MARGARET AND HENRIETTA.

A TRANSCRIPT of their lives who to maturity or age have set an example of goodness, and finished their course in faith, must always be interesting to those who are contending with the same cares and sorrows, to be closed by the same conflict with the king of terrors. Equally interesting, though in a different degree, is their pilgrimage who have earlier fallen by the way-side, revealing the infancy of those blessed germs that are to ripen in a happier clime. It is well to protect from the lapse of time, and even from the forgetfulness of affection, some lineaments of their bright and beautiful life, who springing up like plants amid our homes and hearts, "blossomed, were exhaled, and went to heaven."

The following pages are dedicated to the memory of two lovely sisters, MARGARET and

HENRIETTA FLOWER, the only children of the Hon. Ebenezer and Mrs. Ann Flower who sur vived infancy. They were born at Hartford, Connecticut the eldest, September 16, 1819; the youngest, August 1, 1822.

They early displayed affectionate dispositions, and good powers of mind. Their love of books revealed itself in infancy. As soon as they were capable of receiving instruction, their parents were anxious to give them an excellent education.

Margaret being three years older than her sister, was able first to attend school. She was attentive to the wishes of her teachers, and so fond of study that there was no need of urging her to application. It was evident that she possessed brilliant talents, and pursued knowledge for the love of it. She often asked for longer lessons than were given her, and was faithful to learn thoroughly all that were appointed.

In the course of her education, she was occasionally sent to select boarding-schools, in another state. She was but eight years old at her first separation from home; and though at

so tender an age it was painful to resign its indulgences, she made no complaint, but manifested a spirit of entire contentment and obedience. Of her little expenses she kept a neat account, exhibiting an almost mercantile ac

curacy.

"I am contented here," she writes, "and quite happy. I attend to drawing, and like it much. Do not forget to send me on my Murray's grammar. Quincy is quite pleasant now, at this summer season. The young ladies are very agreeable. They rise early, and go into school before breakfast. They take walks every night after tea. Tell Henrietta to take good care of the bird, and to be a good little girl."

That she was a favorite among her schoolassociates, all of whom were older than herself, would appear from the great number of affectionate notes, locks of hair, and parting tokens which she brought home with her at vacations, and carefully preserved throughout her life.

To her Bible-lessons she devoted particular attention. When they were long, or required a comparison of different parts, she was never fatigued with the labor they occasioned, nor

satisfied until she perfectly understood them. Thus she obtained a knowledge of Scripture very remarkable for her years, and which continued with her to the end of life.

Her recitations in history were distinguished by clearness and excellence. She would render the substance of her lessons, in her own language, with great propriety and elegance. This she was able to do with far less study than is usually required. In all her studies, she displayed wonderful correctness. Her handwriting was very neat and beautiful. Of music she was exceedingly fond, and excelled in its performance. Though, in the progress of her education, it was soon discovered by those around that she possessed superior endowments, she was not inclined to be either vain or indolent. Because she could acquire knowledge with more ease than most of her companions, she did not boast of her quickness of perception. She was industrious and patient and obedient.

In school, she was desirous to select associates who were attentive to their studies. She requested her instructress that her seat might

be with those who set a good example. If all children were equally anxious to associate only with the good, how much folly and sorrow would be spared them. At the time when impressions are most easily made, and while the influence of young companions is greater than even that of parents or teachers, little Margaret exemplified that precept of the Book which she loved, "He that walketh with wise persons shall be wise.

She was distinguished by a sacred regard to truth. By the excellent system of Miss Draper, of whose seminary in Hartford she was a member, this tenderness of conscience was cultivated. To the daily requisition that the scholars should report any violation of the rules into which they had fallen, she was strictly attentive. That they might be taught to avoid evil-speaking, and to cherish feelings of benevolence to all, the inquiry was often made, if they had spoken to the disadvantage of any one. Her sincerity on this point was often affecting. When she could not recollect any word that had expressed unkindness, she would be fearful that even by change of countenance