Strictures on the Modern System of Female Education: With a View of the Principles and Conduct ...

This is a digital copy of a book that was preserved for generations on library shelves before it was carefully scanned by Google as part of a project
to make the world's books discoverable online.

It has survived long enough for the copyright to expire and the book to enter the public domain. A public domain book is one that was never subject
to copyright or whose legal copyright term has expired. Whether a book is in the public domain may vary country to country. Public domain books
are our gateways to the past, representing a wealth of history, culture and knowledge that's often difficult to discover.

Marks, notations and other marginalia present in the original volume will appear in this file - a reminder of this book's long journey from the
publisher to a library and finally to you.

Usage guidelines

Google is proud to partner with libraries to digitize public domain materials and make them widely accessible. Public domain books belong to the
public and we are merely their custodians. Nevertheless, this work is expensive, so in order to keep providing this resource, we have taken steps to
prevent abuse by commercial parties, including placing technical restrictions on automated querying.

We also ask that you:

+ Make non-commercial use of the files We designed Google Book Search for use by individuals, and we request that you use these files for
personal, non-commercial purposes.

+ Refrain from automated querying Do not send automated queries of any sort to Google's system: If you are conducting research on machine
translation, optical character recognition or other areas where access to a large amount of text is helpful, please contact us. We encourage the
use of public domain materials for these purposes and may be able to help.

+ Maintain attribution The Google "watermark" you see on each file is essential for informing people about this project and helping them find
additional materials through Google Book Search. Please do not remove it.

+ Keep it legal Whatever your use, remember that you are responsible for ensuring that what you are doing is legal. Do not assume that just
because we believe a book is in the public domain for users in the United States, that the work is also in the public domain for users in other
countries. Whether a book is still in copyright varies from country to country, and we can't offer guidance on whether any specific use of
any specific book is allowed. Please do not assume that a book's appearance in Google Book Search means it can be used in any manner
anywhere in the world. Copyright infringement liability can be quite severe.

About Google Book Search

Google's mission is to organize the world's information and to make it universally accessible and useful. Google Book Search helps readers
discover the world's books while helping authors and publishers reach new audiences. You can search through the full text of this book on the web

at |http : //books . google . com/

Harvard College
Library

BOUGHT FROM THE FXJm>
BEQUEATHED BY

Evert Jansen Wendell

CLASS OF 1811

of New Yort

/^

L

STRICTURES

'I AN THE

MODERN SYSTEM

J'emale JEducation^

"WITH

Viiw OF THE Principles and Conduct frst*

ALEMT AMONG WOMEN OF RaNK

AND Fortune.

HANNAH MORE,

ly y0« fo raife your chart Aer that yoa may help to malce the ntit
. age a better thing, ajui leave pofterity in your debt, for
the advantage it fiiaU receive by yovr example.

Lcrd Halifax^

Two ▼OLUMES IN ONE — AND THIRD A^ERICAU
ElilTIONy WITH CONSIDERABLE ADDITIONS.

BOSTON:
rintcd for JOSEPH BUMSTEAD, Printer aa*

Eookfcilcry No. to, Uiiion-Street«

l802.

Bd^^

^36^. 0^

HARVARD C0LLE(5I i BHARY
f TH^; bX;;)Ui5i Of

'i^^ sJSir jj^

INTRODUCTIOK.

I XT is a fmguhr injuftice wliich is often crcrcifcd
^ towards women, firft to give them a very dcfeQivc
education, and then to cxpe£l from them the moft
: undeviating purity of condu6l j — to train them in
fuch a manner as ftiall lay them open to the moft dan-
• gcrous faults, and then to cenfure them for not prov-
ing faultlefs. Is it not unrcafonabic and unjuft, to ex-
f>refs difappointment if our daughters (hould, in their
ubfequent lives, turn out precifely that very kind o£
chara&er for which it would be evident to an unpre-
judiced by-ftander that the whole fcope and tenor of
their inftrudlion had been fyftematicaily preparing
; them ?

|} Some reflefiions on the prefent erroneous fyftem
I arc here with gtcat deference fubmitted to public
i confidcration. The Author is apprehenfive that (he
I (hall be accufcd of betraying the intsrcfts of h*r fex
by laying open their detects : but furely, an earneft
I wifh to turn their attrnticn to objects calculated to
promote their tr^c dignity, is not the ofTice of an en-
' emy. So to expofc the weaknefs of the land as to
P fue:geft the necefiity of internal improvement, and to
[ point out the means of elFe£taal defence, is not trcach-
! ery, but patriotifm.

Again, it may be objeftcd to this little work, that
many errors are here aicribed to women which by no
means belong to them exclujively, and that it feenis ta
confine to the fex thofe faults which arc common to
the fpecies : but this is in fome meafure unavoidable.
In fpeaking on the qualities of one fex, the moralift is
fomcwhat in the fituation of the Geographer, who --

1? l«TllOt)¥CTION.

treating on the nat^ire of one country :**the air, ((M,i
and produce of the land which he is defcribing, cannot |
fail in many eflential points to refemble thofe of other j
countries under the lame parallel \ yet it is his bufi- j
2iefs to defcant on the one without adverting to the i
oth:;r i and though in drawing his map he may hap«
pen to introduce fome of the neighbouring coaft, yet
nis principal attention mud be confined to that coun«
try which he propofes to dcfcribe, without taking into
account the rcfembling circumftances of the adjacent
ihores.

It may be alfo obje£led that the opinion here fug-
geited on the ftate of manners among the higher clafles
of our country-women, may feem to controvert the
juft encomiums of modern travellers, who generally
concur in afcribing a decided fuperiority to the la-
dies of this country over th<jfc of every other. But
fuch is, in general, the ftate of foreign manners, tbat
the comparative praife is almoft an injury to Engi'Jk
women. To be flattered for excelling thofe whole
ftandard of excellence is very low, is but a degrading
kind ot commendation ; for the value of all praife de-
rived from fupcriority,'^epends on the worth of the
competitor. The charadter of BritiQi ladies, with all
the unparalleled advantages they poflefs, muft never
be determined by a comparifon with the women of
othcv nations, but by coirfparing them with what they
themfelves might be, if all their talents and unrivalled
opportunities were turned to the btll account.

Again, it may be faid, that the Author is lefs dif-

pofed to expatiate on excellence than error : but the

office of the hiflorian of human manners is delineation

rather than panegyric. Were the end in view eulogi-

um and not improvement, culogium would have been

far more gratifying, nor would juft obje<Sls for praife

have been dilficult to find. Even in her own limited

fphere of obfervation, the Author is acquainted with

much excellence in the clafs of which the treats , —

'•^th women who, poflcfling learning which would be

qht extenfive in the other fex, fct an example of

\umihty to their own ;— women who, diftin-

"'^'- vit and genius, are eminent for domcftic

linnoDircTioK. r

ffi,Ktics ; — ^who, excelling in the fine arts, have carc-
y enriched their underflandings 5— who, enjoying
peat affluence, devote it to the glory of God ;— who,
j/otkBng elevated rank* think tneir nobleft ilyle and
dtle is that of a Chriftian.

That there xs alfo much worth which is little known,

ihe is petfuaded ; for it is the ^nodeft nature of good—

ncfs to exert itfelf quietly, while a few charafters of

&e oppofite caft feem, bf th^ rumour of their exploits,

to fill the w-orld ; and by their noife to multiply their

numbers. It often happens that a very fmall party of

people, by occupying the fore-ground, by feiziiig the

, pnblic attention, and monopolizing the public talk^

; wntrive to appear to be the great body : a few ac-

fi?c fpirits, provided their afxivity take the wrong

turn and fupport the wrong caufe, feem to fill the

Ccene ; and a few difturbers of order, who have the

talent of thus exciting a falfe idea of their multitudes

bf their mifchiefs, aSually gain ftiength,'and fwell

i tbelr numbers, by this fallacious arithmetic.

j But the prefent work is no more intended for a

i fanegyric on thofe purer charaflers who feek not hu«

i nan praife becaufe they zGt from a higher motive,

than for a fatire on th^ avowedly licentious, who,

yrgcd by the impulfe of the moment, refill no inclina«

tH)n ; and, led away by the love of faihion, diflike no

Cenfure, fo it may lerve to refcue them from negle£t

Or oblivion.

There arc, however, multitudes of the young and
the well-difpofed, who have as yet taken no decided
part, who are iuft launching on the ocean of life, juft
about to lofe tneir own right convi£tion8, virtually pre*
paring to counterad: their better oropenfitics, and un-
teluoantly yielding theoifelves to oe carried down the
tide of popular pia£tices : fanguine, thoughtlefs, and
confident of fafcty.— To thefe the Author would gently
hint, that, when once embarked, it will be no longer
ea(y to fay to their paffions, or even to their principles,
** Thus far fliall ye go, and no further." Their ftrug-.

{les will grow taiuter, their refiftance will become
scbleri ti^ borne bown by the confluence of ezainpl^
A :;

T^""

ter-.ptsr.TT, -?7?r>.r, ir.i hib!: ; reftflirxi and O;
re:, w: '. icrr. ir- :h; c;-..t :>-::^i ci which thcj

hr.^-.-l :Ty r*;j^ rrrrlr 2t vr.2t 13 conccircd
u^;^fi^:A^.:id i:r::";.Tr:': in :«:j ii:::c bcNjk, let it i
thrawn br in d::"^-.': b:fori :he following Ihort

£i=ra::cr. be wf :^h* j. 1: in this Chrlilian co

ve are acluilij ry?^-:r.nir.g :c regnrd the folemn
cf BaptilVa as merely furniihing an article to the |
rcgiftcr ;— if we arc learning from our indefat
Teachers, to coiiSdrr this Cbriiiian rite as a lega
crr.ony retained for rhc fole purpolV of recordm
#j« of our children ; — rhen, indeed, the prerailin]
tern of Education and M;in:itrs on which thcfe vo!
prefame to ar.in-i advert, may be adopted with p
cty, and perilled in with fafety, without entaili;
our children, or on ourfeives, the peril cf broken ]
ifes,oT the guilt of vichted vows. — But, if the o
tion which Cliriilian Baptifm iinpofes, be really
ingi — ^if the ordinance has, indeed, a meanin]
yond a mere fecular tranfaction, beyond a reci
names and dates ; — if it be an inflitution by whi<
child is fcrfemnly devoted to God as his Father,
fus Chrift as his Saviour, and to the Holy Spirit
Sanflifier ; if there be no definite period affigncd
the obligation of fulfilling the duties it enjoins ft
fuperfeded ; — if, having once dedicated our offi
to their Creator, we no longer dare to mock Hi
bringing them up in ignorance of His will and n
of His laws ;— if, after having enlifted them und
banners of Chrift, to fight manfully againft the
great enemies of mankind, we are no longer at 1
to let them lay down their arms ; much lefs tc
them to aft as if they were in alliance inftead o
tility with thefe enemies ;— if, after having pro
that they fliall renounce the vanities of the worj
are not allowed to invalidate the engagement ;—
^" uch a covenant we fliould tremble tp make
— it--t'cl vanities the fu pre me obi eft of our ow:
>f ///r/r inftruftion ; — if all this be really fo
•^•iTcs on Moderi'/ Education in rhc fiHl o:
-d on the Habits of pcHilhcd Life i

INTRODIfCTION. vU

itcotidf will not be found fo repugnant to truth, an4
ttafon, and common fenfe, as may on a fir ft view be
fuppofed.

but if on candidly fumming up the evidence, the
defign and fcope of the Author be fairly judged, noc
bj me cuftoms or opinions of the worldly, j[for every
fii^lifli fubje£l has a right to objett to a iume£led or
prejudiced jury,) but by an appeal to that divine law
'which is the only infallible rule of judgment ; if on
foch an appeal her views and principles ihall be found
ceofurable for their rigour, abfurd in their requifitions^
or prepofterous in their reftridiions, fhe will have no
rignt to complain of fuch a verdid:, becaufe (he will
then ftand condemned by that court to whofe decifion
ihe implicitly fubmits.

• Let It not be fufpefted that the Author arrogantly
conceives htrfelf to be exempt from that natur^ cor-
, vuption of the heart which it is one chief obje& of
this flight work to exhibit ; that ihe fupercilioufly
ecflis herfelf into the impeccable cenfor of her fcx and
«>f the world \ as if from the critic's chair flie were
coldly pointing out the faults and errors of another or-
der of beings, in whofe welfare flie had not that lively
iotereft which can only flow from the tender and inti-
mate participation of fellow -feeling :

With a deep felf-abafement, arifing from a ftrong
i conviftion of being indeed a partaker in the fame cor-
nipt nature ; together with a full perfuaGon of the
l&airy and great defedis of thefe volumes, and a fincere
conlcioufnefs of her inability to do juftice to a fubjeft
^hich, however, a fenfe of auty impelled her to under-
take, flie commits herfelf to the candour of that Public
which has fo frequently, in her inftance, accepted a
Qg'it intention as a fubftitute for a powerful perfbrnor
a&ce.

Bath,
iiaarth 14, 1799.

9 9 9 O O O O

coi:<>::«':>:::^K;^!;;^:«:<.:<x::K:^.c>»;:^*-|<^cK:>c^:;:>^;^»::^^i<^»w.••5i

STRICTURES

OM THt

MODERN SYSTEM

Female Education.

CHAP. I.

IJrefi to fwomin cf rank and fortatiit on tht efftHs §fth$ir
inflktNCi on jocUtj^^^Siiggtftioni J^r ibi txtrtion of i$ oM
various inftancts.

iMONG the talents for the application of whick
omen of tlic higher clafs will be peculiarly account
ble, there is one, the importance of which they can
arccly rate too highly. Th'S talent is Influence. We
Jad 01 the greatelt orator of antiquity, that the wifeft
lans which it had coft him years to frame, a woman
)uld overturn in a fingle day \ ihid when we confidcr
le variety of mifchiefs whicn an ill-direfted influence
as been known to produce, we are led to reflcft with
ic mod fanguine hope on the beneficial efl^fls to be
ipeded from the fame powerful force when exerted
\ its true direftion.

The general ftatc of civilized fociet? depends more
lan thofe are aware who are not accurtomed to fcr«ti-
izcinto the fprings of human aftion, on the prevailin?
Dtiments and habits 9f womeni and on the nature i

to STRICTURES ON FEUALB EDUCATION.

dcjrree of the eflimation in which they are held. Ef
thofe who admit the power of female elegance on t
niAnncrs of men, do not always attend to the infiueo
of female principles on their cnara£ter. In the forin
cafe, indeed, women are apt to be fufficiently ca
fcious of their power, and not backward in turning
to account. But there are noble obieAs to be cffeai
by the exertion of their powers, and unfortunately, ll
dies, who are often unreafonably confident where th
ought to be diiHdent, are fometimes capricioufly di;
dent juft when they ought to feel where their true id
portance lies ; and, feeling, to exert it. To ufe the
boafted power over mankind to no higher purpofe tha
the gratification of vanity or the indulgence or pleafirt
is the degrading triumph of thofe fair vidiims of lu£
ry, caprice, and defpotifm, whom the laws and thei
ligion of the voluptuous prophet of Arabia exclu
froiTi light, and liberty, and knowledge : and it
humbllny]: to reflect, that in thofe countries in whil
fondnrfs for the mere perfons of women is carried
the highelt exceft, they an flakes ; and that their mol
and intellectual degradation increafes in dire(3 P^^P^
tion to tiie adoration which is paid to mere extenl^
charms.

l>ut I turn to the bright reverfe of this mortifyii
fcenc 5 to a country where our fex enjoys the blcltu
of liberal inilru£);ion, of reafonablc laws, of a pure
ligion, and all the endearing pltrafures of an equi
focial, virtuous, and delightful intercourfe : I itt
with an earned hop^;, that women, thus richly endol
cd with the bounties of Providence, will not contcj
themfclves with poli filing, when they are able to t
form ; with entertaining, when they may awaken
and with captivating for a day, when they may bril
into a6lion powers of which the effefts may be cor
menfurate with eternity.

In this moment of alarm and peril, I would call <

tiem with a " warning voice," which (hould llir \

.very latent principle in their minds, and kindle eve

'?"-»- -ring energy in their hearts: I would call <

"'^me forward, and contribute their fuil ai

""ion towards the faving of their countr

STRICTURES «N RMAtS IDUCATtOK. If

xt I would call on them to come forwardi withoui
iparting from the refinement of their charader,
nhout dero^ting from the dignity of their rank,
Idiout blemifliing the delicacy o? their fex : I would
dl them to the beft and mod appropriate exertion of
lieir powcr^ to raife the deprefied tone of public mor«
h|and to awaken the drowfy fpirit of religious prin-
S|de. They know too well now arbitrarily they give
fee law to mannersi and with how defpotic a fway they
fa the ftandard of fafliion. But this is not enough ;
iids is a low mark, a prixe not worthy of their nigh
itnd holy calling. For, on the ufe which women of
Bie fuperior clals may now be difpofed to make of that
pwer delegated to them bv the courtefy of cuftom^
Sjr the honed gallantry of tne heart, by the imperious
fcntrol of virtuous afFe£tions, by the habits of civilized
lates, by the ufages of poliflied fociety ; on the ufe, I

H, which they (hall hereafter make, of this influcncCi
11 depend, in no low degree, the well-being of thofe
fates, and the virtue and happinefs, nay, perhaps the
Ptty exiftence, of that fociety.

' At this period, when oui country can only hope to
hnd by oppodng a bold and noble unanimity to the
Doft tremendous confederacies againft religion, and
trder, and governments* which the work! ever faw \
rhat an acceilion would it bring to the public ftrength^
i0uld we prevail on beauty, and rank* and talents, and
fRue, confederating their feveral powers, to exert
hemfelves with a patriotifm at once firm and fem*
|tiae» for the general good ! I am not founding an
farm to female warriors, or exciting female politi*
fans : I hardly know which of the two is the moft
Efgufting and unnatural charafter. Propriety is to a
roman what the great Roman critic fays z6t\on is to
Ita orator ; it is the firfl:, the fecond, the third requi-*
be. A woman may be knowing, adlive, witty, and
unufing J but without propriety (he cannot be amia-
ilc. Propriety is the centre in which all the lines o£
hty and of agreeablenefs meet. It is to charaSer
i^hat -proportion is to figure, and grace to attitwde.
Itdoes not depend on any one perfeftion; hut it is the
Itfidt of general excellence. It fh;;^s itfelf by a re^

ta STEICTVUBS OM FBUILE BBVCATIOK.

ular, orderly, undeviating courfe ; and never ftar
frum its fober orbit into anj fplendid eccentricitiefl
for it would be afharoed of luch praife as it might c:
tort by any deviations from its prober path. It r
Bounces all commendation but what is charaAeriftic
and I would make it the criterion of true tafte, rid
principlei and genuine feeling, in a woman, whetoi
file would be Icfs touched with all the flattery of n
mantic and exaggerated panegyric than with th
beautiful pi£lure of correal and elegant propriel
which Milton draws of our firft mother^ when 1
delineates

<* Tbofe thouiand 'd«anck$ which dally flow
** From all her words and anions.**

Even the influence of religion is to be exercifc
with difcretion. A female Polemic wanders nearl
as far from the limits prefcribed to her fex, as a femal
Machiavelor warlike fhaleftris. Fiercenefs has maJ
almoft as few converts as the fword» and both are p(
culiarly ungraceful in a female. Even religious vie
lence has human tempers of its own to indulge, an
is gratifying itfelf when it would be thought to b
ferving God. Let not the bigot place her natural p^
Cons to the account of Chridianicyi or imagine (he i
pious when (he is only paflTionate. Let her bear i
mind that a Chriftian doctrine is always to be defenc
ed with a Chriili'^n fpiiit, and not make herfelf amem
by the ftoutnefs of her orthodoxy for the badnefs <
her temper. Many, becaufe they defend a leligioi
opinion with pertinacity, feem to fancy that they tner<
by acquire a kind of right to withhold the meeknc
and obedience wliich fhould be tieceflarily involved i
the principle.

But the char.Kter of a confiftcnt Chriflian is as car
fully to be maintained, as that of a fiery difputant
to be avoided \ and Hie a ho is afraid to avow her prii
pies, or afliamrd to deft^nd them, has little claim {
that honorable title. A profligate, who laughs at tl
tnofl; facred inftitutions, and keeps out of the way <
every thin^ which coir.es under the appearance of fo
mal inftrudion, may be difconccrted by the mod.i
but fpirited rebuke of a delicate woman, whole li

STRlCTtmtS ON FfeMALt- MWCAfrfON. TJ

ns the doftrines wliich her converfarion defends :
flic who adminifters reproof with ill-breeding, dc-
» thii efFe6t of her remedy. On the other nnnd,
9 is a difhoneft way of labouring to conciliate
avour of a whole company, though of cha rafters
principles irreconcileably oppofite. The words
fie fo guarded as not to Ihock the believer, while
lyc and voice may be fo accommodated, as not to
mrage the infidel. She who, with a half-earneft-
I trims between the truth and the fafhion ; who,
c (he thinks it crediable to defend the caufe of re-
n, yet does it in a faint tone, a ftudied ambiguity
hraie, and a certain exprefTion in her countenance,
:h proves that fhe is not difpleafedwith what (lie af-
I to cenfure, or that fhe is afraid to lofe her reputa-
forwit, in proportion as fhe advances her credit for
r, injures tnc caufe more than he who attacked it j
he proves, either that Ihe does not believe what (he
cffes, or that (he does not reverence what fear com-
ber to believe. But this is not all : (he is called
act barely to reprefs impiety, bat to excite, to en-
igc, and to cherifh every tendency to ferious reli-

3mc of the occafions of contributing to the general
I which are daily prefenting themfelves to la-
, arc almoft too minute to tw pointed out. Yet
he good which right-minded women, anxioufly
:hing thefe minute occafions, and adroitly feizing
n, might accompliih, we may form fome idea by
ill*ef{e£fc3 which we aftually fee produced, through
Jicrc levity, carelefinefs, and inattention, (to fay no
fe,) of fome of thofc ladies, who are looked up to
andards in the fafliionable world.
am perfuaded, if a woman of faihion, who is now
minating unintended mifchief, under the danger-
notion that there is no harm in any thing fliort of
ivc vice, and under the falfe colours of that indo-
humility, •< What good can / do ?" could be
ght to lee in its collefted force the annual aggre-
of the random evil fhe is daily doing, by conftant-
rowing a V;///# cafual weight intc3»the wrong fcaic,
B

.14 STRICTURES ON lEMAI.E EDUCATION.

by mere inconfiderate and unguarded c^at, fhe would
Hart from her felf- complacent dream. If flic could
conceive how much Ihe may be diminifliing the good
impreflions of young men ; and if flie could huagine
how little amiable levity or irreligion makes her appear
in the eyes of thofc who are older and abler, fhowevei
loofe their own principles may bc,1 (he woula correct
herfelf in the firfl: inl lance, from pure good nature j
-and in the fecond, from worldly prudence and mere
felf-love. But on how much higher principles would
ihe reftrain herfelf, if (he habitually took into account
the important doftrine of confequences : and if (he
reflected that the hStr but more habitual corruptions
make up by their number, what they may feem to come
Ibort ot by their weight : then pernaps (he would find
that, among tlie higher clafs of women, inconfideratin
3S adding more to the daily quantity of evil than almoft
all other caufes put together.

There is an inilrument of inconceivable force, when
it is employed againft the intcrefts of Chriftianity : it
is not reafoning, for that may be anfwered ; it is not
learning, for luckily the infidel is not feldom ignorant }
it is not inveftive, for we leave fo coarfe an engine to
the hands of the vulgar •, it is not evidence, for nappi-
ly we have that all on our fide : it is ridicule, tlic
moil deadly weapon in the whole arfenal of impiety, and
which becomes an almoft unerring (haft when direct-
ed by a fair and fadiionablc hand. No maxim has
been more readily adopted, or is more intrinfically
fa4fe, than that which the fafcinating eloquence of a
-noble fceptic of the laft age contrived to render fo pop-
ular, that " ridicule is the teft of truth*. It is no teft
of trutli itfelf j but of their iirmnefs who a(rert the
caufe of truth, it is indeed a fevere tell. This liejht,
keen, milTile weapon, the irrefolute, unconfirmed Chrif-
tian will find it harder to withftand, than the whole
heavy artillery of infidelity united.

A young man of the better fort, has, perhaps juft
entered upon the world, with a certain (liare or good
'^'fpofitions and right feelings ; neither ignorant or the
- ^-^^ncct^, nor deiUtute of the principles of Chriftiani-

• Lord Shafilbury.

STRICTURES ON FEMALE KDITCATIOI?. l«f

tv I without parting with his refpe£l for religion, he
fets out with the too natural wirfi of making him felt
a reputation, and of ftanding well with the fafliionable

Eart of the female world. He preferves for a time a
orror of vice, which makes it not difficult for him to
refift the groffer corruptions of fociety ; he can as yet
tepel proranenefs ; nay, he can withftand the banter of
a club. He has fenfe enough to fee through the mif-
erable fallacies of the new philofophy, and fpirit enough
to expofe its malignity. So far he does well, and you
are ready to congratulate him on his lecurity. If ou
are miftaken : the principles of the ardent, and hitlier-
to promifing adventurer are fhaken, juft in that very
Jbciety where, while he was looking for pleafure, he
doubted not for fafety. In the company of certain
women of good fafliion and no ill fame, he makes
Ihipwreck of his religion. He fees them treat with
levity or derifion fubjeds which he has been ufed to
hear named with refpecl. He could confute an ar-
gument, he could unravel a fophiflry ; but he cannot
itand a laugh. A fneer, not at the truth of religion,
(for that perhaps is by none of the party difbelic-ved,)but
Bt its gravity, its unfcafonablencfs, its dulnefs, puts all
his refolution to flight. He feels his millake, and
i ftruggles to recover his credit ; in order to which, he
J adopts the gay afFe<fbation of trying to feem worfe
\: than he really is ; he goes on to lay things which he
^ d©es not believe, and to deny things which he does
}\ believe; and al! to efEice the firil imprefSon, and to
• *. recover a reputation which he has committed to iifeir
'^ hands on whole report he knows lie ihall (land or fall,
'*5 in thofe circles in v/hich he is ambitious to fliine.
, : That cold compound of irony, irreligion, felfiflinefs,
?fj and fneer, which make up what the French,- (from
"'' whom we borrow the thing as well as the word) fo
well exprefs by the term ferfiftage^ has of late years
made an incredible progrefs in blalling the opening
buds of piety in young perfons of fafliion. A cold
pleafantry, a temporary cant word> the jargon of the
day (for ihe " great vulgar*' have their jargonj blights
the fir II promife of ferioufnefs. The ladies of /^^have
ccrxaiii watch-wards, which may be detedbcd as indi--

\

l6 STRICTURES ON FEMALK EDUCATION.

c;ation3of this fpirit. The clergy are fpoken of undo
the contemptuous appelhition of J //e Par/ons. Som«
ludicrous allbciation is infallibly combined with ever]
iileaof icligioii. If a warm-hearted youth has ventur-
c5d to name witli enthufiafm fome eminently pioui
character, his glowing ardor is extinguiflied with s
langh : and a drawling declaration, that the perfon in
t]ucllion is really a mighty harmlefs good creature, ii
uttered in a tone which leads the youth fecretly to vow.
that whatever elfe he may be, he will never be a good
harmlelo creature.

Nor is ridicule more dangerous to true piety than tc
true taile. An age which values itfelf on parody, bur-
IvTfqiie, irony, and caricature, produces little that is fuh-
lime, either in genius or in virtue ; but they amujlt^ and
we live in an age which muft be amufed, though geniuSf
feeling, truth, and principle, be the facrifice. Nothing
chills the ardour of devotion like a frigid farcafm j
and, in the fcafon of youth, the mind (liould be kept

fiarticularly clear of all light aiTociations. This is of
o much iniportance that 1 have known perfons who,
having been early accuftomed to certain ludicrous com-
binations, were never able to get their minds cleanfed
from the impurities contrafted by this habitual levity,
even after a thorough reformation in their hearts and
lives had taken place : their principles became reform-
ed, but their imaginations were indelibly foiled. Thef
could defift from fins which the ftridlnefs of Chris-
tianity would not allow them to commit, but they
could not difmifs from their minds images, which her
purity forbade them to entertain.

'I'Here was a time when a variety of epithets were
thought necefHiry to exprefs various kinds of excellence,
and when the different qualities of the mind were dif*
tinguillied by appropriate and difcriminating terms ;
when the words venerable, learned, fagacious, pro-
found, acute, pious, worthy, ingenious, valuable, ele-
gant, agreeable, wife, witty, were ufed as fpecific
marks of dillinfl charafters. But the legifkitorsof
fafliion have of late years thought proper to comprife
•11 merit in one cftnblilhevl epithet ; an epithet r which, it
Tiiii]; be confef-l'd, is a veryd».firabic one as far iii it goes

STRICTURES ON FEMALE EDUCATION. 1 7

TEis term is excluGvely and indifcriminately applied
ivberever commendation is intended. The word ///«/"-
M now ferves to combine and exprefs all moral and
intelle£lual excellence. Every individual, from the
graved profeflbrsof the graveft profeffion, down to the
trifler wno is of no profefBon at al], mull earn the
epithet of pliaf ant y or mud be contented to be nothing ;
andmuftbe configncd over to ridicule, under the vul-
gar and inexpreffive cant word of a hore. This is tlie
mortifying defignation of many a refpe£);able man,
who tnoughof much worth and much . ability^ can-
not perhaps clearly make out his letters patent to
the title oi plea/ant. For, according to this modern
daffification there is no intermediate date, but all are
comprifed within the ample bounds of one or the oth-
er or thefe two coniprehenfive terms.

We ought to be more on our guard agairift this fpir-
it of ridicule, becaufe whatever may be the character
of the prefent day, its faults do not fpring from the re-
dundanries of great qualities, or the oveiiiowings of
extravagant virtues.- It is well if more correft views
of life, a more regular adminidration of laws, and 2
more fettled date of fociety, have helped toreftrain the
CKCeffes of the heroic ages, when lov^ and war were
confidcred as the gre^- and fole bufinefTes of human
life. Yet, if that period was marked by a romantic
extravagance, and the prefent is didinguimed by an in-
dolent feltiflinefs, our iuperiority is not fo triumphant-
ly decifive, as, in the vanity of our hearts,- we may be
Ifady to imagine,
i 1 do dot wifh to bring back the frantic reign of
16 chivalry, nor to reindate women in that fantadic em-
:e,- pirein which they then fat enthroned in the hearts, or
rather in the inriiigiriations of men. Cominon fenfe
is an excellent material of univerfal application, which
the fagacity of latter ages h;is fcized upon, andration;ilIy
applitd to ihe butinefs of common life. But let us net .
i^ forget, in the infolence of ncknowleded fuperiority, that
\\ it was rgligicn and cha. //>• operating on the romantic fpirit
'i of thole times, which cdabiilhed the defpotic fway of
woman 5 and though in this altered fcenc of tlunj^?; .
li 2

1 8 STRICTURES ON FEMALE EDVCATI05

flic new no longer looks down on her adorinj
from tlie pedcltal to which an abfurd idolatrj
cd htr ; yet let her remember that it is the l
gion and the fame chaftity which once raif(
fuch an elevation, that mult Itill furnifli the n^
crgies of her charadcr ; muft ftill attraft tb
tion, ftill retain the rcfpeft of the other fex.

While we lawfully ridicule the abfurdit:
we hav^ abandoned, let us not plume ourfelve
fgirit of novelty which glories in the oppofite
If the manners of the period in queftion were
and if the gallantry was unnatural, yet the to:
tue was high ; and let us remcmbclr that c
purity, and honour, are not ridiculous in th
though they may unluckily be aflociated with
whicn are lo ; and women of delicacy woul<
to reilecl, when defcanting on thofe explo
ncrs, how far it be decorous to deride with V
a laugh, attachments which could fubfift o;
gratifications ; or grofsly to ridicule the tai
led the admirtrto facrifice pleafure to refpe6fc,
nation to honour j how far it be delicate to fn(
purity which made fclf-denial a proof of affe<
call m cjuettion the found underftanding of
picferred thefameof hiamiftrefs to his own inc
to burlcfque that antiquated refinement w
McYtd dignity and rcferve as additional titlcj
tion iuid reverence.

We cannot but be ftruck with the wonde
trail exhibited to our view, when we conter
oppofite m*inners of the two periods in quel
the former, all the flower of Europe fmit wit
ous gallantry ; all that was young, and n
brave, and great, with a fanatic frenzy, and ]
ous contempt of danger, traverfed feas, i
mountains, and compafled a Iiu'ge portion of
at the expence of eafe, and fortune, and life
unprofitable proje6l of refcuing, by force
from the hands of intiJels, the Ivfpulchre of
iour, whom, in the ot/.cr perhdy their pofteri
think ic tire- height of t'anatijif:n fo much a
in good company. Thac Suvitrur whofe a

on to that Democracy with which they conceive
elity to be aflbciated, rather than from an abhor-

of impiety for its own fake ; too many deprecate
large of irreligion, as the fuppofed badge ot a rcp-
ed party, more than on account of that moral cor-
m which is its infeparable concomitant.
. the other hand, in an age when inverfion is the
£lcr of the day, the modern idea of improve-
docs not confiil m altering, but extirpating. We
)t reform, but fubvert. We do not correct old
ns, but demolifli them ; fancying that when eve-
ing fhall be new it will be perfech Not to havs

wrong, but to have been at all, is the crime.
2nce is fin. Excellence is no longer confidercd
I experimental thing which is to grow gradually
F obfervation and praftice, and to be improved by
:cumulating additions brought by the wifdom of
Hive ages. Our nvifdom is not a creature flowly
;ht, by ripening time and gradual growth, to per*
»i ; but is an inftantaneoufly created goddefs,
!i ftarts at once, full grown, mature, armed cap-a*
'rom the heads of our modern thundcrers. Or
r, if I may change the allufion, a perfe6t fyllein
r cxpediecl inevitably to fpring fpontaneoully r*t

20 STRICTURES ON FEMALE EDWCATIOW^"

This tearing fyft^ has unqueflionably rent ai
fome valuable narts of that ftrong, rich, native fti
\('hich formed tne ancient texture of Britlfli manm
That we have gained much I am perfuaded ; that
have loft nothing I dare not therefore affirm. I
though it fairly exhibits a mark of our improved juc
meat to ridicule the fantaftic notions of love and he
our in the heroic ages ; let us not rejoice that the fp
it of generofity in fentiment, and of ardour in pic
the exuberancies of which were then fo inconvenie
are now funk as unreafonably low. . That revolution
tafte and manners which the unparalleled wit and |
nius of Don Quixote fo happily eSe£led throughc
all the polifhed countries of Europe » by abolishing (
travagancies the moft abfurd and pernicious, was
far imperfefl:, that fome virtues which he never mes
to expofe, unjuftly fell into difrepute with the abfur
ties which lie did : and it is become the turn of t
prefenttafte infeparahlyto attach in no fmalldegree tl
which is ridiculous to that which is ferious and ha
ic. Some modern works of wit have affiftcd in brir
ing piety and fome of the nobleft virtues into contemi
by Hudioufly affociating them with oddky« .child)
fjmplicity, and ignorance of the world : ana unnecc
fary pains have been taken to extingui(h that zeal a:
ardour, which, however liable to excefa and error, a

i^et the fpring of whatever is great and excellent in t
luman character. The novel of Cervanues is incoi
parable ; the TartufFe of Moliere is unequalled 5 b
true generofity and true religion will never iofe a
thing of thtrir intrinfic value, becaufe knight errant
and iiypocrify are legitimate objefts for fatire. .

But to return from this too long digreffion, to t
fubjedl of female influence, 'l-hofe who have n
watched the united operation of vanity andffeeling 1
a youlliful mind, will not conceive how much Itfs f(
midable the ridicule of all his own ft*x will be to a ve
young man, than that of thofe women to whom he h
been taught to larjk up, as the arbiters of elegan(
Such a youth, I doubt not, might be able to work hii
fclf up by the force of genuuie Cnriiltan principk,
luch a pitlh of tru<^ htroifm, iisto reiufe «t chaiiLn^

STRICTURES ON FEMALE EDUCATION. 21

It requires more real courage to refufc a challenire
to accept one,) who would yet he m danger of re-
ig into the dreadful pufilianrmity of the world,
he is told that no woman of fafhion will hcreaf-
ok on him but wirh contempt. While wc have
:d away the rubbifli of the Gothic a^es, it were fo
iflied we had not retained the moll criminal of all
inflitutions. Why chivalry Ihould indicate a
nan, while its leading objtft, the ^no/e cotnbat^
d defignate a gentleman, has not yet btfcn explain-
Nay, the plaufible original motive is loft, while
nfui pradiice is continued \ for the fighter of the
no longer pttttnds to be a glorious redrefler of the
,gs of ftrangcrs ; no longer confiders himfelf as
ly appealing to heaven for the juflice of his caufe ;
rom the flavifli fear of unmerited reproach, often
ily hazards the happinefs of his neareft connec-
, and always comes forth in direft defiance of an
Dwledged command of the Almighty. Perhaps
:'.arc few occafions on which female influence
t be exerted to a higher purpofe than on this, in
h laws and confcience have hitherto efFedled fo
But while th« duellift (who perhaps becomes a
ift only becaufe he was firft a feducer) is welcom-
ith fmiles ; the more hardy dignified youth, who,
ecaufe he fe.ar^manbutGod, declines a challenge;
is refolved to brave difgrace rather than commit
70uld be treated with cool contempt by thofe very
us to whofe eftcem he might reafonably have look-
s one of the rewards of his true and fubftantial
ude.

)w then is it to be reconciled with the decifions of
iple, that delicate women lliould receive with com-
ncy thefuccefsful hbertine, who has been dete6led
ic wretched father or the injured hufband in a
nal commerce, the difcovery of which has too
• banilhed the unhappy partner of his crime from
Dus fociety ? Nay, if he happens to be very hand-
, or very brave, or- very fafhionable, is there not
times a kind of difhonourable competition for his
r I Is there not a fort of bad popularity attached
i attentions ? But, whether his flattering reception

^2 STRICTrRHS OV FEMALE EDUCATION.

be derived from birth, or rarts, or pcrfon, or (w]
often a fubftitutc for all) from hih having made hi
into gfoi^ companyy women of diftindlion mllv the f
ty of virtue by the too vifible pleafure they fomc
exprefs at the attentions of fuch a popular libc
whofe voluble fmull-talk they admire, whofe fpr
nothings they quote, whofe vices they juftify or <
uate, and whom perhaps their very favour ten
prevent from becoming a better charafler, becau
finds himfdf more acceptable as he is.

May 1 be allowed to nitroduce a new part of m
jedt, by remarking that it is a matter of inconce
importance, thougli not perhaps fufficiently confn
when any popular work» not on a religious topi
on any common fubjedt, fuch as politics, hiftc
fcicnce, has happened to be written by an autl
found Chridian principles ? It may not have bee
ccfT-iry, nor prudently pra£l:icable, to have a fingl
in the whole work prokfledly religious : but ftill,
the living principle informs the mind of the wri
is almcft impoilible but that fomething of its fpir
diffufe itfelf even into fubjefls with which it i
fecm but remotely connefttd. It is at lead a cc
to the reader, to feel that honeft confidence whi
fults from knowing that he has put himfelf in
hands ; that he has committed himfelf to an a
v/hofc known principlts are a pledge that his
need not be driven to watch himfelf at every ftej
anxious circumfpe6lion 5 that he need not be k
on the right hand and on the left, as if he knew
were pitfalls under the flowers which are delij
him. And it is no fmall point gained, that on fu
in which you do not look to impro've y&ur religioi
at leaft fccured from deterioration. If the Atl
I.aws were fo delicate that they difgraccd any or
fliewed an inquiring traveller the wrong road, wh
.grace, among ChrilUans, fhould attach to that a
who, when a youth, is inquiring the road to hid
phiiofophy, dircfts him to blafphemy and unbeli«

* The Author h«s ottrn htrard it mentionrd »t matter ol
that Mr. Giobon fhuuld have blemifhed his clciant h'itoiy v
tWQ notoriouHy oltcniive chapters 9g«iiift Chr':i\ianity. fiut(

STRICTURES ON FEMALE EDUCATION. 23

animadverting farther on the reigning evils whicli
times more particularly demand that women of
and influence (hould reprefs, Chriftianity calls up-
icm tobeur their decided teftimony againft every
; which is notorioufly contributing to the public
iptipn. It calls upon them to banilh from their
ing-rooms, (and O, that their influence could ban-
om the libraries of their fons andhuibands !) that
• and unfufpefted mafs of mifchief, which, by af-
ng the nlaufible names of Science, of Philofophy,
Lrts, of Belles Lettres, is gradually adminiftcring
1 to the principles of thofe who would be on their
d|had the poifon been labelled with its own per-
•us title. Avowed attacks upon revelation are
seafilv rcGfted, becauO-, the mali.^rjity is advertifed.
who lufpeds the delhu£lion which lurks under the
llefs or inllru6tive names of General lUJiory^ Natural
rf, Tr^fuelsj l^oyages, Li*ves^ EncycUptdiaSy Criticijm,
Romance P Who will deny that many of thefe works
ain much admirable matter \ brilliant pafl[ages>
nrtant fa£):s, jurt defcriptions, faithful piftures of
re, and valuable illuftrations of fcience r But while
: dead fly lies at the bottom," the whole will ex-
a corrupt and ncftilential ftench.
ovclsi which chiefly ufed to be dangerous in one
:fl, are now become mrfchievous in a thoufand.
^ arc continually (hifting their ground, and cn-
ne their fphere, and are daily becoming vehicles
idcr mifcnief. Sometimes they concentrate their
5, and are at once employed to difFule deftruftive
ics, deplorable profligacy, and impudent infideli-
Roufleau was the firfl: popular difpenfer of this
plicated drug, in which tlie deleterious infufioii

recret fcfm to imply that the work would, by this omtfTion, hnve
Kfc fafe and unexceptionable ? May wc not rather conliJer tlicfe
sri ai a Fatal ruck indeed \ but as a rock enlightened by a bracon,

and unequivocally warning us ot the lurraunding peril*..— To
p the metaphor— Had not tlie mifchief* of thele chapterj l.ccn
ted thus coa'fpicuous, the incautious reidcr would have bre.n ftill
xporca to the f.ttal cft'cds of the more dif^uiled poifon which isin-

throu;;h aimoft every pait of the volumes. Is it not ol)viom that
itfo virulent againft revealed icligion as thefe two chapters indi-

would be incefl'jntly pouiing out fome of its infeifliuus matter on
' occafion ; an J wouUcven inJultrioufly raakethc oppuituniticfc.
h k did not find f

24 STRICTURIS ON FEVIALE FDUCATION.

was ftrong, and the tflc£l proportionably fatal. For
lie does not attempt to 1 educe the afFe£tions but
through the medium of the principles. He docs not
paint an innocent woman ruined, repenting, and re-
florcd ; but with a far more mifchievous refincmcDtf
lie annihilates the value of chaiHty, and with^pcrni-
cious fubtlcty attempts to make his heroine appear
nlmoil more amiablf* without if. He exhibits a virtu-
ous woman, the viftim not of temptation, but of rca»
ion — not of vice, but of fentiment — not cf paflioiii
but of convidtion ; and Itrikes at the very root of
honour, by elevating a crime into a principle. Witll
a metaphy'iical fophiftry, the moil plaufible, he dfr
bauchcs the heart of woman, by chenfliing her vanity
in the creftion of a fyfttm of male virtues, to wliichi
with a lofty dereliction of thofe that are her more p^
euliar and characleriftic praife, he tempts her to at
pirc ; powerfully infinuating, that to this fplendid fyf
tern chaftity does not neceffarily belong : thus coT'
rupting the judgment, and bewildering the undec;
{landing, as the moil ellVdlual way to inflame tU
imagination and deprave the heart.

The rare mifchicf of this author, confifts in W
power of feducing by falfthood thofe who love truth
i3ut whofe minds are dill wavering, and whofe princi
pies are not yet formed. He allures the warm-heart
cd to embrace vice, not becaufe they prefer vice, bi|
becaufe he gives to vice fo natural an air of virtue
and ardent and cnthufiaftic youth, too confidentl;
trufting in their integrity and m their teacher, will h
undone, while they fancy they are indulging in tb
noblcfl feelings of their nature. Many authors wil
more infallibly complete the ruin of the loofe and ill
dilpofi^l : but perhaps there never was a net of fud
cxquifjte art, and inextricable workmanfhip, fpread i
entangle innocence, and enfnarc inexperience, as tb
writiiigs of Rouficau : and, unhappily, the viflim doc
:irt even ftru^rgle in the toils, becaufe part of the dcllj
i\ou confifts in imagining that he is fct at liberty.

Some of our recent popular publications have adopt
ed and enlarged -.ill tlK- mifchiefs of this fchool ; am
t\i.t priuciT-al evil arifing from them is, that the virt u^

STRICTURES ON FEMALt EDUCATION. 25

chibit are almofl more dangerous than the vices,
lief materials out of which thcfe delufivc fyftems
imed^ are characters who pradice fupcrfluous
" generofity, while they are trampliri); on obvioub
jmmanded duties ; who combine inflated ftnti-
of honour with aftions the mofl: flagitious ; a
>nc of felf-confidence, with a perpetual neglcdt
■denial : pathetic apoftrophes to the paflions, but
:mpt to refift them. They teach, that chaitity
f individual attachment •, that no duty exift's

is not prompted by feeling ; that impulfc is the
fpring of virtuous adtions, while laws and rcli-
irc only unjuft reftrainrs ; the former impoied
itrary men, the latter by the abfurd prejudices
korous and unenlightened confcience. Alas 1
lo not know that the be ft creature of impulfe
^er lived, is but a wavward, unfixed, unprinci-
»cing ! That the beit natural man requires a

and needs that balance to the aiFedlions whicli
ianity alone can furniOi, and without which be-
nt propenfities are no fecurity to virtue. And
>s it is not too much to fay, in fpite of the mo-
'of benevolence to which tne ncwphilofophy lays

that the hitman duties of the fecond tabic have
once been well performed by any of the rejecl-

that previous portion of the Decalogue which
% duty to God.

fome of the moft fplendidof thefe charafters
iflion is ereftcd into the throne of juftice, and

degraded into the rank of plebian virtues, it is
sred as a noble exemplification of fentiment that
)rs fliould be defrauded, while the money due
m is laviflied in dazzling adis of charity to fomc
'that afFe£ls the fenfes ; which paroxyfms o£
r are made the fponge of every fin, and the fub-

of every virtue : the whole indireftly tending
mate how very hine^vnUnt feople are ivho are not
tns. From many of thefe compofitions, indeed,
ianity is fyftematically, and always virtually, ex-

i for the law, and the prophets, and the gofpel,
kc no part of the fcheme in which this world is
C

a5 STRICTURES ON FEMALE EDUCATrON.

lofAcil upon as all in all ; in which want and
'Alt- ciMiliiiciVi.1 iiscviis arifmcT folely from the dcf
human gjvtTnments, anJ not as making part
ililprni'aiionL t): Ciod ; in which poverty is repre
;is nuitiy a poiitical evil, and the rcilraints whic
*i\ k'*';p tht! poor honell, are painted as the m<
,;r.!nt. iiijnilice. The gofpel can make no pari
lylicm in which the ablurd idea of perfeSabi
fjomldcrcd as applicable to fallen creatures ; in
the chimerical ]>roje^l of confumniate earthly
Jic fs (founded on the mad pretence of loving th
better ih.in God loves them) would defeat the
plan, which meant thi? world for a Icene of difc
r.ot of remuneration. The gofpel can have noth
do with a fyilem in which (\n is reduced to a lit!
jsian imperieclion, and Old Bailey crimes are fo;
down into a few engaging weaknefles ; and in
the turpitude of all the vices a man himfelf con
h done away by hii candQur in tolerating all the
committed oy others.*

But the part of the fyftem the moft fatal to tha
whom I am eddrefiing is, that even in thofe
which do not go all the length of treating marri;
*n uiijuft infringement on lS>erty, and a tyrannic
iliiclion from general happinels ; yet it comi
hr.pp^ns that the hero or heroine, who has prafl
\ic.la'.c'a the letter of the feventh commandment
continues to live in the allowed violation of its
]3 painted as fo amiable and fo benevolent, fo t
or fo brave ; and the temptation is reprefented
irrefijllllc, (for aU thcfc phiiofophers are fatalills
predominant and cheriihed x\n ic fo filtered and
i^ated of its pollutions, and is fo flieltercd an
rounded, and relieved with {hining qualities, th
inijoceni ar,(l improffible young reader is brouj
Joi J all horror of tiic awful crime in queftioH, i

•* )t is t") ':* L-rTiOntcH rl;.il fo'ni'-, even ot thofe more virtuoi
"v. *•?!>, a: o /■-:.•«'': to e.'p'n::c tn.'. caul'e of rfligior, fiioiilu exhil
Tsl'e vi-.-^ i ui it. J hMvr l?.rciy irt-n ;i work ot fofue niciit in th
which was mct'Trloufiy drfigncii lo crpolc the imnifclef of the n
ijopnv. E; rli'j Aik.r h;it;;iycd his own impeifc^ ki:n%viodge
rhnil;ai:i:y h- '.'as i'«-ffn<<p.g, by making his hero, wlioci he \
il> a J^f.'.r.i, J^^ll u dm, !

STRICTURES ON FEMALE EDVCATlD*r. ^7

omplacency flie feels for the engnging virtues of tli3
riminah

There is another objeft to which I would direfl tlie
xertion of tliat power of female inilucnce of which E
ni fpeaking. Thofc ladies who take tlie lead in foci-
jty, are loudly called upon to aft as the guardians of
he public tafte, as well as of the public virtue. Thev
ire called upon, therefore, to oppofe with the whole
iveight of their influence, th^irruption of ihofc fwiirms
>f publications now daily ilTuing from the banks of tj;e
Danube, which, like their ravi^ging predcccllbrs cf th»
larker ages, though with far other and more fatal
urmsi are overrunning civilized fociety. Thofe read-
ers, whofe purer tafte has been formed on the correft
models of the old clalllc fchool, fee with iwdignation
ud aftonifliment the Huns and Vandals once mors
overpowering the Greeks and Romans. They be-
.ipld our minds, with a rctro|Tiuic but rapid motion>
lurried back to the rei^ijn of " chaos and old night,"
by di (tor ted and unprincipled compofitions, which, in
|pite.of llrong flalhes of genius, unite the talte of iha.
.jpothswith the morals otBagdiot ;*■

Gorgon.s, and Hydras, and Cliimcras dire !

Thefe compofitions terrify the weak, and nmaze and
tnchant the idle ; while they difgult the difccrning,
iljy wild and milhapen fuperftitlons, in which, wiih
that confiflency which forms (o llriking a feature of tlje
fflcw philofophy, thofe who moft carnL-iHy tleny tlic
immortality of the foul, arc moit esger to introduce the
•ttachinery of ghofts.

The writings of the French infidels were fome years
ago circulated in England with uncommon induflry,
«nd with fome effedl ; but the plain fenfe and good
frinciples of the far greater part of our country n^en,
sefifted the attacks and rofe iuperior to the tria!. Of
the dodrines and principles here alluded to, the dread-
ful confcquences, nor only in the unh?^t«py country
where they originated, and were almoll univcifal!y

• Ths newfpapers announcs that Schiller's Trape-Jy of the Rrth
kr^, which innamed thi young ncbJlit- of Gerjr.ariy ro fnlill il.tm-
fcJv-8 int'j a tand of hi:ihv.va> men i<> r.f> in rlr. f\>rslt« of Bcnemia, is
iw a^ijtr in En^'a.tii oy rer-cri cf qualiy /

•:rB sTRicTi-Rr.s ox fkmale uducition.

subptctl, but in every part of Europe where they liar
bcviii rcctivcii, have been I'uch as to fcrvc as a beaco
U) lurrouniling niitions, if any warning can prefen
ihem tvoni tltllrudion. In this country the fubjed;
2i(jw lo well undciliocd, that every tlnng that ifliM
:rom the French pvcfs is received with jealoufy ; and
v.'t'vk, on the firlt appearance of its exhibiting thedo<
»rinc:i of Voltaire and his aflbciates, is rejected wxl
3:id^rnation. •

r.iit let us not on account of this victory rcpofe i
ccnilJ.Mit fccuriry. The modern apoltles of infidelr
;i:ul immorality, little lefs indefatigable in difperHE
• heir pernicious docliincs than the firll apoflles wci
'•\\ prp no !{;. ting ^olpel truths, h?.ve indted changed the
WLaponb, but tlu y have by no means defilled tiom tl
:-.ttack. ro dellroy the principles of Chriftianity i
th:^ iiland, appears at the pixftnt moment to be the
i^raiui aim. i)cpriv '.d of the alfillance of the Irene
prcfs, thty are now attempting to attain their objci
amder the cloie and more artificial veil of German li
eratiire. Confcious that religion and morals will ftan
or fall together, their attacks are fometimcs levelk
ugainft the one, and fome times again ft the othc
"VVitli flrong occafional profedions of general attacl
}nent lo both of thtfe, tney endeavour to intereft tli
feelings of the reader, fometimes in favour of fomeoii
particular vice, at other times on the fubjeft of fon
one obje£lion to revealed religion. Poetry as well s
profe, romance as well as hiftory, writings on phik
lophical as well as on political fubjefts, have thus bee
employed to inllil the principles of llluminifm^ whl
incredible paiuo have been taken to obtain able tranfls
fions of every book which was fuppofed likely to be I
life in corrupting the heart or mifleading the unde
ftanding. In many of thefe tranflations, certain bol<
cr pnflages, which, though well received in Germad
would have excited diiguft in England, are whol
omitted, in order that the mind may be more certainl
though more flouly, prepared for tne full effcft of tl
fame poifon to be adminiftercd in a ftronger degree
another period.

STKICTURBS ON FEMALE EDUCATION, 2^^

: not thofe to whom thefe pa^s are addreffed •
re themfelves, by fuppofing this to be a fable ;
ct thciii inquire moll (erioufly whether I fpeak
, in aflerting that the attacks of infidelity in Great
in are at this moment principally diredied againfl:
smale brealt. Confcious of the influence of wo-
n civil fociety, confcious of the efFedls which fe-
infidelity produced in France, they attribute the
jcefs o& their attempts in this country to their hav-
fiien hitherto chiefly addrefled to the male fax.
'are now feduloufly labouring to deftroy the re«
ifi principles of women, and in too many mftances -
fatally fucceeded. For this puipofe, not only
8 and romances have been made the vehicles of;
and infidelity, but the fame allurement has been
out to -the women of our country, which was em«-
:d by. the firft philofophifts to ihe.firft firmer —
irkdge. Liften to the precepts of the new Ger--
cnlighteners, and you need no longer remain in:
Qtuation in which Providence has placed you ! .
kW their examples, and you ihall be permitted to
fp in all thofe gratifications which cuftomi not-
ioii| has tolerated in the male fex ! -
t us jealoufly watch every deepening fhade in the-
gC OS manners ; let .us ihark every ilep, however/
ifiderable, whofe< tendency is downwards. Cor-
on i$ neither (lationary . nor^retrograde \ and to>
departed from modefly, fimplicity, and truth, is-
dy to have made a progrefs. It is not only aw-^

true, that fince the new principles have been
t, w§mia have been too eagerly inquifitive aftec

monftrous compofitions ; but it is true nlfo that^.

a new and ofFenfive renunciation of ^heir native
^cy, many nuamen e/chara^ir make little hefitation
tewing their familiarity . with works abounding
principles^ fentiments, and defcriptions» ** which
raid not .be fo much as named among: them." By.
ring their minds to come in contadi with fucn
igious matter^ they are irrecoverably tainting .
I ; and by acknowledging that they are aflually/
erfant wath fuch corruptions, (with .wliat^vst.-
C. 2..

r{0 snilCTV/R!LS ON FEMALE EDUCATIOK.

reprobation of the tuthor they may qualify th<
fal of the book,) they are excituig in others a n
chievous curiolity for the fame unhallowed g
tion. Thus they are daily diminifliing in th
and the timid thofe wholefomc fcruples, by
when a tender confcience ceafes to be intren<
the fubfequent ftag«s of ruin are gradually fa<
We have hitherto fpoken only of the Gern
iings ; but becaufe there are multitudes who
read^ equal pains have been taken to promote i
objeft through the medium of the ftagc : j
weapon is, of all others, that again ft which it i
preltnt moment, the moil important to warn t
inconfiderate of my countrywomen.

As a fpccimen of the German drama, it r

be unfcafonable to ofter a few remarks on the

play of the Stranger. In this piece the char ad

ailulterejSy which, in all perioas of the world,

as well as modern, in all countries, heathen as

chriftian, has hitherto been held in deteitation,

never been introduced but to be reprobated, ij

rtrft time prefented to our view in the moft

and fafcinating colours. The heroine is a won

forfook a huiband the moft affeftionate and t

amiable, and lived for fome time in a crimir

merce with her fed ucer. Repenting at lengtl

crime, Ihe buries herfelf in retirement. 1 lu

of the poet during the whole piece are exertt

tempting to render this woman the objcd not

the companion and forgivenefs, but of the cft<

uffeftion of the audience. The injured hulba

vinced of his wife's repentance, forms a re

which every man of true feeling and chrifti

will probably approve. He forgives her offer

promifes her through life his advice, protefti

fortune, together with every thing which can

the mifery of her condition, but refufes to rci

in the fituation of his wife. But this is not fufii

tlj€ German author. His eiForts are employee

is to be feared but too fuccefsfully, in making

dience confider the hufband as an unrelenting

"vhile they arc led by the art of the poet anxi

STRICTURES ON FEMALE EDUCATION. 3 1

h to fee at! adultrefs rcftored to that rank of wom-
who have not violated the moil folemn covenant
t can be nnade with man, nor difobeyed one of the
ft poCtive laws which has been enjoined by God.
ALDOut the fame time that this firil attempt at repre*
ting an adulterefs in an exemplary light was made
a German dramatift, which forms an sera in man-
By a direft vindication of adultery was, for the firft
iCt attempted by a woma/ty a profefled admirer and
Itator of the German fuicide Wcrter. Tht Ftmalt
rin-j as (he is ft vied by her biographer, afierts, in,»
Tk intitled, "The Wrongs of Women," that aduU
y 18 juftifiablei and that the reftri^iions placed on it
the laws of England, conftitute one of the Wrongs

This leads me to dwell a little longer on this moft
Ilrud^ive clafs in the whole wide range of modern
rruptors* who efFedt the moft defperate work of the
ffions, without fo much as pretending to urge their
}l6nce in extenuation of the guilt of indulging them*
icy folicit this very indulgence with a fort of cold-
xxied fpeculation, and invite the reader to the moft
kbounded gratifications, with all the faturnine cool-
:l8 of a geometrical calculation. Theirs is aniniqui-
rathrr of phlegm than of fpirit j and in the pt:lti-
Dt atmolphere they raife about them^ as in the infer-
il climate defcribcd by Milton —

The parching 4ir *
Burns frorf, and fioft pertormsth' cffcfts of fire.

This cool, calculating, intelle6lual wickednefs eats
It the very heart and core of virtue, and like a dead-
• mildew blights and fhrivels the blooming promife
[the human fpring. Its benumbing touch comma-
icatcs a torpid fluggiftnefs which paralizes the fouJ.
^defcants on depravity as gravely, and details its grof-
A afts as frigidly, as if its obje<a were to allay the tu-
lult of the paflions, while it is letting them loofe on
unkind, by " plucking ofF the muzzle" of prefent re-
tnint and future accountability. The fyftem is a

"• When the north wind bloweth it Jcvoureih the mountains, and
'bamethUiC wildtrncfs, and confumeth the grafs as fire.'* Ecclcri
Lao.

32 STRICTURES ON" FEMALE EDUCATION.

dire confufion, compounded of bold impiety, br
fkiifuility, and cxquilite folly, which creeping ft
about the heart, checks the moral circulation, an<
tally Hops the pulfeof goodnefs by the extin£li(
the'vital principle : thus not only choakiog the ft
of actual virtue, but drying up the very, founta
future remorfe and remote repentance.

The ravages which fome of the old offenders a{
purity made in the youthful heart, by ihe exercifc
fervid but licentious imagination on tne pafIions,T(
blsd the mifchief efFeftcd by floods, catara<fis, an<
caiios. The defolation indeed was terrible, an
ruin was tremendous : yet it was a ruin which di
infallibly preclude the poffibility of recovery,
country, though deluged and devaftated, was no
terly put beyond the power of reiteration. Tht
veils indeed were deilroyed, and all was wide ile
But though the crops were loft, xh^jhils of vegci
were not abfolutely eradicated ; fo that, after a
^nd barren blank fertility, mighi finally return.

But the heart once infedted with this newly \
tated venom, fubtil though fluggifh in its oper:
refembles what travellers relate of that blafted fp
dead fca, where thofe devoted cities once ftood >
for their pollutions were burnt with fire from he
It continues a ftagnaot lake of putrifylng waters.
wholefonie blade evermore (hoots up ^ the air
tainted that no living thing fubfifts within its
ence. Near the fulphureous pool the very prii
of being is annihilated. — All is death.

Death, unrepeatable, eternal death !

Eat let us take comfort. Thefe projedis ar<
yet generally realized. Thefe atrocious principl
not yet adopted into common pradiice. Though cc
tbns feem with a confluent tide to be pouring i
on us from every quarter, yet there is ilill left a
us a difcriminating judgment. Clear and ftr
marked diftinflions between right and wrong ftil
flit. While we continue to cherifh this fanity of
the cafe is not defperate. Though that crim<
grc'tb of which always exhibits the raolt irrefn

STRICTURES ON FEMALE EDUCATION. 33

of the diflblutenefs of publi'j manners ; though
rime, which cuts up rrdcr and virtue by the roots,
iolates the fanfiity of vows^ is awfully increafiiigi

•Till icnates feem.
For purpoles of empire K'is conven'd
Th:<nto rrleaie the nault'relb trom her bonJs ;

lanks to the furviving eflicacy of a lioly religion,
e operation of virtuous laws, and to the energy
nQiaken integrity with which thcfe laws arc tjo-w
littered ; and, mod of all perhaps, to a flandard
orals which continues in force, when the princi-
»rhich fanftioned it arc no more ; this crime, in
iinale fex at lead, is ftill held in juft abhorrence,
le pradtifed, it is not honourable ; if it be com-
d. It is not juftificd j we do not yet afiedl to pal-
ts turpitude ; as ytt it hides its abhorred head
king privacy ; ancf reprobation hitherto follows its
city.

.t on YOUR exerting your influence with juft appli-
1 and increafing energy, may, in no fmall degree,
id whether this corruption Ihall flill continue to
fitted. For the abhorrence of a pradice will too
ibly diminifh, of which the theory i§ perufed with
ifiafm. From admiring to adopting, the ftep is
I and the progrefs rapid j and it is in the moral a$
e natural world ; the motion, in the cafe of minds
:11 as of bodies, is accelerated as they approach
entre to which they are tending,
yc to whom this addrefs is particularly directed !
vi'iX charge is, in this inftance, committed to your
s ; as you difcharge it or (brink from it, you pro-
or injure the honour of your daughters and the
inefs of your fons, oi botn which you arc the de-
iries. And, while you refolutely perfeverc in
ng a ftand againft the encroachments of this
2, fuffer not your firmnefs to be ttiaken by that

I^f fturCTtJllES ON FEMALE EDUCATIOK.

mm

tkm or friend I anxleufly vatcli for the per kid v/htn
fl)e tinW be tic fo ted by her btfimycr i ami ftc if^ lay
your Oiriilbn oiBccsij ftic cmi t>r miitchcd fioin a per*
pccuity u£ vice. UiK if, il ^c Dtvaic bWiTinjscit

your p,iri<;mejidc;sv0ur^, I ^ Ul tver be awalcJirf
to Tcniorfcp be not 3n3tiou& to rrilore the ftirlorn p«ni-
iriit to iWai foclcty againft whofc hws the haft fa gticv*
fiufly 0ffE.*ride<i 5 ;uiH lemenibcr that her folic iting lucll
ii Tcll oration, furniilicft but too pJain a praof ihiit flrs
i^ no! ihc pcnuciu your paniality woultl believe ; ftHCi&
pcnUcnce is more anxious to mak-^ ii^ ptacc wirh Hca*
veti than >^ith the world. Joyfully would a trulv twi*
trite fpirit commute via enrthly for an ^jverl^jUipg Kp*
rob^tioTi ? To re (lore a criminsJ to public fotiety, \% pcf*
^ faap&lo tempt her 10 repeat her criniCj or to ile^den Iter
Tcpeniaucc lor huvit^g ctjmmiticd iti ns well as to SiJ*
fult and 10 injure that focicry v while ta leilore s ilraj
td foul to God wfill ?vdd luiLre w your Cbriiii^m
&ctcr, and brif^hren ytmr ctental crown.

In the inci^ntime, there Mc otl^r evlM, uttim^l
perhaps tending to thi.^i into wtiich "Wtf are lalM
through that lort of failifonable candourjwliivhj as w1
hinted above^is amon^ the m)fchiei/ou5 chara^cilOicI
of the pre fen t day i of which period perhjapa it b t^fSl
the fmallefl evil, that vices are made to look fo ftkfl
virtues, and sre fo afTiTnilaitd to thcm^ that h :
■watchfuhiefs and judgment fuffieiently to ^naly v

■ diicrimmate. There are certain women of good ijlji*

■ ion who pradiVife irregtihriiies not confiftent with tti^
9 ftriQnefbof virtue ; vrhile their gopd ftrnte ami knowU
' edge of the woe Id make them at the fame time keenly

altve to the vahie of reputation* They want to retain
their indulgencerTt M'iuiout quite forfriting their cre<l*
it; hut tlndin^ tlieit fame iuii declining, they anfulij
cling, by tiactery anil marked attentions to a few per*
fons of mote than ordinary chars £tcr ; and thus, till
they are driven to Jet go tl*eir hold, coiidnue to pT«|
a fcdiingj frame,

0;i the otlEer hand, there are not wanting women
of diftinction of very correct general condudl, nnd d
)10 ordinary lenfe a.n4 virtue, who, confiding w^ith «B
ikigjti imvA oti what they too conOtiently cill t/n im

STRICTURES ON FEMALE EDUCATION. 35

of their own hearts \ anxious to dcfcrve a good
m the one liand, by a life free froiii reproach, yet
y too defiroason the other of fccuriuga worldly
tliionabte reputation •, whil-? their general allo-
are p^rfo/is of honour, and thjir general refort
of lafety ; yet allow themfelvcs to be occafion-
efent at the midnight orgies of rjvtlry and gam-

houfes of no honorable cftim ition ; and thus
3 keep up charafters, which without their I'uf-
; handy would fmk to their jult hvei of contempt
prcbation. Wnile they are holding out this
to a drowning reputation, rather, it is 10 be fear-
:wing their own llrenj^th than rifFifting another's
cfs, they value themfcives, perhaps, on not par-

of the word parts of the amuf;:ments which may
Tying on ; but tht-y fandlion them by their prel-

they lend their countenance to corruptions they

abhor, and their example to the young and in-
enccd, who are looking about for Ibme fuch
m to jullify them in that to which they were be-
iclincd, but were too timid to have ventured up-
thout the protcdlion of fuch unfullied names,
thcfe refpettable charafters, without looking to
meral confequences of their indifcretion, are
itlefsly employed in breaking down, as it were,
road fence which fliould ever feparate two very
nt forts of fociety, and are becoming a kind of
iral link between vice and virtue.
:re is a grofs deception which even perfons of
tion praclife on themfelves. They loudly con-
vice and irregularity as an abftra<a principle ;
ley ftigmatize them in perfons of an oppofite
or in thofe from whom they themfelves have no
Qt of perfonal advantage or amufement, and in

therefore they have no particular intereft to
e evil. Bat the fame diforders are viewed with-
lorrence when pradifed bv thofe who in any way
er to their pleafuresi Refined entertainments,
3US decorations, feleft mufic, whatever furni flies
flight rare and exquiiite to the fenfes, thefe foft-
feveritv of criticifm ; thcfe palliate fins, thefe
I over the flaws of a broken character, and extort

iTKICTtniES OH FEMAU EDl7€ATt03f«

Mun pirdoa merely, but juHifTC^aont coumeusmcei i
tim.Ky ! Vhc more rcfpedtablc ^lll oot, pefhisps^j
adi ihe kngtK uf ?tndicnitng the difr^puublc vke^

n ilii&, thty will bury %n %cXr\

abl: tltlint|uciif» TakniJi of tvcry kind ttrtf conTwIfd
as a cwnnuttaiioa for a ftt-w %f\ccn \ and fuch uM
are madtf a p-ifli^an to introtiucc into hononvblf ioc'i
chira6\crs whurn tlicir profligacy ouglit to exd^
from It,

Uut the pre at objcfl to which TCt%wlio .ire or
bt mjtiKr*, arc more cfpcdally cal!cJ, is the ulociSJ
of your cihUdicn. if wc are Tcfponfibk kir the ufd
influence iti the cafe of thofe ov<;r whom wc have?
immcdive ct>inro}, in the c-ife of our children we
rcfponiibl*: for the exerdfe of acVnowkdgcd /^w^ipi
power wide til its extent, indefinite in its efFe£l&, l
meftim.ible in its import;uice* On yoij depend ifi
filKtll d*!crcc the principles C3f the whole Tiling ^vnt'
tion. *lo your diretlion the lUnghters arc ahnoH ci
clufively committed j and until a certain a^e, to tm
Mo isconfjgned the rnighry privilege of fornii
hearts ^nd trtinds t?f your infanr fansp To you i-
over the awfully important trufl of infullng the rillt ti
principles of piety inio the tender mind a of tho'" '^^""^ ^
may one day he called to inflru£t not ffimilicsi r.
butdi(lri6ls i to influence, not individuals, but h'r]:iLt^
Your private exertions mFiy ^t this moment be contri'
buting to the future happincfs, your domcftic neglcft,
to the future ruinj of yD\ir country. And mTiy fOU
never foTget, in this your early inftru£tion of yonr cffs*
pring, nor they, in their future application of it, that
religion is the only fare ground of morals \ that pii*
vate price tple is the only folid bafis of public virtue*
O think that they both may be fixed or forfeited fcr-
ever according to the life you are now making of ihtt
power which God has dek^^ited to you, and of which
he will demand i ftrift account. By his bh-fling oa
your piocs labours may both fon? and daughters (if^re*
after *^ ^n(z and call you bleiTed." And in the gte«t
day of general accQuut, may every chriitian mothg bc

ST&tCTUftLS OM FEMiLE EBVCATIOH.

17

Jbled thiough divine jijracc to fajr^ with humble con-
fi>oc, to her Maker and Redeemer, ** Behold ihc
Eliildren whcim thou haft given me !**
[^hriitunitjf, driven oa£ from the reft of the wot Id,
ItUI, blcilcd b« God ! % '^ ftxong hold*' in tlus coun*
Ai)d though it be tJic fpccial duty of th« appoint*
•* watchmapj miM that he feeth the fword come up-
the bnt!, to blow the trumpet and warn the pco-
^ which if he ncglcS to do, their blood Ibafl ha^
Required of the watchman's hand :"• yet in Uiia fii^j
d^aiTifoni ImpttinahU bus fy ntgltd^ you too Have ati..
ful poflf that of arming the minds of the riiing racc^
b ** Uic iKKld of faith, whereby they fh^all be able t<»-
ucoditbe fiery darts of the wicked -/* that of" gird-
ig them with that fword of the Spirit which is th©
ofd of God," Let that vexy penod which ta de-
rated in a ntighbotuing country, by aibrmat renun*
tion of religion, be folemnjy marked by vou to pur-
c$ diametric all y opp ofi te , Lttt that d i fii ono ur cd acrar^
which /Afj? avowed their refolutiou to exclude Chrif-,
nity from the national education, be the precife mrw
mt feized upon by tou for its more fedulous incul-
:ion- And while thdr children arc fyftematicsilly
Etuinedto "live without God in the world/' let yours,
\ii% ^ more decided emph^^&j be ccnfecraced to prQ*
Dtc his glory in it I

If you negle£t this your bounden duty, you will have
fc^ually contributed to cjcpel Chriftianity from her
1 citadel. And remember, that the dignity of the
irk to which yon are caUedi i& no kfa than that of
rcfcrving the ark of the Lord."

* EiekUii xuciJip G.

sTRtcrw^* osf* FEMALE tr>rcATm»-

CHAR IL

JT i& far from being titc obj^f* '*" ''*?« dight
offcr a Tegular plan of fc^malf jrj, a tifk wi^ob

ha* been odten more prwpctly unumcd by tar nbkr wii*
ters 5 buE it U itttcnckd rather lo fugged a few m-
nriffeson the reigning mode, which, diouLdi ithri»ba4
many pancgyri ft s> appears to be defeflive, not only Nk
certain particuhTS, but as a general fyftem^ There ^!^

; indeed numberkfs honourable eicepdont te an oblVr-

- vation which will be thought fe^ere i yet the
iii^ould aflc T;fhethcr it be not the nutiVval tendcj., . ■

'the prevailing ami popular mode to exdte and pio*
motethof^ very evils which it ought to be the main

i^'cmi and obje£l of Chf iftian iijfttu£lion to remitire ?
Whether the reigning fyitem (toes not tend to wealed
tJie principles it otigbt to ftrengthcn, and to diAbl^^
the heart it fhould fortify ? Whether inftea*! of dircA*'
ing the grand and important engine of educauon lo^

* tack and dcftroy <ijnnititifilfipnsft^ and in<9njytr9thn^ (bit

triple alliance in knfk and coiritant league »j;atoft fc*

L male virtue 9 the combiiierl powers of inftm^ion arc

t *ivotfeduloufl / confederated \t\ confirming their ftreti]

and eftabliftitng their empire ?

If indeed the maurmi fnbftatiee \ if the body.
limbs J with the orj^ana and fenfe, be really the im
valuable objedts of attention, then there is little n
for animadverfion and improvement \ but if the imi
terial and Immortal mind ; if the heart " out of whi
are the iiTues of life," be the main concern ; if
great bufinefs of education be ta implant right idcj
to comoiunicate iifeful knowledge, to form a corr^
tafte and a found judraient, to rcfift evil propenfitii
and above all to feize the favorable feafon for infu0i
principles and confirming habitf^ \ if education be

,/chaol to fit ui for lifci and life be a fcbogl to ki

\

STKICTUK1ES OH FEMALE EmiCATIOH. 5^.,

)r eternity i if fuch, I repeat it, be the chief work and
land ends of education^ it may then be worth inquir-
ig how far thefe ends are likely to be efieded by the
revailing fyilem.

Is it not a fundamental error to confider cluidreii
( innocent beings, whofe little weakneiles may per • -
ips want fome correction, vatlier than as beings whi>
ing into the world a corrupt nature and evil difpo-
:ions, which it iliould be the great «nd of education
I reel if y ? This appears to be fuch a foundation-
uth, that if I were alked what quality is moll impor-
nt iii>n in(iru£lor of youth, 1 Ihould not hefitate to
;ply,y&ri4 aftrong impreffion of tht corrupt ion of our nature 9
Jb^uld infurt a difp^fition to counteract it ; together ivith
\h^ deep *v:i*iv and thorough knoni'ledge of the human hearty
Jbeuld be ntce^iafy for de^veUpinj^ andcontroling its mcj} fi-
a emd complicated nuorkings , And let us remember that
\kn9njj thenxorld^ as it is called, that is, to know its lo-
ilmanners, temporary ufages, and evanefcent fafliioris,
\ not to kno'w human nature : and that where this prime-
nowlcdge is wanting, thofe natural evils which ought
be countera£ted will be foftercd.

Vanity,.for inftancc, is reckoned among thfe light and
cnial errors of youth ; ;nay, fo far from being treated
la dangerous enemy, it is often called-in as pnauxii-
ary. At worft, it is confidered as a harmlefs weak •
Ids, which fubtraSs little from the value of a charac •
T; as a natural eflervefcence, which will i'ubfidc ot ■
ifelf, when the fir ft ferment of the youthful palTioiia
hall have done working. . Ikit thofe pcrfons know lit-
leofthc conformation of the human and cfpeci;:ily
'f the female hearty who fancy that vanity is ever cx-
lauftcd by the mere operation of time and evemri.
-ct thofe who maintain this cpinion look into our
'laces of public rcfort, and there behold if the ghojl of
eparted beauty is not to its hft flitting, fond of haunt -
3g the fcencs of is paft plealures. The foul, unwilling
if I may borrow an allufion from the Platonic mythoi-
gy) to quit the fpot in which the body enjoyed its for •
wr delights, Hill continues to hover about the fame
ilace, though the fame plealures are no longer to be
^iiad. there. Difappointments indeed may divert van-

ity into a new tUreAion \ prinlcncc may prt'

from breaking oui into exccffes, and age ma]
that it 16 ** f cxation of fpirit i** but neither iliti
mcnt J priicJtncCi nor age can mn it ^ for they
ciUTC<Ji the prindplc* N.iy, the verjr diHiiipo:
itfclf fervcs as a paiiiful evidence oJt it» prorrai
iftence*

Since then there is a reafon when the youthli
ceafc to be yoangjand the beAytiful to ex cue adir
to learn how to grow oM gracefully la perhap
the rircll am) ifiotl valuable arts whii:h can be
to woman. And it mull be conkiTed it U a i
^crc trbl for thofc women to be called to U
li^^uEyj who have nothing elfe to take up*
this h>bcT ienfoii of life that education ihouli)
itv rich refovirces; However difreg^rdcd ch
hhhenohave be^n, ihcy wiji be wanted now-
'^^inircrs fall away, and fl,!ttercra become m
r V 1 ^\l\ be dnven to iclire iutft itfclf> atid if
.nnmciu at home, tt will he driven ba<
.p ■:. :[ic world irith incrcafcd force Yet fci
this, du %vc not feem to cdncatc our daughtcra,
l;rely, for the traiifient period of youthi when
matiirer life we ought to advert t Do wc not
them fcr a crowd, forgetting that they are t<
hom*^ f for the world, and not for themfelv
fhow^i 5ind not for ufe ? fur time, and not for ct

Vanity {and the hme. may be f:*id of felfill
ffiOt 10 be reOfted like any other vice, which i
P times bufy and fum ctimcs quiei j it is not to be
ed as a fingk fault|M'hich is indulged in oppolil
Ijngic virtue \ but it is miiformly to be coiitrolk
a£livd> a reftkfij, a growing priiiciple, at con ft i
with all the Chridian graces; which not onl
jtfclf with all our faults, but infintiiife^ itfclf
our virtues too ; and wiUj if not checked eiTs
Tob our beft anions of tlieir reward, V^inity,
life the analogy, h^ with refpe£t to the otht
what feeling is iu regard to the other fcnRs \ \
con fined m Ixn operation to the eye, or the eati
Cnglc organ, but is difftifed through tlie wholi

STRtCTUUKS ON Ff.MALE E^UCATIOH. 4X

in every part, awakened and commuriicatcd by
ightefl: touch.

