with whom his peace is now inseparably connected, it will be of double necessity, of tenfold importance.

If a man may be thus liable to deceive himself, when about to make a choice so important, if he trust to his own eyes, may we not make use of the eyes of a friend, and follow his disinterested judgment and recommendation. This would be hazardous. One ought to be very reluctant at staking one's earthly happiness on the opinion, even if it were carefully made up, of any other person; supposing the receiving this opinion, included in it an obligation to abide by it, and take the fair maid, (if so it happened,) unsight, unseen, for better and for worse; without any hope of alteration, except that uncertain one, if "death do us part." Let me have one glimpse of her first, would be a wish quite natural, as well as energetic. That one glimpse, however, might set aside all the friend's reasonings, and put an absolute veto on the negociation.

The Chinese has his wife sent to him locked up in a box. When the key is given him, he takes a peep; if he don't like her, he locks her up again, and sends her back. But such a glance can give him little insight into her character. He may send back the best natured, loving partner a man could wish for, only because she is a little too brown, or does not wink sufficiently, or has not pinched up her foot to the true standard of genteel contraction.

There is one mode, however, in which another person's judgment may be taken without hazard, and, of course, without any peculiar agitation. I may amuse myself by the several particulars of an ideal female character, and consider them at my leisure, as they are graphically described by some writer, because

the lady is not for me, but for some one in whose welfare I have little concern. Well then-there is a description of female character well adapted for the purpose, found in an old book, which is still in reputation with many; but as some may not have seen it, or, at least, may not have considered it, I beg leave to present it to those whom it may concern. The original account was written by Moses, and is recorded in the xxivth chapter of the book of Genesis.

Whether Eliezer had been instructed by his master expressly on this subject, or whether the description of character he gives is the result of what he himself had observed, is not specified; neither is it of any consequence in the case. We have his opinion at least, and, perhaps, that of his experienced master Abraham also.

We know, indeed, in general, that piety was the main object with the good Patriarch, verse 3, "Thou shalt not take a wife unto my Son of the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I dwell. But thou shalt go to my kindred, and take a wife unto my son." It seems as if already idolatry, and its legitimate offspring, vice, had spread much among the natives of that land, the posterity of wicked Canaan, so much, indeed, that Abraham was afraid, lest he should be murdered by the princes of the country, in order to gain possession of his fair consort, if Sarah was known to be his wife. He called her, therefore, by another name, equally true, my sister. He saw enough to make him say, in coming to Gerar, surely the fear of God is not in this place. Well might a pious careful father dread the consequences to his posterity, especially as regarded the promise of the Messiah, if they should intermarry with women so ignorant of the true God, so pro

fane, idolatrous, ill-educated, and unprincipled. This was found, when, long after, Esau took to wife the daughters of the country. Perhaps your young readers may be disgusted already; having never thought religion of importance to themselves, they have not put it into the catalogue of blandishments, to bedeck their favourite mistress. Yet to common sense it must appear, that no superstructure is likely to be permanent unless the foundation be solid and well laid. And fruit may as rationally be expected from a tree which has no root, as virtues, worthy the name, or enduring in trial, where heartfelt piety is not the prime qualification; and especially if, as often, there is not that semblance of it, which is implied in a decent profession. Let personal piety be the first qualification on your list. This is most likely to be found in some family accustomed to worship the true God-accustomed to such modes of worship as a pious man will wish should characterize his family, and all their intercourse with each other, and with the world.

This grand fundamental qualification being settled, let us survey her personal virtues, that we may know what, at least in his view, were conducive to domestic happiness. We find his description in verse 14, "And let it come to pass, that the damsel to whom I shall say, let down thy pitcher, I pray thee, that I may drink; and she shall say, drink, and I will give thy camels drink also; let the same be she that thou hast appointed."

I do not find that personal beauty was any part of his stipulation, although that was certainly in high request. All his qualifications were of the mind, the disposition, and habits. It is true he was not choosing for himself.

And one might surmise, if the first damsel had been ordinary in features and complexion, whether he would have made any further trial on his master's account. While the young men who read them think he would not, and the young ladies think he ought, we may pass on to observe, that where the mind is set upon the more important object, divine providence often throws into the scale these lesser advantages. Rebekah was fair to look upon. It was thus with Solomon when young; he desired wisdom, passing by riches, honour, and long life. He who approved his choice, gave him the wisdom he requested, and added riches, honour, and length of days, to testify his approbation. Our Lord has embodied this principle in that general precept, "Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all other things shall be added to you."

