In my selection of examples, I have necessarily been under the control of circumstances. Not a few women, eminent in many respects, have been excluded from this collection, because, in consequence of some sad defects, they could not be held up as models of true womanhood. Several fairly entitled to places among “Model Women” would have been here, but, happily, they are still living; and for various reasons I determined to confine myself to the dead. My intention has been to include only a few of the actors and thinkers who have attained extensive celebrity; and the difficulty of fixing upon these I have found so great, that I am prepared to have the judiciousness of my choice frequently questioned. But I trust a sufficient number of lives are here recorded to kindle in your breasts aspirations after those excellences which adorn human existence. The end of writing memoirs should be the exhibition of truth in all its loveliness, and virtue with all her charms. This object I have not lost sight of for one moment in writing these pages; but directly or indirectly have framed every sentence in accordance with it. Imperfections you will doubtless detect in this volume; of some I am sufficiently aware; but am less anxious to obtain your applause, or to bespeak your candour, than to win your sympathy in my subject; and I feel confident that whether you acquiesce in few or many of my views, you will at least honour the motive which prompted me to make them known. I am, Yours very cordially, WILLIAM ANDERSON. CAMBRIDGE COTTAGE, MERTON, S.W., _September, 1870_. CONTENTS. CHAPTER I. _TRUE WOMANHOOD._ Female education.—Physical training.—Intellectual development.—Moral discipline.—Spiritual culture.—Education complete _Page_ 1 CHAPTER II. _PECULIARITIES OF FEMALE CHARACTER._ Woman in relation to man.—Corporeal organization.—Patient endurance.—Caution.—Sympathy.—Love of approbation.—Tenacity of purpose.—Modesty.—Discernment of character.—Piety _Page_ 29 CHAPTER III. _DOMESTIC WOMEN._ SECTION I.—SUSANNA WESLEY. Woman’s sphere.—Biography.—A noble wife.—A good mother.—Home education.—Relation to Methodism.—Character of Mrs. Wesley _Page_ 55 SECTION II.—ELIZA HESSEL. Woman’s mission.—Biography.—A right purpose in life.—An excellent daughter.—A loving sister.—Household management.—Character of Miss Hessel