3t a few of the evils of the prefent day arife from
w and perverted application of terms ; anioni^
y perhaps there is not one more abufed, rnifunder-
, or mifapplied, than the term accomplijhmemi,
word in its original meaning fignifies csmpUmte^s,
fio9. • B4it I may.fafely appeal to the obfervaiioii
inkindy whether they- do not meet with fwarms
Hthful females, ifTuing from our boarding fchools,
?li as emerging from the moK private fcenes oc
Aic education, who are introduced into the world,
: the broad and univerfal title of aecompUjhed youn^
» of alioi whom it cannot very truly and corrcdt-
pronounced, that they illuftrate tne definition,
completenefs which leaves nothing to be ad-
ind a perfeftion which leaves nothing, to be de-* -

is phrenzy of accomplifliments, unhappily is no
r reftricled within tne ufaal limits ot rank and
ne ; the middle orders have caught the- centagiouy
C rages downward with increafing and deftruc-
iolcnce, from the elegantly drefled, but flenderly
jned curate's daughter, to the equally faftiionable
Iter of the little tradcfman, and of the more
:nt, but not more judicious farmer. And is it not
us, that as far as this epidemical mania has fpread^
i-ery valuable part of fociety is declining in ufe-
fs, as itrifes in irs ill-founded pi^etenfions to ele-
! ? till this rapid revolution of the manners of
liddle clafs has fo far altered the charadler of the
LS to be in danger of rendering obfolete the here-

2 common faying, "that moft worth and virtue
to be found in the middle ftation.*' For I do

:ruple to ailert, that in general, as far as my little
iration has extended, this clafs of females, in what
s both to religious knowledge and to praftiqal in-
y, falls Uiort both of the very high and the very
Tiieir new courfe of education, and the indoleni ?

3 of life and elegance of drcfs eonnedted with it,
iarlv unfits them for the adiive duties of their'

I) ?..

11;$ as? FEMAlt:

own very imponant condition ; while, with fi

eigcrncfij and fcconU-h^ind op port uni ties j thc^

limL-li a few of Uiafc Jhowyae

tuAt: tht great. ThiA is dope

l4hc other of there views i either ui fiukc ik^u

Lbf mAmagCt or if th^t f:^!!, to quiHty thcni to

[ If jchcts mothers : hence the ■< i multir

ii)f tupcrGcial wivcsi aud of Wi . it atid ]

[ govcrncliVs. The ufe of tht pcneilp ihe pcrA

I of citqtitGtcbut untitcellltry w^tUs, tbc Rudy of

I 1a t^;uag crs Hn d o f ni u A c , re 4 utrc ( w it!i fum c c X i

[ whtdi ihould ^^Iwi^vs be mztic tii f*\vor of grea^

[ genius) A def^ree ot leifure which bcli>n|rs e&c

ioadtuenc€.* Oae ufe of learning bngu.iges

I that wc may know what the terms whid^i exin

>Sf tides of our drtft>and our table are trilled in

pr Italian j nor Uut wtr itiay tliink over a few i

phrafes in EngUfli, und then tTanflat<; themi

one fojeign idiom ^ for he who caimot /A#w* it

^uage cannot bc faid to underRia^rid It : boi t

Lule cracqmnng any foreign language h^ eitlict

enables us occ^fionally coconverfc wish foreigii

I aequainted with any oiher, or that It isakt^y x<

.crature of the couiitry to whith it beUnigs* N<

humbler fenule^, die chief p*;n ^i wh(jfe tin

tjuircd for domeftic clilcest are little likely to fa

^'way of foteigneis J andfo fxr ftcmi eni ■'>• ■ >

iiities for the acq ni fit ion of foftlgn I

lave feldom time to poficfs thcmfelvt-s of nxuch

valuable knowledge which the books of their o^

try fo abundantly furnifh ; and the acquUniou c

would be fo much moie ufeful and Jionountl

the paltry accefliotia they make, by hammering

meaning of a few p^ifiages in a tongue they bui

I'edlly underftandj and of which they are OCvef

make any afe*

It would be well If the re fie £1 ion how eagc
redundancy of accomplifliments is feizcd 01* by

*T!*)»<>fe amon^ the cLrk m qtJcflEonj, whoft own. good J
thfwt titiviW i\\<i(enu^tik''.n purfuk^j c anna betCeuilcd i

STRICTURES ON FrMAI.E LDLXA1 lOl;. 43"

, were to operate as in the cafe of other abfurcl
is ; the rich and the great being I'eldom brought to
ice any mode or cuftom, from the mere confid-
. that It is prepofterous, or that it is wrong ;
hey .are frightened into its immediate relinijuilh-
from the preffing confidcration that the vulgar
rinning to adopt it.

, to return to that more elevated, and, on account
r more extended influence only, that more im-
t clafs of females, to whofe ule this little work
: immediately dedicated. Some popular authors

fubje£k of female inftrutiion, had for a time
(bed a fantallic code of artificial manners. I'hey
ined elegance into infipidity, frittered down deK-
ito frivoloufnefs, and reduced manners into w/*-
"But to lifp, and to amble, and to nick-wime
8Creatures,"hasiiothingtodo with truegentlcnefs
id ; and to be filly makes no ncceflary part of
8. Another clafs of cotemporary authors turn-
the force of their talents to excite emQtions^ to in-
ntimintj and to reduce nil mental and moral ex-
:c into J^mfatby and J tiling, Thefe foftcr quali-
;re elevated at the expence of principle ; and

women were incelT^ntly hearing unqualified,
lity extolled as the perfection of their nature ;
fe who really poficfled this amiable quality^ in-
>f dirediing, and chaftifing, and reftraining it,
n danger of fettering it to their hurt, -and began
!ider themfelvesas deriving their excellence from
:efs 5 while thofe lefs interefting damfels, who
ncJ not to find any of this amiable fenGbility in
hearts^ but thought it credible to have it fome-
, fancied its feat was in the mrvis \ and here
. it was eafily found or feigned ; till a fidlc and.
vc difplay ot feeling became fo predominant as
ig in queftion the aclual cxiltence of that true
ncfs, without which, though a. woman may be
V, (he can never be amiable,
lion then, by one of her fudden and rapid turns,
:aneoufly ftruck out both real fenfibility and the
tion of it from tl\e (landing lift of female per-
is ; and, by a quick touch of her magic wand^

44

sraicTci^? OK fejcaLI iDrcATic

(hiftcd th« fccnc, mr.J at crncc proline cd the
independent bca«ty> the inucpid fcm.itc, thai
the btitirrcikt and the archer \ tbc i^ n

cdiifiilent addrcfji, the rL*g^imcntalt iind^..^ . ..i*
Such fd£-compbi;etU hertj'mei made us icadv^
their foftcr predcctfi'orHy whca had aiaitd oa(|
ijig the other fe^x, v»/Hilc thtrfc aipirmg fniroij
gicd hit tho hosier renown nl rt^mUiti^ tM
projcd^ failed J for, whereas the former hadl
.i4ttibraiioni ihe latter challctiged, fcized,cciitr
but tiic metij aw was naearal^ contLnaed to ]
more modelt ckimant to the liardy compait

It wciu'ld be well if wr, who have the sij'
cotitcmpbtbjg the errors of the two cxt:
Itiok for tiuth whcic llic ts commonly to
tiie pl*un and obvbya middle paih, equally re
^eli €xtch % and^ while we bear in mmil
kfliici^ is not tlelicacy, let u& alfo remeaibcr
Ottjinc tnaDn^ri do not neceilarjly iada<k H
thtra^cTj nor vigarof intellect* Should w
fle£t alfo, that we are neither to tr^in tip Am
CircaiuAo^, but that it ts our bufiiiefs to fo)
tlnm i ihat wc have to educate not only tail
accountable bei!i|fs ? ami remembering lhis||l
we not bt: folicitoiis to kt our daughtersi hzt
wcli*ta tight, and a:lacbte with the well-bred ?*
ijlg tht:fn,^ fhould we not catefuliv cultivate «
UnplaTit rtlrgion, and chetilh modefty ? Thfl
ever h engaging in tnsnners %^^Quld be the m
fult of whatever is jurt in fentiment, and ct
pTincifie; foftnefs would grow out of lutm
uxterniil dchcacy would fpring from putity
Then rhe decortimsj the proprieties, the efc
and even the grace*s ail far 35 they are fimj
aiuL ho ti e ft i would foil ow a s an alnio (line vit:
fequence ; for to follow in the train of Chri'
tiye.-i, and not to take the !cad of them| i» i\
place wliich religion alligns to the gtatef

Whether we have made the bell nfe of tha-
our predectfTors, and of our own numbertel
tagc£.j and whether the pie? ailbigfy item be ri

STRICTURES ON FEMALE IDUCATION. 45

It with found policy, true taftc, or Chriftian prin-
f it may be worth our while to inquire,
''ould not a ftrangcr be led to imagine by a view
e reigning mode of female education, that human
:onfi(ted of one univerfai holiday, and that the
d conteft between the feveral competitors was, who
Id be moft eminently qualified to excel, and carrv
lie priz«, in the various (liows and games whicn
: intended to be exhibited in it ? And to the ex-
ors themfclves, would he not be ready to apply
Francis Bacon's obfervation on the Olympian vie-
that they were fo excellent- in thefe unneceffary
js/that their perfcftion muft needs h^ve been ac-
zd by the negleft of whatever was neceflary ?
^hat would the polilhed Addifon, .who thought
one great end of u lady's learning to dance was
(he might know how to fit ftill gracefully 5 what
Id even the Pagan hiftorian * of the great Roman
pirator, who could commemorate it among the de-
i of his hero's acccmplifiedmi^ixtht "that (he wastoo
od a finger and diincer for a virtuous woman" —
t would thefe refined critics have faid, had they
I as we have done, to fee the art of dancing lifted
fuch importance, that it cannot with any degree
ifety be confided to one inftruflor ; but a whole
I ol fucceffive mafters are confidcred as abfolutely
ktial to its perfection ? What would thefe accurate
;es of female manners have faid, to fee a modeit
ig lady firft delivered into the hands of a military
:ant to inilruft her in ih^ feminine zn of marching }
when this delicate acquifition is attained, to fee
transferred to a profeflbr, who is to tc^.ch her the
:ch fteps ; whicn profeffor, having communicated
indifpenfable portion of this indifpenfable art,
es way for the profellbr of French dances •, and all
laps, in their turn, either yield to, or have the hon-
to co-operate with, a finifhing mailer ; each prob-
receiving a ftipend which would make the pious
,te or the learned chaplain rich and happy ?

• s*:iuii.

^O blKILlUKl.S UN I^jMALI-: ki>ucation,

not pardon merely, but juilification, coiimcnan«
tim.icy ! The more rcfpct^able vill not, perha]
all the lenc;thof vitidic.iiing the difrcputable vxc<
thry ;iiil<rl to diihelicve it^ exillirnce in the indi
inllincc ; nr, f:iihr.jiT in this, they will bury its acl
1'dj.rrd turpitiuie in tiie iVducing qualities of the
rbl-: tUlinquent. Talents^ ot" every kind are con!
as a commutation for a few vices ; and fuch
are mi'.de a pafiport to introduce into honorable J
charaiMtrs whoai their prolligacy ought to e:
from it.

But the great objccl to which you, who are o
be moth r:>, are more efpccially called, is the edu
of your children. If we arc refponfible for the
iTiflu'\^.(C in the cafe of tliofe over whom we h;
jmmcdi- c control, in the cafe of our children v
rciponilble for the exercife of acknowledged pon,
powv-T wide in its extent, indefinite in its effecl
iuciiimable in its importance. On you depend
fmall dt'gree the principles of the whole rihng g
tion. '1\> your direction the daughters are amK
clufively committed ; and until a certain a^e, l
alfo is configtied the mighty privilege of formii
hc.irts and minds of your infant fons. To you is
over tlie awfully important truft of infufing ih
principles of piety into the tender minds of thoi
may one day he called to inilruft not families nr
but didrids *, to influence, not individuals, but ft
Your private exertions may at this moment be c
buting to the future happincfs, your domeftic m
to the future ruin, of your country. And ma
never forget, in this your early inllruftion of you
pring, nor they, in tneir future application of i
religion is the only fure ground of morals ; thj
vatc prirxiple is the only folid bafis of public i
() think that they both may be fixed or forfeits
ever according to the ufe you are now making o
power which God has delegated to you, and of
he will demand a ftrid account. I>y his blt-flj
your piou? labours may both fons and daughter}
iftcr ** arif;: and call you bltiTcd." And in the
"•' of general account, may every chrilHan mot

STRICTURES OS FEMALE EDUCATION* 37

enabled through divine (^racc to fay, with humble con-
fidence, to her Maker and Redeemer, << Behold the
•• children whom thou haft given me !"

Chriftianity, driven out from the reft of the world,
has ftillj blelied b« God ! a «' ftrong hold'' in this coun-
try. And though it be tlie fpecial duty of the appoint-
ca ** watchman, now that he feeth the fword come up-
«* on the land, to blow the trumpet and warn the peo-
*< pie, which if he neglefi: to do, their blood (bali be
^ required of the watchman's hand :*'* yet in tliis fa-
cred garrifon, imprtgnahU hut by mgitSy YOU too have au
awfulpoft, that of arming the minds of the rifing race
vith '' the (hield of faith, wherebv they (hall be able to
« quench the fiery darts of the wicsed ;'* that of " gird-
* ing them with that fword of the Spirit which is the
•« word of God," Let that very period which is de-
fecrated in a neighbouring country, by a formal renun-
ciation of religion, be folemnly marked by you to pur-
pofes diametrically ojppofite. Let that diflionoured aera
m which M^ avowed their refolution to exclude Chrif-
tianity from the national education, be the precife mo-
naent feized upon by you for its more fedulous incul-
cation. And while tfuir children are fyftematically
trained to " live without God in the world," let yours,

with a more decided emphafis, be confecrated to pro-

iK)te his glory in it!

If you neglc£k this your bounden duty, you will have
. eSe£lually contributed to expel Chriftianity from her

lift citadel. And remember, that the dignity of the

work to which you are called, is no lefs than that of

*fireferving the ark of the Lord."

■ I I I IIP I ■ Ill I 1 1 ■■

* Exekiel, xxxiii. 6.

be oblcrT«d| ibat the moLkft j of Uiefl|

mnd the ch^fte demeanor of hirr virgiAli

which amiilft the ftcrii vittue^ of ihc ftat€ wi

n^dnlitc and pure ai tJichonoar of tlic Kom^i

Ml 1 Cicrifice to tKe Iti^mriutif dfiTtpatiofi bl

bf tbdr ATmu^ conquelU^ a/icr wliich tk

Were fooD taught a compktc diati^e of C

ThcT were LaCtruclcd lo sccanimodate tfietr \

plcaimg to the more vithud taftes of the 04

aqA bcfin to ftudf e¥erf grace and every I

mifi^c captivate tliceithsufTcii hcan^ and e

wtified and capricious inciitiations of th/e I

bf a rapid and at length complete eftcrrAliot^

man cHafa£ler loft its fignature, aiid througl

f«coeffiofi cif flaverjr, diemmacy, and vice, i

degeneracy of wltkh fame of the 0i^te|

ferve to turmih a too joft fpccimeiJH

I of the cilence of b^jiiaii diings tJtfR

'£t$ wliidi arc highly ufeful in tiKir fofi

%ni deet^^ become mi&hiciroa^ in iheir i

jpcfiods and under other cirQuinltaoce

'f barbarifmi tiic arts are among the bcfl

^Jjii they go on to be impro^-^ themfc]

imtiroVim;^ thofc ^A/ho cultivate them, tilL havii

ed acerta^ P*^*P^,^**f'^ rcry mu which vi€^

ST1LICTUB.BS ON FEMALB EDUCATION. 4f

ig new and pernicious modes of artificial gratifi-
n.

ay we not rank among the prefcnt corrupt confc-
iccs of this unbounded cultivation, the unchaftc
■r, the impure ftyle of drefs, and that indelicate
leglike exhibition of the female figure, which by its
illy difpofed folds, its feemingly wet and adhefive
ery, fo defines the form as to prevent covering it-
from becoming a veil ? This licentious mode, as
icute Montefquicu obferved on the dances of the
tan virgins, has taught us *^ to {trip chaftify itfelC
' modeily."

[ay the author be allowed to addrefs to our own
itry and our own circumftances, to both of which
feem peculiarly applicable, the fpirit of that beau-
apoftrophe of the mod poliflied poet of antiquity
le moft vidiorious nation ? *^ Let us leave the in-
ihitants of conquertii countrits the praife of carrying
the very highefl: degree of perfe£tion, fculpture
id .the ufter arts ^ but let this country dire^ her
vn exertions to the art of governing mankind in
]uity and peace, of {hewing mercy to the fubmif-
ve, and of abafing the proud among farrounding
ations." *

Let me not be fufpcded of bringing inco any fort of comnanfon
fentlenefs of Britifh Government with the rapacity of Roznait
qoeftt, or the tyrannical principles of Roman dominion. To fpoil,
itcher, and to commit every kind of violence, they call, fays one
Ittbieft of their hiftorians, by the lying name of government^ and
Btbey have fpread a general dcfolation, they call \t peace (c.)
'ilh lach diPjtoria!, or as we miglit now read, direQortai inquifi-
rW€ can have no point of contafl \ and if I have applied th«
i|e flattery of a delightful poet to the purpofeof Engliih happinefs,
■I only to fliew wherein true national grandeur confifts. and that
f country pays foo dear a price for thofe arts and embeliifljments of
>y whicn endanger the lofs o^its morals and manners.

) Tftcitds* Life of Agricola, fpeech of Galgactts to his fotdierrt

E

$nUCt1?WS OM rtMALV UBirCATlOir,

I

Let me nat however be mifunderrtoc^. The cuf-
loms which fafhton h*is cflabliihal, when they ar« not
in oppo^iiort to m'h;it b nght, when thcf arc n«i hof-
tik to virtue, ihoutd un^ucdionabl^ be puriued in the
education of latlies. Piety maiiitauis no natural war
with elejrancei and Chnfli^nity would be no gsiinct by
iti iking her difciples una mtable. Rdtgion doo not
forbid that the exterior be made to a certain degree the
obje^ of attcntion^^but the admiratton bcikowedj th*
fumi expended, and tfie time laviOjed on :3Tts, wWcb
add Ittik to tlie intrinsic value of life, which hn\
itations. While thefc arts Oiould be sdinired, Ic: ■ ^
not be admired above their mil value % while they ire
pr4£lired, kt it not be to the exduGon of higher em-

I>loymentft ^ while they are cuhivatedi let it be to amtift
cifurc, not to engrofs Hfe-

But it happens unfortunately, that to ©rdinarv ob-
fervers> the girl who is really receiving the worll tn«
ftru£iion often makes the beft figure ; while in the
more ^orreft but lefa often fible education, the deep
and furc foundations to which the edifice will owe ill
ftrength a ad (lability lie out of fight.. '^\vc outwiC^
accomplilhments have the dangerous advantage of aifc
d re fling themfelves more im media tcW to the fcfif(3»
and of courfe meet everywhere with tnofe who can in
fomc meafure appreciate as w^cll as admire them ; for
all can fee and near, but all cannot (crutintze and dti-
criminate* External acquirements too recommend
themfelvcs the more becaufe they are more rapidly^ S9
well as more vifibly progiefTive 5 while the mind is led
on to improvement by flow motions and imperceptible
degrees ; while the heart muft now be admoniOicd l>f
reproof, and now allured by kindnefs 5 its livelieft ad-
vances being fuddenly impeded by obflinacy, and ill
brlghtefl profpecVs often obfcured by pafTton % itW
flow in iti acqulficions of virtuCi and reluctant in |

STWCTUMS ON FEMALE EDUCATION. 5 1

approaches to piety ; and its progrefs, when any pro-
crefs is made, does not obtrude itielf to vulgar obferva-
tion. The unruly and turbulent propenOties of the
mind are not fo obedient to the forming hand as de-
fects of manner or awkwardnefs of gait. Often wheu
we fancy that a troublefome paflion is completely
CTuflied, we have the mortification to find that we have
•• fcotchM the fnake, not killed it." One evil temper
ftarts up before another is conquered. The fubdumg
hand cannot cut off tlie ever- fprou ting heads fo faft as
the prolific Hydra can re-produce them, nor fell the
ftubbom Antseus fo often as he can recruit his ilrength,
wd rife in vigorous and repeated oppofition.

Hired teachers are alfo under a difadvantagc refem-
Uing tenants at rack-rent *, it is their interefl to bring
in an immediate revenue of praife and profit, and, for
the fake of a prefent rich crop, thofe who are not
finely confcientious, do not carehow much the ground
is impoverifhed for future produce. But parents, who
are the lords of the foil, muit look to permanent value,
and to continued fruitfulnefs. The bed efFe£ls of a
careful education are often very renK>te ; they are to
be difcovered in future fcenes, and exhibited in as ftt
untried connexions. Every event of life will be put-
ting the heart intofrefli (ituations, and making new
derhands on its prudence, its firmnefs, its integnty, or
its forbearance. Thofe whofe bufinefs it is to form
and model it, cannot forefee thofe contingent fituations
ibecifically and diftindlly ; yet, as far as human wif-
dom will allow, they mull enable it to prepare for them
all by general principles, corred habits, and an unre-
mitted fenfe of^ dependence on the Great Difpofer of
PTents. As the foldier muil leain and pradlife all his
CToIutions, though he do not know on lervice his lea-
der may command him, by what particular foe he (hall
be moft afTailed, or what mode of attack the enemy
may employ ; fo muft the young Chriftian militant be
prepared by previous difcipline for a£tual duty.

But the contrary of all this is the cafe with external
acQuifitiens. The mafter, (it is his interefl,) will in-
duitrioufly inflrudl his young pupil to fct all her im-
provements in the imoII immediate and confpicuous

52 STRICTURES ON FIMALE rCUCATIOW.

point of view. To attraft admiration is the grca
ciple fediiloufly inculcated into her young heart;
cor.fidcrcii as the fundamental maxim ; and, p<
if wc were required to condenfe the reigning
tif the hrilliunt education of a lady into an apho
night be comprifed in this Ihort fentcnce. To allitr
jkine. This I'yllcm however is the fruitful gem
which a thoufand yet uni9om vanities, with a!
nultiplied ramifications, will fpring. A tender
cannot but feel an honeft triumph in conteni
thofc talents in her daughter which will necefla
4ite admiration \ but flie will alfo (hudder at tht
fhat admiration may excite, and at the new i
will awaken : and, ftartling as it may found,
hours of a wife mother, anxious for her dav
bed intcrcds, will feein to be ac variance wit
©f all her teachers. She will . indeed rejoice
f roi;rcfs, but Ihe will rejoice with trembling ; \
IS fully aware tliac it all poffible accomplif
could be bought at the price of a finglc virtue, o
gle principle, the purchafe would be infinite!'
and Ihe would rejeft the dazzling but deftrud
ijuifition. She knows that the fuperftru£ture of
complifhments can be alone fafely creSed on th
;ind IbHd bafis of Chriftian humility : nay more,
the materials of which that fuperftru£ture is to t
pofod, are iu themfelves of fo unftable anil tott
nature, the foundation muft be deepened and ei
witli more abundant care, otherwile the fabric
nveiloadcd with its own ornaments, and what i
t^:ndcd ouly to embellifli the building, will pro
v)ccalionof Its fall.

" To every thing there is a feafon, and a t:
<c i^y^^y purpofe under heaven," faid the wife
but he faid it before the invention of baby-i
■M\ invention which has formed a kind of aira,
mod inaufpicious one in the annals of poliflied
iion. This modern device is a fort of triple co
f V againft tbc innocence, the health, and happi
rlillJron. 'J'hus, by faftitious amufements, i
^^^•m o{ a n^lifli for the fimple joys, the unboug]
;Hf',. 'vli''W) naturally belong to ihtir bloomii

STRICTURES ON VIMILE SDUCATIOK. 53

:.**flfi)n, is like blotting, out fpring from the year. To

•••^'lacrifice the true and proper enjoyments of fprightly

( \«iBd happy children, is to make them pay a dear and

^liifproportionate price for their artificial pleafures.

^Chey ftep at once from the nurfery to the ball-room ;

mndy by a change of habits as new as it is prepofter-

^ • OUS} are thinking of drefTmg themfelves, at an age when

"diey ufed to be dreffing their dolls. Inftead of bound -

~ jng with the unreftrained freedom of little wood-

: jtymphs over hill and dale, their cheeks fluihed with

-health, and their hearts overflowing with happinp.fs,

^thefe g^ little creatures are (hut up all the morning,

^.^cmureiv prafbifing the/a/^«a;#, and tranfadling the

J*iieriou8 Dufinefs of acquiring a new ftep for the even-

^>Jag with more coft of time and pains than it would

^"filiave taken them to acquire twenty ideas.

♦ .^ Thus they lofe the amufements which properly be-

.' ffeoff to their fmiling period, and unnaturally anticipate

. ffAmt pleafures (fuch as they are) which would come in,

^•<«too much ofcourfe, on their introduflion into fafli-

ficoonable life* The true pleafures of childhood are

tCheap and natural ; for every objeft teems with delight

- to eyes and hearts new to the enjoyment of life ; nay,

S^^'the hearts of healthy children abound with a general

^t^difpofition to mirth and joytulnefs, even without a

b- 'fpecific obje£t to excite it •, like our firft parent, in the

' L world's firft fpring, when all was new, and frefli, and

gay about him,

• They live and move.

And feel that they are happier than they know.

:OnIy furnifli them with a few fimple and harmlefs ma-
terials, and a little, but not too much, leinire, and
they will manufafture their own pleafures with more
Ikill, and fuccefs, and fatisf action, than thev will re-
ceive from all that your money can purchafe. Their
bodily recreations fhould be fuch as will promote
their health, quicken their adivity, enliven their fpir-
itSf whet their ingenuity, and qualify them for their
mental work. But, if you begm thus early to create
wants, to invent gratificiitions, to multiply ciefires, to
waken dormant fenfibilities, to ftir up hidden fires,
you are ftudiouily laving up for your, children a ftore
E 2

J4 STRTCTUn^S ON FEMALE EDUCATION,

of premature caprice and irritabilit^j of impadenc
nn:i (lii content.

Wliik chilijhooil prefcrves its native fimplicity, en
ry ii::lc chiinp;«i ib intcrcfting, every gratiiication is
luxury. A riitc 6r <i walk, a garland of flovrersofb
uvn rorming, a plant of her own cultivating, will be
c^rll^htful .unufii'mcnt to a child in her natural ftaU
but th'^fc hnrmlefs and inttiei ling recreations villi
flull and tniii'kfs to a fophilticatcd little creature, niu
cd in fuch forced, and colli y, and vapid pleafun
Alas ! that we (liould throw away this nrfl: grand o
poTtunity of working into a practical habit the moi
Tif this important truth, that the chief fource of hum
%;ifcontt'nt is to be looked for, not in our realbst
oar lidiiious wants ; not in the demands of natv
l>ut i» the iiif^uiable cravings of artificial defire !

Wlien we lee the growing zeal to crowd the mi
flight bail with thefe pretty fairies, we ihould be aim
tempted to fai.cy it was a kind of pious emulati
among the moincrs to cure their infants of a fondn'
for vain and foolifli pleafures, by tiring them out
this premature familiarity with them. And we flioi
be fo defiroub to invent an excufe for a pradice fo i
excufiible, that we fliould be ready to nope that tl
were actuated by fomethingof the fame principle wbi
led the Spartans to introduce their fons to fcenes of
ot ihct tiiey might conceive an early dilguft at vie
f^r poliibly, that they imitated thofe Scythian moth
who nil ti to plunge their new born infants into I
flood, thinking rone to be worth faving who could i
lliw.d this early Itruggle for their hves : the grca
part, indeed as might have bten expeftedi. petifhe
but tlie parents took comfort, that if many were 1<
the few who eicaped would be the Itronger for havi
been thus expoiVd !

To behold Lilliputian coquettes, proje£ling orefl
ftudying colours, airoriing ribbands, mixing flowe
and choofmg feathers ; tlitir little heartii beating w
hopes about partners, and fears about rivals j to fee th
freih cLeelvb pale after the midnight fuppcr, their at
>"'r heads aii.l unbraced nerves, difqualifying the lit
i..r.«^uiJ behigs hoax the next day's talk % and. to h

STRICTURES ON FEMALE ft>UCATION. J'j

rave apology, " that it is owing to the wine, the
wd, the heated room of the lail night's ball ;" all
[ fay, would really be as ludicrous, if the aiif-
of tne thing did not take off from the merriment
as any of the ridiculous and prepofterous difpro-
)iT8 in the diverting travels of Captain Lemuel
vcr.

idcr a juft imprefSon of the evils which we are
ning from the principles and the praftices of mod^
ranee, we are apt to lofe fight of thcfe deejp and
Gf mifchiefs which fo long, lb regularly, and io fyf-
;ically we have been importing from the fame
Ty, though in another torm and under another
nment. In one rcfpeft, indeed, the firft werfe
lore formidable, becaufe we embraced the ruin
>ut fufpeding it ; while wc defeat the malignity
; latter, by detecting the turpitude and defending
Ives againft its contagion. This is not the place
Tcant on that levity of manners, that contempt of
abbath, that fatal familiarity with loofe principles,
hofc relaxed notions of conjugal fidelity, which
often been tranfplanted into this country by worn-
• fafhion, as a too common effedl of a long refi-
5 in a neighboring nation 5 but it is peculiarly
>le k) my lubjeci to advert to another domeftic
rief derived from the fame foreign extraftion : I
I, the rifks that have been run> and the facrificfs
h have been made in order to furnifli our young
\ with the means of acquiring the French language-
ic greateft poflible purity. Perfeftion in this ac-
)Iiuiment has been fo long eftabliflied as the fu-
^ object •, fo long canfidered as the predominant
lence to which all other excellencies muft bow
1, that it would be hop^elefs to attack a law which
3n has immutably decreed, and which has received
:amp of long prefcription. We muft, therefore,
mtented with exprefling a wifh that this indifpen-
perfedlion could have been: attained at the ex-
c of facrifices lefs important. It is with the great-
gret I animadvert on this and fome other prevail-
x-aftices, as they are errors into which tne wife
refpecldbie have^ tlirojgh want of confijdcrauo»)i

55 STRICTURES ON FEMALE fiOUCATXOM.

or rather throuch want of firmnefs to refift the tj
njr of failiion, ii»nic;times faiien. It has not been
fual when mothers of rank and reputation have
afked how ikey ventured to entruit their daughtc
foreigners, of whofe principles tliey knew nothing
ccpt that they were Roman Catholics, to .ani
**That they had taken care to "be fecure on that
*^ je£l ; for that it had been ftipulated that the
** tion of riligi9nJhouU ne'ver hi agitated Setwim tke t$
" and thi pupiiy This, it muft be confeflcd, is a
defperate remedy j it is like ftarving to death to s
being poifoned. And who can help trembling fo
event of that education, from which religion, as f
the governefs is concerned, is thus formally and
tematically excluded ! Surely it would not be c:
ing two much, to fugged at lead that an attentio
lets fcrupuloub fliould be exerted to infure the ch
ter of our children's indru&or, for piety and kn
edge, than is thought neceflary to afcertain tl^it
lias nothing patois in her dialeft.

I would rate a correft pronunciation, and an cle
phrafeology at their jud price, and I would not
them low -, but I would not offer up piety and pr
pies as viftims to founds and accents. And the m
is now made more cafy; for whatever difgrace it n
once have brought on an Englifh lady to have had i'
pedled from her accent that (he had the misfortune
to be born in a neighboring country ; fome recent ci
may fcrve to reconcile her to the fufpicion of ha
been bred in her own. A country, to which (witl
its fins, which are many !) tlie whole world is loc
up witli envy and admiration as the feat of true {
and of comparative happinefs ! A country in w
the exib, driven out by the crimes of his own, fin
home ! A country, to obtain the piotcftion of w
it was claim cnoujih to be unfortunate ; and no im
imcnt to have been the fubjedl of her dired foe
country, which, in rhis rcipect, humbly imitatinj
Father of conipailion, when it ofl'crcd mercy to a
pliant cjv^my, never conditioned for merit, nor inl
on the viriute. of tlie miferablc as a preliminary t
ovn bcvnity !

i...J.aiu 1 with all thy taults I iove thee ftill I

STRICTURES ON FEMALE EDUCATION. 57

CHAP. IV.

Cwmfari/oH ofthi M^dt of Female Education tn the lafi Age wifk
the Prt/ent.

O cffturn, however to the fubjeft of general edu-
cation. We admit that a young lady may excel in
feeaking French and Italian, may repeat a few paflages
from a volume of extracts •, play like a profeflbr, and
fing like a fyren ; have her drefling-room decorated
vith her own drawings, tables, (lands, flower-pots,
fcrAns, and cabinets ; nay, (he may dance like Sem-

ETonia * herfelf, and ye# we (hall infift that flie may
ave been very badly educated. I am far from mean-
ing to fet no value whatever on any or all of thcfe qual-
ifications 5 they arc all of them elegant, and many of
thcnni properly tend to the perfefting of a polite edu-
cation. Thefe things in their meafurc and degree may
be done, but there are others which (hould not be left
undone. Many things are becoming, but " one thing
18 needful.*' Befidcs, as the world feems to be fully
' apprized of the value of whatever tends to embelliih
life, there is lefs occafion here to infift en its impor-
tance.

But, though a well-bred young lady may lawfully
learn moil of the fafhionable arts 5 yet, let me a(k,
does it feena to be the true end of education to make
women of faftiion dancers, fingers, players, painters^ atiref
fisy /culpter J, gilder Sy n)armJherSi engravers, and embroiderers ?
Moft men are commonly deftined to fome profcflion,
and their minds are confecjucntly turned each to its
Tcfpeclive obje£l. Would it not be ftrange if they
were called out to exercile their profeflion, or to fet up
their trade, with only a little general knowledge of the
trades and profeflions of all other men, without any

f»revious definite application to their own peculiar cul-
ing ? The profeflion Of ladies, to which the bent ot
their inftruElion iliould be turned, is that of daughters,
wives, mothers, and miftrelTes of families. They
flfould be therefore trained with a view to thtfe feveriu

* ;bee Cauline's ConipiruQ>.

5* STUICTURES ON FEMALE EDUCATIOM.

conditions, and be furnillied with a ftock of ideas, an
principles, and qualificAtions, and habits, ready to be
applied and appropriated, asoccafion may demand^to
each of thefc rclpedive fituations. For though the
arts which merely embelhfh life muft claim aamin^
tion ; yet, when a man of fenfe comes to marryi it il
a companion whom he wants, and not an artift. Itil
]iot merely a creature who can paint, and playy and
fin^, and draw, and drefs, and dance \ it is a being whc
c.;n comfort and counfel him -, one who can reaibz
and reflect, and feel, and judge, and difcourfe, anc
<Hfcriminate ; one who can aflid him in his affairs
lighten his cares, foothe his forrows, purify his joys
Itrengthen his principles, and educate nis cnildren.

Almoft any ornamental acquirement is a gooc
thing, when it is not the beft thing a woman nas
and talents are admirable when not made to ftand pror
for virtues. The writer of thefe pages is intimate!]
acquainted with feveral ladies, who excellins moft d
their" fex in the art of mufic, but excelling tncm alii
in prudence and piety, find little leifure or temptation
amid the delights and duties of a large and loveli
family, for the exercife of this charming talent ; the]
regret that fo much of their own youth was wafled ii
acquiring an art which can be turned to fo little ac
count in married life, and are now confcientioufly re
ftridiing their daughters in the portion of time allottee
to its acquifition.

Far be it from me to difcourage the cultivation ol
any exiding talent 5 but may it not be queftioned oi
the fond believing mother, whether talents, like th<
fpirits of Owen Glendower, though conjured by pareit
tal partiality with ever fo loud a voice,

Yet will they costie when you uo call for them ?

That Injudicious praftice, therefore, cannot be toe
much difcouraged, of endeavouring to create talents
which do not exift in nature. That tkeir daughters fl^
learn every thing, is fo general a maternal maxim, thai
even unborn daughters, of whofe expefted abilitia
>r'^ conjectured faculties, it is prefumed, no very ao^
u e judgment can previoufly be formed, arc yel

STRICTURES ON FFMALF. EDUCATION. Jt)

pr:de(lined to this uiiiverfaiity of acjompllfhmcnt?.
This comprcheHfiV"* maxim, thus almoll uiiivcrfully
hought into pra£):ice, at once we-akens the general
powers of the mind, by drawinv; off its ftrongth into
too great a variety of directions ; and cuts up time
into too many feparate portions, by fplitting it into
fuch an endlcls multiplicity of employments. 1 know-
that I am treading on tender ground ; but I cannot
hdp thinking that the relllefs pains we take to cram up
CfCry little vacuity of Ufe, by crowding one new thing
upon another, rather creates a third for novelty than
knowledge *, and is but a well-difguifed contrivance to
anticipate the keeping us in after-life more effedually
from converfing with ourfelves. The care taken to
prcTcnt mnui is but a creditable plan for promoting
fclf-ignorance. We run from one occupation to
another, (I fpeak of thofe arts to which little intellcft
is applied,) with a view to lighten the preflure of time ;
above all wc fly to them to fave us from our own
thoughts 5 wc fly to them to refcue us from ourfelves ;
whereas were wc thrown a little more on our owa
handsj we might at laft be driven, by wav of fomc-
thing to do, to try to get acquainted witn our own
hearts. But it is only one part of the general incon-
fiftency of the human chara&er, that with the perfon
of all others we beft love, we lead like to converfe,
and to form an intimacy ; I mean ourfelves. But
though our being lefs abforbed by this bufy trifling,
which dignifies its inanity with the impofing name of
occupation, might render us fo me what more fenfible
of the tedium of life -, yet might not this very fenfa-
tion tend to quicken our purfuit of a better ? For an
awful thought here fu^gefts itfelf. If life be fo long
that we are driven to fet at work every engine to pals
away the tedioufnefs of time •, how fliall we do to get
rid of the tedioufnefs of eternity ? an eternity in which
not one of the acquifitions wnich life has been ex-
haufted in acquiring, will be of the lead ufe ? Let not
then the foul be darved by feeding it on fuch unfub-
ftamial aliment, for the mind can be no more nourifli-
cd by thefe empty hulks than tu'- body can be fed with
ideas and principle^.

»

i J.4U

STAlCTtntES OH F£MAL£ EIT^CATtOK*

Amofif the beaded impTovcments of the prefenfr
age, norm aiVarJ^ more frcqucfU matter of pen:
uTtatiarii thjtn the munifcit fupcrrority in the y
rnent^ of the young ladles of our time over iliyiLid
thcguod hoafcwivtft of the h^ century. It h muiof
of general triumph that they arc at prefcnt emplojdl
in learning the polhe unSf ur ui ;icquu]]i|^ Ubeni) Wh
compliihments ; while it is infilled that their k^Tlom
prtdeceflbra wore out ihcir joyki'^ days in :idoniif>f tk
man fion- ho ufe with hideous liitigiti^^ of iorrowfylta-
pettry and dlsfiguilngtent-ftitch* Moft cliceti ' '~
I allow to the reigning modr^thctr jult cbvm ^
eJ fupt-rjority, for cenainly ihtrc is no piety in UaJ
rafte. Still j granting all the dt-fotmity of the eipte-
ded OTn:inient^, one a.iiv;inta(^ atti^nded them t t&fi
walls aod i\-tQfA wete nnt vnm of thtir decuratio^li
and it i^ to be feared, that the liftle peikm ft'
ia* llic ii^ttery bellowed on the obfoletc
ments, for probably even //^/ hnd tJieir ilatier
niflird kfs aliment to fclfifhneft^ and left ^
to vanity j ^iid the occupation itfclf was '-
impair the delicacy and modcity of the iVx, nu^u vac
cxquifitc cuitivation of perfonal accomplish merirs 01
perfonal decorations j and every mode wisich b^epl
down vanity and keeps bjick /^if, has Qt \vnii a minal
ufe. For while we admire the rapid movement of tJifl
elegant fingers of ^ young lady bufied ir* wc?tking oi
painting her ball dreis, we cnnnet help fuiYcdUng tbai
her alacrity may be a little ftimulated by the antmatiftj
idea l^e^w 'very HM^iUjbe fiall hifk in it* Nor was the in^
dullriou^ matron of Ithaca more loothed at her foliiaq
loom with the fweet re fleet ion that by her labour ihi
was gratifying her filial and cotijugal feelinga, than tM
induftrious but plcafu re- loving damfel o? Britain d
gratified "by the anticipated admiration which her tngCi
iiuity is pfoeuring for her beauty.

Might not this nropenfity be a little cheeked| and ifl
intcreftitig feeling he combined with her induft? y, wdt
die fair artift habituated to exercife her (kill in adoni^
iiig fome one elfe rather than herfelf ? For it will ^
no lightiicfs to the lightcft head, nor vanity to tU
v;iiuell hearty to folace her labours m refleflrng ha%

gTHlCTURES ON FEMALE EDUCATION\ 6 1

lingly the gown (he is working will become her
IT. This luggeftion, trifliq^g as it may fcem, of
lating young hdies to exercHc their tafte, and de-
heir leifure, not to the decoration of their ow:i
IS, but to the fervice of thofe to whom they are
I by every tender tie of love and duty, wouUi not
lelp to reprefs vanity, but by thus aflbciating the
)f mduftry with that of filial tenderneis, would
>te, while it gratified fome of the bed affcftion.^
; heart. The Romans (and it is mortifying on the
1 of Chriftian education to be driven fo often to
to the fuperiority of Pagans) were fo well aware
: importance ot keeping up a fenfe of family
efs and attachment by the very fame mean*
I promoted fimple and domeftic employmen4»
lo citizen of note ever appeared in public in any
but what was fpun by his wife and daughter :
lis virtuous fafhion was not confined to the early
jf republican feverity, but even in all the pomp
ixury of imperial power, Auguftus preferved in
vn family this fimplicity of primitive manners.
: me be allowed to repeat, that I mean not with
fterous praife to defcant on the ignorance or rfie
iices of pail times, nor abfurdly to regret that
r fyftem of education which rounded the little

of female acquirements within the limits of the
er and the receipi-book. Yet if a prfffereftce al-
exclu five was then given to what was merely ufe-

prefcFcnce almoft equally exclufive alfo is now
ed to what is merely ornamental. And it muft
ned, that if the life of a young lady, formerly, too

refembled the life of a confedioner, it now too

rcfembles tliat of an aftrefs ; the morning is all
rfal, and the evening is all performance. And
who are trained in this regular routine, who are
£tcd in order to be exhibited, foon loam to feel a
f impatience in thofe focieties in which their kind
cnts are not likely to be brought into play y the
f an auditor becomes dull to her who has been
:o be a performer. Efteem and kindnefs become
old fubftitutes to one who has been fed ore.
its and pampered with acclamations : and the
V

6% £TaicTcrE&s oh iemale educitiosc*

1

cxccOivc commcndatioti wWch the vifuor 1% ex
peeled to pay for his cutcttaininent, not only k<i
alive the llitme of vamiy in the amft by cotiftanl '^
tut U not fcldom cxa£lt:d at a prVc€ which a v
ai all (Inikf would gi udgc. The mbfortuuc iS| w
Miiole circle arc obliged to be compctitorf who
iiaitcr moft, it Is not eafy to be ;it once very fift*

■ aind rcty dvlh And unfortundtdyi while the ^
become fa knowing a Titl fo fartidious, that ifayi
l^cly docii not play lilc a pnbiic pcrfomieT, no

^thinks her wottli attcRding to i ytrt if fhi- dors
cell htn^ tjf the fabereft of the ad

^itrong alloy to their pleafuie, on yl
vail expcncc of time xlm pc^itiXion mult probabr

^. been acauired* *

^ The Kudy of the fine arts> inciccd, is forced m
young pedbnij with or without genius, ^i^m-" -^

> vfu mid before, hairing fwallowed ttp that y

► to fuch cxcef^^ as to vex, fatigue, anddifgult kivua: vvh"j
,. have no tivknts, aitd to determine them, as foon as

they become free agents, to abandon atl fUch tt s

ing' acquirements. While by this inceflant com;

ftiil more pernicious e(l^£ts ate often pr i

[ ihofe who aQually jpofR^rs genius 4 for the u 1-

it ant reference in the mind to that public pcifoim tiiC

for wkich they are fedutouHv cultivating this x-^'io^h

exciter the fame puflions of envy, vanityj and camfc*

^ tition in the dilettanti performers, as might be fuppj-

m fed to llimulate profcuional candidates for fame mi

K profit at public games and thcBtrical exhibitions* U

^ this emulation, is this fpirit of rivalry, is this hunger

, after public praifs the temper which prudent parents

would wifli to excite and fofter? Bcfides, in cr^f event

the iflue is not favourable : if the young performers

are timid, they difgrace them fe Ives, anjj,dirtr4"fs

iriendsi if courageous, their boldhefs offends

:vct"it I
mers I

* That uccuritc jocsg^of the hiJin^^ h(.»ttj MaJirnc dc MilntftflflflSr
Wa^ fo wdt a*flrc of ttt^ d^ngpr iTlukting frofti i&me Icmd* rii r»rc>*
J«ftcc, tliAt nftcr the young !a<i>« of th* Ctiwrt oi L'iu . *~\ ' - H*!
(Jirttnjikifhcd tlicrriitlves by rliE perrormar.te cF foRiC dri! ■ w

Rflcinc v/kdn her fris ndi't ^W her how i^i^jrably they *•< ^

■ STRICTURES ON TEI^ALE EDUCATIOK- OjJ

Hlore than their bad performance. Shall th« v then bn

jtudioully hroughf: Into fitnatioins in which failure clif«l

crediUj and fucccfs difgufts ? '^

M^y f venture, without being ticcufed of pcd^ntrifl

Kconclude this chapter with another reference to PjM
aotaniDka ? The Hebrews, Egyptians, and GreckM
licved tfut they could more effe£tualiy teach ihcS*
youth maxituB of vittue, by calhnj; in the aid of mufic
afld poerry ; rhefe maximsj therefore, they put into
vcTfei4, and thefe verfes were fet to tlie moft popular
and RmpLe tune 9, which the children fang ; thus wafi
thctr lave of goodncfs excited by the very inftnimems
of their plea mre *j and the fcnfes, the tafte, and the
imagi nation 5 as it were, prefled into the fervtce of re-

Pi^n and morals. Dare 1 appeal to Chriftian parents,
ihefc arts are commonly mCcA by f^i/f^, as fubfidiary
fo rciij^ion and to a fyftem of morab much more wor-
thy of every ingcmous aid and aflbciationj which might
|emd to recommmcnd them to the youthful mind ? Dare
I appeal to Cbriftian parents, whether mti(ic, which
ti\h up no triSing portion of their daughters' time, does

IDt iill it without any moral endj or even without any
[ecific obje£i ?\ Nay, wlwfther fome of the favourite
fttgs of poli filed focieties are not amatory, are not
macrerintic, moic tl^an quite become the modeft lips
f innocent youth and dehcate beauty i
' ' ■
CHAR V.

0« r/tr r(Ugktt$ Brnphym^T^t of Tims. — On thi Manmt r

i

\

HERE'^re many wel!-difpofcd parenis, who, wlnte
y attend to thcfe fafh ion able acqiurements, do not
!gle£t to infufc religious knowledge into the niinda
their children ; and having done thisj arc but too
ipt to conclude that ihey have done all, and have fully
acquitted themfelves of the impoitant duties of educa-
tion. For having, as they think, fufhcicntly grounded
"leit daughters in religion, they do not fcrupk to al-

^^WW^ BT

~ wm

-Olf rEMM£ £]>ij

pa]

krv thpm to fpcnt^ -V^ -^ *^-» -'^m>]c of their j
stilly like ih« il >kHy people.

thou|;li it be oncgiL\it|:r j-jiu pnit-ii, 10 have indu
youitg mind I wUli the bed knowledge, the wc
tlietcijJTc by fluy nifam accympliflicJ. •* Whaf
It" iiivr^^tKan otht:ni i'* h 4 qutllioii which. In a
iid^d Icufcj religious part^i^ts muft be pteA
rcr* . ~

Sach part-ms ihoiild go on to *<"
Jijioui ui'c of imict the duty of c
I -ev^-ry t;ilcnij every f^iculty^ cvcti potlciiiou,
voting Uwrir whulc livcs^ to hlb gf^fy* Pcoj-
[iliould h€ marc pccuIUrly on tUcW guar
[ ZpirU of idl^ncff, ^ntl a tiuftnly hi*hhual
t time, bwciiuf^ ihiii praflJcc, by not affun^in
^hapt of giiilt, carries JitUe ;iUrm to iL-e
^ iven rchgitiis charaiicrs arc lo da»|g?r oji
pot allowing* thcmCclv(?B to follow the
cflc-i a ad divcrfiousj they hwvc con fcij,
r:time upon tliek h;uuk j and in fiend of de
I tiitiis fa Trftuid to its true purpoffr^, ifiey
make as it wtrie compcnfation to thcinrclve& for
llubnintiKc from diingcrous placca of public refoj
.■An hubkual frivolouftiefK at hom^j hj a fupe*r;il
'Vnce of unprofitable fm;in-tdk, idle reading, and ;
ct and dull fritEtring away mi time* Tiieir Jay
haps has bten mor<2 free from a£tual evil j hut i
©ficn be difconTed to have bceti rs unprodu£li
tliat of more worldly chara£lers ; and they wi
found to havt Traded to as little purpofe with their
tcr's tjileni^* But a Chridiati muit tske care to kc*<
confcience pcculbrly alive to the unapparent^ th
formitlable perils of tin profit able nefs*

To thefe* and to all, the author would carneftl)
^mtnend to accuflom their children to ptfa at
from ferioos bufinefs to active and animated re
tion 5 they fiiould cdvofuWf p refer ve them from
lofig a.nd torpkl intervals between both, ibat btt
indolence and Ipiritlcfs trifling , that merely gettin
of the day without flamping on It aiiy t.hf*raCl<
a£livc goodncfs or of iiiteJlei^ual pnjfiti ti^.K i
drowfinels which wears out fuch large portions

on

smiCTtmEs OH female education. 6c'

th young and old. It has, indeed, pafled into zw
ifm^ that adlivity is necCiT^rv to virtuci even
Z thofe who are not apprized tnat it is alfo xndif-
ble to happinefs. So far are many parents from,
fenfible ot this truth> that vacations from fchool
3t merely allowed, but appointed to pafs away in
fome fauntering and indeternunatc idlenefs> and
3 done by- erring. tenderncfs bv way of convertinjr
olidays into pleafure ! Nay, tne idlenefs is fpecin-
inadie over to the child's mind, as the ftrongefl:
:flion of the fondnefs^ of the parent I A diflike to
ing is thus fyftematically excited by prepofteroufly
ing indolence into a reward for application !
the promife of doing nothing is held out as the
geft temptation,, as well asthe beft recompence,
aving done well !

lefc and fuch like errors of conduAarife from the
t] but very operative, principle of felfifhnefs.
principle is obvioufly promoted by many habits
pra^ices fe^mingly of little importance ; and in-^
felfifhnefs is fo commonly interwoven with van-
[id inconfideration, that I have not always thought.
:effaryto mark the diftin£Hon. They are alter-
y caufe and efFe£l ; and are produced andre-pro'
1 by reciprocal operation* They are a joint con-
acy who are mutually promotmg each other's
jth and intereft ; they are united by almoft in-
able ties, and the indulgence of either is the grat-
ionof all. Ill-judging tendernefs is in fa£k only-
icealed felf^Iove, which cannot bear to be witnef^
z uneafinefs which a prefent difappointment, or
ulty or vexation, would caufe to a darling, child 5.
vhich yet does not fcruple by improper gratifica-
io ftorc up for it future miferies, which the child
nfallibly fufFer, though it may be at a diftant pe-
which the felfifh mother does not difturb herlelf
iticipating, becaufe fhe thinks (he may be feved the
of beholding.

tiothcT principle, fomethinc different from this,
'h it may properly fall under the head of felfifli*-
feeras to a£t»3ate fome parents in their condu<ftw

66

$TRlCim&S OK FBHAU rDVCATlOll

1

Wiinb their children v I mcaw, a ccrlaiii flDdtftiiiic&

of mind, A love of cafe, which impofes a voluttUfi
,ilicclncfflj and makes ihcm uot choolc to fee wbat i
them trouble lo combui. Fioni the p€^i
ion wc frequsatly hear fuch cs^preJHoiis (til
"Idtcu Mill be duldrcn*'*— ** Mf cliildrcn^ I
ic, ;irc niuch likt: tltofc of oilier peaple,"
i^Iiuii w^ uniy ohfetve tlib dangcroui and dclulire
■principle ffciiueiitly titnniig oiTwitli u fmik from i
litft indicjuian* of thoft* tcmpetf, which from ikdfi
vA tetidcacy ousht v;ry f^rioufly to he ukcn up*
w ould be uiidcrfiood now as i peaking to confcieiitiij
paretics, ^ho confjdcr it as a genet a1 duty to cor
the faulH cf their children, but who from iJu* Iik!^
fence of mindj arc extremely backward in drjl^^frwi
fuch fauUa, and ;\rc nqt vety weU plcafed \i hen
arc ptJiiJtcd out by others* Such parent » will do
to itikc notice, that whatever they conGdcr k ;ii 41
10 rermlf muft be equidly a duty to eaideavou^^P
•£^/. And this indole at love of cafe is the m^t
'guarded a^:itTiil, as it not only leads parents info
roticoua condud towards fhcir chiklrea, but is
liar!? dangrrous to thcmfdvca. It is a Huh ficqucj
ly cheriDiL'd from ignorance of its real charatlci 1
liot bearing on it tlic ftrdng features of defori]
which mark many other rices* but on the conti;
hearing fome rcfemhlance to virtue, it Is frecju
niiilaken for the ChnftSan graces of patience^ tncckr
anil forbearance, than which nothing can ba more
poftle \ tliefe proceeding from the Cbriflian prinujj
of ^f demal, theothcr from felf-indalgence-

In thi^ conne£tion may I be permitted w remark dtl'
tlie pradlice at ih« tables of many famflks when ^
children are at home for the holiday & ? Evejy delici
h forced upon them, with the tempting reuiark:, "tl
** they cannot have this or tliat dainty at fchool/'
are inJdged in irregular hours for the fame motil
-*^ecauft: they cannot have that indulg^ntre at fchc
Thus the natural feede of idlencfsj fenfualtty, :
uolh, are at once chenfli«d| by converting the j3i:fiod
al iritit at home into a feiitbn of intern penmce, '
houi% .iiid cxem|3Uon fioni kainiiig* So that < " " '

»

[ sn^lCTUEES ON FI!?,riLE ri^rcATiON. ij

ttiated, at ati age when l^iftinff BiiTociiitionibJ
ictl In the mind, to connei\ tlic ide^ of ftudv^ J
lat af hatddiip, of happincfs with f^luuonvi afi4<J
fu re w i th 1 ol te r i 31 g , f ta (tin gr, or f k ?|)i n g , W o u UK
better^ wouH it not be kiodcrj to make theii^]
ht€ the ddightfu! idea of homr^ with the ^stifi- ^
of the foctii] afFe£lionsj ihc fondnef;* of mateT-.]
•j the kiadncfs, and warmth* and confidence of
et dome flic iittachfnemsj

And al] V t chart fit!
Of ijithcr, fon, ind bruihcr ?

I veoture to f^y, that thofc lirikls and vacantil
hen the thoughts have no precifc o!yc£l ; whcr
^ in all on hus nofhing t« fhape ; wht-n int!y lUj

eftmtlve purfmt i when the mind and tiie bo»i
& no cxercife, and the ingenuity has no acquiM
ithcr to anticipate or to enjoyj arc the longcft^
ieftj and the ieaft happy ^ which chi^drin of
td genii 3 ever pafs, i*^s \ it is a few (hOrt
b and hvely inrervah of animnCed pleafute,
led from between the futceflive labours and du-
f a wen-order#d, bufy day, looked forward to
hope, enjoyed withtaflej and reeolic^ted without
rfe, which, both to men and to children, yield ihe*^
ponioas of enjoyment. O fnatch your offspringi^l
adding to the number of thofc 4>bje£ts of fu-
^ com m iteration, who feek their happmef^ in do*
Dthing ! The animal m;iy be gT^itified by it, but
lan is degraded. Life Is but a fhort day j but it
vorking day. Activity m^iy lead to evil j but in*
ity €&nrisi be led co gooa,

mng ladies fhoufd alfo be accuflomed* to fet apart
d pot lion of tht;ir time, as facrcd to the pooij *

Bltfd be a QoBte empit^ym^nt, and wet becomJJ^ x\it tendRrnrrs.
p'fet, if lidks wot lu copfider the fuftrntrn flint* t>f the pcur
■IT iiT]m:<iiatc office. They are pecii brlv fitied ft?r it i for
heir Q.v« hibr^A uf life x\^lj art tdq^s ir>i:Lm'.tf!y ^iccjuiiir^ced
JOieftl" wants t'aT the oihfr fJPK j and in cerUin. fnftjirjcea- g^f
I mi JuiffriDg p^^liai to tbcnllcLvQS, [hey ikould b? e]Cpc£lfd<
; mf/Te (ymjsjithy ; i^nd thcykaii? ^^^►tpvfly marcklfuse, Tbcre
Ftam rp*ligi'.iu6 fociet^i <](ftiogiiiih'5d by fifnjilLcity of drcfir, tnari-
iid Un^uage, wht^fiii poor aft pfihap^ trctUr ulcen C4fe oftlmn^
her ; and &n« re^r-^n may bt^ thit cbry bic lffiflQtdiit«i^ UJ)4U{
^£t^?fi af Lhe Wi^mLft,

6$ mtcrvm^ oh nn/LiM ^o^jtJkTtim.

whether in relieving, Indrtidtiig or \i*orkiiig for d
'iind the pcrformtiiiceof thl^ dttty mnft not be M
the event of contingent circumlCances, or the aj
tiod of accidental imptciTions ; but it roufl he a
IMhed into a prliiciptei and wrought into ;& hibm
rpecilic portion of tho d^j mufl \>e at lotted to i
which no conimort engagement mull be allowi
incTfDcb. Tliofc pcxiotft of timc> which are ooll
irc feldom turned to tJini proper ufc j srul noi
fhort of a rifgular plan (wliiclutiull however, be Tf
time.'* made to give way^ to cireumftanccs^ infarci
totifcicTitiotis difcharg^ of any duty. This will*
lo furmfh a powerful remedy for that (rel6£hne& ^
ftron(^ holdi (the truth cannot be too often Kpei
u is tiie grand bunnefs of ChriRian education pel
ually to attack. If we were but aware how math I
ter it ijiakes ourfelves to wifli t« fee others bciterj
to affift in nnaking them fO| we fhoiild find thil
good done wot] Id lie of a« much tmportance by i
habit of doing good, which it woold induce illj
own minds, a* by its beneficial effeCls on the objra
©ur fcindnefs- "* '

In what relates to pecuniary boonty, it will '
quiTLng of young pcrfons a very fmall facr'"
teach them merely to give that money

which property belongs not to the child b^. ,_ ,

rent ; tnis fort of charity comnnonly fubtra£ti ^
from their own pkafures, efpec tally when what i
have beftowed is immediately made up to them ii
reward for their little fit of generofity* They willi
this plan, foon lenrn to give, not only for pratfe 1
for profit- I'hc facrifice of an orange to a little ^
or a feather to a great one, given at the expenc<
their own gratification, would be a better leffoi^
charity on its right ground, thin a confiderable filtl^
money to be prefemly replaced by the parent*

* In ;»ddUiort [o the lr5ftriCJ«^on cjf ihc mdhSduat pnop^
fujitniiteiidsince of charity fcho^lii lii^tlea might ht. highly iikHTal i
fiftmg'the uarochiaJ clergy \n the adopLion o( \hM cxc^lJpivt ^ij
the inflrui5tjoji of the inngrant ftiggmfijd by the Flrtnp afUium
hii Uft jdmrrible churae to hk clergy . It h wUh pipiftire ;he d
h en lb led to a^d thcLt ihe fchcme h^^ a^yaiij beea ^dafit4 'vtltM^

ity, it will hi
I facrifice, rf |
^ney to the I
lild but to ihe^

STRICTURES ON FEMALE EDUCATION. 69

. be habituating them early to combine two ideas
. ought never to be feparated, charity and fcll"-

an antidote to ftliiflmtfs, as well as to pride and
:nce, they fhould alfo very early be taught to
•ni all the little olBces in their power for them-
; they {hould be accultomed not to be infolently
Gng their fuppofcd prerogative of rank and
h, by calling for fervants where there is no real
on ; above all, they (hould be accufhimcd to
.er the domeftics' hours of meals and rcfl as al-
facred, and the golden rule fhould be pradically
miformly enforced, even on fo trifling an occa-
5 ringing a bell through mere wantonnefs, or felf-
or pride.
check the growth of incondderatenefs, young
(hould early be taucht to difcharge their little
with pundluality. fhev fliould be made fenfi-
f the cruelty of obliging trades-people to call
for the money due to them •, and of hindering
etaining thofe whofe tirwe is the fource of their
tence, under pretence of fome frivolous engage*
, which ought to be made to bend to the comfort
dvantage of others. They fliould confcientioufly
fufficient time for the execution of their orders j
nth a Chriftian circumi'perliion, be careful not to
work-people, by needlefs hurry, into loHng their
or breaking the Sabbath. I have known a lady^
her gown to a maitua-maker on the Sviturday
, to whom fhe would not for the world fay in ft>
words, ^* You muft work tlirough the whole of
iday," while fhe was virtually compelling her to
•, by an iiijunclion to bring the gown home fin-
on the Ivlonday morning, on pain of her dif-
ire. To thcfi hardfiiips numbers are continually*
1 by good-natured but inconfiderate employers,
efe petty e:w6lions of inconfideration furnifh alia
ftant aliment to felfifhnefs, let not a defire to
erafl them be confidercd as leading to too minute
s ; nothing is too frivolous for aiiimadverfion,
\ tends to tix a b:id habit in the fuperior. or ta
cl the feelings of the depcndaiii;.

rnciv cu iiwiT 9Ciiiiviiir'i!ii tiictr

NfpeufAlbti of God| whidi esiciics

luuimure* wouI4i wer« it thuit pra^tctUv

t ' i ibiifli tJic pIoTY t^- ' " ^«*IM

1 ^cd w i til i n j III t i c T . I m^

tjsly iuu^kcfl in manjf of the luv^c-i
gafcrnmciufit atnl the fiippofed ail
dirpTopartion of rank a ail riches*

Vhh dfncnfauan, thuA properly impro*
t 0Jic€C»ll into cxcrcifc iiic gcncrofity, ki
b^rhcsinincc of the fupiirior ^ and ihc piittoit
tioo, and pratitudc oi the inferior : and Uw
were %'indicatjn|f the ^«^/ of Providetice» w
ftccomplifliiug hi^pUtif by briugtitginto atlic
luf 3 of both da0cSi which would h;ive iitid
cifc Kad rhctc been no inequality in ftati<
tunc. Thofc more txiihr^' ■ ■ ns who
©uily coil tendinis fox the pi^ >f rank

fliouU iit'vcf Ipfe fight of tJ LIS duti»

fiderj;»te virtues wh ch the p of rjul

impofes on thrtrifelvcsj dut* irtuea m

€vcr be infepnr:ibk from th. ^ L^ges*
fcrlor ditnc& have little vcn] rigin to compbi
this rtfpedl, kt the great be watt hf til to gi
little axnk to complaia of m^f*»ift. In Of

^r^:fitllv uain up tlici^

^i,;LU^P

iTHICTlfUSi ON ffEMiLI.E EDUCATION.

7?

nuot apply* By fuch mean a cvcjy JcOTon of
Fnuybe converted into » hftini of piety { and a
of cotnlefcendin^ bve rntght win over fome^
t afpirit of invG^^ive vfijuici otily iuflamc*
nong the inftsQces of uegHgcnec into which cvca
ay fly difpofed parents 21 nd teachers ;ir€ ;tpt to fal)|
9, that tney are nai futiicientjy attetitive hi Hnd*
pteretling employment for the Sunday. They do
m^c fertiplc of fometime^ alb wing theJr chil-
fto fiU up the inurviLU of pybUc worfhip with
r Mdioi^ry enrployments and common fchool cier-
^> Thty arc not aware that they arc iraininj; their
ivj to an early and a fyftcmatic profanaibn of
y this c u Horn ; tor to chi Idre 11 j t he i r I a J)cE
ii ^v ;;nera ; to them a French or Latin eicriife
Ift^Tious an occupation as the exeicife of a trade
IBfeffiou U to a man 5 and if they are allowed to
; the ojifi light »flw, they will not be brought berc-
itothmk tKiit the other is wrong j for tne opin*
iaa<l praclices fi^ced at ilm important feafon are
feailly altered j and an early habit becomes rooted
^au i«vr terete prejudice* By this overfigbt even
riends of religion may be coiitributing eventnany
hat abolition of the I^ord*» day, fo dcTOtedl f with*
, and fo indefati^ribly laboured after by its eneories,
the defued prehminaTy to the deflrudtion of whal-
er is moft dear to Cnrift'ans. What obllru£iioti
Kd It offer to the general progrefi of youth, if all
Sunday excrcifes (which, with reading, comppf-
:rinfcribing and getting by heart, might be extend*-
to an entertaining variety) were adapted to the pe**
|br nacnre of the day ^

Ifhofe wbofe own fpirits and vigour of mind arc ex*
rofled by tlie amuftments of the worlds and whg
crefcre grow faint and languid under the continu-
tec of fctiotis occupation J are not aware how rJlfler-
It the cafe is with lively young people^ whofe fpring

'a£lionhag not been broken by habitual indulgence*

are not aware that a firm and well difciplined

[le£t wants, comparatively, httk amuferticnt. Th<i

t change from one book to another, is a relief al-

amounting to plcafurc* But then the vaiiatioii

^

STltfCTtniS OH FEMALE BDttC

1

d^.- --. - — ., — - -

tjyii book. U e^fcbc li
(if rhe mental p(7Wrii> i^'.

fc that to novctri
iciil i fhati
' more ti] lid

xi not b^ rtqutin

thnniph kugih of apnliti^ittcn, tbore in Icf^
dilpotmoti tu exert mem j fucli ;« well in
tm£bpn| will pnKtttcc on the mtittl ni^arljr ij

It U not mr t?n them futh ri^ro

df ^ fli^ill conv4;K [iic ^i^y th^f fjhould be UVi
love 11 1 10 ;4 day of tiurdctii ^nd hardOiip^ ; or to j
thcni of inch Innocent enjoyments 35 are com
with a fcafoa of htHy reft- It is iiitcji/ctl rue]
ft]|(^(t that there fhimld be a marked dffliti^l
I he n attire of thtir employ mem a ztid lltidi<!*i
ttic obf<^rv;vnceorn€;;left of this, a* w;is bth
iVrved» their fumrc nottoajt and pnncipt"^ ^^'

food degree b« formed. The Gt^ipcl, js.
^oni'a day from the rifaro^i.^ br^nd^g^ oi uic ^
iSabhathi never Icfllned the obtig^^rion to keep r
fiOT mczni to fanif^Lton jiny kcul.tr occtip^i
Chrilliiinity in li^^hteiunj^ its uuflentiea h»\a not dt
the end of its inftitutiou % in purifjing ity fpiriT,
not ADoUtlied its object-

Though the author, chiefljr writing with a r\
ilonicrticinftruvLbUi has putpofely avoided enter
the dirputeilquellion, wheibrr u fchool or a hoi
uca'ion be belt i a qucllion which ptrhaps niuft
ally be deciaed by the ttatc of the intiividual
and the ftatc of the individun! fcliool ; yet ili
leave to fuggeft one remark, which petiiU;irIy h
to a fchooi education j namely, the general h|
converting the Sunday into a vlfituie diy by ^
gaining time i as if the appropriate Inftruttions <
Lord's day were th« chcapeil; f;icrifice which C01
made to pleafure. Even in thofe fchool«, in
religion is confidered as an indifpenf^ble puft i
ftruciion^ thb kind of inftrutfeion is aVmoft exdi
limited to Sund*»ys : how then are |;iiis ever Ic

* The ^rongcll proi^f ot thh nlifaLv<i;on h th^f^ih/*^ ^f
CluLlbui^ «rliu hti ifatJt iu^^if^ioas ioiat;^iivdy f^oji tliQ j|

STMCTURIM ON FEMALE EDUCATIOX. 73

progrefs in this mod important article^ if they arr
ruated to lofe the religious advantages of the fchool,
lie fake of having more dainties for dinner abroad ?
remark cannot be fuppofed to apply to the vilits
h children make to religious parents ; and indeed
Iv applies to thofe cafes where the fchool is a con-
tious fchool, and the vifit a trifling vifit.
mong other fubjedls which engrofs a good fharc
orldly converXation, one of the mod at trading is
ty* Many ladies have often a random way of
ig rapturouijy on the general importance and the
nating power of beauty, who are yet prudent
igh to be very unwilling to let their own daughters
out they are handfome. Perhaps the contrary
fc might be fafer. If the little liftener were not
:antly hearing that beauty is the bed gift, (he
Id not be fo vain from fancying herfelf to be the
gifted. Be lefs folicitous, therefore, to conceal
. her a fecret, which, with all your watchfulnefs,
vill be fure to find out, without your telling ; but
jr feck to lower the general value of beauty in her
lation. Ufe your daughter in all things to a dif-
it ftandard from that of the world. It is not by
ir people and fervants onlv that fhe wiil be told of
aemg pretty. She will te hearing it not only

gay ladies, but from grave men 5 (he will be
Ing It from the whole world around her. The
:ote to the prefent danger is not now to be fearch-
or ; it m-uft be clearly operating ; it muft have
provided for in the foundation laid in the general
riple (he has been imbibing before tlris particular
station of beauty came in queftion. And this
ral principle is an habitual indifierence to flattery.
mull have learnt not to be intoxicated by the praifc
.c world. She muft have learnt to eftimate things
leir intrinfic worth, rather than by the world's ef-
tion. Speak to her with particular kindnefs and
Tiendation of plain but amiable girls ; mention
compaflion fuch as are handfome but ill-educa-

fpeak cafiially of fome who were once thought
y, but have ceafed to be good i make ufe of the
G

^::^ «r ±^ time ei

^tf COf

IrjtiSl

r WtTCnmif OK IFEMAte cnTOATrw.

H foong and 014*

It har, tn<keil, p^ffni
that :idivief b itcceHlnj (d
g^thofe who arc nat apprUeil tliat !r
■c to happin^ff . 8d far are m iny pn rents from.
^cfiGble ar this truths that v^catioas fnmi fcbool'
,oc merely allowed^ but ap{>amtr4 topift away iti
*^me fauntertDg and indc terminal iillen£&j and
i done by erring tender ocfs by way of coturrnmsf *"
lidsys into plea fti re ? Nay^ the idfefiefA Ib fjifCi^^
ade ever to the child 'n mtad, ;ti the ftr^f^gfll.'
lion of the fondiiefs of ttie parent ! A dhlilte m
^g h thm fytlem:iticiil!y excifcd by prcpoftffonilly
l)g it) do fence into a reward for vpplicailof} f
promife of doing notkin;^ \§ held out ii th^
tfl temptation, aa wc^U as the brft recoifi pence,
lying done well !

feefe and fuch like errors of conduct if ifr from »ht
but very op^rattve, priifiriple of felftfhticGf*
jkrhieiple 13 obvlouily promoted by many
radices fecmingly of ticttc importance } and I
fclfiihiiefs IS fo commonl V inief wof en with fii
tffd mconfideration, that I nave notatwiiyi \
fceffary to marlc the diftin£tion. They
!y caaCe znd e0e£t ; and '4re ntoduced an
id by reciprocal operation* n*ey are a ;
" try who are mutually ptoniotini racl.
and imerefl 5 they are mulira by .
t,and the indulgencci

dd

^TKiCT0a£S ou reMiLE eorcATton

fe'ds their diildren ; I meiiti, a certain 0othfiJili JH
in<i, a lave of c " --s a volu£ic;^|

Eiefs^ and milker , o (ct vvbat !^H

Jicm trouble lo conib*tu V^ctm the pcrfom ^|
CjUefliDn we frcqufntW bear fuch i^xprcUious u d4c(i^|
-'ChUdrcn will be children."-" My chiUUcti| I fiS
**• jKsfCf irc much like thofc of other pa>ntt%" rSfH
'U*hui we m:iy obfcrvc this daiigerou* at! ifl

gebciplc frequently tunniig olFwiih a fmIL ;-. u. Jj^
titft mdicatbiii of ihofc leiYipets, which from tkcirf^
tnl tendency ought Y^ry ftrioufly to be lAtn op* I
ifl'culd be underSoodiiow as fpcisklug to ccmfcie;itiu«t
|urtnts^ who conCtdct it a^ a general duty to cot^fti
-the faults rf ibetr child reii, but who from this m^M
fence of mind; ^re extremely b:^clcw^rd iu Jfjl^mn^M
fuch fuultSi dtid ^rc not verjr well pleafcd when tl^|
arc ptriiJied out by others. Such parent* wiU do «^|
lo take notkcj thit whatever they coniider it ai t& d^|
lo cornJf, muft be equally a duty to endeavour to JH
#:'/» And this indolent love of cafe is the more w |H
|f usirdcd ngainll, as it not only leads parents into mM
joncoas conduct towards their children^ but h pc^M
ilarly dangerous to themfelves* It h a t^ault fre^ucgH
Jy cneiiflicd from Ignorance of its real chara£lt;r j Sfl
not bearing on it the {trdng features of defor0^|
which mark many other viccs^ but on the ^^M^H
hearing fome refembl^^ncc to virtue, it U ^i^^^^^^H

^llli (taken for the Chrtftian graces of patuM > ^VH
any fbrbearancej than winch nothing crj . -^^^H
pofite \ theCe proceeding from the ChrLftian piinciphT
of ,fc}f denial, the other from felf-iEduigencc* ^m

[In thift cooneftion m:iy I be permitted Ui rciDarkiH
the pradlic€ at thi tables of many families when j^^
childrea are at home for the holidays f fis'tt y delie^f
is Iprced npon them, with the tempting r^tnarkt **t^|
" they canrot have this or tJiat dainty at CchooL'"' T^H
sae iaJiilg^d in irregular hours for the f^me motifH
'^becaufe they cannot h^ve that indulgence at fchoalH
Thus the natural fetfds of idlencfsj fenfualky, aiH
ilotJi, are at once cherlfimdj by converting the periodifl
s4: vi(ir at home into a fenliin of intern pcmncc, hn
hQuz&^ and excinj^tion fiom icupnttg. bo that cliiMtjn

STRICTURES ON Ft!?vlALE TDrCATION. 67

r^ habituated, at an age when lading afi')ciation»
re formed in the mind, to connetl the idea ot lludv
Ith that of hardfhip, of happinels with gluttony, and
f pleafure with loitering, fealting, or fle:'ping. "U'ould
not be better, would it not be kiiidtr, to make them
xnbine the delightful idea of home, with the gratifi-
ition of the focial affedlions, the fondncfs of mater-
al lore, the kindnefs, and warmth, and confidence of
le fweet domeftic attachments.

And all i" t charities
Of lather, fon, and brother ?

•I Will venture to fay, that thofe liftlcfs and vacant
t!iys,iNrhen the thoughts have no precife objcfl: ; whea
li9 tmaginacion has nothing to fhape ; when induflry
us no ^definitive purfuit ; when the mind and the ho-
ly have no exercife, and the ingenuity has no acqui-
Eticm either to anticipate or to enjoy, are the longeft^
Ae duUeft, and the lead happy, which childr«n of
Ipirit and genius ever pafs. i ^is ! it is a few fhOrt
m keen and lively intervals of animated pleafure,
batched from between the fucceflive labours and du-
des of a well-order§d, bufy day, looked forward to
tithhope, enjoyed with tafte, and recoliefted without
rtmorfe, which, both to men and to children, yield the
trucft portions of enjoyment. O fnatch your offspring
from adding to the number of thofe objefts of fu-
prone commiferation, who feek their happinefjj in do-
ing nothing! The animal may be gratified by it, but
the man is degraded. Life is but a ihort day j but it
is a working day, Aftivity wa; lead to evil; but in-
iClivity coBTtdt be led to good.

Young ladies fhould alfo be accuflomed to fet apart
a fixed portion of their time, as facred to the poor, *

•ft would be a noble cmployru'nt, and we') becoming the tendernpfs-
irf their fet, if ladies weic to confider the fuper'nrenHance of the pcor
II their immediate office. They ate pccu j?riy fiited for it; foi-
frwn their owp hjbiis of life thiy arc mo^e iMim-.tely ^ acquainted
■ith domeftic WAnts t' an tlu ojher fcx j and in certain infta'iccs of
Ecknefs and iuffcring peculiar to themselves, they Hiould be expected-,
to have mote fymp.uhy ; and they ha\i3 obvioLfly'more leifuie. There
(I I certain religious fociety, diftinguiflied by fimplicity of diefr, man-
BCPt "nd lanj^uage, whofe poor are perhaps better taken cajre ofthan.
any other ; and ona reaf^n may be, that they arc immedlutsly under«
Uu i&iDc^pii of the womcQ,

whether m Tclieving, infl naiting or working for
^nd the performance of diis dut^ mtjft not be
the cvenE of contingent drcamilanceii or the
tion of accidental impTCfliom ; but it rauft be
liilitfd into a principk, and vvrought into a hub
fpccific portion of thc( day muft be allotted tc
which no common tfiig^gcmeiit inai^ be alto
intrrticli- Thofc periods of time, which ar« no
tre feldom turned to tJitir proper «fe \ rmd n
fhort of a rcgtibr plan (which mult however, be
tim^s made to give way to circumftanccs^ infui
confcientious difcharge of any duty. Thiss wl
lo fttraifli a powtrfnl remedy for that fclfifhndV
ftrong hold^ (the truth cannot be too often ic|
h is tne gran^ bufincfs of Chrifltan edticattoa [
ually to attack- If we were hut aware how muc
ter it ijflakea ourfelves to wilh to fee others bet ft
to aflift in making them foj wc ihoiild find tl
pood done would be of as much importance h
habit of doing good, which it ivould induce )
own minds, as by it$ beneficial cSc£l(» on the ob)^
©ur kind nefs- *

In what relates to pecuniary bounty » it ^11
quiring of yottng perfons a very fmall facrificc, i
leach them merely to give that money to thi
which property belongs not to the child but to t
rent ; this fort of charity commonly fubtraCli
ffom their own pkafures^ efpecially when wha
have bellowed is immediately made up to thcni
reward for their litde fit of generofity* Th^y w
this plan, foon learn to give* not only for pmi
for profit* I'he facrifice of an orange lo a htil
or a feather to a great one, given at the expei
their own gratification, would be a better fef
charity on its right ground, than a confidcrablc (
napney to be prefently replaced by the parent- j

♦ In i»dd:tioiv tw this ipftruftion vf tht "indivulusf poflr^
fuptriii tendance of chiiriry i'thcrahj liniiiei might b<f ^"Lhiy ^iff\
fiftifjg ths parochial cJtr^y in the id option uf- ih "it

fhe inftruiljort t>f' tlie ignorant faggfciled bjr ths !?«

hit lali adm'irjWe diir^e to his ckrgj^. It is wn:^ th

ii enabled to A#d t^n the fchemc b*i E^iuily bevA «uy0cd%
i£r^ ill. LUj^V cifcAhve abcslc.