The sacred penman has recorded her chastity, a matter always of high importance. This may warrant us to say, that any direct breach of purity is an undoubted obstacle to matrimonial happiness, for wherever even lightness of carriage, not to say wantonness of dress, gait, and manner is found, it gives reason to suspect that if personal chastity has been preserved, yet it is not so much the result of virtuous principle, as of accidental circumstancesthe restraints of which matrimony will destroy. A young man had need consider, whether there will not be a worm at the root of conjugal felicity, by a union with a character so slightly poised. And these young lasses had need consider too, how easily a reputation may be marred without actual vice, by incautious conduct. She who can say to such advice, I don't care what they think; must e'en take it for

her proper reward, if they think of her contemptuously, although peradventure it may be falsely.

His next concern seems to be for one of a domestic disposition. He therefore does not attempt to enter the town, but stands without, watching for those who come to draw water. He might have made his enquiries more privately, have asked the gossips, (if there were any at that time of day,) who was fair, or who was rich, what persons were accounted princes in rank, or which of them had daughters most admired and sought after. He determines, however, upon another course, because actuated by other principles; principles which are worthy of consideration, even in modern times. Although this piece of domestic economy, actually sending our daughters to draw water, longer exists among us, as our habits of life are different; yet, if the enquiries of our Colebs's were more concerning domestic knowledge and habits, fewer disappointments would blast our fireside comforts.

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That a young lady can dress herself with taste may be seen at a glance; but this is a very questionable advantage. That she can dress a dinner will become of more importance, even if she should be of that rank in life which may fairly devolve such services upon others. The principle, "let the maid do it," has ruined many a man. Yet it was the only one the fine lady could adopt, for she was unable to do it herself. These domestic occupations are so naturally the domain of the sex, that a slight attention is sufficient to prepare any of them to occupy it with propriety; and where no attention has been given, the utter ignorance which ensues will be discovered, and will be disgraceful. A man may keep many servants, but if

the mistress is not qualified to take the place of any one of them, she will not know whether her work is properly done. This will soon be discovered by them, and their duties will be slighted accordingly.

We may fairly reckon industry as one of her virtues; and this is well. For a woman, a wife, a mistress of a family, a mother, has much to do, and she must do it herself. The proverb is true, which says, a woman's work is never done. A man "goeth forth to his labour until evening," and then returns home to solace and enjoy himself. This is but the signal for additional labours to his wife. She has already swept the hearth, and roused the "wee bit ingle to blink bonnily." And now she must prepare for "the rites of the last meal." He may play with the children, but she must see them safe and warmly laid ;" and then the unwearying needle must be plyed to prepare their garments for the coming day.

If this is judged to be a picture of a lower walk in life than is found among your readers, yet change a few terms, and the facts remain the same. Woman is the most indefatigable animal I know. He is well off who can attach her incessant operations to his own comfort; and he is happy, who, conscious of all she suffers, and all she does, feels his own delight in alleviating her burdens, soothing by a kind word, or an approving smile, sorrows, pains, and fatigues, which cannot with all his care be avoided.

Now, if a woman is indolent, and will not bestir herself, a man must live a miserable life; whether he endures the privations of comfort, or urges her to fulfil these hated duties. If a wife is too lady-like to bear such fatigue, there will be a large defalcation in the pleasures of home. He will

become miserable, notwithstanding her pretty face; or he will seek his gratifications abroad. Then, good-bye to domestic happiness for either party, for they are now no longer one, although they may actually dwell in the same house, but two, distinct and separate, in their views, wishes, interests, and enjoyments.

Good nature and affability are clearly specified; the whole description of the scene shows it. Woman should always be lovely, and loveliness of mind is most important. Graciousness of manner wins much more than elegance of shape and air. There are women who forget this prime law of their nature: they do, indefatigably do, all their duties; but in a manner so pert, hostile, and unaccommodating, that the gratification is lost, which their neatness, punctuality, and despatch, would otherwise raise to high enjoyment, and unalloyed esteem. O, there is a sweetness, a softness, in a woman's movements, tone of voice, and little indescribable touches of kindly feeling, which go to a man's heart at once; supposing he has a heart capable of proper emotions.

