LECTURES ON FEMAL.E EDUCATION, COMPRISING THE FIRST AND SECOND SERIES OF A COURSE DELIVERED TO MRS. GARNETT'S PUPILS, *At Elm-Wood, Essex county, Virginia. BY JAMES M. GARNI ^^^^Ofc.-vsl^ .*/ -.^ : - — -r- TO WHICH IS ANNEXED, - THS GOSSIP'S MANUAI,. TENTH EDITION, WITH CORRKCTIONS ANP ADDITIONS BY THE AUTHOR. RICHMOND: ntRci and published by THOMAS W. WHITE, sole proprietor of the Copy-Right. 1833. v^ 1 Entehed, according to the Act of Congress, in the year 1832, hi THOMAS W. WHITE, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of Virginia. ^oo^ EDITOR'S PREFACE. 'S ° From the rapid sale of the two first editions of the following Lectures, the editor is en- couraged to hope that a third will also prove acceptable to the publick. To accomplish this on his part, nothing within the compass of his means has been neglected, so far as regards paper, type, and binding. The whole M ./- at his solicitation, has also been again '. ;ed by the author, and several corrections I he editor confidently trusts, that to those .0 have not read this little work, the ap- probatory letters which he has annexed, from some of the most distinguished and estimable men in the United States, will highly recom- mend it; as their sanction aflbrds the best pre- sumptive evidence, that none who purchase these Lectures will be likely to repent their bargain. In thus introducing the work to 4 Editor's Preface. the patronage of the publick, the editor will not pretend to an entire exemption from per- sonal and selfish motives : For although his own interest in the sale of this edition, may be thought too strong to leave his judgment to act impartially, in deciding on the merits of this little book ; yet no obstacle of this kind could possibly have influenced those justly celebrated men who have already spoken of it with such unqualified praise. Upon their opinions therefore, he may safely rely, as valid proofs of the correctness of his own; and thus supported, he once more comes before the publick, full of hope, that they will most willingly contribute to promote his uwu indi- vidual advantage, in consideration of the ser- vices which he is about to render, by this edi- tion of the Lectures, to all who are, in any way, interested in the all-important cause of Female Education. This third edition is enlarged by four ad- ditional Lectures, which, as the editor is as- sured, complete the author's entire course. The sole copy-right to these, as well as the Editor^s Preface, 5 Ibrmer, he has presented to the editor, without retaining any pecuniary interest whatever, in either edition. For one mistake in arranging the different parts of the last edition, which is corrected in the present, I owe an apology to the publick. It will be perceived by the close of the author's preface, that the " Gossip's Manual" was de- signed to come in after the Lectures ; but from inadvertence on my part, it was placed before them. A farther explanation perhaps is due, in re- gard to another small change made by the editor. Those who have perused the second edition, must have observed that the term " Preface" was prefixed by the author, to his remarks preceding the Lectures. For this, the following title has been substituted, as some- what more appropriate : " Introductory Re- marks on some of the Chief Obstacles to Education." T. W. WHITE, Ediior and Pub- Usher of Garnetfs Lectures* May 27th, 1825. 1* COMMEJVDATORY LETTERS, ON JAMIiS M. GARNETT'S LECTURES. The first is a letter from JOHN MARSHALL, Esq. Chief Justice of tiie United States. The second, is from Mr. LEROY ANDERSON, long and well known, as the much esteemed Principal of an Academy, first established in Williamsburg-, and then transferred to this city. The third, is from the Rev. WM. J. ARMSTRONG, Pastor of the 1st Presbyterian Church in Richmond, a gentleman not less highly valued for his talents as a preacher, than reverenced for his piety and learning as a man. The fourth, is from the Right Rev. RICHARD CHAN- NING MOORE, the venerable and much-esteemed Bishop of the Diocese of Virginia. The//^A,isfrom DE WITT CLINTON, Esq. the pre- sent Governour of the State of Nevv-Vork, a gentleman alike celebrated for his talents as a statesman, and his acquirements as a scholar, These-r^A, isfrom_^the Revd JOHN H. RICE, Presi- dent of the Theological Seminary, in Prince-Edward, and a minister of the Presbyterian Church, long distin- guished for his piety and learning. The seventh, is from the Rev. FREDERIC BEASLEY, the present Provost of the College of Philadelphia, and a clergyman of the Protestant Episcopal Church, uni- versally esteemed by all who icnow him; and who is him- self a bright example of the faith he preaches. The eighth, is from WILLIAM WTRT, Esq. the pre- sent Attorney-General of the United States, whose re- putation as a jurist and an author stands deservedly high throughout America^ 3 Letters to the Publisher, Richmond, Nov. 29th, 1824. Mr, T. W. WMte. Deaii Sir, I have received the volume of Mr. Ganiett's Lectures with which you favoured me, and have de- voted the first leisure time I could well spare to its perusal. I had read the 1st edition of this little work when first published, and was so well pleased with it as to place it in the hands of several of my young- friends for whose improvement T was particularly solicitous. The subject is, in my opinion, of the deepest inter- est. I have always believed that national character, as well as happiness, depends more on the female part of society than is generally imagined. Precepts from the lips of a beloved mother, inculcated in the amiable, graceful, and affectionate manner which belongs to the parent and the sex, sink deep in the heart, and make an impression which is seldom entirely effaced. These impressions have an influence on character which may contribute greatly to the happiness or misery, the emi- nence or insignificanc}' of the individual. If the agency of the mother informing the charac- ter of her children is, in truth, so considerable as 1 think" it, — if she does so much towards making her son what she would wish him to be, — and lier daughter to resem- ble herself, — how essential is it thai she should be fitted for the beneficial performance of these important duties. To accomplish this beneficial purpose is the object of Mr. Garnett's Lectures,- and he has done much towards its attainment. His precepts appear to be drawn from deep and accurate observation of human life uiul man- ners, and to be admirably well calculated to improve the understanding, and the heart. They form a sure and safe foundation for female character: and contain rules of conduct which cannot be too well considered, or too generally applied. They are communicated too with a sprightliness of style and agrceableness of man- ner which cannot fail to insure a favourable reception to the instruction they convey. I am, Sir, very respectfully, vour obedient JOHN MARSHALL. Letters to the Publisher. Richmond, Nov. 29, 1824. Mr T. TV. White. Dear Sir, I avail myself of the first opportunity that has of- fered, to acknowledge the receipt of your 5cco7ir/edition of Mr. Garnett*s LeciureSy iniscribed to the young ladies of Mrs. Ganiett^s school. Having- been pleased with the perusal of this little work on its first appearance, and having before publickly expressed ray favourable opin- ion, 1 am much gratified to see that you have, so early, been encouraged to g'ive a second edition. Upon looking into its pages, I find that the book has been enriched by the author with an admirable preface, in v/hich he has, in a manner that does equal credit to his head and his heart, unfolded some new and impres- sive views of that most important of all subjects, the domcstick and school instruction of the rising genera- |:ion. Tt were a compliment to myself to say Ihat I fully oncur with the writer; but I most earnestly recom- mend to every parent and teacher, a serious perusal of this part of the volume. Concisely stated as they are, ihe observations of the author, will be admitted, by all who take an interest in cultivating the hearts as well as the minds of children, to contain matter worthy of the gravest consideration ; and I wish every family in the state where those "Heaven-bestowed sources of feli- city" (as the author justly terms children) are to be found, could obtain a copy of this little book. What the author styles, "The Gossip's Manual," is another valuable accession to the present edition, and exposes in a keen and forcible, though very amusing way, one of the greatest pests of society. lam. Sir, very respectfully, your ob'tserv't LEllOY ANDERSOlSr. — Qi©©— RicHjroND, Dec. 3, 1824, Mr. T. W. White, Dear Sir. — I have attentively read the second edition i-)^ ^* Lectures addressed to Mrs. Garnstt's pupils,'^ ^c of 10 Letters to the Puhlisher. which you were so oblig-ing" as to send me a copy. It gives me pleasure to thank you for the favour, and to express the satisfaction I have received from a perusal of the work. Thoug-h so brief and compendious as necessarily to exclude many points, which, under other circumstances, might with propriety have been noticed in a work of the kind; yet the author has compressed into this little volume, much interesting and valuable instruction. The topicks he discusses are unquestion- ably of the utmost importance, and they are treated in a plain, distinct and impressive manner. Much good sense, clear discernment, and just observation of men and things, are displayed in the discussion ; combined with an extensive acquaintance with society as it ,is; correct notions of character as it sliould be : and an ardent desire to promote the best interests of those for whose immediate benefit the author wrote. One might wish he had been more explicit and full on the subject of religious obligation, and the peculiar motives to the performance of duty which revelation presents; yet even on these topicks there is, so far as hegoeSi much to ap- ritovE. On the whole, the work seems well adapted to be useful to young persons of both sexes, and es- pecially to young ladies; and I rejoice that you hare found encouragement for so speedy a publication of a second edition. Wishing you all the success which the value of the work and your excrticuis merit, 1 am, very respectfully, yours, &c. WM. J. AUMSTRONG. Ricu-MOJTD, Dec. 13, 1824. Mr. Thomas W. IVhite, Dear Sin, The influence of the female character upon the minds of our sex is universally acknowledged: every efPirt therefore which has a tendency to extend their information, and to increase their moral power, Letters to the Publisher. 1 1 must meet with the approbation of the virtuous; and is entitled to the grateful thanks of the community. I have frequently expressed the opinion, t' at it rests very much with well educated and religi- ous women, to check in their progress those errors in our sex, which frequently destroy the comfort of so- ciety ; and to give that tone to publick morals, so ne- cessary to the happiness of mankind. The moment, in which they can be persuaded to exercise that influence which Heaven has given them ; and to take that elevated ground, to which the purity of their lives, and the improvement of their minds entitle them; the moment in which they shall mark with pointed disapprobation, every aberration from propriety in those, who court their society and expect their smiles, our sons will see the necessity of conforming to their requisitions — they will so regulate their conduct as to gladden the hearts of vheir parents ; secure dignity to their characters, and establish their present and future peace. The LECTuaBs of Mr. Garnett breathe a spirit of christian purity. They point out to females the high road to character and distinction, and the more they are studied the more will they be esteemed. Should the lessons they inculcate be duly im- proved, the young ladies will leave the seminary in which they have been educated, a comfort to their pa- rents, and an honour to iheir teachers. They will be prepared for the exercise of those duties, which will render them the benefactors of the human family; burning and shining lights in the Church of God; and a blessing to those, with whom they may be connect- ed in life. You have my best wishes, that the second edi- tion of the Lectures alluded to, may meet with that encouragement, to which their great merit entitles them I rernain, dear sir, your friend, and ob't serv't RICHARD CHANNING MOORE, 12 Letters to the Puhlisher. Altiany, 3 1st Jan. 1825. JUr. Thomas W. White. Dear Sir, Previous to the receipt of Mr. Gametics Lectures' on Female Education^ whicii you were so kind as to trans- mit to me, I had heard of the work, and was desirous to obtain it. My expectations have not been disap- pointed in the perusal. In reference either to diction or sentiment, to manner or matter, it is a production of extraordinary merit and oug-ht to be generally diffused. The writer has, with great ability, inculcated the importance of Female Education, and pomted out the most advisable means of elevating the female character. Our first and most lasting impressions and ideas are derived from maternal solicitude and su- perintendence ; and the felicitous influence of Female Education, is not only felt in the domestic circle, but in all points connected with individual happiness and social prosperity. 1 have the honour to be, very respectfully, Your most obedient servant, l)E WITT CLINTON. Theological Seminary, JPrince-Edivardy 5th Feb. 1825. Mr. T. W. White. My Dear Sir, I received, some weeks ago, a very handsome copy of Garnetfft Lectures, for wh.cn I return you thanks not the less sincere on account of the delay in expres- sing them. Tins little work does not need my name to recom- mend it, after having received the testimonials which you have already published. But I mtist be permuted to say, that I rejoice in the attention now given to female education, and in the interest which valuable pubfications on that subject, appears to excite It is to be hoped that increa ed and enlightened zeal in the present, and succetduig generations, will do away the evils of past negligence ; Letters to the Publisher, 13 that the wide circulation of Mr. Garnett's little manual, will prepare the way for more extensive and elaborate treatises; and that the time will come when every class of society will feel the salutary influences of •womaii's kindness combined with a cultivated taste and hig^h intellectual improvement. Allow me to add, that in my judgment, every well conducted female academy is a pubiick blessiog"; the principals of which, deserve well of their country. With best wishes for your success, I am, &c. JOHN H. RICE. — e^©© — Philadelphia, April 1. 1825. Mr. T. TV. White. Dear Sir, I thank you for the copy of Mr. Garnett's Lec- tures, with which you have been good enough to fa- vour me. Before the receipt of your favour, I had purchased and read the work, with great satisfaction; and had taken some pains to introduce it to the notice of my friends and acquaintances. I cannot express in too strong terms my approbation of it. In a most mas- terly and agreeable manner, it treats one of the most important subjects that can occupy the attention of the human mind. Mr. Garnett looks around upon the pe- culiar manners of his own country with the eye of a sage, and suits his maxims to them. His style is easy, sprightly, and elegant, and every lecture pregnant with impressive and useful lessons It is my intent to ren- der my daughters familiar with this work; and I trust, that every other parent who has a family of females around him will do the same. 1 have never met with any performance upon this subject, which so entirely meets my views ; and is so well calculated, to form the manners, rect'fy the principles, and improve the under- standings and moral feelings of our females. I remain, respectfuUv, your ob't servant, FUEDERIC BEASLEY. 14 Letters to the Publisher, WASHtXGTdx, April 26, 1825, Mr, Thomas JF. White. Dear Sir, r am sorry tliat my engagemenls have kept me so long" from the perusal ot Mr. GanieWs Lectures on Female Education which you were so obhg'ing' as to send me. The work is, in my opinion, an excellent one and is calculated to do much good. The topicks are well selected and are treated with vigour and judgment. The precepts of morality and religion which it incul- cates are, every where, sound ; and the objects of pur- suit and principles of action which it recommends are pure and solid. The style is good. The language is, per- haps, sometimes a little too familiar for the refinement of the age, but, upon the whole, it is well suited to con- vey and impress the good advice which the woi'k con- tains ; and the lectures are written, throughout, with a parental warmth and earnestness which, I should think, would awaken a strong interest in the minds of those for whose use they are intended. The Gossip's Mamialy to which you call my attention, is a good piece of irony m the manner of Swift, levelled at a habit which, it is to be hoped, is less prevalent at this day than it seems to have been in the reign of Queen Anne, but which is so vicious and barbarous that a cor- rect mind cannot fail to be pleased with any effort at its entire extirpation. Upon the whole this little book is one which every parent may well be gratified to see in a daughter's hands — For there is no moral poison any where hidden under insidious amusement. Alt is sound and whole- some. No frivolous accomplishments, nor superficial and showy attainmenis are recommended to the culti- vation of the youthful reader ; but the work has the rare merit of inculcating, in strong and persuasive lan- guage, the subservience of the Graces themselves to the useful purposes of life ; the deep reality of excel- lence, as contradistinguished from the appearance, the Letters to the Publisher. 