Page:A cyclopaedia of female biography.djvu/699

 she collected in one volume the shorter tales which had appeared in different periodicals; and in 1836 she published her popular story' of "The Poor Rich Man and the Rich Poor Man;" in 1837, "Live and Let Live;" in 1838, "Means and Ends, or Self-Training;" and afterwards, "A Love Token for Children," and "Stories for Young Persons." In 1840, she published her "Letters from Abroad to Kindred at Home," in two volumes; and not long after a "Life of Lucretia M. Davidson." She has also been a frequent contributor to annuals and periodicals. For the "Lady's Book" she wrote her thrilling novel, "Wilton Harvey." In the same magazine was published "A Huguenot Family," "Scenes from Life in Town," "Fanny McDermot," etc. These have lately been published in a new edition of Miss Sedgwick's works. A writer in the "National Portrait Gallery" thus truly estimates the characteristics of her genius:—

"It is evident that Miss Sedgwick's mind inclines towards cheerful views of life. There seems to be implanted in her heart a love of goodness and of the beautiful, which turns as naturally towards serenity and joy, as flowers lean towards the sun. It is manifest that though possessing great refinement herself, her sympathies are not confined to a coterie or class, but that they are called forth by every manifestation of virtue, even in the most humble circumstances, and that she looks with kind regard upon those gleams of a better nature which occasionally break forth amid prevailing clouds and darkness.

She affects no indifference to the accidental advantages of condition It would be impassible to diminish her interest in the powers and fascinations of genius and imagination, and she thinks it no duty to attempt it. But her highest favour and affection are reserved for that enduring virtue which is perfected through much trial and tribulation, and which needs no earthly witness or outward reward. She delights to see the "signet of hope upon the brow of infancy," but she remembers with more satisfaction the last smile of unfaltering faith and love, which even death itself spares for a season.

It is impossible to speak of her works without a particular regard to their moral and religious character. We know no writer of the class to which she belongs who has done more to inculcate just religious sentiments. They are never obtruded, nor are they ever suppressed. It is not the religion of observances, nor of professions, nor of articles of faith, but of the heart and life. It always comes forth; not as something said or done from a sense of necessity or duty, but as part of the character, and inseparable from its strength, as well as from its grace and beauty. It Is a union of that faith which works by love with that charity which never faileth.

There is another characteristic of Miss Sedgwick's writings which should not be overlooked. We allude to their great good sense and practical discretion; the notableness which they evince and recommend. This is so true, that we recollect having heard a zealous utilitarian declare, after reading one of her works, that political economy might be taught to the greatest advantage through the medium of romances."

Her style is peculiarly good; equally free from stiffness and negligence, it is more distinguished by delicacy and grace than strength, and the purity of her English may afford a model to some of our learned scholars.