nections; with limited knowledge as to how
she could set those things before the world; treasured up her intention
for a while, and then imparted it to that mother who she felt assured
would support her in whatever design was high and holy. Her mother
exulted in her daughter's plan, and had faith in that daughter's power
to work it out: she believed in her noble child, and thanked the God of
Israel, who had put the thought into her mind. Mrs. Aguilar knew that
Grace had not made religion her study only for her own personal
observance and profit. She knew that she embraced its _principles_ in a
widely-extended and truly liberal sense; the good of her people was her
first, but not her sole, object. The Hebrew mother had frequently wept
tears of joy and gratitude when she observed how her beloved child
carried her practice of the holy and benevolent precepts of her faith
into every act of her daily life--doing all the good her limited means
permitted--finding time, in the midst of her cherished studies, and
still more cherished domestic duties, and most varied occupations, to
work for and instruct her poor neighbors; and, while steadily venerating
and adhering to her own faith, neither inquiring nor heeding the
religious opinions of the needy, whom she succored or consoled. Her
young life had flowed on in bestowing and receiving blessings, and now,
when her aspiring soul sought still higher objects, how could her
mother, knowing her so well, doubt that she would falter or fail in her
undertaking! Proofs have been for some time before the world that she
did neither.

She first translated a little work from the French, called "Israel
Defended;" she tried her pinions in "The Magic Wreath," and, feeling her
mental strength, soared upwards in the cause of her people; she wrote
"Home Influence," and "The Spirit of Judaism." But the triumphant spirit
was, ere long, clogged by the body's weakness. In the spring of 1838,
she was attacked by measles, and from that illness she never perfectly
recovered. Soon, she commenced the work that of itself is sufficient to
create and crown a reputation--"The Women of Israel." But while her
mental powers increased in strength and activity, she became subject to
repeated attacks of bodily prostration; and her once round and graceful
form was but a shadow. The physician recommended change of air and
scene: and sometimes she rallied, but there was no permanent
improvement. Music was still, as it h