state. For all are exposed to temptation; the only difference is between those who yield and those who resist. Martha was enabled to resist; and she found that there is unspeakably more gratification in conquest than in compliance. But the body will sometimes sink under a conflict for which the mind is adequate. The complicated distress and depression of Martha's spirit, during several months, operating on a frame naturally delicate, had brought her health once more into a hazardous state. Medical advice was again sought, and again she was ordered into the country. At her especial desire, she was to go to Cheshunt; and arrangements were made for her and her young friend of that place to reside together. to redeem the time. She introduced herself into the neighboring cottages; and soon made friends to herself of the old and young. Many of the children she undertook to instruct; and pressed on the attention of the parents, in an easy and familiar way, the most important subjects of temporal and eternal interest. The sick of her own sex were objects of especial sympathy; and to all, and everywhere, she sought to distribute tracts, a favorite mode with her of endeavoring to do good. Much may be done by these means at a very small expense: but Martha cheerfully consecrated to them her entire pocket money. An undue ardor in accomplishing an important object will sometimes endanger it. Martha had so Our parents allowed no great domestic event to sedulously improved the advantages of her situation transpire without an extraordinary act of domestic as almost to exclude herself from her beloved reworship. As Martha's separation from her family tirement. She was not aware that by violent rewas likely to be permanent, it would have been suf-straints she might produce a revulsion of mind; ficient to authorize this service; but as their younger that society might be rendered most wearisome, and son was about to change his home for the business retirement become an object of unappeasable soliand temptation of the world, and as I was now look-citude. ing to a settlement in some part of the church of God, the situation of the family appeared eminently eventful; and it excited a proportionate degree of parental anxiety. she strolled away from human intercourse, to intercourse more safe and refined. Circumstances, however, supplied the place of experience. The season of the year advanced; her strength was considerably increased; and she felt herself able to go a sufficient distance from home This anxiety and care they sought, by prayer and to retrace those quiet paths of which she had so supplication, to cast on Him who had so often shown pleasant a recollection. She thought that retirethat he cared for them. An evening was set apartment in this mode, as it was most inviting, so it for the solemn and delightful purpose. Doctor would be harmless. She had found that, in the preWinter, my mother's pastor, presided. He read sence of nature, she was never less alone than and paraphrased the affecting passage which re- when most alone;" her mind had objects to dwell cords Jacob's departure from his father's house. upon; objects that could not injure it, and in which He presented a most earnest and appropriate prayer, it delighted. She listened therefore to the yearnacknowledging the mercies of the family, and par-ings of her spirit; and many a summer's evening ticularly noticing the circumstances of each of its members. The service, in its own nature, was interesting: and there was an unction upon our worship. The heart seemed enlarged to pray, the lips to sing praise, and the thoughts to meditate. The feeling of one was the feeling of all; it was the communion of saints, the communion of heaven. Our parents wept from gratitude, anxiety, and love; and their children wept in sympathy with their sentiments. Those tears were among the happiest shed by mor- Martha looked on nature with an altered eye, tals! Martha and I frequently alluded to the pray-but there was nothing in her aspect to offend the ers and pleasures of that night; it was marked by sight. Nature had heightened her gladness in her one of those monumental pillars erected and ascrib- most happy days, and now she soothed a spirit ed to the Divine goodness, in the way of our pil- struggling with its own weaknesses and the suffergrimage, which it did the heart good to look backings of this mortal state. Her very pensiveness of upon. In communing with objects that led to reflection, it was not possible that her reflections should al ways preserve the character she desired. They would sometimes sink into gloom; sometimes start aside to interdicted things; but they were more commonly obedient to her will, and of a profitable tendency. mind, far from being an impediment, gave her a deeper relish for her charms. Her pent sensibilities flowed strongly into this channel; the more they were indulged, the more they asked indulgence: till, in the idea of the exercise being safe and salutary, it was likely to become excessive, and therefore hurtful. How difficult is it to say how far the passions of the heart may go! How much more difficult, when they have reached the admitted boundary, to say-Thus far, but no farther! With the blessings of her family on her head, Martha went to Cheshunt, and took up her proposed residence with her friend. They were now alone, and had nothing to annoy their intercourse. The change was decidedly advantageous to my sister. She was not in solitude either by day or night; and this assisted her greatly in controlling her thoughts. Her friend, too, was as judicious as she was kind in her conduct. She diverted