STRICTtEES OH FE^^IALS OBUCJlTldM. i^

\^ht hablluating them earlr lo comhilie two Idc^l
fought mvcr to be feparucdj cliatttj and tclf

^ anritlotc to fLififlirtfi, AS wc!l as to pnctc anj

cf» tbcy i'houlvi alfo ver^ orly be t;mght to

tm *)!! xh^ Ikde oiTicts in thcii power for rhcm-

ffi i they fbould bt; accuilonKd noi to be intolcntly

'" ' ' tbdr f '^ " prciog alive of rank ajul

y callifig ;t* whtrc there k «o i«ril

^au ; above sU, thty Ihould be accuftomctl so

the domeiiicji* honr^ <jf mealx ^iud reft m al*

fec«d| ^nd the: iJ^oUkn rule ihould he prnili tally

Ltsiforndy cri^orc^d, even ou fo t rising tm occa-

}mgttjg ^1 bcH tlirough mere W3fitt?ime&, or ft!f*

bt pride,

[eheck the growth of inconfidcn^tcncfs, yo\^nu

Uioiild carlv be taught to Hifchargc tlicir \m\\

irith punctuality* Thev flvouM be nKidc feiifH

ihc ciuclty of <>bligUTg ir^des-pcofde to oj

for ibe inoticy dac !o them ; and of hindcnnj^

oimng ihofe ^vhofe imz h the iburcc of ihdl

ence^ undtr pretf*Tice of fair.c fnvoioti?! engage*!

^M which ought to be mside ic bctid to the ccimforr

^vantage ol others. Thry flmuild tonfcietniowfll

""ifufficient tiaic for the execution of their orderfij

firh^ Chrillum cueumlpc<iUon, be careful mn t«i

rork'peoplej by netdlefs hvirry^. into loHn^^ i}iLii

breaking the Sabbytb. I have known a liidj^^
ter gown to a ira.rUusi-maker cm the Satardjy
R to whom Oie would not for the world fay in ft>
f wordsj ** You muQ: work through the wnule of
t#dny/' while (ha was virtually compel Img her ta
b| by an Injuniflvon to bring the go^n home fin-
1 on the Monday morning, on pain of her dif-
Ture* To ihcfr hardfldps numbers ate continually^
m by good-natured but inconfKkTate employers,
befv peuy e;}&JtiionF; of mconfideration furnifh ahc>
tttut ^limeui to i ' ij let not a dc6rc to^

fetft rhen> be coni _ ' -u k\idlng to too minute
\i% \ nothin|p vs too fmolons for auimadverfion,
' .t^nds to tix a bid !j;ibU tn the fupeiloii Qt U%
; the feehngs of the depetidant, * •• --

ye

smcfftmEi^ OK r^iittE

WouM It not be *turning thofc fKilkigiM
uL'JiJch arc now fo warmly a^it;inng, to ^ tT|
account J and give the be ft firatlical anfweT «
Itlar declamaaons on die inequality of hum
tions> were the rich carefully to initruLi tlieii
[D [oh^n thai inevitable inequality hy eke mil
t€iHleTners of thtir behavior to their infer id
dirpciifation of Godt which excites fo mi
nji^rmuis, would, wcr© it thus pracli cully j
(end tocft^blifh the glory of dint B^m^ who
often chiirgeil with injufticc j for God himfe
crtly attached in many of the invectives aga
I^Dvernments, and me fu^pofcd arbitrary' a
diibroportion of rank ami riches* ^

th\fi iiifpcnfatioti, ihui properly improfi
tt once call into escercife the geoeTofity> km
forbearance of rhe fuperior ^ add the pivac tid
lion, and gratitude of the inferior : and thus
were vindicating the otJwy/ of Providence j we
itccompJiOiing his//i3A, by bringing into nStim
tues of both dailes, which would have had.
cifc had there been no inequality in ftatioi
tune, Thofe more fxahed peifona who ae
ouUy contending for the privileges of nink ui
iliouLl never lofe fight of the religioiif ffutie^
fiderate virtues wli ch the poflTefTion of rank i
impoies on themfclves; duties and virtucji wti
ever be infe parable from tbofc privikgee* j
terior cl^tfTes have httle re^) fight lo corfiplaia
tlus refpefl, let the great be watchful to gi*
Httle cnufe to complain of m^mxerh In on
Jet them carefully train up their children to
individual kindncfs thofe cafes of hardthi^ n
cannot reach j let them obviate, by an aclivti
dire died compaOjon, thofe imperfetlions of
bell contlructed human intHmtions* mud uj
partako \ and, by the exercife of private bon
itKulcatcd, foften thofc diflreiFcs which can t
under the cognUance of even the btft g<
l^t ihem teach thi'ir orspring, that the cha;
rich fljouid ever He fubfuliary to the publtl
m thofe ivumbcrlcf« inil^incee to which tlic a

STElCTtHEt ON PEMALB r»DCATlOK-

cannot appl^- By fuch meant eva^ lefTuci of
;s jivay be con veiled iiUu u k(hzi of ]Herf ; and a
of condcfccndiu^ Icve aiiglic wifi t>¥cr (omef
ifpirit of invKtlive wjauld anl^ inflame,
mi^ ihe tortatice* of ncpligcncc into w]iich€vei3L
u{]7 difpofed parents and teaciicTS are ^pc to f%l1»
,ll. ' ^itilcicndy tittcntivc in ftnd-

|i;ci I for ihc Sunday. Tlicy do

lake i IviLplc unoiiieumc^ aUovi^tnf^ their chil*
lo fill up the hitcrvuU of public ^orlbip wtth
Cftdlniixj employments ami comnjoa fclioot cxcr-
lliLy Ate uvt aware that they afe train mg ihcif
I to ;ui eirly and ;i fyflcmatic prof ana tii>ii oC
ath by thU cuilom 5 tor to childrai, thar uflci
tcirbufuid'i ; to them a French or Latin eiterctfe
l«Titiii$ an occupation as th^ excrcifc of a trade
ioj^C^oii i£ to a man ; «)iid if they are allowed to
the one right w^w^ rhcy will not be brought here-
to tlunk that tiie other h wrong i for ine opiJi-
tnd practices fixed at this important feafon arc
a,Clj altered ; and an eaily habk becomes footed
' nveterate prejudice* By tliis over fight even
k of religion may be cotitribufing cventially
lolition of the Lord^sday^ fo dcTOtedl f wiih*
h indtfatij^nbly hbourcd after by its enemies^
dclired prdimiiiaiy to the dertru^ion of what-
\$ 010ft dear lo Chrift:atis, What obftrudUon
[d it oiler to the gCTicral progrefE of youth, tf all
Smuby excrcifes (which j with reading, con^pof*
g, trmfcribin^ and getting by heart, miglit be extend^
1^0 an entertaining variety) were adapted to the pc«-
ILr nature of the day ?

BiDfe whofe own fpirits and vigour of mind are ex*
|ped by the amufioients of the world 1 and who
erefote grow faint and lan^'uid under the coiniim-
■cc of teaous occupation, are not awat^ how tTitfer-
E the cafe is with lively yoting peoplCj whofe Spring
a£tion has not been biokcn by habitual n^dulgence*
bey arc not aware that a fir#n and weli difctplined
teUe^ w an ts p com p a ra ti vely , 1 1 1 1 Ir- a m u fe men t - The
sre change from one book to another, is a relief 3I-
amounting to pleafure* But theq the v^iation

r

Jt STitlCTURHA ON FEMALr tDUCA

muft' br^ rJ*:t*nouf!? matic, foih.ir to rioveTty
fi(' .tive amu

daii ._-.,._- ...jJe ftom ili^ .....:.. ,,.,,..

out book. !£ c^rc be \hn$ i^kcn chat gicMe
eif the nwtttil ptJwtTs fjntit not bti requli
' ttirouj(h krigth of appllpitiori, thCT€ h Jcfe
dtlpoiJtion lo exert tncm j fuel* ;i wcH uti
tintlicTt, will produce on the mind ncad^ t!tJ
k€k *i5 a ric:w employment.

It 1$ not meant iQ impol'c on tliem ftich rig<
df as fh;ill convert the day tbfy Ihouid he i
Iov€ into i* day of btird^ns and liaidlLips^ ; or
them of fuch itmoccnt enjoymcius ^s art c<
with ;i fciifun of In Ay reft- It is hitcnif^ed i
fujigell th^t tliere flsculd be ii rtiurlced diftitl
the nJitUTt of tlietr employ mcnr^ ^nd Rudiofl
ttic obrenraiice or ne^Ieft of this, us was bl
fcrn*d, tlieir future iiotions and priiiciplcs ^
good degree be formed, TheGoipJ^ mrcfcui
Lord-3 day from the rigorori- ^ n ^^^ of tli!||
Sahb,ith> never Icnenei! the o to h

nor rnc^nt to fau^lloii any iLculir vcc
ChrUlututy in Hghteuing Uf< yuflcritie* hiis not
the ejvd of its intlitiitiou |" in pwrifying its fpiriti
not nboUihtd itfiobjcft*

Though the suthor, chiefiy writing wkh a rt
donie*ticinflvu6tk*n} lu$ purpofcly avoided en^
the difputcrdtiuciUoii, whether a fchoo! or a
neat ion be bcil ; a qucflicm whkh p«rh3pd m
aily be decided by the itiitc of ihe individual
and tlic ftate of ihe individtinl fchool ; yet
leave to fugged one remark, which peeuHaxly
to a fchool education ; namely j the general
convening the Sunday into a vifiting *liy b

Euinng time \ asi if the appropriate inRructio:
ord's day were th« cheap cil facrifice which
tmih: to pleafure* Even in thofc fclioolsj %ii
religion is confidered as ^n indifpcnf^ible pJirt i
ftruiflion^ iIua kind of ii>firn£lion isalrTioft exch
Umitcd to Sundays ; how then are girls csxr

u3

STUrCTTJRtH OH FEKALE EI^UCATIQH,

DgTcfs in this mod iin|>ortant srticle, if ther if _
accd to lofc ibereltgtaiLi^v^uitftgesof die fchoolJ
\ fake of havine more dainties for ilinDrr abr^id i
^m;trk c^iniiQi: DC fuppotcd to apply to the vifitl
[children m^kc to religious parents i and mdc
fy appika to thofe cafes where the jchcrolii m CO
llous fchool, and the vifit a trifling vifn.
^[>ng other fubjed^s which engrofs a good fitire
ddly CQnverr;itioii| one of the mofl anrE4!^lng i*
\ Miiny bdie^ have often % random way of
\ rapturoufly on the general importance unci the
ting power oi beauty, who arc vet prudcnE
' I to be very unwilling to let their own datighicrs
out tJiey are h:indri;Hne- Perhaps the contrary
r ^ght be Cafer. if the little Iiftener were noc
, hearing that beauty is the beft gift* fhe
l^not be fo vain from fancying herftif to be UiC
^tcd* Be lefs folidtous, there! ore , to conceal
ier a feci et, which, with all your watchfuhicfs,
11 be fare to fmd out, without your telling ; but
tfcck to lower the general value of beauty in hew
lion* life your daughter in all things to a dif»
fftandard from that of the world* It is not by
r people and ferv^nts only that iht will be told of
being pretty. She will be hearing it not only
t gay ladies, but from grave men ; fhe will be
ing It from the whole world around hef. The
lote to the prefent danger is not now to be fcarch-
m} it niTift be dearly operating 5 it muft hiivc
Trt>vided for in the foundation laid in the genertil
pit Ow has been imbibing before thns paiticnlinf
Ition of beauty came in qiieftion. And thi^
A piinciplc is an habitual indi^rence to flattery.
In ft have le:^rnt not to be intoxicated by the praife
I world. She muft have learnt to cflimate tninpjs
leir intrinfic worth, rather than by the world's ef-
tion- Speak to her with particular kindnefs and
tnendation of plain bttt amiable girls ; mention
tompaffion fuch as are handfomc but ill-educa-
pfpeak cafually of fomc who were once thought
7, but have ceafed to be good g make ufe of Uie

STMCnm^S OH tf IkULE E0UGATTOH-

pivtiiiitnts mtkng from the Hiortnefs and uncert^ritf
Ct beauty I as tl''<*>ig addiiional rcafons for n
th^t which is li:tk TaluaWc m kkH\ iliJl icf* w.
J'^sitiva wnv idea whWh is always dangtroj
«nay thtis^bfeak the force of tlm dwgcr oy ali
bcT at) cari^ inirodu£lion lo thi& inevitable kt\o^^
%i4iich would bccoaic more mtcteilingt nn4 of .
iltorr perilous by eirery additioinl year ; and -
tan gunrd againil that nul and iTlmoft univrrfi.
mi kiting Her fee that ftic is more beloved on -^ >
of her bcauf y^ hct fLimilbrity with the idea may he \
<bn^eroui than m novrlty mf tei wards woyld proved

Bat the in^c^t and con llant peril to wl.
I^frfon^ in the higher walk* of life are ex pi
»revaihng turn and fpirit of general co-
liven the children of better famil!eS| who .
ftru^ed when at their ft u dies » are yet at ^
^eominually beholding the wokld fct up in '
sind moll advantaceaus point of viewi i-
world ! kiiowlng the world ! itanding wcjl wnn
*^'OT]d ! making a figure in the world f is fpoken ofB%
including the whole fum and fuhftance of humafiad*
vantages. They he^r their education almo(L c^tclufivep
ly alluded to with reference to iUcJigt^fiit will eistbte
fhem to make in the world. In almofl ail con^paniet
they hear all that the world adinlrcS| fpokcn of vttJi
jidmir^tion^ rank iiatltred, fame coveted, power (bug hff
beauty idolizedt money ftonHdered 7i% Uic otie thiflg
needful, and as the atoning fubftitute for the w^tnt^U
3II other things ^ profit hdd up as the reward of ^H
rue ; and world) yetlimation as fhejuft and higheflpiflfl
of laudable ambition ; and after the very fpirit of the
worUi has been thu^ habitually iufuied irsto them all
the week, one cannot expe£l much effect frotn their
being coldly and cuttomarily told t^cw and then <wi
Hundaysj th^it they inuft not " love the world > nor tbe
*^ things ^jf I he world." IV tell them once in fevcn
day& that it is a ^n 10 gmttfy an appciitc which yoii ,
have been whetting and ftimukting the preceding dtf
is to require from them a power of fcU co^troh whicll j
cur knowledge of the Impetuolity of the palQcmt^^ e(*

M

snUCTUEES OH BUUMM UrmCATtOK-

ectalJy in early age, ihould have taught u» i| impofi

LThi^ Is not the place to auim;iclvert on th« ufa

ifhfplicution of die pbrafe^ ** ktiowitiyc the world i^

Mch tttm i« coomsuiiiy applied In the w uy of pancgji

l,tp ke&n» def%tjliig, reJftiU, ambitious nica, who lln

a;Lnktnd iti order to tutu tht:m to thc^ir own a^

But in the true iVnlc of >bc exprcilion, tl

IS which Chriilian parents wouhl wiOi toiiiiprclsi

^cir chiUitea, to kauw Uic woild is to kna*A' its cmi

nefSf its v;inity, its futility, and ilia wu To

UOw it is to defplfc it, to he on our . : '^;iitUt

, to labour to live above it| znd hixlmvicw an ubilurc

lirtfli^n in a village may be laid to know the worl4

eticr ihao a hoary courtier or wily politlciAQ* Fj "

>WF cai^ they be faid to Jlmo^ hy who go oil to love 'd

\ VJiiue it| to be led capfive by its allur£!mt.'nti^i to gif

Itfir foul in exchange for its lying prom»fei I

Bur while fo ialie m eftimate is ofccn made in fid

[jable focicty of the real value of things \ that is,

liJe Cbni]:i;inity doet^ fiei furnllli the itand^rdj and

;ir7Tati opinion dt/a ; Viluk the muhi plying out 6\^u%i»

I con fj < i c r€ d i\ b a f y m p to m q f t le ga nee , iho u^* ! 1 1 c^ i u b^

jic thofe dcfirea is die j*rtiad emeriou of ieii|*ion %

ihik inoder-ilion is beheld ass indicating a pr-u-irM T. of

•irlt, ihouj^h to that vc:ry puyeuy ol fpirit v :e:

iKJinife of the Gofpcl 13 ^ITsgnifif \ wJnk wi^.i^.^ v^4-

j^m LS^fcduloufly emoiiK'd by worldly fricnd^» in con-

itliiaion to that afknton, " that the wiftloni of the

world is fooliiluiefs with God j" while the praife of

^fiAn iii £0 be anxioufly fought in oppoCtion to that af-

(uf^nccj that '* Hie fear of man worketli a foarc ;''

vliiie thcry j»re taught all the week, that " The fiiend-

^ iliip of the world" 15 the wiftiit pcrrfuit ; and on Sun-

Biyr> ihut ** it ia enmity with G jd ;" whiie thefe tiiings

Wfc fo (and that thev are fo in z good degree who wiU-

midertake to deny :J mjy w? not venture to ;i(Brm that

a Chriftian educatioiij ihoo^h ii be not an impoillblej

L& yet a very dilRcuIt virork.t.

trtlCTtmSS aN FEMALE W^V€kTtW.

CHAP. VL

THE EAELT rOaMl»& OF HAftlTS-
Oa iki Nii4£tiy if firmhfg iki Jmigmimf t§ 4k

It on neircr be too often repealed, iKat <sne of te
great tibjr^ls* of ctluoibn U the forfr.i! " ■ 1

may be lufpc^cd of h«vin|; recurred ti ajjh

liilhcrto only inciiiknially, to this topic. It i*., how-
evcfj a t^pic of fudi JTiipummce, thas it will b€ ufefiil
to cmiiidcr it fomewhat more iti tlctail ; as the early
forming of right hubks on ibund priiQciplea feeins 8^
be one of the grariii fcrcrt'ts of virtue and hap pine &•

The formin[( of my onti (^ooti h^btt feemt to b<
fe£ifd rather by avoiding the oppofitc Lid habjf
tefitUrtg every temptation to the oppofite vice, thi
the mere occHfjonal p f advice of the virtue requij
Ilumiiity, for inftaocc^ n itfs an a£t thai? a tlifpor
of mind. It is not fo much a fmgle perfornnaiio
fome lictfiched humble deed, tis an incjcffant watd
II e fs a gri i r* It e v t r y prope n fi t y t o pride, SaSntry h
promtnent oitenfrnk thing ; it evidently confifts
i cries of neg.3Uo«i3> and not of adion^. It is n
fcientious habit of refitting every incentive to intempef^
imcc.—Mfdtfeft is be^i attained and txcmph£cd bf
guarding i4g;uiift: every terjdency to anger, impatictice,
und refentment. — A liabit of Gtttnthn nnd sppiication
13 formed by early and con (Ian t vigihmcc agiiinft ft
trifliDg fpirit and a wandering mind, — An habit of W*^
ny, by M^atching againlt the bkndilhmciKS of pleafurr*
the >va(b of fmall portions of time, and the iitcniach'
mmt of fmall indulgences.

Now, to ftimukte us lo *in crirnrfl defire of wofle-
ing any or aH of thefe habits into the it\iDd4t of
Urcn, It will be of imporiunce to confidcr what
rieiy of ufes cath of them involves*

To t^kcj fpr example* the c;ile of mcdeTntioii
temper^iiice. It v^^ould feem to a fupcrfiti.il obkrv^/
vi no vciy great in>portance to acc^uire a habit of &It^

wot fc-

M

STRICTURES ON lEMALE EDUCATION. 7*:

1 in refpctt either to the elegancies of decoratioiu
I the delicacies of the table, or to the common
tie of pleafure ; that there can be no occ^ficn for
.difference to luxuries harmlefs in themfelvcs, a:v.i
sed of daily moderation in thofe perfons v/ho ar?^.
(Ted of affluence, and to whom therefore, as tl;r.
nee is noobje£);, fo ths forbearance is thought of
iportance. Thofe ads of felf-denial,l admit, when
smplated by themfclves, appear to be of no great

1 yet they affiime high importance, if you confider
it is to have> as it were, dried up the fpring of only

mportunate pafEon -, if you rene£l, after any one
conqueft is. obtained, how eafily, comparatively
dng, it is followed up by others.
3W much future virtue and felf -government, in
; important things, may a mother therefore be fe-
ig to that child, who (hould always remain in as
a (ituation as (he is in when the firfl: foundations
is quality arc laying ; but (hould any reverfe of
nc take place in the daughter, how much integri-
d independence of mind alfo may be prepared for
by the early excifion of fuperfluous defire. She,

nas been trained to fubdue thefe propenfities,
.n all probability, be preferved from running into
hlefs company, merely for the fake of the fplei:-
vhich may be attached to it. She will be reicued

the temptation to do wrong things, for the fake:
ijoyments from which fhe cannot abftain. She is

2 red from the danger of flattering thofe whom flie
fcs; becaufe her moderate mind and well-order-
ifircs do not folicit indulgencies, which could on-
: procured by mean compliances. For fhe will
been habituated to confider the chara^itr as the
ng circumftance of attachment, and the fplendor
I accident, which may or m^/ not belong to it j
irhich,'when it does, as it is not a ground of tnerit
e pofTeflbr, fo it is not to be the ground of her at-
nent. The habit of felf-control, in fmall, as well

great things, involvesr in the aggregate lefs lofs
eafure, than will be experienced by difappoint-
s in the mind ever yielding itfelf to the love c£
G z

'Jt STRICTyEES ON FEMALE EDUCATtOH.

prerent indiilge:nc<;s, whcnercr tliofc irvdulgeiieci fliooM
beibrl^^ed or whhdraWTr.

Slie w!io has hcca accultamcd to fiave :in otrlf li^

Bf rcftraitvt cKCrcifed overr ;*ll her :^ppeiirc$ and icmfcri
%t who hail been ufed %o (u bounds to her di '
a g^TKrral princi|>lc, will hsivc learned to witlij
|)jjnofi for drcfs and prrfonal om^tiients -, »fid
fUEii who lm&€LUH]uercd ihjs propifnlieyj hat fci
cdonc of tlie mott donJiiieerinjju-mptationswhii
^hcfeit. While this feemingTy lit fie circumftancCa^
iicfiie£lcd, and the Dppr>litc lt;ibit foTnicrdt mty "
fim llcp to every fuccclfive cnor, and «?vcrf con
*! \ (I *-! fs- 111 fc worn en u ho a xc r ti » n cd b v fc^
h\ the lowcT cbffkft, and ibofc Af ho are made ni
%y nmbifiaua m*irria^cs in t}it higher, will be mK^
freqiientljr found tn nwe their mifery ro an -iti
jril fwflion for drc iw, than to mod v.

j^aicntly bad* A;. ..^.iual moiicration tn
jjrowing tnit of a pure fdf-denytiig prmcii :
arifin^ from the a itl; station of a fijtguliirityi wg-cn '
have more pride in it, th^tn others fed in the liidulf^Cv:
v'f any of the things which ihh fir^ ' ' i uooel,

includcsuiai^y Viilyah!c;:dirantagcs. lupt'cJ*

tyjhumiUfy, aitonojnyjpruderjce, hbt^jality, th:^rt«ji*re
;dmofl hilt'par^bly, :i 13 not vjfry remotely, ct»iir*ctW
with ^n h.ibitunt victory over pcrfonal vaniryi un^^
turn to pcrfoiial expencc* The inferior and lets
p iijg vinutfs 'Mc die fniaUcr pcarlsj which fcr^c lo
K ,^rid conn eft the great ones,

K An e*itly and unremitting zfal in f«brfnipp the fni
~ to sn habit of attention, not ot?ly protkcts inr cotiftird
txprcflion of [^ood breedings as one of itbincukntaJ ad*
Yrast.igts ; but involve Sj or riUbcr creates, bciici
ities than i[ft;If ; while vacancy stnd iTi^jticn'i
only ptodncc vidf^ar manners, but jire v
cation, if not of :in ordin;iry^ ytt of :i h-l
t Hiind ill fT, To the habitually iniittentiv*, book^ iJiFti
r little bcnciic 5 company yftonls htilc impirvcmCTtt :
while a fdf-impofcd atlemiofl Onirpens *:
and creates a tpirit of infpctiion and incji.
ijiften lifts a com man underltantlinj; CO a degree of <
'ifiincc in knou Icd^ej fagacity, and ufefuJucfcj wli

STKICTURES ON FEMALE EDUCATIO^^. 79

lent pr negligent genius does not always reach,
labit of attention exercifes intelleft, qcickens ilii-
ment^ multiplies ideas, enlarges the power of c»m-
ig images and comparing cnaradlers, and gives a
Ity of picking up improvement from circumllances
eaft promifing ; and gaining inftruftion from thofe
ti but frequently recurring occafions, which the
at and tlie negligent turn to no account. Scarcely
thing or perK>n is fo uuprodudiive, as not to yield
5 fruit to the attentive and fedulous colledor of
}. But this is far from being the higheft praife of

a perfon ; (he, who early impofes on herfclf a ha-
of ftri£t attention to whatever (he is engaged in,
ns to wage early war with wandering moughts,
iCs reveries, and that difqualifying tram of bufy,
unprofitable imaginatioirs, by which the idle are
occupied, and the abfent are abforbed. She who
'8 her intelledual povi^crs in a£lion, ftudies with
ntage, herfelf, her books, and the world. Where-
by, m whofe undifciplined minds vagrant thoughts
; been fufFered to range without reftridlion on or-
ry oceafions, will find they cannot eafily call them
e, when wanted toaffift in higher duties. Thoughts,
:h are indulged in habitual wandering, will not be
ily reftrained in the folcmnities of public worfliip
F private devotion.

ut in fpeaking of the neceiTary habits, it muft be
:ed that the habit of unremitting indufiryy which is
ed clofely connefted with thofe of which we have
made mention, cannot be too early or too fedu-
y formed. Let not the fpri-j^htly and the brilliant
i induftry as a Plebian quidity, as a quality to be
cifed only by thofe who have their bread to earn,
leir fortune to make. But let them refpeft it, and
>t it as an habit to which many elevated chara£t«rs
, in a good meafure, owed their diftin£tion. The
ers in fcience, the leaders in literature, Icgiflators
ftatcfmen, even apoftles and reformers would not,
aft in fo eminent a degree, have enlightened, con-
;d, and aftoniflicd the wo/ld \ had they not been
lent poiTwiTors of this fober and unoftent^tious qual-

Itis the quality to whick the immortal Ncwtoa-

lioiu far the humttUy of the fpcaker* \ v^ u t
ovt;TT4iirtg its value, to aileit thar tnduftry is the J
and Jiard working pioaecr, who by per fevering I
r^mov'cs oblbndiQtiSt overcomes clim£ulljc% ciei
iiicjiach^ and tK\i« factUiatcs the marchj ^nd ai^
vtiLoTiCfj of genius.

An e^a^l habit of g^^ansmf i& of the Ome Cam
the two forcgoiDg qualiti^e i audi libc tbemi
pTolific parent ot a numerous oiTapriiig of f:
For waiiC of iJie early engrafting of um pra^oe'
only legitimate llock^ — alound principle of uiteg
may we not in too many iuilances in fubtequo^
aliDoit apply to the fatal etfefls of doriicliK ]
fiou, what Tacit 05 obfervcs of a Uvlib protiiga
the ejEpenditme of public monty^ — that ati Excl^
\vhich 15 exh^uRed by prodigahtyi wUl prabdU
replenifiied by crimes.

Thofeiftfho arcrarty trained to fcrapiiloiis wkn&
In the <linfion of time, and an cxadncfe co the h^
their childiili bufinefs, will have k»rnt how mm
oeconoiny of time is pTomoted by habits of pii]|
ky wficn tt^y ihall enter on the more importam
nefs of 1 if e, B y ge tting on e c m pi o j men t cteare4
exaflly as the fucceeding employment fliail h
cbim to be difpatched^ tbey wilf leaiii t^j|^

STRICTURES ON FEMALE EDUCATION. Sf

fmalleft occafions. But I refrain from enlarging
his point as it will be difcuflcd in another part of
work.*

: requires perhaps ftill more fedulity to lay early
Erft foundation of thofe interior habits, which are
tnded on watchfulnefs againft i'uch faults as do not
a betrav themfelves by breaking out into open ex-
;8 ; and which there would therefore be lefs dif*
it in indulging. It (hould more particularly make
Tt of the firft elements of education, to try to in-

into the mind that particular principle which
ds in oppofi^on to thole evil tempers, to which the
ridual pupil is more immediately addifbed. As it
lot be followed up too clofely, lo it can hardly be
ibout too early. May we not borrow an inipor-

illuftration of this truth from the fabulous Iiero
ic Grecian ftory ? He who was one day to perform
oits, which (hould fill the earth with nis renown,
,n by conquering his infancy ; and it was aprelim-
f to his delivering the world from monfters in his
r years, that he fhould fet out by ftrangling the
mts in his cradle.

muft however be obferved, that diligent care is
ezercifed ; that, together with the gradual forma-
of thefc and other ufeful habit s^ an adequate atteii-
be employed to the forming of the ju^gmini ; to
raming fuch a found conftitution of mind, as ftiall
ly the power of dire£ling all the faculties of the
irftanding, and all the qualities of the heart, to

their proper places and due bounds, to obfervo
juft proportions, and maintain their right ftation,
ion, order, and dependence.
)r inftance, while the young perfon's mind is train-
> thofe habits of attention and induftry which w«

been recommending ; great care muft be ufed
her judgment be fo enlightened as to enable her
>rm found notions with regard to what is really
hy of her attentive purfuit, without which difcrim-
ag power, application would only be adtively mil-
oycd J and ardour and induilry would but fervc

♦ Sec Chaptet on Dclinitionsi

Again, if the judgment be not wt.]l infoTH

^ih^ naiUTc and mie ends of temperance, the ijl-

cd mtnd might be ted into a iupeTllltious rcFd

the merits of felf-denial \ and t tiling in the

IL few outward obfervmnces, without any tonfid

of the fptrit of this Chriftian virtue, might be l<

fcr that the kingdom of heaven was the ^^{^mi

^ ** meat and drink/' and *' not peace, and ni

** nefS) and joy in the Hoi 7 Ghoft/' 1

. The fame welKordetcJ judgment ivUl alfoj

[qtlifcd in fuperinr ending and regukting the 1|

r^Kjeonomy V for e3(trav*igan<:e being rathcT i J

than a pofitive teim, tne true an of regulati

• pence, IS not to proportion it to the faOiion^ 01

opinion or pra£\ice of others^ but to our owd

und our own circumltaaces. ArlOiippua being

fed of extravagance by one who wiis t\at rich, 1

he hud given fix crowns for a fmall fifn, faid i

Why, what would you have given ?*"—*« *

f ** pei>ce/' anfwered the otheii " Then/*'j

, Atiiltppusi ^^ our economy is equal ? for ft j j

[ ** are no more to Tne, thj^n twelve pence are to |

k is the more important to enlighten the ji^

in this point, becaufe fo predominant is the cqj

» custom a.nd f^lhton, that men of untixed prlnd

driven to borrow other ncoole'ti tiidifinenf ot th&n

STRICTURES ON FEMALE EDUCATION. 83

l^ds we are inculcating this amiable virtue, of the
itoad line of didinftion between Chriftian meeknefs
M that well-bred tone and gentle manner which
Ides current for it in the world. Wc muft teach
hsm alfo to diftinguifh between an humble opinion of
nr own ability to^ judge, and a fervile derelitlion of
ruth and principle, in order to purchafe the poor
^Taifc of imdifcriminate compliance and yielding loft-
icfs. We muft lead them to diftinguilh accurately
etween honefty and obftinacy, between perfcvcrancc
nd perverfeneiSy between hrmnefs and prejudice.
Vc muft convince them that it is not meeknefs, but
afenefs, when through a diflioneft dread of offending
be profperous, or difpleafing the powerful, we for-
<|S|r to recommend, or refufe to fupport, thofe whom
1 18 our duty to recommend or to fupport. That it is
elfiftinefs and not meeknefs, when through fear of
orfeiting any portion of our reputation, or rilking our
»wn favour with others, we refufe to bear our teftimo-
ly to fufpefted worth or difcredited virtue. *

CHAP. VII.

^ilial O ^edimce not the CharaSler of the Age. —A Comfarifon
moitb the preceding Age in this Re/peii — Thofe who culti'
nfote the Mind advi/ed to ftud^ the Nature of the Soil. —
Unpromifing Children often makefirong CharaSiers, — Teach-
its too apt to de'vote tlieir pains almeft excluji<velj to ChiU
if en of Parts*

Among the real improvements of modern times,
and they are not a few, it is to feared that the growth
of filial obedience cannot be included. Who can for-

• To this criminal timidity, Madame de Mnintcnon, a woman of
parts and piety, facrificed the ingenious and amiable Racine ; whom,
while flic had tafte enough to admire, fhe had not the gencrolity to de-
fend, when the Royal favour v/as withdrawn from him. A ftill dark-
er cloud hangs over her fame, on account of the ielfifli neutrality ihe
naintained in not inrerpofing her good offices between the lefcnt-
mena of the King and the fufferings of the Hugonots. It is a heavy
aggravation of her fault, that ihc herfclf had been educated in thcfaitn
ol ihele pcrrecutcd people.

Ilioeiplc^ / I'he rigka f/rman hive been diicuUI
we are fomcwhat weiixKd with the dircufliop

_ thcfc have been cppofed, fls the ncrxt flage in t|
' grcfe of illtiniination, and with more ptciumptiai
prudcncej /^# H^bif ^/^^omm. It folio wst ac
td tlie natural progrefiioii of hum aw thing »» !
next influx of dmr irradiation whtdi our eoligj
arc pouring in upon us, will illuminate the woi
grave dcf cants on the right t €f ^mik^ ttie righti
dnn^ the tights §f hahki I

This revolutionary fptrit in families foggefts i
marlc> that among the faults with whiSi it ha
too much the fafhion of recent times to load thd
ory of the incomparable Mil tern, one of the q
brought ngalnll his private chara£lcr (for with 1
Jiticai charaf^cr we. have here nothing to do) hai
that he was fo fever c a father as to have compel
danehters^ after he was blind, to read ^loud t|
for his foJa pleafure, Greek, and Latin viuthoi^s of |
they did not underftand a word* But this i$ \
nothing more than an inftanee of the ftri& dq
regulations of the age in which Milton lived,
fliould not be brought forward as a proof of tji«

STRICTURES ON FEMALE EDUCATION, 85

Is the author then inculcating the harfli doctrine
t jtaternal aufterity ? By no means. It drives the
Unrie (pint to artifice, and the rugged to defpair. It
^nerates deceit and cunning, the mod hopelefs and
iHfeful in the whole catalogue of female failings. Un-
iovemed anger in the teacher, and inability to dii-
inminate between venial errors and premeditated of-
'ence, though they may lead a timid creature to hide
rrone tempers, or to conceal bad a£lions» will not
lelp her to fubdue the one or to corredJ; the other.
The dread of feverity will drive terrified children* to
bek, not for reformation, but for impunity. A rea«
&id& to forgive them promotes franknefs : and we
touldj above all things, encourage them to be frank^
a otdcr to come at their faults. They have not more
talts for being open, they only t/t/c^n/er more ; and to
now the worft of the chara£ker we have to regulate
rill enable us to make it better.

Difcipline, however, is not cruelty, and reftraint is
lot feverity. A difcriminatine teacher will appreciate
he individual char after of each pupil, in order to ap-
ropriate her management. We muft ftrengthen the
eeble, while we repel the bold. We cannot educate
\j a receipt j for after ftudying the beft rules, and af-
er digefting them in tlieieft fyftem, much muft de-
fend on contingent circumftances ; for that which is
;ood may yet be inapplicable. The cultivator of the
luman mind muft, like the gardener, ftudy diverfities
){ foil, or he may plant diligently and water faithfully
rith little fruit. The Skilful labourer knows that even
vherc the furface is not particularly promifing, there
5 often a rough ftrong ground whicn will amply repav
he trouble of breaking it up ; yet w€ ar€ often moH:
aken with a foft furface, though it conceal a {hal-
3W depth, becaufe it proraifes prefent reward and tit-
le trouble. But ftrong and pertinacious tempers, of
vhich perhaps obftinacy is the leading vice, under ikil-
ul management often turn out fteady and fterling

vho were both hands and eyes to an intirm and nearly blind /.tther*
U i« but juftice to repeat that thefe examples arc not taken from that
middle rank of life whkh Milton filled^ but from the daughters ©f the
tikheft officers in the ft ate.

u

46 STRICTURES OH WEUll,£ EC^CATldN.

characters^ while from foftcr claf a firm
<y|l vritiie i« but feldom produced. * Peniiiach
noo principlci which waiiu nothing but to be kii

true objert t whilt^ the unifGrmly yichling^ and'
vcrfaily accommodating fpintj is not fcldom ihe f"
of a feeble toiK of moralsj of a tcmpct eager fori
y^ntji atliag for reward.

But ihefe revoiutigns^ in chan<3er cannot be effi
!by mere education- Plutarch his obfcned tii|
medical fcknce would never be brought to perfc
till poifons ftiould be converted imo plijrfic ^
<»ur late improvers in natural fciencc have doni i
medical world, by convening the mo ft deadly inj
ciits into initruaaents of life and healthy Chrifti
with a furt of divine alcliymy has effefted in the J
worldj by that tr^lmutation which makes thofe pa
which have Ween working for fm become a£lrve !
c^ufe of religion. The vkjlent temper of S;iul ol
fus, which was ** exceedingly mad*' again ft the
of God, did God fee fit to convert into that bt
xeal which enabled Paul the Apoftlc to Ubour ]
remitting! y for the converfion of the Gentile i
Chriftiiinity indeed docs not fo much give us ne
fcftioiis or faculties, a a give a new direction to
we already have. She changes that forrow c
world which worketh death into "godly forrow
** worketh rrpentancc*'' She changes out* anger a
the perfon.'? wc dsllike into hatred of their fins.
^* fear of man which worketh a fnare/* fl^e tlBOl
into ** that fear of God which worketh fal«
That religion does not extinguifh the pafhons, bl
alters their object, the animated exprefCon« of tl
vid Apodle confirm — '^ Yeai what ftarfulKip
*• whal charing of ymrfd^wi \ yea, what indi^n&tktt
*' whaty^^r ; ye^, what Hjikimi^t difin ; yea, wln
*^ yeas what r^-uing^?^*

Thus, by feme of the Jn oft rroublefome paffii
our n^iture beln^ converted by the bkfltng ofGi
Tcligious education to the fide of virtue^ a dottb
pofe is cffeSed. Becaufe* it is the chancer

'^C^tinddaitSf rii* III

STiaCTURES ON FEMALE EDUCATION. 87

riions never to obferve a neutrality. If they are no
iger rebels, they become auxiliaries ; :iiul the acccf-
m of ftrength is doubled, becaufe a foe fubducd is
fc.ally obtained. For it is the eileft of religion on
i^paflions, that when flie feizes the enemy's parrilbn,
■ does not content herl'clf with deftr:itin|T its future
ofchiefs, (he does not dcftroy the works, fhe tlo;:s not
ttm the arfenal and fpike the cannon ; but the artil-
JT flic feizes, (he turns to her own ufe ; (he attacks
IJicr turn, and plants its whole force againft the en-
in? from whom llie has taken it.
Bat while I would deprecate haT(hners, I would en-
like difcipline *, and tjfiat not merely on the ground
r. religion, buit of happinefs alfo. One reafon, not
idom brought forward by tender but miftaken moth-
B as an apology for their unbounded indulgence, cf-
scially to weakly children, is, that they probably will
}t live to enjoy the world when grown up, and that
icrefore they would not abridge the little pleafure
;cy may enjoy at prefcnt, left they (hould be taken
It of the world without having tafted any of its de-
jhts. But a flight degree of obfervation would prove
at this is an error in judgment as well as in princi-*
e. For, omitting any confiderations relpcfting their
iture welfare, and entering only into their immediate
tetefts 5 it is an indifputable fact that children who
low no control, whofe faults encounter no contradic-
)n, and whofe humours experience conftant indul-
;nce,grow more irritable and capricious, inventwtnts,
eatc defires, lofe all relifh for the pleafures which they
low they may reckon upon 5 and become perhaps more
iferable than even thofe unfortunate children who
bour under the more obvious and more commiferat-
I misfortunes of fuffering under the tyranny of un-
nd parents.

An early habitual reflraint is pccuiinrly important
the future charadter and happinei's of women. A
dicious, unrelaxing, but fteady and eentle curb on
eir tempers and palTions can alone einure their peace
id eftabliih their principles. It is a habit vhich
nnot be adopted too foon, nor perftfted in too perti-
kciouflv. They fliould when very young be enured

88 STRtCTtJlES OK FEMALE EOUCITIOS*

to contradiffioti. Inftc^tl of bcariitji; their h
treafured uri^incl repratcd till riic «ue(U ;tre tiri4(34
fill the chilarai brj^Hi to ihmk It ditll, whai they tkrf
fclvcs arc not the little heroines of the thcmc^ A^
IhoulJ be iiecuflomect to receive but mo derate pr^ix
for thcif vivacity or their wh, though they fltoak t^
ceive juft commendation for fuch qualities :vs Kirt
mofc worth than fp lend our,

Fjticnce, diligcncpj quiet, and unfatigutd perfcvc-
ranct.% itidaftry, reguhrityv and aceonomy of lime, ^
thvfc arc? the tiifponrions i would labour to excttCj b
fhefe arc the qualities 1 would warmly commetid- &
fur fremadmirini^ geniusj or extolling its prompt cStt
iionSj I would rather intimiLite that excellence, to a (tl
tain degree^ Ih in the power of every corrjpiitilDr t tin
it is the vanity of over- valuing herfelf for fiippefe
original powers, and flackentng exertion in CQiift
quence of that vanity, which often leave the lively ij
norant, and die wirty fuperficia!. A girl who Ofti

gcnio
ying \
her taOt till a few minutes before flier is to be called t

hears her mother tell the company that the is s gemO!
and is fo quick, that the never minks of applying t

repeat it, will acquire fuch a confidence in her ow
abilitieSj that fhe will be advancing in conceit as flic
falling iliort in knowledge, WhereaSj if fttc wei
made to fufpe£t that her want of application rather ii
dicated a deficiency than a fuperiority In her iin&i
Itanding, (he would become induttnous in propottitJ
as flic* became mod eft ; and by thus adding the dil
gcnce of the humble to the talents 6f the ingcnioni
Ibe might really attain a degree of exceUencc, whic
mere quicknefs of parts, too lazy, bccaufe too proud t
apply f feldom attains.

Girls fliould be led to diftruft their own jndgmeiit
they fhould learn not to murmur at expoftulario©
they fhould be accuftomcd to expeft and to eR4(«
oppofition. It is a leflbn with which the world wi
not fail to furnifh them ; and tliey will not pm^tre
the worfe for having learnt it the (boner* ft is of ill
laft importance to their happincfs, even in tJii* lif<
that they Riould early acquire a fubminivc tamper 4ft
a forbearing fpirit. They muft c^ cc eodure vr^b

STUICTU^ES ON FEMALE EDUCATION. 89

rht wrong fometimesy when they cannot but feel
are right. And while they (hould be anxioufly
ng to do well, they mutt not cxpeft always to
1 the praife of having done fo. Bat while a gen-
meauour is inculcated^ let t;hcm not be inttrucled
idiife gentlenefs merely on the low ground of its
decorous, and feminine, and pleaCng, and cal*
:d to attraft human favour : but let them be
illy taught to cultivate it on the high principle of
ence to Chrift ; on the praftical ground of la-
ng after conformity to IiiM, who> when he pro-
. nimfelf as a perfect pattern of imitation, did not
Learn of me, for I am great, or wife, or mighty»
' Learn of me, for I am meek and lowly :*' and
gracioufly promifed that the reward (liould ac-
any the practice, by encouragingly adding << and
(hall find reft to your fouls." Do not teach them
lity on the ordinary ground that vanity is unamia^
ad that no one will lo'vt them if they are proud \
lat will only go to correft the exterior, and make
foft and fminng hypocrites^ But inform them,
" God refifteth the proud," while " them that
meek he fliall guide m judgment, and fuch as arc
itle, them fliall lie teach his way." In thefe, as
. other cafes, an habitual, attention to the motives
i be carefully fubftituted in their young hearts,
: place of too much anxiety, about the tvent of
IS. Principles, aims, and intentions fliould be
iably infifted on, ns the only true ground of right
ice, and they (hould be carefully guarded againfl
ittch folicitude for that human praife which at-
8 to appearances as much as to realities, to fucccfs
than to defert.

tme vpeat, without incurring the ccnfure of
logy, that it will be of vaft importance not to let
ic earlicil occafions of working gentle manner.^
n habit on their only true foundation, Chriftian
ttcfs.- For this purpofe I would again urge yowy
g in the example of our Redeemer in aid of his
pts. . Endeavour to make your pupil feel that all
cinders exhibited in his life do not fo overwhelm
wakened heart with rapture, love, and ariouiO: ■

m'

^ STRlCTimSS OH FEMALE EDUCATT0K.

nient, m the perpetual inflances of his humilUj ani
meektiefi, with which the Gofpcl abounds* Stupa-
dons miracles, cKcrcifcs o{ ifirmitc power prompted If \p
inhnitc mcrcyi are a£ltons which wc 0)ouJd natunh wi
enough conceive aa (growing out of omnipotence
divine perfcftiori : but fiknce tuider cruel mocldi
patience under reproach, gentlencf* of demeanor w
unparailcled injittica j t2iefe arc perfedions ofirt
unal&iled n4ture not only has no conception ta«
viiit Being, hut at which it would revolt, Imd not
reality been exemplified by our perfect p;ittern.
in^ the fick, feeding the mtiltiCude, reUuring the
laifmg the dead, ate deeds of which we could
fomc adequate itlca, as iie^ieli^iril)^ flowing from
iTiighty j^oodnels : but to waili hii difcipjcA*feet*'-ti^
preach the Gofpci to the pffffr — to renounct not oftlf
eafe, fer what heroes have done on human irioii vet-
but to renounce prviife, to forit;iTe hi^ perfecutor&j to
love h^8 enemies, to pray for his murderers withhif
laft brcLich — thcfe are things which, while they cumpd
tis to cry oot with the Centurionj •* Truly this wsi& the
*'SoR of God/' ftiould remind us alfo, that they are
jiot only la^or^^/* but immiishli parts of hi* charailcT*
Thete are not fpeculative Jind barren doOrtnes whidi
he came to preach to ChriilUns, but hvitig duties
w^hich he meant to entaiJ on them \ fymbols of their
profelTion ; teits of their difciplefliip. Thcfc are per*
lections which wc are not barely to contempl-irc with
holy awe and diftant admiration, as if they were reftric^
ted to the divine nature of our Redeemer \ but we
iBidt conllder them as fuited to the human n;iture9)f0|
which he condefccnded to participate, in i^emtwmfim*
ittgj we mutt imttats ; in ad mi ring J we mutt prailifc V
and in our meafuFe and degree go and^o itkewiSr.
Ekviiteyour tlioughts for one moment to tins (laiidafilr
(and you ntver ihould illow yoiirfelf to be conccAtcd
with a luwefj) -ind tlien go, tf you can. and teach yc^ur
^bildrea,io be mild, and iaft, aed gentk on woiJdJy
grounds, on human motives, as an extemaj attrA^NoDi
a& a dcturLition co thtir fexj as an appendage to *^**'
laiikjt^as an e:i-prcfIiou of their gaodcieedin^^

1

STRICTURES ON FEMALE EDUCATION. 9I

There is a cuftom among teachers, which is not the
Itoore right for being common ; they are apt to bc-
^l^w an undue proportion of pains on children of the
iJRft capacity, as if only geniufes were worthy of atten-
tfkuu They (hould re3e£t that in moderate talents,
«GivefuIly cultivateil, we arc perhaps to look for the
ifaief happinefs and virtue of fociety. If fnperlative
'l^us had been generally neceffary, its exiftence would
BOC have been fo rare ; for Omnipotence could eafily
jure made thofe talents common, which we now con-
fider as extraordinary, had they been neccflaiy to the
|iibrfe£lion of his plan. Befides, while we are confci-
enttoufly inftru6):ing children of moderate capacity,
iris a comfort to rcfleft, that if no labour will raifc-
them to a hi?h degree in the fcale of intellectual dif--
tinfiion, yet they may be led on to perfe£iion in that-
road in which ** a way^faring man, though (imple,
•*{hall not err." And when a mother feels difpofed'
to repine that her family is not likely to exhibit a
gtoupe of future wits and growing beauties, let her
G<mfole herfelf by looking abroad into the world, where
flie will quickly perceive that the monopoly of happi-
nefs is not engroHed by beauty, nor that o£ virtue by
genins.

Perhaps njediocrity of parts was decreed to be the
ordinary lot, by way of furnifhing a Aimulus to in-^.
duftry, and (Irengthening the motives to virtuous ap-i
plication. For is it not obvious that moderate abili--
ties, carefully carried to that meafure of jjerfeftion of
which they are capable often enables their poflcflbrs
to ovtftrip, in tlie race of knowledge and of uiefulnefs,.
their more brilliant bur lefs pcrfcvering competitors ?
It is with mental endowments, as with other rich gifts-
of Providence 5 the inhabitant of the luxuriant fouth-
trn clime, where Nature has done every thing- in the
way of vegetation, indolently lays hold on this very
pica of fertility which fliould animate his exertions,,
as a reafon for doing nothing himfelf ; fo Aat the foil
which teems with fuch encouraging abundance leaves,
the favoured poflcfTor idle, and comparatively poor :
while the native of the lefs genial region, fupplying by
hi6 labours tl^e dcficienci<;s of hi^ lot, overtakes his^

p%. ITaiCTOHtS OK FEMALE EB0CATJONp

mon; favoured competitor i by fubftimtkig induftr^
for opukiH^Ci lie Im proves tlie nclitfct o£hi« native l4aMl
beyond tlut which is bJciTed with warmer lum^ 2
thus viiidicatci Providence from tlic ch;irgi: of puij
diftributton.

A girl who h'ls docility will fildom be fovind
want utidcrrtiiiultjig fufficicnt for all the purpofcs of
sin ufcfulj a happy and ^ pious life* Ami hku
ivrotjg for pifciits CO f^t out with too faiigukic a dc^

ficndciice on the iigurc thdr children are to m^ke in
ifci as u is tiarcafon3.bk tn be difcoitraged at cvi
difappohument. Want of Tuccefs is fo far frotn fi
niflitng a motive for relaxing their energy, th;it k %
re a foil for redoubling it. Let them fufpe£t their 0^
pLins, and reform them ; let them diiirutt their o^,
principles, and corred: them- The generality of par-
ents do too little \ fame do mucb^ ^nd fniia their re-
ward] becaufe they look not to any ftrength beyoj
their own : after much is done, much will remain
done V for the entire regulation of the heart and
fefliions is not the work of education alone, but k
fcfled by the operation of divine grace. Will it lie
accounted enthufiafm to fuggefl, *' chat the fervent ef^
** fettual prayer of a righteous /tartnt availeth n:mch "*
and to abfeive that perhaps the reafon why fo ma;
anxious mothers fail of fuccefs is, becaufe they rc[
with confidence in their own fl;iU and labour, ncgh
ii]g to look to HIM ivitliout whofe blelTrng they do
labour in vain ?

On the other haiidj is it nof to be feared that fonie
pious parents have fallen into an error of an opposite
kind ? From a full convi6tion that human endtavoi
are vain, and that it is God alone who can change
heart, they are earneft in their prayers, but not to
iwll i a their endeavours* Such parents Should be i^
minded that if they do not 2.dd tljeir exertions to tbeii.
ptiiyerSt iheir children are not likely to be more beite*
fitted than the children of thofc who do not add th^f
|jTaytrs to their ejLertious,. Wh?it God has joined, kt
not rn^n prefume to fepaiate. It // the woik of Godj
we readlij acki)ow]i:dge, to impbnt rdigioti" in ihc
phedrc> aud to maintain it. there as a ruling pua^^iplf^

s of

de*
: in

I

jar-
re-

*

STRICTURES OK FEMALE EDUCATION. 93

condu61. And is it not the fame God which caufes
the corn to grow ? Are not our natural lives conftantly
preferred by his power ? Who will deny that in him
we live, and move, and have our being ? But how are
thefe works of God carried on ? By means which he
has appointed. By the labour of the hufbandman the
corn IS made to grow : by food the body is fuftained :
and by religious inftrudiion God is pleafed to work
upon tne human heart. But unlefs we diligently plow,
and fow, and weed, and manure, have we any right
to depend on the refrefliing fhowers and ripening funs
of heaven for the bleifing of an abundant harvefl ?
As far as ivt fee of the ways of God, all his works are
carried on by means. It becomes therefore our duty
to ufe the means, and truft in God \ to remembqr that
God will not work without the means \ and that the
means caneile^i nothing without his blefling. *<Paul
** may plant and Apollos water, but it is God mud
*• give the increafe." But to what does he give the
increafe ? To the exertions of Paul and A^oUos. It is
never faid, becaufe God only can give the increafe, that
Paul and Apollos may fpare their labour.

It is one grand obje£t to give the youn^ probationer
full and fober views of the world on whicn (he is a-
l)out to enter. Inftead of making her bofom bound at
the near profpeft of emancipation from her inftruftors j
inftead of teaching her young heart to dance with pre-
mature flutterings as the critical winter draws near in
which ;^^ is to come out ; inftead of raifing a tumult m
her bufy imagination at the approach of her firft
grown up hall, an event held out as forming the iirft
grand epocha of female life, as the period from which
a frelh computation, fixing the pleafures and independ-
ence of womanhood, is to be dated ; inftead or this,
endeavour to convince her, that the world will not turn
out to be that fcene of unvarying and never-ending
delights which (he has perhaps been led to expedl, not
only from the fanguine temper and warm fpirits natural
to youth, but from the value Ihe has feen put on thofe
(howy accompliihments which have too probably been
fitting her for her exhibition in life. Teach her that
this world is not a ftage for the difplay of fuperficial or

iri

«

P4 STRICTURES 014 lEMALE EDUCATION.

even of ftining taknts^ but for the ft rift and foWr ei-
hiCHc of fortitude, rcmpcrancc, meckncfs, hiitht i^li-
seucc, and felf- den hi ; of her due pcrfmntin^of
which Chrlftuii grac^jSj AtigcJs will bt: ipctUtori, ^^
jGc^d the judge. Teach her that hum^m life Ls tioM
^plcmUd romance, fpangk J over with brijlt
'tUTc*, and enriched with cxuaordimry oi,
%nd divt'rfifi^d with wonderful incidents ^ h
ho expc£l that it will abound with fcencjj v
^ail extraordinary qualities and wcndrrful pow<?r.'i ifl
lerpctual adlion i and for w hich if fiie acquit herd
ell Q\e will be rewarded with propoitionatc fame ^1
certain cornmendatiotK But apprife her that huni
Jifc IB a true luftory, many paffagcs of whkh will I
^ull, obfcure, und unimercibngi ibmc perhs^ps traj
Ctl J but that whatcvtr gay incidents and plea ft ng fcciS
may be interfperfed in the progrefs of the ptcccy yl
finally'* one event happcncth to all j'* to all there is
t^ne awful and infallible caraftrophe. AppTizc her that
the cftimation which mankind form of merit is uot al-
Vays juftj nor is its praifc very exaflly proportioned to
dcfert ; tell her thar the world weighs aaions in far
.different fcales from "the balance of the {an£kaary,**
,&nd eftimates worth by a far dlHerent tlaodard frora
that of the gofpeh Apprise her that while her pureft
intentions maybe fometimes calutnnlatedt and her beft
a(^ions mifreprefcTited, ihc wiih on the other hand, be
liable to receive com mend jitLon on occafions wherem
her confcience will tell her flie has not dcferved k t
and that flic may be extolled by others for actions*
for which if fbe be hone ft) ihe will condemn in heifdf.
Do not however give her a gloomy and difcour;4ginfl{
picture of the worlds but rather feek to give her a jij
and fober view of the part flic vM\ ha\/e to aH w^
And reitrain the impetuofity of hope, and cool ihe-t
dour of cxpe^ftation, by explaining to herj liiat ^
_part, even m her be ft eftate, will pTob:i' ' " ' ';
fucct-ffion of petty trliiU, and a round
which, if well performed, though they vviii rtutki; iat
or no figure in the book of fanac, will prove of vaft im-
port aT;ce tn her in t^ ' when Mo^thr ** buok itt

STRUCTURES ON FEMALE EDUCATION. 95

judged according to the deeds done in the body,
lether they be good or bad."
y not that thefe juft and fober views will cruelly
er her young hopes, blaft her budding profjieAs}
leaden the innocent fatisfa£lions of liie. It is not
There is, happily, an a£tive fpring in the mind
>uth which bounds with frefh vigour and unin-
1 elafticity from any fuch temporary depreffion.
not meant that you (hould darken her profpefly
.uch as that you Ihould enlighten the eyes ot her
nrftanding to contemplate it. And though her
ngS| taftes, and paflions, will all be againft you, if
fet before her a faithful delineation of life, yet it
be fomething to get her judgment on your fide.
no unkind ofHce to aiTift the fhort view of youth
I the aids of long-fighted experience ; to enable
a to difcover fpots in the brigntncfs of that world
dk dazzles them in profpedt, though it is probable
' will after all choofe to believe their own eyes
er than the offered glafs.

CHAP. vm.

Ftmali Study j and Initiation into Knowledge. '-' Error of
Iti*vating thi Imagination to tbi negUH of the Judgmentm
'Books of Reafinittg recommended,

S this little work by no means aflumes the charac-
of a general fcheme of education, the author has
pofely avoided expatiating lar^^ely on any kind of
rudlion, but as it happens to be connefted, either
nediately or remotely, with objcfts of a moral or
gious nature. Of courfe (lie has been fo far from
iking it neceflary to enter into the enumeration of
fe popular books which are ufed in general inftruc-
I, that flie has purpofely forborne to mention any.
tb fuch books the rifing generation is far more co-
ufly and ably furniflicd than any that has preceded
and out 01 an excellent variety the judicious in-
i£lor can hardly fail to make fuch a feledlion as
II be beneficial to the pupil.

fides that exertion may flackcn for want of a 1]
there not be a moral difadvantage in poiTeffir
perfons with the notion that learning may be
without diligence, and knowledge be attained
labour ? Sound education never can be made a
«• rofe path of dalliance." Do what we will
not cheat children into learning, or play tl
knowledge, according to the conciliating fn
of the modern creed, and the felfilh indolence
em habits. There is no idle way to any ac(
which really deferve the name. And as Eucl
der to imprefs the impetuous vanity of greati
his Sovereign that there was no royal way
etry ; fo the fond mother may be auured tha
no (hort cut to any other kind of learning ;
kged bfe-path cleared from the thorns and
repulfe and diiHculty, for the accommodatioi
lent inaftivity or leminine weaknefs. Th<
knowledge, as a punifhment, pexjiaps, for it
been at firft unfairly tafted, cannot now hi
without difficulty ; and this very circumftar
afterwards to furnifli not only literary pleaf

ff«ICTXm£S OH FE MALA EtTutiTCIHtf. fj

tVAtiOn into ihM life &t trial to whlelt wt are hi-

sed on oar entrance into fhtt' irorlti. It b the

aking-in CO that ftatc of toil und bbour ta

) we are bomi md tn which hit biS iitiide ti« Li»-

wl in ihi? view of the fttbjcft ihc fiiini taken III

|ai(]tion of learning may be coaverced to bigbec

in fuch at arc pureJf literary-

i if not he ufcnbed to a cspnoiis (iit^UritTi if

pe to remark) that real knowhsdf^ and real piely^

they m.iy hnve g^iincd in tcany inlbinccs^ have

I in otheff from that prof w (ion of little, amti*

tiinental hooks with whieh the youthful Ifbrriry

ws ? Abundance has its dangcirs as well fcar^

In the firil place, may not the mtiltipticicy of

allurtft^ little works increafe the aacural reltic-

to thole more dry and unlntercftiiig 1tu4ie$} of

rafter all* tixt rudimentii of every p;in of leaf ninj^

ll£ft f And fccondlyjis there not lame dani^rr

^1 tf nacy honoiiraUle exctrpcian*) thac

Fth lining numtjve.s may forve to infuip

s yomiifui hciirt a fort of fpurious ^oodiicf?!, a.

ncc of virtuej a pamdc of charity f And tliat

ienevoiem anions with the recital of which they

^ndj when they are not made to fla%v from aTijf

:e but fcf^Un^, may tend to infpire j felf-comp!a-

y, a felf-granibtion, a ** ftand by^ for I am ho^

r than thou?" May not the fucccfy with which

[dod deed* of the little heroes are uniform! y Crown*

the invariable re ward which i^ made the inil^nt

omitant of welMoing, foniifh the young reader

faSfe views of the condition of life, aud the nature

le divine deaKngs with men ? May they not help

iggeft a falfe llandgrd of morale, to infufe a love

lOpuhirity and an anxiety for praifej in the place

"^ it fimple and unoftencatiotis rule of doin^; what*

iOd VFC i% hitnufi it is thi ^Ul ff Off J ? fhc mi^

fubflitation of this principle would tend to pu-
le vroHdIy morality of many a popular little ^iJTf^
there arc few dangers which good parents wdl
larefttlly guard again ft than that of giving thck
;n a mere political piety j that fcrt ©f rclipoa

kif iti^i^'

Will f rodncsf Its corrr^ioi

1 , iR fni: ^ i n books of foUd m(^

!tJic imagma: bk to be warked iij|

l,tht; feelings to be tti ^-^jJing* mucli fsfttir tfiaii

^derdintimjr am "be opened, ami the jadjjmcDt

' cncd. A uktit for conTcxfatioii fliouUl be d

crf inftruAtoni liot it precurfor ; it :s a goH

m^h^n ftLBcrtd to ripoi gradually on t)te trte d

■icdgc I but if fi^rcrd on ttv: hcrt-bcd of d <^

^library, it will lurn aur wonhlcfs and rapid ii^

tioti as Jt w^ artificial md pranalure. G1

Lliave bceji aecullooicd lo derotirsi multitude j

Jo us book?;, will converfe and wriu with a fai

, appearance of ikin ;is to ftyk mi4 fcniimetit li

^m fourteen years old* than iKofc of a more 4

age who are undct the dircipHrft* of fe^cner :

'■'but t!ic former Ir 4 tothfitkii

,ardwhicb h;ui b^? , : , ,. ^ imthc^oms \

r^y ; while the latter, quietly pToaTefFivci

Ihrough Juft grad;^Donfl to a (ligfier (liriin

and tiiofc wbo early begin with talking an

like women, cosimoaly end with thiiYking an

[41kc children. i

I would not hawert^r pr^abthir fudi -works 4

iKTftJtEs OK iEMii&£ m^fmMTtm.

B^

I

ir^fled mor^l ftories u^Iiich are not grounded on
priaciple, I Oiould lu^jjcil the ufe on the
ud ai otiguial and ;tcknc\^ i^*dgcd fl^iafis | atul
oclii!r, of iccurat^ aucl fimplc f»cl^ t (*> that
U*^d fnWc may tvcr be kept (cparatc ^nd d)ftin€k
[itl. There i& foiiiciiung ttat kliidles fancjf^
peoiiu^^ and excUcK new id^^s^ i^ maDy-
tM 6^kmi& of the £»f^ , And ilierc U aiic
it in the Af^ibun ajid fomc athex orirntal'
i/t, th^t ihcy cxJuL:. " * J in ehau^

aithlul views oi the m , cviHom**

liipion of tlnfir n-fpctUvc ^ j its (3ut

^JH^tufg of ical local informai L^uircd by

i of ihc wiklcfl fabU, wliidi will ttoi be with-
\ m anting ihe future ^t]ucilUioa» of the milid
II t&.it r^^Utci^ TO E^ilcrii hiltery and litcniture*
■*^e ifrcg'jil^r fancy of women h iiot fuiltckjitJf^
E:d by r^ilj appticAlioii, n^x t\tmcd hy hbour»^
jie kiisJ of Ltiowkdf^r ^ --- romnioTily actiuirc
|!| att^in«:d ; and bci ly ibmc iTrghi ac<-

"jo pf ihc mcnv -Uiii^^ wluch is

I lo get off by tl 'J <i^*^ ^*<^'f proun-

iti n 4 3 b y ci>f nn t€ ru ;i it li com . i c i s €# ti i y .

The fapniScial f»^iV4-»ud hj lyi for id-

in "ifrhich ilicy oiteu ka;n hulo|y|funri(liesthe
vvLiii li'ilc Ikj I'.' h^ lui : tl'.i' <'Vc;iU5 b<^iog 4rt^f h-

fcf XI link* to unitu*
.. ^Mv.. .iu.. ^ ,*. ^*, a. .titers not bcin^; ta-
Pfit by mtituul icLuiani tlic chrotiDbgy being
lo tlircojinEflirJ d;ito( in Head of prtfinting,
bbrokcn feri^g ^ ufcourfc, neither cvcnia, actions,
r^i' "0$ chtosiology, hi(b:u thtmfelvcs on ih«
fc* i b It rutlur fic.it in the mtmory m f^^
ry uc:,.>;i:^ cositTibwtc tn forni rl|ff
d ,ii7it to r . ^ lh! of the reader, ill tW
ort^nt f;:ic0cc of men arid manners,
^he iwdrm^of Mrh^gmfAfii Bt^utkt, ;ind Chmfendfumu
rh form too cuiifulerublu a pyrt of a young lad^V
iry, may be conndered \i\ maity inflances a^san ni-
blc receipt for making a inpcTficiat mind. Tbr;
If of the renowned cIi. " '' "' in hiftory tliiis be-
£. familiar in. the nm^\h- itj. wliii c^ na*b*.r

tTB ivith lit* . ' ' Tg, neithi

nor f<3rm il ici* dlffi

to theiT fll;i[
rcrtmii tfff*^^

ly f(:'ttmf not to hivrc conic Icgitiroaiclr hy al
IroM : I meant not to have dt^wn ft j

ihci

i^otkn

of

the

^*hi... .^ /«^js.'t---.. - 1-.-^

f-onJlilcncy in V'
two irrecop*- '
utatiDa oi k H

Jt>r:

cd^v, . ^
knowJcdt^c wc aiuR pay ^
fjf lime iimntitiu (try. Fi
i t a eco mm od^ te& it f cl f t q t he con vct j
i!ic ciKirailcT of ch;: atf c in is'luch wc ...
|>rtite far pJeafure, and ihat love of cafe aiifl
whicli is grrtCiatL'd bjf U, leave llt*^" •^'^" ^
found itn prove mcnf ; while th^ vin
ly a dian€lcri(tlc of thcej^ifV
claim it I fa fariucluljjencifj an:'
b]f thtffc litt! ■ ' s c^u^

iiueivals of i - . . ..

Etffid'R. till! itilif . fhuA n^miYnreil'^

th« plestfurei of j
iv vultiable pinlif
M if v<? would j

*^

H

«fKtCTt7mi5 <IK WtUJtl^ BDUCACieN,

icl untntercding PftrtJ^af ii^wciTk, that the Judick
ct ccjmnioiil^ rcftrvcs thr:" '■ ■ :rs, wlio^ bciia^
L defaced when they ;*f t 1 frmn tlw garbi

^vJie lL4d fo (kUl'a)iy woven tliem*
tnsirkp hawcvcr, is by no mc»n* of go^eil
;hU^n ; there arc niQny v werlis whifl

heir tiulk would be almofl iLblc to a sTet

Br of reader r3, arul a conruler»ibic p*Att of wliii
lu£ be gtiu rally uftfuL Ku-n in the bcfV wril
^ books rlicrc i$ often fu ^ matter | attih<:

f^^pc w get camtQurcd oi .i.l... .^^bjecV, aiitl to dwq
) Ic^ng oJi it : every perfoti camn^t &nd time eq rra
t>ng work oti ?itty iubjc£^, and yet it may be wfi
ihcin to know fomc thing on ilmoil every fubjefl
EBofci fher<:forc» who abnc^gc voluminous wmkf jm^I
poufly, rt:ml€r fervicc to the eommuntty* Du? t^^^r
1 ETt;iy venture the remark> to be a -
ibndgmei^ta. They arc put fyftr
to tiiL- mnds of youthj who havei or otaght to hav
;e for the works at large ; while abridgmcm^ feen
^immr dbtely calculated for pcrfons la more id
ti life, who wifli to rcc;ii!l foniLthing thsy h-aJ
^gotten \ who want to re Here oM ide;ta ruther tJia|
|iiiic new ones $ or they are ufeftj for perfons ir
|f|eJ in the hufinefs of the world,' who have littti
for voluminous reading* They arc c:icclknt t|
I the mind, but not compcffnt to form It.
tiiips tliere 15 fome analogy between the menta
BiJiJy conformation of womeup The mftruilo
^refore fhould imitate the phyfician. If the hitt
_^ ffcribe bracing medicines for a body of which deli
Oicy is the difeafe, the former would do well to pt
hibJt relaxing reading for a mind which i^ already
too roft a texture, and fliould ftrcngthen its fteble 3
by invigorating reading.

By foftnefs, i cannot be ftippofcj to mean imbecflirj^
of undc^ilandiaigj but natural foftncis of heait, togf^th-
cr with that indolence of fpirit winch is fofUr^d by \n^
dulging in feducmg books^ and in the general habit
irf falhionable lift^,
loucaa not here to recommend books which are i
I X

: ton^l

101 STfLtC^gHll OH iEMAl,& a>ucATloSi«

Liitcdi^ti ly rdigjousf but fucb ai cjOk): 'li

Ffacu Uc>i teacn lii$ miail to uct J4.t^a. h
own tiaturi^ »)d lo flir u ,

ji umid you0g bdy Ibn it i ........ .^, "^

sml to bcTi afu^T a proper couife ot , w

allc^w ;iiid digt^ (ucrh fliong mcain ^ W atP

Juncan's little Wik ut Ij^ic i foinc |iartf cifj

he pUc ! renc&l

kltlti tjf
&om WOUliJ
Hub u J]

illQuld ni>l form thcni
For U'hat is cnlkd «^^
Bcnxlcnt of the fcnowlc<igeii
fc^bjt, t^nd wholclonic as an >
iervc* td haitieu ihc i>i: ' ^ -
liiu the Trailer froni '

Jt is o«i

I

jfhe nauiniiiy coiur.i£t* ftom ilic i.

jmnlc copvttlationi imd the pi^tty RuiuicclJitmale
l^ioyments j it cc^nceii tirates hct uctcnu^iif «(RIU h
;i tubit of excluding trivUt t hough u,ind tbu^
titles to qaalify Wt lor religious j^uifaica. Yc^
pe^t it, there is m woinati u Chriilian uff' to be
^f fobtr lludies ; while books of in oppo;ict c^ft,
f^er unr>G<.prionah[c they may be fometimcD fouatl
potnt of f^xpr-iTioMj however free from evil in its iiiprc

i

Ilt£S Om VCMAtS CBCrCATIOK.

■^?y excite a fpim of rebjiaiioni by e
mfl kicafr >wiiich Ibftcri the mma an^
ty ^t work ; Uuy impair its gcncfal ^ i
er'f ami ftt bdl feed Iiabits at impi

■ ycn to error, and the iveart

are little accuftomcd to doft reafoniiiff ofl
i\^£k I ftUl kOj do they mure ilicir miiiOK f«
^rtic^Iar pi-.it s of :i fulMvO ; tl«;y ^tc nr
to earn .« v it in aJl iij

i^£ls and L-....^i-.., ^ Inertia pi h oni

wUl be obfervcd iii ' pbcc) oi ihc t{3

TiGdtttce tliey aie >' ' * ia ihei

and ihcix judgiBCfU XUIUI-.U1V intojrrfl i inj
them wt \io on to ftirrjulifefhr ima(»'OL^ti*?fT

[iflwrTs brine fa

cany* Their irttli
figthencd by excrcilei v;

, ufciult were it only that it kada the minai

habit of con ^ " ica. But it Ls pe^J

fly bar<l to tui ;^ induleiU rcpofM

iL-adiiig, from : I

jtibjr^t^ of feiii"

lit fiom tJie domiuion of felf-iodul^/

^reiumc itt* puwcrs, to cali kumc m fc^^ttcrt-il
\ to flmt out every R^rcign iotTufvotJ, to furcC
fpriiig fa unuatuF^ity^ bet\t, and to devote nkf!
giaus reaiiirrg, to a^livc buHncfi^ to rcfle£lioo»1
estJiminiUion : vthcieas to an inteliedl accuKdiiiii j
bink at alJ, the dilEculty of thitiking feriouUy 10
llfiy iefTened,

IT be it i'rom mft to dcHre to malce fcholaftic Lidie^n
Oiatc diskii^itians ; but there is Uttlc f<?ar that thiA

^ Qh^^mt ML C4iiv«(ikiim«

itertry mci|Uilit]|3li9^ ^^^^9|
I ft rcmftrle of SwBE^h

ileft Irfa of j

,iTC III 01

NVr
cffirrt will

auAom, fbit vriikvi
mw the wof 111
Tney air t^fS

aiiii of Uic .,

m -whnm ihe^ giv« birih* budi ts liie irighilui 1^

0f r] r^ r-teQt© of ctiTtipyftttOi3» f^^*» t v^'ry riiii^

w rcnds^ is rcmptcd to I

wui.. Arid t^:^ Ai.......,.»>.-^ ,^,.

found by co»gv

ft iiTid as O^rT'^^gin, on

ttii.- - ■• "'■ -^ ' ■ -^

an, p^..^ v^-...., . , ^. , , . .

n^

I ewj frcfh fTodiiflioti, lik« the progeny of Ban-
"Vii M&owcd by

Ar>oClitT, «nd mother^ an^ iiTAthcT 1 *

\fi havf^vrt firflthJte of talcntSt cdticiricwi> oc

**icdge of r iiofc ftudies have been coi

:c4 by 1 c»r ry, In any dUlrt-f^ of numi

" ItiUf a novci tuggcila iifclf ai the bcft ftx^lher of

iftiWii ? Dtjes n^r bbour tinder nn^ drpreliioa

^ novel occurs i» the rra-

!:;[}' rrd as an homage to her gfniiis. Am! ihi
xknoc inftainly kvics a frctl* couinbiitiofi fof
:i!iii^ wovk. CapHcirv t^id cu)|||rmti&n «ire fo lii
;cB into the act' n book fee

w conrtdcred ^ foyrcc whid

^nd iUitcrate havt? their power

the Author be inii ,, _ z flioct digrclTLi
Uic remaikSi though rather ftui of it* plucci th
Ttiptitm occ allot ltd by thcfe hook* has fprcjn!
ilia defcemkd fo low» th.it not only among m
mantui* makers, md «thcT tradcAj where no]
ork together, the bbour of one girl h frequen
d that the ny,xy be fpartd to re;id thofc mil
hooks to the others 5 In it flic h:is been itiTxm
cTfTi^fmcn, who have wimcfird the hl\^ that \h
pTQcarcd and grcE^dHy rrad in the M/dtds of o'
^orpit;il& ! an nwful hint^ th;it thofe -who t
jor,ta read, (hauld not only take c*jre to furi,:
ith princmtes which witl Ic^d them 10 tibhor corru
lOks, but mould Rlfofyrniih them with fuch books
sail ftrengihen aiid coufinn thtiir principlcs^f A

rt . . . :i^^ired wntiugi m ihia km * -nt? hUtfiriet (it Irif

f Tht ib(JTr fi^5 f'lrni^ riCF ar^unt^nt co* the fiffe of tKofc t*Ho
iulii kci^p the pojr in igfitxancc* Thqlk who taatwil f^4Ml c*^ /^j^*'-*
liplVllHity UJ Ik^^r Lo vyork ^ur^oie tkua t}i^(^ vibo h&nc Iiccq better

I

«cno^'7^

kl:*/' '/■ tfiia vicu-" '"■>•■•". f).^t^i"'' ^'"^S. Afj
K-'^/^ con,!,?.'* .^"-ri n v',-:;:.' -"^ =>,•» r/.,?, J, ,^^«

2^<^*i -'iwii

sktuillivRVf mt piiiALC KnveiTiom

le fludf oi may ftrrr ro give % ckiTCr ii^

in;o th^ €< , * at human nutuTe i
ipna; h^lp to ihcw th</^«i« of Providence tn ihej
Bon of events^ zuA in the ufc of unworthf m^^

i&y affift 111 the mndimtim of ProYidcHCtft in I
>ltilareof wtuCi anil the ticqucut fuc^^

^ itfad to a iiiftruil af our own ji^rdgmcnt :,
contfibuie w our improv^coiem in ilclf'knov

H W pTOve to the pupS! tbc Important doiE^rinc >
ID corruption from the iludy of liiilory, will rc-j
"^L'tiuJy Chnftian comniciitator hi the friend will
\l^t work h jjt'Tufcd. For Jroon the low itaiid^

f* ' tit cftahliihcd by die generality of ti:florao% |
fo ni Ti n y pe rf on & ! rt t o good c-h ;* rait er* w h a
brl of the true idea of ChiUlian virtue, the utiaf-
reader will be Jial)k lo form very impcifcdt
' whsit is rec^t goodoisf^ \ and will i^encludci as
Sthor fomctimcs doe.s* that the true idea of bumaa ^
r^ is to be taken from the irictiium between his bef
Et£ worfl charjd^ets 5 without acouiriug ajuf
K of that prevaleoce of evil» whicn, in fpite oi
new brighter luminaries that here and there
l&vc to gild tfie gloom of hiftory, tends abun^^
ty to eftaalifli the doftrine. It uili indeed b«
aallv eikbliiMng itfelf by thofe who, In peru-
ic hi (lory of mankind, carefully mark thc^rife
bgrcfsoffin, from the firll tlrald irrupuon of
t thouj^ht, to the fearleis accomplifhment: of the
-ed cnmc in wMch that thought has cndt^d :
Ftke indignant que (lion, ** Is thy fervant a dog

diifrty »*itogi3U: to my ruhjqd*) t^^t tJurc b one dirad vast. ig«
ittend* the £i>ixi;rior} pr*^lc«! ot' J'ctiing V'-JUftg ladifs to rtjJ an-
htil<>fi and ^ogMpby In Frtnch or iwljan, whii have not bwti
ufly well groun.ie^ \h ttse wqnuocUtmn *f tlaflica! n4me» ©/
>s lad T^incs^t %r ->«Jv own Un^uig,c. The forc^^n crrrn'mtitiina t*f
' iflil It 'rnsn n-ijTsMare c>ftcn very diftertnt fiofn rl^e Hiigl'ifiijj
flf-Xt th-7 arr fiJ il atquiied aic fjiequently reulrmi ind i dotted m
d'-iiij fo at to gWt an lUrterate 4ppe«raocc lo thcconvf ffotiun pf
•'OfireU whn i.rc'"iijt leaiJy rgaorant* And ihls dtfe£lifc mQtn\t^-
ft is the moT J tn be genrilH »g*inli b the c^u**tiMi 9*" liile* ^hm

lid

I and

impiiat bcUcl in tBc Jiattenn^ accoitttt|^H
S££*wfitert arc font! of eiliibiru)^ offll
ftilii»&Icncf»i and beni^nhj^ of fbmc of the i
ticwlf difco%*f red by our circumn,\f igaton § q
fliould learn to fufpcd the fupcrior gocjdnefs
to the; Hindoo%anc4 p^riidtfl^trly th<: account
habit iints of thti Pclcw Iflands ? Tbefc lafl
have keen rcprefentcd as having almod efq
umvcrfal t^int of our common namrct
fceoi by tlick tmrhy lo have fprtiog irom
ceftof than Adam.