15 being good as well as elegant, instead of merely seem- ing so. Under this impression of the work I should be glad to see it in extensive circulation and should hail it as an omen of good to that sex on whose direction man so much depends for the first and strongest impulses of his character. J remain, Sir, with respect, your obedient serv't, WILLIAM WIRTo lutroductor>f Remarks OST SOME OF THE CHIEF OBSTACLES TO EDUCATION. INTRODUCTORY REMARKS ON SOME OF TfilE Chief Obstacles to Education, The first destination of the following Lectures having been materially changed by the determination of the present proprietor of the copy-right to publish a second edition, some prefatory account of the circumstances which produced the first, seems due to those to whom the last is now offered. But previous to this detail, the Author deems it not irrelevant to his final purpose, to take a brief view of the various obstacles which, in our present state of society, ap- pear to him to impede the adoption and prac- tice of correct principles of Education, — particularly in regard to Females. He will also endeavour to expose the highly perni- cious influence of these impediments; and if possible to call the publick attention to the substitution of better methods, than most of 22 Introductory Remarks, fyc. those which are still too prevalent among us. Many of these obstacles, and the most for- midable of the whole, arise from the bad principles, opinions, and habits, fixed in the tender minds of children; even before they leave that domestick sanctuary wherein they should not be suffered, if possible, either to see, or to hear, the slightest thing that could pervert their understandings, or cor- rupt their hearts. The faculties of the one, and the feelings of the other, begin to exert themselves at a much earlier period of life, than many imagine; and it depends al- most entirely upon the first means used to develope them, and the first examples pre- sented for their imitation, whether these hea- ven-bestowed sources of felicity are not so poisoned, as to mar every hope both of pre- sent and future happiness. To women, in almost all cases, is confided, — or rather, left, this most momentous duty of early develope- ment. They are our first, and often only teachers : and to them we are all indebted for our rudiments of science, of morals, and Introductory Remarks^ ^c. 23 of religion. How incalculably important then, is it, that they should be well quali- fied for their arduous task? And how im- practicable is this, if the utmost caution and pains are not continually taken, sedulously to guard against every avoidable error in the little education, which in general, they are permitted to receive? But for these early habits, opinions, and principles, — which may properl}^ be called nursery infections, I have always thought that the subsequent efforts to educate young people would be much more successful, than they usually are. If husbands and wives will live in that sort of amity which generally prevails between cats and dogs, they must expect that their daughters will play the cat too, whenever they have opportunities. If mothers and nurses will scold, and hector, and storm, and rave, and fall into fits of " the sullens," (a very malig- nant disease, by the way,) either with, or without any colour of excuse, the children under their management will certainly imi- tate their example. In short, if those who 4* 24 Introductory Remai'Jcs, ^c. have the early direction of children, — whe- ther parents or guardians, nurses or teach- ers; habitually give way to any fault or vice whatever, the helpless objects of their super- intendance, will almost as surely contract them, as they will take the small-pox, if ex- posed to its contagion. Why do we ever see the poor little inno- cents of the nursery practising in miniature, all the airs of grown coquettes, even before the lisping accents of infancy have worn off their tongues? It is because they have been ino- culated by the time they could speak, with the passion for finery, and the desire for ad- miration. Indeed, the attempt is commenced while they are yet in the arms : — witness the well-known, favourite nursery-ditto of "you shall have a coach and six," &,c. which is nearly coeval, I believe, with our language itself. It is because, they have scarcely ever heard any other language, than extrava- gant eulogiums on their "dear, sweet, beau- tiful little faces;" and their almost equally Introductory Remarks, ^c. "dear, sweet, charming little frocks," be- dizzened with all the frippery that money could purchase, or false taste and extrava- gant folly select. And because they have always been told that these combined muni- tions of amatory warfare, were to ensure the capture of little master such-a-one, — the great fortune, as a sweet-heart. Why is it that we often find children deaf to reproof, and proof against persua- sion and punishment? It is because correc- tion has been bestowed much oftener from the ill-humour of the parent, nurse, or teacher, than from the ill-conduct of the child ; and because they are more frequently chastised ivithout cause, than with it. In short, why is so much difficulty often found in obtain- ing a compliance on the part of children, with reasonable requests, and necessary com- mands? It is because, the true motives of correct conduct have never even been pre- sented to their minds, — much less explained to their understandings, — but improper mo- 26 Introductory Remarks, ^c. lives substituted for them : and because force has been used, instead of argument; and harsh, cruel usage, in lieu of kind, affection- ate treatment. Add to all these instances of misrule, that cakes and sweetmeats are some- times administered for the identical faults, which, at other times would procure blows; — that promises are often made both of pun- ishments and rewards, which are never per- formed ; that exaggerated tales are not un- frequently told them for truths ; and various other deceptions practised in preference to more open methods, in order to cheat them into compliances which might have been obtained by honest means; and you have a plain, but painful solution, of most of the difficulties to be encountered in the Educa- tion of Youtlj. But among all the various obstacles to success, if there are any which should be placed at the head of the rest, the two fol- lowing appear entitled to that pre-eminence; to wit: — the preference which many parents, 1 Introductory Remarks, &fC, 27 as well as teachers give to the drivings ra- ther than to the leading system of teaching; and the principle of envious rivalship, most falsely called "generous emulation," which is so generally, — he may almost say, uni^ i)ersally relied upon, to achieve that which the pure love of knowledge and virtue alone, should be used to accomplish. They both appear at first, to save trouble to the teach- ers; and that I have ever believed, was their true origin. They may be called labour- saving processes for the time being, to in- structors, as neither reason, nor eloquence, nor knowledge, nor talents of any kind, ex- cept bodily strength, are requisite to apply the first; nor any thing, but the stimuli of pride and vanity, necessary to excite the last. The driving system consists simply in carrying the verb flagellare — to flog, — flog- ging, — flogged, through all its various moods, tenses, participles, gerunds, and supines on the bodies of its victims ; and diversifying it occasionally, with a few other quickly ad- 28 Introductory Remarks, ^c» ministered inflictions. Boxes on the ears are substituted for those vocal sounds which should be addressed to the understanding through those organs; birching is applied in lieu of argument, remonstrance, persuasion, and reproof; and corporal sufferance is ex- pected to produce all that change of heart and soul, which nothing can effect, but men- ted conviction. All that this summary mode can possibly gain, is to secure in some cases a compliance, — but merely external, with rules and regulations; to compel a mechan- ical, verbatim accuracy in recitations, where the tongue generally utters what the head does not comprehend ; to cause a specious, but altogether deceptive display of acquire- ment at examinations; and to give leisure to the teachers to sleep, or amuse themselves in any other way they please. These are the sole gains of this method by corporal pains and penalties. But its losses and dis- advantages are beyond the power of figures to calculate. "They grow with the growth., and strengthen with the strength" of the un- Introductory Remarks^ fyc. 29 fortunate pupils. Those of quick, and what are called "high tempers," are rendered stubborn, rebellious, and incurably obsti- nate, as well as insensible to all the nobler motives of conduct; while all of a milder cast of character, are either completely cowed, and debased, or irrecoverably stul- tified. The few who escape ruin are rare exceptions; and, like the instances of longevi- ty in Batavia, or of recoveries from the plague, should be considered conclusive proofs of the malignity of the exposure to which the survivors have been subjected. As to the much vaunted principle of emulation, — what is it, when carefully ana- lyzed, and considered with reference to the motive, rather than the object, — but isheer, unqualified envy ; or certainly the parent of it f For does it not create in us an ever-rest- less wish to surpass those whom we emulate; to acquire more reputation for talents; and to be more admired for our literary and mo- ral attainments ? Does it not give us much 30 Introductory Remarks^ ^c, disquietude, — if not actual pain, when we find these individuals surpassing us, instead of our surpassing them ? Does it not disturb, and vex, and mortify us, when we perceive that they have more of publick estimation, than we have ? Finally, can we possibly be anxious to possess more of any thing, (no matter what,) than they do, without wishing at the same time, that they had less than we have : in other words, that we possessed what tUey possess, if the superiority at which this pernicious passion aims, can be attained in no other way? And what is all this, but envy? To call such a sentiment ^^generous^^ is the grossest abuse of language: nor could the mistake ever have been made, if the objects were not laudable for whose attainment this strangely miscalled '-generous emulation" is to be excited. But can any end be good, where both the motive and the means used for its acquisition are bad ? Honestly to gain wealth for honest purposes is praise-worthy. But to procure it by theft, robbery, or mur- der, and for sensual gratifications, is a com- Introductory Remarks, i^x, 31 plicated crime of the deepest dye. To ac- quire and to deserve a reputation for know- ledge and pure morals, that you may obey the commands of your God, and prove a benefactor to mankind, is still more lauda- ble. But to labour for this repute, merely from the love ot human applause ; or that yon may indulge without suspicion, all the vicious propensities of a depraved heart, — is sheer vanity in the one case, and a deadly sin in the other. The Author of this little work has seen many schools in the course of. his life, and has been himself a pupil in not a few, — such as they were. Yet in all these he can safely affirm, that he never saw a soli- tary case of emulation, which could, with any propriety, be called "generous." Per- petual jealousies, and heart-burnings, — if not open animosities and quarrels, have been the bitter fruits of this passion wherever he has known it excited. Can any thing but the boxing and flogging process be well worse, than this poisoning the heart, in or- der to enlighten and store the mind with use- 32 Introductory Remarks, fyc* ful knowledge? Can any thing be more ab- surd, than to teach poor children from their bibles, or other books of moral and religious instruction, that envy is hateful to man, and odious to God, at the same time that we do all we can to make them envious ? Would it, in fact, be half the labour to hold up to them an abstract, but attainable standard of excellence, and persuade them to endeavour to reach it, from love towards God, and be- nevolence towards their fellow creatures f Or would there be any less prospect of sti- mulating them to the requisite exertions by such exalted motives, than if we were to ad- dress the baser passions of their hearts, — fear, and the spirit of rivalry? Yet thus it is, (in thousands of instances,) by inculcating "envy, and hatred, and malice, and all un- charitableness," in the compendious form of "emulation" on the one hand ; and by the ad- ministration of birching without form, and often without measure, on the other, that the youth of our country are to be imbued with all those amiable qualities of the heart, and Introductory Remarks, ^c. 33 useful endowments of the understanding, which are to fit them for this world, and pre- pare them for the next. Can it be wonder- ed at that such methods fail in an hundred instances, where they succeed in one? Or rather, ought it not to excite immeasurable surprise, if they appear to answer in any whatever? The Author has no intention to aim these remarks at individuals, — having not the most remote wish to injure any body whatever. On the contrary, it is his ardent desire to do all the good he can to the rising generation by the exposure of such errors, and the recommendation of such truths, as appear to him all important to their future welfare. Far, very far from his heart on the present occasion, is every thing like per- sonal satire. His great object is, — as much as his humble powers will enable him, to smooth the road to the temple of science in the simple capacity of a Pioneer; — to ren- der it by his labours "a way of pleasantness. 34 Introductory Remarks, ^c. and a path of peace" to those who have to tread it; and by earnestly soliciting the pub- lick attention to this most important of all temporal subjects, to call forth those exer- tions on the part of the persons most interest- ed, which alone can effectually correct what is wrong, and establish what is right, in the prevailing modes of Education. The following admirable passages in Madam De Stael's celebrated work on Ger- many, are so applicable that I cannot forbear to quote them. They contain the substance of almost every thing valuable, which has been said by others in condemnation of the principles of emulation and fear : and they are taken from that peculiarly excellent chap- ter wherein she speaks of the so justly ad- mired schools of Pestalozzi, and Fellenburg. In speaking of the pupils, she observes: — "One remarkable circumstance is, that pun- ishments and rewards are never necessary to excite them to industry; it is perhaps the first lime that a school of a hundred and fifty iniroductorij Remarks, ^c. 35 children lias been conducted without the stimulus of emulation and fear. How many evil seniimenis are spared to the heart of man, ivhen ive drive far from him jealousy and humiliation ; when he sees no rivals in his comrades, no judges in his masters ! Ilosseau wished to subject the child to the laws of destiny ; Pc^stnlozzi himself creates that des- tiny duriuGT the course of the child's educa- tion, and directs its decrees towards his happiness and his improvement. Tlie child /bels himself free, because he enjoys himself amidst the general order which surrounds him : the perfect equality of which is not de- ranged even by the talents of the children, whether more or less distinguished. Success in surpassing each other is not the object of pursuit, hilt merely progress towards a cer- tain point, which all endeavour to reach with the same sincerity. The scholars become masters, when they know more than their comrades ; the masters again become schol- ars when they perceive any imperfections in their methods, and begin their own educa- 36 Introductory Remarks, &fc» tion agaiii, in order to become better judges of the difficulties attending the art of in- struction. — " Truth, goodness, confidence, afiection, surround the children ; — it is in that atmosphere they live ; and for a time at least, they remain strangers to all the hate- ful passions, — to all the proud prejudices of the world." But to return to those obstacles to a proper course of Female Education, which it was first proposed to examine. There is another which may dispute the superiour power of doing mischief, with any that has been named. It is the notion so often incul- cated, — if not by direct means, at least by such as are perhaps more efficacious, that the chief earthly purpose for which women " live, and move, and have their being," is — to marry. This often continues through the whole course of their Education at home and abroad, to be rung in their ears, and addressed both to their feelings and under- standings, in almost every possible way, to Introductory Remarks, ^c, 37 render it a permanent, and paramount senti- ment. Grammatically speaking, these very provident matrimonisers, will not even allow woman to be a noun-substantive, but only a miserable conjunction, " having no significa- tion of ^herself ,^^ unless coupled in wedlock to man. The numerous instances of widows, who manage all their concerns infinitely bet- ter than their husbands did before them, in vain present themselves every where to dis- prove this most irrational, absurd opinion. Still it continues to prevail, and to imbitter by its fatal consequences, the lives of thou- sands. — That old, well known maxim of thrift : — " get money ; get h honestly, if you can ; but at all events, get money, ^^ is para- phrased for the special use of all single girls ; and they never hear the last of; — ^^ get mar- ried ; — well, if you can ; — but at all hazards get married,'''' until they actually take the de- cisive, all important step, at any, and every hazard whatever. The deplorable effects of *See Harris's Hermes, — article — com'unction. 38 Introductory tiemarks, ^c. this admonition might not, perhaps, be quite so bad, if it were not for the means which are frequently recommended to achieve it. — - These are often, not so much to cure, as to conceal their faults ;— not so much, actually to possess, as to uppear to possess the quali- ties and acquirements which are supposed to be most in request among our sex ; — to affect similar tastes, views, and opinions with those whom they wish to captivate ; to pre- fer the arts of dress and address to all others ; and to consider the old caution on this sub- ject, — " look before you leap,^^ as applicable to nothing but a well or a precipice. As a finishing to the whole, they are taught to be- lieve, that if they can dance, play, and draw- well, little more will be necessary to make as many conquests, as their hearts can de^ sire. With such objects, and such prepara- tions to accomplish them, the happiness of thousands of poor misguided girls is sacri- ficed at the shrine of ambition, avarice, or some still baser, more degrading passion. — How far preferable would it be to teach them Introductory RemarTcs, &fc. 39 from the moment they are susceptible of mo- ral instruction, that although more happiness may he enjoyed in married, than in single life ; yet that more wretchedness may be, and often isj endured in the first than in the last. Indeed, that this wretchedness is almost cer- tain ; unless much more than the usual cau- tion is taken to guard against unsuitable matches ; and of course, that it is infinitely better, never to marry at all, than to wed a man whose principles, habits, and passions are calculated to make them miserable. If such doctrines were uniformly taught, and as earnestly enforced as the opposite max- ims, can we believe that we should find any girls whatever, among those who were thus educated, who would not deem it beyond all calculation better to incur the fabulous risk of " leading apes in Hell," than to en- counter the actual misery of being chained to monkeys upon earth ; or of being married to men of bad morals, bad habits, or bad tempers, — that heaviest, most afflicting curse ©f wedded life ! 40 Introductory Remarks^ fye. Another great obstacle,— but equally applicable to the progress of Education in both sexes, is the little estimation in which the class of instructors is generally held. In fact, it is far from being uncommon to con- sider this, — a degraded class ; although the success of all the other various trades, pro- fessions, and callings which are essential to the formation of what is denominated civil- ized society, depends almost entirely upon the manner in which the members of this class discharge their truly arduous and im- portant duties. It is to them that all the rest are indebted for their first principles of sci- ence, and of virtue ; and even the exalted rulers themselves of nations, owe to this pro- fession all the elementary knowledge neces- sary to fit them for the proper discharge of their respective functions. Yet the abstract idea formed of teachers, much too frequently is, that they are a kind of hired spies over the conduct of those put under their care, who debar them from every kind of gratifi- cation, whether innocent, or culpable. That Introductory Remarks, Sfc. 41 they are also, hard and cruel task-masters or mistresses, whose sole interest in regard to every thing which concerns their pupils, is a pecuniary one; and whose sole business it must be " to make them, (as it is generally termed,) learn their books," that they may be kept from being troublesome to their pa- rents and guardians. The connexion be- tween teacher and scholar being thus usually viewed by children, as one of irresistable force on one side, and unavoidable submis- sion on the other, necessarily excites dislike, if not actual hatred both to school teachers, and to schools : but especially to the latter, with which it is quite common to threaten them as a punishment: Many, I think, will recollect to have heard the alarming denun- ciation in language somewhat like the fol- lowing: — "Very well! you good-for-noth- ing thing you; I'll have you packed off to school directly, thafs ivhat I will. I'll be bound Mr. or Mistress such-a-one will trounce you well, if you ever dare to serve them so.'