Editors' Table. A TRUE BENEFACTRESS. "When wealth to virtuous hands is given, On the 11th of October, 1861, was laid the corner-stone of the BURD ORPHAN ASYLUM OF ST. STEPHEN'S CHURCH, The LADY who founded this noble charity was one of those excellent Christians of whom the editress of the Lady's Book keeps a record, and delights to offer the tribute of praise, due to the memories of all women who dignify their own sex and benefit humanity. Mrs. Eliza Howard Burd, of Philadelphia, was, by birth and position, placed in the circles of fashion and luxury. She was herself possessed of considerable property when she married Mr. Edward Shippen Burd, a gentleman of large fortune, belonging to one of the old families that were honored in this city before the Revolution. Thus the youthful years and early married life of Mrs. Burd passed through the ordeal of unbroken prosperity, often more dangerous to the heart virtues than struggles and afflictions. But neither the flatteries of society nor the indulgences of wealth could harden the tender sensibilities, nor alter the generous and always discreet character of this lady. She, with her family, visited the gay capital of France, where so many Americans are fascinated with a life of pleasure, without any wish to become a Parisian, enjoyed, rationally, the improvements and gratifications which a long tour of European travel can yield, and returned to America with the pure simplicity of heart and true devotion to all her womanly and religious duties which mark the welldisciplined mind, and the real Christian. Thus far the path of life for Mrs. Burd had been strewn with the flowers of enjoyment, and made radiant with the sunshine of happiness; but "the time to mourn" comes to all who do not die young. This happy mother had an only son, a bright, intelligent boy, and two lovely, accomplished daughters, in the bloom of youth. These three children were, in succession, taken from her; then, in the short interval of a few years, before the mourning-robes the bereaved mother wore had been laid aside, her beloved and devoted husband was taken away! Mrs. Burd was left solitary in her elegant mansion, but she was "a widow indeed," one of the blessed number who "trusteth in God," and find, in their faith, the Christian's hope, comfort, and support. The The remainder of her days were devoted to duties, serving her Saviour and benefiting His poor. world and its allurements had no place in her thoughts nor in her arrangements. A natural womanly interest in little children inspired her with the desire to become as a mother to the miserable forsaken little ones who have no mother and no home. To carry out these tender charities, Mrs. Burd collected fifteen little girls, for whom she provided a comfortable residence and a competent directress. Still she, herself, held over them a mother's careful watch; it was her pleasure to cut out their clothes and have them made under her own eye, thus setting them the example of industry. She had them thoroughly instructed in their religious duties, and gave them a training, under the supervision of the Rector of St. Stephens* (who was her beloved pastor, faithful friend, and first named executor), which was intended to make these poor orphan girls useful women, with skill and knowledge to maintain themselves respectably in ways suitable to their several abilities. From this germ and its successful results, the idea of the large Orphan Asylum was undoubtedly deduced, the same general principles of organization being adhered to for her last plan which she had tested and found beneficial in her small charity school. One innovation she allows: the Asylum is not confined to the benefit of her own sex. Orphan boys are admitted as well as girls; thus perfecting what she seems to have had deeply at heart, the making of a real and pious Family Home for white orphan children, where the worship of the true God and the wisdom of the Bible should be fully and fairly tested in its influence on the formation of human character. Her plan also provides, what such charities seldom offer, for the development of individual character and genius. Those children whom God has gifted with "five talents," if found in "The Burd Asylum," will have opportunities of education in the higher branches of science, arts, and literature; it will not be confined to the dead level of routine, like a common charity school, but rather, like parental care, the institution is to discriminate wisely for the best good of each of its adopted children. Such a comprehensive and generous plan required large means. Mrs. Burd had these at her command. Her husband, whose death preceded hers about ten or twelve years, left for her sole benefit and disposal a large portion of his estate. It is a touching tribute to the virtues and lovely character of Mrs. Burd as a wife, that Mr. Burd, in his last will, so often, in his bequests to her, expresses his deep affection and unbounded trust in