encomiums on Episcopacy, while he yet chose to continue in the Presbyterian church. I can't help thinking there was something in this of flattery to those Bishops with whom he corresponded, whose friendship to him, as well as their personal character and abilities, deserved all his partial regard. I am, however, well pleased with him, and proud to find some of my peculiar notions sanctioned by Beattie. He did not think our Catechism* at all calculated for the instruction of children: now I was always of that opinion, and have been a good deal indifferent about my children's learning it. I think it an excellent system for grown per sons, and all that can be said in favour of teaching it to children is, that they may understand it when their judg ments are ripe, but they will not then have leisure to commit it to Memory.

Another thing in which I resemble Beattie, is, that I am always disposed to write of the book I am reading. I could surely write a long dissertation on this work of Sir W. Forbes, but I should have no room for other things.

I knew you would be pleasod with Charles the Fifth. I was never more interested in any thing that I have read than in the life and character of Luther. The conclusion of Charles's life is one of the most wonderful occurrences in all history. I find a great deal about the Pope in Newton's dissertation on prophecy that I had forgotten.

I hope your eyes continue to darn stockings without spectacles, and don't plague you as mine do at this mo

Mrs. H. did instruct her children carefully in the catechism notwithstanding.

ment. I can't see what I write, but my comfort is, that it is readable yet, as"Go to bed early” cries one,— "don't murder yourself by inches," says another.—Why, if I don't take your advice you see I don't forget it. Nay, I confess moreover, that I listen to the repetition every night when you come jogging my elbow in the shape of Prudence (there's an honour for you) beseeching me to go to bed, for it is near 12 o'clock,-very well, says Inclination, what if it is-can't you let a body have a little comfort sometimes-what time have I to read but this, and what pleasure have I besides? Yes, but consider that your back has got the rheumatism, and your eyes are grown old, and that this night reading is the cause of all.

"Aye, aye, Madam Prudence, this is the way you gull the world with your plausible reasons. Now, the fact is, confinement and moping and all those sort of things make me sick and reading is my Physician, however, to please you, I will put up Beattie for to night, and so to bed I go, half resolving not to sit up so late again.—But after all this fuss between Prudence and Inclination, I have got but half through Beattie yet, and how he got through so many letters, I cannot tell-I am very much entertained by them because they contain so much criticism, but I think they are too elaborately written for private letters. He certainly had a view to their publication. I am extremely desirous now to read the Essays which procured him such high distinctions. That he was so honoured for such writings of the moral and metaphysical kind is greatly to the credit of the English nation.

I am truly sensible, my dear, of the kind feelings which dictated your gratulations on the New York Review, and really believe that I shall gratify them, by adding, that I am not at all flattered by it, because I have long ago, and am still ceiving, far more ample testimonies-shall I say more, and will you give me credit, if I add that I was impatient to receive the Review, (for it had not come to hand when I read your letter) that I might obtain some hints at least for the amendment of my book, for hitherto, no fault has been pointed out! The Review has imitated that shining constellation, the Edinburg, in his plan, that is by an essay which is scarcely cousin-german to the book, and made just exactly no review of the book at all! In a Magazine from Virginia I have a similar notice, though much more complimentary to the author. Believe not however, that I am myself altogether ignorant of her deficiencies. The second edition which is now just going press, will I hope, be somewhat improved.

But really the truth is, that the care and occupations of woman's life, and especially in the city, liable every moment to the additional interruptions of company are so teazing, so incessant, that I only wonder at my own arrogance in having supposed that I could write fifty pages of connected common sense, though I often presume to patch up an essay for a Journal or Newspaper, such as the "Defence of American Women," Review of Discipline, in the Port Folio, &c. If I had not the example of a world of discussions and letters, between the great book-makers of imperial England, about their productions, I might be ashamed of detaining you so long on this subject.

But I have yet more to say, only a few pages of the second volume are written, and not having one hour at my absolute command it is impossible to say when it will be finished. Be assured however, that it will never see the light without passing the same ordeal to which the first was submitted-not only the eye of Dr. Miller, a very competent judge of composition, but that of my own Pastor, Dr. Wilson, a mere miracle of piety, learning and good sense, and certainly the first preacher in America.

If we could get our elementary work introduced into schools of the higher class, (it is intended you observe for young persons beyond the age of children,) it might be productive.

The testimonies of a considerable number of clergymen, and of several denominations will secure them from any apprehensions of incorrect impressions on the mind of their pupils!!

"I could hardly venture to acknowledge myself the author without having first received such flattering testimonials from a considerable number of our first clergymen as encourage me to submit it to your's and your mother's judgment. That I should turn author in my old age when the light of imagination at least, is nearly extinguished, will, no doubt, surprise you; to myself my temerity is yet incredible. But circumstanced as I am with a large family, and yielding always to the hourly calls of business or friendship, without reserving even one for study, I am only thankful that I have been so fortunate as not to have exposed myself to ridicule. You will

perceive that neither the matter or style is designed for mere children, but rather for young persons somewhat advanced. I dare say, you as well as myself not unfrequently meet with both fathers and mothers, who ought to be better acquainted with the Scriptures than they are. Thus much of apology for the introduction of my author. ship, I feel it necessary to say."

"This is a world of bustle and inquietude, but that which is encountered in the active performance of our social duties, is all for our good. You complain of the waste of your time by company. There is indeed a sort of company that fritters away many precious hours, but the general intercourse of the world is amongst our social duties; it has too its advantages—it revives the spirits amidst the exhausting cares of a family—it keeps alive the best affections of the heart, exercises, and improves the intellect, and secures friends for our children,-nor can I suppose that with a mind, and understanding like yours these opportunities are neglected in the education of your daughters!!

*

*

*

*

*

I am grieved that your admirable cousin should again go to the South Sea. I presume Mrs. S. cannot venture to go with him, and how hard will be the separation for both. Every evil has some mitigation—some blessing is always in the bitterest cup!-Mr. S. will do a great deal of good amongst his late converts, and we shall have more delightful letters. I hope he will first come to Philadel phia, and will not fail to let me see him."