THE
RURAL MAGAZINE,
AND
LITERARY EVENING FIRE-SIDE.
Vol. I. Philadelphia, Fifth Month, 1820. No. 5.
FOR THE RURAL MAGAZINE.
THE DESULTORY REMARKER.
No. IV.
Spring, that delightful visiter, towhom beauty and melody, Zephyrusand Flora, pay their opulent but willingtribute, has once more arrived.Let us welcome the enchanting strangerwith joyful hearts, and let feelingsof gratitude ascend to the bountifulsource of all our enjoyments. Natureis now
All beauty to the eye, and all music to the ear.
It is said by an eminent historian,in his memoirs of his own life, thatthe disposition to "see the favourablerather than the unfavourable side ofthings, is a turn of mind which it ismore happy to possess, than to beborn to an estate of ten thousand ayear." Such a temper is not only aprolific source of complacency to theindividual who cherishes it, but by allwho move within the circle of its influence,its amiable and excellent effectis felt and acknowledged. Whata fortunate circumstance would it befor the luckless wight, denominatedby that pure and fascinating writerDr. Goldsmith, a Magaziner, aswell as for his correspondents, shouldnone but critics, under the influenceof this temper, undertake to adjusttheir humble claims to merit. Theyare frequently selected, by those whohave not even read what they undertaketo condemn, as the objects of illiberaland unmeaning censure. Theright to criticise, is unquestionablyperfectly valid; but, like other rights,it is liable to abuse. By accustominghimself to indulge a querulous, fault-findingpropensity, on all occasions,even the most distinguished oratormay descend from the high stationclaimed for him by his friends, tothat of an inconsistent, petulant declaimer.And notwithstanding thealternate epigrammatic point of hiswit, and the brilliant coruscations ofhis fancy, his speeches may at lengthscarcely be heard with patience.
Courteous reader! if thou desirestto make the most of human life, andto realize its positive blessings whichare placed within thy reach, listen tothe counsels of experience, and pursuean opposite course of conduct.Sedulously avoid the indulgence of asplenetic humour, consult thy owngratification, and the happiness ofthose by whom thou art surrounded,in contemplating
The gayest, happiest attitude of things.
If thou art now scanning our presentnumber, with no other object[162]than to detect errors and expose omissions;if thou art pre-determined tocensure, be pleased to defer a furtherexamination, until thou art more disposedto view the "favourable sideof things:" when this is the case, theeditors will be delighted to pay themost respectful attention to any judicioussuggestions, promotive of improvement,either in the plan or conductof this Miscellany.
If thou art placed in the truly responsiblesituation of head of a family,thy children and domestics, if thy deportmentconvey to them the beautifulmoral lesson, afforded by a uniformcontemplation of the "favourableside of things," will derive fromit the most substantial advantages.Domestic happiness is of such an exquisiteand sensitive organization, thatit cannot endure, no not for a moment,the scowling visage of harshness ordiscord.
In the ordinary daily intercourse oflife, nothing conduces more to smooththe rugged path of existence, thanurbanity and mu