But, alas! we confess, with deep regret, that there are many thoughtless tutors who seemingly ignore the grave responsibility of their charge, and unwarrantably parade the little one before the world's gaze, which creates in the heart evil impressions, frivolous tastes and inordinate desires. And, even when they would all prove faithful to their trust, it is a noted fact that society, friends and companions wield a powerful influence over the mind and heart of a young girl, which, when allowed to continue, most invariably proves pernicious to her spiritual and temporal welfare. Hence, she stands in need of a true friend, a faithful adviser, on whom she can depend for safe instruction, and to whom she can have recourse as often as need be. The "_Serious Hours_" is unquestionably all this; it speaks openly, firmly, but mildly. It inspires the young girl with that genuine, lofty esteem that she should have for herself and for the dignity of her sex. It clearly defines her line of conduct in all the most critical incidents and circumstances of life, so that she cannot be deceived unless that she wilfully shuts her eyes to the light of truth. It is all that the author proposed to make it, a first class book of instruction for young ladies, showing a careful study of all their wants and a happy choice of the remedies to meet them. And, believing that such a valuable book ought to be made accessible to all nations, we have ventured to present it to the public in an English dress. How far we have succeeded in rendering both its form and spirit we leave the public to decide. And, while we are fully aware that, in transferring the genius of one language to another, some of the original delicate shades of beauty must be inevitably sacrificed--the present translation not excepted--still we are happy to say that the work was one of love and deep interest to us, on account of its importance and good to society. TRANSLATOR. CONTENTS: Translator's Preface CHAPTER I.--Importance of the Time of Youth; Difficulties and Dangers that Women Meet With in Life, and the Necessity of Providing for Them CHAPTER II.--Illusions of Youth; Value of Time at this Period of Life CHAPTER III.--The Heart of Woman; the Necessity of Regulating it During Youth CHAPTER IV.--The Dignity of Woman CHAPTER V.--Eve and Mary CHAPTER VI.--Eve and Mary (Continued) CHAPTER VII.--The World CHAPTER VIII.--The Same Subject (Continued) CHAPTER IX--The Will CHAPTER X.--The Imagination CHAPTER XI.--Piety CHAPTER XII.--Vocation CHAPTER XIII.--A Serious Mind CHAPTER XIV.--Choice of Companions CHAPTER XV.--Toilet CHAPTER XVI.--Desire to Please CHAPTER XVII.--Curiosity CHAPTER XVIII.--Meditation and Reflection CHAPTER XIX.--Obedience to Parents CHAPTER XX.--Melancholy CHAPTER XXI.--On Reading CHAPTER XXII.--Same Subject (Continued) CHAPTER I.