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tures were still scarce, presented the Hebrew Pentateuch to a scholar, too poor to buy one, could herself appreciate the sacred gift. Neither can we forget more recent examples. The names of Hutchinson and Russell, of Rowe, Chapone, and Smith, of the amiable authoress of "Father Clement," and of our own revered Hannah More, are together treasured in our minds as happy instances of the union of female piety and accomplishment.

We cannot, indeed, for a moment question the advantage of letters to a religious woman. They afford her occupation, refresh her mind, and increase her power of usefulness. Religion itself is an intellectual as well as spiritual exercise; and its doctrines, though level to ordinary capacities, involve the highest speculations. They inform and discipline, as well as spiritualise, the mind,-and it is delightful to observe the intelligence of many who have no other teacher.

Neither can we suppose that men are alto

Charity, a sister of Pirckheimerus, to whom he dedicated some of his most learned works.

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gether averse to female literature. They would not, especially when they are themselves superior, wish to encounter, even in a female companion, the contractedness of ignorance, or the ineptitude of folly. They can have little pleasure in associating with those whose only conversation is médisance or gossip.

Rather would they desire to meet in a domestic circle a companion who could sympathise, if not participate, in their higher pursuits; who could appreciate literary excellence, and taste intellectual pleasure, and to whom knowledge had given elevation and refinement.

Nor would her accomplishments, in any degree, indispose her for active domestic duties. Order is the symptom of a well regulated mind; and the woman, who has felt the importance of interior arrangement, will scarcely be indifferent to her household economy. And if experience has ever seemed to militate against this conclusion, the exceptions may be attributable to nature rather than education; and have probably proceeded from a constitutional defect, which intellectual discipline may have, in some degree, amended, but which it has not been able alto

gether to correct. Disorder is the accident, not the consequence, of talent; and, as it is the more conspicuous, so it is the less excused, when accompanied with mental superiority. The irregularities which proceed from indolence or frivolity receive far more indulgence.

Censorship is, indeed, always severe on female talent; and not unfrequently is a woman. prejudged a slattern, because reputed a genius. Slovenly attire, an ill-conducted household, and an ill-arranged table, are in the minds of many identified with female acquirement. Yet lighter accomplishments may be the more likely cause of such disorder; and she who has spent her life at her harp, or at her frame, will be less disposed to active duties than one to whom exertion is habitual. If the woman of mind. bears with equanimity petty vexations, — if she lends a reluctant ear to family tales, — if she is not always expatiating on her economy, nor discussing domestic annoyances; she is not the less capable of controlling her household, or of maintaining order in its several departments. Rather will she occupy her station with more dignity, and fulfil its duties with greater ease.

At the same time she should ever bear in mind, that knowledge is not to elevate her above her station, or to excuse her from the discharge of its most trifling duties. It is to correct vanity, and repress pretension. It is to teach her to know her place and her functions; to make her content with the one, and willing to fulfil the other. It is to render her more useful, more humble, and more happy.

And surely such a woman will be, of all others, the best satisfied with her lot. She will not seek distinction, and, therefore, will not meet with disappointment. She will not be dependent on the world, and thus she will avoid its vexations. She will be liable to neither restlessness nor ennui;- but she will be happy in her own home, and by her own hearth, in the fulfilment of religious and domestic duty, and in the profitable employment of her time.

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CHAP. IV.

IMPORTANCE OF RELIGION TO WOMAN.

RELIGION has been sometimes decried as the passion of weak men, women, and children. Woman may blush for the association which the ridicule involves, but she has no reason to be ashamed of her propensity. May it ever be her distinction! It is the pearl which adorns as well as enriches.

To say that she is more religious than the other sex seems, indeed, to imply a reflection on the latter; yet, if the fact be true, it is no more than might be expected. The position and habits of woman are comparatively favourable to piety. She needs solace and occupation, and religion affords her both. Without it her character is sadly defective, even in the eyes of ordinary persons. A woman may as well be without heart as without religion; and few men, however irreligious themselves, but would

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