* The idea of being sent to school, 43 Introductory Remarks, ^c. thus becomes one of the greatest terrors of a child's life, instead of being rendered, (as it might be,) one of its most desirable occu- pations. These early fears and antipathies rarely wear off; or if they do, it is frequently too late for the individual to profit much by the change. The abstract idea formed of teachers ought to 5e, that they are persons possessing in an eminent degree, all the endowments of the head, as well as qualities of the heart, which are requisite to enable them to store the minds of youth with the elements of knowledge, and to inspire their souls with the principles and the love of virtue. That they are persons who will, as far as practicable, supply the place of tender parents to the ob- jects of their care: and that the connexion which will subsist between such teachers, and their pupils, will be one, where unchangea- ble kindness, judicious forbearance, and ra- tional treatment on one side ; with gratitude, esteem, and affection on the other, will form Introductory Remarks^ Sfc. 43 their bond of union. A bond in fact, with- out which, the hope is utterly vain, of ever exciting, — (should it be wanting in the first instance,) that earnest, lasting desire to learn, which is the sine qua non, — the indispensable pre-requisite to all improvement whatever. Indeed, unless this bond can be established, the most learned teachers in the world, will be able to do little more, than the most ig- norant. If these opinions are just, it must be obvious to every one, that neither of the ob- stacles before noticed, can have done much more injury to the great cause of Education, than the one last mentioned : and what has been said, will suffice to prove, that the suc- cess of this cause materially depends upon ranking the class of instructors where they really ought to stand. Should any who are unfit, profess an ability to discharge the great and important duties of this class, let them receive in full measure, all the de- gradation and contempt which their mis-* 44 Introductory Remarks^ fyc. chievous incompetence will most justly de- serve. On the contrary where any can be found who are well qualified for the arduous task which they undertake, they can scarcely be esteemed too much, or appreciated too highly. I will close this catalogue of obstacles with one, which at first view, might appear of a different character. It consists in the extra super-pvffing which all our favourite schools are sure to receive. This almost al- ways makes the teachers conceited, self- willed, and too secure of publick approbation for the steady performance of all their du- ties : while the efiect on the pupils, is to in- spire them with the confident belief, that the mere going to such a school, without any ef- fort on their part at improvement, will pro- cure them that sort of estimation in society, which will enable them to make their fortunes : the meaning of which phrase, (in many of our domestick Encyclopaedias,) is simply, to marry a man of wealth; and whether he be knave or fool, sottish or sober, virtuous or Introductory Remarks, fyc. 45 vicious, it matters not much with these calcu- lators. Another certain consequence of this puffing is, that the publick expectations will be wofully disappointed m very many cases, when a little nearer view is taken of the pupils, after they " turn out,^^ as the cant term for young people's first going into general com- pany, expresses it. The whole blame is then thrown upon the schools, instead of ascribing a great part of it to the mistaken, overweening zeal of their too partial friends; who by promising more for them, than they could possibly perform, are sure to cause that which they really accomplish, to be much un- dervalued. This is always the effect, where either praise, or blame is too lavishly bestow- ed. For if we pitch the bar but an inch be- yond the true limit, the retributive justice of the publick will certainly draw it back far short of the point at which it ought to remain. The precepts of all the most approved authors on Education are certainly opposed to the practice of many of our schools. This 46 Introductory Remarks, ^'C. is a matter of much curious speculation, as well as of the deepest possible interest. Tn the foregoing remarks the Author has endea- voured to trace this difference to its true source; and at the same time to point out many of its pernicious consequences in rela- tion to the unfortunate victims of it. If there are still any among the great multitude engaged in teaching, either their own, or the children of others, who can hesitate between the two systems of leading and driving, or entertain the smallest doubt which to prefer; the facts now so generally known in regard to Mrs. Fry's operations in New-Gate, ought to put the question forever at rest. This most admirable, heaven-inspired woman, — without any other aid, than the simple means of mild, benevolent treatment; and by rea- son and earnest persuasion, has effected among the vilest wretches, and veriest out- casts of the human race, a change of morals, and habits, such as neither bars, nor bolts, whips nor chains, — nor even the terrors of death itself, in all their most appalling forms. Introductory Remarks^ fyc. 47 have been able to produce. And shall any human being who has either a heart or un- derstanding capable of feeling the moral sub- lime, — (after this most affecting instance of what these methods can accomplish in such a case, as the foregoing) entertain the shadow of a doubt in regard to the effect to be wrought by them upon the minds of yet in- nocent children; or those of maturer years, who have already received some moral cul- ture, and who have never been intentionally exposed to any thing which could corrupt their principles? Heaven forbid, that there should be any such being. This account of Mrs. Fry is no iable. The Author of these Lectures has seen and conversed with a gen- tleman of unquestionable veracity, who had been an eye witness of the success of her la- bours; and had listened with inexpressible delight to one of her soul-subduing exhorta- tions to the forlorn, helpless objects of her tender commiseration and care. Sighs and the silent tears of contrition in some; — the agonizing looks of utter despair, gradually 6* 4^ Introductory Remarks, ^c, giving way to the faint glimmerings of hea- venly hope in others ; and the most profound, uninterrupted attention in all, bore irrefra- gable testimony at once to the influence of her manner, and the power of her words. A scene so impressive, and deeply afiecting, the gentleman declared that he had never contemplated in the whole course of bis life, although he had witnessed many of no ordi- nary interest. If any should ask, — who is this Mrs. Fry? the answer is, that she is a plain, modest, unassuming Quaker, whose whole life, since the publick have known any thing about her, has been spent, — like that of her blessed Saviour, "m going about, doing good." Long and thoroughly convinced of the great superiority to all others of the modes of Education herein recommended, — which in- deed, are nothing more, than those inculcated in every modern work of any reputation on this subject, the Author has, for many years, felt great solicitude for their general diffu- Introductory Remarks, ^c, 49 sion. In his wife's school he thought a good opportunity presented itself of becoming himself an humble instrument for their pro- motion. He was the more inclined to make the attempt from having always observed, that the very same instruction and advice con- tained in moral and religious books, make a much stronger impression on the minds of those to whom they may be addressed, if de- livered in the words, and from the lips of the living, than from the works of authors, either dead, or not personally known: — especial- ly where the address happens to be made under circumstances equally favourable with those in which he stood in relation to Mrs. Garnett's pupils. He felt assured that his auditors confided fully in the earnest sinceri- ty of his wishes to promote their happiness; and of course, that in general, they would not only listen attentively to what he might say ; but would be better disposed to be in- fluenced by his admonitions, than if they had read similar ones in a book, delivered in an abstract form, and having no personal appli- 50 Introductory Remarks, ^c. cation to themselves. Such considerations combined with those first mentioned, pro- duced the following Lectures. Some of the scholars asked for copies; and this first sug- gested the idea of having them printed, that a copy in a permanent form might be pre- i sented to each; and by that means, if what ' they had heard, made little or no impres- sion at the time, there might be a chance of its making some hereafter, — should any oc- currence recall their attention to it with a wish to reconsider more seriously, that which at first they had neglected. In these Lectures it was the Author's humble aim to point out to his wife's pupils the path that leads both to temporal and eter- nal happiness; — to prove to them, that if en- tered with proper dispositions, they would gather nothing along its margin, but fragrant flowers, and delicious fruits ; and to urge them, steadily to pursue this path, by every justifiable consideration of interest and of Introductory Remarks, ^c. 51 honour, — of spotless reputation here, and of endless felicity hereafter, which he be- lieved could influence their hearts, or carry conviction to their understandings. How far either her labours, or his will succeed, time alone can prove. He is not so sanguine as to expect, that they will do so fully. — even in a bare majority of cases. Failures will happen in all human pursuits : nor is it in the power of frail mortality to command entire success in any thing. Even in the days of Apostolick missions, hundreds rejected, for one who embraced the truth, although recommended and enforced by all the glowing, fervent eloquence of inspira- tion. Utterly vain then, would be the expec- tation, — even if they had so little experience as to entertain it, that their efforts, either single, or united, can produce more than a partial and very limited good effect. All that the Author can confidently say, is, that he feels sure of having pointed out the right course; as well as of having used every ar~ 62 Introductory Remarks, ^c. gument he could think of, to induce others to follow it. If he fails, — the disappointment of his hopes, — sincere and earnest as they are, must be ascribed to some defect in his mode of recommending, rather than to the recommendations themselves. Should he ever have good cause to think that he has fully succeeded, — even in a single case, he will be more than compensated for all his trouble; as his will then be the inestimable gratification of believing that he may have been one of the humble instruments in the hands of Providence for promoting and se- curing the present, as well as future happiness of his creatures. To confide your child to another, for the great purpose of Education, is to cre- ate a trust, fully as sacred, as any that a parent can possibly make. Such is the trust to which the Author looks upon Mrs. Garnett and himself as parties : and in ad- dressing these Lectures to her pupils, he has considered himself, as in some measure Introductory Remarksy fyc. 63 fulfilling his part of a compact, not less full of difficulty, and of danger, than it is of in- terest to all the persons concerned. How he has executed this voluntarily assumed duty, remains for that publick to decide, who although not parties in the first instance, are now about to be appealed to, as judges, by the compliance of the Author with the Editor's wish to publish a second, and en- larged edition of the following Lectures. To these the Author has added, — as a suitable Appendix, what he has entitled "The Gossip's Manual," in which he has at- tempted to enlist other aids in support of what has been said in the Lectures themselves against that most pernicious, and odious practice called " Gossipping." THE AITTHOR. Octoher ith, J 824. JFIrisI ^trlr^ LECTURES ON FEMALE EDUCATION. mm An anxious desire, my young friends, to aid your own exertions, while your Educa- tion is confided to our care, in the acquisi- tion of useful knowledge, and to supply your minds with lasting topicks for future im- provement, after we shall all be separated, — perhaps never to meet again, — has induced me to undertake a course of Lectures on Fe- male Education. One of these I propose to deliver once a quarter, should the present Lecture appear to produce the eflect, which for your sakes, I most earnestly hope it may. Let me, therefore, solicit your undivided at- tention for the very short time during which 7 56 Lectures on I shall address you, on subjects no less mo- mentous than the happiness of your temporal and eternal existence. Be not startled, my youthful auditors, at the sombre colouring of these preliminary remarks. The principal topicks on which I design to comment, are too deeply interest- ing both to your present and future welfare to be lightly treated ; nor could 1 begin their discussion without the most serious impres- sions, any more than I could smile were I to see you on the verge of ruin. In faqt, I have known so many young persons of each sex who have blasted their hopes, their health, their fortunes and their felicity, by disregarding the proper means to promote •them ; that I can feel no other sentiment than one of solemn and deep anxiety, when I ad- dress myself on such themes to the children of our temporary adoption — for such in fact you all are, — at least so long as you remain under our care. Again then, I must earnestly beseech you, by^very aspiration of lau- Female Education. 67 dable ambition for future excellence; by all the tender ties which connect you with so- ciety ; and by your dearest hopes in regard both to this world and the next, that you will most seriously and deliberately reflect upon every thing which I may say on the follow- ing all important subjects: — The Moral and Religious Obligations te Improve your Time as much as practicable* The best Means .of Improvement, Temper and Deportments FoibleSj Faults and Trices. Manners y Accomplishments, Fashions and Conversation. Associates f Friends and Connexions. Each of these heads in their turn shall be the subject of a separate Lecture; and al- 58 Lectures on though I can neither urge them with all the force which they deserve; nor adorn them with such charms of composition as some could bestow, they will possess at least one recommendation to your notice, which I trust will secure a patient and favourable recep- tion. This is neither more nor less, than that solicitude for your happiness, both here and hereafter, which prompts me to the un- dertaking. I shall now proceed to illustrate and enforce as well as I can the subject of the present Lecture, which is " the Moral and Religious Obligation to Improve your Time as much as practicable." Happiness is the universal aim of man- kind ; and however we may differ as to the means of its attainment, all agree in believ- ing it to be deducible from the pleasures of sense and intellect, combined in various pro- portions and enjoyed under more or less re- straint. As this evidently appears to be the great purpose for which we were created in reference to this life, it irresistibly follows, Female Education, 59 that both morality and religion concur in placing us under indispensable obligations to avoid every thing which can mar, and to seek all things which can promote and secure this temporal object of our being. But here oar difficulties commence. For although all will tell you, that our senses were given to be used, — our intellect to be exercised; yet some will say that the latter is only designed to be caterer for the former; while others will almost forbid you the entire use of all these faculties. In regard to our intellect, there are men who will caution you against too constant an application of its powers, lest they be worn out; while others will tell 3^ou, that not a moment should be lost (as they call it) from mental pursuits. Some will have us draw on these two sources of hap- piness, altogether for selfish purposes, at the same time, that others will say, we must live for mankind, not for ourselves. That all those who seek the chief temporal good by such means must be wrong, I think it not very difficult to prove. The truth is, that the 60 Lectures on cases supposed, are all extremes; and tlie middle course in these, as in most other mat- ters, is the true one. That the mere sensu- alist cannot be right, requires but little argu- ment to show. His happiness hangs by an hair. His passions continually stimulate him | to unlimited indulgence; while he is under no restraining power of self-control to keep alive the power of enjoyment. And this un- limited indulgence, as constantly and as cer- tainly tends by every act to destroy his health, "—the sole and most precarious dependance of this wretched and brutal being, for those gratifications of which, at best, he is capable in a far inferiour degree to the beasts that perish : since they in their natural state never so cloy their appetites by excess, as prema- turely to wear out the powers which nature has given them. That the solitary recluse who foolishly denies himself every thing which the generality of mankind denominate pleasure, for the sake of devoting himself to ! endless study, cannot be much nearer the | truth — a few remarks will suffice to prove. Female Education, 61 His health, although not as much exposed as that of the sensualist, is still in continual danger of irreparable injury; his seclusion from society renders him cynical and selfish, and all his knowledge, unless it be used for the general good as well as his own gratifi- cation, is like the unprofitable servant's ta- lent, buried in the ground; and doubtless will equally incur the curse of an offended God. The two foregoing characters mani- festly can never be happy; nor are they ever likely to find many imitators among your sex. Still as there have been some instance^v of ladies who devoted themselves to books, to the entire neglect of every thing else, and of others who, for the sake of luxurious liv- ing, would risk the loss of health, fortune, and life itself, it may not be entirely without its use to hold up all such, as objects of your avoidance. The first are eternal subjects of well-merited ridicule with both sexes; while the last excite no other sentiments, than dis- gust and contempt. Neither can have muclt chance of any real enjoyment : nor are tliose 62 Lectures on much nearer the mark, who, although ac- knowledging the necessity both of sense and intellect to human happiness, would yet live either entirely for themselves, or only for others. The truth is, we mu&t live for both, if we would fulfil our duties ; and these re* quire that we should always endeavour to promote the good of others, at the same time that we take care of our own. Have we any doubts in regard to the means of attaining these objects, let us appeal on every practica- ble occasion to that Heavenly Guide, — our Reason, — and we, shall rarely be at a loss how to act. This would soon satisfy us, that our senses were