Martha's attention when it was sinking into herself; Martha must be forgiven, if occasionally she lost soothed her spirit beneath the occasional weight of all idea of hazard, in the fulness of enjoyments nervous depression, and engaged her mind by a va- which were so congenial to her newly-awakened riety of nameless light and pleasing female occupa-tastes, and so calculated to raise her above worldly tions. In every thing she watched over her peace of mind, and conversed freely on those religious topics which were most likely to promote it. These attentions were medicinal. They worked insensibly, but daily and effectually. Martha, who could not underrate an expression of kindness, often spoke of them as invaluable to her at this period. According to her ability, and beyond her ability, Martha strove to make her daily walks, walks of usefulness. She could not be happy in seeking her own benefit, unless it was connected with that of others. She reproached herself for having cooled in the works of benevolence, and anxiously sought sorrow, or soften down its rough realities. The cup of joy had been too much alienated from her lips, and she drank of it with proportionate eagerness Nature, in the glowing splendors of morning; na. ture, in the solemn infinitude of night; nature, rocked by convulsive storms; nature, reposing on the bosom of silence; nature, shrouded in folded clouds; nature, smiling under the blessed light of heaven; nature, in all the freshness, bloom, and beauty of youth; nature, dishevelled, decrepit, and dying with age; nature, in all her endless varieties of form, of color, and of aspect, was still familiar, still delightful. Martha at this period did not think of delineating aer feelings. It was enough for her to see, to feel, and to enjoy. She did not deceive herself into enjoyment that she might record it, and record it that she might exhibit i. It was enough that she was happy; and if in this respect she could think herself happier than many, she considered herself, not the superior person, but the more privileged. The following lines, therefore, were written at a later date; but as they are evidently recollections of pleasures very much associated with this time, they find their proper place in this chapter. As a preface to these, and any other verses that may follow in the progress of the narrative, I wish it to be distinctly understood, that they are by no means introduced to claim for the subject of this memoir "all sorts of talent." Many lives have been so written, as if, whatever excellence might be proved to belong to the individuals, all would be vain, unless it could be shown that they made verses; and such contemptible specimens have sometimes been brought as evidence on this important particular, that the eye can scarcely meet measured lines in such connection without ridicule. In exposing myself to this danger, I have simply to state, that nothing of the kind is brought forward to prove that Martha had talent of any order or degree. It is brought forward, and with reluctance, to illustrate her moral character; and if the introduction of the pieces that appear were not thought necessary to the development of moral tastes and pleasures, they would certainly have been omitted, rather than risk a charge which in too many cases has been justly preferred. Oft to these wond'ring eyes hast thou reveal'd Has glow'd beneath its beams. And I have watch'd My heart beyond thyself, the fairest type, Shall range at large, and see the great Supreme! CHAPTER IX. MENTAL IMPROVEMENT. 1812-14. THE wheel of Providence is constantly making its revolutions, and throwing up the most unexpected events. At the close of the year 1811, I accepted of a pastoral charge in London, and designed making a temporary residence with my parents. Martha could not allow herself to be out of the way. She forgot nature; contended that her health fully admitted of her return; flew to the arms of her friends; joined in the solemnities of ordination; and became an inhabitant with me of the same dwelling. Thus the arrangement for her at Cheshunt, which was considered permanent, was comparatively of slight continuance. I remained with my sister in these circumstances upwards of two years. Instead of passing through this period week after week, or month after month, I shall endeavor to give a miniature sketch of the whole under a few leading particulars, not scrupling to carry an occasional remark into future life, if it will prevent the awkwardness of repetition. By this method I expect the reader will command a clearer and more compressed view of my sister's occupations and progress. After our mutual rejoicings at being thus brought together, the first thing that occurred to us was, that a fine opportunity was furnished for superintending Martha's mental improvement. I soon found that the pupil had calculated upon this even more than her teacher, and I was prepared to enter on the pleasing task with greater alacrity. No instructer ever had a fairer field to cultivate. There were no perversities of will, no vexations of temper, to contend with; and her powers of mind, without being extraordinary, were good. The soil needed the hand of cultivation, and it would reward it bountifully. As in husbandry the ruling principle is to adapt the seed to the soil, so in education the great secret is to accommodate the lessons to the dispositions and capacities of the pupil. Education cannot be carried to a successful issue but as this principle is recognized and respected. If two young persons, the one with a searching understanding but dormant invention, the other with a luxuriant