her, leaving to her care as executrix "in exclusion of my other executors" the custody and care of all deeds and papers of every description," etc. He seems to have had perfect confidence in her judgment as well as in her love, in her wise management as well as in her faithfulness to his memory. Nor was this confidence misplaced. The property left to her disposal by his will, amounted, at her death, to nearly or quite $400,000. This large sum, with the exception of a few legacies, Mrs. Burd devoted to her great Christian charity; and she directs that it "shall be called The Burd Orphan Asylum of Saint Stephen's Church, in honor of my beloved husband, EDWARD SHIPPEN BURD." This noble Asylum is now in course of erection, the excellent plan combining every needful arrangement for convenience and comfort with remarkable architectural taste and beauty. The eminent gentlemen intrusted with the care of this important institution "for suffering *The Rev. H. W. Ducachet, D. D. humanity," seem inspired with real love of the work, and are carrying out Mrs. Burd's intentions with zeal and the warm sympathy of friends devoted to the memory of the donor. All were her personal friends. The grounds are large, about forty acres, and may be made charming. Placed in Delaware County, three and a half miles from the city, the Asylum has a high and healthful neighborhood, and will form a point, when completed, of great attraction for all who admire pleasant scenery and love true charity. THE ANGEL IN THE HOUSE. We have lately received an earnest letter asking our counsel on this tender point of conscience: "How the pious wife, who has an unbelieving husband, can most kindly and effectually draw his attention to the subject that fills her own soul with such deep anxiety for his salvation?" In reply, we are permitted to give an extract from the letter of a dear friend who, as we think, has most happily answered the question. EDITRESS LETTER TO MRS. HALE. You ask how Mary is, and if she likes her new home? She is quite well and very happy, and, as you may imagine, one of the sweetest women in the world. She still retains her peculiar youthful appearance; her mild blue eyes, rosy cheeks, and pure complexion, make her very lovely, and you could scarcely find a more artless, innocent, confiding person than Mary is. She still needs some one to advise and sympathize with her always, and she will rely upon their advice as implicitly as a child. She came to me, a few days since, very much grieved, because her husband had become of late quite intimate with his partner, Mr. Brooks, a man who is constant in his attendance on places of amusements, was a Club man, and, it was whispered about, sometimes gambled. A man who was utterly and entirely worldly -not such an one as Mary, who is so strongly attached to her husband, and so earnestly desires he should become a Christian, could wish for a companion for him. After poor Mary had unbosomed her troubles to me, and wept as if her heart would break, I began to question her very closely to learn, if possible, what could be the occasion of this great change in Richard-for I knew, until very recently, he had passed every evening at his own home, which seemed the centre of attraction for him. And how could it be otherwise with Mary there? I soon found that since Mary's marriage she has deprived herself entirely of the pleasure and benefit of evening meetings, in order to stay at home with Richard. Of late she has been feeling particularly anxious about her husband's soul, and, realizing her own weakness and entire dependence upon God, she felt the need, as she thought, of attending evening meetings, in order to strengthen her for her daily walk, as a Christian wife and mother, and, as her husband did not wish to go with her, she had gone alone. Several evenings he stayed at home and read, but home was so dreary without Mary that he sought pleasure elsewhere. Was it strange he should go to his partner's, who lived next door? At first, every evening he was sure to be back before Mary; but, after a time, he was induced to go to some places of amusement, from which he did not return until long after she did. Then, for the first time, her eyes were opened to the overwhelming truth that her husband was loving other places more than his home. And yet she never dreamed Seeing, as I thought, the true reason of Richard's absenting himself from his home, and feeling sure he only needed his wife's presence there to bring him back, I begged Mary to stop going to evening meetings, for a time, at least, and do all in her power to make her home as cheerful and attractive as possible, telling her that if her husband did, for a few evenings, go to some place of amusement, not to reproach him on his return, or look sad and unhappy, but rather give him a kind and cheerful welcome, alluding indirectly, but gently, to the fact that she had been very lonely without him. I told her that if she did so, I felt