powers; the antiquated prejudices against female education which had their origin, if not in the love of superiority, in the ignorance of the true nature and destiny of mind, are now rapidly passing away. The nineteenth century has the honor, if not of discovering the great truth, of bringing it out more fully, that THERE IS NO SEX IN MIND; that mind is the same in all intelligent beings, angelic or human, male or female; that its attributes and its exalted powers are the same in the infant as in the seraph, and if its attributes and powers are the same in all, it must be created for the same noble purposes, and fitted for the same high destinies. Mind is, in its own nature, independent of the modifications of matter; it is a spark of that living intelligence which nothing can extinguish there is no distinction but that of mind in heaven, "for there they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God."

A just and proper appreciation of the powers and capacities of woman, has not only clearly indicated her true position and amazing influence in society, but also awakened a deep and universal interest on the subject of female education, which has of late especially employed so many able pens and powerful minds. She is no longer viewed as a mere housekeeper, or as the object of mere fond, idolatrous attachment in the social circle, or the plaything of man's idle hours, but as occupying a position of immense responsibility, and contrib

uting largely to the elevation and happiness of her species.

Heretofore, with some rare exceptions, in fictitious writings and light literature, she has been made to figure as the heroine of some romantic love scene, adored for her beauty and personal charms, and celebrated for her adroitness in captivating and deceiving the weak-minded of the other sex. Christianity, combined with education and the cultivation of refined literary taste, has exalted her to her true position as an intelligent moral being; and these advantages, far from being inconsistent with social qualifications, and her domestic duties and relations, are found admirably harmonizing with them, and in an eminent degree beautifying and perfecting them.

The true sphere of woman is the domestic circle; and she should endeavor to invest herself with every qualification calculated to render her interesting and agreeable, as well as useful, in that sphere: this is the way to impart lustre to her most unostentatious duties, and to give dignity to the humblest station. It should be deemed a matter of no small importance, that, while every power of the mind is cultivated, the external graces of manner are not neglected. Though good manners, from the operation of adverse causes, are not always found attending high intellect and great learning, yet in general they furnish a correct indication of the progress made in mental cultivation. The re

mark admits of but few exceptions, that coarseness of manners evinces an uncultivated mind. The society which an individual frequents has a great influence in moulding the manners. Books of an elevated character have also a potent influence, especially an intimate acquaintance with the sacred writings. A degree of refinement and liberality of sentiment is acquired by the study of the classics, which contributes more to dignity and elegance of manners, and to form the true lady, than all the substituted ornaments of external graces. The brilliancy of a cultivated mind will shine through the most ungraceful exterior, and give an intellectual beauty to the plainest features, more pleasing than the vivid tints of the rose, and more enduring than the fading hue of the lily. There is nothing which gives to beauty a greater finish than the look of intelligence which makes the eye appear as the index of the soul; and without that charm there is little permanent satisfaction in the mere brilliancy of the eye, or in the most exquisitely moulded features. When we look upon an inanimate countenance, we feel much as we do when we gaze at a finely chiselled statue; we consider it beautiful indeed, but the soul is wanting.

Personal beauty is indeed a pleasing and a valuable gift, but it is surely an unworthy and degrading. idea of that sex which was created for the solace and comfort of mankind, to consider them merely as objects of sight. But beauty blended

with virtue and intelligence, is the highest perfection of woman. Milton's description of Eve is a beautiful illustration of this truth. It was not her form and features, but the qualities of her mind which shone in them, that adorned her with the perfection of beauty.

"Grace was in all her steps; heaven in her eye;

In all her gestures, dignity and love."

When the judgment has been disciplined by thought, and the taste refined by cultivation, the moral feelings, as a natural consequence, will be rendered more acute, and the moral principles strengthened. Thus will she be fitted as a companion for man, exerting a most benign influence upon his social character, and fitted as a mother to train up and educate her children. Man is not only influenced by woman, but he is ready and willing to be influenced by her.

"O thou, by Heaven ordained to be
Arbitress of man's destiny,

From thy warm heart one tender sigh,
One glance from thine approving eye,

Can raise or bend him at thy will

To virtue's noblest flights, or worst extremes of ill!

"Woman, 'tis thine to cleanse his heart

From every gross, unholy part;

Thine, in domestic solitude,

To win him to be wise and good;

His pattern, guide, and friend to be,

To give him back the heaven he forfeited for thee."

The cultivation of the lighter accomplishments, besides giving a finish to the mind and manners, affords a relaxation and a salutary diversion from the busy cares of life, and to woman with a mind well disciplined, they will create and strengthen a love of home and domestic enjoyments; they will give her unrivalled power over the hearts and characters of those she loves, by enabling her to invest her home with peculiar charms. There is scarcely any thing more lovely than a female possessed of these qualifications, combined with amiable manners as a wife, she will insure the love and happiness of her husband; as a mother, she will set a most praiseworthy example; and as the mistress of a family, she will command the respect and admiration of all who come within the range of her influence.

It is then a scrupulous attention to the moral and intellectual culture which gives to woman the power of rendering herself useful and agreeable in all the relations of life, as daughter, sister, wife, and mother. Woman thus endowed may with propriety be considered as the greatest social gift

to man.