heroic in the sick room; if he can die for his country, she can die for him or her child. We have yet to learn that the heroism displayed by Wellington on the field of Waterloo was superior to that of Grace Darling, who, unaided and alone, pulled her trembling skiff over the tumbling surges to rescue her fellow men. History teems with instances of the heroism, the fidelity, the zeal, the disinterestedness, the devotion, and truly virtuous conduct of woman; instances that cannot be surpassed in brilliancy and beauty by the most celebrated deeds of illustrious men.

But woman shines most conspicuously, and performs the most interesting, if not the most important, part of her mission at Home. To look at her in the capacities of wife, mother, and educator would require more space than at present could be commanded, and consequently we must reserve what we have to say for the next number of the Public Good.

THE COMING CONGRESS.

made Paris celebrated for the last two or three years, certainly the meeting of so THE history of the Congresses and Con- many Peace Reformers in its midst was ventions of the nineteenth century will be not the least significant. Paris, the city an interesting and important chapter in the of revolutions, and the centre of the most nnals of human progress. In June, military nation on earth-Paris so famed 1843, the first general Peace Convention for its bloody and its sublime struggles ever held in the world took place in for liberty and tyranny, lent its shelter London. In the same year, and in the and its influence to the apostles and the same place, an Anti-Slavery Convention promulgators of peace. The "three days" was held. In 1846 the first great Tem- of the Peace Congress are not clad with perance Convention was held in London. less historical importance than any other In the same year, if we remember rightly, preceding "three days" of the eventful a Free-Trade Congress was held in Brus- history of France. About eighteen months sels. The following year another Congress after a revolution had been effected and of the Friends of humanity, took place in a dynasty overthrown, just at the moment the same city. In 1848 the first Continen- when the political elements of the whole tal Peace Congress was held there. It country were in terrible antagonism--when was the original intention of the Friends the spirit of reaction and the spirit of proof Peace to have held the Peace Congress gression were in earnest combat, and also of 1848 in Paris; but the unsettled poli- just at the time when the nations of tical condition of the metropolis of France Europe were rocking from internal and rendered it expedient and desirable that external forces-when Hungary, brave, a more neutral scene of action should be renowned Hungary-was overwhelmed chosen ; and certainly Brussels was not an with the united despotisms of Austria and inappropriate place for the first great Russia, at such a moment might be seen gathering of the Friends of Peace on the apostles of peace from England, America, continent. It is not only contiguous to Italy, Spain, Germany, Belgium, Holland, other continental countries, and of easy and France, in solemn conclave, deliberataccess to their inhabitants, but as it ing on the best means to put an end to had been shaken by the artillery, and war systems and the war spirit-to excovered by the smoke of Waterloo's bat- tinguish international jealousies and tle, it might, with the greatest propriety hatreds, and to lay the foundations of be made the centre from which should permanent and universal peace. When go forth the musical voice of Peace. the Emperors of Russia and Austria were The Brussels Peace Congress will ever combining their material forces to subjuhold a memorable place in the remem- gate rising nationalities; when Haynau, brances of those who took part in it, and Radetzky, and Oudinot, the incarnations of in the annals of the Great Peace Move- physical force, were boasting in triumph ment. over the victories they had won by the sword, Cobden, Girardin, Victor Hugo, Joseph Sturge, Bastiat, Elihu Burritt, Edward

Next came the Paris Peace Congress of 1849. Of the many events which have

the Congress, and to thank our countrymen for the activities they had put forth for the pacification of the world. About the same time a Conference of the Friends of Peace was held in Crosby Hall, to deliberate on the propriety of holding another Congress in 1850. It was soon determined to do so, and Frankfort was chosen to be the place where it should be held. About that time Elihu Burritt returned to America to impress his countrymen with the conviction of their duty on the matter, and for some time he was engaged in visiting the principal places of the union, where he addressed large meetings on peace, and when it was determined to send delegates to the coming Congress. Active measures have been taken in this country to secure a large gathering in Frankfort, and to make the Congress worthy of its predecessors, and the truly important object sought to be obtained.