designed by a beneficent God, in tlie fulness of his wisdom and good- ness, to direct us instinctively, as it were, in the choice of such things as will contribute to supply our bodily wants;— to gratify the tastes peculiar to each sense, under such sa^ lutary restraints as are calculated to prolong our power of enjoyment from these sources, and to guard us against external and bodily injury. The same divine monitor enables us Female Education. G3 to comprehend the true uses also of the va- rious faculties of the mind ; which to be brought to their full vigour, and retained therein, require as constant exercise, as is compatible with health ; — this being essen- tial to sanity of mind, as well as body. It is by such combined views as the foregoing, of our animal and rational natures, that we arrive at a knowledge of the temporal pur- poses for which the great first cause — a God of infinite power, wisdom and goodness, hath created mankind. And having seen how wisely, as well as mercifully he has contrived, that the most direct road to happiness in this world, is through a strict compliance with all our moral obligations — among the most important of which, are temperance both of body and mind, industry in acquiring and usefully employing knowledge, economy of time and possessions, philanthropy and be- neficence; we are led by easy and obvious steps to the belief, even independent of the direct evidence of Holv Writ, that our situa- tion in the world to come, will entirelv de- <54 Lectures on pent! upon the extent of tliis compliance. But when we open that best gift of our Fa- ther and God — the Holy Scriptures them- selves, — this belief is confirmed beyond the possibility of doubt, by a revelation as clear as the light of day, where, in addition to the sanctions of reason and experience, every neglect of duty is denounced under the most awful and appaling responsibilities 5 and every fulfilment thereof, solicited and engour- raged by promises of "that peace in this world, which passeth all understanding;" and of that unutterable bliss in the next, which " it is not in the heart of man to con- ceive." How is it possible then, my young friends, that any of us can neglect "so great salvation?" How fatal is the desperate error of imagining that any indulgence whatever, either of body or mind, taken at the expense of virtue and wisdom, can procure us hapr piness, — even in this \GYy brief state of ex^ istence ? These heaven-bestowed guardians of our temporal and eternal welfare, can never be offended witl) impunity ; nor do we Female Education, G5 ever fail, sooner or later, to sulTer some pun- ishment proportioned to every transgres- sion against their unerring dictates. If we disobey them in the slightest particular, some inconvenience is almost sure to follow; and rebellion against them in more important mat- ters, rarely escapes from some one or other of the following evils : — disgust and loathing at ourselves, and the objects of our short-lived gratifications; remorse, contempt from the world, poverty, disease and death. Of the many millions of human beings who have acted upon this most delusive plan of unre- strained indulgence, we have no historical record of a single individual who has not utterly failed in his calculation. None have escaped severe disappointment in seeking happiness from such a source; whilst thou- sands have met misery and ruin in all their most aggravated forms. God forbid, my young friends, that any such dreadful cala- mity should ever befall you ; but the fate which has afflicted millions of our fellow mortals, is never so remote that any can 66 Lectures on claim entire exemption from its danger. The road of error, in morals and religion, has few — very {ew stopping places; and the mo- ment you voluntarily step into it, you place yourselves on the side of a slippery precipice, and every inch that you slide down increases your liability to move with accelerated velo- city; until at last you are irreclaimably lost in the bottomless gulph of eternal perdition. — This awful fact of the perpetually augmenting influence w-hich vicious habits acquire over us, is farther confirmed by the experience of every one now living, before he has passed through half the very short term which hea- ven has allotted him. Yet still the infatua- tion and madness of indulging in them, rage as if all the moral and religious light in th^ world, had been extinguished by a new reve- lation from the spirit of evil, assuring us that we alone could safely do what no other hu- man being ever had done. This is the more wonderful, seeing that in most temporal mat- ters of ordinary and daily concern, we pur- sue the course which prudence and common F-emalc EducaiiGu. 67 scuse prescribe. Wlio, for example, is there among us, who buj^s only two yards of cloth ! for a dress that requires six ; or purchases one suit of clothes for a term of years, know- ing that not less than half a dozen will suf- fice? Who will take a journey of several days, and neglect to provide, when he can, all which he believes will be wanting while he is gone? Or what person can be found so inconsiderate, that in building a house, fails to aim at making it such as will enable him, not only to enjoy the pleasures of spring and . Qry out — Oh ! beware, my young friends, beware I beseech you, before it be too late. not for a moment to neglect any of the meanj which an all merciful God so constantly offers you of avoiding in many cases, ant'j mitigating in all, the various evils and suf- ferings which threaten your peace in the pre- sent life, a^id impede your course tg. xh^- JFemale Educaitoit. 7^ mansions of eternal rest in the life to come. These means, thank Heaven, are in reach of us all, and require no extraordinary power either of body or mind to use them as our Creator designed we should ; for the posses- sor of one talent has the same promises of happiness with him to whom ien talents have' been given; and from neither has more been demanded than he was able to perform. We have only to walk steadily in the path of" duty, wherever our lot may be cast, to achieve all that we are asked to do; and this duty is comprised in the fulfilment of our moral and religious obligations. Let me not^ however, close this address without presenting you with a picture of life less discouraging and revolting than the pre- ceding; — a picture too, which all of you most probably may realize, only by perse- vering to the end in a course of intellectual improvement, guided and governed by a sense of dutv to vour:?elves, to others, and i 74 Lectures on to your God. Useful occupation both of body and mind, continually prompted by the foregoing great, leading motives of mo- ral and religious obligation, is the true se- j cret of human happiness; and the being whd possesses it, may reasonably count upon at- taining as much felicity, as generally falls to the lot of mortality. By this course, from which none are excluded, you may actually enjoy, even the pleasures of sense, (as far as they are allowable) infinitely more than those who act upon any other principles. By this course it is, that you may open for yourselves all those exhaustless treasures of knowledge that furnish the proper subjects upon which to exercise literary taste, and scientifick talent. By this course alone can you render yourselves objects of love, ad- miration, and esteem to the wise and the good throughout the whole circle of your acquaintance. By this course only, can you ever expect to be qualified for leading others, in whose welfare you may feel the deepest F&male Education' 75- gi* all earthly interests, along the same de- lightful paths of knowledge and of vittue^ which you have endeavoured to tread your- selves. By this course alone, can you pos- sibly repay the great debt of gratitude due to those who, with unceasing solicitude, have watched over your infant years ; — iiave cherished you with unabated affection, as you advanced in life ; — and have spared neither pains nor expense in your Education at maturer age. And finally^ by this course, and none other, can you ever hope, on re- turning to the bosom of your families, after having successfully finished your studies, to enjoy the unutterable ecstacy of being re- ceived by those whom you most love and re- vere, with the silent tears of pious joy at finding you all that their hearts could wish, or fondest expectations anticipate. Yours then may be the endearing, heaven-directed occupation of smoothing the pillow of de- clining age ; of cheering continually the remaining hours of those to whom you are bound by all the ties of consanguinity and 76 Lectures on ^ affeclion ; and of meriting — as well as re- ceiving their dying benedictions, — should Providence ordain that you must survive them. « Female Education, 77 In my first Lecture, I endeavoured to convince you of the moral and religious ob- ligations to improve your time as much as practicable. How far I succeeded, must be left to yourselves to determine. The sub- ject of the present address is — the best means of Improvement : and your future destiny will most essentially depend upon the use which you make of them, while the sunshine of youth, enables you to labour for their ac- quirement, before the night of old age Com- eth, when no man can work. Would you have that destiny a way strewed over with flow- ers ; would you colour the picture of your subsequent life with all the lovely tints which virtue and knowledge can bestow; — in short, would you be happy both here and hereaf- ter ; then treasure these means of improve- ment in your heart, as you would its vital 78 Lectures on blood ; make them the constant rules of your conduct ; the standard by which you estimate the value of every object of human pursuit ; and the faithful guides to point 3^our way to the love and aflection of the wise and the good ; to the admiration and delight of all with whom you may be con- nected by the nearest and dearest of all hu- man ties. If, however, you should have no such laudable ambition,- — which God forbid i — if your wishes lead you to a life of utter idleness; — of selfish and sensual gratifica- tions ; — of frivolous amusements and vain ostentation ; you have only to neglect these means, and in all probability, you may for a time, fully succeed in your objects. But what will be the consequence ? A possibility of making yourselves the gaudy butterflies of a day's chase to the frothy coxcombs and profligates of our sex ; — with the certainty- should you survive the rapidly evanescent period of youth, that you will become the caterpillars of avoidance for weeks, months jlnd years, to all whose regard and esteem Female Education, 79 is worth seeking. You may, it is true, be still parts (but little better than quisances) in that most endearing union of interest and affections — called afamily. As children, yoi^ will be of no use to your parents ; as sisters, your fate will be merely — not to be disliked, and as wives, you can have no hope nor right to occupy a higher station, than pos- sibly to be considered convenient articles to- wards house-keeping. But man's most es- teemed participators in prosperity ; his best comforters under all the afflictions of adv^er- sity ; and his most beloved friends in every situation, must be women of quite a different order. They must have cultivated under-^ standings, great self-control, kind and affecr tionate dispositions, and a constant, opera- tive conviction of the necessity under which they live, faithfully to perform all their mo- ral and religious obligations. I hope you will not understand me as predicting an old age of neglect and contempt to all who do not become what might be called learned la- dies. Such attainments but very few can ac- 9 80 Lectures on quire, owing to the very short period allotted in our state of society to Female Education. But that species of learning which is of in- finitely more value to both sexes, than any other, is within reach of you all. It is sim- ply to know your various duties ; and to feel and to cherish continually, the proper mo- tives to practise them. Many things, how- ever, which belong to polite Education, are also readily attainable : and these are not to be neglected without incurring the hazard above represented. You, (if any such now hear me,) who rather than study while young, choose in case of old age to play the part of the bird which, in mockery, has been called the bird of wisdom — vastly so- lemn, and marvellously sapient in your own conceit, but exceedingly siliy and ridiculous in the eyes of every body else ; may abuse, as much as you please, all the opportunities for improvement aflbrded by the kindness and affection of your parents ; — without doubt, you will obtain your reward in se- curing the ridicule and avoidance which your Female Educatiov,, 81 own idleness will have so inconsiderately, but justly merited. But to you, who aspire to better things, (as I most fervently hope that all do,) — to you who ardently desire, when time shall be no more, to render back to your Father and God, the rational and immortal souls which he has given you, adorned with all the virtue and knowledge of which they are susceptible ; — to you who have these elevated and truly glorious views, I need only say — enter, my excellent young friends, without reluctance, or apprehension, Ihe path of science, however rugged it may at first appear. The fair and fragrant blos- soms of promise will soon court your accep- tance on every side ; and, ere long, its deli- cious fruits will recom{>ense all your toil. Before I commence the particular sub- ject of the present Lecture, I would most earnestly urge you, seriously to consider a few general remarks on the means by which you yourselves may certainly discover, whe- ther any thing which I may recommend, is 82 Lectures on likely to render you any service. In the course of these addresses, 1 shall have fre- quent occasion to hold up many qualities and practices for your imitation ; and not a few for your avoidance. The strictest self-examination will be your duty in both cases ; and exactly as you condemn or ac- \ quit 3'ourselves without reference to others, in either instance, will be the benefit you will derive from any warnings, admonitions, or recommendations which I ma}^ offer. If, — when you hear any habit or quality men- tioned as a fit subject for pity, ridicule, or odium, you find yourselves immediately look- ing round among your acquaintance and companions to see who most resembles the picture ; instead of rigorously demanding of your own heart j — can this be my likeness ? your listening to such Lectures will be worse than useless : for it will only sharpen your appetite for censure, and invigorate your J malice ; instead of quickening your powers of self-detection, and strengthening your re- solution of amendment. Un the contrary, — Female Education, 83 when talent, or wisdom, or virtue constitute the theme of applause ; if you find your eyes immediately ogling yourselves in search of food for your pride, vanity, and egotism, instead of searching first for the resemblances among your associates and friends, — not that you may envy, but imitate them, your immediate prayer to God should be : — " Fa- tlier of mercies ! cleanse thou me from se- cret faults." Without a sufficient degree of humility to guard us against self-conceit ; and at the same time to render us more ob- servant to our own, than of other people's ffaults ; no rules whatever for improvement, can do us much good. But confidently hoping that you will each apply these rules as you ought, — that is, as tests for yourselves, rather than for your companions, I shall pro- ceed to state and explain them : — The first means of improvement which I shall recommend for your practice, is one upon which all the rest materially depend. It is briefly this : — " do with all your ability 9* S4 Lectures on whatever you have to do.^^ And the second is like unto it : — '' never put oil' until to-mor- row, what you ought to do to-day." I will not go so far as to say, that " upon these , two hang all the Law and the Prophets ;" ! but I feel fully warranted in asserting, that every person's progress both in virtue and knowledge, will be precisely in proptution to his neglect or observance of these two car- dinal maxims. In fact, nothing either in art or science, can be effectually learned, or well executed without them. When these rules are faithfully observed, every step that we take towards the temple of knowledge is secure against retrogression. We appear, perhaps, to advance more slowly, than those giddy, volatile travellers, who are for going on at a hop, skip, and jump ; but our pro- gress is as certain as the light of day. And the most encouraging part of the business is, that 0U7' motion is continually and geomet- rically accelerated ; whereas the movements of those who follow any other method are constantly more and more retarded by fits of Female Education, S& childish impatieuce at their own silly neglect of all the intermediate steps in improve- ment ; by the real difficulties of acquiring any art or science, without a thorough know- ledge of its rudiments; and by seeing others who started at the same time \vith them- selves, for the same goal, almost within reach of it, vt^hile they appear either to stand still, or really to be going backwards. The inevitable consequence of this state of things is, an almost invincible reluctance to do whatever is attempted; or utter despair of doing any thing. We, then, according to the common practice of shifting the blame from our own shoulders, find fault with our capacities, when we should censure our la- ziness ; or perhaps seek consolation in con- demning the methods of our teachers, instead of taking shame to ourselves for neglecting to follow them. Another most essential means of irff- provement is, to believe yourselves capable, by perseverance and industry, of learning^ 86 Lectures on whatever thousands and millions have learn- ed before you. Too many young persons are prone to conclude upon even the slight- est puzzle in their studies, that they are in- capable of unravelling it. Instead of endea- vouring to disentangle it by patient applica- tion, as they may have seen their mothers do by a skein of rumpled thread which at first appeared inextricable, they are for pulling and tearing away, in haste to be done, or throwing it into the fire, as not worth the la- bour. Instead of adopting for their con- stant motto — "Juvat transcendere montes," — " it delights me to surmount difliculties ;" they faint, or fall into a fit of the sullens at the very bottom of the Hill of Science, rather than make the smallest effort to ascend it. Should the teacher of any such scholar ask at any time, after hours of patient waiting; — "wh}' have you not learned your lesson yet.'"' the usual answer uttered in the tre- ble key of a pouting cry, is in language something like the following : — "Indeed, in- deed, Kow, Sir or Madam, I have tried, and Female Education* S'X tried, and can't learn it. This plaguy thing is too hard — pray let me try something else:" When probably the whole trial has consisted in first taking a cursory look, and then holding the book the rest of the time, apparently perusing it, but in fact not study- ing a single word that it contains, and only gazing at the lettei's as so many unintelligi- ble hieroglyphicks cut upon paper for no other purpose but to plague all such little girls as greatly prefer play to study. To la- bour more or less, is the lot of the whole human race; it is the eternal law of our na- ture ; and none have the smallest right to ex- pect that they can gain either learning or wis- dom without paying a portion of this tax for it. Would you therefore be either wise or learn- ed, you must be content to encounter some toil for such an inestimable blessing. But plain, common sense, diligent application, and patient study are all the weapons you will really need for combating — aye, and conquering too, all the bug-bear books that will ever be put into your hands. 