Wc cannot forbear fafpecHng tfiat tbcfe'
but fomcwhnt ov ^ ■ nrsrits of t «

\irai fUti^i arc t'*i ljlc inviflj^

ccmntcra^ing the ^W^iLtriiie of human ^jorrtij
d^radc the VifNe and even deitroy the tieceil^
•Cbrillian facrifice i by mrmu-inng that unci
in ts fo difpuftrti tofcftttydc a* to fupcffcdij
afion for thit redemptitJii whkh h profciT^fdly I
for fniners. Thsit in countrks pmitfBng Chri
fttiany arc not Chrifti;inS| will be toorcadilj]
Yet to fay noihhig of the vvift fupcriottty oi j
in ifct: Hvcti of thofc who are fcalfy Eovcrned h
tianity, is there not fom^itliuip even tn her refl<
Tiphich guides t5 greater purity maay of tJiofe |

tcHeiou$ leadv^t of general hlllory will obfcr?^
ptrolmg haiul of Frovliitfiii^c in the <liicclioii c

I JO turning the mo ft uiiw^jrthy ailiou;i anj ii
niB to the accompli Oi men t of hlsf ow» pot puff j

II mark iofioitc wifjdom i' pcai
Cafu^ QC^arrcnccs, to ihc ^
She will point aii£ how cauics i

'T *v|i

il

Will nutl

tiatloiial aa wdl stJ* intli vidua! critnc^ arc aft
Tulcd to fame hiiJUiJit purpofc f.ir different fron
iiUiitition of the ;iclors : )iow Omtilpotcacc can
often does bring about tlie bell purpofca by
ft inftruments : how the bloody ;md liajufl t;ail*
!0T h but ** the rod of his wrarhi" to puniih or ta
(y his Dficiiding chijdrcn : how *'rhc fnry of the

teflbfj" and the fuffenng 1

y, when the ifthole fcln
licate His Tighteous dc^iUnga* bhc will c^pbia fo
Itfa enlightened readcTj hov/ tnfimte Wifdcim of»^
Bocks the infi^nificance of humaii greatncft, an
Ballownefs of human iibilhy, by fctnag afide
ment& tlic mofl powerful and promifing> while VI
^by agents comparatively contemptible* But ill
l^refully guard this doftrine of DKIne Prcvkkne<!
i wo Eking out his own purpofcs throngh the; fir
kis creatures, and by the inflrumcntality of tli
fed by calling to mind, while the olfender i» but a
mihe hands of the great Artificer, " ihe wotf^c-
3unced againft him by whom the offence comcth T*
will explain how thofc mutations and rcvolutionfi
Lates which appear to us fo unaccountable^ and
' thofe operations of Providence which fecm to us
litangled and complicated, all move Karmoniouily
in perfe^ order : that there is not an event but
its commiflion j not a misfortune which breaks its
tted rank ; not a trial wtich moves out of its ap-
I ted track. While calarpitiea and crimes feem to
n cafual confufion^ all is commanded or permitted^
S unde^ the control of a wifdom which c*ainot ext^
goodncfe which eannot do wJong,

To t JTpbi n my ni c-im f ng hy a few i n R ^ n c^ *. XHv^
tii£ fpirit of Ac: vui^Tlit ul r^idcf rifri; into heme ft indjj
' wntifm at ih tical pkiy which divorcxit ^^Q ^n-

^cffcTHiing <^ ,. . *:.ukc w;iy for the hwful crmjc of
rtJtir Eighth Hcnry*^ mjirrbgc with Ams Bolryn i «iJ
when fh^l itH ="-■■- - ■ ': * T ^r^rtled hy the more op^n
proflig^ej ^\ ■ tit the execution of At

[ fitter i tnt iniauiioT wiii not lafe fo fair .^
Qt i^nfalduig how in the councih of the r
imcss or the Kins wcfc oreniilcd lo fJvi i,

ic conatry \ wicT hf>^*^ to t}m iTT^gufrh ■

rhgc^ from which t

Frotcftaot religion ov\ . , ,

(€jf the fobjedt Will lead the reader to Juibly the ]*!^fi^
r^lcncc of Ood without diminiilimg. her abJiprrenpc ol
4hc vtcfs of the tyrant.
She will explain to her^ how c^en the conrjuefts of
ambitron, after halving diluted n bn<l with bioodi, in-

riv^lvcd the perpetrator in gudt, a"d the innoceni victim
in the raln> may yet be made the inftrumcni of open-
ing to fututi ■ > the way to commerce, to

cmlization, t v^ She muy remrnd hcfjaa

ti^ are following Cs:[ftr in his invafiori of Britam, that

wfroT)£:;iS the conqgeror fancktl he w^is only gratifying

^ Ilia owf> inordmate ambiEionj cHtcodjiig ttic flight m ^

mnht Rompia Eagle, immonaliiimg his own name, il^U^

■ ptovhig iliAt *' this world w.i?? mude for Cxfar \^ ^H

■ 'wa^ in reality becoming the cfflitl:ual though i^ac^^f
I fcious mfl:rumem offending .1 land of barbarians to ^^H

■ ili/.arfon and to fcienc£ > and wa?. in fa<il: prc^paring^fl
liiliind of Pa^;ins to embrace tlic religion of ChriiTr. Sht

will inform her^ that when ;ifterwatc3j^ the vi*iloTiou4
counlry of the fame Ca:far had m^dc Judea a Roman
province, and the Jews had become its tiibuUries, die
, Romans did not krtow, noj: did the indignunt jewii
fufpedl, that this cncmrtilance was operining to the
confirmation of an eveut the mofl. impottunt the wdtkl
ever w^itneCed. ^ .

For wh(?n, ** Auguftus fern forth a decree that tU \
the world fliould Lie taxed " he y;nnjy thought he
was only enhrf^lna^ his own imperial power | wwErc»«
he 1ft 4S^cl?a^ In uncQnf^;Q;is rufcfrri ieact' to the 4?ft«?

SYaiCTtmES ON FEUALt: El>CreATlCHT. fi i

liglicr Sovereign, ari4 was Jiclplng to afccrtam

iiWic a£l the cxafl pifiiod of Qirilt's 1 ' l

ing a record of hi!5 cxirattion from tU- y

which it wiisjneditTted by u ii'i;' line of I'topUcis

e fhouUl fpnng, Hcrotl's uuiv.umii munJcr of

tocents haai Aided *in adtlitkuuii *;ircumfU3ice for

^firmatlon of our {^hh ; tlic iiiCTcduIity of Tlic-

IS ftrengthcntrd our belief; na^, die trcaelicry

as, andine injullicc of PifiCc^ were iht hurnai!.

pent a employed for the filv^ition of the workUi:

t youth that IS not thprougliljf armed tvuh Chrif-

prmui^^les, will be tcmptctl to mutiny not only

iVi^ juilice, Lnn the very cxUkncc oi a fupciia*

Tovid&nce, in con tcm plan tig tht-^Tc fietjucDt

kc^ whkb occur in ItiJfor)^ oi the il! iuecci'^ ef

mpr<: vinuau$ c^ufi^, an^l the profpcntj^ of the

■. He will fee with .ifloniUunciii that h is Rome

Pftriiini|jhs, while Cutha^^c, v^hkh had clearly

Setter caufe, f\\h. Now and then indeed a Cicc-*

|Q|vsdh» and a Citaliiiels fubducd : t^ui'oliciVi i£ (S

M fwecefeful agjuTifl the fomcwhat jiiiUr pfetcn-

Hf Pompey, and a^ainil the iVili c<^arcr caiifc of

■ It is Ottnvius who triumj>!ifl| and it is over Bru-

mthe triamphs : It is iibmus who is dethrone^

,e Germaiiicus falls ! ^H

k$ his faith in a righteous ProviJencc at firft^
ftaggered, and he is ready tn fay, ** Surely it 1$
I God that governs the earth !'' liat on n iwller
ideT^tion, (and here the fupgcftiotis of a Clirlfliau
Klor are peculiarly w-iiued,} there will appear
pvlfdom in thih very confuGi^n nf vicenrul virtue 5 .
Rk calculated to fend our thoughts foiward to a
Hpf retribution, the pri^dple oi rttiibation be-
!b impeil:e<31y eftabnincd In tills* It h indeed f^ '
:ommon f^'r virtae to have the .id vantage here, in
t of h.ippinefs at lea ft, though !iot of glory 1 that
eourfe uf Providenc*.' is it ill CiiUuLited to prove
Cod IS on the hde oF vjnue i bnt (liH virrac h ff>
\ unfticccii^ful^ that elearly the God of virtue^ in
r that his work may be perfect j miifl have in u-
& SL world of retribution. Thb confuCed f\atf iS
|, therefore isjull that Itate wlueh iamoll of ait^

-112 rrmCTl'MS PH ,FEM4|,E Cl>C7ClTtOlip||

f : for jf liFI Lcrt*
wr n**t ft!\\ «♦ ^

I

vttri
^ the:te

Ditto !*^.! 1-vit,

rifTctiJ^hciH't! not ;i:

:rjL-.r

^ The r:^^ _: ., . : .^

ility of it tore:il, opbcnd

.,.,^ ,,..„:,,. fttfcljr made jfiJim bf proi

l*ific*Vf itWr* For lli< fame Uiutjg wniclt ha{]^ii

fUlci »ir!ii kinps* luppcm to ptivarc V\h and lo iodn

tints, Tt«^ flicre is fc^irccly a f^gc even of Pij

. inftm^js which may not be matic iriftramcnttil to]

•fflfiMitVfn!^ <rf th(^ ti'o^h of revelation : ^tkI it hi

' ' le4 mode of inflru^lon fl; ^ i

ig oa the ftudy ofuudui , ._>._%

ran brr clrvi^rtcd, i

Diriruft anTi difTulence lu 6iit own judging at m

to tie alio an important inflni£lion to he learnt

liiftory. ITov^ Cf>n*ra3ry to M expedlation do tijc tr

therein record et^ commonly inrn out ! How conii

ally 13 the mofl f;*g^ciou?^ coivjt;£lure of liqmiiji ^

triidort bpsfiicd J awd yer we proceed to forcter

vonftrqucnce, and to predi-ft ihsit cvcui

pearancs cf t>iiiigs under oar own o\

i)ftt fnme srrog^^nt certninty ais if we '

Wxirn^td bv the naonitory annals cvf fucc

There ^s fcarcely one gre^nt event in h
defers iior, in tlxe liTuc^pTodtice effects uprn
man foufi^ht ccmfd never Invt cdciTUied,
ccr;> of Auguftu^ agair<ft hijt coiUitiy prodti

=^

SntlCTURCS OM FEMALE EDUCATION. 1 1 ;^

a many diftant provinces, which thus ccafed to be har-
afled and tormented by this oppreiFivc Republic.
3ould this efFeft have been forefeen it might have fo-
>ered the defpair of Cato, and checked the vehemence
>f Brutus. In politics, in fliott in every thing eicccpt
n morals and religion, ail is, to a confiderable degreCf
mcercain. This rcafoning is not meant to fhow thai: *
Date ought not to hzyft Jougkt^ but that he ought not
:o have de/ponded t\tn after the la ft battle ; and cer-
:ainly even upon his own principles, ought not to have
dlled himfelf. It would oe departing too much from
ny objeft to apply this argument, however obvious thG
ipplicatien, againft thofe who were driven to unrca-
[bnable diilruit and defpair by the late fucce&s of a
aeighboring nation.

But all knowledge will be comparatively of little
palue^if we negleft fclf-knoivledge 5 and of felf-know-
iedge hiftory and biography may be made fucccfsful
rehicles. It will be to little purpofe that our pupib -
become accurate critics on the charaffcers of othcr^,
nrhile they remain ignorant of themfelves ; for whilt:
:o thofe who exercife an habit of feif-appHcation, a hook
rf profane hiftory may be made an initrument of im-

Erovement in this difficult fcieftce \ fo without fuch nn
abit the Bible itfeif may, in this view, be read with
little profit.

It will be to no purpofe that the reader weeps over
the fortitude t)f the Chriftian htjro, or the conlt.incy of
the martyr, if flic dojaot bear in mind that (lie herfclf
is-calledto endure her own common trials with ion\c.~
thing of the fame temper : If (he do not bear in mind
that, to control irregular humours, and to fubmit to
the daily vexations of life, will require, though in ii
lower degree, the exertion cf the fame principle, and
fuppHcation for the aid of the fame fpirit which ful-
tained the Chriftian hero in the trying conflicts of iifcj
or the martyr in his agony at the ftake.

May I be permiited to fuggeft a few inftances, by

way of f pec i men, how both facred and common hiitr -

ry may tend to promote fclf- knowledge ? And let nr.\

«g^in remind the warm admirer of fuiTcrios piety v.vi-

K a

ti4 rnucTonit ox fniiALE EOuciTroTC

>Acf emta*f^mff^ iri§ii^ that If Itio ncy^ fail in ikt

diwuith b]f iJii» trilHng fieri ficc Iwr
^- ^-^tcn^bkd tJd atiatd the public ^^

in

itilit(V^:i I. :

bmvcrjr on ' "

11 tkt HicanilUffncyof itel

f- ff-at one prrioU, wit]l*|
^cf I or <i Uile lli€ Jmt! ^

\ %mt the in 1 1 pi 4 'j :i l u j c , - i .»r , %? horn fhe li»tl
^lo'wmg in 111 H pdnful inircli^^^ tit ;i<immn^ hillis
c*>ritcmpt nf c!cathj 1 ■ • ." ^' ' •■--..

with ihfT cnO)jrii>|? '

tvh*;her iljc hci

tliigieej evinced .

Wjjctbcr fhe who llvte ptrh-jp* An or^^

rcjiionabb Itfc ciurlnff l*fr ilirtimcr - :

country, lioc^ net p1ur*f^i^ 'W ith Jiitle feruple in the wId"

itr iiuw all ihc-mt*tl; c^travfigant plealarei of the wf-

iial ? Whether £he iiervcr C4mcs at'joui mth Jrcr tn tc<

bend to plac*;^ tindfefciriSj to clirriiUfji ^lic! cii:^

Tinclpl^! witliin \ •'^ludk U dfcent with \h

fo

^

5er \y{\}\ the tjHcrlv. :\r[f! iooil' with the liv . :

m giving a\r;iy ^ £,- ^^-^ sincl groyijicesj kt her, u

STRICTURES ON FEMALE EDUCATION. II5

rr to afcertain whether (lie could imitate this nmg-
tnity,take heed if ihe herlclr is daily fciz'nig nil the
! occafions of doing good, which every d.jy prc-ltius
ic affluent ? Her call is not to lacrificv; a province ;
Ices {lie facrifice an opera tii?Lct ? ISlio v.ho is uuc
g all the good flie can under licr prcRnt circuni-
:es, would not do ail ihi forcfees ilie iliould, in
{inary once, were her power enlarged to the c\-
of her willies.

/"hile flic 13 inveighing with patriotic indignation,
in a neighboring metropolis thirty theatres wtfie
I every night in time of war and public calamity,
e very clear thai in a metropolis wluch contiiins
three, (he was not almoft conllanlly at one of
1 in lime of war and public caKimity alfo ? F< r
igh in a national view it may make a wide differ-
: whether there be in the capital three tlicatrts, or
:y, yet, as the fame perfon caH only go to one of
1 at once, it makes but little diflerence as to tl»o
itum of dilFipation in the irdividual. She wlio
ices at fuccefsful virtue in a hiflory, or at tiie prof-
ty of a perfon whofe interefls do not interfere with
own, may exercife lier feif- knowledge, by exam-
g whether fhc rejoices equally at the happincfs of
y one about her \ and let ht r remember flie dots
rejoice at it in the true fenfe, if Ihe does not labour
remote it. She who glows with rapture at a v ir-
is character in hiftory, fiiould ailc her own heart,
ther flie is eqi>ally ready to do juitice to the fine
lilies of her acquaintanc<#i though flie may not par-
larly love them ; and whether flie takes unfeigned
fure in tJie fuperior talents, virtu'::s, fame, and for-
I of thole whom flie profeflts to love, though flie is
pfcd by them i

n like manner, in the ftudy of geography and nat-
hiltory, the attention fhould be habitually turned
he jj[codnefs of Pro'Mdence, who commonly adapts
various produclions of climates to the peculiar
Its of the refpc6tive ii:habitants. To illuflrate my
injng by one or t .vo initances out cf a thoafand r

)0t mfCTOHEI dH rtM4L£ CDUeATtOI?

*' ihai he fhould ck> (hit great diinjw ?** * to tfir perjc*
rration of that vrrf aiormitj of which iht kU »*
quilting dcUnqticLit couJd ooC endure the fl%htdt (%-
gcdlpn.

In this coiifie£%!on mny It poc be obfervedf thu
young perTon^ fliouJd be put ph their guard atiiaft i
too Implkii belief in the flattolnF :i rco^nu whtth min
vojrtfe'Wf iters arc fond of ' i!; of th^

amUblerierti aod benigiitty o; i....*^ of the tuum^.-i
Htwlf difcovered by our circamit;*?tgators s that thej
Ihoufdkarnto fufjicft ttciu^rior goodnefa aLfiW
to the Hmd(K>3, and partidRirJy the accoum of th? i^
hMtmu of the Pekw IRm^n ? Thefe bft Indenl
have lieen neprcfeiitcd a* haring almoft efe^prd ihf
uniTrrfal tamr of our coitiovon imturc,
fccm by their purity to hifve fprung froui .

We cannot foibcar fofpe^JWng that thefe pleaOi^ I
btit fomc^vhjit oreicharged pi>nr;tit.^ of mao, iq hi^ sat*
tiral Hate, aic drawn with the invidious Jefl - ^v
Ccwntera&Jng the doilrinc of human corrtii^
d*^grr*de thcv^luc and even deitroy the ncccffu
Cnritlian facrifice j by infinoating that uat*:
man la fo difpoftrd to rcdtitude as to fupeTfedc ihc oc- j
c^tfjcn for that redemptiou which h prot>flr<M*^ c!f fi;^f:rl '
for finner*, Thi*t in cmuitries prolelhng < '
many are not Chnni^nS) will be toorea.
Yet to fay nothing of the viift fuperiority
in ^c lives of thofe who are really gcnrcni.
tianity, 15 there not fomething even m her /■ :
^hicn guides 10 greater purity m^ny of iUoi't ^%jn. ;iu
not profefs to walk by it ^ ^ tWubt mudi, if numiifti
c£ the unbelievers of a ChritU an countrv '^ 'he
founder views and better habjts duiiveti lit

and collateTally, as it were, from the in ^ut:r.ce of a
Gofpel, the truth of which however ihcy do not »c^
fcnowledge, would not ftatt at many of the aClsons
which thefe ht^ihm ftrfsiihnifl* daily commit Wi
^efitation.

^ ftXit^i vUlflli

STRICTiJRE.. ON rEWAl-lZ ED[;C\riON. X Oy

ic religious reader of gcn-jral billorjr will obllrvw'
ontrohng hand of Provid^ince in the direction or
Js ; in turning the mod unworthy ntlions and in-
aents to the accompliflimcnt of his own parpofes.
vill mark infinite wifdom directing what appears
cafual occurrences, to the completion of his own
Shewill point out how caufcs Iccirln^ly the molt
tine£ted ; events feemingly the moft unnroiiiiung,
mftaiices feemingly the moft incongruous, are all
ing together tor fonte iiiul good. She will mark
national as well as individual crimes are crcen
uled to fome hidden purpofe f.ir ditrlrent from
.ntention of the actors : how Omnipotence can,
>ften does bring about the bed purpofes by the
t inftruments : how the bloody and imjuil cos-
DT is but " the rod of his wrath," to punifli or to
y his offending cliildren : how '* the fury of the
prcffor," and the fuffcrings of the opprcUcd, will
lay, when the whole fcnem« fhall be unfolded,
cate His righteous d^^alings. She will explain to
cfs enlightened reader, how Inflnite Wifdom of-
aocks the infi^nlficance of human gieatncfs, and
hallownefs of human ability, by fetting afidc in-
lents the moft powerful and promifing, while lie
:s by agents comparatively contemptible. But fnc
carefully guard this dottrine of Divine Providence,
working out his own purpofes through the finB
is creatures, and by the inftrumentality of the
ed by calling to mind, while the offender i« but a
.n the hands of the great Artificer, " tliC woe dc-
unced againft him by wliom the otTence cometh 1"
will explain how thcfe mutations and revolutions
ites which appear to us fo uuiiccountable, and
thofe operations of Providence which fesr.i to us
tangled and complicated, all move harmoiiiouily
in perfect order : that there is not an event but
s commifhon ; not a misfortune which breaks its
ted rank ; not a trial which moves out of its ap-
ed track. While calamities and crimes feem to
I cafual confuPion, all is commanded or permitted;
under the control of a wifdom which cannot err*,
^oodncfs wliich eannotdo wrong.
K

ifor unf
th« cTjnac^ oi Lie
ff the cDuatry

To cxplmn my meaning by % few itinunc^s- ^|3
Jic fpirit of tlic! ycmtbiul rcailei nfcs into Koncfl iiuM
^f3 lit ion at chat hypocriifcal pkty whkh tliTorccxi .m an-

TetirtVi-'t* Oiirrr. Trf nvLil;..: W^J foT the lawful CtUUt: jt

ige with Ann Boleyn ; ifl
iictcafcd by themOTtciM
dbout th^ execution of fl

^:l 'iL fiat lofe {o hit an cccaA

tlie councils of the Moll Hfl

r^^ing were overruled to Uk ' S

and how, to this inaufp: .m

PTuge, from wiiich the heroic Elu^beth fpr^a^ m
l*ri3tcftanr reUj^Ion owed its fl^ ftabnity* This tiOJ
of thcfubjc£t will IciiJihe reailfr ta jutlify ijte ProJ
tlcfics of Lrod without tilnUiiihing her abhonrenci- v
mthc vlcej of the tyrant.

I She will explain to her, how c^en the eof»f'^»^-^^
Pumbltiotit after having^ deluged a hnA with
Brvslired the perpetrator in gum» and the inoo<;^2.L ^ *u
Bin the fn\nf may yet be matte the inflr^tnent of oj
ing to futun ' ■ the way to commeicci

CJvtHzation, 1 V* She may remind her,

they are faltowiugCxIarin bia invafion of Bntain> t[
whereas the conqueror fancied he was on!v gr:\tifyli
his own inordinate ambition, esftcnding she flight
"tlie Romnn Eagle, immortalizing hh own name^ ai
proving that " this worJ*4 waf m^idc for Crfar |*'
'^was iu reality becoming the etf^ilu'il thouj^h una
fcions Inftrument of le;^ding a land of baTbarlanit to
ilization and to fcience : and war. in fa^ prf^pijring
rilla hd ot Pagans Ilj ctnbrace the religion of Chrift,
will intx>rm her, that when afterwards the virtorw
counJry of the fame C^efar had m^d^ Judea a Rom]
province, ;ind the Jews had become its tributaries, ikW
.Komms did not know, nor did the Indignant Jews
fufpe£t, thsc this circumflance was operating to the
confirmation of an event the moft impoitant the wotid
ever witneflcdp

For when, " Auguftii^ fent forth a decree that all
the world (hould he taxed i" he vainly choucht he

was only etilarging his own imperial power j wAcrcjs j
he waaacTm^j in unconfdoys fucfcr) knee to the decree

STRICTURES ON FEMALE EDUCATlOlT. I i -1

higher Sovereign, and was helping to »fcertain
public aft the exaft period of Chrill's birth, and
ihing a record of his extradlion from that family
which it wasprcdifted by a long line of Prophets
he fliould fpnng. Herod's atrocious murder of
mocents has ailded an additional circumltance for
Dnfirmation of our faith ; the incredulity of Tho-
las ftrengthened our belief ; nay, the treachery
das, and the injuftice of Piiiite, were the human -
ments employed for the falvation of the world,
c youth that is not thoroughly armed with Chrif.
principles, will be tempted to mutiny not only
il the jullice, but the very exiftcnce ot a fuperin-
ig Providence, in contemplating thofe frequent
ices which occur in hillory of tne ill fuccels of
nore virtuous caufe, and the profperity of the
:d. He will fee with adoniUiment that it is Rome
1 triumphs, while Carthage, which had clearly
3ttcr caufe, falls. Now and then indeed a Cicc-
svails, and a Cataline is fubdued : but often, it is
r fuccefsful again ft the fomcwhat jufter prcten-
of Pompey, and againft the fiill clearer caufe of =
It is Oclavius who triumphs, and it is over Bru-
.at he triumphs : It isiiberius who is dethroned,
; Germanicus falls !

:us his faith in a righteous Providence at firlt.
is ftaggered, and he is reaily to fay, " Surely it is
God that governs the earth !" 15 ut on a f«l!er
leration, (and here the fiiggcftions of a Chriftiaii
,th)T arc pjciiiaily w.uUijd,) there will nppear
wlfdoir. in :iii;, very confufiDn of vice and virtue ,
is c;iU:'ilatcd to fciul our rhougiits forward to a
I of rcTributioji, tl.f principle cf rttribution bc-
) imp'^rttclly eltabllihcil in this. It is indeed lb
)mnjO!i for virtue to hiive ihi: advanta;{;e here, in
of happiiif^fs at lealt, thouf^h nut of glory, that
ourft; of Provident:: is It ill caku luted to prove;
^od 13 on tliL' iide of virtue ; but ftill virtue is fo
unfuccei'bful, tnat clearly the God of virtue, in
that his work may be perfcft, muft have in ic-
a world of retribution. This confufed Plate (>£
\ therefore is. jull tliat Itate wluch ismoii of ail

private Cf ^
l^ed. In '
n f Actlhv ■

in caif turn of etpji

" ^ im au eatly intd

; btjt evoi tf tl

^

and manners (o lovely in female

Nfxt TO pernicious re.idliig> imprudent
frkndfliipa "^ic the m<Jll damv-^r^-i^^ fuj^rt r^
piictty. And boimtllcfs cl
cnt ton fid 2ntcSf w he t! icr t ht: v . v . . , . i . . n i l , * i ■ t
or, as it offeit liiipptm*, in tnc fame (Irtct* d
which princip^lty fcedsi thisdai;''r ■ "r ^
ful f:mimcnt. In thofc corrc.^
fncnda often encourage each other ;u Ut- Utl>
ei: humiiii life, And Uic mod erronc oi^ ije^
litr's charafltfr- FamiJir iJfAin

STRICTURES ON FEMALE EDUCATION. 121

dtnefs in whatever they relate. They (hould main-
the mod critical accuracy in/'affs, in iiates, in »»«-
igf in ilefcribing, in fhort, in whatever pertains^
er diredkiy or indireflly, clofely or remotely, to the
It fundamental principle, Truth, It is fo very difli-
for perfons of great liveluiefs to rcftrain tlicm-
es within the fober limits of ftridl veracity, cither
ieir affertions of narrations, efpecially when a little
ue indulgence of fancy is apt to procure for them

Eraife of genius and fpirit, that this reftraint is one
e earlieft principles which (hould be worked into
youthful mind.

\t converfation of young females is-alfo in danger
icing overloaded with epithets. As in the w^rm
on of youth hardly any thing is feen in the true
It of vjfion, fo hardly any thing is named in naked
)licity ; and the very fenfibility of the feelings is
\y a caufe of the extravagance of the expremon*
here, as in other points, the facred writers, par-
larly of the New-Teftament, prcfent U3 with the
;ft models ; and its natural and unlaboured ftyle
xprefGon is perhaps not the meaneft evidence of
truth of the Gofpel. There is throughout the
>lc narratives, no overcharged character, no elabo-

defcription, nothing ftudioufly emphatical, as if
h of itielf were weak, and wanted to be helped
There is little panegyric, and lefs inveSive \
c but on great, and awful, and juftifiable occafions.
I authors record their own faults with the fame
efty as if they were the faults of other men, and
faults of other men with as little amplification as
icy were their own. There is perhaps no hook in
ch adjedives are fo fparingly ufcd. A modeft
;ment of the faft, witn no colouring and little
iment, with little emphafjs and no varnifh, is the
nple held out to us for correcting the exuberances
3a(fion and of language, by that divine volume
ch furnifties us with the ftill more important rule
Saith and ftandard of praGice. Nor is the truth
Bred by any feeblenefs, nor is the ipirit diluted,

the imprefeon weakened by this fobernefs and
Icration \ for with all tliis plainncfs there is fo
L

£T&lCTV1lEt OH FEUALE ED0C4T)

•much fofcc } with all du$ f!mp!icit| there
energy, thai a few fUght taitihcs aiul miilcfi
fcripture char.i£ttre» convey a ^loiigcr ou^
peilon dclinc;itcd» th^n h fometimcs given )
claibotai£ and Enilhcil poiuaic of lOom artiJ

Jf it bcobjefled to this rcmarkj that mai
the f^red writings abcutid m a lo^^* Jigu
cvcti hyperbolical ilyk ^ (Imh ubjeftron app
to ibc writings of the Old-rcltamcnt, and '
|>Heucal and poetical part&of thar* But the
j^al and floiici {\y\c of thofc wrictngei i$ dii
the ifiaccur?it€ and over*llr*tincd ixpttPCim
btTR ccniurtng ^ for that oiii^ h inaccur
kada to a falfc and inadcqutte conception IJ
cr or hcarcf. The lofty ftylc of the Eatti
otli«^T heroic poetry^ does not fo mlfltad ; fi
aphor is undcvi^ood to be a metajphori and t
h tindcrllood to be ornamentah The ft
Script ure& of the Old^^TelUment h not* it ia
in oppofttion to the figurative ^ nor fin)pk
tion to florid j but it is pkia and Ample
fenfcr as opppfed to falfe principles and fall
raifes oo wrong idea i it gives an cx^Gt In
the thing it means to convey % and its very
iigure&t though bold, arc never ynnatural 01
wlien it embeUiihes it does not mificad i ev
.exaggerates, it docs not mifreprefent i if it
bolica)^ it h fo eiiher in compliance with th<
Oncncal language, or in compJtsifice with
rary cuftoms, or Uecaufe tJic fubje£l is one
he moft forcibly impreCcd by a flirone fig

Inftlnpra fif the* t^^nrpdiUTi AfiAnf^^. ntiAhma

STRICTURES OH FEMALE EDUCATION. 1 23

CHAP. XL

Rilighn.'^Thg Nicefflfy ami Duty tf tarty InftruBin
Jht*wn by Analogy nmitb human Learning.

has been thefafliion of our late innovators in phil-
phy, who have written fome of the moft brillianl

popular treatifes on education, to decry the prac-

of early inftilling religious knowledge into t\\(
ids of cKildren. In vindication of this opinion i:

been alledged, that it is of the utmoft importance
he caufe of truth, that the mind of man Ihould b(
t free from prepoffcflions ; and in particular, tha:
ry one (hould be left to form fuch judgment on re
311s fubje£ts as may feem bed to his own reafon ii
:urer years.

This fcntiment has received fome countenance fron
fc better charaders who have wifhed, on the fairefl
iciple, to encourage free inquiry into religion 5 bu
as been pufhed to the blamenbJe cxcefs here cen
:dy chiefly by the new philofophers ; who, whik
jr profefs only an ingenuous zeal for truth, are ii
: flily endeavouring to deftroy Chriftianity itfelf, b^
:ountenancing, under tl:c plaufible pretence cf frci
uiry, all attenfion v.hatciircr to the leli^^ious educa-
I ot our youth.

t-is undoubtedly our duty, while we are iiiililliPf
iciples into the tender mind, to take peculiar c.ir-
: thofe principles be found and j'jft ; thut the rcli
1 we teach be the religion of ri:c iJihlc, and not th(
:ntion3 of hutnuTi error or lupenlition : tii;it iIk
iciples we infufe into ethers, oe iuch as wt our
C8 nave well fcrutiniz^d, and not the refulr of cui
lulity or bigotry ; nor the m?r': hereditary, unt;;-
ned prejudices of our own undifcerning chiiuhood.
lay alfo be granted, that it is the duty of e\try pa-
: to inform the youth, that when his faculties ihali
e fo unfolded ihcmfelves, as to enable them tc
iiine for himfelf thofe principles which tlie p;i-
: is now inftilling, it will be his duty fo to txanij

them.

.|i r he mind voiiJ of aH picjioJirilionJ

^iJijy fubjeit, appears to be allognhcr a vj

[ir^Ai cable Bticmpi ? an attempt^ ibc verf

[if which urgc^ much Ignor^jict of Imtnui '

l/C-t }i ht 'oU(cTvCil here, that wc are nd

ihc HTfidd % tlvAt wc .ire not producing «

IS in favour oi the uuth of Ch

^ J win over the ajTcut of the res

tiiith he titfputcs ^ but that yrc^ stc

fgrantcH^ not only tbac Chnflirmity is tTQC^I

fire aiMrcffinp ihofe who bcU^vc K w be

lum[)Uo?> which has been nmde thrciuKlii

\jVumiisgj iht'tefotCj thnt thcicarc rcEgto

k^vbu'h 2TC irui^j* Viud 'Al:.ii.hc3UEht to he co(

^in the moll tJfVitiiat maj^nor, the iifxt *iad

mUb fcenvs to b«j at ^-hjitageand m what

l4>ught to be inculc;itctl / Thar k ought

J^iniy period, wc h<ivc the command of

LrticfKiragingiy f.iid, In aniwer to thofe wh<

rjpctkd their approacbi ** Sufttr//o/f diil

But here conceding, for the fake of argi
'^vet caiiun be conceded, chiii fonv - -^r'
iic brought in favour pf dehiy ; d I i

pTeiilon^ as nre communicated carsy rrray,
deep J allowing rhem cvea to beconre td
by the fuhf^6[tici3t corraptJoas of tljc hearl
wnrKU ^till I would illudratc the import^j
■liifurmg Tdipioua knowledge, by nn ftlly
from the pusvcr of early habit in hunil
Put I he raCcj i'm iiiit^iiice, of ^ perfon who i
iiutUtt*d in the rudirtietits of chiiUc^il f\t^
pofe him after cjuittitJ^ fchool to h^jve h\k
El courfc of idlenefe or of vulgar ptirfuUe^
^ic^kd of fludy, iShould thb perfoti at
pepgd happen to be called to fomc prcfef

STRrcrURES ON FEMALE EDUCATION. rici".

mid oblige him, as we fay, to rub up his Greek and
lin ; his memory ftill retaining the unobliteratcd
)ugh faint traces • of his early purfuits, he will be
.c to recover his neglefted learning with lefs difii-
[ty than he caald now begin to learn ; for he is not
lin obliged to fet out with ftudying the fimple clc-
:nts } the^ come back on being purfued ; they are
md on being fearched for ; the cfecayed images af-
ne (hape, and ftrength, and colour ; he has in his
nd fir ft principles to which to recur ; the rules of
immar which ne has allowed himfelf to violate, he
} not however forgotten ; he will recall negledlcd
asy he will refume flighted habits far more eafily
in he could now begin to acquire new ones. I ap-
il to clergymen who are called to attend the dying
Is of fuch as have been bred in grofs and (lupia ig-
rance of religion, for thejuftnefs of this comparifon-
> they not find that thefe unhappy people have no
:as in common with them ? That tJbty therefore pof -
8 no intelligible medium by which to make them-
ecs underftood ? That the perfons to whom they are
drcffing. themfelves have no firft principles to which
;y can be referred ? That they are ignorant not only
the fcience, but the language of Chrillianity ?
But at word, whatever- be the event of a pious edu-
ion to the child, though in general we are encdur-
sd from the tenor of Scripture and the courfe of ex-
rience^ to hope that the event will be favourable, and
It •' when he is old he will not depart from it." Is
tiothing for the parent to have accvuitted himfelf of
s prime duty ? Is it nothing to him that he hss
eyed the plain command cf " training his child in
the way he fiiould go ?" And will not the parent
lo fo acquits himfdf, with better reafon and more
el^r-^ hope, fupplicate the Father of mercies for the
claiming of a prodigr.1, who has wandered out of
It right path in which he has fet him forv^'ard, than
• the converfion of a ncglefted creature, to whofe
:t the Gofpel had never been offered as a light ?
id how different will be the dying reneccions "evtn
that parent whofe earnefc endeavours have bsen un-

:i.. j^f«_^-j L.. ^L- r..\.r^ _^ i ^i.,««.^«-, — -

of tils i:!iiU^ from hk who x-AVt r(*jifnnl!i]
»talc ' , by tTinsfcTT

uTirci wlio CIA aHufe iJ>tf _
:c withlioMmg the cmd ftti, tlic"
lint enemy, whp ^jfiirltjouliy fmcs
ffjn crcry opp<miinttj win ^nd tultin

ing

wrtrc j\ot certAmly t

ccTUin to tbrm tiLSt thttr now ncgk^cd
ccttauiiy Htc to r

c^n ajTum them :: j c

It k altnajl neeJlcft to tAfcrrt tl^r't pan?:!^ itliD
indifferent about religiorti much Hi.
it with fcoTti, arc not likely to ht ;i: ; ,
jcft -J it i& therefore the ^ttcntton ot mi^tatti pai
Vhich is here chkfly called upon; and ihc morr ^
there feeijis, oil this point, nn unaccoatitnhl^
gence m many of thcfe, whether it aiife froi
lence^fjlfe pruidp^es, or whatever oth«^T moiiv*!*,

But indcpcTident df knowledge, it is fomething, nafi
let philofophers fay what they M^ill, k is mtich, to civ$
youth f^rcp^JJiJJtQHi in favour of rcliguni> to fc€ur« " *^
fnjwdi€€s on its fide before yoy tuin ifjem ^tdrift
th^ world I a world in whicfij he fore they can bii ca^l

iiletely armed with argumems and re*ifoR5, they i«_
K a il :u I e d by n u m b e rs %v V ofe p r e po iic flions a ii d preju-
iliccs, far n;ore than ^/:f/?" argumtiuis and reafons, at^
lach them to the oih^r fide. Why fliould i»oi the
Chrifliati youth funiiih himfelf in tbc btft atufr •■*■**
the fame natural armour which the ^neniic^of r^
wear iu the worll ? It is certain thiit to Ikt aut ia iiic

^ Aoufii ju.

^

STRICTURES ON FEMALE EDUCATION* 127

fentiments in favour of the religion of our coun-
s no more an enor or a wcakneis, than to grow up
. a fondnefs for our country itfclf. If the love of
country be judged a fair principle, furely a Chrif-
who is " a citizen of no mean city," may lavjr-

have his attachments too. If patriotifm be an
:{t prejudice, Chriftianity is not a fervile one*
I let us teach the youth to hug his prejudices, to
f in his prepoffeflions, rather than to acquire that
itile and accommodating citizenfliip of the ^orld,
i^hich he may be an Infidel in Paris, a Papift at
le, ind a MufTulman at Cairo,
et me not be fuppofed fo to elevate politics, or fo
sprefs religion, as to make any comnarifon of the
5 of die one with the other> when 1 obferve, that
'cen the true Britifli patriot and the true Chriflian,
; will be this common refemblance : the more
ly each of them inquires, the more will he be con-
ed ixi his refpeftive attachment, the one to his
itry, the other to his religion. I fpeak with rever-

of the immeafurable diftance ; but the more the
prefTes on the firm arch of ourconftitution, and the
r on that of Chriftianity, the ftronger he will find
1 both. Each challenges fcrutiny ; each has noth-
to dread but from fliallow politicians and fnaliow
jfophcrs ; in each intimate knowledge juftifies pre-
?ffion ; in each inveftigation confirms attachment*.
' we divide the human being injto three component
3, the bodily, the intelledtual, and the fpiritual, is
►t reafonable that a portion of care and attention
Ifigned to each in fome degree adequate to its im-
ance ? Should I venture to fay a 4/ue portion, a
ion adanted to the real comparative value of each.
Id not tnat condemn ia one word the whole fyf-
of modern education ? The rational and intellec-
part being avowedly more valuable than the bo-
, while the fpiritual and immortal part exceeds
: the inttlleftual ftill more than that furpafles what
►rpor^iai ; is it afting apcording to the common
5 of proportion ; is it a6ling on the principles of
ibutive juilice ; is it ading with that good fenfe
rl;2:lit iud2:ment with which the ordinary bufincfs.

IIS

f>f this

IX"

which)
occupy
kaual
and th(
at all?
difappc
be ftri|
which
attentii
nothin]
Icarcel
bun
mife (a
impon
two ih
ternals
underf
of reli
he m§ it

▼ation'
ments.
fliould
begins
mentS)
Wh
lines a]
outline
be con:
inc***ai
o" 'n

T SI

STiUCTUEES OTf FBMAtE IDUCATIOK,

tlij do you fedujoufly iJifufe into hh mind the nidi-
q{ lyntax ? Why in piitiing h he led to rt^fer
yord to its part of fpcech, to rcfdve every hn"
liicoits dements ^ to reduce cvety term to tcs im-
nd from th^ firlt caf« of noon*, and the ftdt
>f Verba, to expl;^\n thrir forraatidnsj thangcSy
pendencies, tilt ihc principles of laDgni^gc become
iiadcd^ t!m:>by conttnually recurrtiij^ to the rnk*(t
tut and wiithij^ Cf*rri tHy are fixed into h habit ?
kff thisj but bt^riiufc yon uniformly wifh him to
^n6<:d in each of his acquiremtnts ? Why, but
e you ate perfuaded that a Jlight, and llovrnlv,
fc{iffffid*il| atul irregular way of bit ruction wiU
pmEi hniJ t*) excellence m any thing ? ^H

[young perrons then become muficians, and ririiiti^W
|"rtd Ihi^Miil^s, and fnatlicm3tici:ins by early It tidy
IguJar laboar j and ihM they become Chnitian^
tidctit ? Or rather, is not thiB zilm^ on tliat very
pie of Dogberry J at which you probably have of-
iughcd ? I J* it not' fuppofing thui religian, hke
Hing sjnd writuig^ comes by NuEure f* Shijll all
iCCompliChmentii, " which perifli in the ufingp'*bc
jiaouilyi fotyitcffiAticully taught ? Shall all thofe
Its, whicn ^.rc limited to the things of this world| be
' ly formed t fo perfjfted in, af to be interwoven
very makej fo as to become as it were a part
frleives ; and fhall that knowledge i^hich i^ to
Ins '* wife unto falvatioii" be picked up at r^i^doni|
^jly, or pcrhnps not picked up at all ? Shall that
lilt divine fcie nee which requires *' line upon line,
precept upon preceptj*' here h little and there a
t} that koawledge which par en t% even under a
ker difpentationj were required '* to teach their
lildren Miigent!^^ and to talk of it when they fat in
icir huufcj and when they walked by the way, and
^hen they lay down^ and when they rufe up ;" fhatl
[knowledge be by Chriflian parents omitted or de»
■d, or taught (lightly J or be fuperfeded by things
Ibmparatively little worth /

ihatl the hvely period of youth, the foft and im-
Hibie feafon when lading habits are formed, when
fcal cuts deep into the yielding wa^:, and the im-

e nT?Yi*tl,'* be srr^rrr^fj, l>t lllC!l|

CCBCem ttbaut ;

ndt^

.c in-, n^iiii^

Cclit the I

a the rkafittrri

1

'If to an'^iher li

ati^^it tf\*+i^F *j.*»f :»f'\irtv

STRrCTVRES ON ?£MAL& EDUCiTlOW,

Ithy tnindi to be put offtilf i\\t day af cxcrti-
[);ii»i tjH the perbtloi debilitjr nml l\upc;f;iUion t
•% waIi for that ftfafon, z& ir it were ihc mod
hh for religious acquilitioiis^ when ilic fei^fci
' ' II palled by cxtcliivc gfatificauoiiy wIscti
:': tlrtd with feeing, and tlic car yf'ilh
i *iijAll wCj when the wbok man is breaking
ifcafc or decay, expect th>it the dim appr^-hcti-
lldifccrn a licw Ricnce> or ihc ob tuib iedingc
pD thenrfelvcs with a new plcafure ? a plgainTi*
not only incomp^tthk with itiAfiy of the hkhtfCinBl
^A picifurcSf but one which cartiefi with it m^^
Pintimation Uiat thofe pkufurc^ tcrmm^te io the
'of the fouh

n, not to lofe /ight of the important an;alogy im
!b we have already dwelt fo much \ liow pctpof^
IS would it fc em to ycu to hc^r my one propofc
1 illiterate dyii>g man* to let ubouc learning c¥cii
iJaincfl and eaU^d rudimeitta of any new sirt ^ ta
f the mnfical notes ; to conjugsitc arV^rb ^ to leattif
ht 6xh problem in Euclid, but eircn the immer^
Cable \ and yet you do not tlimk it abfurd to po(i<-
eligious initru^ bit on prmeiples, which, if ad*
at all, muft termioate either in ignorance or in
»ropofing too late to a dying mm to be^in to
Ihe totally unknown fch^me of Chriili^mity.
So not thmk it impolTible that he (liould be
;ht to liften to the " voice of this charmerp** when
no longer liilien to " the voice of finging men
Cnging wom^n,'' You do not think it unrea-
^ that immorial beings Oiould delay to devote
ays to Heaven, till they have ** no pleafure in
thcmfelves. You will not bring them to offer
firft fruits of their ijps» and hearta^ and lives to
Maker, becaufc you pj^rfuade yourfelves that he
has called hlmfelf a *^ jealous God/* may how-
be contented hereafter with the wretched facrificc
rcsiyed appetites, and the woiUilefs leavings of al»
extinguiflied affcftions,

~ can fcarcdy beiidve, even with all the melan-
j^rocrailinatian we fee around u;;, that there
OflCj ticcpt he be a d«cide4 infid^C who doc*

IBM

^■PJC'ddea fo^'^iM

1 ^V^I^V^^^^I

I^H^n tke bulk whurfi ^

^B flfV^^'

I. ...i un

I^KT.:.. ->! f Tir eye* by ^

of CtCTQIll

' , through J

jartJy Uom^

' iuUtaniiy, froj;

fWayi
t hink B

^^H

^^^1

k only of <

u L 1^ C X ^ t t i * ii V if/ti

by no metritis b^
^ of dirfnc trij

■■■ ^•-■rclgi

^H

^^^^^^ \** *

^^^^^^^■oi^^*^

gn^i^^^

STUICTURES es FEMALE BD'JCATION. 133

bcft intcTcfts of their children 5 thofc to whom
iftianity is indeed an important conHderation, but
>fc habits of life have hitherto hindered them front
ng it its due degree in the fcale of education.
tegin then with confidering tliat religion is a part,

the moft prominent part, in your fyftem or in-
dion. Do not communicate its principles in a
lom defultory way ; nor fcantily ftint this bufi-
; to only fuch fcraps and remnants of time as may
:afual]y picked up from the gleanings of other ac-
•ements. " Will you bring to God for a facrifice
lat which cofts you nothing ?" Let the beft partof
day, which with moft people is the earKeft part,
teadily and invariably dedicated to this work by
r children, before they are tired with other ftudieSp
Ic the intelleft is clear, the fpirita light, and the at-
ion (harp and unfatigued.

!onfine not your inftruflions to mere verbal rituals
dry fyftems ; but communicate them in- a way
ch (hall intereft their feelings, by lively images, and
t warm practical application of what they read to
r own hearts and circumftances. If you do not
y the great but too much flighted art of fixing, of
imandmg, of chaining the attention, you may throw
y much time and labour, with little other efFe6t
I that of dijgufting your pupil and wearying your-
There fecms to oe no good reafon that while
y other thing is to be made amufing, religion alone
c be dry zjad uninviting. Do not fancy that a
e IS good merely becaufe it is dull. Why fliould
tne moft entertaining powers of the human mind
fupremely confecrated to that fubjefk which is
t worthy of their full exercifc ? The misfortune is«

religious learning is too often rather confidered
n aft of the memory than of the heart and affec-
3 ; as a dry duty, rather than a lively pleafure.

manner in which it is taught differs as much
I their other learning as punifhment from recreation,
dren are turned over to the dull work of getting by
as a ta(k that which they fliould get from example^
1 animated converfation, from lively difcuflion, in
:h thcpupil fliould learn to bear a part, inftead jof

tftUI

find

£ff n when cKc nimre of your fiibjoSt makes t
*farj for yon Iq be more plain and dida£kicj dai
ffcqitenily to enliven tbelV ief* engaging pmtn\
dUcouffe iiriih foont incidental tmagrry whi
ciptivace Hic hncy ; with fomc affi^mg Ha
which k 0ia11 be aJflbcIatM in the men^ory. j
what would otberwkfe be too dry an<i preceptn
fomc Jlrikififf exemplification in point, icmc ti
inAanoe la dc iitntitcd, feme awfut warniii
avoided ; (bmethjng wlikh Hiali illuiUate your :
tioHf which fhall rcaliie your portion ^ whic
CQibody your ide^* and give ih^pc and foritij
and life, to your precept. Endeavour on rem
to vcinneft the reacier witli the fubjc^, bjr mak
feci th.it what you teach is neither an abfhraS
nor a t hi tig of mere general imform^tioni buc
h a buiineAin which /^ Air/gi/ u individually ;
mediaEely concerned i in wladi not onJy her
falvation but her prt/rni happinefs u involved.
emding to mwir meaitiiis of abilify. whufc^

STRICT^JRES ON FEMALE EDUCATION. I3£;

ces of •Chrift and his Apoftles were enabled hoA to-
nnprehend and relifh do£irines, which would not
idily have made their way to their underftandin^s,
1 thev not firfl: touched their hearts ; and which
»uld nave found accefs to neither the one nor the
ler, had they been delivered in dry fcholaftic dif-
ifitions. Now, thole audiences not being learned^.
IV be fuppofed to have been nearly in the ftate of
ildren, as to their receptive faculties, and to have
quired nearly the ftime fort of inilrudtion ; that is,.
:y were more capable of being moved with what
s fimple, and touching* and lively, than what was-
borate, abftrufe, and unafFeAing. Heaven and-
!th were made to furniih their contributions, when<
in was to be taught that fcience which was to make
n wife unto falvation. Something which might en-
ce or illuftrate was borrowed from every element.
it appearances of the iky> the ftorms of the ocean,
; birds of the air, the beads of the field, the fruits
the earth, the feed and the harved, the labours of
; hufbandmen, the traffic of the merchant, the fea-
ts of the year ! all were laid hold of in turn. And
: moft important moral inftru£tion, or religious
ith, was deduced from feme recent occurrence, Tome
tural appearance, fome ordinary faft.
If that be the purelt eloquence which mod per-
ides, and wliich comes hoiric to the heart with tlio
left evidence and the moll irrcfidiblc force, then no
quence is fo powerful as that of Scripture : and an
eiligent Chridian teacher will be admoniflied by the
ide of Scripture itfclf, how to communicate its truths
th life and fpirit ; " while he is mufing, the fire
)urns :" that fire wiiich will preferve him from an
ipid and freezing mode of indrudlion. He will
»reover, as was faid above, always carefully keep up •
[uick fenfe of the perfonal intered the pupil has in
;ry religious indruftion which is imprencd upon
n. He will teach as Paul prayed, " with the fpirit, .
md with the uaderdanding alio ^" and in imitating
s great model, he will neceflarily avoid the oppofite
ilts of two different forts of indruftors ; for while
rie of. our divines of tlic higher clafs have been to^

^^^ __ ^izd ill its own naked fornii and t|
n€% .inJuc wilder! ihc youciiful uDdcinan(iii)|
nccilfiil Aud iiitliipciifabtc poiuta of koowlj
Harkncfi^ of Script ure^ ;is a gre^t ChritVita phj
ha^ oblVivcd, •' u btit a partial &.y '• like i
**jjypi, ^lilchbcrji^htcdonly ihci F (^

" iE kfi his tlitUh«:ii in cUrdt tluy." It ih nol
cd that the Bibtc wilt /W in the youn^ rc|
views of God and of Chriftj of the foul and
ha I that ic will p<fi them, Aiitl if h be real]
pfopnaie dui utker ot Sciipturc^ ui it lells ^
u IS ^*t« eiilightCii tU« ryes of the 6/i*iA\** an^
** vvifr thc/fl?//^'' then it ii ai well cakukie
yotnhful aiKl uninformed as for any other cj
i*lt \v^!5 fitter cxpcOcd thattlifi greater mti
ti^ns fliutild be IcgriTals dj is Icnrnirig, toouj
tlUmuhle value in a tiMthr of theolojfy, no iffkn
i Real 1011 for a commoti Chrifttan : for ,wh^
Scripture truths ire exprefTed with that cfc+it
pk evidtriicc adapted fo t?ie kind of iiflcnt wl
require ; an alfoit miUeriitlly dilfcret)t from tli
demonilration which a tnathcmatkal dicoremi
He who could bring an unprejudiced he^rt si|
perverted will, would bring to the tSctipiura
qunliEcation for uaderilanding and recdvj]

STRICTURES ON FEMALE EDUCATJON. T37:

(kords which Chrift addrefled to Peter, " What I do
* though knoweft not nowj but thou Hialt know here-
'after?'

''^HjlJorics of the bible, and commentaries on the bi-
de, for the ufe of cliildren, though valuable in their
pfcavy (hould never be ufed as fubltitutes for the bible
Ifeff. For hiftorical or geographical information, for
filing the attention to events and charaflers, they are
txj ufeful. But fcripture truths are beft conveyed*
Ok Its own fublime and fimple phrafeology; its doc-
t^ea are beft underftood in its own appropriate lan«

Eage ; its precepts are beft retained in their own fim-
r form. . Paraphrafe, in profeilMig to explain, often
utes ; while the terfenels and brevity of fcripture
Jiimpofition fills the mind, touches the neart, and faf- -
jtotis on the memory. While I would caufe them to ^
•?ircad** the commentary for the improvement of the
fMerftanding, thev ftiould << mark, learn, and in- -
f wardly digeft" tte bible for the comfort and cdifi-
^on of the heart

'■ Young people who have been taught reli^oR in a .
Rormal and fuperficial way, who have had all its drudg-
nies and none of its pleafures, will probably have ac-
^j^ed fo litde relifh for it, as to confidex tne contin-
Bcd profecution of their religious ftudies as a badge o£
dkeir tutelage, as a mark that they are ftill under fub-
[ef^ion ; and will look forward with impatience to the
four of their emancipation from the letiures on Chrif-
tianity^ as the aera of their promifed liberty ; the
Riocha of independence. They will long for the pe-
nod when its leiTons (hall ceafe to be deUvered ; will
conclude that, having once attained fuch an age, and
arrived at the required proficiency, the objefk will be
accomplifhed, and the labour at an end. But let not
jmr. children " fo learn Chrift." Apprize them that
no fpecific day will ever arrive on which they fhall fay,
Have attained ; but inform them, that every acquifi-
tion muft be followed up y knowledge muft be increaf-
ed ; prejudices fubdued ; good habits rooted ; evil
ones eradicated ; amiable difpofitions ftrengthened ; .
ngjtfi principles confirmed 5 till going on from light to.?
M-2-

\

X^^ STRICTURES ON FEMALE EDIJCATlOK.

light, and from ftrength to ftrengthj they come ^* to tht
** meafurc flf ihe ftature of tlie fainefij of Chrifti"

But though ferious inflTu£tic>n will not only be iiii*
inUfi'tUn^ buC trkiomci if conveyed iq youth in & cold
jjidaftic way ^ yet if Uieir afFetlbns be faiiabiy tJi*
' id J whik their undcTft^n dings are kept lu excrclfc»
r hcaiTi^i Gi fiir from iicceflUrity revolting, t% foifltf
fnfifti will often receive the mo ft foJcmn truths with
^Ucrky. It is, as we have repeated, the oianner whkh
kc^ohs Uicnii and not the thing. Nor will thcfi U
fame aflert, neceffarily diflike the teacher, because \ht
auths taught are of the moft awfu[ and folemn kiai
It has ha pf cited to the writer to be a fre quern wittiefi
of the grktututlc and affection exprciTed by young pef*
fon» !o thofe wHd had feduloufiyand I'enoufly iGiliufl-
ed them in religious knowledge ; ^n affwOiou au;llvi:ly*
a gratitude as warm> as could ha%^t been excited by anf
indulgence to their petfouS| or any gratification of a
worldly natuie*

As It is notorious that naen of wit and fprightlf feji-
cy ha^e been the mod formidabk* en emits to Chiit
fianity ; ^hik men, in whom tborc talents have bccfl
confecratcd to God, have been fome of her jjnott yfcfut
ciiampions^ t^ke particular care to picfs tliat ardent
and ever-a£lijig pov^-eri the im^gimtkn, into the ftrvke
of religk^n. Thi*i bright and buiy fatuly will be lead*
ing its poiHITar mto pcrpetu 1 psril, and i£ an cnemf .
©f peculi:ir potency iil it coiat to Se employed in the
caufe of God. It is a Uonj which the ugh wc^rldty
prudence indeed may chain fu as to preipnt oi
mifthicf, yet the malignity remains wiihin i bbi ^
tiin£li5ed by Chriftianity, the imaginatiwJi ii a Uoti
tamnt ; you have all the benefit of its ftrength and \i%
a^tjVJty, divtlled of its mifchief, God never bcft<w*
cd that uobk but teftlefs f^cvlty, without intending it
to be an inftrument of his own glory \ though it h^
been tc>o often fct up in rr:fcdlion agpiafthim \ bccaufe^
in its youthful ftirnngs, while all alive and full of ac-
tion, it has not been Tekcd upon to ferrc iti ^ '
Sovereign J but was e^trly inhftcd with jiulc op^r.
under the banners of the wt^rjd, the fleOij auiJ th^
Religion i& tlic onfy fuhje^lu wliictii. W^^

STRICTURES ON FEMALE EDUCATION. 1 39

guidence of a fevcrc and fober-mindcd prudence^
difcurfive faculty can fafely ftrecch its powers,
expand its energies. But let it be remembered,
it muft be a found and genuine Chriflianity which
alone fo chaftife and regulate the imagination, as
sftrain it from thofe errors and exceffes into which
Ife, a miftaken, an irregular religion, has too often
Lt8 injudicious and ill-in{lru£bcd profeflbr. Some
he moft fatal extremes into which a wild enthu&-
or a frightful fuperdition has plunged its unhappy
iries, have been owing to the want of a due direc-
, to the want of a Itridt and holy cailigation of
ever- working faculty* To fecure imagination,
■fifore, on the fafe fide, and, if I may change the
aphor, to put it under the.diredion of its true pilot ..
lie ftorxny voyage of life, is like engaging thofe po?
: elements, the wind. and tide, in your favour,
n your communications with young people, take
; to convince them that as religion is not a bufinefs
»e laid afide with the leflbn, fo neither is it a fingle
icb of .duty ; fome detached thing, which like the
uifition of an art or a language, is to be pradifedl
irately, and to have its diuin£l periods and mode$
operation. But let them underftand, that common
I, by the fpirit in which they are to be performed,
tp D€ made afts of religion. Let them perceive
: Chriflianity. may be cohfidered as having feme-
ig of that iijflu^ncc over the condufk which exter^
grace has over the manners ; for as it is not the
Formance of feme particular a£t which denominates
one to be graceful, grace being a fpirit diffufed
)ugh the whole fyftem, which animates every fenti-
at, and informs every a£tion j as ik? who has true
fonal grace has it unifgrmly, and is not fometime9
Kward and fometimes elegant ; ^does not fom^times
it down and fomptimes • take it up ; fo religion i^
an occafional a£(, .but an indwelling principle, an
wrought habit, ^a pervading and informing fpirit^
0(1 which indeed eyeVy aft derives all its life, and en-
y, and beauty. .

iive them clear views of the bioad difcriminatioii
ween pradical relieion and worldly morality ; 114

flat ^holitiei's without v.

horA >" ftmll Tint th-it kno

tior* of I'aiili RTTd r?atttcc , .

[^ut which ivIJ knowlcdgi:^ i^ *^ fminrlirig brafe

tinkUng cymbal," be impr^nbi, be iriCiiki

Baforct*i| ^n e;rfly, %i% conJljntlvi iS :

^iththc ftiittc c^tncii puihing on to l. n-i.^;

[_gTcfs, with ti\^- f:tmc ton f hint ithttnct ici fit 11^

tj^le'?^ nfp are afed in tht cafe of thofc nrtr v'^ -i ft

I adorn human life ? Shall we twt ftkt j

I when the mtTiTioiy is ftrong* f?fc ^n u i

l^^t^ vxj^aTou5 and srtive, the 1111^^11 Lt-^:: l^i

'n\ heart fiestihlc, the temper duCt

I COf» 1 : 1 dcr I curio !r ty a w;^ kt% f-^ur powet fi^

lAiculcatinpthai kncwkdgc, ani; .. diQJ

[^iplcf which :ir<t to form the cbanclcfi and
'ciliuikUon foretCTiiIty ? 1

1 would nrtw MMteU trtyfclf to anoibcr and

cajKem nWut rcH;rio" n)! they are driven to ^
lial ' ^--^^ - ' ^, elc Tint thiiik of pntying |
' tut I Ikn ^vho laid* **h€ ihougli

•*d\vay^ tiu: ' I 10 prav mi hen ihl

M< began/^ C . tk^ llafl wc, with

STRICTURES ON FEMALE EDUCATION, I31

and healthy mind, to be put oiF till the day of excru-
ciating pain, till the periodof debility and llupefadlion !
Shall w« wait for that feafon, as if it were the moft
favourable for religious acquifitions, when the fenfes
Ihall have been palled by exctlHve gratification, when
the eye fhall be tired with feeing, and the ear with
hearing ? Shall we, when the whole man is breaking
up by difeafe or decay, expeft that the dim apprehen-
fion will difcem a new fcience, or the obtufe feelings
delight thcmfelves with a new pleafure ? a pleafure
too, not only incompatible with many of the hitherto
indulged pleafures, but one which carries with it a
ftrong intimation that thofe pleafures terminate in the
death of the foul.

But, not to Icfe fight of the important analogy on
which we have already dwelt fo much ; how prepof-
teroHS would it feem to you to hear any one propofe
to an illiterate dying man> to fet about learning even
the plaineft and eafieft rudiments of any new art ^ to
ftudy the mnfical notes ; to conjugate a verb ^ to learn,
not the firfl: problem in Euclid, but even the numera^-
tion table ; and yet you do not think it abfurd to poft-
•pone religious inftruftion on principles, which, if ad-
mitted at all, mud terminate either in ignorance or in
your propofing too late to a dying man to begin to
learn the totally unknown fcheme of Chriilianity*
You do not think it impoflible that he Oiould be
brought to liften to the " voice of this charmer," when
he can no longer liften to " the voice of finging men
and *' finging women." You do not think it unrea-
fonable that immortal beings (hould delay to devote
their days to Heaven, till they have " no pleafure in
them" themfelves. You will not bring them to offer
up the firft fruits of their lipc^, and hearts, and lives to
their Maker, becaufc you p^rfaade /ourfelves that he
who has called himfeif a ** jealous God/* may how-
ever be contented hereafter with the wretched facrificc
of decayed appetites, and the worthlefs leavings of zU
moft extinguifhed afFeftions.

We can fcarctly beiiuve, even with all the melan-
choly procraftination we fee around us, that there
i« any one, except he be a dggide4 iijfidel> who doe«

^4* STRICTURES CN FEMALE EDtJCJlTIOii*

vantages which wUi follow a reltgtouf couife,
liatioii will ihcj coaceive oi ^^ the Ur^it g^tc^ amj
** nafrovir way i** of tht? ampuralion of a *' rfgut hand ?**
0f th<! cxcifion of a " tight eye ?" of the ©thcr ftrong
Bi^taphoti by which the Chniliati warfai e is (h^dowta
tottt/ ot " crudfying the fleih ?"' of *• moniiyingiiie
*' old man P* of ** dyitig unto fin?" of '• overcomlMg
^* tlic world ?'* Do you Hot think their mci^k and com-
^yaflloiutc Saviour who died for your children Jovrf
them IS well as you love dicm ? And if thia were tiis
Imiguagc, aught n iioe to be youri^ ? U h the h^
of true Jove ^ of th^it love with which a merdtu ....
loved the world, when he f pa red not hi* own Som
Po not fear to idl your riuJdrcn what hr told Ms
difctple^i that ** in the world tkey fhall have tiibuk*
*' tion /' but tttach them to rife fuperior to ir, on i«
printiple, by *' ovtrconiipg the world." Do no* theti
tiy to conceal frofti ihenij thai the life of i* ChrilUdn
h tiecrilkrily oppofiie to the life of tlic world v and do
not fcck^ by a viiin attempt vn accommod*itiont (o icc^
oncile that differrnce which Chriit himfclf has pn^
tiounccd to be irreconcileable.

May it not be partly owing to the wsntof 9 rfoei^
troduction to the knowledge of the rejil narure tftiS
fj^irit of rehViorij that fo many youngs Chriit tanQt wha
Ut out in a fair and flourilhing way* decline ynd wiihcf
when they come to peiceivc the requifitiom vf e^tptrii*
mt^ntal Chrillijinity i' requifitions which thry hsd n^
fufpefted of making any part of the phn ; and iitna
which, when they after wards difcover thcmi 1
fhrink back, as not pTe|>ared and hardened fcr tht
expelled contcft.

People are no more to be cheated into religion
into learning* The fame fpirit which infiuencfiJ y
oath in a court of jullice fhould influence your
courfe in that court of equity^-yottr family. Your
children fhould be told the truth, the whole truth, and
nothing but the truth. It 13 unneceflyry to add, that
it muit be done gradually ivnd difcrtetly* We infiw
Lwhofe example we have For poftponing ihat which the
■fnind is not ycl prepared to receive : " I have m«tf
** Uiiogs yet to fay to you, but yc cannot bear ihem

1 >-'^

I

■ • i

STRICTURES ON FEMALE EDUCATION^ 1 43

I." Accuftom them to reafon by analogy. Ex-
to them that great ^ufldly attainments are never
without great facrifices } that the merchant can-
:come ricn without induflry ; the ftatefman emi-
without labour ; the fcholar learned without

; the hero renowned without danger : would it
ihen, on human principles^ be unreafonable to

that the Chridian alone (hould obtain a triumph
)ut a warfare ? the highefl prize with the lowed
ions ? an eternal crown without a prefent crofs ?
hat heaven is the only reward which the idle may
m upon ? No : though falvation " be the gift of
d,'* yet it muft be " tKorked out" Convince your
g friends, however, that in this cafe the difficulty
e battle bears no proportion to tlie prize of the
ry. In one refped, indeed, the point of refem-
e between worldly and Chriilian purfuits fails^
that moft advantageoufly for the Chriftian ; for
^ even by the moft probable means, which are the
I of talents with diligence, no human profperitr
»e in/ured io the worldly candidate ; while the moil
fsful adventurer may fail by the fault of anothejr ;
: the beft concerted projeft of the ftatefman may
ufhed ; the braveft hero lofe the battle ; the bright-
mius fail of getting bread ; and while, moreover,
ieafare arifing even from fuccefs in thefe may be
oner tafted than it is poifoned by a more prolper-
ival ; the perfevering Chriftian is fafe and certain
staining his object ; no misfortunes can defeat hit

; no competition can endanger his fuccefs ; for
gh another gain, he will not lofe ; nay, the fuccefs
lother, fo far from diminifliin^ his gain, is an ad-
ti to it ; the more he difFufes, the richer he grows ;
leffings are enlarged by communication ; and that
J hour which cuts off for ever the hopes of
lly men, crowns and confummates his.*
:warc at the fame time of fetting up any a£t of
lenial or mortification as the procuring caufe of
tion. This would be a prefumptuous projeft to
i/e that eternal life which is declared to be the
B gift of God." This would be to fend your chil-
I aot to the Gofpel to Icam their Chriftianity^ but

gfritjphfikiaa. Wittout Cliif guard l|^H
vovt CKrifttJin woaldl bc Icil to nMicj ihaM
ml|iif[]^grt ami penance nrii^hc be miir^ted ad
loQUiiitefor tbe fubdue^ dcGre, the Kgftd
IfOtiydie eetiqiiefrd e9mipnon» itnd the obed
tt4 wcult! be alitkoft in as much daoger d
hiU)d« of fell't^bteoiLfaefs anfing from ^lufli
monilkiiiotii u flie woubl be^ on the othcft ,^
graCiftcatioti m the mdalgenees of the wod
while j0n carefalt)^ imprclV on her the m
lifing a ttfe of Urtd obcdiirnce ifflie would pj
da HOC nrgkfl to lemitid 1^ alfo tli^t a cxij
QDiicJif ioD of her own perfcitinances as ft j
mtfittf^^^^ ^^^ favour of Gcd by iheif
trinfic Hronh is included in that ob^dir iice*

It is pf the &f ft impart^ncci Iti flampiri? i
rnind^ a mte bipreilion of the geniui of Chi
to pofiefs them with a cotivi£lioH that it is t
of the motive which not onlf gives worth am
but whichpina Chritlian fetife, gives Bfe atii
the beft anions : nav that while a riglit intcfi
be acktiowlevigttl jim accepted as the 6iial jj
creii wldiout the ii£i ^ the z£i itfelf wiiJ be <
which wanted the b»fi» of a pure deCra*
<* dtdft well that h wjis iu thy /ifmi to btitld m
f< titp.** ialrl thi^ Alititerlitv to that MniiflTrli «i

STRICTURES OK FEMALE tOiJCATlON. 1 45

iBj&fefibr^ on riie unfruitfol worker of ** miracles,'' on

|fc. tmfandtifisd uttercr of ** prophecies ;*' for even
Hk of piety wanting the purifying pnngipk, however
mey^ mJiy dai:tle men^ offend Gnd. Ciiin fsiicrificcd |
iBabam prophefied ; Roseau wrote the molt fublimc
Jlpancgyric on the S&ft y M^ty j Voltaire eiULT A
fcHoacH I nay, fo fupcnor wa»//// utFcdjtion of fiinc*
Hity, that he oltcntatiouily declared^ that while others
N??CTt rai (Ing churches to Sai/rff, th^re was oh e m%n at
[bift who would erect A// church to G^d i * that God
^liofc ahirs he was overthrowing, whofe name he wi*
^iliy^tjigi whofe Gofpd htc was extcrnilnatingj and the

7^^ hathc of whofe Soii he had folemnly pledged him-
to b*nt from the face of the e^rth 1
• *I 't be impoflibic here to enumerate all thofe

Chu, .imes which fliould be imp re led iathe pro-

f^eh of rt Chrjflian education, yet in thi^ couneftioii I
cannot for b tar mentioning one Vhieb more immedi-
ately |;row3 out of the fabjetti ^^A to remark that
the prindplc which flioukl be the invariable concomi-
tant of alhnftrudion, and efpedally of rdtgious inftruc-
tion* is humility. As this temper is inculcated in every
page of the Gcfpel ; as rt is df^ducible from every pre-
cept nnd every action of Chrift j that is a fitftcient
intimation that it then Id be mnde to grow out of cv*
ery rtudy, that it fliould be grafted on every acquiiitiwi*
It h the turning point, the leading principle indicatlvq
lOf the very genius, of the very being of Chriftianity,
This chaftifing quality fhonld therefore be conftantly
ifiiade in education to operate as the only countera<5tion
ff that « knowledge which puffeth up." Youth
fhfvnid be taught that as humility is the difcriminating
ic of our religion, iherefore a proud Chri^
.':hty difciple of a CTuciEcd Mercer, furnifhe*
perh^P'^ a ilronger oppofition in terms than the whoJe
compifs of language c:in eichibit* They fliould be
taugS*'^ that humility being tl^e appropriate grace of
Chiilli«mry, i? precifely tlie thing which makes Chnf-
ritu and Pagan virtues ejpntwily difFerent. The virtue*

*« Dt^ i^ixh /'"j/r+^ir^ ' U the xui^jifUiin iffuei by Maiftlf oa^i

N

ri

imaec of Chrtfl llitiftid be kt up m the Pai
thisfe of lb: hriitheo Kpdi^ and oc worihipl
"man with tbetn t ChrHltjmtf not imJf rt|J
paTtorrfhipi wkh other fcUgbti^ but ir j
riicir imagirfi defaces their templ^j rramp]
honours^ founds iu own exIAeiic^c on llic i|
Tit)us rdt^iotii aod fpurigcu f ittuet, smd .n
^#tii]ff whrti It ti admittriJ to be unj iliingj
^ Win h be gomg too much out of the waj
tlut ChrtlHan Biiiaiti retmlutes upon Ih^
Tor if the former ufed httmiiuf ui & bac
not the bttcr temrsit to ufe pride in a goodi
* y^c without impcninence rcomre lo recnirU
deliberation B q? at hoponrablc and upright^
femblicA as cvei adorticd| or, uodcr Pmi
hrld a cQtintr/ i iit omHons which hiArc i^
envy in Atuc or Roman eloijoenire in ihcii
it wrrc to be wiDied t}ut wc did not b
JRomc an epithet which fuited the get^iusi
gion, 31^ much ^s it mililates agtiinn thit of
panegyrift of the battle of Marathon, off

itama*

STRICTURES ON FEMALE EDUCATION. I47

lority. As we muft defpair of the vidlory, let \X9^
in the conteft.

K>ve all things then you fhould beware that your
s do not take up with a vague, general, and un-
:d Teligion j but look to it that their Chrillianity
sally the religion of Chriil. Initead of ilurring,
the dodrines of the Crofs, as difreputable appen-
( to our religion, which are to be difguifed or got
18 well as we can, but which are never to be dwelt
I take care to make thefe your grand fundamental
es. Do not dilute or explain away thefe do£irincs,
»y fome elegant periphrafis J^mt at a Saviour, in-^
of making him the foundation ftone of your fyftem*-
ot convey primary, and plain, and awful, and indif-'
.ble truths elliptically, I mean as fomething that
be underftood without being expreiTed j nor ftudy .
mable circumlocutions to avoid names and things
luch our falvation hangs, in order to prevent yous
urfe from being ofFennve. Ferfons who are thua
i€ked in religion with more good-breeding thai^
ifncfs and fimplicitv, imbibe a diftafte for plain
:ural language ; and the fcriptures themfelves are
tie in ufe with a certain fafhionable clafs of rea-
that when the doctrines and language of the^

occafionally occur in other authors, or in con-
tion, they prcfent a fort of novelty and peculiarity
li offend ; and fuch readers as djfufc the Bible are
rom a fuppofed delicacyr of tafte, to call that pre-
nd puritannical which is in fa£^ found and fcrip-
Nay, it has feveral timej happened to the au-
:o hear perfons of fenfe and learning ridicule infu-
fentiments and expreflions that have fallen in their

which they would have treated with decent re-*
had they known them to be, as they really were,
of fcripture. This obfervation is hazarded with
w to enforce the importance of early communi-
sm religious knowledge, and of ihfunng an early.
For the. venerable phrafeology of fcripture.
le perfons in quefllon thus poilefiing a kind of
1 Chriftianity, are apt to acquire a fort of Pagan
fllon alfo, which juft enables them to fpeak withr
laccncy of the " Deity," of a •• Fiia Caufc,'' an*

I *' conrciencr /* N?*?, fome msv even g^ fff fiii(
llkof •<:'

f thoT of ^

tii^y % m the :

^ircr I- _. jjof Athti .

C^r»*> :*iri cfpccbtJy t:.- -.
rm ' Sivioiar, m RcHccmcr* carncj

--* --' •- 'v a fuf|>ici<

M ifime \ biitfh*')

tiff e let ns oi/M h*s rcw*ic(iiiiii£

B^ lun mi.