sure she would soon find Richard would return to his home again; and that when he found that she had deprived herself of attending evening meetings for his sake, he would be too manly not to go with her when she asked him. She seemed at first to feel very badly at the thought of giving up her meetings, as there she had carried her husband in the arms of her faith, and laid him at the foot of the cross, and asked others to unite with her in praying for his soul. I told her so far she had done well, but that days of miracles were past, and that now our faith and our works must go together; that if she prayed God to make her husband a Christian, she most certainly did not do right so to neglect her home as to force her husband into temptations and dissipations from which he would be kept if she were there. I then told Mary of Lizzie Ray, whose husband was, as you remember, so very gay, but is now such a happy Christian. I told her that I had known Lizzie pass evening after evening, when her husband was away, weeping and praying for his soul; and that I had also known of her passing whole days fasting and praying for his conversion. Yet she always wore a smile when he came in, so that it was no uncommon thing for him to say to her, How happy you look, Lizzie!' little dreaming of the weight of care that was on her heart, or the tear that had dimmed her eye. But Lizzie's smiles bound her husband to his home; and her prayers God most signally answered; so that it could be truly said of her, 'She prayed to her Father in secret, and he rewarded her openly.' Dear Mary went home far more cheerful and happy than she came, and resolved to try the course I had suggested. That evening she remained at home, and when Richard found she was not going to church as usual, he was greatly surprised, and told her he was sorry to leave her alone, but that he had made an engagement to go to the Museum with a friend. He went, and Mary sought her closet, there to unbosom her heart to her God, to ask His guidance, His blessing, and His watchful care; and, when she returned to the sitting-room, her face was almost radiant, she was so happy. And why should she not be? Who can be joyous, if not the Christian? Who can carry every care and sorrow, every trial and temptation, every blessing, and every desire, and lay them at the feet of Jesus, who can support us in afflictions, shield us in temptations, and strengthen us for every trial? Richard was not happy at the museum, for he thought of his wife, at home alone, and after the first act was over, he excused himself and returned to his home. You may be sure Mary welcomed him with a bounding heart. Evening after evening passed away, and always found Richard at home, reading to, or singing with Mary. He no longer found attractions elsewhere. Last Sabbath evening he went with her to hear Dr. B- preach. I wish you could have seen Mary as she entered the church; her face beamed with joy, and you could almost read the breathings of her soul as she was praising her God. May we not hope that this is the beginning of new things with Richard, and that soon he may be numbered with those who love the Lord! But I weary you, dear Mrs. Hale, yet bear with me a moment until I tell you how much I was gratified at receiving a letter from Prof. L. I had sent him a copy of your "Woman's Record." On returning it, after alluding to the beautiful tribute you pay the memory of your dear, deceased husband, and regretting that so few follow the example you set them of devoting the hours from eight until ten o'clock in the evening, to intellectual improvement, he says: "Mrs. Hale's WOMAN'S RECORD is just such a work as should be in every home. Women's works and worth have been too little appreciated in times past, and I feel very glad that the public mind has at length been directed in this channel." But I must cease writing, though my pen glides almost without the asking. THE EDEN NAME. EARTH was all a sea of verdure, Yet around the bower of Adam Gathered loneliness and gloom; Though he gazed on flowers and sunshine, Never had they woke delight; Clear as summer-noon his reason- Ruler of the world appointed, To his feet all creatures came, And, unerring in his wisdom, He had given each its name; None to share his lot was fitted, None with soul to know the "good"; All had passed, as visions vanish, Suddenly the bower was brightened And the human throb had place, In this blessed name survives; When we see the flower-seed wafted Was there gathered golden grain- Eve had proudly grasped at knowledge- Death and sorrow ne'er had been. On your darling should descend, Send your heart's sweet incense upward DEEDS are things a babe cau see; What you wish your child should be. SARAH JOSEPHA HALE. FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE ON MILITARY HOSPITALS.