88 Lectures on}. Another means of improvement, scarce less necessary than those already mentioned, is never to make invidious or discouraging comparisons between your own progress, and that of others. By the first, you will lose in envy infinitely more than you can gain in knowledge, — to say nothing of the great effect which the perception or conceit of your being a little more advanced than your asso- ciates, will have in relaxing your own exer- tions. And by the last, your improvement may not only appear less than it really is ; but you may ascribe your want of equal in- formation to inferiour capacity, when it has J really proceeded from the want of equal di- ligence. The true way is, to compare your | own progress with itself. In other words, * contrast from time to time, your present with your past acquirements ; and if you find upon an impartial examination that you liave advanced, and feel a strong desire still to go <>w, you need never despair of success. The calumniators of your sex have so long, and so often imputed to you, fickleness, petu- I Female Education* 89 Jance, want of perseverance, and incapacity for close study and scientifick acquirement, as peculiar characteristicks, that some la- dies seem actually to have been persuaded the imputation was true. Indeed, not a few have gone still farther, and if we are to judge by their practice, not only take no pains to disprove the slander, but would lead us to believe, that they even deemed these quali- ties feminine prettinesses and graces. But you may rest well assured, my young friends, that there is no imaginable reason for thinking any of those mental qualifica- tions which are most praise-worthy in our sex, either censurable, or unattainable in yours. The divine author of our being, can never have designed, that faults in one sex, should be virtues in the other; nor that mental perfection in man, should be mental imperfection in woman. To learn and to teach, to suffer calamity and relieve dis- tress; — to endure misery or enjoy happi- ness, is equally the lot and the privilege of both. Courage to meet danger, fortitude 90 Lectures on to suffer pain, temperance in prosperity, vc- signation in adversity, diligent application in acquiring useful information, and perse- verance in duty, are neither less necessary, por more commendable in the one, than in the other. Away then, — for ever away with all such silly affectation of qualities or prac- tices as you would justly ridicule and des- pise in our sex, under the utterly false no- tion, that they are at least allowable, if not really attractive in yours. Rely upon it that the sentiments and habits which would make a foolish and contemptible man, can never make a wise and amiable woman. You inight as well cultivate wens, carbuncles and warts for beauty-spots in your faces, as qua- lities, which in fact would be deformities in your miqd. No lady would ever think, for a moment, of doing the first;— why then, should they ever be guilty of the last, which is not only equally absurd, but actually wicked. Although some of these remarks would be more appropriate when lecturing upon Temper ; yet they are so closely con- Female Education. 91 I 1 uected with the means of ijiiprovement in I literature and science, that I could riot alto- ! gether omit them here. The last Rule which I will give you, is to suffer nothing to divert or withdraw your I attention from the immediate object of inves- ( ligation, during the time which you are re^ quired to devote to it. A great master of efd- I quence being once asked, what were the three requisites to constitute an orator, re- plied : — "Action, action, action;" and were a similar question propounded in regard to the acquisition of useful knowledge, we might with equal truth, answer: "Patient application, — patient application, — patient application :" for in the constant exercise of this consists the whole secret. The fable of the tortoise and his travelling companions, is a most happy illustration of this fact; for he arrived first at the place of destination, al- though incomparably less qualified to all ap- pearance for the undertaking, than either of the party. Never intermit, therefore, yoUr 10 92 Lectures on exertions to conquer any apparent difficulty which your lessons for the time being, may present; and a degree of success, sufficiently encouraging to enable you to go on prosper- ously, will assuredly follow. Learn to rely on your own powers, and they will not only seldom fail you, but they will strengthen with every fresh exertion. One lesson got for Tfourselves and hy yourselves^ is worth forty which other people get for you. Indeed, no information obtained in the latter mode is worth much more, than the knowledge of a parrot. You can only repeat, without un- derstanding, what has been told to you ; and so can poor Poll. The petted, feathered prater, can look full as wise too, as the lit- j tie Miss who is content to learn in no better way, than repeating by rote what she has heard others utter. Thus equipped for show, and a poor show indeed will it be, the most she can hope is, to pass muster among the equally vain pretenders to literary acquire- ment; but among men and women of really cultivated understanding, the least mortifi- ; Female Education. 9S } 'cation which can happen to her, is to become j the object of their continual pity and com- ! miseration. I I will now recapitulate the foregoing Maxims in the form of mandatory precepts, and conclude. Do whatever you have to do, with all 3^our might. Never put off until to-morrow, what you ought to do to-day. Believe yourselves capable by perse- verance and industry of learning whatever thousands and millions have learned before you. Never make invidious, or discouraging comparisons between yotir own progress and that of others. Suffer nothing to divert Or withdraw your attention from the immediate object of 94 Lectures on investigation, during the time which you are ^ expected to devote to it. If you will heartily adopt, and faithfully practise these Rules, you may all be morally ^urw of making very considerable improve- jtnents, both in knowledge and virtue. All cannot expect to make them in equal degree, any more than they could calculate on making the features of their faces alike. But with equal opportunities, and equal diligence, there is not one who now hears me, but may certainly attain sufficient proficiency in all the most useful, and in some of the most ornamental branches of Education, amply to reward them for the labour of every hour devoted to the all-important object of mental cultivation. I will now conclude in the words of the eloquent Alison, than whom no man seems better qualified to advise, whether we consid- er his piety, bis sound sense, or the admi- ^jabl# and impressive manner in which he al- Female Education* 06 ways addresses himself both to our under- standings and feelings. In his sermon " on the religious and moral kinds of knowledge," he concludes by addressing to the youthful part of his audience the following deeply in- teresting admonitions: > "You are called by the providence of God to the first rank in the society of men; you are called by the same providence to the first duties; and the voice of nature coin- cides with the voice of the Gospel, in the solemn assurance "that of those to whom jnuch is given, much also will be required/^ Do you then wish, with the natural gene- rosity of youth, to fulfil in after years the duties to which you are called ? J^ow is the time for this sacred preparation. It is noWf in the spring of your days, that ydu may acquire the knowledge, and establish the habits which are to characterize your lives ; and that you may elevate the temper of your minds to the important destiny to which the Father of Nature has cabled you. Tlie 10* 96 Lectures on world with all its honours and all its tempta- tions, will very soon be before yoo ; the paths of virtue and of vice are equally open to receive you ; and it is the decision of your present hours, which must determine your character in time, and your fate in eternity. <^ I pray God that you may decide like christians; — that you may take, in early life, "that good part which will never be taken from you;" — and that neither the illusions of rank, nor the seductions of wealth, may lead you to forget what you owe to yourselves, to your country, and to your God." Female Education. 07" Our present Lecture, my young friends, «ill be on Temper and Deportment, — which, taken in their most comprehensive sense, embrace every thing that can secure love and esteiem in this world, and happiness in the next. The subject is of the deepest imaginable interest to us all. Let me, there- fore, earnestly entreat you to give me your entire and serious attention, while I en- deavour to urge some of the many consid- erations which should recommend it to your constant regard. If it could add any thing to your wish to hear what I may have to say on the foregoing topicks, I would conjure you to imagine the possibility that the spirits of all whom you most value, either among the living or the dead, may at this moment be listening with indescribable solicitude to hear whether the individual who now ad^ 98 Lectures cji dresses you, may utter any thing calculated to make an impression so lasting on your hearts, as to show itself hereafter, continu- ally in your lives. Temper and Deportment are the chief ingredients of what is called — character. And so intimately are they blended together, that it is not always easy to distinguish which Contributes most to our good or ill fame. It may, however, be said, that Temper is in general the source of our motives ; — Deport- ment the mode of performing those actions which flow from them. Temper supplies colouring for the picture of our lives; — De- portment puts it on. The first, according as it proves good or bad, renders us objects of "esteem or aversion to mankind ; of continual peace, or feverish disquietude to ourselves ; and of approval or condemnation to the God who made us. While the last forms either the greatest charm and attraction in all polished, virtuous society, or its bitterest and m\)st disgusting annoyance. So powerful an Female Education, 9^ influence indeed, do their combined agencies exercise over the whole human race, that they may truly be said to be almost despot- ick. .For when both can be brought to bear fully, with all their energies in complete operation, they act like a spell of enchant- ment. They conquer dislike, subdue obsti- nacy, appease wrath, sooth affliction, en- hance joy, and not unfrequently persuader even our boasted reason in opposition to it- self. There is scarcely an action of our lives with which Temper, or Deportment, separately or united, has not some concern. Nor do we ever take any part in the daily intercourse of society, without manifesting something, either in feeling or manner, that discloses the habitual dispositions of our hearts, — the prevailing characteristicks of our actions. Of what pre-eminent import- ance then, is it to us all. to cultivate such deportment and temper only, as will render this disclosure a source of allowable self- esteem, rather than of mortification, shame» ^lid bitter self-reproach t 100 Lectures oil The great, leading distinction, between good and bad Temper, and good and bad Deportment, are so obvious, that much need not be said about them. But there are in- numerable little traits and shades of differ- ence, that although not easily distinguisha- ble, are yet so frequently influencing the opinions which others form of us, as to re- quire a minute examination. A boisterous,; turbulent, quarrekome, malignant temper is so strongly marked, and causes so much mischief in the world, that all who labour under so deplorable a misfortune, must be nearly as conscious of the fact, as those who suffer from its effects. Some dread, others fear, many despise, not a few will punish, and all will avoid such characters. In the midst of society they stand nearly as much alone, as in a wilderness. Tliey can excitei neither love, esteem, nor sympathy ; no heart is open to them; cheerless ami forlorn must be the whole tenor of their existence; and they are almost as much excluded from all the rational pleasures, the refined enjoyments, %i Female Education, 10] Aud endearing ties of social life, as if they were ferocious beasts of the forest, rather than human beings. Like Cain they have a mark set upon them, — or more correctly speaking, they have set it on themselves, which even little children can understand ; and " avoid ye, avoid ye,'* seems to be so legibly written on their very forehead, that he who runs may read. Do you fear (as I fervently hope and believe that you do,) to resemble such daemons in human shape, let me implore you, my young friends, contin- ually to guard your hearts against the most distant approach of any of those baneful passions whose effects I have endeavoured to depict. They are fraught with deadly poi- son ; and to permit them, even in the slightest degree to influence your actions, may give them a power over you which you can never after subdue. An undeniable proof of the universal dread and aversion inspired by a contentious, scolding, malicious, violent tempered woman, from the earliest ages to the present time, is displayed in the unanimity 102 Lectures on with which wits, satirists, moralists, and di- vines have always acted in denouncing, shaming, ridicaling, and exposing her. There is no term of reproach scarcely, — no epithet of contemptuous merriment, — no lan- guage of odium and scorn, no sentiment of pity, repugnance and disgust, that has not been uttered either in speech or writing about her. In short, she is an object either of con- stant commiseration, or unconquerable dis- like to all who know, or hear of her truly deplorable disposition. To crown the whole, she has been stigmatized from time imme- morial, with every kind of nick-name that could degrade, vilify, and disgrace her char- acter. Thus, Termagant, Tygress, Vixen, Tartar, She-Dragon, and Spit-Fire, with many more of the same stamp, have so long been appropriated almost exclusively to de- signate her, that they have nearly ceased to have any other meaning. Nor should any one be at all surprised at this, who reflects how much it is in the power of one of these female daemons to disturb all social inter- Female Education. 103 course; to imblttcr every thing like social enjoyment; and to poison eftectnally the very sources of all domestick happiness. Her tongue — if not her hand, is against every body; and it is natural at least, if not alto- gether right, that every one's tongue sliould be against her; for she may truly be called the common enemy of all. But there is a temper apparently quite the reverse of this, which, although not so entirely odious, is nearly as much to be dreaded and shunned. It usually dresses the countenance in smiles ; and is often con- cealed from the individuals themselves, un- der the specious disguise of such an over- weening interest in the aflairs of others, that no time is left for the proper attention to their own. Home therefore, is the last place in the world, where such persons will re- main, if they can possibly help themselves. In a word, this temper is known by the sum- mary title of " gossipping;" than which there cannot be one more extensive in its opera- 11 104 Lectures an tibn ; more annoying, vexatious, and pro* lifick in petty mischief; more corrupting to the hearts of the possessors ; nor more pro^- ductive of all those suspicions, jealousies, animosities, disputes and quarrels, which al- ways interrupt, and often utterly destroy the peace and harmony of whole neighbour- hoods. If your bitterest enemy could ac- complish a wish against your comfort, your characters aud your happiness, he could not well make a worse one, than that you should all become expert and confirmed Gossips. For your power and propensity to pursue a course which would mar all, would be in- creased exactly in proportion to the extent of your reception in society; and this would be continually extended by the constant ac- cumulation of family secrets, private histor}', and domestick scandal, that time and oppor- tunity so copiously supply to those who have a genuine taste for collecting. Such ma- terials constitute th.e stock in trade of the true Gossip. Her standard topicks of conversa- tion, are the blcrnishes, faults and vices of Female. Education. 105 her acquaintance, — if these are not so pub- Kck as to deprive the exposure of all air of Secrecy ; but where she designs to treat her audience to any thing peculiarly interesting and delightful, she serves up the mangled re- putation of some individual generally thought exemplary. On such occasions to betray ei- ther pity for the slandered, or disgust at the slanderer by attempting to vindicate the in- jured party, will generally bring your owh character into jeopardy, as soon as your back is turned. As the Gossip is the cherish- ed inmate of many families, and cannot very easily be excluded from any; there is no do- mestick sanctuary scarcely, but she can pen- etrate in some mode or other; no family compact so sacred, or free from all possibility of dissolution, that she cannot at least shake and weaken, if not utterly destroy it. Hence it becomes the more necessary to furnish you with as many means as I can, to enable you to detect, either in yourselves or others, not only the confirmed habit of gossipping — however glossed over; but also those single 106 Lectures on acts, which if too often repeated, will cer- tainly produce that habit. This evil spirit frequently solicits your confidence by pre- tending to trust you alone with secrets, which she has told in the same way to every one who would listen to her. To judge of her motives, you have only to ask yourselves; — does any particular intimacy authorize this confidential communication? Have I any great personal interest in hearing this affair? Will it not materially injure the individual of whom it is told, if it be generally known ^ Unless you can answer the two first in the affirmative, the extent of the Injury to be done, shotild always convince you that no good motive could possibly prompt the dis- closure. Another unerring nx\e by which you may discern the real gossipping spirit, is the, general practice of dwelling more upon the defects, faults, and vices of your acquain- tance and friends, than on their excellencies and virtues: particularly where the usual prologue is a.n earnest disclaimer of all grati- fication in such details, accompanied by a Female Education. lOT self-complacent averment of great regret that ^'such things are;" — but that the truth should be spoken at all times, — even if our dearest friends suffer by it. The gossipping spirit i-s farther evinced by selecting as favourite to- picks of conversation, every little detail in the domestick economy of our absent neigh- bours, and visiting acquaintance: — -inferring sluttishness or waste from any apparent neg- lect, however accidental ; or parsimony and meanness from some scantiness of viands or furniture, which, for aught we know, has been unavoidable. In short, gossipping may be defined, — a restless spirit of envy, detrac- tion, and censoriousness, always aiming to do sure, but secret work ; and never in its proper element, except when setting neigh- bours together by the ears ; depreciating the reputation of others; or labouring to elevate its own at other people's expense. Talking without restraint about every body, and every thing — although, in itself, nothing ?nore than a proof of an idle, ill-regulated mind, indicates a tpunper that is ^iwaya in 108 Lectures on danger of degenerating into this vice : — for vice I must call it, and of a very perilous na- ture too. Against tliis disposition, as well as against that first described, there is no neces- sity, I trust, to give you farther warning. Your own good feelings, your own good principles, your own hopes of present, as well as future happiness, will prove sufficient^ as I earnestly hope, to guard you from every danger of such deadly infection. May Hea- ven grant, my young friends, that you never may have cause to apply any of the forego- ing remarks, either to yourselves, or to any of your connexions. The circumstance of the term "bad temper," being generally applied, chiefly to such as display only the angry and malig- nant passions, has occasioned many defects of temper, either to be but slightly con- demned, or altogether disregarded. Among these, the disposition to laugh at, to vex, and to tease our companions and acquain- tance; to annoy them by practicaJ jests; -or Female Education. 