'      "'::':/i/:"."......i'.": /:'.::L?'} -~
_.,:..
~ ~>~"~'-"'-'~'"~'""-~~~... — _..~,-~~~~~-.:!.\. ~
~. z.  ~.:. -;. -...\. \..,./.:~::i~..!....




THE POWE R
OF
CHRISTIAN BENEVOLENCE
ILLUSTRATED IN THE
LIFE AND LABOR'S
OF
MnARY LYON.
COMPILED BY
EDWARD  HITCHCOCK,  D.D.,LL.D.,
PRESIDENT OF AMHERST COLLEGE;
WVITH THE ASSISTANCE OF OTHERS.
TIRED EDITION.
N'ORTHAMPTON:
HOPKINS, BRIDGMAN, AND COMPANY,
PHILADELPHIA: THOMAS, COWPERTHWAIT, & CO.
1852.




E:ntered according to Act of Congress, in the year 18ol, by
HOPKINS, BRIDGMAN, AND COMPANY,
In the Clerk's Office of the District Court for the District of Massachusetts
STEREOTYPED AT THE
BOSTON STEREOTYPE FOUNDRY.




PREFACE.
THE following memoir ought earlier to have been
presented to the public. But it has not been in my
power.  It was not till several months after Miss
Lyon's decease that I reluctantly consented to take
charge of its compilation.  I say reluctantly, not
because I thought it an unimportant matter to bring
out the private history of such a woman, but because
my hands were already too full, and my health too
poor.  The result was, that before much progress
had been made in the work, I sailed for Europe;
not, however, until I had requested the trustees of
the seminary to put the work into other hands. But
on my return I found it still upon me, and I have
urged it forward as rapidly as the pressure of other
duties has permitted.
When I consented to undertake this work, at the
request of the trustees, I had the hope and the prospect of acting merely as the arranger of materials
prepared by others.  Four ladies were still living
who had been associated with Miss Lyon in all the




1V                  PREFACE.
important portions of her life —personal and confidential friends, indeed, who had an intimate knowledge of her character. They were Mrs. Z. P. G.
Banister, (formerly Miss Grant,) of Newburyport,
Miss Hannah  White, of Ashfield, Mrs. Eunice
Cowles, (formerly Miss Caldwell,) of Ipswich, and
Mrs. M. C. Eddy, of Fall River, (formerly Miss Whitman,) a teacher for many years in the Mount Holyoke
Female Seminary, and Miss Lyon's successor as
principal. These all consented to give an account of
those portions of Miss Lyon's life in which they had'been most intimately associated with her; except
that Mrs. Banister, on account of her state of health,
could not engage to furnish original matter for that
portion assigned to her. But Miss Whitman's health
so entirely failed her, that she wvas compelled to abandon her part of the work, which embraced the twelve
years of the new seminary before Miss Lyon's death.
The final result of this plan has been, that Part I.
of the memoir, which I denominate " The Preparatory Discipline," embracing the first thirty-seven
years of Miss Lyon's life, and extending to the time
when she left the school at Ipswich, in October, 1834,
has been prepared by the joint labors of Miss White
and  firs. Banister. Part II., embracing the next
three years, when the effort was made to found and
endow the new seminary, and which I denominate
6 The Great Struggle," has been prepared by Mrs.




PREFACEo                  V
Cowles.  Part IIl.,, entitled "The Victory gained
and secured," I have prepared myself, though assisted
by the materials accumulated by Miss Whitman
which she put into my hands. As compiler of the
work, I do, indeed, feel responsible for the whole;
and yet I have found it necessary to make but few
alterations in Parts I. and II., and those chiefly
omissions of epistolary correspondence, in order to
keep the work within reasonable limits.
I consider it peculiarly fortunate that I have been
able to bring forward this memoir as the work of
several authors rather than one. By such a method,
indeed, it is difficult to avoid some repetition; but it
has the advantage of presenting Miss Lyon's character as it appeared to several of those well acquainted with her, and the average of the whole will be
more apt to be right than if all the materials had
passed through only one crucible.
The materials for developing Miss Lyon's character have been found more abundant than we supposed accessible. Having been intimately acquainted
with her for thirty years, I had imagined that I was
well acquainted with her character; but the documents presented in the following pages have developed new traits, and given me a more exalted opinion
of her than I ever before entertained.  I shall be
surprised if the details that follow do not exert a
salutary influence upon the cause of education and
a.*




Vi                   PREFACE.
religion. And I feel that much responsibility rests
upon me in attempting to present the outlines of a
character so eminent for piety and usefulness.  I
regret that my part of the work has been necessarily
done in too much haste, and under the pressure of
too many cares. But personally I feel truly thankful
that I have been called to examine and scrutinize a
character so worthy of imitation. If I am not made
better by it, the fault is my own. Rarely, if ever, has
any other private uninspired history made me feel so
much the defects of my own motives and actions, or
made the retrospect of life appear so meagre and
unsatisfactory. May God's blessing accompany the
work, so that many others may feel the like influence, and see the power of Christian benevolence
illustrated in the life and labors of Mcary Lyon.
AMHERST COLLEGE, July 1, 1851.
LIST OF ENGRAVINGS.
PORT1TRAIT OF MISS LYON,.             FRONTISPIECE.
BIRTHPLACE OF 31ISS LYON,..PAGE 124
VIEW OF THE IIT. HOLYOKE SEMINARY,.,     c 2388
VIEW OF MIISS LYON'S MIONUIENT,..  " 429




CONTENTS.
PART I.
THE PREPARATORY  DISCIPLINE.
SECTION I.
PA GE
FROM MISS LYON'S BIRTH, IN 1797, TO 1821, WVHEN SHE WENT
TO BYFIELD,  o. o   o                            1
SECTION II.
AT ASHFIELD, BUTOLAND, AND DERRY; 1821 TO 1828,.         14
SECTION IlIl.
AT BUCKLAND AND IPSWICH; 1828 TO 1834, e                  66
PART Ii.
THE GREAT STRUGGLE.
SECTION I.
THE BUCELAND SCHOOLe,                                    1 o   126
SECTION II.
THE IPSWICH SCHOOL,.   o   o, o  o   132




PVii                   GCONTENTS.
SECTION IIIo
UNSUCCESSFUL ATTEMPT TO ENDOW TEE IPSWICH SCHOOL9      157
SECTION IV.
MISS LYON S PLANS MODIFIED AND MATURED,                185
SECTION V.
THE TRUE PRINCIPLES OF SUCCESS DISCOVERED AND APPLIED,   200
SECTION VI.
STRIKING ADAPTATION OF THE SCENES THROUGE WHICH MISS
LYON PASSED TO FIT HER FOR THE GREAT WORK BEFORE
HER,... o.           248
PART III.
THE VICTORY GAINED AND SECURED.
SECTION Io
THE FIRST YEAR OF THE NEW SEMINARY,.   o             286
SECTION II,
THE HISTORY OF THE SEMINARY AND OF MISS LYON FROM THE
ANNIVERSARY, IN 1838, TO HER DEATH, IN 1849; ALSO
NOTICES OF THE SEMINARY TO 1851,.           o   312
SECTION III
THE RETROSPECT, THE LAST VISIT, THE LAST INSTRIUCTION, AND
THE DEPARTURE,......'05
SECTION IV.
ESTIMATE OF MISS LYC'S CHARAGCTER AND LABORS,.      431




PART  I.
THE PREPARATORY DISCIPLINE.
SECTION  I.
PFroim  Miss Lyon's Birth, in 1797, to 1821, when she
went to Byeld.
imVxRY LYON was born in Buckland, Franklin county, Massachusetts, February 28, 1797.  Her ancestors were among
the first settlers of Ashfield, a town adjoining Buckland, in
the same county. As far back as they can be traced, they
lived, with one or two exceptions, to a very advanced age,
were remarkable for the discharge of filial duties, and were
of irreproachable character.  All were followers of Christ.
Deacon Isaac Shepard, her maternal grandfather, was an
eminently pious man.  His six children all, became Christians in early life, and were blessings to society around them.
Tis father and his son bore the name of Isaac, and each
held the office of deacon, thus making  three deacons
in succession of the same name in the family. A letter
from her maternal grandmotler is preserved among Miss
Lyon's papers, written with the tremulous hand of extreme
old age, in which she says it is more than seventy years
since she "'listed a soldier for Jesus."  She was the daughter
of Chilcab Smnith, a man of ardent piety, whose prayers
foLr his " posterity to thle latest gencration " are still rencnm
boered by those who hlea'rd them.




THE  IIREIAR A:TORY DISCPLINEi
There being no Baptist meeting in the vicinity, and Mr.
Smith having a preference for that denomination, he opened
his house for public worship, and was instrumental in organizing a small church from  the borders of three adjoining
townships, Conway, Asllfied, and  Buckland.  Of this
church Mr. Smith was the first leader and instructor.  Twvo
of his sons became preachers in the Baptist denomination.
One of them succeeded his father in the care of this little
church; a good man, who long and steadfastly resisted the
current of error and immorality which at times threatened
to overwhelm  that community. This church still exists, a
blessing to the neighborhol-od.
Aaron Lyon anld Jemirna Shepard, the parents of Mlary,
wvere both members of this church.  Their residence was in
B3uckland, within lhalf a mile of the Ashfield line, and abouit
one nmile and a half from the parents of each, and from thei
place of wolrhip.  They therefore continued to wors-hip
with their fathers. These ancd other circumstances led Mary
often to say, playfully, that she belonged to both towns.
HTer f     3ather was remlarlkable for the uniformity of his temnper. iHTe wtas never known to speak an angry word. Kind,;,'1 o5l'Vi;' n lls maiiners, hle was greatly beloved by his
aic(luanintance, and often was sent for to pray with the sick
and dying.  Her mother was a person of strong mind and
active piety. H-er praise is in the churches, and it is enough
to say of her here, that Mlary was emphatically in her
m1other's omwn image.  These palrents were united in honoritug the institution of the Sabbath, and in trailing their children to make plrcparation for entering on holy timee at an
early'our Saturday evening.
Under such influences,' the germ  of Mary's character
received tlhe culture that decided its future form and growth."'
It i, not known how mantLy  of her excellences or principles of
action are to be attributed to early and judicious parentcal trainins; for often 6' the descendin' stream  of influence owes its




THE MOUNTAIN HOME DESCRIBED.
salubrity to the salt some pious hand cast into it at a point
so high that it has ceased to be acknowledged or known."
Mary was the fifth of seven children, only one of whom,
the son, still lives.  Her parents, though in comfortable circumstances, were n/ot among the rich of this world.  With
industry and economy, they were enabled to meet all the
necessary wants of their rising family.  A small farm, that
yields a competence to such a family when tilled by a
judicious father, and its avails managed by a frugal mother,
will, when divided, give but a small portion to each of the
children.  On the death of their father, in 1802, at the age
of forty-five, they were left to depend mostly on their own
exertions.
But this loved and rock-bound farm was for a while kept
together by the superintendence and firugality of the mother;
the only son being then but thirteen years of age.
Let us learn their situation from Mary's own words in the
" Missionary Oflering," a small book written by her in 1843.
After spealing of a want of' correspondence  between
the dress and contributions of a widow and her daughter,
who were supported by the widow's needle, she says,  I
was strongly reminded by contrast of another widow, whom
I knew and loved forty years ago, and of her' mountain
home.' She was not rich in the treasures of earth.  Her
little farm was surely not more to her, in providing for her
seven, than was that skilful needle in providing for the one.
But want, at that' mountain home,' was made to walk so
fairly and so gracefully within that circle of limited means,
that there was always room enough and to spare for a more
restricted neighbor. I can now see that loved widow, just
as I did in the days of my childhood.  She is less than forty
years of age, and her complexion is as fair and her forehead as noble and as lofty as on her bridal day. Now she
is in that sweet garden which needs only to be seen to be
loved.  Now she is surveying the work of the hired man




4            THE PREPARATORY DISCIPLINE.
and her young son on that wild, romantic farm; made, one
would think, more to feast the soul than to feed the body.
But almost always she was to be found busy, both early and
late, amid her household cares, and in the culture of the olive
plants around her table. In that domain, nothing was left
to take its own way. Every thing was made to yield to her
faithful and diligent hand.  It was no mistake of that goodhearted neighbor, who came in one day, begging the privilege of setting a plant of rare virtue in a corner of her
garden, because, as he saui.l, there it could never die. The
roses, the pinks, and the peonies, those old-fashioned flowers,
which keep time with Old Hundred, could nowhere grow so
fresh and so sweet as in that little garden. Nowhere else
have I ever seen wild strawberries in such profusion and
richness as were gathered near by.  Never were rareripes
so large and so yellow, and never were peaches so delicious
and so fair, as grew on the trees of that favored farm. The
apples, too, contrived to ripen before all others, so as to meet
in sweet fellowship with peaches and plums, to entertain the
aunts and cousins.
" I can now see that'mountain home,' with its sweet rivulet, finding its way among rocks, and cliffs, and hillocks, and
deep, craggy dells. Then just beyond the precincts of the
family domain was the'top of the hill,' crowned by its
high, rolling rock, ever inviting the enterprise of each aspiring heart.  Every one was amply repaid who would
clirmb that steep hill, and ascend that high rock.  There
might be seen the far-off mountains, in all their grandeur,
and the deep valleys and widely-extended plains, and, more
than all, that village below, containing only a very few white
houses, but more than some young eyes had previously seen.
But, sweetest of all, the length of a mile or more, to the village church, was that wild, winding way, traversed each
Sabbath morning by that orderly group, while the family
pony gave the mother her horseback ride.  There, too, in




TItE DEATH OF IEi  rATHER. 
winter, was that sleigh, packed so snugly and gliding so
gently over that same winding way to that same small
church.
"At that I mountain home' every want was promptly and
abundantly met by the bounties of summer and the provident care for winter. The autumnal stores, so nicely sorted
and arranged, always travelled hand in hand through the
long winter, like the barrel of meal and cruse of oil. The
apples came out fresh in the spring, and the maple sugar,
that most important grocery of the neighborhood, was never
known to fail before the warm sun, on the sparkling snow,
gave delightful indication that sugar days were near. When
gathered around that simple table, no one desired a richer
supply than was furnished by the hand of that dear mother.
The simple school-day dress, too, so neat and so clean, and
amply sufficient in the view of those young minds, should not
be forgotten; while the rare gift of the Sunday suit, kept expressly for the occasion, formed an important era in the life of
the possessor, and was remembered with grateful smiles for
many days afterwards. The children of that household, thus
abundantly supplied, never thought of being dependent or
depressed. They felt that their father had laid up for them
a rich store in grateful hearts, and among the treasures
which will never decay; and that their mother, who was
considered in all that neighborhood a sort of presiding angel
of good works, was continually adding to those stores. I
can now remember just the appearance of that neighbor who
had a numerous household to clothe, as she said, one day,' How is it that the widow can do more for me than any
one else?'
"6 But I remember the sorrows, as well as the joys and the
labors, of that loved widow, that dearest friend of my
young heart. On the 21st of last December, about noon,
the days of forty long years were just numbered and finished
since death came to that' mountain homed' and took away




6            TI-IE PREPARATORY DISCIPLINE.
that affectionate husband, that kindest of fathers.  The
dying scene, inthat retired' north room,' I can never forget.
How mournful was the contrast between the clear midday
sun and those sorrowing hearts, those bursting sighs, and
those flowing tears! Those last faltering words,' My dear
children, - what shall I say to you, my children? - God
bless you, my children,' have not yet died away on my
ear. Then came the funeral, which gathered all the neighborhood around that mourning circle.  Gently was it whispered by one and another, IVWe have all lost a friend; the
peacemaker is gone.'  How deep were those weeds o'
mourning, shrouding that family! Even the plaintive tones
of the little one, but just able to lisp her father's name, were
oft and long repeated by kind-hearted neighbors.  Then
came that first cold winter of widowhood. How mournfully
did the cheerful fire blaze on the domestic hearth, as we
gathered around that bereaved family altar! What child of
that household could ever forget those extraordinary prayers
of the sorrowing mother for the salvation of her fatherless
children, as they were offered up, day by day, through all
the long, cold wintel? Before that mourning day came,
the eldest, while yet a child, professed to love the God of
her fathers. As the remaining six were gathered in, one by
one, and all before they had passed the years of their youth,
the mother failed not to refer to her own agonizing prayers,
during that first winter of her widowhood. But the mother
is gone, and most of the seven are gone.  Together they
are gathered  to their peaceful rest.  Only a remnant
is left to talk of that sweet I mountain home,' of that
bereaving December, and of those never-to-be-forgotten
prayers." S
* A Sketch of the "1 Mountain Home," fiom the pencil of Mliss
Hannah WVhite, will be found at the end of the first part of this
memoir. - E. H.




EARLY DEVELOPiMENTS OF 3MIND.
Previous to the time here described, little is known of
Mary. We learn from her friends and acquaintance that
she early exlhibited marks of a reflecting mind. They relate
little events of her childhood, which, though not unconmmon
at her age, show h-er inclination to philosophize on subjects
as they ptssed before her. For instance, when she was
quite a child, a cousin, who was visiting at her father's, recollects tlhat she left the task her mother had given her to
)erforma, and clirmbed up by a chair to the hour-glass.  Her
mother, conming in at the time, inquired what she was doing.
She replied, that she had been studying upon it, and believed she had thought of a way by which she could make
"more time.
From all the sources left us, it appears that from childhood to womanhood she was remarkable for a solidity of
mind and sobriety of deportment rarely found in the volatile
season of youth.  With teachableness, energy, frankness,
and warmth of heart, were combined elasticity of spirits and
an ardent desire to do something to augment the happiness
of' her friends. To this were added a keen perception of the
ludicrous, and a power of humorous description, which rendered her a very enlivening companion.
In early life, her opportunities for education were limited;
but being one of the youngest of a family which is known to
have excelled in intelligence and scholarship, she undoubtedly received much instruction at home.  Until she Nwas six
or seven years of age, there was a district school within a
mile of her mother's residence.  From the time that she was
old enough to walk that distance, she attended it regularly
when it was in operation. It was then removed two miles
from them, and she attended but occasionally.  Sometimes
she lived with her relatives in Ashfield, sometimes near a
selcoot in Buckland, assisting the families into which she was
received, as a remuneration for her board.
She was early noticed for her uncommon progress in




TIHE PEP'ARATORY DRSCIPLINTE
study. One of her teachers said, " I should like to see what
she woauld make if she could be sent to college."
She had some peculiarities as a scholar whlich should be
noticed.  She committed to memory with unustua  facilfty,
and recited with verbal accuracy; yet she did not fail to get
a clear understanding of the meaning of her lessons.  The
teacher is now living with whom  she studied Alexander'k,
Grammar; and he says that, in four days, she learned all that
scholars were accustomed to commit, and repeated it with correctness at one recitation.  Her progress in arithmetic was
equally mpid, and she understood clearly and at once the
reasons for every operation.  But instead of depending on
genius, as minds less gifted are prone to do, she believed that
her school lessons were to be mastered only by hard study,
and applied herself to them with great assiduity and perseverance. She could not express her thoughts in so few
words as many do, who have fewer thoughts to express; and
her enunciation was so rapid as sometimes to be painful to
the listener. She is remembered, even when quite young, to
have been particularly attentive to religious instruction. As
has been intimated, she was accustomed to worship with her
father in the old Baptist meeting-house in Ashfield.  There
were then no Sabbath schools; and when the weather would
permit, it was customary, during the interval of public wsorship, for the congregation to resort to the cool grove, or the
burying-place of the dead. As a necessary consequence,
especially where young people are thus. grouped together,
levity, and conversation unsuited to the Sabbath, would prevail.  Mary is remembered as withdrawing herself from
those circles, and expressing surprise to her associates that
any one could indulge in such things on God's holy day.
The old beech-tree is still reniembered, nwhich stood behind
a school-house in Ashfield, on whose crooked trunk, in a
season of religious interest, she used to sit during the school
intermissions, and tell those who gathered around her of the




EARLY ATTACIIMENTS.                  9
way of salvation, as she had been taught it by her parents,
though she had not then herself begun to tread in it.
tt is not known that she has left any record of her mental
conflict while under religious conviction. Some of her early
friends know that the first exercises of her mind, which she
was led afterwards to look upon as indicative of a saving
change, were in 1816, under the plain, simple explanations
of Bible truth from  Elder Enos Smith, the brother of her
grandmother, to whom reference has already been made.
The day which she afterwards regarded as probably the one
on which her heart was renewed by the Holy Spirit was the
Sabbath. The sermon to which she had been listening was
on the character of God; and as she walked through the
fields on her return home, reflecting on his glorious attributes,
her mind was filled with a sweet sense of his love, and her
affections seemed, for the first time, to flow out towards that
Being whom she had reverenced, and whose character she
had approved from her earliest recollection.  But, as will
hereafter be seen, her feelings were not then so marked
in their character as to lead her to speak of them to others,
or to give her much confidence that she was accepted
of God.
But-let us return to the inmates of " the mountain home."
The three sisters older than herself, at a suitable age, entered
into the married state.  One was settled in Ashfield, one in
Buckland, and the oldest resided, first at New Marlborough,
Massachusetts, then a few years in Ohio, and finally in
Chatauque county, New York.  In 1810, her mother married again, and removed to Ash-field, taking with her the two
younger sisters.  Mary, with her only brother, remained at
the homestead.  For a year previous to the marriage of this
brother, in 1812, being about fifteen years of age, she took
the charge of housekeeping, and rendered herself so useful,
that he paid her one dollar a week for her services, to aid
her in the prosecution of her studies. From this time until




10           THE PREPARATORY  DISCIPLINE.
1819, when he removed to the State of New York, her home
continued to be in his family.
The removal of her brother, to whom  she was tenderly
attached, was a great trial to her.  She felt that, for the
second time, she was made an orphan.  Not only must she
leave the spot that gave her birth, but she must also be separated from the family so dear to her heart.  Yet, while distressed at the separation, with characteristic composure she
handed these lines, from an old familiar song, to her
brother's wife:" Not one sigh shall tell my story,
Not one tear my cheek shall stain;
Silent grief shall be my glory,
Grief that stoops not to complain."
But those dear children, whose " little hands cling closest
to the heart," how did she grieve for them! Her friends
that remained with her well remember her grief as they
were borne away.  For months afterwards, whenever that
brother was spoken of in her presence, her tears would flow,
and her silent and subdued feelings did not hinder her friends
from seeing how deeply and tenderly she loved him.  Little
did she then imagine that, in process of time, those daughters
were to return, to receive instruction fromrher lips in a seminary founded by her instrumentality; and, being better fitted
to perform the duties of life, were to go forth, some to labor
as teachers in our own country, and one to teach the benighted heathen under the shadow of a Chinese pagoda.
We now return from this digression.
From  her brother's marriage until 1817, little is known
of her, except that she occasionally attended school, and
commenced her career as teacher near Shelburne Falls,
Massachusetts, receiving as compensation, at first, seventyfive cents per week with board.
It was in the autumn of 1817 that she first entered San



PREPARATION FOR TEACHING.              l 
ders6n Academy, at Ashfield, between four and five miles
from her birthplace. She was then emphatically nature's
child. Those who knew her only at Ipswich or South Hadley, can realize but little of the Mary Lyon of those days.
One remarked of her then, " She is all intellect; she does
not know that she has a body to care for."  But a warm and
true heart soon gained the love and confidence of her associates. Her whole appearance at that time was so unique,
her progress in study so unprecedented, her broad, intelligent
face so inviting, that no one who was a member of the
academy at that time will ever forget her; nor how the
scholars used to lay aside their books when she commenced
her recitation.  Here she found friends to encourage and
assist her in her search for knowledge. In the rough specimen, they could see a diamond of' uncommon brilliancy,
and knew that it needed only to be polished to shine with
peculiar lustre.
The slender means which she had collected by services to
her brother, by spinning, weaving, teaching, &c., were soon
expended. She was about to return to her old employments, when the trustees of the academy gave her the free
use of all its advantages. It is supposed that this was the
time when she resolved to prepare herself particularly for
teaching. She collected her bedding, table linen, &c., constituting the full amount of her household treasures, and
exchanged the whole at a boarding-house for a room and a
seat at the table. Nothing could exceed the eagerness with
which she engaged in the prosecution of her studies. It was
judged by the family where she boarded, that she slept, on
an average, not more than four hours in the twenty-four;
and all her waking moments, except the time occupied by
her hurried meals, were spent in study. The academy in
Ashfield, although it may, at times, have enjoyed more prosperity, yet never has had collected within its walls, at
any other time, minds more fitted to bless the world by




12          ITHE PREPARATORY DISCIPLIEo.
their influence.  But distinguished as some of' them have
been for talents and acquirements, no one was able to keep
up with Mary in her recitations; and one additional study
after another was given her by her teacher, partly as a clog,
to keep her within reciting distance of her classes.  But all
proved insufficient for the purpose.  The more her powers
were taxed, the more she seemed capable of performing.
At last her teacher gave her Adam's Latin Grammar, directing her to omit her extra lessons while committing it to
memory, only keeping up with her regular classes in their
studies. This, he supposed, would employ her for some time.
But within three days she had committed and recited all those
portions which students then commonly learned when first
going over the work.  Her teachers  preceded her to the
spirit world; but he was frequently heard to say, that he
never knew the Latin Grammar more accurately recited;
and there are many now living who heard the recitations,
and can bear the same testimony.
Hier services as a teacher soon began to be eagerly sought,
and wherever she could find an opportunity to improve herself and others, she would take a class of pupils.  When she
had thus obtained sufficient means to justify it, she would go
to some place and receive instruction on particular subjects,
in which she found herself deficient.  No one was more
ready to set about and accomplish an improvement in any
respect, owhen convinced it wcas necessary.
At one time, she might be found in a family school in
Buckland, teaching all the variety of studies necessary or
desirable for an intelligent group of sons and daughters. At
another time, she resided for a season in the family of Rev.
Edward Hitchcock, then pastor of a church in Conway, (now
Dr. Hitchcock, President of Amherst College,) learning from
him the principles of natural science, and from his wife the
X E. Hi. Burritt, author of the "GeoCgraphy of the Heavens."




PIRST EFFORTS AS A TEACtIER.,3
arts of drawing and painting. In that place also she taught
a select school with much ability and success. Then we
find her for one term in Amherst Academy, when, for the
first time, she encroached on the small patrimony left her
by her father.
At this period of her history, a love for spiritual things did
not prominently appear, and she studiously avoided any allusion to her own exercises of mind,
About two years after first entering the academy at Ashfield, being desirous of improving her handwriting, she
placed herself under the instruction of one whose name has
long been associated with education in that vicinity, and
who was known to excel in the art of penmanship.  From
him we have the following testimony as to her character and
appearance at that time:"' About the year 1819, I was engaged as usual in instructing a district winter school. After I had taught a few weeks,
as I went one morning into the school-room, I saw there a
stranger seated with my first class.  They immediately introduced her, stating that she wished to attend a while, and
devote her time especially to penmanship.  With that unassuming manner which ever characterized her, she took her
place among the common scholars, until, by their request,
she was furnished with a chair and a place at the table, there
being no desk in the house.  Here she patiently sat from
day to day, affording assistance in instructing the younger
classes as she found she was needed, until she had acquired
the elementary principles of the art. After beginning to
combine those principles, she handed me her book for a caption or subject. which I was accustomed to furnish for my
first class. I wrote hers in Latin.  She returned her book,
requesting that she might have it in English, remarking that
she feared those who might review her book would think
her to be wiser than she was.  I mention this circumstance
merely to show that it was a prominent trait in her character
2




14            TIHE PREPARATORY DISCIPLINE.
never to appear better than she was.  She was naturally unostentatious, willing to be taught, thankful for favors in any
form, especially those which related to the mind.
"6LWhile a member of my school, she always appeared
delighted with its religious exercises, both at commencement
and close, never seeming weary of any thing which related
to the welfare of the soul; and I doubt not she is still Mary
Lyon now that she is in heaven, bowing with the redeemed,
and engaged in the exalted worship of sainted spirits in the
world of glory."
S:ECTION II.
At Ashfield, Buckland, and Derry, 1821 to 1828.
WE have now traced Miss Lyon's course until 1821, when,
with the avails of her labor and the remnant of her patrimony, she went to attend the Rev. Joseph Emerson's school,
in Byfield, Massachusetts.
Extracts from a letter written since the death of Miss Lyon
by the friend- who influenced her to avail herself of Mr.
Emerson's instructions will show some of her traits of
character at this period.
" Your request to furnish some particulars of dear Mary,
at that time, is one with which I would gladly comply; but
the scenes through which I have since passed are so many
and so varied, that much which might be of interest has
escaped my memory.  My first acquaintance with her was
at the time when she became a pupil in the academy at
Ashfield.  On returning from  a religious lecture, we fell in
company with each other, and we needed no formal intro*- That friend was Amanda White, afterwards wife of Rev. Mr.
Ferry, missionary at Mackinaw, on Lake Superior.




MISS LYON AT BYFIELD.               15
duction.  Her frank, open countenance invited confidence,
and a mutual interest was at once awakened.  Our walk was
a long one, and we conversed freely on various subjects.
Learning that I was expecting to enter the school also, she
expressed a wish that we might occupy the same desk.
With this I readily complied; and I pursued the same
branches of study that she did, so far as I could keep up
with her. She was ever ready to lay aside her books, and
lend a helping hand to those of weaker intellect. Though
nearly thirty years have elapsed since then, I seem even
now to see her cheerful, laughing face turned upon me, as I
presented some Gordian knot in my studies for her to unravel. You know we occupied the same room at Byfield,
and you are also aware that at that time she had many undesirable habits of person and manners. I felt, from my first
acquaintance with her, that she was made for some important station; and that, unless various little things were corrected, they would greatly detract from  her usefulness.
Though conscious of' my inferiority, I ever felt it my duty,
while with her, to be faithful in helping her to see, fJel, and
correct these defects. But, O, my very heart aches now, as
I review these tasks of friendship. Not that I have any reason to suppose she was unwilling to be improved.  Far otherwise. Almost invariably, when I commenced speaking to
her, she would come directly to me, and place a hand upon
each shoulder, while her bright, beaming eyes and sunny
face spoke the gratitude of her heart.'0,' she would exclaiml,'Ias there ever a poor, erring mortal that had such
hind friends!'
" I made it a point to attend to the nameless little duties
necessary to our comfort in the room, leaving to her share
such as she could not well overlook or omit. You know she
then needed constant watchfulness as to her personal appearance, the care of her clothing, &c. Indeed, she did not
devote sufficient thought and attention to the subject to know




16           Ti'HE PREPARATORY DISCIPLINE.
when she was suitably dressed to appear in company.  Of
course, she never went out without my inspection, to see that
all was right; as she was very liable to leave off some article, or put one on the wrong side out.  She was also one of
the unfortunate ones whose wearing apparel seems doomed
to receive the contents of every overturned inkstand or lamp;
but she met every such accident with the same good humor
and pleasantry that she manifested on every occasion.."
At Byfield, her intellectual capacity was appreciated by
the discerning.  In speaking of her, years afterwards, Mr.
Emerson remarked to Miss Grant, that he had instructed
several ladies, whose minds were better disciplined than Miss
Lyon's; but in mental power, he considered her superior to
any other pupil he had ever had in his seminary.  That she
there exercised great application is shown by one of the letters of her room-mate, written at that period, wherein she
says, " Mary sends love to all; but time with her is too
precious to spend it in writing letters.  She is gaining knowledge by handfuls."
From this friend we have also some account of the improvement in her religious character while at Byfield.
" Within two or three days after our term  commenced,
Mr. Emerson, having prepared the way by appropriate remarks, requested such of his pupils as were professors of
religion, or hoped they had been renewed by divine grace,
to remain in the seminary hall during the time of recess, thtal
he might see them a few minutes by thenmselves.  He then
endeavored to show them their responsibility as the representatives of Christ in that school; the impor-tance of their
growing in grace while there; and the propriety of their
exerting an influence in favor of the Redeemer and lhis cause
upon their fellow-pupils.  He then appointed a wveekly
prayer meeting, which he requested they would all uniformly
attend.  This caused Mary much agitation of mind; for she
felt that here was a dividing line. She must now class




IELIGIOUS IMIPROVEMENT AT BYFIELD.          it
herself with the children of God, or with those who knew hirm
not. She said that she had too long denied Christ before
men, while ler conscience testified that the friends of God
were her chosen companions.  After much deliberation, she
concluded to attend the meeting.  She never regretted her
decision, although, for some weeks after, she was so entirely
absorbed in her studies as to neglect many Christian duties.
To my reproof she would say, that her object was a laudable
one; her means were so limited, and her time so precious,
that it could not be wrong for her to employ her energies in
gaining knowledge.  You know there was unusual interest
in religious subjects during that summer, and Mary's mind
became deeply exercised.  She said she had neglected duty,
yielded to temptation, and that her unbounded thirst for
knowledge had so absorbed every feeling, that there was no
room left for a Savior's love. 66 O, my leanness, my leanness! " was her bitter cry.  In the course of a few days, she
became more calm. As there was no family worship under
the roof where we boarded, she proposed that we should invite one of the young ladies of the family, who was serious,
to unite with us in our evening devotions.  From this time
Mary was faithful in conversing with her and her sisters;
and she seemed, in her daily pursuits, to do all heartily as
unto the Lord.
"; I sincerely thank you for the particulars of dear Mary's
sickness and death.  Her being taken away in the midst of
her extensive usefulness reminds me of a remark she made
when Mr. Evarts was called homrne:' Perhaps such mighty
ones are removed, that such weak, insignificant instruments
as we are may have the privilege of doing more to promote
the cause of Christ.''
The following letters to her mother and sisters should here
find a place: -
23a




'6~8        TIHE PREPARATORY DISCIPLINE.
TO HER MOTHER.
"'B3YrIELD, May 13, 1821.
6'....e.9    I feel that this summer is, or ought to be,
peculiarly profitable to me. Much depends on it. Such a
spirit of piety is mingled with all Mr. Emerson's instructions,
that the one thing needful is daily impressed on our minds.
From our scientific pursuits he is ever ready to draw practical and religious instruction. O my mother, I know you
would be delighted to witness our devotional exercises, both
morning and evening; to hear him read and explain the
Scriptures, to hear such pious counsel from his lips, and to
unite with him in his fervent prayers at the throne of grace
in behalf of his scholars.  He renders every recitation attractive. Never have I attended one, from which I might
not gain valuable information, either scientific, moral, or
religious.  We have Sabbath lessons to recite Monday
morning.
"' ou ask if I am contented, and if I am satisfied with my
school. I am perfectly so. I can complain of nothing but
myself."
TO THE SAME.
"July 21, 1821.'" Each passing day carries my heart home to you, my dear
parent, and all my other friends, till I can no longer refrain
from writing. Did you know how much my heart dwells
on her who loves me with a mother's love, some of you, ere
this, would have filled a sheet for my perusal. I long to see
you; but I will suppress my tender emotions, while I have
recourse to my slow, feeble pen, as a poor substitute for the
rapid conversation at the meeting hour of a mother and
daughter -conversation which stops not for thoughts.  Re.
cently I have thought more of you than ever, and there has
been a reason. Dear mother, could you, in imagination, have




LETTER TO HER M3OTHER.               19
visited Byfield this week, and have had presented to your
view a true picture of the passing scene, methinks your heart
would have risen in gratitude to Him who is able to soften
the hardest heart, and arouse the most stupid mind.  We
have a female prayer meeting on Saturday evenings, termed
Ithe seminary concert,' for those members of the school
who dare hope that they have an interest at the throne of
grace; and these constitute about half our number. This
has been regularly attended ever since the establishment of
the seminary.  Four or five weeks ago, it began to be an
inquiry with many, what they should do for the salvation of
their own souls and the souls of others. Even eight or nine
weeks since, as I was conversing with Miss D., (a young lady
whom I mentioned to you as designed for a mission to Jerusalem,) she expressed great anxiety for those who had no
hope; observing that she thought Christians had much to do,
and that their situation here as school associates gave them
a peculiar advantage. Her observations made some impression on my mind, but on my heart I fear such impressions
are mostly' like the morning cloud and early dew.' With
many other excellences, I believe she is eminently pious;
and I hope she will be an instrument of much good in her
anticipated situation. An increasing anxiety for a revival in
the seminary began to prevail.  I believe that in this respect
Mr. Emerson has been highly blessed in his school. I cannot but think it has been owing, in a great measure, to his
excellent instruction, together with the influence of his pupils, a great number of whom are pious. All, at this time,
appeared to believe that it would be their fault if' this stupidity and carelessness continued through the summer. Mr.
Emerson's assistant expressed her feelings, at one of our
meetings, in the most interesting and affecting manner. She
feared that the Savior was here wounded in the house of
his friends; that Christians in this school were grieving the
Holy Spirit; that the state of their hearts presented obstacles




20            THIE PREPARATORY DISCIPLINE.
to his special presence and work. The solemnity, affection,
and tender solicitude with which she uttered these remarks,
appeared to make a deep impression on every mind.  Since
that, a visible change has been in progress in the school.
This week, especially, a deep solemnity has been depicted
on every countenance. Sometimes, during devotional exercises, or while listening to Mr. E.'s instructions and solemn warnings, scarcely a heart has been able to refrain from
sighs, or an eye from tears. Four express a faint hope that
they have passed from death unto life; but they hope with
trembling.  They feel that there is great danger of being
deceived; that they shall believe stupidity to be trust in
God, and thus sink down in security, and finally plunge
themselves in everlasting ruin. Such fears seem to me not
unfavorable. Well may they fear, and well may we tremble
for them, and for all those who are passing this critical period, this all-important moment of their lives. Should any
cherish a false hope, should any lay their foundation in the
sand, almost as easily might the dead be raised, as such be
rescued from eternal destruction.  May this not be the case
with me?
"This attention is entirely confined to the seminary.
Imagine to yourself a little circle of about forty females,
almost excluded from the rest of the human family, all appearing solemn as eternity.
"Monday Eve. - We had a solemn time yesterday.  Mr.
E. is very solicitous for our spiritual, as well as temporal,
welfare.  This morning he made some remarks on the importance and manner of studying the Scriptures, and the
importance of prayer.  He daily gives us much good instruction.  Friday morning was a solemn time.  Mr. E.
remarked upon the great importance of improving the present period to secure our salvation, observing that a little
cloud had arisen, which was gently distilling a few drops on
this favored spot, Though it was equally easy with God,




REVIVAL IN THE BYFIELD SCHOOL.           21
yet it was not probable, when most of us should disperse
and mingle with our friends and companions, that the cloud
would follow us; but most likely that those who had not
made their peace with God would gradually lose their impressions, and when they should return, the shower would be
past. This school term closes to-morrow, and the vacation
is two weeks.  After earnestly and solemnly inviting, entreating, and warning us not to let the present moment pass,
lie closed by saying,' What you do, do quickly.' There
is great reason to fear that this cloud will pass by. It reminds me of the favorable appearance at Buckland last fall;
but, alas! that passed away as the morning cloud and early
dew. Will that be the case here?  I cannot bear the
thought. As we are about to separate, the members of
the seminary concert met at our chamber after school for
prayer.  We had an impressive season.  O my mother,
will you not remember this meeting Saturday evening?"
" BYFIELD, July 30, 1821.
"6 DEAR SISTER ROSINA:
6"6.....,,I have been over to the seminary, and
spent a part of the day in writing alone, for the purpose both
of amusing myself during this lonesome vacation, and of
improving my handwriting. As I mentioned amusement for
vacation, perhaps you think I have nothing to do. Far otherwise. The vacation is almost half gone, and I have but
just begun the business I designed to complete.  Still I cannot say that I am not lonesome. You cannot imagine the
contrast between this week and last.  What think you my
emotions were, when I saw my companions dispersing in all
directions to embrace their parents, brothers, and sisters?
"0 that I could fly over the hills and pay you a visit.
Friends know best the strength of their love when they are
separated. If possible, I think more of you now than ever.




''22)         THE PREPARATORY DISCIPLINE.
But should I fill a whole sheet in describing my desire to see
you, and the delight which would be derived from an interview with you, it would be saying just nothing at all; therefore I shall leave all to be supplied by your imagination.'"A lady from Maine has just arrived to attend the seminary. Perhaps you will be surprised when I tell you that
she is a minister's widow. I should judge she was more
than thirty years of age.  This would be remarked as uncommon in any school but Mr. Emerson's.  Though no
married ladies were here last term, yet there had been
such in seasons past.
"You ask what proficiency I mnake in my studies.  You
]know I always found difficulties, doubts, and inconsistencies
in grammar; and the most I have done in that branch is to
multiply these difficulties on every hand.  But I must not be
discouraged at this. Mr. E. remarked to us that nothing yet
has been brought to perfection; and, as there are difficulties
in every pursuit, if a person sees none, it argues his almost
entire ignorance.  Dr. Emmons observed once to Mr. E.
that he often found it much harder to make a pupil discover
a difficulty, than to remove it when discovered."
TO HER YOUNGEST SISTER.
" BYFIELD, Aaugust 11, 1821.
"-..I...  I possess many facilities for improvement,
but they only increase my obligation.  I believe I have never
before realized the solemnity of living, so much as I do this
summer. I often think that, if possible, it is more solemn
to live than to die.  What important consequences may depoend on a single word, or on the most trifling deeds!  With
how much care and deliberation should we regulate all our
conduct, and even our every thought!  This requires the
most vigorous exertion of all our faculties; nay, more, we




PUBLIC PROFESSION OF RELIGION.              23
need constant instruction from heaven, and the daily guidance
of the Holy Spirit."
After Miss Lyon's return from  Byfield, in the winter and
spring of 1822, she was engaged to assist in the academy
at Ashfield, then under the care of Mr. Abijah Cross, now
settled  in the  ministry in West Haverhill, Massachusetts.
I'There had also been a season of deep religious interest in
that school; and coming into it so directly lfron Byfield,
wlibie her feelings had undergone a change,  her religious
character still gradually improved. She was not th1en inclined'to speak to others of the things concerningr their eterial
wvlfiire, nor did she acknowledge rnuch religious1 eljoyment.
lBut she always listened with the greatest def'erence and in.
ter'est to any religious instruction; and it is the testimony of
Mlr. Cross that her influence was decidedly for Christ and
hlis cause.
It should not be understood that she did not at this time
converse wvith her pupils on what would generally be termed
religious subjects.  Her regard for the Bible was so fervent,
nd  her reverence for it so profound, that she would  dwell
on its beauty and sublimity with deep interest.  She would
also talk with great delight of the principles of natural religion; and when instructing in natural philosophy, astronomy, &c., she never omitted an opportunity of impressing on
the minds of her pupils the )power, wisdorn, and goodness
of God, as displayed in his works.  But she was not thlen in
thle hlabit of bringing Bible truth to bear on the minds of her
pupOis, and of leading themn to feel personal responsibility in
the great work of renovating tlhe world.  Indeed, the desire
to labor for Christ had not then fullyg possessed her own
Ihearit.  Still, her consciousness of reliance on hinm for saliVa
tion, and of her obligation to honor him by obeyi:ng his la'st
command, led her openly to profess her faitl in him  by
urnitinr  heriself witll the Congregational church in Buckland
in the spring of 1822.




24i           THE PREPARATORY DISCIPLINE.
She continued to instruct in the Sanderson Academy after
Mr, Cross left it, and at one time was connected in teaching
with Mr. Amasa Converse, now Dr. Converse, editor of the
Philadelphia Christian Observer, which paper, after her
death, contained an article fiom his pen in testimony of her
talents and worth.
Moments often occur inr the lives of individuals which
give character to their whole future existence. There were
two of these seasons in Miss Lyon's life, in which we cannot
but admire and adore the wisdom of that Providence wllich
led her in a path that she had not known.  One was, when,
principaily for want of success, she seriously contemplated
never again engaging in teaching.  She has been heard to
remark that the reasons for and against it were so nearly
balanced, that the least circumstance on either side would
have turned the scale.  But she was guided by an unseen
hand, and was induced again to make the attempt. The
other was when she was invited by her brother, in 1822, to
go to Chatauque county, New York, as a teacher.  The
question then before her was one which tried her exceedingly, and was not only one of the most difficult, but it was
also one of the most important, of her life.  On the one
hand was her dear and only brother, who had come from a
great distance, with all the anxiety he would naturally feel
to secure her return with him; the consideration of his increasing family, in a comparatively destitute region, and her
own personal affection for them.  On the other hand were
the friends who had encouraged and assisted her to fit herself
for what they thought a more appropriate sphere than a new
country, and their increasing esteem for her services in that
sphere.  For a long time, she vacillated, and seemed to find
no'relief in her perplexity, save in her flowing tears.  But
God opened to her mind the way she should choose.
For the better understanding of some parts of this narrative, it may be proper here to state that her sister ri., thex




JISS LYON INVITED TO DERRY.              25
one next in age to herself, afterwards went to her brother's
in Stockton, New York, and occupied a situation there as a
teacher until her marriage in that place.
Go where she would, Miss Lyon never could have been
an ordinary woman. She would have made the world better
by having lived in it. Still, at that time she had many habits, both of person and mind, that, without the counteracting
influence which was afterwards exerted upon her, must have
been a great obstacle to her usefulness.  Her character was
then peculiar; it would have become distorted.  It was like
the unchiselled marble, which few can behold without perceiving that it is valuable; yet all desire that its worth and
beauty may be drawn forth by the artist's hand.
-lad she then gone to Western New York, she would, no
doubt, have been useful; but there is no probability that she
would ever have accomplished what she has for the world.
Soon after her decision not to go with her brother, she was
invited to assist Miss Z. P. Grants in the Adams Female
Academy, at Londonderry, (now Derry,) New Hampshire.
The acquaintance between these ladies commenced in 1821,
lMaiss Lyon being a member of Mr. Emerson's seminary
during the first term in which Miss Grant aided Mr. E. as
a teacher.
~The following letters will show the light in which the
question  of engaging in this academy was viewed  by
Miss L. -
TO MIlSS G.
".ASIFIE;LD, ]December 1, 1823.
"' I will not waste time in describing my feelings on receiving a letter from your own hand.  I had received some indirect infornmation respecting the academy at Londonderrxr
before.  From what I had learned of the general plan, I
concluded it might he an eminent means of doing good. A
- — vw:1rin. lBanilster, of ]Newbturyport.




26            THE PREPARATORY DISCIPLINE.
few days previous to the reception of your letter, a secret
desire entered my heart that you might be connected with
that institution. But I dismissed it as a romantic thought.
After breaking the seal of your letter, and eagerly running
over the contents, said 1,'Is this a dream, or a sober
reality?'
"i At least, my friend, I rejoice that taking the charge of
this school has been submitted to your consideration.  May
the Lord direct you in the path of duty.
" But I must say something upon the great question before
me; and, indeed, I know not what to say.  The academy
in which I am now engaged is an infant institution. The
founder, Rev. Alvan Sanderson, the former pastor of this
church, was governed by the purest motives; and I consider
it a privilege to aid in carrying out his benevolent designs.
Many of its present guardians are my friends, and from
them  I have frequently received favors.  This is the school
where I was principally educated, and to which I feel in no
small degree indebted.  This school has so far been a
silent, retired, and powerful means of doing good. The
number of pupils has usually been small; but I believe tle
ch11,!1cll will heireafter count sonme able supporters which she
vUolcld not have had if this school had never existed.  Soon
after I returned from Byfeld, I entered this school as an
assistant.  No other female teacher has ever been employed
by the trustees, and they earnestly desire to secure my
labors as great a proportion of the time as their funds will
permit. Besides, there have been circumstances which have
led me to think that my usefulness might be more extensive
here than in almost any other place of equal importance.
"Yet the inducements to accept your invitation are great.
It seems to be a field especially adapted to my capacity.
The systematic arrangement which you propose would be
highly gratifying to me, as it perfectly meets my views.
Finally, the pleasure of spending the time with you is truly




LETTERS TO MUISS GRANT.              27
inviting. If I am not deceived, I have taken some satisfaction in committing this subject to God. If that is not the
place for me, may He give you some other one, who will be
a useful assistant and a pleasant companion. I slept but
little for one or two nights after I first heard from you;
since that time, my mind has been remarkably calm.  May
the Lord direct our course. I cannot, I would not, choose
for myself."
TO MISS G.
"ASHFIEILD, December 30, 1823.
"' By the last mail I received your letter. I am glad you
hlave decided affirmatively respecting Derry.  The new
plan of that school will require some peculiar qualifications
in those who are to take charge of it. I believe those quali.
fications, at least, are possessed by yourself in such a degree
as will enable you, in the most important points, eminently
to excel.
" The more I think of your plan, the more I approve it. I
cannot but hope that that academy will yet be the means of
much good.  Should the plan succeed, the influence of
example would be something. Public opinion in favor of
systematic female education needs support.  Every proof
that system is practicable, would add its weight in the scale.
" Respecting myself, though the proposal did not strike my
mind unfavorably at first, yet the more I think of it, the
more I am inclined to decide affirmatively. The obstacles
have seemed gradually to diminish, and the favorable circumstances rather to brighten by examination. In relation
to my own personal situation, the prospect, since you first
wrote me, has appeared sufficiently pleasant; indeed, I
fear too pleasant. I tremble more than if the path appeared
more rugged. The desire you have expressed that I should
engage with you has been one means of inclining me to bee
lieve that my field of labor is with you. It did, however,
lead me to much self-scrutiny.  Expect not too much fri'o




28           THE PREPARATORY DISCIPLINE.
me, I beseech your. I fear you will be disappointed. I have
a strange, rebellious, wicked heart. When shall I be wholly
devoted to God?  I cannot trust myself.  I find my best
promises violated, my best resolutions broken.  The half
cannot be told."
At the close of another letter to the same friend, she
writes, --
"January 15, 1823.
"Pray for me, that I may habitually know and feel my dependence on God.  I-tow safe it is to trust in God! How
easily can he give counsel and assistance in all things, the
smallest as well as the greatest! And how ready and willing
is he always to assist!  It would seem  that I have too frequently tried my own strength, that I have experienced too
many instances of the particular guardian care and protection of God, to doubt in whom  I should place -my trust.
Alas! I have a treacherous heart.  But our God is faithful.
The unfaithfulness of his rebellious creatures cannot exceed
his mercy and long-suffering.  His mercy endures forever,
and his promises never fail."
As the result of this correspondence, Miss Grant paid a
visit to Miss Lyon at Ashlfield.  Miss L., having decided to
go with her to Derry, attended Professor Eaton's lectures on
chemistry and natural history at Amherst, Massachusetts,
that she might be prepared to illustrate by experiments the
science of chemistry.
As the plan adopted in the school at Derry was the commencement of that which was so successfully carried out at
Ipswich, and afterwards at South Hadley, a few extracts will
be made from her letters during the first summer she was at
Derry, which will not only introduce us to the operations
of that school, but will also exhibit her own  pelsonal
feelings.




LETTER TO HER MOTHER.               29
TO HER MOTHER.'; LONDONDEEIRY, June 5, 1824.
" I feel that I am almost worthy of blame that I have not
yet written home since my arrival here; but I content myself, knowing that my friends are too well acquainted with
my usual delays in writing to be very much disappointed.
"A letter arrived here before I did, stating the death of
brother Moore. I expected it might contain some important
intelligence, and almost feared to open it. It was pleasant
to be greeted by the handwriting of my sisters L. and F., but
mournful to be thus called to sympathize with dear sister E.
You know, my dear mother, by experience, what her afflictions are; and probably you never before have so desired to
see sister Moore as at the present time. But this cannot be,
and may you be resigned to the will of God... 
"' My health has been much better since I came here than it
was during the spring. My spirits, which commonly rise
and sink with my health, are consequently very good. I
hope I am thankful for health.  We have a very pleasant
school, over sixty in number. I find in Miss G. all I expected.
There are two assistants besides myself, Mrs. R. and Miss
C., and we all find enough to engage our whole time. I see
nothing now but that I may pass the summer pleasantly;
and I would hope that I may be in some measure useful
in this institution. So many young ladies are collected
together here from different places to gain knowledge and
form habits, which they are to carry with them to their
respective homes, that it is to us an interesting spot.  How
important that the minds and habits of these youth should be
rightly formed!
"We hope a few of our pupils love the Lord Jesus Christ in
sincerity.  What cause of rejoicing, should others be added
to the number! You will not cease to pray for us, my
mother, that we may be blessed, and that we may be made a
blessing in the world."
3;:,~




30           THE PREPARATORY DISCIPLINE.
TO MISS H. W.
"LONDONDERRY, July 2, 1824.
"...... The regulations of this school are such as
to enable us to have much system and order. This regular
system is calculated to give our pupils faithful, attentive
habits. They feel that their course is marked out, and
generally that whatever is assigned them must be accomplished. Composition, you know, is one of the most trying
exercises. But even in this we have not had an instance
yet in which any young lady has been in the least delinquent.
In some respects, perhaps, this school meets our wishes more
fully than any I have seen. I might mention particulars;
but the beginning of all little evils in a school is whispering.
Miss G. has adopted a plan to prevent this, which has been
very successful. After leading her pupils to feel the importance of being truthful, and stating facts as they are, she
requires each to bring in a weekly ticket with her name
attached, stating whether she has, or has not, made any communication in school during the week, either by whispering,
or by writing, or in any other way equally suited to divert
the attention. We have some young ladies who have not
made a communication of this kind since the commencement
of our school; and probably none who have not passed some
weeks without a failure on this point. Miss Grant, of course,
would not adopt this plan unless the scholars evinced a conscience both enlightened and lively as to the distinction
between truth and falsehood..
"The prospects of this school at present are very promising.
The trustees take a deep interest in its prosperity. They
place great confidence in the principal, and are ready to do
every thing she requests.  The location here not being
favorable for a winter school, our academy is open only
thirty weeks in a year; Miss G. devoting the winter, however,
as well as the summer, to the interests of the institution.




LETTER TO HER SISTER.               31
"I shall spend my vacation with Rev. Mr. C. He is at
length united to his beloved P. She appears to be just such
a wife as he needs; uniformly cheerful, polite, and attentive
to all. They passed one night with me on their marriage
tour; and when he led in prayer in the family, his voice and
manner were just as formerly. You can imagine how much
it recalled past scenes in Ashfield Academy."
TO HER SISTER F.
"LONDONDERRY, July 7, 1824,
Three weeks from to-day our vacation commences, and
then I shall probably think much of home. Although I am
pleasantly situated, and have no more cares and little daily
trials than I should expect, yet it would be pleasant to spend
an hour with one of my dear sisters, to whom -I could tell
all my heart. The fact that no two of our family, unless it
be our brother and our sister Rosina, are spending this summer together, awakens emotions peculiar and rather gloomy.
Ever since I heard of brother Moore's death, but more particularly for two days past, I have thought much of my
brother and sisters. I have seemed to review twenty years
in relation to ourselves. Change and revolution, uncertainty
and disappointment, decay and death, are stamped on every
object. I see this family, that about twenty years ago were
prattling children, united and happy in the arms of their
fond parents, now scattered over four different states of the
Union, and some of them seven hundred miles apart. I see
the eldest, in whom we all placed confidence as a counsellor
and friend, and to whom we are in some degree indebted,
separated from her friends, carried by Providence into the
lonely wilderness, there to pass her days almost alone and
unpitied, where no one of us can give her a cheerful smile
or a word of consolation. I well remember how much animnation and energy she possessed, when she used to spend
her days in teaching. But over her head age has crept




P3bI2 -THE PREPARATORY DISCIPLINE.
apace; ill health has worn down her spirits; and, to use her
own language,'sickness and trials have followed, till now
this terrible blow is struck.'  Where now are her bu'oyant
spirits?  Where her resolution?'I see another sister, too, passing through differert scenes,
and now called to consign her oldest child to the silent tomb.
o.... You wrote n soOmewhat of a gloony strain,
but I hope it was only momentary.  You will do well to endeavor to gain the confidence of your pupils, and to make
them see the reasons of your requirements. Do not say too
much to them at one time. I think it best to devote some
attention to their behavior, even if they do not study so much.
If your older pupils should be disposed to trouble you, perhaps it may be beneficial to converse with each one out of
school, and entirely alone.  By taking such a method occasionally, you may operate upon their feelings, and lead them
to a right determination when you otherwise could not. The
good influence of every well-behaved pupil in school is great.
Endeavor to lead them  always to speak the truth, and then
let them know that you depend on their word.  If they are
truthful, and have enlightened consciences, so that you can
depend on their stating facts as they are, I would recommend
to you a plan to prevent whispering..
" If you require it, you must see it faithfully performed;
otherwise it will have a very bad influence on your school.
If you'adopt this plan, you  would do well to begin at first
individually with a few of the oldest.
Let me hear not only from  yourself, but also from  my
other friends.  Separation does not lessen the interest I take
in their welfare.  When I think of the older members of our
family, I also involuntarily think of their children.  I have
the same kind of interest in their prosperilty that I have ever
hlad for that of their parents.' Sonmelinls I feel tlhat it xoulld
be a privilege to live, if I could only renider myself useful to
the children. of my brother and sislers,"




CETTER TO A ROODBI-,IATE AT SCHIOOL.        33
TO HER ROO1M —MATE WHEN AT SCHOOL.
"LoNDoNDERRY, September 26, 1824
i am now engaged in teaching in the' Adams Female
Academy,' Londonderry, N. EI. This school commenced
its operations in the spring. The plan may be called Emersoxnian, though considerably altered to meet our particular
purpose.  The care of the school is committed to Miss Grant.
You know she is well fitted to guide, and I think she has
improved very much since you knew her.  She spent about
six weeks here last winter, making arrangements with reference to the school. This was a very favorable circumstance.
In every 3art of the plan I can see her design; consequently
it is much more easily executed.  Although, as you know, I
have the highest opinion of the utility of Mr. Emerson's plan
for young ladies of adult age, yet I never considered it fitted
to carry a young lady through her whole course of school
education; I mean, as conducted when we were at Byfield.
It supposed too much previous improvement.  The course
was too rapid for ordinary minds, and also for such as were
young, or but little improved.  We have more classes, our
course is slower, and the increased number of teachers will
enable us to execute our plans thoroughly.  We have three
regular classes, denominated senior, middle, and junior.
Certain defined qualifications are necessary to enter each of
these classes.  Members of the senior and middle classes
can attend a course of drawing and painting if they choose.
WXe have also as many preparatory classes as circumstances
require.  The young ladies are examined, and are placed
where it is thought they will improve the most.  They are
classed, not at all according to the number of books they
have studied, but according to the real knowledge they are
found to possess.  We have but very few under fifteen years
of age who can enter the regular classes.  We have this
summer about sixty pupils, and we have sufficient employrt-ent. You know that Mr. E. attended to many little things




M111          TEE BEPRAi2tTOWY DSC'IPTL1NEO
in his school, which were not common in schools genearally.
Some, however, he was able only toa r-omrnmend, and leave
for the young ladies to accomrplish, or not, as they thought
proper.  The design of Miss G. is to have every thing that
is proposed for immediate attention pursued un'til it rs accorplished; and the teachers see that it is done.  This requires
care and exertion. It is not a small task to instruct oer
young ladies in writfig.  Pen-making and the rmanner of
holding the pen, I think, require one half the exertion in this
department.  Each is required to write with her own pen,
and no one is allowed to request a pen to be made for her
by any other young lady without permission. This we find
not difficult.  Though I should not enter into a particular
detail, yet I believe you will think I have something to do.
My friends, however, receive letters from  me ratheor more
frequently than when I was at Byfield; but I suppose they
will even now complain.
In several branches ace use a rmethod in soxme de(gree new,
commenced in Mr. Emerson's school two years since, aind
by him  termed the topic system.  Subjects are selected
from the lesson, which are first to be simply defined; and
then more or less, or all, that the book contains, is to be
learned and recited.
"' Before coming to this place, Miss G. had tried the experiment, term after term, in her own private school, of having
young ladies give daily attention to lessons from the Bible.
She has great confidence in the study of this book for intelIectual discipline, as well as for the guidance and control of
the heart. Before she engaged to take charge of tlhis academy, she gained the consent of the executive committee, that,
in accordance with a deeply-cherished purpose, she should
feel at liberty to employ one seventh part of' the intellectual
energies of her pupils upon what is contained in this storehouse of knowledge.  While examining the classes at the
commencement of the school, all were occupied in the daily




PLAN OF THE SCHOOL AT tDERII.           3
study and recitation of Scripture history.  Every week of
the term, each pupil is expected to apply her mind closely,
two hours or more, to the Scripture lesson given out early in
the week, and recited the next Monday morning. This study
has excited more deep and universal interest than any other.
Some now feel the force of the truths they are learning; and
many, I trust, will eventually be made wise unto salvation.
"In gaining a knowledge of the Scriptures, a variety of
methods is useful. While I was pursuing the study on the
topic system, I thought it might be profitable to older members of Sabbath schools, and I will annex a few of the topics
from Genesis. Creation; the Sabbath; garden of Eden;
tree of knowledge of good and evil; tree of life; the serpent; disobedience of our first parents; expulsion of our
first parents from the garden of Eden; Adam; Eve; sacrifices; Cain; Abel; Enoch; wickedness of man; the flood;
Noah's ark; the rainbow; Noah; Babel."
Self-knowledge was one of the distinguishing traits in Miss
Lyon's earlier character.  She knew where her superior
strength lay, and she as well knew her own peculiar weaknesses. What she could do well in school she was ready to
attempt, and what she could not do well she preferred not to
do at all; unless it was something that must be done, and
could be done by no one else. For several of the first years
of her teaching young ladies, she would avoid mingling with
them at recess, and when they were coming in and going
out of school; for she said she could not do this, and command their respect sufficiently to maintain her influence over
them. At the same time, she knew that she could excite
the interest and command the attention of a class, and that
on some subjects she could interest a large school. It was
not uncommon for her to say, " That is one of the things
which I cannot do; but I can do this very well, or so well
that no one will suffer loss; and I want this for my part




936           THE PREPARATORY DISCIPLINE.
to-day."  But rather than the school, or an individual, should
suffer loss, especially in respect to moral habits, she would,
with great self-command, put forth her best efforts, even
when she thought it probable that she should, by the effort,
lose a part of the confidence and respect which she had previously possessed. The estimation in which she might be
held, important as it was in one view, was, in her judgment,
a minor circumstance, compared with the good of those
under her care.
The defects in her manners and style of conversation were
felt in a considerable degree by herself, as well as by her
friends.
For several years after entering upon her duties as teacher
in the Adams Female Academy, she took great pains to correct her undesirable habits.  Some of them  she entirely
overcame; others were modified; and of others, all that could
be perceived, as the fruit of her endeavors, was that they did
not essentially increase.  She looked upon these defects, in
things external, as totally different in character from such as
have their seat in the understanding or in the heart.  She
felt that they were obstacles in the way of her usefiulness;
that they might, with comparative ease, have been corrected
in her childhood or youth, but that after middle life, when
her whole soul was absorbed with the wants of a race of
immortal beings, she could not overcome many of these
little things, without giving to the work so much thought
and effort as essentially to diminish her capacity to labor for
the good of others.  Her uncommon success in correcting
her early defective habits was truly praiseworthy, and eminently encouraging to others.  Persons who knew her not
in early life can form but little conception of her power of
self-control, or her inherent strength. To give an idea of
this, some particulars will be mentioned.
In the early part of her literary career, her habits, in every
respect, were desultory. She would study, eat, and sleep.,




IMPROVEMENt  IN HABITS.               31
just when she could find the time, and would even sit up all
night to study. But as soon as she was convinced that it was
best, if notj or her, yet for her influence, she entered into a
methodical arrangement, and no one around her would be
more systematic in her division of time.  At the appointed
hour she would retire, whatever might be left undone.
She always said, that her first attempts at teaching were
unsuccessful, and that she essentially failed in government.
How far she was unsuccessful in the view of others, we are
not able to say; but it would appear that she exhibited no
peculiar aptness for the employment, as she said that it was
frequently remarked to her, " You will never equal your sister
E. as a teacher."  How much self-control she must have
exercised to overcome these difficulties, let those judge who
were associated with her the last few years of her life.
Which of her pupils or fiiends of later years would suspect, that naturally she was easily discouraged, and that
fiom childhood to womanhood, if any of her plans failed, she
would be so disheartened as not to know which way to turn
for a substitute? Yet that this was the case, her early friends
will bear witness.
Who that, in later life, saw her countenance, every day,
serene as the summer's setting sun, would ever suspect that
she formerly could not rise above disappointment, but would
yield to great depression, and even depend on indulging in
long seasons of weeping? A friend, in whose father's family
she was then an inmate, well recollects that after she had
been for a long time a teacher, she one evening inquired
how long it would be before tea.  On being informed, she
expressed disappointment that it was to be so soon. She was
told it could be delayed, if it would be an accommodation to
her. With her accustomed cheerfulness she replied, " O, no;
I was only wishing to have a good crying spell, and you
could not give me time enough."  She afterwards became
convinced that such seasons of weeping were wrong; and a
4




TIlE PREPARATORY DISCIPLINE.
friend who occupied the same room with her for months together, and under the most trying circumstances, has known
that she did not yield at all to depression, or indulge herself
in the luxury of a single tear.
Though the same strong points in her character were obvious through life, she had not at this time that unity of object,
or firmness of purpose, which she afterwards possessed.
She had naturally strong preferences and aversions, which
would have been very detrimental to her usefulness as a
teacher. But her large benevolence enabled her in a great
measure to conquer this defect, and also to deny herself and
to make any sacrifice for the good of others. She was quick
to discover defects, but slow in devising remedies; she could
see that pupils were wrong, but could not easily discover
how they could be led to correct their errors. Indeed, she
was equally slow in -discerning what elements belong to a
character of symmetrical excellence. At this time it was
her great aim to make fine scholars.  Her later pupils may
be surprised to learn, that she would not have hesitated to
borrow from the needful repose of her scholars, if she could
but bring them up to her standard. She had acquired her
own education by learning one thing after another, as opportunity offered, without any previous plan or system; and it
is probable that she had not yet marked out in her own mind
any course desirable to be pursued in order to form even a
well-balanced intellectual character.
Some extracts from Miss Lyon's correspondence, scattered
through several years, will now be given, which show her
affection to her friends and relatives. They also show how
she walked with God from day to day. They are not inserted as specimens of literary taste, or of vigorous thought.
Her energy was expended on the minds around her, and in
schemes for future action.  When she unbent after the day's
labors, she often refreshed. herself by communion with absent friends, to whom she was accustomed, in personal




SCHOOL AT BUCKLANDe                 39
converse, to open her heart without reserve. The repeated
expression of the same desires, purposes, and emotions, as
they flowed from her heart, may be valued by those readers
who wish to learn the secret of her attaining views of divine
truth, which were transforming in their influence on her own
character, and on that of many of her pupils to whom these
views were communicated.
TO MISS G.
"BUcKtrCL&XD, December 13, 1824.
6"2..... e eI ought to be thankful that Providence has
so ordered it that I do not spend the winter at Derry; because I think the privilege of seeing my friends, and enjoying more society, is favorable to my health and spirits, and
conducive to mny usefulness.
" Rev. Mr. Clark, the pastor of this church, has proposed
my taking a school in this place, if pupils can be obtained,
and I have concluded to do so. As the school will be small,
I shall not have to make exertions that will injure my health,
and thus be detrimental to my usefulness next summer.  I
shall board with Mr. C., and feel at home in his family."
This sch'ool in Buckland was the origin of a succession of
winter schools in that place and in Ashfield.  Many teachers
of the common schools in that vicinity availed themselves
of these advantages.  They were the means of avakening a
lively interest in the cause of education, and some eflorts
were made to retain her permanently.  The influence of
her school attracted the attention and secured the cooperation of the clergymen throughout that region; arid the seed
there sown is now bearing fruit a hundred fold.
To give some account of this school, and to show to young
teachers her self-diffldence at this period of her life, the following letter, written to one of the teachers in the Adams
Female Academy, is copied: —




40            Tl1E PREPARATORY DISCIPLINEt
TO MISS Co
"]BueCOLD A -, February 21, 1825,' MY DEAR 5MIiss C.:'....       My  school here consists of twenty-five
young ladies.  After so large a number had been admitted,
[ had some anxiety respecting it.  I feared that I might attempt more uniformity about books, than, considering the
circumstances, would be expedient.  I expected, also, a cold
winter, and my design was to have the scholars study in
school.  And as I possess not much natural dignity, 1 could
foresee my scholars crowding around the fire, some whispering, some idle, &c.  I remembered that, several years
ago, I had a school of young ladies in this town, in wlich
there was more whispering than in all the schools in which I
have been engaged for the last three or four years.  T-he
fault then was mine, and I knew not but that the effects
Fmight be felt even now.
"I kept my school occupied on general subjects at first,
and now I have about as much uniformlity in books as we
had at L.  In teaching, I am constantly wishing for your or
Miss G.'s advice.  Indeed, I sometimes need your assistance
more than words can express.
" At the commencelment, I thought it best to assume as
much artificial dignity as possible; so, to begin, I borrowedl
Aliss Grant's plan to prevent whispering.  All, with one
exception, strictly complied; and that was one of the filrst
young ladies in age and improvement.  It appeared altogether probable that the termination of this afthiiir would be
a matter of considerable importance in relation to her, her
father's family, and perlhaps to the school generally.  But
after I had passed a few almost sleepless nights about it, a
kind  Providence directed the result in a manner which
seemed the best calculated to promote the interests of the
school; for at length she came cheerfully into the arrangernent.




TRIALS IN TIIE BUCKLAND SCHIOOL.           41
" A circumstance, in relation to the first set of compositions, was somrewhat trying.  One pupil refused entirely to
write; but I iwas assisted in leading Iher to comply with the
requirement.  Some other things T could mentioil.  Suffice
it to say, that I have had just enough of such things to give
rme continual anxiety; but God, in his providence, has been
very kind to me. Many events have terminated as I desired,
wvhen it seemed not at all in my power to control them.
Perhaps I have generally been able to accomplish about
what I have undertaken.  ly school, in many respects, is
very pleasant.  I have but two or three pupils under sixtee:
years of age.  With the exception of two or three, they a
very studious.  On the whole, I think it the best school
ever had; the best, because the most profitable to its mery
bers; I do not mean the best in which I have been engaged.
I have an opportunity this winter to see the value of what I
gained at Derry.
" I hope, my dear sister, you live near your Savior, while
I am far from him, and walk on in darkness.  I hope you
enjoy the light of his countenance, and rejoice in the God of
your salvation.  I do not think it favorable to piety to have
so much anxiety as I have had this winter; but I would not
attribute my coldness to any outward circumstances; I
would rather fear that I have never known the love of the
Lord Jesus Christ.*'
After the close of her school in Buckland, she went to
Troy, N. Y., and passed her vacation in the family of Professor Eaton, from which place she wrote to Miss Grant.'April 1, 1825.
"'I wrote to Professor E., stating my general success and
difficulties in experiments in chemistry, last summer.  Hfe
returned an answer, generously inviting me to his house, and
saying that I should do wveil to come to Troy, even if I could
4   A




w42           THE PREPARATORY DISCIPLINE.
stay only two or three weeks, as he could tell me ml
things during that time which would be useful to me. A,
first, I thought it would be altogether impracticable. I had
just closed my school, and wished to spend some time with
my friends; but I remembered well the difficulties attending
some of my experiments last summer, and thought it possible that further instruction might aid me sufficiently to compensate for the fatigue and the expense of the journey. I
thought my personal gratification seemed to require that I
should stay with my friends, but my duty to the school at
Derry might require that I should leave them, not to see
them again until next fall. At length, after suffering some
trials in my feelings on this subject, I decided in the affirmative; and accordingly I packed up all, as soon as possible,
and arrived here this morning.
" I shall attend what lectures are given to the Rensselaer
school, while I am here, - principally in chemistry and natural philosophy. I shall endeavor to review the most difficult and most important principles of chemistry, in order to
avail myself of the opportunity to gain the information which
I need. I do not intend to study hard."
TO HER MOTHER.
";LoNDONDERRY, September 7, 1825.
"Since I last wrote you, we have been afflicted by the sickness of Miss Grant.  She has had a regular course of bilious
fever. She is now gaining slowly; but I fear the effects on
her feeble constitution will remain a considerable time.
The suspension of her labors greatly multiplies our cares
and anxieties; but we have reason to be thankful that we
leave been able to consult her every day. I have been so
well that I could do more, with the same effort and the same
fatigue, since Miss G. has been sick, than at any other time.
"' Our school continues prosperous and pleasant. We had
one hundred scholars the first term; now we have ninety-two.




LETTER TO HER MOTHER.               43
"We need the influence of the Holy Spirit more than any
other blessing. Most of our scholars are probably without
hope and without God in the world. We have here the
children of many pious parents, whose prayers are daily
offered up for them and us; we also have the prayers of many
others. Several mothers, who have daughters here, devote
a little time every Wednesday morning, between eight and
nine o'clock, to supplicate the influence of the Spirit on this
institution.  Will not you, my mother, sometimes think of
us at that hour?  May we not hope for a blessing?"
TO THE SAME.
"September 25, 1825.
".....    e. I have thought much more of you than
usual, for a week or two past. Although my situation is
necessarily rather different from what it was in childhood,
yet you will not suppose that on this account I love my
friends less. I sincerely desire that I may ever be saved
from neglecting my early friends, especially my mother, to
whom I am more indebted than to all others, except ny
Maker. When I think of my mother, I think of one who
ardently and unceasingly desires my temporal and spiritual
welfare; one to whom I owe much that I can never repay;
one who never forgets me, and never forgets that I have an
immortal soul; one the benefit of whose prayers I have long
enjoyed, and whose desires, I trust, are now every day ascending to the throne of mercy in my behalf.
" I have thought considerably this day of the importance of
being prepared to do the will of my heavenly Parent. What
is more desirable than to have the privilege of doing those
things which are well pleasing to God; to have such a frame
of mind, that the habitual and uniform desire of the heart
shall be,' Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?' But I find
a strange propensity to desire ardently those things which
would seem to be a peculiar gratification to myself. I would




44            THE PREPARATORY DISCIPLINE.
desire to have such a frame of mind that I might be ev,
ready to say,'Not my will, but thine, be done.' I would
not desire any thing that would not be for the glory of God,
and in accordance with the will of my Savior.  Sometimes.1 almost feel that I am  not my own, but I find my heart
repeatedly desiring those things from which I had almost
supposed it was forever separated.
"' It seems as if you could not be so anxious to receive letters from me as I am  to hear from my friends.  Although
my situation is far from being unpleasant, yet there is a kind
of loneliness which is ever ready to oppress my spirits.
You will remember, however, that we have now our cold,
equinoctial storm.  When this is over, much of the present
gloom will be dispersed, and all our spirits will be more
cheerful."
TO MISS GRANT.
" BUCKLAND, December 26, 1825.
"My. school is larger than I expected, having about fifty
scholars.'" My heart is pained to see so much important unaccomplished labor accunmulating on my hands, and I have engaged
an assistant.
" At present, there is a little more than usual religious attention in this town. The friends of Zion. are hoping that the
Lord is about to visit us. This circumstance produces in my
mind some hopes and some fears.  It adds, if possible, to
my responsibility. The thought that some, who were beginning to think about their eternal interests, may here become
so much absorbed in their studies, so much interested in the
business of the school, as to exclude God from their hearts,
is truly painful. I hope I may not be the instrument of hard.
ening the hearts of those whom I tenderly love.  My pupils
appear very attentive to religious truth.  Some are thoughtful, though I have no evidence that any are particularly




LETTER TO MISS GRANT.               45
serious, except those who profess to love the Savior. Two
or three of the latter appear very well. That heart must be
insensible, which could not feel on observing the general
attention manifest when a sermon is reviewed, a Bible lesson
recited, or any religious subject brought forward. Perhaps
the Lord may visit us with his grace.  In him  is all
our hope.
" For a long time, I have at intervals been anxious about
my own state of mind. I have felt that, if I were ardently
attached to the Savior, my desires to honor himn would be
more uniform  and uninterrupted.  I have hoped that the
Lord would direct to means which would effectually move
my soul, so that I could no longer sleep when reflecting on
the cause of our dear Redeemer.  I have thought that possibly Providence had brought me to this place for good, that
this season might be profitable to my soul. But let me not
depend on any means; let me depend on nothing short of
God. I know, my dear friend, that you will pray for me.
Pray that I may be altogether devoted to the Savior, that I
may ever do his will, ever honor his name.
" Fourteen of my scholars board in the family with me.
Before I came here, and for the first week after, I had much
anxiety about the arrangements for these young ladies.  We
have finally become settled, so that every thing seems to go
on well. The members of the school in the family have a
table by themselves.  As I was well aware that it would
require more than an ordinary share of dignity to prevent
too much, if not improper, conversation at meals, I thought
it the safest to introduce some entertaining exercise.  This
requires an effort, on my part, which I had scarcely realized.
But I find it pleasant indeed. I frequently think,  I-How could
Mliss G. take care of so many last summer?' But I recollect hearing you say that your first schools were as much
your all, as your one hundred pupils at Derry.
I" My spirits hlave been unusual!y uniform for foiur iweeks.




46            THE PREPARATORY DISCIPLINE.
I do not recollect an hour of depression. I consider this a
blessing for which I ought to be thankful."
TO MRS. A. W. F.
"BUcKLAND, February 20, 1826.
"..  e... I can scarcely believe I have written you
so seldom since you have been away. The truth is, for two
years past, my time has been so constantly occupied that I
now understand what you mean, when you say that it is
almost necessary to blind the eyes and harden the feelings
against present and urgent calls, and calmly sit down to
write letters of friendship.  Besides, every thing which I
could write, you will receive from other sources.
" Your sister H. assists me, and we have a'pleasant school
of about fifty members. I enjoy so much that I sometimes
almost fear lest I may have all my good things in this life.
We have eleven in our school professedly pious, and some
of them appear very well. Some others are particularly
attentive to religious truth. There is more religious attention in this town at present than usual. I have had a faint
hope, through the winter, that this town and my school
might be visited by the special influence of the Holy Spirit."
The hopes expressed in the foregoing letters were realized, and several under her care there commenced a religious life.
TO HER MOTHER.
"LoNDONDERRY, May 20, 1826.
l.....  @ e    I hope my friends will remember that I
am interested in little things. It does my heart good to read
a page filled with home, friends, and acquaintance. Especially am I interested in all that I can learn about my dear
pupils, or, rather, those whom I called such last winter. My
attachment to that school and to that spot I cannot well
describe. I delight to dwell on some of the last weeks of




LETTER TO HER MOTHER.                47
that term. Those days must be numbered with the most
precious of my life; and sometimes I can scarcely believe
that all of those scenes were real.
"' I do not number it among the least of my blessings that
I am permitted to do something. Surely I ought to be thankful for an active life. I hope, however, not to be so attached
to activity, that, if health should be taken away, all my enjoyment would be gone. I would rather so enjoy present
favors, as coming from  the hand of God, that, should the
streams hereafter be cut off, the fountain might remain to
me a never-failing source of enjoyment.  I would desire
ever to acquiesce in all the dispensations of Providence. I
would fain have it my first desire to do those things which
are well pleasing in the sight of God; and I believe I may
safely leave all futurity in his hands.  For this, my dear
mother, I hope I have your daily prayers.
"V We have a pleasant school of ninety pupils, thirty-nine
of whom have been with us before the present year. They
are very attentive and studious. Only a small proportion profess religion, or hope they are Christians. Nearly eighty are
probably living without God in the world.  At this period,
vwhen so many spiritual blessings are bestowed on literary
institutions, may we not hope that ours will be among the
favored number?  Many Christians, parents and others,
have been interested for this institution.  We hope their
p1)ayers will be answered.
"C The young ladies are so very attentive to Bible lessons,
that I sometimes hope there are good things in store for us;
but my own heart is so cold I have reason to fear.  Surely
there is no hope but in the mercy of God. Do pray for us,
tnd especially that I may have a heart to seek the favor
of God.
"The intelligence which we receive of the work of grace
in Dartmouth College is refreshing.  I hope the students
from Ashfield share in the work."




48            THE PREPARATORY DISCIPLINE.
TO HER SISTER F.
"LONLDONz)omnRY, July 4, 1826.
" This day, you will recollect, completes half a century
since the Declaration of our Independence. H-ow interesting
must be the reflections of those few who can remember that
eventful day!  And to every one, the events in our history
must be an exciting theme.  Who, on the face of the earth,
fifty years ago, could have anticipated such results?  It is
true that Washington, and almost all Americans who lived
in the days of WVashington, hoped for independence.  But
did they look forward to this time, and anticipate such a nration as this?  Must not all believe that' promotion cometh
neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south;
but God is the judge; he putteth down one, and setteth up
another'? Must not all exclaim,' This is the finger of God'?'We wonder why we are made to differ from others.  Perhaps that same Being, that could with a glance look through
the course of the Israelitish nation, fiom the selling of Joseph to the coming of the Messiah, has designs of mercy
on all the nations of the earth, through the unparalleled
blessings which he has bestowed on this great people.  And
have not his dealings with our beloved country some connection with the causes which will bring forward that happy
day, to which  all who love the Lord Jesus Christ are looking
with earnest prayer?
c" Considerable attention has been devoted to the celebration
of the anniversary in this place; consequently we have not
been able to continue the usual exercises of the school. We
have had some anxiety for our young ladies, as the scenes
of the day would, of course, be rather exhilarating. Perhaps you will wonder why there should be this anxiety.  I
wvill tell you, my sister.  We believe the HI-oly Spirit is now
with us by his special operations.  It is now a very critical
period.  1 thlilnk the school is in such a state (as oun"; w;as I1:wt




LETTERS TO HER SISTER Ro              49
winter, about three weeks before its close. Seven or eight
give more or less evidence of a change of heart.  A few at
the present time are deeply affected. Several others are in
some degree solicitous, and perhaps nearly half the school
occasionally inquire with interest what these things mean.
This school is very different from  our school last winter.
We have about ninety pupils, of a great variety of character.
A large number, we have no doubt, are yet thoughtless.
Throughout the school, however, there is a propriety of conduct, and an interest in Scripture recitations; and when I
look on their state, it seems as if' the fields were white
already to the harvest.'"
TO HER SISTER F.
" LONDONDERRY, July 30, 1826.
i' I seem to hear you anxiously inquiring about our school.
The showers of divine grace continued to descend after I
wrote you, even to the close of the term. But to give you a
just account of the work would be difficult.  If you will look
back to our school last winter, you will have a more correct
view of our state than I can give you; as the scenes of a
few weeks past have brought that season vividly before my
mind.  The attention cannot be considered so general here
as it was in my. school near its close last winter. This
might naturally be expected in a school like this, where there
is such a variety of character in the young ladies.  Their
habits, education, views, feelings, and principles are so entirely different, that it is to be expected that there will be a
great number who will feel that it is all an idle tale; a great
number who will have it in their hearts to ridicule, could
they but find a favorable opportunity.  I have no doubt that
many left the school as thoughtless as when they entered.
This painful conviction forces itself on our hearts. But on
the other hand, we are encouraged.  We have decisive
5




60            TH.E PREPARATORY DISCIPLINE,
evidence that the Spirit of God has been present with us.
The hearts of several have apparently been humbled; hearts
which the power of man could never have softened. WVher
our term  closed, about twenty had expressed hope; a few
were anxious, while others were just beginning to ask their
own hearts whether these things concerned themselves. In
this state of things our pupils dispersed; and what will be the
result we know not.  Revivals in seminaries of learning
generally terminate with the commencement of vacation.
Yet there are some exceptions, and we do hope that our case
will be one of these exceptions. For this, I believe many of
our Christian friends are praying; and we hope their prayers
may be heard and answered.  Should the Spirit leave us
now, it would be mournful indeed.  Much the largest part
of our school are still without God.  At the commencement
of the term, eleven indulged a hope that they loved the
Savior, though they were not all professors; add to these
the new plants, some of which, we trust, will bear fruit, and
you will see how many are left in the gall of bitterness and
in the bonds of iniquity.
" 9Do write to me immediately, and tell me all I want to
know.  Give a great deal of love to our dear mother,
brothers, sisters, nephews, nieces, and all my friends."
Durinu the next term, the religious interest was deep and
extensive;  b.t there is no record of the rnumber who received
the truth in love.
TO HER SISTER F.
"LONDOJNDERtrEY October 25, 1826.
6" We have a pleasant school, this term, of about eighty
scholars.  You can understand the happy effects of a system
so long continued.  I can see that the same labor accornn
plishes more than when I first came here, At present, I am
dIeeply absorbed in gramimar and arithmetic.   We are con



MONITORIAL EXERCISES.                5 
ducting both the exercises on the monitorial plan.  Grammar
for this quarter has just commenced.  Between forty and fifty
now recite at the same time on this plan.  We shall occupy
about an hour in the recitation.  I shall devote my time as I
commonly do, when we have recitations in this way. We
have regular monitors appointed for grammar from the senior
class. These monitors study their lessons; and for the present, I shall devote about half an hour to them out of school.
We have been attending to Adams's Arithmetic on the monitorial plan for a long time, with usual, or rather increasing
success.  We shall very soon lay it aside for the season.
Between fifty and sixty hlave attended this exercise together,
comprising all the regular classes except the senior class;
and, indeed, most of this class have been engaged all the time
as monitors.  We have adopted the plan of having a regular
monitor for every section, consisting of fronm five to twelve,
according to the capacity of the monitors and of the students.
Last spring, the school all attended to Colburn's Arithmetic.
iAbout a week since, seventy commenced a review. To this
we devote an hour in school, our usual time for a recitation.
As they are nearly together at present, I spend about half
the time in asking questions to the whole, and then they are
arranged in small monitorial classes.  I pass from one class
to another, assisting the monitors or listening to the recitations, as the case may require. This exercise is very pleasant.  It is highly animating to observe seventy pupils, with
the attention of all fixed on the same point at the same moment.  I am fully persuaded that this is one of the, best
exercises to call and fix the attention of a great number.
Yon see, I tell what I am doing, and let the rest go. As
I have begun to be so egotistical, I will just say, that I
have had a most delightful time in teaching Whelpley's lHistory: we finished it a few weeks since. Part of the time,
three classes attended together, making between thirty and
forty. I had some anxiety about undertaking with so large




52           THE PREPARATORY DISCIPLINE.
a class; but the young ladies took up the study with so much
interest and resolution, that I found it more pleasant than a
smaller class, and perhaps equally profitable to them.
"The influence of the Holy Spirit on schools is indeed a
great blessing.  It should call forth the gratitude of Christians, that this blessing is more frequently and abundantly
bestowed than in former days. I trust you will not forget
my anticipated charge for next winter, in Sanderson Academy, and that you will pray that we may there receive a
refreshing from the presence of the Lord. The school coammences December 13. About the 20th of next month you
may expect me.
" Give a great deal of love to my mother. I want she
should share largely in this hasty letter."
TO MISS G.
" ASHFIELD, VFebruary 28, 1827.
e..... *e eWe have about fifty pupils. I find no
difficulty in introducing the monitorial system. Pupils, parents, patrons, and trustees are all pleased with it. Many of
my acquaintances in this region have requested permission
to spend a half day in school, and witness the common exercises; and recollecting the readiness with which I was received into the schools in Boston, I could not well refuse. I
believe it is the general opinion that the school this winter is
better than it was last, and this is undoubtedly on account of
the more systematic plan of mutual instruction.  We have
most of our exercises much shorter than we had them last
winter, and more of them. In grammar, instead of one long
recitation, we have two short ones in a day, on the same
lesson; one to myself, the other to monitors.  My recitation is taken up principally in general questions and remarks,
and then I leave it to monitors the next half hour.  In
all my attempts to teach grammar, I think I can safely say




LETTERS TO MISS GRANT.              53
that I never saw so much lively interest on the subject, among
so many, as I now see from day to day. I have no difficulty
in obtaining skilful and suitable monitors; there are so many
pupils of judgment and discretion, who have either taught
school, or are prepared to teach to good advantage.
"Colonel Leavitt, of Heath, is now here, designing to
spend two or three days, with a view of seeing the school.
Iam told that no man in the county has devoted so much
time to common schools as he. Indeed, he has spent almost the whole winter in this way.
"I have a pleasant school; but one thing is wanting, and
when I think of this, my heart is sad. Amidst all my blessings, I feel that the frown of God rests upon mne. Pray for
me and for my dear pupils."
TO MISS G.
seA SHFIELD, March 13, 1827.
e   o o.... I must confess, were it not for my personal attachment to yourself, I believe I should feel an increasing inducement to devote my labors to the youth of my native
hills; but as it is, I am not inclined in the least to give any
encouragement of teaching here in the summer, before I
shall have again seen you. There is an increasing interest
on the subject of education in this vicinity. Indeed, there
seems to be an enlivened, if not a new spirit extending itself
respecting schools. The number prepared to teach is much
greater this winter than last; and the demand from our cornmon schools is so urgent, that I feel it to be a duty to endeavor to do something, at least one winter more. I have
therefore made engagements to return here next autumn."
TO HER SISTER F.
"DEiRrY, August 22, 1827.
".....    0    eI love Miss G.'s society more than ever,
and I believe we may love our friends very ardently, and
5*




54           THE PREPARATORY DISCIPLINE,
love them according to the principles and spirit. of the gospel. I also think we may love them in a manner displeasing
in the sight of God. May I love in that manner which God
will approve.  I have been interested in the lovely and perfect example of Jesus Christ. Though he loved all his own,
as the world loveth not, and though he laid down his life for
his enemies, yet, as a man, we have reason to think he acknowledged some as his particular friends. It is said, emphatically, that Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and
Lazarus; and among the twelve was found' that disciple
whom Jesus loved.'
1" My health is very good. I believe I have had more
vigor of body and mind than usual, this summer.'"
When Miss Lyon left Derry, in the autumn of 1827, the
question was then pending, whether the plan commenced in
the Adams Female Academy should be carried on there,
or in some other place.
After reaching Ashfield, she writes
TO MISS G.
"_ASEFIlELD, Novembor 26, 1827..     -...  I do ardently desire to continue with you, if
I can be useful; even though trials should beset us behind and
before, on the right and on the left. My own trials from without have seemed to decrease with my distance from D., while
the privilege of being with my dearest earthly friend has
increased in my estimation. If I am ever permanently separated from you, I hope it will be by slow and cautious steps;
and that I shall have clear evidence that I am deprived of
this precious blessing by a direct dispensation of Providence.
"' I have spent this evening in company with Mr. S., from
Connecticut, a graduate of Williams College.  He mentioned being acquainted with you, and the interest with which
he should always remember some religious enmversation you




LETTERS TO MISS GRANT.               55
once had with him.  I thought you would say it was characteristic of me, if I should tell you how readily I said to
myself,'I-ad it not been for that conversation, perhaps there
had been one less servant of the Lord, and perhaps one less
minister of the gospel.' You will be willing that I should
enjoy your doing good, if I don't say much about it."
TO MiISS G.
"ASFIITELD, December 10, 1827.
"6, e......  I ought to be humbled in view of my own
ignoranee, and to be led to depend more entirely on God. i
know tha? I have been earthly and grovelling in my desires,
that I have been far from the fountain of life, and that I have
been inclined to trust the creature more than the Creator.
Since I received your letter, I have deeply felt that I needed
a heart conformed to the will of God, that I should place my
aifections on things above, and not on things on the earth 
and I believe that my distance from the fountain of all consolation does not seem quite so great.
" If I should try to tell you how much I sympathize with
you in your trials, how mny heart bleeds when I think of you,
and how I want to be with you, and share in your daily sorrows and joys, the attempt would be altogether in vain. I
know I can do nothing but commit you to God. May I have
a heart to do this daily. May I remember you as Paul did
the Romans, (Rom. i. 9.)
"' It is a sweet relief to my mind that you have a Father
in heaven, and I do believe that all things will work together
for your good, though the way- in which this is to be effected
may seem  to us Very undesirable. You may not be saved
firom trials, but I do believe you will be supported under
them; and, after all, I trust you will find more enjoyment
even in the present life than the worldling, who has no
such support.




56           THE PREPARATORY DISCIPLINE.
"When you supplicate the throne of mercy in my behalf,
pray that I may love my dearest friends according to the
spirit and precepts of the gospel; that I may so regard and
improve my most precious blessings, that it shall not be
necessary to take them  from  me, and that I may be like
Him who, when on earth, was holy, harmless, and undefiled.
You know I am  prone to be earthly, and that I need the
grace of God."
TO MISS G.
"ASHiF1ELD, December 26, 1827
Ri"... I fear that I ask more for you that is
temporal than I do that is spiritual. I have been led to inquire whether it is not very common for my prayers to centre on blessings which may end with this life. Three things
I desire for you daily without an effort; and for these I have
daily supplicated the Father of mercies; that you may
have wisdom from above to direct you to the best measures;
that you may daily trust in your Almighty Friend, and in
him find immediate and continual support in every time of
need; and that you may be saved from overwhelming trials.
"If you should leave D., my feelings and desires are all
in favor of engaging with you summers. If, however, Providence should so direct that you should think it not my duty
to be with you, probably a field of labor would be opened in
this region.  But I do not purpose to make any provision,
even in my mind, for suminers, at present; for I do not mean
to be reconciled to parting with you, unless I see that I must.
About the winter I am not so confident.  When I reflect, I
can see that I have gone on here, from winter to winter, in a
regular and advancing course; and in scarcely any sphere
can I expect to -al so useful. I ought not wholly to give up
this field without consideration; but I entreat you not to act
on the idea that I cannot be with you winters.
" We have between forty and fifty pupils in school, and:rlore are expected."




