olutions, and the delinquents could complain of no one but themselves." The reader will notice that she insisted upon their rising just at the time fixed, declaring that it would injure their characters more to fail of rising at the time specified, than not to rise habitually so early by one half hour as they might. She would say, "If that hour is five, and you are on your feet before the clock has done striking, then you are punctual; but if you lie five minutes, or even one, after that hour passes, you are tardy, and you must lose a little respect for yourself in consequence." Her plan was well suited not only to make them early risers, but also to make them decided. If they had resolution enough to spring to their feet the very moment they set to rise, notwithstanding the plea of drowsiness to the contrary, they would have resolution enough to resist many other temptations, and to discharge other duties promptly. It would be a habit that would aid them in meeting all their obligations.

Miss Lyon herself was a pattern of that decision which she urged the young to cultivate. Some called her "set in her opinions;" but they mistook her genuine decision for obstinate adherence to preconceived ideas. Her biographer says: "Those who did not entirely agree with her, had too much confidence in her earnest and benevolent inten

tions to try to thwart her plans. She was, as they thought, and as she very well knew, set in her opinions; but she was set only when sure she was right." Again: "She made the impression on every one with whom she had anything to do, from the common day laborer to the president of a college, that if she had set herself to do anything, it was of no use to oppose her." One fact, heretofore stated, is proof of her remarkable decision. She resolved to devote her life to the instruction of young ladies; and so resolutely did she carry out her determination, as to refuse, at once, a flattering offer of marriage. Many young ladies who become members of our Normal Schools, under the regulation that they shall teach one year in the commonwealth, after their education is completed, enter into the matrimonial state within a few months, without any regard to their pledge. The same is true of some who go to the West to teach, under the auspices of the society that furnishes teachers to that portion of our country. The example of Miss Lyon appears more remarkable in contrast with theirs.

In another place we have referred to the fact, that young ladies often have fellowship with young men of doubtful character in the social circle. Perhaps it arises, in a measure, from the want of decision enough to show that the unprincipled are

unworthy of their society. It demands courage to be sufficiently decided in such a case, and few there are who possess it. It is said that Queen Victoria, in an assembly of the dignitaries of her realm, actually turned her back upon one of the number who approached her with grace and deference, and the reason she assigned was the reputation of the man for vicious practices. This was rare independence, and a little more of it among the young women of our land would contribute largely to their character and influence.

How beautiful was this trait in the lovely Ruth! She meant to be a faithful daughter, cost what it might. Therefore, she would leave her native land, or make any other sacrifice for her mother's sake. "Where thou goest I will go; where thou lodgest I will lodge; thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God." This is the language of decision. It is strong and heart-felt. In a religious point of view, it is an interesting resolve. Ruth had relinquished her heathen superstitions, and become a worshipper of the true God; and now she decided to share the future with her mother, at whatever sacrifice of feeling or comfort. If every young disciple of our Lord would declare, with equal firmness, to him, "Where thou goest I will go," though it lead me away from home and kindred, and all the heart holds dear, to lands of

darkness, it would be a stand for Christ worthy of their profession. Alas! the want of this decision, brings reproach upon the name of Jesus.

It is not often that the young or old are placed in circumstances where the exercise of this trait of character is impossible. As we have said, many times it will require courage, and great resolution, but it is scarcely once in a life-time when circumstances will render decision impossible. A historian relates that a father went to a tyrannical ruler to secure the pardon of his two sons, who were condemned to die with other military men. He offered a large amount of money, and his own life, to ransom them. He was informed that this equivalent would be accepted for one of his sons, because the laws required the sacrifice of two; he must, therefore, decide which of the two sons should be spared. He was ready to offer his life for one or both; but he was unable to decide which should live, and which should die. While in this painful dilemma, both the sons were remanded to execution. It is only once in an age that kindred perplexities and difficulties, perhaps we may call them impossibilities, arise.

It was a remark of Wirt, "Decision of character will often give to an inferior mind the command over the superior."

CHAPTER XXIX.

PERSEVERANCE.

REMARK OF MADAME NECKER-THIS QUALITY NECESSARY IN MINOR DUTIES-NECESSARY TO ENERGY AND GENERAL STRENGTH OF CHARACTER - PERSEVERANCE OF MARY LYON MADE HER A TEACHER AND FOUNDER OF MOUNT HOLYOKE SEMINARYTESTIMONY OF DR. HITCHCOCK STICKING TO A THING HAN

NAH MORE, AND HER LABORS IN A WICKED COMMUNITY - THE WIFE OF DR. JOHN KITTO-ALL NEED THE QUALITY — LINES OF A POET.

It was a remark of Madame Necker, that "Want of perseverance is the great fault of woman in everything, morals, attention to health, friendship, etc." This remark is probably just. Women do not necessarily engage in those pursuits which are best suited to develop this element of successful living. Here and there one only is placed in circumstances, and subjected to a discipline, that enable her to become eminent for this quality. Hence, it is not thought necessary that girls should be educated with reference to this trait. The other sex grapple with the main difficulties of life, and prosecute nearly all enterprises triumphantly to the