B^*^ ■"»<* < -', - ; '^'

■bra te readily otti man'i rclormingi or
^fc:ious habit, or gtowing mort ' ^*
vrHiial p raft ice 1 but Hk idea y

iK^y \ :) die vcr

ibuugh It IS the l.ingua^C of a Laty
admire, ^iiid of a Gaipci which ihcy-

y*

I

CHAP. XUL

X HOSE who are aware of the in^
ptaycf thcmiclves, will n^iturally be :ii!:.
rh At th is d ut f ^ ho u ) d be e a rn c\i \ y uic u I
chiMr^nj but ih^t they OiQuId be t:tugbtj
manner i and yifM parents need liuie
counfel oji tJt€: fubj-xK Yet cbildren in
6rd[^rly (I will iiiJt fay of (ln<^lv t^H.^ous} j
oUv-.n lo fupeificUlly iDArn^ is imf

nefs, that when they are aiL:.: .: .i prayc
it is not unL^Tuai for them to anlwhcr, *^
<* Praytr, and the Crud^* An J livcn
beMer t',*u^Ut, are nat ntways mitde to ur
'emclearttcfs the fpecific diilin^ion

« ffi

v;iluc

VmiCTVREfi ON FSMALB EDUCATION. 149

:^ro ; that the one is the confeffion of their faish, and-
ttie other the model for their fuffUeatipns. By this con-
fiifed and indiftinfl beginning they fet out with a per-

Sexity in their ideas^ which is not always completely;
fentangled in more advanced life.
^ An intelligent mother will feize the firft occaCoo^
Wiich the child's opening underftanding.fhall allow,,
'ror making a little courfe of leftures on the Lord's
ftayer, taking every divifion or (hort fentencc fepa-
tsteiy ; for each fuiniihes valuable materials for a dif-
ib'£k leaure; The child (hould be led gradually
"^ ~»ugh every part of this divine compofition ; • (he
da be taught to break it into all the regular divi^
B, into which indeed it fo naturally refolvesitfelf.
fliould be made to comprehend one by one^ «ach of
^irt bat weighty fentences ; to amplify- and fpread
out for the purpofe of better underftandine ttiem»
In their mou extenhve and critical fenfe^liut in
ir moft'fimple and obvious meaning. For in thofe
^,. jienfcd and fubftantial expreiBont every word is an
H|^l| and will bear beating out ; fo that the. teacher 'i»
Vacuity will not fo much be what fire fllall fav» as
Sifiat flie (hall fupprefsi fo abundant is the expputory-
iK^tter which this Uiccin^i pattern fuggdls.^
■■ When the child has a pretty good conception of the
meaning of each divifion, fhe inoukl then be made to
obferve the connection, relation, and dependance of
>lk' feveral parts of this prayer one upon another \ for
iSiere is great method and connexion in it. We praj;
that the "kingdom of God may come/' as the beft
Steans to " haflow his name 5" and that by us, the
Obedient fubjeds of his kingdom, << his will may be
^ *• A judicious interpreter will obferve how lo-
y and confequently one claufe grows out of an-
Tj though flie will ufe neither the word logical nor
ifequence ; for all explanations' ihould be made in^
the moft plain and familiar terms, it being words, and
libt'things^ which commonly perplex children, if, as ir
ftmetimes happens, the teacher, though not wanting
fenfey want pcrfpicuity and fimplicity.*

■ ■■ I 1 1 II 1 . 1 1 ■ » ■

^2t iDight perhaps he a fafe rule to cAabUih lor prayer in geacral, to

Aai betn p&rhap btrfr A ^hh long

fornrsi which iricy b > .iccuRottii^

in the lamp wirhayt i ■■■ nut TjiiUiout dtfi
tictt* I^niycr fhauldjiut bt! ia fwiiilowc4. It]
uhkf prcbriptiofi whkJi ilinuld A-tihI :>ii:.T\-it*.
^mmitiait: ii U not a ch^rrrit iht
df which depc0th on your bUiicl!
Jmowtng^ wluc h m It, ^mi In m
tcceivc b pminott'd hy yom 1^^

B, £ da oot ftieati tt/i " : th^^uKt ^

«mrr.i(p : to rci»cvc hcrlcJt ai tlie ch

]|>encc. ' : the »/«<j?p/ of a iJfUe creattirj

Ikriis in r <3ihcr fac^jhic!* flvaulcl b^ pi^

erclfe. ^m^ vi»44 hcrfeU flu^ukS be made lo I
«|rcs(3il part of ihU cxti^mpor^a&ous commcutaej
'^ofwers I ni which aiUwcrs fl^c wall be muc|

bf lb? jiidgmciu ehi! k^acher ufcs in her mi
■^ ^ ac ft i on injf. And the youthen I undittftantlmj
^'%U nowcn^itc propel ly kt At work, ^iJl Iwii |
" CT by t^xcrcifc. fo ^& to furaiih italoaaWc^ if |

sTRictufefis d^^tiUASt T.mtAYfmV fft

e little cfft:£t-on their minds. They will j5ot im*
[laiul whai tlitry repeat, it" we do not c^rly open to
n the important jchtm of prayer. Without fuch
Cnicntary inrrod uctioii to this duty, thty will af*
prtig he eidier ignorant, or cnthuiiafta, or both,
thould give them infiwUdgi bcfarc we can cxpcdt
■ to ma^e much progrefs in /«/> * and as a due pre*
avc to it ; Cliriftbo inllru6Hon m this rcftmbling
j$n^ who, in the Gourfe of his commynicatiotis,
ce light before he giveg he;it* And to labour to ex*
r 3 rpirit of devotion without firfl hifufing th^it know*
J I It of which it 13 to groWj h practically revivitij
r '^fUh maxim, that ** ignorance h the mother ^
otiotit*' and virtuiiliy adopting the Popifh rule of
ying itJ an unknown toneue,

JhilJrcn, let mc again ooferve, will not attend £0
ir prayers if tliey do not tinderftand them j and they
I not underftand thsmj if they arc not taught to an*
fc, to difle<£l them, to know their eompoiient parts,
I to methodife them.

It b not enough to teach them to confiJer prayer
iff the general idea that it is an application to God
E|iyhat they want, and an acknawtt:dgment to Him
pKfhat they have. This* though true in the grgfst
rLOt fttfficiently precife and corred* They mould
rti to define and arrange ail the diffiricnt parts of
lyer. And as a preparative to prayer itfeif, they
>iild be imprefled with as clear an idea 35 their ca-
nity and the nature of the fubjefl: will admit, of
riiM with whom they have to do*" Hlsomnipref-
ZG is perhaps, of all his attributes, that of which we

Emafce the firft pra£lical ufe- Every head of pray-
fouaded on lome gieat fcriptural truths, which
tths the httle analyfis litre fuggeiled will materially
id to fix in their minds*

On the knowledge that ** God is,'* that he is an in-
itelv Holy Bting, and that «« he is tlie Rewarder of
all t[iem tliat diligently feck htm,** will be grounded
i-^rft part of praytTj wliich is ad^rmiQHn The crea-
■ devoting itfeli to the Creator, or jdj-^tduamn,
m prefcnis Iti>lL And if they are fird t.mght that
ortam truth, that as needy ^rcaturca they lA^ant

iclp, which may be don^ by fame cafy auAio|*y > thrywtff^

Ciiiiy be kd to Utilr iltanrf how Xi^tUf^Uf ^.t^tm f .fr~

and ^

ii^ *^f

wpfkd

moftcoiliidcrAb
bemg amiiti^ the l.m
tltU n^tymUy fuggclWto the muhl
ipHucocei at the iioly Spint. Ana
iddcd the cooviclio!) which will be
i^iiQ ao iiigtrtUuuH mind, Uu
i^ry want pjiTdoti^ tlie sicccfTu ^
he made intclligibk to them, liai <
bioughi to underftapd ihat it Matt noi
ersl 4nd vagae conicITion as awakens no icnfe o
ibnal hum!U4tii>n^ aft exciti^$ no rcc<iUe^ioit vi
^mn mQTc pectilur ^nd iudividual faultft* But it
%c a confclHDn foutided on f^irkBo^v^-^ »f*, v* i ^
fclf to arifc out of the pra^ice oi
for want of tfiis fort of difcrimtnuuny udmij n

Keaning but ill-i«ftrut\cti girl may be ca tight coilftS^
g the Cim of fome other pcrfon^ and omittinij itiolfc
>Vblch arc more efpccbily her cwn. On thi ^^^idneS
pi heart natural to youths it will be lefg^ dtfli ja*

£ref& tlic delightfuL duty of /^4*%'*'«^* m' i > . ; . rmi
To confiderablc a branch of prayer. In ihn they Cbocid
oc habituated to recapitulate not only their genetalf
|)Ut to enuineratc their p^rttcuhr, daily, and iticidemaJ
mercicSi in the fame fpecific manner a,i they f^ '^
haTC been taught to detail their individual u
fonal ivanti in the petitionary >, and their frwia in tm
Xonfcllional part- The fame warmth of feeling vshlA

twill more readily diTpofe them to cxprefa their gralv
iude to God in thankfeiving, will alfo lead the in
kladly to exprefs their love to their parents and ""'
0y adopt ing|another intlilpenfablei and, (to m ;,
ate heatt,) pleafing part of prayer^ '**hich U mftfi
When tncy have been made, by a plain and petf
nous mode of inftru^tion, fully to unrit^rftand the
Tetent nature of all thefe ; and when they dearly p
rehead that md^r&thn, jilf-didkAH*mj <'«i>/|fltij ptf/j
'ank/gi^inw^ and initrcfjfipng are diiliiifV h^adlj
inft not be involved In each athtrr, you mar
the rules by pointing out to thtm thrfe m
hei m a^y well wrlucn^ foim, Aad tbcy m^

«»j

STRICTURES ON FEMALE EDUCATION. IJJ

y difcern, that afcription of glory to that God to
m we owe fo much, and on whom we fo entirely
:nd, is the conclufion into which a Chriflian's
er wiil naturally refolve itfelf. It is hardly need*

remind the teacher that our truly Scriptural Lit-
' invariably furnilhes the example of prefenting
f requeft in the name of the great Mediator. For
2 is no accefs to the Throne of Grace but by ibat
and li*vin£ way, in the Liturgy too they will meet

1 the belt exemplifications of prayers, exhibiting
rate fpecimens of each of the diliinct heads we have
I fuggefting.

ut in order that the minds of young perfons may,
lOut labour or difEculty, be gradually brought into
I a ftate pf preparation as to be benefited by fuch a
: courfe of Icflurcs as we have recommended ^
(hould, from the time when they were firft able
iad, have been employing themfelves at their leif-
hours, in laying in a llore of provifion for their
lent demands. And here the memory may be em-
ed to good purpofe ; for being the firft faculty
:h is ripened, and which is indeed pcrfedled when
others are only beginning to untold themfelves,
is an intimation of Providence that it fliould be
firft feized on for the beft ufes. It fliould there-
be devoted to lay in a ftock of the more eafy and
)tional parts of Scripture. The Pfalms alone are
lexhauftible ftore-houfe of rich materials.* Chil-
i, whofe minds have been early well furniflied
1 thefe, will be competent at nhie or ten years old
roduce from them, and to fele6l with no contemp-
: judgment, fuitable examples of all the parts of
'er 5 and will be able to extra£l and appropriate
s under each refpefl^iye head, fo as to exhibit, with-
help, complete fpecimens of every part of prayer.
:onfining them entirely to the fcnfe, and nearly
he words of Scripture, they will be preferved

This will be fo rarfiom lj)oiiing the checrfuhicff, or imped'ng
leaTures of childhwod, th .c the AutVior knfiws a I'ttlc girl who, be-
lie was feven years old, hid leair.L the v.iiole FJkltcr thiough a
d tirns: and thit without any climinurion of uncommon f^i^ty of
s, or any interference with ihc elegant acquitcmt.nts iuiicd to her -

i|4 iTEieTimtfr (iH mfA%E CBucAriom
inmk en:* , from ineg iilartty, and ccincctt*

wai get d hibit in all ibcir dimcti!uc& of ** feirchip
!«■ tM Hcripmrc*." which may he hcreaftct ufcltill
them QU other uii mofc tfying occftfipnt. Bui'
ivoold nt firft f#«^# ihcm tn the Biblf i ftrr wtre ttef
^ibwed with rqu^l freedom to rttifacV ochrr
%lth a view 10 fict helps to cmWltfh th- ■
jofiHcifUi or imtiier complUtiomt they i^
id to pafii otT for their own, what thr
i>ther&} whkb might icnA at once lo n
tiin aiid decdOial. This is *i tetnp^ '•ii Jo ,
;lhcy aic too much laid opcsi when they i.^^d tt
txtravsgantl^ cotnmetided for any ntllered
with which they decorate their Uttie tlicnics aiid
ters. Hat in the prcfcnt inihnce tlterc ii no ibii|
of any Gmthrd»"erpibti| for there is fiach a l^o^
mature ildciped oti every Seriptune phrafe, tlmr
ownet'tt nanie can never be deUccd or torn offlij
the goods, cither by fraud or violciice*

It would be well, if in th»fc Pfalmi which chiJ
were fini dirc^ed to gel by heart, an eye were bad^

I lids their future application ; and that they were tm^
ployedi but without any intimation of your iubfe<iueiji
ilcfign, in learning fuch as may be belt turned to ihi«
accouiu. In the hundred and thirty -ninth, the iir4
great truth to be imprinted on the y^ung hcartj the di»
vine omni pre fence, as was before obferved, is wn Wdj""^
with fuch a mixrure of inajcftic gTsiiideiir,and fuchj
intcrefting variety of imimate and local circunirtanc!
aa is likely to feizc on the tjiiick and lively fceitR£i ^
youth, 'fhe awful idea that that Being whon
taught to reverence, ts not only <» j^mf^i **»cqfl
*• with all her wuys/' but tliat " he is about hcr^
** and about her bed/' beftows fuch a fcnfc t^i
and pre fen t exigence on Mm of whom fhe 15 apt tO
conceive as having his diftant habitation onfv in
Heaven, as will greatly help her to realize the fttiie of
hi€ adlual prcience-

^ The hundred and third Pfalm will open to the
ikh and abundant fources of expreflion for grarit
sod ttiaakfglvingi and it iacladcsk the ackao^'kJ|

A

I

STRICTURES ON FE&fALE EDUCATION. t^S

piritual as well as temporal favours. It illuftrateg
compHflionate merdes of God by familiar and^o-
lie images, of f^ich peculiar tenderncfs and exqui-
endearment, as are calculated to ftrike upon every
Td of filial fondiiefs in the heart of au afi^edlionatc
Id. The fifty-grit fupplics an infinite variety of
:cer in whatever relates to coafeilion of fin, or to
plication for the aids of the Spirit. The twenty-
d abounds with captivating exprefHons of the pro-
-i"g goodnefs and tender love of their heavenly
h«r, conveyed by pafloral imagery of uncommon
ttty and fweetnefs : in ihort, the greater part oi
Te charming compofitions overflows with materials
every head of prayer.

The child who, while Hie was engaged in learning
fe Scriptures, was not aware that there was any
:ific objcGt in view, or any farther end tp be an-
red by it, will afterwards feel an unexpcfted pleaf-

arifing from the application of her petty laboursj
:n Ihc is called to draw out from her little treafury
mowledge the ftorcs flie has been infenfibly colleft-
; and will be pieafed to find that without any frefli
lication to ftudy, for fhe is now obliged to exercife
gher faculty than memory, (he has lying ready in

mind the materials wiih which (lie is at length
cd upon to work. Her juilgment muft be fct about
£ling one, or more texts which (hall contain the
ftance of every fpecific head of prayer before no-
d ; and it will be a farther exercife to her under-
iding to concatenate the detached parts into one
ttlar whole, occafionally varying the arrangement
(he likes ; that is, changing the order, fometimes
inning with invocation, fometimes with confeffion 5
etimes dwelling longer on one part, fometimes on
thcr. As the hardfhips of a religious Sunday are
n fo pathetically pleaded, as making one or the
vy burdens of religion ; and as the friends of reli-
1 are fo often called upon to mitigate its in-
rable rigours, by recommending plealant employ-
it, might not fuch an exercife as has been here
geftcd help, by varying its t)ccupations, to lighteii

qiutiifieU to yft a i»€ll-oc>mpofe4 form, if mm
with feriouinefs and adv^ima^r \ for ilic wilt n^
ituQt mcchamcaUyj but rationally* Ihat wbi^
fore ippearcd to her a mtr^ mafs of jfood wofiii
now appear a figmCcant ctimpoCtionj cxhibidn|
ctyi aiul icgyhnty, and bcauiy ; ^nd while ft<
(lavc the farthcT advantage ul bnng i ■"

pmved jiidj^mcnt to diilinguiHi and i i i

?iUTpofc fuch prayers as are oiore judiuioij^ and'
criprurai^ it will alfo habitaatc bcr to look foij
and dcCgHi and lucid ordcfi lu other woila^

END OP VOLUME FIRST,

STRICTURES

ON THE

MODERN SYSTEM

OF

Female Education-

Vol. 11.

CHAP. XIV.

r fraffieal Ufe pfFtmali KnvwUdge^ mjttb a Shtcb •film
Fimuli Chara^er, and a comparativt Fiew eftke Sexts*

HE chief end to be propofed in cultivating the un-
ilandings of women, is to qualify them for the
lAical purpofes of life. Their knowledge is not
en like the learning of men, to be reproduced in
ae literary compofition, nor ever in any learned
ifeffion ; but it is to come out in condudl. — ^It is td
exhibited in life and manners. A lady iludiesi not
,t ihe may qualifv herfelf to become an orator or a
ader ; not that me may learn to debate, but to zdc*
t is to read the bed books, not fo much to enable
: to talk of them, as to bring the improvement whick
:y furpiih, to the re£iification of her principles and
\ formation of her habits. The great ufes of ftudy
H woman are to enable her to regulate her own
Dd| and to be inilrumental to the good of others.
O

ofic mviuq jMiraic cY^iy
which will ttach Iter to cftcit tnidi i whid
hf r to be Imtnt upon rcaliucrs ^ will give [
licr Uieas % will make an ciad miniL 51ic '
livmte ctery Aiidf whieh, b(trad of flimi
CcnfibilitTi will cnstflifc it ^ which will oei
an rxcrltiTt or a falfc rcfiiKiDcnt ; which w
tUTinitc notions , wili bring the tnuigifi^
dominion \ will lead her to thinks to compi;
bine, to mctbGdiTe i whiclt will confer (uch\
dtfcrimin^LtloOf that her judgmet)t Aull l^u
what is dazultfigy if it be not Cotid ; atvd Ddj
what is Qriking, or bright, or new, but d^
That ^ind of knowledge which is rsthet Gt|a
confumpiian than foreign exportation jj '
adapted to women**

It is becaufc the fupetficial nature of
tlon fiiroiihcs them with a hUc aiid low i^
inttllcd^ual excellence, that women have toe
cotne ridiculous by the unfounded pretends
Taty vanity : for it is not the really Icarnei
fraattercxi, who have gtrneraily brought thfl
difciediti by an nbfurd all^£tatton, which tit
on dcfpiflng tlie duties of ordinary life* \
not indeed been wanting (but the charad
now commou) priaeufa r^kuUi^ whO| alTam^

una
0™

STRICTURES ON FEMALE EDUCATION^ 1^5^

n talents and ufefulnefs, inftead of bearing in mind
talents are the great appointed inftraments of ufe-
efs 'f who have a£ted as if knowledge were to con-
on woman a kind of fantaftic fovereignty, which
Id exonerate her from the difcharge of female du-
; whereas it is only meant the more eminently to
ify her for the performance of them. A womair
:al fenfe will never forget, that while the greater

of her proper duties are fuch as the raoft moder-
rgiftedmay fulfil with credit, (finceProvidence never
es that to be very difficult, which is generally ne-
iTY,) yet that the mod highly endowed are equally
na to fulfil them -, and iet her rememker that the
iblcft of thefe offices, performed on Chriftian prin-
ts, are wholefome for the minds even of the moft
;htened, as they tend to the cafling down of thofe
eh imaginations" which women of genius are too
;b tempted to indulge.

or inftance *, ladies whofe natural vanity has been
avated by a falfe education, may look down on
fmy as a vulgar attainment, unworthy of the at-
ion of an highly cultivated intelledl ; but this is
Falfe eftimate of a (hallow mind. (Economy, fuch

woman of fortune is called on to praftife, is not
ely the petty detail of fmall daily expences, the
by curtailments and dinted parfiniony of a little
d, operating on little concerns ; but it is the exer-
of a found judgment exerted in the comprehenfive
ine of order, of arrangement, of diftributioa ; of
lations by which alone well-governed focieties,
t and fmall, fubfift. She who has the beft regu-
l mind wiil, other things being equal, have the beft
lated family. As in the fuperintendance of the
erfe, wifdom is feen in its eje^7s ; and as in the
le works of Providence- that which goes on with

beautiful regularity is the refult not of chance but
sfign J fo that management which feems the moffe
, is commonly the confequence of the beft concert-
Ian : and a well-concerted plan is feldom the ofK^
ig of an ordinary mind. A found ccconomy is a
id underftanding brought into aftion 5 it is calcu-
tn realized ; it is the doctrine of proportion, i

hu bpen perhaps Jo^de^l

forms, which ilicy havt: bttii dc<

in the lump Witliout fcruHn)^ ;tti«l

tion, t*rHf<frfttou)dnotbc to f**'a!lowcif^ Iti

iiinf rfi-f(jrij>tion wluch iTiould flaiid trMH^*":
ijTi : ir is not a cliaimj the fuct

stctWc h fi

ikurn dry, .^
that the c}

your blind] y ti^kui^,; t:,
tr, and iti wliich die g^

j\c cxpQtitlo4

IS to be coUoqiiiaL Afui

rA, tiac the teacher t$ foj

vabJy apt to rdicve licrfelf at the ch

j>^tK\,, byloi^^"'^ tT^>' -"iPf^jfof ;s little creature

lions In uhii. ^H*uUies Should be pi|

cife* '^^c ui ' fiioaUt be made to {

} f good pn r t r>f rh 3 , ' ^ i a n c ous com mt latail

'aofwcrs I in wiucii aiii^it'^^rs il>e will bs muci

by the jitdgmL'nt the uachcr ufo in htr cn^

^^^qiiefluiuiitg, Ajid the vDuthiul tindcrnandiit

its howcrs'arc propnly let at work> wUi loon f

en by evcrcifc, lu as to farui(h reitfoRablCi if t

^^\^ ^^f,

STRICTURES ON FFMALE EDUCATIOK. 15T

5 little efFeft on their minds. They will not un-
land what they repeat, if we do not early open to
n the important J'cheme of prayer. Without fuch
lementary introduction to this duty, thty will af-
rards be either ignorant, or enthutiafts, or both,
ihould give them knovoledge before we can expedl
n to make much progrefs in //>/>, and as a due pre-
itive to it : Cliriitian inilrudtion in this rcfembling
fun, who, in the courfe of his communications,
IS light before he gives heat. And to labour to ex«
a fpirit of devotion without firft infufing that know*
;e out of which it is to grow, is pra£lically reviving
Fopifh maxim, that " ignorance is the mother of
otion,'' and virtually adopting the Popifh rule of
ring in an unknown tongue.

children, let me again obferve, will not attend \(^
r prayers if they do not undcrftand them ; and they
I not underftand them, if they are not taught to an-
'c, to difleft them, to know their component parts^
, to methodife them.

t is not enough to teach them to confuler prayer
ler the general idea that it is an application to God
what they want, and an acknowledgment to Him
what they have. This, though true in the grofs,
lot fufficiently precifc and corredl. They fhould
*n to define and arrange all the different parts of
yer. And as a preparative to prayer itfelf, they
uld be imprefled with as clear an idea as their ca-
ity and the nature of the fubjeft will admit, of
IiM with whom they have to do." Hisomnipref-
e is perhaps, of all his attributes, that of which we
y make the firft practical ufe. Every head of pray-
s founded on fome great fcriptural truths, which
ths the little anal y (is here fuggeftcd will materially
(I to fix in their minds.

3n the knowledge that " God is," that he is an in-
itcly Holy Being, and that " he is the Rewarder of
.11 tjiem that diligently feck him," will be grounded
; firft part of prayer, which is adiration* The crea*
e devoting it felt to the Cr;iator, or /elf-dedication,
it prefents itfrlf. And if they ate firfl tviught that
portant truth, that as needy creatures they want

futtoru pFOTre only, tliit th^ w^jtu ull^ ai;

EC, 1 bat while ctnivcrf^ioii inuft potifli
fleitioo lovigonac }>cr ideas, Aic niuft inipro^
hcgc tliem C/ ilie accciboA of vaiioyB k\n6$
vu% unj cIi:gAnt litcraiarr ^ anil di ^ ' ^
mind will rrpay wnh hrgc hitcirefl 'i
it by judicious iludy* iJst k be obtVrvcJ, 1 ,
in can 3 titf9tirMg$tfg yotmi Udica to turn ai
£»nJy ttminding cheiUi tliat

J am only putting them in mmd that to

not EO I ■ ilL

rii: a^jht, ^nd fcif' dependent fmbl

fm tilt Uiungiued and unatuinible ptnih of j
of gemu;r» ^hik ihcy difdiiin ilic cnmtncn
judgment, knovi*lt:d;:;e, and per fetcr ante whi
prcibably btr witkin their reach* lb ex tor!
tbn iliey iifr .icctiflonied to boa ft of an Inipl

fiidity m compofiiig ^ and whilr tliey infiftj
ittic lime their pcrTormances coft thcmi tfc(
you fliould tnfcf how pcTfc<^^ they might hi
sliem had ihcy eotidcfccodcd to the dmd^H
caiioii ; bkit wpplicvition with tJicm iMiplicB '
getiius^ They lak^ ivipcfflimus pjiins to con^

9TRTCTUKE5 ON FEMALE EDUCATION. 163:

ig at all ; as in the former cafe the work would
been lefs defedlivc, and in the latter the writer
I have difcovered more humility and felf-diftruft.
jeneral capacity for knowledge, and the cultiva-
rf the underftanding at large, will always put a.
in into the beft ftate for direding her purfuits.
hofc particular channels which her deftination ia,
lay afterwards require. But (he (hould be care-
inftru£ted that her talents are only a means to a.
ligher attainment, and that (he is not to reft in*
as an end ; that merely to exercife them as in-,
ents for the acquifition of fame and the promo-,
of pleafure, is fubveriive of her delicacy as a>
m^ and contrary to the fpirit of a Chriflian.
idy, therefore, is to be confidered as the means,
engthening the mind, and of fitting it for higher^
s, juft as exercife k to be confidered as an inftru-
for ftrengthening the body for the fame purpofe.
Lhe Yaletudinarian who is religioufly punAual in
^fervance of his daily rides to promote his health,^
efts in that as an end, without fo much as intend-.
) make his improved health an inftrument of in-
^d ufefulnofs, a£ls on the fame low and felfifli
iple with her who reads merely for pleafufe and
ime, without any defign of devoting the more en»
i and invigorated mind to the glory of the Giver.
t there is one buman confideration which would
ips more effeflually tend to damp in an afpiring
an the ardours of literary vanity (I fpeak not of
genius, though there the remark often applies)
any which (he will derive from motives of hu-.
fj or propriety, or religion \ which is, that in the;
nent pafied on her performances, fhe will have tOt
inter the mortifying circui»ftance of having her,
[ways taken into account 9 and her higheft cxer-.

will probably be received with the qualified ap-^
ition, that it . is really . extraordinary, for a . woman*
of learning, who are naturally inclined :te cfti-*

works in proportion as they appear to he the re-
jf art, ftudy, aiud inftitution, are inclined to con-,
even the happier pcifoimances of th« other (etp
s. fptataueous produi^iQos oi'.a ft.uitful.bvkt.ft

I

I

cafJn

hfm fiiil I :ind to ^m thetn the fimc kincl <if pnijr
which we bi'tlow on cctMin f;«iUidS| which often diifr
Jfrom us a foft of wonckring commenct^cioa i not b*
dcod 44 bclug worth much in tliemfelvci, but beoufc
by iIk; lightficfi of ihc onh, »f»d a happy kiuck rf|'
gardener, tli^fc indifffrctit trcfles fprmi: up in a 1 '
and therefore wcare re^dy toiroruiei they ait^iioi

As to men of fcnft, however, they need be the Je^
^hofltle to the imf^rovtmcm of the other fac| as they
titemfclvrs will be fuie to Ik gaincrt by k j the enbrfc^
inent of the female undcifiUnduie being the moft
likely mratu to put an end to dtok }>cUy and abfuti
contcniions for equality which female {mMXtcxtt$ b
ftnxiouily m^Intam. I fay fmattcFcr&, for b^cwecn ^ht
Jrll i;ltifi of both fexes tlit qycRicin k much more
r an^ I y a n d a I ways more tem pen tc I y agi u ted. Co- op»
eration and not competition ts indeed the clear prifici**
pic we wtfli to fee reciprocally adopted by thofe higher
inmds ill each fex wliich really approximate the oeartft
to each other. The tmne a woman's underfl^ndtDt is
tmprovcdt the more obvioufly ihe will difccrn that"
there can be no happincfa in any fociety where thcfc
k a pt-rpetual ilnjggle for power i and the more Iter
judgment u re^^^ifietl, the more accurate irlewf w^
ihe take of the station 0ic wai born to fi!l| and the
more readily will the accommodate herfelf to tt;
while the nvofl vulgi^r and ill-m formed women arv;
ever moft in diced to be tyrants, and thofc alwayt
ftrugglc mofl vehemently for power, who feel them-
fclvcs at the greateft diftancc from deferring ir* and
who would not fail to make the worft Hfc of it when
aitained. Thus the wcakeft rea Toners are always the
Itiofl pofitive in debate ^ and the caoje ii cbviot4$| (of
#% are unavoidably driven to maintaitt their pr^tei^
fions by violence, who want arguments ami leaiOQi to
prove that they are in the ti\i\vt*

I There is this lingular dilTerence hetwecn a wontao
l^in of her wit, and a woman vain of her beacitf i
hthat the beauty, while ftie ia anxiouily ah^c to het
»wn fanTCt is often indifferent etiough about the beau* '
jjy of other women j and provided llie herfelfis fiiic
■yitaiir adminitioii^ fhc doe& fiOi iafiH oo your tbifl^^

STRICTURES ON FEMALE EDUCATION. 165

ing that there is no other handfome woman in the
RTorld : while {he who is vain of her genius^ more
liberal at lead in her vanity, is jealous for the honour
>f her whole fex, and contends for the equality of their
)retenfions as a body, in which fhe feels that her own
ire involved as an individual. The beauty vindicates
dcr own rights, the wit, the rights of women 5 the
seauty fights for hcrfelf, the wit for a party ; and
nrhile the more felfifii though more moderate beauty

Would but be Queen for liff,

lie public fpirited wit ftriigglcs to abrogate the Saliquc
law of intelle£l:> and to enthrone

An whole fex of Queens.

At the revival of letters in the fixteenth and the
Fallowing centurv, the controverfy about this equality
nras agitated witn more warmth than wifdom 5 and
the procefs was inftituted and carried on, on the part
rf the female complainant, with that fort of acrimony
srhich always rai(es a fufpicion of the juftice of any
ouife \ for violence commonly implies doubt, and in-
reftive indicates weaknefs ratner tnan ftrength. The
novelty of that knowledge which was tlien burfting
»uc from the dawn of a long dark night, kindled aU
the ardours of the female mind, and the ladies fought
jealoufly for a portion of that renown which the rep-
utation of learning was beginning to beftow. Befides
their own pens, they had for their advocates all thofc
needy authors who had any thing to hope from their
power, their riches, or their influence i and fo giddy
did fome of thefe literary ladies become by the adula-
tion of their numerous panegyrifts, that through thefe
repeated draughts of inebriating praife, they even loft
their former moderate meafure of fobermindednefs,
and grew to defpife the equality for which th«y had
before contended, as aftate below their merit, and un-
worthy their acceptance. They now fcorned to liti-
gate for what they already thought they fo obvioufly
pofTefTed, and nothing ihort of the palm of fuperiority
was at length confidered as adequate to their growing
claims. When court-ladies and princefTcs were the
candidates, they could not long want champions to

%66 STRICT tlHES OH rEMALE EDUCATION

(ufvj^n rfieir cai*fc j bjr thcfc champmm fcmakt
>4Ktut^ were produced as if Dar^motinf to ii9t|
ipotactoDii from tbcfc fern a k autnors w<?it confiiici
i|ifgQ|%^ aii4 tbcir poiot-biaok ain^rrtions ftmi - ~
ilttl iiul trrefraeabk arguments. In chofe pj-
rbo offctrd thJa lYomagf la female geatusj the b^
rai die efic^\ ncithe? of truths nor t>f funiet^, i
cit|fi£UcML li ^irofc Fttlier out t
vftl a rcciprocaticin of flatter)' I ir m
iiy, it was often diflrcf^i which prompicd tJic
^tLmH it wa» the warn of a patrancfs ; it was tht
If a dinner. When a lady, and cfpecbUy is i
ften liappened^ ^hen a lady who W4 9 noble or
11 with gratifying docilitv at tlie foot of a prtil
' ah { when Hie admired the phWofyphmt^ or lo^^c
her to proreft the theologian, wbom htt ritili
Qg his own fcx were leering to pie€«ii» what ctniA
) patcful piofdTor or dcligbteil theologian do !rr^'i!
etam than make the ai^mhen.s of her who }u
Fthe penetration to difcern his metir^ and the (j
reward it t Thus in h€t it was not (o inuch M-t
as his own ih^t he wag often Haltering, though Ihe
tlie dupe of her aioie ilc^p and deiigning paneityrilt*
** But it is a lirtie un for tun ate for the perpettiitf tA
that fame which the cnconiiaft had made over to hi|
patroncfsj in tht: ncvef-dynig records of his vcrfcs ai
orations, that in the revolntion of a ctntyry or two
very names of thti jlatrered are now a 1 moil ^ Jiril
known as the works of the flattereri. TAur i-<tff^vtj*^
h pfr ^d wit h iktm. * Ab in fl r u^ i v e le ffon . \
US| that whoever beftows, or aiTumcs a reptr:
proportioned to the merit of the claimant^ wiil
that reputation as little durable a& it is foHd. For
literary warfare which engaged fuch troops of the fte-^
ond'hand authors of the age in queftienj in fuch -"
tiaual ikirmifheSj and not a few pitched hattks \ '.
fjrovoked fo much rancour, fo many volumes* 'a\a^ ',[?
little wit ; fo much vanity, fo much fiatteiy, and fo
much inventive, produced no ufeful or lafling t ~
Thofc who promiled themfelves that their names

iiaai^ftiei P<re U Mi^iiiCa Moaft Thas»»» ft«,

STRICTURES ON FBMALE EDUCATION. l6j

I << one half of round eternitv," did not reach
d of the century in which the boaft was made ;
ofe who prodigally offered the incenfe, and thofe
reedily mufied up its fumes> are buried in die
lank oblivion !

when the temple of Janus feemed to have been
, or when at worft the peace was only occaiion*
oken by a flight and random fhot from the hand
e fingle ftraggier ; it appears that though open
on had ceafed, yet the female claim had not been
iced i it had only (if we mav change the meta-
ain in abeyance* The conteit has recently been
1 with added fury, and with multiplied exaaions;
tereas tlie ancient demand was merely a kind of
lary prerogativei a fpeculative importance, a mere
right* a madowy claim to a few unresil acres of
San territory ; the revived contention has taken
e ferious turn, and brings forward political as
I inteUe£laal pretenfions ; and among the inno*
\ of this innovating period, the impofing term
Its has been produced to fan^ify the claim of
nale pretenders, with a view not only to rekin-
the minds of women a prefumptuous vanity dif<-
rable to their fex, but produced with a view to
in their hearts an impious difcontent with the
hich God has afTigned them in this world.
thej little underftand the true interefts of wo-
ho would lift her from the important duties of
otted itation, to fill with fantattic dignity a lof-
it lefs appropriate niche. Nor do they under-*
!ier true happinefs, who feek to annihilate dif*
ns from which (he derives advantages, and to
)t innovations which would depreciate her real
Each fex has its proper excellencies, which
be loft were they melted down into the com-
Jiaradler by the fufion of the new philofophy.
[hould we do away diftinfiions which increafe
utual benefits, and enhance the fatisfa^iions of
Whence, but by carefully preferving the origi-
arks of difierence ftamped by the hand of me
)r, would be derived the fupenor advantages of
iociety ? Is either fex fo abounding io perfiec*'

lion li to be indrpeniknt on die otlier Jbc tot]
meat f Hiv« men ihi need ia hav« tlteir mufh \
filed ^, atid tbdr htrQificOci Jiid aipcntie^ imo
and pDlJtbcd by mflinitliuiaj; uiih beings o( luorcj
iicfi ^nd refifieine'ni ? Arc the idi-ii* of i^iimcn nK
^M| fo "^frr judiciouj^, arc their p
ftoln, 51* thdr ¥iewi (b ptr/iStj cuj , .

Bdditivnml weighli no fuprriidded (Ircngtli, no iui^
fcd^itcftrncft, none gf tJ^ataUargcmcDC of tmaJ^j
of th.it adduionml invigoiaiiQii which uuiy hedc
from the aids of the ftrDitgcr fex i Vfhm idcmi
cauMadvantJgcouOy fupcrtcdc fcih -^.r: - ■ .— -
poirtionj fuch an inceTCRtng varic:
t\ct then more wife iw trell it oior ti

contentedly in the plain pmh wbic . ]

obtioufly marked em to the fcx, unU iu v^
h^S fat the moll pait n^tiOiiaUy cODtkmed i
than to Ar.iy ^wkurdly, i^tlbeoacnitigly, an
fully I in 3 farbiijdtn ro:ad ? Is it not deOral. .
lawful poHeflbrs ai a leflcr dame ftic tertituty,
"" th;»n the turbulent ufurpcnt of a wider fojCciifFi cmpi
^ To be good origittal^, thj^n Wd imjfa;or6l Lo be
^ be ft thi«g of ojje's own kiod, rathtr tiun an inferf
thing even if it were of an higher itindF to be cscc
k Ji t wome u r^t he r th an i n differ i c n i ni ai -^

fs the author then undcrvnltiing her own fex ? — N
It 15 her TCJiS for their true itturrfit which I
cppofe their imaginary rsihi. It i& her ; ^

their happtnefs %vhich make« hi^f cndeaifuur co
them of a fevetifii thirft fot a fame o* uisati.ii:;:^^!^
inappropriate ; to guard tbem agaiutl an ^
little faecomitig the deJicacy of tntir ft^msilc %
aa the meekncls of their reiigigu* profelSion- A I
ChrifHan humiHty and fobcr-mindedneis are woab |
th« empfy renown which was ever oht»joed by cl
inifapplied energiea of the fex % it is worth all the w3
Ittetaphyfical difculTion which hus ever been c^buydc
tjnder che name of reafoti und phOofophy ; ■ \^

4jn fettled the peace of vain women, and tV L

"^eOof reafonjible men* And tjie inuft cUbora*
i^ion of ideal right^jfipd £iic^<?ft hitdj mtafi

3

STUlCTITRfiS ON KMALE EDTICATIOll. l6$

attaining them, are of Ith value in 4he eyes of a
J amiable woman, than *< that meek and quiet fpi-
t, which 16 in the fight of God of great price/'
•Jatural propenfities beft mark the ^ieiignations of
vidence as to thetr application. 'Fhe tin was not
■e clearly beitowed on the fiOi that he (hould fwim«
the wing given to the bird that he (hould fly, than
^orltrengtn of body, and a firmer texture of mind

Siven to man, that he might prefide in the deep
aring fcenes of a£lion and of council i in the
iplicated arts of government* in the contention o£
s, in the intricacies and depths of fcicnce, in the
;le of commerce, and in thofe profeffions which de-
id an higher reach^ and a wider range of powers.
: cmc value of woman is not diminiflied by the int-
ition of inferiority in thofe talents which do not
»ng to her, of ihok qualities in which her claim to
dlcnce does not conliii. She has ether requifites^
ei adapted to anfwer the end and purpofes of her
Kg, from " Him who does all things well ;" who
» the agent to the a&ion ^ who accommodates the
rument to the work.

let not then afpiring, becaufe illrjudging woman,
f with pining envy the keen fatyrift, hunting vice
ittgh all the doubhngs and windings of the hearty
Eigacioos politician, leading fenates, and directing
(ate of empires ; the acute lawyer, detecting the
quities of nraud ; an3 the-ikilful dramatiil, expo*
the pretenfions of folly vj but let her ambition be
Toled by re&e&ing, that thofe who thus excel, to
hat nature beftows, and book« can teach.muCl add
les, that confummate <know]edge of the world to
ch a delicate woman baa no fair avenues, and v^hich
I if Ae could attain, fhe would never be fuppafed
avc come honeftiy by.

1 aimed all that comes under the defcriptionof '
te letters, in all that captivates by imagery, or

quicknefs bf perception,

reen the beautiful and defeAive, which comes un«

Ifae denomination of tafte* Both jd compoCtioa

3K1

jiff :ro<

ti«t n'.r 1 I UilUsit

^likh be Vi hd tt4iids oa i . muicnce cd

Wn^. II Tisit ^ txrtain j vii olVn tna)

lA, mprc inibittaiicQiiil^ tb4iii

cltv^Jtler, bcflowud on tluijtt by Pfw>^
fen" ! tcfirfcr ergsini of ittmc lijTiid afl

» L atur^l guard ro wurti of chc a

clin^ct bcuig&wlio die oiccn carled toad

Itt fumtninf up the eritkncc, if I imty fo fpij
d IffcTtnt ca pa c I tics of t lie f ex c?; » d nc n » ^ ^
toaflcit, ihat WDtnen have equal /*^n. * i

^wh^knf^oi mipdi isi the integral i

thougn a fupertor woman may pod^ic 4*Mi^1^. ;.i
cqiKu pcrfcciioB, yritbtfc is comfnonJy i|ult€
lion in the naiad of j» fuperior mail : that It wcj
In an rqti^} degree d^ f^i^cuky of fanrrcy^ wbia
imnges, Mnd ihc f ^ " * ^ **«i

floreslctea^ thr,
the fucuUy of coisif
fepnnHttii; [licre id:
jn^ ocs to the

pov -■ .: .iifati|rein* li

col

tiaj

1

^iSit

iiflii

r

i^c:

'p '

botcc"

wh=,

STflTCTflltES OK fEUXtB imVCATfOM. If fr

|fbclu£tionsor extraneous bcmty^ aud will win ifift*
K'OQt t>^ cxct^iiing ill fpccdj hiklbf dcfpiling the

[A* ^

fere it may be juftiy enough retorted, that, ;*sit is

m^d the cduc^noti of wonieu is fo dcsfcdivc, the
ij^ed inferiority of, th(*ir minds may be accoujued
mu that ground more juliiy ihi^n by ^icnbtug if rc»
fr natural make* And, indeed, tb^jrc h fo m^^KU
thin the miurk, chit till women Ih^ill be mov- ic.\-

tiiy. educ:iti;rd, and tiU tije native growth of ihei^
, flull-cciife to be ftintcd and cnunpcd, we luivc
miter ground for pronouncing that their undrr-
]iitg iuB JiJfcady reached ics higheft attamabk poinf.
Tic Chincfe wouM have for viffirmitig that their
\ h:*vt 5itialned to the greateft pEiffible jperfeftiofi'
iking, whiic the firft care ig> duting their inhncji
^pk their feet. At Jeaft, till the female fex arc
^ caircfaUy itiflrudted, this qucflion will ulwayjs
as undecided nsto the. dagrfi of ^ be-

the mafculine and fCininiiie up^^ igi ^J

lueftkrn between the under flanding of bliickb and
; for until men and womenj and until Africans
Surope.ins are put more neatly on a par in the
iation of their tninds, the Qiadcs of dilttn<£lion,
er they be, between- their tmive abiUues QSkXk
^' ly afcertained*
i \^c f;e (and wlio will deny thst r

] fa many women iKibly rifai^ /ton* u:iJt;r

X' . ..ire of :i diDdvyini^g-ftm?! ccjucuion and a

tihvr [ylLem of fndecy, and tichibitmg tlie moftun-
^Km-.ius miirVi^ of a vigor dus underftandin^^ -i ci'^r-
juJ^mirnrj tnd a ilerlhv^ piety # k re ni of

j^ ibiniiig li^rhts which h-ive now and : it

pro ugh all ihe ** darkntf* virible" of tV :i

Khj iiave difenc umbered themfelve^ i;u-,i
■B of ignoriince, ihuken oH the f* tters of pre j
rwjth a nobSe energy lifen fizpctior to all tb*^ tri€i»
corrupt theob^^y-

ftt" -.(ift maTi ini^aatlv iivjih.'' ?. , '.■■ i

jii-v^....^ tha\, i&i aili^ilfliJyi ^tia^;- ^:.n li ;j_^ u.4 .^

(fcillief " Mii; frrf fciniTc/* In the >it
tnorUJinrt wbkJi i> brought to light byd
liif no luprrton ^ WcHT^cia^* (to boni

**Chnft.** in IN 5 iheir tmc dignity
rbrir beft pridcniloiis ttii^ here iheir
die ^Icwreil. ' ^

All iltfpuru i?wn for pte^rnsinrncd
Jricit hMwt Qti'.-

for a few lliott i . i

better doroted cp tli« dinka of li^ and tl

And a^a the Unit ]io[tc of the f em lie It^

tK.. ■ ,

tptuni makcoi ihtir mind^,

lion in youth , f rr iltrtr fnbfcr^

©r uft. Tl

to r.t

U^U

STRICTURES ON FEMALt EDUCATIOK. 1 73 :

aps, more intimately the want of a ftrength which
)t their own. Chriilianity brings that fuperindu-
trength ; it comes in aid of their confcious weak-
and offers the only true counterpoife to. it. •* Wo-
n, be thou healed of thine infirmity," is ftill the
>chcering language of a gracious Saviour,
''omen alfo bringto the ftudy of Chriftianity fewer*
ofe prejudices which perfons of the other fex too
I early contraft.- Men, from their claiTical educa-
acguire a ftrong partiality for the manners of Pa-
intiijuity, and the documents of- P«gan philofo-
: this, together with the impure taint caugnt from
oofedcfcriptioDS of their poets, and the licentious
tiiige even of their hiRorians, (in whom we rea-
lly look for more gravity,) often weakens the good
effions of young men, and at leaft xonfufes their
; of piety, by mixing them with fo much hetcro-
ous matter. Their very fpirits are imbued all the
: with the impure follies of a depraved mythology ;
it IS well if even on Sundays they can hear of tne
eGod, and JcfusChrift whom he has fent.'* While
en, though ftruggling with the fame natural cor-
ons, have commonly lefs- knowledge to unknow.
Fewer fchemes to unlearn ; they have not to (hake
le pride of fyftem, and to difcncumber their minds
tne fhackles of favourite theories : they do not
f from the porch or the academy any «« oppofitions
fcience" to obftruft their reception of thofe pure
fines taught on the Mount :■ doftrines which
t to find a readier entrance into minds uninfeded
the pridie of the fchool of Zeno, or the libertinifm
latoi Epicurus.

nd as women are naturally more afteSlibnatc than
lious 5 they are likely both to read- and to hear
a lefs critical fpirit than men : they will not be on
cratch to dctefi errors j fo much as to gather im-
;ment 5 they have feldom that hardnefs which is
ircd by dealing deeply in books of controvcrfy, but ;
tore inclined to the perufal of works which quicken
evotional feelinj^s, than to fuch as awaken a fpirit
)ubt and fcepticifra. They are lefs difpofed to
der the coxnoofitions they resnl. as materials

«f cbetrdl
Acf have bcafdf

ii dhe c«sis^h oi I

ttfi
lie

B m emd ^ iawf ?i% tber ife

19 be &»^ ; "mmtkft tku ti lodkm^ for \
pibie Cff ^tWst&tg if. It tbcf uc If fi coair'

fttTt'

) to thz Fit ;
Icclife the f.

\vytk5^0 Lofi?f tfiti ih^s lay 1
: frt i«te cpiriTon^ fhif In

STRICTUURS ON FEMALE FPUCATIOK. 175^

•mes foolifhly difpofed to envy, conHfls not only their
jcurity, but their happinefs. h" thr:y enjoy not the
iftin^^ions of public lite and high cffices, Uo they ni>t
fcaps the refponQbility attached to ihcnn, niid the mor-
ification of being difmiffed from them ? If they have
lO voice in deliberative afiemblies, do tJicy not avoiil
he load of duty huep^ir.ibly connccled with fuch priv-
Iqges i Prepofterous pains have been taken to excite
n woiren an uneafy jirp.Iouly that their talents arc nci-
her rewarded with public honours, nor emoluments in
i£e ; nor with infcriptions, ftatues, and maufoleums
rfter death. It has been abfurdly reprefented to
;bem as an hardOiip, that while they are expedied
X> perform duties, they muft yet be contented to relin-^
\wiih honours, and muft upju^lly be compelled to re*
loancefame while they muft fcduloufly labour to de**^
erre it.

But for Chriftian women to aft on the low views;
'uggefted to them by their ill-judging panegyrifts; for-
[Ihriftian women to look up with a giddy liead and a
ihrobbing heart to honours «nd remunerations, fo lit-
:1c fuitCQ to the wants and capacities of an im mortal
pirit, would be no lefs ridiculous than if Chiiftian h*-
:ocs fliould look back with envy on the old pagan re-
A^ards of ovations, oak rrarlands, parfiey crowns, and
aurel wreaths. The Chriftian hope more than recon-
:il€S Chriftian women to thefe petty privations, by.
•ubftituting a nobler prize for their ambition, " the
^< prize of the high-calling of God in Chritt Jefus *,"
>y fubftituting, for that popular and fluftuating voice,
which may cry, " Holanna," and " crucify** in a
breath, that " favour of God which is eternal life."

If women fhould lament it as a difadvantage attach-
ti\ to their fex, that their character is of fo delicate a
texture as to be fullicd by the flighteft breath of calum-
ny, and that the ftain once received is indelible ; yet
are they not led by that very circumttance as if in-
ftinftively to fhrink from all thofe irregularities to
which the lofs of charafter is fo ccrfuinly expefted to
be attached -, and to fhun with keener circumfpeftioa
the moft diftant approach towards the confines of dan*
|pr ? Let thcia not lament it as an bardihipi but *

ih

thun J

3|^ oi antiquity

'*^ rtt*lTl .->>ll^/l III

i il i LI tj

on it^H

>MOtc". ' thcf

..-mn m i^' I

ihr religion of Ldriil J

ever did !

Iwflljr - -; ,...v..^i wonsfti (for 4 _,,,4

cfttfefogne wficm tbetr %k^ hite trait^frrccdl

in. 3 few cjt Cii-;c mariiii- j' v\'r\

A|«ftk td tb£ Gcittlics hi t

bU conrats*' Of ** dcTOfit aud Iig;.
the Htcrcd fcTTf ttirr:? Tf rtnr^ " net a
the molt ;* 1

ticif)»i antl :. . ,; ^

recorded of the S^muf afthc world, pz\

loti

f7alf examples have fupplictl
moft eminent inibucc^ of faldi aBa We* . f1
fiift rem^ ked u l^viit^ ^^ nunifbejed to hirti

* STSICTIIIIES OH FXHALS fStJCATMIir- j;)

1^ CHAP. XV.

itti and Difiijiii^^i at hi iniridtta^ im ii.—*Mrrtri ip

h

£ fejtec will r\'^tmz\\j de&re to appear to trieh
he?! fuch %% each bcltcvci the other will bc(k like ^
£ir converf^ition wiU a A Kci^rocsUy \ %nA cRch fcx
It wt(h ta iippcar moTc or Icfs ririotial ai they pci^
vr if will iiM)Te ox Icfs rccocDmcnd them to ihc otmsf.
icfore to be regretted^ that msiny men^ even of
Uiii^uifltcd fenfc and learning, iire tCK> mpt toconfjiirr
■^cicty of bdleaj »$ i icene m whidi they ate rather
Kid their under (laodinj^s, than to exercil^ tJiem i
p: ladies^ in reUirn^ are too much addi^ed DoitiaLe
If court by Icndlnj^ thcmrclve* to this fpirti of tri-
-\ they oucn avoid makbig ufe cf what aUiUtiei
have \ ^nd uffctt to ulk btUow their natural aod
ired powers of minJ ; coarFdetlng it a« a tiett aod
une^ Kattcry to the uiidcrRanding of Aicn^ to re-
iC^ the exercifc of their own.
Mow Imce tafle aad piinctpies thus mutually opc-

fmen, by keeping up coiivctfauon to its proper
ard| would not only call into cxcrcirc 4hc powcti
ind which vomeiv adluuUy frtjflrfi \ h«t would
;iwakcn in them new encrj^ii. s which they do not
>w they i^oiiefs \ s^nd men cjf lenfe would find thetr
yownt in doing this, for their t>wa tulcut^ would be
rated by compaijioiui who were better able
.. them J ;md they would bt; rtceiving a* well
pining improvement. And on the othn htnd*
Vkg women found it did not often recommend
in the eyes of thofe whom they moit wifli lo
:, to be frivolous and fuperhci«il| tltey would be-^
more fed ulcus in correcting their own h^ibiE.-^.
lever f^fluon^ible women indiC'ite a rclifh for tn^^
e eon^crfation, men wiU not be spt |0 batisitd
is vatjwor unproficable ^ much \kU will ihey evci*
\^ to bcjujc faty^d ^diAt m lyafc -ttf curt

sTUfi^vuRS -OH tnu

c/TtON.y r^

rbtc *f^^O

Ubem even to be si il i

R*li to tVc them tike i..^ . . . ^ .

UDa» ? l>i wc wiih them to plunge into tlic (itji^ths

Arid imd rio end In vfandtilnj^ jniftM M. t

\wilh {hem to revive the animdiEicjfof tfi

jin ■■■■:. ■-. VL*r fy , gt to d--: : ^ ' " ?

j A thj: i'tve pru; f Do

ir&r 01 iKa, and to W'cigh

H^eriu o^ ^vct^ ue:w (jioiiuili*. s i^r

tHbii, QT to rcguhite the uriiiU , ■ . i*iu\-

m i> Jn^,ff/It*^ sUck / Or rtt?T»ouncing thoic kireij^n
Y$^ defirc; to behold tbt^m SMn ^i a native m-
of foul I luOfTtcd with their orighiiiJ pow-
rlng to ftiikc out (parks of wit, with a rtfU
xi>^f^V io ihirW) whkh gct^cr^itly f^il^Si £in4 with ;Lti
kia ^^c4Utioi> (V plctLfef whkh utver plc^fc^ I

Djreurs c+f h^ns motii fidw ch*nClTr«« !

(^his be hx from (hem I— *But wo Jw wifli to fee

[>nverr*itiQn of wdM^r ' • ■ ^ i rcfcucd front

common place, fron. ^i^ uule, ixotn

Svti^yrtd cgmniUiik.itioins^ irom fiifoloui

&!' . . . lain (jklU fciifibillty, fmin H wrirm imcrcft

things of iiD momaUt auj an indiff^Tcucc id

the moil import.int , fr<>m ^ cold vanity » from

jfi coiiccaied oveiflowinj^i of ftif-kive, CKhibiting j

MJdcT the fmiiin^ malt of an cngij^ing ilaucryi

from ail the fatliuous miniiurs ol atuhiijl imcr-

We ^$ wifli to fte the timt! ^AUA in |ToIliVd

ntelllgcut fnciety, conGderaJ aiw'^ng thcbciKiicialt

fell SIS the plealrmt portions of our < ' * and

Ofkftejnefl over, as it too ffei|iieuily i aicdi-

to emp:y- dulliitfu, to uuniC^uiH^ Icvhy.

|t' ; unpmfiuabntfs* Lrt mc not, howevcri^

mUyndE^ritood : it n not mriint to prekiibe xlvii

CA Huiulil affs;£t to difcufs loky fubji^itJ, f> much

that they, ihould biiti^ good fcnfv*i fiin-

: , •.. ^.iiioni and t^th, |o the difcuUioM .^riTui(<»

^d A£lion c)a]f otetl ta dctaili i but ihcy 4oii0ti
in lid 1 gcurfAlb^ ihcir ide^s *ii iucii, ntir dotiiijr mir

it i:iey liriL

rtit when a* ihc triiM* (Ui
trtic cak<:^ Dot in tlmt wid^ r
ifftiich ht u'lio ftands on a i

to fed wJws is jgft, more b.
^fkfine it» Tluy have s^n hh

It^raflcrj bcflowcd on them i ,
licnfiti^^^ 'Jt0i^ tender i>rgau& ol ior**i: up
m kind uf natural guard to warn ot' i^
ganger btingiwho are often entled to .
in fummtng up the rvidenoc, if I niri \
j^lSettm c;ipactik*s of the feJcai^QDe v

:piiffi:Tt| that women h*?eeqiial/iiri,, ...

'n/th&ltfff^ of mbdi ill ibe iiilc|;tjl oudei

thouah :i r^. ■-' :■ ^'-"^.:^ ■.--■ --^^-r-f

lioa in tlic muKl ol a lupciior inj^n :
in an equ;*! degree the fiKuliy of i.
images^ und the faculty cf rncititio %wj>ii;h rcUc
ilore& ideas, tliejrfct*ni not Tc^ r^^^i^Jjs iii equal

the fficuUy of cr
feptiratifi^ thefe

ing which goes to the bot^om of a fubjcd | tfor

power of arrangemeru vt^V- : ^^ l"f^ v: ^r t-. ..^ ^

ihoufand eonneaed idene i

Otit lolittjj light 6f the Ot^y.

T^i\ grow^ and oa which

tOOp warning fiend iutfti in iter ■

pcnpetisally tum^d a fide by h

an d fe el i n p;fi» M' ni ao hi iht >

At^dant^s who will vKk loflt^g t:

of her road to pick up tlieprtden sf'i

Jiatii

L-

ITEICTZrHES OH FEMALE Ei^tTCATfOSI. f^i*

Meduftiona of eattrancotis bcautyi aitd will mi\ tise
I not bf cxcciiing ta fpcedj hui by dclpUlng tlic

'.' »

ierc it tnay be juftly enaugb rctortcdj that, as it if

Mrcd the education of wamt^ii i s !*» dt:fe£ttvci thb

feed inferiority of th<!ir minds may be :iccounteit

pRi that ground more jurtly than t>y al'cribing it to

:t natural make. And, indeed, ihistc is fo mucH

li in the renurk^ that till women ihiiH be more rca-

ibly, educaredj and till rhc n;ative growth uf ihcif

idi fh^iU cc-tfe to be itintedand criimp«d, wc have

juiteT ground for prot»ouDcing that their under-

ifig h^^a 4lreudy reached its higheft attainable point,

Hift Chine fe would have for utfirming that their

jn have attained to the greateft poifibie perfcition*

Ikingy while the firfl care ib, dAiting their iiilaucy,'

topk their feet. At le;iftt till the leaiale fcx arc

■ carefully iuflruified. this quetVion will :3lways

It as undecided as to the. ^tgrte of ditFerence be-

I the mafcuhne and fciuinine underll^ndingj a J

itieition between the under [tending of blacks and

£5 I for until men and women, and until Afrkaios

Europe .ins are pat more iicaiJy on a par in thi:

ration of their tninJs, the fll^ides of ddlindtion,

fcver they be, between their imive ;ibiiities q^^

^be f?iirly afcertained*

n wh':n we fee (and who will denjf that wc fee It

ttiily ?) fo m^ny worttcn nobly rifiVitf from uilder^

c preflure of u difadv^antageou^ edrjcrtt^n ^rxl n

live fySlem of focietyi und esthi i -

fuous jn:irks of a vigoi'ous tini ^^, ,, ; i-

* Juitgn^'nt^ and a fterlinnr jm'ty, it reminds iii of

j^ ilitning Ii|^hts which Ivtve tiow and tlien hin(t

■rough all the " d.irkntf* vifibli^*' of the Roniith

reh, have di fen cumbered ihemfeUes from tJ??

nn of ignorance, Ih^ken off the f* tters of preJutficCj

ith a noble energy lifen fuperior to all the ^;ri<3r»

rrupt theology*

^ If ifi,^(^<nnk-s even reae^iri^b'e wi"HT5''fi *.** crwicfdt in jTvfl* ^iftint*

|t' ' -J^iTi^fl inilanEU^Ufa ti-'- ' ' ' • '"'' ■ -- '.

Ibiulinf^ gains more hf ftretdimg than ftooj
by cxcninz itklf it may noi aituu lo aU it dc
it will be I4irc to gun fomctliiog* The rn'm^
ways ^pp(yi^£S Ufclf to obk£Ul>clow its iej
trafU Its dimenftoQs^ ami umnU ufctf to tbc,
lowers itfclf to iIk leTcJ, of the objefit abfn
it is convcrfant : while the imdcTftan: l

Uve and afpltiag, cxpaadi aad t^-^ .ii-i^
ftiongei by exctcifci larger by diffiiitotit and \
communication. j

But tlie tafte of general fQciety ts iK>t favt^
improvement. Tlie fcrioufnefs with wludl|
frivolous fubje£ts are »gitatedf and the hi
which, the mo {I feiriouA dtt AUf^ichcA^ beai
csa£t proportiaa to c^idi otlier- Society too
of mngic lanthor;! j the fcene h [>erpetaallf i
In this inccflant diange we muft

CttcH, ere flic fi^lj tht Cynthia of rhfrnia
md tbc fafliion of the prefent minatej c«i^
ably like ks rs^pid precurforsi while in ma"
the cultivation of rca! kntiwIedgCj Itaa sif
^eittiy led ^ven tl^ p»y ^ua d idle tp ^i%j

STRICTURES ON FEMALE EDUCATION. iB^

of application. But where this valuable help is at-
tended merely like any other public eKhibition, as a
faihionable purfuit, and is not turthered by correfpon>
dent reading at home, it often ferves to let off the re-
ality of ignorance, with the affeSation of (kill. But
inftead ot producing in converfation a few reigning
£cientific terms, with a familiarity and readinelis, which

Amaze the unleaia'd, and make the learned wife,

would It not be niore modeft even for thofe who are
better informed, to avoid the common ufe of technical
terms whenever the idea can be as well conveyed with-
out them ? For it argues no real ability to know the
names of tools i the ability lies in luiowing their ttfi .:
and while it is in the thing, and not in the term, that
Tcal knowledge confiftsjthe charge of pedantry is at-
tached to the ufe of the term, which would not attach
to the knowledge of the fcience.

In the faculty of fpeaking well, ladies have fuch si
happy promptitude of turning their (lender advantages
to account, chat there are many who, though they have
never been taught a rule of fyntax, yet, by a quick fa-
cility in profiting from the oeft books and the bed
company, hardly ever violate one ;. and who often ex-
hibit an elegant and perfpicuous arrangement of ftyle,
without having ftudied any of the laws of compofition.
Every kind of knowledge which appears to be the re-
iiilt of obfervation, refleAion.> and natural tafte» Hts
gracefully on women. Yet on the other hand it fome-
times happens, that ladies of no contemptible natural
parts are too ready to produce, not only pedantic ex-
preilions, but crude and unfounded notions \ and ftill
oftener to bring forward obvious and hackneyed re-
marks, which float on the very furface of a fubjeft,
with the impofing air of recent invention, and all the
Inanity of confcious difcovery. This is becaufe their
acquirements have not been worked into their minds
by early inftruftion ; what knowledge they have, .
ftands out as it were above the very furface of their
minds, like the a^piifuee ef the embroiderer, inftead of
havinfif been interwoven with the growth of the piece.

^1*4 tTKlCTUnES OK WtMSktU EOUC^TlOir.

ipof, like frK*n«. acquire vhai thcf ktiov whik thf in*
imt inin^. rerhaps oo briicr prcvr

tbc " . r this iitcrary vactitji ihstn /*i

Mou : tbit w uman wuuU be \ch Ifkrly fa be vam frf

4'ef tniu^ :fJ(^; wtiu (Ikl not frmcoilict ihi: time w(j
rant. Knowledge ttat Is ^*rjtf #f,

'i ttig alfo hais pTob^bljr conn fir d mucfc

* * ' - m brgrr works, zn w^s obfcrfcJ i^

tlm makes t leadkr (atkcr^ bu

fhuJIv^A'Ci' tli;akcrj ihrtTi i}, ■ j'.il of bookx oFl

J m Ik . By t he Ic fcant y i the ir <! riticil i|i

cinjdj ^bile ditnr tntitial f '
^ ■ ; for ill thoic rtippkd u-

Kwfc Icc! ,; of th^t juit ptcporaon oi pTiJi^j [

iiUiii 3t: _, at of the pUii| ^lid that arilui dil
Ration ot the tubjei^i, which ^ while they prove ^
msftcrhantl uf the writer^ ferv^^' ^lA^ f'> f' -^'^^ ^he i
iiji the rcad^^t, fivr more than a n,

, bca u tif ui f t ;i lure oi two, can n i-» . i 1 1 c i s u . u ct i c
•Mfomt^n IS Jtlfo too much drawn from the fcatirjf ;
ptnurious faurces of Ihort wruutgK of the cfDiy tifl
this* w}iCD it comprifes the bcit pan of a peifi||
reading, makes a fmattcrer and f pa Lis a fdtobr ^
though it ibpplfcs current talk^ yet it does nm rr:^1;e
fuli mmd ^ it does not furntfli a fi
als Co ilock the underftaadhig* iici_ _

.torn the mind to any iraiu&orre/IcChoTi : for the io6-
jedls, befjdes being each fuccinnflly^ and, on account
this brevityi fuperficially tfCiated, are dlltintt and '
connected : they arife oat of no eoncatcn^fiOTi of id^
rot ajuy dependent feries of dedy£tion. Yet on i
pleafant but defultory reading, the mind ia hich
jiot beeu tnamed to feverer e;tercife, loves to jep
itfelf in a fort of creditable indolcnoe, infteiad
firetchin^ it"; energies in the whokibm^ labour of c<|
fecutive inveftigaUou, *

* The wi-iter cannot be; fwpp<*rciJ JcilfimVf^i: Av\
ciF" thftie many bi^aurlfu! periaclrCit e({*yt vthich .-,

^»t 4iJ3Vrtiit timfi*, f^da to read« 4i the Aim* ^timjet a

sriRICTURES ON FEMALE EDUCATION. 1 85

am not difcouragihg ftudy at a late period of lifCj^
ven cenfuring flender knowledge ; information i»
I at whatever period and in whatever degree it be
lired. But iM fuch cafes it ihould be attended with
iliar humility: and the new ppflefTojr fliould bear •
lind, that what is frefli to her has been long known
thers ; and fhe ihould therefore be aware of ad-
:ifig 9S novel that which is common, and obtruding .
ire that which every body poiTefies. Some ladies
jager to exhibit proofs of their reading, though at
sxpence of their judgment, and will introduce in
rer£ition quotations quite irrelevant to the matter^
and> because they happen at the inftant to recur to
r recolleftion, or were, perhaps, found in the book

have j lift been reading. TJnappropriate quota-
5 or ftrained analogy may fhew reading, but they
tot fliew tafte. That juft and happy allufion which
ws by a word how to awaken a corrcfponding im-

or to excite in the hearer the idea which fills the
d of the fpeaker, (hews lefs pedantry and more tafte
I bare citations ; and a mind imbued with elegant
wledge will inevitably betray the opulence of its
urces, even on topics which do not relate to fci-
; or literature. It is the union of parts and ac-
ements, of fpirit and modefty, which produces the
finable charm of converfation. Well-informed
bns will eafily be difcovered to have read the belt
^, though they are net always detailing lifts of au-
8 •, for a mufter roll of names may be learnt from
catalogue as well as from the Horary. Though
sy owes its exquilite tafte to the fragrance of the
3teft flowers, yet the ikiil of the little artificer ap-
•s in this, that the delicious ftores are fo admirably
ked up, and there is fuch a due proportion obferved
aixing them, that the perfeftion of the whole con-
in its not tafting .individually of the rofe, the jefla-
e, the carnation, or any of thofe fweets of the very
ice of all which it is compounded. But true judg-
\t will difcover the infufion which true modefty

not difpliy •, and even common fubje£ts paffing
)ugh a cultivated underftanding, borrow a flavour
ts richnefs. A power of apt feki^tion is more vai-^.

; more nnny
furiJiiy T

for..

r l^n? tn fncvit i ;;on fun

'iv'cruLi^ u from thc|
iy f!owln^i bccaufc fd
uR'J 6y the pCTlon who wit,^ fpt^aking has ;icq
iUtick nm% new train uf thinking in tbor awi
^u.4 not be 4- a life the genet a! 'V/^ exprciTcd h|

[he true £re. YounJ

'Aitn^. ijjruviK.iJti:iN ni.i uot bccil liilciplincd ^
fedV ed motion, confrittr how things n*<iy be.
1*1*1, r^thtr thpiri how ihcy nits ]^ be pi ■
fnnsbty (m\i'u i ftnci willingly hazar.
v/r: L^i, or v.tin^ for ibe chiince ut lie^

Crn. [lu rhe graces of rhetoric li^intvj

tnoTc than the juUcU dedu£ti©ivs of tt^dfn | w
b'AVC tit> arms Eh(?Y ufe: flowen, and to rcp^l a
jnent, they ^rm toctnfclvcs with a m^upborii
alffi who do not aim, fo high as eloqweocc, ^
fuTprb^'H that jou refufe lo accept of a pren

r»^^> * J ^ -A4«ii

ot a pren

STRICTimES ON TEMiLE EDUCATIOH. 187

ic fame fault in the mind, flrcngthencd by the
error, (a neglefted education,) leads lively woincn
to pronounce on a quedion without examining
n any given point they feldomer doubt than men ;
ecaule they are more clear- fighted, but becaufe
have not be* n accuilomed to look into a fubjeA
enough to difcover its depths and its intricacies ;
lot difcerning its difHculties, they conclude that it
lone. Is it a contradidion to fay, that they feem
ice to be quick fighted and fliort- fighted ? What
fee at all, they commonly fee at once ; a little dif-
y difcourages them ; and, having caught an hafty
jfe of a fubjeft, they ruih to this conclufion, that
r there is no more to be feen, or that what is be*
will not pay them for the trouble of fearching.
^ purfue their obje£l eagerly, but not regularly ;
ly, but not pertinacioulljr *, for they want that ob-
te patience of inveftigation which' grows ftouter
jpulfe. What they have not attained, they do not
ve exifts ; what they cannot feize at once, they
lade themfelves is not worth having.
a fubjeft of moment darted in company ? While
nore lagacious are deliberating on its difEcuIties,
riewing it under all its afpedls, in order to form a
pctent judgment before they decide -, you will of-
md the moll fupeificial woman prcfent determine
natter, without hefitation. Net feeing the per-
ities in which the queftion is involved, fhe won-
at the want of penetration in the man whofe very
tration keeps him filent. She fecretly defpifes the
perception and flow decifion of him who is pa*-
ly U9ttyir,g the knot in which (he fancies (he exhibits
z dexterity by cutting. By this fliallow fprightli-
, of which vanity is commonly the radical princi-
the mod ignorant perfon in the company leads the
reifation, while he whofe opinion was oed worth
ng, is difcouraged from delivering it, and an im-
ant fubjecl is difmifled without difcuffion,by inccn-
Lent flippancy and voluble radinefs. It is this abun-
:e of florid talk, from fuptrficial matter, which has
ight on fo many of the fex the charge of in<verting the
title's precept, and being/it'/// iQ/^eak,flow to htatn

^tlliCTtfftEs 'tf ^ Pi^Ift 'tmCATfaK* »ft

^t as favoorkes bat tnftrument!* \ her pcrfuifion th«
cfent fucccis is rio progf of the Divine favour ; ia
Drtj fome intimation that fhe b rtot aiham^d to dc-
ire that iier mind is under the intlociicc af Chnftbil
ith : that fhc is fteadU]^ governed by an unalterable
mciple, of which no authority h tog grear to make
*r athamed, which no occafion in too trinat to call
to esCTctfe. A general concurrence in hsbitualJy
Lhibtting this fpirit of decided faith and holj? truft,
DuH inconceivably^ difcouragtf that pert and WAktiui
fidelity which is ever on the watch to produce itfelf t
idj as we have already cbfervcd, if women, who d6-
\ft authorlry from their rank or talents, did but reflect
iw their fcntiments are repeated, and how their au**
lority IS quoted, they w^ould be fo on their pfiaM,
Li I uLneral iociety might become a fcene of profitable
^ijKnani cation and common improvement ; and the
(tm^, who are looking for models on which to fa(hioa
fenirf Ivcs^ would become afliamtd and afraid of cx^
WtroiT any thing iiifc kvity, or fccpcicifm^ or pro-

it be untlcrftoodi that it is liot memit to intimate
rinus ftjbjefts lliould make up the bulk of cori-
i:*n ; itii^, as tt h TmpnfTiblr*, would alfo often be
It is not inr :oJfltgifl: that they

ir;d>Iv nrol5n|»-
uically
on th^

rrl,

though to the fomic^l&ioo of any one in whkh wt
ielirci are fupjiolca tue&ccl : mtid huwcvcr fu '^
nifty be in ochcr tcfpctU to the pt:rron« tti
%rc may* pcihap&t in tiiai p^rttcukr potnc, imp

, 0i a wc do no* gam mfonnarion, wc Ouil'
gdn A whokjbmc excrcite to our humility mA
kuut I y^c fiuli b< telb^intog our dwo Im^roih
dy \ W€ ihiiU ^( ^c t«ke this codrle on jnfl occafooi
ooly, iiwl (q sk$ K" ^*"*'' '^-^ left wt gratify ihc rtJiity of
otheri, be gi«iu|; ^^*c to z doubting^ or cJte«^

fuhier& ton deprcitr 1 ip^ut* Afi4 ta place 9 ju(l
jniTk^ hikXATckd b]f ihc dilhttent, 111 tl>e moll a<iyBi
gcoos poinrof vie^ ; to call the attentioti of the i
tennvc, the foTward> and tlw ft If f\»fficfrnr, k* the
vkfufive meijt of (ome qut^ pcrfc r.pai

vhO| thotjgh of much worth, i« pci
ihcfe are rc^uiHic^ for coiiverfjtiori, IcU t>riili
lar Tuore vaiuahk, than iht power €>f excitin|t Ui
kughtcr by the bti^hteft wtt, or of citonmg ad
tion by the mofl poignant falhcsof ridicule.

Wk b^ of ail the tjualiuoi of the femiilQ min4»
which requires the fevcrell calVtgation j yi : *
perate eicrcife o£ this fafettiatirig quaHtj
additionnt luilre rounct the chaiader ot ;
woman ; for to manage with difcrcef^ mor!^
geroud t]ikAtj confers ata higher pnife th*^ii Cidii l
mcd by thofe from whom toe ^ibfeoee of the tan
uioye* the tern put ion to mifempiay it, *J o woiiiri%
wit is a peculiarly perilous poti^llioti, which iiotbiti|
fliort of the fober*aiindednr& of ReHgion cult keep i*
fubjeiiion i and perhaps there is fc«rc<Iy any rtr^*- ^f- '
der of human beings uat fcquires the powerfi
^ Chriftian con troi more thaij womtii whr''
has this text dency* IiitcmpcTaie witcravea
as its natural aliment ; it fi^cs on S^tCery ^^
brtad. The profeflTtd wft h an hungry bepj, . .
ing on thccMitorted almB of pcrpetoaj pane^xk 1 ^3*4 ,
like the vulture in the Gretmn fabiep the appetite in*
creafes by indigence* Simple truth 3iud fobcr appto- I
badon become taftckfs and inf>pid to the pjl-itc di\'H \
vitiated by the dd iciou^ poign^mcies oft-
_t«3«ijmS9diiti9it, Under t)\e above tettfiitiw,^^, ,^,^

STRICTURES ON FEMALE EDUCATION. I pi

wit may be fafely and pleafantly cxcrcifed ;
bufti/ed'wit is an elegant and well-bred, and not
ninine quality. But humour, efpecially if it dc-
ate into imitation, or mimicry, is very fparingly-
ventured on ; for it is fo difficult totally to de-
it from the ful'picion of buffoonery, that a woman
yo, likely to lofe more of that delicacy which is her
^priate grace, and without which every other qual-
ifes its charm, than fhe will gain in another way
e eyes of the judicious, by the moft fuccefsful di{-
of humour.

woman of genius, if (he have true humility, will
lefpife thofe lefler arts which flic may not nappen
Dilefs, even though ftie be fomctwncs put to the
of having her fuperior mental endowments over-
;d, while flie is held cheap for being deftitute of
: more ordinarv accomplilhment. Though the
ke of Themiftocles * was Juft to one who thought
fo great a General and politician fliould employ his
like an effeminate Lutinift^ yet he would proba*
lave made a different anfwer if he had happened
iderftand mufic.

it be true that fome women are too apt to affe£l:
ancy and difplay in their own difcourfe, and to
^rvalue the more humble pre ten fions of lefs fhowy
a£ters ;. it muft be confeffed alfo, that fome of
* oidinary abilities are now and then guilty of the
ifite error, and foolifhly affedi to value themfelves
ot making ufe of the underdanding they really pof-
\ and affed to be thought even more (illy tnan

are. They exhibit no fmall fatisfadion in ridi-
ig women of high intelle<aual endowments, while
exclaim with much affe£led humility, and much
envy, that " they are thankful thijf are not geni-
*es." Now, though we are glad to hear gratitude
dTed on any occalion, yet the want of fenfe is re-
no fuch great mercy to be thankful for ; and it
Id indicate a better fpirit, were they to pray to be
lied to make a right ufe of the moderate under-

■ Can you play on the lute >" faid a cerciin Athenian to Themifr
. *' No/* rrpUcd he, «* t«t 1 can make t little viiiaic a fcat

- rrticTtntEi on rtiljiti

191

ii»g they |>offcf§, thin lo rtpcrff! wfrh^^of^

tc the Una^tiary or r- ' f

liei Al only •* brir

Its . r art^rnmttilj

fii^nf d them y 9ud whik thcy^ (hi
kncic^ which zrt abcvr thcLr

5

ckfpond a£ an infcrioiity v-1,
thrmfclTei , nor, becaufe Gmi Iw
t rli rvif, Ihould thcf forget that ihey ar^i .^ - - ij
1 the one he 4#/ sdtoctfd fhorii but fdj
... rwM,.^ that one with hymbk diligc&ce to
fff the Ciircr.

Vanny, however, ia not the fnonono!^ nf
Let nut ;& yoiiiig bdyt therefore, fancy wu flieis
ble, merely bccaufc ihc is not tn|^^nioiii;, or p
the ab fence of talents as the criterion of wortlii
raili^y U not the eaiclufive privilege of rfullr;
U as ccnccited as wit, and ignomnce miiny
fUipsi knowledge in the r;i£e of ranity* Jtqi
nelt CO n^ petitions fprinj^ from caufes lefs wort
cite tliem durt wtt find ^eDJus* Vanity i ;
felf into the female heart umirr a variety ot ....,«.,.
ed formS| 2nd is on the wstch to enter it b y fcr
on many a little pafs which was noi thought «ri

Who has not feen as refllefs emotion agttmte tfce
features nf sn anxious nnation, %vhik peace and fiiw
hnng trembling m doubtful iufpeuce on the fuccef* uf
a foup or a fauce, on which fentt'occ was about to be
pronounced by fome coo fum mate cririCj as couki Ntc ,
been excited by ^ny competition for literary reoowt^i
or any itrug^le for conttft^d wit f Anxiety for fame
is by no me;jiis meafurcd by the real value of the at-
j\i£l mirfucd, biit by the decree of eflimarion in which
It is held by the purfuer* Nor was the ilHtrioui b<»

STRICTDRES tWf »EMACB ' SWrCATIOW.