LE'rTERS TO MISS GRANT.               5~
TO MIISS G.
( "ASIIFIELD, December 28, 182.:
S"t....o. The care I had at Derry of the condiuct
of two troublesome pupils in my classes caused me more
anxiety than my whole school this winter.  But our school is
uncommonly good, in this respect, even for this place.  It is
several degrees better than my school last winter.  I must
confess that I have a strong partiality for pupils in this region; they are so easily guided. I ought to be very thankfid
that I have such a school, when in feebleness I must go on,
without my best friend to advise, counsel, and comfort me."
TO THE SAME.
"As-IFIELD, January 6, 1828.
" For some time I have been endeavoring to examine my
east life.  The review is sad and mournful.  It is now the
twelfth year since the thought first entered my mind -6 Can
these be the feelings of an unregenerate Heart? 7  I rememhber the moment as well as if it were but yesterday; but
since then there has been a period -of clouds and thick darkness.  WVhat an immense loss i must sufier through life, on
account of the misimprovenment of so long a period of my
existence  I humbly hope I shall finally be saved, although
as by fire; but I have no reason to expect ever in this world
all that spiritual enjoyment with which I might have been
favored, if all these years had witnessed a regular advance
in a life of faith and piety.  Neither can I expect that satis.
faction and success in laboring in the cause of the Savior
which I might enjoy, if I had received that preparation which
can be gained by no means but by a long course of active,
faiithful obedience.  May i be enabled to improve the precious moments as they fly, realizing that when they are gone
they can never be redeemed~
"'It seems to me more and more important that the




58          FTIHE PREPARATORY DSCIPLINrE.
professed followers of the Lamb should commence their Christian course, guided by the pure and perfect standard of truth.
Is it not too true that many take their standard from those
around them, and on that account live a life which leads
others justly to inquire,' What do ye more than others?'
During all these years, I know not how many, just commencing a life of godliness, may have received an impression from me which will be felt all their lives.  May I, in
this, be saved from blood-guiltiness. But I tremble lest even
this winter should bear witness against me. You know that
I frequently feel that I can do little or nothing to aid Christians in a life of holiness. In this respect, my responsibility
is greater than ever before; indeed, it is so great, that I
know not what to do. Almost half of my pupils have more
or less hope that they are the friends of the Redeemer.
Several have indulged'this hope but a few months; in some
it is like the faint glimmering of a distant taper.  But few
can be considered established Christians; and of scarcely
any have I much evidence that they possess deep feeling and
a lively faith.  Here we are; what shall we do?  What
can we do?  The influence of these on each other, the influence from absorbing studies, and that which I may exert,
may produce an impression which shall affect their whole
lives. These precious souls have been sent here by the
providence of God; but what to do I know not. I am
weaker than weakness itself, and my wisdom is altogether
folly. May I be more and more sensible of the preciousness of the direction,'If any of you lack wisdom, let him
ask of God.'"
TO MISS G.
"AsHiFIE:LD, January 8, 1825.
" You fear lest the care of my school, and my solicitude
for you, should in some measure exclude divine realities. I
wonder not, my dear sister, that you thus fear. I feel that I
am in danger on every hand. I know that almost every




LETTERS TO MISS GRANT.                59
thing proves to me a snare. I do not think, however, that
my solicitude for you is so great a temptation as many other
things; there is so much to lead me to feel that help can
come only from God. At times, it seems as though I could
believe this in some degree, and that I do find sweet relief
in committing the whole to that Friend who sticketh closer
than a brother. It is true that I have an anxiety for you
daily, which seems to enter more deeply into my heart than
almost any thing else; but I have been saved almost altos
gether from a restless solicitude. It is true that I share with
you in all your trials, in no common degree; but that I am
thus permitted to share even in your sorrows, I consider a
precious privilege; and though it might seem a little paradoxical, yet I do believe that my enjoyment, even for the
present time, is very much increased by this participation.'" I hope you will never fear lest your letters should increase my solicitude; for the reverse is always the effect.
The more definitely I know all about you, the less difficult
T find it to avoid that restlessness which I always find so unprofitable.  What you have written to me, from  week to
week, has been useful as well as gratifying. Sometimes,
when I have been re-perusing your letters, sentence by sentence, to see if there was not some idea expressed or implied
which I did not at first apprehend, I have thought it would
be well for me to read my Bible with like care."
TO MISS G.
"ASHnFIELD, January 19, 1828.
6I have told you that the trustees of this academy consider it undesirable to break the course of a regular school
through the year, by having a school exclusively for females
in the winter. I have, therefore, decided to leave Ashfield
after the present winter, as it is not best I should continue
longer, unless I stay through the summer.'' I find that this academy, where I have received so much




60            THE PREPAIRATORY DISCIPLINE,
instruction, and where I have labored so much, firom time to
time, has' taken a firmer hold of my affections than I had
supposed.  It seems like bidding an old friend farewell,
whom I do not expect to meet again.  But He who knows
how to temper the wind to the shorn lamb, has ordered all
the circumstances in much mercy."'
TO MIISS G,
"A SIIPIELD, February 12, 1828,'K....    I I feel that there is one way, and only
one, in wVhich I can guard against this easily besetting sin,
and that is, to seek daily the presence of Him who can turn
the hearts of all as the rivers of water are turned.  I have
been too much inclined to seek to direct my own path. May
I be saved from this.  The Lord in great mercy has given
me a field of labor; so that for several years I have not
doubted about the path of duty.  The privilege of laboring
is to me more and more precious. I would not choose the
spot. I would not choose the circumstances.  To be able
to do something, is a privilege of which I am  altogether unworthy. Should I be laid aside, as a useless servant, it would
be just.  I would humbly seek that I may be permitted to
labor faithfully and successfully, that I may be saved from
those temptations which my feeble heart cannot withstand,
and that I may be blessed with whatever may be desirable
for health of body and health of mind, and for general usefulness.  For little else of this world do I feel at present that
I ought to ask.  May I be the Lord's, spirit, and soul, and
body."
TO TEIE SAME.
"ASlIIEBLD, February 25, VTWednaesday,
"' Every time I have written to you, I have wanted to tell
you something about my school, and about some plans you proposed, which I am endeavoring to execute; but I must leave
it all for this time also, while I spend ai few minut!es on a




LETTERS TO MISS GRANT.               6i
subject more interesting to your heart, and, if I am not
deceived, more so to mine. Before my last letter to you, I
thought I had reason to believe that the Spirit of God was
finding a resting-place in the hearts of some professors of
religion in school. I did hope, too, that there was a secret,
silent influence on the minds of some of the impenitent.
This continued to increase, till not a doubt remained that the
Lord was indeed among us. Since last Friday morning, our
school-room has been a solemn place..During these five
days, four have had a change of feeling, which has led them
to hope they have passed from  death unto life. About a
week before, there was one instance of hopeful conversion.
Several are now deeply anxious; some are inquiring with
interest, and I know of only one entirely unaffected. I tell
you all, for we need your prayers.  Our state is most
critical. I do not feel it to be the time for rejoicing; but for
mourning, solemnity, and deep humiliation before God. I
fear, first, lest I shall grieve the Spirit; and then I fear for
thie friends of the Redeemer here."
TO MISS G.
"A1-SIiFIELD, Miarch 18, 1828.
"I have thllis day parted with my dear pupils.  Since I
last wrote you, nmy labors have been greatly increased; but
that they have been thus increased, I consider one of the
greatest blessings I have ever enjoyed.
" Whe n our school commenced, I had a fiaint hope that
the Lord would visit us by his Holy Spirit.  But on viewing
my own heart, I felt that I had very little reason to expect it.
There I found an apathy, chilling and distressing.  It seemed
almost as if the lailow ground could not be broken up. I felt
that i was taking on myself a great responsibility; but what
to do I scarcely knew; and the little that I did know I was
very poorly prepared to perfortm.
" The first week I made a separation in the school after
G




THE PREPARATORY DISCIPLINE.
the plan that you have generally practised. To my surprise,
nearly twenty were found, who, in some form or other, indulged a hope that they were the friends of God. This
affected my heart. The responsibility of attempting to do
something for their spiritual improvement rested on my mind
with an indescribable weight. It seemed to me that something must be done; but I felt that I could do little more than
endeavor to ascertain something about them individually, and
attempt to commit them to God. You know that this is a
field of labor which I have generally avoided. I felt myself
like a little child, without resolution, without strength, without experience, and without wisdom.  During my life, I have
done very little for the growth of Christians; but through the
mercy of God, I humbly hope, that, during the present winter, I have been enabled to labor rather more in this field,
and that I have labored more successfully.
" For several weeks, my desires for the impenitent were
faint and few; and almost all I met, either in school or out,
appeared to partake of the same spirit. I used to say to Miss;V., that if the Lord should visit this school, we must always
remember it as one of the more wonderful displays of his
power, which he sometimes condescends to make. We
would recount the scenes of Buckland, and contrast some,
who, from the commencement of the term there, seemed to
pray the prayer of faith, with those in this school who were
the most interested for the salvation of souls; and we would
say,' There is no prospect of a revival, for this is not the way
that God generally works;' and then my heart would sink
within me. Thus I lived on, week after week, till more than
half the term was gone. But while man looketh on the outward appearance, God judgeth righteous judgment. I now
believe that the eye which saw seven thousand in Israel who
had not bowed the knee to Baal, has seen the effectual prayer
rising continually from some hearts in towns around us,
though I knew it not at the time.




LETTERS TO MISS GRANT.               63
"The eighth week of the school, Rev. Mr. M., of H., called
to take a daughter home on account of sickness in the family.
A friend of mine, who is himself a clergyman, has remarked
to me, that he considered it no disparagement to any of his
ministerial brethren in this region to say, that he should prefer Mr. M. for his minister; though he cannot be said to
excel in preaching. At the time he came for his daughter,
I saw him only a moment. After expressing a great interest
in the school on account of its influence on society, and on
account of its containing so many teachers for district schools
the ensuing summer, he said that he had been anxious for its
spiritual prosperity. He only said it, but it found a restingplace in my heart, and there it has rested to the present
time. I could read in his countenance and manner, that it
was not an expression of common interest. It seemed
suited at once to encourage and reprove me, and also to
humble me in the dust. I have since learned, in more ways
than one, that he has undoubtedly had great anxiety for souls
here; and I believe some others have had a like spirit. It
is worthy of notice that the attention commenced among
the young ladies from  Mr. M.'s parish, and was almost
entirely confined to them for some time. It did seem  that
the prayers of this good man were answered.  Ile has since
said to me, that he had indeed been anxious for the school;
but in the ardent desires of his heart, he had not been conscious of making any selection; even though he had a
daughter here without God and without hope.
" This daughter returned after an absence of three weeks;
but her father said he did not bring her depending on the
school to give her a new heart.  She found the influences in
her room entirely changed. Her three companions, young
ladies from the same town, were all rejoicing in hope. They
had been ardently desiring her return, and now they could
not see her willing to reject the Savior.  She was immediately affected; but I did not dare to hope, for a while, that it




(64           THE PREPARATORY DISCIPLINE.
was any thing but sympathy.  Soon, however, her tears
were exchanged for a solemn  and distressed countenance,
which bespoke deep, heartfelt sorrow.  For a few days, her
distress was great. Though generally very much inclined
to converse, she would now pass the whole morning without
scarcely speaking a word; and her companions, though possessing all the joy and ardor of young converts, were awed
into silence; and like Job's fiiends,' none spake a word.'
In eight days after her return, she was brought to rejoice in
hope of a blessed immortality.
"During the whole winter, Scripture recitations have been
uncommonly impressive, compared with the means used to
make them so.  This interest was most manifest, when the
subject was a solemn one, such as' the mercy seat;' I the
thunderings of Mount Sinai,' &c.  During some of these still
and impressive exercises, it did seem  that the effect must
remain; but the first recess would carry it all away.  It was
not until about the middle of the term that I became sensible that professing Christians were more awake, and felt
more deeply their responsibility.  Sometimes we hoped that
the mind of here and there one, amwongr the impenitent, was
not quite so indifferent as usual.  The first of the tenthll w-ee
I was convinced that the Holy Spirit was indeed among; u.
From this time, with a very few apparent interruptions, the
work. went forward with a regular and increasing  advance,
till the very last day.  About twenty expressed hope in the
Savior, six or seven left without hope, of whom two were not
deeply affected.  One of them tried to be interested, depending on her own efforts; but her efforts were in vain.
" The work was very still; so much so, that many in town
knew  scarcely any thing about it.  Our school exercises
were as usual. Many of our friends, who visited us, observed
nothing to mark this as the place where the Spirit was operating so powerfully, except a general stillness, and here and
there a deeply solemn countenance. But to us, connected




LETTERS TO MISS GRANT.               65
with the school, the work has appeared great and wonderful.
We have daily said to each other,' Can this be true?' It has
been carried on so independently of means, that we have
frequently felt that our best hopes might easily be blasted,
and as frequently that the Lord could work and none could
hinder. We have all had the conviction daily, that this work
is wholly of the Lord. The effect of this revival, on those
who indulged a hope at the commencement of the school,
has been favorable.  Many of them  seemed to leave the
school with a much higher sense of their obligation to labor
continually for the kingdom of Christ."
In reference to her future labors, she writes, -
TO MISS GRANT.
"ASHFIELD, April 3, 1828.
i;~ *...e..    I am not indifferent to enjoyments. Your
society seems to me- a greater blessing than ever before. If
I should enjoy it, may my heart be filled with gratitude to
God; if, in his providence, he should deprive me of this, in
a greater or less degree, may I never complain in my heart
of Him who does all things well. The will of the Lord be
done.  My own strength is weakness.  I am a sinner, a
great sinner. I can have no hope but in the infinite mercy
of God. Sometimes I do hope I depend on him. But 0,
my wicked heart! I dare not trust it. Still the Lord can give
me pardoning mercy; he can give me strength; he can
give me submission to his will, and a faithful, obedient heart.
It may be he will do it. My daily desire for myself is, that
I may know and do the will of God; that I may live by
faith; that I may have a calm and quiet mind; that I may
be a help to you; that I may be useful in your school; and
that, in some way or other, I may be permitted to do some.
thing for the salvation of souls. I know I am remembered
in your prayers."
19~




66            T1IE PREPAllATORY DISCIPLINE.
SECTION IIIo
At Buckland and Ipszwich, 1828 to 1834.
IN the spring of 1828, Miss Grant removed from Derry to
Ipswich, Massachusetts, where a large number of her pupils
followed her. Miss Lyon, as before, cooperated personally
with Miss G. in the summer, and kept up her winter school
at Buckland the two following years. The school at Derry"
had not been open during the winter; at Ipswich, it was in
operation through the year.
Near the close of her first summer in Ipswich, Miss L.
was confined with a bilious fever, from  which she had not
entirely recovered, when she went to her friends in Franklin
county.  From thence she wrote to Miss Grant,"' November 28, 1828.
"It seems to me more and more that we must expect
afflictions in this world; but I think it appears to me more
and more, too, that they are no cause for despondency. I
feel that it is safe trusting in God, that he is a sure rock,
which can never be removed.  I believe that the blessings
of this life are very great, and will continue to be so; and
that trials are trials under all circumstances.  But I think 1
can faintly see that there is a foundation for support, when
this world is not made all in all.
"' With the exception of sister Putnam's family, I find my
friends well. The hand of affliction is now pressing sorely
on that family.  May I, and my family friends, be enabled
to place our confidence in God, and cheerfully acquiesce in
his government. I believe I mentioned to you that my sister and her husband were both sick. At first, her sickness
appeared to be principally debility, produced by care and
anxiety for her husband. But it resulted in a complication
of diseases, which were baffled by the skill of physicianse




LETTERS TO MISS GRANT.                61
About the time I first heard she was sick, she had so far
recovered as to leave her room. It was not long, however,
before she became worse again.  Her head was very much
diseased, and at times her suffering was great.  Soon her
mind, at intervals, appeared to be affected; still it was hoped
it would be nothing permanent. But all hope has failed;
the result has been evident derangement, and by the advice
of physicians and friends, she has been separated from her
husband and children, and removed to the Insane Hospital at
Hartford.  She knew she was deranged, and was very urgent
indeed to go to the hospital. Brother Putnam was not able
to accompany his wife. Since she left, he has been much
more unwell, and is at this time in a critical state.  His physician tells me, that he fears more the loss of his limbs, than
an immnediate loss of life.  Thus five little children, the oldest only in the eighth year of her age, are left, like orphans,
while their father and mother are living.
"1 My sickness, and all its attendant consequences, seem to
me a small trial, compared with what I am  now called to
experience on account of my sister's family."
The friend who was commissioned to communicate to
Miss Lyon the intelligence of her sister's situation, well recollects the anguish of her heart on the occasion.  For a long
time, tears came not to her relief; but she walked the room
in her agony, and remarked, that "the sickness of friends
was trying; their death still more so; but their loss of reason more bitter than all."  She also thanked God that this
sister, while her powers of mind were under her own control,
had chosen him for her everlasting portion.
Miss Lyon's benevolence was not all expended on public
charities, as will appear by her remarks about her relatives
and friends.  The following letter was written soon after the
death of Mr. Putnam, her sister's husband: —




68            THE PREPARATORY DISCIPLINE.
TO MISS GRANT.
"BUCKLAND, February 2, 1829.
"...... Among other cares, I am devoting many
thoughts and some attention to sister Putnam's family. They
are a little more than a mile from me. The whole care of the
family, for several months, has rested on my youngest sister. I have been to see them often, and have known so
much of their general concerns as to be able to consult with
and advise sister F. I have felt it to be a great privilege
that it was in my power to administer to the comfort of that
afflicted, and to me very dear, family. Besides this, I have
written to Hartford, almost or quite every week since my
arrival in B.; but I shall have no more of this to do now, as
my sister returned last week. She wishes very much to see
me often, and says she does not mean to place much confidence in her own judgment at present. I have been to see
her twice, and shall probably visit her at least once a week
through the winter. Her mind is still weak, and in some
respects she appears not quite the same as formerly; but, on
the whole, she is to me exceedingly interesting.  Her calmness, self-government, and settled resolution to go forward
in the path of duty, under her present weakness of body and
mind, and under all her complicated trials, considering her
natural ardor of feeling, give me a very important lesson.
It is a question yet to be settled whether sister, with her
health, and under her circumstances, can keep her children
together. I am exceedingly anxious that they should not be
separated.  There is no probability that they could be placed
where their discipline, the formation of their minds and
habits, and the regulation of their dispositions, could be
nearly so favorable as under her care, if she regains the use
of her mind.  Now, my dear friend, I want your advice.
If I should see that, by furnishing them yearly with what I
am able to spare from my earnings, it would enable sister to




LETTERS TO MISS GRANT.              69
keep her family together, would it not be a good time to cast
my bread upon the waters?
" You remember that, after my sickness last summer, my
hair came off by handfuls. For several weeks past, I have
not lost any, so that I hope I shall continue to have enough
to support my combs. For a while my head was very cold;
but since I began to wear a turban, it has been quite comfortable.
"' I hope you will be enabled to do as much this winter to
correct the erroneous opinions of your teachers about schools,
if they have any, as you have done to correct mine from
year to year.
"Notwithstanding these sober hours, life seems to me
more and more a blessing, on account of its labors, and not
as a period of rest.
"G For two or three weeks, I have been rather encouraged
about the spiritual state of our school; but appearances this
week are less favorable. Thus we go on between hope and
fear. Do pray for us.
"' I have seventy-four pupils, and Miss L. B. assists me
this winter."
TO MISS GRANT.
"'BUCKLAND, February 16, 1829.'" The past week has been an unusual time.  My labors,
cares, and anxieties have been greatly increased. It has
been a solemn season —a trying time —a season of rejoicing, but of great mourning. I trust it has been a time
when many hard hearts have been softened, and many a
proud one brought low. I should be glad to tell you all, but
I cannot describe the scenes I have witnessed. It is the
Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes. It is proper




70            THE PREPARATORY DISCIPLINE~
to say to you, that I think the rapidity with which this work
of grace has been carried forward, the week past, has never
been equalled, where I have been permitted to be an eyewitness.  It is now just a week since the first instance of
conversion,; and fifteen are now indulging a hope, though
very feeble in some cases, that they know the grace of God
in truth.  I find it difficult to know how much to press study.
I am  satisfied, however, that it is not best to make much
alteration from the usual course.  On this point, I have had
the advice of some of my judicious friends, and this is their
opinion. On the whole, there is not much excitement in
school, but all appears as usual, and in order.  I consider it
important that I should devote to them much individual attention.  I have encouraged their coming to me fiequently
and familiarly.  As my room  is in the same building with
the school, and as twenty-five of the pupils board here, my
opportunities for private conversation are very good.  1 have
had many interesting interviews with individuals, several
since I have been writing this.
"I can have but a little more time, and I believe I must
be exceedingly cautious not to encroach upon the time for
sleep, not even to write to my dearest and best earthly
friend."
TO MISS GRANT.
"]BUcRLAND, March 2, 1829~
" As you have cast on me all the responsibility of decid.
ing the place for my labors next winter, I have now only to
tell you that the matter is settled.  I have followed thel
course of Rev. Mr. W., when he could not decide whether
to go to N.  He did not decide, but continued where
he was.
"In settling this question, I have looked at the situation of
my sister's family, and the probability that my being here
might enable me to render them some little service.  I have




LETTER TO IIER MOTHER.                 7 1
looked at the marked providence that has led ime along,
since I have occupied this field, (Gen. xxxii. 10,) and especially have I reflected on the spiritual blessings bestowed on
this school from  time to time, notwithstanding my extreme
unworthiness, base ingratitude, unbelief, hardness of heart,
and blindness of mind.  When I reflect on these things, I
fear to forsake this field of labor.
" More than half the days since the term commenced, I
blave had more or less company in school, generally fron
mut of town.:6 There have been no new cases of seriousness in school
recently.  Still we lhave evidence that the Holy Spirit has
not yet left us altogether.  Do pray for us.  Your niece
Mary expresses some hope that she has commenced a rell
gious life. I consider her case unusually interestingt"
TO IIER YOUNGEST SISTER.
" IPSwICI-I, Cepteimber 11, 1829,
" Last week, I wrote a letter to Mr. Clark, of Buckland,
stating some difficulties relating to my continuing to teach
there, and some reasons in favor of my remaining here
through the year.  I hope I shall receive a line from  him
very soon, as I shall defer deciding this question till I hear
from B.".'                           _
TO HER IIOT-IERo
"I swiPIII, September 21, 1829.
"I have been considering, or rather reconsidering, the
subject of my winter labors.  I am  imore inclined to think
ihat I ought to continue them  here through the winter.  My
dear mother, what do you think about it?  At first, it seems
more like parting with my family friends, than the present
arrangement.  But, at second view, the subject appears
rather differently.   It is true that I have not generally




Te2'THE PREPARATORY DISCIPLINE.
favored visiting so much as to approve of the feelings
and conduct of some, who seem to think that every thing
2must bend to this one object; that, however much self-denial
they might practise in relation to others, if it is a mother or
sister, every other object must yield. I would have all contented, wherever Providence may place them, whether or
not they may be favored with the society of father or
mother, brother or sister. And if duty should call, I would
endeavor to be contented, though years should pass without
my beholding the face of one near relative.  With my present prospects, I have no need to anticipate this trial. By
visiting my native place once a year, disencumbered of
school affairs, I might in a few weeks enjoy quite as much
of my friends as I now can... 
" The religious state of our school is interesting, and has
been so for several weeks. The Spirit of God is evidently
among us, operating on the hearts of our dear pupils.  The
work is silent and gradual, but the effects are certain; and
that it is the work of God there can be no doubt. Eight or
nine have indulged hope that they have found the Savior,
and the state of many others is very encouraging.  So far
thie work has been slow; but the way seems all prepared by
the Holy Spirit for richer and more abundant displays of
mercy. It does appear that the fields are white already to
the harvest.  The blessing seems just ready to descend
upon us. If there is no Achan in the camp, if there is no
stumblingblock in the way, if there is not a manifest and
decided fault on the part of Christians, we shall probably see
greater things than these...... Perhaps the Lord
may put it into the heart of my dear mother to pray for
these souls that prayer of faith, which God will hear in
heaven, his holy dwelling-place, and answer on earth, The
school is very attentive to general instruction on the subject
of religion, but still there are many who think little or nothing on these things, and care as little as they think.




LETTER TO MRS. A. W. F.                S'Give my love to your family, especially to Mary. When
I last parted with her, I supposed ere this she would probably be called to know the realities of eternity.  May the
Lord bless herD
The following letter to Mrs. A. W. F. will show her interest ini individual scholars —
"IrswICH, October 1, 1829.
" MY VERY DEAtR FRIEND:
"....e.  @I know  you feel a deep  interest in
-, and that your first inquiries would be about her.  She
possesses a large share of our affection, and her welfare will
continue to be a subject of anxious solicitude, and I hope of
our faithful exertions.  She is more than commonly engaging, and she requires more than common care. The in.
genuousness with which she receives nezo ideas is very gratifying. This is particularly manifest in gaining instruction
from  the Bible, whether this instruction relates to historical
facts, or to its doctrines and duties. She began to think of
her own salvation nearly three months ago, just before vacation.  During vacation she quite dismissed the subject, but
soon after her return, she began to realize that in the giving
up of seeking religion for the world she had greatly sinned,
if in nothing else. Since that time, she has evidently experienced much of the strivings of the Holy Spirit.  Her feelings have been variable, but her case has been very interesting, and for a few days particularly so. The result we must
leave with God. When you remember yourself at the throne
of grace, I know you will remember her.
"The religious state of our school is encouraging.  Be.
tween ten and fifteen are indulging more or less hope. Several others seem near the kingdom of heaven, and in many
there is an habitual solemnity.'" I am to teach in Buckland again next winter."
7




74            THE PREPARATORY DISCIPLINE.
TO MIISS GRANT.
" BUcriLAND, November 18, 1829.
"Though my school is such as to involve great and increasing responsibilities, yet some things are encouraging.
I have quite as many of mature age in school as I have ever
had, and I think quite as much improvement.  Our present
number is ninety-nine, and about forty indulge more or less
hope that they love the Savior. Pray for us that these may
not be dead, while they have a name to live."
TO THE SAMIE.
"BurKLAND, November 30, 1829.
"' I have just had an interview with Rev. Dr. P. of S. He
waited on me to express the wish of the Franklin Association of ministers, that I would continue in this region.  He
took up the comparative importance of my labors here and
with you.  I did not succeed in my efforts to lead him to
look directly at the two important points; one, the great difficulties of my laboring in two places, and the other, that I
am pledged to you for summers.  He brought no argument
to prove that I ought to labor in both places, but, like many
others, urged that I ought to labor here both winter and
every summer."
TO THE SAIME.
"B13uCIcKLAI, December 21, 1829.' My time is fully occupied. I am doing more than ever
before for individuals, and especially for the more dull and
less industrious. I want to be faithful to all, and to have
every thing done well.
"' My sister is no better, but worse.  We are now consulting whether it is best to send her to Hartford.  We hope
first to try the effect of removing her several miles from her
husband and children.  My cares on her account are great.
Sister F. scarcely knows how to have me away. I have
spent part of to-day, and shall be gone all of to-morrow, on
business for the family.




LETTERS TO MISS GRANT.               75
"The spiritual state of our school is rather encouraging.
The minds of some professors, and of several among the
impenitent, are tender. Three or four are deeply affected.
One has expressed a change of feeling within a few days."
TO MISS GRANT.
"BUCKLAND, January 1, 1830.
6' In dwelling on Matt. vi. 25, 26,' Take no thought,' &c.,
in school, yesterday morning, I endeavored to point out that
anxiety which is there prohibited.  While I was speaking, I
felt that I was condemning myself. I endeavor daily to
avoid excessive emotions on any subject, but in no case do I
find so much difficulty as in this.
"' Our young ladies are deeply engaged in study; but I
fear about our spiritual state. With the exception of two or
three cases, we have remained just about the same for
three weeks.
"' My labors are indeed abundant, my cares almost overwhelming, and they continue to increase. I devote more
attention to individuals than formerly.  My pupils come to
me with more freedom and more frequency. This I encourage. I consider it an important way of doing good, especially as this is my last winter with them. It is necessary
to make such arrangements, that the school is never all
together except when I am with them.  It is always convenient to find some one whom I want to see, or some one
who wants to see me; so that I have not a single half hour
on which I can depend, from eight in the morning till nine
in the evening. You will say that I need more aid, and I
am happy to relieve your mind by informing you that the
health of Miss TV. is so far restored that I have engaged her
for the remainder of the winter.
"It is late, and I have written this while half asleep in
body; but my heart has been awake."




76           THE PREPARATORY DISCIPLINE.
TO MIISS GRANT.
"BCIKLAND, January 20, 1830.
"6 I want a few of your ideas on the fifth and sixth chap.
ters of Upham's Philosophy very much, especially on the
distinction between ideas of sensation and reflection, or those
of internal and external origin. How much is to be included in
the word thinking?  (Page 85, sect. 62.) Is it not used in a
vague sense? What is your opinion about our having two
ideas in the mind at the same time?"
TO THE SAME.
"BUCKLAND, February 12, 1830.
" Since I wrote you, I have been laid aside by sickness;
but Miss W. has communicated to you the state of our
school.  Good Mr. M. was in town Wednesday night, and
came in the next morning, and opened the school. Perhaps
my sickness is to lead me more fully to feel that the Lord
can work without me. This week, it does seem as if we had
nothing to do but to'stand still and see the salvation of
God.' As many as six or seven, within a few days, have
expressed a change of feeling, which has either led them to
hope for themselves, or led others to hope for them, that
they have found the Savior. Among these are your niece
E., and your cousin R. While I rejoice, I fear.' He that
endureth to the end shall be saved.'
" The school is very solemn, and marked by a deep, pervading stillness. When you pray for your own dear pupils,
I am confident you will think of us."
TO HER SISTER ROSINA.
"BUCKLAND, March 9, 1830.
"It is now a week since I parted with my pupils. I
should be glad to give you a description of this school, but it
is impossible.  Perhaps the thought of its being my last one
in Franklin county has rendered it doubly dear.  I believe




LETTER TO HER MOTHER.               77
that my schools have been more and more interesting every
winter, and we all think this has been the most so of all. I
have never witnessed such an improvement in moral character, in ardent desire to possess meekness, humility, patience,
perseverance, &c. A spirit of benevolence has seemed to
reign among us to such a degree, that selfishness has appeared to most of our little community somewhat in its own
character. We have made it an object to gain enlarged and
correct views, especially relating to our own country, its present state, its interesting character, its wants, its prospects, as
to what needs to be done, what can be done, what ought to
be done; and, finally, as to what is our duty. Many intelligent, refined young ladies, who have been brought up in the
lap of indulgence, thought they should be willing to go to
the remotest corner of the world, and teach a school among
the most degraded and ignorant, might it only be said of
them by their Master, as it was said of one of old,'She
hath done what she could.' But, more than all, we have
been visited by the influence of the Holy Spirit.  Soon after
the commencement of the school, the gentle dews began to
descend, and continued to increase until the last week, when
we were blessed with a plentiful and refreshing shower.
More than thirty expressed some hope that they found the
Savior precious to their souls. At the commencement of
the term, more than forty indulged this hope. Among these
there was evidently a great improvement in Christian character. It has seemed as if the effects of this work of the
Spirit must continue."
TO HER MOTHER.
"IrPSwICH, February 7, 1831.
-:....          Amidst all the trials of our family, I feel
that we have many blessings.  Whenever I see you, or hear
from you, I feel it to be a very great comfort that you are
supported under the various afflictions that have been sent
7'*




78           THE PREPARATORY DISCIPLINE.
upon you since my father's death. I often try to imagine
how great the trial to me must be, if you were unreconciled,
and without the consolations of religion. But I hope, my
dear mother, that all your afflictions, by leading you to look
at things unseen and eternal, will work out for you a far
more exceeding and eternal weight of glory."
TO HER MIOTHER.
n"IPswici-H, April 9, 1831.
s w..... ~In great mercy, the Lord  has been
pleased again to visit our school by the influence of his
Heoly Spirit. There is seldom a time when some one belonging to the seminary is not apparently seeking the way
of eternal life. During most of the winter, the school has
been in an interesting state. For several of the last weeks
it became much more so. Not far from twenty indulged a
hope of having passed from death unto life. Our school
will soon be together again. I trust you will pray for us,
that we may again be visited by a refreshing from the presence of the Lord."
In the autumn of 1831, after Miss Lyon had been continuously with Miss Grant, in the Ipswich seminary, for a year
and a half, the latter committed the charge of the school to
Miss L., and sought the restoration of her health in a milder
climate. Though unable to resume her active labors until
the spring of 1833, the hope of a more speedy return led
to a most copious correspondence between these ladies. In
this Miss Lyon found her pastime, generally filling a sheet
of folio post, weekly. From these letters a few extracts are
here given.
"IPsWICH, October 22, 1831.
"My  DEAR MISS  GRANT:
"Sabbath Eve. - I spent the time to-day, from one to two,




LETTERS TO MISS GRANT.                79
lm trying to explain to our young ladies the subject of faith,
from Rom. iii. After tea, they read some passages which
they had selected on the same subject.  I have seldom so
highly prized the privilege of giving religious instruction.  It
seemed as if my stupid soul did possess a little latent feeling, which could on an important occasion be drawn out.
This subject is suited to awaken the deepest interest.  It
brought vividly to my mind an expression which I have often
heard fall from the lips of my dearest earthly friend,'a
more lively faiths' "
TO MISS GRANT.
"5IPswIcii, October 24, 1831.
"6 Rev. Joseph Emerson was in school this morning...
I rejoice to have him take up the business of lecturing to popular assemblies.  His spirit is so pure and so exalted, that, whatever may be his subject, I think he cannot fail
to do something to purify the hearts of others, to raise the
grovelling mind, and expand the contracted soul, though he
may say some things which may be considered extravagant.
O for a multitude of such souls as his! Could they be scattered all over the earth, this polluted and wretched world
must soon become changed.  The more I see of the rest of
the world, the more I admire, the more I love such a spirit
as his.  What a delightful place will heaven be! Thanks
be to God, that' nothing shall enter there that defileth or
maketh a lie'  Shall we, my dear sister, after passing
through this wicked world, and having been so severely tried
wvith our own evil hearts, —shall we, being washed and made
white in the blood of the Lamb, be permitted, through rich,
free, and wonderful grace, to sit down in that holy place,
where there shall be no more pollution, no more pride, no
more selfishness, no more disobedience to God; where we
shall be no more distressed with our own sin, no more




80          mTHE PREPARAT'ORlY DISCIPLINE.
pained with the sins of others?  May you, my dearest
friend, be ripening more and more, continually, for that
blessed home."
TO MISS GRANT.
" AsHIELDn, KNovember 22, 1831.
"It is wonderful to me how the mind, after a state of doubt
and difficulty, from which it seemed impossible to be extricated, can, without any new light, or new evidence, settle
down into a state of calm and quiet decision."
After delineating a specific trial, she says, —
TO THE SAME.
"IPSwIC,- December 3, 1831.
"I begin to hesitate whether I have done right to say all
this to you, when you cannot help me. But I am not disheartened. Every thing will be right; and I doubt not that
every thing will be for the best good of this beloved institution. It may be a pruning time this winter; but if so, I trutA
the goodly tree will take deeper root, and hereafter thrive
more luxuriantly.  Whatever temporary disappointment and
hinderance in going forward we may experience, and with
whatever worldly prosperity we may be called to part, 0
that this seminary may become more and more a successful
instrument in advancing the Redeemlrer's kingdom! For this
I hope you will be enabled to offer up fervent supplication
from day to day.
" I have only given you one side of nay present situation.
I could tell you of blessings great and many, of wonderfully
kind interpositions of Providence.  In rny labors and cares
the past week, I have had so many manifestations of the
goodness and kindness of God, that it sometimes seems as if
my cup was full and running overP"




LETTERS TO MISS GRANT.                81
TO MISS GRANT.
" IPSwICt, December 28, 1831.
i' For a few weeks I thought it might be a good plan to
allow but a very little time for general instruction, except
what is of immediate necessity to carry forward the business
of the school properly. This was a reason, in connection
with many others, for my taking a class in Watts on the
Mind.  I consider it a privilege to teach this book.  I rejoice
more and more that I have undertaken it.  This exercise
requires less care than I anticipated. I have not yet had
time to study my lessons as I desire; but I have been able
to read them over, and investigate so much, that I could meet
my class with a good degree of freedom  from embarrassment.  I have as yet heard only three recitations.  This,
for the present, answers instead of general instruction for
almost half the school."
TO THIE SAMIE.
"~ IPswIcI{, January 29, 1832.
" I am almost a stranger to lively faith and sensible communion with spiritual things.  Subjects of great anxiety, I
believe, I generally delight to commit to God; and I seem
to have a reliance on him which casteth out fear.  But most
of these subjects are more or less connected with the world.
In view of invisible and divine realities, my mind is darkened, my perceptions feeble, my heart cold and stupid. It
seems as if such a low, grovelling worm of the dust could
never be fitted for heaven.  With men it is impossible, but
with God all things are possible.
"E6 ver since vocal music was introduced into our seminary,
I have had an increasing sense of its great practical impor.
tance.  By our influence, and the influence of our pupils on
this subject, probably hundreds may be benefited for a succession of generations. Those who have been able to sing




832          THE PREPARATORY DISCIPLINE.
from childhood, do not know by experience the feelings
which some have who cannot sing. WVhen passing near the
music-room last summer, and thinking that a large part of
the choir, probably, had no more of a natural voice than
myself, I found it necessary to restrain, with firm determination, a rising murmur. I have sometimes felt, that I would
have given six months of my time, when I was under twenty,
and defrayed my expenses, difficult as it was to find time or
money, could I have enjoyed the privileges for learning vocal
music that some of our pupils enjoy."
TO MISS GRANT.
6' IPswICH, March 18, 1832.
"We are trying an exercise in connection with Grimshaw's Etymology. I wish some way could be contrived to
have the English language studied with as much intensity as
the Latin is. I have a few floating ideas upon this subject.
I hope I shall do more next summer than ever before to enrich the minds of our pupils with a store of English words,
associated with the ideas which they were designed to communicate. I do think that there is a deficiency on this point;
but how to remedy it is the great question."
TO THE SAMIEo
"IPSWICH, June 21, 1832.
" The last evening I was with you, a little cloud of discouragement passed over me, such as I have scarcely before
seen for several months. But it was soon gone. Even before I left you, future duties seemed pleasant. Whatever
sphere or situation God may appoint, it is enough if I can
see the path of duty. I doubt not you have learned, to a
great extent, to depend on God day by day for your daily
bread. This lesson I desire to learn. How sweet it is to be
directed from hour to hour, with scarce a ray of light beyond!
The darker the future, the brighter often is faith, and the




LETTERS TO MISS GRANT.               83
more firmly do we rely on that arm which can never fail,
I have often found myself attempting to preserve the manna
till morning, but I have never succeeded. How wise is the
economy of Providence, and the economy of grace! How
should we rejoice that we cannot lay up stores for ourselves,
either of wisdom or of faith!"
TO MISS GRANT.
" IPSWICe, July -, 1832.
" Last week my labors were unusually fatiguing, and of
course I have had a headache generally in the morning,
which has once or twice continued all day. I do not think
it will be so this week. I had a few difficult cases, imperal
tively requiring much personal effort, besides some labors in
school which necessarily demanded the last particle of my
intellect and feeling, till I seemed to have but just physical
strength enough left to bear me home, just intellect enough
to think the very small thoughts of a little infant, and just
emotion enough to tremble under the shock. I had been
delaying some time, for a convenient opportunity to make
as great an effort as I was capable of making, on the subject
of conscientiousness in giving in accounts. I believe I have
had some feeble desires, that in this and all other things
every will should be bowed; that neither teachers nor
scholars should have any way of their own, or will of their
own, but that all might be swallowed up in the will of God.
Pray for us, that in all these things God may be honored,
and that it may be manifest to all that the will of God is
done. For a few days, I have had a trying languor and
stupidity, especially yesterday. How much of this I should
attribute to the fatigue of last week, I know not; but I doubt
not that much of it may be ascribed to my own barrenness
of soul. On the whole, I have some reason to hope that I
am becoming a little less worldly-minded.  Pray that I may
set my affections on things above.




84           THE PREPARATORY DISCIPLINE.
" Sometimes my instruction in school is so barren, and so
disconnected, that it distresses me all the day long. But
perhaps, more frequently, 1 remember these seasons with
some emotions of gratitude, that, in the midst of great weakness, infirmity, and sinfulness, the Lord is my strength and
my Redeemer."
TO MISS GRANT.
"IIPeWICH, August 17, 1832,
60 that my soul were in health as my body is! When
my obtuse intellect and more obtuse heart can perceive the
truths of the Bible, they seem exceedingly precious. The
vagueness of my own mind is most trying, as connected with
religious things. I often enjoy the anticipation of its not
being thus in heaven. What a wonder of mercy, if I shall at
last find a seat in that glorious world, where the will of God
shall be known, and loved, and obeyed I If, amid so many
deviations, so much lack in our services, the little seasons
of conscious sincerity, when we desire for ourselves and
others that we may do just what God sees to be exactly according to his will, are so precious, how glorious must heaven
be! Did we know nothing more than that God is there, and
that his will is done continually by all, it would be enough.
Do you think it any proof of great holiness in those who shall
live in the days of the millennium, that we are taught to pray
that the will of God may be done on earth, as it is in heaven?"
TO MRS. H. C. B.
"IpswICHI, August 23, 1832.
".....  @ o.I enjoyed my last visit at your house very
much. My kind regards to your mother and to your husband.  Much love to the dear little boys.  May the family
covenant, which I trust has been made in their behalf, be
remembered in heaven. May these children of the church
never break away from this covenant, so that God shall cast
them off, as a branch violently broken from the vine. For




LETTERS TO MISS GRANT.                85
this may you labor, and for this may you pray. Are not
the promise and the revealed design of God, concerning the
children of believers, suited to take fast hold of the soul,
and to give to faith a peculiar power? Parental love is one
of the strongest of the human affections; but how little this
will accomplish, compared with what God can accomplish by
the aid he has promised in the family covenant I During the
past year, my interest in this subject has greatly increased.
May you have wisdom  and grace to guide these dear ones,
whom the Lord has commanded you to train up for him."
TO MISS GRANT.
"IPswXCII, September 15, 1832.
"A letter arrived this morning, stating the death of my
dear sister Ellsworth, - Rosina, you have heard ame call her.
She was a very dear sister to me.
"This event of Providence is peculiarly suited to touch
the tender cords of my heart. She was a kind of darling
among us all, and among others beside our family friends.
She has left four little sons. Sister Moore, in writing of her,
says,' Another such blow cannot be struck in our family.
Among all her numerous relatives, none can fill her place.
Heartfelt kindness marked her whole manner.  It seemed
to reverberate from heart to heart the moment she was announced. The sound of her voice, like some charm, in
fused a thrill of joy, animating every countenance. Even
now, I seem to hear her sweet voice, and see her animated
smile, and the welcome of her fine eyes, when lighted with
joy on seeing her friends.'
"There is very little prospect that my sister at Hartford
will ever be any better.  Hler bodily health begins to be impaired.  She has attacks that are rather epileptic in their
character; and these, to some extent, endanger her life.,




86            THE PREPARATORY DISCIPLINE.
1" I went to school this forenoon as usual.  About half past
eleven, I was sent for to see Miss Kingsley.-    I sat by her
dying bed most of the time till four o'clock, when she fell
asleep in Jesus. Some of her dying words and her dying
prayers we will send you. It has been one of the most
precious seasons I have ever enjoyed. M. G. endeavored to
write some of her words, to preserve for her friends, and
she remarked this evening that it was the happiest day of
her life."
TO MISS GRANT.
"IPswICII, October 6, 1832.
" My dear afflicted sister has finished her work and her
sufferings.  If you made any inquiries at Hartford, you
found that she needed none of your sympathies. It is a
great comfort to me, that she was so favorably situated during the last months of her life.  The care I have had for
her, ever since the death of her husband, has been so great
that it now seems as if one of the strong cords, which bound
me to earth, was broken asunder. The dispensations of
Providence towards her have been very gracious. She was
comfortably situated; there was nothing peculiarly trying in
her last sickness and death; and now, I trust, she is sitting
at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in her right mind.  My
mother has buried two children in one month, five hundred miles from each other."
TO THE SAME.
"IPswICrI, November 3, 1832.'.... In observing how ignorant the disciples
were on some points, after they had been with Jesus three
years, I was reminded of our inability to determine the way
by which Christ will be most glorified.  How easy it would
have been for Christ to make them understand that he should
* A pupil from Brighton, Massachusetts.




nLETTERS TO MISS GRANT.              87
rise from the dead! But he knew it was not then best that
they should understand this clearly. How little do I know
what is best! I can pray, without reserve, that the will of
God may be done; that the kingdom of Christ may speedily
come; that the events which Christ sees to be best may take
place, and that we may have hearts to do the whole will of
God. But when I pray for particular blessings, I often feel
that perhaps I know not what I ask; and it is a delightful
privilege to refer the whole to God. I hope that Christians
in this school may be fitted to labor in the field of Christ.
May the regenerating influence of the Spirit be given, and
may many be born of God. How few have been the hopeful conversions the present year! I was forcibly reminded
of this to-day, when I inquired who had made a public profession of religion. Almost all, who hope they are Christians. 0, may the Lord again return, and may the showers
of divine grace descend as in former days."
TO MISS GRANT.
"IPSWICH$, November 9, 1832.
"A week ago to-day, I mailed a letter for you, which was
a little later than I designed, on account of a severe cold. I
have now quite recovered. Goodness and mercy follow me
continually. I feel so well every morning, when I rise, that
I do emphatically enjoy health. I never was more sensible
of enjoyment from this source. My daily business, connected
with school, is peculiarly sweet and delightful. I do not
think I ever did love a school so much in so short a time. I
do not know how it is, but every thing is so pleasant. From
duties in prospect I have none of that shrinking which I
often have. There is an unusual evenness and uniformity
in my feelings, freedom  from  excitement, or any rising
above the common level.  My cup is full and running over,
and every future labor, or future scene, seems all that I
could desire. I often say to myself,' How sweet are all my




88            $~THE PREPARATORY DISCIPLINE~
labors! how sweet is life!' In what I have said, I have not
referred to religious enjoyment. I find great cause for daily
repentance in the sight of God. Though I often walk in
darkness, and see no light, I am not left to wander long
without any light. In my own experience I have abundant
evidence that the Savior is ready, not only to forgive seven
times, but until seventy times seven.  I have been very
m;Auch interested, within a few days, in some parts of Scripture which treat of the forgiveness of sin. How boundless
is the love of Christ in the way of pardon! How inexpressibly great and glorious is this subject!  During a few
months past, I have learned a little of the minor prophets.
T have just commenced reading these books.  I an  now
reading Hosea.  The figurative language in the second
chapter is exceedingly forcible.  How strikingly are described the treachery, ingratitude, unreasonableness, and
wickedness of spiritual departures from  God! How exceedingly sinful is sin! How deserving of all the judgments denounced against it i! But the boundless love and
mercy of God, as exhibited in the promises contained in this
chapter, I think most wonderful; and so of all the promises
to guilty sinners. How very interesting that Peter should
receive an assurance that, though Satan had desired to sift
him as wheat, Jesus had prayed for him, that his faith might
not fail! Our Mediator will never leave the weakest nor the
most unworthy of his followers. He has undertaken in their
behalf. He has begun their salvation, and he will complete
it. How safe it is to trust in him! Here is all our confidence, all our hope.  Here is an unfailing fountain.  May
we, my dear friend, both of us be permitted to rest under
the shadow of his wings. May we walk with the Savior day
by day, hear his voice, and listen to his words. May we feel
as he would have us feel, think as he would have us think,
speak as he would have us speak, and do what he would
have us do. It is, indeed, a precious privilege to live, if we




GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS.               89
can have a single eye to the glory of God. I want you
should pray for me daily, that I may have a heart filled with
love to Christ, that I may have a zeal according to knowledge in laboring in his service, and that I may have wisdom
from above to direct me in the right path. Pray that our
teachers may be holy, devoted to God, and faithful in his
service; that we may none of us be entangled in the things
of this world; that we may all be able so to connect our
temporal duties with the great business of eternity that they
shall not prove a snare."
During Miss Grant's absence, it was customary for the
teachers to send her full accounts of the arrangements of the
school, Miss Lyon's instructions, &c. A few disconnected
paragraphs, containing some of her remarks, are given here.
" Miss Lyon said to us one day, in school, that if we were
unhappy, it was probably because we had so many thoughts
about ourselves, and so few about the happiness of others.
She asked us to call to mind an unhappy day, and inquire
whether we, during that day, had had large desires for the
conversion of the world. She also said that, at one period
of her life, she used to be dejected and unhappy; but she
came to the conclusion that there was too much to be done for
her to spend time in that manner.  Since that, she had experienced but little unhappiness."
To find the path of duty, " Take all the circumstances,
and weigh them candidly, taking the Bible for your guide,
and asking God to enlighten your mind. If you sincerely
and patiently wait on him, light will eventually dawn on
your path.  It may, at first, be but a faint glimmer; and
you may see but one step where you can place your
foot; but take that, and another will then be discovered,
and if you can see one step at a time, it is all you ought
to ask."
6Miss Lyon said last night, she thought she knew the
8*




90            THE PREPARATORY DISCIPLINE.
definite lessons, which the death of her sister and of Miss
Kingsley was sent to teach her; one, to pray more; another,
to leave nothing undone of all her duty to her personal
friends, her relatives, and others."
"I never knew, till last Saturday night, that the command
to love God in the decalogue was negative. Do you suppose, as Miss Lyon suggested, that God said to the Israelites,
IThou shalt have no other gods before me,' because they
could understand much better how to pluck away the idols,
than how exactly to exercise the emotion of love? and does
he require us to break away from idols, and, as soon as we
have done it, enthrone himself in our hearts? "
Notwithstanding Miss Lyon's engrossing cares, it is gratifying to find that her continued affection and her unwearied
kindness to her relatives and friends were wisely directed.
This, and other manifestations, show that her superiority of
intellect did not overshadow her largeness of heart. It is
recollected by many how she watched over the infant child
of her youngest sister, which died but a few days before its
mother; how she nursed it with her own hands, and ever
spoke of it with animation, as in the infant choir above. She
also interested herself in the children of her friends, as she
visited them from time to time.
The afflicted family of her sister.Putnam shared largely
in her pecuniary favors, as well as in her affection and care.
No pains were spared by her to place the children in families where they would be under a good influence; and until
such places could be found, she paid the board of one or
more of them, although there was a small property to be
divided among them. She also assisted in paying the board
of her sister for many months, when it was thought best to
separate her from her family without sending her to the hospital.  The following extract from letters to her mother,
after the death of her sister, will show what she did for
her at the hospital:



LETTER TO A NIECE.                91
"I have received from Hartford an accurate account of
sister Putnam's expenses. I shall pay all her regular bills,
and the extra charges for nursing and watching. There are
some other expenses which I thought it might be best to
take from her own funds, so that I can have more for some
other purposes. I feel that what I have, should be devoted to
the best of objects. After every thing is properly settled, I
should think it best that the remaining property of sister
P. should be equally divided among the children."
Most of her nieces, of adult age, enjoyed her instructions
at South Hadley one year or more. One of them writes
that the influence she exerted over them, in early life, in
causing them to be educated, and in raising higher their
tone of piety, can be known and acknowledged only by their
own grateful hearts. A letter to one of them, written at
Ipswich, in 1832, will show  the motives she held be.
fore them.
" MY DEAR A.:
"' In advising you what course to take in future, I should
be guided very much by your own views and feelings about
giving up yourself to do good -to do all you can to render
those with whom you may be connected better and happier.
I used to think much about leading my friends to endeavor
to educate themselves, that they might take a more respectable position in society. This is comparatively of little importance. There is a great work to be performed before
that time shall come which is foretold, and many hands are
needed to be employed in this work; not only those of ministers and missionaries, but also of females. The labor to
be done seems greater and greater every year; perhaps I
may say every month and every week. How much is to be
done by influence, in a variety of ways! How much prejudice to be removed! What an almost endless catalogue of




92           THIE PREPARATORY DISCIPLINE.
evils exists among the middle-aged and youth of the present
generation! And the children will follow on in their steps,
unless some greater and more powerful influence is used. I
do most ardently desire that laborers may be raised up, possessing willing hearts and a self-denying spirit. Teachers
of the right character can do much.
" Now, my dear niece, will you not, in a measure, forget self, and decide to give yourself wholly to the service
of the Lord, to labor in his vineyard, wherever he shall call,
and' whatsoever you do, to do it heartily as unto the Lord,
and not unto men'?  If this is your decision, and you have
evidence that you possess a tolerable aptness for teaching,
and can obtain your mother's consent, (do nothing without
your mother's consent,) I should think it might be your duty
to make even a great pecuniary sacrifice, in order by that
means to be prepared to do the greater good. You need
that skill in exercising moral power over others which you
cannot possess without a thoroughly cultivated mind, and
cultivated on the best principles. If your object is to devote
yourself wholly to the service of God, and to labor to promote his glory by increasing human excellence and human
happiness, I advise you, by all means, to bear the expenses
of the journey, and come here to school.
"Your tuition will be twenty-five dollars a year. I will
give you enough to pay your tuition bills while here, without
any charge, except the charge in Hleb. xiii. 16. I should be
glad to do more for you in this way, but, consistently with
prior obligations, I cannot. I will endeavor to help you plan
and economize, and if it should be best that I should fur.
nish you with more funds, I should expect that you would
pay me interest and principal when able.
"May you be guided in the path of duty, which is the
path of peace."




LETT ERS,                    93
TO MISS GRANT.
"IPswIcH, January 15, 1833.
"Is it indeed so, that your dear sister has gone, to dwell
forever with the Savior? It is pleasant to think how many,
whom we have tenderly loved, have, during the last year,
gone home to glory, and are now enjoying that which eye
hath not seen, nor ear heard. It brings the heavenly world
very near.  May we both be preparing for that everlasting
rest. But it is a great privilege to live and labor in the
cause of Christ.'
ON A SCHOOL CIRCULAR. - TO THE SABIE.
1' I am afraid that their school will be suited only to the
higher class, which in every part of our country is a very
small class; that their plans will promote distinctions in society; and that, in their view, the improvement of the masses
is but a small consideration. But on the whole, I am glad
they are about to commence. I trust they will do much
more good than harm. They will lead their pupils to gain
knowledge. They will teach the Bible too, and I hope they
will be careful to let the Bible take the lead. Then I care
not how closely intellectual philosophy follows after."
TO IIER MOTHER.
"IIPSWICH, January, 1833.
I should be glad to have you write to me, and tell me all
you know respecting the religious state and character of your
descendants. I wish to obtain and preserve their names and
ages, and keep a record of their deaths, as they may occur.
I should be glad to keep some account of the evidence of
piety there is among them. May they all be brought into the
ark of safety; and whatever may be their temporal condition, may they bear the image of our Lord and Savior Jesus
Christ. Will you, my dear mother, pray particularly for
your children, that they may all be wholly devoted to the




94            THE PREPARATORY DISCIPLINE.
service of God; that they may let their light so shine, that
others, and especially those over whom they shall have an
influence, may take knowledge of them, that they have been
with Jesus? How small a thing is the greatest worldly prosperity, compared with the blessing of true piety in those so
near to your heart!
"There are a few cases in school of more than usual
religious interest.  Our whole number is one hundred.
About half are either professors of religion, or indulge a
hope that they are Christians. I hope you will pray for us
daily, that all who love the Savior may become his decided,
active, and devoted followers; and that all who do not now
love God may give their hearts to him, and be prepared for
his service.  How  much is to be done in this dark and
wicked world, before all will know and love the Lord! O
that a great multitude of laborers might be speedily raised
up! The field is white already to the harvest.  May your
life be spared many years to pray for the prosperity of Zion."
TO MISS GRANT.
" IIPSwICwI, January 23, 1833.
"It sometimes seems as if I had no place in my letters for
small matters, there are so many great things demanding
immediate attention...... I enjoy acknowledging
God at our meals very much. I never before realized so
constantly his good hand in temporal blessings as since we
commenced this exercise.  Before the first attempt, the trial
became greater and greater every hour. After commencing,
it gradually lessened from meal to meal, till now I feel that
the privilege far overbalances the trial.
"I have just commenced giving instruction on the Epistles
of Peter.  We have had two exercises, three verses each.
I have looked forward to studying and teaching these Epistles
as a kind of feast.  But the commencement is more precious




LETTERS.                     95
than I anticipated. O that I might have a heart to receive
into my inmost soul the glorious truths which emanate from
many a' radiant point'! The good Mr. Shepard, of Cambridge, on his dying bed, mentioned to the young ministers
around him  three things concerning himself -' That the
study of every sermon cost him  tears; that before he
preached any sermon he got good by it himself; that he
always went into the pulpit as if he were to give up his
account to his Master.'"
TO MIRS. II. C. B.
" IpsWICII, May 14, 1833.
I I doubt not you will be glad to receive from my pen a
few thoughts, though hastily written. A week ago yesterday
I put your name on a list with nearly twenty others, to
whom I wished to write forthwith. To tell the truth, I have
been so immersed in cares for two or three months, and my
brain has been so strained to keep in mind present duties, and
not to forget any thing important, that it has often seemed as
if things and circumstances which were not needed for
present use would be not only forgotten at the time, but even
obliterated from  my memory. For a week past, in my
chamber alone, in a straightforward course of business, in
the midst of letters, papers, &c., I have been resting at a
great rate. It does seem as if I never gained so much
mental rest in a week before in my life. I have had a most
curious vacation in respect to calling to mind things and circumstances which I had not thought of for weeks, and which
seemed entirely forgotten. To myself I seem almost like
one coming to life."
TO MISS H. W.
" IPswIC:, May 23, 1833.
l.....    *     eOur dear Mr. Emerson has gone home
to reap his everlasting reward. He died last week. During




96           THlE PREPARATORY DISClPLINE.
most of his sickness, his intellect was clear, and his soul ir
a heavenly frame.  I love to think of him  as in heaven.
Who was better prepared to enjoy the delights of the
heavenly world? May the living walk in his steps.
"My affectionate regards to your parents and all the
family."'
Miss Lyon having had charge of the school during Miss
Grant's sickness and absence, she now, in her turn, consented
to spend the sumnmer of 1833 in recreation, and for the
preservation of her own health.
In her absence, she kept up a constant correspondence
with Miss G., and from these familiar conversations on paper
a few extracts are here given.  Her first letter is froim New
York, to which place she went by way of Boston, having
gone there to be present at the sailing of a company of missionaries.  As her name was afterwards much identified
with the cause of missions, it is pleasant to trace the progress
of her mind on this subject.
TO MISS GRANT,.
":NE  YORK, July 8, 1833.;'.....  On my way I was introduced to Mrs. L., who
had been to Boston to bid a second daughter farewell, to go and
labor in Ceylon. I was exceedingly gratified with her spirit.
She appears like a mother who would strengthen the hands
and encourage the hearts of her children in the path of duty.
Fourteen years ago she went to Boston to bid an older
daughter farewell. The daughter now gone was then about
six years of age, and remembers but little of her sister.
Mrs. L. feels that she is senfing this daughter to a mother, and
hopes that they will be assigned to the same field of labor.
She remarked, that when she viewed the subject of giving up
her daughter as a whole, she could rejoice and be thankful;




LETTER TO MISS GRANT.                97
but that when she directed her mind to the particulars, na.
ture sometimes recoiled.': Sabbath evening, the missionaries received their instruetions from the prudential committee, and sailed on Monday.
I enjoyed the privilege of being present on both occasions.
The scene on board the vessel, on Monday, was calm and
lovely. Every countenance seemed softened with tenderness, and yet almost every one reflected, in some degree,
the elevated joy, so strikingly manifested by the departing
missionaries.
" The monthly concert, on Monday evening, was interesting, as it always is in Boston.  Dr. Wisner drew some com.
parisons between the missions in Ceylon and in certain other
places. He remarked that, at some stations under the board,
the work had gone on so rapidly that, as might be expected,
there is more appearance of religion than reality; and,
therefore, there probably will be reaction. Not so in Ceylon. Every inch that is gained seems secure.
" I should like to know more than I do about the Ceylon
missions, and, indeed, about all the other missionary oper.
ations.
TO MISS GRANT
"PHILADEILPHIA, July 10, 1833.
"' Yesterday I came to this place. I rose in the morning
with the headache, which increased till I reached Amboy.
When I took the railroad car, my seat was rather confined;
the motion of the carriage increased the pain in my head,
and produced an excessive nervous restlessness.  It did
seem as if I could not go forward; but still I must. I had
no protector, no one to take care of my baggage, and engage a hack after I should arrive.  I felt, emphatically, that
I was a stranger in a strange land.
" After I reached the steamboat, I was, in some measure,
relieved; but 0, the noise and confusion of men and women
9




98            THE PREPARATORY DISCIPLINE.
of all descriptions; the crying of children from every quarter —on deck, in the cabin, and in every direction. But
when I arrived at Philadelphia, I found a carriage without
perplexity, which took me to the door of Miss E., where I
find a quiet resting-place.
"' Little incidents are constantly occurring, which remind
me of the goodness and mercy of God. Pray for me, that
I may this summer be led in a way which shall bring me
nearer to God than I have ever been. Pray that this may
be the end of every dispensation of Providence towards me;
that every thing may be sanctified by the influence of the
Holy Spirit on my heart, without which every means will
be lost. O that my whole soul might be conformed to the
blessed image of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and that
I may bring forth fruit to his honor and glory!
"' Dr. Spring gave a most excellent sermon, last Sabbath,
from Heb. xii. 1, "Let us lay aside every weight, and the
sin which doth so easily beset us."  The sermon was to
Christians, and drawn directly from the text. I would that I
might not lose the impression of the truths contained in this
sermon. I hope the Lord will enable me to improve the
means of grace this summer, wherever I may be."
Here she was taken sick; and, after describing her situation minutely, she says, with her characteristic frankness," I have written this page just for my own comfort, not for
your profit. I am not cast down; I have no painful solicitude.
"' I do not think highly enough of ----—'s Grammar to
use it again.  There is a lack of elevation and character
about it. It is more like the work of a smart, ingenious
schoolmaster, than of a man of fine literary taste.  I's
Grammar is too much of the same character.  What do you
know  about -'s Grammar?  I have had it in my heart




LETTER TO BIISS GRANT.              99'
to examine it as thoroughly as I am capable of doing, but I
have not done it. I do not, however, expect to be satisfied.
HIe is too loose a writer to make a good grammar. He may
possibly have done more to make this edition what it should
be than he did the first; but a man that can write a book
for children loosely can scarcely be expected to make a
grammar what it ought to be."
TO MISS GRANT.
"PHILADELPHIA, July 22, 1833.
"On Friday morning, I went with Dr. B. to the United
States mint, and to the porcelain manufactory.  I value
these two visits highly. In the afternoon, I went with Miss
E. to the House of Refuge. The girls were assembled, and
one, who was of age, was that day to leave. They sang a
parting hymn, and many of the girls were affected to tears.
The neat, whitewashed little rooms and clean beds, the
orderly circle of cleanly and decently-clad girls, and the
general air of neatness, order, and system came up in my
mind, in striking contrast with the many dirty hovels which
I have often passed, and the filthy children, the confusion,
disorder, and misrule generally attendant on such habitations. That heart must be very hard which cannot rise in
gratitude to a kind and good Providence for making such
provision for poor, outcast children of wicked, degraded
parents.' 0 that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!'
We were late, and our time limited. On that account, we
did not visit the boys' department.
"From the House of Refuge we went to the Penitentiary.
What abundant evidence have we every where of the wickedness and guilt of man!  Man is emphatically the enemy
of man.  How little, comparatively, have we to fear from
the fiercest of the brute creation! As it is only man that we




100           THE PREPARATORY DISCIPLINE.
fear, and he only is our enemy, what cause have we for
gratitude that the ingenuity and skill of man are combined
for our defence!
"Saturday we visited the Old State House, Independence
Hall, &c. It was a clear day, and we had a fine view of
the city, though, after the business of Friday, we found it
rather fatiguing to ascend the many steps. President Jackson was received in Independence Hall, which was richly
furnished for the occasion.
"' Our course led us next to the navy yard, to see the
wonderful ship, (the Pennsylvania,) which truly exceeded all
ay ideas of its magnitude.  I expected to see a great
vessel, but not such a mighty fabric.   We ascended the
many flights of steps to overlook the deck, and felt ourselves
richly rewarded for our efforts.
" A visit to the New Marine Hospital completed the business of the forenoon. The architecture of this edifice exceeds that of any other I have visited. If you have seen it,
you doubtless observed the plan for ventilation. The walls
of the chambers adjoining the passage do not extend entirely
up, and yet the beautiful, white, polished arching overhead
is such as to give an appearance slightly deceptive, so that,
at first view, this aperture for ventilation would not be observed.  I would that it abounded in as rich provision for the
soul as for the body.
"In the afternoon, we visited the Academy of Natural
Science. I closed the week, greatly interested during the
last three days, in fine health, except some little suffering
in muscles and sinews."
The following extracts from her letters, while visiting some
of the fine scenery of our country, are given simply to show
her interest in natural objects:



LETTER TO M]ISS GRANT.             101
TO MISS GRANT.
"CATSKILL MOUNTAIN, August 8, 1833.'"...  e X I remember that, for my own sake, you
are more desirous I should dwell on what I see and hear
than on the seminary at home, in which my heart is so much
interested, but about which I have not indulged one moment's
anxiety since I left you. I see enough to make my letters
interesting; but these fragments of time, so few and so short,
are worth but little in trying to recall and describe what I
have seen and heard. And even if I had sufficient time, I
have so little tact, that it seems to me my letters, of all
things, must be the most insipid.
"I am now twenty-two hundred feet above the Hudson,
on one of the peaks of the Catskill Mountains, termed Pine
Orchard, snugly settled in a pleasant chamber in the' Mountain House,'
"' The Catskill is indeed a delightful chain of mountains.
I have been favored with fine prospects of it at various points.
This afternoon, we have taken a drive to see one of the
mighty wonders of nature. As from different situations we
behold the broad sides, the various summits, and numerous
peaks of the mountain, the whole seems like a vast ocean
of luxuriant green; at one time, waving gently with the
undulating breeze; at another, rolled and tossed by the
mighty tempest into lofty billows and deep gulfs.
"The highest peaks of the Catskills are from eight to
twelve miles distant from the Hudson. The two highest are
Round Top, three thousand eight hundred and four feet
above the river; and High Peak, three thousand seven
hundred and eighteen feet. Pine Orchard, on which we are
situated, furnishes a most extensive prospect. The I Mountain House' stands near the brink of a precipice, with a
bold, commanding front. It is indeed a delightful spot.
"The nearer scenery is composed of the neighboring
peaks of the same grand chain. On one hand, they rise
9,*




102          THE PREPARATORY DISCIPLINE.
with a familiar nearness; on the other, they recede to a
more respectful distance. On one side, we behold neighboring summits, rising high above our heads; on another, we
cast our eye downwards on the waving tops of the thick
trees, with their rolling surface; while in a third direction,
rival mountains seem to unite, tipped with the blue summits
of more distant and higher peaks.
"' The more distant scenery embraces the rich and extensive valley of the Hudson. The view is said to extend
about one hundred miles in length and fifty in breadth. But
I will not attempt to tell you of the finely-cultivated fields, enclosed by neat, regular fences; nor of the towns, villages, and
cottages scattered over the whole prospect; nor of the beautiful groves, whose rich foliage at this season finely contrasts
with the sterile appearance of the neighboring fields, just disrobed by the hand of the reaper; nor of the long and winding course of the Hudson, whitened with sails, ornamented
with islands, and lined with villages, trees, and wooded
embankments.
"1 I noticed the first impression on my fellow-passengers,
as we ascended a very long flight of steps into an elevated
piazza, fronting the valley of the Hudson. Scarcely looking after their baggage, almost all, with one consent, stopped
to admire and wonder. In the spacious drawing-room within,
the numerous visitors seemed full of glee; but without, in
the piazza, and on the broad, flat, projecting rocks around
the house, the low voice and sweet stillness reminded me of
a company in a gallery of paintings."
TO MIISS GRANT.
"BUFFALO, August 31, 1833.
" I hastened away from the Falls yesterday, without being
half satisfied; with the hope that, by leaving then, I should
be able, either by stage or by steamboat, to reach my sister
in Fredonia before the Sabbath. The stage, instead of going




LETTER TO MISS GRANT.              103
this morning, as I expected, will not leave until four this
afternoon, and, of course, will travel most of the night. As
it is rainy, the boat will not touch at Dunkirk at all. My
conscience will not allow me to take the stage and travel all
Saturday night, if I abide by the rule,'not to do any thing
of which I doubt the propriety, unless I equally doubt the
propriety of not doing it.' So here I am, and must stay
here, for aught I see, until Monday.
"I have many things on hand, with which I should be
glad to fill this sheet. Perhaps you may expect that I should
tell you something of the great Niagara, or, rather, that I
should tell you how this exhibition of the power of God affected my mind. I cannot tell you any thing about it. I
have heard so many things said by one and another who visited the Falls; one saying,'You will be disappointed;'
another,'You will not be disappointed, if you stay long
enough;' a third,' I do not think it exceeds this object, or
that;' and a fourth,'You never will wish to see any thing
more; every grand object will lose its charms after your
visit to Niagara.' I have heard many compare it to fleeces
of cotton, to banks of falling snow, to the dashing of ocean
waves, to the roaring of thunder, &c. I feared that I should
be unable to feel the soul-moving power, and I had an ardent desire that I might not acknowledge, even to myself,
any second-hand emotions, any influence which did not affect my own heart. But I have been to see for myself, and
I am glad I have been. I want to go again; I shall love to
dwell on the most distant remembrance. I spent a day and
a half, and my time was most fully occupied. I would give
you a description of my ramble, but I could not tell you
what I saw, what I heard. 0, the voice of many waters!
I had formed no conception of the scene, or, rather, of the
many scenes. Perhaps it is because my powers of conception are so feeble. It does, indeed, mock all attempts at




104          THE PREPARATORY DISCIPLINE.
description; it is a stain upon human pride and greatness;
it laughs to scorn all the trickeries of art.
"Very much depends, I believe, onl the order in which
the various parts are viewed. The smaller should be viewed
first, and then the greater; and in going from step to steps
the soul continually expands to take in the larger views,
until we reach the climax. The last step should be to cross
over to the Canada side, and there take a view of the whole.
This is merely my opinion. I have heard no statement
about it; but I am almost confident that it is so.'"
TO MISS GRANT.
"BuFFALO, September 2, 1833.
"Buffalo is increasing with almost unexampled rapidity,
and depends for its growth on its commercial advantages.
What a vast influence will be exerted by this single city,
during the next half century, on the multitudes of humtan
beings who will spend a few hours or a few days here, either
from necessity, or for profit or pleasure! The population is
made up of a mixed mass, collected together from different
parts of the world.
"0  that the Lord would cast the Ialt of divine grace into
this increasing fountain  They do greatly need holy ministers, and faithful, pious teachers in all their schools.
"Saturday afternoon, the rain being over, I made an arrangement for a private conveyance to the Seneca mission,
which is about four miles from Buffalo. There I passed a
Sabbath delightfully at Mr. Wright's, whose first wife was
our beloved pupil, Martha Egerton."
"FlnEDONiA,o September 4.
My time here will be very much occupied.  I did not
really think how much visiting I should have to do here. I




LETTERT TO SI  S, GRANT.          105
design to visit all my near relatives twice; once before I go
to Detroit, and once on my return. I have in this village
only my eldest sister and her family; but I found my sister
F. here, from Massachusetts, waiting my arrival. In Stockton, a few miles distant, is my only brother, and his great
family; sister Rosina's husband and four children; near by,
the only brother of my mother, and his children married and
settled around him. Then there are relatives of my relatives, and others from Massachusetts, whom I used to know
more than twenty years ago, who will expect me to look in
upon them... 
"The eldest child of my dear departed sister, between
six and seven years old, is under the care of sister M.,
attending school here. I have not seen the other children
yet. He seems to enjoy my comrning almost as much as an
old acquaintance of mature age.  He loves to be with me
and talk with me, and when he is present, I can think of no
one but his mother. His laughing face, every time he looks
at me, gives me the most striking conception of that uncommon joy which flowed forth so spontaneously from her on
meeting friends, and in which every one seemed involuntarily
to share. All say to me,' None of us can be so glad to see
you as sister Rosina would be, if she were alive.' 0 that
her children might be trained up for the Lord! I can only
commit them to him."
" September 10.
" Since I last wrote to you, my time has been most fully
occupied in forming new acquaintances with those I wish to
know, and whom I should like to have familiarly acquainted
with me. I mean the individuals who compose the three
branches of our own immediate family circle. I have been
able to accomplish much. I never despatched business
faster. I feel considerably acquainted with every one. It
has been rather fatiguing, because every thing is adapted so
o call forth the powers of the heart.  There are so many




106          THE PREPARATOUY DISCIPLIANE.
little circumstances suited to bring before me, in a most vivid
manner, the numerous changes which have taken place in
our family during the last fourteen years, since my brother
came into this country. Till that time, my home was with
him. Though he is considerably altered, and appears somewhat bowed down with trials, sickness, and age, yet I find
him the same kind-hearted, generous, affectionate brother.
O that my visit might be profitable to his children, and to
my other family friends! 0 that the Lord would preserve
them from the temptations with which they are surrounded!
"I value the privilege of visiting my friends even more
than I expected."
"MADIsoN, OHIO, September 16.
" I have been a few miles from this place to visit a gentleman, whose first wife was my mother's sister, a very lovely
woman indeed. Though I never saw her except on her
visits to my mother's widowed home, yet I loved her with a
tenderness which is still alive in my heart at this late hour.
Her visits were very frequent; and among my earliest recollections is the joy which thrilled through my little heart at
the sound of her sweet voice. I had not seen any of the
family for many years, and I was anxious to visit uncle for
my aunt's sake."
TO MISS GRANT.
6 DETILOIT, September 18, 1833.
" Every date carries me farther from you.'When I left
Chatauque county, New York, I hoped to be able to'return
there this week; but finding it inexpedient, I decided to spend
the Sabbath here, and take the earliest boat next week. But
one says to me,'Do not, on any account, take the Ohio,
which leaves on Monday. I would not have a friend of mine
go in her, for she' is always meeting with accidents. On one
voyage she caught fire three times; but the New York, which
goes on Tuesday, is a good boat.' Another says,'T he




LETTER TO MISS GRANr.               107
New York is very easy to capsize, but the Superior, leaving the same day, is a large, safe boat.' Another says,' I
should not feel so safe on board the Superior, for she is a
very old boat. Besides, it will be just about the time for the
equinoctial storm.'
"I agree with you that' the manner in which recitations
are heard has a great effect on the mental discipline of the
scholar; and in this point our teachers should excel.' Can
we not do much to promote this object the coming winter?' I am in doubt as to what grammar it is best to use in our
lower classes.
"Besides requiring a thorough knowledge of good old
Murray, embracing a clear understanding of all his notes
and remarks, I have a query whether we ought not to include, as essential to completing our course, an ability to
criticize in a philosophical manner his erroneous Latinisms;
a knowledge of the particular resemblances and differences
between Murray and our preparatory book; and an ability
to arrange the differences under two heads, essential and
non-essential. Finishing with a book of such an elevated
style as that of Murray's Grammar, it would not be so great
an evil to have the style of our preparatory book ordinary.
What a pity that in our late primary school books there is
not more of elevated simplicity!"
TO MISS GRANT.
L STOCKTON, September 27, 1833.
" On my arrival at Fredonia, I found that sister F. was
sick at my brother's, and I came immediately to this place,
where I shall probably remain until I leave this region.
"I feel that I ought to be very thankful for the privilege
of being with this sick sister a little while. She was taken
ill just after I left for Detroit. It is doubtful what the disease
will prove to be, or how it will terminate.  She has a broken




e108         THE PREPARATORY DISCIPLINE.
constitution, which can bear medicine only of the most gentle
kind. For two days past she has been more comfortable,
and the symptoms are more favorable."
At a later date she writes, —
"' My sister, during her sickness, has been in a very desirable state of mind. For the past year, since Rosina's death,
she has felt continually that she had not long to live, and has
been tried because death seemed to her so much of a terror.
She has feared that she should not be reconciled to sickness.
But as soon as she was taken sick, her soul was filled with
the sweetest resignation. Now, the prospect is, that her life
will be spared to labor a while longer in this vale of tears.
I have had much this summer to make me think of the last
solemn scene of life.  It is indeed a great and important
thing to be prepared for death.  O that I might have my
lamp trimmed and burning! that the Lord would save me
from sin and everlasting death! What a wonder of grace,
if I should be allowed the unspeakable privilege of dwelling
forever in the presence of God! "
Her sister recovered from  this sickness, and returned to
Massachusetts.  She was married in June, 1839, and after
becoming the mother of an infant, which lived but a few
weeks, she died in the triumphs of faith, October, 1840, a
short time before their mother.
Miss Lyon cherished a peculiar tenderness for this sister,
the " little one," when her father was called from his family.
In speaking of her to a friend, she said, " Whenever my
mind is disposed to dwell on her feebleness and sufferings, I
turn from them  to the pleasant thought, that God allowed
her to live long enough to take with her to glory a little
spirit, to sing with her forever the praises of her Redeemer."




LETTERS TO MISS GRANT.              109
TO MISS GRANT.
"ROCHESTER, October 12, 1833
"I am now commencing the last letter but one which I
expect to write you before we again meet, and are able to
converse face to face. My heart vibrates with tender emotions, as the time draws near when I hope again to sit by
your side, enjoying your society as I have in former times.
May the Lord prepare me to improve, as well as to enjoy,
this precious privilege. Will you unite with me in making
it a subject of daily prayer, that the ensuing winter, which
we anticipate spending together after so long a separation,
may be for our mutual benefit, for the good of our dearly.
beloved institution, and for the glory of G6d?  Without God
I can do nothing. I am the weakest of the weak."
Her next' date was at Ashfield, from which place, after
visiting her mother, she proceeded to Ipswich in time to be
present at the opening of the winter school.
The following letter to Miss G. was written while the latter was out of town for a few days, soon after the school was
organized for the winter.
TO THE SAME.
"IPswiICn, November 16, 1833.
I' I have my eye on several members of our school, to
whom I think it best to give some individual attention as soon
as I can.  May I have wisdom from above to give to each
such a portion as she needs. How difficult it is to know
when to attempt to draw by the silken cord, and when to try
a little the firmer cord of authority! It is a comfort that
we can do nothing ourselves; but Christ strengthening us,
we can do all things which he requires.  I would that in all
my labors I might keep directly in view the upbuilding of
Christ's kingdom.
10




110          THE PREPARATORY DISCIPLINE.
"In our meeting to-day,* I dwelt on the undoubted fact,
that there were living Christians in this school, and it was
desirable that every one should find them, and hold with
them sweet communion. This I presented among the first
steps towards being prepared to commence our mutual labors
for the promotion of each other's spiritual growth. I urged
the point of every one's finding one or two such spirits before
next Saturday night."
TO HER MOTHER.'! IPswVICI, December 3, 1833.
"Perhaps you may have heard that there is at this time
in progress a very powerful revival at Andover. It is said
to be one of the most glorious displays of divine grace in
modern limes. Some Christians in this region are hoping
that another such visitation is about to return, as the American churches enjoyed two or three years ago.  Some gentle
dews have descended around us; but there has been in no
place, for a long time, so copious a shower as is now witnessed
at Andover.  In Park Street Church, Boston, there has been,
for a few weeks, increasing interest; and in several places
around, there are favorable indications.  I mention these
encouraging things to enlist your prayers, that all this region
may again be visited with a refreshing from the presence of
the Lord; that his name may be honored in the salvation of
souls. This beloved institution you will also remember, as
you have delighted to do from year to year. Our present
number is one hundred and sixty. Nearly half are hopefully pious. Some appear to be established Christians;
some are like many whom we find in all places, who have
only a name to live, while we fear they are dead.
"My dear mother, I very much need your prayers, that I
* A weekly meeting of the teachers and pupils who hoped they
had been renewed by divine grace.




LETTER TO MISS GRANT.               11]
may be revived; that I may have clearer views of salvation
by Jesus Christ, and of the wonderful manifestations of God's
love in giving his only beloved Son to save a lost world."
TO HER MVOTHE;Re
"BOSTON, December 16, 1833.
"During the past week, I have been attending a very in.
teresting course of meetings in Park Street Church. We
hope there is a good work begun in Boston, which will be
carried on in this great city, and extend into the country, till
the whole region shall be watered. I want you should pray
for this city, for this region, and for our school. Pray that
sinners, who are out of the ark of safety, may be turned unto
the Lord. My dear mother, I want you should pray for me
in particular, that I may, f'rom day to day, do my whole duty;
that I may know what I sh6uld do, and how I should do it;
that I may be so faithful to souls, as to free the skirts of my
garments from their blood.
"' Whether I eat or drink, or whatever I do, may I do all
to the glory of God; may all my labors be subservient to
the advancement of the cause of our ever-glorious Savior.'6 During the past week, I have, as I trust, enjoyed much
of the presence of God. The heavenly world has seemed
very near, and it has appeared an unspeakable privilege to
dwell forever in the presence of the Lord. It is a wonderful mercy that I should be permitted, so guilty and unworthy
as I am, to enjoy so much of the presence and glory of my
Savior."
TO MISS GRANTT.
"BOSTON, December 18, 1833.'"The seasons which I have recently enjoyed have, I
hope, through infinite mercy, been profitable. I think I
have had a deeper impression than ever before of my inexpressible vileness in the sight of God, and of the infinite and
glorious fulness in Christ; a deeper sense of the divine




112          THE PREPARATORY DISCIPLINE.
presence and glory; of the real object for which we should
live, of the worth of souls, of the duty and privilege of cooperating with Christ in his great work, of the efficacy of
prayer, and of the infinite power of the Holy Spirit. When
my thoughts go back to Ipswich, my heart rises, crying,' Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?' I cannot atone for
any past neglect, neither would I desire to do it; the blood
of Christ is sufficient to atone for all sin. Pray for me, that
I may have strong faith in the promises of God, and that I
may constantly have the teachings of the Spirit. The same
blessings which I seek for myself, I ask for you.  May the
Lord bless you, and keep you."
The two foregoing letters, as well as the two following
paragraphs, were written during a separation of these fellowlaborers for only a few days.
TO MISS GRANT.
"IPSWICHI, March 1, 1834.
"You will recollect that yesterday was our communion
season.  The covenant, when read to Misses G. and A.,
seemed more solemn and precious to me than ever before.
What a privilege it is to make such a consecration of soul
to God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost! How
precious, indeed, would it be to keep those vows!"
"I should like very much, about the middle of next winter, after I am fairly out of school, to spend five weeks here,
and attend to a large class in chemistry."
In a letter to her mother, dated Ipswich, April, 1834,
after speaking of the hopeful conversion of a nephew, she
says, -
" I consider this a special blessing. I have thought of no
one in the family circle so much during the winter, as I have




LETTER TO MISS GRANT.              113
of him. He was the eldest that gave no evidence of being
born again. I was much interested in his general character
when I last saw him; but he seemed far from the kingdom
of heaven.  Have we not renewed cause to bless the Lord,
and praise his holy name? We have surely another pledge
of his goodness and everlasting love. And now, my dear
mother, I hope you will have an increased spirit of prayer
for your children and grandchildren. More than for almost
any thing else do I desire to have your life spared, that you
may have more time to pray for your large, increasing family. I hope you will stand, at the last day, on the right hand
of the Judge, with all your posterity down to the latest
generation."
During the summer term of 1834, Miss Grant was journeying in the Western States, while Miss Lyon had charge
of their seminary. To the absence of Miss G. at different
times, amounting in all to two years, out of the six and a
half during which they were connected at Ipswich, and to
Miss Lyon's absence from that place, in the mean time, two
winters and one summer, we are indebted for many of Miss
Lyon's thoughts, which otherwise she might never have
committed to paper.
TO MISS GRANT.
S"IPswicH, May 6, 1834.
" Yesterday we heard of the death of our former pupil,
Miss Farnum. She died last Friday. We have not heard
the particulars, except that she had her reason to the last,
and was calm in death. It is very pleasant to think of the
five individuals who once were members of our family, that
we believe are now together with the Lord; Mrs. WVright,
Miss Marsh, Miss Kingsley, Mrs. Bishop, and Miss Farnum.
How evident is it, that we do not know who it is best should
be called home, and who it is best should stay! In times




1 14         THE PREPARATORY DISCIPLINE.
past, life has seemed to me pleasant, and the privilege of
laboring very desirable.  But my feelings have undergone
some change for a few months past. Now, it seems to me
that, if God sees it to be best that we should live, it is
vastly important that we should labor with all our strength;
but that, whenever God may see it best to call us hence, we
should cheerfully leave our work at a moment's warning.
He who has given us our work to do, can easily commit it to
other hands. It is my desire to be in daily readiness to
leave all.  I believe I do have some foretastes, from time to
time, of what I think heaven is, though between these seasons there is much of strange stupidity. These little foretastes, too, as they return again and again, become more
and more enriching to my soul, and ravishing to my heart.
But the imperfect fruit which I bring forth, and the more
imperfect fountain within, form  a strange paradox.  The
grace of Christ is sufficient to cleanse from all sin. This is
my only hope, and a precious hope it is."
The reader must have noticed Miss Lyon's confidence in
the efficacy of her mother's prayers.  She was in the habit
of asking them not only for herself and her school, but also
for individuals under her influence. She was specific in the
requests she desired her to bring to the throne of grace. She
herself felt that these prayers were an important link in
the chain between the Giver of good and the blessing
received.
The following extracts not only show this, but also her
own exertions in behalf of all around hero
"IrswICIa, May 13, 1834...... My dear mother, I want you to pray for
the family with which I reside."
After describing the different members, particularly their
religious state, she adds, " Another member of the family is




LETTER TO MISS GRANT.               115
a young man, whose mind was injured by sickness when he
was a child. He makes himself useful, and is very faithful.
As I have seen poor J. go about, I have thought of his soul,
and hoped he would at last shine in heaven.*' Another, for whom I feel great solicitude, is a woman
who works in the kitchen.  She is about forty years old,
and cannot read. She is now absent on a visit. I commenced teaching her to read before she went away, and design to continue it when she returns, or engage some one of
the teachers to do it. She has been very much ashamed to
let any one know that she could not read. I taught her in
my chamber alone. I do want you should pray for these
individuals. I hope salvation will come to this house.
"The religious state of our school was favorable last
term. About twenty indulged some hope of having been
born again. In about two weeks, the school reassembles.
Pray for us, that the Lord may meet with us."
TO MIISS GRANT.
"IPSWICH, May 16. 1834.
"What can any of us do without the blessing of God?
I do hope we shall not be forsaken of him. Pray for us all,
and especially for the teachers, that we all may be fed with
heavenly food, granted day by day, like our daily bread.
When there is so much to be done for the blessed and glorious Savior, how important that all our strength, feeble as it
is, should be wholly devoted to his service! I am feeling
more and more, and with considerable force, that it is much
more important that all our powers, greater or less, should
- The reader may be gratified to learn that, after the above letter
was written, J., in great simplicity and sincerity, came like a child
to Christ, and has since adorned a religious profession by an humble
and exemplary life.




116          THE PREPARATORY DISCIPLINE.
be devoted to God, than that our powers should be great;
and that it is more important that all our time, whether longer
or shorter, should be devoted to him, than that this life should
be long. What a privilege to labor, feeling that, while we
are spared, God, in his infinite love, can make use of our
labors to promote the best of all causes, and whenever he
calls us hence, we can lay by our work, as we lay off a
garment, and the work can go on just as well without us!
How full of wisdom, goodness, and mercy, are all the ways
of God!  In eternity, we shall forever feast upon his love.
Sornetimes. I have great hope that the Lord will meet with
us and bless us this summer; teachers, scholars, and all.
To save by few or by many is the same with God. It
may be that he will honor his name by remembering us in
our weakness, and by taking us all to be his own. It seems
to me that this is my heart's desire and prayer to God from
day to day.
" Last week, I wanted to tell you how weak I felt. In
the first place, a pain seemed to play around my head, just
ready to seize upon it, and to unfit me for every thing. It
became necessary to watch and guard my efforts as carefully as I would a candle in the gentle breeze. In the next
place, my mind was locked as in a cage, and my heart was
seized with a painful chill. So much for myself. In looking
over the boarding-houses and scholars, I could find so little
salt on which I could depend that it would not lose its savor,
that my heart sank within me. The inquiry,' How can these
boarding-houses be so regulated, and the school so guided,
that every thing may be done, which ought to be done, to prepare the way of the Lord, and make his paths straight?'
came home to my soul. I felt like sinking; but the thought
that the Lord is able was comforting. Yesterday, I seemed
to gather some crumbs from my Father's table, which revived my strength of body, mind, and heart."




LETTERS TO MISS GRANT.              117
TO MISS GRANT.
"IPSWICH, June 3, 1834.
"I have a multitude of little things which I should like to
say to you. Our school has come together, and the prospect
is encouraging.  The general aspect is favorable.  The
cold, wet weather last week made some countenances sad,
and seemed to make a few misshapen stones more unfitted
to every place. But the sun comes out this week, and other
things look rather more comforting. Miss --- is one of
these misshapen stones. She has so far been at home most
of the days on account of her health. I think. it doubtful
whether she remains.
" I have received a letter from Miss --—, in which she
says it is a great trial to hide her talent in a napkin. She is
disappointed in getting a situation to teach, as she expected.
Now, my dear friend, can you help contrive for this poor
child? Can you not find some nook where she can do good,
and begin forthwith?  If you could find some field of labor,
and write to her immediately, how it would rejoice her heart,
and mine too, and yours no less."
TO THE SAMIE.
" IPSWICII, June 5, 1834.
6 Last evening, the Life of dear Mr. Emerson came.  I
seemed to have a visit with the good man as I glanced over
the pages one after another. I do hope every one who loved
him will enjoy the privilege of reading it. 0 that I might
derive important and permanent profit from this precious
book! How large a portion of my life has already gone, and
to how little purpose! When I look at such a character as
his, whose time was so systematically divided, so filled up
with varied usefulness, and who was so persevering on so
many different and seemingly opposite points, I feel a kind
of stirring influence in my inmost soul, making me feel that




118          THE PREPARATORY DISCIPLINE.
I want to begin anew, like a little child, and live as I should
live; though it must be a short life, comparatively. But
when and how shall I begin?  How shall I live, and how
shall I labor?"
The reflections of Miss L., on parting with individuals
who caused her unusual trouble, show that the relation she
sustained to her pupils affected her spirit deeply.  Selfish
joy, on being relieved from such burdens, found no place in
her benevolent heart.  The following letter is an illustrationTO MISS GRANT.
{C"IpswVICi, June 25, 1834.
" I wish very much to give you some more full account
of the school than I have done, but have time only to say the
same that I have expressed before - that the good hand of
our God is upon us in our daily labors and cares.  What
trials the Lord may see best to bring upon us before the
school closes, I know  not.  The circumstances of Miss
-—'s unhappiness have terminated, as I expected, irneher
leaving the school, and were very trying. -She did nothing;
was at school only now and then half a day; disliked the
school excessively; thought she was sick, and wrote to her
uncle, without mentioning it to me, that she could not stay;
wrote to her guardian, &c. I told her I thought it best that
she should leave. I do not know but I have done my whole
duty to her. At any rate, she has gone, and I shall meet
her no more till I meet her at the judgment seat.  I-low solemn will then be the account which I must render of my
stewardship! May I, from this time forward, feel more and
more the solemn truth that I must meet every one that I am
allowed the privilege of teaching, and render up a strict
account.  Pray for me, that I may be faithful to every
individual.
"Three or four young ladies were anxious about their




LETTER TO MISS GRANT.               119
salvation when they entered the school. Others are somewhat interested.  Last Sabbath morning, I met twelve at my
room, who thought they were decided to make religion their
first concern.  Two of the number are now indulging some
hope."
TO MISS GRANT.
"IPrswIci, July 4, 1834.'.... Returning by way of Beverly, I passed
the night in the hospitable home of kind Mrs. B., and spent
some time in reading to her and another good lady from Mr.
Emerson's Life. It was a luxury, indeed, to read to people
possessing such hearts. How justly might lie say,' O, with
what eyes, with what smiles, with what hands, with what
hearts, with what words, did they meet the feeble remnant
of him they once honored as their minister, so much above
his deserving!'   I love to read his letters.  I delight to
dwell on his sincerity. Surely, mine eyes have seen one
honest-hearted man in this dark, deceitful world. I am dis.
tressed with the apparent want of sincerity among Christians
on the first and grand principles of duty; and more than
all, with my own real deficiencies in this respect. I am distressed that so many momentous subjects of Christian duty
should wear so different an aspect in the pulpit, and in the
solemn and attentive audience, from what they do in the
social circle, and in the business of life. I have often had
seasons of being distressed with this subject.  In reading
Mr. Emerson's Life, all these feelings have been renewed.
Is there real cause for this distress? Is it owing to partial
views of things? 0 that my own heart might be sincere,
and my hands clean 1 But I had almost forgotten that I was
going to confine myself to business.' Miss F.'s lucid description of Granville, Ohio, I value
very much indeed, and trust I am truly grateful to her for
it. Such an aspect of society rouses my soul to almost a




120.'b4THE PREPARATORY DISCIPLINE.
flame, when I think what might be done in advancing the
interests of the human family, if every good thing might
take its proper place.
" Last evening, Mrs.   -   showed me an old tract,'Mary and Martha,' which her daughter had brought from
Vermont. I found it was written more than forty years ago,
by my grandmother's sister. She was a good woman, in
whom the meek and heavenly spirit of Jesus reigned all her
life, almost without a spot.  She nursed her aged parents
till their death, after which she was married, and had one
only son, who was content to be brought up by his mother's
side, a stranger to the arts of the world.  This child has
now three little daughters, and for a son has taken the
youngest child of my afflicted sister Putnam.
"' This little tract brought up a long train of family associations.  It seemed an interesting relic of the old, venerated
family of my mother's grandfather."
TO HER YOUNGEST SISTERp
"'IPSWICI, August 26, 1834.
6" Our niece, A. AM., has gone to Virginia, to teach. She
left us about four weeks ago, and has arrived safely. She
has made very good improvement here, and is promising.
1 think she has some right views about the real object of life,
and the real object of education. I do hope she will use her
acquirements for the advancement of Christ's kingdom.
When you pray for her, I beg you will remember this one
thing. What a great mistake has been committed by the
followers of Christ, in not believing that every good thing is
to be used primarily for the advancement of the Redeemer's
kingdom, for the salvation of men! Property, education,
time, influence, friends, children, brothers and sisters, all
should be devoted to this great object. All can be used, all
should be used thus. All who have willing hearts to engage




;E'TT'ER TO A SISTER.             121
in the great work of cooperating with Christ in saving the
world, I do desire should be thoroughly furnished. I would
have their power increased, their strength of body and of
mind, their knowledge and influence. These things seem to
me more and more important and valuable; not, however, for
the worldly-minded, but for the followers of Jesus. When
will Christians learn the great lesson of doing every thing
for the glory of God?  This, I believe, means that every
thing should be done, and every blessing be made, to promote the salvation of souls. This is the glory of God, as
revealed to us. This is that which we are commanded to
promote in all that we do, whether we eat or drink. It is by
the church that the manifold wisdom of God is manifest.
(Eph. iii. 10.)  To the angels, too, it seems that the wisdom
of God is made manifest by the church, or by the salvation
of man.
" I took this sheet to state a few things about myself; but
inadvertently'I have turned aside, until it is almost full. You
already know that I expect to close my labors here, and my
connection with Miss Grant on earth, this fall. I am about
to emabark in a frail boat on a boisterous sea. I know not
whither I shall be driven, nor how I shall be tossed, nor to
what port I shall aim.  I know not what is before me, nor
where will be my next field of labor. I know not when 1
shall find myself engaged in regular labor in the great work
of teaching, for which Providence has fitted me more than
for any thing else.  But I am not anxious. I have decided
to close my labors here, because I felt it to be probable that
I could do more good in another field. And now, after
breakinug asunder a thousand cords, to separate myself from
this beloved institution, I feel that I must at present keep
myself disengaged from any school, because, by so doing, I
have more hope that the Mway will be open for me yet to
engage in the specific field in which my heart is so deeply'11l




122           THE PREPARATORY D'ISCIPLINE.
interested.  I never had a prospect of engaging in any labor
which seemed so directly the work of the Lord as this. It
is very sweet, in the midst of darkness and doubt, to commit
the whole to his guidance.
"The next winter I want to spend partly in study, and
partly in laying out plans for the future, writing, &c. i wish
to be in a faGmily where I shall meet friends, and where I
shall have access to a good library, and in a town where I
shall not be out of the way of society, for I shall often want
counsel.  Providence has very kindly given me such a home
at Amherst, in the family of Professor Hitchcock.
"The religious state of our school has been in some de'
gree interesting.  Many are anxious for the salvation of their
souls; some deeply so. A few have recently expressed hope.
The interest increases from week to week.  I want that you
and deal mother should pray for us much while the school
shall continue, which will be about three weeks longer."
TO MISS GRANT.
IPSwICI-I, September 15, 1834..... Messrs. Reed and Matheson, from England, were here last Thursday evening.  I regretted exceedingly that you were not present to answer for the school
yourself.  Mr. M. was in school a short time in the morning,
and Mr. H. just before they left town."
Mr. Reed had previously had a personal interview with
Miss Grant, at Cincinnati, Ohio, and was very particular in
ascertaining the principles and plans of operation in the
seminary at Ipswich.
At a later date, Miss Lyon writes to Miss G.,-, W7hat a blessing  we have enjoyed in having such a field
of labor from year to year! ilow fev are favored as we
are   May you, my dear friend, live long, and enjoy the
privilege of laboring for a great while to come."




