"America is another name for
opportunities. Our whole history appears like a last effort of divine
Providence in behalf of the human race." Never before were there such
grand openings, such chances, such opportunities. Especially is this
true for girls and young women. A new era is dawning for them.
Hundreds of occupations and professions, which were closed to them only
a few years ago, are now inviting them to enter.

We can not all of us perhaps make great discoveries like Newton,
Faraday, Edison, and Thompson, or paint immortal pictures like an
Angelo or a Raphael. But we can all of us make our lives sublime, by
_seizing common occasions and making them great_. What chance had the
young girl, Grace Darling, to distinguish herself, living on those
barren lighthouse rocks alone with her aged parents? But while her
brothers and sisters, who moved to the cities to win wealth and fame,
are not known to the world, she became more famous than a princess.
This poor girl did not need to go to London to see the nobility; they
came to the lighthouse to see her. Right at home she had won fame
which the regal heirs might envy, and a name which will never perish
from the earth. She did not wander away into dreamy distance for fame
and fortune, but did her best where duty had placed her.

If you want to get rich, study yourself and your own wants. You will
find that millions have the same wants. The safest business is always
connected with man's prime necessities. He must have clothing and
dwelling; he must eat. He wants comforts, facilities of all kinds for
pleasure, education, and culture. Any man who can supply a great want
of humanity, improve any methods which men use, supply any demand of
comfort, or contribute in any way to their well-being, can make a
fortune.

"The golden opportunity
Is never offered twice; seize then the hour
When Fortune smiles and Duty points the way."

Why thus longing, thus forever sighing,
For the far-off, unattained and dim,
While the beautiful, all around thee lying
Offers up its low, perpetual hymn?
HARRIET WINSLOW.

CHAPTER VI

POSSIBILITIES IN SPARE MOMENTS

Dost thou love life? Then do not squander time, for that is the stuff
life is made of.--FRANKLIN.

Eternity itself cannot restore the loss struck from the minute.--ANCIENT
POET.

_Periunt et imputantur_,--the hours perish and are laid to our
charge.--INSCRIPTION ON A DIAL AT OXFOR