109 in some apparently good-humoured way to I' wound their feelings, stands conspicuous for its frequency. And it is the more to be de- precated, because it is generally recommen- ded to the young and the thoughtless, by the air of gay wit, and jocose sprightliness with which its fantastick, but frequently in- jurious tricks are played ofl' upon the poor victims of this unjustifiable practice. A mo- ment's serious reflection, — should either of you ever find herself one of these victims, ought to be sulliclcnt to convince the sufferer, that such a practice, if confirmed into habit, cannot possibly proceed from any other source, than a cruel, rude, and unfeeling heart. Shun it then, I beseech you shun it, as entirely unbecoming tlie gentle character of your sex ; forbidden by all the laws of mutual kindness, and good breeding ; and repugnant to the true spirit of christian be- nevolence Were I to say all which might be urged in favour of the temper most desirable, 110 Lectures oii I should be compelled to write a book, in- stead of a single Lecture. But there is one place where you may find a definition, or ra- ther description of it, so full, and at the same time so concise, that you need go no farther, at least for the great outlines. One of the Epistles of St. Paul (1st Cor.) gives this ex* planation in language so clear and impres- sive, that none can read, and study it dili- gently, without being thoroughly convinced that it contains the best summary extant of all the mental qualities essential to the forma- tion of a perfect character, so far as tempeit is necessary to make it. The single word "cAaW^i/," comprises them all ; and if all are to be diligently cultivated by those who anxi- ously desire to merit the praise of good tem- per ; the qualities opposed to them, are to be as studiously avoided by all who fear to incur the odium and disgrace of had temper. The continual dread of the one, is not less necessary, than the ardent desire for the other, in order to secure that which alone can justifiably be sought. Whatever may Female Education. Ill be your future destiny, whether prosperous, or unfortunate; be it your fate to enjoy all the gratifications that wealth, or elevated station can confer ; or to suffer all the calamities of pain, sickness, and abject poverty ; still good temper will be equally useful, equally ne- cessary. Without it, in the first case, you will find none to participate cordially in your pleasures ; and destitute of it, in the second, you will have no one to sympathize fully in your afiliction. In either situation you must stand friendless and unsought. If rich, you will be despised, and probably hated — even by those who associate with you for your money; and if poor, you will meet none of that efiectual aid and relief which always flows from the hands and hearts of the benevolent towards virtue in distress. The object of christian charity must be vir- tuous, or the relief administered, is bestowed from a sense of duty, rather than from any feeling of real sympathy. But how far, — • very far short — does this supply of mere animal wants fall, of all which the wretch- 112 Lectures on ed sufferer may often require to alleviate the whole burden of sorrow that overwhelms both soul and body. The pangs of the heart which constitute much the largest portion of human misery both in rich and poor, are not to be cured effectually by any thing but human sympathy bestowed by and on a truly christian spirit. Good temper then, my young friends, iu its most com- prehensive sense, is the "sine qua non,"— * the great essential of character; without a large share of which you cannot possibly pass through life respected, esteemed, che- rished and beloved. In the name then, of all the dearest objects of your affections; by every feeling of attachment, gratitude, and laudable ambition, which binds you to life; and by all your hopes of happiness here and hereafter, let me implore you ne- ver for a moment to relax your efforts to subdue every unamiable disposition, every unkind propensity ; every emotion of envy, hatred, malice, and uncharitableness; every ebullition of scorn, anger, obloquy, revenge, Female Education 113 slander, and heart-piercing ridicule. If you love one another as companions, as individu- als of the same sex, — but above all, as christi- ans ought to do, you will need no other secu- rity against these hateful, detestable qualities : But without this safe-guard, continually nur- tured as your bosom friend, I cannot venture to say how long you may escape. Deeply should I deplore your degradation into such cliarac- ters as I have denounced; bat it is a danger in some degree perpetually hanging over all those who fulfil not the christian precept — "/oue one another " to the very letter, as well as in the true spirit of the command. The subjejct of deportment, although intimately connected with that of temper, re- quires some separate remarks. It compre- hends every thing meant by the words de- meanour, manner, behaviour and conduct, so far as the person is concerned. Good de- portment, — (if a single sentence could ex- plain it,) might be well defined, as well as recommended by the following concise pre- 114 Lectures on cept — ^^never affect to bt what you are not ;" — and if any one general rule would suffice, ihiSj I believe, would be as good as any other. For it would guard you against an arrogant, supercilious manner, resulting from some fancied superiority; against the pre- tension to more learning, more wit, more wealth, more refinement, — in short more of any thing, than you had a right to claim. It would equally guard you too, against the opposite, but not less disgusting error, of af- fecting great humility in regard to all your attainments. It would secure you also against the awkward, embarrassed, ridiculous ges- tures of a would-be-fine lady ; against mistak- ing noise for gaiety ; rudeness, for easy, allow- able familiarity; and boisterous mirth, and vulger jests for animated dialogue and sprightly wit. It would save you from the low rudeness, when entertaining others, of betraying your suspicions that they saw bet- ter things at your house and table, than they could see at their own. Nor would you ever commit, when entertained by them, the Female Education^ 115 equally vulgar incivility of appearing to des- pise or dislike what they gave you. It would maintain in your minds the habitual convic- tion, that their own natural manner, restrain- ed by a constant regard to decorum, is best for every body; that tl>e essence of all good deportment consists in putting every one with whom you associate, as much at their ease as possible ; and that the only effectual mode of doing this, is to appear at ease your- self. The whole art consists in respectful at- tention to superiours; unconstrained civility and friendly regard to equals; kindness and condescension to inferiours; and uniform po- liteness to all. Never permit yourselves to use coarse, vulgar, rude, abusive, or pas- sionate language to any; and always keep it in mind, that although our deportment and apparel have this in common, — that we must wear them both in company; there is one all-important difference between them. In the latter case we may have an every-day, as well as a holiday -suit ; but in the former, duty, as well as policy, demands that we 12 116 Ziectures on should invariably keep on our best. No sit- uation, nor circumstances, can exempt any lady from this law, — one indispensable part of which I must here particularize. I mean the invariable use of those daily salutations interchanged by all well-bred people. They should be most scrupulously observed by every body, whether they are strangers, or familiar acquaintance, visitors, or members of the same family. For intimacy, if exempt- ed from this easily practicable illustration of good manners, would be little better than a license for rudeness, vulgarity, and entire neglect of common decorum. As good de- portment has its foundation in some of the best feelings of the heart ; reason and mo- rality, as well as convenience and comfort, may be plead in favour of its constant ob- servance. When not the effect of constraint, and mere outward compliance with what we believe the world requires of us, it flows di- rectly from the benevolent desire to please and oblige; and therefore, whenever we see it, if the actor or actress be a tolerably good Female Hducation. 117 one, we naturally ascribe it to an amiable disposition. Such then is its inestimable ad- vantage, even where it is simply the effect of study and practice, unaided by natural good feeling ; but with this to render it habitual, social life has no greater charm, nor stronger ligament. It calls forth all the tender chari- ties of our existence ; and cherishes, strength- ens, and confirms that universal spirit of christian philanthropy, without a large share of which, life itself would be a curse instead of a blessing. Good or bad deportment dis- plays itself in almost every thing we say or do ; and such is the influence which it exer- cises over mankind, that universal regard is attracted by the first, and universal repug- nance excited by the last. Indeed even the most splendid talents, and extensive informa- tion, — nay, tlie all-powerful and transcen- dent charms of beauty itself, never attain much popularity, nor engage much homage, unless the deportment of the possessor be conciliating and agreeable. Whereas a very moderate share of abilities, and knowledge 118 Ijectures on United to good manners, graceful demeanonr. and polite conversation, — even withoat per- sonal attractions, very rarely fail to render the individuals who are remarkable for such attainments, universal favourites. Let not even beauty then, flatter herself with the vain conceit of ever making many captives, un- less she devotes more time to making cages for their safe-keeping, than nets to entangle them. — Fine complexion, fine features, and smiles, may do well enough for the latter ; but fine temper, graceful deportment, and en- gaging conversation, can alone answer for the former purpose. These last may also be called universal letters of recommendation, — well understood, and of great current value among all ranks and classes of society ; so much so indeed, as to be every where the first objects of attraction, even before any thought is bestowed upon what may be the moral principles of the persons whom we meet in the world. We take it for granted at first sight, that good deportment can flow only from good principles ; and wherever we seo Female Education, J 19 it, we almost irresistibly conclude, that these principles are its sourpe. How incalculably important then is it, my young friends, that good deportment, as well as good temper, should form not only the subjects of your constant meditation, but the objects of your unceasing regard and practice. Possessed of these, you would ever be secure of a favour- able reception, even among savages ; while with civilized man, their advantages are al- i^iost beyond all powers of calculation. The heart that can remain shut against their fas- cinating influence must be made of such ma- terials as are rarely discovered in a human bosom. I have reserved for the last, (as by far the most important of all,) your deportment during publick and private worship. This, to be effectual, either for ourselves, or as an example to others, should be both externally and internally, serious and devout. In re- ality, carelessness and impiety on this sacred Qccasion, is not less sinful in man, than in 1^ 120 Lectures on woman ; but publick sentiment exacts a much more strict observance of decorous and pious conduct from your sex than from ours. In- deed, so universally does this feeling prevail among the thinking and religious part of mankind, that a woman who would habitually be guilty of any visible inattention, levity of demeanour, or irreverence of attitude, during the few, the very ^ew minutes devoted to prayer, would be looked upon, as something shockingly unnatural, and nearly lost to all sense of propriety ; — if not actually destitute of some of the most essential moral princi- ples in the female character : — such as sen- sibility, gratitude, and a capacity to love as well as to comprehend the sublime truths and obligations of the Gospel. And what other conclusion, let me ask, could be drawn by any reflecting mind, from beholding a set of weak, dependent, helpless beings — such as we are, owing every thing, as a matter of grace, to the omnipotent God who made us, — even the very breath that we respire, (for he could strike us dead in the twinkling of Female Educaiion* 121 an eye,) and yet apparently Incapable even for ten or fifteen minutes in the twenty-four hours, of rendering up in spirit and in truth, the poor, utterly inadequate homage of our thanks and adoration, for all the innumera- ble instances of his unmerited goodness and mercy towards us ? Can any person who has a heart, and takes this view of the subject, fail to shudder at the dreadful peril of such unpardonable neglect ? Can any one who has a soul to be saved, refrain from instant- ly and fervently praying, that, if such has been their state, all their former disregard of holy ordinances may be forgiven ; all their past insensibility to divine favour pardoned j and all previous hardness of heart and con- tempt of God's sacred word, be converted into the pure, unchangeable, and ardent spirit of christian devotion f May the father of mercies avert from each of us, all sucIjl irrational heedlessness of the hazardous con- dition hi which we continually stand ; — all such impious disregard of his heavenly for knowledge necessary to keep a good table, yet you v/ill always discover it more from the appearance of the table itself, than from 160 Lectures an any display of the culinary art in what she says to her company. Nor do you ever hear her at Iier own table, — still less at that of another, talk as if she thought the chief bu- siness of life was to pamper and indulge the appetite for food. Epicurism in a female is quite bad enough ; but gluttony is to the last degree disgusting and loathsome. Some who are aware of this loathing and disgust felt by every man towards a gluttonous wo- man, and who mistake the reverse of wrong for right, would have the world believe that they deem it a great excess to eat as much as the leg and wing of a lark; or that it is altogether incompatible with female delicacy to live upon any thing much grosser than other itself. Such ladies, in order to acquire what the oracular and silly books which they chiefly consult, call " a Sylph^Like Form^^^ will starve themselves nearly to death ; will deluge and corrode their stom- achs with acids; and will discipline and excruciate their bodies with corsettes, until good health, good spirits, and good princi^ Female Education* 151 pies all sink together ; and the poor, deluded victim of infatuated vanity and folly dies a martyr to the vain effort of making herself something which nature had interdicted. Many — very many female constitutions are utterly destroyed by these insane practices ; and the worst of it is, that the mischief is rarely noticed until past remedy ; — when some lingering and painful disease — gene- rally consumption, closes the melancholy scene. Such a thoughtless and prodigal waste of these inestimable blessings— -life and health, is shameful and wicked beyond ray power to describe. In the foregoing pages I have endea- voured so distinctly to mark with their due portion of reprobation, the chief defects and besetting sins to which you are exposed through life, that should any of them here- after sully your characters, endanger your peace, or finally mar your happiness, it will be entirely your own fault. Nothing, I be- lieve, that is material, has been omitted. Bat 15 152 Leeiures on should this be the case, there is no such afliv nity between virtue and vice, folly and wis- dom, good and bad conduct, as to render it at all difficult to distinguish between riglit and wrong in any situation in which you may be placed. The whole code of morals is so clearly laid down and explained in the Holy Scriptures, that to be ignorant on any point contained therein, is utterly impossible, if you will only read and study j'our Bible diligently. And in regard to manners, you have little else to do, than to take for your model Milton's incomparable portrait of our mother Eve, of whom be says : ♦'Tirnce was in all her steps, Heaven in bcT eye; *« In ev*ry gesture, dig-nity and love.'* What Eve was in moral qualifications, every o«e who hears me, may be. Her innocence, her modesty, her mildness of temper, her humility and exemption from vanity, hex anxiety for improvement in knowledge and virtue, her benevolence towards man, and piety towards God — are all attaintxble quali- Female Education, 1 5'3 lies by every individual of her sex, whose principles have not been perverted by bad Education. And in regard to her personal attractions, if all cannot possess them in equal degree, they should at least endeavour to acquire them as far as they can ; because ihey, and they alone, constitute the perfec- tion of female loveliness and beauty : — a per- fection, which I beseech you to remark, that the poet represents as resulting more from the moral than physical effect of her appear- ance. Without this moral beauty and loveli- ness, by which I mean a countenance and manner irradiating all the amiable qualities of the heart, mere regularity of features and symmetry of form, are scarcely worth a passing thought. They are the very toys and play-things of an hour for grown chil- dren, who bestow not a thought on any thing beyond the object and moment of present- enjoyment. 154 Lectures on Before I close this address, I must uot omit to admonish you against another fauh of which most young persons, and indeed, far too many old ones, are guilty in a highly reprehensible degree. This is the want of economy both of time and money. In re- gard to the first, the calculation among young people seems to be, that all which can be taken from study and bestowed on idleness, is absolute gain; whereas the very reverse of this is true : for every moment not spent in improving ourselves in all useful knowledge, (except the time devoted to ne- cessary recreation,) is irreparable loss. With respect to the want of economy in money matters, no person dependant as you all are upon others, can possibly indulge themselveis in it, without committing, in almost every case, at least three decidedly immoral ac- tions — to wit; selfishness, — waste, — and in- gratitude. For you are selfish, when you purchase any gratification in which others do not participate ; you are wasteful, when you expend, — as you generally do, the price Female Kdueation. 