Miall, and others, were telling the world in sweet and unmistakeable accents, how the warrior's trade should be superseded, and the blessings of peace realized; and they were not merely telling, but showing, how this ought to be accomplished. They had left their homes and their countries, and met face to face in a capital which had been the cradle of warriors; and exemplified in their actions the beauty of their principles and the earnestness of their faith, Men who had been repeatedly told and taught that Frenchmen and Englishmen were natural enemies, repudiated the doctrine by exhibiting a nobler one. Amongst the taunts of some, the fears of others, and the indifference of more, they lifted the standard of brotherhood in a place, and at a time, when it was most wanted; and their confidence was not betrayed. Their kindness called up beautiful emotions, and their faith enkindled faith in the French heart. They smiled on France, and France smiled on That object is one of the most importthem. They held out the hand of frater-ånt that the mind can dwell on or the nity and it was grasped with a brother's imagination paint. It is no less than a affection. The meetings which were held complete reversal of the policy which has, was a prolonged inspiration, which had in a majority of instances, distinguished its climax in nine of the heartiest cheers, the actions of the statesmen and governwith Richard Cobden as fugleman, that ors of nations. It aims at a total repeal ever shook an edifice or awoke an echo. of the ways and means which kings and These cheers, springing as they did from cabinets have hitherto adopted to adjust holy, thrilling, and enthusiastic hearts, international disputes. It would bury in did more for the advancement of peace one common grave the implements and the and liberty than the thunder of the su- arts of the warrior-the political trickery blimest war that ever startled the world. and treachery of designing diplomatists, Every salutation that was given and and the demoniacal passions which have received fell like a sunbeam on the open-invigorated and intensified nations in their ing flower! Every peaceful idea that brutal struggles for conquest, for revenge, found an utterance fell like a bombshell or renown. It would fire humanity with into the enemies' camp. Every benignant new impulses-quicken the latent feelings look was charged with moral electricity! of benevolence and love in the heart of every olive leaf that was worn was elo-society-call into vigorous action the quent with love, and every kind office that was performed brought France and England, and the other nations represented, into closer union, and hastened the time when all the world shall be the habitation of a peaceful and united family.

higher and mightier elements of human character, and so reform the policy, and revolutionize the practices of the human race.

Such is the magnificent object of Peace Reformers, and such is the spirit which will doubtlessly influence those who will meet in Frankfort during the present year. Worthy object, and all honour to the men who are prepared to leave home and to meet inconveniences to carry it

A short time after this memorable Congress, large meetings were held in Exeter Hall, the Town Hall of Birmingham, and the Free-Trade Hall, Manchester, and were addressed by several distin-out. guished Frenchmen, who came to this country on purpose to be present at the meetings, to express their sentiments on

If such be the object, what are the means which these reformers intend to use and to suggest for use? To do a great

man soul. He calls to his assistanee the doctrines and decisions ef Christianity. He shows that that religion which has hitherto had such an important influence over the destinies of so many ages and nations, is the irreconcileable antagonist of war and all its bloody and deceitful. associations. Such are some of the means which the Peace Reformer uses in the prosecution of his benevolent enterprise. And for the purpose of facilitating its progress, he calls together meetings, or

work, great agencies are required. The 'n human society, are contrary to the inmeans used must be commensurate with tentions of the High and Holy One. He the end aimed at. One cannot easily says this state of things must be changed root up a mile-stone or a lamp-post with -this great mistake must be rectifiedthe thigh bone of a butterfly. The instru- this great wrong destroyed, and the will mentality must be adequate to the task of God done in the establishment of the sought to be accomplished, or disappoint- true. Sustained with the consciousness ment and dismay will be the result. of the rightfulness of his principles, he What, then, are the means which these goes to work, and in good earnest knocks nation pacifiers think of using? Who away at the foundations of the gigantic are they who think to change the face of evil. He uses arguments-he piles togehuman society and turn the currents of ther facts to show the injuries which war history into new channels? Are they has inflicted en the world-he recounts, aware of the task they are imposing on or tries to recount, the energies wasted, themselves? If we may be allowed the blood shed, the lives sacrificed, and' to speak for them, we may say that, the multiform sufferings produced on its as far as their part of the great work account. He appeals to the sympathies is concerned, they are prepared to of the human heart, and summonses to do it at the dearest cost. Peace Reform-his aid the highest attributes of the huers are only servants of an Omnipotent Master, and co-operators with a thousand other visible and invisible instrumentalities in producing the desired change. And the means they have used, and the means they intend to use, are ideas, arguments, kindness, confidence, heroism, and faith. Let no sceptic laugh at such means. They may appear inefficient, or even ridiculous, when compared to the mighty armaments of war which at present exist in the world, and the almost endless interests involved in the maintenance of such powers.ganizes societies, celebrates anniversaries, But how weak is the wrongly-based opinion of a united world when met by one earnest soul charged with one truth. All the powers and principalities of earth may be leagued together to keep things as they are, to smother that earnest soul, and to resist the progress of the truth it proclaims; but in vain. The truth is uttered; it is sent forth on its benificent mission; it penetrates other souls, who also are fired with a desire to promulgate it; secretly and irresistably it finds its way through difficulty and danger; obstacles vanish before it; its enemies acknowledge its sovereignty, and pay homage to its power; and in due time that truth that was insignificant in the eyes of the world reigns supreme in the minds and hearts of mankind. The Peace Reformer looks at the past and sees the histories of nations are the history of war. He looks into the human mind. and surveys the purposes of God in the universe, and sees that hate, violence, bloody revenge, and organized means for working them out

and even holds Peace Congresses annually in the hearts of the greatest nations of the world. He teaches with his lips, and impresses with his acts. He does not merely insist on the abstract truthfulness and beauty of his principles, and calls on his fellowmen to obey their dictates; but he meets society as it is, and suits his, actions and plans of procedure to the present wants and wishes of the world. The Paris Peace Congress recommended arbitration as a means for the settlement of international disputes-a general and simultaneous disarmament-the formation of a Congress of nations, whose sole object should be to frame a code of international laws on just principles, and to constitute a supreme court to which should be submiteed all questions relating to the rights and duties of different communities. It also condemned all loans and taxes intended for the prosecution of wars, of ambition, and enterprise; it called for a more enlarged and liberal education, and earnestly solicited minis

"TIS NOT TOO LATE: OR WOMAN'S INFLUENCE.