-At the "Social Science Congress," held at Dublin, lately, fifteen of the essays read were written by women. One of them was by Florence Nightingale, on the subject of military hospitals. It recommended that the sites of such buildings should be in a sheltered position, that the structures should not be very high, that each apartment should be lofty, airy, and spacious, but on no account overcrowded with patients. It further advised the necessity of well-trained nurses, and the employment especially of those who have been educated by experience in hospitals for the sick. "GREAT EXPECTATIONS REALIZED: OR, CIVILIZING MOUNTAIN MEN."-This is the work of Mrs. Mason, to which we alluded in our January number, as in the press. Now we are glad to say it is out, because we believe it will do great good to every gospel mission by showing what a true laborer has done. Mrs. Masou describes the process and the result of teaching the Bible to the Karens in India. She does this, as she evidently did her mission work, with heart and soul, and the fervent faith that will surely find a response in the popular heart. There is a novelty of manner and a rapid, racy sketching of events and scenes which cannot fail of interesting many minds, not often drawn to this kind of reading. In short, it is the very work wanted to prove, as it does prove effectually, that the true missionary is the true civilizer. Published by the American Baptist Publication Society. Pp. 400. Price $1. FAMILY READING.-Those who desire to keep up with the rushing tide of European literature, will find many advantages in referring to the British periodicals. The four great Quarterly Reviews are a library of useful, curious, and current knowledge, which persons who have not time to read many books will find of much service in furnishing information respecting the character *If any of our friends want this book, and will remit to Mrs. Hale a gold dollar, or the amount in stamps, a copy, post paid, will be forwarded. and contents of all the best works. These ReviewsLondon, Edinburgh, North British, and Westminster, are republished in New York, together with Blackwood's Magazine. The reprint is exceedingly well executed; the American publishers* deserve the thanks of the nation for their enterprise and steadfastness in purpose, which have for so many years made these mines of British learning and scholarly criticism so easily attainable in our Republic. MUSIC AND THE PIANO.-There needs no urgent appeal to the public on the subject of cultivating a taste for music. The love of the art and the facilities which are offered, by the opportunity of obtaining good teachers and good instruments, make music one of the most popular branches of a girl's education. But this education is expensive, and the piano, without which the young lady cannot improve or even retain her school knowledge of the art, costs more money than is always convenient for families in this country to spare, even to enjoy the luxury of music. We would commend, to all who like our engravings of Cottage Architecture, the new "Cottage Piano," which can be had for $150"School Piano," $125. Of course, where excellent and, we may say, elegant instruments are offered at this price, there must be an enormous sale of larger and more expensive pianos. We feel we are doing our friends a real service by directing them to Messrs. Boardman, Gray & Co., Albany, New York, who will furnish circulars with all necessary information. WOMEN'S UNION MISSION SOCIETY OF AMERICA FOR HEATHEN LANDS.-We have two subscribers for this month. Will not others who feel an interest in this interesting charity send their names and gifts? Miss Josephine Blakiston, Middletown, Del., $3. MISS S. J. HALE'S BOARDING AND DAY SCHOOL FOR YOUNG LADIES, 1826 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia. This school is designed to give a thorough and liberal English education, to furnish the best facilities for acquiring the French language, and the best instruction in music and the other accomplishments. The moral training and the health and physical development of the scholars are carefully attended to. References: Mrs. Emma Willard, Troy, N. Y.; Henry Vethake, LL.D., Wm. B. Stevens, D. D., Wm. H. Ashhurst, Esq., Louis A. Godey, Esq., Philadelphia; Charles Hodge, D. D., Princeton, N. J.; and others. TO OUR CORRESPONDENTS.-The following articles are accepted: "The Homeless""-"Dyspepsia”—“ Autumn Winds"-"The Forsaken"-"The Change"-"Stanzas" -"Far away from thee" (the other two pieces declined for want of room)-"Letter to Mr. Godey"—and terday." "Yes The following are declined: "Winter"-"Within our sleep what visions rise" (also the accompanying poem) -"Accidents"-"Autobiography of a Bank Note""That beautiful Blonde" (the poem is not equal to some we have seen from the author's pen: we want the best) "The Drama"-"A Dream"-" A Tribute of Respect to the Editor and Editress, etc." (will be kept in manuscript)-"Like a Bird with broken pinions" (we have hundreds of manuscripts on hand that must be published in the Book before we can enter into "regular engage* Publishers: