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ing the development of human character, with all its diversified phases incident from adventitious circumstances. And if, in pursuance of this design, she recurs frequently to what may be termed, philosophically, the ruling emotion of human nature, let her own eloquent words aid our defence: "For a woman whose influence and whose sphere must be in the affections, what subject can be more fitting than one which it is her peculiar province to refine, spiritualize and exalt? I have always sought to paint it self-denying, devoted, and making an almost religion of its truth; and, I must add, such as I would wish to draw her, woman, actuated by an attachment as intense as it is true, as pure as it is deep, is not only more admirable as a heroine, but also in actual life, than one whose idea of love is that of light amusement or vain mortification."*[1]
It is indeed well, that the highest and purest forms which love ever assumes should be often pourtrayed; since upon the characters of those in whose hearts it sets up its throne it is necessarily so influential. "Even into philosophy is carried the deeper truth of the heart. If there be one emotion that stirs all that is truly generous and unselfish within us, that awakens all the knowledge of our nature, and that makes us believe in that heaven of which it bears the likeness, it is love—love, spiritual, de voted and eternal; love, that softens the shadows of the valley of death, to welcome us after to its own and immortal home."† [2]
Truly does right affection awaken the deepest susceptibilities, and the noblest efforts of which our nature is capable. The feelings and conduct to