Greece more f fFeduall^ hmd*!r4:d from flceping lif
tophies of MiitUdes, rhan many ^ modUh damm
Ke eel ip ling fuperiority of fome n^wcr dticoraiiail
pHt^^d by her more fuccefsful friend.
There h another fpecies of vanity in fome ^^pmcit
hdifguifes itfelf uader the tlun rail of ao affctl:c*t
[li[y ; they will accufe diemfelves oi (0tnc fault
.which thc5f are remarkably exempt, and bmait
iraiit of fome talent which they arc rnther notori-
t>r poireffing. Now tliotigh the wiftll arc com*
J the mod humble, and thofe who arc fr^R ftonk
fin ^re mofl forward in confcffijig €rror i yet the
£lkc W€ arc ccnfuring is not only a dumfy trap for
ifc, but there is a difjngetiuotis intention, by rc^
acing a quality they eminently polTtfs, to gaUl
i for otliers in which thty are refill y dcfidcnr-
affectation involves a fpecics of <iecek. The
lie whefi he enjoins, *' not to think of eurfelvei
ire big;hly than we ought," does not e^xhort tJ3 to
ik/i^j^siy of ourfdves, but to think ** foberly ;*' and
s worth obferving that in this injunction he docs not
the wotd^^fii, but ihijih infeiring pofiibly, that it
uld be fafer to J^tai little of ourfeives or not at all ;
it is fo far from being an unequivocal proof of our
niltty to talk even of our deie^ls, that while wis
kgy^^the fubjedlj (in whatever way,) felf-iove con-
fc to be gratified, and will even be content that our
m (houJd be talked of, rather than that we fhouli
; be talked of at atS* Some are alfo attacked with
|i proud fits of humility, that while they are ready
Hconfe themfclves of alnioft every fin in the Himp,
y yet take fire at the imputation of the flighteit
imigtw&l fa alt I and inftantly enter upon their own
lieation as warmly as if yoti, and not them lei vcs,
pfcrought forward the charge. The tmth ia, they
I tyred to condemn themfeives, in the full confidence
I you would contradift their felf*acc\ifation ; the
piling they intended was that you fhould belkvc
St, and they are never fo much piqued and difap-
nted as when they are taken at their word,
pf the various fliapes and undefined forms mtii
ich vanity branches oat in converfatiou^ thae^is v^

Br R

frfifenifpt^rhc

\\>f-m^ 1 1-1

legTcc,

ttnTrr.iri

tdHl^miHAng bet n wu n cK fd on 1 v b v he:

itienfl ; btit etc^ Uiough that ^naii

ntaiii whc» r-

Willi die pr

ti BOW cai

tbocfgh tn t]

ibc rdatcr conLnvc?. in fomr c^ircuiigysj

tg be ctxiineftcd with the wcmkr-

To correal r- -nCtf *' lo devare

plift/'* ij wou [ in jniti^f! foet *ty j

ulCoj;;cihcT {ntn\ „

may not be abft ic ^
of probabilUvi arc api to
iraior ; in wKom the ver;, ^ .^... :

bciievecl, excltct^ an mcreafed c*i. ;

further from the fo^- r ■' -^ - i

habit of vdicmcnt a i
cd in to hdp osit r^
pfOt^cnfUy be irrcfill

= who »tt mil u it;*a*^' clay

STEJClrirRES ON "pmiAt^ SDtJCATIOH.

r^P

iiut>a lump, un^er the gaicral n;ime of Sirang^Ri*

May wc not iuipeft mat, in fomr *^^^^ ^^ - f-$,ihe
I oi ilrati|;e riitiorts would be a bi m

in

^uacitiii* vanity ihcw* itielf * 1 nyr:*ii

icrotis, yet the f;tult, in the inR -
iciy^ tut vdiilty, U tiocs n
,thc mifchkvous defirc of div-^

he pii4e of havini^ been tiulUtt it ifi

.rr/'t ii^'^linatian of inisiing Je// wh ^**t ts^

llic fccrct wcJulU be of Ik^ 'i<^

ii!^ li ijiti not fcrvc fo imimatc swr a- ■ v^ ieH-

~ie pkafujc of its having btxn dcj^ ith lift*
lb.' '' :> if uthers may not kiiuw uiaz it has

fu i! .—When wc toiUtnua to fee the Ta»

■■■ : ■ . ^.11'

. ■ . , 1 *" ,

ttK: ib uuc oiicucc comuutteU in t'lnivtriiJittOii of
jc>o ftrrious a nature to be QYerlool^ccIt i,yt to be
3?enrd on without forrow and i^ a ; 1.'

rHiq hiibitoiii and tbougiitkfs pfgfai;..,Li. U chofp
ic rcptra tedly invoking tl it ir M;ikvr*s name on oc-
^ iKt Itioft trivtAL it i$ oil«:n(}V% in «nfl its viiviift]^
** i 4 — ^11 U v<ify pcrnicioaa in its ijt^f i~it t*'3|j:
- are moft Jfuiity of it, ny^
|u as when they lio ii 5 cirr not.

Ih: iui i aaJ i^i hutli tT'trfi, r^:. •t

l itiqn^ of fnithful fntrnjfh^pr ■' ■/•

Rminuc it* — It is utterly ikbxiu'^auli: ; — n has
!bf the palliatives of umpiaum which tnher \hm-
8r atid in that refpjdl ilands diiUttguinicd horn M
i bmfj v-\ ft t^ .**sro And decree of guilt. — ^Like
^th^ v'tir, ic is ^ ouct caufc and cl-

i 11.JIJ wisnt of love and reverence to the
, and caitjij the want oi that love both bt
Q% Aiid othets. Yet with all thofc
licre is I perK-ups, hiirdly siny fin fo j. ,

itttld^fo ili^- " ':rcii. fo Icidoni KpCiiLcdO^

[ifttlc gucffd L On tht fcorr of r?»^jw

, it i-^ olrinfivc, as '"

an::.: f- ... :..y. whicil Oh::' '-U^^ L'l^i--

^■n^i

nn

WKfm t^^^ri;

^

iiOUlCtli

mi ic 1- J 5 c(

^^^■^ gu..,:

'.' r f 1 1 i j * .

tL I( 1^ t^yill^

^^^^Pr pTofUflC* Jl i^

;S|

^^^^Km lhou14 not r(r|.it.'Li

' ' i I i J i i !.

._^^JlH

miii:li as

the [>bu4 ^H

ifjr m give fame Tai^^I

^^^^^ lis J

^^^^1 iomc bdovcd '

^^^^B Ift a dep^ftt-a

^^^^K. wHafc image uctL

^^^H , bof ^ni fcnt

' 'L ^t jua;-

^^^H hovv

J if you

i

^^^^H ^ i^H^kd aUt.:

''

i

^^^H. Icviey I

i

^^^^^ a vufj^^r expletive

: DiK^

Jiul -^

^^^K ii^^ #|^^tlVi)UidliJ^.i^lll;»^^^ .....^,

allt it 13 wmT ^ a

terr unme;gitup e3fptctivc, -which/bcing cxatect by no
mpiauon, can hixvt nothing loexectiuatc if j whtch»
cjjuliii;^ no <;mc<jiin^ cr^r^ have nothing tO !rccdfnjni;tid
it| ahJtfs it be the p[tafurc of the fin-
' Amon^ the deep, but lets obvious iBUchicfi of OOtK
erf ; r^fintatw/i mull not be overlooked. Self-

e>v._ ly ut work J to ^ive to all wc Giy 31 bias-

n uur ur. The cdut^trr " " .f ihia fault

ould L >ut in the ear^ielt ; cducanan-

If young pi^rfons hair<! not been difcourBpecI in the*
nn irjl, feyt evil pmpennny to relate every iiiii!^uTc they
J wfth omi'ts to their own advantajje j 1/ they
.-or beeri trained to the botinden duty of doing
ufticc €Ytn to thofc with whom they are at vamnce ^ .
lT ihcy have not been Icti to aim at a com pi etc impar-
tidicy in their Uttk tiarrativesj and inftru&ted nc%"cr to
" kc advantage of the abfencc of the other pmrty, in Of-
:r to nuke the SVyj %n to their own Gdc more than
the truth will admit* now fhall we in. advanced Utt
look ft5r correft Iiabits, for unpTejudicedTeprcfenta-
' M Jelity, accuracy, and unbiaCed jultice ?

'] V oftenjn foGiety, other\vilerefpe£lablejare

t pained with n^iiTdtions in which prejudice w^rps^

fV If. Jove blinds ! How often do we fee, that with-

rart of a truth anfwera the worft ends of a
I How often regret the unfair rurn givctt t&
. by placing a fenttment in one point of vicwj.
v/iiicii the fpeaker had nfed iu anothei ! the letter of
tr«uh prefer vfd where its fpirit is violated ! a fuperfli-
^iiloufly maintained in the under-
rderto iniprefa fuch an idea of ia-
ri^dtt for the mifrip^rffiftiuttfr^ while
i. ^ ^ ;tting the leading prbiciple* How

ay wtr obt^rva a new eharaiiicr givtn t© a fa^ by a
iiFcrent look, tone, or emphiifis, which alters it as
itch a 3 words coy id have done ! the f^alfc imprcffion
' % fcrmon convL'yedj when we do not f'^ ^ ■^•■' prcialh*
, or w'i'iti thraiii^h hmi we wlfli to t, .ion tt-^

ridicabu^; the c.ir« to ?ivoid lircrai uatruthSf^

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^P'H

-,.. :,rc

c

^^^^B or rTMth^ diExt the

J "

^^^^p ftftaly^le

u. : 3gi ;i ^oc«^H

^^KK illOWf

lie mud t)iv& vP

^^■^ rjon of

13 clown, AjffiH

^H gantj*-

\\?\ -, ;ii too J

^V

^^ft

, alltbij

^H

^1

- »■ r*.*-*- /!■

^^B

^^H Ch'- : tE 4: r i L. UT j

^H tb^ truth, rci

^V trtith V

. rclcai:?!' <

H ^iKfe

iiKl ilvaf-' . -

nt ' '^^ 1

^H

^H miry 10 uuili^ not from itu

^^H |n,^*'*''"iT'-'i';^ Of rtlVV.

iTRICTVlSf ON FEMJILE CDDCATlON, IJ^

■ is to be fcated^ that thtf are fecure from tl^c
fc of bdog called to account j tl : o*

B - 4g encouraged by the very *■ ...mc

tt ought to fuppref^ it. To bt: fcverc, bcciiuL
au fce fo wiih impunity, ia a mofl utii'oiiri^.iu*'
It ii taking st tafe and difhont?i;
thdr fex, the weakness of which, ■
iig them to cfinTmit ofFL*nLx«, becaufd '

ihcni wttb fafcty, auj^ht rarher in -
IcTupulotifi^ cairr+ul to avoid itiili
oo tepiration Cdti oc demBiidcd, i :■

tli#fe who carislefsly involve the ;. ,

Its M'hich they know th<«iklv<;^ m
1 fe very fenft; of their own fecurit

rto-be indijfercnr to the ftcurity of otJiers
krvmis f=>ult of grofs and obvious detraflion
R infct'ts converfatkm, has been fo heavily and fo
f condemned by divines and moral iRs, that the
;Q, copious as it is, is txhauiled. But there is an
|j#f anoppoGte complexion, which we have before.
Hi cind sgninft which the pecuHar temper of the
rrfrq aires that young ladies of a better caft fliould'
larde^* From the narrownefs of their own fphere
>ferv3tion, they are fometinics addi£\ed to accufe^
icharitabknefsj that diitin|TUifliing jud^^ment which*
fefir from a profound peiietratk>ii> and a zeal for
forbids perfon^ of a very corredi principle to be
'ctiminately prodigal of comnr>endation without in*.
y, and without diftin£iion. There is an atleQa-
of candaar^ which is a)mo{l as mifchievou*^ as cal^
y itfelf ; nay, if it be Icfs injttrious in its individual"
icatiofi, it is, perhaps, more alarming in its general^
;iple, as it lays wafte the iUong fences which fcp*
! good from cvi!^ They know, asa general prin^
\j (though they fometimes catumniatCj) that calum-
5 wrong \ but they have not been told that flattery >
tong ?*lfo ; and youth, being apt to fancy that the
St contrary to wrong muft necefTarily be right, arc
:o be driven into violent extrenies^ The dread oP
gjonly fufpefted of one faulty makes them a£luaUy
If of the oppofite 5 and to avoid the charge of*
biaefs Qrof envyi they pluage into infinccfky t^nik

m

dpi Co

Oirii Jcglj

toil ^

mi

^ thcf ce III
*< feedieihicig
'* itf, %\\cj cauiiu.

ti^ %d tial £if c u a^ll -i

^Utaie errafi to juiUijr folljf^ or to v
GoQd-iiaiuixd yomig pf^^ir- tifteti Tpcii*
imworthy, or txuava, conan

finm oac of tht fc an^i i v ^ ^ , ..a Ikt tHe
«iccllet)cc ajc low t or they fpcak rc£p£
t! "^ , to puftiL : themfckcs ib£

. ,..:..^_i:: wc j^i* ' -Mill tn
:plic<i m OUT -,

mull never be i

0nU tht' duue$ of common lift:, while thcv H
ways tftkc into the account the nobler exertlo^
t» ihc higher re/ponfibility attached to hl^i
In atic mean time v^omcn of lower att^itiTirTTtfni
C3t£irt to the utmoft fiich abilities as Providcnd
4gncJ them ^ ^ud while they ftxmlct n^ii liciS
Icncics which nt^ abore their rrachj^licy Ih
dtrf pond at ^n jisferioritj whicb diJ not M
ihemlelves ^ nor, becawfe God has ' i

talcnu^ fhoultl thry forget that they ari. ■ .
fible for the otse he A^s allotted t!iftn« but I
(devoting ih.Ai one with humble tfiHgerttt to i
©f the Giver.

Vanity, however, is r^ot the pif^nnr^r^Ty rt'
Let not a young htiy, therefore, i (

hiCj merdy bccaafc (he is not Hi^vi^ina^j ^i
tiie ab fence of talent*! as tlte cnlerion of wofiJ
mitity U not the odufive privilege of dullnef^
U as ccticcited as wir, *An<i igtiomncc many a i
fliips knowledge in the race oi vanity. Mtji
nelt eonijxtiEions fprin? from cauiirs left w'ord
cite them than wtt and genius* Vanity iirfiii
fclf into the female hciitt under a variety of Hi
€d forms, and i^ on the watch to emer it H
on many a little pafs which was hoc ehougn

STRlCTt3REfr O^^rEtlTiltiE pDUCATrOJT-

Jrccce marc effe6:uany hindered from flee ping bf
trophies of Miiti:desj than many a modifti damfcl

Ss tcliprmg fuperiority of fo me ^€^*CT decor atioit
itdd by htT more fucccfsful friend-
'here is another fpcctes of vanity iti fonie womca
ch difguifds itfclf uader the diin vali of an atTcfleii
lilUy *f they will accufe themfelves <ff tome fault
^which they are retnarkably exempt, ami lament
■rant of fome talent which they are rather noiori*>
■pr pcfTeifing. Now though tlie wife- It are corri-
^ tne moil httmble, and thofc who are freeft front
ts are moll forward in confefling error i yet the
iice we art ceufurlng is not only a clumfy trap for
[^t hut tli^re is a diGngenuous intention, by fe-
eing a qustiity they eminently polTcf^, to gain
t for otliers m which (hey arc really deficients
iiietlatjon ijivolves a fpecies of ^eceir^ T!ie
tie wheti he enjoinSj *' not to think of ourfclvcs
re highly than we ought," does not eithort U3 ta
Jfflji^ of ourfclvcs^ but to think " foberly ;' and
^orth obfervjiig that in ihia injunction he does not
be wordy^fdjf^ but rA/^l, infeiring pofiibly, that it
lid be fafer to /pr^k little of ourfelve^ or not at all ;
it is lb far from being an unequlvocaJ proof of our
lility to talk even of our det'efls, that while wc
lejfi/thc lubject, (in whatever way,) felf-bve con-
es to be gratified, and will even be content that our
^ ihould be talked of, rather than that we ihouUi
Ke talked of at all, _ Some are alfo attacked with
fcroud fits of humility, that while they are ready
Bufe themfelves of almoft every fin in the lump,
r yet take fire at the imputation of the ilightefl
<4fidiMi fault J and inftantly enter upori their own
lication as warmly as if you, and not themfelves,
t brought forward the charge* The truth h, they
bred to condemn themfelves, in the full confidence
fiyou would contradict their felf-accufation i the
lliing they intended was that you Ihould believe
n, and they are nerer fo much piqued and difap*
ited as when they are taken at their word.
)f the various fli;;^pes and undefined forms mt^
gh f unity branches out in gonverfatioo, thsjrc is nm

JlOU^^j

Jntnd I but irtc. i that ♦?

maiii ^^ ^ ; :nprna ihc wvn
with ihu who art u illy b*;}

thotigli »fJ n

tQ be If'-

To cotTctt this pmpenfsty "to eJeva
prifc,"* itwotil^i ^'* ^ " n 1" rri*
akogcihfr from f
may ni?tbc abfoliiS' i^ :.ti
of prababiUtVp 4rc apt to i
I'KtQf J in wKoni the '
bkkvird, cxcittfs sin
farther from the fobciotlli of i;
habit of vehement aS"cvcf:utnrT, m-l
cd ill to he!p out a out f
propeiifity be irrcfifliblcj <

A fr.

perfotia who ^rc much .iclditlpd vo rclnte iidti

■

ftTBTCTtJMS OH 1?KMAL^ HDUCATIOK-

ato a lump, under the general name of Sirmj^4 ^<*

May wc not fufpc<!i ihaij in fome itjitancc*, tlie
sr Of grange tcpons would bt a bulky out / ^
iiiodict thapc, and ^ v;" ' ' rmcd Ibipe
ii lotiutidous vanity (1; r : I me^sb^

iyujg of cotjfi*lcn€C, 11k:Ujc ^ t^c

is, y€E the fault, in the tiiU j 't

fi but vniiity. It ftocs not 1 'P«ii^ig

mifchtcvou^ delire af divti^: ' i^t, ^^

pii4e of having bct:n tm Ic ts

clm-ition of mixm^ /i.' ^ v^-r U^

'lite iccvcl would be ol Itii '.^s

j:>i ,,.^t fervc to imimatc ?■- ...li .. iih

of its having been d with us

■, If others may nut muuw that it b^is
— When wc continue to fee the v^-*
lb evila which this ptinciplc invoWet<,OiaU:
jlTertirig tlut vajutyU a ilcndcr mifrj^icf?,'
^re *& one olTt:tJce ctim mated in converfation of
^JOO fcriousa naurc to be ovtrlookcdj or to be
Iferfed on without fonow and indignMion : T
[h;abiturt! Atid thpsu'liilrn: prgf^ncncfjs of thofo
pcatediy invokir Liktr's iiBme on oc-

moil trivial, k ir, ijin.jii'ive in yll its variety
1^1 i& very p^^rnkioua- in its ^Jicli j— k h a
hnft who are mofl guilty of it, am
i] conftiloun wh«!n they do it • ar€ not

ihi: un i Jind "^ ■i|.

&nT!io!*^ of faiL, . \f^,

It* — tt is utterly It lia«

^"t; ^' ; lives ^)f itrnpi. . .r vieea-.

Eid in liut rcfpeft ftjndu diitmguiihcd trom all
ih in ii.^ nature an4 dcj^tcc of gu lit*— Like
€1 fi^*, however, it ia at ojicc c^iufe and ef-
^siffdf ffom w^iiit of Jove and reverence toth<
1^*5 and ^**a/b the want of that love both In
and others. Yet with all thofd aggmra^
! is, perhaps, hafdlv ^ny fm fo frequently
Jttcd, fo iligbUy ccnturcd, fo fcldoai repented at,,
tlitlle ^uiirded a^inft. On tht fcore of j'wffv^
tt I: offenfivc, as bciv

|i}^ iTIUCTIIKM OH KMitE EUVCATlCW,
the tUfpWude ©f till* fiH, while i

Titai, i

Bi -

lit tii^c bw ^

1ALT HOT TAHl
rill Cop ]K V4IH< It

'&

J.^ .^r-

T '^ c5** fom^ ^■^''■" ''^-
by an

lyi a deparkd iikiKl — a tc*
^vhofc iin;»ge iievL'^r cjcctjrii u .
Itcfjfii (cniimcnt rr tare unci J

buw woalci you t^-. :. .uu h^'.^i^*i ^'it-

* levity I or at bcllj tluiifl ima ^^^lj
a vulgaf expletive ? Does nc*t ye'
^rccuil at ihc thought f And ii^
mut trucfl. Iktitlad,Qr, yowV
Friend, to whom you ni-:
^ whu gives ycu tliofc vfri
>fn uch c]viif(hi, thofe very r
lijononr him, thofe very L^: ^ ^ . ■

^you blafpbcme him, is treated wiUi an irrci

the vt:ry thought or mcniir :it>gahumat

II 1 5 name is impiaufly, ib ui. .'-^ :,

Uintilcd out a*t U^e objc^ of dc

hematic ^wmempti of tliought^cu ivViSj* L\is

wmr

r.. ,..„. „.

Wl IKlonF Ui\:trirM'.Hi,iLoc uiaii all, it 15 Wnnt^j:iiv tin:«:t ^ H
pncrc unmeaniag rSfjktivc, ^^hich^Wmg excised by no
lempcation^ cm Iiav * nuate it i wMcbt

can ring 110 mioiior g to tecommeiiid

11^ unlaf^ it be t^ tin.

Tcru f ! on , mifrtprtft^i^fwn n> u R not be o vet 1 1 i cl f-

lo9C Ucontiiiually lit wtirk. to j^ivc to ii!I ^ Lij»3

in our own favour. Ti i uk

IhDuld be fet about in xh^ .„,,r... u.,^^vc ^.. ^.. ,.,A\m*
if fntiii;^ perfons havr not been difcourajj<rd in tlie
natarilj but evil propenfity to rd;uc every difpute they
h^f c butt with others ta tJidr own advaiK^igt: ; if they
hive not been tramcd to the bouirden duty of doing
iuftrre even fo thofe with whom tliey are at vamncc j
rf f^ ■' not been led to aim at a complete impar-

'ti-il iitiir Uttlc narratives, and inftructt;d never to

take ;id vantage of the ;*brcncc of the other party, in or--
' d«ir to make the ftoi in lo their own fide more than
^the truth wilJ ^dmiti now fhall we in advanced Hfe
hoot for corrf 6t habjts, for unprejudiced reprefenta^
I tions, f(ir fidelity, accuracy, and nnbiafled juitice f *
Yet, how often in focietyj other wife refpe^tableaare,
we pi^incd with n'^rr^tjons in which prejudice warp^v
.''*'' ^ e blinds ! How often do we fee, that with-
r t of a truth anfwera the worft ends &f a
iAikh^jod ] How of terv regret the unfair tarn givcei ta
a c;iuiA% by placing a fei>fjment in one point of view,.
*whtch the fpeaker bad ufed in another \ the letter of:
' trtith pref'crved where its fpirk is violated ! a fuperfti—
Hso^ ex;i€lncfs fcrupuloullf main rained in the under-
[ipiTtij of H detailj in order to imprefs fuch an idea of in-
Etegriry m flull gain credit for the mt/nprffi/tut&r^ while
rhe U defij^ncdly miftating the leading principk* How^
may we ohfterve a n^rw character given to a fa£l by ^
tUfft^ircjU look, tone, or emphafis, which alters it as
^^much -.vi words could have done I the falfc imprtflion
KQ#a ftrmr?n conveyedi when we do not like the prefith—
^^cr, oir wij'iii thruu^h Inni we wllh to rnivke religion it—
Kfittf ridiculbirrj the carc to-^vold l^rid unuiuhsi^

trnttcrmis ok peMAt-E cnucAnoM. • lo?

^^^^m uc maft fkitfdl fnoial chyi

1

^^P^l iiv tiim ! fiir Jt good 1

mtA

^^■f ii;ivc u C4

^d

^■^ At|J

^d

^^^H u Uu; tclt of :4

H

^^^^B Muuui Ue'fcat tb'

M

^^^^B y^Qkild dcftoy tl..

^^^^^^^^v ^miT

^^^^P^c

^^^^^ in*^

1

^B cb'^'

r

^^■* the nuihj yci io lu iiiVuIvut

^^H truth wc ixhxte ilii\]\ the ttxith

^M Tbcft and M the tl>^

1

■^

^^^^1 ^^■^'*^: ^^ ^'' uiJ^TiiiUij^ iu ■' '^''T

— ^

^^Hl ibns frum i1n^~k vtrjii:hy wb

1

^^■T iifUy to uuiht not fioixi intei^u :ri^i

1

^Ka^ imJ^XuMcp CI', piyjr, j[)0t i>am ilii^L

i

fTRidrtriits ON female cditcatiom, 199

ph » to ht feafcd, that ihcy arc fecure from the
ftr nf beiiig^ called 10 agcount ; this tkcnc*: of
p^h ig «ncoiiragcft b^r the ?cr]f circumlbince
ought to fupprcfs it. To be fcvcrc, ticcjufr
Ji be fo with impunity^ is a mofl unuL-tuuiur

Ir ia tiiuiig a bafe and dlfhoriour.iV^
of thar f*i3C, the Treaknefsof whith, i. -..^.^ of
jngtbcm t<i commit offenccSj becaufc thcf C*n
* l^^m with fafrty, ought ruher to ir / ^ m
jmloufly care A, I to avoid iiidifct r

fiTC|itir&itoa t;in ue dem a ndc^d* Wh^t c>tn be
Jtofc who carclct^ly involve the injured patty
|wet.r^$ from which they know thrmfclvcB arcr
pr ::i and wbofc very fcTifc of thrir own fecuritr
b^ indifTrrcni to the fccursty of othtrs r
_ yft fault of grofs and obvious detra^ioii
inUtts convcrfation, has been fo heavily and fo
^ condemned by divmcs zmd nioraJiftSi that tlie
^t c^piooj 3S it kt is cxhauftedi But there ifi aii
[»f an oppofue complexion, which vTehave before,
jjDcdt i^nd sg^iinft which the peculiar temper of the'
^requties that young ladies of a better caft (hould*
Wded. From tht narrowncfs of their own fpher^
tion, they are fometimes addtOed to accufc"
ftaWcnefsj that diftinguifijing judgn^ent which^
1^ from a profound penetrationj and a zeal for^
forbids pcrfons of a very correft principle to be-
rimiriAtcly prodigal of commendation without in*.
|V aad without diitin^lion. There is an af&Ai-
" candouTj which 15 almoft as mifchievous ascal-
jtfelf i nay, if ie he tcfs irtjurious m its individual'
lication, it iS| perhaj^, more abrming in its general^
Iciple, ai; it lays waftc rhe fcong fences which fep-.
te good from cvil^ They knov**, as a general prin-
tci (though they fometimes calumniate^} that calum-
iswrong^ but they hnrc not been toid that flatieryr
Hig affo i and youth, being apt to fancy that the
conirsry to wron^ muft necefftirily be right, are
be driven into violent extremes. The dread of*
jenly fulpefted of one fault, makes them actually
Iiy of the oppofite ; and to avoH the charge ofi
jbnefs or of cnvYt they plunge into iiifinecrtty 2n&

'1

Ins tttJc— -fa

the I

i la kL up far hU ow£i divine

i,u ^,,- .-■

I too llfliifUl^C » pf3ClicC IQ QUr i^^mitf^f

*' they *la IS r^^iu it u ipi /i«ij

•* fee the thin|5 m that ligJi : n r1*

** Hy, they cannot b
fl^iiJiUrd of uuihi iu
be elevpi^d nor d

palliate error, to jt^^
Good-natured young p.. jiit.
uiiwoTtJiy, or tJElr^va^kuvily
f icofthef ■ ' .

.e arc lov I

liUcrvuigj to pur . thtiutcU^^ lUc n

teodcTWcfft '.ind ;: , . v ; ^^^r iIr^ hvtl
pmfc on alfTjoft uJl rtiik<^, I

ing bacfc iinivcrfal conn:; i . ic

or

fTRIQTPm&S ON FEMA1.E JLBVQATlon.

boned way of tihmnin^ the praiTc of candour, to
'libit of fitting of aU their

of thrm, 'hn^ tkif a^ ^

[1 Ciitidour concc , but it

. !JC!t, It tenderly i:_— _ to cje-

tcK may belong to a clfaradtcfi but it

■i c to II the good v^^ ■ 1 1 ^ ■ I . . ! . ^^ '■ '.,■.♦■ ^- r ' f^ .

^iropenOty to jaJft

- V L li iti Pi* wtli to bijar m m u m , u j .i t ^ t n .l < vc r y

:ion, o>me from wb^t fourcc it mxf, siml tfefy

l|ii ilhy, be it found in whomfoevcr it wUl^ dc-

it*4 fair proportion of diitin^ and wiilili|[ tim%*^

:n>d, ut the true fenCe

uulytc w«^,r has h^tn hu\j with
'3. : — Study to promote both intcU
fnorsl miprovcmrnt in ccmverfjtiofi *, Ja-
Tt? into it a dirpofuton to bear with others,
Jul over yourfif If ; keep out of fight
..ikiu of your own, whkh^ if tndylgfdj
Rfcourn^c or opp^rcfi the fcrbk-minded ; Mid
"ing their moddt viriiics iiuti notice. If you
: one prefetU to polTtrfa any parnciidar weak-
*' aity, nevernttrcifc your wit by mwiicioiie-
f occTtilnns %^*hid1 rn^iy le^d htr to cxpofc
bn s!(r a turn as you can

UUes vv. ^ ^ I'l khidly btlp hctto

fie reft ngt of Ught* Never gnittiy your imn
mt, by hnztirding whut you futpircl may wound
arcfetit^ in their prilbns, conneiVions, profcirii)ii&
[fci or religious optriioos ; znd do not forget to nt-
ie t*4ietHcr the buj^h your wit has raifed be never
Jght at thi?i expence. Give eredit to thofe who^
itlioutyour kindricfs will get none j do not talk ^f
ly one whom you dare not talk f#, oniefsi from mo-
^eS in which the golden rale will bear you nut. Seek
ither to fhfne nor to triumph ; and if yoi; leek to
ife, tnke care that it be in order to convert tti« in-
Qce you may g^in by pleafmg, to the good of oth'»
Cultivate true poUtencfs, for it grows out of
principk, and is conGftetu with the Gofpel of
lit } bat ^roid th^fe feigned atccnxiofu which ^iO

!

PW

I

■

^^M ^r^^v ^ -'N*"**"

^H irtetuhcyK

'^^^^^H

^^KjH it Is not iKl-it |:i i;i'.vU4k1<

yi-iT,

^^?I^^^H

^^^^H down wbcn tivc)' Ktum

liomr

^^^^1

^^^^H bii. (ohm> .

'd^^^H

/^^^H

^^H hu

^^^^1

^^^^K tn:^

^^1^1

^^^^H inchnuiirii r

^^H

^^^^V ncllct or [itr ,,

'^1

^^^^P kimwut le«v£fi

^^

^^^^L Jfeeiittf ^ gcnuu.. ,

... rJi

^^^^■l^lpmtiont : mnd v^

^^V^lOtdurr 1---'^-

i'j:.j iiuu^J

. . 1

^^^^^^^^^H

^^^H ii%ii

1

^^^^bft|b^^«

^^H^Bpb>nr

. IJ 1 u

^H^^^^l^^f

i

^^^^s^^

sm?

Pi and w* Honours 5 litit they iiflfime rt«

^^cfa aui" , and h }, :>

hlbu.i 'lit: of t. .^ . ■ ' ^

ry qualiry, ^1
>oi ^ is of hightit Ysduc thnii more bnU

luary current coi : . ^r;

iii tjic tommrrrc of the wailii iJ^ia the

Lthat iicw an . J Tir^

Lptrhgips it b : _ . . ucc o£

they Kavc Httle hniliBDCjr m ihcm, *Vhz

Idigian hiiJi dc^^dcd feme fplenflul quali*

rink they, hdd, and elevated tbofewhicb

Lire into dUtin^ioiL >

1

CHAP. XVi
Off /J^ ^ojnger tf tfJt IlUiittilid ^mfihdhp

n^!-jHifT rK** Imm^n mind with a view !o tti
lev<n It to ettdcAvour to difcovcr

pr^*^ uii^iiuiividuulcharii^er 5 and Kviving

M /our force again ft that fide on which

K% , t rial you may lenen by counteraflion, the

St . you might be promo litig, by apply bg

^ aut \\\ i\ contrary dire£Htm, But the inisifortuaa
^pie who mc:^n t>ettef than fliey JTiHr«% Jire ;;ipt to
^p a fct ■ in rhero-^

and or ,; ^^ , c; and ob-

OA oil the nature of huin^in i bines, bui not ;^|>pU-
\\\ alt cafe:s- Thcfe ruka they Jkeep by them ta
trums <^i univerfal efficacy, which they therefore
brin^ out for ufeg in uich cafes to which ihe/'
apply, Fbr to tnake aivy remedy eil'cfluslj it
enottgii to krnow the meciiciiie, you muft ft tidy.
UOi^^a I if tinre be not a co^gfiiiqf be»^

tw^n the twOf j<i^ m:ij be itifurtiig one putkQibfJ
the Ricaiis wb^di Are rrqutfitr i^jmk mud retlorej

I r.ifler it

» much I ri XI ncctiraic])* ro diiccii

of I'ai fr: i . ' ^ Ti! nv iich jtidgmcnr ^ * :

le ihc u ' c imUviitual

quic^i Inoftf friOfngt will be reiiMTt

'*~*'^hlf- On the iither htsntij acalrr ^

bf<M>mc obf a(e by the ifflitl

TtiroKir tf^racmrtit canvcni ihc i

theirp^^

►CCS a c<^- ^ -

atj inftrumctu which wiii loie ita i
too high, aftd wili be deprived of it.. ...^ _.j
f if not futHdetitly rjiifcd.

It IS crwz] to chill tSie prfcioaS fenGbilitj of sn is*

Pjcnuon^t foul, by treiting with ru^Mnxiliout ooldM

' »ncl utifediTifi ridtcuk cv^ry iiidic^eititi of 4 it

Jder, difintCTcfled, and eiithufimAic fpirit* m

'^tbited fyinptoins of ^ dt n

tin pnidcacfp How many

'fmilc uf mb^kd pity aijti coiHiimpi,

[fuch a charatieTi tliat ivh^n the kjiows

iht f^ other words, when fhe fliall be i^renrn cu&mttf >

-fdfith, and fufpimus, fhc will be ^QiacDed of licr pre-

lent glowcf haneft warmth, and of her bvdf £ati

^ libit it y of hetirt. May ihc never know the

Bthc knowlcdjie! of it mu(l be ^required at ftid

■"pence ! But to fi?nfiblc heart a, etery indkaiiDn

Vuine feelmg will be dear, for ihc^ well know tlut it

mh this tentpcT which, by ^ ■ ■ 'ince of the DlrifKe

pSpirit, muy m:xke her otic me more cnamoHX-

cd of the beauty of holincfi^ i wl^ichi wtih the co^ope^

ration of principle, ^nd tinder its dire£^ion will tm* \

»iler her the lively 3p;eBt of FroTidence iii dimiiufliiDg
iKe miferythat IS in the world i imo which tnit "
this temper will gwc her a c^uicker iiittiirioil than coJi
^charaf^cf^ poifcfsi It b thi& tei^^.«ych^ wJacnit

STRICTURES ON FEMALE EDUCATION. aoj

:hed and purified by a " live coal from the altar,"*
give her a keener tafte for the fpirit of religion,
a quicker zeal in difcharging its duties. But let it
•emcmbered likewife, that as there is no quality in
femaU chara<^er which more raifes its tone, lo
•e is none which will be fo likely to endanger the
:c, and to expofe the virtue of the pofleflbr ; none
ch requires to have its luxuriances more carefully
ched, and its wild ihoots more clofely lopped,
'or young women of affections naturally warm,
not carefully difciplined, are in danger of incur-
an unnatural irritability ; and while their happi-
. falls a vidim to the cxcefs of uncontroled reel-
;, they arc liable at the fame time to indulge a van-
rf all others the moft prepofteroas, that of being
I of their very defect. They have heard fenfibility
ily commended, without having heard any thing of
c bounds and fences which were intended to con-
it, and without having been imbued with that
ciple which would have given it a beneficial direc-
. Confcious that they pofiefs the quality itfelf in
extreme, and not aware that they want all that
:es that quality fafe and delightful, they plunge
Hong into thofe fms and miferies from which they
:eitedly and ignorant ly imagine, that not principle^
coldncfs, has preferved the more fober-minded
well-inftructed of their fex.

ls it would be foreign to the prefent deCgn to expa-
: on thofe criminal excefles which are fome of the
efFedis of ungoverned pallion, it is only intended
I to hazard a few remarks on tliofe ligliter confe-
ices of it which confift in the lofs of comfort with-
ruin of charafter, and occafion the privation of
:h of the happinefs of life, without involving any
' ccnfurable degree of guilt or difcredit. It may,
'ever, be incidentally remarked, and let it be care-
f remembered, that if no women have rifen fo high
le fcale of moral excellence as thofe whofe natural
mth has been confcientioully governed by its true
le, and dire6led to its true end ; fo none have £ux-

* Ifuiah vl. 6»

ao6 STRICTUIV^S ON J£MALE EDUCATIOH^

ni(hcd fuch deplorabk mftances of t^xtreme ckpravit
as thofc who» though ihc ignorance, or the d<fcii£tk
of priaciple, hav£ been abaticlri>ncd by the exccfe cf th
tciy temper ?o the violence of ungoverocd p:ifiioiii|ai]
uncontrotrd indiiiiitioni^ IVrhapSj if w^ were to k
quire intc» the remote caufc of ibmc of iJic btadtc
CTiiaes which ii^in the anti4i)» of mankind, profli^q
inaTcl'er» add clpccially fuicidc^ we might trace Uki
back 10 thisorigmiil pnnctpk^an utigovcrned tienAbitk]
Notwithfl.inciiiig all the fine theories in profc m
vtrk to which thia topic haa given birth, it will 1;
found that very exquiiite icniibitity conuibnte& tb liii!
to SapptMi/ip and may vet be made to c*n ■ r fo mue
to uj^fuU^'t^ that it injy pcrhapSt be ; v ronfa

ercd ;l& btftowcd for un cxertiJcto \\. ow

virtue* and at the fatne time, as a keen . - wii

which he may better work for the good of oihers*

Women of this caft of mind •are liS% c^tief ul to af Ot
the charge of uubcmnded extremes^ than to eftapet
all events the imputation of mfeniibilitY. Ti^ey ai
little a harmed at tiie danger of §%<etdiffgt thniigh lerH
fied at the fufpicion i>i t^mmg flm r^ of M^hat they takeC
be the extreme point of feeling » Thejr wiil even refolf
to prove the warmth of their fcnfibihtjf, thougli at tJi
expence of their judgment, and fomciinie^ ?Jloof thd
juftiee. Even when they enrneflly defire to /*, and *
J& good J tiiey are apt to employ the wrong mArumcii
to aecorrpH.fh the right end* They employ tl>e pa(
fions to do the w^ork of the judgment i forgettingi Oi
not knowit>g» that the paffions were not given tis to hi
ufed in th^ fcarch and difco very of truth, whidi U tbi
office of a cooler and more difcriminating faculKj % bil
to animate ns to warmer teal in the purluit atid prae"!
tioe of truth, when the judgment iliall liave pointed
out what fr truth.

Through this nattical warmtht which tbey have bcci
fuftly told is fo plcafing, but which perhaps, they haW
not been told wiU be continnaily ex^oGng then* M
peiil and to fuficrmg, their jtiys and iorrow* are t$^
cefTjve, Of this extreme iiritabitityi as ws^s bcf^rr «*
fnarted^ the ill -educated learn to boail as if ii
idetid'-d indication of fypcriority of fod, ijifte;iu v* .*-

STRICTURES ON FEMALE EDUCATIOJ^. ZOJ

iring to reftrain it as the excefs of a temper whic!»
.fes to be amiable, when it is no longer under tha
itrol of the governing faculty. It is misfortune
mgh to be born more liable to fufFer and to fin^.
m this conformation of mind ^ it is too much to>
irifh the evil by unrellrained indulgence ;. it is (till
rfe to be proud of fo mifleading a quality..
flippancy, impetuofity, refentment, and violence of
it, grow out of this difpofition, which will be rath-*
)romoted than correfted, by. the fyftem of educa-
I on which: we have been animadverting ; in which
em, emotions are too early and too much excited*
taftes and feelings are conOdered as too excluCvely:
cing up the whole of the female chara£ter ; in
ch the judgment is little exercifed, the reafoning
revs are feldom brought into a£lion« and felf-knowl-^
e and felf-denial fcarcely included.
?hc propenfity of mind which we are confidering^
ncheckedy lays its pofTeffors open to mnjuft prepof-
ons, and expofcs them to all the danger of unfound-
ittachments. In early youth, not only love at firft-
ty but alfo friendfhip) of the fame inllantaneous
«rth, fprings up from an ill-diref^ed fen fi bill ty ^,
in after-life, women under the powerful influence
his temper, confcious that they have much to be
le with, are too readily inclined to felect for their
Sdential connexions, flexible and flattering cam-
ions, (who will indulge, and perhaps admire vheir
ts,) rather than firm and honed friends, who will
ove and would aflill in curing them. We may
3t it as a general maxim, that an obliging, weak,
ling, complaifant friend, full of fmall attentions,.
1 little religion, little judgment, and much natural-
liefcence and civility, is a moil dangerous, though-
:rally a too much dcfired confidante : (lie foothes
indolence, and gratifies the vanity of her friend, by
nciling her to her faults, while fhe neither keeps
underftanding nor the virtues of that friend in ex->
fe ; but withholds from her every ufeful truth,
ch by opening her eyes might give her pain. Thcfa
quious qualities arc " the foft green"* on which

t>.._i.-'><

U I

C4|UJ|U| VM I
too iTC4jU<tlt ^

t] bw of Uvc laiinl as J

our ipfifiity, wc
' riuic wc itf^ : i

in our /W*m

whsn ffMt^kingoi uicti more et ring an
tatic«n>offeT far ihcmrh«.^ifT>f^¥!fi€ljt

•< iiy, litey eannot be mate
A^ujfkrd of truth, juHteCy ^

to:^3u^ circumfl^rjccs; U Li.t... t,...
pdliaic error, to jutU/jr f^^lljTt or to
Good'Dsitu red young people often ''"■
iin worthy, or cj(ir4ifji^i*ntl]r 9i
horn o»e of tM'fc moiives \ thhtJ U^
catc^Hrtice ^irc low^ or i^iry freak rclp*:- i

defcrv^ • i

tCQticii. . .. . . . ..J 1

praifc oti almoin ail jilitCp intbcuU^iriousliopi
iBg back iinivcrlaJ comni^nibiutn ii} re"*""

^

STTEICTUILES ON FEBIiLE ElUCATlON. ^01

r

Man honeft way of obtamtng the praifc of caDdaur^ to
get i ' r hibiiof faying of aU their

act-^ ^ ,1 ijf them, ihjit ihey ^n k

tS9^d f I ill an ciikiyur Conceals fault 6| but it

does nu' virtut;** It tcnilcTly foibc^rs to C3t*

pofc the evil whkh vmy belong to a cbari^lcr, but it
rfiirci nc>E Lifcribe to u the good yihxO\ '^^ > t-^^ '-^^H,
To ccrrccl this propenfity to f^Uc jud..:
. centy,it 'tvouid &c well to beiirm tniodt Uvm winh, rv«;Ty
|ao<1 .litsnn, come from what fourcc it maVt aiid^fcny
' 7 /be it fciund in whoinfoevtr ii «ill, de-
i r p ropo r tioii Li f d i rti 1 1 £1 ^ nd w ilh » j[ c^m-
: yet no charadier ig GOOD, in tlic tine fen ft
f of f , which h not KLLiGiou**

In iiiic-^to rccvipituhte what hasf httti faidt with
[fom*^ j»dd hional hints : — Study to promote both intcU
Jtc£lu 3 ! a od moral i ni p rovt: fin e nt in co n v ci f j c i a w \ ta-
Jbotir to l«'*n.7 into it a difporuion to bear with others,
^atid to I j-'ul over yourfelf | keep out of fight

^amyprotiLiJiLat. i^tU'ni of your o%rn, w!ju:h, if indulged)
haiigni difcourngc 0% opprcfi the fcebk -minded \ and
' ti^y to bring their modtft virtuesi into notice* If you
[-knove ;iny one prefcnt to pi^fFt^f^ mny patticukr wcak-
Lnefji or infirmity J never ex trcifc your wit by tn.^iidam»
4y inventing oct;.ifions which m:iy It^d her to eatpele
Tof betray it ; bur give ^is fi^vo arable a turn as you can
f to tlie foMics which appear* siiid kindly hctp her- to
'kafp the reft out of fight. Never gr^tUy your owu
humour, by hazarding whut you fuTpeft oiay wouud
any prcfent, in their pcrfons, connedtions-, profefrtoii&

^ia UlC| or religious opinions i and do not i-oigct to en-
:infiinif wh*:dier the laugh your wit h^s raifed be never
bought nt this expence. Give credit to thofe who,
without your kindnefs will get none \ do not l^dk mt
any one whom you dire not tatk /#, utile fs from mo-
tives in which the golden rule will bear you otit. Seek
It dither to ftitne nor to triumph ; and if you feek to

tplcafe, t:ike care that it be in order to convert th« in-
fiaence you may gain by piearm^, to the good of oth-
crt» Cultivate true polite nefs, for it grows out of
true principle, and is confiftcnt with the Gofpel of
Chrift I but avoid thofe feigned tttcncloni whidi ^c

^Chri

^ Gnliilin ii^fffi^

Li \n Li;

iim '

mr , .

"edltig or p:i
Eiediafc fnrndf

•irrtc, I!* nut a r

li«honcJt
ral*iit| Of UL ■.

rJme it Citii

|iHC veil 41!^

wtaf^ita horourf ^ but they nfiame tht4
uimnpht ^'^ith^u; the meiit rjf n
faULii and inf

^ly quititty» which is eonfbatirly

wtji^lti ihwii the

I ire loii U'Lt]'.
ocdiriavy cur^

tUtiqii^ryi A

new mm to the ehaiatter of all the vir'

thaps it is the belt teft of the cxct:Utiice of

ihcy have UttJe brUlkncy in them. The

igiofi H^^^ ^^*^/ride4 fomc fplendid quRli-

rank ^ ^ and elevated thofe which

ife into diuiJiciiuiu

CHAP- xvi;

Off i^ Dangtr €f un UUdirtBfi Ztn^hilUy^

Mtfldcrifi^ the human miitd with a victiV to >tf .
mem, it is prudent to -endeavour to difcavef

[r S b ni of the individual char ii£tcr j and havmff
ir, '!► direct your force a^ainft that ftflc tm wbicK
p heSj that you may knen by countcr^tltonj the
& which you might be promoting, by applying
\\A inaeontrary diredion. Bat the misloituna
*le who mean better* than they jucli^^c, ate apt to
a fet of general luleSi gooti in them hi

xd originally gleaned from t-y^ .^andob-

011 the nature of haman things, but not apphi-
%\\ caCcs, Thefe rulet they keep by them at
,9 of univerfal efficacy , which they therefore
brifig out for nf^& in ftieh cafes to which they
|el apply. For to make any remedy effe£luJil,ic
iTT^ivjrrh to know the medicine, you muft flutly
^uau^4tUo I if tltcfc be not a coagtuity b^

STRICTURES 6N IfEMALE JtDPCATION. 11 J

wc neglcdl his favours, and flight his mercies : this
would wear out any earthly kindnefs. He forgives
usy not petty negle^ts^ not occafional flights^ but griev*
ous fins, repeated offences, broken vows, and uiire-
qui ted love. What human friendfhip performs oflices
fo calculated to touch the foul of fenlibility f

Thofe young women in whom feeling is indulged
to the excIuHon of reafon and examination^ are pecu-
liarly liable to be the dupes of prejudice, rafli decifionsj
and falfe judgment. The underllanding having but
little power over th^s will, their afFefbions are not well
poized, and their minds are kept in a ftate ready to be
a£led upon by the fludluations of alternate impulfes ;
by fudden and varying impreffions ; by cafual and
contradidtory circumllanccs ; and by emotions excited
by every accident. Inftead of being guided by the broad
Tiews of general truths inflead of having one fixed
principle, they are driven on by the impetuofity of the
moment. And this impetuofity blinds the judgmeat
9S much as it mifleads the conduct ; fo that for want
of an habit of cool invefttgation and inquiry^* they
meet every event without any previoufly formed opin-
ion, or fettled rule of adion. And as they do not
accuftom themfelves to appreciate the real value of
things, their attention is ab likely to be led away by the
under parts of a fubje£t, as to feize on the leading
feature. The fame eagernefs of mind which hinders
the operation of the difcriminating faculty, leads alfo
to the error of determining on the reflitude of an ac-
tion by its fuccefs, and to that of making the event of
an undertaking decide on its juftice or propriety : it
alfo leads to that fuperficial and erroneous way of judg-
ing which faftens on exceptions, if they maKe in oui
own favour, as grounds of reafoning, while they lead
us to overlook received and general rules which tend
to eftablilh a doftrine contrary to our wiflies.

Open-hearted, indifcreet girls, often pick up a few
ftrong notions, which are as falfe in themfelves as they
are popular among the clafs in queftion : fuch as that
« warm friends mull make warm enemies j" — that
«< the generous love and h^te with all their hearts ^*'
—that " a reformed rake makes the bell hulband j*'

ti4 iTRimRSs an f^M^LE

dope

9

^^thaC *< tbere b ao medium sji marriage, bat tint H il
*<iiftat€ of cxqiiiStc ltappiner&, or exquifitc mirtrry ;*
with nuny oilier doctilncs of tquai curicticy, :uHl€i|u:l
fouled ueU I iht^ic ih€f conlidcr as axioms, and ^tiopc
ss ruks of life* From the two firlt of thefcoraci '
l3Yin|;i,girU* atc iii no fmall d*iiig<fr of becoming
jttll Uifou^h ihc %<tj warintb of rhcii heaiu : for f
%jii a. qiiirc an h^bii of makipg dieit eiUm^lt of
good Of ill quaiitifi ot others, rnrrdj^ an ntfrordon tg
tne greAlcr or Icfii dcjj^rce of kindncfs m. i v dicis<

inches have recnv(*ci horn Chcm. TbLi. Li^Li^i-iUt
gfncr^l diaratlcT i§ ihas formed on iofuUted and
► tul grounds i on the .iccidcnial circumltancc &f ^
ionai predili^ioi^, or pctfottal pique, Khicbii:^
thcmtchtsoT their friciii^s; in vol vr$ allpoirtbl
lencR 1 ncgk£t, ati imaginable dcteciti, Friendi
gratitude can and (hould go a ^reat way | bui
canrroi convert vice into virtue, to thcj oii|
to convert truth into ffJlchoud, And it ma
mow ncceflAry to be upon our j^uard in thh
fcccaufc the vcr^ idea of graihixde may miOead us,
tonveriing imuilicc into the fcmbUncc of a till _
Wami expremons iliould ti^ereforii be limited to tte
conveying a fenfe of our own itidiviiiu;il i ■'!.:: 5| '
which are real, r^ather than employed to g- .
pre [Hon of general excellence in the perron w

obliged us, whieh nm^ be imngmarjr, A good

ftill good, though it may not have failcn in Im w%
oblige or ferve j«, aay , though. he may have iveglc^
or even unintemiondly hurt in : and fm h lUU
though committed b^, the per (on in the world to wl
we are the moil obhged, and whom we beft lore.
There m danger alfo left oar cxceffivc comm*
tion of. oar friends, merely aa fuch^ may be dcfri
from.iiianity as well as^aiitude* While wc on If ,
pear to be triumphing in the virtues of our fricua, w^
may be guUty of fdf complacency ; the pcrfon fo ei-
cellent is the perfon whodiilJnguiflies«/j and we. ai^i
too apt to infen into the general eulogiumj the diQiidHJ
tion we ourfelves have received from him who H lu^Vj
fcif fo much diftinguif!ied fay others. '

Wjth rcfpetl to that fatsj andjnofl indelicate ni^j

STRICTURES ON FEMALE EDUCATION. tIJ

profs maxim, that " a reformed rake makes the bcft
hufbmd '," (an aphorifm to. which the principles and
the happinefs of fo many young women have been
facrificed.) It goes upon the prepofterous fuppofition,
not only that effe£ls do not follow caufes, but that they
oppofc them 5 on the fuppofition, that habitual vice
•creates reditude of chara^er, and that fin produces
-happinefs : thus flatly contradiQing what the moral
.government of God uniformly exhibits in the courfe
of human events, and what Revelation fo evidently
and univerfally teaches.

For it (hould be obferved, that the reformation is

fenerally, if not always fuppofed to be brought about
y the all-conqucrmg force of female charms. Let
but a profligate young man have a point to carry by
winning the aflre<aions of a vain and thoughtlefs girl ;
iie will begin his attack upon her heart by undermining
her religious principles, and artfully removing every
impediment which might have obilrudled her receiv-
ing the addreifes of a man without charader. And
while he will lead her not to hear without ridicule the
mention of that change of heart which the Scripture
teaches, and experience proves that the power of Di-
vine grace can work on a vicious charader ; while he
will teach her to fneer at a change which he would
treat with contempt, becaufe he denies the poffibility
of fo ftrange and miraculous a converGon ; yet he
will not fcruple to fwear that the power of her beauty
has worked a revolution in his own loofe pra£l:ices
which is equally complete and inftantaneous.

But fuppofing his reformation to be genuine, it
would even then by no means involve the truth of her
propofition, that pad libertinifm infures future felici-
ty ; yet many a weak girl, confirmed in this palatable
doflrine by examples Ihe has frequently admired, of
thofe furprifing reformations fo conveniently elFefted
in the laft fcene «f mod of our comedies, has not fcru-
pled to rifque her earthly and eternal happlncCs with a
man, who is not afhamed to afcribe to the influence
of her beauty, that power of changing the heart which
he impioufly denies to Omnipotence itfclf.

As to the lafl: of thefe pradical aphorifms, that
^* there is no medium in n^arriage, but that it is a ftate

E

I

this wot Id a ftjte of rsipiUKSt and (q natv

by ihnfe who know ii to be a ftflie of prdl
difci[>Iine% Msimyge, thmforc, i* only otic
and often tbc bed condition, of thni impcrf^
bciiigi whidi, though* fdJom rctf CAqutHt^
very tokrable ; :ind vvlikh may yield mtjcj
10 ihofc who do not look fof confi^iTU "-H
unfortunately, ihofc who find thtnif^ 3

of I be y H c c:i fi n g tapl urcs the y had an 1 1 c t p^ t e
mge^ difiUining to ftt down with fo pcKnr i
^ comforti find fcorninf; the acceptance of 1^
att! lot whkh Providence commonly bdlo^
tiew to check dcfponticncy, and to re^fw^i
(ion I give thcnifdves up to the other aH
smd» by ;ibaiidonmg their besirts to iltfcofin
10 themfclves that ralfcry whh which ihtir (j
agmatlon?t had filled the oppoftte fcaJe. '

The truth Uj thefc young hdicK arc very d
up their opinions, kfb from the di vines thj
eta ; and the poets, though h muft be cam!
are fomc of the be ft embeUifhers of life, ;irc nfl
fafGlt condudorts through it. In tr^iTellbg (
Wildcrnefe, though w,e mmi ouifclv^ of ilid

STRICTURES ON FEMALE EDUCATION, 217

Ts;" and that "they are endowed with arts of
rfuafion which fupply the abfence of force, and
; place of reafon 5" that they learn, in time to pride
.felves on that very weaknels, and to become vain
Lcir imperfedlions ; till at length they begin to
I for their defefts, not only pardon, but admira-
Hsnce they acquire an habit of cherifhing a fpe-
jf feeling, which if not checked, terminates in
Svc felfiihnefs 5 they learn to produce their ina-
' to bear contradiciion as a proof of their tender-
; and to indulge in that fort of irritability in all
relates to themfclves, which inevitably leads to
itter exclufion of all intereft in the fuflerings of
rs. Inftead of exerciiing their fenfibility in the
efome duty of relieving didrcfs, and viliting
:8 of forrow, that fenfibility itfelf is pleaded as a
»n for their not being able to endure fights of woe,
"or flmnning the diftrefs it fhould be exerted in
iving. That exquifite fenfe of feeling which God
anted in the heart as a (limulus to quicken us in
zing the miferies of others, is thus introverted,
learns toconfidery^^not a$ the agent, but the ob-
of compaffion. Tendernefs is made an excufe
King hard-hearted ; and inftead of drying the
ling eyes of others, this falfe delicacy relerves its
h and ready tears for the more elegant and lefs
ifive forrows of the melting novel, or the pathetic
rdy.

'hen feeling ftimulates only to felf- indulgence ;
1 the more exquifite affetxions of fympatny and
evaporate in fcntiment, inftead of flowing out in
e cnarity, and affording affiftance, prote£iion, or
Dlation to every fpecies of diftrefs within its reach ^
an evidence that the feeling is of a fpurious kind ;
nftead of being nourifhed as an amiable tendernefs,
)uld be fubdued as a fond and bafe felf-love.
lat idlenefs, to whofe cruel inroads many women
rtune are unhappily expofed, from not having
trained to confider wholefomc occupation, vigor-
rxertion, and fyftematic employment, as making
of the indifpcnfable doties and plcafures of life,
them open to a thoufand evils of this kind, from
T

fttS srmicTtntEs om female EptfCATioq

whidi the ufeftit and th<; bufy arc cxempt€<3 v ^^i
litfh^ps I it would not be cafy ta find 31 marc piaabJc
lobje^l iKina woman witli a greu deal of timc^ndtgreiS
deal of money on her h:in4sj who, never J -
.taught the coDtcicmious ufc of ckhcr^ fqi
*t r^mlom, or rather omalclers both away, w itliout
without ptmcipic, and whlujut ^le^fute; uU
projects begin nnd terminate in leif ; who coni
-the reft of ihc world only aj they itiajf be Cuhhi
to her gr^iiifi cation -, and to whom it netcT occur
thit both her time and money were givcti fat the goti
i6c3tion and good of otJieis.

It is not much to the credit of the other fnt,
ibcy now and then lend ihemfclves to the indaljid
of tliis felftfh fplrit in their wlvcs^ and chcriDili"^
kind of falfc £ondnefs» thofe faults which IhouU bl
combated by good fenfe and a reafo 1' ' ; , jfir-
tion I flothftilly preferring a little fali^. , ur

.chafe of prccanous qukr, and the po|jular u ,
of good-nature, to the lughcr dtify rtf for^
mind, fixing the principles, and ilv
adVt of her with whom they arc l >

too, a little vnnity iu the hulband helps our his
nature ; he fecrstly rewardifi himfclf for his hi
hy the confcioufncft of bis fuperiority \ he ft
felf-complacency tn hb natiein condefcenficFn r
weakneil, which tacitly fl a leers hiK own ftrei^gth
he 1!^, as It were p^iid for lloopijig, by the incre:ifcd {
of his own taljiieis- Set-ing alfo, perhaps, liui liuterfj
other women, he Ls taught to believe thnt they nrt^i
pretty much aliliCj and that as a man of feniVthe m^H
content htmfeJf with wb^t he t;tkes to be the commaB
lot Whcreasjin truth, by hi^ mifpliccd indald^enoei;
he has rather m^ide hla own lot thnn Jfa^A^ji tc ; and llkw»
through an i»dolent dcfpair in the hufbsad of heiof,
able to affc£l any amendment bj oppdltion, 4ed
through the want of that found affedian whlcfi ' ^ ^ ''
to improve and exalt the character of it* ii!
happens that many a helplefsi, fretful, and *
wife, acquires ^ more powerful afcend^cy r'
moil diicrcet and amianle woman v aiid dat il^L muC

STRICTURES ON FEMALE EDUCATION. Zig,-

ie female tyranny is eftabliflicd by thcfc fickly
pricious humours.

poets again, who, to do them juftice, are al-
cady to lend an helping hand when any mifchief
2 done, have contributed their full (hare towards
ning thefe feminine follies : they have ftrength-
»y adulatory maxims, fung in feducing drains,
taults which their talents and their influence

have been employed in corredling. By fair
•uthful females^an argument drawn from found
encc and real life, is commonly repelled by a
or a fonnet ; and a couplet is confidered as near*
he fame validity with a text. When ladies are
imented with being

Fine by defeat, and delicately weak. I

a ftandard of feebknefs held out to them, to
vanity will gladly refort, and to which fof tnefs ■
dolence can eafily aft up, or rather a^ iiewn, if I
e allowed the expreflion ?

icn ladies are told by the fame miflcading, but *o
high, authority, that " fmiles and tears are the
iftible arms with which Nature has furnifhed
weak for conquering the flrong/' wiU they not
f fly to this cheap and ready artillery, infl-jad of
ing to furnilh themfelves with a reafonable
an equable temper, and a meek and quiet fpirit ?
ry animal is endowed by Providence with the
ar powers adapted to ita nature and ifs wants ;
none, except the hun:ian, by grafting art on nat-
gacity, injures or mars the gift. Spoilt women,
mcy there ii. fomething moxt piquant and alluring
motable graces ci caprice, than in tlie monotc-
fmoothnefs of an even temper \ and who alfo
r heard much, as was obferved before, about
* amiable weaknefs," learn to look about them
: beft fuccedaneum to (trength, the fuppofed ab-
of whidi they fometimes endeavour to fupply
ifice. By this engine the weakeft woman fre-
y fuvnifhes the converfe to the famous reply of
•ench minifter, who, when he was accufed of
ing. the mind of that feeble Queen Mary de
s by forcery, replied, " that the only forcery b:;

^30 ■HMRIS OH FEMALE EDDCATlaJf.

^••bad ofecl, wa* rhat influence v^bich

j"* aaiiirH*llf b*ifc over we^tk one*/*

^ But tWu|^h :t be f4ir fo to (iudy the tempen,
fr^«, ami wcakfttiTcs of i^tlieri, as lo cooint
kfiowk«i)^ of thtm to the promoiion of thcii
;«rtd CHir own > cinci though it be making a Uivful
of OUT fMrnfiirattoti to avail ourfrjvcs of ibe h<i
iihcu tor ** their pood to rdificatton j** ytrt sll i^
ti4>ii3 from ihc itraigbt Imc of truth and fiF' i '
cryplut InGdkufly totura inilucfit^cto uiir , . :dij

contrivance^ to extort bom ai bribed CMiupU^ii
lat rtafon and ju<lke wtuiltl rcfufe to our irif
ilicft; are fomc of the oprmions cjf thu hm\
rutill f kfpWuble ciigme, it i ii fb cuimtngj by vrbkli

Andj uiiiortunatciy, wnmcn frnm tbe!r ri.it.rrJ'
lirr to ploTe, aiicl from their fo mr tinier-
what means this gvand cml may be beR
hi more Uaujicr of being kti biro diffin
jncii i for dininmhTion is lliK rcfuJt ot ivci^iii
it [^ the refuse i»f doubt nm\ ddiXMil, mihet
of conkiou^ Itrcnj^th, the dangers of v !
*bcr way. iVjiLfltfs> truth, and flmplicir;,
as ih^y are incxpreffibiy chatitiing, fo are thcf pcc^■«J^
Jy commendable in women , snd nobly t^vtwcc tM
Vfhik the pofltfTbrs o( them wiih to plcafc, ^aiii wij
Jhould they not wilh it ?) they difdaiti to Ka?e rccdtlK
to any tldag but whiit is fair, and juft^ and honourabk
to eiIc£V it ; that they fconi to attain the moii defirrii
end by any but the mofl lawful means- Thctscamvf
of fimplicityis iruieed fa intimately felt :ii '
acknowledged by all who have a trii<e taftc
mondj or incellsclu^l beauty, that worticn i

difRmuUtiois often find their account in ail l

terior the mofl foreign to their chara^ler^ ami
iiiK the moft engaging ra^/ «,'///• It is curious t<i
nmch ^ri they put in praciicc in order to app

ral ; and the de^p ^^^w which is fet at work t^^,.,

JmpHcit . And iudctrd thia feigned fiiiiplitttf ii XU
moft mifchievous, becaufc the moft eng^gtni d i''
the Proteus forms which Aitiflctf can put on* F^
the moll free and bold ten time nts iiavc been foa«'

STfclCTURES ON FEMALE EDUCATION. 2 21

cs hazarded with fatal fuccefs under this unfuf-
led mafk. And an innocent, quiet, indolent, art-
manner, has been adopted as the mod refined and
cefsful accompaniment of fentiments, ideas> andde-
L$^ neither artlefsi quiet^ nor innocent. ■

CHAP. XVII.

Diffipathrty and the Modern Habits of Tajhionahlt Lift a'

ERHAPfcJ the intdrefts of true friendftiip, elegant
Pverfation, mental iaiprovement, focial pleafure, m.a-
lal duty, and conjugal comfort, never received fuch
low as when Famion iflued out that arbitrary and
verfal decree, that tvtrj body muft be acquainted with
y body \ together with that confequent, authorita-
:, but rather inconvenient claufe, that e<very body muft
£§ every ivhere every night* The implicit and devout
dience paid to this law is incompatible with the
y being of fiiendihip ; for as the circle of acquaint-
c expands, and it will be continually expanding,
afFedions will be beaten out into fuch thin lamina

leave little folidity remaining. The heart which
:ontinualiy exhauftmg itfelf m profeflions, grows

1 and hard. The feelings of kindnefs diminifli in
portion as the expreffion of it becomes more difFufe
. indifcriminate. The very traces of " fimplicity
nd godly fincerity," in a delicate female, wear away
)erccptibly by conftant coUifion with the world at
re. And perhaps no woman takes fo little intereft
:he happinefs of her real friends, as (he whofe af-
:ions are incefiantly evaporating in univerfal civili-
; as fhe who is faying fond and flattering things at
dom to a circle of five hundred people every night.
The decline and fall of animated and inftruttive
verfation has been in a good meafure effe£led by .

barbarous projediof aflembling en maffe. An ex-
mit prelate,* with whofe friendfhip the author was
; honoured, and who hirafelf excelled in the art of i

* The late Biihop Horne»-.
T ^.

^J^

Kll STRJGTUltES Obi FUfl^^^^^BIBiB^^H

nniYerr^itiotit uUd to remitrk, ihaf a few ycsn ^^|
Bbtought aboutsi great re volunoo in ihc raanncn of ft^T
Kktf ^ thai it ufcd lo b^ the cuttum, pfcviouQf wm I
fliip into eoitipanVi lo ihtiife th«t Something irw to It \
l<coiiimunaMtcd ar rcccivrd^ taught or lc£:mt| ritiiik i
|M«ei» of die utuicrtlwdini; weic cKp^rd to k I
Rrought into cxercifc, and that it was tbcreforc ncd^L
Kmry CO auickciT the mittd^ bj rcadmg and dirnk:^H
Ffor ilic mare thr individual might be cjpecictl tn ^^P
[in ihc ^ciicnl iHlcoatfei bnt that now, knowloif^]
f nnd i.iftc, liJid wit, and ffudition, fcemcd to be ^'
ijconiiHtTed as nec^ll^r^ maurials to be brouj^
■ta ple.U'unhlc conimerce oi the worJd | hecaafe^*
Hpbte wa« hrtlc ch.iTtiJc of tunung them to tuticli i
Fiouitt I and thcrcl'ore, he who p<>flefled thenii aikl^
pwho poficiTird them nut, were nearly on a nrc>Miiit
Df It 15 oWiouit dfo thrit mUititudinoils all
w(o lUlk f^i^oaoblc to that iftar/yftifi whji M -V i«

[flcem to be their very end to promntif, tli^t if tteft
[ -wefe any chymicaJ proctfs by which the quam«m ^
[ fpirfrs Ttnimsl or IntcUtft^ud could be afc^^tnineii, the
r<1nniru)iiijn woidd be found to k^vc been iiiCOticciiiMf
'*j?r€'i^t, fincc the transformation of jnan ^nd wodflfl
from a ftJcial to a greganoys artimd.

But if it be trus, th^t frktidlhip, fociety, atnd cheft'
fuhiefs, h:ive fullained fo much mjuiy by dib €hsi>|^
i^f mannersj how much more pointedly ' doc* tbcK*
mark apply to family happincfs.

No!% itiaftanding the Tiiiown fluOuation of mtmntn
and the ni stability of liiiiguage, could it be forrfrefi.
w\\Qn the Ajollk Paul exhorted ** married wontKn to
^ be keepers at hemiy* that tht time wotUd ariiit
^vhcn i\rM very phrafe would be fete fled to dengnite
' one of die moll decided a£ls of diflipation i Could it
be forefcen that when a fine 'hid y Riould fcnd out a
notification that ©n fiich 3i inght jfie ihall be at !!J^Vf. t
thcfe two /^|:nificant words (bt'fides intlitiE!!
rarity ot the thtng) wovild prcfent to the mbiii
age the nrvofl uwdsmfjlU- which language cam r
Could it be antidp^ited th:it the tveot of oit« bt,, , ^,
ing Hi hmi couid only be cffeded by chc univcrfa] oon-
irvLii^nce &f ^ her act^itmiaage lo be abtoitt / llul

STRICTURES ON FEMALE EITUCATrOJC. 2^2

imple an aft fliould require fuch complicated co-
ation ? And that the report that one perfon would
3und in her own houfe thould operate with fucL an
:ric force as to empty the houfcs of all her friends ?
[y country readers, who m-^y require to have it ex-
led that thefe two magnetic words at home, now
ik the powejful influence of drawing together
y thing /w within the fpherc of their attradion^

need aifo to be apprized, that the gueds after-
ds arc not alked what was /at J by the company,

whether the croiv^ was prodigious ; the rule for
ding on the merit of a famionable fociety not be*
by the taftc or the fpirit, but by the /con and the
^nd. The queilion of pleafure, like a parliamenta-
[ueftion, is now carried by numbers. And when

parties modifli, like two parties political, are run
againft another on the fame night, the fame kind
aortification attends the leader of a defeated mi-
ity, the fame triumph attends the exulting carrier
fupwior numbers, m the one cafe as in tne other.
: tcale of enjoyment is rated by the meafurc of fa-
te, and the quantity of inconvenience fumiflies the
idard of gratification : the fmallnefs of the dimen-
s to which each perfon is limited on account of the
Ititudes which muft divide among them a certain
!n fpace, adds to the fum total of general delight ;

aggregate pleafure is produced by the proportion
ndividual fuffering 5 and not till every gueft feels
felf in the ftate of a cat m an exhaulted receiver,
s the delighted hoftefs attain the confummation of
t renown which is derived from fuch overflowing
ms as (hall throw all* her Competitors at a difgrace-

didance.

A.n eminent divrnc has faid, that cither " perfever-
nce in prayer will make a man leave oflFfinnrhg, or

continuance m fm will make him leave oflP prayer."
is remark may be accommodateil to thofe ladies
o, while they are devoted to the enjoyments of the
rid, yet retain confiderable fblicitude for the inftruc-
1 of their daughters. But if they are really in ear-
I to give them a Chriftian education, tbey muft
mfelvcs renounce a diOipated life. Ox if they r^

{aWt to Durfiie the chACX of pit^afure* ih&f ,
uouncc Uiis i>riixic duty- Coiitraries c^
The moTAl nurture of a tall daughter cai:
adniittiflcTed hy ia oiodicr uhoic i\mt is
CTOwdi abroaJ} thill the pUyflc:tl nurituc '
ofi^priri^ c*in be fupplied Uy her h-
hc»m hwmtf. And ii not chat a |u ^
vhidit «iftrr leading a QK)tJici to devctc a icw m^v^^i
to Uie ififcTior duty of iuiiufhing aHmciit to il^«' ^j :^-
jiiilmal 311c, allows Iier to defirt her poil v^
m/Oitt impQTUnt mora! and mtelk£lual ciavingr
fudeoiDce ? Thi5 great objeti is not to b<;
with Uie ftifeds and parings foundf^d off ffo/^T
ele of a diflipaied iifc \ but ia ortkr to \U aik*.'
ecution^ tljc muthtrr fliuuld ca«y it on with ihc liv^t
fpirit and perfcvcrancL ^u homc^, which the f;itli€r ihmb
u ntccilary to be e^crning abroad iu hU public du^f £tf
profeilk^n^L engagements.

The ui'ual vmdication (and in theoTf It h:t* a pl»-
fiblc Ibuud) which ha$ hctn cffcrcd for the I-itl>c Dyr-
tion oi time fpent by women iu act^yUing otii
t^kuLS is, that they stre calcul*itcdto m-^^ - '^^^
love hoinc^ and that they innocently ^
of Iclfure. The pica has iiidccd fo p
ptarance, that it is worih inquiring v
taft true* , Do wc thcHj on fauly puriumg
difcover that thofe who have fpent mod r
light acq uifitlonsi are really reinarkabte for I
or ttaying quietly there ? or that when thd • i • \
fedulous m turning time to the bed account i 1 tpedk
not of that rational and refpfi^labk hVa^ ul v^-cnur!*
who, applying (as many of yicm i\Q) t '
ents to their true purpofe, employ the;.. ,
vacancies of bttter oceupation% and to ci
leifurc of a life a*-lu3lly good. But do we e^intTm*^. k^^
that even the aioft valuable and fober part of the rcigjt-
ing female acquiritious leads ttu^tr poffeiTor tti
tttoft favoorabk to the enjoyment of them I tr
which we ftiould naturally fuppofe flie would
^iderto die more effecluai cukivation of fuch :
^cafttres i To lesni to endure^ to enjoy, :ir
^tf^dgi i^^jQji t!? be OIK great cud lor bi..

STRICTURES OS FEMALE EDUCATION. ^2^

ipliflbments, inftead of making them the motive for
ying thofe who have acquired them into crouds, in
:r for their mod efFe£lual difplay.
7'ould not thofe delightful purfuits, Botany and
wing, for inftance, fcem likely to court the fieldSf
woods, and gardens of the paternal feat, as more
genial to their naturej and more appropriate to
r exercife, than barren watering places, deftitute of
ee> or an herb, or a flower, and not affording an
r's interval from fucceflive pleafures, to pro fat by
fcene, even if it abounded with the whole vcj^etable
Id, from the " Ced^ of Lebanon to the Hyflbp on
ic wall."

*rom the mention of watering places, may the au-
r be allowed to fugged a few remarks on the evils
ch have arifen from the general confpiracy of the
to ufurp the regions of the fick ; and from their
verting the ^leaith-refloring fountains, meant as a
ige for difeafe, into the reforts of vanity for thofe

have no difeafe but idlenefs ?

This inability of flaying at home, as it is one of the
ft infallible, fo it is one of the molt dangerous fymp-
18 of the reigning mania. It would be more toler-
j, did this epidemic malady only break out, as for-
rly, during the winter, or fome one feafon. Here.
3re, the tenantry and the poor, the natural depend,
s on the rural man (ions of the opulent, had fome
initc period to which they might joyfully look for-
rd for the approach of thofe patrons, part of whole
[inefs in life it is to influence by their prefence, tc
Lrudl by their example, to Ij^the by their kindnefs

1 to afliil by their liberality, tnofe whom Providence
the diflribution of human lots, has placed undei
:ir more immediate proteftion. Though it wouk
far from truth to aflert, that diffipated people ar<
/cr charitable, yet I will venture to fay, that diiFipa-
n is inconfident with the /pirit of charity. That af
iing precept followed by fo gracious a promife
Mever turn away thy face from any poor man, anc
:hcn the face of the Ix)rd (hall never be turned awai
From thee," cannot literally mean that we flioulc
/# to all, as then we (hould Voon have nothing lefi u

ai6 STElCTUa£S OH mUAlM mnVCATlQ^,

■tive : but it I'ceiiu to imtmate ibc habi ttial atta}t»of)>^ '
Muty of in4|uu]iig out all cafes of diibcCfiy in orikn
|udgc which £r£ fil to be rdicYed i now for this f
msft for this luciubn, for ihls fymp^iihy, ibc *'
ited tuvciutl? t^iict and l^i kU'ure.
X^et a r ic coDJciltirc

^U) be : 'low bt^i;c a .

|4i£Ood h^:^ i in Uiii biii|ic re if

luuh whichj ,, ' y cfo not iVcra imf

[tJ s^ yet Qiakc no inconhdciable pan

_-.... arihng froin modem manners : and I fp
^w 10 peiluiia wlio 117/^^ to be chark^ible i
leUu^toit will be m^dt from tfic ajpgregate of i

Qder what would be the bc^rhefidHl e0c£ls of
J^^ bounty which nmllalmoft iina?oid^bly refy
dc evening w^lks wf a great and bencvolecit
Riong the C£>a5tge» of ihcLr own ibruaHt : th^ j
i:iJ latk iic\* of, comprittvely, utit-
lncfsj which the >%A/ oi p^^ty wants n.
Iwould C3tcii€ i wants, which will fc^rccly be kit
the rcfhition i and which wil! prubably be iicitinT f^f'
nor felt, nor fairly rtprcfentsid^ m thcii' lon^'
by zn agcnti. And what ^^ tven ;tlmQil men

Sood^cnei is iltc habit oi tniiHi kept up ifi
o it. Would not tlm hiibili, cxciciicd on mc Li
tian principiet tl^t '* eve n a cup oi cclct w-xer,'* j
upon rigJ^i m$it^ii, fhall not fofc it St rcw^td \ w\ "
giving ** all their goods to feed the poor^*' wiih^
ttue ffimitpk, of charily^ Hiall profit ihem nofKi)
would nqt this habit, i fay, and the inculcneion of i
fpirit which producer !f, be aimott the befl psutof i
education of daughters } *

-ni-

• tt would bE 2 |^lt4(ant lumoief aTijuiH
fottune, if they were to pr^rfidft at fucli i;
Bt Kufieh&in (or, Che prcmot^ofl &f wir*

»hc mindii pf ihcpftor two idesig wh'
whkh ihty m^ hl?? very forward ^i> >.
tfeem (6#/jfjf A 9 well Pt ^^od. Otc«u^jr-

Jnits ^of ihc pur I '..iff of Inn^i^e

nt our *«iji.LL» til'

purp.ife of Jnn^i^ent f!--'
wfBfing awft]? di(coT.Lt<yt ^ and ihe <-
»»i»t4!rett ill Tbtif tam<prt, wou .
ci-tta tg tLit ttal« in which U has ik^kd Gua tu fi^i< iiirfs..

^RICTURES ON FEMALE EDUCATION. 12^

Tranfplant this wealthy and bountiful family peri-
licaliy» to the frivolous and uninterefting buftle of the
acering place ; there it is not denied that frequent
iblic and fafliionable ads of charity may make a part
nd it is well they do) of the bufmefs and amufement
" the day ; with this latter, indeed, they are fome-
mes good-naturedly mixed up. But how ihali we
>mpare the regular fyftematical good thefe perfons
ould be doing at their own home, with the lignt, and
iiuHng, and buftling bounties of the public place ?
'he illegal raffle at the toy-fhop, may relieve, it is true,
ime diitrefs *, but this diftrefs, though it may be real,
ad if real it ought to be relieved, is far lefs eafily af-
ertained than the wants of the poor round a peilon's
wn neighbourhood, or the debts of a diftreffed tenant.
low ftiall we compare the broad dream of bounty
fhich (hould be flowing through, and refreiliing whole
iftri&s, with the penurious current of the fubfcription
reakfaft for the needy mufician, in which the price of
lie gift is taken out in the diveriion, and in which plea-
Lire dignifies itfelf with the name of bounty ? How
Ik^I we compare the attention, time, and zeal, which
70uld other wife, perhaps, be devoted to the village-
'chool, fpent in hawking about benefit tickets for a
icoken player, while the kindnefs of the benefadjprefs,
9f perhaps, rewarded by fcenes in which her charity is
lot always repaid by the purity of the exhibition ?

Far be it from the author to wifli to check the full
lie of charity wherever it is difpofed to flow ! Would
he could multiply the already abundant ftreams, and
lehold every fource purified ! But in the public re-
brts there are many who are abie and willing to give.

In the fequeftered though populous village, there is,
>erhaps, only one affluent family : the diftrefs which
hey do not MoUy will probably not be attended to i
:he diftrefs which they do not relieve, will probably net
be relieved at all : ^he wrongs which tbfy do not re-
irefs, will go unredreiTed : the oppreflTed whom tkey do
not refcue, will fink under the tyranny of the oppreflbr.
Through their own rural domains too, charity runs in
a clearer current, and is under lefs fufpicion of being
pollvted by that muddy tind^are which it is fometimes

aiR

rrHlt TORES Un FIMAI.R liDUCATtfiH.

