her great age could enter into the feelings and enjoyments of a girl of sixteen; for I could open my whole heart to this beloved friend, in a manner that I could not with my young companions. Never, I think, was an instructress more beloved and esteemed than she was by her numerous pupils. One thing which we were all convinced of was, that no self-denial, no exertion on her part was too great, for our improvement. From seven in the morning until eight at night she never quitted us. It seemed quite her element, all the day long to be imparting knowledge; and in the evening, instead of appearing fatigued, what a pleasure did she take in amusing us with her delightfully instructive games! When we were quite little ones, too, playing perhaps at ball or hide-andseek on the lawn, how kindly would she smile on us as she passed, and look so pleased that we were happy!

I have heard it said, "Her school arrangements partook too much of by-gone education plans." I believe I may say, that out of no school was there ever sent forth a greater number of solidly educated christian women. This is her " crown of rejoicing," ,"that many received the good seed into their hearts while under her care, which has since sprung up and brought forth fruit. Many of these we know personally; and doubtless many more will be

made known, when "the secrets of all hearts shall be revealed." Hers was a deep and fervent piety, hidden in her heart: so noiseless, that we only knew it was there, by its lovely influence on all around. * * Believe me, dearest Eva,

Yours most affectionately,

PC M

The grateful and affectionate letters my mother was continually receiving from her young friends, of which the following extract is a specimen, were so many sweet and refreshing cordials to her.

MY VERY DEAR MRS. GARDINER,

WHAT cause have I to be grateful, on re

viewing my past, though very short, life, when I discover so many instances in which an overruling Providence has evidently been exercised-especially in causing me to be placed under the tuition of one, who not only instructed me in what it was necessary for me to be acquainted with in this life, but taught me also, both by theory and practice, the beauty of religion, and the necessity of it to produce real lasting happiness; and this at an age when my mind required peculiar care, when my opinions were form

ing, when my passions wanted regulating, and my habits renewing. *

Sincerely wishing you and yours every blessing, both temporal and spiritual, I remain, my dearest Mrs. Gardiner, your most warmly attached and greatly indebted

ELIZABETH R.

On the eve of the nuptials of any of her pupils, they seldom failed to address her as one who would most sincerely rejoice in the prospect, and would fervently pray that the important step they were about to take might be a lasting benefit to them. The subjoined extract from a letter she received in reply to one from herself, may suffice to prove how mindful she was of them at this period.

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* I prize your most affectionate letter beyond any thing words can express: it is my greatest treasure, next to my Bible. With what pleasure did I read it, thinking by whom it was written ! My beloved husband was much delighted with it! but when shall I be such a character? All things are possible with Him who created me; and the

desires which the Almighty has put into my heart to attain to such perfection, are a pledge, I trust, that he will crown my efforts with his blessing. * * It is impossible to tell you by how many mercies I am surrounded, and what abundant cause I have to praise the Lord for all his benefits! Oh that I may prove to him my gratitude, by devoting my life to his glory! That every blessing may rest on you and yours, is the fervent prayer of your most grateful and affectionate

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MARY W

From the deepest conviction of the value and importance of Religion, my dear mother desired, above all things, to make it the basis of her instruction. She had found it, by happy experience, "the pearl of great price;" and she considered it to be the safeguard and ornament of youth, its sure guide to usefulness and peace here, and to eternal rest and happiness hereafter. Hence she sought to imbue the minds of her pupils with the precious truths of Christ's holy Gospel, and to urge upon them the immense advantage of seeking God in early life. That blessed Book, which

was her own chosen guide and counsellor, she ever recommended to the diligent perusal of her young friends; whatever advice she gave them was founded upon it; and she most anxiously endeavoured to guard them against any publications that were likely to counteract its influence upon their minds.

The bread thus "cast upon the waters was "found after many days." She sowed in hope, and she "reaped in joy." Several of the young people whom she had educated, declared subsequently, to her or to myself, that their first religious impressions were derived from her early instruction. Gratifying instances of this will be found in the extracts which I here insert from some of their letters.

B

September 30. 1835.

MY DEAR MRS. Gardiner,

THOUGH your kind letter has remained so long unanswered, I have not been forgetful of the affectionate solicitude you express for myself and my parents. It is delightful to think how very many of those young persons, whom you were educating at the same time with myself, have been

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