156 'ne, or the other, according as yon have 236 Lectures on conducted yourselves during your residence with us. Your own recollections must re- mind you how often this event of severance between your teachers, and yourselves, and restoration to your homes, has been present- ed to your imaginations. Nor can you have forgotten how frequently you have been in- treated so to act your part ; — so to fulfil all your duties, that the only remaining duty we should have to perform, might be to tes- tify with unalloyed pleasure, how well you have merited all the caresses and endear- ments prepared for you in the several do- mestick circles of which you are once more to become members. Oh ! that you would yet give some pledge, (if you have not al- ready done so,) upon the faith of which we flight assure those who may come for 3'ou, that the fondest hopes of your relatives and friends are accomplished. Save us, we im- plore you, from the inexpressibly painful al- ternative of suppressing the truth, of which we cannot he guilty ; or of communicating the heart-piercing fact, that all these hopes have been blighted and lost ! Female Education. 237 If any of you really have had bad tempers, and have strenuously exerted your- selves to subdue them ; if your deportment has been, only occasionally reprehensible, while you have manifestly endeavoured ge^ nerally, to render it what it should be, — thb deportraeiit of a lady in principle, as well as conduct ; we shall take the greatest pleasure in representing the fact to the friends or con- nexions who may come to take you home. On the contrary, — if no effectual attempt has been made to acquire self-control ; — if bad passions have been indulged without re- straint ; — if little, or no regard to lady-like conduct and demeanour, has been manifest- ed, except in short and fleeting promises of amendment, — why, painful as the task may be, we shall not hesitate to perform it. Your parents, and other relatives must be informed, at whatever cost of feeluigs to them and to us, that their money, and their care, their la- bours, and their love, have been equally - thrown away, with our lessons, and our advice, our persuasions and our reproofs. Heaven forbid, that the latter duty should 238 Lectures on be ours ; but it will depend entirely upon yourselves, whether it will, or not. If it be your choice, rather to break a parent's heart than to prove their comfort and delight while living, and the last, the most beloved ob- jects of their dying benedictions, — thus it must be ; on your own heads will rest all the sin ; in your own bosoms will be all the ago- ny, when no near connexion, no dear friend shall be left to witness your degradation, and deplore your guilt. The Foibles, Faults, and Vices of your sex ; were the next defects of character against which I undertook to warn you. How far I have succeeded, your own hearts must say. For although I should require no bet- ter evidence, than my own senses to satisfy me in regard to the diminution, or increase of those defects which show themselves in conversation, and general conduct, — such as idleness, inattention to your studies, pas- sionate and quarrelsome dispositions ; coarse, rude, and unlady-like conversation ; boister- ous, vulgar and indecorous deportment ; yet Female Education. 239 ihere are many others, still more censurable; such as pride, vanity, selfishness, extrava- gance, envy, hatred, malice and uncharita- bleness, which can be known in all their na- tive deformity, only to those who have the misfortune to labour under them. Where these have free scope, they rarely fail to do some injury to the objects of them ; and they invariably inflict much suffering, and often misery on the agents themselves. How far you have guarded against these deadly ene- mies to your peace and happiness, is a mat- ter which 3'ou must answer to your own con- sciences, and to your God. If you have yielded without effort to their influence ; if you have suffered them to corrupt your prin- ciples, and poison your hearts, it will not be for the want of abundant warning, and timely importunities on our part, to avoid, — if you had them not, and to resist and conquer them, if you had. What earthly advantage could you promise yourselves from their indul- gence ? What possible benefit could you hope for, by giving way to their impulses t you might, perchance, gratify some feeling 240 Lectures on which you would be ashamed to acknow- ledge ;— you might perhaps give pain to oth- ers, and impart a malignant, diabolical grati- fication to yourselves ; but to expect from so corrupt a source, any such pleasure, as would be worthy of a rational and moral agent, would be to calculate on inhaling aromatick odours from a carcase in the last stage of decay ; and upon converting the hellish de- formity of vice, into the heavenly beauty of virtue. Remember then, — -for the love of your own souls, remember, my dear young friends, that you cannot possibly exercise too much vigilance in guarding against the most distant approaches of every foible, fault, and vice, against which I have endeavoured to guard you. Yield yourselves to no one of them; for such is the close connexion between them, that you will be in continual danger of having the whole family quartered on you for life, to prey upon your very vitals, until, you are consumed both body and soul. On the other hand, deny yourself at home to the first intruder, and you will daily be in less i^nd less peril frpm such dangerous visitors. Female Education, 241 The subjects of Manners, Accomplish- ments, and Conversation came next in the order of these Lectures : and much was said on each which 1 trust you will not soon for- get. On the first will greatly depend the good, or ill reception you will meet with in society. Like musick, they may well be said to have '^charms to sooth the savage breast." If they are such, as should dis- tinguish every lady ; and without which in- deed, none can pretend to that character; it will be no easy matter to prescribe limits to your influence; for good manners exercise almost a despotick control over all mankind. But should they be such as every lady would be ashamed of; — neglect, and degradation^ and scorn, and avoidance must inevitably be your portion ; as well as the just reward of your contempt of publick opinion. With respect to accomplishments, generally so called, I have said that you should consider them, as nothing more than conventional passports to good society ; — not absolutely necessary, but useful to possess: That you should devote to their acquirement, only 242 Lectures on such a portion of your time, as would make them rather recreations, than labours: and that some should not be attempted at all, without a decided talent for them : such, for example, as drawing, painting, and musick. If you can restrain yourselves within these limits in your endeavours to attain them ; I take the liberty to say, that there is nothing, — either in moralit}^, or religion, which for- bids their acquisition* But beware not to make a business of what should be, only your occasional pleasure. Beware, lest you devote to the training and disciplining of your limbs, any part of that precious period, which should be occupied solely, in the im- provement of your immortal souls. Ever remember that " there is a time for all things ;" — and that no encroachment should be made by the requirements of the body, on that portion properly assigned to the wants of the intellect. The topick on which I last endeavoured to give you some salutary lessons, was the highly important and interesting one of As- Female Education, 243 sociates, Friends, and Connexions. And it was then, as it still is, my most earnest wish to impress your minds with the fixed belief, that your happiness both in this life, and the next, very materially depends upon the kind of choice you may make in selecting them. Should they be persons of amiable disposi- tions, good sense, cultivated understandings, and pure morals, you may reasonably cal- culate on realizing all the enjoyments which can be derived from social intercourse in all its various relations of casual acquaintance, well tried friendship, and wedded love. But if you entirely disregard all moral and intel- lectual qualifications; and are guided by nothing better than, whim, caprice, or acci- dental liking in your choice either of com- panions, friends, or nearer connexions; you cannot possibly escape all the usual conse- quences of such folly. — These are, — ruin of fame, fortune, and peace of mind in very many cases ; and much disappointment, mortification, or suffering in all. "The same tree cannot produce both good fruit and 244 Lectures on bad ;" — the same fountain can never yield sweet and bitter waters, at the same time. Let your reason and judgment tlien, ever direct you more than your feelings, in the choice both of your temporary com- panions, and of those with whom you expect to spend the greater part of your lives. Still your hopes may possibly, be frustrated ; for all human calculations are liable to errour : but the strong probability is, that they will be attained to the full extent of all rational expectation, if you will not only strive sin- cerely and earnestly to render your own tempers, manners, morals and intellectual ac- quirements such as they should be; but will seek similar qualifications in all those with whom you calculate on maintaining any per- manent intercourse. My task is finished, and the hour is at hand, when we must part ; — many of us pro- bably, to meet no more on this side the grave. All that now remains to be done, is, to in- quire whether you will sulier us, your very Female Education, 245 sincere friends, to bid you a last adieu, under the full persuasion, that you have treasured up for future use, all the good advice, and all the knowledge which your teachers have endeavoured without ceasing, to impress on your minds. Do not, — -Oh ! do not leave us in doubt, either as to the sincerity of your promises, — the firmness of your resolves, or the power of your wills to realize the anxious hopes, and fond anticipations of your parents and friends in regard to your future conduct and characters in life. For pity sake, im- bitter not the remainder of their da^^s, by any neglect of duty on your part; nor blast those delightful expectations which they have so long, and so tenderly cherished of your future worth, by shewing that you have equally abused their confidence ; despised their admonitions; and utterly wasted the best portion of that precious period allotted to mental culture, which when once lost, can never be recalled. But continue, I beseech and implore you, for the last time, to im- prove both your hearts and understandings by the acquisition of all the amiable qualities, 246 Lectures on. Female Education. and estimable endowments which can adorn the one, or embellish the other. Let this be your continual aim; — let this be your unceasing pursuit; — for such is the impera- tive command, — the irreversible decree of God himself. And instead of the giddy, thoughtless, idle nothings, which but too many of your sex turn out, after leaving school; you may prove, during life, the pride, the ornament, and blessings of socie- ty, — beloved and esteemed by all who know you: — and when you die, you will have every reasonable hope of finding favour with that ever merciful and omnipotent God, who hath promised unutterable bliss "to all who do his will on earth, as it is in heaven." May the Lord, and father of us all, grant to each of you the will, as well as the power to realize such a destiny, both here and hereafter. Elm- Wood, Essex County, J^irginia. '*s;*V'\;*;^;* •\. •••••%•• •..•%> #■ SECOKD SERIES OP LECTURES ON — Q<9© — LECTURE Vin. The same earnest desire, my young friends, to see you continually improve in *> every good word and work," which induced me to address to you, my first Lectures on Fe- male Education, has led me to undertake a K second course. And I have thought it best to commence it, while the parting benedic- tions, — the last looks of the parents and friends whom you left behind, are fresh in your memories; — while the good resolutions which you must have then formed, (if you haye any hearts,) not to disappoint their 250 Lectures on ho|)es, must be still glowing in your bosoms ; — and while no temptation can yet have oc- curred to banish from your minds the fixed purpose formed under the influence of such feelings, to repay their anxious cares, their unremitting kindness, and constant affection, by all the gratitude you are capable of man- ifesting ; and by all the application to your studies that you can possibly exert. To many of you I address myself as a stranger, to whose advice you can have no particular reason for lending a favourable ear ; altho' I see around me several, in regard to whom 1 feel assured, that, from past experience, they must fully confide in the sincerity of my wishes to promote and secure their hap- piness by all the means in my power. Let me hope, that you too, my youthful auditors, to whom I am still unknown, will as yet, take it upon trust, that I feel not less solicitude on your account, than I do for such of your comrades, as have the advantage, (if it be any) of a previous acquaintance. Permit me then, to expect, that all of you will alike endeavour, Female Education. 251 for the short time during which I shall ask your attention, to withdraw your thoughts from all other considerations; and fix them on the various means which I shall suggest for j'our own advancement in such studies and pursuits as are best calculated to im- prove your hearts, and enlighten your un" derstandings, It is highly useful, — indeed, absolutely necessary to success, both in the commence- ment and prosecution of any undertaking, to understand thoroughly, not only the moi- tives under the influence of which we act; but the objects at which we aim: and in no^ thing can this be more important, than in the business of Education. Yet how few,— very iew, in proportion to the whole number sent to school for this purpose, seem to have form^ ed any adequate conception, in regard either to the one, or the other. And even where this preliminary self-knowledge appears to exist in a suflicient degree, it is often quite inefficient, owing either to some fatal perver^ 23* 252 Lectures on sity in our nature; or to an invincible repug- nance to do what we ought to do, and what we know to be right. That this is certainly true, every one must be convinced, who will examine with an attentive eye, the promis- cuous multitude of those who are said to have " finished their educations" at some one or other of the various schools scattered over our country. For with here and there a few ex- ceptions, — like the spots of verdure in an African desert, nearly all else will be found an arid, cheerless, unprofitable barren; or a wilderness overgrown with noxious weeds, demonstrating at once, the original fertility of the soil, and the lamentably injudicious modes of culture which have been pursued; or the total neglect of every thing like cul- tivation. To what fatal cause is this heart- sickening fact to be ascribed? Is it to the pupils, or to their teachers ; — to the methods of instruction, or to the general aversion to follow them, that we must look for this de- plorable waste of all that precious period, during which alone, the seeds of useful Pemale Education. 2 bo knowledge can be sown, with any rational prospect of producing an abundant harvest of goodly products? Although it must be acknowledged that our schools are neither as numerous, nor as excellent, as they ought to he; and that much room for their improve- ment is still discernible, yet, I fear, that after making every possible concession and allow- ance compatible with truth, we shall be com- pelled to sa}^, that the chief fault is in the scholars, and not in the teachers. Whether this fault be ascribable to very early errours committed by their first instructors; or to some natural aversion to learning, I shall not stop here to inquire. The notoriety oi the fact is sufficient for my present purpose. Among the first of my early recollections, none is more distinct, than the great general dislike of the companions of my boyhood for school, and almost every thing connected w ith it. Subsequent experience has uniform- ly presented me with the same discouraging truth ; which stands confirmed by all the re- cords that are known to us, of the progress 254 Lectures on of the human mind from infancy to old age. Shakspeare, who may justly be called its greatest delineator and painter, has added his testimony to thousands of other authors, in his memorable picture of the different stages of human life, in one of which man is portrayed, as the shining faced schoolr boy, with satchel on his arm — " Creeping like snail, unwilling-ly to school." And none of us in the present day,— can take a transient glance through any of the places of instruction, while the business of leaching is going on, without being forcibly struck with the many doleful, — if not actually miserable visages with which they abound. Should the general prevalence of this malady, which may well be designated biblophobia, appear to any young persons a sufficient ex- cuse for their being infected with it ; let therp reflect on the other hand, how greatly this enhances, — how highly it exalts the honour of being exempt from it. Female Education, 255 Are any of you, my young friends, thus grievously afflicted with this biblophobia, — the meaning of which is, (should you be at a loss for it,) a similar horrour of books, to that which mad dogs are supposed to feel at water; let me endeavour to explain to you the cause, and to furnish some medicine which can ef- fect your cure. You are thus distressed, be- cause you do not distinctly understand, either the motives with which you act, or the objects at which you aim. You look upon going to school, as an infringement of your liberty; — as a thing rather to be suffered and endured, because your parents and guardians command it, than to be sought and zealously pursued, because, in fact, it is principally, — if not sole- ly, for your own benefit, your own reputation, and your own happiness, that it should never be neglected. Some appear to think, that all they have to do, in the great work of in- struction, is to remain entirely passive, and merely to listen to the words addressed to them, without any effort to retain them in their minds and reduce them to practice. This is 256 Lectures on to perform a part very little better, than so many empty casks, which receive all things that are poured into them, whether they be valuable, or utterly worthless. There cannot well be a more fatal mistake, than such entire reliance upon the power of our teachers to impart knowledge. In fact, much the greater part of the business of Education depends upon ourselves; for many, — very many self- taught individuals have, from time to time appeared in the world, who have been nearly as much celebrated for their acquirements and full as highly esteemed for their virtues, as any of those, who have enjoyed the advanta- ges of what is called a regular, systematick course in the greatest universities. Without the constant endeavour to learn on our part, neither books, nor teachers can render us scarcely any service; but where this desire exists in an adequate degree, — aided by good instructors, all may be accomplished in re- gard to education, which ou2,ht to be at- tempted. Another great mistake committed by many pupils, is, that they consider the Female Education* 257 control exercised over them, as a usurpation