LADIES have sometimes distinguished themselves as prodigies of learning. Many of the most eminent geniuses of the French nation have been of the female sex. Several of our own countrywomen have also made a respectable figure in the republic of letters.--C. BUCK, _Miscellanies_. EMERA was much displeased with her maid-servants. The occasion of her displeasure was great and just, but she had not the spirit of reproof. Criton happening to be in his closet, she went up and made her complaint there. He entreated her to excuse him from the economy of the kitchen and parlor: It was entirely under her dominion, and if her maids were so culpable, she must reprove them sharply. "Alas!" said she, "I cannot chide."--ISAAC WATTS, _Miscellanies_. THE obvious designation of woman to a different sphere of action and influence from that which is occupied by the stronger sex, suggests the contemplation of excellencies which, though not peculiar to herself, are delightfully appropriate to her character and condition. There is a feeling of heart, a consciousness of dependency, a natural and amiable timidity, a tenderness and kindness, which unfit a woman for the rude and tumultuous occupations, and which, while they assign to her a more retired sphere, as clearly disclose those qualifications which constitute her true dignity and glory.--GARDINER SPRING, _Sermon_. THERE is not one sentiment I join you more cordially in, than an utter detestation of all the heartless splendor and ceremony of fashionable life; and I trust that my wife will never suffer herself to be so seduced by the example of female acquaintances, and advisers, and managers, as to step down from the dignified simplicity of a minister's fireside, and mingle in all the extravagances of parties, and second courses, and splendid drawing-rooms, and the whole tribe of similar abominations.--THOMAS CHALMERS. DEACONESSES. THAT the peculiar gifts of the female sex might be made available for the outward service of the Church, in rendering the assistance of various kinds for which women are peculiarly fitted; the office of Deaconess was established, in addition to that of Deacon, at first in the churches of the Gentile Christians.--NEANDER, _History of the Church_. IT is well known that in the primitive Church there were women particularly appointed for this work. Indeed, there was one or more such in every Christian congregation under heaven. They were then termed Deaconesses, that is, servants--servants of the Church and of its Great Master. Such was Phœbe, mentioned by St. Paul, Rom. xvi. 1, "A Deaconess of the Church at Cenchrea." It is true most of these were women in years, and well experienced in the work of God. But were the young wholly excluded from that service? No! neither need they be, provided they know in whom they have believed, and show that they are holy of heart, by being holy in all manner of conversation.--JOHN WESLEY, _Sermons_, vol. ii. p. 335, N. Y. ed.