Three Essays in this volume—the second, third, and Fourth—constitute a connected series; the remainder are of a miscellaneous character, and were written at various times, and for different purposes more or less nearly allied to the general subject of the Pursuits of Women. No pretension is made in them to any adequate treatment of so large a theme, but only to the discussion of a few of the lines lately opened to women's interests and employments of the more intellectual kind. Especially do these little Essays apply to the pursuits of Single women—of those who, being debarred from the most natural and blessed of human ties and duties, yet believe that the lives which it has pleased God to bestow on them should neither be aimless for themselves, nor valueless for His creatures.