^pito cmiiTaa III paOiiiBlbraugb the tmpun: A^I^H

liui to rvciirn from tj^ts too long diicrelEoci. 11

^the prcjiidkei «^ ^^. anH . ^

.lioUf oti us ' MHH

fiip«umluc<cl acomanptpr turgkci of whatever «a«

refumcd that thh pi^ptibr error, as well u$ otj^^M

«ijity rtcmtni; the rcfuration of a^ual <3cg|bB

fi^m It Cionot iuri-ly be mm retained on gioUD^^^I

^ny longer tenable^ dint acquire:: mentis tii^iy^^^l

iirc calcuUtoJ to draw oifthc mitid from rol^m

Wh;itcvtr ronovcs pTdmlic^is, whatever flimubfal

^diii^TVi wlinrcvrrrec^i&fs the judgment, vrh^fcfc-nH

,tcci ceit, whatever purific* the t,*(le, and lafl

ithe u. :.-: .uncling, wlU be liWl^r to can tribute |cl^^|

t^xceUent:^ : tii womstn inorA] excellence b thO^^I

jiL>h\cQ> of eijucatiofi ; ;ind tii moial excclkiici;^ cHH

,tic kfc U XQ woman the pro|>cr fphsrc ,M

Coum ever the lift ot females who have madeflfl

wreck uf fheir fame and virtuei jud have furaitM

|LtUe mufl Limenuhle cxampje.s of the dcicri£l|H|H

yf^imily duties j and the numbei: w|l| not be fatii^^^l

iiderabl^ who have been Jed altray by ti%€ ptti^^H

knowledge. And jf s few deplorable inR^nccaHH

kind be produced, it t*ill commatily be foaodlH

there was httle infufion in the minds of fuch wtrfiOH

^cf that correct in g^ principle without whick all mlfl

knowledge onljr '' piiffcth up/* ^

The time nightJy expended in late fettiale vigili •*

expendc<i by liie light of ht other hmph ihaii ihcrfc

rlfc^hich ^re fed by the ftudent's oil ; and if families dft

to be found who are negleflcd r* ' .

ftudy in the miflrefs, it will probal/,

^oyle, and not Homer, who has robbiid ikcr chiida^

^^ Aer tkne aud iiii;:iiIou*. For ooe fainiJj WjbiA^

i\

^ it
Mi

STRrCTURBS ON FEMALE EDUCATION. 21f

neglcfted by the mother's pafllon for booki, an

red have been defeated through her paflTion for

The hu(band of a fafhionable woman will not

find that the library is the apartment the ex^
;& of which involve him in debt or difgracc. And
ne literary flattem, who now manifeils her indif-
cc to her hufband by the negle£i of her perfon»

are fcorcs of elegant fpendthrifts who ruin theirs
cccfs of decoration,
ay I digrefs a little, while I remark, that I am far

aflcrting that literature has never filled women

vanity and felf-conceitj the contrary is too obvi-

and It happens in this as in other cafes, that a
charafters confpicuoufly abfurd, have ferved to
r an whole order into ridicule. But I will aflerty
in general thofe whom books are fuppofed to have
sd, would have been fpoiled in another way with-
hem. She who is a vain pedant becaufe (lie ha»
much, has probably that defeft in her mind which
Id have made her a vain fool if (he had read noth-
It is not her having more knowledge, but lef»
r, which makes her infufFerable : and ignorance
Id have added little to her value, for it is not what
has, but what (he wants, which makes her un-
ant. The truth, however, probably lies here,
while her underftanding was improved, the tem-

of her heart were negkcled, and that in cultiva-
the fame of a /avante, Ihe loft the humility of a
ftian. But thefe inftances too, furnifh only a frefh
ment for the general cultivation of the female mind.

wider difFufion of found knowled^^v-, wo»ld re-
e that t^i.iptation to be vain which may be excited
8 rarity.

rom the union of an unfutniflied mind and a cold
t, there refults a kind of nccellity for diffipation.

very term gives an idea of mental inAecilitj.
: which a working and fatigued mind requires, is
ation ; it requires fomething to unbend itfelf, t»
en its efforts, to relieve it from its exertions ^
e amufement is the bufinefs of feeble minds, and \%
ed on with a length and ferioufnefs incompatible

the refrcfliing idea of relaxation. There i«

kmxs^Y ^nj cme thing which comts imdcr the
I oipublic; Arnufcmcm, which docs not JiU cbel
three nr tVur Hour^ otj^litly. h not thai a
in^t. ^ ehmciJi lor a mindj v(^

i\ y tieen kcj>: (a maity i

h chf! itrcu^li in mc moraingt by butiiiciyiy k|
II ckrpuan f

But wbkle « e ^ t th;)t 2 womnii of ^ citl

»tc<l jtJtclkcl Ji* tj , II by the fame iicceSift

ibcHi into th^* gi<Jt*y whiri &f pyblic relbrt t who
^ ,it real cu!tiv3^^-^* '^'^-' '""' -r^' ':

t f N0 wond r,

|i: ,;;ul^ that lorpui i^nur^m^Cj ir.nu<ii pltl2|g£

■\ nit ihcLr n:imral refuge 1 ihou[ti Jcckli,
thcK -^ ■ the crowd of p]

uba all bi. . ; . : :tnnkes z\\

aHkej ihiUicrfupcriiciaiand cs- c^mplif.

naliir;4lly II y n%to ihclr proper s^ -clma

field whtre competiHou in >^i jjci te^lions » in pcf'
petuai cxctcife ', where the taiircli! cxf OAlmiration ^m:
be ivaii i whenic ihc (rophks of rmitf may be cani*

It would indt^ecl be matter of little compofaijve
gTi:t, if tliU corrupt a;r wtstc breai? ' ' :. v by ihol

who Is natural clemtni it feeing to who

iorbcar lamenting that tht power oi; Ml)iou attr;
into this impure and unwhol^fome ^tmofphcre,
alio of a better m;ike, of higher aim^ a ad cH'
more ctherul temper? that tt ditradls even tbofc
enouncing enjoyments for which they hnveageoi
taftc, and which "would make them re Ally ttappy,
USt iociety they lore, and purfuits they admifc, m o\
dcr thiit they m^y/i«^ h^ppy> aad h- fathion^bJe in
<;h3cc of pleafuics thi-ydc/pile, and in company tJi
dif^ipprove \ But no corredbiLf:j of tallc* no depth
knowledge, will inlalUbly preferve a wommi frotn Uui
contaj^jon, unJefft her h^-^rt be tt' ' ■ b»dec|i

Chriiiian convittbn that Ihc Lg a. >7ilicip

^hztiou of knowledge, 35 weil %h for tlic dodicdtbn
' 4aie^ Tcrbajj^ if jLacre ^ ^ iay q&c |riiit^f le. jri

m OS I

STRICTURES ON FEMALE EDUCATION. 239

The pair, not mAtched^ but jeiaedy fet out feparately
ith their independent and inuiviJual purfuits. Whc-
ler it made a part of their original plan or no^ that
ley ftiould be indifpenfably neccflary to each other's
anfort, the fenfc of this nectility, probably not very
rong at firft, rather diminifhes, than increafes by
me 5 they live fo much in tlie world, and fo little
)gether, that to ftand well with their mvn/et continues
le favourite proje£t of each ; while to Hand well
'ith each other is confidered as an under part of the
lot in the drama of life. Whereas, did they dart in
ic conjugal race with the fixed idea that they were
> look to each other for their chief worldly hap-
incfs, not only principle, but prudence, and even
:lfi(hnefs, would convince them of the neceflity of
iduloufly cultivating each other's efteem and afTedion
\ the grand means of promoting that happinefs. But
Miity, and the defire of flattery and applaufe, (till con-
nuc to operate. Even after the hufband is brought to
:cl a pcrfedk indifference for his wife, he ftill likes to
le her decorated in a ftyle which may ferve to juilify
is choice. He encourages her to fet off her pcrfon,
ot fo much for his own gratification, as that his fclf-
»vc may be flattered, by her continuing to attract the
Imiration of thofe whofe opinion is the ftandard by
hichhe meafures his fame, and which fame is to ftand
im in the ftead of happinefs. 1 hus is (he neceffarily
cpofed to the two-fold temptation of being at once
'glefted by her hufband, and exhibited as an obje£l
f attraftion to other men. If (lie efcape this compli-
ited danger, (lie will be indtibted for her prefcrvation
3t to. his prudence, but to bar own principles.

In fomc of thcfe modifh marriages, inftead of thede-
^rous neatnefs, the pleafant intercourfe, and the mu«
lal warmth of communication of the once focial ain-
er ; the late and uninterefting meal is commonly
urried ovfer by the languid and flovc nly pair, that the
ne may have time to drcfs for his club, and the other
)r her party. And in thefe cold abftrafted teus-a-tttes
ley often take as little pains to entertain each other,
I if the one was precifcly the only human being in
^ world in whofe eyes the other did not feel it nccef-
ixj to appear agreeable*

how CO prodiKc on occait^ns noi
tliry t^otiy > 1 %m perfoackd, oficn
to be vtry aiffree^tble people. And _
lighted afici dc)ightin^i receiving and
picicfH, wotiH i^o ton^ef ht driven to t!
|ierpctualW efcaping irom home »i £rom|
wliicU oUtrft ne puHJbk matetiJts for |r
fle^dy 3 rid grciivtivg attschmenti iii>pravt
detl critiiidcnce 3tid mn(u;il btercbaiijvc ^
judgment rmcning and cxpfTiencie ftrett
((becjn wliicii t^ftc and iuclinaiion firftii
pimy ttudvint! to pTOniotc the eternal aj
poral }• of tl^c atlicf i eachcorW

rori| L. ig tin: principled, mid o

faith of the btf loved objccl ; this won]
feeling heart with f^r^itifi cations wbich <
wort J has not to bellow ^ fijch an hca|
pare IB inracrttng domdlic fccocft wj
nkufurcs o( public refort, till it would j
mHne, not from ncceflity, bwt aflci oo^
but cboii e ; not from d u ty, but dirligtit, j
It may fcem a contradi^^jon to hate 1
bdfigsof all a£C9« temfm»^dja|£^||q

STRICTURES ON FEMALE EBUCATION. t^t

pleafurc of the engagement itfelf, which is the
itt. There is an agitation in the arrangementg
;ch impofes itfelf on the vacant heart for happinefs.
nre is a tumult kept up in the fpirits which is a bufy
ugh treacherous iubilitute for comfort. Themul*
icity of folicitations foothes van it v. The very re-
: that they cannot be all acceptea, has its charms ;
dignity is flattered becaufe refulal implies impor*
:c, and pre-eneagement intimates celebrity. Then
re is the joy of b;:ing invited when others are ncg-
cd ; the triumph of Ihewing our lefs modiih friend
: we are going where (he cannot come 5 and the
;ned regret at being obligid to go, aflumed before

who is half wild at being obliged to flay away.
!fc is the fecret art of exciting envy in the very a£tof
leaking compaiTion ; and of challenging refped^ by
rcfenting their engagements as duties, oppreflivc
;ed, but indifpenfable. Thefe are (ome of the fup-
ncntalfliifts for happinefs with which vanity con-
es to feed her hungry followers, too eager to be

n the fuccefllon of open houfes, in which pleafikre
be darted and purfued on any given night, the
lal place is never taken into the account ofenjoy-
it : the fccne of which is always fuppofed to lie \\\
place where her votaries happen not to be. Plea-
: nas no prefent tenfe : but in the houfe which her
fuers have juft quitted, and in the houfe to which
f are jufl haftening, a ftranger might conclude the
)ery goddefs had really fixed her throne, and that
worlnippers confidered the exifting fcene, which
f fecm compelled to fufFer, but from which they
eager to efcape, as really detaining them from fome
tive joy to which they ar« flying in the next crowd \
if he met them there, he would find the compo-
t parts of *each precifely the. fame. He would

rhc precaution which is taken againft the poffibility of bemgf
gaged by the long interval between the invitation and the period
s accomplifliment, reminds us of what hittoiians remnrk of the
•1-1$ of ancient Crotona, who ufed to fend their InvitationK a yrar
e the time, that the guefts might prepare .both their drcfk and uicir
itc for the vifit,

w

&TRrtTCni£S OH TEMiLS KDC

tk iitfe-

tlie fanve Aalcd f>bra£Ea interraptnl, tmt
b ^ ' oic (btrd replkff. ihe onJinUttetl fc
t , jifc to tlu: wiucU/* bj prcflki^ midliStii

fjim<^ wim) regret tniitQaHy cA^dttui^d by
frkn^i (who had been exftreftly denied ta etich otJicri
the iwi liter) that tbt^y hid not tnec bei'orc ^ the bi
jipft and fmiling forrow at bciitg itrm jimi^ froixi
cithcf iH>w t the fameuvowed anxiety to renew
Dfieeiing with perhaps the bine fccr^t tefnlurion
Avoid it. He woald hear dcfcilbed with tlic Tap^c m\h^
Ik carneftnef* tlie difficulties of f^txth - i^- , this tioufe:*
and ibc dinpTTs of getting out of ' the pcrit^

<HU Tiftreat ot former iiigbta^ cdcdca aniidit the ihmk
tof dwiotf., and ibe clang of canrcnding co;4c:hrncei
rptrot tmictrd cffe<flcd with a lUlliuid f^tW link ittfe-
tior tt> that f>i iht i€n ih&^f*nd^ and dtttlTer! wii'

Rafter rriun^ph : for tb^t which hsppr
II a hfeto the Grccmn hero, occurg ii
Iicroint:* every night. There ii one point of _
Ikiinc^r indeed I between thcmj in which the cempai
/mU^ I for the coniniunJer with a mfm^aijlt l§«u m
mHA t trift^ female veteran wculd bluib) U reitii
|i>lc for never naming fnmjflf,
, With ** mylUrbus tcvcicucc" I forbcac to
>^n thofc fcriousand interefting ritcii for the moi
l^u [I and fokoiu celebration of «bich» V
^^onvenes thefe f|>leiKyd myrt^da Ui hct
fF^yua tcmpiea. Rite£ J wbichg ^hsm^ esigaif^
.due devotioni abfbrb tliie wliok fbcili and call
p^^tou into c?cerdfc| except uideed tbo{k of lovci
peace, snd kiadneft, and gentlencf' T"^ '
which ftimulat* fear* Toufc hope, I
,<1uUnef55 fliarpen difcernmentt cx':f<hc mcmai
flame curiofity I Rites, in flion»]ithc due pci
ancc of whicn all tlte energies an*!
powers and abilities, all th<: abilrii\ :
all the dili^TCficc and devoted uef*. 'lU the {a^a
fimei aU the contempt of eviie, all the tiegkdl
all the oblivion of care, all tl>e ritk« of fortune
cf whichjf dite£lcd to their tru<i objecl^wauli ch*
the very face of tJ%e workl -) all thcle are concentr
f p one point ; a poioiin which the wile and the »

rn^

STRICTITHES ON FEMAIE FDtTCATlOK- «1|3:

led and the ignorant, the fair and the fright-
rihc fjprightly and rhc daU> the rich aad the poof »
■ patncian and Plcbian, meet m one cemn^oaam!
^rffi^qu^Hty ; ;in equality as reliffiotifly refpeftcd
tthefe K>kmfiities, in whicn all dillin^loni ard lev-
at a blow, (and of whkh the very fymt h there-
democntticali) at it h combated in all of her iti-

BrMd four Ki ftp In majefly retcretl,

With hoMy vihiiktii* ^na ii forked bti\<^ |

And foyr f*1f QoecnSj wticfe Kands foflajna €e#ttf

Th^ «Kf|prlllvt embi^m txt* tiieir f^tfher power v

Caps an tVir l!<»di» 4tu1 halt^erts Vn tKcir hind |
And p4rty tubutefl troops, a fhinifig rravrit
Djawd forth lO Cksmb^t on the vrJvc^pUin. *

CUAP, XViU.

Hf titft pTopofcd to eitter the Igng conic lied field of
trtivcffjr 3s to ihe individual amiifemcnts which
flic cofifidcred usfafeand lawful for thofc worneQ
tic higher cl^ifs ^n^ht^ make a Unci profeffionaf
^ftunity. The jude;in«nt tht^y will oe likely to
infor therrrfelves f>a the fuhj(;fl, antl the plan they
ill confequemfy :idopt, will drpcnd miKh. nn the
fcitocfs m cbftpLirrry of th°ir rcli^irms vievvii> and oti
,C irreater or lefs progrt ffe they h^vc m;ule m tlieff
bTttli:in ccutfe. It is hi fheir choice of :>mufcment5
at yo« arc able, in fomc mcAfure, to j^et acr^a^iinted
ith the real d^rpofaions of mankind. Jo ih^lt hvfi^
^, in the ieadinjr employ nieiics of life, thefr path 1%
p good degrtrt: ch4lkod out for them : ihcre is ih
R letpeft a fort of general ch,irj£l:erj wherein the
eater part, more or Ids* mufl coincide. But in their
mfitrts tht choice is vol'jntary, the tvMte is felf-direS-
1, the propciiiity is independent \ and of couife the
ibitual ftate, the genuine bent and bias of the tern-
Tj are mod likely to be fccn in thofe purfuits which
cry fejfcm ii at liberty to choofe for himfeif.

l_

^ K^ptL^f ti^ L«du

^44 ITRiqrUlUV «M FEMALE EDIICA

.if nbiif

A womiifi aijiltf]

;i n n r t » 1'

^;riTi. wtlTl

I poft;H 5

SuituUi as to rc^j
ccomc ui that t.i

may be for others,

n, liicc t>f fuchlii

||llt'4(^J^^^l III «^ ChrilH^n*
The fifi^- arts, foi inltmcCs

ifoqcty, thcfc au* amorw the

liccciining rsfcrcpitiofis oih
[*ti^ cultivated to iht ncgl^i.:
Liics ; if they hiterf^rc witli

^fy tlw: mind for religious t..,.- --_: i ..

^tnat xhcy have bee>l too much iHil uJj^i] ;
Ifuch clrcumlHnceSj tt mi^Kt be t*- r n^^
rcireutiifpcfition to intjuirc iJ* the tiri ■
^cjught not to be abritlgctl. Above ^t.i, .i tcj-u^
► fcicnce will never lofc fight of one dtt rule of
ijnining in all doubtful c^ift* : if i'

that though we hope upon the whi^
ilJiarm in engagirig it, we may at kail ■
^ fare Ui^it there f«Jt be no liarm ifl *
The adoption of this ft m pie rule wouid pui i^|
^' much unpro^tablc cafuIOtv.
The prniciple of beinu
. Mmc, if once hxed iu the mi^^, * .w . .ni........

•JTRICTrKES ON FEMALE EDUCATION. 24$

will be making a continual progrcfs in the greac
f turning time to account. In the firft ftages of
religion ftie will have abftained from pleafurer.
h began a liftU to wound the confciencc, or whicli
aed a queflionable (hape ; but (he will probably
abftained with regret, and with a fecret wifli that.
nence ccM have permitted her to keep well with
urc and leligion too. But you may difcern itr
ubfequent courfe that (he has reached a more ad»
cd ftage, by her beginning to negleft even fuch
urcs or employments as have no moral turpitude
iem, but are merely what are called innocent*

relinquifhment ariies, not fo much from her
ng dill more the reftraints of religion, as from
improvement in her religious talte. Pleafures
ot now attach her merely from their being innc-
, unlefs they are likewiie interefting, and to be
efting they mud be confonant to her fuperindu-
riews. She is not contented to fpend a large,
on of her time harmlefsly, it muflrbe fpent profit-
alfo. Nay, if (he be indeed eameftly " preffing
vards the mark/' it will* not be even enough for
hat her prefent purfuit be good if flie be convinced
it might be ftill better* Her contempt of ordi-

enjoymcnts will increafe in a direft proportion to
ncreafed relifli for thofe pleafures whicn religion-
Ins and beftows. So that at length if it were pof-
to fuppofe that an angel could come down to take
i it were the interdift, and to invite her to refume
he pleafures flie had renounced, and to refume
\ with complete impunity, fhe would rcjeft the in-
ion,.bccaufe, from an improvement in h«r fpirit-
alle, (he would dcfpife thofe delights from which
It firfl abftained through fear* Till her will and
lions come heartily to be engaged in the fervice
Jod, the progrefs will not be comfortable ; but>
1 once they are fo engaged, the attachment to thia
ce will be cordial, and her heart will not defire to
ick and toil again in the drudgery of the world.,
ler religion hub not fo much given her anew creed,
lew heart, and a new life.
;her vicvia are bvcome new. fo her tcmncrs, dif*

J

produce one of ihcfe t^vo ej!r£l« i ^H
pnyper Ceafoos ptmicttt thi-niCflvc^t tlroftpl
tJimucc fiich ftibitr^ js m:iY be ukful t
iopnafioi i^ 1 unabie to _

\Tii(, :*v lii r^n, abfoitl

. ^.M .i tbefc cicct^i
tcil of her i

- - for a I

r a little

ritb

lliit|tf

IT i^^o warmly unrcdfli an

it%wui ixmk*, and p4ftlrul%]l|r ^

of ] f !i unit?! :jn4 cekbnrr^ *'^
in have Irt r

.i^- - -r ^

oIm

STRICTURES CN FEMALE EDUCATION. 247

however, is fo far reafonable, as only to beg quarter
for her own favourite diveriion, and generoufly aban-
dons the defence of thofc in which (lie hcrfelf has no
particular pleafure.

But thcfe obje£lors do not feem to underftand the
true genius of Chriflianity. They do not confider that
it is tiie chara£ter of the Gofpel to exhibit a fcheme of

J>rinciples, of which it is the tendency to infufe fuch a
pirit of holinefs as mud be utterly incompatible* not
only with cuftoms decidedly vicious, but with the very
(pirit of worldly pleafure. They do not confider that
Chridianity is neither a table of ethics^ nor a fyftem of
opinions, nor a bundle of rods to punifli, nor an exhi-

. bition of rewards to allure, nor a fcheme of reftraints
to terrify, nor merely a code of laws to reftridl ; but
it is a new principle infufed into the heart by the word
and the Ipirit of God j out of which principle will in-
evitably j^row right opinions, renewed afreftions, cor-
reck morals, pure defires, heavenly tempers, and holy
habits, with an invariable defire of pleafing God, and
a conftant fear of T>fFending him. A real Chriftian,
whofe heart is once thoroughly imbued with this prin-
ciple, can no more return tu the amufements 01 the
vorld, than a philofopher can be rcfrefticd with the di-
verfions of the vulgar, or a man be amufed with the
recreations of a child. The New-Teftament is not a
mere ftatute-book : it is not a table where every of-
fence is detailed, and its correfponding penalty annex-
ed : it is not fo much a compila/ion, as a_y^/>// of laws :
it does not fo much proliibit every individual wrong

. praAice, as fugged a temper and implant a general
principle with which every wrong pradlice is incom-
patible. It did not, for inftance, fo much attack the
then rciguing and corrupt faftiions, which were proba-
bly, like the fafhions of otiier countries, temporary and
local, as it druck at that worldlinefs, which is the root
and dock from which all corrupt fafliions proceed.

The prophet ifnah, who addrefied himfelf more
. particularly to the Ifraelitilh women, inveighed not

Monly againd vanity, luxury, and inimodcdy, in gene-
ral I but with great propriety ccnfured ev^jn thofe pre-
'cife iiidances of each, to which the women of rank in

X48 ijKreTCtis on fKiiAtJ! finucA-rrein

the patticular cemntrf hew^is zAArcffm^^ wrre tft
cully idJtftcd; n:r nioffic ir^

of thctr very p<^*<' »^f anJ

cbtrgei Agaitjii (event ifiitancci of their ieviiy ii^
^iv:»pn€€ of appatti i meaiunj;, however, cK\cij
dcnftuc die turn of ch*T^<r which ihcfe itulioioi
But the Gofpel of Chriili whkh wns to be ailtlrf IR
to all umst It^ti^nSi and coanrriesi fdiiom e^nti'
aity fuch dcaifed animadverfions *, for '
of the cenfanhk mofks which the proi.
icpiofejtedj c< T "> •■ ' pfobahljf to be fftll ^ic%
Jtrufakm in *. fxf our Saviour^ yet ho

would it haye fuUcd the univerfality of his mi
Jbavc coaBncd his preaching to fuch Joc^I. Itmii
■lidui^mg cuftoo)^ ! not but thAi ih^rc wrt^ m^mj i
Hhtch a£)u:ill^ df dc0ne the Clindun condtt^ u y
^m temper, wich fuflicicnt pumcrubnty to fcTrc ii
^adcmnation of many praaiccs which aw plcai'-^

lor, ;vnd ofrcn to point pretty diitflljr at them*
t ft would be well for thofe modifh CbrllV
pfcidicaic cxcclBve vaDity in dicfs, tipcncCi _^

ration, on the pf inciplc of their being tnauert ol iaiii^
fcrcncci smd tio ^here prohibited m^eGoTpeK to con*
fldcr that fuch pra£kicc^ Ilroitgly marl the temper ^
fpirlt whh which they are connected » aDd in thatvk'
are fo Uctle creditable to the Chrifiian piofefiion, ai
furmCh a juft fubje^bof fufpiciou agamil the piety
thofe who indulge in them.

Had Peter, on that memorable day when he add<
thiee thoafand convene to the Church by a Gngle
mon, narrowed hb fuhjedl to a rcmonllonce ag:
tJiis diver &on^ or that public phcc^ or the either
amufemeTir, it might indeed have fylied the cafe
fome of the femak Jewifh converts who were prc fatt
but fuch reftfidions a^ might have been appr^ ^^"
to ihim would probably not have applied ro thi
of the Parthiaus and Medes, of nhtcn Im audien
nartly compofcd j or fuch as might have belonj
them would have been totally innppUcablc to the
'4iid Arabians ; or again^ thoie which fuiled thcfe .___
^t have applied to the filamitcs and Mefopotamafiv

* ilaijihj chap, iiim

1^ STtlCnitES OH fEMAtE inUCATJOSf. 245 J

ch partial ^nd ciTcwmfcribetl sddrcfTci, his mttlti-
is ;tutiiciicc, coD)pr>(ct1 of all iiQEions and conn*
woM not have bccB* as we are toM they wcrt*,
ypecl to the h<!.m." But when he pre^ajcci on
B^d grountl of genend " repc-ntance ;iml remiP"^
rof fin!i in the nam^ of Jefu.s Chrift,*' it waf nd
^T that they all crkd out, '* Whsi IhaH wc do ?**
. collected foreigners, at their return homtf nriiill
'oandver)^ different ufagea m be correAcd in their
cnt coutiiries j of courl'e a detailed rt-fttidlian of
ovular abufc» at Jerufalem, wguld have been of J
Be ta drangers returning to their refpe^lWc na*.'
^The ardent Apoftle^ therefoTe> adteo niotfi cotl-^
By in commuuicitting to them the large and com*'
■Hive fpitit of the Gofpel, which fiiould at vnck^
s?c all tneir fc altered and fepa f^tc duiica, as well
prove all their fcatiered and fep^rate cOTTuptlonft %^
le \rhole always mcludes a part, and £h<r grcatef^
tee the kfs* Chrift and hi& difdpkfi, inffeail of,
K thdr condemnation to the peculiar vanitici'
tiended by Ifaiah, embraced the veiy foul and
ipic of them all, in fuch exhortations as the io\^
>g : " Be ye not conformed to the world :'*—*' If!
f tnnn love the wotldj the love of the Fatlier is^
E irt him ;" — *' The fafiiion of this world pafletk^
ay."' Our I-ord and iiis ApolU^^j whofe ttiturei
ecied audience *as to be made up out of theva-
iuhabitants of the whole world, attacked the evil
, out of which all [hofe IngideTitul^ loeal^ peculiar,
puUr corruptions proceeded,
he time of Chrift and his immedhte followers,
mry and intemperance of the Romans had itfen
Itch before unknown in the world •, but as the
jofpcl which it^ Divine Author -and his difciples
ben preachitig to the hungry and iiecelTuou?, was
?zt6s w be preached to the high and low> not ex-
,ag the Roman emperors themfelves v the Urge
tpty ** Whetlier ye eat or drink, or whatever yd|
, do all to the glory of God," was hkely to be of?
i gent nil ufc, than any feparate e^thortatiou to tcnw
nee, to tliankfuhief?, to moderation as to quainiiy
cpCaec; which iyft indcred mull always be left in

He mult hit^e rtic£lcd
flon oa mnaj ihittgi which vrcrc
^ciiGmil EAUtcai : fdt tnltcad of pi
treci imo nDgUng om cveii th/tm
fyartk for the objrd of Im carMleni]
u%^ Ut tbt root of ill €onti|i^ioni b^
tiiit Cv^':"\ ' Oiflft of miiMch " lie
and Oi them ihai bciicvod, tliai

** powrr ti /iii the wif '. r ''ii,

Corpd the ^ ;t:£l vrii^

e?IU but tlic wiiolc body of kin, Saw i{
Chnft cmri^o! wjs die ino<k ^Ppropfi^
deftrofing - ' by what oincf md

Jerrid imi;,' '/ the Apitdc have'

iaforccd tiic heinottfntii of liii, : i

CDftUnefs cif the t'^crificc which w-. .:,i
patiun f h m {omtwhAi wtan%kMc% t^
irer^ time of hi& prenchmg t9 iW t^'^f-^; j
taftc had foot lo tmh an rxccL^ r
very V ngjgcd m iholk

.paakft jQJ .,,..,.., .s'^JMgr

STRICTURES ON FEMALE EDUfcATIOH, 25!

lar diverGonSy might have feemed to fanftion all
I they did not adually cqjfure : and as, in the
sf time, and the revolution of governments, cuf*
change, and manners fluftuatt? ; had a minute
lenlion of the falhions of the then exifting age
publifhed in the New-Teftament, that portion of
tire muft in time have become obfolete, even in
cry fame country, when the fafhions themfelvcs
1 have changed. Paul and his brother Apoftles

that their epiilles would be the oracles of th«
;ian world, when thefe temporary diver fiona
I be forgotten. In confequence of this knowl-

by the univerfal precept to avoid " the lull of

flefh, the luil of the eye, and the pride of life,'*
lave prepared a lading antidote agamil the prinei'^

all corrupt pleafures, which will ever remain
ly applicable totheloofe fafhions of all ages, and
rj country^ to the end of the world.
crefore, to vindicate diverfions which are inthem-

unchriftian, on the pretended ground that they
3t fpecifically condemned in the Gofpel, would
tie lefs abfurd than if the heroes of Newmarket
i bring it as a proof that their periodical meet-
iTc not condemned in Scripture, becaufe St. Paul,

writing to the Corinthians, did not fpeak againft

diverfions ; and that in availing himfelf of the
lian games, as a happy illuflration of the Chrif»
ace, he did not drop any cenfure on the pra£lico
: a practice which was indeed as much more
than the races of Chriftian Britain, as the mode-
1 of bting contented with the triumph of a crown
ives, is (uperior to that criminal fpint of gambling
li iniquicoufly enriches the vi£ior by beggaring
ompctitor.

ical ^bufes, as we have faid, were not the objeft
book whofe inftruilions were to be of univerfal
afting application. As a proof of this, little is
n the Gofpel of the then prevailing corruption ol
famy ; nothing againfl the favage cuftom of e\-
e children, or even againft flavery 5 nothing ex-
[y a^ainft fuicide or duelling-; tne laft Gothic
ixif mdccd, did not exlft among the criipes of

%%t

iTftlCTVmUt OH FEMACV EntJCiTmH.

I intuit poly^amf in *

thu: I fins, tint ** tlȴ

** hj li there not i

«eniure ag^inlt lUvrryt convry«4 iti the tJ^mit^M

*** da tiiifo mlicrs as ynu wouf' f' i^" ^1,.-... .|q

r»< you ?*• itg^tintl Tuicide aad gi

simi affcfliniil jr ampJifii^d by the folemn tttano^ ^
'whl ' r U tnccd back to its firil f€«dcif ai

ill : 1 on tilt mount ?

1 Uu« a u 4;Ic,tr, thric when Chrift fenr
tr» r.ti nrjlionif. h*^ mciiU thilt Thi^. GofTJr!
th*, gcnr-

ybUioa ^t ail tnhri^n.J^ bc^t, .
rrrDr* which couU nm have br-m
^4l)l^m(lt wilhi3uc hjivkig a t!ii

COtiniTy, or without fwcOlUg r^.t ..simr y

futh iiicoiii^etiient length m wcKild have ilerirjtci i)Qc
pn^t end of it& prwRU Ration** Atid ^bilc iti
itig pTincipkii ate of univcrfil applicahon, h m
^mt m fome meafuie* be left to :'
:hcn ^nH m the cDnfctmfp ni

••it fire c<^'' '^'''" to its rn

The (am«? Divine Spirit m^hkh jin
Script urefi^ is promifed to purJft' t>ir K
the lUMurca of repeiuing ^nd b'
the compoOtions it infptred ^ix. m n^mc u . ,
gous tD ilie wQjkmaiilliip ic tlfedti* It nu
^kiouH pr^ttices of tht; apofloltes^! day^ | b% {
the pufTions and principks vhich TOiJef^tl ;
^fying i and ililj working in tike manner Ofi
^bf real Chriftlans, it corrects the tallf, whi
cuflomed to 61 id Us propter ^miific
of vanity 1 and thus ciTa^lluaMy prc^v

ution of the habits^ and infuf^s a rehlH for r;il[_
mi domefttc enjoy m^ntSi ^n4 for wli^tevifT can nim
'"cT pkafure to that fplrit of peac^i and love^

* " To ihf /w the Cofficl is pfcacitd/

STRICTURES ON FEMALE EDUCATICW, 25J

» and joy, which animates and rules the renewed
. of the true Chriftian.

t there is a portion of Scripture which, though to
eriicial reader it may feem but very remotely con-
:d with the prefent fubjeS, yet to readers of
icr caft, feems to fettle the matter beyond con-
:rfy. In the parable of the great fupper, this im«
mt truth is held out to us> that even things ;W tm
tlvts may be the means of our eternal ruin, by
'ing our hearts from God, and caufmg us to make

of the offers of the Gofpel. One invited gueft
bought an eftate, another had made a purchafe, '
lly blamelefs, of oxen ; a third had marri,2d a wife,
a not illaudable in itfelf. They had all different
^ns, none of which appeared to have atfjlH^oral
itude J but they all agreed in this, to tiedint^thi in-'
kn /* thi /upper. The worldly poifeffions of one,
v^orldly buhnefs of another, and what (houldbe
icularly attended to, the love to his deareft relative,
third, (a love, by the ivny, not only allowed but
manded in Scripture, / were brought forward as
ifes for not attending to the important bufinefs o£
;ion. The confequence, however, was the fame to

" None of thofc which were bidden, (hall tafte of
y fupper." If then things inno<ent, things ntcejfary^
gs latultihli, things commandtdy become (inful, when
inicafonable or exceliive indulgence they detain
heart and affeftions from God, how vain will all
e arguments neceflarily be rendered, which arc
;d by the advocates for certain amufements, on the
md of their harmUJptefs ; if thofc amufements ferve

to mention any pofiiive evil which may belong to
n) in like manner to draw away the thoughts and
Siions from all fpiritual objeds !
'o conclude ; when this topic happens to become
fiibjeft of converfation, inftead of addreffmg feverc
pomted attacks to young ladies on the fm of at-
ling places of diverfion^ would it not be better firft
ndeavour to excite in them that principle of Chrif-
ity, with which fuch diverfions feem not quite corn-
Die ; as the phyfician who vifits a patientjin an erup-
fever, pays little atttention to thofe fpots which to

r^l4

rrticTUUW OM femalii mptJoiTioii;

I siplormnE appcif to be the difeafc^ nocfit indcell
f^t «k& ihcy fcTvc ;u tfiilica.donm to icc bim iotof"^
are, but fOtt ftrut to the root of the mdadf
llick% t}iclaper, be lowers iIk* pulfe, he chanfeil
Vftem, h« cofTcAs dw gcotrriil habit j ^•cU f
M if he can hut rcflorc Vlie vitil p rincipk ofij
lie fpois, which v&ie Jtothing but (jmpwsmt ^
hwaf of themicWc^.

In mltrud^mg oetiersv we fftould litii^teowl
ind hi» Apofiicftt and noLalnva^a aim pur blow it i
CipanicuUr c^rrnptioii ; bae m ir oar builndii

I convince our pupil that wh*it I- tth tliectilfnii

^e cLxhibit^, caorxn br 3 branch ol the trtie viiae^i W
liQuid ibua avail owtfclvcs of iudividuaJ cr^mtr^t^
for impce^iitig hc^ with a feiifc of tbe.ncc.
Vifying the roitimon fouite fiom which ti^-, :
porrupi nature;- Thus mskinz tc oar grand buili
fcdiFy the hc^rt, we purfue tKc twuz^ rhe camj
E}u£j tilt only method of pn>dticing oniircTfii

1 woiiki, Wwiv^r, tiki^ le^vc oif thgfc ainiaUe
not iiWifpofed yoaii^ pcifou^j who comjv!;vin at ^
rigouf oi humnn prohibitions, and doc^arc, " '^
^•* meet with no fuch fttictaeft ii^ fh** Or^frn^?,'*
i«g them, with the mdCl aF.
^thcy can confclcntioufly recoT^w
^ncc a-t evciy public pbcc which tbey
Rich prcccpB ^8 the following; "R., _,,.,.
*nime :''—<' Watch and pny ^•^— " Watchi
** know not at wh.it tione your Lord come
-'^ Abftahi from all apptaranti of evil :"■ — *<* Set jotit!
^' fe£lions on things above :" — '* Be yc fpirin
^' minded :"— <* CfUcify the fiefh with it« alfc^
*= aad lufts f" And I would vtiuuiti tx> oftr on^oP
tenon, by which the periods in qiicflion OYaf be pt
abled to decide on the poHnve innoctncc and lafctyl
i'uch dtvetiions \ I mean, j>r*>vidcd they arc Jincertl
their fcrutiny, and lioneit in their ^vowoJ* If, on tidP^
return at night from thofc pl>ict;.i| tht;y find they CJB
»*etirc> and ** comtnune wi*h thtfir own btMib C ^
they find the love of God opcuting with un^-'r""''"^-
^d lorce oil their mlniU j jV they can *< br
* ^Hought iiuo fuhjeGti£>i!/' and ^wccmr^tc cv.fi

I '

STRICTURES ON FEMALE EDUCATION. 255.

NTandering imagination ; if they* can foberlj^ examine
tito their own ftate of mind : — ^I do not fay if they can
lo all this perfeftly and without di(lra£tion ; (for who
|lnio(bcan do this at any time ?) but if they can do ir
nth the fame siegraoi ftrioufntfi^ pray witn the fame
(igrw.of fervour,, and renounce the world in as great a
^Mmfwrt as at other times; and if thef can He down
B^iUi a peaceful confcioufnefs of having avoided in the
|r€ning, «< that temptation" which they had prayed
lot to be ** led into ' in the morning, tney may then
uQore reafonably hope that all is well, and tnat they are
irot fpeaking falfe peace to their hearts. — Again, if we
^nnot beg the bleifing of our Maker on whatever we
|re going to do or to enjoy, is it not an unequivocal
woof that the thing ought not to be done or enjoyed ?
Dn all the rational enjoyments of fociety, on all health-
ful and temperate exercife, on the delights of friend-
Qiip, aits, and polifbed letters, on the exquifite pleal'
(Hfres refulting from the enjoyment of rural fcenery, and
Aie beauties of nature ; on the innocent participation
pf thefe, we may alk the divine favour — tor the fober
enjoyment of thofe we may thank the divine benefi-
cence : but do we feel equally difpofed to invoke blef-
Sngs, orreturn praifes, for gratifications found, (to fay
OD worfe,) in levity, in vanity^ and waftc of time T^s-Jf '
thcfc tefts were fairly ufed ; if thefe experiments were
honeftly tried \ if thefe examinations were confcien-
tioufly made, may we not, without ofFcnce, prefunie
to afk — Could our numerous places of public refort,
»*/</ our ever-multiplying fcene? of more felefl: but
act lefs d'ingerous divcriion, nightly overflow with an
pxcefs hitherto unparalleled in the annars of pleafure ?*

• If T might preljjim" to ratonirncnd a book \%hiih of all others ex-

r\{t.% the ir.li5Milhc«i:.ce, vinirv. iirtlcncls. and cniptinefs . / tlie world,
Aould not btfitvttv: to n ini-^ Mr. Law's " ieikusCail to a devout an.i
•• hj/y Life/* Few w irers, tx ept P.:fcai» have dirctttd fo rmca acuL<:-
n^is ot' realon'ng, and io mich nointtd wit lo thie objfdl. He not only
■Slices the I eai<.. afra'ui of" a worldly life on -account of its linrulml's,
but a/hameJ oi it on accnaut of ii^ fi>lly. Few men pc-haps have hai
a dfepcr inlight into ihc human lit-avt, or h4ve mo.e iki'lully prolvcl
Its corruncions : ynt on points of do^ftinc h's virws do nuc letm* to be
juft i and Iiis 'di'?^uiriti'>ns arc oUct unlound and fanciful, fo that a
general peiulal of his works woum neither be picfitable or inielligible.
io 4 t'ainionable woman ic»mcrfLd in the >an;i'ics tf life, or to a buly
Bijiji overwheuncd W'lh it»cares> 1 knww no book io &{pll€ able, ^likely

luriiil

ii^tmi nt we arei
f 'ir;!^ porf

ii. ■■■•.' ..■■ +v, ... ^ , : .pto-^, 'a coil
taUiiDQ tnakrs inhtiitet^ more fevcfe« I
iJctifi^ H-- -^^*iM Chnilianiff be if fM
ftdu' E cation, fcch unremitting

ftur£cii^*ii 111 f^ttlgiicj t If tdlgkio cc
luirfi(hip> and f^lf-Jenblt luch days i
' fjch nights of bi

h^ L u , :u i ii^it|«« > iii*pofc&t t I^c^n i n d ci
I iiritlbmtf would po longer merit k&
f ton of beiiig « ** r*4i/btiailr ft*Tvice 9'* tl
perfc^ flavcff miEht be juftlf ^pOeij
we arc tiild in the bc^iiiiiftil Ixagatge d
** % fcnrice of pcrfctl frccdofn ;" a fcj
<ibjc£l^ of whtcn m "to deliver us fru
** of ct>iTuption, into tfa« glorious Ubc^
*< dna of Gad/' '

A worldly tcmp:r, bf whicTi I mtsni
prefsf wprK!iy pl:afare5t, wr^rl.Hly (ac
worldly aJ?.intigE!Sj to the i| i

STRICTURES ON lEAlALE EDUCATION. 257

^ucnce of furprife, when the heart is off its guard.
us not excited incidentally by the operation of extu-
icircunaftances on the infirmity of nature -, but it is^
!^ Tital fpirit, the eiTential fojih, the living principle of
til. It is not fo much an adi, as a ftate of being ; not
^ l^uch an occafional complaint, as a tainted conilitu*
^n of mind. If it does not always fhew itfelf in ex-
tejardinary exceiTes* it has no perfe£t intermifiion*
{tea when it is not immediately tempted to break out
^ overt and fpecific afts, it is at work within, llir-
j up the heart to difaffe^lion againil holinefs, and
iiGng a kind of moral difability to whatever is iu«
jBifically right. It infedls and depraves all the pow-
to and faculties of the foul ^ for it operates on the un-
pinrftanding, by blinding it to whatever is fpiritually
nod ; on the will, by making it averfe to God ; on .
DB affediions, by difordering and fenfualizing them ^
1^ that one may almoil fay to tbofe who are under the
Hipreme dominion of this fpirit, what was faid to the
||OU& of JoAua, "Te cannot Scrye the Lord.*'
. . This worldlinefs of mind is not at all commonly un-
pcrftood, and for the following reafon :< — People fup-
aoTe that in this world our chief bufinefs is with the
flings of this world, and that to condufb the bufinefs
>( this world well, thi»t is, conformably to moral piin-
Biples, is the chief fubftance of moral and tiue good-
liefs. Religion, if introduced at all into the fyilem,
only makes its occaSonal, and if I may fo fpeak, its
holiday appear.mce. To bring religion into every
^ing, is thought incompatible with the due attention
to the things of this lifev An-d fo it would be, if by
religion were meant /^j/^/«^: about religion* The phrafe,
therefore, is : " We cannot always be praying j we ^
'*-muft mind our bufinefs and our focial duties as well
" as our devotion." Worldly buCntfs being thus fub-
|e£);ed to worldly, though in fome degree moral, max-
ims, the mind during the conduib of bufinefs grows
worldly ) and a continually increafing worldly fpirit
dims the fight and relaxes the moral principle on which
the affairs of the world are ccndu£ltd, as well as indif-
pofes the mind for all the excrcifes of devotion.

But this temper, as far as relates to ii^v^j, fo much
X2

rodoni Etica thr tr

Lf % m Uimw not c^ttyinsi tj

■^iitmg Idea of refpcmfibiluy

ist thttir noT bcin^ mlwajrs on rbrir kni

not bringing their religicm from ttic.

WDtld s ui tiiclr not brintrlrttr the firini

* ^ • > oF d|

. jTi 9 dry,!
(nto a Icv^lf ,•

^orn thcti

- tn uititc tl
^cn f wh<>,i

fvrmcfuifh oDc ji>t ci what fAn vrotl
H by z€! iTtc^r:^ renounce their hoj^
rlio Jo ;. i? unrcjfLUfabk timi

the fvi ^ . - fTuiii uf ptcknt ple^
.fTcT* ifciih thcmoft cxrtsm revcrHon j
rhtij after Vmiig in ihe maft ^nboiifiq
lit calc, vTiniiy, ^nU luxury, hm-y thstt
Ittiuhiid of timrft tQ s. lih of ivtiidi O
Wtuaid pToft*trir?iij. and wlildi b^jj

"«* who aj-i: uuc
intcrciU of cart]*

- STRICTURES ON FET^ALE EDUCATION. 25J

..jf a future account ? and who arc afting on the wiCj
l^frinciple of " the children of this world," in making
j.dlc moit of the prefent ftate of being from the convic-
Ijtion that there is no other to be expefted ?
^' It muft be owned, indeed, that faith in unfccn things
ills at times lamentably weak and defediive even in the
rtrnly pious ; and that it is fo, is the fubje£t of their
'^iei and humiliation. O ! how does the real Chrifr
rtian take {hame in the coldnefs of his belief, in thd
jownefs of his attainments ! How deeply does he la-
sinentthat ** when he would do good, evil is prefent
.^ with him !" — " that the life* he now lives in the
^^•••flcfli, is*' not, in the degree it ought to be, " by faith
i*» in the Son of God !" Yet one thing is clear ; how-
'cver weak his belief may feem to be, it is evident that
wliis a£iions are principally governed by k ; he evinces
ikb fincerity to others by a life in- fome good degree
i^alagous to the do£brines he profeffcs. : while to him-

gkK he has at leaft this convidlion, that faint as his
tinfideuce may be at times, low as may be his hopej
)-mnd feeble as his faith may feem, yet at the worft of
Ttimes he would not exchange t'hat faint meafure of
•"truft and hope for all the adual pleafures and pofTef-
^■fions of his moft fplendid acquaintance ; and what is
^ proof of his fincerity he never feeks the cure of his
{ dejcflion, where tht;y feek tbeirs> in the world, but ia
God.

But as to the faith of worldly perfons^ however
ftrong it may be in fpeculation, however orthodox their
creed, however (lout their profeilion, we cannot help
fearing that it is a little defe£live in fincerity : for if
there were in their minds a full perfiiafion of the truth
of revelation, and of the eternal blifs it promifes, would
it not be obvious to them that there muft be more dili-
gence for its attainment ? We difcover great ardour
in carrying on worldly projects, becaufe we believe
the good which we are purfuing is real, and will re-
ward the trouble of the purfuit \ we believe that good
is to be at-tained by diligence, and we prudently pro-

{ portion our earneftnefs ro this convi<ftion ; when there-
ore we fee perfons profefTing a lively faith in a better
yrorld^ yet labouring little to obtain an int«reit in ic>

> p^&m Jacf Ifices of pleafufc, vrith & i
eternal h:Lppuie&, arc fuch la i^ppl)r t<
mccriu ol life. Tl^t iiH naeii iibkj
ItfiDw couric as tetirlutg to mb thci

' pkifttte which u i«itbni rbiir reach, <
liihpic cnjajmeDL They Db|t'cl to g
fOdd for the unr<;en. Cut da not alnj
ililNii of lift; come under the faint; ^
we not give up priefetit c^fe* »ii<l tm

^ dul^ict in ord^r to acquire % future j
wttb oor cuitenE moiiey for the revci^
which wr know iL will be % lon^ tiiii
poOef^ I N;iy, do not Uic moft worJdlj
«.. ir — ^rdiat^ incotiv^^Htencei by rtdlti
in order to infure to tlKjnfthj
t.u TvT rjjfir futtJn- ''■ ^'■:^-^-\-- ? ,

Now*^l'.uthv bftaBCO

fcfp'' b fneom Ct3 tujniUi the foulj
fiip^oTC, while it faUHfks it is to 1

|lifS£h it ha* km iifclf > jiitl as a nt

plildrtga^!!^ ;i{rure htm tiat he: is re^Uy <
liisi not al[ the money la h&iid to fp^oij

-Ihofawlio fgalf helJCTe the blblg, im

STRICTURES ON FE^lilALE EDUCATION. 16 1

onfidered as qualifications for the enjoyment of
Iiappinefs. The negle£): of doing this muft pro-
. from .one of thefe two caufes; either they muft
Ik their prefent courfe a fafe and proper courfe \
k«y muft think that death is to produce iome fudden
furpriiing alteration in the human chara£ter. But
ofEce of death is to tranfport us to a new ftate^
to transform us to a new nature,; the ftrokc of
:li 18 intended to efFe£i our deliverance out of this
W, and our introduftion into another ; "but it is not
ly to effefl: any fudden and wonderful, much lefs
il change in our hearts or our tafte : fo far from
li that we are afTured in Scripture, " that he that is
Qthy will be filthy (lill, and he that is holy will be
loly ftill." Though we believe that death will com-
telycleanfe the holy foul from its remaining pollu-
m^ that it will exchange defective fan£fcificatiou into
rjfea purity, entangling temptation into complete
edom ; fufferin^ and affli£tion into health and joy ;
ibts and fears mto perfe£i fecurity, and opprei&ve
ftrinefs into everlafting reft ; yet tnere is no magic
the wand of death which will convert an unholy
lI into an holy one. And it is awful to rcfle£l, that
h tempers as have the allowed predominance here,
1 maintain it Iprever ; that fuch as the will is when
clofe our eyes upon the things of time, fuch it will
whcn^we open them on thofe of eternity. The
TC zGt of death no more fits us for heaven, than the
irt aft of a mafon who pulls down our old houfe
I us for a new one. If we die with our hearts run-
ig over with the love of the world, there is napro-
fc to lead us to expeffc that we (hall rife with them
1 of the love of God. Death indeed will fhew us to
rfclves fuch as we are, but will not make us fuch as
: are not : and it will be too late to be acquiring
F-knowledge when we can no longer turn it to any
:ount but that of tormenting ourfelves. To illuf-
te this truth ftill farther by an allufior familiar to
: perfons I addrefs : the drawing up the curtain at the
:atre, though it ferve to introduce us to the enter*
nments behind it, does not create in us any new fac*
ies to uaderftand or to reliih thofe entertainments.:

s62 STtiicTuaEt OH ?BH.iLB mmrciTfo«f<

&f iDnAbir T

itiefis mud bavc been slteac^y icquired ; they
k^n |>foyi<l€d beCurchand, and broughc with
^kcCy if wc would rdilh ihc t^eafurea of the j^aM \
lot the CBtcttainmcnt can only operate ^itewt

ctiry to k* It ij> too btc to l^ acqu : ^ icn ^
ougnt to be cfijoyiiv^i ^

1 hat fpirit of piaycT and pmifei tliofe difpoGti
f>f lfi>ve, meeknef^ ♦* peace* quietn^fh, and ^ilTurairce ;*'
' thrtt iiSflifFercncc to tW f-ifliioa of a world whkiii*
|id^ing mway \ that longing lifter deliverincc horn fmi
that dclrre ot holincrii, to^eth^^r wuh ali *^ the £nii^ of
** the fj>int" here, muft furcly make fome parcel oar
« uu It fi c At V on* iof tlic t:tij| oy men t ofa world, the ple^
Jure* 0f wliich ate fill ipintuaL Andwhoc^ni^O^
ceivc any thing ccm parable to the awful furprifc ef %
foul long immeifed in the in^iulgt'nces of vimty mi
plcafurCf jTLt M ihc while lulled by thefe]f<^campmen*
cy of a rt:ht(ion of mere lonn^ i who, while it anomed
ujson heavt^n as a thing of couxfC|, had m:^dc no prvp*
ration Ibrit ! \Vho can cc^Cjciv^ :iny furprifc cnoipsr*
Abk to that of fuch a foul on Hiutttn^ its ryeiiont
wotiil of frnfe, of which all the obje£i% nnd dtii^^^l^ti
werefo conguiiil to its nature, and oprnin;^ £hrm<a
ai world of fpirici of which all the char ^ * -7.
ment arc of a nature ntw, unkncK8|L
ff c c i iica II y d i iferen t ? pk a f u re a. m dff^l
its apprehenfion and more unfattable t
the gratifications of one fcnfc are to the origan* of ^'•t-
iher, or than the nioft exquifite wDrks 01 art j^rA
«iu« to abfolute imbecility o( miiul^

While we would wiin d^ep humiiity t:cknfth
we cannot pnr chafe heaven hy any woik* or rtjfht i»i-
pofnions of our own ; while wi-^ grate fully aekno^t*
edge that it miift be purchiifed for u^ by *' Him who
** Joved ust and w^fhfd us from ourfim in his bItKhl)'
yet let us remember th:^t we have no reafon loei,!^^
we could be capable of enjoying the ple*ifure* of a hc^
Veil fo purchaicd, without heai?eniy mindednefs*

When thofe perfoiiB who are apt to oipctt m mttA'
comfort from religion as if their hearts wcie not iol
of the world, now and then, in ti fit of honefty orlwi
fpiriis, complain thatChiiitianity docs oqi auke ' "

^19- I

STEICTUKES ON VEMALB EDtTCATIOH. aSj

good and as happy as they were led to exped from
t affurance, that «« great peace have they who love
be law of God," and that " they who wait on him
hall want no manner of thing that is good *," whett
^y lament that the paths at religion are not thofe
aaths of plealantnefs*' which they were led to ex-
El ; their cafe reminds one of a celebrated phjAcian,
M> ufed to fay, that the reafon why his preicnptionsi
Vkh commonly cured the poor and the temperate,
%{o little good among his rich, luxurious patients,
kt^ that while he was labouring to remove the dif«
b by medicines, of which they only took drachms,
fein«, and fcniples ; they were inflammg it by a mul-
iScity of injurious aliments, which they f wallowed

ounces, pounds, and pints.

Thefe faihionable Chriftians (hould be reminded,
at there was no half engagement made for them at
BUT baptifm ; that they are not partly their own and
«ljr their Redeemer's. He that is " bought with a
pnce,'* is the fole property of the purchafer. Faith
ie» not confift merely m Submitting the opinions of
t underftanding, but the difpofitions of the heart -:
iigion is not a facrifice of fentiments, but of afFec-
Mis : it is not the tribute of fear extorted from a
tve, but the voluntary homage of love paid by a
tild.
Neithef does, a Chriflian's piety confift in living

retreat, and railing at the pradices of the world,
hile, perhaps, her heart is full of the fpirit of that
orld at which £be is railing : but it confiils m/uhdu*
F the fpirit of the world, refitting its temptations^
td oppofing its pra(9:ices, even while her duty obliges
ir to livcin it.

Nor is the fpirit or love of the world confined to
ofe only who are making a figure in it ; nor are its
aerations bounded by the precinds of the metropolis,
>r by the limited regions of firft rate rank and Iplen*"
>r. She who inveighs againft the luxury and excef-
5 of London, and folaces herfelf in her own compur-^
ive fobricty, becaufe her more circumfcribed fortune
impels her to take up with the fecond-hand pleafureg
; Xttcceilive waterbgtplaces, if ihe purfue thefe plea*

t44

iTEtCTtmms ON rcifjiLe BniscArtmk

drci wtib aviditv» it go<vTrBrd bf the fame fpf i
nd (he whofe ItilJ narrower oppanurtmes ltk£ ki '
the pttty dirctCiotiu of her prrn'mnal town, if fc
* bubrd in fwetUn j; ;ind c j; her f malkf (fbw I

_ vanity mil idlcnns hnv, ^ mjy cprnfizirNt*

Elfwttnher own uvi? jjo^

undtminable | of the

I the fUll more uaapproachable jayn d:
^rented by the f^imc ipint : for ilic w*.*^ ,_ «. , ,-
lifljpaTcdi and 4i£ exiTi^vagitiit as a£l ual clrcumfbfrciei
dmU| would be as vsin, as diO«p»itcd» and air' — ^
lant as ihc g:tycft objcds of hrr lavcOitc athii
3 R\c could chaitgc pkceg wicb tbcm. It is nu
lly hj wh,it we do that we caA be fure the fyitit tSj
l%i^ond h;t!* nadomiFiioa over uSp but by fairly
lin^ Mvhat we Ihould prob;ibly do if more %ve\
[power.

r The worldly ChTiftian^ tf I may be :iUawed ftsdsl
LiialpaUc contridiftioo in tcrmsi inufl not tms^in^tfitf
rthc »rqui!i« hecfclf of her rciigtoui obligations by paf
ill her mere weekly obl<4rioti of prayer. There ii
i cave nam by w^ii^^h communion wnh Uoi is t€iknBd\
u*n hour or two on the Sunday ; Oit; muft not irmt"
ffltc incquils hcrfdl by fitting apart a few pt
I days in the ye;jr for the exercife of a pt^tod
votion, snri then flying biick to the woiM a-t eaj

if fiie wetv.* rcfolved to rep^ijr hcrf^lf wuh brge

for her fhort iit of ftlfdcniil ; the (lre<*n% of pleaffl
runs with a more r^pi I currait, from hiring bcfft
interrupted by this forced obittui1;iori. And the avid*
ity i^ith which we have ken cctt^in perfon* of a ftfll
kfs correct chara^^lcr than the dafs we have bc«i<«l-
Tidcnng, return to a whole Y^^f^t carmv:i(j nfier
fclf impofed penance of a pj»(£on week.gtvti a Ihi
intimation -that they canlldeted thetemparaTy abfti
'tion kfs aii an adt of penitence for the p^ft^ th^ at!
purchafe of ifi damnify for the future* Such bll
weight proteft»tits prudtntly condir ion for rtrwnii
the Popi^ doctrine of indLilgcnces, which they M
i»ot indeed of the late fpirituif court of Rome, bar
that fccrer, fd f- acq ijut ting jurig*;, which ignofanec d
lis own tu^itude, and oi the AtiQ tequironcna

d

I]

I

STRICTURES ON FEMALE EDUCATION. 265

livine hw, has eftabliflied fupreme in the tribunal
^cry unrenewed heart.

It the pradtice of felf- examination is impeded by
dog, which renders it peculiarly inconvenient to
;ay and worldly : for the royal prophet (who was,
aver, himfelf as likely as any one to be acqucfinted

tlie difRculties peculiar to greatnefs) has annexed
concomitant to "communing wiihour own heart,''
we fliould " beftilU' Now this claufe of the in-
hion annihilates the other, by rendering it incom-
»le with the prefent habits of failiionable life, of
Yiftillne/s is clearly not one of the conilituents. It
id, however, greatly alTift thofe who do not alto-
^ decline the praft ice, if they were to eftablilli
a rule the habit of detcQing certain fufpicioua
tices, by realizing them, as it were, to their own
Is, through the means of drawing them out in
1, and of placing them before their eyes cloathed
nguage ; for there is nothing that fo effectually
fes anabfurdity which has hitherto pafled mutter
rant of fuch an inquilition, as giving it fhape, and
, and body. How many things whicn now
:ly work themfelves into the habit, and pafs cur-
without inquiry, would then fliock us by their
ible inconfiftency ! Who, for inftance, could
I the fight of fucn a debtor and creditor account
is^; — Item — So many card- parties, balls, and ope-
ue tame in the following year, for fo many min-

prayers and meditations paid beforehand during
ift fix days in Lent ? With how much indignation
:r this fuggeftion may be treated ; whatever of-
5 may be taken at fuch a combination of the Teri-
md tne ludicrous ; however we may revolt at the
of fuch a compofition with our Maker, when put
To many words ; does not the habitual courfe of

go near to realize fuch a ftatement ?
It " a Chriftian^s rar^," as a venerable Prelate*"
ves, " is not run at fo many heatsy* but is a con-

courfe, a regular progrefs, by which we are con-
lly gaining ground upon fin, and approaching
:r to the kingdom of God.

• %

* Bifhop Hopkiiii,

«fl DC I

sitbeuoi
ercti for .
hOit^^n iuHii tin

Hi it wciT-

V. ii iiwe]Jro<

'i<*^ not only fn

hwful ' -

■ '.vifK ,111 fi

Tct ai to ihofc who lort

were form I whotiif^in., ., ..; thq
rftirt*metitp a wtek lo vthlch ic i§ r
tD bt (ttn in town \ who nrttrc %mii|
lutioQ to retfim t6 die maxims^i
t^ "" : -. of ihat world which th«f j
I ^ t!i it not IQ be feared it

llojw u hii li dixrs not ct-eii pretend I
dple, but m<rre ty fufpciid^ the aA,!
fct :» kccrKTcdpc oa the itppetice ioj
afo quit ling ? Is k not to h^ feafq
fly hick with rciloi c frt

nstuaily bent ? tJiiu . ^: ,..:;.. .le^c ^
with the transient ex terniaU of a foi

STRICTURES ON FEMAJLE EJDUCATIQN.. %Srj

ng a fet of hardfhips, which muji be occafionally.
ountered, in order to procure a peaceable enjoyment
l^e long refpite ? — a fliort penalty for a long plca-
z i that thefe fevere conditions thus fulfilled, the
^tted Chriilian having paid the annual demand of
gorous requifition, (he may now lawfully return to
natural ftate *, the old reckoning being adjuded^
'may begin a new fcore, and receive the reward o£
j)un^ual obedience, in. the refumed indulgence of
U gratifications which ihe had for a fliort time laid
\c as an hard tafk to pleafe an hard mader : but this
: performed, and the mailer appeafed, the mind may.
X)ver its natural bent, in joyluUy returning to the
sils of its real choice ? Whereas, is it not clear on
other hand, that if the religious exercifes had pro-
ed the efftO: which it is the nature of true religion
sroduce, the penitent couU not return with her old,
Lttine alacrity to thofe habits of the world, from
ich the pious weekly manuals through which flie
been labouring witn the pun£):uality of an alma-
as to the day, and the accuracy of a bead-roll as*
he number, were intended by the devout authors to
:ue their reader ?

! am far from infinuating, that this literal fequeftra-
"i ought to be prolonged throughout the year, or
t all tne days of bufinefs are to be made equally days
folcmnity and continued meditation. This earth is
lace in which a much larger portion of a common
riftian's time mull be afllgncd to aftion than to con-
iplation. Women of the higher clafs were not
t into the world to fliun fociety, but to improve it.
ey were not defigned for the cold and vi nonary vir-
s of folitudes and monafteries, but for the amiable»
I endearing, and ufeful offices of fecial life ; they
of a religion which does not impofe idle aufterities,
enjoins active duties ; a religion which demands
mod benevolent adiions, and which requires them
be fanftified by the pureft motives ; a religion*
ich does not condemn its followers to the com par-
ody eafy tafk of [tcluCion from the world, but af-
is them the more difficult province of living uncor-
ted in it J a religion which, wfiile it forbids thexn^

t^ fc!lr»^ « mtfUlmde ^ Ho mw/," indulges b^

:, anil ytluch oo
• pi* liim ** wiic

Tit nafofiaWy CfifHrnd, that
iUdtr^tWn is iKic rtqtrirrvf, yci thii

i ,v.. .. ..; ^ ' . ■- whirK we woiijd hope ill* '

tiprjf cvl !> tin wham mt are unS^

^i Juring die *«« -Atonal Humiliation^ muft, I
ic^l Cliriitian, be c«ci>c!cd ihroufefhoat aH the wij
oft! 'And ^A'' ■ - ■• ^ -^ I^

tiurt^ her coiivri i.aioTi, >

if^fluciicc her common hw ,.......,_.

_^ck8, ST\J r;in£llfy her very pte;irtirc$^

But it fecra.'fi ihat many, w!«> enEenaiii a |»«ir* ,j
tlon of CbTiftian duty> do not confidinr it m ol unbfi

— and unremitting obligation, but mter :is i doty ^
' iiig n times on all, ana ut a!1 times an fomc. Ti^ T
teritlori of fuch wc would rector . : .' ' verj
addlcfa of our Lord on the l r-dfi

tcoipcrdirc<ajy oppofed to a wuii,! : ** Ai53

** r4Kl unto them AtLi if any man v ic after u_

** let him difny himfeJf, and t:ite up his croft DiiLT?
Thofc who think fcif-denbl not of »m*vf'/A/ obligt^f^t
wilt obftrve the word i?//, ^ind thofc who think thct)KH-

f gat ion not ca^Jiafti , will i^tt€nd lo the term ^aify* T!
two little words cut up by the root all fi»e occafiti
religious obfer ranees grafted on a world h T*'
tranfientj pi^riodicalj and temporary aftsof pwrti
fome feeni willing to commute for a hit of
thought le fine fs and vanity.

There is indeed fear eel y a' mote ptiiahle being tfcin
one M^hoj in (lead of making ho" reltgton the intor
principle of all fhc doesj has only jult enough io\
11^ r in continual fear j who drudges throu^li licr fdtl
jcxt^rcifes with a fuperftitioirs kind of timi^r, nrhilej
^enerjl life fhows that the lo^r^ t.f *ir4mcf6 ia ooc
;f^vernfn|j pnncjplc in her heu fcttfui to (u

^^1 the paias and pcnahiesof Chj^iuaAJu^j bm iia J

STRICTURES ON FEMALE EDUCATION. 25

to " that liberty wherewith Chrift has made u
;e-'* Let it not be thought a ludicrous inventior
i author hazard the producing a real iUuftration c

remarks, in the inltance of a lady of this ftamj
returning from church on a very cold day, and re
ing. with a good deal of felf- complacency he
\ me had fuflSred in the j>erformai|ce of her dutj
orted herfelf with emphatically adding, " that (h
ped however it' would anfwer^\
lere is this (Iriking difference between the real an.
eorldly.Chriftian, the latter does not complain o
tridlnefs of the divine law, but of the deficiencie
IS own performance 5 while the worldly Chriftia:
tic troubled at. his own failures, but deplores th
:nefs of the divine rcquifitions. The one wiihe
Gpd would expe£l lefs, the other prays for ftrengtl
more. When the worldly perfon hears rea
Aians. fpeak of their own low ftate, and acknowl

theip extreme unworthinefs.5 he really believe
\ to be worfe than thofe who make no fuch hu
iting confeiUons. He does not know that a min<
h is at once deeply convinced of its own corrup
;, and of the purity pf the divine law, is fo keenl;

to the perception of all fin as to be humbled b;
:ommiffion of fuch as is comparatively fmall, ani
:h thofe who have lefs. corre£l views of Gofpe
I, hardly allow to be fin at all. Such an one witl
fays, " Now mine t^t/eetb Thee."
lit there is no permanent comfort in any religion
: of thaf by which the diligent Chriftian drive
all his anions fhall have the love of God for thei
ve, and the glory of Gk)d> as well as his own fal
>n, for their end ; while to go about to balanci
good and bad anions one agamft the other, and t<
comfort in the occafional predominance of the for

while the cultivation of the principle from whici

fhould fpring is negleftcdj is not the road to al
: peaceful fruits of the fpirit to which true Chrif
ty conduQs the hunable and penitent believer
after all we can do, Chriftian tempers and a Chrif
fpirit are the true criterion of a Chriftian charac
and fprve to furnifh the moft uneouivocal left o

I7# sTUicTUTifis o» pBMite tnucATion*

%f ftttammeiils in reUglon. Our doQ fines tnfj^

pund) but tbey nuy not be inHuentia! 4 our ;tdiiO

jiy be corretl, but they may w;mt the f^nfiifji ^

fin d pie i our frames and fcdings m^y/^tm^ nay, liff

ftay & devout, but they may be heightened by wm

i\ fervour ^ even if genuitief they site fcldooii bit*

; ancl to many piouti pcircna tliey ^te iu>t |trea/'

Is tltefuforeflie CnriftuD tempcn which inoft uifilli*

kty indicate the fmoere Chriftiait, and bed prefitreliffl

fm the heavenly (laec*

I am AWare tmt a better oift of €hara£fcerfi than tbofe
t%*t h^ve been con^empbtiug | th^t even the imiatilfi
r^nd the well*difpofcd* whoj wh\k they waiit eoiliaM
r;tci rcGft wh^t tney h^ve too much pnnciple to ttu
LTrghti an J too much fciife to jtiftify, wlH yet plead ftiir
tht pe/^fufffl^ fylUm^ am! accufe tnefe remarlcA of iiO'
['licceflary rigour. They wiil declare *' that reaily:i«y
r** an? as leligiou® as they can be ; they wUb they woe
^< better \ they have little fiitisfnition in the life tkf
"*' are leaeiitig, yet they cannot break with ihc world j
.*' they cannot fiy in the face of cuftom ; it doci iwt
*' become individuals like them to oppofe the torrttit of
** faDiion,** Beings romtereftin^, abounding wiihejv
gaging qualities ; who rjOt only ft^el the beauty olgooJ-
uelSj but reverence the truths of Christianity, and ait
'.iW fully ! (XI king foi a general jadgmcnt, wc arc pricirti
to h'-ar Ument **thaL they only do as oihers do/' whefi
they are perhaps themfeives of fuch rank and mifosh
anee, that if they wouid begin to ^o right* others wo^li
be brought 10 do as they did. We are grieved lo hctf
them indotently aCrt, thiU " they wilh it were otbcr*
** wife," when they pcBtfn th^ power to mukf \t othe^
witc, by fetring an e^c wiple which they know would te
followed. We are lorry to hear them content them*
felves with declaiingj that " they hfive not the oouf'
H age to be lingularj when they muil feel, hf fc^ttf
the influent^e of their example in wr»tfc 1
there would be no fuch gre^t flngularity lu ^
if once ///^^ became fmccrely pious- Befir^csi thb Oi^
_ fidence doi^s not break out on other occafionSt ITssj*
^^o not blufii to be quoted ^5 the Qppol'er*^ of an old mnd%
^■^^C kiventorg oi a new ouc ; ngi »rc tliey e^^i«Uf

STRICTURES ON FEMALE ElfOCATlON. 27!

backward in being the firft to appear in a ftrange fafliion,
Tttch an one as often excites wonder, and fometimes
even offends againft delicacy. Let not then diffidence
be pleaded as an excufe only on occafions wherein
courage would be rirtue.

WUl it be thought too harfh a queflion if we ven-
ture to afk thefe gentle charadiers who are thus en«
trenching themfelves in the imaginary rafety of fur-
rounduig multitudes, and who lay ** We only do a$^
'* others do," whether they lire willing to run the tre-^
Diendous rilk of confequences, and to/are as othtrsfare ?

But while thefe plead the authority of Fafhion as a
fuffictent reafon for their conformity to the world, one
who has fpoken with a paramount authority, has pod-
tively faid, «* Be ye not conformed to the world." Way^
it is urged as the very badge and diftincJion by which
the chara£ier oppotite to the Chriftian is to be marked,
«* that the friendftiip of the world is inmity with God."

Temptation to conform to the world was never per-
haps more irrefiftible than in the days which immedi-
ately preceded the Deluge : and no man could ever
have pleaded the fajhion in ordei to juftify a criminal
afiimilation with the reigning manners, with more pro-
priety than the Patriarch Noah. He had the two grand
and contending objedls of terror to encounter which
we have 5 the tear of ridicule, and the fear of deftruc-
tion ; the dread of fin, and the dread of fingularity.
Our eaufe of alarm is at leaft equally preffing with
his ; for it does not appear, even while he was aflually
obeying the Divine command in providing the means
of his future fafety, that he /aw any adlual fymptoms
of the impending ruin. So that in one fenfe Jbe might
have truly pleaded as an excufe for flacknefs of prepa-
ration, " that all things continued as they were fron^
•* the beginning ;" while many of us, though the ftorm
i^ adually begun, never think of providing die refuge :
it is*true he was " warned of God," and he provided
•« by faith." But are not we alfo warned of God ?
have we not had a fuller revelation ? have we not feen
Scripture illuflrated, prophecy fulfilling, with every
awful circumftance that can either quicken the molt
fluggiib remiiTiicfsj or confirm the feebkft faith ?

^TUf CTi:itei OH PKMAtt £G0CATf9ll^

thi U

iii to

4

Ikfidr^t ihc Patmrch'* pica for follows i
'}fru ttfongtr tlian you caa proj^uc^.

I Uut m*ny jiie going wrongs. W faw .

|oiog ti^hL " Ail fl<-Mh h.id corrupted his w&y iKfitf i

« Giia i** wiijift^ WciTca be Gad I you hii?cftiil«^!

Imiccs aiotigh of pkiy to fcecp you in countciiii^s^l

kniVhile yoii Ument that fh •wW^rf' fciluc^^ you, (fortttJj J

9nc lufc a liulc wofW of ^^& o^*n,) your worMpakjS I <

J6 only * pcttj Dciglib^^ ' nd i^uflWi I

Tbat tlic PitHirch ba<l ofaB^i^l

1 united worJd to rcGH; he had hcctally the extiiipk «i

[the whole f-iC€ of the earth to oppoic. The " ' ^

'* m^^' alfo would then liave been ti more

i^ultt when tlic livci of the fime individuals «*

L Jikely to ejccite refpc^ or fcati waa pfolottgcd

than it can be in the flioit pmod now

3 man tifc. How lamentabie tlicn that human

''(boutd operate £o powerfuVIy, when ii h but

breadi of ;i bdng fp frail and, Co tliort^liycdi

Hie on« cm lij he b !

Tou who find It fo diiFicuh to wtthftand die tndirtdai!
allurement of one modiih acquittance, would, if j^
h;id been in the Fatri^rch'i eafe^ hare conciuded ih*
ft^u^glc to be qyJlc inefFe£Xual| and funk under tk
fuppoled fruitkliijcfs of refiftance- **Myfelf,** woitt
you not have faid ? **or at mod my little fafnUftif
** eigbt perfons can never hope to i^op thU lottent of
'* corniption j I Ja merit the fruitleiTneis of oppoKtioni
'* i dtplore the ncceflity of conform ky iriih the pp^
*' vailing fyftem : but it wouJd be a foolrOi preftiil^
** tipn to hope that **# family eati dFc€t a chaoge iiil«
** J I ate of the world." In your own cafe^ however, it
is not certiiln to how wide an extent the hearty t^m&n
of even fewer per Ton a in fiich a caufc might reach : 3t
l^^a is it nothing to do what the Patriarcli did i ^
it nothing to preferve himfelf from the general dtfti
lion i Was it nothing to deliver his own faul ? W
nothing to refcue the (aah of Im whole fami Jy ?
^. A wik rn^n will never differ from the w^tidd m tt\
^t is certaint/ a mark of a found judgmcmt to cam]
Ij^m cuftom whe^jeva wgfafely can, fuch coinpl

STRICTURES OS FEMALE mUCATION. 273

gthens cur influence, by refcrving to ouTfclves th<
ter weight of authority on thofe occafions, wher
confcience obliges us to differ. Thofe who arc
ent will cheerfully conform to all the innoccni
;s of the world ; but thofe who are Chriftians wiL'
Tupulous in defining which are really innoccni
ious to their conformity to them. Not what th<
d, but what the Gofpel calls innocent will b<
d at the grand fcrutiny to have been really fo. A
eet Chriftian will take due pains to be convinced h<
;ht before he will prefume to be fingular : but fron'
nftant he is perfuaded that the Gofpel is true, anc
J7crld of courfe wrong, he will no longer rilk hi«
y by following multitudes, or hazard his foul by
ng It on human opinion. •. All our moft dangerous
akes arife from our not conftantly referring oui
Hoc to the ft?.nc!ard of Scripture, inftead of th<
ible (landard of human eftimation by which it h
>ffible to fix the real value of charaftcrs. For thij
r (landard in fomc cafes determines thofe to b<
I who do not run all the lengths in which the no-
mfly bad allow themfelves. The Go(pel has ar
erfal, the world has a local (landard ofgoodnefs
lertain focieties certain vices alone are difhonour^
fuch as covetoufnefs and cowardice % while thofi
of which our Saviour has faid, that |^ey whicl
mit them *' (hall not inherit the kingdom of God,'
ad nothing from the refpeft fome pcrfons receive
, thofe very chara£lcrs whom the Almighty has ex
isly and awfully declared " He will judge," * ar
ived, are admired, are careficd, in that which call
f the beft company.

lit to weigh our adlions by one (landard now, whei
know they will be judged by another hereafter
lid be reckoned the heiglit of abfurdity in an;
faftions but thofe which involve the intertlls o
nity. '* How readeil thou i" is a more fptjcif;
£lion than any comparative view of our own habit
1 the habits of others : and at the final bar it v/il
)i little avail that our aflions have rifen above thof

* Iicbie^:S} xiii. ^

a74

STRlCTUmB* OiH 9MMAIJB. mSVCATl^H.