LETT'ER TO A SISTER.              123
TO HER SISTER MIOORE.
"' I have not heard from your daughter A. for a long time.
I think she will be prepared to do great good, and I hope she
will live to do it. I feel satisfied with her present situation,
only as a temporary one. I do not think the sphere of usefulness so extensive as she might have in other places. I-low
much greater is the blessing of enjoying a field of usefulness, than a situation favorable to personal advantage! And
do you not, my dear sister, regard it as a higher privilege to
have your children prepared to do good, than to have them
enjoy great worldly prosperity? This happiness I desire and
pray that you may enjoy in all your children."
From  Miss Lyon's letters to Miss Grant, we now give a
few fragments without date; and with these we are brought
to the close of their ten years' cooperation in teaching, viz.,
September 1, 1834.
"They are talking about erecting a building for a female
school in this city; but they have had no idea of doing it,
except by shares, with the expectation of an income. They
look at schools, generally, just as they would at mercantile
business. Some persons, who knew I was coming here,
hoped that I would render them some assistance about a
plan; but they need something more than a plan."
"There is more decided religious influence in this place
than in any other village of its size in which I am acquainted. There is more equality among the people, and less
aristocracy. But, from what I have learned, I should think the
people had not knowledge enough, and fixedness of purpose
enough, for their security.  They have great zeal and ardor
in new things, but in their plans and efforts they are among
the most changeable. - Their zeal is very apt to be of mushroom character."
After mentioning some young ladies who had refused a
field of usefulness, because the salary did not meet their
wishes, she says, —



124           THE PREPARATORY DISCIPLINE.
4'You see what the views of these ladies are.  I could
not refrain from saying to myself, If all ladies entertain the
same views, what will become of the immense population of
our country, whose scale of means and living, in every
respect, is so far below these views? How shall the mothers
of future generations be so trained, that,.with the common'blessing of Heaven, they will refuse to give up their children
to Catholic influence?  What would become of the great
multitude of our churches throughout the country, if all our
educated ministers were to demand a salary, which should
furnish as much better support for their families than the
common, enterprising, and industrious farmers and mechanics can procure, as these ladies consider necessary for their
personal wants, above what can be obtained by the industry
of respectable females in ordinary employments?"
" How soon your school will close! and where will you
then be? How I should love to step in some morning and
-listen to your instructions, and, as in former days, not
only enjoy the truth in my own mind, but enjoy it as refleeted from  many an impressive countenance!  Does the
Lord bless the truth?  Has there been a growth of grace
among professing Christians?  Do the teachers and pupils
have enlarged views of Christian feeling and Christian action?  Are their hearts and minds so enlarged, that they can
understand and love the principle, that the commands of the
Bible are to be obeyed, at all times, in all places, and under
all temptations?   I do believe that this is a time when
efforts in behalf of young Christians are peculiarly needed.
In my intercourse with society of late, I have been more and
more convinced of this. I have noticed a tendency to giddiness, volatility, and foolish talking and jesting. In some
cases, I have been surprised to learn that those in whom I
had noticed these things were professors of religion.  I am
inclined to think that this is more manifest when young ladies
and young gentlemen are engaged in conversation with one




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EXTRACTS FROM LETTERS TO MISS GRANT.    125
another. I recollect meeting a minister and his daughter
of fifteen or sixteen. She was introduced to our company.
We noticed her apparent thoughtlessness, and spoke of it to
each other with a feeling that she was a child, and would
need a prudent mother's care. We soon learned, to our surprise, that she professed piety, and would like to go on a
mission. This is an extreme case; but I have seen many
others, though less marked, which have led me to tremble
for the church. Have we not reason to fear that too many
of the young persons in our churches lose sight of the distinction between believers and unbelievers? Is not this a
time when there is great need of watchfulness and prayer?
0, how important that young Christians should take Christ
for their example, and become holy as he was holy, harmless and undefiled as he was! How important that all who
are united to Christ, should live in such a manner as to avoid
the appearance of evil!  May the Lord teach the dearly
beloved in our seminary as no man can teach them."
"Several clergymen travelled some distance with our
company. Much of their conversation was interesting; but
I have some sighs in my heart for a more holy ministry."
" May the Lord guide us in all our plans, and in all our
labors.  May we feel our dependence, be humble before
God, and by his abundant grace be prepared to receive from
our heavenly Father great and increasing blessings on the
beloved institution which has been our joint care."
11*




PA RT  II.
THE GREAT STRUGGLE
SECTION  I.
The Buckland School.
FOR six successive winters, as has been seen, Miss Lyon
was engaged in teaching in Buckland or Ashfield; assisting
Miss Grant at Derry, or at Ipswich, through the summers.
That winter school was, in an important sense, the germ of
the Mount Holyoke Seminary, and contributed to enlist
public opinion in favor of Miss Lyon's later enterprise. In
Buckland, where she spent the first two and the last two of
the six winters, her school-room was a hall used for social
religious meetings; and, as the pupils increased, the teachers
used their own rooms for recitations.  The first winter, the
school numbered twenty-five; the last, nearly one hundred.
The scholars of one winter were an advertisement for the
next. Hiding herself in the shadow of her own loved hills,
happy in her work, and seeking only to do it well, she and
her assistant were often occupied with it twelve hours out of
the twenty-four.  Miss Hannah White aided her every winter after the first; Miss Louisa Billings, now Mrs. Russell,
of East Randolph, was the only other teacher regularly employed in the school; but the more advanced pupils often
acted as monitors, when their services were needed.
The school was moderate in its expenses; the families




THE BUCKLAND SCHOOL.               127
near by, sensible of its advantages, made every effort to
board the pupils, one family receiving twelve, and another
fourteen. The friends of the school opened their houses,
not to make a living, but to accommodate the young women,
who were expected to wait on themselves as much as they
could without hindering the work of the family. They either
did their own washing or sent it home. Tuition was three
dollars per quarter, and board from one dollar to one dollar
twenty-five cents per week. This school becoming the resort of many who had been, or expected to be, teachers, and
Miss Lyon aiming to fit them for their work, reading, writing,
spelling, mental and written arithmetic, geography, English
grammar, and the Scriptures were made leading studies.
Herself a pattern teacher in them all, she showed every
pupil how to teach. After the first winter, she introduced
one or two higher branches, varying the choice so as to meet
the wants and wishes of the former pupils.  The celebrity
of the school in that region was such, that to have attended
it one or more winters became a letter of recommendation
to a candidate for teaching. If she had the imitativeness,
tact, or talent to make her scholars do as well as she had
been made to do, she was sure to be employed and to be
wanted in the same district the next year. Though the word
had not then found its way thither, it was, to all intents and
purposes, a normal school.
The religious character of the Buckland school, more
than any thing else, drew the hearts of the good people toward it. Daughters who went thither thoughtless and bent
on pleasure, returned home serious, and bent on doing good.
T'he gentle influences of Heaven falling on the school, its
members were turned from the path of sin and death to
that of holiness and life, till, to the churches in the vicinity,
it became a consecrated spot. In many a working-man's
house, at many a family altar, that school was remembered
with earnest prayer and with pious gratitude. The absent




THE GREAT STRUGGLE.
daughter and her youthful companions were prayed for
together, with hope and trust that there they might learn
the way of life. Ministers in the sanctuary, when they
prayed for colleges, did not forget the school at Bucklando
Pastors and people alike felt that, there, education was truly
a handmaid to religion.
It has already been seen, that, after Miss Grant removed
from Derry to Ipswich, she kept her school open through the
year, and conferred with Miss Lyon with reference to uniting
their labors for winters as well as summers. Miss Lyon was
nearly a year considering the questions, Where can I do the
greatest good? Where am I called to serve my Lord and
Master? At Buckland and Ashfield, she was surrounded by
sensible and efficient young women, who looked to her with
filial confidence and respect, and who, in most cases, could not
command the means to go to the more distant and more expensive school at Ipswich.  By them she seemed to be able to
take hold of society, as of a sheet knit by its four cornera,.
and raise it towards heaven. For them she had given up all
elegant leisure, and hours of literary recreation.  Many of
them she had pointed to the cross of Christ, and been the instrument of opening to them, in the certain future, the gate
of heaven, the entrance to his presence. Her spiritual children, her sisters in Christ, as they were, could she leave them
to be guided by other and unknown hands?
She was also in the midst of a community who appreciated
her worth. Enough was subscribed by the friends of' femate
education in that region to erect a suitable building for the
permanent accommodation of the school. The Franklin
Association of Ministers passed resolves, requesting her to
continue in that part of the state. Dr. Packard, of Shelburne, and others, personally urged her to continue with
them.
In view of these considerations, she was, at first, disindined to leave her field of labor among her native hills.




AN ANXIOUS QUESTION.               129
Writing to Miss G. on the subject from Buckland, January
22, 1829, she says, "Had you made the proposal contained
in your last two years ago, I should have had no doubt about
the path of duty. But within this time, I have given encouragement of continuing in this region winter after winter.
Within this period, the number of the friends of my school
has greatly increased, till now there are many who would
not justify my leaving this region, except for obvious and
sufficient reasons.'" The present necessities of this region; the experience I
have had in attempting, during five winters, to accommodate
my plan to the wants of this community; the increased number of schools in the vicinity of Ipswich, compared with the
scarcity here; your abundant ability alone to form all your
plans; the ease with which you could procure experienced
assistants in.the winter, —lead me to doubt very much whether
we should do right to be together the whole year. In
endeavoring to decide, I do not estimate what I should
accomplish with you, but compare what you would accomplish with my assistance with what you would do with the
assistance of other experienced teachers. This I have considered a just balance, and, weighed in this, you can judge,
as well as I, how the subject appears to me.  Since I last
saw you, the importance of this field has increased in my
estimation.  May we both be directed from above."
There was one personal consideration which weighed
much with Miss Lyon in favor of Ipswich. This was her
extreme attachment to Miss Grant, whose presence was sunlight to her soul. The peculiar enjoyment she derived from.
the society of her friend, she felt, should be allowed some
weight in the decision of the question.  Miss Lyon also saw
that her aid was greatly needed the year round in the large
and increasing school at Ipswich, especially if the way
should be opened for Miss G. to do any thing towards laying
the foundation for a permanent seminary.




130               THE GREAT STRYUGGLE.
Miss Lyon's multiplied labors, near the close of tile suml
mer term  at Ipswich, in 1829, the journey thence to Buclkland, and the care and toil connected with commencing her
own school there for the winter, together with a severe cold,
almost prostrated her. Her friends, as well as herself, saw
that she might injure her health, and be lost to the cause of
ed ucation.
Writing to Miss Grant soon after her school at Buckland
commenced, she says of these ills,'6 Perhaps they were sent
in kindness to convince my friends here that my health
can fail."
When her friends in the western part of the state saw that
she could not with safety labor in two fields so distant from
each other, they urged her to locate herself with them. To
this request she had but one reply - that she had sacredly
pledged her assistance to Miss Grant for summers.
In view of her happiness, her health, and her consequent
usefulness, Miss Lyon finally decided to unite with Miss
Grant for the two succeeding winters as well as summers,
leaving the question as to the place of her labors after that
period for future consideration.  In a letter of December 9,
1829, communicating this decision to Miss Grant, she says,: It is fully understood, that I leave Buckland because 1 consider it injudicious to attempt to occupy two fields of labor
so distant from  each other.  Dr. Packard, as well as some
others, was disposed to come directly to the conclusion that
it was my duty to separate from  you altogether, as soon as
possible. This question I have carefully avoided, except
when I have been pressed upon it.  Dr. P. inquired whether
I should be ready to leave you, if duty should be plain; to
which I could give but one answer.  He thought it not best
that I should give much encouragement of returning here, at
the end of two years, as the matter is so doubtful, but advised
me to fix my eye on some one or two confidential friends,
and if, in six months or a year, or at any future period I




TUE QUESTION DECIDEiD      ]        1[
should think it my duty to direct my attention to this vicinity,
communicate it to these friends, depending on them to bring
the school to the best spot without collision or commotion.
" One year ago, I should not have supposed that I could so
quietly and cheerfully have decided to leave this beloved
field. The prospect of my future labors is pleasant, but
excites no high anticipations. Your society will always be
to me a source of the highest earthly enjoyment, but I do not
mean to make it'my meat and my drink."'"
This decision was, no doubt, a wise one. She had won
confidence and honor in her own country. He whose counsel she devoutly sought, saw that it would forward the work
which he had raised her up to accomplish, if she should for
a time fully identify herself with the Ipswich school.
When it was found that Miss Lyon was unalterably determined to continue with Miss Grant, an attempt was made to
induce the latter to remove to the western part of the state.
The Franklin Association of Ministers passed some resolves,
and, through the Rev. Thomas Shepard, corresponded with
Miss Grant on the subject; but, for reasons not necessary to
mention here, the effort did not result in her removal.
Miss Lyon afterwards said that it was at Buckland, surrounded by the young women who have been described in
the foregoing pages, that she first conceived the vague notion
of "' a seminary which should be so moderate in its expenses
as to be open to the daughters of farmers and artisans, and
to teachers who might be mainly dependent for their support
on their own exertions."
Rev. Dr. Packard, of Shelburne, submitted rather than
consented to her removing entirely from Buckland. She did
not forget the advice he gave her, which is contained in her
letter of Dec. 9, 1829. One of her first steps, after deciding
to leave Ipswich to embark in her great enterprise, was to
communicate her decision to him.  He was at Ipswich at the
first formal meeting that the friends of the project ever held,




132              aTHE GREAT STRUGGLE,
was chairman of the general committee, and was the first
agent employed to act in reference to the subject. He was
a friend when most needed, in the very infancy of the enterprise; and by the time he withdrew, there were others
ready to take his place. In one of Miss Lyon's letters to
Miss G., written in December, 1834, she says, " In the plan
for the proposed seminary, Dr. Packard's whole soul is enlisted. It is his first and great object, occupying his time by
day, and many of his thoughts by night. I sometimes think
that in interest he will even go beyond myself. In devising
ways and means to accomplish it, his mind acts with all its
peculiar originality. I have long desired, almost more than
any thing, that some gentleman, who has the habit of acting,
would take hold of this object as his own, and devote to it his
time and his energies.  It appears to me his zeal and his
action may be essential to the accomplishment of this object."
Not only was Dr. Packard a connecting link between the
school at Buckland and the Holyoke Seminary, but the ministers who had been so much interested in the former school
were among the first to welcome the latter to their vicinity.
SECTION II.
Thlie Ipswich School.*
THE school conducted by Miss Grant, first at Derry, and
afterwards at Ipswich, owed much of its prosperity to the
faithful and efficient aid of Miss Lyon, and in turn contributed
much to prepare and enlist both herself and the public in the
novel work of founding a permanent female seminary. A
* In this account of the Ipswich school, the writer has made free use
of an article published in the American Quarterly Register, and also in
the last catalogue of Miss Grant.




THE IPSWICH SCHOOLt                133
somewhat full account of that school is therefore demanded,
both as a part of her own biography, and of the early history
of the institution at South Hadley.
Miss Lyon threw her soul into that school as entirely as if
it had been her own.  While other teachers, for one reason
or another, vacated their places in the school, Miss Lyon
stood at her post, coveting the heat and burden of the day.
Never had a principal a more faithful and cordial assistant.
In after years, did not God remember this faithfulness, in
raising up so many fellow-laborers, in whom  Miss Lyon's
heart could safely trust?
The principal features of the plan on which the Adams
Female Academy at Derry   had been conducted by Miss
Grant, were as follows: A thorough course of English studies,
occupying three years; the arrangement of the pupils, at
entrance, in three regular classes, each occupying a year;
provision for devoting much time and attention to biblical
study and instruction; the exercise of the same care and
supervision over the young ladies in and out of school, as if
they were her own daughters; while certificates, at the close,
were given to those, and only to those, who, on examination,
gave evidence of having gained a thorough knowledge of
each study in the prescribed course. The academy at Derry
was continued on this plan four years, but no sessions were
held during the winters.
In the winter of 1828, the Trustees of the Ipswich Academy
made arrangements with Miss Grant to occupy their building
for a female seminary of a high order, Leasing it to her, by
permission of the proprietors, free of rent. The responsibility of furnishing instruction and conducting the school was
devolved upon her; but they were to afford such aid as they
could in carrying the design of the school into effect.
* At the division of Londonderry, the part in which the Adams Fe.
male Academy was located took the name of Derry.
12




134              TITE GREAT STRTJGGLEM
The trustees pledged themselves to provide the members
of the school with accommodation in families, so that two
pupils should have the exclusive occupancy of one room, and
that in winter not more than four should study by oie fire.
From and after the spring of 1830, a house capable of accommodating thirty-three boarders was occupied exclusively
for the school.  The principal and most of the teachers
usually boarded in this family, and its privileges were always
in great request. The young ladies there were, of course,
directly under the eye of the teachers. They also took the
care of engaging boarding-places in town, and of assigning
rooms and room-mates, thus securing a great control over
the influences operating on the pupils out of school.  It was
made the business of a particular teacher to acquaint herself with the wants and wishes of the young ladies in regard
to their boarding-places, rooms, and room-mates, and to make
the best possible arrangements for their personal comfort and
accommodation.  Those who were in the large boardinghouse, and those who were not, bore to the Principal the
same degree of responsibility; all had the same regular
hours for meals, sleep, relaxation, exercise, and study.
Of the one hundred scholars who gathered around Miss
Grant and Miss Lyon at Ipswich in the spring of 1828, more
than thirty had been their pupils at Derry.  Bringing the
spirit of love and obedience, they gave a pleasant type to the
school. A part of these thirty felt that they owed a debt,
which they could never pay, to teachers who had, in preceding years, held to their lips the waters of life, yea, meekly
and patiently taught them to go themselves to the ever-flowing fountain. They evinced their gratitude by a readiness
to do all that in them lay, by their influence and example,
to assist these teachers in their efforts to make a good school.
The school at Derry and at Ipswich was one in its plans,
instruction, and general results.  Many older scholars gathered to it, and it numbered among its pupils the daughters
of nearly every state in the Union.




THE IPSWICH SC1OOL               135
In 1831, there were one hundred and ninety pupils; but
as there were not suitable and available accommodations for
so many, the number was reduced; first, by not receiving any
under the age of fourteen; second, by requiring certain qualifications for admission; and finally, by limiting the number
of boarders.
From the time that Miss Lyon commenced her labors at
Perry till the fall of'34, she was in the school every season,
except two winters and one summer. For two years of that
time, Miss Grant being absent from the school on account of
her health, the care of it devolved mostly on Miss Lyon.
For the whole ten years, she was inscribing ineffaceably on
the minds and hearts of these pupils her name and character,
as she did also on her Buckland and Ashfield scholars.  On
them she left the impression, that for efficiency, for unpretending goodness, for power to direct and control mind, and
for skill in exhibiting divine truth, she had scarce an equal
among the daughters of men.
As has been already stated, some account of this school
belongs to the history of Miss Lyon, because she did so much
to make it what it became, because her service there educated her for her future work, and because that shool was
really the Holyoke Seminary, dwelling in tents, led by the
cloud and the fire, and not yet honored with a name. The
active friends of the new seminary, in their drafts upon the
benevolent public for its accommodations, every where pleaded
that they intended to stereotype the Ipswich Seminary, and
afford the same and greater advantages at less expense. It
was the known character, and wide and substantial usefulness
of the Ipswich school, that gave to those pleas and arguments
their power and success.
Two wealthy, active, original, practical minds, whose ruling passion was to benefit immortal souls, had consecrated
their thoughts, energies, and affections to the Ipswich school.
They taught, not for money, nor for fame, but from the love




13G(f'THE GREAT STRUIGGLE.
of God, and to do good. Looking beyond parents and guardians, they received their scholars as from God, and sought to
train them, in the morning of their existence, for his everlasting service, and held themselves accountable to him for the
manner in which they fulfilled the trust. The great and allabsorbing question with these ladies, by night and by day, in
term time and in vacations, was how to prepare the minds
intrusted to them for the greatest possible usefulness and
happiness, here and hereafter. To this end scholarship, literature, and science were all made subservient. It was to this
end alone that efforts were made to provide suitable and permanent buildings for the accommodation of the Female
Seminary at Ipswich.
The proportion of teachers employed in the school was
about one to fifteen pupils, and the other ladies thus engaged
were of one mind with Misses Grant and Lyon. Consecrating their energy, as well as their time, to their work, they did
not fall into the way of doing as little as they could and yet
escape censure, but they sought to do as much for every
pupil as would be of any use to her.
The school, neither at Derry nor at Ipswich, included in its
course of instruction needlework, instrumental music, or the
foreign languages. It proposed to furnish a thorough English education, to make its pupils intelligent readers, easy
writers, and companionable friends, and to give them such a
knowledge of liberal studies as would enable them, in an unembarrassed manner, to acquit themselves honorably and usefully in any station of life which they might be called to fill.
But before Miss Lyon left Ipswich, the course of study embraced nearly the same branches and text books as that at
South Hadley does now. The study of Latin was introduced
into Ipswich Seminary in 1835. In a circular which Miss
Lyon sent that fall to all the candidates for admission to her
new institution, she says, "It is expected that the Mount
Holyoke Female Seminary will take the Ipswich Female




THE IPSWICH SCHOOL.               137
Seminary for its literary standard.  It is to adopt the same
high standard of mental discipline, the same slow, thorough,
and patient manner of study, the same systematic and extensive course of solid branches."
Many improvements which are often spoken of as having
originated within a few years, were introduced into Miss
Grant's school at Derry or at Ipswich.
An hour was assigned to each recitation, and the teacher
devoted it to examining the class in the lesson of the day, to
explaining, illustrating, or enforcing it, and to pointing out
its difficulties, or directing the attention of the class to preliminary questions and questions of instruction. The exercise elicited thought, and accustomed the pupil to express
her ideas in a clear, correct, and forcible manner. The
standard of recitations was unfailing accuracy, and a majority of the pupils attained it. The teachers, aiming at a
thorough and symmetrical cultivation of the mind, selected
the studies, and laid their plans for recitations, with reference to that end.  The pupils pursued not more than two or
three studies at a time, but they were expected to investigate
the subjects studied till they had made the ideas their own,
if correct, or found out the fallacy, if they were false. Free
discussion gave life to the recitation, and stimulated the pupil
to make thorough preparation.
Any pupil was allowed to bring a written question on any
part of the lesson which she wished to hear more fully explained, and each scholar was liable to be called on for the
explanation, except the one who presented the difficulty.
The different answers from all sides would increase the interest of the exercise so much that the hour assigned for the
lesson would pass rapidly away, and close unexpectedly to
all. In the study of mental philosophy, particularly, these
discussions were very animated, and completely absorbed
the attention of the pupils. Not only was the text subjected
to examination and criticism, but questions suggested by the
12 /




A38              THE GREAT STRUGGLE.
lesson were discussed, sometimes in several successive exercises. The object aimed at was not merely to store away
knowledge for a lifetime, but to prepare the pupils to read
understandingly on the subject, and to form independent and
correct opinions. In all the branches of study, the pupils
were led to understand that they were only taking a glance
into fields of hidden treasures, which they were to explore
in future years.
The government of the school was a kind of theocracy,
the teachers standing between the pupils and God, to assist
them in learning his will. Yet there was a copious infusion
of true republicanism. The regulations were referred to
the immutable standard of right and wrong. Is it right?
Is it in accordance with the law of love? were questions
constantly pressed home, with the hope of leading the scholar
h-abitually to ask them for herself. Conscience was brought
to bear on courtesy, neatness, dress, and every thing which
affects personal character and usefulness.
A rule, and its reason, were generally given together. Miss
Lyon, on requesting the young ladies not to visit each other
on the Sabbath, would say, " It is not in our power to make
you keep the day holy in your hearts, yet, as standing in the
place of parents, we are bound by the fourth commandment
to see that you keep it externally." When she told them
that they were expected to be at meeting on the Sabbath,
she would quote the words of the apostle, "Not forsaking
the' assembling of yourselves together, as the manner of
some is."  The likeness of the good man to'" a tree which
bringeth forth his fruit in his season," was the unfailing sanction of punctuality.  In the time of green fruit, Paul's direc
tion to the jailer, " Do thyself no harm," was enforced upon
the pupils. All violations of physiological laws, such as
over-indulgence of the appetite, thin shoes, tight waists.
were shown, to the satisfaction of the pupils, to be violations
of the sixth commandment.  By the eighth, using things




THE IPSWICH SCHOOL.               139
without leave, injuring borrowed articles, defacing furniture
not their own, and all careless use of common property, was
shown to be forbidden. The teachers were glad to have
every practical proposition of theirs tested by the Bible.
To the remark, that " an eminent teacher was much assisted
in governing scholars by studying and applying the laws of
nations," they would reply, "How much more, if she had
studied and applied the laws of God!" This reply contains the genius of their mode of school government, the
controlling of minds by God's methods.
The pupils were led to govern themselves. A new regulation was generally distinctly stated, and its tendency to
promote the greatest good, on the whole, clearly exhibited.
Their consciences and judgments approving, all, or nearly
all, the school would formally adopt it, and pledge themselves to its observance. While they were trusted to approve of just and wholesome rules, and to report their success in keeping them, effectual measures were adopted to
guard against and to detect insincerity. The teachers seemed
to find the golden mean between trusting scholars so much as
to make them careless, and watching them so closely as to
make them sly and mean.
The system of accounts, that is, of scholars, reporting
their success or failure in keeping rules, Miss Grant adopted
when an assistant in Mr. Emerson's school.  He had requested his pupils not to whisper, unless it was very necessary; but they found it necessary oftener than conduced to
their highest improvement. Miss Grant had the care of instructing the whole school, at certain hours, in writing and in
English grammar, and, with Mr. Emerson's leave, she took
charge of this important item in school discipline. As she
met one and another of the more docile and influential
pupils, she said to her alone, " If you could avoid whispering altogether, I think it would be an advantage to you and
to the school;" and when the pupil said, "I will try," Miss




140              THE GREAT STRUGGLE.
G. added, " Will you try for a week? "  After a large number had pledged themselves to her, she discussed the subject
with them all, dwelling on the evils of whispering in school,
and clearly showing it to be the floodgate of idleness and
disorder. When their minds were in the right state to give
the right answer, she put the question, " Would you like to
try and avoid whispering, and all communications equivalent
to it, till this hour to-morrow?"  On the morrow, she bestowed a'look and a word of commendation, on those who
had kept their resolve, and by such means, in a few weeks,
banished whispering from the school. She was careful to
keep them informed as to what were communications, and
to see that the line between truth and falsehood was correctly
drawn on their minds and consciences. Though young persons, who are weak in moral principle, may be injured by
an indiscreet use of this system, yet, in the hands by which
it was at first employed, its fruits were good. One lady, who
had a large school of small children, made a rule that every
scholar who whispered should lose his recess, and, just befolre
recess, said to her flock, " Those who have whispered this
morning may rise," and thought she was pursuing the same
plan as Misses Grant and Lyon. Two ladies could not be
found in all the United States, who would be more keenly
alive to the danger of such a mode of proceeding to a child.
Children, at such a school, are trained to falsehood as regularly as to read and spell. The plan is adapted only to
minds capable of discriminating between truth and falsehood,
and in which reason and conscience have the ascendency
over passion and appetite. When this state of mind and
moral principle is wanting, Misses G. and L. instructed the
candidates for teaching, who were under their care, to delay
introducing this system of accounts until, by moral means
and appliances, it could safely be done.  In their own
schools, from week to week, they gave instruction, and bestowed individual labor to implant, or evolve, and to keep in




THE IPSWICH SCHOOL.               141
healthful action, principles of truth and integrity; their object
being not merely to lead the scholars to faithfulness in the
minutiam referred to, but in all the relations of life.
The following extempore remarks of Miss Lyon will illus.
trate her method of introducing a new regulation, and leading
pupils to self-discipline:" Early rising, young ladies, is not rising at any particular hour; for what is early for one, may be late for another.
Early rising, for any individual, is rising at the earliest time
proper for her under the existing circumstances. The hour
of rising should not be decided on in the delicious dreaminess of the half-waking and more than half-dozing state of
one's morning slumbers, but the decision should be made
when you are up and awake, with all your powers in vigorous exercise. In deciding, you must take into view your
age. Young persons, who have not fully attained their
growth, need more sleep than those of mature age.  You
must consider the state of your health. Feeble persons,
with constitutions made to run only half the threescore years
and ten allotted to man, often need more sleep than the
strong and healthy. Some allowance, too, must be made
for the temperaments of different individuals. Some require
more sleep than others; but those who need a large amount
should take their additional sleep in the early part of the
night. Who was it that said,' One hour's sleep before midnight is worth two after?' Yes, Dr. Dwight, a man of large
experience and careful observation. Now, young ladies,
you are here at great expense. Your board and tuition cost
a great deal, and your time ought to be worth more than
both; but, in order to get an equivalent for the money and
time you are spending, you must be systematic, and that is
impossible, unless you have a regular hour for rising. If
that hour is five, and you are on your feet before the clock
has done striking, then you are punctual; but if you lie five
minutes, or even one, after that hour passes, you are tardy,




142              THE GREAT STRUGGLE.
and you must lose a little respect for yourself in consequence.  Persons who run round all day, after the half
hour they lost in the morning, never accomplish much.
You may know them by a rip in the glove, a string pinned
to the bonnet, a shawl left on the balustrade, which they had
no time to hang up, they were in such a-blurry to catch their
lost thirty minutes. You will see them opening their books
and trying to study at the time of general exercises in school;
but it is a fruitless race; they never will overtake their lost
half hour.  Good men, from Abraham to Washington, have
been early risers."
She kept on in this lively strain, till she saw the school
prepared to make a proper decision, when she would say,
6 Now, young ladies, I want every one of you to fix on an
hour of rising for a week to come. Be sure not to fix on
too early an hour, for it would not injure your character
nearly so much to make a mistake, and decide to rise at
six, when you might rise at half past five without any
injury to your health, as to fail of meeting your own appointment."
In the freshness of the forenoon, their minds unbeclouded
by over-eating, over-study, or unhealthy excitement, the pupils would generally fix on an earlier hour for themselves
than their teachers would for them.
Miss Lyon would proceed: "All who have decided on
their time of rising, for a week, may raise their hands."
The irresolute and the sluggish would be unable to come to
any decision.  She would next say, "You may all rise;
all means every one. Yes, all are on their feet now. If
you have decided on your time of rising, you may take your
seat."  The lovers of their own ease and comfort would be
left standing, while a large majority of the school were comfortably seated.  "' As fast as you fix on the hour, you may
take your seats," was the curt and effective  address to those
who were still unable to decide. No one could sit down




THE IPSWICI SCHOOL.                143
undecided, without acting a falsehood, which was considered
in the school dishonorable, as well as wrong.  If any were
inclined to stand it out, she was patient with them, and willing to stand as long as they did.  When all had signified
that the decision was made, they were directed to write down
their decision, and hand the papers to her, or keep them till
she called for them.  One of the first remarks on the succeeding day would be, " How did you succeed, young ladies,
about rising?  You may all stand. Those who were up
this morning at the time they set yesterday, may take their
seats."  A very large majority would be found to have kept
their resolutions, and the delinquents could complain of no
one but themselves.  HLaving broken their own rules, and
fallen short of their own standard, they could not but feel
self-condemned.
When there was not time for the teacher to give the reason for a rule, the pupils would still render a cheerful conmpliance, feeling a childlike confidence that their teachers
knew better than themselves what was for their good, and
were aiming to promote it. The early hour for retiring, and
other specific regulations, were often observed in this manner by pupils, in the early part of the term; but in the sequel
all the rules were duly explained. The pupils were led to
look at these requirements in the same light as their teachers, and to pronounce them in the hidden recesses of their
hearts, as well as by a formal vote, just and good.  They
appeared to have a hand in the government; but they did
Nlwhat they chose, because they chose what was wise and
good. The reins were so hidden in their hearts, and so held
in hands of love, as never to be seen or felt by well-disposed
pupils; and yet they were turned whithersoever right, reason,
and duty led.
No question was ever left to the vote of the school, unless
there was a moral certainty that they would decide right.
In conversation even with a pupil, Miss Lyon exercised great




144               THE GREAT STRUGGLE.
adroitness in preventing her from committing herself on the
wrong side.  If there was not time to exhibit a requirement
in such a light as to bring the school heartily to concur in it,
it was taken for granted that they understood it, and would
observe it; and but few disappointed such expectations.
Miss Lyon was firmness itself in case of a refractory pupil.
The only outburst of passion that was ever manifested in the
school at Ipswich was at a time when she was presiding.
A pupil, of woman's height, refused to go into the assemblyroom at nine in the morning.  Miss Lyon said to her," Y15Tou,must go into the large room."  The young woman was in
the library.  As she refused to move, Miss Lyon requested
two other pupils to assist her.  The young lady not helping
herself at all, they drew her from the library through the
entry and a recitation-room into the assembly-room.  The
scholars, all in their seats, looked on with amazement. When
she was fairly in the room, so that the door could be shut,
Miss Lyon, who was in the desk, said to her aids, "' That will
do;" and turning to the school, she said, " You may study,"
and the young lady, on the floor, was left to her own reflections.  She continued a member of the school several terms,
and though she was always a source of anxiety and care to
her teachers, she never after attempted openly to contend
with the authority of the school.  Notwithstanding the school
was nearly petrified with astonishment, yet, at the word, the
scholars turned their eyes to their books, and saved their
exclamations for another time and place.
The pupils felt a lively interest in the reputation, character, and usefulness of the school.  Near the commencement
of the term, Miss Grant or Miss Lyon would speak of the
magnitude of the work with which the teachers were intrusted, in a very solemn and impressive manner, and say
they should be crushed under it, were it not for the hope
that their scholars would help them in sustaining it.  After
showing them that the responsibility lay on the scholars as




'DRE IPEWICsi  SCHOOL.            145
well as on the teachers, the speaker would say, in tones of
love, " And now, my dear pupils, may we depend on you to
help us bear this burden?  %Will you unite your efforts with
ours in promoting the welfare of this beloved seminary 
Your predecessors have made the school what it is; will you
see to it that it does not suffer in your hands? Will you
leave it as good as you found it?" Every heart and every
eye would answer, "' Yes." "6 I thought we might, I feel that
we may, lean on you," the speaker would say; "and if you
wvill each take good care of one, we can take care of the
rest."  Those teachers could send electric thrills from heart
to heart, and their appeals were not lost upon their pupils.
They were made to feel that the reputation and character of
the school were part and parcel of themselves, and must be
secured, rather than their individual gratification.  In such
connections, the maxim, 6 "What will not do for all to do, will
not do for one," was repeated and applied; until, if a scholar
wished to ask for an improper indulgence, the motto would
be brought to her remembrance, and her request would die
in the asking.  The leading scholars were sure to be on the
right side, and to strengthen the hands and comfort the hearts
of their teachers.  The only way in which the teachers
showed partiality was by employing their favorites in doing
sundry little services for them, or for the school. The desire to be thus selected and distinguished was sometimes
almost inordinate.
The government was maternal, not merely in name, but
in truth. The teachers manifesting a tender regard to the
natural and right feelings of their pupils, a jealousy of their
reputations, and a lively interest in their concerns, many of
the scholars made them their confidential friends.  When a
scholar was seen going wrong, she was not arraigned before
the "faculty," but a teacher, taking pains to meet her privately, without mentioning her specific fault, would ask her if
she was doing as well as she was capable in that particular
13




146              THE GREAT STRUGGLE.
The pupil would generally answer truthfully. "6 And would
you like to improve on this point," uttered in a tone of kindness, was the next question.  The next time the same two
mnet alone, a like truthful answer would generally be given
to the inquiry, " How did you succeed on the point of which
we were speaking?"  None but the untoward pupils themselves know how this motherly way of proceeding binds the
heart in love to a kind and faithful reprover.  It is seldom
that, in a school so governed, the amputating knife is necessary, but the case does sometimes happen; and it has been
said, that RMiss Lyon would expel a scholar in just as good
humor as she received her.  " I am sorry for you," she,vould say,'" but the good of the institution requires it."
Every unnecessary exposure of the faults and weaknesses
of scholars was avoided, and it was an established rule with
the teachers not to speak of such defects among themselves,
unless the good of the school, or of the individual, miade it
necessary.  " Speak of them, as if they were your younger
sisters,"9 was the direction to the newly-initiated teachers.
In a teachers' meeting, if any one spoke jestingly of a scholar's capacity, Miss Lyon would hush the speaker immediately, saying, "Yes, I lknow she has a small mind, but we
must do the best we can for her."
They labored, and that with great success, to start their
pupils on a voluntary course of self-denying action. Scarce
a term  passed but the command, "'Thou shalt love thy
neighbor as thyself,"7 wa7s  held up, day after day, in new
and interesting relations.  They would exhort their pupils to
forego many little indulgences, that they might have wherewith to meet the calls of charity, and then would be sure to
see that the call was forthcoming.  When the pupils, under
the exhibition of the truth, were led to feel it a privilege to
deny themselves for others' good, their teachers sought to
stereotype the benevolent emotion by hallowed benevolent
action. In this, they had their eye on al end far beyond the




TIlE IPSWIC1 SCHOOL.               147
adding of a few dollars to the resources of a philanthropic
society.  Looking forward, they saw that, to make their
scholars open-handed and charitable women in coming years,
they must see that they made a liberal use of small means,
while under their eye and influence.
The teachers always set a good example to their pupils in
this respect.  They generally headed a subscription paper
with handsome sums.  The " tithe" which Miss Lyon contributed to objects of benevolence was gradually increased,
till it became nearer one half than one tenth of her income.
The study of the Bible held a very prominent place in the
Ipswich school, as a means of intellectual as well as of moral
discipline.  It has already been seen, that when Miss Grant
first went to Derry, she gained the consent of her employers
to occupy one seventh of the pupils' time and energy in the
study of the Scriptures.  Miss Lyon fully concurred in an
arrangement, which secured the Bible's being studied more in
a year than any other book. The Bible lesson, conducted
muchl as in a well-ordered Bible class, occupied the school
an hour on Monday morning; and every pupil was expected
to spend at least two hours in preparation for this exercise.
Not only were the two hours' study and investigation recommended, but tile teachers secured its being given.  It wvas
very well understood in the school, that the more improvement any one had, the longer she could profitably employ
herself on a given passage.  In the social exercise of Monday, while much attention was paid to the biographical and
historical incidents, the points of moral interest and practical
application were especially presented, and the discussion of
abstract and useless questions was avoided. This lesson was
reviewed on some other day of the week.
Lessons of common sense and propriety, and principles of
every-day action, were enforced by words of holy writ. The
writer recollects seeing one of their pupils, a woman of fine
understanding, refuse to draw lots for a berth in a steamboat,




148              THE GREAT STRUGGLE.
saying to the servant, " I would rather not draw. If any
berth is left after the other passengers are provided for, I will
take it; if not, very well."  She had been impressed with
the explanation of Prov. xvi. 33. Many a one in middle life,
when she hears the common proverb, "Better that ten guilty
escape than one innocent suffer," is reminded of Prov. xvii.
15, which her teacher had placed in juxtaposition with the
former. Another cannot join in the thoughtless merriment
occasioned by a person's assuming the garb of the other sex,
because she remembers Deut. xxii. 5, once so imlpressively
pronounced in her hearing.  Some scholars, who gave little
heed at the time to such lessons, may have forgotten them;
but many are acting upon them from day to day, and transmitting them from generation to generation. " O, Ipswich!
my wife is always quoting Ipswich," said a husband, who
was not sorry that his wife could never forget the wisdom
she had learned there.
At Ipswich, an arrangement was made to give each young
lady half an hour for retirement.  This greatly promoted
serious reflection.  The arrangement was a matter of necessitv. As the result of biblical instruction, an extensive
interest in personal religion would be awakened.  Many
scholars would anxiously ask the way of life. Night and
morning, one and another of the pupils would be found in
the entries, on the stairs, or in a family room, apparently out
of their proper places. To the question, "' Why ate you
here? " they would reply, "' My room-mate wished to be
alone a little while." So many pupils were thus thrown out
of their rooms, as to give an air of disorder to the house, and
occasion some waste of time. To meet the difficulty, the
teachers made an arrangement in the families, that for one
hour in the morning, and one in the evening, the scholars
might have the use of a family room, half of them being in
the family room, and half alone in their own rooms, at the
same time, thus securing to each the privilege of a season of




THE IPSWICH SCHOOL.              149
retirement twice a day. The command, " Enter into thy
closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father
which is in secret," was faithfully applied and enforced.
The teachers explained to the school, that, standing in the
place of parents, they had provided means and opportunity
for obeying this command. The scholars were informed,
that the manner of spending this season of retirement was
left to their own choice; but they were exhorted to spend it
in the manner and spirit for which it was given, and carefully instructed, that if they wasted it, on their own souls
rested the responsibility. Their attention was directed to
parts of the Bible most helpful to devotion. They were
advised to pray in a whisper, or in a voice which should not
prevent the season being strictly in secret, and they were
instructed how to spread out their sins and recount their
mercies before God.
This plan, like the system of accounts, was suited only to
a school where the moral sentiment was high. It was
adapted only to a school of serious and reflecting persons,
who, in a majority of cases, would make good use of their
time. On such scholars, even though some of them had
lived a prayerless life, it-often made an abiding impression
for good. One hour a day alone, an hour which the person
may, to be sure, spend as she pleases, but which she distinctly understands is given her to commune with her own
heart and with God, and which is thus improved by her companions, is not only an opportunity, but a strong inducement,
to her to think of her moral relations, to open and study her
Bible, and to bow before God. Said a Holyoke pupil, " My
conscience would not let me study any thing in my half hour
less serious than Wayland or Butler."
Much effort was made for the religious improvement of
professing Christians. Miss Grant and Miss Lyon, or one
of them at least, would see them together before the first
Sabbath of a term, and, in a fervent and effective manner,
13 




150              THE GREAT STRUGGLE.
urge them, for the sake of their own growth in grace and
their influence on their impenitent companions, to honor that
holy day. Instruction particularly adapted to their case was
given from the desk.  At a weekly meeting, in which they
all assembled, practical subjects were presented with earnestness and close application.  What Christian was ever
with those teachers a term without hearing the passage,
" Whether ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the
glory of God," expounded? and who did not carry away
with her a livelier sense of its meaning and power than she
had carried there? Any one who has read Miss Lyon's
work on missions, must have seen that her conceptions of
eternity, of an eternity of sorrow, spent under the frown of
God, were awfully distinct, vivid, and controlling.  How her
hearers would almost hold their breath,, as she dwelt on this
subject! "Take," she would say, " any slight trouble, or
trivial suffering, bodily or mental, a throbbing tooth, a tedious,
complaining, disagreeable room-mate, and think,' I am to bear
this pain a year, night and day;' or,' I am to have this companion always in my presence for twelve months.' That
seems long. Yet hope lends strength to bear the evil.  A
year, you say, and it will be gone. When one day is past,
you subtract it from three hundred and sixty-five, and rejoice
that you are one day nearer the end of your trial. Let the
load accumulate to the utmost that can be endured by mortal
frame, or conceived by mortal mind; let the year before you
be one of suffering, of anguish, of remorse, of grief like that
which separates the soul from the body, and yet you cannot
die. You are doomed to a living death, always dying, yet
never to die; for this is the import of those solemn words,
the second death; - a year spent in such agony, how long,
how slow its moments roll! Yet hope lends her pencil, and
the happy future appears beyond, in dim, but certain light.
Let years be added and multiplied, till the sum reach a number equal to all the years of all the lives of all the sons and




TIHE IPSWICER  SCHOOL.             151
daughters of Adam, and let the soul be strung to endure
suffering to the utmost stretch of its capacity in all these
years, yet in the infinite ages of eternity, there would come
a period for these sufferings to cease.  Relief, however distant, would lighten the woe.  But' the smoke of their tormenat ascendeth up forever and ever.' It is an everlasting
punishment; the worm dieth not, the fire is not quenched.
No sun shall rise on that darkness, no time shall measure out
those groans.  It will be one blank scene of woe, with nothing
to mark its duration; and when the soul shall ask,' H-low long?'
nothing but that awful' H-Tzom  long' shall echo from its prison
walls.  0, forever, forever! Think of this word and its
import.  Add life to life, and age to age, and you have not
approximated it."  Many a pupil could say, in a manner rece
ognized.at once by her companions as Miss Lyon's, "You
won't do so again, will you, dear;" but no one could ever
imitate her manner in such remarks as these.  They were
the embodiment of her own experience.  " Souls bought and
redeemed from all this woe," she would say, "1 how should
they show forth the glory of God!  How should they feel
toward the multitudes in danger of perishing for lack of the
bread of life! Who that has been redeemed, and permitted
to linger on the shores of earth a while to represent her
ascended Savior, would not wish to eat and drink and live to
the glory of God?  Who but would rejoice to give all her
money, her time, her talents, her influence, to this great
cause, the salvation of the perishing?  When you are about
spending a single shilling, remember, that shilling might carry
leaves of healing to those who are sick unto death, unto the
second death, and ask whether you are investing it to God's
glory.  The question for the Christian is not,' Is it right for
me to buy this little elegance for myself?' but, 6  Would it be
wrong for me to do without it?' You waste ninepence worth
of papers  That single ninepence might have sent the bread
of life to the famishing."  Her sympathy for the heathen




X152             THE GREAT STRUGGLE.
was ever alive and active, and she communicated her own
feelings of indebtedness to them for Christ's sake to many
of her pupils. She led them to feel that all they were, and
all they had, were indeed the Lord's, to be actively and con-.stantly employed in his service.
Professors of religion met weekly in circles of ten or
twelve, for conversation and prayer.  One person was chosen to act as a leader, and each gave in turn a report as to
her fidelity and enjoyment in closet duties, her trials, her
conflicts, and her labors with the impenitent.  The members
of the same circle became intimate as Christians and attached
as friends, and went forth from school sympathizing fellow-laborers in the kingdom of Christ.  The professors of
religion, residing in the same family, met for prayer in one
of their rooms on the Sabbath.  The tone of piety among
the professors of religion had a very important agency in
making religion honorable and desirable in the eyes of the
impenitent. A good Christian character was felt to be the
most valuable of possessions.
To the teachers, the Bible was the source of light divine, and
they sought to cast its radiance on every mind. They felt under
no obligation to be instructed in this particular, and asked no
parent's creed.  They never spoke of sects, but industriously inculcated the doctrines of the Bible, as they understood
them, asking leave only of God and their consciences. They
looked on secular studies as the scaffolding by which they
might reach their main object, to make known the will of
God.  Miss Lyon used to say of teaching such studies, that
it was but "; hewing the wood, and drawing the water,"
humbly and patiently to be done, indeed, in the hope that it
would lead to an opportunity to do something infinitely higher
and better.
Two or three mornings in a week, the Principal occupied
from  fifteen to thirty minutes at the hour of nine, A. M.,
when the newly-waked spirit was all unworn, in illustrating




TilE IleSjl swic  sCoOuL.           153
and enforcing sorrme particular scriptural truth.  The Ten
Commandments, for example, the Sermon on the Mount, the
first chapter of 1 Peter, and many other parts of the Bible,
were presented in a practical manner, text by text, and
clause by clause, to attentive listeners.  Miss Lyon always
took her full share of the biblical instruction, but it was not
till the morning lectures devolved upon her in consequence
of the absence of Miss Grant, that she developed her full
power of interesting scholars in the discussion of religious
truth. At Derry, and for the first two or three years at
Ipswich, she seemed to study and teach the Bible much as
she would any thing else.  Her intellect, rather than her
heart, was interested.  She admired it, examined it closely,
sought out its application with care, and awakened in her
scholars the same intellectual interest in its contents.  This
careful study, no doubt, contributed to the power with which,
in after years, she came before the school. For years before
she left Ipswich, it was a rich entertainnlent to hear her unfold the hidden wealth of some apparently obvious text. She
came to her hearers in the fulness of the gospel of Christ.
Unseen things, in her mind, were living realities, and seemed
to become such to those to whom she described them.  Her
faith was substance; and her imagination, fcurtile and sacred
as the garden of the Lord, was put under its tuition.  She
had a great deal of moral intuition, and she never exhausted
that fund of great first truths to which the human heart
echoes a response, and which find their way directly, when
properly presented, to the consciences of intelligent moral
beings.  Her manner was simple.  Tlhee  was not the
slightest appearance of speaking for effect, or trying to
speak eloquently.  The speaker was in the shade, where she
evidently wished to be, conmpletely hidden by the truth she
was holding forth. She did not crowd ideas before the mind,
but would dwell on one important thought, present it in dia'ferent lights, illustrate it in several ways, and detain her




154               THE GREAT STRUGGLEo
hearers on it till they were as fully possessed with it as she
was. How many have heard her thus dwell on the passage,
" Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap," until
their minds were all pervaded with the great truth, that they
were to meet the deeds of every day hereafter! A part of
her power lay in securing continued attention to one single,
but great and solemn conception.  Active as was her own
mind, and easy as it was for her to grasp large ideas, and to
survey many almost in a single breath, she could parcel out
truth in those small proportions in which common minds are
obliged to receive it. The superior scholars, who loved to
give themselves up to a kind of moral exhilaration, and those
of spiritual discernment, who watched the effect of truth on
other minds, were never weary of her religious instruction.
Those who were worldly in their views, who delighted most
in the pleasures of sense, or in mere intellectual acquisitions,
sometimes complained of the length of her lectures; but such
complaints were not often heard.
The vividness with which she evidently saw and felt the
very truth she was uttering, was one secret of her power.
If she had ever a flitting doubt of the certainty of future
retributions, that doubt was never known or suspected by her
most intimate friends. The foundations of her faith never
wavered.  It seemed as though the principles of our holy
religion were interwoven with the fibres of her soul.  The
world to come was as present to her thoughts as this world
to her eyes. Her confidence in God was as simple and true
as a child's in its mother. She felt the Savior to be present
with her, her friend, her counsellor, her adviser, sustaining
and directing her as really as though she had seen him at
her side, had leaned bodily on his arm, had heard his lips
respond to her petitions, and seen his wounded, but almighty
hands reach down deliverance.
The commands of God were as practical to her as the
commands of a father to the docile child at his knee.  She




THE IPSWICH SCHOOL,               155
ran the way of his commandments. They were welcome
to her soul. It was hardly a self-denial to her to keep them,
It was to her a delightful fact, that the eye of God never
wandered from her, and one of which she seemed ever joy'
fully conscious; somewhat as we are conscious of light and
the presence of the sun, even though our minds are intensely
occupied with a different class of subjects. She delighted to
discover the great principles of God's government in his
word and works, in providence and grace. In this science
she was an apt scholar, ever learning and ever coming nearer
those great and magnificent truths, which doubtless she still
studies and comprehends more fully than when she tabernacled in clay, and yet still sees a boundless ocean beyond.
When she undertook to bring these truths before the
minds of her pupils, the effort conduced to make them
clearer to her own spirit's eye.  While feasting others, she
was herself feasted. It was because God was so glorious
to her, that she made him glorious to her pupils. What she
spoke of was reality to her, and hence her words had an
indescribable power. Her energetic way of saying the most
common thing absolutely constrained you to attend; but
there was something more than that in the calm, subdued,
unearthly tone in which she dealt out heavenly wisdom.
When she opened the terrors of the law before her hearers,
it was a dying sinner spreading the most awful truth before
dying sinners. It was the warning voice of one who saw the
yawning gulf. She would point to the dark, shelving, fatal
precipice without a gesture, without a motion, save of her
moving lips, her hand laid devoutly on that well-worn octavo
Bible. She would uncover the fiery billows rolling below, in
the natural, but low, deep tones with which men talk of their
wills, their coffins, and their graves. If she had been to
Westminster Abbey, and had been describing its treasured
monuments, she would have awakened no more sense of
reality. This faith was the mainspring of her power. She




TH E GREAT STRUlGGLE~
said little by way of entreaty. She never begged and be.
sought her pupils to serve God, as though the Infinite could
not do without them. Religion was not degraded by representing it as begging for votaries.  Sometimes she would lift
the curtain, and give her auditors a glance into the holy of
holies.  WThen the soul was ravished with glories that no
tongue can fully describe, she would turn, and say so effectively, "" But there will be no vacant seat there. If any one
chooses to break away from the vows her parents have taken
for her, if she chooses to separate from her Christian friends,
her absence will not be felt in that happy throng.  Heaven
will be full without her."  She set life and death before her
pupils.  In the name of her Savior, she offered them salvan
tion. She held forth the hope that they might find, if they
sought.  She offered pearls only to the discerning. That
waiting soul, how she would describe its capabilities, its evergrowing susceptibility to joy or woe, its continued existence,
its identity through all this infinity of experience, as if she
had herself been through it all. It was not the words, nor
the manner, nor the thoughts, but it was the whole effect,
which was wonderful. It was the conception her hearers
formed of the truth she exhibited.  With what a sense of
present reality would they feel, that a thousand years hence
they would remember as though it were but yesterday, sitting on those seats, accepting or refusing offers of mercy.
She would carry the soul forward into the midst of the
glowing realities of eternity. Such conceptions will outlive
death and the grave. They are still the aliment of the souls
that then began to feed on them.  They fill the mind in its
most solemn moments, but they cannot be described.  Like
the things shown to Paul, they are unutterable.  They were
none the less impressive because they cannot be detailed.
Miss Lyon worked her way down to the depths of the soul,
and planted seeds there to germinate, and grow, and yield
fruit in the after life.  It is no proof that bread has not




'HIE IPSWICH SCHIOOL     0         153
been eaten, that the substance of it can no longer be
discerned.
The truth seldom  failed to produce its legitimate fruits.
It was almost sure to lodge in some minds.  In the course
of a few weeks, the solemn look, the suppressed sigh, and
absorbed attention, would be manifest to the observing teacher. The school would be more and more serious. It would
be increasingly evident that great thoughts were occupying
their attention, bhut the pupils themselves would not be aware
of any general change. Often, when a meeting for conversation was appointed for such as desired more particular and
individual instruction as to the way of life, every one who
went to the appointed room would expect to find herself
nearly or quite alone, but to her surprise would see her most
intimate friends among the inquirers. The teachers never
appointed such a meeting, until they were certain of a good
attendance. If they knew of only two or three who desired
such instruction, they met them informally, or by a private
appointment.  These meetings for special religious instruction and conversation were, however, attended frequently by
a large part of the pupils who were not professors of religion.  For several years in succession, more than half of
those who entered the school impenitent, and remained for
any length of time, went away with a warm and permanent
interest in the Redeemer's kingdom.
SECTION  III.
UnsuccessJ/id Alttempt to endow the Ipswich School.
WHEN the trustees of the Adams Female Academy invited
Miss Grant to take charge of it, they stated to her their
design of making it a permanent school of a high order.
14




158              THE GREAT STRUGGLE.
Entering into this design, and forwarding it all in her power,
she had become, when she left Londonderry, exceedingly in,
terested in the idea of a seminary which should be to young
women what the college is to young men, and was full of
the earnest purpose of doing what in her lay for embodying
this conception.
For some time after her removal to Ipswich, Miss Grant
was so entirely occupied in instructing and providing for her
increasing school, and in exercising a mother's oversight of
more than a hundred pupils, scattered in companies of two,
four, six, and eight, all over the village, that she had but little
time or strength left to labor for the object of her thoughts
and hopes.
Miss Grant naturally conversed much with Miss Lyon
on the subject of the establishing of' a seminary, with buildings, library, and apparatus, owned as colleges are, where
successive generations of young ladies might be trained for
respectability and usefulness; but Miss Lyon entered into the
project very slowly. " Never mind," she many a time said,
between 1824 and 1829, -" never mind the brick and mortar; only let us have living minds to work upon." How different were her feelings in 1836, when, on the occasion of laying
the corner-stone at South Hadley, she writes, "The stones,
and brick, and mortar speak a language which vibrates
through my very soul."
Not far from  1830, Miss Lyon became convinced of the
utility of such a seminary, and entered into the project, not
merely, as before, from sympathy with Miss Grant, but also
from her own firm and deep conviction that the thing was
both desirable and necessary.
The following extracts from a joint letter of Misses Grant
and Lyon give an outline of what they considered necessary for establishing the school at Ipswich on a permanent
basis -




ATTEMPT TO ENDOWV  THE IPSWICH SCHOOL.    159
TO THE TRUSTEES OF IPSWICH FEMALE ACADEMY.
1"IPSWICI-, February 17, 1831.
" GENTLEMIEN:
" You doubtless recollect that, in September, 1829, a committee from your board was appointed to inquire what was necessary to secure the continuance of our school in this place.
Since that time, it has been repeatedly asked, by persons in
different and distant towns, what would be an inducement
to the present teachers to remove from Ipswich, and locate
themselves in a situation favorable to the prosecution of their
object. Before giving such encouragement to the friends
of science, literature, and religion abroad, as shall seem at
all like a pledge for our removal, we deem it proper, and
it is in accordance with our feelings, to state to you what provision we consider essential for establishing a female seminary on a good foundation, with the prospect of making it
permanent.
" The first requisite is a seminary building, free of rent,
containing a hall of sufficient size to accommodate one hundred and seventy-five scholars, several recitation-rooms, a
laboratory, a room for a library, and a reading-room. Some
way should be devised to have this building furnished with
books of reference, and the apparatus necessary for illustrating the several branches taught.
"The second requisite is a boarding-house, *:ompletely
furnished for one hundred and fifty boarders, to be situated
contiguous to the seminary building, and surrounded by a
few acres of play-ground. The rooms in the boarding-house
should be pleasant and airy, so finished and furnished as
to give ladies as favorable a situation, while pursuing their
studies, as is affbrded to young men at our colleges, or other
seminaries. The care of the conduct of the scholars, and
the general internal arrangements of the house, must devolve on the teachers.
"it would be necessary that the pecuniary affairs of the




160              iHE GREAT STRUGGLE.
establishment should be committed to an agent appointed by
the trustees, to whom he should be responsible.
6 Yours, very respectfully,
I Z. P. GRANT,
-" MARY LYON."
As the result of this movement, prospective trustees were
appointed, and a pamphlet of eight pages, entitled " Proposals and Conditions," was printed and circulated.  The
pamphlet contained the substance of the preceding letter, a
statement of the difficulties arising from the teachers and
pupils being so separated and scattered, and various specifications as to the contemplated buildings and conditions of subscription.
The prospective trustees of the proposed school held several meetings, passed sundry resolutions, and made many inquiries; but finding the public unprepared for the project, the
zeal of several of them entirely failed. The apathy every
where met with may have been occasioned by Miss Grant's
absence from Ipswich, and her personal inability for active
service in teaching.
In a letter of Miss Lyon's to Miss Grant, in February, 1S32,
she says, "Things are preparing for the next meeting of
trustees.  I did think of advising to have it delayed till your
return; but on the whole, I consider it best to adhere to my
uniform principle, to retard nothing, but rather forward every
step as much as possible, and trust Providence for the result."
The following letter of Miss Lyon to Professor Hitchcock,
dated at Ipswich, February 4, 1832, will show her feelings
at that time # the subject of the proposed school: —
"C REV. AND DEAR SIR:
" Knowing that you are interested to learn any thing
about the proposed plan for a permanent female seminary,
which has been agitated by some of its friends for more than
a year, I make no apology for this communication. The
friends of this object, I think, are beginning to look upon it




ATTEMPT TO ENDOW THE IPSWICH SCHOOL.    161
in a more extended view, and are beginning to consider it
an important object, as connected with the prosperity and
advancement of female education in general, and not simply
as a very good thing to promote Miss Grant's and Miss Lyon's
school, and facilitate their usefulness. These local, private,
and personal views, I think, should be far removed from this
object. Could I but be permitted to labor in the portico, and
spend my days in clearing the ground for that which is destined to continue, and to exert an extensive and salutary influence on female education, and on religion, from generation
to generation, it would be the height of my ambition. What
permanent female seminaries are now in existence?  What
one in New England, of a high character, is necessarily,
from its plan, destined to outlive its present teachers?
Ought this so to be? Are not a few permanent female serninaries needed? - say one or two in a state?  Could there
be a few of this character, designed exclusively for older
young ladies preparing to teach, and soon to go forth and
exert an influence in a variety of ways on the cause of education and religion, — a place of resort, where those from
different parts of the country, designing to spend their lives
in doing good, might come together, together receive instruction, form and mature their plans, and exert over each other's
views and feelings an extensive and powerful influence,would not great good result? Might not such seminaries have
an extensive influence in removing that false mantle of charity,
which has been thrown over a great many little schools, and
great ones, too, which have, to a great extent, had the moulding of the female character, but which have not been what
they should be?'~ The prospect now is, that this subject will be presented
to the public in some form or other. The attempt may be
fruitless. The institution is to be entirely new, not having
any connection with that which is the present field of our
labors. To give the public confidence, it has been consid14,*




162               THnE GREAT STRUGGLE.
ered very important to obtain an able board of trustees.
This business has been on hand several months. It is now
settled. Seven have been appointed as trustees elect, and
have accepted, and, if the plan should go forward, will obtain an act of incorporation, and will become the trustees.
They are the following: Hon. William  Reed, Marblehead;
Rev. Dr. Fay, Charlestown; Professor Emerson, Andover;
Hon. Rufus Choate, Salem; George W. Heard, Esq., and
William Heard, of this town.  They have had one meeting,
and have appointed a committee of inquiry.
"' It is generally understood that the location should be in
Ipswich, but it is not absolutely necessary. Some of the
trustees, I believe, consider it somewhat doubtful whether
this is the best location, and, if it is not, will be disposed to
make inquiry about other places.  Not much has been said
about it, however. Feeling that a genial soil would be of
vast importance in this first attempt, I have been exceedingly
desirous that the locations on Connecticut River should receive at least a little attention, before it is finally settled in
Essex county. It is not best that I should'say much about
it; but these trustees are capable of looking at facts as they
are, if their attention should be directed to the subject. The
location is to be decided before the object is presented to the
public, probably at the next meeting of the trustees.  My
only desire is, that the state of feeling in your vicinity
should be tested, and the facts laid before the trustees.  I do
not know that there is any way by which it could be done,
but I thought it barely possible that some benevolent individuals might devise some plan. I write these things to you
merely because I can do nothing more than to mention it to
some of my friends in that vicinity. It would not be well
that the subject of this communication should be known generally. There is no objection to your mentioning it to individuals, if you should think it desirable. One reason why I
feel desirous that your part of the state should be the




OTHER LOCATIONS SUGGESTED.            163
proposed location is, that I thinli it might affect the public in
general more favorably, and there would be a greater prospect of success.  If you think it a vain thought, a foolish
and impracticable scheme, my only request is, that you
would commit this sheet to the flames, and bury the whole
in oblivion.
1" It is true that this plan was started in view of Ipswich,
and, of course, the trustees were chosen from this vicinity, and
there is no hope that it could be transferred, unless it should be
obvious that it will meet with more success and more encouragement from the public by being located in that part of the
state.  It is rather probable that an attempt will be made in
Tpswich, and perhaps in the vicinity, to ascertain what
amount can be raised for the object. If an attempt could be
made at the same time in the valley of the Connecticut,
the object being fully understood, it seems to me somewhat
probable that the west would so far exceed the east, that it
would be very manifest that that was the most, suitable location. In such a case, it would be very important that a part
of the trustees should be fiom that vicinity. This board can
make changes in their own body, such as they shall deem
expedient; and if they shall decide that the public will not
accept of Essex county as a location, such a course will
probably be taken. Besides, twenty-five gentlemen, in different parts of New England, are appointed as a board of
visitors, if the plan should go into operation.
"' If any thing should be attempted on this subject in your
part of the state, would it not be inexpedient to name any
definite location, nearer than to say, a location in Massachusetts, on or near the Connecticut River? Doubtless Amherst
or Northampton would be the place.  Each would have its
peculiar advantages, and I am by no means sure which
would be the most favorable.
"' Nothing can be done on a subject like this, without the
attention of a few benevolent individuals, whose time and




1 64            - THE GREAT STRUGGLE.
talents are exceedingly precious, and whose hands are already full of other great and important concerns. None but
such men could do the work. None but such could excite
an interest on this hitherto neglected subject. None but such
could carry it forward. None but such could give any hope
of success.
I" If any thing should hereafter be done on this subject,
would it not be well that the leading friends should not all
be from Amherst or Northampton? If it should be thought
best to make any inquiries on the subject, perhaps you would
think it well that some benevolent gentleman, yourself or
some other one, should correspond with some gentleman of
this board. Some members have devoted considerable attention to the subject, others have but just glanced at it yet. I
could mention with what individuals it would be most favorable to correspond.
" I must now, my dear sir, beg that you will not look on
this subject in the view of personal friendship, and feel
under a kind of obligation to treat it with some little respect.
Unless it commends itself to your judgment as one which
has a high claim on our benevolence, I could not ask you to
devote to it a single moment of your very precious time. But
if it has such claims, I would most gladly raise my feeble
voice, entreating all who would befriend such an object to
lend a helping hand."
In the summer of 1832, at the suggestion of Mr. George
W. Heard, one of the proposed trustees, Miss Lyon prepared
the following sheet, which was printed, and, under the sanction of the prospective board, was sent to many of the
friends of the Ipswich school:NEW ENGLAND FEMALE SEMINARY FOR TEACHERS.
Several friends of education and of evangelical religion are considering the expediency of attempting to raise funds to found a per.
manent female seminary in New England.




PLAN OF THE SEMINARYo                     165
General Object.
The main object of the proposed institution will be to prepare
young ladies of mature minds for active usefulness, especially to become teachers.
Character.
1. Its religious character is to be strictly evangelical.
2. Its literary character is to be of a high order.
Location.
This has not yet been selected. An attempt will be made to embrace as many of the following requisites as possible in the location:
1. That it be central for Neaw England.
2. That it be surrounded by a community marked for intelligence
and public spirit.
3. That a liberal proportion of the funds be raised by the town
and its immediate vicinity.
4. That the particular spot be healthy and pleasant, a little removed from public business, and so situated as to be free from all
other encumbrances.
Funds.
The amount of funds should be sufficient to furnish the following
accommodations:
1. Several acres of land.
2. Buildings sufficiently capacious to furnish from one hundred to
two hundred pupils with accommodations for school and boarding.
3. Furniture.
4. An ample library and apparatus.
Domestic Arrangement&s
It is proposed that the domestic department should be under
the direct superintendence of such persons as are qualified for the
trust. In order to give as much independence and facility to the
trustees as possible, in organizing the establishment, and in order to
avoid difficulties in filling offices from time to time, it is proposed
that all the furniture should be owned by the corporation.
Boarding-House.
The plan which has been proposed for the buildings is suited,
1. To give to the young ladies superior privileges, both for retirement and for social intercourse, and in an eminent degree to promote
health, comfort, and domestic happiness, and intellectual, moral, and
religious improvement.




166                 THE GREAT STRUGGLE.
2. To furnish each member with a small chamber, exclusively her
own.:* The great advantages of such a privilege can scarcely be realized, except by those who have often felt that they would give up
almost any of their common comforts, for the sake of such retirement as can be enjoyed only in a separate apartment. To persons
of reflection, the advantages will doubtless appear much greater than
the extra expense, especially when it is considered that this institution is not designed for younger misses, but especially for the benefit
of ladies of maturer age.
Family Disciplinze.
Tl'he family discipline is to be entirely distinct from the domestic
concerns.  This, together with the general improvement of the
pupils out of school, is to be commit;ed directly to the teachers.
The family discipline should be very systematic, but of a kind
adapted to the age of its members. The whole should resemble a
well-regulated voluntary association, where the officers and rmembers
are all faithful to their trust.
The plan which has been proposed for buildings is particularly
suited to promote family discipline, and to render it at once easy,
systematic, and pleasant to all.
1. It is such that the whole family will naturally and necessarily
be arranged in a convenient number of sections, each of which can
be easily directed by an appropriate head.
2. It is such as to bring all the young ladies under a direct and
natural supervision. This will tend at once to secure order and propriety, anud at the same time to exclude all necessity of any thing
like apparent watchfulness or nice inspection, even if the age andl
character of the members of the institution should not render every
thing of the kind needless.
d:giecific  Obects to be aeccoosplished.
1. To increase the number of well-qualified female teachers. The
present want of such teachers is well known to all particularly engaged in the cause of education. This deficiency is the occasion of
placing many of our schools under the care of those who are not
competent to the undertaking.
2. To induce many who have already become teachers, to make
further improvement in their education. This institution will furnish such ladies with a full course of instruction, and with society
* This feature of the plan was not Miss Grant's, and MIiss Lyon afterwards
gave it up.




LOCATION AT AMIERST PROPOSED.               167
adapted to their age and character, and awill give them a more suitable and pleasant home than can now be found connected with allny
of our female seminaries.
3. To exert an influence in bringing as much of the labor of instruction into the hands of ladies as propriety will admit. This
seems important, on account of the many public demands on the
time of benevolent, educated gentlemen, and the comparatively few
demands on the time of benevolent, educated ladies.
4. To lead the way toward the establishment of permanent female seminaries in our land. That there are no female seminaries
of this character is, we believe, a fact. Those which appear to have
the strongest claim to such a standing are so dependent on their
present teachers, and their funds and accommodations are to such
an extent the property of private indlividuals, that it woulcl  not be
safe to predict even their existence the next century.
This circular bears strongly the impress of Miss Lyon's
mind and hand.
In November of this year, the attention of Miss Lyon
was turned to Amherst as a location for the school.  Dr.
Humphrey, President of Amherst College, wrote to Miss
Lyon, saying, " Mount Pleasant school is at an end.  The
teachers and pupils are dispersed, and the buildings are
soon to be closed.  Providence has, so to speak, thrown
Mount Pleasant into the market, and we should be glad to
see such a seminary as yours there, if it should be thought
an advantageous location."
"c The situation of MounLt Pleasant, " writes Miss Lyon,
"k is delightful.  There are about fifteen acres of land connected with it."  The owner was willing to sell it at its
market value, or rent it at six hundred dollars per annum.
There was no hope of raising a sum  sufficient for the purchase.  The utmost that could be hoped was, that the rent
migllht be met for three or five years by the friends of fem-nale
education.  It would accommodate only about half the number of boarders that were at Ipswich.  Objections were made
by some to locating a female seminary by the side of an




1 8              THE GREAT STRUGGLE.
institution for young men; but Miss Lyon thought that the
advantage to the pupils of attending college lectures might,
in a good degree, counterbalance that disadvantage.  She
was very desirous at first that the school should be removed
to Amherst. November 29, 1832, she wrote to Miss Grant:
1" I am in favor of endeavoring to secure Mount Pleasant,
because I have next to no faith that the public are now prepared to raise a sum sufficient to meet the necessities of the
institution, unless it is done by stepping stones, and those
must be laid by the actual progress of the institution. You
know this is the way every thing is done in New England.
Amherst College, and all the other institutions of the kind,
have been founded by commencing operations, by forming a
nucleus, and then calling for assistance.
"Might it not be a good plan, rather than to do worse, to
make an attempt at Amherst, but not with the certain expectation of permanence?  Would not the fact that the school
was in operation there, be of assistance in obtaining the
funds? and might not the accommodations there be a stepping stone towards better?"
Miss Lyon's interest in the removal of the school to Amherst was such, at this time, that she even advocated Miss
Grant's removal, on her own personal responsibility, in case
the trustees, above mentioned, did not see sufficient encouragement to warrant them in hiring the place for a course of
years. She even offered, in Miss Grant's absence, to go
forward herself in the removal.  But she afterwards became
convinced that such a removal was inexpedient.
As Miss Lyon saw more and more plainly that the attempt to endow the Ipswich school was likely to fail, she
began to revolve the idea of engaging in teaching in a distinct field from Miss Grant. A letter to Miss G., of December 9, 1832, contains the first mention of this subject.  It
follows, nearly entire:" I take my pen to introduce a subject, which has agitated




SEPARATION FROI MISS GRANT PROPOSED.    16l
my mind for several months. Is it not your solemn duty
and mine to review the question, whether my services are
needed as much in our beloved seminary as in some other
portion of the Lord's vineyard? This is a question of deep
solicitude with me. For a long time, previous to the present year, I felt that the question was settled. I had made a
kind of decision, that I should not mention the subject to you
again. For some time after the above query arose in my
mind, the trial of mentioning it to you seemed greater than
I could bear. Often, when alone, I have found relief in
tears. The burden of my prayer has been, that if it were
most for the glory of God that I should continue to labor
with you, the path of duty might be made plain, and if it
were his will that I should labor elsewhere, the way might
be laid open, that you might see it, and both of us be prepared for the separation.
"In taking the superintendence the past year, I have seen
that very Dmany of the things which you and I do, when we
are together, can be as well done by our' experienced teachers.  In the present improved state of the institution, there
is really no more business that would come under the head
of superintending than can be done by one of us. Of the
labor which needs our experience, and even mind, some
could be done nearly as well by one as by two; some just
as well, and some could be done better.  I have been led to
mlake a little calculation how much might be done by the
assistant teachers, and what is the least amount of labor
which it is indispensable that the principal should accolmplish, in order that the institution may flourish. After a
while, the query involuntarily arose in my mind, whether
my services were really needed here, whether the experience I had gained was not more needed somewhere else, in
this needy, impoverished state of the world.  I did not intend to mention the subject till you returned; and in the event
15




1'70             THE GREAT STRUGGLE.
of my leaving, I supposed it would probably be best for us
to take a year to plan for it.
"' But since your proposal that I should journey next summer, a new query has arisen, whether my leaving then, and
not returning, might not be a less injury to the school than
my leaving at any more distant period; whether it might
not cause less excitement, and be less the means of increasing your labor. I should very much need more time to collect and arrange the fragments of improvement which we
have been enabled to make, which are now more in my possession than in yours, in order that I might transmit them to
you in the best order. But it would undoubtedly be my duty
to take some time to become refreshed, and during that time
I could collect these items from memory, notes, &c., and
arrange them for your use about as well as if I were on the
spot. I could have no object so important, and surely I
could have none so very dear to my heart, as that of leaving
this dearly beloved seminary, this darling of my heart, under
the most favorable circumstances. Now, my dearest sister,
the subject is before you. Will you commend it to our
heavenly Father every morning with me?  My faltering pen
has obeyed my will; I have succeeded in telling what I
would. And now I beg, that while this question is under
consideration, you will never allude to personal considerations on either side, for they are not the data by which this
interesting question must be decided. It would be to us both
a needless trial of our feelings. You will ask about our
great plan. I do not think there is one chance in twenty
for it to succeed. If it should, a different course might be
taken."
TO MISS GRANT.
" January 10, 1833.
"' When I consider the apparent expectations of those who
are ready to say,' It is a good plan,' it does not appear to




" FAINT, YET PURSUING.' 1"1
me probable that you or I shall live to see a female seminary in New England, such as we desire, so endowed as to
become permanent. Yet I do hope, that the interest excited
and the information communicated by this attempt will terminate in more favorable accommodations for this school.
If even this could be effected, I should consider myself amply repaid for all my exertions."
Alluding to difficulties which had arisen about Amherst,
she says, "It seems rather discouraging, when I look over
the last two years.  How much time and strength I have
spent in thinking, feeling, conversing, and planning on this
subject, and to how little purpose! How many plans I have
drawn and altered, and how many sheets written and burnt!
I am not, however, disheartened. I am ready to attempt
any thing which seems pointed out by Providence, even without any surety of success."
Two days after she writes, " I have never known such an
overwhelming interest in the great plan as I have for a few
weeks past. It does appear to me that it is a good plan, and
one which God in his own time will own and bless. I know of
nothing which I should not be ready to do, nor any sacrifice
which I should not be ready to make, to promote the object."
Again, in the same letter, " Every thing connected with
the great plan, in which we have been interested, takes hold
of my inmost soul, and at -once seems to prostrate all my
powers."
TO MISS GRANT.
" BOSTON, February 4, 1833.
" I have seen Rev. Daniel Crosby, of Conway, this forenoon. He is an energetic man, and his talents are much
respected abroad. He is a young man, and not worn out.
Perhaps Providence will make use of him to accomplish this
object. He says, it needs to be taken hold of by those who
have not every thing else in their hands, and by those who




172 iTHE GREAT STRUGGLE.
will not be crushed by difficulties.  He seems to grasp the
whole subject at once, and to see its importance. He says,' If all the attempts shall fail now, the effort will prepare the
way to raise the forty or fifty thousand dollars some twenty
years hence.'
" I feel more and more that the whole business must, in
name, devolve on benevolent gentlemen, and not on yourself or on myself. I do not feel so much afraid as I did that
they will not take the right steps, but I feel much more afraid
that they will not act at all. If the institution is ever founded,
it will be safe only in the hands of God, and under God, in
the arms of the whole benevolent community, including not
only the rich, but the poor. If any thing at all should  be
done, the less you and I have to do with the business part
of the affair the better. Fewer needless, unkind remarks
will be thrown out, less jealousy will be excited, and our
private influence will be more extensive and useful in directing matters for the good of the institution.  It is desirable
that the plans relating to the subject should not seem to
originate with us, but with benevolent gentlemen.  If the
object should excite attention, there is danger that many
good men will fear the effect on society of so much female
influence, and what they will call female greatness.  They
will think and say,' Miss Grant and Miss Lyon want to
do some great thing, to have a large sum of money raised,
and a great institution established, and to see themselves at the
head of the whole, and then they will be satisfied.' I imagine
I have seen a little of this already, and if more interest were
to be felt in the cause, more jealousy might be excited."
TO MISS GRANT.
"February 13, 1833.
c; I have written to you about Amherst, and the views of
Mr. --  and his friends. Their plan, at best, would make
the institution all a personal affair. I thought it best, on my




MOVEMENT OF TIIE FRANKLIN ASSOCIATION.   173
own private responsibility, to pull down some of their castles,
if possible. Their zeal did not seem to be very great, whens
they had learned that the plan was one which would allow
little or no prospect of income to the steward, to merchants,
and to others engaged in the concern."
On the 20th of February, 1833, Rev. Mr. Crosby wrote
to Miss Lyon, communicating the following preamble and
resolution of the Franklin Association:
" Inasmuch as this association has heretofore taken some
measures in regard to a female seminary, founded upon the
principles of the seminary at Ipswich, and inasmuch as the
subject is again, in the providence of God, open to investigation, therefore, -'6 Resolved, That a committee of two be appointed from
this body to meet individual friends of the Ipswich Seminary
for the purpose of inquiry and consultation; and that this
committee be requested to call upon other gentlemen for
advice and counsel, as they may see fit."
To Mr. Crosby's letter, containing the above resolve, Miss
Lyon replied: —
"I received yours of yesterday. I have most ardently
desired that this meeting might take place, hoping that it
might be the first link in a chain of means to draw the interest of the Christian community to this object. If such an
interest can be secured, the time will ere long come, when
fiiends will be raised up to sustain the labor, and even bear
the reproach of being chimerical, if need be, as all who lead
in any great and good cause must expect to be called.
" The gentlemen of this region, that I think it most important should go to Amherst, are, Mr. G. W. Heard and Rev.
Mr. Felt. I expect to be there as you suggest. The most
important thing now is, to lay the subject before those who
are capable of becoming enlisted in its favor. Lie that can
15 *




174              THE GREAT STRUGGLE.
now awaken an interest, will do more than he, who, at
some future time, shall be willing to bestow largely of his
abundance.
" I hope, dear sir, that all who are ready to devote some
of their precious time to looking at this cause, in its feeble
and forlorn state, and to inviting their brethren in the Lord
to look at it, will hereafter receive an abundant reward.
" If the proposed institution should ever be founded, I
hope and pray, that from generation to generation it may
assist the church in fulfilling her covenant obligations to her
own children, and in grafting many a wild olive branch upon
the true vine. Unless the building can be the Lord's, let it
never be built; unless the Lord go with us, let us not go up."
TO MISS GRANT.
" IPSWICH, February 24, 1833.
" I begin to doubt whether you will consider it expedient
to go to Amherst on the best terms on which there is any
hope that we can go. The highest of my hopes is only that
by some means, the rent can be collected by dollars and
cents from the farmers and mechanics all over Franklin and
Hampshire counties, in order to make an experiment of three
years. The greater prospect is, that, at the close of that
period, the school will be thrown on the public without a
home. But I am inclined to hazard, for nothing will ever be
done without it on this subject. I cannot see one important
step toward the'New England Female Seminary,' which
can safely be taken at present, and perhaps not for many
years to come, unless this experiment at Amherst can be
tried. If an agent for raising funds should now be sent out,
in towns where he would need to raise one or two thousand
dollars, he might not raise more than twenty orfifty. As
the subject has gone forward for three years past, the public
will not be prepared to be called cn far trots for twenty
years to come.




LETTER TO MISS GRANT.              175
"The plan of finding a location where they will do something handsome seems equally fruitless.  It is known at
Northampton how the matter stands; but the people there
manifest no wish to do any thing about it. At Worcester,
nothing can be done. There is no inducement to go to
Brookfield.  If Mr. Felt were now to visit every town suitable for a location in the state, to ascertain what amount could
be pledged, if the school should go there, I believe that
Ipswich would bear the palm.
" Interest and zeal, I think, are what we now need. This
is not the time to inquire how the money can be raised; but it
is needful now to put forth every nerve and sinew to awaken
an interest among ministers and other good men, till they
shall feel that the object is good, and that it is feasible. But
this interest cannot be awakened so much by wvriting, preaching, and the like, as by putting certain secret springs into
action. Now, if any thing is done at Amherst, I think it
should aim only at an experiment for three years, with the
express design of preparing the way for a permanent seminary. If this experiment can be made, borne on the broad
shoulders of an associate body of gentlemen from different
parts of the state, as their plan, I have a hope that these gentlemen would so bring the subject before the public, that it
would be safe, before the close of the three years, to solicit
of the community the sum of forty thousand dollars."
In the conclusion of this letter, which follows, we have
the first distinct hints of those modifications of her plans
which enabled Miss Lyon to triumph over all difficulties.
"One point more. The funds for Amherst College have
been collected, not from the rich, but from liberal Christians
in common life. At the commencement of that enterprise,
the prospect was held out that it would be a college of high
standing, where the expenses would be low, and that it would
be accessible to all. This was like a mainspring, without




X7G 76THE GREAT STRUGGLE.
which it is doubtful whether it would have been possible to
raise the funds. I am inclined to think that something of
this kind may be indispensable to our success. The great
and honorable among the good will not listen to our cause;
but perhaps the more humble in life, led forward by their
own ministers, may befriend this important but forsaken
object. If so, if there is any class of Christians that we
should seek to gratify, it must surely be the benefactors,
whether high or low. If the same class of Christians who
support our missionaries should contribute principally to the
raising of the funds, is it not important that the style of the
whole establishment should professedly be plain, though
very neat?  If it were really plain, would it not be more
respectable to have it professedly so? "
The following interesting letter alludes again to the matter
of a separation:TO MISS GRANT.
I!PSVICH, MLarch 1, 1833.
"Yesterday was my birthday.  Thirty-six years of my
life are gone, and now I am  one year more than middle
aged.  To look back step by step, it seems a long life, and
the remaining years in prospect seem  few and short. But
my life and strength may be prolonged for many years to
come. I would that it might be so, if it is the will of the
Lord. But in one thing I can rejoice, - that, as long as the
Lord of the vineyard hath any need of my feeble service, he
will allow smae the unspeakable privilege of living and laboring; and when he sees it to be best that I should labor no
longer in this dark, wvicked world, which has been promised
to the Savior. as his inheritance, then lmay I be prepIared to
lay down this tabernacle with joy and rejoicing, and go to
dwell with Christ, which is far better. Daily, mny clear sister, do I endeavor to ask for you the same blessings which i




LETTER TO MISS GRANT.              177
ask for myself. 0, this vast field, which is white already to
the harvest! May laborers be raised up in great numbers,
to gather in the harvest, which is continually wasting away.
May those who are in the field labor while the day lasts.
May you and I be so directed, that we shall spend the remainder of our days in that manner which shall be the means
of the greatest possible results.
"One thing I have, for several weeks, wanted to propose
to you. It is this: If Providence should ever make it plainly
our duty to occupy different fields of labor, and to dissolve
our legal connection, I should deem it one of the greatest
earthly blessings which I could'possibly enjoy, to keep as
many of the cords which now bind us together unbroken
as could be done under existing circumstances; that we
should assist each other in forming plans; that we should
visit each other often, write to each other often; that we
should each feel that, next to our own field of labor, that of
the other is the most endearing —the field to which we have
pledged our services, our influence, our hearts. A union
somewhat like this would be to me an unspeakable satisfaction; it would seem to save my bleeding heart from sinking
under the stroke of a separation; and my judgment says,
that such a union would be suited to advance the great cause
to which we have consecrated our lives.
"Two days ago, I received yours, written January 10, replying to mine of December 10. After sending mine, I felt
that I could leave it all with God. After that, however, there
was a solemn weight resting on my soul; a feeling that one
step had been taken toward accomplishing the greatest
change that has ever taken place in my situation and labors,
and probably the greatest that ever will take place in my
life. But after receiving a few lines in Miss C.'s, acknowledging the receipt of mine of December 10, I felt that all, for
the present, was done, - that God, in his own time and manner, would by his providence point out the path of duty, and




178              THE GREAT STRFUGGLE.
I could most cheerfully and quietly wait. The peace and
freedom  from  solicitude which I have been permitted to
enjoy, with regard to the final issue, have been uncommon.
When I have opened your letters, I have had no painful solicitude to find a line indicating your opinion on the question.
But since the reception of yours two days ago, my mlind has
been most intensely occupied, and I can now give you only
a few of my general, scattered thoughts.
-' A few words about my feelings.  If it should be plain,
or equally probable, that you and I could both of us accomplish as great an amount of good to spend our remaining
days together as we could to occupy different fields, it would
be a blessing which would be most grateful to my heart; or,
if it should be equally probable that we could accomplish as
much good during our lives, to continue together three years
more, and then separate, I should be grateful for the
privilege of being with you so much longer.'; Now I will endeavor to write according to my judgment,
though my opinion is not made up on any point. The reasons why it seemed to me, that were we ever to occupy
different fields of labor it might be better that we should
commence soon, were two, —one relating to my own usefulness, the other to yours.'6 If I should separate from you, I have no definite plan.
But my thoughts, feelings, and judgment are turned toward
the middle classes of society. For this class I want to labor,
and for this class I consider myself rather peculiarly fitted to
labor. To this class in society would I devote, directly, all
the remainder of my strength, (God permitting,) - not to the
higher classes, not to the poorer classes. This middle class
contains the main springs, and main wheels, which are to
move the world.  Whatever field I may occupy, it must be
an humble, laborious work. How I can get a footing sufficiently firm for my feet to rest upon for the remainder of my
days, and where my hands can work, I know not. But by




LETTER TO MISS GRANT.              179
wandering around, and by resting from  my labors a year
or two, perhaps Providence might open the door. I should
seek for nothing permanent, to continue after my death, as
to the location of my labors; but I should consider it very
desirable that I should occupy but one more field, that I should
make but one more remove, till I remove into my grave. I
shall soon be literally forty years old; and if I am ever to
leave my present field of labor, and begin entirely anew, it
seems desirable, for my future usefulness, that I should
begin soon, before many more of my remaining days are
gone, or much more of my remaining strength exhausted.
" If I should journey next summer, it might be better, for
you and for the school, that I should not return at all, than
that I should return to spend merely a year or two. It might
be less hazardous to your strength to go right forward alone,
than to have these changes. You want I should write how
I judge, and feel inclined to decide. I wish I could tell you
more definitely than I can now. My mind seems exceedingly reluctant even to incline to one side or the other. One
thing, however, is clear. Considering your views and feelings, I do not think it best that we should separate so soon as
this spring, at any rate.  How long it is best that we should
continue together, I do not know. As your letter has been
so long delayed, perhaps it will not be best to attempt to
settle these questions till we meet face to face.
"Your arguments against a separation now are weighty.
I have considered most of them in some form, though, perhaps, not with the distinctness with which you have expressed
them. My query of December 10 I designed not specifically to be, whether we ought to separate this spring, or in one,
two, or three years from this time; but generally, whether
it was best that we should continue together permanently, or
that we should separate as soon as it could be effected to
good advantage; say, at the most suitable time in the
course of two or three years. I do not think I expressed




180              THE GREAT STRUGGLE.
this clearly. Looking at the subject in the form of this last
query, I will dwell a moment on the main arguments.
1. The hope of founding a permanent seminary. This is
so great an object, that it would be right to sacrifice considerable good for the sake of a small probability of suecess. But we must guide our steps by probabilities. My
feelings are most deeply interested in this cause, and so
strong is my belief in its utility, that I do believe that such a
work will be effected at some future day, perhaps some
twenty or fifty years from this time. But if it must be delayed entirely for several years, I have thought that there
was nothing that we could do together which we could not
do separately.  And as the probability in my own mind,
founded, I think, on evidence, was altogether on this side, it
seemed my duty to decide according to this probability,
knowing, that if any indication of Providence should appear
in favor of the great object, either before it should be time
to act, or before I should take fast hold of any other, (which
time must be considerable,) we could again unite our labors
as before. My candid judgment has been, that the probability that such a seminary would be founded during our
day has been constantly diminishing; but I have felt it my
duty not to say much about it, but to put forth every possible
effort, till we should professedly give up the subject for the
present. If, in my own mind, the chance two years ago was
equal to one in five, it is now reduced to not more than one
in fifty; I would say to one in one hundred, or five hundred,
if we except the ray of hope which beams from the possibility that an experiment may be made at Amherst, and the
possibility that something favorable may grow out of such an
experiment, if it should be made.  My belief has been, that
unless something unexpected should be brought forward by
the wheels of Providence, the time has nearly come, when
t will be your duty and mine professedly to relinquish the
object, -not our interest in the plan, but our attempts for its




LETTER TO  IISS GRANT.             181
execution.  This I have not expressed before, and now it
pains me to acknowledge my conviction. My conviction
arose from the manner in which the scheme is regarded by
various individuals, who, I think, are a fair index of the public. The public, as such, know nothing of any consequence
about the object, and care less than they know. The public,
as such, know not, and care not, how Miss Grant and Miss
Lyon are united, or when they separate, or how, if the school
at Ipswich can go on well.
"A few words about the importance of the prosperity of
Miss Grant's school. I consider it more important that it
should continue to flourish during her life, or during her
ability to labor, than any other school in the land, which is
the property of a private individual.  But, after all, it is
short-lived. I view it as just like Mr. Emerson's school.
It was very important that Mr. Emerson should prosper during his days of labor, and that he should have a place where
he might put forth his strength to peculiar advantage. But
where is his school now? If we ask,' Where are his labors?'
I would say,' All over the earth, and their record is on high.'
" If the plan for the permanent seminary does not succeed,
I have long felt that you and I must continue to labor, and
make no more attempts for any thing permanent to result,
except what is planted permanently in the hearts and in the
lives of those over whom God may give us a direct or indirect influence. I consider it so important that your school
should continue to flourish during your remaining days of
labor, that I ought to take a course which would diminish
my present usefulness, and hazard my future usefulness,
rather than greatly to hazard the prosperity of Miss Grant's
school, and her usefulness thereby. A small hazard may
be justifiable.
" This letter has cost me more hours than any letter I have
written you. this winter, and I fear it will cost you more to
read it; and how little it contains!
16




1812             THE GREAT STRUGGLE.
"If the experiment is made at Amherst, the hand of
Providence would, undoubtedly, make it plain duty for us to
continue together."
May 2, 1833, on the same subject, she writes, "I am
very glad, my dearest friend, that you propose to endeavor
to learn that you can do without me. I should rejoice to
have you learn this lesson fully, even if we should hereafter
decide that it is our duty to continue through life to labor
together."
In reference to the anticipated meeting at Amherst, Miss
Lyon wrote, on March 14, 1833, —
" I consider the friends of the original plan as having all
failed, except Messrs. Felt and Heard.  The subject is now
about to assume a new aspect, and to have a new beginning.
Will it not be best to endeavor to operate on a new circle
of friends, who have hitherto known but little on the subject,
rather than on those who have known something, and cared
less?  Is it not also very desirable to exert an influence
through gentlemen, rather than  directly  by ourselves?
Without a strict adherence to this purpose, in the preparatory steps, I think the plan will utterly fail.  This purpose,
adhered to, will increase our labor, but it may turn to much
more account in the end."
The aspect of things had so changed, that the gentlemen
who acted as nominal trustees of the proposed New England
seminary judged it expedient to dissolve the board. A meeting for this purpose was called in the early part of April,
1833. In a subsequent letter, Miss Lyon writes, "'I do not
know that I have told you of the dissolution of the board of
prospective trustees.  On the 18th of March, a circular
letter was sent to each, requesting his attendance at the
meeting, or a written answer, authorizing some one present
to vote in his stead, on the question of a dissolution. The
meeting was held on the day before the annual fast. Messrs.




