nd most fully the joys of one another, so do
they those sorrows, with which no "stranger intermeddleth." They, who
have shared one mind and one heart, from their early days, can
comprehend those sufferings which not even the parent, from her elder
age, entirely participates. In sickness they may be true angels of mercy
to each other. And in those trials, to which their condition through
life subjects them, no sympathy is dearer than a sister's.

How unnatural is a deficiency in these holy dispositions. Can it be that
the one is ever an object of envy, or jealousy, or ever regarded with
distrust, coldness, or still more with hostility, by the other? Let them
beware of the first approach of a contentious spirit. Their manners,--as
indeed those of all in a family circle,--should never be rude, or
careless, but ordered with watchfulness, delicacy, and propriety. The
manner between sisters may be such as of itself to enshrine and secure
their mutual kindness. It may too, by negligence, become a provoker of
dissension and enmity. The fairest of maidens, is not she whose cheek
mantles in beauty; but she whose gentle, Christian, courteous, carriage
with brother and sister, radiates a perpetual moral beauty.

The eldest of a band of sisters is by nature appointed to teach,
intellectually and spiritually, those of her circle younger than
herself. How can she so well fulfil all righteousness in the domestic
sphere, as by cheerfully sharing with her mother this office? Her age
and experience qualify her to instruct the mind and train the
affections, and tempt forth the virtues, of pliant childhood. Neither
sister nor brother can estimate, in this life, all they owe to such a
teacher. Eternity will reveal the extent, and complete the reward, of
these sacred services.

The young woman may be useful, still farther, to all the Inmates of her
father's dwelling. Not one of the number can witness her daily
deportment, without receiving from it some impression of her character.
And now what shall this be? Do all testify that she lives unto others,
that the noble spirit of the gospel is inhaled, as the life-breath of
her moral being? She has constant opportunities to deny herself for the
sake of some member of the household. Does she seek, or does she shun,
such opportunities?

It is not the parent alone, who has demands on her kind consideration.
Nor yet is this duty restricted by the fraternal bond. Her remote
relations should be sedu