When Rebekah said, "drink, my Lord," I doubt not there was a benevolent look, a gentle voice, and a graceful movement to let down her pitcher from her shoulder upon her hand, which powerfully interested Eliezer, and made him wish earnestly, that this might prove to be the damsel appointed for his young master. As this gracefulness was without any knowledge of what was passing in his mind, it came upon him with more power, else it might have been affectation and coquetry; now it was native simplicity, and goodness of heart, relieving the wants of a stranger. The water was some of the sweetest he ever drank. It is strange to see,

that with all this power to charm, how ungracefully, that is, without kindness of manner, some women manage their usual intercourse; content to be disliked, when they might be so easily beloved. Then they wonder they are not in favour, though they do so much.

Shall we call that humility, which prompted her to say, "I will give your camels drink also," or was it only the perfection of the former principle of kindness. Eliezer put this into his description pointedly, and no doubt it had specific meaning. He might perhaps suppose, that any man, accoutred as he was, in some style of splendour, and accompanied by servants and camels, would receive polite attention from any damsel, when he asked her courtesy for a drop of water. It might argue great pride or uncommon moroseness, to refuse it when so requested. To grant it would not, therefore, sufficiently prove the actual state of her better feeling. But if she would wait on the camels, he might account her humble; if she offered to do this of her own accord, she was certainly amiable and kind. Politeness is only a representative of goodness, as a bank note is of sterling gold. Notes pass in society equally well with cash, while all is smooth; so does politeness : but if there be a run upon the firm, their real worthlessness is discovered presently. Many a young man has been deceived by politeness, and he has supposed his fair one kind, disinterested, or actively benevolent, when the things done could not well have been denied. The occasion demanded their performance, and they were forthcoming accordingly. Goodness of heart appears in lesser things, perhaps, but in such as are not demanded. The occasions and opportunities for performing them are seized on as a prize by the

compassionate, the bountiful, the good. The difference is great to the discerning eye. A lover's mental vision is often not sufficiently clear to mark the difference; his friend, or especially his aunt, or his sister, see it plainly enough. Seven years ago, I was by the Lea side, at Hornsea, recovering from a rheumatic fever, which left me very feeble and infirm. I had been to the shop to buy a pennyworth of wafers, which I had in a box. By a stumble the box fell out of my hand, and the wafers were scattered all over the street. I stood motionless, in a sort of despair; knowing that to stoop would be to me a painful operation, and to pick them all up was among the impossibles. My distress was seen by a couple of genteel lasses, who darted across the way, picked them all up, put them in the box, and gave them into my hand in less time than I have been telling this. They did not stay to be thanked. They might perhaps know me, but I did not know them. I have not forgotten the circumstance; I felt this act of simple-hearted kindness deeply: and, had Eliezer encountered me just then, I should have entreated him to leave his camels, and go after these lovely damsels. could not do better for his young master than secure such a partner for him.

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Here let me say, that kindness shows itself principally in little things, which is an important circumstance, for life is usually made up of small occurrences. Such events as dazzle and astound, do not often arise. There is little need of heroism in domestic concerns, but good nature is always in request; and should any occasion for heroic suffering, daring, or constancy occur, a man might depend on it, that she whose heart

was ever on the watch to perform little kindnesses, would rise to the occasion, should it even prove gigantic, while giants in feeling or power are very apt to overlook these little but every-day opportunities of spreading happiness around them.

Surely Rebekah appears lovely, to any one who can discern character, through her whole conduct, as described from verse 17 to 20. Eliezer was struck with it, as well as with the conduct of providence, in bringing together so many circumstances to guide his conduct, in an affair so delicate, SO important.

However, times may have changed, and manners and customs changed with them, the sex remains the same, and the essential duties of a woman. Artificial modes of society can never set aside the natural duties, qualifications, and honour of either sex. The rules given by the same authority, nearly two thousand years afterwards, corroborate this statement. "I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, and give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully," 1 Tim. v.14. Again, Titus ii. 4, 5. "Teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands; that the word of God be not blasphemed." These rules are explicit, and are intended for our use in these later ages.

If, however, the gay, the thoughtless, the frivolous, are disgusted with such domestic qualifications in a wife, let them choose to their own minds. There are a few still left among the lasses, as if on purpose for them, gay, thoughtless, frivolous; let them marry, and be as happy as they can.

Eliezer