"YES, but two! one broad and crowded | employed, fell thrillingly upon my ear, the other narrow and deserted-two as I traversed Chesnut-street, one sumroads through life; one of virtue and mer evening, on my way to church. happiness-the other of vice, and The voice, though tremulous with leading unto shame and woe. I have emotion, and shattered by dissipation, seen all that is to be seen in the broad could not be mistaken. I was chained highway of vice, and He who guardeth as by a spell to the spot where my footthe virtuous and prospereth the good, steps were arrested by the first words. knoweth only how deeply I have drunk 'Yes, but two!' of the soliloquy above, at the fountain of iniquity, and how pronounced with so much energy. intolerable are the pangs of remorse which that draught has cost me; but I will turn. Come what may in the shape of temptation, I'll be once more a virtuous man; 'tis not too late!'

"TIS NOT TOO LATE; OR WOMAN'S INFLUENCE.

friend. I could not speak. Nor is any description adequate to convey a just estimate of my feelings. Poor Rollin ! deeply indeed had he drank at the well of iniquity, and vivid were the furrows which care and sorrow had made upon his brow! Years had passed since last we met. During the early part of his abandonad career, he listened with tearful eyes and a bosom turbulent with emotion, to my affectionate remonstrances, but, by and by, grew restive under friendly rebuke, and finally avoided my society altogether. I had long since given him up us a lost, a ruined man, and had been for some time expecting to be called to see the last, sad end of his aged parents-their grey hairs brought in sorrow to the grave. But God had otherwise ordained.

Rollin Gray was a young man of brilliant intellect and high literary and scientific attainments. His family was far, very far, from reproach. In early life we had been bosom friends, and he being the oldest and more advanced in our studies, it was my greatest happiness to be led by him in our intellectual exercises and amusements; and when he returned home from college, worthily honoured with the title of Doctor in Medicine, and I saw his society courted by the first men of letters in our place. I inwardly rejoiced, and anticipated the day when my friend's name would be emblazoned highest on the pillar of fame. His professional career was truly meteoric, in brilliancy as in duration'ended ere well begun.' His was an ambitious nature, and could not support itself under disappointment in the smallest degree. At the suggestion of his friends, made at too late an hour for him to do himself justice in an essay, he entered the arena, and declared himself a candidate for a vacant chair in one of our literary colleges. This was much against my advice and earnest entreaties. None knew him as I did, and certain as I felt assured of his defeat, as surely did I know that this, bis first failure in mental effort, would prove his ruin. His competitor had been in the field many months, and had made many friends among the trustees of the institution. It was but twenty days before their respective essays were

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to be submitted to the commissioners, or judges, appointed by the trustees; but he entered upon the task allotted him with invincible determination and energy: studied and wrote day and night, until his eye lost its lustre, and his cheek became wan and pale. No man ever made a more lucid and eloquent exposition of his position and doctrine than did he : but alas for mankind their prejudices ever hold in abeyance that diviner attribute of nature-reason.

The election came, and with it poor Rollin's last moment of happiness. One of his opponents, whom no one recognized as his equal, was chosen by a large majority of votes. His ambitious spirit was crushed within him, and his long cherished hopes and aspirations departed like fleecy clouds of morning before the rising sun. I flew to his side. I entreated, remonstrated, and conjured him by all the ties that bound us to each other, and, finally, by the obligations of my sacred office, which he much respected, but in vain. The sparkling, brimming bowl was in his grasp; madness in his eye; his motto: 'Brutal, when intellectual pleasure is denied.'

But to return to the door. His soli loquy finished, and his determination taken, a smile, such as I have not seen for years, lighted up his pale and careworn cheek. His eyes were withdrawn from the heavens, and his glance, now radiant with hope and the happiness of other days, fell upon me. I was standing in the glare of the lamp upon his table, over which were scattered in confusion books, and vials, and instruments, now rusty from neglect. It was but a glance, and with a wild cry of pleasure he threw himself upon my breast:-This was a moment of extatic happiness with both of us. Neither could find utterance.-Our hearts were full, too full for speech, and only their wild throbbing and our breathing, rendered audible from emotion, disturbed the silence of the scene. The first outbreak of feeling over, he turned his eye to mine in inquiry, and simply articulated 'Where' He could say no more. I essayed to speak, but my voice again failed me, and, raising my