34 MAINE STATE SOCIETY. 



and pursuits and amusements, -which are apposite and entertaining: 

 anywhere and everywhere else. The noblest accomplishments and 

 the most charming graces, are appropriate in all homes. In the 

 farmer's home, they are like jewels in the best and most beautiful 

 setting. They are in' harmony with all the grand and lovely sur- 

 roundings of nature. One likes to be favored with the presence of 

 the prophets and the apostles, when encompassed by the hills and 

 mountains, and the solemn woods; to look into Shakspeare's imaginary 

 worlds, while gazing upon -the lakes and streams ; to hear old Mil- 

 ton's organ notes, while contemplating the features of a modern Eden ; 

 to be moved and lifted, as by a mighty wind of pentecost, by Bee- 

 thoven's grand, pathetic, unequalled chords, while listening to the 

 harmony of flowing water, waving grain, rustling leaves, and the 

 choirs innumerable of singing birds. 



I once saAV in Fanueil Hall the great painting, now occupying an 

 honored place in the Capitol at Washington, called The Embarka- 

 tion OF THE Pilgrims. What, in the artist's conception, impressed 

 me, most profoundly, was the truly womanly character of the women 

 standing in prayer upon the deck of the little vessel. As I looked 

 at the forms and the faces on the canvass before me, at the light of 

 blended strength and sweetness on those fair countenances, I said, 

 within myself, these were, indeed, more and greater than ladies and 

 queens, and were, indeed, chosen by Providence to be the mothers 

 of a great people. > 



AVhom now should we see in our rural homes, but worthy daugh- 

 ters of those noble women ? — noble, because devoted to the best and 

 highest interests, and ever faithful to the principles of truth, virtue 

 and freedom. If we discover in these abodes, women of this noble 

 mould, and of such devotion and faithfulness to the loftiest and most 

 sacred things, we may still hope that our country homes will not 

 lose their chief excellence and their highest charms ; and that they 

 will not be forsaken; that forever they will be bright and warm with 

 the beam of womanly dignity, and the radience of womanly grace, 

 and musical throughout with the voice of love, affection, contentment 

 and happiness. 



In conclusion, let me ask you, if you are not sure that your rural 

 homes are in the best locality for attaining good under the nobler 

 and finer influences of nature and Providence ? And when you con- 