imagination but feeble judgment, are submitted to exactly the same process of education, it is obvious that, whichever plan be adopted, it will, in one case, be rather an injury than a boon. The elements of knowledge may be given to two, to twenty, or, such are our mechanical improvements, to hundreds in class; but education, in the complete sense of the termthat education which consists in forming right principles, just tastes, and benevolent dispositions-can only be given by bringing the person taught into immediate and familiar contact with a teacher who has a penetrating eye to seize on the points of natural character, and a steady hand to prune what is excessive, and to nurse and strengthen what is feeble. Into these simple views Martha was fully prepared to enter. She was just as ready to admit the weak parts of her character, and most desirous of adding to the means already used to fortify them. The object, of course, was to exercise, expand, and invigorate her mental powers, as distinguished from the affections of the heart. To accomplish this, it did not appear desirable or necessary to bind down her attention to a dry and abstruse study which should answer this end only; it was rather wished to keep the mind actively engaged on those subjects which, apart from the discipline they brought with them, would be useful to her in future life. The plan, therefore, was of the most simple character. We began at the beginning. As an introduction, Martha read Watts's Improvement of the Mind, twice over; and, as a text book for her future studies, she made herself familiar with the contents and arrangement of Millard's Cyclopædia, with slight variations. She then went through Murray's Grammar, for which an abridgment had already prepared her, not merely committing its rules to memory, but understanding and applying them. With the grammar we united geography; the outline was supplied by Turner and Goldsmith, the detail by Pinkerton. When these were made easy, she proceeded to history, and read Prideaux's Connection of Sacred and Profane History; Rollin's Ancient History; selections from The Ancient Universal History on the Jewish, Grecian, and Roman Empires; accompanied with an abridgment of Spence's Polymetis, and the occasional use of Bryant's Mythology. On modern history she studied Goldsmith's abridgment of the History of England, with large selections from Rapin; Adolphus's History of the Reign of George III.; Custance's Constitution of England; Robertson's History of Charles the Fifth; Russell's Modern Europe; with references to the Modern Universal History, and some historical articles in the Encyclopædia. With history we soon associated natural philosophy. On this subject she studied Adams's Lectures, Rowning's Natural Philosophy, Parke's Chymical Catechism, and some articles in the Encyclopædia. To natural philosophy we attached natural history, and made use of an abridgment of Buffon in three volumes, with Durham's Physico and Astro-Theology. To these succeeded philosophy, properly so called. The authors studied were, Enfield's History of Philosophy; Locke on the Understanding; Reid's Essays; Stewart's Philosophy of the Human Mind; Watts's Logic, &c. In directing Martha's course of self-instruction, it was not designed to bring down her sensibilities to the present tone of her mind, but to raise her mind to a decided pre-eminence over her feelings; and while her thoughts, her judgment, and her memory were kept in exercise with evident advantage, there did not appear to be danger in cultivating those tastes which feed on whatever is beautiful or sublime in the works of man and of God. If, in the act of cultivation, those tastes should be strengthened, they would also be corrected, and would become more safe by being more discriminative. I fear, indeed, I must not say that inclination gave no additional weight to this argument; for I could not willingly see her excluded from a world of rich and pure enjoyment. The effort was not to expel her from her paradise, but to extract the sting of that serpent which made it hazardous to dwell there. Connected, therefore, with the course already specified, Martha read Burke on the Sublime, Alison on Taste, Kaim's Elements, and Blair's Lectures, united with the unexceptionable productions of some of our best poets, the essays of the Spectator, Rambler, and Idler, and a select few of that very small class of prose fictions which have a tendency, in the most attractive manner, to expose the fallacies of passion, to brace the mind to firmness and perseverance, and to acquaint us with the ensnarements and unhappiness of a most alluring world. It cannot be supposed that in these pursuits religion was forgotten. When Martha had made herself mistress of those religious treatises named in a former chapter, she continued her studies through this period by reading successively, but perhaps not exactly in the following order: Paley's Natural Theology, and Moral and Political Philosophy; Butler's Analogy; Beattie on Truth; Gregory's Evidences; Gisborne's Duties of Men and Women; with some of the most valuable pieces of Witsius, Owen, Baxter, Watts, and Edwards. To these should be added, apart from the miscellaneous books of the day, by some of which she was much edified, Mosheim's Ecclesiastic History, and many volumes of religious biography, a line of reading in which she found great pleasure.