Women are there also exhibited to view, engaged in their various employments. Sarah "kneaded the dough, and baked the cakes," when Abraham entertained the angels. Rebekah was fetching a pitcher of water for family purposes, when accosted by Abraham's servant. Rachel was going to water the flock of her father, when Jacob first cast his eyes upon her, and beheld her loveliness. Ruth was gleaning after the reapers when Boaz made the interesting inquiry, "Whose damsel is this ?" And Esther, the captive Jewess, when called upon to appear in the presence of king Ahasuerus, did not ask any ornaments to deck herself with. The unassuming, gentle, and modest deportment of those females, was doubtless a much stronger recommendation to men of discernment, than all the art they could have used, or the ornaments they could have procured.

And seeing the great Parent of the Universe, has not made any distinction in the distribution of his blessings, on account of colour, let us follow his example, by not making any, in the distribution of our care. By ascertaining what we would wish to

have done for our children if they were reduced to the situation of the poor little African, we may judge what must be our conduct, in order to fulfil that command of Christ; "All things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them."

MODESTY.

Modesty is, with the strictest propriety, considered an ornament to the female sex. And why is it not an ornament to the other sex also? Is it not approved, is it not admired by all the wise and virtuous of both sexes? Is it not a preservation from many snares and temptations? If we give the subject its due consideration, I believe every pious mind will discover it to be one of great importance, and one that involves many interesting particulars.

As we look forward with a desire for the improvement and welfare of mankind, let us individually cherish every disposition that will have a tendency to promote the object of that desire, and not rest satisfied with the wish, without the exertion. By chasing im

proper thoughts from our minds, as soon as they present themselves, we gain additional strength; and by so doing, we shall be preserved from immodest words and actions, which are generally first conceived in thought.

This interesting and amiable virtue should be fostered in the bosom of every mother, and from thence transplanted, and carefully *nurtured in those of her offspring from their very infancy. By this means, it would become so rooted, that whatever the situation of the individual might be, in after life, or however great his exposure, it would rarely, if ever, be entirely eradicated.

Much may be done by a modest woman, in forming the minds of her children and those around her. And what person who is not blinded by custom, or depraved by habitual indulgence, can behold, without approbation, the becoming deportment of those, who are circumscribed in all their conduct by strict propriety and modesty? Or who can approach a modest person with that confidence with which he would address one who manifests but little regard for

modesty? Those who have assurance enough to make the attempt, generally retire with mortification.

If females would but maintain their proper dignity, and not give any just grounds for the unfavourable remarks, which are frequently made in their absence; if they would discountenance that familiarity which gives confidence to the other sex, and often induces them to behave in a way which they themselves know to be inconsistent, it would contribute very much to the improvement of society, and relieve from many unnecessary anxieties.

It is not that servile fear, which cannot be spoken to without a blush, that I wish to cultivate, but that suavity of manners, and that propriety of behaviour, which manifest a mind above those absurdities, which, for want of proper attention, so often make their appearance in mixed companies. It is with modesty, as with the other amiable dispositions of the heart, it manifests itself much more forcibly by our conduct, than by our assertions.

True and genuine politeness is very near

ly allied to modesty. It is the offspring of virtue and benevolence, nurtured by that tenderness of heart which is ever cautious of irritating or wounding the feelings of a fellow creature, in any circumstance in life. Hence it is, that the really polite man or woman is so at home, as well as abroad; in private, as well as in company. And from this source is derived no small portion of domestic happiness.

MARRIAGE.

This is a subject intimately connected with a proper cultivation of the female mind, and one in which a mother's care is of the utmost importance. Marriage, though a civil act, requires a union of spirit to make it happy. To ascertain that this union subsists between the parties, needs time and deliberation. And who can be a more suitable person to consult, particularly for a female, than a mother. Her knowledge, observation, and experience, give her an opportunity of becoming intimately acquainted with the subject. A little girl, not five years old, on hearing that a neighbour had