, Sunday was a happy day; for it was made a day of
religious instruction, without any unnatural constraint upon the
gayety of the young. The Bible was the text book; the places mentioned
in it were traced on maps; the manners and customs of different
nations were explained; curious phenomena in the natural history of
those countries were read; in a word, everything was done to cherish
a spirit of humble, yet earnest inquiry. In this excellent family Mrs.
---- remained till her marriage. In the course of fifteen years, she
lost her uncle, her aunt, and her husband. She was left destitute, but
supported herself comfortably by her own exertions, and retained the
respect and admiration of a large circle of friends. Thus she passed
her life in cheerfulness and honor during ten years; at the end of
that time, her humble residence took fire from an adjoining house in
the night time, and she escaped by jumping from the chamber window.
In consequence of the injury received by this fall, her right arm was
amputated, and her right leg became entirely useless. Her friends were
very kind and attentive; and for a short time she consented to live
on their bounty; but, aware that the claims on private charity are
very numerous, she, with the genuine independence of a strong mind,
resolved to avail herself of the public provision for the helpless
poor. The name of going to the alms-house had nothing terrifying or
disgraceful to _her_; for she had been taught that _conduct_ is the
real standard of respectability. She is there, with a heart full of
thankfulness to the Giver of all things; she is patient, pious, and
uniformly cheerful. She instructs the young, encourages the old,
and makes herself delightful to all, by her various knowledge and
entertaining conversation. Her character reflects dignity on her
situation; and those who visit the establishment, come away with
sentiments of respect and admiration for this voluntary resident of
the alms-house.

* * * * *

What a contrast is afforded by the character of the woman who occupies
the room next hers! She is so indolent and filthy, that she can with
difficulty be made to attend to her own personal comfort; and even the
most patient are worn out with her perpetual fretfulness. Her mind
is continually infested with envy, hatred, and discontent She thinks
Providence has dealt hardly with her; that all the world are proud
and ungrateful; and that every one