* It is not to be concluded that Martha always brought to these pursuits the same temper of mind. Sometimes, with an unexplored library before her, she would be tempted in her eagerness to drink down all knowledge at once, to run promiscuously from book to book, without acquainting herself with any one of them. It was then necessary to remind her that a superficial acquaintance with books is not knowledge; that there is no path to knowledge but that of patient industry. Frequently I repeated to her the maxim of Locke-that to learn much we must learn a little at a time, and learn it well; and as often the maxim of Lord Burleigh-that to do any thing well, we must do one thing at a time. Occasionally, this ardor would subside into discouragement. The new world opened to her sight was so spacious and unwieldy that she should never be able to traverse it-so much was to be done, it was in vain to attempt any thing; and she was sometimes in danger, from the conviction that she had too much to do, of really doing nothing. Generally, one kind word from her teacher would dissipate this depression; and her mind was fortified against its return by making her sensible of her progress, and by assurances that, however small it may at first appear, it would be effectual if continued; that the world before her, like the material one we inhabit, was to be compassed by resolute perseverance, in adding one poor short step to another; and that those who had explored the most of it were at least as remarkable for their irrepressible activity as for their native genius. It might sometimes occur that Martha's attention would linger so long on a work which filled her imagination and interested her feelings, as to consume the time allotted to some drier study; but it admitted of an easy remedy. There was a tacit acknowledgment between us of Martha's deficiencies, and of the adaptation of her present pursuits to overcome them; and an exchange of looks was always sufficient to correct the irregularity. Her expression was that of gentle affection, and seemed to say, "Yes, brother, I thank you-I have been foolish, but I will avoid it in future." These, however, were only exceptions from a general rule. Martha, on the whole, gave herself to these pursuits with an energy which surprised and delighted me; and which would have afforded greater surprise, had I then known how powerful an exercise of self-denial it involved. Her diligence was even greater than I was aware. Since her papers have fallen into my hands, I have met with several abridgments of books she perused beyond what I knew to exist, and which evince as much skill in the selections as industry in the performance.They are now sad memorials of a hand that slumbers in dust. Altogether, these exercises were highly beneficial. Martha's course of reading is here traced, because the writer knows the youthful and inquiring eye will pass over it with gratification; but, at the same time, he does not wish it to be considered altogether unexceptionable. Some books may not stand where he should now place them. Some works that are not named would be introduced; and a few of those which are named require to be read with caution, and praised with qualification. They occupied her thoughts and fed her under- management of the household put entirely into her standing. They refined her tastes, and gave her hands. This arrangement was made very much confidence in her own judgment. They raised the at my solicitation, as I was unwilling that her attone of her conversation, and spread abroad the tention should be engrossed by mental pursuits, and concealed excellences of her character. They very desirous that she should be trained to the exmultiplied her sources of gratification, and taught ercise of those domestic virtues, which are indisher to partake of them without injury-with abun- pensable to the excellence of female character.dant advantage. Her profiting, which appeared to Hitherto her thoughts had not been occupied in this all, became, in some degree, sensible to herself-direction; I had sometimes concluded that she was She always referred to these studies as, considering indifferent to the "study of household good;" and all the circumstances, fraught with singular and it was with some anxiety, that I paused to observe indefinite importance. how she would occupy an untried situation. Lest it should be supposed that Martha necessarily gave all her time to these attainments, I subjoin a table for the allotment of her hours at this period, which I have found in her memoranda. It will show how much may be done by a regular appropriation of a comparatively small portion of time to our object, and that Martha was conscientiously concerned to have all her time rightly occupied.It of course applies only to the time spent at homewe shall have occasion to see how it was devoted when abroad : REDEEMING THE TIME. Rise at six, when my health allows. Breakfast, eight o'clock. Retire for private devotion. Read a hymn and Scriptures in order. Go to market. It was with proportionate satisfaction I saw her enter on the proposed duties with the greatest readiness of mind. Her attention, I found, had been lately brought to the subject of domestic economy, as a study of high importance to young females, by some admirable observations from the pen of Mrs. More; and now that the subject was fairly under her notice, her good sense at once suggested what was due to it, and what due to herself. She was moreover influenced, as I afterwards learned by the resolution she had formed of keeping herself fully employed. A change of engagement was necessary to accomplish this purpose, as the mind cannot dwell continuously and always on the same object. Having accepted of her new duties, Martha did not choose to meet them with petty expedients, planless bustle, and culpable ignorance. She had too much spirit to give occasion to those who were to obey her orders, for questioning her competency to Attend to domestic concerns, and work till twelve. command; and too much conscience to permit her Read till one. Supper. Family prayer. Work and converse till retire." I find, in the same connection, the following notices; and as they are congenial with the subject of this chapter I introduce them: "Dr. Hartley advises his sister to seek cheerfulness in constant employment. Let me remember this. "In the company of my superiors let me be generally silent, and ready to receive instruction, that I may be able to impart knowledge to my equals. "Is my mind inactive? Let me read the lives of eminent young persons-mark their attainments in piety and knowledge-Blush!