FAILURE OF THE NEW ENGLAND SEMINARYo    183
Felt, G. W. Heard, and William Heard were present.  One
of the absentees sent a letter to Mr. G. W. Heard, authorizing Mr. H. to give his vote in favor of dissolving.  Tile others did not reply, but there was a quorum  present, and the
business was completed. In the letter just referred to, it is
very justly said,' The board of the proposed female seminary has not been organized in vain. It has done something
to bring the subject of female education more fully before
the public mind, and the consequences may be important
and salutary. I do not perceive that this board can attempt
any thing more; and I must confess that the best men in
the community do not favor our plan of a female seminary
so much as I anticipated. I wish Miss Lyon and her coadjutors to know that I am as favorable to female education
as ever. "
April 6, 1833, Miss Lyon writes to Miss Grant, " I think
there are more than nine chances out of ten that the door of
Providence will be closed against all future operations towards
founding a permanent institution."
The proposed meeting at Amherst was appointed to be
held on the 25th of that month.  Referring to it, she says,
"G If this effort should fail, it seems to me evident that it will
be the duty of Messrs. Heard and Felt, and of ourselves, to
take a different attitude; to give up all thought and expectation of doing any thing directly for the object, but only to
disseminate knowledge which may operate on the next geneiation.  If the effort now commencing should fail, I think
that we should select a favorable location for usefulness, and
settle down for life, disclaiming all expectation that any plan
for a permanent seminary will ever succeed in our day.
We may describe the advantages of such an institution,
what the public ought to do, and what they probably will do
in the next generation. We might always speak as if the
public were not now prepared for such an undertaking, and




184              THE GREAT STRUGGLE.
would not be prepared for many years. When it is evident
that all has been done that can be on our - part, would there
not be essential advantages in our taking this attitude?  It
would be more according to the common leadings of Providence that we should in this way collect the materials, and
that the temple should be built by our successors."
These apparently fruitless efforts were not without their
uses..A certain class of the community had become familiar
with the subject of founding a permanent female seminary,
and some few were sorry that the scheme had failed.  Miss
Lyon's own soul had become completely permeated with the
subject. She knew not her own heart when she spoke, in
her letter of April 6, 1833, of giving up all thought and expectation of doing any thing more towards the object, in case
the effort in which she was then engaged should fail. She
had learned to lay plans for buildings for a school and family in an economical and convenient manner. Most thoroughly was she taught that, for efficient aid, she must look
not to the honored and wealthy, who were already laden
with responsibilities, and drained by constant calls for charity,
but to men comparatively retired and unknown.  She saw
that it might be necessary to commence operations on a
small scale, and work with such means as she could command,
and by the experiment win public confidence and public aid
to assist more largely in the enterprise. She moderated her
expectations as to friends, till, at one time, she felt that she
could work, if only two or three gentlemen and ladies would
cordially sustain her by their influence and cooperation. She
was convinced, to a degree to which no abstract reasoning
could have conducted her, that the argument from the superior literary and scientific advantages of a permanent school
could not be relied on for gaining the attention of the community, and securing their interest; but that some peculiar
and tangible feature, addressing itself to the feelings and




1MISS LYON'S PLANS MODIFIED.          185
perceptions of the middling classes of society, must be used
as a lever for moving public opinion and obtaining the
needed funds. These lessons were of great use to her in
her future and successful labors.
SECTION IV.
Miss Lyon's Plans modifed and matured.
Miss LYON'S inventive mind continued earnestly to revolve the question, " -low can a permanent seminary for
ladies be secured?"  Imperceptibly to herself, her plans
were more and more modified, until she found a way to the
hearts and purses of the friends of education.. We give extracts from her letters, showing the progress of her mind in
the solution of the problem.
In the following letter, we see the first germ of a peculiar
feature in the Holyoke school as to the domestic arrangements. It is written to Miss Grant.
" IPswICu, April 16, 1833.
"I believe I once said something to you about having an
institution at the west, with the style plain, the food simple,
almost all the labor done by the teachers and scholars, and
the expenses very low. Involuntarily my spirit has been
stirred within me to try such a plan on a small scale, but I
lhave heretofore subdued these emotions."
After speaking of the inexpediency of her attempting any
thing of the kind, she says, " But I have thought very much
about it, with a view of having some other person execute the
plan, if any one could be found who would do it well. I should
not wish to undertake it, unless two or three judicious gentlemen
16 —




186              THE GREAT STRUGGLE.
and ladies should fall into it most cordially and most ardently.
One idea more has passed across my mind, which, however,
I do not think there is one chance in twenty that it would be
wise to adopt. It is this: Might it not be of advantage, as a
preparatory step for testing the practicability of the object,
to make an experiment for a year or two on a small scale,
say of thirty, forty, or fifty scholars, in New England?  A
failure here would be less unfavorable than a failure at the
west." Her reasons for ultimately establishing her school
at the east, rather than the west, will be found in a subsequent letter,, dated July 5, 1834. On the 25th of April,
Miss Lyon was at Amherst, at the meeting already mentioned. She writes, "A committee of seven was appointed
to call another meeting, in reference to the proposed seminary. It will probably be held in Boston, about the time of
the religious anniversaries; but whether it will be of sufficient interest to advance the business a single step, I think
doubtful."  Again, some six weeks later, she writes,'" There
was a meeting appointed in Boston, in reference to the plan
of a seminary. Very few were present. The meeting was
adjourned; and the adjourned meeting utterly failed. There
were not enough present to organize, and there the business,
in my view, has come to an end. I do not think it best to
make any attempt to revive the subject again. The indications of Providence appear to me plain."
Miss Grant returned to Ipswich in the spring of 1833, and
resumed her place in the school. Miss Lyon, according to
previous arrangements, spent the summer in journeying and
visiting. Her mind, during her travels, was constantly laboring at the problem which she had, as yet, been unsuccessful in solving. On her return in the fall, she continued
her connection with the Ipswich school; but she devoted
much time and strength to maturing and modifying her plans.
February 26, 1834, she wrote to Miss W., "During the
past year, my heart has so yearned over the adult female




CIRCULAR TO FRIENDS OF EDUCATION.              187
youth, in the common walks of life, that it has sometimes
seemed as though a fire were shut up in my bones. I should
esteem it a greater favor to labor in this field than in any
other on which I have ever fastened my attention."  With
Miss Grant's concurrence and approbation, she prepared the
following circular during that winter. It was obviously intended for any and all friends of an enlarged Christian
education, as well as for those to whom it was particularly
addressed.
TO THE FRIENDS AND PATRONS OF
IPSWICH FEMALE SEMINARY:
IT has long been a subject of deep regret to individuals, familiarly
acquainted with the character and influence of this institution, that
many promising young ladies, for the want of pecuniary means, should
be denied its privileges. These friends of universal education and of
religion have fixed their eyes on one and another of their acquaintances,
Rvho would be greatly benefited by the advantages of this seminary,
and who have ardently desired to enjoy them for at least one year, but
whose desires have hitherto been in vain. In behalf of such individuals, the inquiry has often been made, whether board in some families
in Ipswich could not be furnished at a lower rate than usual; and
whether they could not render some assistance by labor, so as partly to
defray the expense, and thus bring these privileges within their reach.
Efforts which should meet, in any degree, the wants of this interesting
portion of the community, would, without doubt, find a response in
many a benevolent heart. Could the expenses be reduced one third, or
one half, a great number, who now almost despair of ever being able
to realize the object of their ardent desires, would be made to rejoice in
the possession of opportunities for instruction and improvement, which
they would value more than silver or gold. Many others, whose resources will not now permit them to enjoy these privileges more than
one term, or one year, would derive scarcely less benefit from such a
provision. To effect'such an object, could not a separate and independent institution, similar in character to the Ipswich Seminary, be
founded and sustained by the Christian public?  Could not this be
effected by some plan like the following?
1. Buildings for the accommodation of the school and of boarders,
together with fuiniture and all other things necesary for the outfit, to
be furnished by voluntary contributions, and placed, free from encum.




z188 }STHE GREAT STRUGGLE.
brance, in the hands of trustees, who should be men of enlarged views
and of Christian benevolence.
2. Teachers to be secured possessing so much of a missionary spirit
that they would labor faithfully and cheerfully, receiving only a moderate salary, compared with what they could command in other situations.
3. Style of living neat, but very plain and simple.
4. Domestic work of the family to be performed by the members of
the school.
5. Board and tuition to be placed at cost, or as low as may be, and
still cover the common expenses of the family, instruction, &c.
6. The whole plan to be conducted on the principles of our missionary operations; no surplus income to go to the teachers, to'the domestic
superintendent, or to any other person, but all to be cast into the treasury, for the still further reduction of the expenses the ensuing year.
iFrom a careful review of the above principles, would it not be safe
to calculate on a reduction of one third, and perhaps one half, from the
expense of board and tuition at Ipswich. Such a reduction could not,
indeed, be expected to meet the wants of the more needy and dependent. The design would be to benefit more directly a very large and
interesting portion of the industrious and enterprising, who are able to
do something for their daughters, and who would be induced to make
far greater efforts in behalf of their education than they now do, could
they secure to them equal advantages to those of one of our best and
most respectable female seminaries at so moderate an expense. If the
standard of female education among this class could by any means be
raised, and its influence more extensively diffused, every department
of society must sooner or later experience the beneficial results.
The difficulty of raising funds would doubtless be the greatest obstacle to such an undertaking. But there are many individuals in different parts of our country, who confidently believe that something of
the kind could be effected, if the proper course were taken to interest
the public. The object should be brought forward with very broad and
liberal views, without any semblance of local interest. It should be
presented as a public enterprise, for the public benefit, claiming equally
the patronage of every part of New England. To effect this, and to
secure public confidence, no special favors should be granted to the
town where the institution is established. For example, none should
be received into the school, unless they enter the establishment as
boarders, subject to all its regulations, in the same manner as those
from abroad.
The location would be a matter of special importance. It should
be one vwhicli would be viewed with a favorable eye, not only by the




LETTER TO THOMAS WHITE, ESQ.            189
immediate vicinity, but by the community in general; and one for
which funds could as easily be raised as for any other location. The
spot selected should be adapted to the growth and prosperity of such
an institution. It should be alike suited to nourish the tender plant,
and to support the lofty oak.
To Thomas White, Esq., of Ashfield, who had been deeply interested in her Buckland and Ashfield schools, she forwarded a number of these circulars, for distribution among
the gentlemen of his acquaintance, accompanying them with
a letter, from which some extracts are given.
"IrswICH, March 5, 1834.
"I have long felt a great desire that the advantages of a
seminary like this should be brought within the reach of
the common people generally, and that by some means the
expenses should be reduced to a level with their ability. I
do wish our farmers would look at this, and see what can be
done.  If they would take hold of it vigorously, I do think
something could be done, perhaps something which would
secure the interests of thousands of their posterity.  While
it is desirable that every benevolent man should be able to
grasp all the benevolent objects of the day, and do something for all, I doubt not but the best interests of the whole
are promoted by having one mind directed to one object, and
another to another. I have been thinking that if this object
should be brought up, and viewed in its true light, some of
our fathers in the cause of benevolence might select it as
the child of their prayers and of their charities. Who would
be more likely to begin upon it than our wealthy farmers?
" And now, my dear sir, in your old age, would you not
be glad, with a few other kindred souls, to be the means of
commencing a great work, which, in importance to the welfare of our country, of the church, and of the world, shall
not fall behind the home missionary, or any other of our
leading benevolent societies?  Would you not gladly see




190              THE GREAT STRUGGLE.
such a work begun, and advancing? And how would your
heart rejoice, if, before you sleep in the dust, you could see
it rise and spread as our foreign missionary operations have
done? This, I believe, may be accomplished, and he who,
first putting his hand to the work, shall say to others,' Come,
and do likewise,' will deserve a place with Mills, with Robert
Raikes, and others of like eminence. I do long to have some
one or more gentlemen look at this object, till they are ready
to do something for it. I would gladly do as much of the
work as I can, and I find other ladies ready to join in it.
"I have long had a secret hope that the time would arrive,
when I could consistently give up my present sphere of labor, and in some way devote my life, my strengths and all
my powers to this object. That time has now arrived; and,
after laboring half a year longer for this seminary, I expect
to close my connection with it."
The following letter of Miss Lyon to her mother seems
like a peep into her very soul:"IPSWICIH, May 12, 1834.
"MY VERY DEAR MOTHER:
" I do not expect to continue my connection with Miss G.
after this summer. I have for a great while been thinking
about those young ladies who find it necessary to make such
an effort for their education as I made, when I was obtaining
mine. In one respect, from year to year, I have not felt
quite satisfied with my present field of labor. I have desired to be in a school, the expenses of which would be so
small, thatmany who are now discouraged from endeavoring to enjoy the privileges of this, might be favored with
those which are similar at less expense..
" The course of instruction adopted in this institution, and
the course which I have endeavored to adopt when I have
instructed among my native hills, I believe is eminently suited




LETTER TO HER MOTHER.               191
to make _good mothers as well as teachers. I have had the
pleasure of seeing many, who have enjoyed these privileges,
~ccupying the place of mothers. I have noticed with peculiar interest the cultivated and good common sense, the
correct reasoning, the industry and perseverance, the patience, meekness, and gentleness of many of them. I have
felt, that if all our common farmers, men of' plain, good common sense, could go through the country and witness these
mothers in their own families, and compare them with others
in similar circumstances, they would no longer consider the
money expended on these mothers as thrown away.
"Since I have lived to see so many of these ladies in their
own families, I have felt more than ever before, that my
field of labor was among the most desirable. I have felt
that I could thank Him who has given me my work to do.
O how immensely important is this work of preparing the
daughters of the land to be good mothers! If they are prepared for this situation, they will have the most important
preparation which they can have for any other; they can
soon and easily become good teachers, and they will become, at all events, good members of society. The false
delicacy, which some young ladies indulge, wilt vanish away
as they see most of the companions of their childhood and
youth occupying the solemn and responsible situation of
mothers. It will no longer appear like a subject for which
no care should be taken in the training of daughters.'" While, in the good providence of God, I have been permitted to occupy a field of labor where I could aid in
Preparing some who must mould the character of future
generations for their great work, and while I have enjoyed
much in my labor, I have not been quite satisfied. I have
looked out from my quiet scene of labor on the wide world,
and my heart has longed to see many enjoying these privileges, who cannot for the want of means. I have longed to
be permitted to labor where the expenses would be less than




192              THE GREAT STRUGGLE.
they are here, so that more of our daughters could reap the
fruits.  Sometimes my heart has burned within me; and
again I have bid it be quiet. -I have sometimes speculated,
and built airy castles, and again I have bid my mind dwell
on sober realities. I have thought that there might be a
plan devised by which something could be done. I have
further thought, that if I could be entirely released from
all engagements and all encumbrances, perhaps I might
in time find some way opened before me for promoting this
good object.  With this view, I decided some time since, if
Miss Grant's health should be sufficiently restored, to propose a separation.  That time has now come, and we have
agreed to close our joint labors next fall. Miss Grant is to
be absent through the summer term, to improve her strength,
and we shall spend most of the vacation here together, in
getting ready for the winter, and then I expect to leave this
scene of labor forever.
" I do not expect immediately to commence in any other
field. I very much want six months or a year to read, write,
plan, and do a thousand other things. I do not expect to be
idle. This may seem like a wild scheme; but I cannot plead
that it is a hasty one. I have had it under careful consideration two years or more, and for one whole year the question
has been weighed by Miss Grant and myself.
" I hope and trust that this is of the Lord, and that he will
prosper it. In this movement, I have thought much more
constantly, and have felt much more deeply, about doing
that which shall be for the honor of Christ, and for the good
of souls, than I ever did in any step in my life. I want that
you should pray for me, my dear mother, that I may in this
thing be guided by wisdom from above, and that the Lord
would bless me, and make me a blessing.  My daily prayer
to God is, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? If the Lord
go not with me, let me not go up hence.
"' Perhaps you may inquire, what course I expect to take,




LETTER TO  ISS GRANT.               193
and where is to be my future scene of labor. This I do not
know. The present path of duty is plain.  The future I can
leave with Him who doeth all things well."
Miss Grant journeyed to Ohio during the summer of
1834. The following letter of Miss Lyon to her, soon after
she left Ipswich, is in answer to objections brought against
the plan of having the teachers in the proposed school receive a comparatively low compensation. She never received more than two hundred dollars per annum for her
services.  She had always a home in the seminary beside.':Ipswicn, May 6, 1834.
" Is it not true, that, on extraordinary occasions, it may be
the duty of benevolent individuals to labor without expecting
to receive that which is their just due? Does not any good
object, which has not yet gained the public confidence, often
furnish such an occasion?  In such emergencies, has not the
church always been able to furnish some who are ready to
turn a deaf car to louder calls, and continue to do so, while
the necessity lasts! Was not the apostle Paul one who acted
preeminently on this principle? How plainly does he teach,
that the laborer is worthy of his reward, and that the Lord
hath so ordained, that those who preach the gospel should
live of the gospel. Yet he used not this power, lest he should
hinder the gospel, and lest his good should be evil spoken of.
That necessity has passed away, and it is no longer desirable
that in Christian lands the gospel should be without charge.
But do not some of our missionaries adopt a similar principle?
FHow great are their sacrifices, compared with those of ministers at home! What minister in a Christian land would not
sooner relinquish one half of his salary, and even one half
of the remainder, than subject his children to the evils to
which the children of missionaries are exposed? What reward is given to missionaries for all this sacrifice?  Does it
17




194              THE GREAT STRUGGLE.
not appear, that even justice, to say nothing of mercy, would
compel those who send them  forth to pledge at least the
education of their children?  This would be but a small return for the debt of gratitude due to some of our missionaries from the churches.  But this return, the most precious
of a pecuniary kind that can be made, the Christian public
are not sufficiently enlightened to render. -But the missionary cause has not been forsaken on this account. Louder
calls do not turn the devoted missionary from his purpose.
Is not this the condition of the object under consideration?
Is it not very important that mothers should be so trained,
that they will be proper educators for the children of the
church?  To effect this, is there not great need of female
seminaries, cheap but good schools? And is there any hope
of establishing such schools without the:aid of the benevolent
Christian public? And while the public are so little prepared
to contribute liberally to an object like this, may it not be
expedient that those who first enter the field as laborers
should receive as a reward so little of' filthy lucre,' that
they may be able to commend themselves to every man's
conscience, even to those whose minds are narrow, and
whose hearts are not much enlarged by Christian philanthropy? If such a course should be desirable at the commencement, how many years, or how many scores of years,
must elapse before it would be no longer needful, time and
experience alone can decide."
In the latter part of May, about the time of the religious
anniversaries, she writes to Miss Grant, "I saw Dr. Packard
last week in Boston. He has gained the sanction of the
Franklin and Hampshire Associations of Ministers to any
attempt that may be made to establish a female seminary
within their bounds.  He intends to ask for a vote of approbation from  the Pastoral Association; and again from the
General Association of Massachusetts, which meets in Berk



LETTER TO A GENTLEMAN AT ANDOVER.         195
shire county the last of June. Dr. P. says, that he is sixtyfive years old, and can only do a little of the work at the outset, and somebody else must carry it on. Who that some one
else is to be, no one knows."
Alluding in the same letter to her separation from Miss
Grant, she says, " I do believe that an overruling Providence
will remember your faithfulness in Mr. Emerson's school,
and that you will always have given to you kindred hearts,
able teachers, as your health and other circumstances may
require. He tempereth the wind to the shorn lamb, but on
the hardy sons of the forest he causeth the winds and the
tempest to beat. It is good, my dear friend, to commend
you to our heavenly Father."
To a gentleman at Andover, who had expressed an interest
in her plans, and had suggested Andover as a good location
for her contemplated school, she writes, under date of July
5, 1834,"_ Rev. Mr. K. called on me yesterday, making some inquiries in your name, relative to my plans for future labors.
I have been desirous of an interview with you, that I might
learn your views on several particulars.
"I have decided to close my connection with this institution, with a hope of using my limited influence towards
advancing the belief that female schools of an elevated character may be furnished at a very moderate expense. I have
much stronger desires to do something towards establishing
some general principles on female education than to accomplish much myself. But I do hope that Providence will open
a door, where I may labor directly in a school in behalf of
this great and important cause, as I believe I can do more in
this way than in any other.
"6I have no definite spot in view where I may spend the
remnant of my strength in behalf of an object which for a
long time has seemed to drink up my spirits. I have not
been so affected, because this object is more important than




196              THE GREAT STRUGGLE.
many others, but on the same principle that I should be
more moved by the cries of a drowning child, where no deliverer was near, than by those of one actually in the arms
of relief. I have no doubt there will be many objections
raised. To avoid these, as far as possible, as well as to
rouse a candid attention to any features which may be somewhat new and peculiar, I have supposed that, in many particulars, it would be of great importance to meet the views
of the judicious part of the community. On this account, I
have been desirous that a location might be selected by a
committee, so appointed that they would be regarded as a
kind of representative of the public.  Whether it is practicable to create such a committee, I do not know. I have
conversed with two or three gentlemen on this point, who
think that some plan can be devised by which the thing may
be brought about.  It was suggested that something towards
the object might be done at the General Association, that met
at Lee last week. But on such occasions, the multiplicity of
objects, each of which has several warm advocates, generally
presses out an object of this sort, which has so few warmhearted friends.'" You will, of course, perceive that I cannot now give any
definite opinion with regard to Andover as a location. If it
should be judged by gentlemen from different parts of New
England to be a favorable, or the most favorable, for which
there is any probability of raising funds, I should not shrink
from undertaking even there, though it would be a location
attended with difficulties.
" The question of the expediency of my devoting myself
to this object in some place farther west has been several
times mentioned to me. That influence needs to be put
forth in the more western states, as in New England, cannot be doubted. The opinion, which has so universally prevailed here, that female seminaries of the first respectability
must necessarily be expensive, has overspread the whole




LETTER TO MISS W.                197
State of New York, and marched on farther still, keeping
pace with every effort in behalf of female education. As I
believe, with many others, that this opinion is an error, and
a highly injurious one, this is the point on which my mind
centres more than on any other, and on which I wish to use
an influence as far as I can. Considering the vast importance of the more western portion of our country, and the
more abundant zeal, and the greater rapidity with which
they carry any thing forward, when they are once convinced
of its importance, I have been half inclined, at times, to look
upon some spot beyond the limits of New England as more
desirable for experiments on this subject. But, considering
that improvements in education seldom make any progress
eastward, my purpose to live and labor in New England has,
during the last six months, become fixed and unchanging."
TO MISS W.
"IPsWICH, August 1, 1834.
"MY DEAR MISS WV.:
" How long, very long, it is since you have written to me,
or I to you! I can hardly realize that I have so little_ intercourse with those whom I so tenderly love, those whom I once
met daily face to face, and with whom I held delightful in.
tercourse sometimes from hour to hour. But it is even so.
I have not written to dear A. for a great, very great while.
How was my soul knit to her soul! Seldom have I loved
any one so much, dear Miss Grant excepted. But we have
long been separated, perhaps to meet no more on earth.
Long separation breaks up the vividness of affection, but the
strength still remains. How delightful will it be to have this
affection renewed in heaven! I have to bid dear Miss Grant
farewell, no more to live with her on earth. This separation
has not severed my heart, but it has so shaken it as to render
it most tenderly alive to all emotions of affection, which have
sometimes seemed to lie dormant in my heart. I love more
17*




198              THE GREAT STRUGGLE.
than ever to dwell on those friends who shared the warmth
of my heart in my younger years.
"' I suppose you have heard that I am endeavoring to establish a manual labor school for ladies. I have heard so. But
as it is not true, I wish the mistake could be corrected. I
will tell you what I should be glad to have done. You know
it has become very popular for our highest and best seminaries for young men to be moderate in their expenses. It is
not a sufficient recommendation for a college to be expensive. But how different is it with regard to female seminaries! Even at the present time, almost in the middle of the
nineteenth century, do not many value them according to
their expensiveness?  Is it not rather gratifying to young
ladies to attend expensive schools, when perhaps their brothers would rather glory in pursuing their studies at a moderate expense? Is there not a general feeling that female
education must be costly, and that those who cannot pay the
price must do without it?  Is not this the reason why ladies
are more aristocratic than gentlemen, and why their aristocracy is founded on so much more despicable principles?
Would it not be a less evil for the farmers and mechanics
through the land, who must spend all their time in laboring
to support their families, to have scanty stores of knowledge,
than for their wives, who must train up their children, to be
thus scantily furnished?' I will now tell you what I wish
could be done. I wish the same public interest could be excited to extend female education to the common walks of
life that exists with regard to the education of young men.
If the church would do the same for young ladies that she
has done, and is continually doing, for young men, the work
would be accomplished. O that the church would take our
highest female seminaries under her direct control, protection, and support! And do you not believe that this will be
done at some future time? But this cannot be done, unless
means are used to secure the confidence of common Christians.




LETTER TO MISS W.                I99
And if any institution  should  ask  for public support,
would it not be desirable that, in some particulars, it should
present certain marked features which would be approved
by common Christians?  On this account, I have thought
that, in the proposed seminary, it would be well to have the
domestic work done by the members, not as an essential
feature of the institution, but as a mere appendage. But
this mere appendage ought, by no means, to give the name
of manual labor to the scheme. I have not the least faith
in any of the proposed kinds of manual labor, by which it
is supposed that females can support themselves at school,
such as raising silk, attending to grape-vines, spinning, sewing, &c. I should expect that any attempt of the kind
would become a bill of expense, rather than an income, to
any female seminary. After the acquaintance I have had
with many cultivated and interesting families, where the
daughters, in a systematic manner, performed all the labor,
I have the greatest confidence that a system might be formed,
by which all the domestic work of a family of one hundred
could be performed by the young ladies themselves, and in
the most perfect order, without any sacrifice of improvement
in knowledge or of refinement.  Might not this simple feature do away much of the prejudice against female education among common people? If this prejudice could by
any means be removed, how much would it do for the cause!
Some of the specific features of the great object in which I
am engaged will seem to some of our friends like new
views, different from my former ones. Not so new as might
seem; they are of no very recent date. The only difference is, that I did not consider it expedient, while I was connected with Miss Grant and this institution, to say much
about these views. I should be very glad to see you a day
or two, and talk over this whole subject."
Miss Lyon remained in the school at Ipswich till the term




2000              THE GREAT STRUGGLE.
was finished, but, for several weeks before its close, her
thoughts and energies were absorbed in her scheme, and
it was evident to the other teachers that she had a great
work before her, and was straitened  until it should be
accomplished.  Her plans during the summer had assumed
a definite form, and she was fully ready to commence
her prospective labors.@
SECTION VT
The true P)'inciples of Success discovered and applied.
ON September 6, 1834, a few gentlemen met in 3Miss
Lyon's private parlor, in Ipswich, to devise ways and means
for founding a permanent female seminary, upon a plan
embracing Miss Lyon's favorite views. and principles. It had
been suggested that the first movement towards the object
should be made in the Essex County Teachers' Association;
but Dr. Packard, who was in Ipswich as the informal representative of his part of the state, objected that in such bodies
there was apt to be much talk and little progress, and
suggested, instead, the calling of a meeting of a few friends
of education for the purpose.  The point being yielded to
* "Miss Grant, after Miss Lyon left the school at Ips-wich, continued to cherish the hope of obtaining a permanent foundation
there; but the speedy failure of her health disabled her from assuin -
ing any extra labors or responsibilities, and after a few years compelled her to relinquish the idea of ever again imparting hIlstructiorn
to those she could call her pupils. As the lady ofG the Hon. WAilliam
B. BanLister, of Newburyport, she is now enljoying and adorning that
circle of intelligence and worth with which she is smi'roun.ded, with
the grateful respect of nearly two tho-a3sand pupils, ewho owe, as it
were, their own selves to h'er instruction  and care," - -IdeSpe..ade.-t,
May 3, 18490




Irr-IS VSIRS  TLHOU SANl) DOLLARS.    20 
his judgment, some dozen gentlemen, of known benevolence and candor, were invited to attend the proposed meeting. Miss Lyon writes, on September 8th, "Dr. Packard
came here last Wednesday evening, and left this morning.
We talked much of the time, for three days, respecting the
proposed seminary. A meeting of a few gentlemen was
held on Saturday, and Rev. Drs. Dana and Packard, Professor Hitchcock, Rev. Mr. Felt, Mr. George W. Heard, Mr.
David Choate, and General Howland were appointed a committee to make a commencement, and go on (provided they
are successful) to appoint trustees, &c. A circular is soon
to be printed, with the doings of the meeting."
The committee appointed at this quiet meeting, which
was scarcely known to twenty persons out of the room
where it was held, supplied their own vacancies, and increased
their number from time to time, as the progress of affairs
required, and stood before the public as the responsible
agents for establishing the proposed seminary, until, a charter having been obtained, and trustees appointed, their
services were no longer needed. Some of them became
trustees, and others resigned their places on the committee.
The first contribution towards the funds of the projected
seminary was also made in Ipswich, soon after the meeting
just mentioned.  Miss Lyon proposed to raise one thousand
dollars from ladies, as a fund for the contingent expenses of
the undertaking. The school over which she was presiding
had been accustomed, once or twice a year, to unite in a
contribution to some one of the leading benevolent societies.
She proposed to them, on that occasion, to make her projected seminary the object of their charities.  A free-will
offering of two hundred and sixty-nine dollars was the result.
She next applied to the ladies in Ipswich, who contributed
four hundred and seventy-five dollars more towards the proposed thousand. Miss Lyon herself went firom house to
house, to solicit subscriptions. The Ipswich ladies have a




20O2'TE  AG1Zt   S'TRUCGGLE 
vivid recollection of her farewell visits that autumn.  She
represented her object as calling the most loudly foar aid, because, though very deservingg, it was the most unknown,
unnoticed, and unappreciated by the benevolent community.
She talked, now with the lady of the house, now with the
husband~, -he told the hbsbands, in a very good-natured
but earnest way, that she had come to get them to cut off
one little corner of their estates, and give it to their wives
to invest in the form of a seminary for young ladies. She
held before them the object dear to her heart -the bringing
of a liberal education within the means of the daughters of
the common people, till it loomed up to them, for the time,
as it did ever before her eyes.. She put it to the lady
whether, if she wanted a new shawl, a card-table, a new
carpet, or some other article of elegance in her furniture or
wardrobe, she could not contrive means to procure it. She
spread out the whole subject, talking so fast that her hearers
could hardly put in a word, anticipating every objection before it was uttered, and finally appealing to their individual
humanity and benevolence.  She uttered no falsehood; she
poured out truth; she offered arguments to make out her case;
and, last and best of all, she carried the will of nearly every
person with whom she labored. Ladies that, in ordinary subscriptions to benevolent objects, did well to put down their
fifty cents, gave her five or ten dollars of hard-earned money,
collected by the slow gains of patient industry, and gave it
of their own free will, yea, gave it as a privilege from which
they would not have been willing to be debarred. They paid
it on the spot, grateful that it- had come to their hands at
such a time as that. Every dollar of that money was well
invested. All of it brought her a hundred per cent. It was,
as Miss Lyon always called it, the corner stone of that noble
edifice.  She carried the story of the liberality of those
ladies from town to town. Wherever she collected the ladies
to awaken their zeal in behalf of her undertaking, there,




A SU'CCSSFIUL EFFORT.              203
with her impassioned eloquence, she stirred up the spirit'of emulation by holding up the example of the Ipswich
ladies; and in the next two years those five talents gained
many more.
She wrote letters to former pupils of the Ipswich school,
soliciting their aid in making up this contingent fund. She
went herself to ladies with whom she was acquainted, in the
towns about Ipswich, and invited them to contribute to it.
Such was her perseverance, that, in less than two months,
the sum was very nearly raised. It was a pledge of her
future success. She used to say that it was a thorough commitment of all concerned to the object.  The special effort
to raise this fund, together with her labors in school, made her
almost sick.  She writes to Mliss Grant, October 7, "I do
not recollect being so fatigued, even to prostration, as I have
been for a few weeks past, since I have been connected with
the institution, except during your sickness in 1828, and a
year ago last spring. The school business, as usual, accumulated; the business relating to my future enterprise hung
in suspense all summer, and then required nearly a week of
my time near the close of school, besides absorbing much
strength of intellect and of the inner soul."
When, from long and close application, Miss Lyon became
brain-weary, it was her practice, at this period of her life,
to sink voluntarily into a state of partial stupor for one, two,
or three days, as the case might require, keeping her bed
most of the time, and taking very little food.  From such
seasons of rest she would come forth rejuvenated, and ready
for a campaign that would exhaust any body else. She
could arrive at that state in which she seemed to lose the
power of stopping the wheels of thought.  This seems to
have been the case just before her final sickness.
Always preferring that the proposed school should be located in the central or western part of the state, after leaving Ipswich, she took up her abode for the winter at Amherst.




204              4THE GREAT STRUGGLE.
She attended some of the college lectures, and reviewed the
natural sciences, that she might be the better fitted to superintend the education of her future scholars. She improved
every opportunity that offered for conversing on her project
with the intelligent gentlemen whom she met. Whenever
there was a prospect of forwarding her plans by her presence in any other part of the state, she was sure to be
promptly there. Some very important questions were settled that fall and winter. One was, whether the funds should
consist of free donations or of proprietary subscriptions. Dr.
Packard devised an ingenious plan, with many guards against
abuses, for raising funds by scholarships, their owners to
have the right of sending scholars at less expense than others. While Miss Lyon saw that the plan would, as its author
contended, open purses far more readily than a call for free
donations, she also feared that it would be attended, in future
years, with many perplexities. Soliciting Miss Grant's advice on the subject, she says, " Dr. Packard has said to me
several times that he was forming a screw, composed partly
of benevolence and partly of selfishness, which he was designing to put upon the purses, and which he was confident
would draw out the money; and when he had time, he
would explain it to me. This week he has laid it before me.
We have talked about it, most of the time, for three days.
I saw objections which appeared to me so great, that I doubted whether it would be right for me to go forward."  The
plan was to have scholarships of two hundred and fifty dollars each, to be owned in whole, half, or quarter shares, the
owner or owners being at liberty to send a pupil for fifteen
dollars a year less than others. After much free and friendly
conference, the committee, at a meeting at Ipswich in December, at which Dr. Packard was present, decided to de.
pend on the free-will offerings of an enlightened public.
The question of location was settled that winter. The
towns of South Deerfield, Sunderland, and South Hadley




QUEStION OV LOCATION.              205
each offered handsome subscriptions, if the seminary might
be located within its limits. The members of the committee
in the vicinity of the places were of different opinions on
this question. The gentlemen in Essex county -Dr. Dana,
Mr. Felt, Mr. Choate, and Mr. Heard - held the balance in
the meetings, and, from their residence, as well as their
characteristic candor, they were not likely to be influenced
by local considerations. Miss Lyon was intensely interested
in these questions, but she left them to the committee with
satisfaction, rejoicing that they did not depend on her voice.
With Mr. Heard she had held more conference than with
any other man.  Evening after evening, while she was
connected with the Ipswich school, she had spent at his
house, conversing with him on her favorite object. He and
Mr. Felt both went to the Connecticut River region, visited
the towns in question, and surveyed the ground for themselves, in order to be able to give an intelligent vote. Mr.
Choate, but for imperative illness, would have done the
same. Dr. Dana took pains to inform  himself through
Messrs. Heard and Felt of the arguments, and generally
was present at the meetings of the committee that winter.
A meeting of the committee, at which South Hadley was
fixed upon as the location provided the subscription there
could be raised to eight thousand dollars, was held at
Worcester, January 8, 1835. It was the wish of the gentlemen that Miss Lyon should be there, that they might be
able to consult her in the course of the meeting. The thermometer was below zero on the night when she, with Mr.
Hitchcooek, left Amherst in the stage for Worcester. Having
taken some warm food and commended themselves to God,
they took their seats in the stage some three or four hours
before sunrise, each wrapped in a buffalo robe. Miss Lyon
said she never suffered less from a journey in her life. Frorn
Worcester she wrote to Miss Grant, -
" Last evening, about midnight, Mr. Felt came and told
1s




1a0'f~THE GREAT STRUGGLE.
rme that the question of the location at South Deerfield was
decided in the negative.  My heart was filled with gratitude
to Him who directs all events according to his own infinite
wisdom. The other two places are to be considered to-day.
Between them I had no choice, and it did appear to me that
I could commit the whole to God more entirely than ever
before. The decision, as Mr. Heard will tell you, is in favor
of South Hadley."
The location being fixed, the time had come for giving a
name to the proposed institution. Some articles appeared, not
far from this time, from the pen of one of the general commnittee, in which the suggestion was made that it should be
called the Pangynaskean Seminary.  Though the term
Pangynaskean was pure Greek, and was fully explained to
designate that seminary in which all the powers of womanphysical, intellectual, and moral —should be cultivated,
those who were hostile to the enterprise laid hold of the
name, and made it the occasion of sarcastic remark. Some
of Miss Lyon's friends were afraid that the excitement about
it would endanger the success of the enterprise. The author
intended by the use of the term to designate the leading
features of the proposed school, and by its novelty to awaken
the public attention. Finding he had done this, he was not
alarmed because a few editors, unfriendly to the project,
attempted to make it ridiculous. Those very articles did
far more good, in one single case, than all the harm that
could possibly have flowed from them.  They fell under the
eye of a benevolent lady in Connecticut, and enlisted her
sympathy and efforts. In the providence of God, she soon
after became united to a gentleman in Boston, of liberal
heart and means.  Miss Lyon had heard his name, and had
been told that he might regard her undertaking with favor.
A gentleman who had married one of her Buckland scholars,
and who is now a professor in one of our theological seminaries, commended her to his friendly notice. She found




LET'TER TO HER iOTIEM.              i07
an open ear. His wife opened her doors and her heart to Miss
Lyon and her coadjutors.  When, after their first interview
with her, this gentlemlan said to his wife, " How much do you
think I had better give to Miss Lyon," she replied, " I thought,
perhaps, you would give five hundred dollars."  The husband was surprised; but he slept upon the subject, and rejoiced the hearts of the friends of the cause by affixing that
sum to his well-known name. It was the first, but by no
means was it the last five hundred dollars which he gave to
that cause. The time, influence, and sympathy which he
and his partner have to this day given to it, have been worth
more than thousands of silver and gold.
Alluding to the name mentioned above, Miss Lyon, in a
letter to Miss Grant, says, " I wish a little could be said to
lead that part of the community who would attend to things
and not to words only, to direct their attention to the magnitude of the object, rather than to one undesirable, temporary
word, and to lead those who would expend their zeal in promoting that which is good and important, and not in opposing
trifles, to spend the time and interest they have to spare in
aiding the great cause with which the new institution is connected, rather than in opposing and ridiculing the mere suggestion of a peculiar name."
The next letter is to her mother.'AiHE:ST, April 2, 1835.
"MY VERY DEAR MOTIHER'
" I would be glad to visit you this spring before I go east,
but you know the travelling is bad; and besides, Professor
H-itchcock is now giving a course of lectures on geology,
which I have long desired to attend, and I have thought I
ought to make special efforts to hear them. They are given
three times a week, and I have been able, so far, to attend
every lecture."  After speaking further of her regret at
not being able to visit her, she says, " I have been to Ipswich




208              THE GREAT STRUGGLE.
twice this winter. The last time I staid two weeks. There,
I have enjoyed much that relates to this world, and much, I
hope, that relates to a better. There, more than any where
else, I have looked out upon this broad and wicked world,
till my heart has longed that laborers might go forth to reap
the harvest, which is already ripe for gathering.  When I
have there looked around on those committed to my care,
how has my heart gone forth in their behalf, that they might
be ready to do with their might what their hands find to do 
" I often feel that my life is far advanced, and that I can
do but little more myself. But this great work is all to be
done through human instrumentality. How small a portion
of it has yet been done! 0 that I might do a little more,
before I depart hence! But my greatest hope is, that I may
have the privilege of encouraging, stimulating, and strengthening some, who may continue to labor when I am laid in
the grave. It is so pleasant for me to go to Ipswich, I am
rather glad that I occasionally have business which calls me
there. But it awakens many tender and sad emotions.
Sometimes I fear that I never shall have another field of
labor, where I can do so much good. But if the Lord has
more work for me to do in the world, he will provide it for
me, and point out the way.
" For special reasons, I think it best to keep myself disengaged from any school, till the new school goes into operation in South Hadley.  But the work goes forward very
slowly. It will be a great while before I can expect the
privilege of laboring there. Will you, my dear mother,
pray for this new institution, that God will open the hearts
of his children in its behalf, and that the Spirit of God may
rest on its future teachers and pupils, that it may be a spot
where souls may be born of God, and saints quickened in
their Lord's service?  It is my heart's desire, that holiness
to the Lord may be inscribed upon all connected with it, and
that a succession of teachers may be raised up, who shall




THE INSTITUTION NALoED.             209
there continue to labor for Christ long after we are laid in
ou'r (TraveS.":
TO MIISS GRANT.
i AMHERST, April 8, 1835.
"I have been thinking whether the buildings might not
be commenced this summer, laying out ten or twelve thousand dollars, on such a plan that the buildings can be extended when more funds are obtained. Considering the field
yet to be gone over, would it not do to presume on a few
thousand dollars? Would it not do, by some sacrifice, to
turn what is subscribed to be paid in future years into ready
money? I fear to let the present season pass away without
having any thing done on the buildings, lest friends may be
discouraged, and enemies take occasion to injure the cause.
I wish Messrs. Heard and Choate would look at this subject,
and come and attend the meeting next Wednesday.
"It seems to me also desirable, that every important
branch of the business should be committed to a small executive, to men who are qualified to do the definite things
needed, and are known to be willing to work for this cause.
The business to which I refer is finding and appointing
agents, devising ways and means of raising funds, making
arrangements towards building, making contracts, obtaining
plans, &c."
At the meeting of which Miss Lyon speaks in the preceding letter, the contemplated institution received the name
of the " Mount Holyoke Female Seminary."
In the fall of 1834, while Dr. Packard still felt a father's
zeal and interest in the enterprise, he succeeded in enlisting
in its behalf Rev. Mr. Hawks, of Cummington.  One evening in November, they came to Anlherst, to confer with
Miss Lyon, and she then and there held her first interview
with her future friend and co-worker.  He helped her comn
bat the doctor on his proprietary plan. He was then a young
18 *




2 10             THE GREAT STRUGGLE.
man, and happily settled; but he obtained leave of absence
from his people, providing them a supply for the pulpit, and
engaged for a few months in an agency for the seminary.
Under about the same date as the last extract, she says, " I
am very well satisfied with Mr. Hawks. The query begins
to arise in my mind, whether early efforts should not be
made to secure his services for the summer. This matter
ought to receive the immediate attention of the committee."
He was continued in his agency. At that crisis, when it
required a clear eye and a strong heart to embark in the
cause, Mr. H. gave himself sincerely to its advancement.
Miss Lyon often went with him in his pilgrimages, aiding his
arguments with her presence and conversation.  From the
evening in which they met at Amherst to that of her death,
no person was a more patient listener to her many and varied
plans, nor a more efficient co-worker with her in giving these
plans life and form.
"NORTON, May 19, 1835.
" MY DEAR MISS GRANT:
"I am not fully decided about my manner of spending
the summer. I design to make one excursion, which will
occupy a few weeks, to visit my relatives, to visit South
Hadley, Amherst, Northampton, and some other towns in
the vicinity of South Hadley, and perhaps some in Franklin
county, to exert an influence in favor of our cause. I think
I shall take this excursion about the'time of commencement
at Amherst. Considering that it must be at least two years
before I can commence teaching at South Hadley, I think it
is best to spend some time in study, though I should not think
it wise at my age to give up active labor for study. The
time being providentially thrown on my hands, the case is
different. I should prefer not to say much about it, because
I do not expect to make much progress, or to retain much
of what I gain; but much more, because it seems ridiculous
for a lady of forty to be trying to make over her education.




THE FIRST SENIOR CLASS.            211
What time I do devote to study, I can probably take much
better this year than next, and I can find no better place
than this. Here, no one inquires what I am doing, or how I
spend my time."
Miss Lyon attended the " General Association " of Massachusetts, which met at Framingham in June of that year,
as she was on her way from Norton to the western part of
the state. She was detained a few days at Framingham.
From that place she writes to Miss C., -
" Give a large share of love to Miss A. from me. I want
to see her, to talk with her about the good which she can do,
by being a member of the school the first year. Ought we
not to ascertain what young ladies of our acquaintance, who
are advanced in their education, intend at some time to become members of the institution, and lay before them the
good that they would do by joining the school, the very
first year?
" I have been sleeping and resting since I have been here.
I wish you could sleep and rest as much. Do tell me all
about your frail, mortal tenement; and may your soul be in
health and prosper."
By Miss Lyon's private efforts, three ladies of distinguished
abilities were led to complete their school education at the
new seminary the first year. Every class since has been
several times as large, but perhaps no one, according to its
numbers, has embraced more talent, intelligence, and genuine self-denying benevolence. They all live to mourn the
departure of their revered instructress.  All of them are the
wives of active clergymen. One continues in the Bay State,
one dwells in the Great Western Valley, and the third
sojourns on India's sunny plains.
The original committee of seven, who had been appointed




Q12                 THE GREAT STRUGGLE.
at the first meeting in Ipswich, September 6, 1834, added to
their number, from time to time, the following gentlemen:
Rev. Roswell Hawks, Rev. William  Tyler, Rev. John Todd,
Rev. Dr. Joseph Penney, Rev. Joseph DI) Condit, Mr. William Bowdoin, and Mr. Sarnuel Williston.  The committee
held a meeting at the house of Mr. WVilliston, in Easthampton, on June 10, 1835.  They voted to invite the ladies in
the vicinity of the Connecticut River, in Massachusetts, to
raise a thousand dollars towards the object, and to address a
circular to the friends of Christian education.  The follow.
ing extracts are from that circular:After much deliberation, prayer, and correspondence, the friends of
the Redeemer have determined to erect a school for the daughters of
tile church, the object of which shall be to fit them for the highest degree of usefulness. The justly celebrated school at Ipswich embraces
the principal features which we wish this to possess. We will state the
outlines of our plan.
1. The seminary is designed to be permanent; to be under the
guardianship of those who are awake to all the interests of the church.
It will not, under God, depend upon the health or the life of a particular teacher, but, like our colleges, be a permanent blessing to our children, and to our children's children.
2. It is to be based entirely on Christian principles; and while it is
to be furnished with teachers of the highest character and experience,
and to have every advantage which the state of female education in
this country will allow, its brightest feature will be, that it is a school
for Christ.
3. It is located at South Hadley, Massachusetts, on the banks of
the Connecticut, at the foot of Mount Holyoke, in the centre of New
England, easy of access from all quarters, and amid the most lovely
scenery. In selecting the location,.the committee had in view centrality, retirement, and economy, morality, and natural scenery.
4. The buildings are to be adequate to receive and board two hundred young ladies.
5. It is designed to cultivate the missionary spirit among its pupils;
the feeling that they should live for God, and do something as teachers,
or in such other ways as Providence may direct.
6. The seminary is to have a library and apparatus equal to its
wants; to have its internal arrangements such that its pupils may




CIRCULAR TO FRIENDS OF EDUCATION.              213
continue to practise such habits of domestic economy as are appropriate
to the sex, and without which all other parts of education are purchased
at too dear a rate.
7. The seminary is to be placed on such a foundation by the Christian public, if they sustain our views, that all the advantages of the
institution may be afforded so low, as to be within the reach of those
who are in the middle walks of life. Indeed, it is for this class principally, who are the bone and sinew and the glory of our nation, that
we have engaged in this undertaking. The wealthy can provide for
themselves; and though we expect to offer advantages which even they
cannot now command, yet it is not for their sakes that we erect this Christian seminary, and thus ask the funds of the church. In regard to this,
we hope and expect that it will be like our colleges, so valuable that the
rich will be glad to avail themselves of its benefits, and so economical
that people in very moderate circumstances may be equally and as
fully accommodated. We expect that distinctions founded on such
incidental circumstances as wealth will not find a place within its
walls, any more than they do at the table of Jesus Christ.
8. In order to establish such a seminary, the committee believe
that the Christian public must be invited to contribute a sum not less
than thirty thousand dollars. While every thing is to be done on a
scale as economical as possible, yet the committee feel that the materials and work should all be the first of their kind. Of this sum, the
village of South I-Iadley has contributed eight thousand dollars, which,
Nith the subscriptions of the few who, in addition, have been invited to
contribute, makes the sum already raised about one third of the amount
specified.
TO MISS GRANT.
"June 29, 1835.
"Rev. Mr. Todd requested Rev. Morris White to endeavor
to bring the seminary before the Massachusetts Association
of Ministers, and to obtain some resolves in its favor.  He
succeeded in presenting it, and it was voted to appoint a
committee of five to report on the subject.  Mr. White was
not included in this committee, and probably not an individual, who was known to have any interest in the object, or to
understand  any thing about it.  The design was to have
some resolves passed, and perhaps have something said on
the subject. At the meeting of the committee, one objected




214              THE GREAT STRUGGLE.
because he was president of the board of trustees of an academy; a second was miuch more opposed, and Mr. W. was
about where you would expect.  Mr. M., a quiet, good man,
would do nothing any way; Mr. C., a candid man, the
youngest of the five, was favorable to the enterprise. Mr.
White told me how the business stood. He and Mr. C. took
it into their hands with the design of bringing it to a close in
some way not injurious to the object. Mr. White saw the
committee together again, and told them that he only wished
to have some general resolves passed, recommending the
object, but as they were opposed to it, he was ready to withdraw the proposition. This had the effect of bringing them
to terms, and they finally reported three resolutions, which
were carried so quick as to allow no opportunity for a word
to be said, if any one had been disposed. The first was in
favor of Christian education among females, the second
granted that sufficient efforts had not been made, the third
recommended Mount Holyoke Female Seminary, and any
other institution which designs to effect a similar object."
TO HER MOTHER AND SISTER.
" NORTHAMPTON, July 23, 1835
"I cannot undertake to tell you where I have been, and
what I have been doing, since I last saw you. I seem to be
ever busy, and yet I accomplish nothing. I wander about
without a home, scarcely knowing one week where I shall
be the next. In this way, I expect to live, at least until one
year from next spring, the earliest possible time that our new
institution can open.  And then, I may only make a change
for a situation of overwhelming cares. But I have no doubt
that I am following the leadings of Providence. His dealings towards this new enterprise have been such as should
lead me to trust wholly in the Lord. Every token of success
has been rather strongly marked by his hand; and every
trial and discouragement have been such, that when good




LETTEl% TO MISS GRANT.              215
comes, we feel constrained to say, 6 This is the work of the
Lord.'
"In looking back, I feel that, whatever may be the result,
I can never regret that these things were not directed differently. It seems to me more and more that this institution,
and other similar ones, are a necessary part of the great system of means now in operation for the conversion of the
world.  When I look abroad and see how much abounds
that is contrary to the spirit of the gospel, I sometimes feel
it to be a precious privilege to pray,'Thy kingdom come;
thy will be done on earth, as it is done in heaven.' Whatever we are permitted to do, in accordance' with these desires, is a precious privilege. The feeble efforts which I am
allowed to put forth in cooperating with others, in laying the
foundation of this new seminary, I feel will probably do more
for the cause of Christ after I am laid in my grave, than all
I may have done in my life before. Do not cease to pray
for this seminary, that in every succeeding age it may be
most sacredly the Lord's; and that no wicked hand may
ever be allowed to turn it aside from its consecration to the
Redeemer."
TO MISS GRANT.
" NORTHAMPTON, July 24, 1835.
"How vain would it be for us to hope by our present
efforts to make our situation more comfortable or quiet!
We have every reason to believe, that the more we seek to
draw the public to aid us in doing good, the more perplexing
will be our cares and labors. But then we shall not shrink
from this, if we can thus lay a foundation for our successors
to labor abundantly for the cause of Christ."
In August, Miss Lyon went to Ipswich,to take Miss Grant's
place in school, while the latter went on a journey. She
writes to Miss G., —




216              THE GREAT STRUGGLE.
IrpsWIcH, August 23, 1835.
"MY DEAR MISS GRANT:
6" I now feel so well, that I am trying to renew my feeble
attempts in behalf of the religious interests of this school,
and to ascertain the character and wants of individuals, both
among the professedly pious and those not so. Tile prospect, I hope, is in some respects a little more favorable than
] dared express in my last. Yesterday evening, there were
not quite so many at meeting as sometimes, but they seemed
to keep along with the subject with unusual attention, and
there was more solemnity than at any other time. I had
before endeavored to dwell upon the unreasonableness and
criminality of ever'doing wrong,' or, in other words, of sin.
Last evening, I dwelt upon the suitableness and justice of
punishing those who sin, and upon the nature and degree of
that punishment which God, who knows, has decided to be
just what sin deserves. I purpose at another time to take up
the way of escaping punishment.  0 that their hearts might
be opened to accept of pardon in this wonderful and glorious
way! I invited those to come to my room, this morning,
who could decide, in external things, to do all that they considered their duty. So many came, (twenty-eight,) that I
almost feared they did not understand me. The meeting
was solemn, more so than last Sabbath morning. There
were so many, that I only talked to them all together, and I
had some thoughts which I was glad to communicate to
them."
"SOUTH HADLEY CANAL, October 1, 1835.
"MY DEAR MISS GRANT:'"I expressed in my last a very earnest request that you
would visit us next week. I now repeat the invitation and
urge the request. I wish Mr. Choate could be here one day,
or a part of a day, before the time of the meeting. Come
yourself directly to Rev. Mr. Condit's. Dr. Penney had
simply been put on the committee, but all we could say was,




LIETTER TO MIISS GRANT.            217
that he was a general friend.  He has on his hands a larger
weight of' gratuitous business than most other ministers, besides having the care of the largest church in the United
States. And he has been abroad a part of the summer on
account of his health. My heart almost failed me as to
attempting to invite his attention to this object, but as I supposed that with him much wisdom existed on some important
particulars, I thought it best to try.  On Monday, Mr. Tyler
proposed to take me to Northampton.  He called with me
at Dr. Penney's.  Mr. Tyler expressed the difficulties he felt
on account of Mr. Todd's absence.  Dr. Penney said the
business ought to go forward, and that he regarded the object
as very important; but that he knew nothing about the state
of the business.  He was ready to enter into the subject
thoroughly, and devoted his whole time to us till about the
middle of the afternoon of the next day.  He inquired definitely what had been done, and endeavored to point out the
course of procedure now.  He convinced Mr. Tyler that it
was his duty to go forward and make an arrangement for
the meeting- of the committee.  I-le aided him in deciding
on the time of the meeting, in laying out the business, and
in settling what was to be done beforehand. I have decided
to stay here till next Monday morning, and try to rest.  I
have had much solicitude, because I could see no way in
which any thing was to be done, when so much needed to
be done. But I am greatly relieved for the present, and Mr.
Tyler about as much as I am. It is very easy to converse
with Dr. Penney. A child would feel no embarrassment in
consulting him in the most familiar manner.  Thus a kind
Providence has caused light to shine on our path just for the
present..'ir. Todd's absence, which we have so much regretted, has rendered it more evident to Dr. Penney that his
aid is now needed, and this hvas been the occasion of his becoming more acquainted with the particular business of the
institution."
19




218              THE GREAT STRUGGLE.
TO HER SISTER.
"NoRToN, October 24, 18350
"6 MY DEAR SISTER:
"You will doubtless be glad to know something about the
Mount Iolyoke Seminary. The work goes on slowly. I
hope they will be able to commence building next spring.
We have much to try our faith, and much to excite our hopes.
I love to look at the hand of Providence as connected with
this enterprise. With how much wisdom and goodness are
trials and blessings mingled together in our cup! The work
of endeavoring to found and build up this seminary is one
which I trust the Lord will own and bless. But I do not expect that it will be carried forward as on flowery beds of ease.
This I have never asked. I only ask that it may receive the
smile of Providence in that way which shall best promote
the interests of the great cause to which it is consecrated.
I hope that in your prayers you will commend this enterprise to God."9
The general committee, at their meeting, October 7,
invited Miss Grant to unite with Miss Lyon in taking charge
of the contemplated seminary.  Miss Lyon cordially seconded this invitation.  While Miss Grant had the matter undei
consideration, MAiss Lyon addressed to her the following
letter:" October 27, 1835.
"I have thought of you very much since we separated.
I greatly fear that the trying questions which are now taxing
your mental energies, besides the care of the school, just
now at the commencement, will be more than you can sustain. May the Lord give you strength equal to your wants,
and may he give you wisdom from on high to guide your
thoughts, and your views, and your present important decisions.  When all human help and human wisdom  fail,
and all knowledge of future events, as connected with present




LETTER TO MISS GRANT.              219
causes, seems entirely cut off, how sweet it is to go to
One who knows all from beginning to end, to One who can
direct our very thoughts, and who can take us individually
by the hand and lead us in a plain path! Every thing appears to me dark with Egyptian darkness, except as I turn
my thoughts to Him who is the fountain of light. I dare
not pray for any thing in particular, but only that the will of
the Lord may be done, that all interested in this institution
may be humble and submissive, that his will towards this
enterprise may be done, as it is done toward those on whom
he smiles, and not as it is done toward those whom he
chastens and afflicts.  My daily language is,'Lord, thou
knowest; not my will, but thine, be done.'
" How often have I endeavored to consecrate all the part,
all the interest which God has given me in this contemplated
institution, most sacredly and solemnly to his service! and
how often have I endeavored to pray that no one who has
any thing to do in building it up may ever call aught his
own! 0 that every one who puts a finger to the work, by
giving the smallest contribution of time, of money, or of
influence, might feel that this is a work of solemn consecration, a work to be reviewed in the light of eternity! For a
few weeks past, I have thought a little too much about gaining the approbation of the wise and good, as compared with
my desires that every thing connected with it may receive
the approbation of God."
TO MISS GRANT.
"AMivIERST, December 23, 1835.
"' MY VERY DEAR SISTER:
" It is sweet to review our past years, the time of our first
acquaintance, the commencement of our connection, and
the many years we spent so delightfully together, and in
some degree, as I hope, profitably to the best of causes.




(I2O              THE GREAT STRUGGLE.
WhVen I look back and compare my own views and feelings,
fifteen years ago, with what they are now, I am constrained
to believe there has been a very great change. Comparatively, it does seem to me now a great privilege to live and
labor for the cause of Christ in any place, and under any
circumstances, where He may direct; and, if possible, a
still greater privilege to lead others to attempt and to do
more than I can ever myself accomplish. It seems to me,
uniformly, as if my strength was mostly spent, and my
years, a great proportion of them, gone.  But if I may be
permitted to do something more, it will be indeed a great
privilege.  In this respect, life seems to me a greater and
greater blessing.
is I anticipate trials in future, such as I have never yet
known.  I expect them, from  indications of Providence
already manifested toward the enterprise in which I am engaged. Sometimes my heart and spirits seem to sinkl under
the prospect, and I am almost ready to exclaim,' When will
the work of my feeble hands be done, that I may go home?'
But through the mercy of God, these seasons do not often
occur, and do not continue long.  Generally, I feel that the
dark, portentous cloud which hangs over the future is under
the direction of Him who led his chosen people by a pillar
of cloud and of fire.  I do hope that in some way the remainder of my life may be instrumental of more good than
my past life has been, though it may be in a manner very
different from  what I anticipate.  The years which I
have had the privilege of spending with you have done
more to fit me to enjoy so great a blessing than almost all
other circumstances. Such a view gives a peculiar sweetness to the remembrance.
"Have you seen Dr. Channing on Slavery?  Really, I did
not know that he had such a great soul, so much of the noble
spirit of former days, composed of mildness and decision.




DR. CHANNING ON SLAVERY.             221
He deals in great principles, instead: of that personality which
is the order of the day. In seeking after truth, it is delightful
now and then to come to a stream which we can recognize
as flowing from the great fountain, and which has not been
subdivided into endless ramifications, till we forget that there
is any fountain-head; or, to speak without a figure, till we
forget that there are any great principles, on which we can
rest unshaken amid all the clashing of opinions and sentiments. Dr. Channing has a suitable word of reproof, alike
in season for the south, in their present excited and threatening attitude, for the abolitionists, in their furious and misguided zeal, and for the anti-ultras, who, in their prudence
and caution, are in danger of making concessions, tacitly at
least, which are suited to endanger our first principles of
duty, rather than hazard the odium of being called by
some one ultra, and of being claimed by some of the ultra
parties. This last class need reproof, perhaps, as much as
either of the others, though in different degrees. And from
this class we have more fear that truth will suffer than from
any other.'I lament most deeply the havoc which misguided zeal is now making with the dearest interests of our
country and the church; but should this fire sweep over the
whole country, consuming all that is combustible, the soil
will be left, the foundation will be unshaken.  But I dread
to have the foundations broken up. I dread to have those
who are the stability of the times driven, by the scarecrow
of ultraism, from  their high post in defence of truth, the
rights of man, and the duties of the church. Dr. Channing's reproofs must come down with great weight on every
conscience that puts on the coat so finely fitted. How much
more heavily will reproofs bear upon the conscience, which
come from great principles, than those captious fault-findings
which fill many of our newspapers!  I am delighted with
the spirit in which this book is written."
19 




2022             THE GREAT STRUGGLE.
TO MISS CALDWELL.
"January 11, 1836.
"In C. I visited the family of Mr. A., who, probably,
during the past twenty years, has given more to benevolent
objects, in proportion to his property and family, than any
other man in New England. I was delighted with their
godly simplicity, their systematic mode of benevolent action,
and their well-balanced views of things."
In C. Miss Lyon visited two maiden sisters, (the Misses
M.,) who were living comfortably on some property left them
by an honored brother. Out of their moderate means, they
subscribed one hundred dollars each to the object. Owing
to circumstances which they could neither foresee nor control, they soon after lost their property; but, rather than be
denied the luxury of helping the good work, they labored
with their own hands, and earned the money to meet their
subscription as it became due. With such money was the institution built. With the prayers of these and kindred spirits
was every stone and every brick consecrated to the Lord.
The act of incorporation passed both houses of the state
legislature February 10, 183'6, and was signed by the governor the next day.  The instrument named as trustees
Messrs. William  Bowdoin, John Todd, Joseph D. Condit,
David Choate, and Samuel Williston, and empowered them
to hold real and personal estate, not exceeding in value one
hundred thousand dollars, to be devoted exclusively to purposes of education.
On March 2, the trustees met at South Hadley. They
accepted the act of incorporation, added Rev. William Tyler
and Rev. Roswell Hawks to the board, elected officers of
the board, appointed an executive committee from their
number, and took measures for obtaining plans and estimates for carrying forward the contemplated operations.




LETTER TO MISS CALDWELL.            223
On the 13th of the following month, the trustees met
again in South Hadley. In reference to the meeting of the
13th April, Miss Lyon writes from Boston, April 25th, —
" The late meeting of the trustees at South Hadley was
as favorable as could be expected. A committee was appointed to attend to the preparations towards building, and
more general responsibility was committed to Mr. Hawks
than heretofore.  Mr. Joseph Avery, of Conway, was added
to the trustees. At an adjourned meeting at Northampton,
on the 19th, Deacon Andrew XW. Porter, of Monson, was
appointed a trustee. We have had our eye on him for
some time.  He has had more experience in superintending
workmen and in putting up buildings'than any one on our
board. Benevolent, disinterested, and of sound judgment, he
is also one of the first of accountants. He is an acquaintance
of Mr. Tyler, and at South Hadley Mr. T., with Mr. Hawks
and myself, agreed to meet at Monson the next day. When
we reached Monson, the gentleman we went to see was absent, not to return till Saturday night, and on this account I
did not leave Monson till the following Tuesday.  I was
much interested in my visit there. Both Mr. P. and his wife,an look at our cause.
" I hlave been endeavoring to ascertain whether we can
depend on Mr. and Mrs. Safford's firm support, whenever it
is desirable to bring our cause up here. The Lord is, I believe, inclining their hearts in our favor.'"
The three gentlemen alluded to in the preceding letter
entered fully into Miss Lyon's plans, became trustees of the
seminary, and were as active in promoting its interests as
though it had been their own private business. The first
named gave for several years much of the surplus revenue
of his rock-bound but productive farm to the good work in
which she was employed. Like Miss Lyon, he could not
endure to see a mill of the sacred funds of the institution
qpent for a fruitless purpose.  When, on one occasion, a




224               THE GREAT STRUGGLE.
plan had been purchased of an artist, at an artist's price,
which, as Miss Lyon thought, was not available for her purpose, the bill was voluntarily met from  his own purse, in
addition to his large subscription. It was a kind deed, which
gave Miss Lyon great satisfaction.  Her private funds had
suffered many drafts, and were ill able at that time to bear
another.
lr. Porter, for several months, left his own extensive and
lucrative business to the oversight of others, and went every
Monday morning in his own carriage to South Hadley, and'
there, till the sunset of Saturday, gave his financial skill
and rare business abilities to overseeing the erection of the
seminary building.  It was in his hospitable mansion that
she spent her very last season of rest, and refreshed her
soul for the heavenly employments on which she was so
soon to enter.
To no one is the institution more indebted for pecuniary
aid than to the friends of whom she said, in the last letter,
" The Lord is, I believe, inclining their hearts in our favo-r."
But for the cooperation of these men, we cannot see how
the enterprise could have gone forward.  Who can doubt
that the Lord helped her to find them, and to set her object
before them, and inclined their hearts and minds to receive
and understand the complicated plans of a woman so unlike
all other women they had ever met?  It was to herself a
providential interposition that, at a crisis when many wise
men, even in the church, could not comprehend her plans,
and assist in their execution, such men as these lent her
their efficient aid.
TO MISS CALDV7VELL.
PB  osorir,   1X~(lty   t4, 1836.o
4"'Vhen I was last in Boston, I thought it best that Mlr.
Hawks should come here this week, hoping that something
might be done for our cause. But the times grow worse




LETTER TO MTSS C. B. BEECHEII.         22
and worse, and doing any thing now is entireiy out of the
question.  I know not where I am going to be, nor what I
am going to do.' Take no thought for the morrow 9' comes
to me often with force. I seem  continually to know less
and less about the future."~
TO MISS C. E. BEECHERR' July 19 1836.
I I thank you for your interest in my plans, expressed in
the sincere way of criticism on one point. I think, however,
you do not fully understand them.
"' The terms high, low, and moderate tuition mean very
different things in different parts of the country. In the
aristocratic south, where all the wealth is concentrated on
large plantations, and in some of the speculating portions of
the north, where wealth flows in as in a day, and in some
of the most prosperous mercantile and manufacturing places,
these terms are understood differently from what they are
among the general community of New England.  The
latter, tilling a sterile soil, and uniting economy with prudence, are enabled, by the slow gains of patient industry, to
provide comfortably for their children, and send them  to
school in their own neighborhoods, to sustain the ordinances
of the gospel, and to reserve something to be cast into the
treasury of the Lord, in order to send the gospel to the
heathen, to raise up ministers, to build up colleges and seminaries at the west, and to supply the destitute of our own
land, who are less able or less willing than themselves, with
the sacred mlinistry.
"' Our plan is to place tuition at what will be regarded by
Wiei New England community, including the wealthy and the
educated, with farmers and mechanics, as moderate tuition.
Here I wNould have you distinctly understand that we do
not adopt this standard because we consider ourselves under
any obligation to main so to do. Neither do we consider it




~226f'Gus GREAT STRUGGLE
necessary that other institutions should adopt the- same
standard, or that this institution should certainly abide by it
evermore, thougih at present it is essential to our success.
" I have not been alone in considering it of great importance to establish a permanent seminary in New England for
educating female teachers, with accommodations, apparatus,
&c., somewhat like those for the other sex.  Honorably to
do this, from twenty to forty thousand dollars must be raised;
and such a sum, raised for such an object, would form almost
an era in female education.  For years, Miss Grant and
myself made continual efforts to accomplish the object; but
all our efforts failed.
6" I am convinced that there are but two ways to accomplish
such an object. First, to interest one, two, or a few wealthy
men to do the whole; second, to interest the whole New
England community, beginning with the country population,
and in time receiving the aid and cooperation of the more
wealthy in our cities. Each of these modes, if practicable,
would have its advantages. The first, if done at all, could
be done sooner and with very little comparative labor. The
second would require vastly more time and labor; but if it
were accomplished, an important and salutary impression
would be made on the whole of New England.  Having
adopted this second course, we have been for some time
going forward with as much success as we could expect.
We have enlisted for the work. I have regarded it as a
work for life.  In laying our plans, we examined carefully
every step. In the commencement of any great enterprise,
the community often are not prepared to act upon the most
important considerations, when they can be moved by less
important, but more tangible, circumstances.  During my
long but fruitless efforts in connection with Miss Grant, I
became convinced that the community were not disposed to
appreciate the most important advantages of an institution thus endowed, such as its superior character and its




LETTER TO MISS C. E. BEECHER,
permanency.  I was also convinced that, to give the first
impulse to this work, something must be presented which is
more tangible, and of real, though of less, value, and be
made to stand out in bold relief. For this purpose, we have
chosen the reduction of expenses, as compared with other
large seminaries, not aided by the public.  Every step we
take proves it a good selection.  We carefully avoid all ex.
travagant statements; indeed, we usually state only general
facts, leaving each to make his own estimate and draw his
own conclusions.  There is an expectation that economy
will be practised in the establishment, and that the funds,
gathered by little and little, will be reserved for the good of
the institution, and not for private emolument, and that there
will be such a reduction of expense as the nature of the
case will allow.  Here is our pledge, and we must redeem
it. In doing this, the first object to be gained is good management in the boarding department. Let that be secured,
and all else will be sure to follow. I do not expect to have
the direct care of the boarding department, but I hope to
secure the cooperation of persons skilled in domestic economy, and disposed to use their skill faithfully for the great
cause.  The department of instruction, including tuition, I
expect to superintend myself; and it is essential to success
in the boarding department that I should set an example of
economy in my own. Unless I do, I cannot lift up my head
in efforts to exert an influence on this point in every other
department. I do not mean to ask any other one connected
with the institution to make such sacrifices as I can cheer.
fully make.  This may not be necessary for my successor,
but it is necessary in my case, at least for a few years.
" Again, we have held up to New England people the
advantages of a teachers' seminary, with ample facilities for
boarding and instruction, free of rent, of so superior a char,
acter that a supply of scholars could be secured without
receiving those who were immature and ill prepared, and




MOSS8''THE GREAT STRUGGILEo
who are always a heavy tax on the time of teachers.  We
nave shown that the same money will, in this way, do more
to provide instruction for young women qualifying them.
selves to teach, than it would do in our country academics,
After these professions, shall we ask for higher tuition, at
the same time that we are asking for benevolent aid to carry
forward our enterprise?
66 Thus I do feel confident that we must retain our plan
for tuition, or abandon the enterprise. But we must not give
up the work. To indulge even a fear as to our final success, would be a cruel distrust of the kindest Providence.
While I do not consider ourselves under any obligation to
man, we are under solemn obligations to God, to adopt this
course.  We are compelled by the principles of expediency,
so beautifully exhibited in the precepts and practice of the
apostle Paul. If any injury should result to the cause of
education from our adopting this moderate standard of tuition, it will be as nothing compared with the great good to
be accomplished; less far than the injurious results of Paul's
example, on the support of the gospel ministry, which
results he so carefully guards against in the ninth chapter
of I Corinthians.
"' I express myself with more confidence on this subject,
because it has been with rme, for two or three years, a matter of careful consideration; but further, because our laborious and indefatigable agent is of the same opinion, and all
his intercourse witth New England people has tended to con.
firm it.  Iaving been wholly devoted to the enterprise for a
year and a half: he probably knows more of the views of
the New England community on this point than any hundred
others. Careful in all his movements, he never has occasion to retrace a single step.  Whatever may be thought of
my sanguine temperament, he cannot be charged with being
over-zealous.  But his deficiency in zeal is more than mnade
up by his unwearied labors, his never-ending patience and




LETTER TO MISS GRANT.               229
perseverance, his sound common sense, his careful observation of human nature, and his intimate acquaintance with
New England people.
"6 You speak of the importance of raising the compensation of teachers.  In a list of motives for teaching, I should
place first the great motive, which cannot be understood by
the natural heart, Love thy neighbor as thyself.  On this
list, though not second in rank, I have been accustomed to
place pecuniary considerations. I am inclined to the opinion
that this should fall lower on a list of motives to be presented
to ladies than to gentlemen, and that this is more in accordance
with the system of the divine government.  Let us cheerfully make all due concessions, where God has designed a
difference in the situation of the sexes, such as woman's retiring from public stations, being generally dependent on the
other sex for pecuniary support, &c. O that we may plead
constantly for her religious privileges, for equal facilities for
the improvement of her talents, and for the privilege of using
all her talents in doing good!'
September 6th, she writes to Miss Grant, 6" I have very
much wanted to know whether Mr. H. would exert any influo
ence in our behalf' in Boston. When I camne from Norton
last week, I thought it best to come through Boston and test
the question. I cannot tell you how much I dreaded it. I
sent a line to him, asking his advice in such a manner that I!knew he would not give it, unless he would also give his aid.
I mentioned that I should call directly after dinner, andthat
I was to leave the city at four.  I called.  His look, and
his manner of shaking hands, left no doubt what would be
the issue.  I spent a little while conversing on the subject,
when he told me that he could not give me advice, as he
could not go forward in this object. 1H-e said lie felt himself
pledged to aid the Ipswich school, and that he did not consider it his duty to engage in our enterprise.  I do not know
C20




230               THE GREAT STRUGGLE.
whether he designed to be understood that he would not con.
tribute to it, or only that he would not take any responsibility about it. I asked him whether there was any objection
to my saying, that the reason he could not engage in this
was, that he was pledged to Ipswich.  Ile replied that it
was the truth, and that he felt no objection to its being
stated. I came away with mingled emotions. I felt as if I
had undergone a severe operation.  On the whole, gratitude
seemed to be the preponderating emotion - gratitude that I
had gone through this trying effort, and that the question was
finally settled; and especially that so good a reason could be
assigned for its being settled in the negative."
The site for the seminary had been selected at a meeting
of the trustees, held on May 19, 1836.
July 7, she writes, "6 Mr. Tyler has never been satisfied
with the site selected.  Mr. Bowdoin, who was not at the
meeting when the question was decided, also dislikes the
selection. Mr. Hawks and myself like it more than we dislike it. To-day we have been to the spot, measured the
ground, taken the relative elevation, and discussed the subject abundantly. I am not very partial to the spot, but I
dread to have the subject again agitated."
On the 18th of the same month, she writes, G" Mr. Tyler
and Mr. Bowdoin were so much dissatisfied with thie selection of site, that it was thought best to call a meeting of the
trustees to reconsider the subject.  See how one source of
solicitude follows quickly on the steps of another! "
Again, on the 31st of July, she writes, " The trustees held
a meeting on Thursday;" and adds, " They confirmed the
doings of their last meeting respecting the site."
In a letter of September 6, she details other discouragements.  She writes,'" After the excavations for the cellar and basement story were nearly completed, an apparent
defect was discovered in the foundation, and we had great
fears that the question of site would be again agitated.  The




LAYING OF THE CORNER STONE.           23 1
foundation was examined by a gentleman well acquainted
with such things, and it was decided to be safe, but better to
go back a little. It was removed back twenty-five feet farther from the road. I wish it could have gone much farther
back, but this was something I could not control. It is sixty
feet from the road, which is very wide, and makes the distance more tolerable. But the same man who decided on
the foundation raised a doubt about the bricks which had
been purchased, and there was great fear that all must be
rejected, and no more could be obtained till they were made
next summer. Several days more of suspense succeeded,
when the bricks were examined by a superior judge, and
pronounced not bad, pretty good."
It might have been as hazardous as Miss Lyon supposed
to have the question of site again reconsidered.  She feared
that the trustees would be divided on the question more and
more strongly, and that, unable to see alike, some of them,
whom the cause could ill afford to spare, would desert it.
But some, who are familiar with the ground, cannot but regret
that a more eligible situation had not been chosen froim
among the beautiful building spots in South Hadley. After
the erection of the edifice, Miss Lyon was accustomed to
preclude all criticisms on the selection, by taking her visitors
to the upper story, and directing their attention to the magnificent views from the southern and western windows.
The corner stone was laid October 3, 1836. On the 7th,
Miss Lyon writes from South Hadley to Miss C., "We had
a fine day for the laying of the corner stone. I should have
enjoyed your being present. It was a day of deep interest.
The associations were very tender.  That is an affecting
spot to me. The stones, and brick, and mortar speak a language which vibrates through my very soul. How much
thought and how much feeling have I had on this general
subject in years that are past! And I have indeed lived to
see the time, when a body of gentlemen have ventured to lay




232               THE GREAT STRUGGLE.
the corner stone of an edifice, which will cost about fifteen
thousand dollars, and will be an institution for the education
of females.  Surely the Lord hath remembered our low
estate.  This will be an era in female education.  The work
will not stop with this ins itution.  The enterprise may have
to struggle through embarrassments for years, but its influence will be felt."
At their meeting in South HIadley, October 3, the trustees
added Rev. Dr. Heman Humphrey, and Professor Edward
Hitchcock, of Amherst College, to their number.
Miss Lyon writes to Miss Grant from Boston, October 25,
1836, "Some interesting incidents have occurred during
the last two weeks. Our enterprise is one of incidents. The
good people in Conway have made a handsome subscription
for our seminary.  Besides, Rev. Melancthon G. Wheeler,
their minister, is going to labor for a few weeks, to help us
in raising funds. The oflicers in Amherst College supply
his pulpit gratuitously during his absence."'
Mr. Wheeler, in those few weeks, did good service for the
cause, obtaining in one place, where he had previously been
settled, five hundred dollars, and in other places in that
vicinity handsome donations.
About this time, Miss Lyon addressed a circular to ladies
of her acquaintance, the drift of which will be seen from
the following extracts: —
The enterprise of founding this institution was comimenced about
two years ago. The work has since been going forwardc slowly.
The first edifice is now erecting. It is ninety-four feet by fifty,
and of four stories, besides the basement. It will furnish good public accommodations for the school and the family, private chambers
for the teachers, and for eighty young ladies. Additions are to be
made hereafter, as the liberality of the Christian public shall furniAi
the means. If there is no delay on account of funds, this first building can be finished, and a school of eighty scholars commenced, the
latter part of next summer.
The time has now come when we -must make our arrangements




CIRCULAR TO LADIES.                     233
for furniture.  For this we must depend principally on ladies. We
have no doubt but the call will be promptly met. In all our progress, ladies have been prompt to do all that we have asked. It is
true that we have been careful to avoid extencingd our requests
beyond their ability. The first contribution in behalf of this object
was made by ladies. The institution had then assumed no uame,
nor place, nor legal standing. The whole enterprise was less in appearance than a lan's hand, when a few ladies came forward, and
generously raised one thousand dollars to meet incidental expenses.
This was a noble beginning.
Though I have no doubt that all the furniture can be easily made
out, by ladies, and merely by a written invitation, without the interposition of an agent, yet, to effect it promptly, some regular plan
will be necessary. We shall propose to distinct towns, or parishes,
the plan of furnishing one chamber each by a united contribution
from the ladies. The other parts of the furniture will, we hope, be
promptly supplied by other means, perhaps principally by donations
from individuals. This plan has been examined and approved by
several judicious ladies. Some towns are now ready to commence
the work of furnishing a chamber, and the teachers and pupils of one
school, * under the care of a lady from the Ipswich Female Seminary,
have already given a donation of one hundred and thirty dollars, to
be expended in other articles of furniture. Will not other schools,
w-uith their teachers, follow this example? and especially those instructed by ladies from the Ipswich Seminary, on whose influence
over the community this enterprise has been able to rely with so
much confidence? Will not many ladies feel it to be a privilege to
make a large donation, to furnish some specific articles of furniture?
But the business of furnishing chambers needs immediate attention. The sum necessary for one chamber will be from fifty to sixty
dollars; fifty dollars will furnish the essential articles, though some
other conveniences would be very desirable, and might be procured
for a few dollars more. This will be left optional with the donors.
Let one efficient lady, in almost any place, either alone or with one
or two to aid her, commence the work with decision, and porseevernance to carry it through, and it will be done; while, in the most
flourishing town, it wvould not be accomplished unless some one lady
should u-nldertake the work as her own business. I should advise
that the contribution should be very general, embracing a great
number of ladies. It may be best to request, that the largest contri* Wheaton Female Seminary, at Norton, Massachusetts
$02




234                TTIE GREAT STRUGGLE.
bution should not exceed five dollars. Individuals who are able to
do more might give a separate donation in addition, to be appropriated in some other way. Perhaps, in some cases, the bedding and
some money might be advanced by some young ladies' sewing society, and the remainder raised by a general contribution from ladies
of all ages. The plan of operation must, however, vary according
to the circumstances of different towns.
And now, dear madam, would not the ladies in your place consider it a privilege to furnish one of these chambers? Would you
not consider it a privilege to bring the subject before them so fairly,
that they will do it with promptness?
Among the means essential to the safety of the nation, many are
c,onvinced of the necessity of urging into the field a multitude of
benevolent, self-denying female teachers. Many of the most candid
and discriminating, who have the advantage of observation on this
subject, are convinced that all other means without this will be insufficient. Fill the country with ministers, and they could no more
conquer the whole land and secure their victories, without the aid
of many times their number of self-denying female teachers, than
the latter could complete the work without the former. But what
can be done? Most of the calls which come to New England, and
are multiplying every year, must be returned unanswered. The
seminary at Ipswich, whose teachers are found in every part of our
country, and whose influence has done so much to prepare the way
for this enterprise, is compelled even now to return a negative reply
to a multitude of calls every year. And the necessities of the country are yet scarcely beginning to be known.
This work of supplying teachers is a great work, and it must be
done, or our country is lost, and the world will remain unconverted.
If we begin, we must go on; the more we do, the more we must do.
The more we attempt to supply, in this particular, the wants of our
country, the more its wants will be made manifest. What instrumentality shall ever meet this demand? Why is it, that so much
should have been seen, and acknowledged, and felt on this subject,
without an attempt to apply the sovereign remedy, which has been
so successfully applied to every other want? It has seemed that the
church had been fully convinced, that there was but one grand
means of meeting any great public demand of the Redeemer's kingdom- a union of disinterested labors and contributions is this
grand means. When the church early felt her need of the services
of young men, she began to found colleges; and as the demand for




CIRCULAR TO LADIES.                     235
their services increased, and became more manifest, she went on
founding colleges, till more than eighty have been reared in our
country, and more than thirty theological seminaries. But this was
found to be not sufficient, and the American Education Society came
into existence, and has been going forward with an increasing magnificence and glory, scarcely equalled, except by the importance of
its object. All these are so many public voices from the church,
calling upon young men, and entreating them to enlist in her service. But what has been the voice of the church to female teachers?  Has it not been, " We need not your services: go on to serve
yourselves - to serve the children of this world - to serve the mammon,
of unrighteousness. We can save our country, and convert the world
without your aid."
After these remarks, you would expect that I should feel deeply
interested in the success of Mount Holyoke Female Seminary. IIad
I a thousand lives, I could sacrifice them  all in suffering and hardship for its sake. Did I possess the greatest fortune, I could readily
relinquish it all, and become poor, and more than poor, if its prosperity should demand it. Its grand object is to furnish the greatest
possible number of female teachers, of high literary qualifications,
and of benevolent, self-denying zeal; and every other good must, if
need be, be sacrificed to this great object.
1. The institution is to be only for an older class of young ladies.
2. Every scholar is to board in the establishment. This will give
great unity to the plans of the institution, and will greatly facilitate
the improvement of those for whom it is designed.
3. In laying out the Ininutise of the plan, great care is taken to
furnish points of attraction to those who would gladly become benevolent, self-denying teachers, should the cause of Christ demand
it, and points of repulsion to the more inefficient and self-indulgent,
and to those whose views and desires are bounded by themselves
and their own family circle.
4. This is to be an institution of the highest opportunities for improvement, and of very moderate expense. This is a union not yet
found in so high a degree in any large female seminary in the land,
and not to be found, except it be the production of disinterested
benevolence.
5. The general course of study, and the general character of the
instruction, are to be like those at Ipswich.
6. The institution is placed on a firm legal basis. An act of incorporation has been obtained, and the board of trustees consists of the




236                 THE GREAT STRUGGLE.
following gentlemen: Dr. Humphrey, and Professor Iitchcock, of
Amherst College; Rev. Mr. Condit, of South HIadley; IRev. Mr. Tyler,
and William  Bowdoin, Esq., of South HIadley Canal; Rev. Mr.
H]awks, (permanent agent;) David Choate, Esq., of Essex; Deacon
Andrew W. Porter, of Monson; and ~Mr. Joseph Avery, of Conway.
7. The institution is to be permanent, continuing onward in its
operations from generation to generation. A considerable sum has
already been subscribed to this object, and by some hundreds of individuals in more than sixty different towns.  How unlike the
principle so long acted upon, that Christians are not required to
contribute for the building up of any female seminary, unless it be
established in their own town I As the number of self-denying
friends is continually increasing, the sacred cords of obligation are
becoming stronger and stronger.
These are some of the general principles, and this the grand object of the institution. And is it too much for Christians to indulge
high hopes of usefulness to the cause of Christ from this institution,
founded on such principles, and contemplating such an object, and
going forward in improvement, and in increasing usefulness, from
generation to generation i May the Lord grant that the high but
reasonable hopes of the friends of the Redeemer may be more thanr
realized in coining years. In the many huncdreds, if not thousands,
of teachers which it will send forth, it will doubtless be an instrument
of good, far beyond the present grasp of my feeble comprehension.
But this is not all. This, in my view, is not the most important
result of this grand experiment on the benevolence of the Christian
community. It has an important bearing on the great subject of
adopting suitable means for supplying our country with well-qualified female teachers, and it is testing the great question of duty on
this subject. This constitutes its chief importance. It is like the
signing of the Declaration of Independence; the battles were still
to be fought, but the question of independence was then settled.
It is like fitting out our first little band of missionaries. The great
work of evangelizing a world was still before the American churches;
but the grand question of duty, and the mode of mleeting duty, were
then settled, never again to be seriously doubted. Let this enterprise be carried through by the prompt liberality of the Christian
community, and it will no Ionger be doubted whether the work of
supplying our country with well-qualified female teachers shall be
allowed a standing among the benevolent operations of the day.
The work will still be before us, but the principle on which it is to




CIRCULAR TO LADIES.                   2S7
be accomplished will be settled. Another stone in the foundation
of our great system of benevolent operations, which are destined,
in the hand of God, to convert a world, will then be laid. When
the last stone in this foundation shall have been laid, we shall only
need to go forward and build, to modify and mature, to cairy out
our principles to their results, till the work is finished. But the
foundation stones must all be laid. Every fundamental principle
must be settled. They are mutually to sustain and support each
other. Take away any one, and all the others will suffer by the loss.
And who can tell how much every great effort of the church, during
the last thirty years, has been kept back, because it has never been
acknowledged, in practice, that the work of supplying our country
with a sufficient number of well-qualified female teachers must be
accomplished by a voluntary sacrifice of time and money, proportioned to the greatness and importance of the object? 
The work of bringing this institution into operation has been
longer than was anticipated. But the progress of the enterprise in
taking an acknowledged standing among the benevolent operations
of the day has exceeded the expectations of its warmest friends. I
doubt whether anly benevolent object, not excepting even the missionary cause, has ever, within two years from its commencement,
made a greater advance in gaining access to the understanding and
hearts of the people. HIow true it is, that Christians have but little
faith in any object, till they have made sacrifices for its sake! The
eyes of many are now tUrning towards this new enterprise. MIany
have rejoiced that so noble a design has been formed in the heart
of NTew England. They have hoped that it may be only the beginning of a great and glorious work of benevolence, which shall in
this department meet the demands of the church. MIany hearts
have been filled with hope, as they have beheld this enterprise commelced and carried forward in obedience to the great command,
"Love thy neighbor as thyself."
And now, dear madam, will. you allow me to appeal to your benevolence in behalf of this cause? There may be some gentlemen,
in the circle of your friends, whose heart the Lord will incline to
favor this object, and whose hand the Lord will open in its behalf.
If so, you will bear it in remembralce that several circumstances
combine to place the institution just now in circumstances of great
necessity-. I do most earnestly desire that all, who have it in their
hearts to do something for this object, may speedily do that which
has been put into their hearts. There may be some ladies in your




238               THE GREAT STRUGGLE.
circle of acquaintance, who will feel it to be a privilege to make an
uncommon sacrifice for the benefit of this cause, and make out in
its behalf a generous donation, either to the principal fund, or to
supply some of the more expensive articles of furniture. But the
question of furnishing a chamber is one to which a direct reply is
particularly requested. It is important that the reply should be
DECISIVE, and as early as convenient, so that, in case the answer
should be negative, (which, however, I do not expect,) a substitute
may be found.
An effort, which had long been contemplated, was made
in Boston in March, 1837.  Its results are chronicled by
Miss Lyon, in a letter to Miss Grant, under date of March
13: " Thursday evening, though it was so rainy, we had
a very interesting little meeting in Deacon Safford's parlor. The gentlemen thought there would be no impropriety
in admitting three ladies to hear what was said on the subject - Mrs. S., Miss C., and myself.  Deacon Safiord wished
to have us present, and asked the opinion of several gentlemen, who approved of it. Rev. Messrs. Cogswell, Ander.
son, Blagden, Winslow, Rogers, and Boies, with some fifteen
or twenty laymen, were present. Mr. Anderson made some
very pertinent and effective remarks, and read a part of
your letter in connection with them.  At the close of the
meeting, a subscription was taken up of a little more than
three thousand dollars, which has since been increased to
four thousand.  The largest subscriptions were, one of one
thousand dollars from Deacon Safford, two of five hundred
dollars each, and four of two hundred and fifty dollars each,
from other individuals.
On the 17th of March, she writes again to Miss Grant,
6Dr. Anderson has lent me your letter, and I have read it
to several, and all are very much interested in it. It makes
a fine impression, and is much suited to benefit the great
object. I want leave of you to use it at my discretion, and
I will engage to make a good use of it."




MISS GRANT S LETTER.               239
We give a part of the letter which Miss Lyon valued so
highly, below: -
"IPswICHI, February 23, 1837.
6 "REVEREND AND DEAR SIR:
" I have just learned that it is still undecided whether
any united effort shall be made in Boston in behalf of
the Mount Holyoke Female Seminary.  I do hope the
benevolent men in our metropolis will not dismiss this subject without a careful examination. The question is not,
whether the plan of that seminary, in all its minutia, is
adapted to their taste, or whether it is as good as their united
wisdom could devise; but it is whether they will lend a
helping hand in building up an institution founded on Christian principles, and designed for the education of female
teachers.;" Woman, elevated by the Christian religion, was designed
by Providence as the principal educator of our race. From
her entrance on womanhood to the end of her life, this is to
be her great business.  By her influence, not only her
female friends, her scholars, and her daughters are to be
affected, but also her sons, her brothers, the young men
around her, and even the elder men, not excepting her
father and his peers.  Considering the qualifications which
the mothers in our land now possess, is there not a call for
special effort from some quarter to render them aid in fitting
their daughters to exert such an influence as is needed from
this source on our infant republic, on our Christian country?
Never before was the call for pious, well-qualified female
teachers so urgent and so reiterated from every part of our
land.  Never before were there so many energetic, talented,
benevolent females disposed to qualify themselves to do
something towards educating the rising race for the service
of the church.  How shall the many destitute children in
our country be rightly guided without a teacher? How can




5~40            TTHE GREAT STRUGGLE.
females teach without being prepared? And how can a sufficient number be prepared without public aid?
c" We ask, therefore, for aid, not for the sake of an individual, not for the sake of the female sex, but we ask it for
our country, nay, more, for the world.  We ask it, that our
Redeemer may be glorified, in having a more holy seed to
worship him on the earth, and a larger and more glorious
train to manifest his image, and show forth the wonders of
raeeeming love to all eternity.
6 "My soul kindles while I write; but I forbear, for I am
exceeding the limits of my strength. For the last twelve
days, I have been unable to attend to my school, have been
mnostly confined to my room, and much of the time to my
bed.  My failure is caused partly by the late great demands
on me to supply female teachers to the destitute, but principally by a series of efforts to sustain an institution, without
such means as it would be economy for the Christian public
to furnish, and such as I think they would long since have
gladly afforded, if the subject, in its bearings, could have
been presented to their view. From my present prostration
I have a prevailing hope that I may again rise; but I have
scarcely the shadow of a doubt that my labors will be curtailed many years in consequence of my increased burden,
for the want of what comparatively small funds would have
furnished.
"- When I shall reluctantly leave that course of toil which,
for its results, I have ardently loved,-with my dying breath
would I plead that the public would immediately do something to rear and uphold Protestant institutions for the education of females."
The trustees, at their first annual meeting, April 12, 1837,
elected Deacon Daniel Safford, of Boston, a member of
their board.




DUTY OF YOUNG LADIES AT SCHOOL.          241
On the 29th of May, Miss Lyon writes to Miss C., a lady
in the seminary at Ipswich, on the subject of raising funds
for furniture: "'I very much want to see you and others
whom  I place among the particular friends of Mount Holyoke Female Seminary. We are now in a very great strait
tabout obtaining furniture, &c. If I should visit you, could
the whole school devote from one to two hours to the sztub
ject? I do not expect that they will contribute any thing to
this object while they are members of the school) but only
use their influence in its behalf when they go to their various homes.
" I would by all means have the teachers choose their object of benevolence, present its claims to the scholars, and
lead them to give abundantly and cheerfully; but I do more
and more feel it to be important that young ladies engaged
in study, and spending freely on themselves for board and
tuition, should give liberally to the treasury of the Lord.
This is essential to their cultivating right principles, to their
forming right habits. Are not young ladies, as weli as young
men, while engaged in study, in danger of excusing themselves from contributing liberally, because they are spending
their money to prepare themselves for usefulness? By fortifying themselves with this excuse, through their whole course
of education, may they not almost form the habit of feeling
that every thing of large amount, that is to be cast into the
treasury of the Lord by their own hands, must first pass
through the channel of self, to fit it for the Master's service? Ought not young ladies, in a course of education, carefully to economize in the least expenditures, lest something
which ought to be put into the treasury of the Lord should
flow into some other channel?  I hope the teachers in Ipswich will be faithful on this subject."
The funds of the seminary needing help, and the treasurer
not being able to borrow all that was wanted, Miss Lyon
writes to Miss Grant, September 6, 1837,21




242               THE GREAT STRUGGLE.
I' I take my pen to ask of you a very great favor. I want
to use five hundred dollars this fall, which is not due me till
February; and if I could get it of some personal friend, like
yourself, who would not talk about it, it would be a very
great relief, besides being a very great accommodation.  I
do not suppose that you can let me have this as well as not.
I suppose it will cost you effort and care, and I regret to add
to your labors in your present state of health. But I thought
if you knew just how much I needed it, you would prefei
that I should ask you."
EXTRACTS FROM A LETTER TO HER MOTHERe
" SOUTH HADLEY, September 6, 1837.
" MY DEAR MOTHER:
"' I want you should let me hear from you often. Letters
sent to this place will find me very soon; indeed, I must be
here now most of the time. I have so much letter writing
to do, that I seem not to have time for much else.  And yet
I have five times as much as I can do which I wish to do.
But I must do what I can, and let the rest go undone. There
is scarcely a mail which does not bring me a letter; yesterday's brought five. Most of them require an answer, and
many of them will require two or three before I get through
with them.  Among all these letters, I should now  and
then like to receive one from my own dear mother. As
for myself, my head is filled with such a variety, that I can
write nothing except it is on business. Our building is going
on finely.  The seal to every thing about it must soon be
fixed.  My head is full of closets, shelves, cupboards, doors,
sinks, tables, &c. You will think this is new work for me,
and, indeed, it is.
"6 Give my love to father.  1 hope he will have the presence of God, and be prepared for a long and happy eternity, where he will feel no more of his infirmities, and where
all can hear [Mr. Taylor was deaf] distinctly the song of
Moses and the Lamb."




