Mrs. Graham’s manner in the management of youth was peculiarly happy.  While she kept them diligent in their studies, and strictly obedient to the laws she had established, she was endeared to them by her tenderness; and the young ladies instructed in her school retained for her in after-life a degree of filial affection which was expressed on many affecting occasions.  This was afterwards remarkably the case with her pupils in America.  Her little republic was completely governed by a system of equitable laws.  On every alleged offence, a court-martial, as they termed it, was held, and the accused tried by her peers.  There were no arbitrary punishments, no sallies of capricious passion.  The laws were promulgated, and obedience was indispensable; the sentences of the courts-martial were always approved, and had a salutary effect.  In short, there was a combination of authority, decision, and tenderness in Mrs. Graham’s government, that rendered its subjects industrious, intelligent, circumspect, and happy.  She enjoyed their happiness; and in cases of sickness, she watched over them with unremitting solicitude and care, sparing no expense to promote their restoration to health.

A strong trait in her character was distinctly marked by her educating the daughters of pious ministers at half price.  This was setting an example worthy of imitation.  It was a conduct conformable to scriptural precept.  Said Paul, “If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things?  Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple?  Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live by the gospel.”

Always conscientious in obeying the commandments of her God, she observed them in this matter, giving, in her proportion, at least the widow’s mite.

By another plan, for she was ingenious in contrivances to do good, she greatly assisted those in slender circumstances, especially such as were of the household of faith.  Believing that the use of sums of ten, fifteen, or twenty pounds in hand would be serviceable by way of capital to persons in a moderate business, she was in the habit of making such advances, and taking back the value in articles they had for sale.  She charged no interest, being amply repaid in the luxury of her own feelings, when she beheld the benefit it produced to her humble friends.  The board of her pupils being paid in advance, she was enabled to adopt this plan with more facility.  Were her spirit more prevalent in the world, what good might be done.  The heart would be expanded, reciprocal confidence and affection cherished; and instead of beholding worms of the dust fighting for particles of yellow sand, we should behold a company of affectionate brethren leaning upon and assisting each other through the wilderness of this world.  “Look not every man on his own things,” said Paul, “but every man also on the things of others.  Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.”