-And let not another day of my life pass away without having done something towards the cultivation of my understanding-Am I disposed to be vain of a little knowledge? Let me go to the same school, and there learn that I know nothing, and that in proportion as I know any thing as I ought to know it, I shall be humble." CHAPTER X. DOMESTIC CHARACTER. 1812-13. THE proper sphere of woman is so strongly delineated by a Divine finger, that it must be apparent to every eye which is not wilfully blind. Those who question or deny it start aside from their orbit, and by their irregularities give and receive a disastrous influence; while those who contentedly move in the circle assigned them, not only fulfil the pleasure of their Creator, but, in silence and without observation, like the moon in heaven, are shedding around them a refreshing sympathy that shall gladden many a heart, and a genre light that shall guide and confirm many a hesitating footstep. Martha, on her return home, had the domestic self to be a party in transactions, while her ignorance prevented her deciding on their equity or injustice. She determined to acquaint herself with whatever it was proper for her to know. She therefore thankfully received the lessons of experience which a kind parent could supply; carefully minuted any valuable hints which she could otherwise obtain; and as carefully read over a few select treatises on the subject, which might enlarge or confirm her information. Martha's first concern was, to lay down a plan of expenditure adapted to her means, that she might not be embarrassed in the appropriation of her money. To accomplish this, she entered into calculations of the average expenses for the week, month, and quarter, taking care to keep within the line of possibility. She knew, therefore, how the expenses of a week would affect those of the year; and was not liable to be surprised, at the end of a considerable period, into arrears for which she had failed to provide. Martha soon found that arithmetic is the handmaid of economy, and resolved to improve herself in this neglected branch of female education. Her daily duties insensibly assisted her in effecting this resolution. She kept a correct journal of her current expenses, preserved in order her bills of charges, and was prompt and punctual in settling with her tradesmen, that they might never be tempted to seek illegitimate profits. She took much pains to acquaint herself with the real value of things; and as a great means of realizing the object, she generally made her own purchases. It was a practice with her, not of option, but of uniform obligation, to satisfy herself of the quality and quantity of articles delivered before they were used; that what was an affair of business might never become one of frequent and unwholesome suspicion. It was soon ascertained by Martha that comfort is not proportioned to expense; and, indeed, that often no two things are farther apart. Here then was room for skill and taste to operate; and so successfully were they employed, that I believe few young persons, with an equal cost, could have prepared a table of such pleasing and simple combina tions, or could have given to a family habitation more the air of comfort. and happiness. There must be a perseverance that will steadily travel to this result, and a patience that will endure the numerous petty interruptions to its progression. The detail of domestic service was made easy by being reduced to order. Every thing had its place; every event had its time; and each servant had her respective duties. Hurry was avoided by avoiding delay; confusion was prevented by observing rule. Something was always done, and with so little inconvenience that one wondered when it was accom-tors are too homely to afford excitation. There is plished. Exalted motive is equally necessary to these duties. In the retirement of home there is nothing to feed vanity, and but little aliment for selfishness. The theatre is too small for display, and the spectamuch to be done that is not seen; and a thousand Martha endeavored to support her authority with little provocations to be borne without sympathy, as her servants by reason and justice. She knew what they are too trifling to be repeated. If every thing could be done, and how it was to be effected. She moves well, it is perhaps without observation; if did not, therefore, make impracticable demands; any thing fails, it is sure to be discovered: as a and she was aware when to praise and when to watch may go correctly the whole day unnoticed, blame. She never allowed herself to be governed but should it stop for five minutes it will certainly in her conduct towards them by humor or caprice. be detected. It is evident, that a person who meets They could calculate on her approval or disappro- such engagements as these, with no higher motives bation before it was expressed. It