The Governess, Or, the Little Female Academy (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1832. Excerpt: ... exemplary manner all the duties of life, it might hereafter become a source of mournful pleasure to myself, and of profit to others; inasmuch as from the view, however imperfect, which I might be able to hold out of this fair model, others of the sinful children of Adam might learn to mount up with wings as eagles; to run and not be weary; to walk and not faint. (Isaiah xl. 31.) But Oh when I feel the sad assurance that I am for ever on earth separated from this my darling, and that while she yet was spared to me I fulfilled my duty towards her so imperfectly; and when I remember bow little I profited by the sweet teachings and gentle persuasions of this holy child; the anguish of my feelings becomes almost intolerable: and yet, I know that all this trouble is no more than needful to teach me the sinfulness of my nature, and the value of my soul. But to speak no more on what relates merely to myself, I proceed to fulfil the painful task which your friendship has appointed me. My husband, as you well know, is a merchant, and has been exceedingly successful in all his transactions, insomuch that we for many years past have been in a very affluent condition. One circumstance, however, greatly imbittered the enjoyment of our riches; we had no child: the almighty Ruler of all things, by whom every thing is well done, refused us the gratification of our wishes in that respect. I will not say with what little patience I submitted at first to this dispensation of Providence: but at the time I speak of, I had no sense of vital religion; I attended, it is true, to its outward forms, but my heart had never known the sweet influences of Christianity. A little more than twelve years ago, my husband having had a severe illness, we were advised to spend our summer mont...