SELF-DENYING LABORS.              243
These last two letters, one to Miss Grant and one to her
mother, were written precisely three years after the meeting
in Miss Lyon's parlor at Ipswich, of which Dr. Packard was
chairman, and David Choate, Esq., Secretary, where the
first resolves were passed to attempt to found a permanent
female seminary of a high order.
These years, as Miss Lyon's letters abundantly show, had
been with her years of much and increasing toil. For the
cause to which she had given her life she dared do any thing
that became a woman, and any thing which she deemed not
wrong in the sight of God, that appeared to have any tendency to further her object.  She went hither and thither by
public conveyances, with Mr. Hawks, or any other friend of
the enterprise. Travelling the road from Boston to the Connecticut often, she could scarce ride any ten miles of the
route without being recognized by some fellow-traveller,
whose cordial salutation would introduce her to the company.
All felt very well acquainted with her, as soon as they heard
her name, and she would soon be invited to detail the progress of the enterprise. Being infallibly certain that the object would commend itself to the good common sense and
best impulses of true New Englanders, she improved every
opportunity of unfolding its merits to any who seemed capable of comprehending them, whether acquaintances or
strangers. She could make herself heard easily, although
the road might be a little uneven, and would expatiate on
the subject as freely as in her own parlor. She did not talk
louder than many fashionably-dressed boarding-school girls
do in public conveyances, the difference being that the latter
inform the company of their own personal affairs, while she
discussed principles as enduring as the human race, and as
vital to human welfare as they are enduring. Many a man can
say, " I saw Miss Lyon once; I met her in the stage coach;
an original character, quite." One young lady certainly
enjoyed her instruction the first year of the school in




244              THE GREAT STRUGGLE.
consequence of such a casual interview of her father with
Miss Lyon. The father had penetration enough to discover
that she understood female education, and could so train
young women in the way they should go, that when they
were old they would not depart from it.
Miss Lyon's friends used to be tried at the wandering kind
of life she led during these years. It was far more trying
to her to lead it than to them to witness it. flow contentedly did she stay at home, ever after home was her field of
labor! The difficulty with which she was drawn from it,
even in a vacation, shows that it was repugnant to her feelings to lead a public life. When her familiar friends undertook to remonstrate with her on the subject, they always
found her fully aware that it would be in better taste to sit
down in some secluded nook, and from its loopholes watch
the movements and success of the agents; but she insisted
that it was better to violate taste than not to have the work
done. She claimed that the exigency of the case required
of her the sacrifice of her personal feelings, because her
presence in every part of the field was essential to the prosperity of the enterprise.
Feeling that the cause for which she toiled was the Lord's,
she was willing to make herself of no reputation for its advancement. Certain that her feet were on a rock, she stood
firm and fearless of sinking. Along with unbounded trust
in God, she had a reasonable and intelligent trust in herself;
and both combined to help her cling tenaciously to her darling object. So long as what she did was not sinful, she left
the consequences entirely to that Providence whose agent
she felt herself to be. " What do I that is wrong? " she
would say to the friends who expostulated with her on the
subject. "~ I ride in the stage coach or cars without an escort.
Other ladies do the same. I visit a family where I have
been previously invited, and the minister's wife, or some
leading woman, calls the ladies together to see me, and I lay




DEFENCE OF HER PUBLIC LABORS.          245
our object before them. Is that wrong? I go with Mr.
Hawks, and call on a gentleman of known liberality at his
own house, and converse with him  about our enterprise.
What harm is there in that?  If there is no harm in doing
these things once, what harm is there in doing them twice,
thrice, or a dozen times?  My heart is sick, my soul is
pained with this empty gentility, this genteel nothingness. I
am doing a great work. I cannot come down."  Thus she
justified her multiplied toils, travels, and sacrifices. Though
naturally desirous of human approbation, yet, if she was
sure she was right, she could go forward, though her dearest
friends thought she was wrong. There were many persons,
first and last, who came into her plans for a time, but, unable
to see things just as she did, silently withdrew. She saw
the hand of the Lord as clearly in their withdrawal as in
their enlistment. She often remarked that the right persons
were always raised up in every strait, and that it was wonderful how they would fall away when there was nothing
more for them to do; doubtless, she added, to teach her not
to trust in an arm of flesh; and then, in the next extremity,
the Lord would raise up others to fill their places. The
truth is, that, happy in expedients, and fertile in combinations, when one door was shut, she could always find another,
and though God was truly the mover, she was as truly his
instrument.
Those who did not entirely agree with her had too much
confidence in her earnest and benevolent intentions to try to
thwart her plans. She was, as they thought, and as she very
well knew, set in her opinions; but she was set only when
sure she was right. She understood the subject better than
any gentleman, because she had studied it a hundred times
as much. When she differed from any of her coadjutors,
the result generally proved that she was in the right. The
trustees came, as one of them said, to be afraid to oppose
her plans, because they had so much proof that the Lord
21i




246              THE GREAT STRUGGLE.
was with her, and that what she proposed to do he had purposed to prosper.
Her courage never forsook her. "It is,"9 she used to say,
"one of the nicest of mental operations to distinguish between what is very difficult' and what is utterly impossible."
She was gifted with the necessary discrimination. After the
question of site for the building had been reconsidered
again and again, after the foundations had been reixamined
and removed back twenty-five feet, after the quality of the
brick had been questioned and tested anew, and the walls
were moving slowly upward, the structure fell to the ground.
The workmen were at their breakfast when the disaster occurred. "Then," said the agent, " I did dread to meet Miss
Lyon.'Now,' thought I,' she will be discouraged.' But as I
went towards the scene of confusion, I met her coming towards me, as smiling and cheerful as ever; and when she
arrived within speaking distance, she exclaimed,' How
wonderful! no one killed, no one hurt; the men all at their
breakfast, not a hair of their heads touched!' "
As has been seen, Miss Lyon herself took charge of obtaining funds and articles for furnishing the house. In addition to crockery and cutlery for about one hundred persons,
in addition to parlor furniture and kitchen utensils, forty
scholars' rooms were to be provided with bedsteads, beds,
bedding, tables, washstands, chairs, and mirrors.  Extracts
from the letter which she sent to many ladies have already
been given.  Finding her bodily presence more powerful
than her letters, she went to many towns and met the ladies,
to inspire them with zeal for the work. When questioned
as to the motives from which some gave under her persevering eloquence and prolonged urgency, she would reply,
"Get the money," closing her hand, to suit the action to
the word, - " get the money; the money will do good."
The summer and fall of 1837 she spent mostly at South
Hadley. Rev. Mr. and Mrs. Condit, who lived in the house




OVERSIGHET OF THE BUILDING.          247
next north of the seminary, took her into their family as
they would a sister.  How grateful was she ever to them,
and to the Providence that thus inclined them! She fully
appreciated and highly valued the uncommon refinement
and taste of Mr. Condit, which did not, on his part, prevent
him from perceiving her worth through a rather uncourtly
exterior. To any playful remark on her energetic movements, he would pleasantly say, pointing to the seminary,
"' If she were more of a woman, she could not have done all
this." In case of any difficult question of duty, as when he
was offered a professorship at Amherst, he would say, "I
think I shall see the way of duty; Miss Lyon is praying for
me."  One of her last deeds of grateful love was devising
a plan for his widow's comfort, which she did not live to
execute.
She slept and ate at Mr. Condits for several months before she removed into the seminary. Her days were spent in
the unfinished edifice, overseeing workmen, and doing many
things which needed to be done, much as an efficient lady
of moderate means would superintend a house she was
building, in the absence of her husband. She looked after
the drawers, cupboards, closets, shelves, latches, and hinges,
and saw that the church's funds were applied to promote the
convenience and welfare of the church's daughters. When
the joiner work was done, she made ready for the mason;
when the masonry was done, she made ready for the
painter; and when the painter had done, she saw to the
drying. rhe workmen might complain of her interference
and dictation, but it was little she minded the complaining, if the work was only done to her mind. Deacon Porter could not always be on the ground, and when he was,
numberless questions came to her for a solution. She could
make up her nmind quickly. It did not take her all day to
decide whether the floors should be yellow or marble-color,
or any other question of like consequence. But it must be




248              THIE GREAT STRUGGLE.
confessed that, in these small matters, she often revoked her
decisions, for reasons not at first seen, to the annoyance of
workmen, who cared only to get to the end of their job.
Though a small thing, it shows the self-control she had
attained, that, though in youth, with nothing to do but study,
she carried her book to the table, hardly allowing herself time
to eat; yet at this period, in the whirl of cares and duties,
she never failed to be at table ere Mr. Condit asked the
divine benediction, always staid till the table was formally
dismissed, and was as punctual at players and in retiring as
she ever required any of her South Hadley pupils to be.
It was the finishing and furnishing work, above described,
which was before her, September 14, 1837, when she addressed the following lines. to Miss Grant. The school was
to open November 8, about seven weeks after the date of
the- letter from which the extract is taken.
"I should like to tell you many things.  When I look
through to November 8, it seems like looking down a precipice of many hundred feet, which I must descend. I can
only avoid looking at the bottom, and fix my eye on the nearest stone, till I have safely reached it. I try to take the best
possible care of my health. I have had more real sick days
with headache and the like, during the last few weeks, than
usual; but, on the whole, I am very much sustained by a
kind Providence."
SECTION  VI
Striking Adaptation of the Scenes t7routgh which iiss Lyon
passed, to fit her for the great fork befobre her.
[ALTHOUGH some of the delineations of character in this
section belong more properly to the last part of the work,




mVISS LYON'S TRAINING.             249
the compiler is very glad that one who uses so graphic a
pen, and who was so familiar, from  intimate personal intercourse, with every shade of Miss Lyon's character, has
given us these interesting sketches, even at some expense
of logical order.]
Events reveal God's decrees, and time unrolls his purposes.  Tracing one thing back to another, Miss Lyon's
training, from her very birth, seems to have a connection
with her great work. The first thirty-five years of her life
were a preparation for the rest. That work consisted in discovering and realizing the need of a permanent female seminary, in awakening the Christian community to see and feel
that need, in raising the funds necessary to supply it, in
planning and erecting the buildings, and in commencing and
sustaining operations there, until what was at first matter of
experiment became matter of history.  To the mind that
sees God in every thing, it is interesting to observe the way
in which he prepared her by his providence and grace for
this work.
The work to be done needed a strong, inventive, earnest,
enthusiastic mind.  It needed a spirit that could not be
looked down by opposition firom the honored and the
wealthy, nor discouraged by any common obstacles, together with a body able to fulfil the purposes and plans of
such a spirit.  Mliss Lyon had both.
She was descended, as we have seen, fronm  a healthy,
long-lived ancestry, and expected herself, wvith good reason,
to live to old age. The physician who attended her in her
last illness, a.nd was well acquainted with her, said that she
had six times the strength of constitution, both physical and
miental, of a corn.mmon woman.  Who that witnessed her
watchings, her toils, her endurance, in the prime of her
days, will not assent to his opinion?  We hear, upon good
authority, that when a member of the Sanderson Academy,




250'THE GREAT STRVGGLEa
she was engaged in study twenty hours out of the twenty hours ut of the twen
four, save the few and hurried intervals in which she took
her meals and went to and from her boarding-house to the
academy. Yet we hear of no faltering in health, no breaking down from hard study. Her large, strong frame teemed
with as strong a life. At twenty-five years of age, her mind
ran seemingly without weariness, and appeared as active at
night as in the morning.  One of her signal victories over
herself in after years was breaking up her late study hours,
and retiring habitually early. It cost her much resolution,
but she always felt that she had her reward.
A sound mind in a sound body was her birthright. But
he who breathed into her clay so much more vital fire than
he commonly sees fit to bestow upon an individual, next
adapted her outward circumstances to its safe keeping. She
was not born to ease and affluence.  She was not cradled
on down.  She did not tread on soft carpets, loll on cushioned sofas, ride at first in her basket candle, and afterwards
in a coach. So doing and faring, she might, by middle age,
have become so enervated in body and mind as scarce to
adventure to set the sole of her foot upon the ground for
delicateness and tenderness. Nor was she given to literary
parents, who, proud of the prodigy, might have suffered her
to rock and read from early morn to dewy eve, and, by the
most successful hot-house nurture, might have made her a
paragon indeed, but might as likely have opened for her an
early grave. She was thrown into a neighborhood where talent and genius were little talked of and slightly valued. The
honored parents to whom she was committed, like those of
the babe in Bethlehem, were pious, common-sense, selfdependent, hard-working people.  They sought first the
kingdom of heaven, and all things needful to them and theirs
were added with it. In their little and quiet nest, seven
mouths opened wide for bread; and the loving parents, day
by day, filled them, not with stones nor dainties, but with




BliSS LYON'S TRAININGo             251
what they craved -sweet, light bread. What though they
wandered around their secluded homestead shoeless in summer, the warm stockings and the strong, thick shoes awaited
them in winter.  Mary, like the rest, and like the generality
of children, was left to her own resources, to look after her
own comfort, and provide for her own amusement. Her
own genius made her playthings. Summer's sun browned
and crimsoned her beautiful skin, the rain and the wind
played with her fair hair, the ice, the snow, and the hail
were her wonder and her pastime. Her young hands and
feet were soon employed in healthful work or errands of
love. She went to bed sleepy and rose refreshed.
Multitudes of entertaining books did not cloy her appetite
for knowledge. Even the district school was so far from
their corner of the world, that she could enjoy its privileges
only when her mother was able to make some shift to get
her boarded nearer the school-house. The Bible was the first
and best book in their family library. From her earliest infancy, her parents had read it, with becoming seriousness,
as often as the sun roused them to the duties of a new day.
Her mother told her its stories before she could read them
for herself. Mary, for want of other books, had read it much,
and treasured up its words of wisdom  in a singularly tenacious memory. She turned leaf after leaf in another book,
that never tires by repetition.  Their little brown house,
snugly nestled under the hill, (see Sketch, at the end of Part
I.,) was surrounded by the wildest scenery.  Her young and
eager curiosity turned to nature for its refreshment and supplies. The roses, the pinks, and the peonies, the buds, the
blossoms, and the fruit, the rocks, the cliffs, the hillocks, and
the dells, as she herself tells us, employed her opening mind.
No feeling of degradation ever once rose in young Mary's
heart.  She was never an object of charity.  After her
father's death, her mother husbanded their little income so
thriftily, that it met their esimple wants, and left them their




121 5~2           THE GREAT STRUGGLE.
mite for charity. Miss Lyon used to enumerate it among
her early mercies that she never knew a servile, cringing
fear of those born to better things than herself.  Her
mother, the sun of their little circle, the admired of all admirers in that retired neighborhood for her goodness and
skill, walked a queen among them. Her children knew it.
So, while Mary, unfettered by custom  and fashion, in her
short and scanty robe, ranging from one end of the farm to
the other, was manufacturing bone, flesh, and sinew, that
could stand the drafts of future days, she yet felt herself as
good as the best.
As Mary grew in strength, she was busily and laboriously
employed.  She knew what it was to labor, working with
her own hands.  Her far-sighted mother had no drones in
that little hive. She worked in the most agreeable of all
circumstances, in the society and under the eye of that
cheerful, capable, sensible mother. Up with the lark, from
sunrise to sunset she went from one sort of work to another,
never tired, never unhappy, never discontented. I-ow beautifully she always spoke of woman's sphere of labor! "So
much variety, such pleasant work! " she used to say, "so
unlike the monotonous task of drawing out the waxed end,
or driving the peg all day long."
When, at her second marriage, her mother removed to a
new home, Mary remained under the paternal roof, sole mistress and servant in front room  and kitchen, doing a hired
girl's work for a hired girl's wages, but lending head and
heart, as well as hands, to her beloved employer.  She was
not merely keeping house for a brother; she was educating
herself for her future and more important labors. Though
not naturally very handy, she brought to her work strength,
energy, prudence, and perseverance.  She always gave her
mind to the thing she was doing, whether it were preparing
a meal, calculating an eclipse, teaching a child to cipher,
listening to a sermon, or writing  an essay on  female
education,




MISS LYON9'S TRAINING.              253
Miss Lyon's perseverance carried  her through every
thing she undertook.  With all her acknowledged inaptitude
for mechanical pursuits, she could spin and weave as well as
any of her kinswomen of those days. The blue fulled cloth
habit, which she wore at Derry and Ipswich in 1827 and
1828, she spun and wove herself. She could make a batch
of bread or a tin of biscuit without wasting a dust of flour.
She could clear-starch as well as any laundress in the land.
Gloves and window curtains she could net evenly and cleverly. Whatever her later correspondents may think, she
once wrote a very fair and legible hand. There is in the
writer's possession a remnant of a muslin neckerchief which
she embroidered with her own hands, and it does credit to
her needle.'She took all the greater pleasure in doing these
and the like things because they came hard to her.
Not only in her lowly home did Miss Lyon work willingly,
"laying her hand to the spindle," and 1" taking hold of the
distaff," but when she went to school she sometimes paid for
her board, in the family where she was received, by assisting
about the house. Notwithstanding these hinderances, she
learned more than any one else, and her mates loved and
respected her just as well as though she had paid her board
with money. This circumstance, and the strait which made
it necessary, she never forgot. It fitted her the better to
understand the limited means and inward longings of her
fellow-wo- men.  It recurred to her in after life as an argument that her plans were feasible.  It contributed to set the
current of her great soul towards the middle classes, the
respectable, independent yeomanry of the land, too poor to
be idle, too rich to accept charity.
It was necessary that a hand should be provided, in due
time, to lift her from the vale where she had hitherto been
so safely reared.  Thomas White, Esq., of Ashfield, kindly
and thoughtfully afforded his aid.  He was like a father
to her, not merely when, at length, her praise filled the
22




254              THE GREAT STRUGGLE.
churches, but In her early and obscure youth, when it re.
quired a discerning eye to see the masterpiece as yet hid in
the shapeless marble. The many essential helps, which, as
she delighted to acknowledge, he lent her, when she was
"creeping her way along" to usefulness, belong rather to
his life than to hers, and but few of them can be mentioned
here. They were not so very costly to him, but they were
above price to her; and, left undone, we cannot see how
she could have found her true place in the world's history.
lie did not dream that he was placing a new star in the
firmament, whose rays would gladden thousands along the
path to usefulness, or that her name would carry his, like
sweet incense, to every quarter of the globe. But he did
know that she was a poor girl, with a good mind, the wonder of all her teachers, and that she needed help.  He loved
to see woman educated, and he freely gave her counsel,
sympathy, influence, and often a charming home and more
substantial aid. Miss Lyon always chose to bear her own
pecuniary burdens, and Mr. White would not probably have
thought it the best way of helping her to assume them fully
himself.  Hundreds of dollars would not have gone so far,
in helping her upward ascent, as the steady, cordial, efficient
friendship and counsel of such a man.  With it came also
the gentle and delicious influence of a highly-cultivated, sensible, intelligent lady, the wife of Mr. White, the mother of
his favored children.  That circle of brothers and sisters
will, for Miss Lyon's sake, pardon the giving to the world
what she more privately communicated to the writer.  Her
history would be incomplete without this notice.
It was by the earnest recommendation of Mr. Whiite, that
the privileges of Sanderson Academy were offered her gratuitously. It was by his persevering arguments and persuasion, that the person who had charge of the remainder of
her patrimony was led to submit the mode of spending it
to her own discretion, when she wished to undertake what




A FRIEND IN NEED.               255
was regarded as the romantic expedition of going to Byfield
to school.
To this sum she added what she had been able to save
from the small wages of seventy-five cents or a dollar a
week, for teaching in any district where she could find an
opportunity, and a few more dollars which she had earned by
weaving heavy blue and white coverlets, a kind of work requiring strength equal to that of a man, and therefore commanding more pay than common labor. When, with these
added sums, she was able to defray her expenses for a summer at Byfield, there were not, as now, railroads; and the
three days' journey was made in Mr. White's carriage, beside
a daughter whom he was conveying to school, and his own
hands held the reins. As all they knew of the place was
its distance from Boston, and what they had learned from
advertisements, they missed their,road, went miles out of
their way, and coul4 find no one who had ever heard of
Byfield; and Miss Lyon, with all her courage, took turns
with the friend by her side in crying like a child.
It was also by the earnest arguments of Mr. White that
she was afterwards employed as an assistant in Sanderson
Academy. The principal thought that he, like his predecessors, needed a man to aid him. "Try her," said Mr.
White, "and see if she is not sufficient."  He tried her, and
found her a host.
When she decided to leave Ashfield and go to Derry, he
became surety for her, at the stores in Northampton, for over
forty dollars' worth of clothing. That green velvet bag,
which seemed to the Derry and Ipswich scholars to have a
perpetual life, was one of her purchases at Northampton.
As, with her growing success, she not only earned the
money to pay her debts,.but was able to lay by something
for a sick or a rainy day, Mr. White was the father to
whom she carried her savings, who husbanded them with
care, and turned them over for her with his own, and, with



THE GREAT STRUGGLE.
out any commission, made her five dollars ten. It is to his
careful oversight, as well as to her strict economy, that at
her decease the American Board received so considerable a
bequest from her savings.  His house was a home to her at
any and at all times after she went to Byfield. She entered
without knocking, and ever met with a hearty welcome. In
the midst of her labors, in 1836, she writes to a daughter of
the family,' "When I am wandering about, it is pleasant and
consoling to think that under the roof of your dear home I
can have a resting-place when I need." We can almost see
her now shaking hands with Mr. White at the door, but intent on the end of her journey, saying, in the same breath
with, " How do you all do?"  " Could you take me over to
Hawley to-night, Mr. White?" "Well, come in, Miss Lyon,
and we will see," he would answer. 66Your horses in the
barn?" she would ask, hardly seeming to heed his remark.
1" I want to see about some furniture for the new seminary,
and I must take the stage back to-morrow morning." The
ride to Hawley would be accomplished, the warm supper
and best bed awaited her return, and she would depart the
next morning with the blessing of her old friends. They
reached the end of life's journey but a little before her.
The following letter was written to one of the family soon
after their death:"; SOUTH HADLEY, Dec. 14, 1848.
" MY VERY DEAR FRIEND:
"I have received your letter, and should have replied immediately, but I wanted to write a little besides, on mere
business.  I wanted at least to express a little of that full
heart of sympathy which I have had in your behalf. But
now a severe headache on the one hand, and a conviction
that I must not let another mail pass on the other, will give
me but little opportunity. Allow me to say, that in the bereavements through which you have passed, I, too, have felt
that I had lost a father and a mother. Who else living has




LETTER TO MISS W.               257
any such claim, comparatively, to a place in my heart?
These events have brought fresh to my mind my first acquaintance with your dear family, and the many acts of
unfeigned friendship, which I received, as I was creeping
my way along toward an humble place in my Master's service. In a very special manner do I remember your father's
great parental kindness to me. With what a cheering face
would he ask me to come directly to his house from the
stage, and depend on him to carry nie to see dear mother,
just as if he expected it, and in a way to make me feel perfectly at home! Your house has indeed been to me a sweet
home! I must go and see that dear home before it is
broken up.
" I have many things which I want to say, but cannot with
pen and ink. Shortly, I hope, I may see you face to face.
If there is any time that I should not find you at home,
please write and let me know. I wish I could meet your,
brother, and his wife also, it would seem so much like meeting a remnant of the family."
Miss Lyon never forgot her old friends. Their names,
faces, and kind deeds were treasured in the depths of her
capacious soul, and if she did not turn the leaf to read them
every day, it was not for lack of love, but of leisure. There
was always some one in the circle of her friends in whom
her heart rested, with whom she loved to talk over her own
affairs, opinions, and feelings, and to whom she confided a
thousand little interests, which concerned nobody but herself.
Open and frank to all, she was completely transparent to
this chosen friend.
Miss Lyon never had a secret that required the veil of
night to screen it. In commenting on the passage, " Blessed
are the pure in heart," she used to tell her pupils that this
characteristic designated such blamelessness of word and
deed, that its possessor need not blush to see any thought of
P22k 




258              THE GREAT STRUGGLE.
hers'written, in capital letters, on the white wall back of her,
and fronting the whole school.  Her own words were conformed to this standard. Her soul was refined and pure.
Whatever faults she had lay on the outside.  Nothing but
pearls and diamonds fell from her lips. In seasons of the
most intimate communion, her words were often apples of
gold, which one could have wished to preserve in pictures
of silver. Among the multitude of friends she left, none
can be found who entertain a higher estimate of her worth
than the four who successively held the highest place in her
affections.
Amanda W. was the first of these favored ones. Miss
Lyon used to designate her as "6 my earliest friend." Their
intimacy was both rational and romantic. Miss Lyon often
likened it to the love between David and Jonathan. Its commencement, while they were in their teens, and members
of the Sanderson Academy, has been described in a letter
of the survivor. They studied the same books, and under
the guidance of their teacher, Mr. Burritt, they calculated
eclipses and made an almanac together. Miss Lyon could
learn all the faster by the side of her beloved Amanda. On
religious subjects they had full fellowship with one another.
They walked to the house of God in company, and while
there Miss Lyon loved to steal a glance at her friend, as they
listened to the same discourse, and the consciousness that
they were both enjoying the same thoughts would double
her high pleasure. She had a woman's heart along with a
masculine understanding.
There came a time when this love was tested. She was
impatient of a rival. But as they pursued their onward
course, a home missionary found out where Amanda W.
lived. The result can easily be guessed. One was taken,
the other left. For a time there was a struggle in Miss
Lyon's loving heart; but she soon resigned the first place
with a good grace. None but an unmarried lady, similarly




HER EARLIEST FRIEND.               259
situated, can understand the conflict which such an engagement may occasion.  Once passed, Miss Lyon rejoiced that
her friend was mated to her mind, and was to walk the ways
of life with one who truly appreciated her, and who would
not fail to give her the place in his family and circle of acquaintance that of right belongs to the wife of an educated
man. She was happy in seeing them all in all to one another.
When a letter arrived in his well-known hand, she would be
as glad for Amanda as Amanda for herself.  She often
spoke of the eloquent look with which the husband would
gaze on her friend after she was legally his. To the few
who were privileged with Miss Lyon's most entire confidence,
nothing is more wonderful, than that she, who never had
husband or children, could so fully and easily sympathize
in all the mysteries of wedded and parental love. Though
she never added match-making to her multitudinous cares
and labors, she always congratulated her friends on making
such as suited them. However she may, now and then,
have regretted parting with a prominent and efficient fellowlaborer, however she might try, - while the question was under
consideration, to prove that the opportunity was a temptation
to be shunned, rather than an opening to be entered,-yet,
when the matter was once settled, no word of regret ever
escaped her lips. She would aid in the necessary preparations, and the lady's own mother would not have felt more
pained at a disappointment.
In due time, Miss W. was married. The last farewell
was spoken, and the friends separated, each going to her
own appointed work. For a time the correspondence was
brisk and regular. They whispered one another's names,
evening and morning, at the mercy seat, before their common Redeemer. But time kept pressing new duties into the
domain of each. Miss Lyon felt the need of a present intimate friend, and made choice of another. She went onI
adding store to store, and friend to friend, the favor of man




260              THE GREAT STRUGGLE.
to the favor of God. Her life became identified with the
history of female education in New England. Her successful labors were an era in its annals. Her early friend had
been busy in a different way, and her oldest daughter, grown
to woman's size, had found a welcome home in Mount Holyoke Female Seminary. Urged by her aged parents, the
mother, once the youthful Amanda, came from the west to
visit her native hills. She went first to South Hadley, but
as it was anniversary week, there was no room for her
in the inn. She asked the landlord to provide her a room in
the neighborhood, but he told her he knew of none that was
not already engaged. "Do you not know Miss Lyon," said
he.  "I did know her a good many years ago," she replied.
"Well, go right to her," he said; "she will find you a
place." The lady hesitated. Her own name was strange
in that region of the country. Miss Lyon's was known every
where. The young woman whom she had left, twenty years
before, unknown and unnoticed, it was the fashion to call
the wonder of the age. She hardly expected to be remembered, much less to be known.
She found her way to the seminary, was waited on into
the parlor, and word was sent to Miss Lyon that a lady
would like to see her. The messenger soon returned, instructed to conduct her to Miss Lyon's private parlor. The
climate, the fever and chills peculiar to it, hard work, and
spiritual expenditures had altered Mrs. F. She looked service-worn, and really needed labelling. Her old friend, on
the contrary, dressed in her best style, and flushed with the
excitement of the occasion, was so unchanged in form, feature, complexion, and manner, that Mrs. F. would have
known her in the centre of Europe. She held back the
rush of her heart, and, after the first civilities had passed,
said, in a common- tone of voice, and with a calm aspect,
"I called to see if I could have a room at the seminary."
Miss Lyon was standing. She began to rub one hand over




MEETING WITH HER OLD FRIEND.            261
the other, and to balance herself first on one foot and then
on the other, in just the style we have all seen her when she
was placed in embarrassing circumstances, and to say she
was very sorry, but at this time they were full, and asked
her if she could not get a room at the public house; it was
a very good house, she believed.  "I have been there,"
replied her friend, " and they sent me to you."   Well,
Miss Lyon said, really she did not know what could be done,
but at the examinations their rooms were all engaged; she
was sorry, very sorry, but they could not receive her. " I
don't think you know me, Miss Lyon," was the short and
familiar reply. The tone and words were electric. "' 0,
yes, I do know you, Amanda, I do know you! There is
room, there is room! " she exclaimed, clasping her to her
heart, just as she used to do when they were young together,
while the tears streamed down her cheeks, and her struggles
of affectionate joy forbade her speaking in sentences of any
great length. By crowding scholars together more than before, a good room was provided for the stranger's use; and
while she tarried at the seminary, no attention was omitted
that would contribute to her comfort or gratification.
Miss Lyon ever regarded her connection with Mr. Emerson's school as an important era in her life. In conversation
with Mr. Hawks, only a short time before her death, she remarked that she owed more to Mr. Emerson than to any'
other teacher. In teaching, no less than in learning, it is of
the greatest consequence to get a right start, and she always
felt she first received that from Mr. Emerson. Previous to
her enjoying his instruction, the intellect rather than the
heart had occupied her attention; from him she learned to
give to each its due proportion. I asked her once about the
story of her learning the Latin grammar through in three
days.  " 0," she replied, " It was at one of those schools
where they do nothing but study and recite; not at all so
good for the character as Mr. Emerson's. You just learned




262              THE GREAT STRUGGLE.
what was in the book. I traced out the likenesses and differences among the declensions and conjugations, and could
commit any thing to memory quick, when I was young;
and as to the rules of syntax, they are so much like those
in English grammar that it did not take long to learn them.
So you see," she said, "it was no great feat after all."  She
went on to praise Mr. Emerson's school as the one where
she treasured up great principles of action, and met with a
complete change as to her views on education.
Any one who is curious enough to leave the cars at Lynn,
and ride out to Saugus, or at Newburyport, and ride out to
Byfield, will find that it was neither peculiar beauties of
scenery, elegant edifices, nor superior accommodations, that
drew the hundreds of young ladies around that venerated
man. Difficult is it to realize that these are the spots where
so many young ladies once assembled to garner up thoughts
and principles, making a circle blessed with as much sense,
vivacity, and intelligence as is gathered in any of our female
seminaries of thu present day, though that be saying a
great deal.
The Memoir of Mr. Emerson, published by Crocker &
Brewster, Boston, in 1834, contains a valuable letter of Miss
Lyon, in which she takes up his views of female education,
and his treatment of ladies. That letter gives a clew to the
great success he attained in his efibrts to extend and improve
female education. While he admitted that, in some respects,
woman is the weaker half, he contended that she was made
for something better than ornament, show, or household
drudgery, and honored her with conversation as sensible and
elevated as he bestowed on his fellow-man. In nature and
providence his ears were open to the voice of God, calling
on woman to be the principal educator of her own sex and of
children of both sexes, and his own heart and voice echoed
back the heavenly call. He took the high Christian ground,
so grateful to the mind of every thinking woman, that she is




MR. EMERSON S VIEWS AND INFLUENCE.        263
intended to be neither the slave nor the pet, but the companion, of man, the partner of his thoughts, as well as the
assistant in his devotions.  All his plans and efforts for
female education were founded on this assumption. The
wife of his youth, his first and early love, a bright intelligence, was the mate of his understanding as well as of his
heart.  His second wife, who was also early snatched from
his side, possessed splendid talents, a keen relish for literature, and brilliant powers of conversation. If Miss Lyon's
remark, that " men judge of the whole sex by their own
wives," be just, Mr. Emerson's sentiments on that subject pay
an invaluable compliment to all the ladies who were called
to sustain to him that endearing relation.  Whatever may
have been the occasion, Mr. Emerson could perceive and 
value mental acumen and moral worth in one sex as easily
as in the other. In the letter referred to above, Miss Lyon
says that he regarded learning without discretion just as Solomon did beauty in the like case.  Every female seminary
in New England, whose aim it is to train young women to
discriminate nicely in ethics, to see the wrong, and yet the
right pursue, to discipline their mental faculties, to enrich
their minds with varied and practical knowledge, and to render them fit companions in hours of thought and effort, and
able help-meets in the emergencies of life, owes much to
Mr. Emerson's humble, unpretending, and happy efforts.
Hie turned the attention of ladies at school from the fancy
work of the fingers to the great subjects of thought in science and religion. He discussed with them questions in
metaphysics, such as had been before mostly shut up for the
divine and his theological student.  He knew how to draw
out the latent thoughts which the possessor was scarce conscious of entertaining.  His active mind was constantly
throwing out its rich and varied meditations in the form of
apt and ingenious questions.
Mr. Emerson had two classes of pupils. The one, sent




36 4             THE GREAT STRUGGLE.
by their parents, and too young or immature to appreciate
his lectures, yawned, and wondered when he would get
through;' yet most of them carried away so much of his
counsels and instructions as to make them  better educators,
when they came to be teachers and mothers, than they otherwise would have been.
The other class had lived long enough to know the value
of a good education, and deeply to feel their own need of it.
When they cheerfully denied themselves luxuries, and made
other efforts to aid their brothers in acquiring a liberal education, they could not always refrain from sighing, and saying to themselves, "0, there is no college for girls to go to!"
Mr. Emerson's seminary, better than any thing else, met the
deep inward wants of this class; and they left their homes,
the schools they were teaching, and their other engagements,
to enjoy for a term or two his instructions.  Some, too deeply involved in business to go themselves, used all their influence, and made every exertion, to give to a younger sister
the privileges they felt obliged to forego for themselves.
All the pupils caught more or less of the sentiments of
Mr. Emerson, but on the class just described not a word
was lost. They profited by every exercise — scientific,
moral, and religious. All the scholars felt that their teacher
was a good man, living in such nearness to God and to eternity that unseen things were to him substance; while this
class emphatically responded to his sentiments, and adopted
the great principle on which his daily conduct was based -
that of doing the greatest good to the largest number for the
longest possible time.
The school at Byfield was superior to any that Miss Lyon
had ever attended, in the society of mature and cultivated
minds which it afforded; in giving the first place to efforts
for enlisting its pupils in the work of blessing the world,
and in leading them to adopt principles of faith and action;
in making the Bible prominent among its text books, and




CONDUCT TOWARD HER TEACHERS.            265
referring all questions of ethics to its decisions; and in aiming immediately at the conversion of sinners and the edification of Christians. Many there learned the way of salvation,
some entering its strait gate under the eye of their heavenlyminded instructor; others treasured up his instructions, and,
months or years after they left the seminary, turned their
feet into the path pointed out by their beloved teacher.
Mr. Emerson's was the first of a series of schools open
and inviting to young ladies who had taught, who expected
to teach, or whose age and circumstances indicated that they
were soon to enter into active life in situations of responsibility and influenc ~
Miss Lyon's prodigious powers of mind, her docility, her
good will to all about her, and her unclouded temper, made
her from the first an object of special interest to her teachers and companions.  No pupil of her own was ever more
industrious, more yielding, or more respectful. At twentyfour years of age, and after having taught for several seasons, h-er obedience and submission were as implicit as she
ever desired to see in her own scholars.  When, at any subsequent period, a self-sufficient pupil endeavored to thwart
her plans, she was not compelled to reflect, " This is the
way I used to treat my teachers."  It is worthy of remark
that very generally, and some years with scarce an exception, her scholars were all like herself in this respect, one
with her in plans and efforts.  Truly, as she meted out love
and trust to her teachers, in that summer of 1821, so were
love and trust measured out to her for years afterwards.
While her instructors took delight in their pupil, and sought
to mould her wonderful powers aright, she in gratitude,
spoken and unspoken, treasured up every hint, and endeavored to put it in immediate practice.  With fear and trembling, uncertain whether she were saint or sinner, she ventured to class herself with those who loved the Lord; and in
no knowledge did she grow faster than in that of God and
23




2g6               THE GREAT STRUGGLE,
his will. How often have her pupils heard her quote thle
precepts and sayings of " my beloved teacher, now in heaven," the style in which she always spoke of him after his
removal thither!
At Byfield, Miss Lyon became acquainted with Miss Z. P,
Grant, a teacher in Mr. Emerson's school.  No one person
probably had such unlimited sway over her, for any ten years
of her adult life, as had Miss Grant for the ten in which they
were associated together.  Miss Lyon justly attributed very
much of the shaping of her aims, plans, and efforts to this
companion of her toils and friend of her soul.
It was a part of her providential training that she should
be thrown for years under the strong and permanent influence of one who could appreciate her talents, perceive her
power, and foresee, to some extent, her future e minence, and
who, at the same time, felt solemnly responsible to God to do
all that in her lay to render this younger friend more mneet
for the employment of their common Savior.  Justice to the
dead will allow no less to be said of the living.  Her love
and esteem  for Miss Grant were undiminished with passing
years.  Who, of all her Holyoke pupils that heard her, can
ever forget the unaffected glow with which she would announce to them, that her particular friend, Miss Grant, of
whom they had often heard her speak, had come to make
her a little visit! and how her face would shine, as, smiling
through her tears of joy, she would tell them that she wanted.
they should all avail themselves of the opportunity to go to
the parlor and be introduced to her!
May the writer, as the friend and pupil of both, be allowed
to ask, who, with more unmixed delight than Miss Grant,
witnessed the increase of Miss Lyon's power, her growing
influence and fame? It gave her only joy to see her younger
and healthier friend, whomn God had called to build the
temple which it had been in her own heart to build, increase, while she felt that she herself must decrease.  With




MISS LYON'S BUCKLAND SCHOLARS.          267
admiration, she saw her grow in favor with God and man.
It was with reverence, as she met her fiom year to year, in
South Hadley or Newburyport, that she saw her becoming
more and more assimilated in moral loveliness to the blessed
God.  She could not entirely forget that, in those years in
which they had daily intercourse with one another, she had
assisted Miss Lyon to walk more firmly in the ways of piety,
and to grasp closer the Savior's hand. Yet she loved, in her
turn, to open her own heart to her friend, to stimulate herself
by learning, that she, who once doubted whether she loved
Jesus at all, now felt herself as truly and as surely accepted
of him as she had ever felt herself accepted of an earthly
friend.  How precious to Mrs. B., in their late interviews, to
hear her dwell almost with ecstasy on the name and perfections of the blessed Immanuel, and to see how entirely the
fibres of her soul seemed interwoven with the interests of
his kingdom and the glories of his character 
Who mourns more truly her own loss? Who sympathizes
more deeply in the joy of the happy saint than this beloved
associate of her early years?  Late, but sure, may she have
a seat by her side, and renew those sensible communings
which are now for a season interrupted.
Miss Lyon's' school at Buckland, which was truly the germ
of the Mount Holyoke Female Seminary, was composed
mainly, as has been seen, of young women who had been
trained to wait on themselves, to consider the mind more
than raiment, and education better than the most palatable
dainties. Equally removed from luxurious effeminacy and
abject dependence, neither fearing the rich nor despising
the poor, they sought to turn their time and means to the
best account, to make the most they could of themselves
for the high purposes of usefulness and duty. Their minds
and hearts were open to receive the great truths and principles which Miss Lyon revelled in presenting, and, as it were,
infusing into the minds of others.  Becoming acceptable




Tl68  TE GR EAT STRUGGLE.
teachers in that part of the state, they made Miss Lyon
known as a capable, efficient, and benevolent woman, untiring in her efforts to benefit the young.  " O," said Miss
Lyon, in after years,'" how I used to enjoy my labors in the
western part of the state! and how hard it was to me to
break away from that beloved spot! I used to wish I could
find some retreat in the woods where I could gather all the
young women, and explain to them the great principles of
benevolence, and set them to doing good." What she was
able to do, only revealed the mrore fully what remained to be
done.  She often quoted a remark of Dr. Lyman Beecher's,
"' The wear and tear of what I cannot do is a great deal
more than the wear and tear of what 1 do."  Of the few,
comparatively, for whom she labored there, she lived to see
some eminently useful.  Their history would exhibit the
fruit of Miss Lyon's labors, fruit " whose seed is in itself,"
thus yielding its hundred fold.
One of those pupils may be referred to as a specimen.
For six successive winters she was under Miss Lyon's care.
With her she studied arithmetic and grammar, geography
and history, astronomy and chemistry.  With Miss Lyon,
too, she studied the Bible, and, under its light and guidance,
sought first the kingdom of heaven and its righteousness;
and from this early choice she has never wavered. Her
mother had trained her to habits of courtesy, self-denial.,
and patient labor. There was but little in her external life
to alter, when she subscribed herself the Lord's.  Her habits
are all unobtrusive.  Her spirit preferred, and prefers, retirement. But she learned from her teacher that the business of her ransomed spirit, while it is permitted to tabernacle in clay, should be to make this world the better for
her presence in it. Who, save the pupils themselves, can
ever know the impressive manner in which Miss Lyon could
say, " O young ladies, as they bear your body to its restingplace, may all who have known vou be able to say,' She




A PATTERN SCHOLAR AND TEACHER.          269
hath done what she could!'"  Thus educated, and thus impressed, this beloved pupil of Miss Lyon, some sixteen years
ago, left her father's rural home, closed behind her that
pleasant chamber, so comfortably and neatly furnished, bade
farewell to the superior privileges of New England society,
and took up her abode in a western territory. Miss Lyon's
blessing went with her, and the blessing of many has fallen
upon her since. She became an inmate in the house of a
married sister, who, as to the good things of this life, was
far differently situated from their parents in the old country.
In a small room of their small house, she opened a school
for any who wanted instruction. Fifteen timidly came in.
She took them, such as they were, French, Dutch, and Yankees, taught them what they most needed to know, spent
time, energy and pains upon them, as though they had been
princes, and she were to be richly remunerated for her
labors. Plain in her person, and simple in her manners,
almost as much out of sight as moles or miners, she labored
to do good to those fifteen youthful minds. Others soon
came in. The private dwelling becoming too strait for the
school, the next year a house was built for its accommodation. The number of pupils often exceeds one hundred.
Very many of the younger people of that region have been
under her instruction. Her youngest scholars are children
unable to speak plain; her oldest, in the winter, are often
masters and sailors of the vessels that ply on the lakes in
summer, and these are among her most docile, studious, and
agreeable pupils. On the Sabbath, when there is preaching
in the school-house, it is her business to keep her little scholars in due order. When they are not favored with preaching,
as well as when they are, the Sabbath school is held in this
same school-house, in which, besides being the superintendent, she has charge of a class of twenty of the younger
scholars. Every one in that part of the state - for it is no
longer a territory - knows her, loves her, and reverences her.
23 -




270              TIIE GREAT STRUGGLE.
The man who represents the town in which she lives, in the
state legislature, at this very writing, was for ten years her
pupil. Perhaps Miss Lyon herself, in the same situation,
could hardly have been more useful than this lady. A number of her schoolmates at Buckland and Ashfield have been
called to labor among the heathen in lands beyond the seas;
and though they may be more conspicuous, they are not
more self-denying, more patient, or more Christ-like. Her
vacations are short. The one room of her narrow schoolhouse is her dwelling for the most of her waking hours.
When she can stand the additional labor, she opens it for an
evening school in grammar, spelling, and the like, and among
her pupils come parents as well as children. Some from
the old countries have learned at this evening school to read,
write, and cipher. She has always on hand stockings to
knit, or garments to make for the orphans and the destitute
among her varied flock. While she is doing much service
for her Master, chills and fever, toil and time, are bringing
her nearer every week to his glorious face. A few more
years, and her humble soul, laying aside its weary, aching,
and way-worn tenement, shall pass the portals of heaven,
and enter on its promised rest. What a happiness to Miss
Lyon, as she looks from her Father's presence, from the
heights of heaven, on this distant ball, the scene of her
earthly, labors, to behold not one, but many such streams of
influence, destined to deepen and widen as long as earth and
time shall endure! She has had many equals in disciplining
minds and imparting information; she has had few in training characters for usefulness and happiness. The durable
impression for good that has been made on the multitude of
living minds brought under her control; the intellect unrolled
in her presence, on which, by God's grace, Holiness to the
Lord has been inscribed in deathless letters; the hearts of
immortals, starting on an unending existence, which have
been swayed aright; the souls which, under the influence of




EFFECT OF THE BUCKLAND SCHOOL.          271
her fervid eloquence, have been kindled with zeal to go and
do likewise;- the greatest of her privileges is to have been a
co-worker with God in bringing about such results; this, and
nothing less, is the imperishable work of her life. Its fruits
must meet her, not only when she glances from heaven to
earth, but at every turn of her walks in paradise.  The
brick walls, the library, the apparatus at South Hadley, nay,
even the cheapening of education to the daughters of our
country, were but the external conditions to this work, and
valuable only as they conduced to its accomplishment.
It was the good spirit and happy efforts of her pupils at
Buckland and Ashfield that recommended Miss Lyon's enterprise to the sensible, industrious, independent citizens of that
part of the state. It was at a comparatively early period in
its history, that such men as Mr. David Mack, of Middlefield, and Mr. Roger Leavitt, of Heath, put their shoulders
to the wheel.  They were both, at that time, old men. Miss
Lyon went to see them, and laid her plans before them.
Recollecting how much they had seen her accomplish in her
winter school, they had faith in her ability as well as in her
benevolence.  Mr. Mack subscribed five hundred dollars.
Colonel Leavitt, a well-known friend to emancipation, inquired
wvhether she would receive colored young women into the
school, and seemed at first unwilling to contribute, unless she
would pledge herself to do so. They discussed the subject
sorre time. She said that it was a matter for the trustees
rather than herself to act upon, but for her own part she
would have no objection, provided the young women should
be qualified according to the requirements for other pupils,
and she presumed the trustees would have none.  He subscribed according to his ability without any more definite
pledge.
For the first year, the school was a very difficult one.'The building was hardly finished when it commenced; the
furniture was not all procured; one plan was continually




272               THE GREAT STRUGGLE.
interfering with another.  Many of the students, who, und.er
her guidance, carried the institution safely through that most
trying season, were from the hills westward of the seminary~
Those beloved names, from whatever quarter they came,
how many of them are now, as then and ever since, working women, serving their day and generation, wishing no
reward but that best one of all, a peaceful conscience and
an approving God!
What her Buckland school did for Miss Lyon in the western, the Ipswich Female Seminary did for her cause in the
eastern and central parts of Massachusetts.
The numbers of gifted and mature minds which went
forth from the bosom of that seminary, year by year, scattering blessings in their track, bore its influence, far and
wide, and made the school known as a place of rare intel.
lectual training, but more especially as a place where character was formed on practical, common-sense principles. It
sent forth good scholars; but its crowning excellence was,
that it sent forth good characters.
Many young ladies, from  families in easy circumstances,
went there for one, two, or three years, as they could gain
the consent of their parents, to improve and extend their
education. Their fathers denied themselves the pleasure of
their presence and society, and furnished them the opportunity of enriching their minds, that they might the more
satisfactorily and honorably meet the duties. of life. The
daughters left home, perhaps, with no further view than to
increase their own mental resources, to acquire riches that
moth cannot corrupt, nor thieves take away, nor ennui approach, and to increase their power to bless the circles in
which, as members of families, they were or might be cast.
The training of minds to honor, glory, and immortality, the
only profession open to wornan, was. set before them till their
souls glowed with zeal to enter on the work. " Do not think
of filthy lucre and immortal minds together,"' Miss Lyon




USEFULNESS OF IPSWICII SCHOLARS.        273
would say.  "6 Teach, as Christ taught, to do good. Dollars
and cents can never pay the faithful minister, nor the faithful
teacher. The field is all white, and whoever has a willing
heart may sharpen her sickle and help gather in the harvest."
The young wormen, touched by pictures delineating the want
of cultivated and able teachers, and by appeals to their natural desire to be doing something of some account, and to
their benevolence, would return to the lovely firesides they
had left, better fitted to adorn and, cheer the groups around
them. But some of them would ask to go forth to educate
others. Fathers, with trembling lips, would ask, b" Why do
you want to go away?  Is not your father's house a pleasant home to you?  Is there any thing you want that you
do not have? Why do you wish to leave us?" The daughter pleaded that a younger sister would be company, eyes
and feet for her parents; that she could be spared, and not
much missed; that, in some other spot, she might minister to
the wants of young minds; and by such considerations would
win the father's consent to her departure.  Filial and affectionate though she were, she would seek and find a circle of
immortal minds to whom she could transfer the impressions
she had herself received at Ipswich, and at the same time
deepen them on her own mind.
Miss Lyon considered her pupils intrusted to her by God,
on purpose that she might excite this very spirit in them. The
love of employment, of bringing something to pass, as natural to young women as to young men, she would awake
and draw forth in behalf of the poor, the benighted, and the
ignorant.  " Do not say you would like to take a few music
scholars, " she would say, 1" or to assist in an academy; but
remember Christ was the Friend of sinners.  Labor for the
degraded.  Take hold where no one else will."  She used
to tell her scholars at South Hiadley, that she hardly considered a lady educated until she had some experience in teaching children. She once said to an assistant, who had only




274              THE GREAT STRUCIGLE.
taught in schools of young ladies, that "6 it was a defect in
her education as a teacher, that she lacked experience in
teaching children." "' Begin at the lowest round of the ladder," she would say to candidates for teaching, "' and if you
hear a voice, saying,'Come up higher,' then ascend cheerfully, but not exultingly."
There was another large class in the school at Ipswich,
the bone and sinew of the institution, whose means were
limited, and who were more or less dependent on their own
resources. By various expedients they had raised the means
to defray their expenses.  The money they brought was
sometimes the bequest of -a mother, or their portion of a deceased father's estate, eked out by industry and economy;
or it was the loan of a brother, an uncle, or a friend, who
was willing to trust the young woman, and run the risk of her
refunding it by her subsequent earnings.  In some cases, the
daughter took the dowry intended for her at her marriage,
or anticipated the division of the homestead, with the understanding that what she received was to be accounted for in
the future and final settlement. Not what were their circumstances, and who were their fathers, but what they were
themselves, and what they could be made, were the questions asked in reference to all these pupils, by the teachers.
With them, goodness was the first thing, industry and application the second, and talent the third.
Misses Grant and Lyon did not always know the straitened circumstances of their pupils. A few days since, the
wife of a prosperous manufacturer spoke of them with filial
regard. She said, " I went to school to them at Derry one
quarter. I earned the money with my needle to pay my
tuition, and fit up my clothing. This man," pointing to her
husband, " paid my board, and it was quite a bill for him to
pay then. My mother was a widow, and unable to help me.
I never missed answering a question in any lesson while I
was there. It was there, too, that, as I hope, I met with that




THE SCHOLARS THAT MAKE A SCHOOL. 4t
great change in my affections which altered my whole
destiny. I have often told my husband, that for worlds I
would not have those few months blotted out of my history.
I could go but one term. I could not, then, bring myself to
tell them the reason, and I have never met either of them
since."
Though this lady did not feel like opening her heart on
this subject to her teachers, many others felt no such restraint. Both Miss Grant and Miss Lyon have frequently
loaned to irresponsible young women the money to defray
their expenses at Ipswich, and in almost all cases payment
has been honorably and faithfully made. How few could
they aid, compared with the number who needed help! Miss
Lyon had known many, in the ten years of her connection
with Miss Grant, who, by the slow gains of patient industry,
had earned in a district school, in a millinery shop, in making
dresses, or even in tending looms and jennies, the means to
place themselves under her instruction.  She had found
such often apt to learn, and capable of large thoughts and
high aims. She had seen how much they needed more time
at school to make them useful to the extent of their abilities.
WVhen poverty of means and wealth of soul were united, her
sympathy was strongly moved. To her was given wisdom
to devise and strength to execute a plan for meeting the
wants, not of here and there one, but of a multitude who
come, who are coming, and still will come to the seminary
of her founding. Her acquaintance with such young women
was a most material circumstance in stirring up her fertile
mind to the plans and efforts which resulted in the Mount
Holyoke Female Seminary.  This class of scholars contributed largely to making the Ipswich school a glory to
Massachusetts, and others like them in character have done
a1 like service to Miss Lyon's institution. Their unobtrusive influence has been worth uncounted gold. Let that
"lass be taken away, and all the teachers in New Eng



THE GREAT STRUGGLE.
land cannot keep the school in its past and present po.
sition.
If the Holyoke Seminary were merely a place where
intellect was to be sharpened, and information gained, we
might not care much for its existence.  Whenever it be.
comes merely, or chiefly, the arena for mere mental strug.
gles; when the mind comes to be disciplined there at the
expense of the heart; when ambition supplants the love of
doing good, and the moral powers are thrown into the back
ground, - should that time ever come, the Mount Holyoke
Female Seminary can be spared from the world. We need
disciplined mind, if we can have it on the side of Christ.
We want our susceptibilities enlarged and increased, if it
may be for usefulness and happiness here and in heaven
but we care not to render them the more acute and sensi.
tive for uselessness and woe here and hereafter.  We want
our leading women to be Christian women, strong in prin.
ciples, efficient in duty, and then the more of solid acquisition and elegant accomplishment the better. So long as
that school shall be true to the principles of her who was for
more than eleven years its life, so long will it bless the
church and the world.
Those pupils of the Ipswich Female Seminary who have
now been described, wherever they were, met the plans of
Miss Lyon with faith, hope, and corresponding effort.  One
from the far south, whither she had gone to teach, and
where she had married, contributed one hundred of the first
thousand dollars.  As the standing representatives of the
institution Miss Lyon declared it her aim  to stereotype,
they disposed the community to favor her projects and
lend her pecuniary aid. This they did in common with
every woman who had been made wiser and better by her
connection with the school in question.
There was another large class, in the seminary at Ipswich,
who had been allowed to have their own way, to be waited




INVDULGED AND SELr-INDULGENT PUPILS.       277
on by mothers and grandmothers, till, even in their youth;'the grasshopper had become a burden, and the questions,
6 "What shall we eat? what shall we drink? and wherewithal
shall we be clothed? " were the all-absorbing topics of their
daily lives.  Some such were waked from the lethargy into
which they had been rocked, to see where they stood, to lay
hold on the work of self-reforn, and to endeavor to regain,
as well as they could, the ground they had lost. Many
such are now adorning the spheres in which they move far
better than they would have done, had they never breathed
the genial influences which surrounded them, while they
were at Derry or at Ipswich. Yet habits are often stronger
than principles, and some, who saw the right and adopted it
in theory, whose sentiments were all in favor of self-denial
and efficient labor, have unconsciously lost ground, and feel
condemned when they lay their past purposes and their
actual and present lives side by side. The love of dress and
show, which they once fancied slain, has shown its head too
often since. They have catered to appetite, and given themselves up to pleasures that perish in the using, till one who
hears their conversation from day to day is tempted to ask
how they can expect to be happy in a kingdom which consists not in meats and drinks, and where they neither marry
nor are given in marriage. Little by little, under one pretext or another, they have given up the self-denials which,
in the zeal of youth, were resolutely undertaken. Though
they are less vain, frivolous, and sensual than they would
have been without their early impulses, resolves, attempts,
and conquests, they are still far from where they hoped, fifteen or twenty years ago, to find themselves at this stage of
life. They cannot spend their lives in embroidering firescreens and slippers, making bedquilts out of a thousand
pieces, ruffling and trimming their children's dresses, without
feeling a little uneasy, and recollecting that the work in
hand is not the chief end for which life was given to a
- /4




278              THE GREAT STRUGGLE,
thinking woman. One of this class may sometimes be found
floating along with the gay and butterfly multitude, apparently unconscious that she has not a whole eternity before her
for decking and feeding her frail and failing tabernacle, discoursing of nothing beyond the changing fashions and the
passing events of the day. Yet now and then, all unwelcome, must come a reminiscence, even to such, of school
days, as if but yesterday, and plant a thorn in her bed of
flowers.  None of them  can entirely forget the patterns
shown them in those favored hours, nor the lofty views they
once entertained. An inward dissatisfaction mars half their
apparent pleasures.
There are many to whom that school was the school of
Christ, who intelligently gave themselves away to do his
will, and have never looked back; who, with energy and
grace equal to the conflict, have gone on conquering and to
conquer, and have fewer struggles now than formerly, because they are approaching the heavenly rest. They are
overcoming; the white stone, destined for those who run
well to the end, begins to be in sight. Unfailing virtue, a
perfect love to God, that cannot be drawn aside, is in
full view as their prize and reward. Some have already
reached the goal and received their crowns. I see a shining
band around their dear departed earthly leader on yonder
heavenly plains. They are a group of her own disciples,
whom she led in the way to heaven. They met her freed
spirit at the pearly gate. They hail her welcome to their
celestial home. They lead her to the great white throne,
and stand around her with affectionate gaze, as she mutely
wonders at Him who sits thereon. Anon, I see her raise
her hands, and hear her exclaim, in the pleasant voice of
olden days, "' 0! 0! such glory!  This is indeed more
than I ever conceived!' and in fuller, richer strains than
any of the group, cry, "Glory to Him that sitteth on the
throne, and to the Lamb forever and forevermore!"




STRONG POINTS OF MISS LYON'S CHARACTER.   27Y9
Whatever may have been the means, it seems to have
been a part of God's plan that Miss Lyon should remain unmarried, on purpose that she might give herself wholly to
her work.  She looked well, often very well, always bright
and intellectual, and often conversed handsomely. There
was a freshness and an originality in her thoughts, sure to
interest persons of sense. That dependence, so aptly likened
to the clinging ivy, was perhaps incompatible with her force
of character and physical strength. It was not often that
a hiding of her power beneath a soft and subdued womanliness made her so much the more engaging. She was careful to rise up before the hoary head, and honor the face of
the old man, to pay to every one the respect due his age,
character, or station. At the same time, she made the impression on every one with whom she had any thing to do,
from the common day laborer to the president of a college,
that if she had set herself to do any thing, it was of no use
to oppose her. It is not strange that, with this wonderful
energy, the graces peculiarly feminine were with her the
result of careful recollection.  Though many a gentleman
would go to such a woman for counsel or aid, would confide
in her judgment, or forward her plans, it is no reflection
upon her to remark that few comparatively would be drawn
within love's silken meshes.
On the other hand, Miss Lyon was not so ignorant of herself as not to know her own comparative superiority. This
idea occupied no more room in her capacious mind, engrossed
no more of her attention, than the other just alluded to, that
she had no great power of fascination. Both ideas were
equally familiar to her, and while the one gave her no particular pain, the other gave her no peculiar pleasure. But
she would never have sold herself for nought. She could
not have looked confidingly up to an ordinary man, and she
had too true a sense of propriety to look condescendingly
down upon a husband. In her early youth, before she went




280              THE GREAT STRYGGLE,
to Byfield, it was only now and then that a mind to match
her own crossed her path; but after that period, she certainly met with many sensible and educated men. When
she made up her mind not to be married, she was more than
thirty years old. She made it up deliberately, in view of
her comparative usefulness in wedded life and in teaching.
The occasion of her decision was a tempting offer of matrimony, which she thought held out as good a prospect of a
life of love and happiness as any she could expect. When
she had once fully decided on giving her undivided labors to
the advancement of female education, it was fixed beyond
reconsideration. The answer to any letter of a particular
character thereafter was quickly despatched. If the bishop
of all the churches had thrown an apple of gold in her path,
she would not have stopped in her race to pick it up. But
between the day in which she sold the et ceteras towards beginning housekeeping which she had collected, like her sisters
before her, and the day in which she made up her mind to
give herself wholly to the work of female education, there was
time enough for her to have been sought and won by any
person who could have commanded her respect and love. A
warm heart beat in that broad chest, which, once appropriated, she would never have wished to recall. She was without ambition to be known; and, settled for life, she would have
moved along in an even, lovely course, like her noble mother
before her.  Her life might have been many years longer
here below, but the Holyoke Seminary would be among the
things yet to come. Whatever were the means or the occasion, we cannot but see a providence in the fact that she did
not become encumbered with domestic cares, but remained
heart-whole for the work of her life.
Miss Lyon was a living witness to the great truth she often
uttered in the ears of her pupils, that " mind, wherever it is
found, will secure respect." She won the esteem, respect,
and love of the high and the low, the rich and the poor.




I'EELINGS AND VIEWS ON VARIOUS TOPICS.    281
She never felt any pride on account of her elevation; she
never lost her sympathy with persons in humble life. Her
sympathy with the middle ranks of society was the mainspring of her last great efforts. She desired, as has been
seen, to see females of limited means furnished with facilities for mental and moral improvement.  She sought to
build up a school where the pupils should be of sufficient
maturity to take in great and ennobling views of God and
human life, but not so old that she might not hope to see
them impelled by new and higher motives, take new aims,
and set their faces resolutely towards the true and the good.
The leading characters in all our religious and benevolent
enterprises, the controlling minds which preside in all the
distinguished posts of usefulness, are, she was accustomed to
say, neither from the wealthy classes nor from the wretchedly
poor, but from the substantial yeomanry of the land. "Influence exerted on that class," said she, " tells every where.
Educate the women, and the men will be educated. New
England influence is vastly greater than its comparative size
and population would indicate. It is the cradle of thought.
New England mind carries the day every where, and the
great business is to get the New England conscience enlightened and accurate." She would not meddle with politics. But she said, " Let the ladies all understand the great
doctrine of seeking the greatest good, of loving their neighbor as themselves, let them indoctrinate the children, their
sons, in this fundamental truth, and we shall have wise
legislators."
She used to say that it takes as much mind and character
to descend as to rise with dignity. The weak, uneducated
woman, who happens, as the wheel of fortune turns round,
to be on the upper side, is so elated as to be spoiled, and the
same character, when the wheel descends, is unreasonably
depressed; while the woman of mind, of fixed principles,
of good education, appears the same under all reverses;
24 *




2.82            TTHE GREAT STRUGGLE.
never foolishly elated, nor miserably depressed. One great
reason why she would have the ladies of our republican
country educated was, that they might have ballast amidst the
fluctuations of life.  She said all this as if she herself stood
apart, a spectator of society; and such, to some extent, she
was.  She never sought the patronage, society, favor, or
notice of the gentry.  " We are on the top wave of popularity, just now," she would sometimes say of her school,. just
as she would say, " They live in a great house, and have
plenty of money, but they are little bits of folks. You understand what I mean; they think they must have their say
in every thing." Such people's neglect could not hurt her.
The rich were to her no more than the poor, save as she
could unclasp their purses and obtain their money for benevolent ends. She extracted money from the rich, and influence from  the clergy.  She never sought patronage, but
laughed at the word, and said it was the teacher who did the
pupils and their paients a favor, and not they the teacher.
Intelligence, capacity, and goodness were the articles she
put in her inventory of valuables.  The parade of wealth,
the glitter of pageantry, could create no illusion for her eyes.
They were to her but the rattles and the trinkets of babyhood. She looked at the things which were enduring. The
boast of family was but a waste of breath in her ears. She
knew no satisfaction in ancestry beyond the remembrance
of their piety. Her own ancestors, as far as she could trace
them, had, she said, been pious, and she used to say that she
thought they might have been so back to the time of Christ.
She made no war on the factitious distinctions of society.
A school and a church, she said, knew no such distinctions.
Women, it is often said, rise with more difficulty than men.
She never felt any such difficulty. She never sought to rise,
but only sought to do good. She had no jealousy of her sex.
She valued herself at her true worth, and took it for granted
that every body else did. Her life was a beautiful illustration




INDIFFERENCE TO LITTLE THINGS.         283
of the great truth that persons rise to eminence not by seeking distinction, but by seeking a worthy end.
Another item in Miss Lyon's adaptedness to her work was
her constitutional indifference to such things, in her personal
appearance, as dress, and what, in common parlance, is
called gentility.  She was not schooled to observe'" nice
customs." Her mother took all pains, by example and precept, to give her that adorning which is incorruptible, and
which is of great price in the sight of God; which money
cannot buy, nor artificial rules confer; and she succeeded.
Her beloved daughter wore ever, where all who approached
her could see it, the ornament of a guileless, pure, humble,
enlightened, and intensely benevolent spirit.  The mother
taught her to be honest, to be kind, to shun every thing
mean and wicked; but she did not take so much pains "o
drill her in the most approved mode of standing, sitting, walking, eating, and dressing. These she left to Nature, who
does not always teach according to conventional rules and
forms. Her friends can afford to admit that she did not excel in the graces of the drawing-room. In her early and
susceptible years, her attention was not turned to her appearance. The getting a thing done so engrossed her thoughts,
that none were left for the manner in which it should be
done. Perhaps no training could have educated her to live
to be dressed and fed. Clothing and food were means, not
ends, in her nomenclature, and it does not seem as though
all the powers and principalities beneath the skies could have
wrought her into a worshipper of the toilet. She was born
to a different destiny. There seemed wanting, what teachers
cannot give, a natural bias to that branch of study. Dress
could not get between her and the sun. She did not feel
above attending to it.  On the contrary, she considered it a
duty to dress conformably to her station. She had not so
much instinctive perception of what is tasteful in outward
adorning as many ladies possess and exercise. If she was




284               THE GREAT STRUGGLE.
sometimes seen in the drawing-room when every hair did
not know its place, and some article of her apparel would
not bear the closest scrutiny, she was never guilty of that
far greater offence against a classical taste, of being overdressed.  She had a correct theory.  With Hannah More,
she held that the perfection of the art is so to dress that
no one will recollect, two minutes afterwards, any thing
that you had on.  She sought simplicity, neatness, correspondence. She often told her scholars that dress should
answer to the age, employment, health, and position of
the wearer, and to the season, the weather, and the occasion. It cannot be denied but that she sometimes fell short
of her theory. Nature would get the better of rules. She
had to study a question in dress as closely as most ladies
would one in political economy, which she, in her turn, would
grasp almost intuitively; and if she sometimes made mistakes in her lessons, it was no more than they do in theirs.
It was the greatest drudgery of her life to attend to it.  It
was that which gave her most frequent occasion to exercise
self-denial, and to improve in the grace of patience. Perhaps
she needed a mistress of the robes as much as Victoria, because weightier affairs pressed such things out of her notice.
No gift from a friend or pupil was more acceptable to her
than a pretty cap or collar. In any thing pertaining to
school, she seldom asked counsel till she had made up her
own mind, and then what she wanted was approbation; but
in matters of the toilet she was grateful for advice.  When
she stood before the glass, her thoughts were at the world's
end, or above it.  Her room-mate in 1834 says she well
remembers her standing before the mirror in their room,
adjusting her bonnet strings, and saying at the same time, in
an impressive manner, " Well, I may fail of heaven, but I
shall be very much disappointed if I do;" and then slowly
and  emphatically repeating, "very  much  disappointed."
We have as little reason to complain of inattention in our




ECONOMY OF POWER AND TIME.            285
dull scholars, as the dress-makers sometimes had who
worked for her. " You must find mind as well as fingers,"
she would say; 1"I expect you to do the contriving as well
as bring the patterns."
It is matter of gratitude that the shade of a color, the
form of a hat, the texture of a shawl, the fit of a glove, or
the adjustment of a lock of hair, did not assume an aspect
of such supreme importance in her eyes, as they seem to do
in those of many a Christian lady. Else how could she
have found time and mind for the magnificent structures she
has bequeathed to her sex and her country?  When I thinkof her early indifference to this subject, her deep-seated
aversion to wasting one minute on gratifications that perish
in the using; of her great soul, seemingly unconscious of a
body, save as it was crowded for want of room; of the multiplicity of her cares, the magnitude of her conceptions, the
work she brought to pass, and all the good in which she had
a hand, —I wonder, not that, now and then, her outward robes
fell short of conventional elegance, but that she did, so much
of the time, reach her own true ideal.  Had she been fastidiously nice in matters of dress and etiquette, had she
stopped to measure every step, and to estimate the force of
voice she should give to every word, and to consider what
people might think or say about the particular way in which
she moved her feet or her arms, she could never have borne
the heat and burden of the day through those memorable
years from  September 6, 1834, to November 8, 1837.
Blessed saint! that body, so long thy patient care, wrapped
in its snowy shroud, lies peacefuilly in its quiet resting-place.
The shining vestments which thy free spirit wears infinitely
more than meet thine own ideal, and they shall never be
soiled, never wear out, nor ever tire on the vision of thy
sister spirits.




PART III.
THE VICTORY GAINED AND SECURED.
SECTION  I.
The fJirst Year of the new Seminary.
WE have now followed Miss Lyon through the first forty
years of her life, during the first twenty-four of which, at home,
or near home, she was the diligent scholar and the obedient
daughter; trying her hand, also, sometimes as teacher.
Next we have seen her abroad most of the time as a teacher
for thirteen years. Afterwards, we have watched her with
deep interest, as she went through the arduous struggle
of founding the Mount Holyoke Female Seminary. In the
autumn of 1837, its walls had been erected, and its rooms
were ready to receive eighty pupils. The means were now
in her hands of making the grand experiment towards which
she had so long looked forward with intense interest.
Though she had gone forth alone, with a simple sling and
stone, to meet not one, but many giants, their headless
trunks a1ll now lay at her feet; and well might she have
raised the shout of victory. But, though thankful to God
that he had at last given her a place where she could firmly
plant her feet, little thought she of exultation while so much
remained to be done, while the great experiment remained
untried, and especially while so many of the most judicious
and benevolent Christians had little or no confidence in its




THE NEW EDIFICE.                 287
success. Such was the fact, and she knew it. The evidence
had met her so often in her eflorts to obtain influence and subscriptions, that it would have paralyzed the exertions of one
whose faith had not been almost equal to vision. But now
the matter was to be put to the trial, to decide who was
right.  And she took hold of the work with all her powers
of body and mind.
Although our readers have probably a tolerably good idea
of the plan of the new seminary, from  the descriptions
already given of the schools at Buckland, Derry, and Ipswich, as well as from  several circulars, yet it is desirable
to give a brief account of the character and condition of
the whole enterprise when the school was first opened,
in the autumn of 1837.
The Buildings.
The annexed drawing gives a clear idea of the edifice, as
seen from the south-west, Mount Holyoke being seen at a
distance on the left. The main building is ninety-four feet
by fifty, five stories high, though the lower one is partially
below the ground in front, but not in the -rear, as the surface here slopes easterly. The basement story is devoted to
a large domestic hall and a large dining hall, with six smaller
rooms. The second story has a large hall for school exercises, forty-eight by sixty feet, a library and reading-room, a
natural history cabinet, three parlors, and several private
rooms.  The third story has a chemical laboratory, a philo.
sophical cabinet, two recitation and lecture-rooms, and several private rooms for pupils or teachers.  The two upper
stories are exclusively devoted to private rooms, sixty-two in
number.  All the private rooms for teachers and pupils
amount to eighty-five.
This main building will accommodate one hundred and
seventy pupils well. Subsequently, a wing has been extended
back, containing twenty-five additional rooms for teachers and




~28'~8     TRiHE VICTORY GAINED AND SECUREDb
pupils; so that two hundred and twenty young ladies can
now be accommodated in the private rooms in the whole
building. It was Miss Lyon's intention to erect a corresponding wing at the north end of the main building, where now
only some outhouses stand. But the trustees have not yet
carried this design' into execution, as they intend to do ere
long. In the rear of the main building is a large court, surrounded by buildings, and devoted to the purposes of the
laundry.
To the east of the buildings the ground slopes towards a
stream  of considerable size, which forms the boundary of
the promenades in that direction, and which the trustees intend shall be used for the purposes of bathing, when suitable
buildings are erected on its margin.  The grounds are capable of forming agreeable and beautiful walks, which, when
laid out tastefully, and well shaded, will undoubtedly be more
attractive than the streets, now so much used for exercise.
The upper stories of the seminary command extensive
and delightful views of Holyoke and Tomn, with the intervening valleys and gorges. But as the ground opposite the
buildings is higher than their base, the lower stories do not
present views so attractive. This was the grand reason why
some of the locating committee felt dissatisfied with the
present site. But it is useless now to agitate that question.
We can only say that there is much about the site that is
beautiful, although in a town so rich in fine prospects, locations might have been found more commanding and delightful.  With a few  hundred dollars expended upon  the
grounds, they might be made exceedingly pleasant. But
hitherto the more important wants of the institution have
prevented the trustees from devoting much money to objects
of taste. And yet they are aware that such objects have an
important bearing upon the intellectual and moral training
of young ladies. Of this Miss Lyon was fully conscious, as
the style in which the seminary is built evinces; for though





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THE DOMESTIC ARRANGEMENTS.             289
the outlines and finishing are plain, they are in accordance
with good taste.
The buildings were all planned by Miss Lyon, not indeed
without consultation with others. This was a great labor,
and severely taxed her powers.  Yet so well was it done
that but few subsequent changes have been found desirable.
The domestic Arrangements.
These were peculiar to this seminary in two respects.
First, all the pupils were required to room and board within
its walls.  The nearest inhabitant of South Hadley cannot
send a daughter thither who does not conform to these rules;
and without doubt they are important to the complete success of the institution.
The second peculiarity consisted in the domestic work
being all performed by the members of the school, so that
no hired female help is admitted. This feature of the plan
was entirely original with Miss Lyon; and it was the one
that was most objected against by her judicious friends,
many of whom were so fearfuil of it that they dared not
recommend her plans while this scheme formed a part
of them.  On the other hand, it was this feature that gave
the plan most interest with a large and highly respectable
class of the community, who are very anxious to have their
children taught how to'perform the ordinary processes of
housewifery.  So that, in fact, while this part of the plan
alienated many judicious friends, it conciliated a still larger
numlber, and was, no doubt, the most important means employed in obtaining funds.  But we shall shortly let Miss
Lyon give her own views on this point.
The Cozurse of Study and the Izstructors.
This course has always embraced three years, and three
classes - the junior, the middle, and the senior.  The requisites for admission and the studies of the whole course, as
25




290         THE VICTORY GAINED AND SECURED.
they were at first arranged, are given below, as they were
stated in the second annual catalogue.  When the first was
published, the course was not fully arranged.
Terms of Admission.
The studies requisite for admission are an acquaintance with the
general principles of English grammar, a good knowledge of modern geography, Goodrich's History of the United States, Watts on
the Mind, Colburn's First Lessons, and the whole of Adams's New
Arithmetic.
Nlone are received under sixteen years of age. Except in extraordinary cases, no candidate will be accepted expecting to enter after
the year commences, or to leave till its close.
Studies of the Juteior Class.
Ancient geography; ancient and modern history; text books:
TWorcester's Elements, Golclsmith's Greece, Rome, and England, and
Grimshaw's France; Day's Algebra begun; Sullivan's Political
Class Book; Lee's Physiology; Outline of Botany; Outline of Natural Philosophy; Smellie's Philosophy of Natural History; English
Grammar - Murray's Grammar and Exercises, Pope's Essay on
Man.
Studies of thle Jiddle Class.
Day's Algebra finished; Playfair's Euclid begun; Abercrombie
on the Intellectual Powers; Marsh's Ecclesiastical History; Beck's
Botany begun; Beck's Chemistry; Wilkins's Astronomy; 1Newman's Rhetoric; Geology; Alexander's Evidences of Christianity;
English Grammar continued - Young's Night Thoughts.
Studies of the Seneior Class.
Playfair's Euclid finished; Olmsted's Natural Philosophy; Beck's
Botany continued; Paley's Natural Theology; WVhately's.Logic;
WThately's Rhetoric; Intellectual Philosophy; WVaylancld's  Ioral
Philosophy; Wayland's Political Economy; Butler's Analogy;
Milton's Paradise Lost.
Particular attention is given to composition, reading, and calisthenics through the whole course. The Bible lesson is recited on
the Sabbath -ancd reviewed durilg the week. HRegular instruction is




STUDIES IN THE  SEMtINAItY.             291
given in vocal music, and in linear and perspective drawing. Those
who have attended to instrumental music can have the use of a
piano a.few hours in a week.
Subsequently, some changes were made in the studies, as
the following list of them, from the twelfth annual catalogue, will show:Studies of the Junior Class.
Review of English Grammar; Latin, (Cornelius Nepos;) History,
(Worcester's Elements, Goldsmith's Greece, Rome, and England,
and Grimshaw's France;) I)ay's Algebra; Playfair's Euclid and
Wood's Botany commenced; also Smellie's Philosophy of Natural
History and Marsh's Ecclesiastical History.
Studies of the Middle Class.
Latin; Cutter's Physiology; Silliman's Chemistry; Olmsted's
Natural Philosophy; Olmsted's Astronomy; Wood's Botany continued; Newman's Rhetoric; also Alexander's Evidences of Christianity.
Studies of the Senior Class.
Playfair's Euclid finished; Wood's Botany continued; Hitchcock's Geology; Paley's Natural Theology; Upham's Mental Philosophy, in two volumes; Whately's Logic; Wayland's Moral Philosophy; Butler's Analogy, and Milton's Paradise Lost.
All the members of the school attend regularly to composition,
reading, and calisthenics. Instruction is given in vocal music, in
linear and perspective drawing, and in French. Those who have
attended to instrumental music can have the use of a piano a few
hours in each week.
None of the studies in these lists were put down for popular effect, but the pupil might be sure that they must all be
thoroughly studied.  It will be seen, therefore, that the
course was of an elevated character in all the substantial
branches of study important to females.
The teachers with whom  the school opened were as
follows: Miss Mary Lyon, Principal; Miss Eunice Caldwell,




~9'2       THE VICTORY GAINED AND SECURED.
Associate Principal; Miss Mary WV. Smith, Miss Amanda
A. Hodgman, Teachers; Miss Abigail Moore, Miss Persis C.
Woods, Miss Susan Reed, Assistant Pupils.
Miss Caldwell was Miss Lyon's pupil at Ipswich, and also
a teacher there; and knowing her superior skill, Miss Lyon
was anxious to secure her services for the opening of the
new school. She was, moreover, Miss Lyon's confidential
friend, the third one upon whom she lavished the affections
of a generous and devoted heart. Miss Caldwell, (now Mrs.
Cowles,) in Part II. of this memoir, has spoken of the
first two, viz., Amanda White and Z. P. Grant; but delicacy
forbade her to name the third.  Yet the fact should not be
omitted, since it will show the reader how intimately acquainted Mrs. Cowles must have been with Miss Lyon's
character.  The fourth special friend was Miss M. C.
Whitman.
It will show how well Jknown and esteemed were these
associate principals, and also what a preparation there was
in the public mind for such a school, to state that the very
first year of its existence it contained one hundred and sixteen pupils.  How so many were stowed away in a building
adapted, according to Miss Lyon's previous statement, to
accommodate only about eighty, it needs more knowledge
of economics than I possess to explain. Solomon represents
it a very difficult matter to dwell even with one brawling
woman in a wide house.  But where humility and affection
reign, we find that a great many quiet and modest women
can dwell peaceably together in a single habitation. This
has been the experience at South Hadley almost every year
since the school was opened. For the fact is, that many
more have applied for admission every year than could be
well accommodated, and the teachers have always been induced to receive more than would be desirable till more
rooms were built.




EXPENSES OF THE SCHOOL.              293
Expenses of the School and Salaries of Instructors.
The amlount of term  time in the seminary, embraced in
three sessions, is forty weeks.  For board and tuition during
that time, not including fuel and lights, the charge was fixed
at first at sixty dollars, and has ever since continued the
same. This sum is scarcely more than a third of what is
charged at most female seminaries in the land where the
same elevated system of instruction is given; and it seems
difficult to most persons to conceive how so low a rate has
enabled the school to sustain itself, and even to get relieved
of a debt of some thousands of dollars. It shows the great
sagacity of Miss Lyon's views, however, that she judged so
accurately of the proper sum, when probably her most judicious friends would have told her, if consulted, that it was
far too low to meet the expenses of the school.
But when we inquire as to the salaries of the teachers,
we see one of the secrets on which this lady founded her
opinion. She meant that missionary self-denial and economy
should be exercised by all who had any thing to do with the
seminary; and she meant to set the example herself. She
fixed her own salary at two hundred dollars, with board,
fuel, and lights; and when subsequently the trustees urged
her to take more, she always refused.  Her successor, Miss
Whitman, on account of feeble health, was induced to take
three hundred dollars.  The salaries of the other teachers
have varied from one hundred and twenty to two hundred
and twenty-five dollars, with board.
Religious Instruction.
This was considered the most important object for which
the institution was founded; and, therefore, every thing else
was held as subordinate to this. But such views did not
make it necessary, save in peculiar exigencies, to interfere
with the regular literary exercises.  Nor was it necessary to
25 *




294        THE VICTORY GAINED AND SECURED.
make religious exercises and instruction take the precedence
of the literary as to time. But the former were made to assume such a position as to show to all the school that the
teachers really regarded religion, and especially personal
piety, as of more consequence, a thousand times, than every
thing else. A religious influence was made, as it were, to
permeate every thing else, and to advance religion was the
grand ultimate object of all literary efforts, and, indeed, of
every action.
The number of religious meetings during the week was
not large. On Sabbath evening was one for those without
hope, and several prayer meetings of professors at the same
time. During the week, one mfeeting was held by professing
Christians alone; another monthly or semi-monthly, and
sometimes oftener, for missionary purposes.  At these meetings it was usually customary for Miss Lyon to take up
some passage of Scripture, and deduce instruction from
it in the way of an extemporaneous sermon. This she did,
also, several times in a week at morning prayers; in all,
about five times a week. For these exercises she usually
prepared a skeleton of the subject. To all these religious
labors we must not forget to add a Bible class by the other
teachers on the Sabbath, whose lesson was reviewed during
the week.
I have given only a brief outline of the state of the seminary when first opened, and of the plan of its organization,
because I prefer to let Miss Lyon speak for herself. A year
before the school was commenced, she sent a circular to
ladies in different places, soliciting their aid in furnishing
furniture for the rooms. But this has been already given on
page 232, Part II. Some months later, but before the opening of the school, she prepared a "G General View of the
Principles and Design of the Mount Holyoke Female Seminary," which was printed by the trustees; and in 1839 she
got out another pamphlet, entitled  " Tendencies of the




PRINCIPLES OF THE SEMNAARYo                29
Principles embraced and the System  adopted in the Mount
Holyoke Female Seminary."  From these last two productions we shall make somewhat copious extracts, both because
they give definitely Miss Lyon's views and plans as to the
seminary, and contain many important suggestions concerning female educationD
Principles and Desig'n of the Mount Hbolyoke Female Semiwnargy
This institution is established at South Hadley, Massachusetts. It
is to be principally devoted to the preparing of female teachers. At
the same time, it will qualify ladies for other spheres of usefulness.
The design is to give a solid, extensive, and well-balanced English
education, connected with that general improvement, that moral.
culture, and those enlarged views of duty, which will prepare ladies
to be educators of children and youth, rather than to fit them to be
mere teachers, as the term has been technically applied. Such an
education is needed by every female who takes the charge of a
school, and sustains the responsibility of guiding the whole course
and of forming the entire character of those committed to her care.
And when she has done with the business of teaching in a regular
school, she will not give up her profession; she will still need the
same well-balanced education at the head of her own family and in
guiding her own household.
1. This institution professes to be founded on the high principle
of enlarged Christian benevolence. In its plans and in its appeals
it seeks no support from local or private interest. It is designed entirely for the public good, and the trustees would adopt no measures
not in accordance with this design. It is sacredly consecrated to
the great Head of the church, and they would not seek for human
approbation by any means which will not be well pleasing in his
sight.
2. The institution is designed to be permanent. The permanency
of a.n institution may be considered as consisting of two particulars
— first, its perpetual vitality, and second, its continual prosperity
and usefulness. The first is to be secured in the same manner that
Ihe principle of perpetual life in our higher institutions for young
men has been so effectually preserved. A fund is to be committed
to an independent, self-perpetuating board of trustees, known to the
churches as faithful, responsible men; not as a proprietary illvest




296          THE VICTORY GAINED AND SECURtED
ment, but as a free offering, leaving them no way for an honora;btie
tetreat from their trust, and birding. them with solemn responsibilities to hundreds and thousands of donors, who have committed their
sacred charities to their conscientious fidelity.  Give to a literary
institution, on this principle, an am-ount of property sufficient to be
viewed as anl object of great importance, and it is almost impossible
to extinguish its vital life by means of adversity. How firmly have
our colleges stood amidst the clashing elements around us, andiC the
continual overturnings which are taking place in the midst of us!
The usefulness of this institution, like all others, must depend onl
its character.  This may be very good for a time, where there is no
principle of perpetual life, as is the case with some of our most distinguished, female seminalies. Anidst all their prosperity, thley have
no solid foundation, and in themselves no sure plrilciple of continulle
existence. Could wve secure to our public institutions the continued
labors of the same teachers through an antediluvial life, the preservation of the vital principle would be a subject of much less consequence. But in view of the present shortened life of man, rendered
shorter still by disease and premature decay, and in view of the
many changes which are ever breaking in upon the continued services of those to whose care these institutions are committed, every
reflecting mind must regard it as of the very first importance to
secure to them this principle, especially to a public seminary for the
raising up of female teachers.
3. The institution is to be entirely for an older class of young
ladies. The general system for family arrangements, for social improvement, for the division of time, for organizing and regulating
the school, and the requirements for entrance, will be adapted
throughout to young ladies of adult age and of mature characters
Any provision in an institution like this for younger misses must be
a public loss far greater than the individual good. Their exclusion
from the institution will produce a state of society amon-g the menmbers exceedingly pleasant and profitable to those whose great desire
is to be prepared to use all their talents in behalf of the cause
of education, and of the Redeemer's kingdom; and it will secure
for their improvement the entire labors of the teachers, without anl
interruption from the care and government of pupils tao  unmature
to take care of themselves.
4. The young ladies are to take a part in the dcimestic work of the
family. This also is to be on the principle of equality.  All are to
take a part, not as a servile labor, for which they are to receive a




iDOMESTIC WORW.                      297
small weekly remuneration, but as a gratuitous service to the institution of which they are members, designed for its improvement
and elevation. The first object of this arrangement is, to give to the
institution a greater degree of independence.  The arrangements for
boarding all the pupils in the establishment will give to it all independence with regard to private families inll the neighborhood, without which it would be difficult, if not impossible, to secure its perpetual prosperity. The arrangements for the domestic work will, in
a great measure, relieve it from  another source of depressing dependence - a dependence on the will of hired domestics, to which
many a family in New England is subject.
The other object of this arrangement is to promote the health, tile
improvement, and the happiness of the pupils; their health, by its
furnishing them with a little daily exercise of the best kind; their
improvement, by its tending to preserve their interest in domestic
pursuits; and their happiness, by its relieving them from that servile dependence on common domestics, to which young ladies, as
mere boarders in a large establishment, are often subject, to their
great inconvenience. The adoption of a feature like this, in an institution which aims to be better endowed than any other existing
female seminary in the country, must give it an attitude of noble
independence, which can scarcely fail to exert an elevating influence
an its members.
This cause is the humble, but firm and efficient patron of all other
branches of benevolence. Wlhat the present generation is beginning
to accomplish for the salvation of the world it seeks to preserve and
carry forward with increasing rapidity.  WVhatever of conquest is
now gained it seeks to secure forever from the encroachments of the
enemy. It seeks to lay the foundation strong, on which, under God,
the temple, with all its increasing sweight, is to rise, and be sustained, and to secure it from injury and decay. It looks abroad on
a world lying in wickeciness. It beholds with painful interest the
slow progress of these United States in carrying the blessings of salvuation to the two hundred millions, who are the estimated proportion
of the inhabitants of this benighted world to be converted to God
through our instrumentality.  And as it attempts in vain to calculate the time when the work shall be accomplished, it would fain increase its progress a hundred fold, by training up the children in the
way they should go. It has endeavored to fix an eye on the distant
point of futurity, when, according to a fair and reasonable computation, this nation, with all its increasing millions, and the inhabitants




~298      ~ THTHE VICTORY GAINED AND SECURED.
of the whole earth, shall Ib suppEedr with faithful, educated minlisters of the gospel. And as it i iquires, in vain,'" When shall thelle
things be?" and as it attempts, in vain, to count up the mlillions on millions who shall go down to everlasting death before
that time can arrive, it would fain strive, with unparalleled efforts,
through the children of our country, greatly to multiply the number
of ministers during the next generation, and to carry forward the
work in an unexampled and increasing ratio through the generations
which shall fcllow.
The object of this institution penetrates too far into futurity, and
takes in too broad a view, to discover its claims to the passing multitude. We appeal in its behalf to wise men, who can judge what
we say. We appeal to those who can venture as pioneers in the
great work of renovating a world.  Others may stand waiting for
the great multitude to go forward, but then is the time when these
men feel themselves called upon to make their greatest efforts, and
to do their noblest deeds of benevolence.  Thus we hope it will be
in behalf of this institution.
We commend this enterprise to the continued prayers and efforts
of its particular friends, of all those who have enlisted in its behalf,
and have given of their time, their influence, and their substance.
We wyould invite them to come with us around the same sacred
altar, and there consecrate this beloved institution, as first fruits, to
the Lord, to be devoted forever to his service.
This enterprise, thus far, has been under the care of a kind Providence. It has not been carried forward by might, nor by power;
but in every step of its progress the good hand of God has been
upon it. Let all its friends bring in the tithes and the offerings, anid
let them commit the disposing of the whole to Him who can accompiish the work which his own hands have commienced, andt he will
pour out upon this ixnstitution, and the cause with which it is connected, and upon the children and youth of our country, and of tlhe
world, a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.
Tendencies of the Principles embraced anzd the,Sstem cadopted in the
11otunt Holyohe.Female Senmilary.
The enterprise of founding this seminary was commenced nearly
five years ago. More than three years were occupied in preparing
the way, in raising the funds, and in erecting the building now
occupied. It was ready for the reception of scholars November
8, 1837.




RELIGIOUS CULTURE.                      299
The original plan was to provide for two hundred.  Only the
first building has yet been erected. This call accommodate only
ninety.  Though it is a noble edifice, and well adapted to its end, it
is but a beginning.  Full one half of the funds must yet be raised.
In order to finish the plan, at least twenty thousand dollars more
will be needed for the buildings, besides perhaps five thousand dollars or more for furniture, library, and apparatus.
This seminary is specific in its character, and, of course, does not
provide for the entire education of a young lady. Such a provision
may be found expedient in foreign countries, where all systems can
be brought under the rigid rules of monarchy, without being subject
to the continual encroachments and changes necessarily resulting
from a free government.  But in our country it is doubted whether
female seminaries generally can attain a high standard of excellence
till they become more specific and less mixed in their character.
1. Religiouzs Culture. - This lies at the foundation of that female
character which the founders of this seminary have contemplated.
Without this, their efforts would entirely fail of their design. This
institution has been built for the Lord, that it might be peculiarly
his own. It has been solemnly and publicly dedicated to his service. It has been embalmed by prayer in many hearts, and consecrated around many a family altar. The donors and benefactors of
this institution, with its trustees and teachers, have felt a united
obligation to seek, in behalf of this beloved seminary, "first the
kingdom  of God and his righteousness."   Endeavors have been
made to raise the funds, and to lay the whole foundation on C1hristian principles, to organize a school and form a family that from day
to day might illustrate the precepts and spirit of the gospel. Public
worship, the Bible lesson, and other appropriate duties of the Sabbath, a regular observance of secret devotion, suitable attention to
religious instruction and social prayer meetings, and the maintaining
of a consistent Christian deportment, are considered the most important objects of regard, for both teachers and scholars.  The
friends of this seminary have sought that this might be a spot
where souls shall be born of God, and where much shall be done
for maturing and elevating Christian character.  The smiles of
Providence and the influences of the IHoly Spirit have encouraged
them to hope that their desires will not be in vain.
2. Ctlltivaione of BenevEolence. - This is implied in the last particular, but it needs special care in a lady's education. While many
of the present active generation are fixed in their habits, and will




O00  T'IlE VICTORTY GAINEi AND SECURED.
never rise above the standard of benevolence already adopted, the
eye of hope rests with anxious solicitude on the next generation.
But who shall take all the little ones, and by precept, and still more
by example, enforce on them the sentiments of benevolence, and,
aided by the Holy Spirit, train them  up from their infancy for the
service of the Redeerner? Is there not here an appropriate sphere
for the efforts of woman, through whose moulding hands all our
children and youth must inevitably pass?
How important, then, is it that the education of a female
should be conducted on strictly benevolent principles! and how
important that this spirit should be the presiding genius in every
female school! Should it not be so incorporated with its nature,
and so wrought into its very existence, that it cannot prosper without it? Such a school the friends of this seminary have sought to
furnish. They would have the spirit of benevolence manifest in all
its principles, and in the manner of conferring its privileges, in the
mutual duties it requires of its members, and in the claims it makes
on them to devote their future lives to doing good.
3. Intellectzal Culture.- This trait of character is of inestimable
value to a lady who desires to be useful. A thorough and wellbalanced intellectual education will be to her a valuable auxiliary
in every department of duty.
This seminary has peculiar advantages for gaining a high intellectual standard. The age required for admission will secure to the
pupils, as a whole, greater mental power, and the attainments required for admission will secure to the institution a higher standard
of scholarship.
4.'Physical Culture. - The value of health to a lady is inestimable.
Her appropriate duties are so numerous and varied, and so constant
in their demands, and so imperious in the moment of their calls, as
will render this treasure to her above price. How difficult is it for
her to perform all her duties faithfully and successfully, unless she
possesses at all times a calm mind, an even temper, a cheerful heart,
and a happy face! But a feeble system  and a nervous frame are
often the direct antagonists of these indispensable traits in a lady's
character. A gentleman may possibly live and do some good without much health; but what can a lady do, unless she takes the attitude of an invalid, and seeks to do good principally by patience and
submission?  If a gentleman cannot do his work in one hour, he
may perhaps do it in another; but a lady's duties often allow of no
compromise in hours. If a gentleman, is annoyed and vexed witbl




PHYSICAL CULTURIE.                   301
the nervousness of his feeble frame, he may perhaps use it to some
advantage, as he attempts to move the world by his pen, or by his
voice. But a lady cannot make such a use of this infirmity in her
influence over her children and family- an influence which must
be at all times under the control of gentleness and equanimity.
Much has been said on this subject, but enough has not been done,
in our systems of education, to promote the health of young ladies.
This is an object of special regard in this seminary.
The time is all regularly and systematically divided. The hours
for rising and retiring are early. The food is plain and simple, but
well prepared, and from the best materials. No article of second
quality of the kind is ever purchased for the family, and no standard of cooking is allowed but that of doing every thing as well as it
can be done. The day is so divided that the lessons can be well
learned, and ample time allowed for sleep; the hour for exercise in
the domestic department can be secured without interruption, and
a half hour in the morning and evening for secret devotion, also
half an hour for vocal music, and twenty minutes for calisthenics.
Besides, there are the leisure hours, in which much is done of sewing,
knitting, and ornamental needlework; and much is enjoyed in social
intercourse, in walking, and in botanical excursions. This institution presupposes a good degree of health and correct habits. But
little can be done in this seminary, or any other, for those whose constitution is already impaired, or whose physical habits, up to the age
of sixteen, are particularly defective. This institution professes to
make no remarkable physical renovations. But it is believed that a
young lady who is fitted for the system, and who can voluntarily
and cheerfully adopt it as her own, will find this place favorable for
preserving unimpaired the health she brings with her, and for promoting and establishing the good physical habits already acquired.
5. Social and cidomestic Character.- The excellence of the female
character in this respect consists principally in a preparation to be
happy herself in her social and domestic relations, and to make all
others happy around her. All her duties, of whatever kind, are in an
important sense social and domestic. They are lretired and private,
and not public, like those of the other sex. Whatever she does beyond her own family should be but another application and illustration of social and domestic excellence. She may occupy the place
of an important teacher, but her most vigorous labors should be
modest and unobtrusive. She may go on a foreign mission, but she
will there find a retired spot, where, away from the public gaze, sno
26




,3O)         THE VICTORY GAINED AND) SECURED,
may wear out or lay down a valuable life.  She may promote the
interests of the Sabbath school, or be an angel of mercy to the poor
and afflicted; she may seek in various ways to increase the spirit of
benevolence and the zeal for the cause of missions; and she may
labor for the salvation of souls; but her work is to be done by the
Awhisper of her still and gentle voice, by the silent step of her unwearied feet, and by the power of her uniform  and consistent
example.
The following elements should be embraced in the social and
domestic character of a lady: —
(a.) Economy. - Economy consists in providing well at little comparative expense. It necessarily implies good judgment and good
taste. It can be equally manifested in the tasteful decorations of a
palace and in the simple comforts of a cottage. Suppose all ladies
possessed this ill a high degree, how much more would be found in
families of comfort and convenience, of taste and refinement, of education and improvement, of charity and good works!
This institution, it is vell known, is distinguished for its economical features. Economy, however, is not adopted principally for its
own sake, but as a means of education, as a mode of producing
fiaworable effects on character, and of preparing young ladies for the
duties of life. The great object is to make the school really better.
An economical character is to be formed by precept, by practice, and
by example.  Example has great effect, not only in furnishing a
m-odel for imitation, but also in proving that economy is practicable,
which is one of the most essential requisites for success. Let a
young lady spend two or three ycars, on intimate tcrms, in a family
distinguished for a judicious and consistcnt illustration of this principle, and the effects cannot be lost.
(b.) A sitcable Feeling of Indcpendence. -There are two kinds of
dependence, very unlike in their nature, but both inconsistent with
the highest degree of domestic bliss. To one of these ladies in
cities and large towns are more particularly subject; but it is an
evil from which ladies in the country are not wholly exempt. It is
a feeling of dependence on the will of servants.  Every lady should
be so educated, as far as it can be done, that she will feel able to
take care of herself, and, if need be, of a family, whatever imay be
her situation in life, and whatever her station in society.  Otherwise, if she remains in these United States, she may be rendered unhappy by constantly feeling that her daily comforts are at the control
of her servants, who in such cases are often unfaithful, unreasonable,




DOKMESTIC INDEPENDENCE.                 303
and dissatisfied. The withering effects of family perplexities on the
social character is well known to every observer of domestic life. On
the other hand, how much happiness often results from a suitable
feeling of independence. A lady in one of our large cities, who is
distinguished for having faithful servants, considers the secret as
lying in her feeling of independence. If one, in a fit of caprice,
proposes leaving her, she has only to say, "You may go to-day.
If need be, I can take care of my own family until your place is
supplied."
Against this kind of dependence this institution seeks to exert its
decided influence. The whole aspect of the family, and all the plans
of the school, are suited to cultivate habits entirely the reverse. In
the domestic independence of the household all have an interest.
The daily hour for these duties returns to each at the appointed
time, and no one inquires whether it can be omitted or transferred
to another. No one receives any pecuniary reward for her services,
and no one seeks with her money to deprive herself of the privilege
of sharing in the freedom, simplicity, and independence of her homne.
There is another kind of independence entirely different in its
nature, but equally essential to a high degree of domestic happiness.
This is the result of economy already considered. It is the power
of bringing personal and family expenses fairly and easily within
the means enjoyed. The whole system adopted in this seminary is
designed to give a living illustration of the principle by which this
power is to be gained. This ability will be of immense value in
active life. It will prepare one to sustain the reverses of fortune
with submission, or to meet the claims of hospitality and charity
with promptness. This kind of independence might be to the great
cause of benevolence like an overflowing fountain, whose streams
will never fail.
(c.) Skill and lExpeditionz in hoztseshold Dut'ies.- Let a young lady
despise this branch of the duties of woman, and she despises the
appointments of the Author of her existence. The laws of God,
made known by nature and by providence, and also by the Bible,
enjoin these duties on the sex, and she cannot violate them with
impunity. Let her have occasion to preside at the head of her own
famnily and table, and she may despair of enjoying herself, or of
giving to others the highest degree of domestic happiness. Does
she seek to do good by teaching? The time, we hope, is not far distant, when no mother will commit her daughters to the influence,f such a teacher. Does she seek to do good in the Sabbath school?