Messrs. Scott, Walker, & Craighead. ments" for the future)-"An Old Maid"-" America, the Mistress of the World"-"Sleep Gently"-" A Rare Chance" and "My Poor Relations." We have many manuscripts on hand that we have not had time to read. The writers must have patience, as the reader is compelled to exercise that virtue with contributors who will write on both sides of the sheet, with ink about the color of the paper, and in cramped, uncertain characters about as difficult to decipher as inscriptions on the bricks of Babylon. N. B. Manuscripts well-written are usually first read. Correspondents who want answers should be careful to inclose an envelope, directed and stamped, or a stump, and give address in full-town, county, and State. Health Department. BY JNO. STAINBACK WILSON, M. D. HOOPING-COUGH.-Hooping-cough is chiefly a disease of early life-is infectious, often prevails as an epidemic, rarely occurs more than once in life, and is frequently complicated with other diseases, rendering it, in many cases, very dangerous. Symptoms.-We cannot give these in detail. Nor is this necessary, as the peculiar hoop is sufficient of itself to distinguish the disease from all others. We will only say, then, that the symptoms are those of a common cold; with more or less fever, and the distinguishing or characteristic spasmodic hoop superadded. Nature and Duration.-Hooping-cough seems to originate from some peculiar impression made on the nerves of respiration, which causes the spasmodic cough and hoop. But it does not always, by any means, remain a simple nervous affection; for, as above intimated, it is often complicated with inflammation of the lungs and bronchial tubes, convulsions, congestion of the brain, and disorder of the stomach and bowels, manifested by vomiting, diarrhea, etc. Hooping-cough is, in itself, a self-limited disease; running on for a period of two or three weeks, and terminating generally, favorably. But on account of the complications that are so likely to arise in its progress, its duration is very uncertain, and its end, too often, fatal. It may run its course in two or three weeks; or it may continue as many months, ending finally in a slow restoration to health; in some chronic disorder which may continue for years, or in speedy death. Treatment. The domestic treatment is very simple. The disorder cannot be cut short. All that can be done is to moderate the symptoms, and to guard, as far as possible, against the complications that are so likely to arise. And yet, this treatment is all important, and generally effectual. It is a most deplorable error to infer, as many seem to do, that, because a disease has a certain definite course to run, nothing can be done to mitigate its symptoms, and conduct it to a favorable termination. Because a disease cannot be cured in a few days by main force it is no evidence that medicine is useless. On the contrary, the proper office of medicine is that of an humble handmaid and assistant of nature; and the highest achievements of the healing art are exhibited not so much in curing disease as in conducting it to a happy termination, when an attempt at cure would result in the death of the patient. Medicine cures a very few; relieves more; and carries many safely through attacks which would prove fatal without its interposition. And this last is the crowning glory of the science. The domestic treatment of hooping-cough consists mainly in warm bathing, and the occasional administration of hive syrup, ipecac., or antimonial wine, together with strict attention to certain bygienic measures, which will be noticed in due time. The general warm bath should be used at least once a day, and the hive syrup should be given very much in the manner directed in croup. But the doses need not be so large or frequent. Still, when there is much stuffing up, and difficulty of breathing, the medicine should be given until the patient vomits, and then in smaller doses so as to keep the cough loose and easy. The antimonial wine may be given in the same doses and in the same manner as the hive syrup. Ipecac. is less irritating to the stomach and bowels than the hive syrup and antimonial wine, and is therefore preferable in some cases. It may be given in doses of from one to five grains, as prescribed for the other medicines. The wine of ipecac. is a very good preparation. It may be administered in doses of from one to three teaspoonfuls. In conjunction with the above remedies the wet jacket will be found to be a most valuable means of keeping up a flow of blood to the skin of the chest, thus relieving and guarding the lungs. The jacket is made by taking two or three thicknesses of linen or cotton cloth, cutting armholes in it, and fitting it close to the body next the skin. The jacket should be large enough to cover the whole chest; it should be wet in water cold or tepid according to the heat of the skin; wrung out so it will not drip, and then applied. It should be rewet