PREFACE. THE following little Work has been written under the impression that Biography might be made the source of information and amusement, and at the same time arouse those finer faculties of our nature, which, without the excitement produced by emula. tion, may remain dormant for ever. Circumstances apparently trivial often lead to the most important events in life; and in no respect can this observation be more justly applied than in reference to youth. The examples, the warnings, and the instructions, by which the mind is early trained in the paths of virtue and godliness, are treasures of infinitely greater value than all the good things of this life that wealth can purchase or generous friends bestow, with this view the following choice selection has been made, from the conviction that the noble examples it exhibits, are peculiarly calculated, under the blessing of God, to induce the reader to strive to imitate such excellencies. In the following narratives of feminine Biography the young reader will learn that no age or rank is exempt from the duties of active Christian benevolence, or shut out by circumstances from seeking the instruction and well-being of others. The Editor confidently offers them to the Christian parent as a series of examples of feminine graces and virtues, such as every pious mother would rejoice to see imitated by her own beloved children. The Sketches of MADAME LAVATER, MRS FLAXMAN, MRS HOWARD, and CATHERINE DE BORA, are from the pen of Mrs L. Maria Child. |