301          THE VICTORY GAINED AND SECURED.
1Iow can she enforce all the duties to God and man in their due
proportion while she contemns one of the most obvious laws of her
nature? Would she endeavor to show the poor and the ignorant how
to find the comforts of life? How can she teach what she has never
learned?  Does she become the wife of a missionary? How does
her heart sink within her, as her desponding husband strives in
vain to avoid the evils resulting from her inefficiency!
This institution is not designed to conduct this branch of a young
lady's education. It would not take this privilege from the mother.
But it does seek to preserve the good habits already acquired, and
to make a favorable impression with regard to the value of system,
promptness, and fidelity in this branch of the duties of woman.
(d.) An obliging Disposition. - This is of special importance in
forming a lovely, social, and domestic character. Young ladies at
school, with all the conveniences and comforts which they should
have, and with all the benefits of system which they should enjoy,
can have but little opportunity for self-denial. This little should be
used to the best advantage. To bring every such opportunity to
bear on the character has been a leading object in all the plans of
this institution, in the organization of the school, and especially in
the arrangements of the family. As the domestic work is done entirely by the young ladies, the varied and mutual duties of the day
furnish many little opportunities for the manifestation of a generous,
obliging, and self-denying spirit, the influence of which, we trust,
will be felt through life. "He that is faithful in the least is faithful also in much," is a motto for the daily guidance of this
household.
(e.) A Spirit of Gratitude and a Sense of Obligaclion. -Domestic
life is little else but a continued scene of conferring and receiving
favors. How much of happiness depends on their being confrreed
with the manifest evidence of a willing heart, and on their being
received with suitable tokens of gratitude! These two lovely traits
go hand in hand, not often to be separated. The fornlation of a
character that case be grateful is an object of special importance in a
lady's education. Parents should seek to give to their daughters
privileges, and especially the means of education, in a manner
suited to lead them to realize that they are favors for which gratitude is due.
To a spirit of ingratitude the genius of this institution is specially
opposed.  On entering this seminary, young ladies can scarcely
avoid feeling that they are sharing the fruits of benevolent efforts,




TEtACHIING WOMiAN S BUSTINESSo             305
that they are enljoying privileges which they cannot purchase, that
they owe a debt of gratitude to the founders which gold and
silver can never cancel, and which can be met only by a useful
Christian life.
These are some of the infltuences which this institution has a tendency to exert on its members.
The principles of the system carried out and extended would also
have a favorable influence on the cause of education.
1. In feurnishing a Stppl)ly of femnale Teachers. - Teaching is really
the business of almost every useful woman. If there are any to
whom this does not apply, they may be considered as exceptions to
a general rule. Of course, no female is well educated who has not
all the acquisitions necessary for a good teacher. The most essential
qualifications are thorough mental culture, a well-balanced character, a benevolent heart, an ability to communicate knowledge and
apply it to practice, anl acquaintance with human nature, and the
power of controlling the minds of others.
But it is not enough that a great number of ladies are well educated. They must also have benevolence enough to engage in teaching, when other duties will allow and when their labors are needed.
Female teachers should not expect to be fully compensated for their
services, unless it be by kindness and gratitude.
There are many other chords in female hearts which will vibrate
much more tenderly and powerfully than this. There is a large
and increasing number of educated ladies, who will make the best
of teachers, but who can be allured much more by respectful attention, by kindness and gratitude, by suitable school-rooms and apparatus, and other facilities for rendering their labors pleasant and successful, than they can by the prospect of a pecuniary reward.
The spirit of this seminary is suited not only to increase the
number of educated ladies, but to enforce on them the obligation to
use their talents for the good of others, especially in teaching. It
is hoped it may also lead them to be more willing to take arny school
and ill arny p2Zce where their services are most needed.
2. Inel promotinlg the Prosperity of Comnzons Schools. - Whoever will
devise means by which reading, spelling, arithmetic, geography, and
grammar shall receive as thorough attention in common schools as
they deserve, and whoever will throw inducements before the older
female scholars to remain in them longer and attend thoroughly to
these branches, as an example to others, will do much to elevate
their standard. Such an influence tis seminary seeks to exert.
256 5




306          TTHE VICTORY GAINED AND SECURED.
3. In counteracting certain errors which have prevailed to some extet
in female ecducation.
First Error.  Tasking the Mind too early swith severe mental Discipliqne. -The evils of this course are beginning to be felt by careful
observers of the human mind and of human character. When the
effort is attended with the greatest success, there is generally the
greatest injury. The most discouraging field which any teacher was
ever called to cultivate is the mind of a young lady who has been
studying all her days, and has gone over most of the natural and
moral sciences without any valuable improvement, until she is tired
of school, tired of books, and tired almost of life. As this institu.tion proposes to conduct young ladies through a regular intellectual
course, after the age of sixteen, its influence will be against this
e rror.
Second Error. JDeferring some Parts of Education till too late a
Period. - Among the things neglected till too late a period are the
manners, the cultivation of the voice, including singing, pronunciation, and all the characteristics of good reading, gaining skill and
expedition in the common necessary mechanical operations, such as
sewing, knitting, writing, and drawing, and acquiring, by daily practice, a knowledge and a love of domestic pursuits. To these might
be added some things which depend almost entirely on the memory,
such as spelling, and others which are suited to lay the foundation
of a literary taste, such as a judicious course of reading, practice in
composition, &c. Those who are to attend to instrumental music,
the ornamental branches, and the pronunciation of foreign languages,
must commence early.
T2ird Error.  Placing Daughters too young in a Boarding-school or
large Seminary. - A common boarding-school is not a suitable place
for a little girl. She needs the home of her childhood, or one
like it. Direct individual attention, such as can be given by no one
who has the care of many, is the necessary means of forming her
character, of cultivating her manners, of developing her affections,
and of nurturing all that is lovely and of good report. She wants
the uninterrupted sympathies of a mother's heart. She needs a
constant and gentle hand, leading her singly along in the path of
safety and improvement.  Perhaps the evils of a boarding-house are
most unfavorable on her character just as she is entering her teens.
Who can guide this self-sufficient age but the mother, who has
gained a permanent place in her affections and a decided influence
over her life? Who but the mother, who first taught her to obey,




LARGE SEMINARIES.                      307
can lay on her the necessary restrictions without exposing her to
form the unlovely trait of character gained by complaining of those
whom she should love and respect, and who deserve her gratitude?
4. Ias givin2g just Views of the Aldvanztages of large feazte Setinaries. - Such institutions furnish peculiar privileges, which cannot
be secured oy smaller schools; but in most cases they have not been
able to produce their legitimate results. They have often suffered
for the want of accommodations and other facilities for successful
operation, from their temporary and unsettled existence, from their
want of system, and sometimes from too public a location, and too
public an aspect in their features. Their efforts also to accommodate
all ages and all classes often prevent their having any fixed or determinate character. This institution seeks to avoid all these evils,
and to develop the real advantages of a large seminary.
In order that a lady may have the most thorough education, she
should spend a number of years in close intellectual application,
after her mental powers have acquired sufficient strength, and her
physical system sufficient maturity, and after she has all the necessary preparation. This must be during the best part of her life,
when every year is worth more than can be estimated in gold and
silver. Facilities for success should be given her, which will be an
ample reward for the sacrifice of so much time. Whoever has
undertaken to organize a school has had abundant evidence that
all these points cannot be gained where the number is not large.
This seminary is able now to secure all these adlvantages in some
degree, but not so perfectly as it will when the two hundred can be
received.
The influence of a large seminary on the social character is also
important.  The very discipline necessary to preserve little girls
from exposure to injury, and to cultivate the principles of virtue
and loveliness, is attended with some necessary evils which will need
a pruning hand at a maturer age. Not the least prominent of these
is a narrowness of soul, giving her limited views of others.
The spirit of monopolizing privileges is to some extent the effect
of giving to a little girl all that individual care and affectionate
attention which her cultivation demands. A large seminary, and
more especially a large family, have a tendency to remove this.'he young lady needs to feel herself a member of a large community, where the interests of others are to be sought equally with her
own. She needs to learn by practice, as well as by principle, that
individual accommodations and private interests are to be sacrificed




208         THE VICTORY GAINED AND SECURED.
for the public good; and she needs to know from experience that
those who make such a sacrifice will receive an ample reward ill the
improvement of the community among whom they are to dwell.. fIn giving the Claims of large female Seminaries a  acknoweoledgedc
Place oamong the other Objects of public Benedficence.- The claims of
those for the other sex were admitted two hundred years ago; and
the colleges, academies, and theological seminaries, all over the land,
show that the wise and the good have not been weary in well
doing. How ridiculous would be the attempt to found colleges in
the manner that some female seminaries have been founded! Suppose a gentleman, having a large family depending on him for support, finds his health not sufficient for the duties of his profession.
Casting his eye around, he looks on the office of a president of a
college as affording more ample means, and a more pleasant and
respectable situation for his family, than any other he can command.
But a new college must be founded to furnish him the place. He
selects a large village in New England, or at the west, or at the
south, as may best favor the accomplishment of his object, and
where he can find buildings which he can buy or rent on some conditions, though they may be far from being adapted to such an end.
He purchases his apparatus, or has none, and procures professors on
his own responsibility. Thus prepared, he commences, making his
charge to the students such as will meet the rent of buildings, furniture, and apparatus, and the salaries of his professors, besides fur:
nishing a handsome support to his own family. What could such a
college do to encourage thorough and systematic education in our
country? But this is scarcely a caricature of the manner in which
some female seminaries have been founded.
We cannot hope for a state of things essentially better till the
principle is admitted that female seminaries, designed for the public
benefit, must be founded by the hand of public benevolence, and be
subject to the rules enjoined by such benevolence. Let this principle be fully admitted, and let it have sufficient time to produce its
natural effects, and it will be productive of more important results
than can be easily estimated. Then our large seminaries may be
permanent, with all the mutual responsibility and cooperation which
the principle of permanency produces.
Such was the beginning of what we call a victory in this
enterprise.  In reality, so great were the obstacles in Miss




FIRST ANNIVERSARY.                 309
Lyon's way that she could not for a moment lay aside her
armor. Less than half the money requisite to complete the
work had been obtained, and several new features, heretofore untried in educational projects, were to be put to the
test. It was, therefore, still a struggle so severe as hardly
to permit the leader in it to draw her breath freely. But the
first year was now coming to a close, and success had
smiled on the enterprise, inspiring still stronger hope for the
future.
The anniversary at this seminary is always a season of
much interest, and attracts many visitors.  The first one has
been a model for all the rest up to this time.  It happens in
August, and on Thursday. For at least two days previous,
public examinations are conducted in the seminary hall,
which is very spacious.  On the forenoon of Thursday,
it is crowded by listeners. Several selected young ladies
read compositions, written, however, by other members of
the school.  About noon, the pupils, teachers, and trustees
go in procession to the church at a little distance, where
an address is delivered by some gentleman, previously selected.  The diplomas are then delivered, with a brief
address, by the secretary of the trustees, to the senior class.
Afterwards, the school, with invited friends, return to the
seminary to dinner. It may be interesting to read a brief
account of the first occasion of this sort in a letter from
Miss Lyon to Miss Grant.
"SOUTH HADLEY, August 27, 1838.
"MY DEAR Miss GRANT:
" We have finished our first year. I did want to see you here
very much. I send one of our compositions, which perhaps
you may enjoy hearing read some time for your amusement.
I will also send the impression of our seal. You will observe that the device is designed as an illustration of the
quotation of Scripture.  Our examinations were Monday




310        THE VICTORY GAINED AND SECURED.
afternoon, Tuesday forenoon, and Thursday forenoon. On
Wednesday, more than half our young ladies went to Amherst to commencement. The remainder prepared for the
next day. The trustees and clergymen were invited to dine
with us on Thursday, and some other individuals. We extended our tables to accommodate about forty more than our
own family.  We had them just filled. This added considerably to my cares. But the agitation of the question about
going to the meeting-house on Thursday afternoon seemed
almost to add more, when I had just all I could do. It came
up once or twice, and was settled in the negative, as I felt a
great reluctance to it. After Dr. Hawes came, on Wednes.
day evening, the subject was again discussed. I found that
the trustees, Dr. H., and the other gentlemen were all becoming decided that it was best to go to the meeting-house;
I thought it the most modest to acquiesce.  The certificates
were given at the close of the services, but no other exercise differed from a common public meeting. It did not
appear unsuitable, as I thought it would, and I was very glad
that I consented. The meeting-house was full, and I think
some of our donors would have been dissatisfied if we had
met in the seminary hall.  Our certificates were signed by
Miss Caldwell and myself, and simply countersigned by the
secretary of the board, Mr. Condit.  Of course the giving
of the certificates devolved on Mr. Condit. He did it in his
neat, elegant manner. Dr. Hawes's address was good common sense. Mr. Boies, of Boston, made the first prayer,
and Dr. Carr the last. I think of you often, very often; I
love to think of you when I am alone, and no one present but
God, our covenant-keeping God. I should love just to look
on you from day to day, and give you a little of heartfelt
sympathy; but you have a Friend that sticketh closer than a
brother.  My heart's desire and prayer to God is, that this
Friend may be ever with you, with his consoling presence."




THE DIPLOMA.                   311
The certificate or diploma delivered on these occasions is
upon parchment, in the style of the college diploma; but the
form is in English, as follows: —'" A. B. has completed the prescribed course of study at
the Mount Holyoke Female Seminary, and by her attainments and correct deportment is entitled to this testimonial.
"Given at South Hadley, &c.
"MARY LYON, Principal.'  ~ —-d-,  Secretary."
At the top of the parchment is an elegant vignette, representing a palace, in front of which, on the right, a quarry is
represented, with blocks of stone in various stages of preparation for architectural purposes.  On the left are several
ladies, intended to represent teachers and pupils; and beneath the whole is written, "That our daughters may be as
corner stones, polished after the similitude of a palace." -
Ps. cxliv. 14. The seal of the institution, bearing a somewhat similar representation, is attached by a ribbon to the
parchment.
This instrument is a very neat one, and the whole appropriate, save that the engraver took the liberty to alter the
palace so as to make it quite Oriental, by adding domes and
minarets to the towers, quite in the Turkish style.  The
only palace that I know of in Western Europe which is thus
surmounted is the anomalous pavilion erected at Brighton, in
England, by George the Fourth.




312        THE VICTORY GAINED AND SECURED.
SECTION  II.
The fHistory of the Seminary and of Miss Lyon from  the
Anniversary, in 1838, to the Time of her Death, in 1849.
PERHAPS a part of the title of this section might properly
have been omitted, for the history of the seminary is essentially that of Miss Lyon.  Not, indeed, that she neglected
her duty to others and to other objects.  Abundant proof has
been furnished, in the previous pages of this memoir, that
she was always alive to every call of duty, from whatever
quarter it came. But in fact, nearly all her duties lay within
the sphere of the seminary.  Constituting but one great
family, its relations, literary, religious, and benevolent, really
reached the whole family of man.  It was those relations
that made her intense devotion to its interests pure and expansive benevolence, instead of selfishness.  When we find
a person urging with great exclusiveness the clairns of a
literary institution started to promote the interest of a sect,
or party, or town, or of individuals, we rightly call it selfishness, and know that his zeal may nourish some of the worst
feelings of the human heart, viz., pride, party spirit, sectarian exclusiveness, avarice, and ambition.  But when, as in
this case, the very constitution of the seminary excludes all
pecuniary benefit to individuals, or to place, and makles its
grand object to be the good of the world, intense devotedness to its interests becomes only a school for the cultivation
of benevolence, and almost every other virtue.
So carefully and judiciously were all the arrangements
made in starting the new seminary, that although several of
its characteristics had never before been put to the test of
experiment, very little change became necessary after the
trial of the first year.  Hence, although minor improvements




NUMBER OF TEACHERS'ND PUPILSo           313
were subsequently introduced, with slight modifications of
some rules, yet the history of its operation for the first year
tells its story for the subsequent years. Hence the materials
for this section of the memoir are not very abundant.
Let it not be thought, however, that during any part of
these eleven years Miss Lyon was resting upon her oars.
Such were her habits, that this would have been next to
impossible, so long as she had strength to ply them. Her
letters, indeed, speak not unfrequently of her going abroad
to the residences of certain friends, in order to rest. But
even at such times, she usually accomplished about twice as
much as ordinary women, in the way of writing or consulting
about plans for the seminary. True, the affairs of the school
moved on noiselessly and harmoniously.  But she was careful to watch the movements of every wheel, and to learn the
force of every spring and weight.  Especially did she stand
by the new machinery, and not unfrequently was she obliged
to draw largely upon her resources to supply the requisite
propelling force. These eleven years, therefore, were among
the most busy periods of her life.  For a considerable part
of that time, the pecuniary means of the institution were not
equal to the demands upon its treasury; and she felt herself
called on to watch this part of the enterprise with as careful
an eye as any other. To the domestic department, also,
she gave special attention, and probably expended more
mental labor and anxiety upon it, in order to arrange and
simplify the system, than upon any other branch of the
seminary.
Teachers and Pupils.
T'if E following figures exhibit the number of teachers and
pupils in the seminary from its commencement to the present
time.  The summation at the bottom, however, does not exhibit the number of different teachers and pupils, because
many of them continued through several years.
27




314       THE VICTORY GAINED AND SECUREDo
Teachers.             Pupils,
1837-38,.          4. o ~       116
1838-39,                 5..                103
1839-409    o                                 119
1840-41,.          ~ ~ 5.            113
1841-42,. 9..           172
1842-43,.    o   o  14..       183
1843-44,.      13                    205
1844-45,..    o  19...  255
1845-46,. o    o17              182
1846-47,..  15.                   88
1847-48,    o. 14                    235
1848-49,.              14.                 229
1849-50,.. 16                    2.. 324
1850-51,...  13..  244
Total,. 164                    2568
We have seen that, at first, Miss Caldwell was associate
principal with Miss Lyon. But the former continued only
one year, having been previously invited to take charge of
the Wheaton Seminary at Norton. Till 1842, Miss Lyon
was sole principal. But that year, Miss Mary C. Whitman
and Miss Abigail Moore were connected with her as associate
principals. This arrangement continued till 1846, when
Miss Moore mai'ried IRev. Ebenezer Burgess, missionary at
Ahmednugger, in India, and accompanied him thither, leaving Miss Whitman as associate principal. She continued in
that place till 1848, when her health became so poor that she
was obliged to leave for several months.  During  her
absence, Miss Lyon died, and she returned and stood at the
head of the seminary until, in 1849, she was chosen to succeed Miss Lyon as permanent principal. But her health
gave way in a few months, and she has been compelled to




CHANGES IN THE INSTRUCTORS.           315
leave the institution, probably not to return. As senior instructor when Miss Whitman left, the charge of the seminary
devolved upon Miss Mary W. Chapin, who has ever since
acted as its principal.  Two of her associate teachers, who
had been long connected with the institution, have also been
removed since Miss Lyon's decease, namely, Miss Curtis by
death, and Miss Hazen as a missionary to Persia.
It was regarded as a kind Providence that brought to Miss
Lyon's help two associates so well qualified to have charge
of the seminary even alone, as were Miss Moore and Miss
Whitman. They undoubtedly contributed very much to the
prosperity and success of the school; and so long as they
remained, the trustees did not fear that the school would
suffer essentially, even though Miss Lyon should be called
away. It had often been said, that it must fail so soon as
she should die; when Misses Moore and Whitman also were
called away, its most steadfast friends began to share this
apprehension.  But the care of the seminary has passed into
other hands, and yet never was it in a more prosperous state
than now. These facts show, first, that the principles of permanency lie in the system itself, and do not depend upon the
lives of individuals. Secondly, they show how admirably
every thing in the operation of the plan had been arranged
by Miss Lyon. She had had ample time to overcome the
friction of the new machinery, to add new wheels and springs
where they were wanted, and to strengthen and arrange
every part for exigencies.  Thirdly, we hence learn how
well Miss Lyon knew how to train up young ladies to enter
at once upon the most difficult trusts as teachers; for all
those who have successively been called to take the high
responsibility of directing the affairs of the seminary have
been connected with it almost from the beginning; and
should Providence see fit to make even further inroads upon
those who stand first on the list of teachers, the trustees
have learned that they have little to fear. Indeed, in the last




3136       TIIE VICTORY GAINED AND SECURED.
instruction which Miss Lyon gave on earth, she taught them
never to fear any thing which God does.
The whole number of teachers that have been connected
with this institution to the present year, or during its first
fourteen years, has been fifty-five. Their names are as follows, in the order of seniority: Mary Lyon, Eunice Caldwell,
Mary WT. Smith, Amanda A. Hodgman, Abigail Moore, Sarah Brigham, Persis C. Woods, Mary C. WVhitman, Sarah H.
Torrey, Susan Reed, Helen Humphrey, Lucy T. Lyon,
Roxana R. Parsons, Sophia D. Hazen, Fidelia Fiske, Mary
M. Stevens, Ann R. Mowry, Catharine A. WVright, Martha R.
Chapin, Susan F. Hawks, Mary W. Chapin, Ann R. Webster,
HIannah 0. Bailey, Margaret Mann, Lucy M. Curtis, Mary
J-I. Humphrey, Marie F. Browne, Catharine A. Porter, Nancy
A. Foote, Mary E. Graves, Persis G. Thurston, Ann Maria
-Iollister, Susan L. Holman, Martha C. Scott, Rebecca W.
Fiske, Mary E. Barker, Mary B. Metcalf, Emily Jessup,
H-_arriet Johnson, Aurelia P. Wellman, Helen Peabody, Hannah C. Scott, Mary A. Munson, Mary E. Yale, Lucy M.
Ainsworth, Caroline H. Merrick, Maria E. Mason, Hannah
G. Gilman, Emily IW. S. Bowdoin, Mary L. Brown, Lydia G.
B. Rogers, Martha L. Newcomb, Elizabeth Titcomb, Mary
Titcomb, and Mary J. Murdock.
The whole number of pupils on the catalogues, as given
above, amounts to two thousand five hundred and sixty-eight;
of course, the same names are here sometimes repeated.
The actual number of different ladies, who have received
instruction here, is between seventeen and eighteen hundred;
of these, four hundred and fifteen (including the class of
1'851) have finished the course of study, and received diplomas. The pupils have come from the following states and
countries: -
Massachusetts,          Connecticut,
New York,               New Hampshire




TRUSTEES.                    317
Vermont,                Iowa,
Rhode Island,           Kentucky,
Maine,                  Alabama,
New Jersey,             Georgia,
Pennsylvania,           Virginia,
Ohio,                   District of Columbia,
Illinois,                Cherokee Nation,
Michigan,                Canada,
Missouri,                Turkey,
Mississippi,            Sandwich Islands.
Wisconsin,
Trustees.
The names of the trustees at the commencement of the
seminary, in 1837, have been already given. In 1838, Hon.
Samuel Williston was added. In 1843, Hon. David Choate
resigned, as did Dr. Humphrey in 1845. In 1847, Mr.
Condit died, and Rev. E. Y. Swift was chosen a trustee, as
was Rev. Samuel Harris in 1848.
The Domestic Department.
We have seen how the peculiar feature of the school,
which leaves the domestic labor in the hands of the pupils,
operated during the first year. But success for so short a
time scarcely lessened the scepticism of those opposed to it.
6How long must it be tried," said I, to a judicious friend, who
thought it must fail, "' how long must it be tried to satisfy
you?"  " Five years," he replied; and although, when the
five years had ended, the success was still complete, he was
no more satisfied than at first; nor even when almost.twice
that period had elapsed; for in such a case we may apply
the sentiment of the satirist, —
"6 A man convinced against his will
Is of the same opinion stAill"
27 7




318       THE VICTORY GAINED AND SECURED.
Very few besides Miss Lyon had strong confidence that
this plan would be successful or desirable. And, therefore,
the trustees took care not to make the fate of the school depend upon it. Even now it might be given up without essentially interfering with the prosperity of the school. Yet it
has certainly had extraordinary and uninterrupted success for
nearly fourteen years, and is doubtless regarded with great
interest by a large part of the religious community. Those
who have had the oversight of the plan, and have seen most
of its operation, would consider it a great calamity to be
obliged to give it up, and resort to hired help in the family.
They are confident that this great family have got along
much more pleasantly than by the only other plan which
could have been adopted; to say nothing of the reduction of
expense which has been thereby effected, and which is a
feature of great importance in its bearing upon the missionary, as well as eleemosynary character of the institution.
The entire success of this experiment, for so many years,
is a striking testimony to the sagacity and remarkable executive power of Miss Lyon. No one was ever more ready to
distrust her own judgment than she, when judicious advisers
opposed it. Yet here she had to go forward in opposition to
the decided opinion of those whose judgment in almost every
thing else was law. Nay, the scheme was met with ridicule
by wise and good men. She went with one of the agents to
solicit aid from a wealthy and benevolent individual, from
whom she had hoped much. She remained at the public
house while the agent broached the subject, expecting at
least to be invited to call upon the family. But when the
subject was fairly before the gentleman, he turned to his
daughters,'and asked them how they should like to attend a
school where they must work in the kitchen; and then
merely inquired where Miss Lyon was, and sent his respects
to her; but she was not invited to call. When the agent
gave her an account of the interview, she buried her face in




PREDICTIONS OF FAILURE.            319
her hands, and bowed down her head upon the table for a
few moments, and then appeared as cheerful as ever, and felt
confident that all was for the best.
I give this example as an index of the general state of
feeling regarding this subject, among the most respectable
class of citizens, when the effort was made to obtain funds.
But Miss Lyon knew that with four fifths of the yeomanry
of New England, a very different state of feeling existed.
She turned, therefore, to them, and found that sympathy
which had been denied her in higher circles. Indeed, without this feature of the school, it is the opinion of the principal
agent in obtaining funds, that he could not have succeeded.
When this plan was first put into operation, and seemed to
answer well, those opposed to it predicted, that when the
novelty of the scheme had passed by, it would become unpopular, and must be abandoned. But when they found that
five, and even ten, years' experience seemed only to give
greater perfection to its operation, — when, on visiting the
seminary from  time to time, they saw how admirably the
domestic affairs were managed, and how well cooked and
palatable was the food, - then they predicted that, as soon as
Miss Lyon should be removed, this peculiarity must be given
up. Yet more than two years have now elapsed since that
event, and never were the domestic arrangements managed
more satisfactorily than now. I know not what other period
of time will be fixed on as the fatal moment when this system
must fall, unless it be the close of the present century. In
that case, unbelievers will, at least, be saved the mortification
of acknowledging that Miss Lyon's judgment in this matter
was better than theirs.
Anniversary Addresses.
The following list shows what gentlemen have given the
Anniversary Addresses, and on what subjects, when they
were published:



320       THE VICTORY GAINED AND SECURED.
1838. Rev. Joel Hawes, D. D.
1839. Rev. Rufus Anderson,  D.D. Education of the
Female Sex.
1840. Rev. Mark Hopkins, D. D. Female Education.
1841. Rev. B. B. Edwards, D. D.       do.
1842. Rev. E. Hlitchcock. Waste of Mind.
1843. Rev. Lyman Beecher, D. D.
1844. Rev. E. N. Kirk. The Greatness of the Human
Soul.
1845. Rev Joel Hawes, D. D. Looking-glass for Ladies.
1846. Rev. J. B. Condit, D. DP  Christian Love the
Essential Element of Moral Power.
1847. Rev. Heman Humphrey, D. D.
1848. Rev. Edward Beecher, D. D.
1849. Rev. E. Hitchcock. A Chapter in the Book of
Providence.
1850. Rev. William C. Fowler. Tasteo
Religious History of the Seminary.
We have seen that the religious character of the schools
with which Miss Lyon had been connected, before coming to
South Hadley, was the trait that had endeared them most to
religious men. They looked, therefore, with deep interest
to the Holyoke Seminary, to learn whether a high tone of
piety would be there also associated with a high literary
standard. So commonly had they been disjoined, that it had
come to be a question whether their union were practicable.
During the first year, amid the distractions and exciting novelties incident to starting a new and complex system of education, there was scarcely room for that calm reflection, and
that deep and thorough self-examination which are essential
to genuine revivals of religion.  Moreover, the number of
Pupils destitute of the Christian's hope the first year was
very small, not more than one in ten or twelve. But in
every subsequent year to the present, (1851,) there has bepo




REVIVALS.                   321
witnessed in the school long-continued seasons of special
interest in personal religion.  Most of these works of divine
grace had a thoroughness and extent almost unheard of in the
modern history of the church.  But I am fortunate in being
able to present here a brief summary of these revivals for
the first nine years of the institution, from the pen of Miss
Mary C. Whitman, who was connected with it almost from
its commencement; first as a pupil, then as a teacher, an
associate principal, and finally as principal; and whose
whole soul was as intensely devoted to the school as that of
its founder; so much devoted, indeed, that nature gave way
under labors too severe and unremitted.  Miss Whitman's letter on this subject, written at my request, was dated in 1846.
" The school has been in operation nine years, and each
year, since its commencement, there has been some decided
religious interest, unless we except the first; several times
amounting to a deep and extensive work of grace.  Among
the pupils of the first year, there were but ten or twelve who
were not hopefully pious; and although there was a general
consistency of character and deportment, and great zeal in
building up the new institution, there was no marked religious
interest., and Christians seemed to be in a state of spiritual
stupidity and worldliness.  During the second year, God
seemed to manifest his acceptance of the consecration to
himself, which had been made of the institution, not by a
visible cloud, but by a baptism of the Holy Ghost.  Every
member of the school appeared to be deeply affected, and all
but one or two indulged the Christian hope.  This revival
seemed to give that religious character to the school which
its founders desired. The work was very rapid and with
great power, and occurred in connection with the fast for
literary institutions. Its effects were felt for several successive years. This was especially the case the third, which
was the following year. This year all indulged the Chiristianz
hope. The work was gradual, and there was a progressive




THE VICTOIRY GAINED AND SECUREDo
continued interest from the first week of the school til the
close of the year. The presence of the Spirit was manifested
from the first, by attention to instruction, the tearful eye, and
exhibition of tenderness of feeling whenever the subject of
personal religion was introduced. The number of cases of
hopeful conversion this year.was nearly the same as the
preceding, or about thirty. The fourth year the religious
interest still continued, somewhat diminished in its power,
yet manifest through the year. Christians were not so generally and deeply affected as at some former times, yet there
was an interesting growth and maturing of Christian character; six or eight only remained, at the close of the year,
without hope.  The fifth year our building was enlarged,
and our numbers greatly increased.  There were in many
cases a decided and interesting development, and settling of
religious principle, and also several cases of hopeful conversion of an unusually marked character.  The number expressing hope was perhaps about seventeen, being nearly
half who entered without hope.
"' The following year, the sixth, was one rich in blessing.
A more careful division of responsibility and labor among
the teachers was made, and from the commencement of the
year there was an increased personal effort in relation to
every member of the family.  God crowned these efforts
with abundant success.  From the first there was an attentive listening to instruction, and truth seemed to be taking a
deep hold of the understanding and conscience. But it was
not till March that the Spirit of the Lord came upon us with
great power, and at once a large number stood up on the
Lord's side, having received the breath of life.  The worl
was sudden, rapid, and powerful.  We could only stand still
and see the salvation of God in our midst.  Some cases of
conversion were of a very marked character, and of great
interest.  Of the sixty-six who entered the school without
hope, only six remained destitute of it.  The missionary




REVIVALS                     r2
interest this year received a new impulse by the departure
of Miss Fisk, one of our teachers, on a foreign mission,
and there was an increase in the missionary contributions.
During the seventh year, there were about thirty cases of
hopeful conversion, but no powerful and general work.
"The last year, the eighth, there were very few cases of
hopeful conversion, and very many passed through the whole
year apparently without receiving any religious impression.
The present year has thus far been one of greater blessing.
Very soon after its commencement, there appeared cases of
marked interest, and generally an unusual tenderness on the
subject of religion. Through the whole of the first term,
there was a gathering of interest, which, towards its close,
appeared to promise a return of the scenes of former years.
The vacation dispersed our family, and since the commencement of the present term, the state of feeling has not reached
the point which seemed to be gained before vacation. During
the last term, there were about twenty cases of hopeful con.
version, and a number have occurred the present term. In
all cases where there was any depth of interest the last term,
it has continued till the present time, and some have resulted in hope. The indications of a gradual and protracted
work of grace are perhaps now more encouraging than at
any previous time this term."
Nearly five years have now  elapsed since the above
account was written, and yet all of them have left a similar
testimony to the special converting influences of the Spirit of
God in the institution.  I cannot state the number apparently
converted, save that in 1850 between forty and fifty were
thus blessed. This work occurred, it will be perceived, since
the death of Miss Lyon.  Even the few months of 1851,
which have passed before this sentence was written, tell the
same story, so joyful to the Christian's heart.  It shows us
that Miss Lyon's presence and prayers are not necessary to
secure the agency of the Holy Spirit, as some have irm



324        THE VICTORY GAINED AND SECURED.
agined. Yet so far as means are concerned, doubtless the
system which she adopted, and the example of fidelity which
she has left, have still a most important influence.  May we
not hope that that influence will be identified with the institution as long as it stands?
Some would imagine, from this account, that, to secure
such an almost uninterrupted series of spiritual blessings,
extraordinary and peculiar means must have been employed.
But nothing of this kind has ever been done. A person
might live for weeks in the seminary, during one of these
revivals, and yet see nothing unusual, save a deep solemnity
and tenderness during religious exercises. Those exercises
would not be much multiplied, nor would the literary exer.
cises be suspended or diminished, unless in individual cases
of deep seriousness. Both teachers and pupils would seem
to be deeply engrossed in their studies, and would be, in fact,
during the hours appropriated to study. Nor would the subject of religion be obtruded upon the visitor, or introduced,
unless he manifested an unusual interest in the state of the
school; and then would he find, what he hardly suspected
before, that in the hearts of those teachers and pious pupils
there was a deep fountain of religious feeling, that was ready
to gush forth and overflow if the channel was once opened.
HIe would learn that in their closets and private fidelity to
their pupils and companions lay the secret of such an almost
constant divine influence.
It is well known to the Christian familiar with revivals in
our churches, that such a work is not to be expected without
a previous season of deep humiliation, anxiety, and prayer,
on the part of ministers and private Christians.  But so often
had I witnessed the absence of all outward signs of any
special religious interest, when I knew that there were many
anxious inquirers in this seminary; so calm  and cheerful
did the principal and her band of teachers appear; and so
much interested in literary and secular objects, - that I began




PRAYERS OF CHRISTIANS SOUGHT.          325
to doubt whether here might not be an exception to this
almost universal experience of the church. But in looking
over Miss Lyon's correspondence since her decease, I find
that the suggestion is entirely unfounded. Not a revival has
ever occurred in this seminary, nay, I doubt whether a single conversion has taken place there, which was not preceded by deep humiliation and agonizing prayer on the part of
teachers or pious pupils. I think that the letters already
given in Parts I. and II. of the memoir will show this in
respect to the other schools in which Miss Lyon was engaged. And I am glad to be able to present several others
in this place, which disclose the state of her feelings previous
to and during some of the revivals in her seminary.
The readers of this memoir ought to understand that probably Miss Lyon never had the thought pass through her
mind that one of the letters given in this work would ever
be published.  They are obviously the honest, unsophisticated outpourings of her heart, for the most part into the
hearts of personal friends, and give us the true and exact
state of her own feelings and views. They are not all conformed exactly to the strict rules of rhetoric, but I have not
dared to alter them much, lest I should weaken their force.
One of the most frequent modes in which Miss Lyon
manifested a deeper interest than usual —such an interest
as Christians very well know usually precedes a revival -
in the religious state of the school, is a confession of spiritual stupidity, and a request to Christian friends that they
would offer special prayers in behalf of the school or of individuals. She was no believer in the frigid doctrine which
self-styled philosophy would impose upon us, that prayer is
of no use to move God, but only to move ourselves.  She
believed that God would be influenced as really by the prayer
of faith as any earthly friend.  Hence she felt that by multiplying petitions for great blessings, an answer might be
more surely expected. She probably had but few friends to
28




326        THE VICTORY GAINED AND SECURED.
whom she appealed for such aid.  But they were individuals
in whose ardent piety she felt the fullest confidence. One of
them was her mother, as we have seen at an earlier date.
The following are extracts from two letters to Mrs. Bedortha, niece of Miss Lyon and sister of Mrs. Burgess in India.
One of the letters is -a reply to an invitation to her house,
intimating that if her health should require her to leave the
seminary, she would feel it a privilege to furnish her with
a home.
"SOUTH HADLEY, December 9, 1846.
"MIy DEAR NIECE:
" I write so seldom, except on business, that I need some
inducement to do it.  Still, I should be gratified to write to
my friends often, and far more gratified to hear from them
more frequently. I received your kind note in L.'s letter,
for which I am very much obliged.  Nowhere except at my
own dear home should I expect to find a more quiet restingplace than by accepting your hospitality. I should love to
be with you a while, and should love to become acquainted
with your dear little one, even at this age.  Precious treasure i may it be a treasure for heaven.
" My health is much better.  The thought of visiting you,
which flitted across my imagination, I think I shall not indulge
this cold, cold winter. 1 shall no doubt find it best to be a
keeper at home.
"I want to ask you to remember our school in -your
prayers, particularly at this time. It is the season of the year
when there are more external circumstances favorable for
giving a special attention to religion than at any other time.
I have not been able for several weeks to attend meetings or
give religious instruction.  Miss WM. has had some aid from
Mr. C. and Mr. iH.  There are some favorable indications,
but no decided interest.  We feel it to be an important time.
We have a larger number impenitent this year than ever
before, and a much larger number among the senior class.




NUMBER OF CONVERTS$                327
As Providence has seemed to confine your field of labor to
a smaller circle this winter than sometimes before, perhaps
you would like to unite in spirit with us, and adopt our work
as your work, and labor with us, and pray with us in heart.
May it not be that God will bless you in this work, and give
you, even among us, some souls as your crown of rejoicing
in another world? What an unspeakable privilege is it that
Nwe may go in the name of Christ and ask for whatever we
need, with such a full and sure promise as we have! 9
This letter is without date, but postmarked February 20.
" MY DEARI NIECE:
"' We have just commenced our second term. The last
month of last term we experienced a precious reviving season. Not far from  fifty expressed the Christian hope.  I
wanted to write to you, and ask you to pray for us. Not
more than half have been brought into the kingdom. The
remainder, who are without hope, have no special interest
generally. There are some exceptions. Will you not beseech God in our behalf that he will not leave us?  Tomorrow is the day observed by many Christians as a day of
fasting and prayer for literary institutions.  This day is observed by us. I should love to ask you and other friends to
pray for us. But it is pleasant to think that God can teach
them to pray for us and others, though I ask them -not.
" Our dear Mr. Condit is gone.  A great breach his death
has left in many hearts, especially in mine.  We know not
how  his place will be filled, but our waiting eyes are
unto God.
"My last letter from your sister in India enclosed one for
your mother.  I hope it may be followed with God's blessing, and comfort the heart of your mother. I think your
sister has been in a very desirable state of mind ever since
she left the country."




328        THE VICTORY GAINED AND SECURED.
TO HON. DANIEL SAFFORD.
" SOUTH HADILEY, October 27, 1848.
"I know you are always interested in our welfare, and
especially in our spiritual progress. In many respects we
are blessed and prospered.  In our religious prospects I
scarcely know what to say, my heart is so divided between
hope and fear, and has been for many weeks.  For a long
time, I have hoped that there was a silent influence,
which would finally result in the glory of God. There is
but little which can be seen by human eyes, or tallied about
by human tongues. I scarcely dare inquire, lest I may put
forth a finger to disturb the gentle onward influence.'What,
how much, or how little God is now doing we can all say we
know not now, but we shall know hereafter. I hope we may
then know that it is more than we now can speak about.
One thing is sure -it is a time for prayer.  I know you
will not forget us at the throne of grace. The name of one
and another is brought to me by some teacher, from time to
time, as one who was venturing to indulge some hope in a
Savior's love. But I have made no attempt to designate.
Where they will finally be found I know not.  Our vacation
is very near.  Its disturbing influence I very much fear.
But we must look to God. In him alone is our hope. How
peculiarly true it is that the Holy Spirit is the gift of God i
The manner in which inquiries are made sometimes about
God's visits of mercy to this institution distresses me, lest we
should look for this spiritual blessing in the ordinary course
of events.  Whenever God comes, it is in his own way,
disappointing all human expectations, and taking glory to
himself alone. I love to ponder many things of hope and
fear in my heart alone, beholding anew our own weakness,
our own exceeding unworthiness, and trusting with new confidence in the mighty power and amazing goodness
of God."




MISS LYON S FEELINGS DISCLOSED.        329
How does the following letter open to our view the inmost
heart of Miss Lyon! and what a heart it is! Need we
wonder that prayers from so pure and holy a spirit should
secure an almost constant divine influence to the institution?
TO MIRS. PORTER.'' SOUTH HIADLEY, October 27, 1848.
" MY DEAR MRS. PORTER:
"I do greatly desire to commune in heart with you. 1
want especially to beg an interest in your prayers. May
God give you a spirit of prayer. in our behalf. My heart is
trembling with hope and fear. The still small voice of the
Spirit, which has been whispering in our ears, still hovers
over us. I dare not say much, for I know not what to say.
I may know hereafter what God is now doing, though I
know not now. I fear that I may know hereafter, as I do
not now, how the Spirit is grieved. But I hope that I may
know that God is even now doing a greater work in the
secret recesses of the heart than is visible to our eyes.
We transferred our Thursday evening meeting this week to
Tuesday evening, (last evening,) and brought all together.
Mr. Laurie came in and conducted it. HIe has not met us
before. I trembled, as I fear every change at this time. I
had felt it desirable that he should come in once at least this
term. If the path of duty was plain, I did endeavor to pray
that God would give him some crums of bread to scatter
to the hungry.  My prayer was answered. He spoke extemporaneously from short notes, but with much freedom,
and quite to the point. I felt this as a special favor from
the hand of God. I think he spoke to our school only once
last year, and then he did not seem to enjoy it much. This
will explain my solicitude and my gratitude to God for his
goodness. I felt before and after the same as I do in my own
case. None but God knows how the responsibility of giving
religious instruction to those candidates for eternity weighs
28 *




330        THE VICTORY GAINED AND SECURED.
on my heart. Sometimes, beforehand, my soul is weighed
down with fear and trembling and anxious solicitude, which
finds no relief but in God. When I have finished, and God
has given me some enlargement of heart, I am overwhelmed
with gratitude, and with a view of my own unworthiness for
such a blessing. Then I can only pour out my heart in
prayer that the Spirit may carry truth to the heart, though
given in great weakness.  Sometimes the spirit within
weighs down the body, and sometimes the body treads the
spirit in the dust. O this body of death! Thanks to God
for the victory through Jesus Christ our Lord! You will
see where, and when, and for what to pray in my behalf."
TO MRS. SAFFORD.
"SOUTH HADLEY, March 9, 1843
"C MY DEAR MRS. SAFFORD:
"' As I have a little business on which I must write this
morning, I will take this opportunity to say a few things on the
subject so near my heart. On my return, I found things in
some respects a little more favorable than when I left. The
general seriousness has increased somewhat, and considerably in one small section under the care of one teacher.
The teachers have had some increase of interest, and are
making some new efforts in their sections. Among those
who have most of a heart for such a work there is a
growing conviction of the great need of a thorough, powerful revival, to break up the fallow ground, to give a new
current to thought and feeling among the younger and least
experienced Christians, among the coldest, most lukewarm,
and most backward professors, and among some who stand
on middle ground. Thursday morning is one of the three
mornings in the week when I reserve a half hour for reli.
gious instruction and devotional exercises.  I have just met
the pupils in the hall. I took occasion to spread out before
them our present position, with our necessity, our danger,




PRAYER FOR A REVIVAL.              331
our fear, and our hope, mingling all along my own feelings,
my own solemn convictions of the urgency of the case. I
stated my own views, that something must be done, though
entire darkness was spread over the path of duty. I told
them that a little while ago I came to them to ask of them a
missionary.  I would not go from  one to another, lest I
should not find the best. And the Lord so stirred up the
willing hearts that we all believed that we had sent the one
whom he had called and qualified for the work. And now I
came to ask for a willing heart to unite with me in prayer
for this great thing, as this seemed our last refuge. The
scene was very interesting to my feelings. How I should
love to have had you with us, to mingle in our sympathies
and prayers! There was a very tender spirit this morning,
an atmosphere in which it was very easy to breathe and to
speak too. Probably little circumstances might have some
effect. It is so seldom that I leave this beloved household
for a single day, that my meeting them after an absence of
only a week and a half is suited to awaken some tender
emotions on both sides. Such things are the veriest trifles in
themselves; but my sentiment is, that the most trifling circumstances should be used for the same great end. With
regard to efforts in behalf of the impenitent, all is dark. But
amidst the darkness, and with a burden on my heart which
I cannot describe, there is something in my soul which seems
like trust in God, that is like a peaceful river, overflowing all
its banks. Light can shine out of darkness, and I have
great hope that we shall receive a blessing, whether or not
the providence of God shall permit Mr. Kirk to come and
share with us in our labors, our joys, and our sorrows.
"I have increasing views of the importance of a whole
work of the Spirit, a universal work, one which shall reach
our whole church of more than one hundred, all young.
You recollect Mr. Kirk's vivid description of the difference
between passing through the deep valley and rising up into




332        THE VICTORY GAINED AND SECURED.
a revival, and leaping immediately into the sympathies of a
revival.  We need experience of his first to fit us for
the varied and important remaining duties of the year.  On
this account, I have some query whether it may not be better that Mr. Kirk's visit should be deferred a little longer.
If he could stay two or three full weeks, I would as soon
that he would come to-day as ever. But if he cannot stay
but one week, and possibly even less, it is very important
that he come at the right time, and expend his power in the
best way.  His fear that he could not stay long enough is
my great fear. It seems to me like a very desirable thing
that certain minds, certain difficult cases, should come under
the influence of a powerful mind and warm heart, like Mr.
Kirk's, and we all need some stirring means; but my own
will has ever been graciously kept in an even balance concerning this thing.  I am  prepared to rejoice or to acquiesce as soon as the will of the Lord shall be made known.
"6 Now, whatever may be in relation to these things, let
me ask and beseech you three, [Mr. and Mrs. Safford and
Mr. Kirk,s] my dear sympathizing friends, to grant me one
petition.  Will you every day offer a short prayer in our
behalf, which shall arise from your inmost heart, till you
hear from  me again, which shall be soon?  Only ask God,
our heavenly Father, in the name of Jesus, our blessed Redeemer, and you shall have your request."
FROM MISS WHITMIAN TO MIRIS. SAFFORD.
" SOUTH IIADLEY, March 16, 1843.
"MY DEAR MrRS. SAFFORD:
"Miss Lyon requests me to write a few lines, just to tell
you the reason why she has not written, and to ask a contlnuance of your prayers for us. She is now quite unwell
with a cold, and thinks it duty to reserve her strength for
the religious exercises of the school. To-day she is perhaps
rather better than yesterday, yet I have some fears that she




THE WOR1  ADVANCINo G3
may have a fever. The physician was yesterday somewhat
apprehensive of a lung fever.  Should she remain entirely
quiet, it would undoubtedly do much towards a restoration;
but as the present religious state of the school is, this seems
very difficult.  You will perhaps recollect that Miss Lyon
was absent three Sabbaths previous to her return from
Boston. She found, on her return, that there had been considerable increase of feeling, and a state of apparent preparation for the reception of truth, which was not so manifest
when she left. By all the indications, it appears that we are
approaching a very important crisis.  There seems to be an
increase of the spirit of prayer and of desire for spiritual
blessings on the part of Christians, and among those who are
yet impenitent there is not perhaps one who is not more or
less affected, and some are deeply impressed. The solemn
countenance and tearful eye, whenever the subject is personally introduced, show that the Spirit is operating.  We feel
very much the need of fervent, importunate prayer to bring
us the rich blessing which seems so near to us, and which
appears to be delayed only for us to seek it.  Our meetings
this week have been increased. The regular recess meetings are very promptly attended. These have been occasionally lengthened, and a daily sectional meeting of half an
hour has been added from  the recreation hours, the time
usually devoted to reading.  Among some members of our
sections there seems to be quite a revival spirit.  As teachers, we feel that we very much need the prayers of our
friends, that we may be prepared, by the reception of a large
measure of the Spirit, to be leaders of the flock.  As teachers, may I not ask a special remembrance in your prayers?
Our need is great and very pressing.  Since her return,
Miss Lyon has been giving some connected instruction upon
the subject of prayer.  It will indeed be a mysterious providence should she now be unable to speak to us."




334        THE VICTORY GAINED AND SECURED.
MISS LYON TO MR. SAFFORD.
"FRIDAY MORNING, March 17, 1843.
"DEAR SIR:
"The present state of our school is exceedingly critical.
May you have a mind and a heart to pray for us. The testimony from every source — from the teachers, from the
prayer meetings, from meetings for the impenitent, from individual conversation among Christians and among the impenitent - is all the same, proving beyond doubt that the
Spirit of God is moving with a gentle influence on the face
of the waters. Still, there is not that point and decision
which must be attained, or we shall fail of the blessing. The
great and distressing doubt which rested on my mind about
using any extra means myself has, in the providence of
God, been somewhat removed. That interesting state on
many things, such as missions, the general path of duty,
&c., seems now changing to an increasing desire for the
direct and special influences of the HIoly Spirit. Our regular business goes forward just as usual, but many have been
looking up their leisure time for religion. The teachers are
most of them very much engaged in gathering up the fragments of time, that nothing be lost. I have had a short
extra meeting for the impenitent every day. I have been
able to meet all my appointments, though sometimes I have
concentrated all the strength of three or four hours into half
an hour.  Every thing I do is such a privilege.  It is such
a privilege, too, to depend daily and hourly for light, for
strength, and for hope on our heavenly Father, through
Jesus Christ, our Redeemer!
" It is so difficult for me to stop writing! My heart is so
full! But I fear you cannot read this. If not, let it go as
of no great importance."




VALUE OF THE SABBATH.              335
" SoUTH HADLEY, March 21, 1843.
"'MY DEAR MRS. SAFFORD:
"' I must write you a few lines this morning, though I can
say but little. I want to ask your prayers especially in two
or three respects.  Respecting our state generally I have
little to say, only that the Lord is doing his own work in his
own blessed way. The work is going forward apparently
with great rapidity, stillness, universality, genlleness, and
power. I believe I mentioned about sixty who entered the
school without hope. I should have excepted some eight or
ten as the fruits of the drops of mercy which have been
falling upon us from  month to month during the year.  I
suppose now not less than one half of the sixty are indulging
a hope of pardoning mercy through the blood of Christ. A
large number of hopeful conversions have occurred in three
days, including the Sabbath. The Sabbath is of indescribable value to us. There can be no community to which it is
more important. In times of revival, it seems always to be
the day that God delights peculiarly to honor. At other
times, it seems to be worth more than all other days in
bringing the thoughts into captivity to the will of Christ.
" You will ask what means we are using.  They are so
small that I can hardly tell what they are, and yet they are
numerous, simple, and, through the infinite condescension
of God, they seem to be adapted to our state. In the use
of means, we simply walk, day by day, by the light which
is so graciously shed on our path. We cannot, we would
not look forward. Our studies go forward, as usual, with all
their regularity, our family duties with all their accustomed
order. But we feel that we can and ought to turn aside from
other sources of social improvement and enjoyment, that all
the fiagments of time may be gathered up and devoted to
the great and grand business of seeking a divine blessing to
descend on all this family. The teachers are all of one
mind and one heart in this thing. We use our fragments of




3336       zfTHE VICTORY GAINED AND SECURED.
time just when they happen to come, and just for the object
for which they seem at the time to be most needed. The
prayer meetings are sometimes fifteen minutes, sometimes
half an hour, and sometimes longer, according to circumstances. Some of the teachers have quite a prayer meeting
in fifteen minutes at recess in the evening with their sections. They have adopted the practice in these little daily
meetings, long ago, of having the prayers unsolicited. This
turns to a favorable account just now. Sometimes they find
time for three or four prayers in fifteen minutes. They can
return to their duties with renewed energy and submission,
if not of pleasure in their studies. The teachers really seem
to be emphatically the leaders of the flock. In the meetings
for the impenitent I have no very definite plan. Miy waiting
eyes are unto God. From day to day, thus far, the path of
duty has been plain. The almost Egyptian darkness which
rested on my mind about the path of duty was but a contrast to that light which shines from day to day.  I have no
knowledge of future duty, and I askl for none. It is so
sweet to carry every burden and every care to the throne
of everlasting love, and of perfect confidence through the
Lord Jesus Christ. My lungs have not allowed me the privilege of individual conversation, but the teachers and others
are instant in season and out of season.
" But my sheet is full, and I fear the mail will be gone,
and I have not told my errand. First, I want you should
pray daily and unitedly with great fervency for -.
She has some rather peculiar associations, as I suppose.
She retains her hope, but something in her character revolts
from every thing social in feeling or action. I cannot find
that an individual in the house has been able to approach her
successfully in the least degree on the religion of her heart
or life. I have met minds in a similar state, and, as a matter
of judgment in her case, have avoided meeting her on the
subject, hoping that some door might be opened in her behalf




THIE WORE POWERFULTh               37
before the year closes.  Many things may be done and said
in time of a revival that cannot be done and said at any
other time. This may be the favored time for her. I have
approached the subject gently, and hope I may have the
privilege of doing something more. I think it not best that
she should know that the subject passes between us. But I
hope you will really pray in her behalf.
"We have some individuals that seem anlong the most
hopeless.  They are among the righteous towards men.
They have passed seasons of co-nviction, and perhaps indulged hope once or twice. Here they are clothed now in
the self-righteousness of not being deceived this time. Do
pray for them.
" My continued desire and prayer is, that this whole family
as a famnily, and every individual as an individual, may be
baptized by the Holy Spirit.  We are experiencing some
xnteresting reconversions among those who have long indulged a hope."
"'SourTH HADLEY, Saturday Eve March 25, 1843.
i' MY DEA.R MRs. SAFFORD:
"' I cannot tell you how rejoiced I was to receive your
letter. I had so long been looking and longing for it. I
knew you were praying for us, but 1 wanted to have you tell
mne so. We are in greater need than ever of the power of
I)rayer. As you hear from  us, from time to time, I trust
that you will not cease to give thanks to God, and to pray
without ceasing, making all our requests known to God. It
is sweet to think of you as praying in our behalf, if you
cannot come and see us. We are on the verge of another
holy Sabbath.  It is a great event for us to pass a holy Sabbath.  O that a great, a very great blessing may descend
upon us! The past week has been a wonderful time. Of
that sixty over whom I mourned so much, and wept so much,
and prayed so much, the week I was with you, only a'4d9




338        THE VICTORY GAINED AND SECUREDo
remnant are now without hope. But some very trying cases
are left. O for that all-prevailing prayer in their behalf
which shall be heard!  Several professors ofreligion have
given up their hope, and a few have disclosed the fact that
they have had no hope for a long time. Some of them are
now walking in light, and others are shrouded in thick darkness.  But the Lord has wrought for us such great things
that we can but trust him in every time of need.'" Mllonday 1l'orl-nig. -aWe have decided to devote this
day as a day of fasting and prayer.  This is the first day
this year that we set apart to such a blessing on ourselves
as individuals and on our family as a family.  It is a great
and a solermn thing to set apart such a day. It is a great
thing voluntarily to give up all our business for a whole day,
that we may meet God in the inner sanctuary of his holy,
spiritual temple. I trust this day is brought by many hearts
as a willing offering, and that it will be accepted through
the blood of the everlasting covenanto
" I have many things which I want to write, but I cannot
now.  I should be glad to tell you how the Lord has led us
along by his own right hand.  I should love to give you one
simple page from my own soul,  Do write very soon."
More letters of AMiss Lyon respecting the revival of 1S43
have come into my hands than of any other special work of
grace.  That she Iaud sinil-ar  feelings and made similar
efforts at other timles cannot be doubted.  But it is fortunate
that we have her views so fully in respect to that powerful
work.
TO MIRS. BANISTER.
"SOUTHI-I IADLEY, March 8, 1843.
"MY DEAL MLS. B.:
"' I have been absent a short time, and on my return yes~
terday found your two lett7ers.  You ask about the spiritual
intcrests of our school.  I was just thllinkO of writing to




ANXIETY FOR TIlE I3MPENITENT.          339
you on this very subject, that I might beseech your prayers
at this time, for it is one of great darkness, of anxiety, of
hope, of fear.  In temporal things we have been greatly
blessed.  We have a much greater supply of teachers than
usual.  Misses M. and WV. have applied their minds closely
to reducing every thing under their control to the most beautiful order and symmetry, and with great success. Our
young ladies are very youthful, more and more so every
year; but there is so much docility, such a sweet atmosphere
all around, that I feel, from  day to day, that our home is a
sweet home. There is more missionary interest than usual,
and more desire among some Christians to be prepared for
the service of God. But, alas! one thing is lacking -the
direct and powerful influences of the Holy Spirit. A few
gentle drops have descended, but we have enjoyed no plentiful shower, and this we greatly need. According to all
former experience, the harvest time for this year will be past
in four or five weeks.  Then will come the finishing up of
the term and the spring examinations. After that will follow
the short summer term, a most favorable time for fixing last
impressions, for attempting to lead Christians into green and
living pastures, but not a favorable time for the work of the
Holy Spirit in breaking up the fallow ground by conviction
and conversion. Nearly sixty of our number are without
hlope.  As teachers, as Christians, as an institution, we
greatly need the effects of a powerful revival.  I fear to
make any extra effort; I fear to omit it. I know not what
to do. The way seems greatly hedged up. I fear to go
forward; I dare not stand still; I cannot go back.
" I went to Boston to help fit off one of our teachers as
a missionary to the Nestorians.  I made arrangements to be
absent a few days longer, that I might have time to look
over our sad, very sad state, and that I might inquire of
the Lord a right path in which to walk. I wanted exceedingly to go to N., and also to M., on my way home; but I
thought it my duty to stay in one place, to make no calls,




a8i0      tTHE VICTORY GAINED AND SECURED.
to do but a little business, and only attend meetings as I
could. I have seldom had so profitable a week, when I have
had so much physical and mental rest, and so much, as I
humbly hope, of spiritual refreshing. I have been greatly
interested in examining the subject of prayer. Since I returned, a few more drops have fallen. But how so great a
work can be done in so short a time I know not. All is yet
darkness, but I hope and trust that light will shine out of
darkness. Now, I have one urgent request to make of you.
It is, that you would set apart a little time every day to pray
in sincerity an(d in truth for us. Pray that God would, in
his own way, do a great work here, and give us a great
blessing. Pray that we may be taught what the Lord would
have us do. WTill you thus pray every day till you hear
from us again, which shall be soon?  For a few days, I de.
sign to study daily two passages of Scripture, praying that I
may be led by the Spirit to receive into the understanding and heart just what the Holy Ghost has revealed in
these wonderful passages- Luke xi. 5-13, James i. 5-8.
Would you like to study these daily with me, as you pray
for us? "
What a different meaning did Miss Lyon attach to the
word rest from what is generally understood! Her views, I
apprehend, approximated to what the Bible calls rest in
heaven, viz., a state of intense activity in the service
of God.
TO MRS. BANISTER.
"I March 20, 1843.
W' When I last wrote to you, I engaged to address you
again very soon. I have been very sick for a week, or I
should have written some days sooner.
" In my last, I requested a special interest in your prayers
until you heard from us again. I communicated also something respecting our religious state. Just at that time, I felt
that we were in a very trying, critical condition. I had




TRUST IN GOD.                  341
been absent three Sabbaths. After spending another Sabbath here, and becoming more acquainted with the state of
things, I began to feel' surely the Lord is in this place, and
I knew it not.' In all seasons of religious interest in this
house the Lord has ever delighted to own and bless the holy
Sabbath. For the last week, a work has been going forward
with convincing evidence that it is indeed the work of the
Lord. I believe Ig told you in my last that I spent a few
days in Boston, that I might have quiet and time to look over
our condition, and to seek the right way. The state of our
school in general has been unusually encouraging this year.
There has been a very sweet spirit, a pleasant docility, and
a consistent deportment. Our evening prayer meetings have
been like a connecting artery through which the life-blood
flowed. Our semi-monthly missionary meeting has been
better attended than ever before, and we have all thought
that the missionary spirit was advancing in the seminary.
This spirit seemed to receive an impulse by Miss Fisk's
leaving us, and devoting herself to this work.  I have
thought we seemed preparing for every thing else desirable
except for the reception of the special influences of the Holy
Spirit. To this there seemed some great barrier. This was
the great thing to be sought. This we needed to convict
and convert sinners, to give that living faith in the great
atoning sacrifice without which it is impossible to please
God. This we needed to overcome the world, to fix our
hopes, to establish our joys, to settle forever our confidence.
I returned from Boston not knowing whither I should be led,
or whether there was any thing special that could be done.
But I felt a trust, and a reliance on an invisible arm, greater
and sweeter than I can ever describe. What a privilege it
is to walk by faith! What a privilege it is to have no wisdom of our own, to have no plan for the future, that the
wisdom of God may be more manifest, and that the indications of Providence and the guidance of the Spirit, day by
29,*




342        THE VICTORY GAINED AND SECURED.
day, may be more precious! I found, on my return, that a
spiritual change was passing over the face of things, that the
Spirit of God was gently moving on the face of the waters.
The teachers I found more active in gathering up the fragments of time for religious duties and privileges connected
with those under their care. Some Christians were becoming deeply interested.  Many of the impenitent were in an
inquiring state, and some very deeply affected. The work
appears now to be going directly forward. Some eight or
ten expressed a hope at different times along in the winter.
This number is now increased probably to about twenty-five.
We are passing a very important time.  There are some
exceedingly  difficult, dark  cases.   Some  have  passed
through revival after revival, have been deeply affected, indulged a hope once or twice, have made one effort after
another, and now, as they suppose, are settled down in a
state of disconsolate indifference. May the Lord give you a
mind and heart to pray for us! May I not hear from you
soon? Let me have a page from your own heart.'" I should love to write you a long letter about my own
personal feelings.  Some views of truth have of late passed
before my mind in an exceedingly interesting manner to
myself.  Wit'h what condescension does God come down in
the simplicity of truth to our own personal wants! Let God
be honored, let Christ be all and in all, and let every created
being be less than nothing and vanity."
At the close of a business letter, dated April 13, 1843,
she writes,"I hoped I should have quite a large part of this sheet to
tell you what the Lord hath wrought for us since I last wrote
you. I believe just at the time that I sent my last letter, a
cloud of mercy was gathering over our heads, and a few
drops had fallen upon us. The cloud had so long been
gathering, and so gently, that we scarcely knew it; but




THE WOR~  REMARKABLE.               343
soon the windows of heaven were opened, and the blessing
descended, so that there was scarcely room in our minds or
hearts to receive it, When I returned from Boston, there
were a few more than fifty without hope.  In about three
weeks, all but six expressed some hope that they had found
the Savior; in a single week of this tinme, more than thirty
of the number.
"' In all my privileged experience connected with the work
of the Spirit, this, I think, has been of unparalleled rapidity;
and yet I have never witnessed more quietness and stillness' than in its progress, or any less of what some call reaction
to be watched against in the result. It has seemed like a
sudden, powerful shower bursting upon us, but descending
with so much gentleness that not a leaf or twig among the
tender plants is turned out of its place, and then so suddenly
giving way to the beautiful sun and refreshing dews.  But
as teachers, we have a great work to cherish these tender
plants.  Shall we not have your prayers?  0, to follow
Christ in the work of cherishing them is what I want. This
desire enters almost daily into the very depths of my soul
with an untold and unwonted strength."
In thile following, reference is made to the' Missionary
Offering:'""S oUTH HADLEY, June 12, 184,3.
"MY DEAR MEs. B.:
" I will just communicate to you a secret. I have been
employing all the time I could take for the last month in
writing an article, which I expect to put into a very little
book.  How much I should value a little of your aid in fitting it for the press I But this cannot be with your health
and cares, and with my extreme pressure relative to time.
As a mrere matter of friendship, however, I should love just
to read it to you. If the printers can spare it, I shall take it
with me, though there may not be time to read it. It would
take about one hour and a half.  I am extremely anxious
that no one should guess at the writer of this little book."




344.      THE VICTORY GAINED AND SECTREFD
The following letter was among the last which Miss Lyon
wrote:" SOUTIi HADLEY, January 29, 1849.
6" MY DEAR MRS. SAFFORD:
" Our school have just returned after vacation. We know
but little of the religious state.  The influences of the Holy
Spirit in the work of conversion are very often at a close
nearly with a vacation. Looking at common influences, and
the results, the facts in the case seem to be, that just before
a vacation, all who have much interest feel a kind of necessity laid upon them to give their whole attentioa to the subject.'
This circumstance is made a means of good in the condescending mercy of God. After the vacation is passed, not
many remain with much interest; either they have entered
the ark of safety, or have gone back to the world. I do not
know how it is now. But will you not pray that this year
may be an exception in this particular? Pray that the Spirit
may abide with us, not only in the building up of Christians,
but in the conviction and conversion of sinners. The grace
of our Lord Jesus Christ is rich and boundless, and here is
our only hope."
Such a history as the preceding is certainly very instructive as well as interesting to every Christian who loves revivals.  It lets us into the true secret of the extraordinary
exhibitions of divine grace with which this school, as well
as its prototypes, have been favored; and that is, the uniform
and systematic fidelity of the instructors. Practically, as
well as theoretically, they have given religion the first place
in their teachings, and. have really felt more solicitous about
the eternal than the literary welfare of their pupils; and God
has honored those who thus honored Him, by that special
influence that subdues and converts the soul. And how
free have these seasons been of all extravagance and enthuisiasm!  Such revivals are not followed by a painful reaction,




NUMBER OF REVIVALS.                 345
as in some of the churches where animal feeling has done
more than God's Spirit. The very large proportion of converts in these revivals, compared with those in the churches
generally, is also a feature very remarkable.  Doubtless
the thoroughness and adaptation of the means employed
have had an important connection with such results.  For, in
general, God operates according to means; that is, he acts
according to certain laws, as really as in the ordinary processes of nature; and, of course, the more appropriate the
means, and the more faithfully applied, the more glorious
will be the results.
In some subsequent extracts which we shall present, we
shall see that the means preparatory to these revivals were
not used by Miss Lyon alone, but equally by the other
teachers.
Precisely how many revivals Miss Lyon passed through
during her life, it may not be possible to state. A friend is
confident that Miss L. informed her that the number was
about thirty; but some, well qualified to judge, doubt whether
this number is not rather too large. But when we recollect
that she witnessed eleven at South Hadley, is it not probable
that in the thirteen previous years, in which she taught at
Ashfield, Buckland, Derry, and Ipswich, and in the previous twenty-four years of her life, she might have passed
through as many as twenty more?
In most of these she was a prominent actor, and had
agonized in prayer bef6re they came.  How few of the ministers of the gospel have had experience half as abundant!
Cultivation of' a Benevolent and Missionary Spirit in the
Semina~ry.
Not much was said, in starting this institution, about raising up missionaries.  Yet in fact the principles on which it
was founded, and the manner in which it has been conducted,
could not but lead to such a result. All who engaged in the




~346       THE VICTORY GAINED AND SECURED.,
work of founding and conducting the enterprise were ex
pected to do it on the same benevolent principles that form
the mainspring of missionary labors.  They were not to
expect any pecuniary reward, save what was essential to
support them by the most economical mode of livinrg. The
pupils were taught that they ought to engage in the business
of teaching from a sense of duty, and a benevolent desire to
do good. And hence they were not to avoid any field of
labor because it was hard and uninviting. They were to
hold themselves in readiness to go to any part of our own wide
country, where Providence should point out the post of duty.
And surely some of these posts. are quite as repulsive to any
thing but benevolence as any foreign missionary field. In.
deed, so wide is our country now, that the distinction between
home and foreign missions is nearly lost; and when we hear
of a person going to Oregon, or California, we hardly know
whether to denominate him a domestic or a foreign missionary.  Hence those ladies who were made willing to go to
any part of our wide territory as teachers (and that was a
leading and expressed object of the seminary) would easily
be persuaded to go to foreign lands on the same errand of
Ymercy.
But this was not all. For, firom the first, I believe, special
and systematic efforts were made in the school to excite an
interest in foreign missions.  A missionary meeting, as it was
called, has been held, since the third year, at least as often
as once a fortnight, or once a month, with this object spe.
eially in view. The result has been, that up to 1850, not
less than forty members of the seminary have gone forth to
the foreign field of missionary labor;  among whom not less
than nine were teachers at South Hadley.  With these, communications are frequent, and their letters give great interest
to the missionary meetings.  At the seminary a journal has
for several years been kept of all the important events there
transpiring; and a copy of this is sent to the missionaries;




SUBJECT OF MISSIONS.                347
and thus a mutual interest is inspired between those so
widely separated. The correspondence forms galvanic wires,
through which the missionary spirit is transmitted backward
and forward.
Personal consecration is the strongest evidence of interest
in the missionary work that can be given. But contributions
in money are also an index of the feelings of the heart.
Judged of by this standard, one is struck with the amount
contributed by the Holyoke Seminary. A few details on
this point will be given in another place; and in general it
may be stated, that the annual amount has varied from six
hundred to one thousand dollars; and this has been done, it
should be recollected, by teachers whose salaries varied from
one hundred and twenty-five to two hundred dollars, and
by pupils, many of whom are from families of small pecu.
niary means.
I shall now copy some letters of Miss Lyon relating to the
subject of missions, though not exclusively so. From these
her deep interest in the subject may be seen. I shall also
give a few letters from missionaries, showing their estimate
of her missionary character.
Miss Fiske, mentioned in some of the following letters,
was once a pupil and teacher in the seminary, and the first,
I believe, that left for a foreign mission.  Miss Rice was also
a pupil.  Both of them are now at Ooroomiah, in Persia.
TO REV. JUSTIN PERKINS, D. De, OF OOROOMIAH, PERSIA.
" SOUTiI  HADLEY, February 6, 1844.
" DEAR SIR:'" Your kind letter, bearing date July 7, 1 have received,
For which please accept my cordial thanks. Perhaps you
nay occasionally grant me a like favor.
"Your testimony to Miss Fiske's happiness and useuilness is very gratifying.  Her own letters, too, are all
suited to make her friends happy in having given her up for




348        THE'VICTORY GAINED AND SECURED.
such a work. It is my opinion that the leadings of Providence should be decisive to justify our encouraging an unmarried female to go on a foreign mission,  My impressions
on this subject were strengthened as I saw Misses Fiske and
Myers bidding farewell to friends and home, and kindred and
country.  How different was their situation from the rest of
the company I Every other missionary had one intimate
friend, and that one the dearest friend on earth. But Miss
Fiske has been admirably prepared by the endowments of
nature, by the dealings of Providence, and by the influence
of grace, for just such a sacrifice. I rejoice that her heavenly Father has called her to this self-denying work, and that
she was not disobedient to the heavenly voice. I rejoice, too,
that the finger of Providence pointed her out to go, rather
than any other one about whom we had conversation.  I
doubt not that she will find many ways of doing good besides
that of teaching. As you wander along together, a lonely
band through this vale of tears, and as you are laboring and
suffering for Christ's sake, I doubt not that Miss Fiske will
often be able, in her own quiet way, to come to one heart
and another as an angel of mercy and kindness.  Sometimes
she may be able to give to some of her companions in toil a
cup of consolation, when others, who would fain enjoy the
same privilege, have not the time nor the strength granted
them.
6" Miss Fiske has been very faithful and successful in writing letters. I think this not among the least of the ways
given her to serve the cause.
"6 You speak with interest of your visit to America, and to
our beloved institution. Your remembrance of us is gratifying to our hearts. I rejoice that I was permitted to see so
much of you while in this country. I enjoyed your visits
here very much, and the memory is still precious.  We love
to recognize your mission and your name, as well as that of
u-r beloved friend, Miss Fiske. I would rejoice and thank




LETTERS FROM MISSIONARIES.            349
God in your behalf, that your return, your visitation, and
your departure, were attended with so many circumstances,
comforting to yourselves and favorable to the cause. Among
all the duties that devolve on a missionary, it is far from
being the least responsible, to be called in providence to visit
his native land, and to meet all the people and all things
which he must meet, and to make every where an honest, a
faithful, and a salutary impression — an impression worthy
of Him who came from heaven to earth on a great mission
to save a lost and guilty world.
" Give my very affectionate regards to Mrs. Perkins.
May the Lord sustain and comfort her under all her trials.
May you both have strength given you, for many years to
come, to enjoy the privilege of laboring and suffering for
Christ's sake.' Give my affectionate remembrance to Mar Yohannan.
I hope he will live to see many missionaries go from his
country to different parts of Asia.  My love to Miss Myers."
MISS FIDELIA FISKE TO MISS WHITMAN.
" OoROOMIA-r, November 24, 1849.
"MY OWN LOVED SISTER:
"I enclose copies of some letters which Miss Lyon wrote
me after leaving America.  While they are peculiarly precious to me, I did not think of their being useful in preparing
her memoir.  But my associates here thought I should by
all means copy them, and I have done so. It has been a
pleasingly mournful task, and I could hardly restrain my
feelings in doing it. But I mourn not for her. She is blest,
supremely blest, and we would not recall her from that sweet,
heavenly home. I shall await the appearance of her memoir with peculiar interest, as will thousands of' others.
Who can do justice to her memory?  I am sure no mortal.
But her record is with the Holy One.  An angel's pen,
directed by the Savior, who was so precious to her in life,
30




0i5O J f   THE VICTORY GAINED AND SECURED.
and in death has done what those who loved her here, fain
would, but cannot do.
" I cannot tell you, my dear sister, how often, ncn with how
much sympathy, I think of you. Never do I ask my own
daily bread, without asking it for her so dear to me, and on
whom  such crushing responsibilities rest.  May the Lord
sustain you. I rejoice to believe that he will. You serve
the same God, and in the same cause, that dear Miss Lyon
did, and many are the fervent prayers which go up to
heaven for you."t
MIISS LYON TO MISS FISKE.
" SOuTI HADLEY, March 4, 1844.
(C MY DEAR Miss FISKE: 
"It is one year this week since we were in Boston together.
I have often desired to write you some of the passing events,
some of deep and thrilling interest, which have transpired
since that time. As the mind and heart have been borne
along upon the swelling wave, I have thought of you, and
thought, too, that I should love to have you know what was
passing among us.  But I have almost done writing letters,
except on business.  I can never again sit down to write
what will be worth passing so far by mail.  But in this little
box I cannot refrain from depositing a note.  But what shall
I write?  Every thing must be told you over and over again,
except it may be some of the passing things in my own
breast. And first I would thank you sincerely for your
faithfulness and promptness in writing to me, and to us all.
I believe it is one prominent way offered you of doing good
to write to this seminary.  I hope you will have a mind, and
a heart, and strength, and time to continue to do what you
have begun. I shall enjoy, in my turn, receiving an occasional letter, though I may never write you again.
You remember the state of the school when you left.
After you were fairly gone, I had a little time to look at our




THE tMISSIONARY OFFERING,             351
real condition.  It seemed to me very peculiar and critical,
and so it now seems to me in review.  I can never forget that
week in Boston after you left, which I spent there especially
to rest, to meditate, and to try to pray; and I never can forget
the scenes of the month which followed, and of the unspeakable grace of God then manifested.  But Miss Whitman and
others have written you all the particulars. I will just pass
that over, and not attempt to describe that remarkable chapter in our history.  Suffice it to say, that the grace of God
was manifested in a wonderful manner. Those I shall ever
regard as among the most striking scenes, exhibiting and
illustrating the great scheme of salvation.
" I will just take time to describe an incident in the history
of my own emotions, which resulted in the little book which
I send you with this -the'Missionary Offering.' You may
inquire how I found time to write a letter long enough to
make a book. The truth is, that my spirit was so stirred,
and my heart so burdened, that I wrote as fast as possible,
without inquiring how I wrote, or whether I had time to
write. In the month of April, the scenes of the revival, the
prospect of our next missionary subscription, the falling off
of the missionary receipts, all combined to give me an unusual current of emotions in view of certain subjects.  I was
preparing a connected series of topics to present to the
school, the substance of which you will find, to some extent,
in the first three and last two chapters.  I had just commenced before the monthly concert in May, to which reference is made. After reading the affecting circular, which I
heard with deepest interest, in behalf of all our school, who
were present as well as myself, Mr. Condit invited a young
minister, just commencing preaching, to make some remarks.
To Mr. Condit's disappointment, and to my distress, instead
of following out the subject, he just attempted to make some
strictures on our missionary operations, alluding to slavery,




352        THE VICTORY GAINED AND SECURED.
and speaking of the want of economy at some of our stations.
The defect of the young man was more in the head than the
heart. All agreed that his remarks were, at least, ill-timed.
But, among other results, they gave existence to the little
book. It was scarcely two days before most of the materials
were gathered together. They soon assumed a visible and
tangible form, merely as a relief to the internal spirit. Thus
much for this little circumstance, as little things often
interest friends more than greater events."
TO MIISS FISKE.
" SOUTHI HADLEY, January 15, 1846.
M' MY DEAR MiSS FISKE:
6" This morning, before I went into the hall, Miss Moore
announced that Miss Fiske's little box would be closed at
the 9- bell.  Since dinner, I heard of it, and was invited
to look at the contents.  I did not really think it was finished,
as I had nothing in it. For want of something better, I send
you a handkerchief, where you can see my name.
"You sympathize in all the things which are passing
among us, and especially those events which relate to the
missionary cause.  I know that some of your kind friends
will be sure to tell you that Miss Moore is really going.  It
will surprise you, as it has many here.  The first question
generally is,' What does Miss Lyon think of it?' I have
nothing to say in all these things, only to ask that the will of
the Lord may be done, and to submit to all the dispensations
of Providence, whether with means or without means. This
is certainly a great event to us, and especially to me.  AMy
only wish concerning it is, that it may be for the furtherance
of the gospel.  We know so little of the great plans of God,
that it is wisest, and safest, and sweetest, to leave all with him.
6 Much love to Mr. and Mrs. Perkins."




TO MISS FISKE IN PERSI 5A.   
TO MISS FISKE.
"SOUTH IAIADLEY, Julne 16, 1847.
bM ~Y DEAR, MY VERY DEAR Miss FISKE:
"How I should love, if I ever did such a thing, to write
you a long letter! I would not try to repeat the many passing
events which I hope some of your kind friends have continued to tell you. Nor would I tell you any new truth, nor
any new duty, nor any new promise, nor any new encouragement, to labor and suffer for Christ's sake. I would not
attempt to point out to you any new resting-place for the feet
of weary pilgrims on their way to the celestial city. No,
I would only repeat, if I could, a few of the many and
precious things which you already know, and on which your
heart now delights to dwell. I would only, if I could, while
I am in this tabernacle, now and then write you a few words,
stirring you up by way of remembrance. I would have you
after my decease, also, have these things always in remembrance.
"How I should love to tell you how a kind Providence
has led me along ever since last we met, and last parted, —
how one comfort has been taken away, and another granted,
-how good, very good, God has been to us, and how the
promise,' As thy days, so shall thy strength be,' has never
failed!..
[Here follow some paragraphs which Miss L. herself calls
"' confidential." They refer mostly to Miss Rice's leaving.]
" Finally, I should love to tell you how my heart goes with
her, (Miss Rice,) as I seem to send her forth as one of my
own children, - how I now commend her to you, - to your
acquaintance, — to your love, - to your sympathy, - to your
prayers, -to a participation in all your labors, your joys
and your sorrows!... May you both live long, together
be abundant in labors, earnest in prayer, and rich in faith,
and at last may you receive a crown of glory, which shall
never fade away.
30`




354       TIHE VICTORY GAINED AND SECURED.
6" My very affectionate regards to Mr. and Mrs. Perkins.
Many thanks for what he has written me in days that are
past. Wil he not write me again? Ask him to be a father
to another of my daughters."
TO MISS FISKE.
"MY DEAR Miss FISKE:
"I cannot let the journal go without a line of sympathy
for yourself individually. In the trials by persecution you
have been passing through, you have had my deepest sympathy, as well as that of hundreds and thousands of other
hearts. But you have had other afflictions making their
pathway into your hearts. In these you have had my sympathy. I have wept with you, over dear, dear Mrs. Stoddard. I can think how you loved her, and how precious is
love in your far distant home. I can imagine the many
things, in your peculiar position, which make a warm heart,
a kindred spirit, and a sympathizing soul, (not so much for
yourself as for your work,) a sister, and more than a sister.
Such was dear Mrs. Stoddard."'
(The above had no date, but must have been written in
January,'49. I did not receive it till after Miss L.'s death.
F. Fiske.)
MIISS RICE TO MISS WVIITMAN.
" OoRoorMIAN, November 24, 1849.
"C MY VERY DEAR MISS WHITMAN:
" I have been looking over a package of our beloved Miss
Lyon's letters this afternoon, and deep and tender emotions
thave been awakened.
"They almost all relate to the subject of my going to
Persia; but they have so much that is of a personal character
in them, that I have copied none of them. I send the copy of
a note, which I received while in Erzeroom, on my way to 0.
" Endearing and touching recollections of the past have




TO TIHE MISSIONARY DAUGIITER.         355
been awakened, and I rejoice that it was my privilege to
enjoy the instructions and counsels of the now sainted one.
Though dead, she yet speaks to my heart, urging me to
labor for the salvation of souls, and honor the Master, who
has called me to this part of the vineyard.
" I rejoice to know that you are appointed her successor
in the beloved seminary, and that dear Miss Hazen may
share your labors. May the mantle of the departed fall
upon you; may your strength ever be equal to your
(lay; may divine wisdom teach you, and may Jesus make all
grace abound towards you.
" We will not cease to pray for you, and we will not cease
to love our Holyoke home. 0, give us your prayers; for
the blessings that prayer brings are those we most need."
MIISS LYON TO MISS RICE.
"SOUTH HADLEY, June 17, 1847.
"MY DEAR MISS RICE:A "When Miss Fiske shall hand you this little note, you will
be far, far away.  Kind Providence preserving your life, I
trust this will find you in your new, your chosen, your
adopted home.
" Your eyes there will look on the same glorious sun, the
same beautiful moon, and the same sparkling stars that ours
do in your own native land. Will it not be pleasant, when
you are removed from all which once met your eyes, to look
up to the heavens, and think that the eyes of your father and
your mother may be looking at the same things? But nearer
than this can we come together, when we approach the
mercy seat. You will be no farther from that precious
place of resort, no farther from your God, no farther from
your last and best home in heaven. My dear, dear friend,
be thou faithful unto death, and thou shalt have a crown of
life."




356        THE VICTORY GAINED AND SECUREDo
TO HON. DANIEL SAFFORD.
" SOUT  HAADLEY, December 3, 1846.
"My health is much better. I can now ride, and I am
talking this tonic every pleasant day with great advantage.
L t me know how dear Mrs. Safford is when you write.
VWhlen shall I set my eyes on your faces again? Perhaps
ycui know that cousin Lucy Lyon (now Mrs. Lord) is going
to China on a mission under the Baptist board. She and her
husband are now here, making us their last visit. They sail
from New York some time this month. If my health improves, I may go and be with them  at the time they sail.
Perhaps you will ask why I do not sit for my portrait. I
have thought of it, but think I cannot at this time.
" How afflicting is the providence which has taken away one
of our secretaries of the Board of Missions! But my mind
dwells much on his sudden transition to his eternal home. How
must that world of glory have burst on his astonished vision!
But we are left to mourn. Yet let us remember that it is no
accident which has taken him away. It is a stroke of the
divine hand, planned, directed, and executed by infinite
wisdom  and infinite goodness. May we not yet see, and
may he not even now see, how it comes in to forward the
great work of saving a lost and dying world? What a place
does Christ occupy as an atoning sacrifice in all the great
things of divine Providence! What a book is there yet to
be opened and read in the glorious doctrine of the atone
ment!"
TO MRS. SAFFORD.
"SOUTH IHADLEY, June 30, 1848.
"I thank you for remembering me at the time of the
meeting of the Board of Foreign Missions. Miss Whitman
and myself will be very glad to accept of the favor. I hope
there will be a spirit of prayer in behalf of that meeting.
The associations connected with meetings in Boston are




DR. PERKINSSS ESTIMIATE.            357
to me very interesting.  It seems like a happy, united
family circle gathering around the paternal board. They
weltl out by themselves, but they return bringing with them
the children whom God has given them, How few of us
will live to see another such family gathering in behalf of
missions in Boston! I hope that the good people in Bos'on,
who are favored with so many rich feasts, will have a sp',ritual blessing on this occasion. Do you not think that the
repetition of such things has just the opposite effect on different minds?  To some, they weary, or become insipid, or
too common to have interest. To others, the more common,
the more precious; the more frequent the repetition, the
more refreshing is the spiritual feast.  Just like the face of
nature, unseen by some eyes because so common; but to
others, rising every morning with new freshness, with more
of beauty, and more of God."'
The following is Dr. J. Perkins's estimate of Miss Lyon's
missionary character:TO MISS MARY C. WHITMAN, PRINCIPAL OF MOUNT HOLYOKE
SEMINARY.
"OOROOMIAH~, December 18, 1849.
"DEAR MADAM:
" I feel a deep interest, as thousands must, in the contem.
plated memoir of one whose memory is so fragrant, whose
name is so widely and sacredly cherished, whose labors of
love were so herculean, and whose influence, past and prospective, is so unmeasurable as that of our long revered and
now sainted friend. It is a very responsible trust to become
the almoner to the churches and the world of so precious a
legacy as the biography of Mary Lyon.
C" We have all been deeply interested in the notices of our
departed friend which have appeared in the public prints.
Yet in every one that I have read I have felt a painful
disappointment, not so much in the want of fulness in regard




S3a        TH1E VICTORY GAINED AND SECURED.
to the parts presented, as in the almost entire omission of
some of the most important traits of her remarkable and
most estimable character.  Almost nothing is said of her as
a religious teacher, or of the many precious revivals that
have occurred under her influence.  The most extended notice contains not one word in regard to her interest and efforts
in the cause of foreign missions, nor as a religious instructor.
Now, were these cardinal and most important points in her
life and character to be overlooked in the memoir, or to be
cast into the shade by the acknowledged brightness and
grandeur of her almost matchless career as a mere teacher,
it were better, in my opinion, that her memoir should never be
written.  Would not the results of those precious revivals
in so many scores and hundreds of living plants of righteousness, introduced into the garden of God by her honored
instrumentality, cry out against such injustice to her memory?  Would not the four quarters of the globe, blessed
with the labors and influence of so many of her missionary
daughters, bearing much of her hallowed impress, raise their
united remonstrance?  And would not that charming and
effective little volume, the'Missionary Offering,' the product
of her overflowing heart, breathing so richly the spirit of
missions and of heaven, and the nmissionary maps, placed
by her in each room in the seminary, to say nothing of her
other numberless, nameless, and long-continued efforts in the
same cause, deepen and prolong the sad note of disappointment and dissatisfaction at the omission supposed?  These
are the points in her character and course that looked most
directly to eternity; and was it not preeminently for eternity, rather than time, that Miss Lyon lived and toiled?
"I am aware that it is probably impossible to give all the
truth, in her case, through the medium of any memoir. Her
full record is on high. If, however, the work be well done,
as her character was one of the brightest and most remarkable that adorn our age, or any age, I shall confidently




SAD NEWS TO MIANY A,IHSSIONAtY.         359
expect that her biography will be a volume of corresponding
interest and value, through which, though dead, she will
effectually speak for ages to come."
The following extract from  a published notice of Miss
Lyon's death, by Miss H. Lyman, of Montreal, is scarcely
more than the literal truth: —
"6 Is she missed? Scarcely a state in the American Union
but contains those she trained.  Long ere this, amid the
hunting-grounds of the Sioux and the villages of the Cherokees, the tear of the missionary has wet the page which has
told of Miss Lyon's departure.  The Sandwich Islander will
ask why is his white teacher's eye dim, as she reads her
American letters. The swarthy African will lament with
his sorrowing guide, who cries,' Help, Lord, for the godly
ceaseth.' The cinnamon groves of Ceylon and the palmtrees of India overshadow her early deceased missionary
pupils, while those left to bear the burden and heat of the
day will wail the saint whose prayers and letters they so
prized. Among the Nestorians of Persia and at the base of
Mount Olympus will her name be breathed softly, as the
household name of one whom God hath taken.o"
EXTRACTS FROMI THE JOURNAL KEPT AT THE HOLYOKE
SEMINA RY.
For some years past, it has been customary for one of the
teachers to keep a journal of the more interesting events
occurring at the institution, which is sent to the foreign missionaries who were once its members.  Having been permitted to look over that journal for 1846 and 1847, I am
constrained to make rather copious extracts. They relate in
a great measure, however, to the religious interests and
events of the seminary; and I value the descriptions the
more because the writer never dreamt of their meeting the
public eye; and, therefore, she wrote in an unconstrained




THE VICTORY GAINED AND SECURED.
manner.  Up to May, 1848, this journal was kept by Miss
Susan L. Tolman, at which time her successor in this work,
Miss Rebecca Fiske, remarks that Miss Tolman had "s decided to become a reader rather than a writer of the Holyoke journal; " that is, she had become herself a missionary to Ceylon,
"6 October 3, 1846. - To-day, the names of those who are
professors of religion and those who are not were taken.
More than ninety, nearly half of our family, are classed
with those who have no hope.  May we, as a band of teachers, be faithful to these precious souls.
" October 10. - Miss Lyon is taking the Book of Proverbs
in course for morning devotions, and has invited all to read
it with her. She does not appear to be as well this year as
last.  Her extra exertion during vacation nearly exhausted
her.  An infirmnity which must be very trying has recently
fastened itself upon her, as we fear permanently,  She
has become so deaf that it is difficult for her to hear ordinary conversation.' October 14. - Our weekly religious meetings commenced this evening.  Miss Lyon met with the Christians.
She spoke of her deep emotion in looking upon so many
professed followers of Christ, of the possibility that some
might be deceived, and then, in her own earnest, irresistible
manner, urged upon each a thorough self-examination.
"October 21. -We must again speak of Miss Lyon's
failing health. She has taken a severe cold, which has settled upon her lungs. It is with difficulty she can speak for
any length of time.
"' November 12. - To-day, our second missionary meeting was held. It was one of more than ordinary interest.
Letters were read from several correspondents on missionary
ground.  The Nestorian mission was dwelt upon.  A young
lady was introduced dressed in Persian costume.
"December 1.-Rev. Mr. II. conducted our morning




A REVIVAL COmMENCING.              361
devotions; we hope he will continue to do so until Miss Lyon
is able to meet with us.
"December 6. -Miss Lyon is so far recovered that she carne
into the hall this afternoon, and talked to the middle class about
light reading.  She urged them to lay aside entirely every
thing that could be classed under this head. If they had any
with them, she wished they would burn it -send it home --
or seal it up and put it in the bottom of their trunks, there to
remain untouched.
1" December 9. — To-day Miss Lyon invited to her room
those whose hearts were moved by the Spirit's teachings.
Nineteen were  present — most seemed deeply impressed.
We can but feel that God is in our midst.  Christians are
beginning to pray more earnestly.  Many seem prostrate in
the dust before the awful presence of Him who searcheth
the secrets of every soul.
66 December 12.- Truly this has been a day of blessing.
Eight are now expressing a hope in Christ. The interest appears to be deepening and extending every hour. Thus far,
those who have indulged hope have been principally from the
middle class. In fact, the interest seemed to commence
there with a few praying hearts.
6" December 14. - Still the interest is increasing. It goes
firom heart to heart silently, yet powerfillly. The whole house
is as still as on the Sabbath.  Every footstep is light -every
voice is hushed.  Several have asked to be excused from
school exercises, so intense are their feelings.  Many in the
senior class without hope begin to inquire for Him who is
the way, the truth, and the life.
"' December 15.-There are now more than twenty who
hope they have found a Savior precious as he never was
before. Five of the number are from the senior class.  Some
of the most careless are awakened, and anxiously inquire,
"What shall I do to he saved?"
"' December 16. - To-day is recreation day; but it has
31




362       lTHIE VICTORY GALINED AND SECURED,
seemed more like the Sabbath.  We can only say, God is
here. There is scarcely an indifferent one.
"December 18. - We had a short religious exercise in the
hall this afternoon.  Miss Lyon's word to us was,  Say
little —pray much.' This evening, thirty-one, who trust
that they have recently consecrated themselves upon the
altar of their God, met for a prayer-meeting.  May the
future of their lives prove that this sacrifice is no partial one.'" Decemlber 25.-  We have had sad tidings to-day.  Miss
B., one of our teachers, who went home a few weeks ago in
feeble health, has been summoned to the spirit land.  Miss
Lyon mourns deeply her early removal.  She had anticipated much from her.  But with her sweet submission, she
says,' I feel that it is a blessed privilege to fit dear ones for
heaven.'
"' December 30. - The Spirit still abides with us.  There
have been signal manifestations of God's power in this revival.' Behold, the Lord hath passed by us, not in the great
and strong wind, not in the earthquake, not in the fire, but in
the still small voice.'
"January 4, 1847. -Day of fasting and prayer for the
conversion of the world. Miss Lyon met the whole school
in the hall.  After some general remarks, she proceeded to
suggest subjects of thought and prayer.  We trust prevailing
prayer has ascended here to-day from many hearts- for
ourselves - for you - for our country - for a dying world.
" January, 28. - Miss Lyon commenced her lectures upon
the subject of missions this morning. She read passages of
Scripture, and remarked generally upon the duty of Christian
benevolence. She then alluded to the reward to be expected
in consequence of denying ourselves for Christ's sake: she
differed from some who say, one is never poorer for giving
to the Lord.  I If,' said she,' they mean poorer in a spiritual
point of view, I agree with them, but not when they say
poorer in property; for I do believe the Christian ought to




MISSIONARY INSTRUCTIONS.              3663
give to the Lord, so as really to feel the need of what he
gives - a precious reward to suffer for Christ.' She seemed,
if possible, more earnest and animated than ever. O that
there were many more who would, in like manner, present
to Christians the claims resting upon them! who would, at
the same time, be themselves examples!
"' Our teachers' business meeting was held this evening.
Miss Lyon said she had suffered much from want of systematic habits, and urged it upon us that we should accustom
ourselves to a systematic division of our time and duties.
She knew our interruptions were many.  There were many
little duties to be looked after, and so it must always be with
ladies.' I do really think,' said she, in her humorous way,
that it requires more discipline of mind to be a lady, than
it does to be a gentleman.  The latter has little of the
minutiae of every-day life to attend to. He can rise in the
morning and drive into his business.  But it is not so with
the latter, nor would I have it so.'' February 2.- Miss Lyon has continued her remarks
upon the subject of missions for several mornings.  We will
try and give you the mere outline. Your own minds can
supply the rest, better than our poor pen.
" First. We must do all Christ requires of us; because a
reward is promised to him who gives a cup of cold water:
if we have the means to do more, we must not think it sufficient to do this, and only this.  Secondly. We must feel that
we are as unworthy to give in the name of Christ as we are
to receive.  Thirdly. When we give the most with the most
self-denial, then do we most deeply feel our unworthiness.
When we do so contribute for Christ's sake, then are we
brought into a blessed sympathy with his poverty - his sufferings.' 0  wonderful, wonderful,' she exclaimed,'this
work in which we may share!  LHow would angels delight
to have a part in it! And shall we hinder it by unwillingness to give?'




