ducted me to my present position among my fellow

men."

Now, take the foregoing facts, and sentiments of distinguished writers, and what do they show?-Not only that every true sister exerts a hallowed influence upon her brothers, causing them to become better men; but also, a force and excellence of female character which promises a useful and charming womanhood. We can say, with Alcott and Irving, that certain virtuous and noble men were trained up in the company of model sisters; and we can also say, with equal truth, of some princely women with whom we meet here and there, "they were true sisters in their earlier days." We are fully convinced that irresponsible, gay, thoughtless sisters, as many girls are, could not make such womanly patterns of propriety and goodness.

Although our remarks have had particular reference to brothers, yet they are equally applicable to the influence of one sister over another. For the same spirit, and the same noble sentiments, are necessary in intercourse with the latter as the former.

In addition to all that has been said, how beau-` tiful is that unquenchable love which is ready to make sacrifices, and endure trial and suffering, for a brother's or sister's sake? There are some im

pressive examples on record, which the reader of history has always pondered with exquisite pleasure, as among the charming things of earth. There was the princess Elizabeth, sister to king Louis of France, who is known for a signal act of sisterly affection. The queen, her sister, had become an object of contempt and hatred to many of the Parisians. Finally, a mob assembled one day, and broke into the royal palace, for the purpose of taking the queen's life. "Where, where is she? Let us have her head!" they cried, as they rushed into an apartment where the princess Elizabeth was.

"I am the queen,” replied the princess.

"She is not the queen!" shouted her attendants, as they hastened to save her from instant death.

"For the love of God," exclaimed the princess, do not undeceive these men! Is it not better that they should shed my blood than that of my sister ? ” Her devotion to a sister's welfare was truly magnanimous, although we would not endorse the deception which she practised to save her.

It is also related of Intaphernes, that he was condemned to death, with all his children, and his wife's brother, by Darius, king of Persia. His wife interceded for his release, and continued her appeals with such importunity, that the king finally said to her, "Woman, king Darius offers you the

liberty of any individual of your family whom you may desire to preserve." After some deliberation, she made this reply: "If the king will grant me the life of any one of my family, I choose my brother in preference to the rest." Darius was surprised at her choice, and sent her a second message as follows: "The king desires to know why you have thought proper to pass over your children and your husband, and to preserve your brother, who is certainly a more remote connection than your children, and cannot be so dear to you as your husband?" She answered, "O king! if it please the deity, I may have another husband; and if I be deprived of these, may have other children; but as my parents are both of them dead, it is certain that I can have no other brother." The king was so well pleased with her answer that he released not only her brother, but also her eldest son.

These are unusual examples, it is true; but they better serve to set forth the strength of that fraternal love which God has implanted in woman's heart. All kindred expressions of sisterly regard awaken our admiration, and cause us to feel that corresponding nobleness, in other respects, must distinguish the possessors. It is difficult to believe that this virtue is all that characterizes the actors; for it is indissolubly connected in our minds with others of equal beauty and worth. It is only one bright

link in a golden chain of graces that adorn the

spirit of their womanhood.

"Be kind to thy BROTHER; his heart will have dearth

If the smile of thy joy be withdrawn;

The flowers of feeling will fade at their birth,

If the light of affection be gone.

Be kind to thy brother wherever you are;

The love of a brother shall be

An ornament, purer and richer, by far,
Than pearls from the depths of the sea.

"Be kind to thy SISTER; not many may know
The depths of true sisterly love;

The wealth of the ocean lies fathoms below

The surface that sparkles above.

Be kind to thy FATHER, once fearless and bold;

Be kind to thy MOTHER, so near;

Be kind to thy BROTHER, nor show thy heart cold;
Be kind to thy SISTER, so dear."

CHAPTER VIII.

AMIABILITY.

A JEWEL IN MARY LYON'S CHARACTER-NO GIRL SHOULD BE WITHOUT IT—A SELFISH, JEALOUS, PEEVISH, ENVIOUS, VIOLENT SPIRIT, INCONSISTENT WITH IT— REMARKS OF HANNAH MORE — OF REV. J. A. JAMES-EXAMPLE OF OCTAVIA-OF MARGARET WINTHROP LETTER TO HER HUSBAND - A WAGER ABOUT WIVES IN A BAR-ROOM, WITH ITS RESULTS.

Ir would be quite impossible to find a single instance of an unamiable temper in the whole life of Mary Lyon. Her character was adorned with that most becoming ornament, "a meek and quiet spirit." This is the more remarkable on account of the energy, decision, and perseverance, with which she prosecuted the duties of life. These qualities are often found in connection with a disagreeable temper; while amiability is frequently possessed by the irresolute, stupid, and inefficient. For this reason it appears with threefold lustre in a character of such force and magnanimity as that of Mary Lyon. It was this, in part, which invested her with a charm for every person who became familiar with her uniform spirit. It drew a crowd

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