant, I think." I remarked, that it is, if we look rightly on all things connected with it. She said it was thus that death was made pleasant to her. "I feel," said she, "that I could lie still and die without uttering one word. I long to die-it seems as if I could not wait my time." Desiring me to pray, I asked her if she had any thing in particular for which she wished me to pray? Never shall I forget the sweet placiduess of her countenance as she summoned all her strength to command her trembling nerves, and uttered these words--" Pray that my aged father and mother may be strengthened in the doctrine that sustains me; that my husband, whom I must leave behind, may take good care of the children; that I may have strength given me to bear all that I must bear." After prayer, she spoke of the joy she had derived from sitting at her chamber window, when she could not go out, and listening to the services of the sanctu ary-her house being but a short distance from the church of her choice and love. The tones of the hymns of praise, the utterance of prayer, and the voice of the preacher, coming to her ear softened by the distance, had a peculiar charm, and delicious was her enjoyment.

She remarked that she had deeply desired, all through her sickness, to hear singing. She wished to renew those holy and happy hours. I invited several of her friends to visit her, for the purpose of gratifying this desire. They wentand standing at the foot of the stairs that led to her room, sang,

"How cheering the thought that the spirits in

his icy dart,

THE following lines were writen in memory of a loved and lovely young cousin, LUCY JANE HANMER, who died in New York on the 12th of January, at the age of 19; another victim of consumption. Her beautiful and happy life was like that of a flower, fostered by affection, and guarded from every ill that love could avert; and like a flower, with blight at its heart, she faded from the eyes that watched over her; but though her form lies buried beneath the winter snow, which is scarce more stainless than was her sweet spirit, even while it dwelt on earth, that spirit, like the fragrance of a flower, has exhaled to its native Heaven.

THE WHITE ROSE.

FLOWERS have been worn upon my breast, fair flowers in bud and bloom,

Rejoicing with their gracefulness, their beauty and perfume;

But one was valued most of all, a treasure held

apart,

The purest and the loveliest, the white rose of my heart.

And love would fain have shielded well that fair and fragile form,

Nor suffered it to feel the breath of blighting cold

or storm;

Nor summer suns too fervently its beauty to embrace,

Nor winds of heaven too roughly breathe upon its lovely face.

But care and tenderness were vain to ward the stroke of fate,

The frost-king marked its pride of bloom, defied its guarded state,

And a pale snow-wreath covers now, the white rose of my heart.

Thou wert that rose, oh fair young friend! so pure and brief thy life,

With loveliness and grace adorned, with flowerlike fragrance rife ;

And watchful love thy pathway smoothed, and led with tender hand,

Thy steps mid scenes of pleasantness, in youth's unclouded land.

Thou hadst not known the grief that kills, with slow consuming pain,

The inward wounds whose sting to heal all earthly balm is vain ;

Corroding cares had never dimmed the brightness of thy mind,

Nor chilled the heart where love and truth, and purity were shrined.

Ere clouds had darkened o'er thy head, or tempests gathered near,

While in the sun thy life's fair stream flowed on, serene and clear,

An angel whispered, "come away," thy bounding pulse grew slow,

Love's cheek was blanched, love's heart was faint, thine early doom to know.

But to the Father's high behest thy heart was meekly bowed,

While thou didst fade from earth away like a bright evening cloud.

Thou sleepest now, nor love nor grief can bid that sleep depart,

Nor raise thee from thy snow-wreathed bed, oh white rose of my heart!

M. A. H. D.

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ADVICE TO A MOURNER. - Dr. Johnson once gave advice to a mourner in few words: "Be not solitary-be not idle." Of course, he would not carry his idea so far as to deny all retirement, for his thought undoubtedly took hold on the common indulgence of grief where solitude is sought to ponder on grief and the iron eats into the heart, more and more corrodingly. The common round of duties, the ordinary ways of usefulness, furnish the best means of finding the remedial blessing which the delighted heart needs.

Б.

"No one deserves the name of man who makes a greater fuss about the wounds of poverty than a girl makes about those of her ears, since equally in both cases, hooks, whereby to suspend jewels, are inserted into the wounds."