364       TTIE VICTORY GAINED AND SECURED.
"She spoke of the Bible standard of benevolence.  Why
should we adopt this standard as our own? Because of the
infinite' value of souls - of the sacrifice of Christ as our example -- of our relations to each other -of the unseen cords
that bind us to the heathen world - last, though not least, because it is God's appointed means for the conversion of the
world.
" Among other things, she remarked,' I am so thankful
I do not have to decide where my mite shall go: I do compassionate those who stand at the helm — the officers of our
societies, who must say where the money and men must go;
whose cry for the bread and water of life shall be heard, and
whose unheeded.'
" In a subsequent lecture she said, 6 I would not speak to
you things that would rouse your feelings merely, but I would
awaken your consciences. I would have you consider this
subject of an enlarged Christian benevolence in its bearings
upon you through life. Take the Bible standard as y;ours,
and cling to it as long as you live.''Then commencing with the Jewish economy, that great
starting-point, she traced downward, through the several
stages of revelation, every thing that bore directly, or by
inference, upon the great question before her.
" In conclusion, she said it was impossible for her to tell
what duty required of any one. The Spirit alone could direct
individuals. She only asked that we would pray over it, and
decide as the Spirit should direct.
" February 13. —Miss Lyon spoke to the young ladies
upon the formation of correct habits. I I want you, young
ladies,' said she, 6 to form good habits. You have no time or
strength to spare in overcoming bad ones.'
"February 15. -At our morning exercises, Miss Lyon
addressed those who have no hope of heaven, no place to
lay up their treasure. She said she had thought much of the
passage,' I go to prepare a place for you.'' Yes, there are




MISCELLANEOUS TOPICS,             365
many, many mansions, but to some of you none of them
belong.  This work of salvation is an individual work.
Each must do it for herself. No friend can enter the strait
gate for you. You must not only leave all behind, but enter
willing to follow Christ wherever he may lead. " If thy
right hand offend thee, cut it off; if thy right eye offend thee,
pluck it out." T
"' March 11. -At our morning exercises, Miss Lyon has
commenced the character of Christ, under the several titles
applied to him in Scripture. This morning she remarked
upon the passage,' I am the bread of life.'
" March 18. - Our spring examinations are closed. They
were interesting and well sustained. To-morrow evening we
are to have a social party. About fifty are invited from
town. A few of Miss Lyon's friends from abroad are here.
These with our own family will make quite a gathering.
" March 19. - Our invited guests and young ladies assembled' in the parlors about seven o'clock this evening, where we
had a pleasant, social time. About nine o'clock we repaired
to the seminary hall, where we had calisthenics, music, and
refreshments. Miss Lyon appeared to enjoy the evening
exceedingly.
" March 30. — Our missionary contributions were reported to-day. Whole amount, (first contribution of the
year,) $649.50.
"' May 19. -Within a short time letters have been received from correspondents in Persia, India, China, Sandwich Islands, and the far west; all of them full of glad
tidings. Could you but witness, dear sisters, how much interest these journals of yours add to our missionary meetings,
you would feel yourselves richly rewarded for all the labor
they cost you.
" June 18. - In our teachers' prayer-meeting this evening,
Miss Lyon spoke of a little note received from Mrs. B. She
proposed we should mention the names of those who have
31 -




366       THE VICTORY GAINED AND SECURED.
been connected with us, and are now on missionary ground.
We each mentioned one or more of them, until all your
names were repeated. We then united in prayer in your
behalf.  Miss Lyon led. In speaking of you afterwards,
she said,' Let us each be faithful, and we may be but a step
behind them in heaven.' If any one has a bright crown
there, it will be our dear Miss Lyon. Numbers in heathen
lands will rise up and call her blessed.
"June 22. — This afternoon, as well as every Friday
afternoon, AMiss Lyon claims as hers to address the young
ladies upon general themes. Her subject the last time was,
simplicity in dress. She spoke of different fashions, and
advised that all who would dress simple and in good taste
should avoid extremes. She was very animated and interesting.' Vhy, young ladies,' said she,' what would you
think to see a gentleman dressed in low neck and short
sleeves?' This afternoon, her subject was, true politeness.' True politeness,' said she,'consists more in avoiding than in doing many things.' She dwelt particularly upon
respect due to the aged.
"June 29. -The subject of Miss Lyon's remarks this
afternoon was conversation. She dwelt upon the importance
of being able to converse with ease and propriety; mentioned
some things to be observed, and some others to be avoided.' Always be observing,' she remarked,' and you will always
have something to say worth the saying.'
" July 23. - In the morning Miss Lyon said she addressed
many who were soon to go out as teachers, and she did
ardently desire that they might carry with them much of the
spirit of Christ.' To have such a spirit,' said she,'you must
have clear views of the plan of salvation, of the worth of
souls; must know when to speak and when to forbear.'
"August 5. - The scenes of our present school year
have to-day closed. The anniversary occasion was one of
more than ordinary interest. Nearly forty of the senior




PRESERVATION OF.EALTH.              367
class of 1844 and 1845 met here by class appointment and
invitation from Miss Lyon.  She was delighted to see together so many of her former pupils.  After we returned
fiom  public exercises in church, she stood in her accustomed place, and gave us a few parting words as a school.
A large number of the young ladies' friends from abroad
passed the evening with us.  Early to-morrow morning our
happy family will be scattered, no more to be united.
" September 29. —Our school met to-day for the first
time. A very large number present. Miss Lyon's subject
of remark to them was, regard to absent or deceased friends.
She addressed in her own peculiar manner the stranger ones
who have come among us. There were many tearful eyes.
The  examination of our new  candidates is progressing
rapidly.
a' October 5. - Miss Lyon regrets very much that our
number is so full this year.  There are at least two hundred
and fifty. She has done all she could to avoid it. She had
more than five hundred applicants.
" October 12. - Examinations are nearly finished.  Six
left this forenoon, because they found themselves unprepared.  Miss Lyon's health is improving daily.  Her soul
is full of benevolence.  At the close of teachers' meeting
to-night she said,' Let us each be faithful to our precious
charge. How many parents' hearts are beating with anxious
hope! It is a privilege to labor for them.'
"6 December 14. - At our family meeting this afternoon
Miss Lyon made some remarks upon the duty of preserving
health. The theme was suggested by one of the notes of
criticism,'wearing thin shoes and cotton hose.' She spoke
of the inclemency of a New England climate in comparison
with that under a more genial sky, and of the necessity of
additional clothing.  She then told them that when they became members of this school it was expected they would
have maturity of character and moral principle enough to




368        THE VICTORY GAILNED AND SECUREDo
do what was right without a formal command. If they had
not, they had better by all means go to a smaller school for
younger persons, where they could receive the peculiar care
needed by little girls. As she pursued the subject, her vivacity increased, and she said,' There are two things, young
ladies, that we expressly say you must not do. One is, that
you must not violate the fire laws,, (alluding to several regulations of the family in regard to fire;) the other is, that you
must not kill yourselves. If you will persist in killing yourselves by reckless exposures, we are not willing to take the
responsibility of the act.  We think by all means you
had better go home and die in the arms of your dear
mothers.' She said such exposures were a direct violation
of two commands of God -' Thou shalt not kill' and' Thou shalt not steal;' for a violation of the first involved
a violation of the second, as by it they robbed the world of
the good they ought to do.
" December 16. -For a few mornings past, at devotions,
Miss Lyon has been dwelling upon the great doctrines of the
Bible- total depravity, nature of sin, &c. Then she took
up the commandments in their order. This morning, she
commenced upon the connection between the law and the
gospel. There has been fixed attention.'" January 3, 1848. - The fast for the conversion of the
world has been observed by nearly all our family. Miss
Lyon suggested many subjects for prayer, said much to revive the drooping, dormant graces of professed disciples,
and made a touching appeal to the prayerless ones. A deep
and general interest upon religious subjects seems to pervade
the minds of most of our young ladies.
" January 20. - We have received rich spiritual blessings during the closing weeks of this term. A large numr
ber are rejoicing in the assurance of hope. The general
features of the revival are of much the same character as
last year.




CHRISTIAN CHARITY.               3G9
4' MS1arch 30. - Miss Lyon commenced remarks thins forenoon upon sacred charity; said the highest form of charity
is that which goes out of ourselves. In conclusion, she expressed the hope that we should all have our hearts drawn
out on this subject, that Christians may take a higher stand,
and Christless ones give themselves unto the Lord.
"' Marc  31. - Miss Lyon continued her remarks this
forenoon by saying there were certain great principles that
she should often repeat; among them  these: all things
planned by God; sacred charity a divine appointment; wonderful though it is, the design of it the benefit of the giver
as well as the receiver. She dwelt upon the thought that
sacred charity is a pledge of personal consecration, a test
to one's self of a willingness to give tup all for Christ.
" April 7. - Miss Lyon this forenoon dwelt in a most
touching manner upon the great principle that Christian
charity may be'o practised and illustrated as to make us
feel what a price was paid for our redemption. She noticed
expressions of Scripture like this: 6 Ye are bought with a
price,' &c.'Always,' she added,' remember this when
you put your hand to this work.'
" April 13. - I wish it were in my power to convey to
you all the precious thoughts Miss Lyon has given us upon the
subject of Christian charity. Though she has dwelt so many
years upon this theme, there is nothing tedious through repetition. She leads us not in the same beaten track of
thought. Every year brings out some new thing from the
rich treasury of her full soul. In her remarks this forenoon
she said the telegraphic wires had been established between
us and the heathen; if we do not now send them the gospel
they must perish.
"May  17. - The teachers' several duties have been
arranged. Dear Miss Lyon's duties who can describe? All
things which belong to no one else are hers. And this
amount is no small fraction of the whole.




THE VICTORY GAINED AND SECURED.
"Miss L. remarked to the young ladies this afternoon on
the importance of keeping in view the good of the institution in all they do' You have all,' she said,  embarked
in this ship, and, if the ship sinks, must sink with it.' She
warned them against imitating the man who refused to take
his turn at the pump to save the vessel, with the excuse, that
he had paid his passage, and saw no reason why he should
do more.
" MIay 24. — Death has entered our family, and removed
one lovely by nature and still more so by grace. She was
all ready for the coming of her Savior. She said it was
enough for her' to have some little corner in heaven.' In
connection with this event Miss Lyon dwelt upon the great
salvation. She spoke of the difficulty she had always had
in communicating any just views upon this subject. In her
heart she had often been ready to exclaim,' O that God
would speak! And now,' she said,' God had spoken to us27
She felt it was not so mnuch a voice of warning as an invitation; not a voice from the tomb, but a voice from heaven.
God had given us an impressive lesson on his great salvation; and she entreated that we should give heed to the
things we have heard,'lest at any time we should let
them slip.'
"1 MJay 30. - This afternoon Miss Lyon gave us the last
chapter upon a subject which she commenced some time
before. She dwelt upon the importance of ladies' striving
to acquire system, stability, and energy; urged all to follow
judgment rather than impulse; said, of all the leading-strings
they would find in the world, the last for them to follow
should be fancy.
"; July 4. - In the hall, this afternoon, Miss Lyon amused
us with some of her most playful remarks.  Miss W. had
heard that the village lads were going to have fireworks this
evening, and thought it not well that our family should lose
their sleep to witness the display. So she remarked upon




LETTERI TO MISSIONARIESo           371
the probable splendor of the scene with such mock sublim.
ity as to quell every vestige of excitement, had there been
any. She then gave all the remarkable permission to look
out of their own windows, though not to leave their rooms.
Miss Lyon added her contribution of merry words, and all
joined in a hearty laugh.
"July 11.- Our missionary subscription is completed,
and the amount has been stated to the school.  Whole
amount given to foreign missions, $646'79; home missions,
$361'00. Whole amount, $1007'79.
"' August 29. - You will ask,' Where is Miss Lyon dur.
ing the long vacation? Is she also enjoying rest?' We
would we could say she is. But she is in South Hadley.
Much does her spirit long for rest, and much does she need
it. W7e fear for the next year. Yet I would trust and remember that  our Father is at the helm.' We, doubting,
often ask,' If she falls, who shall take her place?' We
often fear she may fail. Powers of mind and body so hardly
tasked cannot always last. We fall back on the assurance,
God will provide."
The following is a copy of a letter addressed by Miss
Lyon to her pupils now on heathen ground: 
"September 1, 1848.
6" MY DEAR MISSIONARY DAUGHTERS:
"The journal which you have received through Miss W.'s
instrumentality, and so long by dear Miss T.'s pen, who is
now to be one of your number, has been a gratification to
me. I have enjoyed the thought that you would thus keep
along with the little occurrences at your Holyoke home.
Often have I desired to beg the privilege of inserting a little
note, with the salutation of mine own hand.  But communion like this, even,' with ink and pen,' I seldom can enjoy
upon earth. But there is one place of meeting, of sweet




372        T1iE VICTORY GAINED AND SECUREDo
communion of spirit, when absent in body. There I love to
ask our heavenly Father to bless you all, to bless you individually in your work, to bless the dear companions of
your missionary joys and your missionary toils, and to
bless, too, the children whom God has given you in the
land of your adoption. But there is another and better
home than this.  There I trust we shall all meet, and
hold such communion as earth has never known.  May
you all have grace to run with patience the race set
before you, looking unto Jesus in all your missionary
course.
"As you will learn, Miss W. had it in heart to keep the
journal for you this year herself, But Providence has otherwise decided. Her health will not allow her even to be
an observer of the events at your former happy home.  I
anticipated much pleasure to herself in writing, and to you
in- reading from the pen of her whom you all know and
love. To supply her place my thoughts have rested on
Misses H. and C. as being those whom you all remember.
They have consented to take it.
" In this arrangement I am very happy, as you will feel
more the link of friendship than if coming from the pen of
one whom you have never seen. With some of you they
were class-mates, seat-mates, or room-mates.  With others
of you they were fellow-teachers, striving with you for the
upbuilding of Christ's kingdom in this little miniature of a
world. You will feel more sure of their personal sympathy,
because while writing for you they are writing also for a
dear brother and sister far off in India. You will remember
that we expect from you a return. We are aware of the
effort this must cost you amid all your other cares and abun.
dant labors. But we trust that this effort will not be in vain,
as a small item in your missionary work.  While I am writing this, I am forcibly reminded of the probability that one
of your number will never read it —one dear to may heart,




TRHANflSGIV  aIN, o           373
my only sister's own daughter, and to me a daughter indeed,
and even more than a daughter.  Yes, I think from  day
to day, of dear Mrs. B. as now in heaven; though it is
possible, in the events of Providence, that her life is spared.
Mrs. WV., too, another of our missionary band, has finished
her short work, and gone home to her rest. May you who
still live work while the day lasts, and may you long be
spared, and may you yet gather in many sheaves from the
opening fields, which are now white and ready for the harvest. While life and memory are spared you will be remembered and loved by me."
" October 25.- Miss Lyon bears the removal of her
main dependence, Miss WV., with cheerfulness, trustfully
looking for brighter days in future. She hopes this year to
give more time and energy to the literary department than
she has usually done.
" October 30. — Knowing what you do of our family
arrangements, your first inquiry will be with regard to our
spiritual welfare.  About one hundred of our pupils are
without hope. The fixed and earnest attention of this class
to religious instruction is evidence to us that the Spirit is
hovering around us, and willing to bless if we are willing to
receive. May we have grace given us to sow all the seed
and gather all the fruit our heavenly Father would have us.
" December 1. —Yesterday was our annual Thanksgiving. All the teachers, and a larger number than usual of
the young ladies, remained with us. Invitations were extended to the trustees.  Miss Lyon has long been wishing to
enlarge the circle of those in town to whom she extends invitations, and she took this opportunity to do it. Between seventy and eighty were invited. The young ladies interested
themselves much in preparing.  The first part of the evening was spent very socially in the parlors. Afterwards, we
had entertainments in Seminary Hall as usual.
32




374       ITHE VICTORY GAINED AND SECURED.
"G December 6. - In accordance with Miss Lyon's propo.
sal, we have this year a regular missionary society formed.
The officers are a president and secretary; the terms of
membership are, the regular attendance upon the meetings of
the society, or, if detained, the rendering of a written note
to the secretary before the time of the meeting.  Miss Lyon
was chosen president.  Her duties are to preside in the
meetings, appoint the times of the meeting, and direct as to
intelligence brought before the society.  She is most faithful
in these duties.  She makes it her object to bring out at
each meeting something of profit which shall be remembered.
" December 14. -- Miss Lyon's theme for remark this
afternoon was mutual influence.  She observed that she had
noticed a few young ladies in the family who were not having the most desirable influence over one another, and remarked that she should probably in a few days speak to
them individually.  She illustrated her subject by examples
from chemistry.  She remarked that some of the rankest
poisons were made by the union of the most valuable and
inoffensive elements; as, for instance, oxygen and nitrogen,
whose value and importance were so well known, were a
constituent in nearly all of them. So, many young ladies,
who were harmless oxygen and nitrogen by themselves,
if brought together, would make nicotine or strychnine.
"December 28. -A  box of curiosities from  India was
forwarded to us last week. Letters were received from
India, China, and Persia.
"' January 5, 1849. - There has been a good deal of religious interest this year; several conversions, though not so
general a revival as last year."
Would that the limits of this work allowed more extended
extracts from this journal of the seminary; for, as a whole, it
does give such an insight into the manner in which this
great family is managed, such an impression of the happy




IMISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE.          375
influence of Christian love as the controlling power, and of
the happiness which it brings to all who yield to its demands,
as cannot but excite the interest and admiration of every
pious heart. Perhaps, however, I ought rather to apologize
to the seminary for having opened to the public eye so much
of their domestic life. If so, my apology is, that the internal operations of the seminary do really afford one of the
best developments of Miss Lyon's character, since they have
been nearly all contrived and arranged by her judicious and
sagacious mind.
Before closing this section, I shall add some of Miss
Lyon's correspondence upon several subjects, which shows
us that her interest was not confined to the favorite seminary,
but that she admitted to a proper share of her regard and
attention whatever ought to interest any intelligent Christian
woman. Many such letters have been given in the earlier
parts of this memoir; but the following, which bear date
subsequent to the opening of the new seminary, show that,
amid its absorbing cares and duties, other objects did not
lose their interest. And yet most of the letters have reference to the seminary.
The following extracts from letters of two of her nieces,
who have themselves been distinguished as teachers, and
now occupy important spheres of labor, will show Miss
Lyon's interest in, and efforts for, her relatives — a subject
already referred to more than once.
FROM MRS. BEDORTHA.
" TROy, N. Y., February, 1850.
"I remember how, from early childhood, my mother used
to talk of sending myself and sisters to aunt Mary Lyon's
school. This idea always afforded us the greatest pleasure.
She trained our minds and manners with much care to this
end while we were but little girls, and lived in Ohio. Yet
we were of sufficient age to understand enough to cause us




an 6       THE VICTORY GAINED AND SECURED,
greatly to wish to attend aunt's school. She used to have
conversations of some length with us respecting it, urging
us to efforts of improvement to prepare us for that school;
and my youngest sister (now a missionary in India) has
since told me that it was immediately after one of these conversations that, being sent by my mother, with a little tin pail
in her hand, to a rivulet, a few yards from the door, to bring
some water, she took great pains to take every step very
carefully all the way there and back again, so that she
might be nice enough to be sent to aunt's school when she
should be of sufficient age. Our mother continued her
efforts to obtain this object till the way was prepared, after
many hinderances; so that both my sisters found themselves
at Ipswich Female Seminary under the immediate instructions of my dear aunt Mary, where their highest anticipations were fully realized, and the most earnest wish of their
hearts gratified. With her direction and instruction she
enabled them to complete the course of study, and appointed
them to places for tepching, till the missionary feeling which
my youngest sister had long possessed ripened under such a
genial influence, and she sailed as a missionary to India.
Providence directed my own way to another school, -where I
finished a course of study similar to what my sisters had
gone through. Yet I could not feel satisfied till I had been
to learn what I could from the experience of my dear aunt
at Holyoke. Each time when I had spent a season there, I
went away feeling that I had reaped a rich and fresh harvest
of important information, not only respecting the subject of
teaching, but of useful maxims and new thoughts relating to
the best manner of managing the practical affairs of life and
the most excellent methods of influencing mind. I always
felt that hers was an intelligence in which lay a rich mine
of experience, and from her lips came the best of wisdom
in things pertaining both to the present and future life. I
was never in her society even for only a few moments




LETTER FROM MRS. BURGESS.           377
without feeling instructed and wiser by something she uttered.
Her influence extended to all her relatives; her example and
advice quickened them often in the paths of uprightness;
particularly did it stimulate her nephews and nieces to efforts
to obtain an education. In her school she educated the
daughters of two of her sisters and the daughters of her
brother. One of the latter is now a missionary in China.
Of her nephews, a part have taken a liberal course of
study, and some are in preparation for the gospel ministry.
She aided the children of her brother and sisters in obtaining an education, not- only by her counsel, but many of them
by small sums of money, to make a beginning in their education, and afterwards lending them larger sums, which they
were to pay when by teaching they had gained it."
FROM MRS. BURGESS, (FORMERLY MISS MOORE,) MISSIONARY
IN INDIA.
" AHmIFDNUGGUR, April 13, 1850.
"G DR. HITCHCOCK:
"6 It has given me much pleasure to learn that you have
undertaken to prepare the memoirs of my dear aunt. You
were her early friend, and have kept up your acquaintance
with her almost uninterrupted, so that you are perhaps better
able than any one else to describe the circumstances which
helped to form her character.
"1 There was one way her ever-flowing benevolence manifested itself, of which you may not be fully aware. I refer
to the pecuniary aid she rendered her younger relatives to
obtain an education. This aid, if of much amount, was
always in the form of a loan, to be repaid as circumstances
would permit. I am one who remember with many emotions of gratitude her timely offer of assistance when I was
strongly desiring to enjoy higher opportunities for mental
improvement than could be possessed in an academy in a
western village. One remark in the letter conveying to me
35 




t3if       THE VICTORY GAINED AND SECUREDo
the offer of assistance made a permanent impression on my
mind. It was, her expressed hope that I should never forget
the injunction' to do good and communicate; forget not, for
with such sacrifice God is well pleased.' I feel now; without doubt, the influence of that wish, when I am trying to
communicate to the school of thirty Hlindoo girls under my
charge, and a group of women and little children who come
more or less under my influence, the truths of the Bible.
~Many of her younger relatives (who generally possessed
more of a desire for knowledge than the means of obtaining
it) are much indebted to her for timely assistance. She
did very much, also, to inspire love of knowledge and hope
of success by her own cheerful temperament and looks of
encouragement.
" The aid she rendered was mostly in the form of a loan;
but her right hand, prompted by her generous heart, often
gave when her left hand knew it not. I well remember the
visit of a young nephew, who spent a part of a college vacation with her. His eyes glistened with emotion as he left
her room, where he had been to take leave of her. She
had slipped into his hand a five dollar bill, saying,' Take
that to help in your college expenses the coming term.'
"This offer of pecuniary assistance was not by any
means confined to her relatives. Many young ladies with
whom she became acquainted shared largely in her sympathies in this form. But of that I need not speak; it was, as
you well know, her abounding desire, always, in every way,
to do good to others, and to subserve the cause of her
Master."
The following, on the same subject, was prepared by
Mrs. Cowles, but thought more appropriate for this place in
the memoir.
"For a person of her means, Miss Lyon was very generous.




LI]BERALITY.                 379
When Dr. Packard, of Shelburne, visited Ipswich, in September, 1834, to confer with her and a few of her friends
as to the incipient steps of the enterprise, she paid his travelling expenses, and never repaid herself out of the contingent fund raised soon after. In the following October, a
wealthy gentleman was engaged in establishing a female
seminary in Bristol county. She visited him, and aided him
with her experience in devising measures for its prosperity.
While making suggestions as to the ways and means for
promoting his object, she also improved the opportunity to
spread her own plans before him. As she was departing, he
placed a bank note in her hand, doubtless as a remuneration
for her time and pains.'Thank you,' said she;'this will
help towards the thousand dollars we are trying to collect
for contingent expenses;' and to that purpose it was faithfully applied. She travelled hundreds of miles, between
September, 1834, and November, 1837, in aid of her object,
always at her own expense. The old rates of postage then
prevailed; and though she made it a rule never to tax a person of whom she solicited a contribution with the postage on
a letter, and to prepay a letter whenever she had any doubt
on whom the postage ought to fall, the funds of the seminary
were never drawn upon to meet any part of the expense of
her large correspondence. She engaged a person to assist,
at the opening of the school, in getting the domestic department into operation. That person, finding the duties more
onerous than she had anticipated, was obliged to withdraw
from the undertaking. In addition to her stipulated wages,
which were paid from the income of the establishment, Miss
Lyon bestowed on her a parting gift, nearly equal to her
wages, as some compensation for her disappointment. To
an associate teacher, whom  she loved, and who, as she
thought, had made pecuniary sacrifices for the good of
the institution, she gave, the same year, thirty dollars as
a bridal gift.




380        THE VICTORY GAINED AND SECURED.
"' Such tokens of friendship were not allowed to interfere
with her religious charities. She held all she possessed as
a steward, and asked not,' What shall I give to the Lord?'
but,' How much may I take for myself?'
"1 She endeavored to be careful not to injure character by
ill-judged charity. She sought so to help her nephews and
nieces as to enable them to help themselves. To several
of them, who were making great efforts to obtain an education, she gave twenty-five dollars each in money, and afterwards lent them considerably more, in some cases to the
amount of one or two hundred dollars each. All the money
thus lent had been paid up before her death, except what
was due from one of the last who had been favored in this
way. With this aid, some of her relatives have become
successful teachers; two of her nieces are now in distant
heathen lands. To the only son of her eldest sister, who is
preparing for the gospel ministry, she left an annuity, to be
continued during his pupilage.
" She felt and taught that it injures the character of a young
person to receive gift after gift from a hand on which he has
no natural claim. Such benefactions, she was accustomed
to say, not only destroyed the independence of a noble
spirit, but induced a habit of claiming as a right what is
only a favor.' Gratitude,' she said,'is often a stranger in
the hearts of young persons who are adopted into families,
and installed as children. So those who receive their education as a boon from the purse of a stranger are apt to lose
more in manly self-dependence than they gain in mental
culture.' In the Education Society she admired its plan of
lending money to its beneficiaries, because it leaves their
native independence uncrushed. Well does the writer know
one of Miss Lyon's beloved relatives, whom she conducted
from a lowly home, and placed under the eye of Miss Grant
till she was qualified to fill a station of responsibility which
was offered her. Soon after she entered upon the duties of




HELP TO FRIENDS.                381
this station, an accomplished and agreeable gentleman, to
this day an able agent in the foreign missionary field, invited
her to accomyany him in the journey of life. To her the
field was inviting, and she felt also that he was a man whom
she could love and esteem. She unhesitatingly declined the
invitation, because she had not cancelled the debt due for
her education; and that, too, without consulting her friends,
who would generously have made up a purse for her; without writing to her aunt for advice, who would probably have
remitted the debt; and she did this without telling the servant of the Lord, with whose choice she was honored, the
exact obstacle which lay in the way of accepting his
proposal.
"Who does not like that spirit of independence, that deterruination to pay her own debts? It is not necessary to say
whether, when that lady had fully met every demand against
her, another opportunity was afforded her to walk a similar
path; whether a beloved and honored wife, happy in a dotnestic circle of her own, she dwells in the temperate or the
tropical regions, in the land of vines or of spices. But she is
now, and has been ever since her decision, favored with a
position in society and a sphere of usefulness sufficient to
satisfy any reasonable woman.
"In the summer of 1841, being persuaded by her friends
to journey, Miss Lyon visited some of her near and dear
relatives in the western part of New York. They were at
the time in distressing straits, and knew not whence help
could come. By a series of misfortunes, sicknesses, and
losses, they had been driven to mortgage their small farm.
They were in anxious conference at the moment of her
arrival, because their homestead was soon expected to come
under the hammer of the auctioneer.' Here is Mary; she
will help you,' said her uncle, as she stopped at the door
of their humble dwelling. She was the angel of mercy to
them in their hour of need. She redeemed the farm, took




382        -THE VICTORY GAINED AND SECURED.
the deed in her own name, gave them a life lease of the spot,
and on their death it is bequeathed by her last will and testament to the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions."
The following incidents, related by Miss Robinson, once a
teacher in the seminary, show us Miss Lyon's skill in controlling the conduct of pupils without the direct exercise of
authority: —
"'It was contrary to the rules of Miss Lyon's establishment that any young lady should absent herself from the
regular meals, sick or well, without permission so to do.' If you are not able to come to me yourself, or some other
teacher, send your room-mate,' was ever her injunction.
Some young ladies would go to the table without turning their
plates. The sick had their particular table, which each could
leave for her own room whenever she chose, without waiting
for the whole company to rise, as was the rule at the healt/h
tables. No young lady expected to be a little unwell and stay
in her own room during meal-time, and keep it from Miss
Lyon's knowledge, without being disappointed. Her Argus
eyes saw every thing. Neither would she unnecessarily send
an apology for non-appearance more than once or twice.
Miss Lyon nipped such things in the bud most effectually. I
well remember a case illustrative of this power of hers.  A
friend of mine, feeling rather indisposed, concluded not to go
down to the dining-room to tea one night. I was deputed, as
her friend, to report her case to Miss Lyon, at whose table
she sat. Through carelessness, I did not speak of my friend's
illness till after the family had risen from the meal. Then Miss
Lyon was inquiring of another teacher why this young lady
absented herself from the supper table.  Coming up in the
midst of the conversation, I explained the matter, as I
thought, most satisfactorily -I My friend did not feel able




SKILL IN 1MANAGING PUPILS.          383
to come down to-night.''Ah, sick, is she?' exclaimed
Miss L., fixing her piercing eyes full upon me.' No, 0, no,
only a little unwell.''IWouldn't she like something in
her room?' I Yes, she commissioned me to carry up to her
a cup of tea and cracker.''You may go to her now,' replied Miss L.;'I'll see to that.' I ascended to the fourth
story to my companion; I found her very comfortably seated
in her rocking-chair by the window, watching a glorious
sunset. I placed myself by her side, and soon forgot the
tea and cracker and all things pertaining to it. In a few
moments, a slight tap was heard at the door.   Come in,'
both exclaimed in one voice. The door slowly opened, and
Miss Lyon walked into the room, bearing a waiter, with my
friend's tea and cracker.  Had a spirit from the unseen
world appeared before us, we could not have been more
astonished.  Our apologies were profuse. My poor friend
had no idea of Miss L.'s coming from the basement to the
fourth story for her. With perfect kindness, our beloved
teacher told us that every one was tired at night, and she
could come as well as any other. She made particular inquiries of my friend, who had nothing to say, and then departed.  That young lady never remained in her room
afterwards, when the bell rang for the dining-room, when
she was able to take a little tea and cracker.'"I knew a young lady, at the commencement of the
term, arrive rather tired, feel rather selfish and indolent, and
faney refreshments would taste much sweeter in her own
room. Accordingly, she sent to the general directness of
domestic work, and asked that some young lady might come
to such a number, with such and such articles of food. Not
long after, the supper came. But Miss L. brought it to the
healthy, stout young lady, lounging carelessly upon the bed,
detailing the incidents of her recent journey to her social
companions.  Hlow thankful was I not to meet the calm,
kind, half-reproachful glance from  the weary eye of Miss
Lyon!




3A4       THE VICTORY GAINED AND SECURED.
"' Miss Lyon desired us to be as careful of all the domestic
utensils as of the furniture in our own rooms. She had a
great aversion to our using dishes appropriated to one particular purpose for several. Of course, laxity on this point
would be somewhat prevalent."
When her friends, and especially her relatives, were bereaved or afflicted, Miss Lyon was ever ready with the balnm
of sympathy for their wounded spirits. We quote only a
few examplesb
TO MISS SARAH BRIGHAM1i
NToRTON, July 24, 1837.
6" I have sympathized with you in your late afflictions. I
need not tell you that I feel deeply interested in all that
relates to yourself and friends, and that my interest in your
behalf is now more deeply enlisted than ever. How sweet,
though painful, must it be to think of your dear mother e!
You do not dwell on her image, which is ever before you,
with painful emotions and anxious doubt where she now is,
and what is now her condition, and what her present employments. You can rest quietly in the belief that she is now
with her God, beyond all dangers and all troubles. When
you first awake in the morning, do you not think of her for a
moment as still alive?  But the next moment the painful
reality rushes upon you that she is indeed no more; that
she has gone, forever gone, and you are all motherless.
But the painful truth scarcely finds its way into your wounded
heart, when your soul is filled with the sweet consolation
that she is happy, forever happy; that she does not lie distressed on that painful couch, where you watched her by day
and by night. She has gone to rest —eternal rest.  How
important that such afflictions should lead us to do with our
might what our hands find to do! What have we to do with
this world, except as a place to prepare for eternity ourselves,
and to seek the same preparation in behalf of others?"




RAVAGES OF DEATH.                 38&
TO HER NIECE, L. [1OORE.
"December 9, 1846.
i....     Write me a long letter, and tell me all about
your mother. Dear sister, how my heart has sympathized
with her every time I have thought of her trial in Abby's
going to India! I hope you will do much to comfort her, and
may she ever have a Friend in heaven, who shall be better
to her than all the comforts of sons and daughters.'- My health is much improved. I do not speak to the
whole school, but hope I shall soon. I have not seen your
brother yet, but will ride over to Amherst soon and search
hina out."
TO HER BROTHER.
"' SonrT  HADmsE, December 3, 1840.
" But a few years ago, and we seemed an unbroken circle.
Though separated from each other, we seven were all living,
and could think and pray for one another fiom day to day.
After the' hand of death was laid on our dear father, nearly
thirty years passed away before any one of us was called out
of time into eternity.  Since then, how frequently have we
been called to mourning! How great have been the ravages
of death i! You have heard of sister F.'s departure, and
now it becomes my painful duty to tell you that another one
is gone. Yes, our dear mother is no more. My dear
brother, can you think how lonely it was to me as I followed
her dear remains to the grave, with no brother or sister by
my side? I felt that indeed our family was but a broken
circle. As I passed out of the door where I have often met
her gladdened and joyful face, as I went along the way
where we have so many times rode together to see sister J.,
and as I looked on her placid face for the last time,' Can this
be,9 thought I,' my dear mother? and is this my last visit to
her solitary home?''
33




386        THE VICTORY GAINED AND SECURED.
The death of a niece, who was teaching in WVilloughby,
Ohio, occasioned the following letter to another of the
teachers in that place:"SOUTH HADLEY, November 27, 1847.' MY DEAR Miss T.:
"Your kind letters relative to my dear niece have been
received.  I feel that I have another precious treasure laid
up in heaven. You have my sincere gratitude for your
kindness to her, especially during her sickness and her departure to her final home; also for writing in so particular
a manner.  She was a tender, sensitive plant; and since the
death of her own mother and her residence with me, I have
watched over her with great interest.  I love to think that
it has been my privilege to aid in fitting her for her present
home.  I love to think of her where she now is, with a great
circle of my dear family relatives, and many of a long train
of ancestors.  For some wise reason, I have no doubt she was
led far away from home to die.  It is gratifying to me that her
last associations were so pleasant, and her connection with
you and the other dear teachers so desirable.  She used to
write about you with much affection and confidence.  It is
also gratifying to me, that she was permitted to enter on a
field of usefulness, and one so congenial to her feelings. All
the little tokens of respect, affection, and attention shown
her while living, and to her memory since-her death, I value
very much.  But of how little consequence is all now, in the
light of the countenance of her blessed Savior! She has
gone, and, as I trust, has arrived safely home. Please give
my kind and grateful acknowledgments to all who nursed
her and watched over her in her sickness, to all who have
contributed to her comfort, and mingled their sympathies
alnd tears in this dispensation of divine Providence..
"You inquire about her things, because she was in some.
degree indebted to me.  I am anxious that all should go to




FIRST DEATH IN THE SEMINARY.            387
her near relatives.  Please send them to her sister C., and I
shall write that all may be settled between her and the
other friends. I will authorize you to select some articles as keepsakes for those with whom she was associated in
TW., &c."
TO MISS GRANT.
"SOUTH I-ADLEY, April 12, 1839.
6MY DEAR MISS GRANT:
"We have just been passing through a trying scene.
Death for the first time has entered our windows, and marked
one of our number as his victim. It has been a trying,
solemn time. It was a disease of the head, and, as is com-~
mon in such cases, was very deceitful in developing its true
nature till a short time before her death.  On this account,
none of her friends were here to see her breathe her last.
Her sister arrived about two hours after, and her father met
the remains a few miles from this place, as they were moving towards her last earthly home. She had been with us
about a year, and I trust her being here has been the means
of preparing her for heaven.
"She became serious last summer, indulged a hope in the
autumn, has been consistent through the winter as a Christian, and has seemed to share deeply in the late revival.
She has not been very well through the whole year, and I
now think that the causes of her last disease have been long at
work in her system.  But it seems as if an unseen hand had
kept back its progress, that she might repent and believe,
and prepare for eternity.
6" I will take Rees's Cyclopoedia at the price you mention,
but I have not the means to purchase the Annals of Education. If you do not wish to sell all together, perhaps' the
Memorandum Society,' in the seminary, may purchase one
set. It is now vacation, and those to whom the question
would be referred are not here.  The leading objects of the
society are to preserve a history of its members, and a




388       THE VICTORY GAINED AND SECURED.
general history of the seminary. It is designed also to make
it a means of individual improvement.
" We are thinking of preparing a written catalogue, with
various items attached to each name, as a part of the work
of the Memorandum Society."
Such a catalogue was prepared, and a new edition is published once in five years; the last in 1847. That contains
five hundred and seventy-nine names; two hundred and
ninety-nine of whom had engaged in teaching after leaving
the seminary. This, of course, embraces only a part of
those connected with the institution.
TO MIRS. BRIGGS.
"SSOUTH IIADLEY, September 1, 1841.
"' MY DEAR MRS. BRIGGS:
"I have already sympathized with you in your present
trial. May the Lord comfort and sustain you, and give our
dear Miss Grant all the strength which she needs.  How
many changes do we meet, and in how many ways are these
changes taking place! How does Providence in wisdom set
one thing over against another, so that we need not glory in
our own strength, rejoice too much in our own happiness, or
sorrow above reason! Scarcely a new cord of affection can
be spun, but the materials must be drawn from the shattered
fibres of some former attachment.  On the other side,
scarcely are the firmest bonds broken asunder, but they are
followed by some new ones of equal, if not greater interest.
My feelings were interested on this subject last winter, when
Miss Grant informed me that you appeared near your grave.' How interesting,' thought I,' must be your situation, as far as
you had power to reflect; at one moment looking with deep
sorrow on those many cords which must soon be severed;
and the next moment, forward to those new and everlasting
bonds in heaven just ready to be bound around your heart!




SENSE OF RESPONSIBILITY.            389
I luve sometimes to lose sight of individuals, in thinking of the bundles of eternal life and happiness that are
bound up together in heaven. How delightful will be the
joys of that happy place! Edwards's views in his' History
of Redemption,' on God's dealings with his church as a
whole, are very interesting."
TO SIRS. SAFFORD.
" SOUTH HADLEY, September 26, 1843.
"' I think I shall like the plan (just detailed) very much, as
I am very partial to any thing which will relieve me of care.
The thought of giving instruction to so many minds brings
with it an increasing anxiety. For this I must reserve all
the mental and moral strength which I can. I must not depend on the impulse of the moment, and on the united
strength of the occasion, so much as I have done the last six
years. When I think of the sudden and strong transitions
of mind and heart which I have often been obliged to make,
I feel that I can never do it again; and even if I could do it,
I could not sustain the shock many times more.
" I have taken a health excursion among the hills about
forty miles distant, and just returned quite invigorated. I
have a good old aunt among the hills. Her home is in the
highest, and wildest, and roughest place which I ever visit.
She is the last remnant of the old stock, the liveliest image
of my dear mother. I always find the ride to her mountain
home, and the communing with her on former days, very
sweet."
TO IRS. SAFFORD.
" SOUTH HADLEY, May 1, 1843.
" You express a desire that I should think of Boston.
Hlow could I do less, when God has given you a heart for so
much interest in our behalf?' Ye knew what great conflict'
I had about the time I was in Boston, and you opened your
heart to sympathize with me in behalf of those who had
33 *




390        THE VICTORY GAINED AND SECURED.
never seen your face in the flesh. I thought I had reason to
believe that out of our family no one was like minded with
yourselves to care for our souls. How can I but remember
you in return, and the desires of your hearts, and the work
of your hands? That infantile church has its own place, and
a very important place, in the great system of means in
Boston, which that favored city should use in the renovation
of the world. In bringing that church to occupy just its own
place in this blessed work, the labors and responsibilities
which Providence has assigned to yourself and husband are
by no means small. When I spread out my heart before
the mercy seat, I cannot but remember your church, your
labors in it, and the labors of your beloved pastor. How
much do you all need of heavenly wisdom, of holy love,
and of godly zeal. May the Lord give you more than we
can ask or think."
ON FORMER ATTACHMiENTS.-TO MISS GRANT.
"' SOUTH HADLEY, April 23, 1838.
" Do you now and then like to receive a line from me, or
have you so many other cares, that it is a tax on your
strength more than it is worth? The intimate communion
which continued between us for so many years, I do not, I
cannot forget. Sometimes former views, and former intercourse, and former mutual duties and obligations, and mutual
kindness and faithfulness, in contrast with the present nonintercourse almost between us, come over me, with an overwhelming power. I know it must be so. I know you cannot come to see me, nor can I go to see you; and if I could,
I should not feel at liberty to tax your strength with my
visits. The same is true with regard to our writing. I am
generally entirely reconciled.  But occasionally, when I
have heard nothing fiom you for weeks or months, only as I
do.by the by, as I do from any of my common acquaintances, I find myself involuntarily saying, Is this that same




THE CHANGEABLENESS OF EARTE.           391
friend with whom I lived and labored so many years, with
whom I had so much intercourse from day to day, and
with whom I have exchanged so many letters?  This is the
changeableness of earth. How transitory is every thing here!
It seems as if I could say of nothing that it has long been,
but only that it once was; or that it now is, and may be a
few days longer. Of all the changes that take place, the
changing of friends, of companions, of fellow-laborers, of fellow-travellers through this pilgrimage, is the most painful.
Rather let these changes come year by year, and month by
month, so that there may be no tender and long-strengthened
cords to be torn asunder — that there may be no train of
recollection and former communion to add to scenes of
desolation'
TO 3MISS GRANT.
" SOUTII HADLEY, March 14, 1840.
Saturday is my day for writing letters, and for all business connected with letters. I always on that day think of
writing to my dearest friend, who, I fear, may be suffering
much, though I hope she may be enjoying as much. But
sometimes the vain endeavor to be through with all the business letters that demand my immediate attention, and more,
to decide how to answer them, affects my head so that I have
but little mind or heart left for friends.  Sometimes I fear
that a letter of mine, written in my blind hand, may be an
unwelcome messenger to one who is seeking for quiet.
However, I thank you for your precious letter received the
present week, and will most gladly reply.
" July 25, 1840.- t love to think of your visit here. I
am glad you have seen Deacon and Mrs. P. and their home.
To me it has been a sweet home to the wanderer.  How
kindly have I been taken care of these many years!
" I trust your prayers in our behalf will not be less fervent
on account of your visit.  The thought has often been very
interesting to me, that your prayers could be as effectual




THE VICTORY GAINED AND SECURED.
now as ever; that they did not depend on health, and that
your prayers in our behalf might be answered; though I did
not feel at liberty to ask your advice, as I was wont to do in
former days."
TO MISS GRANT.
"April 15, 1841
" MY VERY DEAR FRIEND:
" Your letter mailed yesterday I have just received, ina
forming me of the sickness of dear Mrs. B. I cannot forbear
taking my pen immediately and comrmencing a reply. Few
can realize, as I can, the deep waters of affliction through
which you are now passing. I need not say, that I sympathize with you most deeply, most tenderly. My heart's
desire and prayer is, that you may be sustained and comforted by consolations better than all human sympathies.  I
know your heart is now too full to think much of yourself.
The thoughts and feelings are all absorbed in the solemn and
interesting events just before her, whom you love as a sister,
and more than a sister. It is indeed better for her to depart
and be with Christ. May the precious Savior take her by
the hand, and lead her gently and peacefully through the
dark valley, and give her a home with Him, in whose presence
is fulness of joy and pleasures forevermore. If you judge
it expedient, I should be gratified to have you give Mrs. B.
my love. I love her for her own sake, for my sake, and,
more than all, for your sake.
"'IDear Mrs. P. is spending several days with us. She
sends her love."
TO THE SAME.
"August 13, 1841.
"'The kindness of Providence towards us the last year
has been very manifest. The breeze has been tempered to
the shorn lamb. Will you not pray for us, that as we come
together, a preparation of heart may be given to teachers
and pupils? "




BEREAVEMENTS.                  393
TO MISS GRANT.
" SOUTi HADLEY, March 8, 1841.
MY DEAR FRIEND:
6" I thank you for communicating so much about the health
of your body, and the health of your soul. I have long
wanted to hear from you, and have often attempted to coammend you, with all your unknown state, to our covenantkeeping God. The dealings of divine Providence have been
such towards me since I last saw you, as to lead me to think
with great tenderness of all my friends, and especially of
yourself; and more than all, I hope, of that dearest Friend
that sticketh closer than a brother.  The hand of God has
been laid heavily upon me. I have been led through deep
waters, but they have not overflowed me.  His good hand
has been ever my support.
" You have heard of the sickness and death of my dear
pupils during the fall vacation.  Last year we took unusual
pains about the health of our young ladies; altogether more
than ever before.  So true is it that the race is not to the
s-wift, nor the battle to the strong; and that it is not in man
that iwatcheth to direct his steps.  None but my heavenly
Father knows how great a trial this was to my heart.  While
others have been inquiring about the natural cause, I have
felt that we who were most nearly connected ought particularly to inquire about the moral cause, and to seek to know
what the Lord would have us learn from his dealings with
us.  I hope the affliction has not been altogether lost on
myself, but that in the hand of God it has been used in some
degree to prepare me for the events that have since followed.
You have heard of these. I have now no mother or sister
whom I can go and see; and alone I followed my dear
mother to the grave.  Her prayers, which I have daily had
for so many years, I shall have no more. She, to whose
comfort I have been expecting the pleasant privilege of administering for years to come, as almost the only child left




394        THE VICTORY GA-iNED ANi'D -EC'CUiNED,
her, will need nothing more.  I feel my family loneliness;
but with it eternity seems very near, with all its precious
privileges, purchased by the blood of our glorious Savior.
"The last stroke touching my health has been to me
scarcely a trial. As I have been obliged to give up many
labors to other hands, and some weeks nearly all, I have felt
that I have nothing to say and scarcely any thing to ask, but
that God might be glorified.
"After about a month's active labor in organizing the
school, I began to find my strength very weakness.  I tried
to rest, but all seemed only to reduce me still more. I have
had but little disease, but a general prostration.  For several
weeks I could not read much, nor write, nor think, nor feel,
nor talk. For about two months I did not go out to church.
Now I can go half a day, and do several things of the
lighter sort.
"I want to tell you many things about our school, and
how kind Providence has been to'us, and how the way was
all prepared beforehand for me to be laid aside. But I must
wait till I write to you again. The Spirit of God has been
evidently with us all the year.  About fifteen have expressed
hope, and many others have a long time seemed but a step
from the kingdom of God."
At a later date, she wrote as follows:"t I have often thought that I should like to consult you,
but I would not tax your strength.  I have lately been thinking that you could do one thing as effectually as ever, with
only the strength you have to spare.  That is, pray for us.
I want to tell you something of our state, that you can the
better do this; but I cannot now. The gentle dews of
heavenly grace have been descending on us, as I hope, all
winter, though more at some times than others.  All of the
school but three now express some hope that they love Christ,
though in some this hope is extremely feeble."
The simple and affectionate interest expressed in the




MARRIAGE OF MISS GRANT.              395
following letter is in reference to an event that changed the
address of her friend: -
6SOUTH HIADLEY, August 18, 1841.
"MY  DEAR Miss GRANT:
"I received yours by last mail.  To say that I was so
deeply interested in its contents that I could hardly sleep,
would be saying but little. I have nothing to say on the sub.
ject, either good or bad. I have only to desire that this exceedingly important event may be for your own happiness
and usefulness, for the happiness and usefulness of others,
and also for the glory of God. I trust I shall be able to be
with you on Tuesday, the 7th. My thanks to yourself and
Mrs. B. for inviting me to pass Monday night with you.  If
I am prevented from being with you on the 7th, it will be to
me a great trial.
"May the Lord guide, keep, and sustain you, my dear
fiiend.  My affectionate regards to Mrs. B."
TO MIRS. BANISTER, FORMERLY MISS GRANT.
" SOUTHI HXADLEY, December -, 1842.
"To say that the death of your niece, Mrs. Burgess," was
sorely felt by many, would be saying but very little. You
know I loved her much, and valued her highly. I had the
privilege of seeing and knowing much of her, taking together
all the time, from my first meeting her at her father's
in Colebrook, Connecticut, and my first calling her my pupil
in Buckland, to her last, farewell visit here, which I shall
always remember. She has gone, but she has left in our
hearts a sweet memorial. What a privilege it is so to live
as to leave such a sweet savor, such a precious treasure in
the hearts of surviving friends!
"' We have had a very prosperous year in worldly things.
Every thing is systematized, and Miss M. and Miss WV. urge
* Missionary in India..




396        THE VICTORY GAINED AND SECURED.
forward the wheels so beautifully that all seems more than evel
like clockwork. I enjoy very much having every thing done
better by others than it can be by myself. If this pleasure
continues to increase as it has done for a year or two, I
hope I may be prepared to be happy in being old, and in
being laid aside as a useless thing. But in spiritual things
we are less favored.  There has been less interest than we
have had any year since the first. Pray for us, that we may
not receive all our good things in this life."
TO IMNRS. BANISTER.
6 July, 1843.
"MY DEARA  MRs. B.:
"I have finished my business so as to leave to-morrow.
I have given directions to have your thirty-two copies [of
the' Missionary Offering,' probably] sent to you.  Will you
accompany each copy which you give away with one petition - that, sooner or later, God would honor the exceeding
riches of his condescending love in blessing it to the salvation of some souls?  I have thought more about the instrumentality of prayer, for a few months past, than ever before
in the same time. What a field of usefulness is here opened
for all, under all circumstances! What a privilege is it to
pray that God may be honored by all our friends, and by
ourselves, at all times and in all places; that the interests
of immortal souls may be promoted, and Christ's kingdom
advanced! It seems to me an infinite privilege to have my
friends pray that God may be honored in all I do, compared
with their simply praying for my own comfort and happiness."
TO THE SAME.
" SOUTII HADLEY, July, 1844.
"MY DEAR MRs. B.:
"While I have many, very many things to say, I must
content myself with a single line. We will receive your




THE PRIVILEGE OF DOING GOOD.          29,
niece, and endeavor to meet your wishes on all the points
specified in your letter. Miss M. and Miss W. are very
faithful in looking after the health and the sleep of the young
ladies; so we have been improving and enlarging in this
respect from year to year. Now, although we do not actually require all to be in bed more than seven or seven and a
half hours, yet they need make no exceptions to any family
arrangements, if they should add one, two, or three more
hours. None need do their domestic work in the ordinary
hours for sleep, unless they choose to do so."
TO SIRS. BANISTER.
" MoNSON, September 3, 1844.
" MY DEAR MRS. B.:
"[ I am now on my way to Boston, where I shall spend a
few days for business, and return to attend the meeting of
the Board at Worcester. Mrs. P. sends you her love. Shall
we not see you at Worcester?  Is it not the duty and privilege of Christians to carry this missionary meeting on their
hearts to the throne of grace?  Except the Lord build the
house, they labor in vain who build it. What a privilege it
is to be allowed to cooperate in the least degree in the great
workl of bringing this world to the love and service of our
blessed Redeemer! As we advance in life, may we have a
more single eye to the glory of God in all we do, in all we
desire, and in all we feel. May we have deeper and more
affecting views of the value of the soul, and of the unspeakable and incomprehensible value of the price which has
been paid for its ransom. I often feel that my days are rapidly passing, and that I have but a few remaining. But
these remaining days are precious days, if they should be
spent for the cause of Christ. And what an unspeakable
privilege is it to indulge a hope that, when our work is done,
through infinite grace, we may be admitted to dwell forever
with the Lord!"
34




398        THE VICTORY GAINED AND SECURED.
TO MRS. BANISTER.
"SOUTHI HADLEY, July 9, 1845.
"MY DEAR MRS. B.:
" My mind and heart are full of a thousand things, which
I should love to say for friendship's sake. I should love to
tell you how much I have sympathized with you in your
long-continued and trying sufferings. I should love to tell
you of the deep interest I felt in your remarkable escape.
0, had you found a watery grave, you would not only have
left us all to mourn that we could no more enjoy you on
earth, but that we could not even receive your parting blessing at a dying hour. But I have no time.  Suffice it to say,
that you know full well that the heart cannot always find
room and strength to utter its own emotions."
TO THE SAME.
"SOUTH IIADLEY, July 23, 1845.
MIY VERY DEAR FRIEND:
" I have allowed your letter to lie by one mail, and if you
had been with us yesterday morning, you would not think it
strange. About three o'clock in the morning, our building
was struck with lightning; but it was saved fiorom a speedy
and dreadful destruction. Do you recollect a closet over
our ovens for drying towels? The frame to hold the towels
was moved on a railway made of iron rails. The electric
fluid found its way to these iron rails, and, as I suppose, in a
moment every towel was lighted to an intense blaze, and in
a few minutes the whole closet was like a burning oven. I
think I heard the report when the lightning struck, and in
less than five minutes I heard the cry of fre.  In a few
minutes more, I think it would have found its way to the
wood-work and doors leading to the stairways, in such a
manner that it would have been past control.  I have not
time to tell you how we were delivered.  My mind has been
affected by this striking illustration of eternal things, and of




A TEACHER AT THE WEST.               399
our dependence on that unseen hand by which we have been
saved from everlasting burning."
TO MRS. BANISTER.
" SOUTH HADLEY, March 25, 1846.
6" I wrote to Mrs. Breese, of R., Illinois, last month, making inquiries about her present situation and prospects.  She
writes, in reply,' I am now teaching a select school in our
own house, sixteen by thirty feet, one story and a half high.
We have seventeen scholars, eleven of whom board with us.
I sit day after day, with my babe, a large, resolute boy of
five and a half months, in my arms, teaching them as well
as I can.' Mrs. B. has already sent out a few teachers from
her school, and several more are preparing for the same avocation. Most of them could have attended school nowhere else.
Such schools as Mrs. B. is teaching must do much for the
west. The larger schools cannot meet all their wants; and
if such a one as hers could be established wherever pupils
could be collected together, or even where the influence of
a home missionary is felt, much would be done to bless our
nation."
TO THE SAME.
"SOUTH HADLEY, November 27, 1846.
H' How I should love to commune with your spirit more
frequently than I can! Such communings may be reserved
for that' nobler rest above,' where'No more fatigue, no more distress,
Nor sin, nor death shall reach the place.'
"I have passed through many scenes, the last year, of
deep and tender interest to me, concentrating the feelings of
many years into one, and obviously increasing my gray
hairs. I feel the loss of my two nieces very much. I feel
the loss socially more than in our business, though they were




400        THE VICTORY GAINED AND SECUREDB
both very important to the school.  Mrs. Burgess has gone,
and I could not, as I expected, go with her to Boston. It
came so near the time of commencing school, that I thought
it not prudent to use the extra strength it would require,
especially after the excitement and fatigue connected with
so great changes in the school.  My niece, Miss Lyon,
(now Mrs. Lord,) has just come to make us her last visit.
She and her husband expect to sail next month from New
York for China. I had depended on going to be with her a
little while, at the time of her sailing, but my health will
not allow."
TO THE SAME.
" SOUTH IADLEY, April 27, 1848.
"' I am glad to know the communings of your spirit with
the wise and good. I have read Upham's'Interior Life'
with deep interest and profit. I love to meet with such a
heart as is evident in what he writes. It disarms my disposition to criticize. If a sentence does come along, now and
then, which might be questioned by the strictest philosophical
or theological rules, it is easy to pass it over and gather up
the spiritual food.
" In our Sabbath privileges we have had such a constant
change of preachers, since our dear Mr. Condit's death, that
with my deafness I have gained but little profit.  Many
things relating to our family and the church and parish render the question of Mr. Condit's successor one of great importance and of deep interest to me. I have enjoyed the
privilege of praying that God would send us a man after his
own heart, and such a one as he knows us to need.
"We have again received a spiritual blessing in our family according to the riches of the grace of Jesus Christ.
During our first term, about fifty expressed hope. During
the last term, there has been a continued, gradual, progressive interest. Some one case of hope has occurred nearly
every week; still, there are about thirty without hope."




DEPARTED SERN Ot GOD.               401
TO MiRS. BANISTER.
"SOUTH HIALEY, June 5, 1848.
W Will you not come and make us a visit the week of our
anniversary?  It happens the first Thursday in August.
The examination will occupy two or three days preceding.
You have a standing invitation to come, and I enjoy the
belief that you always will if you can. I do not know that
you can realize what a great pleasure it is to me to have
yourself and husband with us on these occasions.
"' Our dear Mr. Condit! I am reminded of him every way;
I shall be especially at the time of our anniversary. I loved
him as a friend on earth; if possible, my spirit lov;es him
more as a friend in heaven. His memory is precious, very
precious. But we have another man of God in his stead,
(Mr. Laurie.) For this I would thank God. I should love
to tell you all about the dealings of my heavenly Father in
bringing him here, in helping him along, and the various
occurrences, all interesting to my own feelings, connected
with his becoming our pastor. But this I must leave till I
have the privilege of communing with you face to face.
1"fI have recently been reading, or, rather, am now reading, McCheyne's'Life, Letters, and Lectures.' It is just
what I need -the sincere milk dealt out in childlike simplicity and godly sincerity. It is just what I need to feed
and refresh me when I am so tired that I can do nothing
with strong meat.  With my feeble strength, and with the
burden laid upon me, I feel that henceforth my reading must
be mostly for another world. I do want to commune more
with your spirit on earth before we go home to our rest in
heaven."
TO MRS. BANISTER.
" SOUTi HADLEY, January 9, 1849.
6Our vacation commences this week.  I feel compelled
to try to flee away from home and find the most quiet retreat I can, partly for my own benefit, and partly to sustain
34t




402        THE VICTORY GAINED AND SECURED.
my credit for taking proper care of my unworthy self.
Monson will be my principal resting-place; but it is in my
heart to take a ride to Newburyport. But whether this plan
will exist out of my heart is very uncertain."
Ten days later she writes from Monson," I have been hesitating about the path of duty.  But I
need two or three days at home before the school begins,
which I cannot have if I attempt to visit you.  Withoeut
being in a hurry to do any thing in particular, I am seeking
for rest, which I need most of any thing. This I can best
secure by remaining in this place. So I reluctantly give up
the prospect of seeing you just at present, a prospect cherished more tenderly in the warmth of my heait than in my
judgment. I have some missionary letters, which I would
like to read to you. Among others, those relating to the
severe sickness of dear Mrs. Burgess. But she is yet to
live, as we trust. We have received one letter from her own
hand. To me it has peculiar interest. It seems like a voice
from the other side of the grave in a most tender, heavenly tone.
"There has been for a few weeks a slow, progressive
work of grace among us, and between twenty and thirty
have expressed hope in Christ. We greatly fear the effects
of vacation.  Do pray for us."
TO MISS WHITMIAN.
" MoxsoN, January 22, 1849.
"During two or three years past, I have been trying to mature in the literary department the changes which sprung up
in the agitation of the waters on Miss Moore's leaving, and I
have been trying to mature things, too, in the domestic department. I had. every thing about ready for work this
year, without much planning, or agitation, or change. Thus




TRIALS AND MERCIES.               403
it has come out that this has been the easiest year, in itself
considered, we have almost ever had. You know the easy
years come along now and then, and now and then the hard
years.  Nbw that this easy year should come right along
when you are called away in Providence, is surely no planning of mine. So it is. If one thing is made comfortable
and easy, we may expect some corresponding trial. If trials
and perplexities come, then we may look for some comfortIng, consoling providence.  We may always expect enough
of trial and difficulties to make us love to sing, —'Is this, dear Lord, that thorny road
That leads us to the mount of God?'
and enough of consolation, and support, and blessing, and
mercy, to make us feel that Christ's yoke is easy and his
burden light.
"I feel rather anxious about you, and shall till I hear
again. I shall not send this sheet till I hear from you.
My heartls desire and prayer to God is, that you may be
kept in the arms of Him who never slumbereth nor sleepeth,
and who numbereth the very hairs of our heads. I pray
that you may experience much of the grace of God in your
body, in your soul, in your spirit. For myself, I always carry
about enough of my own self to be a fit occasion for loathing and abhorring myself, for distrusting myself, for casting
off all confidence in the flesh. But from day to day, I think
I do find crums enough falling from the table to prove the
infinite mercy and long-suffering of God, and enough to
prove the exceeding grace of the gospel, and enough of
strength in the time of extremity to prove that there is an
arm on which we may lean with safety. I want to ask you
to pray for me in a very special manner about one thing.
It is for divine guidance and strength in giving religious lnw
struction.  Pray that I may have hid in my own heart all
which I attempt to say. Pray that I may speak the words




404        THE VICtORY GAINED AND SECUREDo
of truth, every jot and tittle — that which God sees and
knows to be truth.  Pray that hearts may receive the
truth in honesty, sincerity, and in faith. Pray that in these
seasons God may be magnified, and glorified.  We have
great reason to fear and tremble about our next term. Vacation came just as the religious interest seemed to be spreading from heart to heart. Miss Hazen will write you all general facts, I suppose. Between twenty and thirty expressed
hope. I miss you most of all in the care of souls. But we
know not how much you may do by your prayers."
Results of the. Experiment.
After these details of the operation of the new seminary
through the twelve years after its establishment, in which
Miss Lyon lived, it will be interesting to bring the leading
results together as to the cost, number of pupils, &c., up to
the present time. I am indebted mainly for these statements
to the Hon. Andrew W. Porter, the treasurer, and, to Miss
Mary W. Chapin, who is at present at the head of the
institution.
Cost of the buildings and real estate connected
with them,....... $60,000
" of the furniture,.             6,000
"of the apparatus and library,......    2,500
Total cost, all obtained by subscription,.... 68,500
The seminary is now out of debt.
It has funds to the amount of.......   1800
Whole number of names of pupils on the first
fourteen catalogues,........       2568
Number of different pupils, between.    1700 and 1800
Completed their course to the close of 1851,..   415
Number connected with the Memorandum Society to 1847,.......       593




LIFE DRAWING TO A CLOSE.            405
Number who have engaged in teaching, of
these 593,......                279
If one half as large a proportion of the other 1157
pupils, that have been connected with the
institution, had engaged in teaching, the
whole number of teachers would be.        551
Number of teachers in the school,.55
Amount of private funds expended by Miss
Lyon during the three or four years of
starting the seminary,...   $1200 to 1400
Property left by her to the American Board of
Foreign Missions, in reversion, excepting
about $300,...            $2000 to 2500
SECTION  III.
The Retrospect, the last Visit, the last Instruction, and
the Departure.
TrHUs successfully have we seen the great enterprise to
which Miss Lyon had consecrated the vigor of her days
carried forward for nearly twelve years, each year exhibiting a nearer approach to perfection in her plans, and a more
striking evidence of the wonderful victory she had gained
in a most unequal conflict. But the hour of release was at
hand, and we cannot but feel a deep interest to witness the
close of a life so happy and useful.
It would be strange if a person of Miss Lyon's piety, as
she felt from time to time the severe pressure of infirmity,
and was conscious that she had seen more than half a century on earth, - it would be strange if she should not often
have had solemn impressions of her nearness to eternity. It




-06       THE VICTORY GAINED AND SECURED.
may be that God does sometimes give special premonitions
to his servants of their departure, when.about to take them
away. Yet it does not appear that Miss Lyon had any
such strong presentiment.  On the contrary, only a few
weeks before her sickness she seems to have felt unusually
vigorous, and indulged a hope that her work was not yet
done. This feeling appears in her letter to Miss Whitman,
at the close of the last section, written from Monson, on the
22d of January, 1849. Still more manifest is it in a letter
dated from the same place, only two days earlier, to Mrs.
Burgess in India. Yet, as we shall shortly see, God had
led her to the place from whence she wrote for the purpose,
apparently, of making preparation for her departure. The
tone of these letters shows how well she had improved the
opportunity, and it must be regarded as great mercy on
God's part that he hid his purpose from her till ready to put
it into execution.  She thought that the opportunity she enjoyed was intended to prepare her for' usefulness on earth,
but God meant it to fit her for a higher sphere.
TO MRS. BURGESS.
" Mo.NSON, January 20, 1849.
" MY VERY DEAR NIECE:
" Here I am again with my dear Mrs. Porter. She proposes that we should again write a joint letter to comfort you
in your pilgrimage and voluntary exile for Christ's sake.
This I am very happy to do, though I think it will not take
a very large part of the sheet to assure you of' my continued remembrance of you and of former scenes.  I
wrote once before in Mrs. Porter's letter, two years ago.
I have scarcely had a vacation of any sort since then. But
I am now enjoying an old-fashioned vacation of real rest in
this sweetest of all resting-places.  Miss F-azen proposed to
stay and take all the care, and let me go away. I decided
to accept. I began a week beforehand to arrange all things.




HOPE OF iMORE WORK.               407
I had my plans made out in writing, and left all behind mne.
Here I can quietly read, write letters, ride, and visit, with
nothing to annoy me, and with scarcely a thoight of home,
except as I attempt to send up my feeble petitions, that the
Holy Spirit may come down and dwell with us. This
is the more remarkable, as Miss Whitman is away. But
one providence meets another. I had many things planned
and arranged last year for this, so that this proves one
of the easiest years.  Such years come along now and
then.
6" My health has been unusually good this year, thus far.
So unlike has it been to the winter after you left us, that I have
great cause for gratitude. But at all times, whether I have
more or less strength, I feel that I am fast hastening to my
eternal home, my home of rest in the bosom of my God, as
I hope. Still, I trust I may have a little more work to do on
earth, and that little may I do faithfully. By grace I am the
little that I am, and by grace alone would I do the little that
I hope to do. The doctrine of grace, in all its aspects and
relations, is more and more precious here; and what will it
be hereafter, when we shall be permited to join in that song
of Moses and the Lamb to thim who has redeemed us, and
washed our robes, and made them white in his own blood!
By grace we are redeemed, by grace we are saved, by grace
we are received and sanctified, by grace we have our work
given us, and by grace strength and a heart to do it.
"  My work is made up, as you know, of an endless number of duties, of nameless littleness, interwoven if not confused together.  But still my work is a good work.  By
the enduring grace of God am I permitted to enjoy such
a goodly heritage of toil and labor.  Every hour I feel not
only need of divine aid to lead me, but of an internal,
divine power, carrying me along in the right path. It is
ever a pathway of grace, unmerited grace.  When I am
about my work, sometimes called unexpectedly and suddenly




408        THE VICTORY GAINED AND SECURED.
from  one thing to another, I whisper in my heart,'Lord,
help me to be patient, help me to remember, and help me to
be faithful. Lord, enable me to do all for Christ's sake,
and to go forward, leaning on the bosom of his infinite
grace.' Rlow amazing is that goodness that allows us to
do all for Christ's sake, and always to pray in his name!
May you experience largely of that grace which alone can
make your spared life a blessing.
" Much love to Mr. Burgess, Mr. and Mrs. Hazen, Mrs,
Wilder and Fairbanks, and Mrs. Ballentine. The thought
is pleasant to me that an early friend of mine is your fel
low-laborer."
On the 15th of February, only about three weeks before
her death, Miss Lyon addressed another letter to Miss Whitman, in which she spoke of her plans for the next autumnal
vacation. Suggesting a course for Miss Whitman, during
the summer, in her feeble state of health, she says, " During
the vacation, (in the autumn,) I thought I might meet you
to journey together, or visit and read together, or both, somewhere among the mountains and in the quiet valleys of New
England.  So you see that I am calculating on quite a resting time next autumn myself."
And, indeed, she has found that " resting time," but not
on earth. It was among celestial scenery that her autumn
and her eternity were to be spent, and in sweet converse
with her Savior and some of the spirits whom she had been
instrumental of guiding to that blessed world.  Often had
her thoughts turned to that better land with strong desire;
but it is obvious she did not deem it so near.  One week
previous she had said in a note to Miss Whitman, " I often
feel a longing of heart to sit down and tell you some of my
joys, or sorrows, or anxieties. Then I feel that you are
absent, indeed. But I get along.  Sometimes I make a substitute of Miss   9, sometimes I ponder all in my own




heart alone, and always I endeavor to go to Him who can
be touched with the feeling of our infirmities. This world is
to be used faithfully and diligently, but only as -a waymark
to that better home, where, I trust, we shall rejoice together
over many dear ones gathered into our Father's house."
As the letter to Miss Whitman, of the 15th of February,
has the latest date of any I am able to present from Miss
Lyon, it will be interesting to quote the first part of it, which
refers to objects dearest to her heart.
"' I need not tell you we were last evening [upon the. receipt of a letter from  Miss W.3 much gratified.  First, I
thank God for your expressed desires to live for God alone.
Next would I thank him for your continued desire to spend
your strength for the good of this precious institution, the
founding and building up of which I feel more and more to
be the handiwork of God.  I trust that you will have fifteen
years added to your life, if we will all suffer the trial of your
taking a thorough rest and recruiting now.  I hope fifteen
years, too, will be granted to you after I shall cease from
my labors."
The Retrospect.
Distinguished individuals, who are incessantly occupied
from day to day, and from year to year, in important duties,
are not apt to pause often and devote much time to a retrospect of life.  Or, rather, if religious persons, they are
apt to resolve to set apart some such seasons, and, by the
constant pressure of duties, to delay the time till the unexpected summons comes to depart.  Knowing the incessant
occupation of Miss Lyon, we might presume such would be
the case with her.  But it was not so; and fortunately some
account of that retrospect has been preserved.  The following interesting details have been coimmunicated by Mrs.
Louisa Russell, wife of Rev. Ezekiel Russell, formerly of
Springfield, and now of  Weymoutbh   Mrs. Russell (then
35




410        THE VICTORY GAINED AND SECURED.
Louisa Billings) was one of Miss Lyon's teachers in the
Buclkland school, and Mrs. Winslow was her pupil, and is
now wife of Rev. Miron Winslow, missionary at Madras.
"It was in September, 1848. Miss Lyon was spending
the day in Springfield, and while walking the street, she
unexpectedly met my sister, Mrs. Winslow, then on the eve
of her second departure for India. Perceiving that this was
a last occasion for an interview with one of her pupils, she
readily accepted an invitation to tea. At the table was a
gentleman who attended school with her at the academy in
Ashfield.  Many years had since passed. The gentleman
then was a mere lad; and though a lad, he had a part
with her in the dialogue, in which he played the infant
in the bulrushes, while she performed the no less important
part of the mother. They had not met since. The exhibition had been forgotten, or, if not forgotten, not recalled.
But now the scene was revived, with the seeming power of
a present sensation, and along with it a whole train of circurnstances and events on which her active mind and warmn
heart expatiated with an interest peculiar to herself. The
effect on her was electric; and the whole company at the
table felt the power of the current as it passed along the invisible wires of thought and feeling.'We have here the
"' eagle's nest,"' said one,' without Dr. Rush or his patient.
This time we can play with Hamlet left out.' And so we
did, little thinking that the one then acting was to retire so
soon forever from the stage.
"' The founder of that school in Ashfield, said she, was
a man of genuine benevolence.  I-e was in the habit of
visiting the diferent schools of the town, and when he did, his
eye was sure to fix on every promising scholar, and a word
was dropped that never failed to awaken brighter hopes and
give fresher vigor in the workI of acquisition.  Perceiving
that many were in moderate circutmstances, and could not
be sent abroad for the purpose of an education, he founded




SCENES OF EARLY LIFE.              411
[his academy, the genial influences of which, she remarked,
first wakened to life her own mental energies, and gave her
an impulse that had nexer ceased to act.' That institution,'
she continued,'has done an immense amount of good.
Many who otherwise would never have had access to any
thing worthy the name of literary advantages, received there
the first rudiments of an education.  In that quiet retreat
among the hills, the intellect was stirred, the taste refined,
and intensity given to the desire for knowledge.  To mind
and heart that institution was what the mountain airs are
to the physical powers. And I can perceive,' she said,' that
those who have gone forth from it have brightened, and
cheered, and blessed the pathways which they have trod.'
The obligations to her teacher, Mr. Burritt, she acknowledged with warmth and satisfaction, while she displayed her
usual discrimination in the analysis of those mental qualities
for which that gentleman was distinguished. It was a sunny
scene that opened on her view at the table, and all seemed
to share with her in the exhilaration.
"' How thankful ought I to be,' she continued, on returning to the parlor,' for the incidents that have revived these
pleasant portions of my life! This was unexpected. My
duties for years have been so urgent, and my cares so pressing, as to shut the past in this sense firom my thoughts. But
seeing you, Mrs. WV., and your sister, brings before me, fresh
as yesterday, those winter scenes in my Ashlield and Buckland schools, over which the spirit of the living God hovered, and moved in the bosom of many a pupil, I trust, the
pulsations of that life which is spiritual and eternal. And
my friend here, Mr. S., once the infant in the bulrushes,
has carried me still farther back in my career, and made
the morning shine on the noon, or the evening, as I now
begin to think it is, of my life. Something of this I have
before experienced.  Former pupils have often met me,
whose countenances had faded from my recollection, when




i 412      THE VICTORY GAINED AND SECURED.
the mention of their names would flash whole trains of delightful associations upon my mind.  This, I apprehend,
will be one source of our happiness in heaven. As we
move to and fro amid the myriads there gathered on
the mount of vision, we shall meet one after another,
now  forgotten, who will bring different portions of our
lives to our recollection, filling us with untold wonder
and joy. 0, I love to think of the joy in reserve for the
righteous, and of the various sources of it at the command of the Redeemer, who is himself the crowning attraction of heaven.'  Mrs. Winslow replied,'Your pupils are
going up to participate in this joy from all quarters of
the globe, and it must be pleasant for you to think of it.''Yes,' was her answer, taking my sister's hand,'I often
think of the happiness, through grace, of being permitted to
welcome one after another, as they finish the toils of earth,
to the rest of heaven.'' How strange it seems, Miss L.,' said
one,' to hear you speak so freely of heaven! It was always
an earnest desire of mine that you should take up the subject
that now so fills your thoughts in some of your morning exercises in school. You always spoke then of duty, of action;
of present duties and of present action.  You seemed
neither to think or speak of any thing else, and appeared
to have for it no time.' Smiling, she replied,' So it was. I
had no time. I did what I deemed of the most consequence
It was my endeavor to discharge present duties, engage in
present action, and leave results more to themselves. But I
am changed now.  Of my active life I took leave on my
fiftieth birthday. It was the most solemn day of my life. I
devoted it to reflection and prayer. I felt that half a century had been given me for exertion, that incessant opportunities had been furnished for usefulness in a noble sphere,
and my heart went up to God in grateful praise for the vigorous health and disposition that had enabled me to bear
such burdens, sustain such toils, and accomplish something,




A MOST SOLEMN DAY.                413
as I devoutly trust, for the good of the world and the cause
of Christ. A half a century! The thought all but overwhelmed me. Yet it had been given me, and it was gone,
gone with its burdens, its toils, and its scenes of precious,
thrilling delight. I was sensible of deficiencies, of great
deficiencies. These I regretted.. But I could not regret that
the toil of half a century had ended. It was certain that
another such period of exertion - of cheerful exertion it had
always been to me- would never be allotted on earth. I
was certain that before another fifty years should have
elapsed I should wake up amid far different scenes, and far
other thoughts would fill my mind, and other employments
would engage my attention. Ifelt it. There seemed to
be no ladder between me and the world above. The gates
were opened, and I seemed to stand on the threshold.  It
was the most solemn day of my life. Of my active toils I
then took leave. I felt that I could no longer do as I had
done. The disposition was not wanting, but waning health
forbade the expectation. I felt that the evening of my days
had come, that I needed repose. It is evening with me
now. I now care for what no one else thinks of doing.' To
use her own expression,' I gather up the odds and ends, and
keep the machine in motion. I need rest, and repose is
grateful. I have laid aside my armor, and I now think more
of results. My day has gone, its evening come, and it has
become natural for me to think and speak more of the results
of duties discharged, of actions performed, than it once was.
I have for it more time, and a setting sun, you know, always
invites to different thoughts and inspires far other emotions
than when shining upon us with his morning beams, or
throwing down upon us his meridian splendors. I feel the
change. I think of heaven, and I do love to think of those
who, I trust, are gathered there, of their joys, and the
sources of it. Christ, of course, is the great object of attraction there; but our mental economy is wonderful, and
35 




414        THE VICTORY GAINED AND SECURED.
all its laws will act there in eternal harmony, and add bliss
and rapture, as I conceive, to that world. I therefore often
think of the happiness of being permitted, through grace, to
welcome one after another of my acquaintance and former
pupils, who are now toiling in every quarter of the globe in
the same glorious work with myself, to the rest of heaven.
You, Mrs. W., are to leave children. In a few days, you
are to turn your back upon them  forever.  But it is a
sacrifice for Christ. Few make it. Few can make it.  Few
can conceive of the thing as a free-will offering to God.
Most would instinctively shrink from  it, and shrink with
shuddering.  But Christ in such cases has pledged a reward,
and a reward proportionably glorious. In heaven, we shall
never regret any sacrifice, however painful, or labor, however protracted, made or encountered here for the cause of
Christ.  It will come back to us in imperishable blessings
there.'
1" It was on one of the first days of September. It had
been a calm and brilliant day.  The sun was setting as the
interview closed and she arose to take leave. The river, from
the abode in which the visit was paid, seemed to sleep. The
air was soft and still; and sky and landscape in and around
Springfield - always attractive and soothing when the sun
sets unclouded in the summer months -for that evening's
livery were arrayed in their mildest beauty and glory.  The
notes of the swan had broken and died away on our ears.
It was her last visit."
The first and last Visit.
The pages of this work have shown that perhaps the most
attractive of all the retreats to which Miss Lyon occasionally
resorted to escape from care and labor, and refresh her weary
spirit with heavenly manna, was the house of Hon. Andrew W.
Porter, in Mlonson.  Not only did she find there the largest
hospitality, but, in her intercourse with Mr. and Mrs. Portel-,




THE FIRST VISIT.                415
that religious sympathy and communion which gratified the
strongest desires of her heart. Thither did Providence nercifully direct her steps, when he would prepare her for her
final departure from the world.  I am so fortunate as to be
able to present an account of that last visit from the pen of
Mrs. Porter.  She has prefixed to it a brief statement of
Miss Lyon's first visit, which I could not find it in my heart
Lo omit, although not exactly in the right place.' My first acquaintance with Miss Mary Lyon was in
March, 1836. In answering myself to the door bell on a
snowy day of that month, a stranger lady stood before me.
She introduced herself as Mary Lyon, of Ipswich, and remarked that the gentleman with'whom she came had driven
round to the carriage-house on account of the storm. I was
prepared to give her a cordial reception, having a high
regard for Miss Grant and Miss Lyon, as principals of the
Ipswich Semiaary; but what could have led her there that
stormy day I could not think.  Soon the Rev. Mr. Tyler, an
acquaintance of ours, came in and introduced her, inquiring
if Mr. Porter was at home.  I replied,' He is gone to Boston,
but we expect him home in this evening's stage.' Some
regret was expressed, but Miss L. immediately remarked,
Providence orders all things right,' and as soon as outside
garments were disposed of, with much animation and no less
apparent vigor from exposure to the storm, told me in brief
their errand. 6 You have probably heard,' she says,' of the
contemplated fbmale seminary,' (mentioning its principles.)
I told her I had heard something of it, and read some articles
in print, in which I was much interested. She proceeded:' The trustees met yesterday, (at South Hadley, I think.) We
have arrived now at a point where we cannot proceed much
farther till a gentleman is found to superintend the erection
of the building.  An act of incorporation has been obtained
the past winter, and the town in which it is to be located has
been decided on; a gentleman is needed whose business




416        THE VICTORY GAINED AND SECUREKo
talents have been tested, who has had experience in building,
and one in whose integrity the community would have confidence; one, too, who would do it without remuneration, for
there are not sufficient funds. to devote any to that purpose;
and it is all a work of benevolence. Last evening your husp
band was mentioned to the trustees, as one to whom it was
best application should be made. Rev. Messrs. Hawks and
Tyler were appointed to wait on him, and I requested to
accompany them. Now, do you know of any thing in his
business, health, or views, that you would expect would prevent his considering the subject.' I told her he had suffered
much the past year from  a nervous headache, and had
decided on a long journey to the far west as soon as travelling would allow, to try the effect of relaxation from business,
and journeying.  Aside. from that, I should expect he would,
at least, consider the subject.
"Mr. Hawks, who had now arrived, Mr. Tyler, and Miss L.
held a consultation, and it was decided they should leave to
attend to their Sabbath appointments, and Mdiss L.. remain, as
I had invited her to do, till the next week. One of the gentlemen was to return on Monday. Miss L. remarked,' If
this enterprise was to go forward, the Lord had some one
provided for this service, and it might be Mr. Porter, and it
might not.'
" After tea she proposed going to her room, as Mr. Porter
would be fatigued when he arrived, and she was up till a late
hour the night previous.
" Not a word was named about the proposed seminary till
Monday.  Some ten or twelve years after, she told me those
were nights of prayer with her; and' the Lord,' said she,
I not only answered my prayer in inclining your husband to
engage in the work, but much more than I asked. He gave
me in yourself and Mr. P. personal friends, and at your
house a home whenever I have needed quiet and rest. 0,
that first visit,' she remarked,'and that chamber where I




THE LAST VISIT.                 417
commended anew the enterprise to God, and could finally
submit your husband's acceptance and all to him!'
" I have told you of her first visit to our house; I will now
tell you of her last.
"When at the seminary on the Thanksgiving occasion previous to her death, I said to Miss L.,' You know an invitation
to spend your vacations with us is stereotyped; may we not
expect you in the winter vacation?' She replied, I I think
I shall come previous to vacation, and rest, for circles are so
broken up then, that it is more difficult getting along than in
the term time. She came, however, in that vacation; and
the first evening after she arrived, she told me,'that what
decided her to come after concluding she should remain at
the seminary during vacation was, she had never felt the
responsibility of giving religious instruction as this winter.
0, when I come before those young immortals to teach them
eternal truths, I am borne down with a sense of its importance as never before, and I wanted to come to my restinghonze,' (as she was wont to call our house,) I where, in that
quiet chamber, I could seek anew for wisdom, grace, and
strength for the great work.'
" The teachers, she said, were very urgent she should
go to New York to sit for her portrait; so much so, that she
was reluctant not to comply with their kind request, and
accept of their generous offer to bear all the expense.'But
to me,' she added, 6 it seemed of so little consequence to
have my picture taken, compared with seeking a better preparation for my important duties, that I could not comply.'
"; Every thing, in her conversation and appearance indicated a' fresh anointing.' All business with regard to the
seminary was laid aside.  Previously, she had invariably
come with account books, and a list of various items of business to consult Mr. P. about; and as soon as he came in,
business was the theme. Now she introduced no subject of




1 8'IITHE VICTORY GAINED AND SECURED.
business but twice during her stay, and one of those times
said but a few words.
"' Mr. Porter said to me on Sabbath eve, (she came
the Friday previous,)'Does not Miss L. seem unusually
spiritual?' I replied,'I think so, evidently; I never saw
her so heavenly-minded.' Little did I then think she was
pluming her wings for her upward flight. She appeared as
well as I ever saw her, and repeatedly spoke with gratitude
of her excellent health. At our dinner table, a day or two
previous to her leaving, she remarked, playfully,' Mr. P.,
you and Mrs. P. have been afraid I should break down at
the seminary, but,' (dropping her knife and fork, and straightening up,)' Do you not think I am in pretty good trim? I
have an excellent appetite, I sleep like a child, and have
none of that chilliness I have had when rather exhausted
with my labors; I feel quite vigorous.' We both told her
we thought we had not seen her better, and the conclusion
of us all was, that she had as good a prospect of physical
ability to labor on at the seminary for ten years to come, as
for the past ten years.
"' Except coming down to prayers and family worship, she
spent the mornings till our hour for dinner in her chamber.
I had frequent occasions to go to her room, and always found
her with her Bible, Hodge's Way of Life, or Bible History
of Prayer, by Goodrich, and the remarks she would make
showed an elevated state of devotional feeling.
"6 One morning, I went soon after breakfast, and found her
with a large Bible open at Solomon's Song. She told me
she rose very early that morning, and. had read through that
book, (Solomon's Song.)'And I think I have never enjoyed it so before, though I have read it often for a
few years past. I have been able to drop the figure, and
view Christ's strong love to the church. 0, how wonderful
this love! What infinite condescension, in his exalted state,




CHILDISH DAYS.                 419
to leave the realms of purity, and dwell with fallen, polluted
man! Yet by it he lost none of his dignity.' From this
she drew the inference, that when, from the principle of
benevolence, we voluntarily dwelt among the wicked, we
need not be degraded.
"She seemed, in conversation, to dwell more on the scenes
of childhood and youth than I had ever known her. One
afternoon, she told us of her maternal grandfather, who was
a Baptist clergyman.'I think,' she says,'he was a most
holy man. When a child, I can remember my conviction
that he loved and served God, and was living for anotherworld, not this.  WVhen I was about ten years old, there was
what was called. a reformation among his people, and many
were baptized. I should think it was a genuine work of
grace. My mind was then much impressed by hearing his:
conversation with those who came to him under conviction
for sin, as it was termed, and I never lost those impressions.
HEe was remarkable for praying much for his posterity, that
none of them might ever be left'to slight the offers of mercy
through a Savior.  When I last visited my native place, I
went with a relative to two graveyards where forty-two of his
descendants are buried. I had a delightful view of the faithfulness of God to his believing people.  They had all left a
comforting evidence they had died in the faith.' She was
enthusiastic in talking of him, and said,' What a blessing to
have such a grandfather! how to be prized above all the
world calls great.'
" When she left us, I felt, more than ever before, that it
was a rare privilege to enjoy her personal friendship, and
have her so frequently an inmate of our family. Ever since
my first acquaintance with Miss L., I had thought I had never
seen the blessed principles and precepts of the gospel of
Christ so strikingly exemplified in any of his professed followers. But on account of her active business habits, and
constantly planning for improvements in her beloved semi



{420       THIE VICTORY GAINED AND SECURED.
nary, I had not seen exhibited that contemplative, devotional
state of mind which was developed in this visit. There was
evinced an absorbing love to the Lord Jesus; Christ was
her theme, and the privilege of laboring for him, and making
sacrifices for his cause, dwelt on much. I think I have never
witnessed a nearer approach to the mercy seat than was apparent in social prayer just before leaving. It was almost
the last sound of her voice I ever heard.
" In the three weeks that intervened between this and her
last sickness, she wrote me three or four times. The same
spirit was manifest. Just the day that a letter came in the
evening's mail informing us of her illness, and desiring to have
Mr. P. come to South Hadley, I had been looking over and
filing away letters. I was quite unwell, and it affected me
with dizziness and faintness, as it usually did. The feeling
came over me, Why do I thus retain my letters, and suffer so
much in occasionally looking them over?  I have now no
daughter who might enjoy reviewing them, and in a moment
of despondency I put a large quantity into the stove. At
night, when a letter from a teacher told us Miss L. was
sick, I was filled with regret, for I presume fifty of them
were from her. But it was too late; Providence had doubt.
less some wise design in permitting it. Miss Whitman, who
roomed with her, says she wrote more frequently to me, the
last three or four years, than to any other individual.  Her
benevolent, sympathizing heart sought thus to relieve, as
much as she could, my loneliness, in my feeble, bereaved state.
Some letters, written during seasons of religious interest in
the seminary, were exceedingly valuable.  I can hardly forgive myself the rash act of destroying them, or account for
it either, as it is unlike my disposition or habits."
The last Instruction and the Departure.
It sometimes happens that when the time has come for
those greatly beloved, and in stations of great usefulness, to




THE DEPARTURE SUDDEN.              421
die, Providence commissions the destroyer to execute his
work in a sudden and distressing manner. Thus is the an.
guish of the separation shortened; and though nature may
murmur, grace looks upon such a course as an indication of
special mercy. Such is the aspect in which we ought to regard the sickness and death of Miss Lyon.  They came suddenly and unexpectedly, and reason was taken away also.
But before that took place, an opportunity was given for her
to leave in the hearts of her pupils some of the noblest sentiments ever uttered by uninspired mortals. These constituted her 1" Last Instruction."  The " Departure,' which followed, had nothing in it very peculiar. She sunk rapidly
under the power of strong disease, against which her vigorous
constitution struggled mightily.  Indeed, had there not been
an accumulation of circumstances at the time of her sickness,
adapted powerfully to disturb her feelings and awaken a morbid excitement in her nervous system, she would doubtless
have recovered.  But these circumstances, as well as every
thing else relating to the event, were ordered by a wise and
benevolent Providence; and our proper feeling should be,
The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the
name of the Lord.
The details of this trying event, and of the last instruction
given by Miss Lyon to the seminary, are contained in the
journal kept there for the missionaries; and I have liberty
to make the following extracts:" March 9, 1849. Since our last date, we have been led
through scenes of deep, deep affliction. About four weeks ago,
one of our young ladies had a severe attack of influenza, with
swelling in the throat, somewhat like quinsy. An additional
cold brought on erysipelas, and she was quite sick with it.
For two or three days, we saw no cause for alarm in her case,
as we supposed it to be a common form of the disease; but
36




422        THE VICTORY GAINED AND SECURED.
it proved to be the malignant erysipelas, so prevalent and so
fatal in many places four or five years since.  On WTednesday, February 21, it became evident that she must die very
soon. The disease settled upon the brain, congestion followed, and she lay in a senseless state, from which nothing
could arouse her.  It was thought she could not live through
the night. This was to us all a most unexpected stroke.
The painful intelligence must be communicated to her
parents in Weare, New  Hampshire, who, as yet, knew
nothing of her sickness. The brief notice that she was very
sick, and could live but a few hours, was sent by private
conveyance, telegraph and mail, and reached them in about
thirty-six hours. The anxious father, in entire suspense
with regard to the circumstances of her sickness, started imrnmediately, and arrived Friday evening, just in season to see
her die. She recognized him, but was too far gone to say
any thing. There had never been a death here, when the
circumstances seemed more trying than in this case. But
we knew not that a still heavier affliction awaited us. We
thought not that death would very soon come again, and take
from  us our dearly-loved Miss Lyon. But so it was.  For
about two weeks before Miss W. was taken down so suddenly, Miss Lyon had had something of the influenza hanging about her, but had not allowed herself to give up to it at
all.  When the intelligence of Miss WV.'s condition was communicated to her, she was in a state to feel most deeply all
that was trying in the case. She had just taken more cold,
was more fatigued than usual, and had one of her hard headaches coming on. The next day was the annual fast for
literary institutions, and she felt much anxiety to have the
day blessed to us. The result of all was, such a headache
and nervous excitement, that she could not sleep that night,
and the next morning she was scarcely able to lift her head
friom her pillow. She attended devotions, but was able to
say only a very few words. We have never seen her appear




LtISS LYON'S SICKIESS.            423
so sick in the hall as she did that morning. She was kept
as quiet as possible during the day, slept well that night, and
on Friday seemed better. She went into the hall both in the
morning and afternoon. Those who heard her will not soon
forget her remarks on that day. Would that we could convey to you her words, her manner, and the impression made
upon our minds. But this we cannot do.
"She wished to lead us to turn from the trying circumstances in which we were placed, and follow that dear dying
one up to the icelestial city,' and, as its pearly gates opened
to receive her, look in, and catch a glimpse of its glories.
She seemed to have a most enrapturing view of heaven, and,
with a full heart, exclaimed,' O, if it were I. how happy I
should be to go!' but added,'Not that I would be unclothed, while I can do any thing for you, my dear children.'
She then addressed the impenitent in a most impressive manner, and expressed much gratitude that the dying one was
not of their number. A sense of the misery of the lost
seemed to come over her, as she said, with much feeling,
I If one of you were on that dying bed, I could not take you
by the hand and go with you down to that world of despair.
It would be too painful for me. I should feel that I must
draw the veil and leave you.' She urged them to enter at
once upon the service of Christ, not from fear of death, but
from a view of his infinite perfections, and his claims upon
them.  Miss Wingate's disease was of a form so malignant,
and so dreaded, that there was a tendency to excitement.
Miss Lyon read to us some passages from the Bible which
speak of the fear of God, and made some remarks in connection. She looked upon all anxiety about the future as
distrust of God, and asled,' Shall we fear what he is about
to do?' adding,' There is nothing in the universe that I am
afraid of, but that I shall not know  and do all my duty.'
Miss Wingate died about ten o'clock that evening, and it
was important that her father and sister should leave with




424        THE VICTORY GAINED AND SECURED.
the remains early the next morning. Of course, there was
much to be done to get every thing in readiness.  Much
effort was made to relieve Miss Lyon entirely from care and
anxiety, and every thing was done faithfully and promptly.
Still she did not sleep.  She had felt a strong desire to have
the father arrive before death had done its work, and she
said she was'so filled with gratitude to God for his goodness in this respect, that she could not rest.' The next
morning, her whole appearance indicated too plainly that she
was suffering from  severe headache and intense, mental excitement.  She slept considerably during the day, and as she
seemed quite comfortable, we fondly hoped that, after the
rest of the night, she would be quite well; but that evening's
mail brought the distressing intelligence of the death of a
nephew by suicide while deranged, and without leaving evidence that he was a Christian. With her clear views of what
it is for a soul to be lost, and her deep feeling in regard to it,
this intelligence, coming when she was in that weak state,
was too much for her, and that was not only a sleepless
night, but a night of anguish.  We could have wished that
letter had not come just at that time.  Still we know that tha.,
as well as every other circumstance, was ordered in infinite
wisdom, and we would not complain.  As might be expected
after such a night, the morning found her worse. She has
had an affection in her head somewhat like scrofula, which
has troubled her more or less for years.  It has been wvorse
than usual all this winter. In past seasons, when she has
had a cold, there has been a swelling of the face connected
with this difficulty. On Saturday, there was some swelling,
and it increased on the Sabbath, but did not appear like erysipelas till Sabbath evening.  Monday morning, her physician
pronounced it a mild form of the epidemic erysipelas, — not
malignant, like Miss Wingate's.  He expressed much fear
for the result, not from the disease, but on account of her
peculiar temperament, her age, the state of her constitution,




CLOSING SCENE.                  425
her past labors, and the extreme nervous excitement from
which she was suffering when taken. We felt exceedingly
anxious for her. For a time, every thing seemed encouraging.
There was scarcely an unfavorable symptom  in her case.
The disease seemed to be entirely under control.'Wednesday, it reached its crisis, and then the swelling began gradually to disappear where it first appeared. We had looked
forward to this turning-point with intense anxiety, as we supposed it to be the critical time with her.  When Thursday
morning came, the swelling had continued to lessen, and she
seemed no worse, and for a little time our anxiety was relieved. But she was not as much better during the day as
we hoped she would be. As we have before said, her nervous
system was intensely excited when the erysipelas came on,
and as the disease left her, the excitement returned.  This
was the only unfavorable symptom. There was a free circulation, her pulse was good, and her skin seemed in a natural state. Every effort was made to keep her quiet, but all
was in vain. That excitement increased until it became insanity; not the delirium frequently attendant upon fever, but
real mental derangement.  For nearly three days, she
talked day and night, without intermission, in a worried, excited manner. This, in her weak state, produced congestion
of the brain, of which she died last Monday evening, March
5.  During the day, she said very little, and seemed to
be in an unconscious state most of the time. Early in the
evening, her pastor, Mr. L., called to see her. His voice
seemed to recall her to consciousness for a little time.  He
said to her,' Christ precious.' She seemed to summon up
all her energies to make one great effort, raised both hands
and clinched them, lifted her head from her pillow, and
exclaimed audibly and with emphasis,' Yes.' This was the
last word she uttered. Short passages of Scripture were
repeated, and her countenance showed that she understood
and appreciated them. Those which spoke of the glory of
36,*




426        THE VICTORY GAINED AND SECURED.
God seemed to interest her most.  Mr. L. asked,' Have you
trusted Christ too much?' She made an effort to speak,
but had not sufficient strength. Seeing this, he said to her,' You need not speak; God can be glorified in silence.' As
he said this, an indescribable smile came over her countenance. Mr. L., speaking of it, said,' 0, that soul is full of
the love of the Savior.' This moment of consciousness,
this last ray from her setting sun, was very precious to us.
In about an hour after, her freed spirit was mingling in the
glories of heaven.  We thought of those almost' last words,'
6 0, if it was I, how happy I should be to go!' If the thought
of these glories was so enrapturing to her, what must the
reality be?  Mourn for her we cannot. If there ever was
a Christian eminently prepared for heaven, surely she was
one. She has been unusually well this winter, and with her
increase of physical strength there has been an increase of
spiritual strength.  We have never known her present the
truth in a more clear, impressive manner, or speak more
from  the fulness of her heart, than she has this winter,
especially the few times she has met us this term. Her increased spirituality has manifested itself in her daily famil.
iar intercourse, as well as in her instructions ill the hall.
"6 She spent her last vacation with Deacon and Mrs. P., of
Monson," (as already described.) " When she returned to us,
she appeared as if she had received anew 6an unction from
the Holy One.' There was a vividness in her thoughts, a
life and a power in her words, that seemed irresistible. As
we were alone with her in her room one day, but a very
short time before her sickness, she said to us, familiarly, 61
don't know why it is that my mind is so active. It seems to
me, sometimes, as though I am  doing my last work.' We
thought not then that those were prophetic words.- But how
soon were we made to feel their truth! We would not recall
her from that' exceeding and eternal weight of glory' which




THE FUNERAL.                  427
is now hers.  We would not have her lay aside her harp of
gold, and come back to this sinful, sorrowing world. We
would not murmuringly ask,  i Why was she not spared to us
a little longer?' Rather would we be grateful to the Giver
of all good that we have ever known her, that her light has
shone upon us and the world so long and so brilliantly.
Still, we may and must weep for our loss. We cannot tell
you how dark, how trying these last days have been to us.
You can scarcely conceive of the feeling of bereavement,
of desolateness, that came over us, when we found she was
really gone. It was to us like the blotting of the, sun out of
the heavens at midday. There is much that is afflictive in
the circumstances of her removal.  Sometimes, we are
almost ready to ask,' Can it be that every circumstance is
ordered in infinite wisdom?' Yet we will not indulge a
murmuring thought. It is exceedingly trying to have her
taken away so suddenly, so unexpectedly, in Miss W.'s absence, when she seems so essential to us, and just at this
time, when it appears so desirable that she should make
that improvement of Miss Wingate's death which she so
well knew how to make. It is trying beyond measure to
have the light of her last days obscured by such a dark
cloud. Yet can we not see wisdom in this seemingly mys.
terious providence?  For, if hers had been such a triumihant death bed as we would have asked for her, might we
not have been tempted to look more at that, and less at her
bright example    O, what are a thousand death beds to such
a life as hers!
G" The funeral was on Thursday, AMarch 8, at two o'clock,
P. M. Previously, the corpse had been kept in the little
room adjoining the seminary hall on the south side. It has
been used for a similar purpose several times before. W7hen
Miss Wingate was laid there, Miss Lyon spoke of it as
I that sacred little room.'  It is doubly sacred now.  The




428        THE VICTORY GAINED AND SECURED.
young ladies took their last look of that loved countenance
before going to church. There was a peaceful, pleasant,
natural expression, that we scarcely dared to hope for.
This was a great comfort to us, for during her sickness she
looked so unlike herself, that friends would not have recognized her.  After prayer in the seminary hall, by Mr. Laurie, we walked in procession to the church. There were
only three relatives present -Mr. Wing, her brother-in-law,
his son, and Mrs. Burgess's brother. These walked next to
the coffin; then, in order, the trustees of the institution, the
teachers, the senior class, the remainder of the school, and
friends with us from abroad. We were forcibly reminded
of those anniversary occasions, when we have so many
times walked in procession and taken our seats in church in
a similar manner; and the thought that we were for the last
time following that dear one who had always been with us
was almost overwhelming.
" All the services in church were impressive.  Prayers
were offered by two of the trustees, Rev. Mr. Harris, of
Conway, and Rev. Mr. Swift, of Northampton.  The sermon
was preached by Rev. Dr. Humphrey, from  the texts,' The
path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more
and more unto the perfect day,'  The memory of the
just is blessed.' They were afflicted in our affliction, and
knew how to guide our thoughts and lead us to the throne
of grace. The hymns sung were those commencing,'God
moves in a mysterious way,'' Servant of Christ, well done,'
and' Why do we mourn departing friends?' We were interested in having this last one sung, because it was the one
our dear Miss Lyon read to us as expressive of her feelings,
when we were assembled in the hall just before Mr. Wingate
left us with the remains of his daughter. This was the last
ftirne we heard her voice in that hall.  Ve have mentioned
that the evening before, which was the last time she met us
at the table, she read the fifth chapter of 2 Corinthians.








