A matrimonial Contention.

Christianity represented as not hostile to the encouragement of Arts and Sciences. An Account of Mrs. Warian's Musical Party, with the Remark of a grave old Gentleman on the Occasion. A new Character introduced, which interested Miss Warian more than any one else. Mrs. Warian meets with a disappointment. Female Readers are requested to examine into the truth of what some have asserted, viz. "Reformed Rakes make the best Husbands."

SOME

OME grave, old-fashioned matrons think it proper and decorous to inform their husbands of all their plans and proceedings: nay, they carry their consideration so far, as not to invite a party of friends, without acquainting them of their wishes and consulting their inclinations as to the time for their proposed invitation, and the persons to be invited. Not so Mrs. Warian, she was going in a manner to turn her house topsy-turvy; yet her husband was the last person she thought necessary to consult on the matter.

Such great preparations as were making could not however escape his notice; and he enquired with no small degree of anxiety, into the cause. When informed, he thought of the expense, and talked of the impropriety of religious characters mixing so much with the gay, and dissipated. He produced many texts of Scripture to prove, that conformity to the world was forbidden, and that Christians should choose their companions from amongst those who feared God. These texts operated to their full extent on the mind of Mr. Warian; for the temptation to associate with the gay and thoughtless had never assailed him. He was, from a deficiency of agreeable qualities, unwelcome to such society; and consequently, none of that description had ever sought his acquaintance.

This circumstance was well known to his lady, and she did not fail to retort, and apply scripture to some parts of his conduct, as he had done to hers. A long dispute took place, in which both parties spoke much to the purpose, for each could see the other's imperfections; nor indeed were they entirely blind to their own; for conscience is a faithful monitor, and will be heard. But here lay the error, they were not inclined to part with "sins which most easily beset them." An unsubdued will, is a powerful opponent to an enhtened understanding. Had good sense and

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prudence been consulted, the entrance of Miss Warian would have put an end to the debate: for matrimonial contention, carried on in the presence of children, can answer no other purpose than that, of lessening both parties in their estimation. But now the contest was renewed with more vigour, as Mrs. Warian knew she should have in her daughter a powerful auxiliary. She was permitted to say some very unbecoming things to her father on this occasion, and at length the old gentleman was silenced, though not convinced.

"Is it then inconsistent with a proper pofession of gospel principles to invite friends to a musical entertainment?" enquires a reader, startled at the supposed rigour of our sentiments. We have no hesitation in replying, not in the least. But it must be under certain restrictions. Talents and genius of every kind may be improperly applied, but this can be no argument to prove they are not estimable, or worthy of encouragement. The Christian is under no necessity to arm himself against science; for there is not one which, in a direct or subordinate manner, has not a tendency to promote the good of society; and many of them the glory of God himself. "An undevout astronomer is mad," exclaims the poet. And may not the same be said of the naturalist, and the anatomist? The finer arts of painting, poetry, and

music, may each be applied to religious and moral purposes, and thus form a noble and rational entertainment, for rational and immortal creatures. Witness, ye scientific gazers, at the paintings of a Raphael, and a Titian, when to your admiring eyes the canvas has disclosed those interesting scenes of Revelation, which, perhaps, would never else have attracted your notice. May we not indulge the hope that all have not gazed in vain, but that the hearts of a few, at least, have felt the powerful influence of the artist's subject. Witness, ye admirers of the seraphic bard, and the delicate moralist, and say how often have their harmonious numbers kindled a devout flame, and struck every chord of sentimental pleasure in your breasts. And witness also, ye sons of melody, speak in praise of poetry's sister art; and attest how frequently you have been soothed in the hour of anxiety, and sorrow by the powerful" concord of sweet sounds." But above all, how often, if you are Christian admirers of this science, has the bold swell of the organ assisted your devotions, and the divine strains of a Handel, transported you in idea to the abodes of the angelic choir, who rest not day nor night from singing, "holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty."

Under certain restrictions then we cannot suppose a musical party reprehensible; and in de

scribing Mrs. Warian's we describe what it should not be. One managed exactly by the reverse manner, would, as we imagine, be a rational entertainment.

Mrs. Warian issued her cards of invitation three weeks previous to the appointed day of meeting. This was necessary, as she wished to have every one in the neighbourhood who was tolerably genteel; and no one of that description are disengaged, if a shorter notice is allowed. The characters of the parties invited, were esteemed of no consequence. And Mrs. Warian was on this occasion equally willing to introduce to her daughter, the rake, or the sober-minded youth, the vain woman of fashion, or the grave matron. The week preceding, was fully occupied by herself, daughter, and servants, in preparations. She resolved that her rooms should be decorated in the most elegant style imaginable. She succeeded to the utmost of her wishes; and by so doing excited the passion of envy, as well as admiration in most of her company.

About one hundred friends honoured her by their attendance. It was a motley group, consisting of various ages and descriptions. Yet what would have appeared surprizing to a spectator, unaccustomed to such scenes was, that notwithstanding there was this diversity of age, and description, there was no diversity of appear