reedom I had been
encouraged to do to my own dear mother. I can never forget the struggle
I had on one occasion. A lady came to pass a day in the family. The
conversation happened to turn upon the importance and efficacy of
prayer. Here now, I thought, is an opportunity I may never have again to
express an opinion on a subject I had thought so much about; and
summoning to my aid all the resolution I could, I ventured to remark,
"the Bible says, 'the effectual and fervent prayer of the righteous
_prevaileth_ much.'" I saw a smile pass over the radiant and beautiful
countenance of my aunt, and I instantly conjectured that I had misquoted
the passage. For a long time, as I had opportunity, I turned over the
pages of my Bible, before I could detect my mistake. I cannot say how
long a period elapsed, after I left this pleasant family, before the
family-altar was erected, but I believe not a very long period. One
thing I am grateful to record, that when my aunt died at middle age,
all with her was "peace," "peace," "sweet peace." And my venerated uncle
recently fell asleep in Jesus, at the advanced age of more than
fourscore years, like a shock of corn fully ripe.

* * * * *

INTELLECTUAL POWER OF WOMAN.

BY REV. S. W. FISHER.

There has been a long-standing dispute respecting the intellectual
powers of the two sexes, and the consequent style of education suitable
to each. Happily, the truth on this subject may be fully spoken, without
obliging me to exalt the father at the expense of the mother, or ennoble
man by denying the essential equality of woman. It is among the things
settled by experience, that, equal or not equal in talents, woman, the
moment she escapes from the despotism of brute force, and is suffered to
unfold and exercise her powers in her own legitimate sphere, shares with
man the sceptre of influence; and without presuming to wrest from him a
visible authority, by the mere force of her gentle nature silently
directs that authority, and so rules the world. She may not debate in
the senate or preside at the bar--she may not read philosophy in the
university or preach in the sanctuary--she may not direct the national
councils or lead armies to battle; but there is a style of influence
resulting from her peculiar nature which constitutes her power and gives
it greatness. As the sexes were designed to fill different positions in
the economy of life, it would not be in harmon