was never in than vanity and self-love, will disregard and despise their power to say, "My mistress is out of humor, them. She will neither be happy nor bestow hapand do what I will, I cannot please her;" a decla-piness. She may, by necessity, remain in the centre ration which, if made with truth, will sap the basis of her family, but her mind will be "not at home." of all authority. She will be sighing and vaporing for some other pursuits, either worldly or religious, in which she can do something that shall be applauded, and can receive her applause from a larger circle of admirers. If Martha, at this early age, scrupled to assert her authority in all its naked strictness, she more than supplied the deficiency by her steady conciliating kindness. With her servants she was not familiar, she was not distant, but uniformly discovered, without effort, a concern in their welfare. She read to them; she conversed with them; she assisted them in getting up any articles of apparel; she noticed any slight indisposition with sympathy; and gave many spontaneous proofs, such as a kind heart will often suggest, of her regard to their comfort. Her interest in their welfare inspired them with a desire to please her; and the desire to please made even drudgery a lightsome burthen. She taught them to love her, and this taught them to love their duty. In her utmost frugality there was not a particle of niggardiness. Her economy was exercised on things rather than persons; and she would go as far as fidelity to her trust would allow, in subduing ill-will and unthankfulness. She never grudged what was necessary, because she never permitted what was superfluous. Every thing was done "without envyings and without ostentation." She took a share cheerfully in entertaining visiters to the family; and her whole manner, rather than any set words, expressed "a kindly welcome," which put the heart at rest in her society. Every important attainment is made progressively. It is scarcely necessary, therefore, to remark, that Martha did not make herself mistress of her arrangements by any sudden effort, or that she had in her progress to contend with numerous difficulties. Domestic comfort, more than any thing besides, springs from the happy organization of a surprising multitude of small parts. In a machine of so many and such minute divisions, something will get wrong, and will threaten to interrupt the movement of the whole. Martha was made fully sensible of this; and observed upon it, with a truth which the best read in human nature will confirm, "That a number of small vexations always occurring, are more trying to the temper and resolution than one serious calamity." In harmony with this just remark, I cannot avoid uttering a conviction, that those females who shun and dislike the duties of domestic life, as below them, would really find, on candid inquiry, that they are far above them; that they have not a mind strong enough, or motives pure enough, to discharge them. The detail must be seen; but if it is exclusively seen, it will appear trivial, perhaps revolting; there must be mind enough to comprehend the total, and to perceive how it bears on human life If Martha's spirits were ever in danger of yielding to the discouragements of her domestic employ, she was supplied with an effectual remedy in her benevolence. She was not thinking of herself, but of others; and if occasionally her strength was exhausted, her mind chafed, and care was creeping over her countenance, she would instantly become herself again, under the cordial conviction that she was promoting the comfort of those dearest to her. Their acknowledgment was an ample reward for her largest exertions. How often have I seen her features brightened with heartfelt joy, on receiving the caress of the father, the kind word of the mo ther, the approving glance of the brother, which expressed gratification in her attentions! We are often more impressed by the manner of doing a thing than by the act itself; and after all that has been stated, it was rather by Martha's manner than her services that her family were delighted. She did not "do her best," and then carelessly wait for its effect. She did not spread her table, and then depress its attendants with a saddened aspect and ill-humored complaint. She considered the hour of meals as the hour of recreation; and she was anxious to connect with it higher gratification than the animal palate can partake. She looked to it as a season of pleasure, and she therefore met it with smiles. There was an interest and earnestness in her manner, which gave a charm to the simplest food and the slightest attention. Nature had not, perhaps, given her that quick observation of trifling circumstances, on which so much of domestic urbanity and comfort depend; but be. nevolence more than supplied the deficiency; for love has a superior sight to sagacity. Her affectionate eye would run in a moment over the wellknown features of her family, and catch as quickly their several expressions. An unerring sympathy would prompt her deportment. It would tell her when to speak, when to be silent. It suggested what attentions would be acceptable, and what op pressive. It would dwell on her countenance with most fascinating power; and would not fail to bring its object under its genial influence. Few, very few knew so well how to heighten joy, or diminish grief; or have had such benevolent pleasure in reducing their knowledge to practice. It was difficult, if not impossible, to remain sad in her presence. The thought of her, in the mind of the family, was identified with cheerfulness; and I have often |