W^l h^ mCDi if aftr r!cwB and principles* fliall be i
to h%^c bctn in appoGyoo to tlic f V ' - ' f Chrift.
Koi U lJt«> praOkc more corr . le, vtifi Ht

on die W4ich lo p»4:k oui die v ons oJ jt»d

, by WAjf of juiliiVin^ their i Juclotiil^,

Cf>nipinC(jQ^ The huU* of the bcii njcn, '^ fan
•* IS not a juft mao upon earth vho fMineth not /* <
- in no wife juAify the crr^fi of the woril ; nnd kn GKi^l

tii?dnably, the example of cifen good mco that
w mutl take for our uncrting ritle of condiitt i uoi 1
A by ji tingle action iluii other f h^ y or we ftiall be |q
■ e4 i iot ill that cifc who could be favcd ? but it ssO
I ihe gencf ai prcvakncc of right prtticiple^ and
BlabltSy and QuiRiaji teimicrs j by the predomitt^
of halineCfr, nnd righicoumcTsi and lemperance in I
lifci ?nd by the power of huaiiUty^ faith, aad lovt.^
lh« hcirt«

CHAP* X3L

J H£ autl»or hat jug in thU little work takoi a ?iev
of the falfc notions men imbibed ih e^irlv hie <roni i
bad education! and of their pernicious cifccls ; aikl ,
ing attempted to point out the refpeiiive rei
thefe J ihe vi^ould now draw all tl^at has been
|jDlntj and declare plainly what Ihe humbly coti€
to be the £jurce whence all thtrfe falfc siotioni^ and I
wrong conduit really proceed : tlie prophet Jemmi
fliall anfwer : '^ It is becaufc they have for taken ('
** fountain of living waters* and have hewn ouc
** themfeJves cifterns, broken cifterns that can holtf
*' water/' Ie is an ignorance pa ft belief of what (
Chrillizinity really is : the remedy, tlierefore. and I
only remedy that can be apptiai with any profpcdi]
fuccefs, is REX^GiON, and by Reli^^Ion Oie would r
underftood to mean the Gofpcl of Jefu5 Chrift*

STRICTURES O-N FEMALE EDUCATION. 275

has been before hiHted, that Religion fhould be
ht at an early period of life ; that children (hould
'ought up " in tne nurture and admonition of the
)rd." The manner in which they ftiould be taught
ikewife with great plainnefs been fuggefted ; that
ould be done in fo lively and familiar a manner a«
lake Religion amiable, and her ways to appear^
t they really are, «« ways of pleafantnefs." And
jht iketch nas been given of the genius of Chrif-
ty, by which her amiablenefs would more clearlj
:ar. But this, being a fubjeft of i. .h vaft impor-
c compared with which every other fubjefl finks
nothing ; it feems not fufEcient to fpeak on th€
rines and duties of Chrillianity in detached parts,
it is of importance to point out, though in a briei
imperfeft manner, the mutual dependance of one
rine upon another, and the influence which theft
rines have upon the heart and life, fo that the dutie.
hriftiaiiity may be feen togrow out of its doSirines
i^hich it will appear that Cfhriftian virtue dithers ef-
illy from Pagan : it is of a quite different kind
plant itfelf is different, it comes from a diffeieni
, and grows in a different foil.
: will be feen how the humbling do£lrine of the
uption of human nature, which has foUowcdi^ron
corruption of our firft parents, makes way for th<
ht difplay of redeeming love. How from the aba-
thought that " we are all as fheep going aftray
'ery one in his own way :" that none can return tc
(hepherd of our fouls, ." except the Father dra\«
ni :' that ** the natural man cannot receive the
ings of the Spirit, becaule they are fpiritually dif
rned : * how from this humiliating view of th(
ejfnefiy as well as the corruption of human nature;
ire to turn to that animating doftrine, the offer oi
ne ajjtfiance. So that though human nature wil
;ar from this view in a deeply degraded (late, ant
Tequently all have caufe for humility, yet not on<
caufe for defpair : the difeafe indeed is dreadful
a phyfician is at hand, both able and willing t(
: us : though we are naturally without " ftreng.th
ir help is laid upon One that is snighty«'' If th*

t76 rrnlCTUREi oh female ED^CATtaH.

Cofpel dircovcr to ut oor lapfcd (latt, it difcovtefi
Ibc inCatH of uut refloration td the ctivini
favour. It HOC oaly diicov ct«, but impii
Bf^c I It nm only jjivcs u5 the def ■
tauiment of thi^ favour ^ tnd wl.^
fugi:«Ai the remedy , his Spirit ^pplt^fr it.
, Wc flioiilil obfcrv^ ihcOf tllat the liocbioei «f i
Saiiour stiCi If 1 may fo fptak» with a be^uiifulaiQl
cticy, a!l woteii imo wic mecc, W ^
a view of ihek reciprocil acp^nilcnce
cd Uiat with oat a dfcp fenfc of <^**r
wc can ncTCT fcnoutlv bclirvc m u
iuhihimui sind acceptable belief
arif^ffnm ihe cnt^vitlioti of our
withc^ut 7t firm pcyfuiifion that f
alone reiWre <>ut f;*ll<!n nitorc, ic |
aTi d renew 1 1 ■ of G od u poi i

i!uU be biL i icrious huiitb

taoce und relluritiL^n ^ atid that,
t^mcef thtre is na f^Llvxtiun : for
' died for us, and confequcmJv to liiin Jilone wc
] jok as a Saviour, yt^t he h»s himlclf dccjjrod tim
Kirilj fave none but irue pciiieeut^,

Q}4 nm DarmiMEor hi^mj^^ coftacfnoH.

To come now to t more p^tticwlftr ftateincnt of (
^o£lriiieg. When at^ iiri| r is about to 1

creeled, a wife buiJder \Vk ■ ,iiid look ^dlj

Che foundatlonsj ktiowirig tlyil witivout thit the,
%iU not be bkeiy to (land- The foundation of I
Chrillian religion, out of wbkh the whole ttm&i
iinay be faid ro arifc, appean to be rhc dodfiu
/all of man from his orrginal Rate of rlghtei]
' and the cotruptioii and bclpleflbcfs of human
which ar^ the confequenccs of fhis fall, ind wlrick j

k-tiie natural ftate of evety on« bom imo the iy<*tl
To this dodrine it is importaiit lo co^Kiliatc the mini
^ore efpecially of young perfonSj who mt fKfuii**^
«jfpofcd to turn away from it a& a mofofe^ una«i ""
*ntf gloomy idea. They arc apt to accufc
^ciqore Hikik and&riousj of unaecciar/ fcvc

STRICTURES OX FEMALE EDUCATION. 277

ifpe^ them of thinkinj^ unjuftly ill of mankiml-
le of the reafons wliich prejadice the inexpcrien-
agi^infl the doflrine in queition, appear to be the:
3wing :

^oung perfons themfelves " have fecn little of the
Id. In pleafurable fociety the world puts on its
t amiable appeatance ; and that foftnefs and ur-
ity which prevail, particularly amongfl perfons of
ion, are liable to oe miftakeu for more than they
really worth. The oppofition to this doftrine in
young, arifes partly from ingenuoufncfs of heart,
ly from a habit of indulging themfelves in favour-
luppofitions refpe£ling the world, rather than o£
iuing truths which is always the grand thing to be
Tued, and partly from the popularity of the tenet,
9*very body is Jo nuwderfully good J
!*his error in youth has however a ftill deeper foun-
on, which is their not having a right (landard of
•al good and evil themfelves, in confequtnce of
r already partaking of the very corruption which is
cen of, and which, in perverting the will, daikens
underftanding alfo ; they are therefore apt to have
very ftrift fenfe of duty, or of the neceflity of a
it and religious motive to every aft.
lorcover, young people ufually do not know tliem-
28- Not having yet been much expofed to tempta-
, owing to the prudent reftraints in which they
2 been kept, they little fufpecb to what lengths in
they themfelves are liable to be tranfported, nor
' far others aftually are carried who are fet free
n thofe reftraints.

taving laid down thefe as fome of the caufes of er-
Dn this point, I proceed to oWerve on what ftrong
ind the do£lrine itfelf Itands.
rofane hiftory abundantly confirms this truth : tlie
3ry of the world being in fa£t little- elfe tlian the
)ry of the crimes of the human race. Kven though
annals of remote ages lie fo involved in obfcurity^
fome degree of uncertainty attaches itfelf to many
ic events recorded, yet this One melancholy truth
Iways clear, that moft of tlie mifexies which ha^rc
Z

'F

a^l fTOcrtmes om rBii*i^ euucattoh.

been btnugbt on nmakitiili have praceedcd fmak \
gctKT.^ iJtpnivity. ^ ^ ^

'Ilw! world wc now tive in funiillict Abitnibntpl
el thU milk. In ft world fonticd on e! ' ^
c^MfOfy of thofe wbo nCcrc the infiocciigc ,
of m*n* ftlmoll 3^11 tlic profclGoiift, fincc
have b^i! rrn*irfed iifekis by fueh a ft^f r c :
W0uy r kitted* Without (lo

pf efuoK ?ald liHTC been no f, • [_j_

€*ery aitfdif:^! pmfcflbr is a (landliig ^
fad tr nfli. Si ti not o ri f V b f o c L'1 - : E^ ^1 n -
tlK worfd i Cimrr
irrcffAgableargus;.^... ...-.: « ;. ^ ...... .^ ..♦*»

man pitftfCTcd in hit ortpnuJ inic^ty, tlierc u,
kave occn no Ku|[ationt for tbcrc wamd be no cimSi
about property m a MNnrM where none would f
dined to attack it, Piofcffors of J >
the attorney who pfofrctitet for a i .

dCT iil, Qf V

dcni: J tht* dij. E^

lory by lea or land tliouid^ teach us to rejoice wit
mil buon, for con<|«t;il Titci/ brings :i terrible, tboti
fplcndit! jtirHation to ihc truth ofihc fall of mmu
Even thofe wlto (knj the doftrkie, aft lutivcr C
more or lefs on th< principle. Why do wc all fee
our hotifcji with boles, and bars, and lock* i Do '
tatie thffe fcpn 10 de&iad cnf Ihten or propdTtr fiom^,

hour, or f^^f fctv^iU, :

3brcm a ptatSllcal convicUoia *A ihc >

from a conftatu, p^^rv aiding, but >

impending rvil arilittjr from the fi ;■

ruption. Are not prifens baiit, aiKi U;v„ ^♦^-^.u,:, ^^_

the fame practical princtpfc f ^H

But, not to4ci'cend to the more dcffraded part of olW
fpecles. Why in the lalrefl tranfaiiion of buCiK&ii^
nothtng executed v^lthout bonds, receipts, and m ""
of hand t Why d^c^ noi a pcrfr^ conhdmi^e 10
dignity cf human n&iiiri aboJilh dU thefc fccujit
not between enemies^ or fcnple oi^iftrrTefit tct"
ochfff^ yet at Jeaft between ^

STRTCTt?UB6 ON FEMALE EDUCATION. 375

of that univerfal fufpicion between man, and man,
which, by all we fee, and hear, and feel, is become in-
terwoven with our very make ? Though we do not
entertain any individual fufpicion, nay, though we
have the ftrongeft perjbncl confidence, yet the acknow-
ledged principle of conduft has this doclrine for its
bafis. «* I will take a receipt, thougli it were from
•* my brother,*' is the eftabliihed voice of mankind j
or, as I have heard it more artfully put, by a fallacy of
which the verydifguife difco vers the principle, " Think
" every man honeft, but deal with him as if, you knew
•* hin to be otherwife." And as in a ftate of inno-
cence, the beads, it is prefumed, would not have bled
for the fuftenance of man, fo their parchments would
not have been wanted as inftruments of his fecurity
againfl: his fellow man. *

But the grand arguments for this doftrine muft be
drawn from the Holy Scriptures : and thefe, befides
implying it almoft continually, exprefsly affert it j and
that in inftances too numerous to be all of them
brought forward here. Of thefe may I be allowed to
produce a few ? " God faw that the wickednefs of
" man was great, and that every imagination of the
«• thoughts of his heart was only evil continually :"—
•* God looked upon the earth, and behold it was cor-
•* rupt ; for all flijh had corrupted his wny upon tlie
** earth. And it repented the Lord that he had m?.:ic
** man on the earth, and \t grieved him at bis heart '*\
This is a piflure of mankind before the flood, and
the docirine receives additional confirmation in Scrip-
ture, when it fpeaks of the times which followed after
that tremendous judgment had taken place. The
Pfalms abound in lamentations on the depravity of
man *' They are all gone afide ; there is none that doeth
•* good, no not oneJ** — " In thy fight," fays David, ad-
dreffihg the Moft High, " (hall no man li<ving be jufti-

• Bilhop Butler diftinftly declares this truth to be evident, from ex-

rerience as well as Revelation, ** that this world exhibits an idea of a
' Ruin ;'* and be will hazard much who ventures to a(fe;t that >{ut.
ler defended Chriftianity upon principles unconibnant to najjn^ fbiloj'a-
fkj, or found ixfcrUme,

X Geneiis vi«

ate fTfciCTimis cm wmiA^tn ebuca

tfdj^ Tofej m ki* ^^n1 InftT ftrtiin nf mrrrroptiWi

ilia' i tr-^rn nf

I-
M* II i! up in :

r

n 111 //ij ti

i

ftnrCU P 1 irs.'U t d v> '1^ L ^-il t)f}t tl>4* i line I,:: Lll^

^1 Goily but chofc ih^t be of mmm I** cricmfly ini
lliat the n^ar ^ *

PAnd our Suv

[Tcjples, obffr> s ihcy ^ci^ by Imfnee

JjniiJc itifferiM^' TClorv" lltry mtft etf*^^

la be hatcti h
KitlhoLild be ^ ;

Lfhat the wofy is wicked » th^c otir Lord con'
l^f /^^ 'u^r/j^*' ai cyppofetl to him and w liift

■* If ye were of the world, the wmld wouJfL 1

*** owa ; fcut I have chofen you out of the worl/
P* fore the worl4 hat<:th yoa/'f St* Jahn^ wt
[iiis Chrtflian church, ttatcs the famr
^* know that wr are of Cod, aod the wl -

** in wif' *■

Mani, rural and unWlie^'inj^ (hit? if lil

ygeprefentetl ai^ in a ilate of
^orcof AJmightT GoJ* ^' i

•• Son, fliall not fee Jtfe s b^^ ilie wratU of God «

" on him,"

jHtlufat L— ^^, ,._..._ .... ..., ,,

STRTCTURUS ON FEMALE EDUCATION. a8 I

Here, however, if it be objeftcd, that the heathen

quirers concerning
enter in at the ftrait gate." It is enough for us to be-
lieve that God, who will judge the world in righte-
oufncfs," will judge all men according to their oppor-
tunities. The heathen to whom he nas not fent the
light of the Gofpel will probably not be judged by the
Gofpel. But with whatever mercy he may judge thole
who, living in a land of darknefs, arc without know-
ledge of his revealed law, our bufinefs is not with them,
but with ourfclves. It is 0irr bufinefs to confider what
mercy he will extend to thofe who, living in a Chrif-
ttan country, abounding with means and ordinances,
where the Gofpel is preached in its purity •, it is our
bufinefs to inquire how he will deal with thofe who (hut
thfiir eyes to its beams, who clofe their ears to its
truths. For an unbeliever who has pafled his life in
the meridian of Scripture Hpht, or for an outward but
unfruitful profeflor of ChnlUanity, I know not what
hope the Gofpel holA; out.

The natural ftate of man is again thus defcribcd :
" The carnal mind is enmity againft God ; (awful
•' thought !) for it is net fubjecl to the law of God,
" neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the
" flefh canftot pleafe God.*' What the Apoftle means
by Seing in the fiijhs is evident by what follows ; for
fpeaking of thofe whofe hearts were changed by divine
grace, he fays, " But ye are not in the flelh, but in the
" fpirit, if fo be that the fpirit of God dwell in you :"
that is, you are not now in your n.uural ft-U'.^ : the
change that has palTl'd on your miinls Dy ihc influence
of the Spirit of God is fo ^.vat, that your fi.ite may
properly 'oe called ** b^iriij in th«:- Spirit." It m:iy be
further obiVrvcd, thar tl:c fame i^poille, wr'iiiiij^ to the
churches of Gtlaria, t-.-ilb them, th.it the natural cor-
ruption of the huinan heart is continually oppofing the
fpn'it of holintls which inlluLiices thi regenerate.
" The flefii lufVeth ag lin:! the fpirit, and tiic fpirit
« agaii)fl rhc fl.lh, anJ th-^L* arc contrary the one to
*• the other ; which o'fTij^e by the way, at the fame

Ui tmcTiraEs ok female Ennc4Tio«K.

J* %l :

h i.
I

^, v^hQ iXijM dchiu me <

COllf l::

w

?J1 Will ^^^1

nrrtv *' r^|

,»• li:

' i'.uiV..

I

^OrJd, 1,,..

V ho oppi

1

m.

k biif^fv) abodes, utd tjw V i** i*"""

STRICTURES ON rEMALE EDUCATION. 28 i

Jefus Chrift : " For there is non^ other name ^iveii
•* among men whereby we nuift be faved." If wc:
a£k whom did Chrifl ct.«ae to fave ? the Scripture di-
rtStiy anfwers, "11^ c.une into th-* world to fave/r>»-
«fr/;"— **Hisiiame wr.s call;;d Jcfus, bccaufehe cameto
•* fave his peoplc/r*^//? their fir.s^ WKeji St. John v as
favoured with a heavenly viiion, he tills us, that he be-
held "a great multitude which no nr.im could number,
<* of all nations, and kindred, and people, and tongues,
** (landing before the throne, and before the Lamb,
." clothed with white robes •/' that one of the heavenly
inhabitants informed him who they were : *' Theic
•* are th.?y who come cut of great tribulation, and have
*' wafhed their robes, and made them white in the
^ •* blood of the Lamb ; therefore are they before the
•* throne of God, and ferve llim day and night in his
" Temple ; and He that fitteth on the throne ih.ili
« dwell among them ; thu-y fliall hunger no more, uci-
•* therthirit anymore, m^tlk^r ihaii the fun light on
" them, nor any heat ; for the Lamb whicii is in the
** midft of the throne ihall feed them, and fhali leai:
•* ihcm to living fountains of waters, and Gcd Ihall
" wipe away all tears from their eyes."

We may gather from this delcription what thefc
glorious and happy beings once were ; they were^w/^.
creatures : their robes were not jpoilejs : *< They iiad
*' «;<?/^f</ them, and made them white in the blocd of
*• the Lamb.'* Tliey are likewife generally reprt:fent-
ed as having been once a /f^'v«jf people : they came
out of great tribulation, f liey are defcribed as hav^
ing overcome the great tempter of mankind, *« by the
" blood of the Lamb :"* as they who ** follow the
•* Lamb whithevfucver he goinh :" as '* redeemed from
** among men."f And their employment in the regions
of bhfs is a farther confirmation of the doftrine oi
which we are treating. " The great multitude,''
&c. &c. we are told, •* flood and cried with a leu J
•' voice, Salvation to our God, whc fitteth upon
" the throne, an.'! to the Lamb !" Here we fc:e thoy
afcribc their falvatlon to Chrift, and confequently their

* Fvrv. xu. Ji» J V.'jv. xiv. ^,

^t4 rnucTiJaEi^ OK femalu iDiiCiiTtOK*

em liinBln-fi to tii« aroninc %lood« And b i

thy bl 'f ci^cr; ksailrcdi f OQggC| and {

Uf all tbtf ill*' eiriieat ctiat men of any olbcrJ
tlpcjon tbtn riJi^mii^mn^i muU UEiln :itimit( ^^
VCfi foftir oihcT wiV than thstt ^tch rhe Sc
ftoiiuoutj .t " ' ' ' ■ * ' " "^ '«

ba f c ^n a ni ^k in |ii.^i: v; u i v o^

Notjimfc ii more a^ . *' cafting t!o^r!i

liSgh imajiiumuotii/' and in premi^tr hu:

M out fiat a* \ht rcwaitl of r'

bopeof iht pcniirnt* Thi«, wi.M.. .; *r, ._..,« 14

i*' exclude boalUagj" tlw temper the moft uppjfoi

"[the Gofpelj is yet the molt fuitcd to ailbrd comfa

rfyr were heitren protnifcd at the rew^fd of innoctJti
fhj ir ^ but beingiMtt I ' :on

fcari [cpcotancei poiiCi Ttwl

[the Uouti tj| QirUi^ utid offered lu cvciy |>etiiictir [

^<*vcr— Who iit comp^Ufcd to mi & it ?

It is urged tb.it the belief of ihif do^itne of^oori
puption produces many Ul elTectf, it>d the _'
Titould be difeour4gcd*^nui it does mi pmdtil
j]l cflV^&y when not mKuiiderftood Qt partbll]['
'entcd, wc jhd[ attt^mpt to fbnw : at th< tunc I

fit be obfcr?ed, if it be really iriv, w: H r

p&n account of any of tliefc fuppoi i r;i

[Truth fi;ay often be alteutl
Dut if it be truth it miifl 1

lance, trtafon fboaJd eititt in «i ct^uijuv, t^cty
tnows the dilii^rccablc cffcd^ wbkh w*iU fatJo« fij
a conviction ; hat our fm hliivifr^ fiich tnrafoli to r
lit, wih not prevent Ctich cfiecl folloMring iti oof

contrary, our belicning it may protot t& folll ^

feqaences-

It i5 objeded. that thb doftrine dcbafes and A

^oian nature, and that finding fauk mth cJa«

rd

» *<*. f, ^

STRICTURES ON FEMALE EDUCATION. 2hS

ing is only another way of finding fault with the archT-
teS:.. To the firft part of this obje£tion it may be re-
marked, that if man be really a corrupt^ fallen being,
it is proper to reprefent him as fuch : the fault then
lies in the mmh, and not in the ^cSirine, which only dates
the truth. As to the inference which is fuppofed to
follow, namely, that it throws the fault upon the Cre-
ator, it proceeds upon the falfe fuppofition that man's
prefent corrupt ftate is the ftate in which he was ori-
ginally created : the contrary of which is the truth.
** God made man upiight, but he hath found out ma-
" ny inventions."

It is likewife obje£led, that as this do£lrine mufl:
give us fuch a bad opinion of mankind, it mufl ccnfc-
quently produce ill-will, hatred, and fufpicion. But it
Uiould be remembered, that it gives us no worfe an
opinion of other men than it gives us of ouifelves •,
and fuch views of ourfelves have a very falutary efFe£l,
inafmuch as they have a tendency to produce humilitj ;
and humility is not likely to produce ill-will to others,
•* for only from pride cometn contention :" and as to
the views it gives us of mankind, it reprefents us as
felloiofujerers ; and furely the confideration that we are
etnpanioni in nti/ery is not calculated to produce hatred.
The truth is, thefe efFefts, where they have aftually
followed, have followed from a falfe and partial viQW
of the fubjeft.

Old perfons who have fecn much of the world, and
who have little religion, are apt to be ftrong in their
belief of man's aftual corruption ; but not taking it
up on Chriftian grounds, this belief in them (hows it-
felf in a narrow and malignant temper ; in uncharita-
ble judgment and harfh opinions* in individual fuf-
picion, and in too general a difpofition to hatred.

Sufpicion and hatred alfo are the ufes to which
Rochcfaucault and the other French pbilofophers have
converted this dodlrine : their acute minds intuitively
found the corruption of man, and they faw it without
its concomitant and correfting doftrine : they allow-
ed man to be a depraved creature, but d {fallowed his
high original : they found him in a low ftate, but did
not conceive of him as having fallen from a bcitcr.

mftil OH FmitAtE EDXSCATtOn,

Till'

brr iTfTf fcnt Mm ffcther ai i brute chaT! sti 3j
ro the aoAum Uut hiii p

m he %$ noi ttich as be ^me oat of tbc ha^nd
ic^iori but fiii:h m3 lie has brxn made by fin
lo they htkow that he has not evcti now left all i
f tiifl [>Timiuve digiiUy, all irooca Cif liU dlviis
tt^i but ti R!il CJpabk of a relloration iudtc

Perhap^f too» they Jt«ow f*^™ wKtit tjTift f^^K
^mnt to which man if iiu:liiied % bu^
for I hey have not felt* all the goo ■

Rabk liy tht; lucJion of iL

hus ihcy al^. , ; p . * , ». ; aan natltrci u. , .^
ing tr fairly, and in fo doing it u ih^ who caltimii
'the grr^ Creator*

1 nc Jo£lrinc of ccmiption n tike wife ticcuftd
fccing a gloomy^ dlfcLi ' ^ , and an tni

to Joy and comfort* ^phjc£Jiotii

in Its fulkfteiiem- l^ ii^my ^vy uurofon;tblf th
being fulkn into a ft ate of (iti, under ihc difptoiftiT
Almighty Ot^ci, fhould feel /mt»Jfy aUrmtd a! bcir^
'fuch a ftatc f Is th^ ci^ndemned crtn>mat blatn^
<auft he tfl not mitry f Aiul would it be e(
'kind aflion to pcrfuade htm that be \bbh cikii
in order to make hitn fo ?

But this charge is mi true in the ftnfc ifittDded by
Jthofe who bring it fax ward* Thofc who befitfC thi*
dodrioe are n^t the moft gloc^my ptofle. Wl.
deedj any one by the inflttence of the Hoiy ^, - -
brought CO view his ftaie a& it rcallf is^ a ftate ^
^nd danger^ it is natural that/#*r moald be ci
his mind J but it is fuch a fear ^ imptls him ^ ft> 1
^' from the wrath to come r * k is forJi a fear at j
KoRh to ** prepare an ark to the favtngof hri 1
Such an ojic will likewife feel firr^'w i net
^*' the for row of the world which wwrketh drali
Hiat god I y fo r ro w w hi ch wo r k ct h ru j jeirr Ji rt ce.
an one is faid to be driven to d^f^^ir by this doQrii!
ptit it IS the defpair of hl^ own aoiJity to f-ayc
*t Ja th;*t wholefcme defpair of his owa \

STRICTURES ON FEMALE EBUCATIOH. itj

Y convi£lien and humility \chich drives hJln to
L better retugt* ^ and fuch an one is in a pioper

receive the glorious doctrine we are next about
ktemphte ; namely ,

AT God so loved the world, that he cave

»NLY BEGOTTEN SON, THAT WHOSOEVER BE-
SO IN HIM should NOT PERISH, BUT HAVE
LASTING LIFE.

this doftrine it is of the firft importance to form
lews, for as it is the only.doftrine which can keep
umble penitent from defpair, fo, on the other
great care mull be taken that falfe views of it do
ad us to prefumption. In order to underftand it
f, wc mud not fall our minds with our own rea-
;s upon it, which is the way in which fome good
: have been mifled, but wc mult betake ourfelvcs
: Scriptures, wherein we fhall find the dodlrine
fo plainly as to (hew that the miftakes have not
from a want of clearnefs in the Scriptures, but

1 defire to make it bend to fome favourite notions.
5 it has been totally rejefted by fome, it has been
dilated by others, as hardly to retain any refem-
; to the Scripture do£lrine of redemption. We
Id in the beautiful paflage laft quoted, iis/ource —
ve of God to a lofl world •, — who the Redeemer
•the Son of God ; — the ^r^ for which this pi;
ormed and executed — " that whofoever believea
lim fliould not perifh, but have everlafting Hfe."—
I live, faith the Lord, I have no pleafure in the
th of the wicked." — " He would have all men to
faved, and to come to th£ knowledge of the
:h.*' — " He would not have any perifli, but that
(hould come to repentance." There is nothing
' in all this to promote gloominsfs. On the con-

if kmdnefs and mercy have a tendency to win
rarm the heart, here i$ every incentive to joy and
Fulnefs. Chriftimify looks kindly towards all|
I'ith pccnliar tendcrnefs on fuch as, from hum-
views of their own unworthinefs, might be led tc
■ themfelves excluded : — we are exprefsly told
»' Chrift died for a// ;"— that '' he tailed death foi

STRICTURES ON FEMALE EDUCATION. 289

opened for fin and for uncleannefs,'* if we would
\rtjied. «« All, indeed, who are athirft are invited to
ce of the waters of life freely ;'* but if we feel no
rjt 5" if we do not drink^ their faving qualities are

avail.

IS the more neceflary to infift on this in the prefent
as there is a worldly and fafhionabie, as well as a
and feftarian Antinomianifm : there lamentably
ails in the world an unwarranted aflurance of Sal-
>n, founded on a flight, vague, and general confi-
:e in what Chrift has done and fuflPered for us, as if
jrcat obje£l of his doing and fuiFering had been tc
niipate m from all obligations to duty and obedi-
; and as if, becaufe he died for finners, we might
rfore fafely and comfortably go on to live in fin^
cnting ourfelves with now and tn^n a tranfient,
lal, and unmeaning avowal of our unworthinefs,
obligation, a»d the all-fufficiency of his atonement.
he difcharge of this quit-rent, of which all the cofl
ifts in the acknowledgment, the fenfual, the world-
,nd the vain hope to find a refuge in heaven, wher
en from the enjoyments of this world. But thi«

Sand indolent Chriftianity is nowhere taught ir
ible. The faith inculcated thtre is not a lazy
efSonaU faith, but that faith which "producetl
tdiencey* that faith which " worketh by love," thai

1 of which the pra6tical language is — " Strivt tha*
m may enter in ;" — " So run that you may ob-
in-;" — " So Jight that you may lay hold on eterna
fe:*'— that faith which diredls us " not to be wear;
. well-doing ;" — whifh^fays, *' Wonk out your owi
Ivation :"-*-never forgetting at the fame time, " tha

is God which worketh in us both to will and t<
>.'* The contrary doftrine is implied in the ver
le of the Redeemer : " And his name ftiall be call
I Jetus, for he fhall fave his people/r^w their fins.'
in their fins. — Are thofe rich fupplies of graci
ch the Gofpel offers ; are thofe abundant aids o

Spirit which il promifes, tendered to tht Jlo^hful ,
Fo.— God will have all his gifts iQ[iproved. Grac
I be ufed, or it will be withdrawn. The Almight;
ks it not derogatory to his free grace to declaiti

A a

*fT»TCnmi.l OH FEMALS ED0CATI<fff-

jt '* fhofe oiii? who do his commindments ha?e ^
to the ircc of'lik/' And rheScripturts rcprdifi_
a not dtTOgilOff 10 ihc/arr/;^« of Chrilt^ to foUo** Ets
xampk tn wtUdomg- The only caiidon is, that we
lAiilt not w0Tk m om own (trcngdij nor bring in our
""^" ihtiiion of w0Tks as *if in aid (rf the fuppofcd
\cj ui His mcriii^

r wc niuft Dot in our t^^-eioiihm. Fancy that
caufc Oirift Kiii " rrdcscnufd u* from tiic curfc of
^<^hw/* we arc thrrefate without a law. In ackoo^l
edging CkTiit^ as a dclivcrcrt wc muti not foigct tbt
liC is a la«r»gifcr too, and iteit wc are cxorcriry corn-
Dtaiidcd ^ to fulfil ihe kw of Chrift :*' if wc willi c^
know what hisbws are, we muft ** fcarcb the Scrip-
•' lur^^' rf^cially the Ncw-Tcftamciit > theit
Ihatt fitid htm i^claring

THE ASSeLOTB MRCAS&ITT OV 4 CIS ilNaE Of Wh

A HO LI IE :

I

G*ir SaviowT Up, that *^ except a man lie bom agtio,
M be cannot fee the kiii|;t]oi]i of GotI :** that it is not a
mereaeknowkd^ing Hia amhoriiy, calling him ** Lor4
** IjOkU*^ that 14* ill avail a«v thin|r^ except we&owf
He G«nini^ti(is : thit any tinnr Oiort of thu is 19
man buUding his hnufc upon ihe faads, which ^ wi
ihc ftoftns come on, will ceruinly fall. In like mi
ncr the Apofllcs are conrinuaily enforcing the ncce:
fity of this changCj which they defcribc uoder the
rious natnes of " the new mawp"* — " tlje new c
** ture i"f — ** a transformation into the image
*' God i" J — ** 3 participatioii of tlie tlivme natjmi
Nor is this chan^je rcprcfentefl as confiftrnfi mcitm
a change of religious opiiiionsj not even in bcinf ildii^
cTcd over from a worfe to a better fyftem of cJoclTines,
nor in cKchtngtng grofs fins for rhofe which are iK^tc
fober and rcputaole ; nor in renouncing the fiat of
youth, and aituniing thofe of a quieter period of life |
tior in leaving o^Fsnl pT^€itQSs becaufe men are gnmft
tired of theni, or find they inj^jrc their credit, oealrhj
01 fortune ^ nor does \t confiit in inoifenfiveneff isi

J 4 C9fl£|lir3ft% gVt

STRICTURES ON FEMALE EDUCATION. 2g

^ng^ manners, nor indeed in any merely cutwat
irmation.

>ut the change confifts in " being, renewed in tf
lirit of our minds ;" in being *' conformed to tl
nagc of the Son of God.;" in being. ** called out <
irbiefs into His marvellous light. V And the who
[lis great change, its beginning, progrefS) and fin
)mpli(hm»nt, (for it is reprefeiitea as a graJu
ogc,) is afcribed to

THE INFLUENCE OF THE HOLT SPIRIT.

Ve arc perpetually reminded of our utter inabilil
tip ourfelves, that we may fet the higher value c
*e gracious aids which are held out to us. We ai
;ht that " we are not fufficient to thsni any thin
tof ourfelves ; but^ur fufiiciencyis of God."' An
ttt.we. arc told that " if we live after the flefli, ^
[all die/' we are at the fan^e time reminded, that

through the Sfirit that we muft mortify the deec
* the body." We are likcwife cautioned that \i
rieve not. the Holy Spirit of God •," **^ tkat v
acnch not the Spirit.** By all which expreflion

many others ot like import, we are taught th^
le we arc to afcribe with humble gratitude evci
i thought, word, and work, to the influence of tl:
y Spirit, we are not to look on fuch influences s
:rfeding our own exertions : and it is too plain th:
may rejeft.the gracious offers of afTiftance, fine
:rwife there would be no occafion to caution us »

itf . The Scriptures^ have illuftrated this in tern
ch are familiar indeed, but which are therefoi
r the more condefcendlng and endeariug. ** B<
ild, I (land at the door and knock. If any. ma
:ar my voice, and open the door, I will come in i
tin, and will fup with him, and he with me." Ol
Cj it is not faid, if any man will not lift en to me,

force open the door. But if we refufe admittanc
ich a gueft, we muft abide by the confequences.
Tie fublime doctrine of divine afliftance is the mot
e prized, not only on account of our own helplef
, but from the additional confideration of the pow

1 advcrfary with whom the Chriftian has to con

J

I

jiefu) : «i ankk of out faiiht by the way^ whic^
growiiigui; ' ■ ' * '

the very fQ|gciUi-a ot die i^ui)J4clp .si^j il it were a(
*kJ by 1 ertfoenil :3c:rccwent, on full proaf of its.b
nfx f tiitcily rctiugnant co t])C ti!

fpii,: _ _.. '• iL'-. Auf^ '.t n:qmjct no (

ncatncfs qI j ingoioity Hi

ihi^ very cnt4*i*>rM *v.^virf..w** ^ — i *iii..'»ii

rut iCHirrCRE ooctrtke of the Eitistiyaci

roWER OF OOU CRE4T IPI RITUAL ZHEWf^

^l' r -^' -^ ' 'hrfjflibnable fceptic w-i v(

to be banifhed with theb

n^. Oic; ' irchcraft; — bv '

tblc ti us Bllegory,

lltCtal IUILU i »:.. ' ■ ■ ■ ■ .: -^

vithai It happen ^ ' i;, h

Icaft nothing to do witb tht ^*tt'j, but U by conil
confcnt made aver to the &fjfi£^ if indeed it muft b
talned at alK j

M^y I, with ereat hamility aiid refpeft, prcCtAn
fuggcu to our oivincs that they would do well nl
Icna their countciiance to thefe ttiodifh curciUrtKil
the Chnftian faith i nor to fiiyn the introduflii
diis dQftrine whenever it confifts with their fubi
bring u forward ? A troth which is fdltlam bn
before the eye, imperceptibly grows kf* ^nd kfij
portant ^ and if it be an unpleafiag truths we
irior? and more reconciled to its abfence* till at I*
its intrullon becomes ofFenfivej ^nd we learn in tin
to renGiiTicc what we at fir ft only negie£tcd*
fame coarfe and ranting enthufialls have K^^
ufing tremendous terms and awfal denmn
a violence and frequency, which might make \i
to be a gratification to them to denounce judgi
and iinticipate tormeniSj can t^iir coarfencft or v
ity make a true doctrine falfe, or an importai
irifling ? If mch preachers have given olFcnce by
uncouth manner of managing an awful doclrinc,
jrideed fiirnifhes a caution to treat the fubjc^t i
^^ucreetlvj b\it it is no ju ft reafan for avoiding dbc

STRICTURES ON. FEMALE EDUCATION. 293^

trixie. For to keep a truth out of fight becaufe it has
been abfurdly handled or ill-defended, might in time
be alligned as a reafon for keeping back, one by one>
CTcry do£lrine of our holy church ; for which of them
hks not occafionally had imprudent advocates, or weak
champions ?

Be it remembered that the do£lxiHe iii queftioft is •
not only interwoven bv allufion, implication, or dire£b
aflertion throughout the whole Scripture, but that it
ibinds promihentlv perfonified-^x. the opening of the New
as well as the Old Teftament. . Tne devil's tenipta-
tion of our Lord, in which he is not reprefented figu-
ratively, but vifibly and palpably, (lands exa£lly on the
lame ground of authority with other events which are
fleceived without repugnance. . And it may not be an
unufeful obfervation. to remark* that the very refuting
to believe in an evil fphrit, may be confidered as one of
his own fuggeftions ; for there is not a more danger^
ous illufion than to believe ourfelves out of the reach
of illufions, nor a- more alarming, temptation than to
fancy that we are not* liable to be tempted^

.But the dark cloud raifed by this dodlrinc will b(J
difpeiled by the cheering certainty that our bleffed
Saviour havnig himfelf " heen tempted like as wc are^
««*is able to deliver thofe who are tempted/*

To return. — From this impcrfefl Iketch wc may fee -
h6w fuitable the religion of Cfatift is to falkn men I
How exaftly it meets every want ! No one needs now
perifii becaufe he is a finner, provided he be willing to
tbrfake his fins ; for •< Jefus Chrift came into the
<*• world to farve finners :" and "He is now exalted to
«' be a Prince and a Saviour, to give repentance and
^^•forgiveneft of fin.'*' Which payage, be it obferved,
may be confidered as pointing out to us the order in
which he beftows his bleffings ; he gives fix^- repentance, .
and then /ergi'vene/j.

We may Hkewife fet how much the charafler of a :
tnie Chriftian rifes above every other : that there is a .
wholenefsj an integrity, a completenefs in the Chrif*
tian character : that a few-natural, pleafing qualities, .
not cnlt in the mould of the Gofpel, are but as beauti-
fttkfragrnent?; or well-turned fingle limbsj which lor
A. a .21,

f ' beamy »,,- ,

^^acjjice ■ rn . thrift :^ .^^tU ^r^ » "*' "
■'.'active />,, • ^ «aunf/fr "otonU t .

/

3

tr

ful

tun

/,

STRICTURES ON FEMALE EDUCATION. 3j

inful, with a willingnefs to forgive the ofiendei
ve virtue ready to do all, and pamve virtue ready
all. — ^We muil ftretch every faculty in the fervi
}ur Lord, and yet bring every thought into obe<
e to Him : while we aim to live in the exercife
ry Chiiftian grace, we muft account ourfelves u
Citable fervants : we muft/r/v^ for the crown, 5
jive it as a gifty and then lay it at our mafter's fee
lie we •are bufily trading in the world with c
d's talents, we muft " commune with our hea
nd be ftill :*' while we ftrivc to praciife the pur<
Qtereftednefs, we muft be contented though we m<
h felhihnefs in return \ and while laying out o
s for the good of mankind, we muft fubmit to 1
ach without murmuring, and to ingratitude withe
mtment. And to render us equal to all thefe f(
js, Chriftianity beftows not only the precept, b
power ; ftie does what the great poet of Etnics 1
nted that Reafon could not do, << the lends us an
3 well as rules."

?or here, if not only the worldly and the timid, b
humble and the well-difpofed, (hould demand wi
r and trembling, ** Who is fufficient for th(
3g8 ?" Revelation makes its own reviving anfw<
dy grace is fufficient for thee."
Lt will be well here to diftinguifh that there are t\
ts of Chriftian profeflbrs, one of which affeft
ak of Chriftianity as if it were a mere fyftem of dc
les, with little reference to their influence on 1;
I manners ; while the other confider it as cxhibiti:
:heme of human duties independent on its dc
les. For though the latter fort may admit the dc
les, yet they contemplate them as a feparate a:
:onne6led fet of opinions, rather than as an infl
ial principle of action.. — In violation of that beau
harmony which fubfifts in every part of Seri
e between pradice and belief, the religious woi
nifhes two forts of people who feem to enlift thei
7es,,as if in oppofition, upder the banners of Sai
al and Saint James ; as if thofe two great cha«i]
I of the Chriftian caufe had fought for two mafte
ofe who affect refpefl;iyQly to be the, difciples

ill mat f^ith in J worki as if they were cifipDi'te »iv
tdt« lulled p( tnrrparable |K>ims* N»y, the]f gcr^
tTihcr»aod fciiiAi^' '* ■*' it variance with himfcif.
MaWi inHeAd ( ' nj:^ on the pouil, let as ftfef

the ApolUc iii 4prir !Pn, who himfdf dcimUmlf fc-
{iles t^e difpiue* iJic A|io{lulidI order iittd mciliod
|ifi ttu§ rcfpcfit dcferv^ unci imiution : for f

lobfcfvibk ih*i thr ca^ of mcJl of the epij

[ftbuufid in the ^fdnm^ ^i Chii nic 1

' chiptcrSp which wind up tl; , ^ . . , m l iIK
#«#i#j which grow out of them^ a» tire naturtl and r^-
Lce/Tarf [irodutlions of ftich a UvinE root.* But xk\% ,
Iteritatc mcntton of dotlrtne mi praclioe, whkb

iiied Hkeljr lo wwV^, hii« oti the contrary fcrmcd i '
onof hne of fepiiMtdo between thcCt two ofdrTso:
l^hcitcver^ and introduced a brok^jn and mutilMcd fyf-
. teui* Thofc who would m;tkc Chri(tt4iaty coafiftof ^
I dotlfincs only, dwcH» for inft^tncc, oa the firft ckfcn >
chapters ot tlic Epiftlx: to thir RomanG, a^ cent '
\ udufiicly thi; fum ;md ftibft^occ of the
.While the mac mariiills, who wtJh to ftrip <
ity of litt lofty ^nd appropriate attribute;^! d«
d^^ell on t}ic t^ilfth chapter, which is a r^blc <
m eicluGvdy a^u the preceding chapters made iu>]
of the facrcd Canon. But Saint Paul htmfelf, i
waiv »t Jeafi ai fotind a theolo^o as any of hii €c
mcntHtorst, ft?tdc$ the matter axiotlier way^ by i^aid

the duties of the twelfth grow out of the doarincsl

the antecedent iUvfx^ jaft zs any other ,cor)fei|iien^
grows out of its caufe^ Ami as if he fufpccted that
tKe indlvifiblc union between them might poflibly be
overlooked, he links the two diftin^l diviGont to^ttl
by a logical *' therefore/* with which the twelfthj
gina :^" 1 befeeth you tk^rtfirf^^ (that is, as t\
of all I have been irtculcatingp) *' that you prcfq
•* bodies a living facrifice, acceptable to Oo<
and then goes on to enforce on thera^ as a coQfeqtfcuoe

_ Thii b the ijii^uage of our chu:ch. as mav bt ^cA lA Imei ff^^

GoBfi wvi ki do fpfiftg ^uf nfccfTjiTHy of a true and li^rlj l^itl^^ f»fr-
^tn Eft It bjf them a Ji^ely ijUli m-j bt ti» ^n^^^^ itatf wi4, *i*|—

STRICTURES ON FEMALE EDUCATION. ^97

of what he had been preaching, the pradlicc of every
Chriftian virtue. This combined view of the fubjedi
fecms OH the one hand, to be the only means of pre-
venting the fubftitution of Pagan morality for Chrif-
tian hoiinefs : and, on the other, of fecunng the lead-
ing doSrine of juftification by faith, from the dreadful
danger of Antinomian licentioufnefs ; every human
obligation being thus grafted on the living ftock of a
divine principle.

CHAP. XXI.

On the Duty and Efficacy rf Prayer,

AT is not propofed to enter largely on a topic which
has been exhauiled by the ableft pens. But as a work
of this nature feems* to require that fo important a
fubjefk (hould not be overlooked, it is intended to no-
tice in a flight manner, a few of thofe many difficulties
and popular obje£lions, which are brought forward
againfl: the ufe and efficacy of prayer, even bj thofe
who would be unwilling to be fufpeded of impiety
and unbelief.

There is a clafs of objeftors who ftrangely profefs
to withhold homage from the Mod High, not out of
contempt^ but reverence. They afFeft to confider the
ufe of prayer as derogatory from the omnifcience of
God, aiTerting that it looks as if we thought he ftooci^in
need of being informed of our wants ; and as derog-
atory from his goodncfs, as implying that he needs to
be put in mind of them.

But is it not enough for fuch poor frail beings as we
are to know, that God himfelf does not confider prayer
as derogatory either to his wifdom or goodnefs .* And
fliall ive er€61: ourfelves into judges of what is confiftent
with the attributes of Him before whom angels fall
proftrate with felf-abafement ? Will he thank hich de-
fenders of his attributes, who, white they profefs to
reverence, fcruple not to difobey him ? It ought rather
to he viewed as a great encouragement to prayer, that
we are addreffing a Being, who knows our wants bet-

logs as wt ire, to prtfuni^ to laj dui
bciofc the Creaf and Glanaus God,^
cipC)£lci!to coodcfccndforhc mulutui
even ijiterfcfiog Tctiucft* which arc
him by his creaturrfu Thtf^c mi fud
rife fiom mean a^iwl unwarthy Utougl
Creator. It fecmi? *s if tkofe who mi
CTcd the Mod lligh as " fiK:h arr ©n« \
being who can perform a certiin glircn
BtitUt but who would be ovcr^owcTi
tjoml quaniUv* Off at bcil, b ti nor
Almi)*h£j in the lights not of an tofimj
great man, of a minillcr, or akingi.uQ
perinrenda public and national conccii
iirglctk fnuil aiid individual petltiot
hand* bcm/ fullj he eannoi fpure tha|
icnrton which fufiicc f^or tvtry fbing
confidcT hitn aa that infinitely gloim
while he bchoMa at once a«l tlat is 4
and in tpirtht i^t at the fame time as j
jpFiiyer of the poor deftitute, ai prejtiti^

tul ^rWiiiir fif wkn luifinnr *,^

STRICTURES ON FEMALE EDUCATION. 299

M>niplexity makes no difficulty, variety no obftruAIon»
|nd multiplicity no confufion ; that to ubiquity dif-
ince does not exift ; that to infinity fpace is annihil'*
P)|&>; that paft, prefeut, and future, are difcerned

K; accurately at one glance of His eye, to whom a
fand. years are as one day, than a (ingle moment o£
tfaie or a fingle point of fpace can be by ours*
tl- To the other part of the objedion, tounded on the
ilppofed interference (that is, irreconcileablenefs) of
doe man's petitions with thofe of another, this anfwer
Ikcms to fuggeft itfelf : firft, that we muft take care
flnt when we afk, we do not ** afk amifs ;" that, for
d^nce, we afk chiefly, and in an unqualified manner,.
Ml? foripiritual bleffings to ourfelves and others ; and
Ia ooing this the prayer of one man cawioi interfere
with that of another, becaufe no proportion of {^nStitf
4ta'Virtue implored bv one obflru£)s the fame, attain-
aients in another. Next, in afking for temporal and
inferior bleffings, we muft guait/j^ our petition, eren
ikiugh it (hould extend to deliverance from the fever-
dk pains, or to our very life itfelf, according to that
example of our Saviour : '< Father, if it bi p9pbU^ let
^'this cup pafs from me. NevertheUft not my will, but
•* thinCj be done.'* By thus qualifying our prayer, we
exercife eurfelves in an a£l ot refignation to God ; we
profefs not to wifh what will intertere with his benevo-
Icntolan, and; yet we may hope by prayer to fecure the
blcffing fo far as it is confiftent^ with it. Perhaps the
reafon why this objedion to prayer is fo flrongly felt,
.18 the too great difpofition to pray for merely tempo-
ral and worldly bleflings, and to dehre them in the mofl
unqualified manner, not fubmitting to be without them,
even though the granting them fhould be inconfifteat
with the general plan of Providence.

Another clafs continue to bring forward, as perti-
nacioufly as if it had never been anfwered, the ex-
haufled argument, that feeing God is immutable, no
petitions of ours can ever change Him : that events
themfelves being fettled in a. . fixed and unalterable
courfc, and bound in a fatal neceffity, it is folly to think
^Chat we can difturbthe eftablifhedlaws of the univerfe,
•or interrupt the courfc (rf Providence by our prayers::

laltcfjblc, therefore our ^tli
.... .^- sn Hina or in our own finite, ^
tinpioiif Tcurctnin^ ! It may be (jycrt

iY.,..

not he ;

Go J J it irn'Y rr. ;ui:ii a uic

The tTUth B^ , a irujJi Ji(

4|»pTttig of ^r/*/<f- Pticr , Churt - i\j^%
COficilc ih<r omnifckacc and dccrccf^
efficacy of prayer ; nnri bccaufc iu
them, he modclUy : they ||

How much more wn wcU ad

from an humble ChTt^Uati fptrii t Si|
eal text ai** ** Draw near unto God^^
" nejr unto you/'carrict more confij
knowledge of lib wants ^nA i\mt rci
of a penitent linncr, than all the '* to|
which have puzzkcl the wo rhl ever G
WJi$ firft fc| n flout by its original prd|
AnA a^ the pUin mat^ only got up
prove there was fuch a thine as moc

STRTCTUEES ON FEMALE EBIXATION. 3^!

IC upright, as in a diftruft of his own uprightnefs, a8
SI a doubt whether he himfelf belongs to that defcri^-
:i6n of perfons to whom the promifes are made, and
^fthe quality of the prayer which he offers up.
**Lct the fubjefts of a dark fate maintain a fallen, or
tie flaves of a blind chance an hopelefs (iience, biit let
Be child of a compaflionate Almight^r Father fuppli-
alte His mercies with an humbler confidence, inspired
iy the aflurance, that " the very hairs of his head ar«
••numbered.'* Let him take comfort in that individ-
ai and minute attention, without which not a fparrow
iidls to th« ground, as well as in that heart- cheering
litimife, that, « as the eyes of the Lord are over the
i|ghteous,'' fo are " his ears open to their prayers."
Htnd as a pious Bifhop has obferved, ** Our Saviour has^
It it were, hedged in and inclofed the Lord's prayer
Rfith thefe " two great fences of our faith, God's wiV-
'^'lingntfs and his/tfw*r to help us :" the preface to it af-
forcs us of the one, which bj calling God by the tender
niime of « Our Father,** intimates his reaHntfi to help
his children : and the animating conclufion," Thine
iathc/ow/r,^' refcues us from every unbelieving doubt

of Kis ability to help US.

A Chriftian knows, becaufe he feels, that prayer is,
though in a way to him infcrutable, the medium of
ccmneflion between God and his rational creatdre^ ;
the means appointed by him to draw down his bhffings
upon us. The Chriftian knows that prayer is the ap«
^pointed means of uniting two ideas, one of the highefl:
magnificence, the other of the moft profound lowli-
4ieU« within the compafs of imagination ; namely, that
it is the link of communication between " the High
•• and Lofty One, who inhabit eth eternity," and that
heart of the " contrite in which he delights to dwell.'*
He knows that this inexplicable union between Be-
ings fo unfpeakably, fo effentially different, can only be
-maintained by prayer -, that this is the ftrong but fecret
^duin which unites time with eternity, earth with hea-
ven, man with God.

The plain Chriftian, as was before obferved, cannot
explain why it is fo ; but while htfeth the efiicacy, he
«• contented to let the learne4 ^<g^'>^ it i and he will n^
B^

I

^ Qo moiv me carrioi on i
^athcfs eftiU n^iiural life wttbot?
nrar t(h TO cnv H c FecL\ rci i ow at i on a n t!
©m of tic life of the appointed r-
the one c*fc as in the other. K i
0f hit foul call no more be fiifiaininl||
kt^l mcaminued vigour by thcproffrsi
dian hU body by tb^^ ^^^fti of » diftanc
But there la one motive to the duty £
mote lonftraioiRg to the true beiicver.
that c*n be named \ more i^": 'i • - i
mtnt on it^ utility, ihm any
evca tlian aiiy i :

fi'tlr fimrn^mJ .

juncliou of ihc Miiit iii^lii who declares
" inqtiTfifd of/* *rhi^ ii enough to fee
er Chriflian,cvcn tliough a pra

a; - y3 is» att;it,hod to the comqianq
Ci!e> to our unfpeakabic comfortt ih«
cleat as the precept : ** 4^, and ye fhaH
•' and ye fhall/w^ :— Knocki aod tt fhall
** to you.*' Thb h encfjurag^'inent ei
pbin'Chriftian. Ai to the mmwp^iuM

STRICTAJRB6 ON FEMALE EDUCATION^ 303

'Jicver to be affured, that the judge of all the earth is do-
iig right: it is enough for him to be affured in that
'\|rord of God " which cannot lie," of nutnberlefs a£l-
wl inftances of the eilicacy of prayer in obtaining blef-
utigs and averting calamities, both national and indi-
Sndual : it is enough for him to be convinced experi-
hicAtally, by that internal evidence which is perhaps
paramount to all other evidence, the comfort he him-
lelf has received from prayer when all other comforts
liave failed : — and above all to end with the fame mo-
tive with which we began, the only motive indeed
yhich he requires for the performance of any duty — it
18 motive enough for him — that thus faith the L^d. For
^hen a ferious Chriftian has once got a plain unequiv-
ocal command from his Maker on any point j he never
fufpends his obedience while he is amufing-himfelf
witn looking about for fubordinate motives of action.
Inftead of curibufly analyfing the nature of the duty.
Tic confiders how he fhall beft fulfil it : for on theic
points at kaft it may be faid without controverfy, that
**• the ignorant (and here who is not ignorant ?) ha*vt
** nothing to do nxiith the Idiv but to obey it."

Others there are, who, perhaps not controverting any
<>f thefc prcmifes, yet negleft to build praflical confe-
qucnces on the admiflion of them ; who nei the!' deny- -
ing «he duty nor the efficacy of prayer, yet go on to
live either in the irregular obfcrvance, or the^otal neg-
left of it, as appetite, or pleafare, or bufinefbjor humour,
may happen to pretlominvjte \ and who by living '.il-
moft without prayer, xniy be faid " to live almod with-
*• out God in the world." To fuch we can onlv iay,
that they little know what they lofe. The time is hai'-
tening on when they will look upon thofe bleffings as
invaluable, which now they think not worth afking tor.;
when they will bitterly regret the abfence of thofe means
and opportunities which now they either negleft or
defpife. *' O that they were wife ! that they under-
flood this \ tlkat they would confider their latter end !'*

There are again others, who it is to be feared hav-
ing once lived in the habit of praver, yet not having
been well-grounded in thofe principles of faith andre-
i>entance on which genuine prayer is built, have
by de^rtt^ totally difcontinued it*. << They do noi;

iT^rrOE&S OM VZUAtU cnuc jitiom,

6ndr f^y ^^1' " *i^*^ ^^^^i'^ affbirs profpcr tic]
irr or tKc iriif fe i df prrbiip!» they were tinfacc "
in their iffiira cvcti before they dropt tlic pn

IWi^ ii^' tl^* ^l^^f ^^^ ^<* cncoorji fluent j tfa

f oc»t l^in*? how mueh wcwfe their admits mi^Kt
r^ vtir I :., h:ti\ thcf liifcotiitnu^d iiioonrr, or how I
1 retard their tuiiu Or ilicf dal
. *' Thcj aiftcd amifii " or Uut iff
i >*hjt ility jlkcti, they might h^r«
w. ...- ... ^, luppv. Koi a tme bcticvrr never *
^i^* (Ir^iii* pi^iyrr*^ becatife he h not certain he obfiif^
_ . ; 1,^1 ^cipjcft 1 for he in )>effua»i^ - '
I tQ our t^Tior^ticc* fomciih
hii^ Md% whjt wc ilcGrc, aiut ofif^i li^ij

> liTb L Aifcd chiWfca hy p^^'Tig llieitt

th<y ^tk, Luc what he Laoirik i^ rcMf pQod ft^f)
' TK^* ftowirii child as a pious prelate^ obfetvfs^ CEid i
lof I he Ihintag tiWlc« which the tender patent wi^
lioMii kimwiii|t it would cut hijr finjjcrt*

Tnu& to fNcrfevac wficti we have jiAt the mcmt-*
agemcnt of vitible fuccefe. it an «rtdeiicc of
Of lhi*lioly perfcirerdtioe Job vnts a od:
]3efc^t an4 diCippotnimcnt mhcr ' - , ' .a uuu t|
ped ^) praycri- Though in n vti, :lraiin of (

iionatc ctutjucnce he cxcbims^ "' i li y out of WTd
% but 1 ^oi not h<rard ; 1 cry aloud, but thrrt ill
^' jadgmem # yet fo perfu«decf was hcnotwi!h(liDdi|
i^f fhc duty tif conriutiing this holy in^portunity. d
he perfitlcd .i^aiivft ^11 human hope, till lie a: tamed
tfi^t cxahcd pitch of ualhaken faiik by which bei
"unblcd to brcvik out into that fubtinic apaftfOfb^
*• Though he ihy me, yet wdl 1 tmft in httti J" ^^
But may wc: not fay that there U :i conGdrrabk cl^H
who not only bring n#ne of the obje^tons which ^^
have flated againU the ttfc of prayer ; who aic fo far
tram rejtaing, that they arc exaft and regular in ibe
performance of it i who yet take it up an as lo«
erottodFjsis con fif lent with their ideas of their own
ia.cEv ; who while they confider prayer a5 an indilpea-
i^ijiclormj beheve nothing of ihat change of heart awl

STRTCTUlirs O!? FEMALE EDUCATIJ.*/. 3€>S:

of thofe holy tempers which it is intended to pro-
mice? Many who yet adhere fcnipuloufly to the lettei*
aire fo far from entering into the fpirit of this duty^
tfcat they are ftrongly inclined to fufpeft thofe of hy-
npcrify who adopt the true fcriptural views of prayer.
I^ay, as even the Bible may be fo wrefted as to be
ttbiae to fpeak almoft any language in Support of
j^moft any opinion, thefe pcrfons lay hold on Scrip-
^irc itfelf to ocar them out in their own flight views
TO .this dutv ; and they profefs to borrow from thence
ibt ground of that cenlure . which they cait on the
i^ore ferious Chriftians. Among the many paiTages
litihlch have been made to convey a meaning foreign
1^^ their original defign none have been feized upon
^with more avidity by fuch perfons than the pointed
i^fures of our Saviour on thofe '• who for a pre-
^ tence make long prayers j*' as well as thofe ** who
** ufc vain repetitions, and think they fliall be heard for
" much fpeaking.V Now the things here intended to
be reproved were the hypocrify of the Pharifee* and
ftic ignoarnce of the heathen, together with the error
of all, thofe who depended on the fucccfs of their pray- .
crs, while they imitated the deceit of the one, or the
folly of the other. . But our Saviour never meant thofe
fcverc reprehenfions fhould cool or abridge the devotion
of pious Chriftians, to which they do not at all apply.
More or f(;wer words, however, fo little conftitute
the true value of prayer, that there is no doubt but
one of the moft affcciing fpecimens on record is the -
Ihort petition of the Publican 5 full fraught as it is
with that fpirit of contrition and felf-abafemcnt which
Is the very principle and foul of prayer. And this
fpecimen perhaps is the bcft model for that fudden lift-
ing 'up of the heart which we call ejaculation. But I
doubt in general, wl:.rthcr thofe fev bafty words to
which thefe frugal petitioners would il'u.i tlic fcanty de-
votions of others and themfelves, will be always found
ample enough to fatisfy the humble penitent, who, be-
ing a CnmnxT has much to conft^fs ; who, hoping he is
apardonf^d finner, h.ts much to acknowltilge. Such
an one perhaps cannot always pour cut the fulnefs of
hio fcul witMii the prcfcribed abridgments. Even thu .
fincercit Chrlltivtn^ when he wiihcs to find his Iicar?
Is h ?

I

M tT ^ "^ --C£ive4 madbi atid ha& Lberefaccn^l
phc f vet he lA Que abk at on^ lo WB

IN ^ ^^ ^ti one biis tim mmtf

■■feriT. ' & his trnipcn to tctliicc

HwiU'r. . J ' Cg gind hb peice (o frrk.

^1^ tliotiehti iAa¥ bi: rcjiihang the Cifcaltn oi r
jfhrj Qo ifc Mo! Bi^U " tlicy may be eiinc i ju..
fliTiti malt hz TtaiM i liii hcarr p^rhiips ** ia
!•* aild maft H- ^'* I- 4 V A dcvoai iVippUcant ioq,
Ipabcut to i watm his miad wall a fcnf

•the ere I* tfTibnics of Cod, iu imu

•of the J like Jclio Toplud fejc ^

•ftmiclifi 'ic povrcr^an ^

" tht m J\ High/' b-

fhc rmUiiii;iU& at aw^, ^nd ^jr^Ttituiicj Mid k
"!imnility in hfi foul*' He witl labour tu imUAti
fttampk of Mri SjtT[oui« wliofc ticatt dil^ud wUK
ciptriTion of tKc fafitc holf a0VdiDtis. '* I fh*4»k
<* O Fatbta^i Ijonl i?f hcayni and eanh,** A hmt
thujG animated J tltai warmed wiih divine la^e^ c-tovtut
jifwsiys fctupuJoully limit it fclf todve mere l^uQndi^ <t(
prtyer, jf I m^y ft> fpcak. It caimot cr:-
merely fprc-idir^g out its own ncccllii
in contc«^pIutiiig the jpcrfeQ ions of J !
is addrelHag thtm* The humble fu^ . thpa|k

he be no hnget epx^tr^t/ by a love ot dn
l^ricvcs to find that he cannot totally eiii ■> ^
hh thoughts* Though he has on thac whok a ft^p
ft^nfe of his own wants, and of the abundant pf&vifi<ai
*i«hich IS made for them in the C of pel ; jei whcs H
in oft wiJhes to be rejoicing in thofe Ihong mot iye$ for
love and i^ratttuJe, alas I even then he has to mcn^
his worhlHnL'fs, his iiuenfibiUcy, hU deadiief^^ Uehai
to deplore the litc'cnefs and V;ini:y of the objeili which
are even tJien drawing away hm heart from hU Re-
deemer, The bcfl Chriftian is but too Kablct during
the :tempC:iEtons of the day, to becnfnarcd by ^'^
*' of the eye, and the pride of life," and is not
fe'ought without cifort to lefl^a thit he is but diuliid

.r^i

hjm he

STRICTURPrS ON FEMALE EDUCATION. 307

afhes. How can even good perfons, who are jult
jiome perhaps from liflening to the flattery of their ieU
low-worms, acknowledge before God, without any
preparation of the heart, that they are miferable fm-r
ners ? They require a little time, to imprefs on their
•own fouls tne truth of that folemn confeflTion of fith
they ard making to Him, without which brevity and
fiot length, might conftitute hypocrify. Even the finr
cerely pious have in their prayer grievous wanderings
io lament, from which others miitakingly fuppofe the
advanced Chriflian to be exempt. Such wanderings
that, as an old divine has obferved, it would exceed-
ingly humble a good man, could he, after he had pray,
ed, be made to fee his prayers written down, with cx-
zGk interlineations of all the vain and impertinent
thoughts which had thruft themfelves in amongft them^
So that £uch an one will indeed, from a ftrong fcnfc?
of thefe diftraSions, feel deep occafiofi with the prophet
to aflc forgivcnefs for " the miquity of his -fc^/y, things :"
and would find caufe enough for humiliation every
night, had he to lament the nns of his prayers pnly.

We know that fuch a. brief petition as, " Lord, help
•* my vwibelief," if the fupphcant be in fo happy a
frame, and the prayer be darted up with fuch ftrong,
faith that his very loul mounts with thq petition, may
fuSceto draw down a blefEng whichpiay.be withheld
fronri t!ie more prolix petitioner : yet, if by prayer
wje do not mean a mere form of words, whether they.
be long or fhort ; if the true definition of prayer be,
that it is t/ye defire.of the heart ; if it b« that fecret com-^
mt^fi'oii between God and the fpul which is the very
br<:ath and being of religion •, then is the Scripture fo
far. from fuggefting that (Ixort meafure of which it isi
accufed, that it. exprefsly fays, '^ PraVv without ceaC*
•• ing :" — " Pray everpnore :"--" I.wili thaj men praji
*** every where : '— ^" Continue inftant in prayer."

If fuch " repetitions*' as thefe obj^£lors reprobatt^
ftir up defires as yet unawakened, by protraci affec-
tions already excited (for " "-vfl/V: repetitions*' are fucK
as awaken or exprefs no new. defire, and ftrve no reli-
gious purpofe ;) then are " repetitions" not to be con-,
demned. And that our Saviour did not give the warn-
ing againft «« long prayers and repetitions" in the fenfr

W]

In ilir dif inc proniifcfi if they wm||
fhti ft*iicd inter cC'ta^ft witli GotlT^
4tc* VtAjtf ^- ■'''* one great ioui^
coungtr oC " If I r«garj

** hrr- '^ - i ;n'4 wiil not liear mc/j

iv 'lrfic5 tl^c twofold propq

prcpiuiii^^ tac heart lo receive thjc blc|
JO t^fc we ihould attain tliem ; aoil,
difpatitig k to fubmit to the will of.
tbauld be hU pUarure to ^t^ithhold tliC

A fcnfc of uH ftauWbe fo far fron;

fitafcr, t?ir^ii;rlv ;? fillc oka of Hnwif
lurollit;, J mis vr

tnK^"' ... incentive u | = tji

hhU .iit'i nu.iMiity in t& Prodigal^
•< jg^njft: heaven aiid before Thee, ai
"V. ■ ' ''■'■' ^vSo^/' tl

feci i: -of ptjrdiin^;

fcj to i^rorwotc uawiiiii^gucii I' ■ ■■ ;
tyurtca pe«i:ent«lrewiticdiie^ .
** I wUt ;irife, and go to m| Father !*' j

STRICTIJRES ON FEMALE EDUCATION. 309

clf, and entire dependance on anbther. It is the voice
"the beggar who would be relieved ; of the (inner
o would be pardoned. It has nothing to ofFcr but
and forrow ; nothing to afk but forgivencfs and ac-
tance ; nothing to plead but the promifes of the
[pel in the death of Chrift. It never feeks to ob-
its objeft by diminifhing the guilt of fin, but by
Iting the merits of the Saviour.
i^^iut a$ it is the efieft of prayer to expand the afic«-
Kins as well as \ofanaify them, the benevolent Chrif-
|an is not fatisfied to commend himfelf alone to the
Kvine favour. The heart which is full of the love ofr
Svod will overflow with love to its neighbour. AH
jhat are near to himfelf h« withes to bring near to
^rod. He will prefent the whole human race as ob-
J^s of the divine compaffion, but efpecially the faith-
!^1 followers of Jcfus Chrilt. Religion makes a man
!b Fiberal of foul, th.u he cannot endure to reftridi any
iling, much lets divine mercies, to himfelf : he thcre-
mc fpiritualizes the focial affections, by adding inter-
aefibry to perfonal prayer : for he knows, that peti-
aoning for others is one of the bed methods of exer-
nfing and enlarging our own love and charity, eve» if
it were not to draw down thofe bleilings which are
[)romifed to thofe for whom we a{k them. It is unn«-
cei&ty to produce any of the numberlefs inftances with
Rrhich Scripture abounds, on the efficacy of intercef-
Gon : in which God has proved the truth of his own
aflurance that " his ear was open to their cry," I
(hall confine myfelf to a few oblervations on the bene-
fits it brings to him who offers it. — When we pVay for
the objefls of our dearell regard, it purifies paUion/
and exalts love into religion : when we pray for thofe
with whom we have worldly intercourle, it fmooths
down the fwelllngs of envy, and bids the tumults of
anger and ambition fubfide : when we pray for our
country^ it fanftifies patriotifm : when we pray for
thofe in authority, it adds a divine motive to human
obedience : when we pray for our enemies, it foftens
the favagenefs of war, and mollifies hatred into tender-
nefs, and refentment into forrow. And we can only
learn the duty fo difficult to human nature, of forgiv-
ing thofe who have offended usj when we bring our*

feWes to pmy few rfictn to Him iphom ve outfelft*
1 ill yti (fend. When thofc who are d\c f^nhful l&l-
*^* hmc Divine Maftcr pray for each othe^
\\ intarccfftwi dclightfuUy realise? tH
i of " iht ctimfnumor* ^ ^ "^"-Tn^/* llid
fcarctrlr anv thitif^ which more r ne Chriltif

'. , ' '.15 holj^ cti^'imcrce ; thanl
e he i» praying; for his Ciji
[nctiai., Uui ht; ijt ^ta temping the benefit of T
_ ert for htm»

Homt ire for confirjinp l^urir iiiEcTct*^*
^ptKid, a« if none but pctloos of merit ^^

©lir nnyrn. Merit 1 who h^s if ? Dcftxi t wlui cjII

{I CM it ? in the C\^hi of God* I mean* Who fijll
ring hbouTi piety, i->t tht- ptcry of otherwj io the wjj
of ^lt«v, before a ^^ - - ^ f' fMchtonf'*
that *• the hcavt r im in hi

if WC wait fot iiLtiLi niiificfji, r]>

frayer, when Qiail fach ffrtnp^ cxljIa-.
IiM *< wha cbarccrh the Ah
In cbfiiig this Sale work v,
iicffbry prayer, toaj? the Author be aUusvcJ lo avail k>
fcl! of the feeling it fwi^gcils to hei own heart ? AM
while flie cantcltly implores thai Bcifij^, who on make
the jT>e*inc(t of his creatures iuilrumeraal to hi^ g^orfj
toblef^ (his huniblc latiempt to thofc fof whom ii «'i*
\vtittcn| may the, without pr^fomptioa^ cutrcjt T
this woik of ChTifthri Charity msy be leciprocst,
that thofc who pertifc thefc ^lagc^ irsay put up J* £.
tion far her, that in the great diiy to which ue aie
haftciujig, ihe may not be found to have fugi
otheis what fhe herfLlf did not bc'Uevc^ or tol
ouimaiHed what Ihc did ik t defire topratlife ?""

awful day of everbfting dccifioHj may both the u

and the wTiter ba pardoned ajid acceptcdj ** nm fOf aHf
** works of righteoufnefs which they have done/ *
thraiigh the merits of the Great Intercessoe,

Knlinrfi,
' Alii

, I . . n..vrv Tr*

Ui of inter-

Tm END.

CON T E NTS.

)Dii(:riaif. - - « Page i^;

CHAP. I.

fU Womin ef Rank and Ftrtwa^ en the Effkhs
ii^ Infiuinci en Seciify -^Suggefiiem /er thi
fiiem rf it M Vfrwuf hfti^n£(4, . • . Ij^

CHAP* 11.
fE^Jncathn of Wcmtn.---Thi prroailifigSjfiem. - *

t if tftabiyh the Errors wfikh it cught H €ir*
•«• Dangeri arifing frfim an exajs'ye Cultivaiiom
hi Arts. - - - - - • 38

CHAP. IH.
d^ Improvement * — ChiUren^s BM^M^Fereneh
wiejfeu - - - - - ^ JO

CHAP. IV.
ripmeftbeModetfFemdeEineatieninthelafi
wth tkt Frtfent. - - • - ^j

CHAP. V.
Seligieus EmfhymentofTime. — On the Manner
)bickHolidiB^sarepaffod,^Selfifim/semdInconfii-
ion- confitkr id, '^Dangers arifing from thtWerid*' 6^

CHAP. VL

THE EARLY. FOEMINO OR HABITS*
^NeceJ/ityuof farming the Judgment to. direa-tbofe .
'i^/. - - - - , . - 76

CHAP- VII.
OheditncenottheCharaBeroftbeAge, — J.Cem*
fm^wiib the frecediftg Age in this Reffe^^-r'^hefki
\ cultivate the Mind advijkd tofu^ the NatuH 0/
SolL'-Unprernifing Children often make Jhw^^-
Takers. — Teachers, too. apt to .Mote their fatni-
}ft exclufively^ to Children, of J^a/rtt^ -. •• Sj

CHAP. VHt
tmale Studj^, emd Initiation into Knonvbd^e,"-^ .
or ef cultivatiftg the Ima^nation to tilt ftegle£^ of
Judgment, ^Books of Keafoning recommended^ 95

CHAP. IX.
r Religious and Moral ofr^JiiJterj^aMdfiiografy^ i<

^TtlCTllES ON FEMALE EOeCATltfSp

fttvei to pftijf for the 01 f*^ IVm whom wcmitfci
daily ©*<fnd* ^VhcIl ih' arc the faithful (

lowers of theft me Uitint! iT:.i] *.i pray for each aih
the reciproca! inicrccfEmi €iclj|litfullv rcalizci i
ul idea of " the riiiumiinmnof bauitA." tli
ly any ihing wlikh more enriches the ChriH
iti^u lilt circutatioii of thh hoJy commtrrcc t tliitii
cDmi<>Tt of bellcvmgt white he is pt^ymg for hisCK

B lUn fncudii that ht if alfci reaping ihe Dcncfit of tl

r piaf era for htit*.

Some arc for con fining tht^ir intcrccffif*m ontjf to
gooi, HB if none bet perfans r»f merit wrre cnntlec
niJT prayers, Meiii 1 «*ho }us it ? Dtfen I wtifi
nlead !! / m the fi^ht of Cod^ I mein^ Who l!
Dtbig Im cmti piety, flf the pi^^ty of others, to the 1
uf f5i», befaTc u Ikbg nf fuch tranfi V T^joM
tkat ** the he^vetig are froc irleati in ^ * J

if ¥rc wait for perfect f i

flayer, when ih^n fach
Im *^ who tharccth the A. ' .

lo c lo fu J g thU little work v, ^ i fill

cvflbry prayer, may the Author be alloi*ed loavaHi
fi. If ol the feeling it fuggeiU to her own h<: Ait i J
wisiic die earncftly iorpWcs that Beings who ran 18
thcmcajiclt of his treat arcs mfttumental to his g^
to bicfa ibi:* humble atccri^pt to thofc for whom it
wrktCHj may ihi^ wltliout prt:fampiiont .r^" :"
this work of Chrlflian Charity may be rev .
that thofe who perafc tl^ " > ^ may nut up *i ;
tion for her, that in the - , to which wc st<

h^flenhi|, ih^ may not be fouiu! to have fiiggcftcc
others what fhe berf^lf did not bellcvCj or w h*vc
ommcfiided what fhe did net defrrc to pr^cUfe ? Im
awful day of ererla fling dcci/Ion, may both lUc rej
and the writer be pardoned and accepted, ** not for
''works of righttroufneft which they Vjvc done^"
through the rneritji of ihe Great Jnteacessor,

The IN0.

C O N T E NTS.

-%- ■ : ; •-• ■

wp^JiODufirxQir. ... . Page- iS>

^.i GHAP. I.

^ f U Wmin of Rank tmd ¥$rtimi^ m the Effids
ikmr JafiuiKCi 9» SuUiy '^Suggfftwu fit: thi

f^^ CHAP, a. ,

pi« th E4nc^tm of Wemin.^Tkttrt^ai^Sjifim
^l^fdi t9 tftMiflj tbt Efrors w^kn if ought t§ <ir* .
31^^. ^ Dangers arijtng frm an ixctjp/ue (jultivafim
jlaf tki Arts. - - - ... 38

gi CHAP. IH.

"^^^rnd ^ImprvuMmint^ — Childrit^s BM.'^Ftrmdf
W^Aviraefei^ - - - - - ^ jO

* . GHAP.IV. •

^jmftKriJntftbtMo^rfFmidiE^titiinintbtk^'
iJ^ with tkt Pnfent. - - * - • ^j

' \ CHAP. V. 4^

Qil^'M# litigious Emphymint of Time. -^On thfUutmiir * '*
f.'hf nnbichHoliilaysaripafftd.'^SelffimfsmuilnconJid^
^^tmiion-confidirid.'^Dta^tPsariftngfromthtffwd*^ 6J
^ GHAP- VL

1tfi^^N£ceffity.of forming thi Jud^omttB-ilirta^tbofi .
Vjai^/r/. - - .. ,. . 76

7^^ . CHAP- VII.

tmml OMience not tie Ck4ra^t;r oftbtjge. — JJCom^

'J fmrifon with the precedif^ Agi in this R^fpe^, -r-Thsfi,

^juAtf cultivate the Mind ad^vifld tofudy the Naturt of

Tlfc SoiL'^UnfromiJing Children often make ftt$n£-

* CbaraBers, ^Teachers. r«L apt t4 mote their fain^

' dmflM9e£lyfimly^tuCkildffu.of.?mt**- ^ ^ %^

CHAP. Vift
ihs female Study^ and Initiation into, Knowledge,"-^ .
Error of cultivating the Imagination to tht AghtSf ff '
'ike Judgment. -^Eoois of Rea^hig recommeudedi 95

CHAP. IX
^IfUii Migious andMoralafs^Hifyj^iS^ttfy^ lo4

Ii2 CONTENTS.

CHAP. X. P^P

Jm fh Ujt cf Difinifioms, and the Mpral Benefits ef
Aeeuratj in Le^ngnagi. - - - - »I7

CHAP. XI.

On JieligiM.^TheNeeeffitj ondDuij $f emrlj Inftruaion
Jhewn hy AnsUgy mriih kummm Leirming, - - 1:3

CHAP. XII.

On the Manner ef IrftrnHing Tltmg Perfins in Heligitn*
'^General Remarks em the Gensns 0/ Chrijiianitj, 132

CHAP. XIIL

ffints fnggefted fir fnrnifi>ing Yenng Per Jems with a
Scheme ef Prayer. . - - . - 148

CHAP. XIV.

The praaical Vie efFemak Knowledge^ vuith a Sketch
ef the Femeie CharaBer^ amd es. tomparative VievD
ef the Sexis. - - - - - 157

CHAP. XV.

Conversation — Hints fuggefted m the Sntjea.-^
On the Tempers and Difpojitiens te he introduced in it*
'^Emrs te he aveidtd, — Inanity under ■vetrieus
Shapes the Cau/e ef theft Errers. - - 177

CHAP. XVI.
On the Danger efan ill-direSed Senfihility. - - 203

CHAP. XVII.

On DiJJtpatien, and the Modern Merits of Fet/bionalle
Life ., - . 221

CHAP. xvm.

On Public Amufements. - - •. - 243

CHAP.'XIX.

A Worldly Spirit incompatible with the Spirit ofCknf-

tianity. . . ..... 2{t

CHAP. XX. I

On the leading DoSrines ef Ghriftianky.^The Cor- 1

ruption of Human Nature.^TheDoarine ef Redesap- \

tioH.-^The Nueffity of a Change of Htart^ and of |
the Divine Influences to produce that Cban^.'^fFith

tf Sketch of the Cbriftian Charaaer. • - 274 ^

. CHAP. XXL

^^ ^he Dufy and Efficacy of Prayern - • . I^T

1

THE BORROWER WILL BE CHARQEO
AN OVERDUE FEE IF THIS BOOK l«
NOT RETURNED TO THE LIBRARY DM
OR BEFORE THE LAST DATE STAMPED
BELOW. NON-REC£IPT OF OVERDUE
NOTICES DOES NOT EXEMPT THE
BORROWER FROM OVERDUE FEES.

\ ^;rc

XA A

^'Vs.*

. V s^ \^ V S/'

mQ ? D 1996