~i                        _  _                                        _ _ _
i,'                           I      TO           -..........
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~'~      ~ 
= 1-                     31~~~~~~~~~~~~~i~1~ I~1




MONUMENT.                     429
"From church the procession moved to the grave.  This
is on seminary ground, a little south of the orchard. It can
be distinctly seen from most of the rooms on that side of the
building. It is a sacred spot, and many will love to visit it.
As we gathered around the grave, the school sung the words
set to the tune'Mount Vernon,' altering them a little to
make them appropriate. Mr. L. did not, as is usual, return
the thanks of the mourners for the sympathy manifested;' for,' said he,' we are all mourners;' but he made a few
impressive remarks, designed to lead us all to a suitable
improvement of the event.  We need not tell you how sad
our hearts were as we returned from that grave to this desolate house. All the trustees, and nearly all of their wives,
were here yesterday. Deacon P. was with us about half
the time during Miss Lyon's sickness, and after her death.
It was very gratifying to our feelings to have him here so
much.  The trustees all cheered and comforted us by their
sympathizing and  prayerful spirit.  Last evening, their
wives and the teachers had a precious little prayer meeting.
They pledged us a daily remembrance at the throne of
grace. It encourages us very much to know that others are
seeking divine strength and divine guidance for us. The
trustees wish us to go on, and carry out as fully as possible
all Miss Lyon's principles and plans; and we feel strongly
that there is a sacred obligation resting upon us to do this as
far as is in our power."
Over the grave of Miss Lyon a beautiful monument of
white Italian marble was erected a few months after her
burial. This is defended by an iron railing about thirty feet
square. The monument is a single square column, resting
on a pedestal of granite. But the annexed sketch renders
description unnecessary. The inscriptions on the four sides
are as follows:




430         THE VICTORY GAINED AND SECURED.
On the west side.
MARY LYON,
The Founder of
Mount Holyoke Female Seminary,
and for twelve years
its Principal;
a Teacher
for thirty-five years,
and of more than
three thousand pupils.
Born February 28, 1797.
Died March 5, 1849.
On the north side.
" Give her of the fruits of her hands, and let her own works praise
her in the gates."
On the south side.
"Servant of God, well done;
Rest from thy loved employ;
The battle fought, the victory won,
Enter thy Master's joy."
On the east side will soon be placed the memorable sentence which' Miss Lyon uttered in the last instruction she
gave to her school, as related on the preceding pages, viz.: —
" THERE IS NOTHING IN THE UNIVERSE THAT I FEAR BUT
THAT I SHALL NOT KNOW ALL MIIY DUTY, OR SHALL FAIL
TO DO IT."
The following lines on the death of Miss Lyon, by Miss
Mary Esther Graves, a former pupil, were sung at the twelfth
anniversary of the Mount Holyoke Female Seminary:"' O sisters, in our souls may well be grieving,
For this cold world now holds one noble soul the less;
And God hath left to us, by this bereaving,
An empty blank where was her boundless tenderness.




ESTIMATE OF MISS LYON'S CHARACTER AND LABORS. 431
" Great heart laid low! what tears were shed for thee,
When thou, so loved, to death's dark vale descended!
O'er earth's proud ones no grief like ours shall be,
E'en though by costly rites and honors high attended.
"In distant lands thy children scattered wide
With sorrow shall lament thee, and with tears recall
The memory of that wondrous wealth of love
Which could with equal warmth embrace and cherish all;"The largeness of thy soul, that made for thee
Great things most possible and easily achieved,
Thy energy of will to do or bear,
And work out all the plans thy noble heart conceived; -
"They shall remember every word and tone,
The solemn, earnest prayer, at twilight hours most sweet;
When thou wast fain to bear up with thine own
Our stubborn souls, and lay them weeping at Christ's feet.
" We know thou art not dead, not silent sleeping,
But only gone where nobler work than this is planned;
Thou'lt reap the harvest sown with care and weeping,
And we - God grant we meet thee there, at his right hand."
SECTION IV.
Estimate of Mliss Lyon's Character and Labors.
IT has been an object with the compilers of this work, as
far as possible, so to present the correspondence and other
papers of Miss Lyon as to impress upon our readers the
leading features of her character, and the development of
its traits, without much of formal statement on our part. At
first, we feared this would be impossible, both because Miss
Lyon, with a single exception, to be soon noticed, has left




i43" 2      rTHE V1CTORY GAINED AND SECURlED.
no private journal, and because her reference to her own
feelings in her letters was only incidental, and generally
formed an appendix to some letter on business.  Of all the
letters inserted in this volume, as remarked on a previous
page, probably not one was written with the remotest idea on
her part that it would ever appear in print; and her friends
can easily conceive with what energy and earnestness, were
she now alive, she would lift her hands, and open her large
eyes, and exclaim against the use we have ventured to make
of letters written under such circumstances.  We do in fact
value them so much the more, because they were all called
forth by the feelings of personal friendship.  Had we been
copying from any private diary, we could not be sure that
the writer, as she indited some beautiful sentiment, was not
thinking that possibly that sentence might one day see the
light, and, therefore, must be carefully adjusted and trimmed.
But now we are sure that every sentence is an exact picture
of Miss Lyon's feelings at the time she wrote. And if I
mistake not, we have been able to present enough of such
correspondence to give the attentive reader a fair impression
of the sentiments and character of this lady, and of their
gradual development.  It may be, however, that those but
slightly acquainted with her history will not derive from the
details we have given correct notions of her character and
progress; and, therefore, a brief analysis of it may be desirable. That may be important, too, as a means of deriving
from her history those practical lessons which it is adapted
to teach.
I propose, in the first place, to present the general features of Miss Lyon's character, and then refer to some
characteristics more in detail.
General Characteristics.
This part of the subject I shall present in language used
by myself in my anniversary address after her decease, and




GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS.            433
in the language of Dr. Humphrey in his sermon at her
funeral.
In my address I remark, -
" We will first consider Miss Lyon's physical adaptation
to the work assigned her.
"God gave her a vigorous and well-balanced physical
constitution. Her stature was at a medium; the muscular
powers were displayed in great strength and vigor; the vital
apparatus was very strong, so as to give a full development
to the whole system, and impart great tenacity of life. The
brain was largely developed, and in proper proportion to
produce a symmetrical character. The nervous system was
full, yet free from that morbid condition which in so many
produces irritation, dejection, or unhealthy buoyancy of the
spirits, and irregular action of the mind. In short, all the
essential corporeal powers were developed in harmonious
proportion.  You could not say that any of the marked
temperaments were exhibited, but there was rather a blending of them all.
"Now, just such a physical system seemed essential to
the part in life for which this lady was destined.  Many,
indeed, have been distinguished as instructors of youth
whose constitutions were frail, and whose shattered nerves
thrilled and vibrated in every exigency. But Miss Lyon had
another office besides teaching to execute, which demanded
unshrinking nerves and great power of endurance.  In
building up a new seminary, not conformed in many respects
to the prevailing opinions, she could not but meet many
things most trying to persons of extreme sensibility, and
needing an iron constitution to breast and overcome.
";'We will consider, secondly, Miss Lyon's intellectual
adaptation to the work assigned her.
"And it gives a just view of the character of her mind
to say, that it corresponded to that of her body; that is,
there was a full development of all the powers, with no undue
37




434        THE VICTORY GAINED AND SECURED.
predominance to any one of them.  It were easy to find
individuals more distinguished by particular characteristics,
but not easy to find one where the powers were more harmoniously balanced, and where, as a whole, the mind would
operate with more energy and efficiency. She did, how
ever, exhibit some mental characteristics, either original or
acquired, more or less peculiar. It was, for example, the
great features of a subject which her mind always seized
upon first. And when she had got a clear conception of
these, she took less interest in minute details; or, rather, her
mind seemed better adapted to master fundamental principles than to trace out minute differences.  Just as the conqueror of a country does not think it necessary, after he has
mastered all its strongholds, to enter every habitation, to see
if some private door is not barred against him, so she felt
confident of victory when she had been able to grasp and
understand the principles on which a subject rested. Her
mind would work like a giant when tracing out the history
of redemption with Edwards, or the analogies of nature to
religion with Butler, or the great truths of Theism with Chalmers; but it would nod over the pages of the metaphysical
quibbler, as if conscious that it had a higher destiny. And
yet this did not result from an inability to descend to the
details of a science when necessary.
"The inventive faculties were also very fully developed
in our friend. It was not the creations of fancy merely,
such as form the poet, but the power of finding means to
accomplish important ends. Nor was it invention unbalanced
by judgment, such as leads many to attempt schemes im.
practicable and quixotic. For rarely did she attempt ariy
thing in which she did not succeed; nor did she undertake
it till her clear judgment told her that it would succeed.
Then it mattered little who or what opposed. At first, she
hesitated; especially when any plan was under consideration
that would not be generally approved; but when, upon




MIENTAL ENERGY.                  435
careful examination, she saw clearly its practicability and
importance, she nailed the colors to the mast, and, though
the enemy's fire might be terrific, she stood calmly at her
post, and usually saw her opposers lower their' flag.  She
possessed, in an eminent degree, that most striking of all the
characteristics of a great mind, viz., perseverance under difficulties. When thoroughly convinced that she had truth
on her side, she did not fear to stand alone and act alone:
patiently waiting for the hour when others would see the
subject as she did. This was firmness, not obstinacy; for
no one was more open to conviction than she; but her conversion must result from stronger arguments, not from fear,
or the authority of names.  Had she not possessed this
feature of character, Mount Holyoke Seminary never would.have existed, at least not on its present plan. But its triumphant success for one third of a generation is a striking
illustration of the far-reaching sagacity and accurate judgment of its originator.
" Bes;des this seminary, the most striking example of the
inventive powers of our friend is that only volume which
she has left us, - I mean the' Missionary Offering,' -- called
forth by an exigency in a cause which she dearly loved,
and whose most striking characteristic  is its missionary
spirit. Yet it is, in fact, a well-sustained allegory, demanding for its composition no mean powers of invention and
imagination.
"Miss Lyon possessed, also, the power of concentrating
the attention and enduring long-continued mental labor in
an extraordinary degree. When once fairly engaged in any
-important subject, literary, scientific, theological, or economical, there seemed to be no irritated nerves or truant
thoughts to intrude, nor could the external world break up
her almost mesmeric abstraction.
"Another mental characteristic of our friend was her
great power to control the minds of others. And it was




436        THE VICTORY GAINED AND SECURED.
done, too, without their suspecting it; nay, in opposition
often to strong prejudice. Before you were aware, her wellwoven net of argument was over you, and so soft were its
silken meshes that you did not feel them. One reason was,
that you soon learnt that the fingers of love and knowledge
had unitedly formed the web and woof of that net. You saw
that she knew more than you did about the subject; that she
had thrown her whole soul into it; that in urging it upon you,
she was actuated by benevolent motives, and was anxious for
your good; and that it was hazardous for you to resist so
much light and love. And thus it was that many a refractory pupil was subdued, and many an individual brought
to aid a cause to which he was before indifferent or
opposed.
"Finally, I must not omit to mention her great mental
energy and invincible perseverance.  That energy was a
quiet power, but you saw that it had giant strength. It
might fail of success to-day, but in that case it calmly waited
till to-morrow. Nay, a score of failures seemed only to
rouse the inventive faculty to devise new modes of operation; nor would the story of the ant that fell backward
sixty-nine times in attempting to climb a wall, and succeeded only upon the seventieth trial, be an exaggerated representation of her perseverance. Had she lacked this energy
and perseverance, she might have been distinguished in
something else, but she never would have been the founder
of Mount Holyoke Female Seminary.
"' But I hasten, thirdly, to speak of her religious adaptation to the work assigned her.
"And it is in her religious character, and there alone, that
we shall find the secret and the powerful spring of all the
efforts of her life which she would wish to have remembered. But I approach this part of her character with a
kind of awe, as if I were on holy ground, and were attempting to lay open that which she would wish never revealed.




RELIGIOUS CHARACTER.              437
In her ordinary intercourse, so full was she of suggestions
and plans on the subject of education, and of her new seminary, that you would not suspect how deep and pure was
the fountain of piety in her heart, nor that from thence the
waters flowed in which all her plans and efforts were baptized and devoted to God. But as accidentally, for the last
thirty years, the motives of her actions have been brought to
light, I have been every year more deeply impressed with
their Christian disinterestedness, and with the entireness of
her consecration to God. Without a knowledge of this fact,
a stranger would mistake for selfishness the earnestness and
exclusiveness with which she often urged the interests of
her seminary. But in the light of this knowledge, the apparent selfishness is transmuted into sacred Christian love.
Her whole life, indeed, for many years past, has seemed to
me to be only a bright example of missionary devotedness
and missionary labor. I have never met with the individual
who seemed to me more ready to sacrifice even life in a
good cause than she was; and had that sacrifice been necessary for securing the establishment of her favorite seminary,
cheerfully, and without a moment's hesitation, do I believe,
she would have laid down her life. I would, indeed, by no
means represent her as an example of Christian perfection.
I could not do so great injustice to her own convictions. But
since her death, I have looked back over the whole of my
long acquaintance with her in almost every variety of circumstance, to see if I could recollect an instance in which
she spoke of any individual in such a way as to indicate
feelings not perfectly Christian; or if I could discover any
lurkings of inordinate worldly ambition, or traces of sinful
pride, or envy, or undue excitement, or disposition to shrink
from duty, or of unwillingness to make any sacrifices which
God demanded; and I confess that the tablet of memory
furnishes not a single example. What I considered errors
of judgment I can indeed remember; but not any moral
37 *




438        THE VICTORY GAINED AND SECURED.
obliquity in feeling or action. They doubtless existed, but it
needed nicer moral vision than I possess to discover them.
" I ought to add that this eminence of Christian character
was founded upon a clear apprehension of biblical principles.
She thoroughly understood and cordially embraced the doctrines of the Puritans, just as they lie in their massive
strength in the Bible; not as they often come forth, alloyed
and weakened, from the moulds of a self-confident philosophy. To study these truths was her delight. To explain
them to her pupils was one of her most successful efforts as
a teacher. Would that I could present on canvas the picture
of Miss Lyon, as it lies in my memory, when she was engaged on the Sabbath in the study of Christian truth. I
have frequently seen individuals in the somnambulic and
mesmeric state, but none of them apparently more unconscious to external scenes than she was when thus absorbed
in the contemplation of divine truth.
"There were two religious principles which exerted an
overmastering influence upon Miss Lyon's character. One
was, a sense of personal responsibility; the other, trust in
an overruling Providence. As the Savior, when he went up
to Jerusalem for the last time, with all his sufferings full in
view, advanced before his disciples, as if in haste to suffer,
so did she, when duty called, never wait for others, but was
ever ready to precede them, and measure the amount of her
sacrifices, donations, and efforts by her sense of duty rather
than by the example of others. And it was this sense of
personal responsibility which she urged always upon her
pupils, and with great success. So strong, too, was her
faith in a special providence, that delay and discomfiture in
the execution of her favorite plans produced little or no discouragement, but led her merely to inquire more carefully
whether there was not something wrong in her, or her plans,
which occasioned the delay; and, having done all she could,
she would wait long and cheerfully for the divine manifesta



DR. HUMPHREY' S OPINION.            439
tion. And so often had she witnessed interpositions in her
behalf almost miraculous, that her faith might often be seen
steady and buoyant when that of others had yielded to appalling difficulties and dangers."
In his sermon Dr. HIumphrey says,"In glancing at Miss Lyon's character, taken all in all, I
hardly dare to express the high estimation which my long
acquaintance constrains me to cherish, lest I should seem to
exaggerate.  I certainly should not express it but in the
presence of those who have enjoyed equal or better opportunities for marking her radiant and upward course. I do
not say that in her intellectual endowments she was superior
to many other females, nor that she attained to the first rank
in external graces and accomplishments; but this I do say,
that, so far as I can remember, I have never known so much
physical, intellectual, and moral power all combined in any
one female as in our departed friend. Such labors as she
performed would have broken down almost any other constitution years and years ago.  Such constitutional energy as
she possessed, always in action, often intense, would have
shattered any ordinary framework long ere the meridian of
life. Such tasks as she imposed upon her brain, especially
during the three years which she spent in planning the seminary and enlisting the necessary agencies for getting it up,
would have disorganized almost any other.  How, under
such extreme tension, the' thousand strings' held together,
and' kept in tune so long,' was a wonder to all her acquaintances.': Miss Lyon's mind was of a high order, clear, strong,
active, well balanced, inventive, which no discouragement
could depress, no obstacle daunt.  It is very rare, indeed, to
find such mental strength and such quenchless ardor controlled by the soundest discretion and the best' round-about
common sense.' One of the strong proofs of Miss Lyon's
intellectual superiority, which must have struck all who




440        THE'VICTORY GAINED AND SECUREDo
knew her, was the power whichl she had to influence other
minds. As a teacher and governess of a great school, few
have equalled her in this respect.  It might be difficult to
show exactly wherein her great skill and success lay; but
no scholar, I believe, was ever long under her care without
feeling herself in a sort of enchanted circle, held there by
invisible attractions which it was hard to resist, and from
which very few wished to be released. Nor was it the
young alone whom she had the power to influence. The
maturest minds felt it when she needed their aid; and but
for tllis, she could never have enlisted so many heads, and
hearts, and hands as were necessary to build and establish this noble seminary.
" But it was the moral and religious in Miss Lyon's character which eclipsd all her other endowments, and in which
her great strength lay. And the most prominent feature
was benevolence.  To do the greatest possible good to the
greatest number was her study and delight. I feel that on
this point there is hardly any danger of using too strong
language. To say that she was preeminently benevolent is
not strong enough. In humble imitation of her Savior, she
seemed, wherever she went, and in all her relations, to be
the very embodiment of love and good will to men, and
never to have thought of herself, of her own ease, advantage, or convenience. It was enough for her that others
were made wiser, and better, and happier, at whatever cost
of toil or sacrifice to herself. She seemed scarcely to know
that she had any personal interests to care for. If it were
not a solecism in terms, I should say that Miss Lyon lived
out of herself; and I do say, and I appeal to all who marked
her beneficent course from early life, that she lived incom-ne
parably more for others, for her pupils, for the church, and
for the world, than for herself. I do not believe that an instance can be recollected by any human being, since she
entered on her bright career of usefulness, in which she




INDIVIDUAL TRAITS OF CHARACTER.         441
appeared to be actuated in the slightest degree by selfishness. Mistakes she undoubtedly made, for who does not?
but all the thousands who knew her might be challenged to
show that she ever, by word or deed, appeared to prefer her
own advantage to the good of others."
INDIVIDUAL TRAITS OF CHARACTER.
Power of continued Application.
The ability to fix the mind upon a particular subject for a
long period depends upon the state of health, the interest
taken in the subject, and the previous discipline to which the
mind has been subjected. In all these respects Miss Lyon
possessed unusual preparation.  Her health was usually
firm, her nerves not easily ruffled, her interest intense and
absorbing in any important object in which she was engaged,
and she had early learned to school all her powers into complete subjection to the will.  Hence in study, in teaching,
and in benevolent effort, many a fellow-laborer has given out
exhausted while she was yet fresh, unfatigued, and vigorous.
In the responsible and difficult circumstances in which she
was often placed, this power of concentration and endurance
was of great benefit, indispensable, indeed, to eminent success. I do not doubt that such extraordinary drafts upon
her constitution exhausted the powers of life earlier than if
she had been more sparing of her strength. But in the
great labors of her life, her grand inquiry was, not how to
preserve life, but how to use its energies to the best advantage. A few years more or less in this world were a matter
of small importance compared with success in her projects.
Power of Attention to Details as well as great Principles.
No one acquainted with this lady will doubt that her mind
more naturally seized upon the great principles than upon
the details of a subject. Such minds usually find it hard to




442        THE VICO'aRY GAINED AND SECURED.
descend to particulars.  Hers was not of this character. At
least, the circumstances in which she was called to act rendered attention to minute details indispensable, and her powers
were compelled to yield to the necessity with so good a grace
that they seemed to be following a natural instinct. In the
earlier schools which she taught, peculiar in many respects, no
one could arrange the details but herself. Especially was this
indispensable when she engaged in the manipulations of a
chemical laboratory. In these she was very successful - a
thing impossible without scrupulous attention to every item
of preparation. So, too, did she keep her eye upon every
detail of the new seminary.  Scarcely was a brick laid or a
nail driven without her cognizance and direction. Every
part of the building was planned by herself; as it must have
been to meet her views. In like manner did the arrangement and execution of the domestic work demand intense
attention to details. And I have no doubt that the planning
of the seminary, and the invention of a system by which the
domestic labors could be performed without interference
with the studies, were two of the severest mental efforts
which she ever made, and probably cost her more sleepless
nights than any other events.
Accuracy of Judgment.
What a vast amount of labor in this world is lost for the
want of an accurate judgment to direct it! Indeed, a sound
judgment is a rare acquisition, even among the ablest individuals. But so thoroughly did Miss Lyon study every subject
in which she heartily engaged, and so accurately could she
weigh every consideration, that rarely was there any waste
of labor upon visionary or ill-arranged projects.
The accuracy of her judgment was sometimes put to the
severest test. For in some of her noblest enterprises she
had to go contrary to the judgment of some of the wisest
and best men in New England.  They did not dare to give




ACCURACY OF JUDGMENT.              443
their names and influence to aid in starting the new seminary
on the plan she proposed, because they thought many of her
views visionary and impracticable. With her great candor
and confidence in the opinions of friends, it was a severe
trial to go forward in opposition to their deliberate conclu.
sions. But so long and carefully, as well as prayerfully, had
she surveyed the whole ground, that the whole path through
it was radiant with light in her eye, although to others covered with fog; and she could not refuse to go forward without doing violence to the strongest convictions. She tri.
umphed; and it is but justice to say, that most of those who
at first opposed her views were led ultimately to acknowledge
the superior accuracy and sagacity of her judgment, and to
help forward her enterprise.
The two points on which she differed from judicious
friends were, first, attempting to obtain funds for the seminary by appealing solely to the benevolent principle, and
offering no hope of pecuniary profit; and, secondly, venturing to leave the domestic labors of the institution to be
performed by the pupils alone. The attempt made on the
selfish principle to endow the Ipswich Seminary had entirely
failed. For a time she seems to have been quite discouraged.
But as she mused upon the two points above specified, a new
hope insensibly took root in her mind; and, although in her
correspondence she rarely speaks of them, there is no doubt
but that they were intently examined again and again; for
otherwise she could not have acquired so firm a conviction
of their soundness as to venture her all upon their operation,
in spite of the objections of wise friends and the ridicule of
sagacious enemies. They proved, however, to be the grand
means of success. The principal agent in obtaining the
funds, who stood almost alone with Miss Lyon in maintaining
these principles, is decidedly of opinion that without them he
never could have obtained the money. I ought also to name
a third principle, equally efficacious in securing aid from




444        THE VICTORY GAINED AND SECURED.
Christians of moderate pecuniary means; and that is, the
proposal to conduct the institution on-such a plan that the
expenses should be comparatively small, One or more of
this trio of principles had the power to reach the heart and
open the purse of a large proportion of the benevolent in the
middle ranks of society, and of some among the wealthy;
and therefore the enterprise succeeded.
Knowledge of Character.
It ought likewise to be added to what has been said, that
Miss Lyon's familiar acquaintance with the principles, feelings, and whole character of the middling classes of society
in New England, enabled her to judge with accuracy by
what means they would be influenced, far better than others
who had never themselves been familiar with that character.
And here the wisdom of Providence was manifested, in taking
her from the lower ranks of society, and causing all the early
part of her life to be spent among those classes upon whom
she was to operate, and for whose special benefit,she was
afterwards to labor. She thus learnt how to sympathize
with their principles and feelings, and to meet their idiosyncrasies and prejudices. Had her early days been spent
among the wealthy and fashionable, she never could have so
wisely adapted'means to ends, and her efforts would have
probably ended in merely beating the air; and she would
have concluded that the public were too ignorant, or too
selfish, to found a permanent female seminary; whereas
the only difficulty would have been in her ignorance of
human nature. How many instances of such failures do we
yearly witness! while the self-satisfied, though, it may be,
benevolent authors of the enterprises, never once suspect
that the sole difficulty lies in their ignorance of the human
character.
It was not, however, in respect to one particular portion of
society that Miss Lyon understood their character. She had




POWER OF INFLUENCING OTHIERS.          445
great skill in reading human character generally from  its
casual and external manifestations. There was nothing in
her intercourse, as is sometimes the case, which seemed to
say to the visitor, " Now I mean to find out all about you; "
but while there was a seeming indifference as to your character, there was a keen eye and a cool judgment, which
together made out its general lineaments from your casual
expressions, associations, likes and dislikes. Hence it was
that, in selecting agents and others to aid her in her seminary project, experience, almost without exception, showed
the judiciousness of her choice. And so, in respect to the
numerous teachers she was called to select to aid her in her
many schools, how almost universally (quite so for any thing
that I know) has the selection been happy! Wherever I
have seen Miss Lyon in the midst of coadjutors, it has always
seemed to me as if Providence had sent her just the right
sort of persons. I do not doubt that it was Providence; and
yet the instrumentality has been her unusual power of
reading human character by its usual manifestations.
Power of infuencing others.
I refer chiefly to moral influences; for rarely in her
schools, and certainly nowhere else, did Miss Lyon resort to
any other. Yet her principle was, that the rules of a school
must be enforced, and if any extremely refractory pupil
should resist every other kind of influence, she had no conscientious scruples against physical compulsion; and, according to Mrs. Cowles, she did once resort to that kind of
influence in enforcing a rule of the school. But, almost
without exception, she knew how to concentrate and combine
moral influences, before which none but the desperately depraved could stand; and such she took care to get rid of as
soon as discovered. She was always careful never to promulgate any rule that had not good reasons for its observance,
nor until she felt morally certain that it could be carried into
38




446        THE VICTORY GAINED AND SECURED,.
execution by moral means. She took special care to avoid
a predicament, into which less sagacious and less experienced
teachers are sometimes brought, of being obliged to enforce
rules for no other reason save that of sustaining the authority
of the school and the dignity of the instructors. She did not
waste her strength in fighting such battles, where common
sense is on the side of the enemy, and the victory can be
gained only by strangling that stern leader with the cord of
authority.
The two principles which Miss Lyon found of mighty effi.
cacy in enforcing her rules were, first, their reasonableness;
and, secondly, the demands of benevolence. Many rules in
a school are inconvenient and troublesome to conscientious,
well-disposed adults; but they can see how necessary they
are for the welfare of others., and how reasonable, therefore,
it is that they should sustain such rules. At any rate, a benevolent regard to the good of the school should lead them
to acquiesce in what might require considerable sacrifice on
their part.  Such appeals Miss Lyon found as powerful in
regulating her schools as she did in obtaining funds for the
Holyoke Seminary. And it was often amazing to see how
triumphantly she would carry through any measure in her
school that seemed important. She knew how to form and
set in motion a current which made individual opposition as
powerless as chaff before the whirlwind.
But this talent was not confined to her schools.  Wherever it was necessary or desirable to influence individuals, or
collections of men or women, she knew how to spin those
silken cords that would lead them where she pleased. Yet
she never pleased to lead them where reason, and conscience,
and benevolence did not point the way. Generally, too,
those who were thus influenced were not aware that the invisible force by which they were gently urged along emanated from her. Like a practised Mesmerist, she had thrown




POWER OF OVERCOMING DIFFICULTIES.        447
them into a better than somnambulic state, and it needed
only her volitions afterwards to determine their movements.
Sometimes, indeed, during their hallucination, she contrived
to get money out of their pockets; but when they awoke
from the dream of benevolence, they were always thankful
that they had been robbed, and invited the robber to come
again when the cause of education or religion demanded
further help.
Ability to estimate and overcome Djficulties.
There is a great difference in the ability of different men,
of equal intellectual strength, to estimate the true magnitude
of the obstacles in their path, and in devising appropriate
means for overcoming them. The principles by which such
estimates are made I call moral dynamics. And skill in
that science is one of the surest marks of mental power,
conjoined to a well-balanced judgment. Many men possess
a dazzling  brilliancy, and  can easily propose splendid
schemes; but they seem incapable of forming any correct
notions of the difficulties in their way, or of inventing means
for overcoming them. The result is, that when put to the
test of experience, their fine schemes are found impracticable.
They try again, and imagination is alike prolific of some
brilliant project; but it is alike impracticable.  And so life
is filled up with fascinating schemes; but, for want of skill
in moral dynamics, the individual leaves no trace of his
labors among men, and is remembered only as an ingenious
dreamer.
On the other hand, the man whose judgment curbs imagination foresees objections and obstacles, and is able to decide whether he shall be able to overcome them. At any
rate, he modifies his plans till he is sure they are practicable;
and then he does not fear to risk all upon the attempts to
carry them into execution. They may seem visionary to the




448        THE VICTORY GAINED AND SECURED.
world; but if he can go forward and show that they are
mistaken, there is no surer mark of a superior mind.
There are some who have an accurate foresight of the
difficulties they will have to encounter, yet they seem to lack
the grace of perseverance, and soon become discouraged,
when the conflict comes. But, after all, it is in the long and
doubtful struggle that precedes the establishment of any new
and important plan that we discover the true calibre and
composition of the man. It is an ordeal from which very
few come forth victors. When, therefore, we see a man, in
such a struggle, holding on with the tenacity of desperation
to his darling object, trampling down one and another difficulty that lies in his path, inventing new methods of attack
and defence if the old ones fail, — in short, meeting every
exigency with some new and effectual device, — we see that
the root of the matter is in him, and we expect that he will
come forth victorious at last.
Now, I hardly need say that the conflict of this sort,
through which Miss Lyon passed, was of the most desperate
and protracted kind; and yet nobly and triumphantly was
she borne through it. The difficulties before her were appalling; yet carefully did she survey and gauge them before
she put on her armor. The world, and even many of her
best friends, while they admired her object and her spirit,
felt sad that she was destined to an almost certain defeat.
But they did not know how carefully she had surveyed the
whole ground, nor what unconquerable energies she was
capable of putting forth, nor how firmly her faith clung to
divine help. Probably she had herself but a feeble consciousness of that hidden power she was called to exert.
Had she known it, she might have said to every difficulty,
WTho art thou, 0 great mountain? Before Zerubbabel thou
shalt become a plain, and he shall bring forth the head.
stone thereof with shoutings, crying, Grace, grace unto it.




EXECUTIVE POWER.                449
Executive Power.
Given a definite amount of means, and the circumstances
favorable and adverse in which a person is placed, it is
required to determine how much he ought to accomplish.
Work out this problem, and the results will show you nearly
what Miss Lyon did accomplish. For she had a marvellous
power of executing whatever she had the means of doing.
Her practice trod close upon the heels of theory, and usually
was nearly as perfect, like the molecular operations in chemistry and crystallography. Having great skill in estimating
the difficulties to be overcome, and in devising adequate
means, she also possessed a most unusual power of accomplishing the most by those means. In the large educational
establishments with which she was connected, nothing was
left at loose ends; no drones were allowed in the hive, unless
they came there as guests. She had a remarkable power
of keeping every body, pupils and teachers, employed, and
the result was order, neatness, and despatch. In this way,
too, she easily found time and room for introducing any
extra operations that were desirable, and especially those of
a benevolent and religious character.
The promptness, too, with which this executive power was
manifested, deserves notice. The moment a thing was found
to be desirable and practicable, she felt uneasy till it was in
a course of execution. She suspected herself, as we shall
see farther on, of being too impatient in such cases; but how
venial such a fault, compared with the very common habit
of procrastination! With her there was no putting off till
to-morrow what could be done to-day. For a few years, in
consequence of the length of some of the compositions, the
public services in the church, on anniversary day, did not
commence till half an hour after the appointed time. She
was reminded of it as something unusual at the Mount
Holyoke Seminary. The next year the public services
3 8




450        THE VICTORY GAINED AND SECURED.
commenced a quarter of an hour before the time appointed;
so fearful was the principal lest the school should get the
reputation of not being punctual.*
Administrative Power.
Although intimately connected with, this power is distinct
from, executive power; or rather, perhaps, the latter is included in the former. Great energy in accomplishing objects
may not always be associated with much wisdom; but this
is essential to the management of a large literary institution.
Here are numerous and quite diverse elements to be controlled. As to the pupils, it is one important qualification in
* The following statement will show the effect upon my own
mind of long familiarity with Miss Lyon's great energy, promptness,
and executive power. It is a dream, but such a dream as resulted
naturally from the impressions made on the mind in its waking
hours.
I had been giving a lecture at the seminary upon galvanism, and
while putting up my apparatus, one of the teachers entered the
room, and in a very quiet manner requested me to step down stairs
because the building was on fire. I was struck with her sangfroid,
and still more so, on descending, to find how quietly Miss Lyon and
some twenty others were standing by with pails of water, while a
man was cutting a hole in the floor to get access to the fire, which
was soon subdued.
A little time afterwards, I dreamed that I was at the seminary on
anniversary day, when the examinations were going on before a
crowded audience, in the large hall at the south end of the building.
Happening to step out the door, I saw that all the north part of the
building was on fire, the flames rushing out of the windows with
such fury that it seemed impossible to save the edifice. However,
every body seemed very quiet, and the examinations were not interrupted; but as I passed along, a window opened, and Miss Lyon
appeared with a letter in her hand, which she committed to some
one to take to the post-office. I thought it a strange time to be
writing letters, but was told that it was as circular, which Miss
Lyon was getting out to obtain means for erecting a new building!




ADMINISTRATIVE POWER.              451
a teacher to be able to adapt the means and motives to the
peculiarities of character, and opinion, and prejudices, among
them. And then, a large corps of teachers must be selected
and made to act in unison, or a firebrand will be thrown into
the school.  Moreover, in most schools in this country, it is
necessary that the principal exercise a rigid watchfulness
over its pecuniary interests, being cognizant of every expenditure, and of the smallest means of income; the whole demanding no mean financial ability. Still further, in schools
dependent on public patronage, the principal is expected to
see to it that the public are kept informed of its advantages,
and their attention favorably drawn towards it.
Now, to meet successfully these various and complicated
duties requires great versatility of powers, and much wisdom
founded on experience.  Mere. knowledge of literature and
science in a teacher thus situated is but a small part of his
qualifications.  He must possess a large share of practical
wisdom, to enable him so to choose and apply means as to
give energy and success to a complicated system. None
acquainted with Miss Lyon will doubt that she was eminently
successful in her administration of several admirable schools,
of which the Holyoke Seminary was the most extensive; yet
was it conducted with wonderful skill and success. My own
conviction is, that her talents for administration were decidedly superior to her skill as an instructor in science or
literature.
Character as a Teacher of Science and Literature.
I have no doubt that Miss Lyon's mind was better adapted
for giving instruction in science than in literature, using the
latter term in the sense of belles-lettres, or polite literature;
or rather, she could present and illustrate great and demonstrative principles better than the less settled and more tenuous distinctions and features of polite literature. It seemed
to make but little difference, however, whether it was physi



452        THE VICTORY GAINED AND SECURED.
cal, intellectual, or theological science, for all these she taught
almost equally well.
Perhaps the two subjects which she taught with the most
success were chemistry and Butler's Analogy - subjects
usually thought to demand talents of quite different order.
In almost all her schools she lectured on chemistry, and performed the experiments with much success.  To do this
well requires qualifications of a rather peculiar kind; and
in very few cases do we find these qualifications in persons
devoted to polite literature or intellectual and moral science.
But whoever has ingenuity, and has been taught in early life
how to perform domestic labors with neatness and thoroughness, might hope to be at home in the laboratory.
Miss Lyon, however, possessed great versatility of talent;
and in whatever department.of literature or science engaged,
a looker.on would suppose that to be her favorite pursuit.
She was, indeed, deeply interested in every branch of learning that developed new and important principles and facts;
and what branch does not develop these? Hence it was,
as we have seen, that she entered with keen relish into the
dry details even of grammar.
Great was her ability, also, to communicate her own interest and enthusiasm to the minds of her pupils. Indeed, enthusiasm is always contagious, and has ever been one of the
grand principles employed by Providence for urging men
forward in important and noble labors.
She was distinguished, also, for the thoroughness of her
instructions. There was no such thing as a pupil's slurring
over a recitation with her. Next to the religious interests
of her schools was. her anxiety to maintain a high standard
of scholarship. Because she had succeeded in making the
terms of her new seminary so low that the comparatively
poor might come there, she knew that the impression would
be created that the course of study would be limited and
imperfect; whereas her determination was, that it should be




AS A RELIGIOUS TEACHER.              453
as extensive and thorough, in all the more solid branches of
learning, as any female school in the land; and those who
have attended the annual examinations of that school must
have been convinced of her success.*
As a religious Teacher.1 shall probably express the opinion of all who have been
members of her schools when I say that Miss Lyon's superiority as a teacher was nowhere so conspicuous as in her
religious instruction.  Nowhere else has her death occasioned such a blank. At least five times each week did she
feel it her duty to explain and comment upon some portion
of Scripture before her school; and the extra occasions for
such expositions were numerous. For most of these occasions she made preparation by a careful study of the Bible,
and usually by noting down the leading thoughts she wished
to present.  They were, in fact, skeletons of sermons,
though I am not aware that one of the sermons was ever
written out. Many of these skeletons are in my hand, and
if it were possible, I should add some of them as an appendix
to this work, as a sample of her mode of presenting religious truth.  Mrs. Cowles, however, has given us, in Part
I1. of this memoir, some vivid recollections of Miss Lyon's
mode of religious teaching, and in Section II. of this part
I have quoted- from the journal of the institution several descriptions of her religious discourses. They were probably
among the most efficient means by which so high a standard
of piety was maintained, and so many were converted.
* At one of these examinations, when the senior class had just
recited to Miss Lyon in Butler's Analogy, we happened to overhear
the conversation between two presidents of colleges who were on
the platform. Says one of them, "How is it that these young ladies recite in Butler so much better than our senior classes? "  " I
do not know," was the reply, "unless it be that they have a better
teacher."




454        THE VICTORY GAINED AND SECURED.
A prejudice, certainly not always unreasonable, exists
against female preachers. When they address promiscuous
audiences of both sexes, it is, perhaps, always of questionable utility. But shall we hence conclude that woman in no
circumstances may expound the Scriptures to her own sex?
Is it not specially commendable in teachers? Because they
take a text, and present the truth, it may be, in as logical,
forcible, and impressive a manner as the able male minister
of the gospel, is the practice to be condemned?  Surely not
with reasonable men. I never had an opportunity to heba
Miss Lyon sermonize.  I presume I should have sought the
opportunity in vain. But from the brief outlines of her
efforts in this direction which I have looked over, and froim
the accounts of such efforts by her pupils, I cannot doubt
that they were characterized by a logical ability, theological
accuracy, biblical knowledge, and evangelical unction, from
which many a male minister of the gospel might learn much.
She was a diligent student of the Bible, and, not only imbibed its spirit deeply, but had a clear conception of its doctrines as a science. Her doctrinal system was that of Calvinism, as explained by the ablest American divines.  Her
expositions to her school, however, were usually of a character
highly practical, and she took no great interest in discussions
merely speculative. In the skeletons of her discourses you
see but few formal statements and defences of doctrines.
But these formed the foundation on which she rested her
instructions, and from which she drew her strongest appeals.
An interesting and instructive fact, as to Miss Lyon's feelings about communicating public religious instruction, is
given by Mrs. Porter, in her account of Miss Lyon's last
visit to her house. It appears that a leading object she had
in view, in resorting to that sweet resting-place, was to prepare herself for communicating religious instruction, because
she never before had realized so much her responsibility,
and she hoped in that quiet chamber to obtain anew the




CHARACTER AS A WRITER.             455
wisdom and grace she needed. For almost thirty years had
she been in the habit of dispensing divine truth to her pupils,
and, in the estimation of every one but herself, with great
skill, and certainly with great success. Yet at that late
period did she so shrink from this work that it was only by
earnest prayer that she could obtain courage and confidence
enough to continue the effort.  0, were those of us who
preach the gospel more holy, how much more should we
tremble when we think what a work is committed to us, and
what a high honor and privilege are conferred upon us!
Character as a Writer.
Miss Lyon never wrote but one book, and that a small
18mo. of one hundred and two pages -the " Missionary Offering." This was prepared upon the spur of a special
occasion, and in a brief time. Nevertheless, as a literary
production it is not devoid of merit. Its plan demands much
strength of imagination to raise it above ridicule. We see
at once that the writer is rather unaccustomed to the armor
she has put on; yet we also see that a little practice only
would make it fit quite gracefully. Aside from the imaginative part of the work, it contains some fine descriptions.
The account of "the mountain home," in Part I. of this
memoir, will be recollected by our readers as one example. One of the concluding paragraphs contains sentiments
so admirable, and expressed in language so appropriate, that
I give it as a sample of what she might have done as a
writer, had duty led her to devote herself to authorship.'" These were the words uttered by the Voice of Wisdom,
and, as she ceased, my thoughts returned to my own bosom.
A sense of my own individual responsibility rested upon me
with an indescribable weight. I felt that my duty in my
own little sphere, and with my own feeble ability, was more
to me in the sight of God than the duty of all the world
besides.  Could I throw  my influence over the whole




156        THE VICTORY GAINED AND SECURED.
country, and bring thousands into the treasury of the Lord, it
might not be so important a duty for me as to give from my
own little purse that last farthing which God requires. Could
I make my voice heard from one end of the land to the
other, and so plead in behalf of the perishing heathen that
all our missionary concerts should be filled with hearts bowing together in the presence of God, it might not be so im.
portant a duty for me as to carry my own feeble petition
myself to the throne of mercy, and there, in the name of
cur blessed Redeemer, plead the promises with an earnest~
ness which cannot be denied.  While I mused on these
things, my heart seemed ready to sink under its load, and I
fled away to the cross of Christ, that there my weak and
fainting spirit might find support, comfort, and guidance.
There I looked up and cried, I My dear Redeemer, make
me to know the fellows]hip of thy sqzferings; make me
conformable to thy death.'  Then under the banner of
the Savior's dying love, I felt it to be the most precious
privilege in the universe to deny myself, to take up
my cross, and  to follow  the  Lamb  whithersoever he
goeth." -p. 101.
Miss Lyon issued not a few circulars, explanatory of her
schools, and often containing important hints upon education;
and these, with her letters, as given in this work, are the
only other means we possess of learning her character as a
writer, The practised author will see at once that, while
there is great strength and directness in her style, there is
too much diffuseness and repetition.  Her mind seemed to
be so full of ideas and illustrations that she allowed too
many of them to escape from her pen. She seems never
to have learnt the most important art, so useful, and yet so
seldom practised, of condensing her thoughts as much as
possible. To spend a few months in a modern telegraph
office would be a most useful discipline for persons whose
minds seem to be crowded with thoughts.




SOCIAL CHARACTER.                457
Prudence.
Persons of great strength and decision of character, who
engage in any new enterprise, which, if successful, will put
others into the background, usually raise up not a few enemies. But such was not the case with Miss Lyon.  Those
who did not like her plans rarely, if ever, thought of censuring her severely. One reason was, that the evidence of
sincerity and purity of motives was too palpable to be mistaken. But another reason was, that she put an unusual
restraint upon her tongue.  She was remarkably fluent in
conversation, and often for hours would talk almost constantly; yet I do not remember ever hearing any thing she
said quoted as injuring any one's feelings, or of a partisan
or sectarian character. She must have been remarkably
prudent to talk so much without dropping any thing which
even enemies could take hold of. But it hardly needed so
much watchfulness over her words as some must exercise,
because she had no feelings save those of kindness towards
any one. When thwarted or neglected by any one, she felt
it keenly; but a few tears and a short prayer usually restored
her serenity and kind feeling, and I doubt if any one can
recollect severe remarks which she ever made towards
others.  She had great power in making a thing appear
ridiculous, yet she never ridiculed persons, but only opinions.
Social Character.
Her great readiness in conversation and generous warmth
of heart adapted her to become the life of a social circle.
But so full of labors were her days that she could not devote
as much timre to social intercourse as she could have wished.
Tet wherever known, she was ever a welcome guest; and she
always delighted to make those happy with whom she associated. Young children were great favorites, and her influence over them was strong and salutary.
39




458        THE VICTORY GAINED AND SECURED.
As a Friend.
We suspect that the pages of this memoir have disclosed one trait in this woman which will rather surprise
many who had no intimate knowledge of her character. I refer to the great warmth and ardor of her attachment to her confidential friends. It rose in some cases
almost to the romantic feelings of what goes by the specific
name of love. It shows us how well adapted was her nature
for a devoted attachment to a husband and children, and
how happy a man must have been who should receive suchi"
love from such a heart, had not a sense of duty to higher
objects constrained her to lavish that love upon the world
rather than an individual.
In addition to the ladies already named to whom Miss
Lyon was so ardently attached, she had many highly esteemed friends, with whom she delighted to spend a few
hours, or a day, from time to time; and all such found her
friendship an unfailing and unchanging spring, from which
the waters always gushed forth warm and abundant. Religion was the basis of all her friendships, and hence nothing
but your desertion of its principles or spirit could alienate
her feelings.
Hospitality.
Herself for so long a wanderer, Miss Lyon knew how
sweet to such was a cordial and sincere welcome. Hence,
when she had secured a home, its doors were ever wide
open to all her friends. Although in that hospitable mansion she was necessarily much occupied, yet you knew that
she would do all she could for your happiness.
Cheerfulness..
This trait of character was most remarkably developed
in our friend. -Never, in the most trying periods of her




ECONOMY.                    459
great struggle, when almost every other heart seemed sad
at the prospect of failure -never did I see a cloud over her
countenance. But it was always radiant with hope. Through
the glass of faith she could look beyond the darkness, and
see the sky cle'ar. Doubtless a vigorous state of bodily
health contributed very much to this continual sunshine, as
an opposite state often does to darkness and despondency;
*yet faith in God's providence and confidence in her principles
were no less necessary to maintain her almost unvarying
buoyancy of spirit. And it contributed exceedingly to the
pleasure of her social intercourse that she seemed always
to be looking at the bright side of objects, and never obtruded her private troubles upon your notice.
Economy and Self-denial.
These two virtues, so intimately related, were by Miss
Lyon reduced almost to mathematical rules. As to economy, she did not push it to such extremes as to starve the
body or the mind, or to produce noticeable singularity.  In
respect to dress, while she would have it plain and enduring,
she would have it decent and appropriate; not exciting
attention, like the inmates of monasteries and nunneries, by
its coarseness and peculiar fashion, which say to the beholder, "See how self-denying we are, and how separate
from the world!"  Rather did she prefer, as far as possible, to conform to the prevailing modes of dress, so as
not to excite attention; and moreover all nature taught her
that Providence never meant that man should cover himself with garments that make the human form disgusting.
On the other hand, if the prevailing fashions required that
costly and finical ornaments should be added to garments
already comfortable and becoming, she did not hesitate to
be singular, because such fashions required sacrifices which
she could not make.
As to food and drink, the fundamental principle adopted




460        THE VICTORY GAINED AND SECURED.
at the seminary has been, that such kinds and in such quantity should be used as would give the greatest strength and
ability to labor, both bodily and mentally, and secure the
best and most permanent health. These objects, according
to the established principles of physiology, demand that the
solid food, whether vegetable or animal, should be plain, and
substantial, and well cooked; and no one who has been a
frequent guest at the table of the seminary can doubt that
these principles have been substantially carried out there.
As to the cooking, I have found it decidedly superior to that
met with generally in the larger hotels and boarding-houses
in our country.  Many probably would miss some delicacies, which a person accustomed to them would deem quite
important, but which are, in fact, deleterious. Some, too,
doubtless, never get reconciled to the habit of using cold
water only at meals, which is used by all save those on the
sick list. And by such a practice, many, I doubt not, are
saved from that list; for I hesitate not to say that the ablest
physiologists in every age are decided in the opinion that
water, " unmixed and unspoiled," is the best of all drinks for
the young, and that to become strongly attached to othel
beverages, such as tea and coffee, is an indication of the
commencement of a morbid state of the system.
In respect to the above points, and all others, indeed,
where economy and retrenchment were practised at the seminary, we may truly say that there was no extravagance of
opinion or action; but the rule of the Latin poet, so useful
in many of the affairs of this world. was adopted,-,"Est modus in rebus: sunt certi denique fines,
Quos ultra citraque nequit consistere rectum."'
There was another class of objects about which Miss
* There is a medium in things; there are certain bounds, beyond
which and within which the truth is not found.




GRATIFICATION OF TASTE.             461
Lyon was obliged to have some fixed principles. There
was a chord in her soul that responded quickly to whatever
in the fine arts or other arts was agreeable to good taste.
How far, then, should she go in gratifying a taste for the
productions of the artist, the architect, the landscape gardener, &c.? She was sure that the cultivation of such a
taste was lawful, even for a religious man, in some circumstances. But such objects were for the most part beyond her
pecuniary means, unless she gave up a darling feature in the
seminary, and followed the example of too many of our
female schools, which put their terms just as high as the
public will bear. So far as comfort and respectability of
appearance were concerned we have seen that she felt it
her duty to go. But all beyond this, unless offered as a gift
from her friends, she subjected to the test of its comparative
importance. Fine architecture, fine paintings and music,
beautiful gardens, with fountains and statuary, &c., are quite
desirable. But then, while the world is so full of ignorance,
irreligion, and misery as it now is, while the funds of our
benevolent and educational institutions are so entirely inadequate to the noble objects they have in view, is it right for
the Christian, especially for one of limited means, to indulge
in objects of taste, or any superfluities, which, however lawful and desirable in themselves, are certainly far inferior in
importance to the renovation of the world? This question
Miss Lyon decided in the negative, and acted accordingly.
We have seen that she expended from  twelve hundred to
fifteen hundred dollars, after leaving Ipswich, in getting up
the seminary, - probably about all she then possessed, — and
that she left to the cause of missions nearly the whole of
the property that remained at her death, viz., two thousand
dollars.  But this was only a small part of her beqefactions.
I am credibly informed that she expended more for benevolent objects, from year to year, than she used for herself,
exclusive of board.  How few Christians reach such a
39 a




462        THE VICTORY GAINED AND SECURED.
standard as this! If they did, what an altered aspect would
the world soon exhibit!
Leading Motives of Action.
There are three leading selfish motives which, I fear, will
go far, in many cases, to explain the gigantic and self-denying
labors men have undergone to found and establish new institutions, economical, educational, and religious. The first is
the hope of pecuniary gain; the second, a love of distinction among men; and the third, the hope of posthumous
reputation. Let us see whether Miss Lyon could have been
influenced by any of these.
It was surely not a love of money; for, by the very constitution of the seminary, both she and all connected with it
were cut off from the hope of making money, save so far
as to enable them to live in the most economical manner.
As to the two other selfish motives, -the desire of a
name before or after death, - what sentence is there, in all
her correspondence given in this memoir, that could be construed into such a desire?  And had there been any such
intimation in her unpublished letters, the compilers would
certainly have brought it out. For in their work they have
kept a sharper lookout for defects than excellences in her
character. They know that in the lives of most persons
eminent for benevolence the little imp, selfishness, is not unfrequently seen peeping out from behind the cloak of benevolence; and hence our readers' would expect some such
development in the case of Miss Lyon. But those most
intimate with her were not able to discover it.
But the following extract of a letter to Miss Grant, dated
March 1, 1833, just as she was about leaving Ipswich to
commence her great enterprise, affords the best development
of her motives of action which I have found; and there are
in it such marks of verisimilitude as must satisfy any one
that she speaks the honest sentiments of her heart. I give




IMOTIVES OF ACTION.              463
it, with some comments, as quoted by me in my address at
the anniversary subsequent to her death, although it has
already been presented in Part Il. p. 178.
"' For myself, if I should separate from you, I have no
definite plan; but my thoughts, feelings, and judgment are
turned towards the middle classes of society. For this class
I want to labor, and for this class I consider myself rather
peculiarly fitted to labor. To this class in society would I
devote directly all the remainder of my strength, (God permitting;) not to the higher classes, not to the poorer classes.
The middle class contains the main springs and main
wheels which are to move the world. Whatever field I
should occupy, it must be a humble, lanorious work.  How
I could get a footing sufficiently firm for my feet to rest
upon the remainder of my days, where my hands could
work, I know not. But by wandering about a year or two,
perhaps Providence might open the door. I should seek for
nothing permanent after my decease as to the location of my
labors; but I should consider it desirable that I should occupy but one more field, that I should make but one more
remove, till I remove into my grave.'
": What a beautiful development of Christian character
does this extract present! What a waiting upon God and
confidence in his providence! How and where she could
get a foothold to labor she knew not;' but by wandering
about a year or two, perhaps Providence might open the
door.' How does such faith remind us of that other servant
of God, who,' when he was called to go out into a place,
which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed;
and he went out, not knowing whither he went.' What humility and readiness to labor are here shown!' Whatever
field I should occupy, it must be a humble and laborious
work.' Yet what holy sagacity is exhibited in strongly desiring to labor for the middle classes, because' they are the
main springs and main wheels to move the world'! That is,




464        THE VICTORY GAINED AND SECURED.
she wished to labor where her efforts would do the most
good. And finally, what perfect freedom from the ambition
of having her name attached to some great institution, by
which many have supposed she was actuated in her severe
labors!' I should seek for nothing permanent after my decease as to the location of my labors.' lHow evident that
such a state of mind was just the one that was needed for
the herculean task of founding this institution! and how obviously it was the natural result of that long and severe discipline through which she had passed!"
The conclusion to which all the facts lead us, and which
accords with the unanimous opinion of all her most intimate
friends, is, that the leading motive of her life was the benevolence of the gospel. It was a simple desire to advance
God's glory and man's good. These are convertible terms,
and whoever promotes the one cannot but advance the other.
Hers was a benevolence that embraced every human being,
and hence her intense interest in foreign missions. But it
did not, therefore, omit to feel a deeper interest in those with
whom she was connected by the ties of nature, of friendship,
or of proximity. Because God had placed these individuals
near to her in order to call forth her special attention, she
thought a sufficient reason for laboring and praying more
earnestly in their behalf. And still there was room enough
in her large heart for all the Nworld beside.
If we look back upon the whole life of Miss Lyon, we can
hardly fail to see that the controlling influence of Christian
benevolence was the grand secret of her extraordinary success. If we watch the progress of most Christians, we shall
see that, although love to God and to man predominates in
their lives, the leaven of selfishness is largely mixed with
higher motives, sometimes almost to the time when they
exchange worlds. But just so soon as Miss Lyon sat down
~calmly to examine her spiritual condition, - probably when
she first went to the sehool at Byfield, -she seems to have




DEFECTS OF CHARACTER.              465
consecrated herself more entirely to the works and principles
of benevolence than is scarcely ever witnessed. From that
time to the day of her death it is difficult to discover, from
any thing she said, or wrote, or did, any mixture of selfish.
ness with benevolence. During her childish days, at the
primary school and the academy, it is probable that the
pride of superior abilities and the love of distinction were
spurs to her efforts; though even then we have testimony
that she seemed unconscious of her superiority.  But when
at Byfield she made up her mind to be a Christian indeed, she
put away childish things. The sun, as it rose above the
mountains, was a full-orbed circle, and so it continued till it
set in glory.  Spots there were, undoubtedly, upon its surface,
and they seemed to her almost to cover its face. But it
needs better glasses than I have found to discover them.
Defects of Character.
The defects of a person's character appear less or greater,
according as we agree with or dissent from his opinions and
courses of conduct.  Now, Miss Lyon's opinions upon education and religion were distinctly marked, and her practice
very decided. Those who reject the doctrines of evangelical
or orthodox religion, will, of course, regard her tenacious
adherence to them and decided inculcation of them as unhappy defects, which more light would have removed. So
those who regard revivals of religion as of doubtful utility, or
the result of fanaticism, and those who suppose it indelicate
for a teacher to make individual appeals to her pupils respecting personal religion, will regard the whole system of means
adopted by this lady as improper. Those also who object to
a young lady's being obliged to engage in culinary operations
while at school will regard the system in operation at South
Hadley as a defect in Miss Lyon's judgment.  Many also
consider the exclusion from that school, to so great a degree,
of certain ornamental and fashionable branches, such as
painting, music, and dancing, as a most serious defect.




466       TTHE VICTORY GAIN.ED AND SECURED,
Now, Miss Lyon never expected to please persons who
differed from her on such points.  While she entertained the
kindest feelings towards such, she did not expect their patronage; although, as a matter of fact, many such have sent
their daughters to her school; showing, at least, their liberality and confidence in her honesty of intention. Yet, partly
from these differences of opinion, and partly from the public
life Miss Lyon was obliged to lead for several years, mrany
strange notions concerning her have prevailed in the community.
Not a few, for instance, have looked upon her as a sort
of Amazon, of strong mind and inflexible purpose, but wanting in those tender and delicate feelings which are appropriate
to woman.  But it does seem as if her letters to her intimate
friends, given in this volume, ought to remove such an impression, and convince every one that there was a warmth
and intensity in her attachments and sympathies, which
seems more like the enthusiasm of the devoted lover than the
cool, calculating friendship of the stern and the phlegmatic.
I fancy that, even to many of her acquaintance, this will be
a new feature in her character.  For during most of her
public life was she obliged to suppress these more tender
and delicate feelings, and do the work of a resolute and
persevering man.*
* One misrepresentation respecting her school Miss Lyon tried
hard to correct, but with indifferent success; for up even to the
present time we find her school represented as "a manual labor
school."  (Dr. Davis's Half Century, &c., p. 75.) Certainly. Dr.
Davis meant to state only the truth of the case; but we have had
other proofs that this opinion is widely spread. Yet in the domestic
arrangements of the school she never dreamt of any such plan. She
introduced this feature into her school because she thought it would
contribute to the comfort and independence of the pupils, because
she thought it would encourage mothers to teach their daughters
domestic work, because she thought it would tend to make such




MINOR DEFECTS.                 46'7
To those large classes of the community who sympathize
with Miss Lyon in her views of religion and domestic economy, the features of her character and policy above referred
to, instead of being regarded as defects, are looked upon as
her chief glory.  Still I do not deny that even in the eyes of
such she had defects. I have already intimated that I had
not been able to discover any moral defects, though doubt.
less they existed. Her defects related to matters of less
consequence.
Enough, probably, has been said about minor defects in
her manners. So often had this subject been brought to her
notice in early life by her intimate friends, that she thought
her deficiencies were many, and submitted herself to their
training. But she never took lessons of the dancing, or the
drawing, or the music master; and she found too little interest
in the minute rules of polite society to keep her attention
much upon them, and so she made up her mind to endeavor
to treat all men according to the gospel standard of politeness,
and be satisfied. Had she taken the opposite course, I doubt
not she would have passed for a fine lady, and been welcome
in the saloon, the ball-room, and the pleasure party; but I
doubt whether her manners would have been as acceptable
to the middling classes of society as they have been; and I
am quite sure that this memoir would not have been called
for after her death.
The idea that Miss Lyon was gross in her manners, and
negligent in her dress, after she became a teacher, is not
true. She was unassuming and kind, though frank in her
address, hospitable without stint in her seminary, dignified in
public, fluent and able in conversation, and ever ready to aid
others when in her power. And such politeness she taught
labors respectable, and because she thought that the daughters of
the middling and poorer classes, at least, ought not to become wives
till they learnt how to take care of a family.




468        THE VICTORY GAINED AND SECURED.
and illustrated in her schools. If any parents wished their
daughters to learn the minor graces of manners, she desired
them to go somewhere else." She taught only the great
principles of dress and manners, and expressly declared that
her school was not intended to give a complete education,
but only its essential parts. This whole subject, however,
has been so well treated in Part II. of this memoir, that I need
not add another word.
I have often thought, without, however, having had much
opportunity for personal examination, that Miss Lyon had the
defect as a teacher of using too many words. Teachers often
use too few; for it is usually important to repeat over again
and again the principles of learning, before pupils will get a
clear idea of them. But if we undertake to explain them by
a multitude of prolix illustrations, we often produce confusion. I have thought often that Miss Lyon erred somewhat
in this direction. Yet this defect, if it existed, was so neutralized by the enthusiasm she was able to awaken in her
pupils, and by the clearness of her own views of every principle she attempted to explain, that her prolixity was little
thought of.
Not a little complaint has been made that Miss Lyon's
great power of physical and mental endurance led her to
expect too much from her pupils. I cannot doubt that there
was some foundation for this complaint; and I believe, that
after a time, in consequence of some examples brought before
her, she became fully aware of this tendency. She tried, I
know, to guard against it, and modified some of her rules.
Yet it was not certainly till late in life that she had much
experimental knowledge how hard it is for a person in feeble
health to do the work of one who is vigorous, or even to do
any thing with entire system. It should be added, however,
that Miss Lyon did not attempt to educate those of feeble
constitution and delicate habits, though willing that others
should do it. But she aimed to train up those who might be




A MEAGRE LIST.                 469
able to stand in the front rank, in the great battle which
learning and religion have to sustain with ignorance and
wickedness, and she could not have two sets of rules in the
same institution.
Towards the close of life, as age and infirmity began to
show their influence, and accustomed as she always had been
to bear so many burdens, she seemed anxious to assume too
many duties, as if she could do them better than any one
else. Doubtless in this she was greatly influenced by a
benevolent desire to relieve others; and yet it often embarrassed rather than assisted the other teachers. But an infirmity of advancing age ought hardly to be reckoned a
defect of character, but rather as a providential indication
that the time for her most active labors was drawing to a
close.
This is certainly a meagre list of defects in a character so
marked with excellences. A sympathy with her religious,
economical, and educational views in general, and personal
friendship, may have blinded me to her failings. Yet I have
searched for them in all quarters, except where I knew
strong prejudice to exist, and quite as diligently as for excellences. I do not doubt that among her pupils, now and then,
one might be found who never sympathized at all with her
principles of benevolence, of education, or domestic duties,
and who yet was forced to conform to rules based on her
views.  Such individuals, I presume, would feel that the
defects of Miss Lyon's character were very glaring; though
probably unable to define their objections, unless it were to
complain of her unrivalled power of always carrying her
point. But until such persons can show that without Miss
Lyon's principles and traits of character they can accomplish
for the world's good what she has done with them, we must
look upon their evidence as suspicious.
That Miss Lyon practised the same rigid scrutiny over
her minutest as well as most important actions, we have an
40




140 4      THE VICTORY GAINED AND SECURED.
interesting evidence. I have remarked that she left no private journal, with one slight exception. That exception consists of the following private paper, on which she noted down
some of those minor points on which it became her to exercise a special watchfulness. It shows how rigid was her
self-discipline, and that she was not able, any more than
those who have gone before her, to reach a high standard of
piety without strenuous efforts.
I.  Worldly Intrusion on sacred Time.
1. In secret prayer.
2. In reading the Bible.
3. In little opportunities for ejaculatory prayer.
4. In family devotions.
5. Sabbath generally.
6.   "6    Hearing the word.
7.    "    Prayer in sanctuary.
8.   4"    Communion service.
9.    "    Holy communion with God the Father, Son,
and Holy Ghost, and with the disciples of Christ.
10. Longing after the blessings of the Sabbath to be disseminated.
II.  Misspending Time.
1. Indefinite musings.
2. Anticipating needlessly.
3. Needless speculations.
4. Indulging in reluctance to begin a duty.
5. In doubtful cases not deciding at once.
6. Musing needlessly on what has been said or done, or
what may be.
7. Spending time in reverie which should be spent in
prayer.
III. Self-control.
1. Too ardent in a new thought.
2. Too desirous for immediate execution.




iIORAL SUBLIMITY OF HER COURSE.         471
3. Feelings discomposed by opposition.
4. Expressing disagreement, when it would be better to
wait a little.
5. Reminding others of their deficiencies, without sufficient object. (Be like Christ. Inquire, before speaking,
whether it will do good, whether duty requires; if not, avoid
alluding to them.)
6. Referring to mistakes of pupils in little things, family
duties, domestic work, &co. (Inquire if they designed to do
right; if their mistake involves any general principle;
whether there will be any occasion for them to commit the
same again.)  Be like CHRIST —like CHRIST.
Moral Sublimity of her Course,
If an individual rise out of obscurity, and gradually work
his way upward and onward, throwing off a light that cannot
but arrest public attention, or sending out an influence that
stirs deeply the elements of society, and if to the end of life
that individual holds on in a brilliant and undeviating path,
the beholder cannot contemplate his course without a feeling
of sublimity. And especially if that individual has advanced
original opinions, which have stirred up against him the
prejudices of the ultra-conservative, but which, nevertheless,
have ultimately outlived all prejudice, and triumphed, still
grander does his course appear. Yet more magnificent does
it become, if it appear that pure benevolence was the con.
trolling motive in this person's heart.  Indeed it then consti.
tutes true moral sublimity.
Apply now these statements to the case of Miss Lyon.
From the time when she first began to distinguish herself
as a teacher, about thirty years ago, she seems to have given
herself up to the work of benevolence with an entireness and
whole-heartedness unusual with young Christians.  Her vigorous physical and intellectual powers were at once brought
wholly into the service of God and man.  Wherever she
went her pathway was radiant with love, though she seemed




472        THE VICTORY GAINED AND SECURED.
unconscious of its brightness. It was interesting to see how
her course widened and ascended as she went forward. If
one plan had to be given up, another more promising such
ceeded. The world thought her quixotic, and pitied and
ridiculed her fanaticism.  But with her heart fixed on God
and on doing good, she made no reply, or returned only
blessing for reproach. Her influence widened; her plans
succeeded; the world began to applaud, and the wise confessed her superior discernment and wisdom. At her death
she had opened a perennial fountain of influence, whose
streams had already reached the remotest nations of the
earth, and which, through future generations, is destined to do
more for the happiness of the world than all the acts of the
mightiest queen that ever ruled. Surely the whole picture
impresses us forcibly with its moral sublimity; and we
might almost have expected that the chariot and horses of
fire would have been granted to close a scene so much like
an angel visit.
There were some particular scenes in Miss Lyon's life,
from which, as we now see them, we get an impressive lesson
of' moral grandeur. One was the time when she closed her
connection with the Ipswich school, and went forth alone to
the great work of founding the new seminary. To accomplish
such an object, it would be necessary to enlist a great many
hearts and hands; for some sixty thousand dollars must be provided; and this she proposed to raise by an appeal to the benevolent principle only. She had seen a seemingly judicious
effort to accomplish almost the same object fail in a wealthy,
enlightened, and religious part of Massachusetts, although the
appeal was made both to the selfish and benevolent principles.
Moreover, the plan she now proposed contained some features which were not approved by her most judicious friends.
Yet in silence almost, and single-handed, she moved forward
to the conflict. Well do I remember the first meeting which
she called, of perhaps half a dozen or more of the friends of
female education, in the valley of Connecticut River, and which




HER FIFTIETH BIRTH-DAY.            473
took place at my house. Those friends saw the enterprise
to be a noble one; but how could it ever be accomplished?
Such, I doubt not, was the secret feeling of almost every one,
though not expressed to Miss Lyon.  To her we pledged
whatever of influence or time we could devote to the work.
But little did we know what Providence had in store for her.
Little did we imagine that any of us should live to see
the work accomplished, and sixteen hundred pupils go
forth from the institution into every quarter of the globe.
True, it did cost gigantic efforts on Miss Lyon's part, and
from those intimately associated with her; for it is a law of
the natural and moral government of God, that great objects
demand great efforts for their accomplishment. But now
that we can compare the magnificent results with the instrumentality, the picture is certainly full of moral grandeur.
Another scene, perhaps equally grand, was the retrospect
which she took of her life upon her fiftieth birthday. Previously she seems to have been too busy to pause and look
over the way in which the Lord had led her. But now the
panorama lay spread out around her. Far off in a quiet
mountain spring could she see the feeble beginning of her
course; but soon one and another tributary could be
observed coming in, till now the current was moving deep
and strong, loaded with blessings to the whole human family.
Many hundred energetic and devoted women could she see
laboring for the world, converted to God through her instrumentality in the numerous revivals through which she
passed; and not less than three thousand pupils, scattered
through the world, disseminating every where the noble sentiments she had taught them; a mighty leaven spreading
through the surface of society to lift it up to the daylight,
and fitting it to bring forth an abundant harvest to God's
glory and man's good. And when she thought of the
permanent character of her new seminary, she could not but
see its widening influence upon the world's noblest destinies,
40'




474        THE VICTORY GAINED AND SECURED.
down to the time when the earth shall be filled with the
knowledge of the Lord as the waters fill the sea. Truly the
whole scene must have been one of overwhelming interest,
and well calculated to awaken pride in a selfish mind. But
in her heart it only roused into intense action a feeling of
gratitude to God, who had given her such a noble field of
labor, and crowned her efforts with so much success.
One other scene of moral grandeur I must notice. The
chariot had come for her removal, though she knew not that
it stood by the door. But she had just been down to the
banks of Jordan to see one of her beloved pupils pass over;
and as she returned, she said to those who survived, 4" 0, if
it were I, how happy I should be to go!"  She had been
called, yet there was one more message for her to deliver -
the noblest she ever uttered.  Fear and anxiety had begun
to spread in the seminary lest a malignant and fatal disease
was among them.  Under the influence of an excitement
almost supernatural, having just been looking, as it were, into
heaven, and burning with a desire to lead her pupils to trust
Providence, and fear no evil, she appeared before them, and
exclaimed, " Shall we fear what God is about to do? There
is nothing in the universe that I fear, but that I shall not know
and do all my duty."
These two noble sentiments embrace almost the sum and
substance of practical religion to him who is supremely devoted to the will of God.  He believes that every event of
life is embraced in God's providence, and, therefore, he need
never be anxious about any of them, after having committed
himself unreservedly to the divine disposal. Yet he may
still fear that he shall fail either in a knowledge of his duty,
or in its performance. Noble sentiments to constitute a
Christian teacher's last instruction to her pupils! Appropriate words for the Christian to utter just as she was entering
the portals of heaven! Worthy a place on the marble that
hands down her memory to posterity!




NEW PRINCIPLES.                475
PRINCIPLES FIRST ESTABLISHED, OR MORE FULLY APPLIED,
BY MISS LYON S EFFORTS IN  THE CAUSE OF FEMALE
EDUCATION.
1. Permanence in a Female Seminary.
Since the funds for the Holyoke Seminary were all contributed on the benevolent principle, they must be entirely
used for the good of the school, and never for private emolument.  Hence, if funds can make any institution permanent,
they will do it here, unless they are grossly neglected or perverted. Teachers and trustees may succeed one another
from generation to generation; but there the buildings and
their contents will stand, to be used only for the purpose of
female education.  When Miss Lyon founded the institution,
she was not aware that any seminary was in existence, in this
country or in Europe, that possessed any such inherent
principle of vitality.  Hence this experiment introduced a
new and most important principle into this department of
education. Since that time, I believe the example has been
followed in several places; but I have no definite statistics
on the subject. That this feature promises much for the
education of our daughters, no one will doubt. It cost Miss
Lyon much, as we have seen. Let her have the credit
of first proving it practicable.
2. The successful Appeal to the Benevolent Principle for
obtaining Funds.
It is an interesting fact in the history of this enterprise,
that when the selfish principle had been tried under favorable auspices and failed, benevolence should have carried
the day. It speaks well, indeed, for the moral character
of New England. But it shows also how much stronger
in the Christian's heart is benevolence than selfishness,
and how much more certain one may be of success by
an appeal to the former than the latter, if a case can be




476        THE VICTORY GAINED AND SECURED.
made out clearly demanding benevolent interposition. Till
Miss Lyon made the effort, it was not thought that, to found
schools for the education of females was a work of consequence enough to be placed alongside of the missionary
enterprise.  But she satisfied the church of its vast importance, and thus struck a chord which drew forth pecuniary
offbrings from benevolent hearts to a greater amount than
selfishness had ever bestowed. We trust that a discovery
so important will furnish the key for unlocking treasures still
more abundant, for raising neglected woman to her true
intellectual and moral rank.
3. Successfuid Combination of domestic Labors with a high
literary Standard.
Manual labor schools had been in operation before Miss
Lyon commenced her efforts; that is, schools where the
pupil's labor, a part of the day, for compensation, and thus
pay their tuition or board. But their operation has been, for
the most part, unsatisfactory. Miss Lyon never had much
confidence in them, especially among females; although her
plan, as we have seen, was mistaken for a manual labor
establishment. There was labor, indeed, in her plan; but
undertaken in the way practised at the seminary, it does not
interfere with, nay, it probably promotes, attention to study,
because it aids the other kinds of exercise in invigorating
the physical system. In the manual labor schools it has
been found often that the standard of scholarship was
lowered by exhausting labors. But at the Holyoke Seminary this evil is avoided. The plan, therefore, is another
indication of Miss Lyon's sagacity and accuracy of judgment. Nor should it be forgotten that in this matter she
went ahead of her wisest contemporaries, and had to venture almost alone upon an experiment whose failure would
have been extremely mortifying.




SCHOLARSHIP AND PIETY.             477
4. Union of a high Standard of Study with a high Standard of Piety.
The grand complaint among Christians in respect to our
literary institutions is, that when teachers and pupils become
deeply interested in their studies, their piety droops, if it do
not die; so that it often becomes true, as Henry Martyn
says, that " Christ is crucified between two thieves - classics and mathematics."  But no such complaint can be
brought against the schools founded and taught by Miss
Grant and Miss Lyon; and it is this feature that has en(leared them  most to the devotedly pious. That the standard of scholarship and of study has always been very high
in these schools, no one acquainted with them can doubt.
What the standard of piety has been, let the pages of this
mrnemoir testify. It is no boast to say that it has been higher
than that of the scholarship. Now, this result has been accomplished mainly in two ways. First, by making Christian
benevolence the grand motive of all intellectual effort.
Under the influence of such a motive, even severe study of
literature and science becomes efficient means of growth in
grace.  With such a motive to stimulate him, Jonathan Edwards could make the solution of a question in metaphysics
almost as powerful a means of promoting his piety as
prayer.
Ilow  controlling the religious sentiment was in Miss
Lyon's system of instruction will appear from the following
summary of her'" excellences as an educator," as put down
by Miss Grant (now Mrs. Banister) at my request. They
consisted, she says,6In her knowledge and love of the character and govern.
ment of God. In her knowledge of the human mind; its
capacities; its destiny; of the effects of habits, and the way
to form them aright; of the relation of the human mind to
its Creator and to its fellow-creatures, and of the obligations




478        THE VICTORY GAINED AND SECURED.
growing out of those relations. In her entire and cordial
reception of the Bible as a revelation of God to man; in
her knowledge and love of this blessed book. In having the
first and second table of the moral law written on her heart;
in her peculiar facility in leading others to an intellectual
understanding of this law. In her deep appreciation of the
gospel as opening a way for the salvation of the lost; her
living faith in all its truths, especially in Him who is the
truth. In her glowing benevolence to all for whom Christ
died. In her burning zeal to do all in her power towards
extending the knowledge of the Redeemer to every creature.
In her understanding and heartfelt sense of the necessity of
bringing great and unalterable truths in contact with the human mind in a way suited to produce their legitimate effects.
In a practical belief that what ought to be done can be done.
In a deep sense that without God's blessing all will be in
vain. In an abiding reliance on God, and a cheerful expectation of his blessing."
The second means by which the high standard of scholarship was prevented from lowering the standard of piety
was to make instruction in religion as systematic, as thorough, and as personal as instruction in literature and science. The one subject was begun as early as the other, and
rarely were the two allowed to interfere. The preference,
indeed, was always given to religion; and if, in any emergency, they came into competition, there was no hesitation
in deciding whether learning or religion should have the
preference.  At the commencement of each session it was
ascertained who were professors of religion, and who not;
who indulged the Christian hope, and who not; and the different classes were put under appropriate instruction.  The
teachers of the sections made themselves acquainted by
kind personal intercourse with the spiritual condition of the
pupils under their instruction, and felt a peculiar responsibility for those under their charge.  Interesting and peculiar




iMOTIVES OF ACTION-.              479
cases were reported at the teachers' prayer meetings, and
specially commended to God.
Such systematic and thorough exertions in behalf of their
pupils God, as we might expect, was ready to bless; as he
did, term after term and year after year; and as he always
will do wherever teachers are equally faithful. Let no instructors think strange if they are not thus blessed, if they
neglect these most reasonable means of success. And let
these ladies have the credit of solving this most important
problem, how to combine hard study and successful scholarship with warm-hearted piety.
LESSONS TAUGHT BY MISS LYON'S LIFE AND LABORS.
I can refer here only to the most prominent of these lessons, such as are taught most distinctly.
1. Motives of Action.
The grand  secret of Miss Lyon's  distinguished  success lies in the fact that she so early and so fully adopted
the benevolence of the gospel as the grand controlling
principle of her life.  This armed her with a power to
labor and suffer to an extent quite amazing to ordinary
minds, governed by selfish principles.  She felt certain
that she meant the good of others, and, therefore, she knew
that God approved of her conduct.  Hence disappointments,
delays, and perplexities could not disturb her equanimity or
damp her ardor. She knew nothing of the chagrin and exasperation of disappointed ambition, none of the heartburning and jealousy of wounded pride, and none of the despondency and irresolution of selfishness thwarted in its plans.
If not successful at once, she was sure that renewed effort,
perhaps a little modified, would be rewarded. Though she
labored for man, she did not look for her reward fronm him,
but from  God; and, therefore, perverseness and ingratitude




480        THE VICTORY GAINED AND SECURED.
only led her into nearer communion with her Father in
heaven.
What an example for our imitation!  Most of us try for
a great.many years, even after hopeful conversion, to mix
selfishness and benevolence -principles as repellent as oil
and water; and the result is, that we are double-minded and
vacillating, inconsistent and unhappy. Afraid to leave our
cause and our reputation in God's hand, we aspire after
human distinction with morbid eagerness, and are unwilling
to labor for the good of others unless the world are looking
on and shouting approbation. In short, the leaven of selfishness works so powerfully within, that we have little quiet,
and because we are striving to build up two incompatible
interests, we are apt to fail of both. We do not know where
the difficulty lies, and wonder why we do not accomplish
more, and why we are so unhappy.  Could we, like Miss
Lyon, early open our hearts to the full influence of Christian benevolence, we should attain to at least a portion of her
success and happiness.
2. Trust in Providence in the darkest Hozur.
Rarely has God put the faith of his servants to a severer test
than Miss Lyon's. Acting from motives of whose purity she
was conscious, she, in conjunction with Miss Grant, had labored for years to give permanency to a female seminary. But
after being tantalized for a long time with every reasonable
prospect of success, one prop after another was struck from
beneath their hope, until Miss Lyon, at least, gave it up in
seeming despair, concluding that she should never see a
permanent female institution.  But though she seemed to
acquiesce in what appeared to be the will of God, it is clear
that a lingering hope still played around her heart, and she
watched with intense interest the first indication of an opportunity to throw herself, body and soul, into the work.
Delay and discouragement had, in fact, served only to inten



SPIRIT OF  EVIVALS.              4.81
sify her desire, and make her consecration to the work more
entire. So strong was her faith that it needed only the faintest ray of right to make it all sunshine around her. To others she appeared to be walking in darkness, with no star
of hope to cheer and guide her steps. But she felt sure
that an infinite hand had taken hold of hers, and was leading her forward; and, therefore, she could take step after
step in the dark with as much confidence as if she could see
before her an iron pavement. To human sagacity the next
step might seem to lead over a precipice. But, confident
that she was in the path of duty, she was equally sure that
God would hold her up. And so he did, at last, plant her
feet upon a rock.
What an instructive and animating example of strong
faith have we before us   We see that if we can only be
sure that we are in the path of duty, we need fear nothing
else, but may commit every thing to God, in the certain confidence that the result will be satisfactory and glorious. It
is of little consequence how deep is the darkness before us,
if we can only feel that our hold is strong upon the divine
promise.  No one whose motives are not pure, and who has
not a spirit of prayer, can have such faith. it was the gift
of God in Miss Lyon; it must be his gift in others.  May he
bestow it abundantly upon the churches!
3. The true Spirit of Revivals of Religion and the proper
Means of securing and promoting them.
The history presented in this volume seems to me peculiarly instructive on this subject.  During the last thirty
years, a great deal has been said about spurious revivals of
religion, and improper modes of conducting them. But I
doubt whether any of the disputants, who are pious men,
would hesitate to say that the revivals in the schools of Miss
Lyon and her associates were genuine and conducted in a
proper manner. They were brought about by earnest prayer
41




482       ITHE VICTORY GAINED AND SECURED.
and the plain presentation of evangelical truth.  They were
noiseless and solemn, and did not interrupt the ordinary pursuits of the pupils or teachers. Hence there was' little or no
reaction, and few of those hopefully converted turned back
to the world.
Within a few years past, there have been long and learned
discussions in the religious newspapers on the question why
the influences of the Spirit had been so generally withdrawn from  the churches.  How easily might they have
solved the question, had they spent a few weeks at the Bucks
land, Ipswich, Derry, or Holyoke school! Soon after the
beginning of the term, could they have looked into Miss
Lyon's heart, they would have seen there an anxious fear
lest the term would pass without a revival of religion. She
feared, too, lest the difficulty lay in her own heart.  Perhaps she would leave the seminary for a few days to go into
some retreat, where she might examine her heart and seek
help from God. Then, as she returned, you would witness
a new unction attending all her religious efforts. Teachers
would catch the same spirit, and soon the solemn countenance and the tearful eye would show that God had heard
prayer, and.usually did the work go on till many a heart
was melted and subdued.
Now, in such a scene as this, repeated from term to term,
might the speculating theologian and editor find enough to
solve their doubts about the Spirit's withdrawal, and a rebuke
for their want of fidelity. Here they saw no speculative
wrangling, but the union of strong and simple faith with
earnest labor. The teachers first got their own hearts ready
for a visitation of mercy, and then they were prepared to
labor for the salvation of others. And if like antecedents
are followed by like consequents, the same preparation and
fidelity will be followed by like results in all seminaries of
learning as well as in the churches.
Why, then, are not such results witnessed?  May not the




EXAbIPLE OF CHRISTIAN CHARACTER.         483
question be answered by inquiring whether the same antecedents exist?  Is it not a fact that, in many of our semninaries of learning that glory in the name of Christian, not
only week after week, but term after term, pass away before
the teachers take the trouble to inquire into the spiritual condition of their pupils? and often in a four years' course
of study does it not happen that not one word is said to individuals respecting their personal religious feelings?  In
some seminaries, with numerous teachers, should we not
inquire in vain even for a weekly private prayer meeting,
where the spiritual state of the institution might be learnt
and prayed over? And yet you will find teachers in such
schools wondering why revivals are few and far between,
and quite unable to see why Mount Holyoke Seminary
should be so distinguished by their frequency and power.
I must think that in Miss Lyon's history, in connection
with revivals, there is valuable instruction, even for the pastors of our churches. Where can they find a better model,
as to means and results, of such a work, than was uniformly
presented in her schools? Why should even ministers be
ashamed to learn wisdom, on a subject so important, from a
woman, especially from  one so eminent for wisdom  and
piety, and whose experience in revivals was so extensive?
4. An elevated Example of Christian Character'for
Imitation.
Whatever diversities of opinion there may be as to some
minor traits of Miss Lyon's character, all will agree, I doubt
not, in regarding her piety as of a very high order, and worthy to be held up as a model for imitation. So deeply rooted
was it in the great principles of the gospel; so free from extremes of every sort; so gentle, yet so energetic; so active,
yet so contemplative; so keenly alive to the wants of those
near at hand, yet so expansive and all-embracing, so full
of good works, yet so full of Christ; so weak in itself, yet




484        THE VICTORY GAINED AND SECURED.
so strong in the Lord, -- in short, so harmonious and full in
all its proportions, that every Christian husband and parent
would wish that, next to Christ, his wife and daughters might
take her as their model. And in an age like the present,
many of whose tendencies are adverse to elevated piety, it
is well to be able to hold up such a model. How few of us,
who profess religion, do not see our deficiencies when we
compare our motives and whole character with hers! And
when we think what she was and what she did, who of us
does not feel desirous of catching at least a portion of her
falling mantle?
But I hasten to a close; and I do it in words which I used
to terminate an address at the first anniversary of the seminary after her decease.
" Such was Miss Lyon; such the discipline through which
she was made to pass to fit her for her work, and such the
magnificent results.  We are amazed when we look back at
the amouut and magnitude of her labors. Very few females
have done so much for the world while they lived, or have
left so rich a legacy when they died. Nor is the fair picture
marred by dark stains, save those of microscopic littleness.
From the days of her childhood to the time of her death,
all her physical, intellectual, and moral powers were concentrated upon some useful and noble object, while selfishness and self-gratification seem never to have stood at all in
the way, or to have retarded the fervid wheels of benevolence.  I cannot, therefore, believe that it is the partiality
of personal friendship which leads me to place Miss Lyon
among the most remarkable women of her generation. Her
history, too, shows the guiding hand of special providence
almost as strikingly as the miraculous history of Abraham,
of Moses, of Elijah, or of Paul. O, it tells us all how
blessed it is to trust Providence implicitly when we are trying to do good, though the darkness be so thick around us
that we cannot see forward one hand's breadth, and bids us




TAKEN AT THE RIGHT TIME.            485
advance with as confident a step as if all were light before us.
"This picture, too, is a complete one.  Her life was
neither too long nor too short.  She died at the right time,
with her armor on and yet bright. But her friends saw that,
strong as her constitution naturally was, it was giving way
under such severe and protracted labor, and the infirmities
of declining years beginning to show themselves, even at
the age of fifty-two. But with her Savior she could say,'I have finished the work which thou' (God)'gavest me
to do.' All her important plans had been carried into successful operation, and tested by long experiment; and the
institution was in the right condition to be committed to other
hands. She had, also, of late been rapidly ripening for
another sphere of labor. One of her friends, who had been
more intimately connected with her for several years past
than any other, when at a distance she heard of her sickness, felt confident that it would be unto death; for she had
known how, for some months previous, her friend had been
feeding daily on manna, and pluming her wings for her upward flight.  Severe, therefore, as her removal seemed
when first announced, it happened just at the right time;
and I cannot wish to call her back. But I do feel, -and
many who hear me I doubt not feel it too, -I do feel a
strong desire to be borne upward, on an angel's wing, to the
Mount Zion where she now dwells, and to hear her describe,
in the glowing language of heaven, the wonders of Providence, as manifested in her own earthly course, as they
now appear in the bright transparencies of heaven. Yet
further, I long to hear her describe the still wider plans she
is now devising and executing for the good of the universe
and the glory of God; and how admirably her earthly discipline fitted her for a nobler field of labor above; so that
those providences, which appear to us to have been-consummated on earth, were, in fact, only a necessary means of
41 *




486        THE VICTORY GAINED AND SECURED.
adapting her to a work which shall fill and delight all her
powers throughout eternal ages. Gladly, too, would I listen
to her intensely earnest inquiries respecting her beloved
seminary and friends on earth; and learn whether, in some
way unknown to us, she may not be still able to administer
to their welfare. 0, how sweet, too, would it be, could we
listen to that rapturous song of praise which ever and anon
she would pour forth to her Redeemer, as his glories strike
her eye, or his past kindness touches a chord of gratitude
in her heart!
" But, alas! how vain are all such aspirations! And yet,
my Christian friends, if we are faithful to God and duty as
she was, in a very few days all this intercourse and communion will be a reality. Some of us may not, indeed, be
able to sound so lofty a note of praise as our glorified friend;
but our song and our communion shall nevertheless be the
music and the intercourse of heaven; and that will be
enough."












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THE  POWER OF CHRISTIAN BENEVOLENCE;
illustrated  in  the  Life  and  Labors  of Mary  Lyon.
12mo. 486 pages.
1" This piece of biography is more precious than rubies. It is the
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INDEX  RERUM; or Index of Subjects, intended as a
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6 This is one of the very best little books for children we have yet
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GOULD'S ADAMS'S LATIN GRAMMAR. -New edition -f-ne paper.




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