whenever it becomes dry or disagreeably warm. In cold weather it should be well covered with dry external coverings so as to prevent chilliness. When properly applied the wet-jacket-is a safe and most effectual remedy in hooping-cough and lung affections generally. This with sponging and rubbing the chest, and the daily warm bath, offers greater security against the dangerous complication of hooping-cough than any plan of treatment ever suggested. Nor is the wet jacket a new-light hydropathic idea; for something very similar, and indeed identical in principle, is recommended by such high authorities in the regular profession as Dr. Mackintosh, Dr. Dunglison, Dr. Elliotson, Dr. Good, and many others. In connection with the wet-jacket and at each time of reapplying it, the following liniments may be well rubbed upon the chest. But active friction with the hand, or with a coarse towel is very good, and will often produce a sufficient determination to the skin, without the aid of any other excitant. Take strong spirits of hartshorn two tablespoonfuls; spirits of rosemary six teaspoonfuls; spirits of camphor two teaspoonfuls. Rub the chest all around, before and behind, until it becomes red; and repeat as often as the skin will bear it without blistering or great pain. The hygienic treatment is the main reliance in hoopingcough, and is better than all the drugs in all drugdom. The drugs recommended in this disorder are almost innumerable, and it is generally conceded on all hands that many, perhaps most of them, are useless; while it cannot be denied that, with very few exceptions, they are dangerous and entirely out of place in domestic practice. The diet should be very light, unstimulating, and almost exclusively vegetable, excluding grease, high seasonings, pork, etc. The drinks should be cold water, hot water tea, and nothing else in the way of a beverage. The clothing should be loose, warm, and comfortable; particular care being taken to keep the hands and feet warm. Very feeble children may wear flannel next the skin in winter; but as a general rule, it is better to dispense with it. Exercise should be taken in the open air, and close, badly-ventilated sleeping rooms should be studiously avoided. The best time for children to have hooping-cough is when the weather is warm and settled. Exposure to infection should therefore be guarded against as far as possible, in the latter part of the fall and in winter. For the complications of hooping-cough, send for a physician. But if the above directions are followed, complications will not be likely to arise. Nine times in ten the deaths from hooping-cough result from ignorance, carelessness, and neglect of the plain precepts of hygiene. Literary Notices. BOOKS BY MAIL.-Now that the postage on printed matter is so low, we offer our services to procure for our subscribers or others any of the books that we notice. Information touching books will be cheerfully given by inclosing a stamp to pay return postage. When ordering a book, please mention the name of the publisher. From T. B. PETERSON & BROTHERS, Philadelphia:THE PHYSICAL HISTORY OF THE CREATION OF THE EARTH AND ITS INHABITANTS; or, A Vindication of the Cosmogony of the Bible from the Assaults of Modern Science. By Eli Bowen, Professor of Geology and Mining Economy. This is an ably-written book. The author enters, with all the earnestness of a vigorous, well-informed, and religious mind, into the investigation of the subject before him-the scientific discoveries concerning the creation of the earth, and their reconciliation with the Biblical account of the same occurrence: bringing testimony from astronomy, geology, botany, and all the natural sciences to bear him out in the posi tion he takes. This position we cannot better define than by using the author's own words. "The Holy Word is addressed," he says, "to the people of all time within the boundless eternity; and whatever appears obscure now, in the necessary progress of human events -by the increase of illuminating force, instead of interposing imaginary contradictions, which all experience has shown to be transient and ephemeral, its solemn truths will be rendered more and more overwhelming to our improved nature and understanding." Price $1.25. 99 66 TOM TIDDLER'S GROUND: A Christmas Budget. By Charles Dickens and others. This is a collection of some four or five excellent stories, by the several titles of "Picking up Evening Shadows," "Picking up Terrible Company," Picking up Waifs at Sea," "Picking up a Pocket-Book," and "Picking up Miss Kimmeens," varying from the sentimental to the tragic, and again to the supremely comic. These are woven rather flimsily together by something that might be a story if it had any finish or point. Mr. Traveler's adventures with the hermit will, however, prove quite amusing, even though one wonders, when the last page is reached, what was the necessity of writing so much about so little. Price 25 cents. |