Let the girls of England resolve to join their ranks. It is better to be poor and noble, than rich and worthless--to be the daughter of a lighthouse-keeper, and fill the life with good deeds of diligence and faithfulness, than to be the daughter of an Earl, and of no real good to anybody. But the life of consecration to God and His service, and for His sake, to all around, is lived only by those who are thoughtful and Christian. Let the young people thus find their joy and strength in prayer, and in earnest resolve that their lives, even if quiet, shall be good, and we will not fear for the future of our world. "Though fresh within your breasts th' untroubled springs Of hope make melody where'er ye tread; And o'er your sleep, bright shadows from the wings Of spirits visiting but youth be spread; Yet in those flute-like voices, mingling low, Is woman's tenderness--how soon her woe! "Her lot is on you--silent tears to weep, And patient smiles to wear through suffering's hour; And sunless riches, from affection's deep, To pour on broken reeds a wasted shower! And to make idols, and to find them clay, And to bewail that worship--therefore pray! "Her lot is on you, to be found untired, Watching the stars out by the bed of pain, With a pale cheek, and yet a brow inspired, And a true heart of hope, though hope be rain, Meekly to bear with wrong, and cheer decay, And oh! to love through all things--therefore pray "And take the thought of this calm vesper time, With its low murmuring sounds and silvery light, On through the dark days, fading from their prime, As a sweet dew to keep your souls from blight. Earth will forsake--oh! happy to have given Th' unbroken heart's first tenderness to heaven!"--Mrs. Hemans CHAPTER IV. LIGHTHOUSE HOMES. "And as the evening darkens, lo! how bright, Through the deep purple of the twilight air, Beams forth the sudden radiance of its light, With strange unearthly splendour in its glare. "Not one alone: from each projecting cape, And perilous reef, along the ocean's verge, Starts into life a dim gigantic shape, Holding its lantern o'er the restless surge. "Like the great giant Christopher, it stands Upon the brink of the tempestuous waves, Wading far out upon the rocks and sands, The night-o'ertaken mariner to save. "And the great ships sail outward, and return, Bending and bowing o'er the billowy swells; And ever joyful as they see it burn, They wave their silent welcomes and farewells. "Steadfast, serene, immovable, the same Year after year, through all the silent night, Burns on for evermore that quenchless flame-- Shines on that inextinguishable light."--Longfellow.