of authority, which their pride, their honour, and fancied independence, — ^all call upon them either to resist openly ; or to endeavour to thwart by every artifice that ingenuity can contrive, and by all the provocations which petulance, idleness, and pretended incapaci- ty can excite. Others seem to think school the proper place for indulging themselves in every kind of wild prank, and rude, mis- chievous trick, which buoyant spirits, and unrestrained, culpable inclinations, can stimu- late them to commit. And these highly cen- surable irregularities of conduct they excuse to themselves, under the delusive notion, that they are nothing more than harmless proofs of gay, lively dispositions ; — that they can leave them off when they please ; — and that if they do not indulge them noiv, the time will soon come, (that is, immediately upon leaving school,) when publick sentiment will no longer tolerate them. Thus, under the name of innocent frolick, young persons of both sexes, not unfrequently perpetrate 258 Lectures on acts, which by the laws of man are stigma- tized as crimes, and by the laws of God, are denounced as deadly sins. The circum- stance of these acts being committed during the period which should be devoted to learn- ing, is but a poor, and utterly futile paliation. For the moment we are capable of under- standing the great distinctions between right and wrong, — no matter how young we may be, we become subject to all the moral re- sponsibility which can attach to rational, and accountable beings. I will adduce on- ly two exemplifications. The taking of that (it is immaterial what,) which belongs to another, without the knowledge, or consent of the owner, is neither more nor less, than theft in a grown person ; and what else can it be in a youth ? An untruth told by adults, ivith an intention to deceive, is on all hands, called a lie. Ought it to bear any other name, if told by a person not grown ? Dis- grace, infamy, imprisonment, and often death, are the just punishments awarded by law, and publick sentiment to all of a certain Female Education^ xJ59 age, who eommit such crimes. And shall those who are not beyond the years of pupil- age, be, not only entirely exempt from all these dreadful consequences; but even escape all injury to their characters, merely because they are going to school? Such escape is ut- terly impossible; for although our friends, connexions, and intimate companions, may be ready and willing to make every possible excuse for every act which can be fairly as- cribable to the natural thoughtlessness and levity of youth; yet should it be our misfor- tune, even when very young, to commit any eked whatever, which indicates a real want G^ moral principle, some disgraceful stigma will as inevitably attach to our characters, as that fire will burn, if we hold our fingers in it» The formation of character commences, in fact, with our earliest years. We can never, therefore, begin too soon, to cultivate all the good qualities and virtues, which are essen- tial to tliis great purpose of our existence. We should ever study to make these charac- ters as spotless as the snows of heaven ; and 2i 260 Lectures on to keep it always in mind that there are nu^ merous faults, vices, and crimes, with which, if we once suffer them to be deeply imbued, not all the waters of the deluge itself could wash them out. The foregoing, are very strong cases, and stated, (3'ou will perhaps say,) with too much plainness of speech ; but I most earnestly implore 3'ou, not to think them stronger, than their importance requires. Would you maintain, through life, character* of unsullied purity, and innocence, (as, I trust in God, you ever will,) you must always hold inviolable, the obligation which binds you to the strictest observance of ever}' precept which Christianity enjoins. There neither is, nor can be, any middle course between right and wrong; nor can the smallest compromise of sound principle ever be made without the ut- most danger of the entire loss of reputation. In fact, the lines of demarkation are so ex- tremely small, between all the different de- grees of moral imperfection ; — the gradations and shades from the smallest to the greatest, so very minute, that she who indulges her- Female Education. 261 self in the slightest foible, treads on the bor- ders of some fault : — the commission of a sin- gle fault, leaves the perpetrator on the very verge of some vice or crime; and the rash, desperate mortal who once passes this peril- ous limit, has already gone far in a career of degradation to which no human presci- ence can possibly assign any stopping place. Beware then, for heaven sake, beware, how you ever venture upon doing any thing which you even suspect to be wrong, under the very dangerous persuasion, that it is a mere trifle, which you can avoid when you please ; or the consequences of which you can repair at any time you think proper. None of us are so senseless, as to think thus, in regard to bodily wounds, which we use every precaution to escape. Wh}^ then, should we be less guarded against the wounds of reputation, which are not only more easily inflicted, but infinitely more diflicult to cure.'* It would be no ver}' easy task to enu- aierate all the improper motives which may .262 Lectures on influence youth at school; but enough, i trust, have been stated, to enable all who wish it, to pursue such a course of self-ex- amination, as will qualify them to detect all such as ought to be expelled from their hearts. The result of this all-important investigation should be unhesitating self-condemnation, and consequent reform, in every case where- in they do not find the pure love of virtue and knowledge the only governing prin- ciple. Let us next examine the objects of pursuit with the great majority of those who appear to be in search of intellectual improvement. Some, instead of seeking this inestimable boon, seem to study much harder, and to take infinitely more pains to avoid it, tlian would actually sufilce to attain considerable proficiency. Others, — to judge by their conduct, have nothing else in view but sheer idleness, and sleep, and the indulgence of an indolent, selfish disposition; while many Female Education* 263 seize with the utmost eagerness, every moment they possibly can, to devote themselves to some wild, mischievous, senseless play; — as if every hour thus spent, was so much clear gains from useless labour; and so much time which their duty to themselves, required them thus to spend, whenever they could break loose from the odious restraint of scholastick confinement. That nothing can be acquired but bad habits, and faults-— perhaps incorrigible, where such objects are pursued, must be perfectly obvious, to every body, who will bestow but a moment's serious reflection on the subject. Nor will the acquirement be much greater, or better, even among those who appear to study, if the desire to surpass a rival ; the expectation of making what is called " a good match;" or the ambition to be talked about; be, as they much too often are, the leading objects of literary attainment, or fashionable accomplishments. In all these cases, infinitely more will be lost to the heart, than gained by the understanding. Nor indeed, can any 24* 264 Lectures ok other object, hut the acquisition of excellence for its own sake, as the great purpose of our existence ; — the sacred command of the Holy, Omnipotent Being who made us what we are, ever enable us to achieve all the grand, moral, and religious ends of education. Vanity and vexation of spirit must be our certain reward, if we pursue our studies witli any other view. But after all, even where we are right as to our motives and objects, unless we use the proper means to attain the last, we shall utterly fail. In the case of Education, these means are, unremitting diligence, and unwearied perseverance. The absolute necessity for their adoption results from the fact, that man is a being subject to continual change both of body and mind, living always in a state, either of improvement, or deterioration. Ignorance cannot possibly be stationary in its effects, but degrades and brutalizes the mind, not less by its passive qualities, than do tiie indolence and obstinacy with which we resist every effort made by others to removr Female Education. 265 it. Neither can the effort to learn, it" resolutely made and continued, be ever entirely disappointed in its aim. In fact there is no middle ground between knowledge and ignorance, improvement and its reverse — virtue and vice; — no resting place in which the human mind can safely be suspended between the confines of light and darkness; the bright regions of etherial wisdom ; and the paralyzing, deadly atmosphere of illiterate folly and stupidity. We must advance, or we inevitably retrograde. It is the irreversible law of our nature, that if ever we intermit our efforts to attain both intellectual and physical improvement, mental abasement, and bodily decline are the unavoidable consequences. Some familiar illustrations may, perhaps, place this in a plainer point of view. Why, (for example) do we daily wash our faces and hands, but for the certainty that they would otherwise become dirty and offensive to others ? Yet equally certain is it, that our minds likewise require some analogous purifying operation from the living 266 Lectures on waters of that perennial fountain — Eternal Wisdom; or they also, will contract many abominations which must be washed away, if we would either enjoy comfort and happiness ourselves, or contribute to that of others. Although the great leading principle of our lives should be the constant love and pursuit of knowledge and virtue in unreluctant, cheerful obedience to the will of pur Heavenly Falher, as revealed to us by his son, the blessed Saviour; yet there are several other motives to rectitude, which are not only allowable, but praise-worthy; if always considered as subordinate auxiliaries to the one first mentioned. These are, the desire fairly and honestly to obtain the good opinion of the wise and virtuous part of society ; — the wish to do credit to our friends, connexions, and country; — but above all, the active, permanent anxiety to manifest our gratitude and aflection towards the parents who gave us birth, and whose whole earthly happiness or misery are dependant upoi^ the Female Education. 267 conduct which we pursue, and the cliaracters which we form. There are none of you, who are not bound to the community in which you live, by some, or all of these endearing ties ; nor any who are at liberty to disregard them, unless you are prepared to meet a degree of publick avoidance, contempt, and odium which few, — very few, even among the most degraded of mankind, have the hardihood to encounter with entire unconcern. The withering look of publick scorn and detestation has been armed by the Deity himself with terrors, which like the death-bearing blasts of the desert, scarcely any human being can attempt to face, and live. Beware then, for the love of God, beware, my young friends, how you do any thing which can bring it upon you. There is one view of your situations, while at school, which I could wish you frequently to take, because I can scarcely imagine the possibility of any human mind remaining insensible to it, which has received 268 Lectures on the slightest degree of moral culture. You are not, as many young people seem to suppose, so withdrawn from the world in consequence of going to school, as to remain, during the whole period of your pupilage, unnoticed and unknown. The eyes of many are continually watching your deportment, and your progress : — some, with intense anxiety for your welfare; others with eyes of much curiosity, and tongues ready to utter predictions in regard to your future charac- ters, deduced from your present conduct, which are rarely retracted; while scarcely any who see you, can be considered indiffer- ent spectators of your actions. What may be thought and said of you during this state of probation and preparation, will probably follow you through life. You cannot there- fore, with safety nor impunity, neglect, for a moment any of the means which are neces- sary to the acquisition and establishment of fair repute hereafter. In fact, you are in some measure the representatives of the rountics and states from which you come; Female Educailon. 2G9 ' oi* the companions with whom you spent your early years; and of the parents who gave you birth. For all who behold you, when they notice any thing, either good or bad in your behaviour, will as naturally turn their thoughts to the foregoing objects, as we think of the sun, when we first perceive the dawning of day. Can you possibly be utterly indifl'erent in regard to the opinions which will be formed, — solely through your means, of the places of your nativity; — of the friends and associates of your child- hood; but above all, of those to whom, under Providence, you owe your existence, and all the other temporal blessings which you enjoy? I trust in God you cannot. Would it not mortify and distress you to the last degree, were you to hear, that any part of your conduct had given rise to the infer- ence, that you had never been accustomed to any thing like decent, genteel societ}^; — that your companions had been without manners, witiiout information, and almost without morals ; while your parents had either totally i70 Lectures on neglected your Education abroad; or had ruined your tempers, brutalized your dispo- sitions, and perverted your understandings by bad examples at home? Yet, you may rest assured, my 3'oung friends, that such conclusions will inevitably be drawn, should your own tempers be violent and ungoverna- ble ; — your own manners rude and unpol^ Ished; — your own deportment vulgar, bois- terous, and masculine; — while your conver- sation is deficient in decency, in correctness of language, and in common information. This last topick is of such paramount impor- tance, that it requires farther illustration. Our conversation is a kind of moral barome- ter, by which the state and character of our hearts, are as clearly discerned, as the nature of the weather can be by the philosophical instrument properly so called. There is no possibility that the indications of either, can be mistaken. The first may also be com- pared to those external appearances of the body by which medical men judge of our physical health. For it would be quite as Female Education. 271 reasonable to consider gross irruptions and foul ulcers on the skin, proofs of sweetness of blood, and soundness of constitution; as it would be to infer purity of mind, and immaculacy of soul from foulness and gross- ness of conversation. They are utterly incompatible; nor can any woman who dares to be guilty of such outrages against the character! stick modesty and delicacy of her sex, possibly escape the most injurious suspicions of her morals; — if she does noC irretrievably lose her character. Nothing that wc could do, (who are among the last people in the world, willingly to expose 3'ou,) could possibly prevent such consequences from such a habit on your part. For the sake then, of all who are near and dear to 30U, as well as for the sake of your own happiness, I beseech you so to govern all your thoughts, words, and actions, that you may spend the whole of your time here, alike without fear, as without reproach : And that you may build up a character for future use, w hich may not only reflect credit and honour 55 272 Lectures on upon all who are connected with you ; but, like the house founded on a rock, may equally resist the efiects of time and chance. Among all the motives, of a temporal nature, which influence human conduct, there are none which ought to have, and in fact, do have, more power over every well regulated mind, than those which I have just noticed. Indeed, so common is it with all persons who have the slightest love of rectitude about them, to ask themselves what efliect any act which they are about to perform, may have on the opinions of those who may witness it, in relation to the connexions and country of the agents, that this is frequently the first consideration which precedes the action itself. If the old adage be true, that "tell me with whom you go, and / will tell you what you do," it must be equally true, that if you will let me see what you do, I will tell you with ivhom you have gone. Here then, is an additional induce- ment to continual good conduct, of the Female Education. 273 greatest weight and importance; — ^uch as no one who has a heart to feel, or an under- standing to comprehend the value of well earned reputation, and the beauty, the loveli- ness, — the felicity of virtue, can contemplate, unmoved. To those who have been carefully trained up "in the way in which they should go," it is scarcely possible, that there can be any greater source of enjoyment, than the consciousness of procuring by their own con- duct, for those whom they love best on earth, the regard, esteem, and admiration of the wise and the good, with whom they may have the happiness to associate. Yet such, my youth* ful friends, may be your enjoyment, — 3'our unspeakable delight; and all this too, not only without any real sacrifice on your part; but simply, by pursuing the only means which can insure to yourselves the inestimable blessing of a spotless fame on earth, and imperisha- ble felicity in heaven. All of you have characters to acquire, and to sustain for two very diiTerent pur- 274 Lectures on poses; — the one spiritual, the other temporal. The first, — which is beyond all comparison the most important, you are bound continu- ally to aim at accomplishing, as accountable beings, to the God who made you, and whose heavenly aid you constantly require to coun- teract the evil propensities of your hearts. Your efforts to attain the second, are due to the world; to the situations you may be called upon to fill in it; and to the various parts which you may be required to perform. But although these purposes be distinct, still there is such an intimate connexion between them, that it is impossible to achieve the first, but by means of the last. In other words, if you would obtain the inestimable crown of heavenly glory prepared, from the foun- dation of the world, for the spirits of the just, made perfect; it must be by doing the will of your Father, on Earthy as it is in Heaven : It must be through the mediation and atonement of your blessed Saviour : — it must be by the uniform fulfilment of all your moral obligations, from motives essentially and Female Education* 275 purely religious. So far as the world is con- cerned, you may possibly obtain a good character without deserving it; for you may play the hypocrite, (if you are very cunning,) with so much art, as to deceive most of those with whom you associate. But no solitude, however complete;- — no darkness, however impenetrable to human vision; — no conceal- ment, nor artifice, however profound, can for a moment, veil from the eye of omniscience, any human thought or action. That incomr prehensible and eternal God, "to whom all hearts are known, and from whom no secrets are hid," sees and knows, at all times and sear sons, every thing that we either think or do. What an awful responsibility then, do we all continually live under; — how alarming is always the situation of those who either meditate, or commit any breach of duty, either moral, or religious; and what fatal madness is it, to imagine that because we may sometimes violate both human and divine laws without any human eyes witnessing the criminal deed, we are therefore, exempt aJik^ 25* 270 Lectures on from the guilt of premeditating, and com- mitting sin. If these considerations are insufficient to restrain you from evil ac- tions ; — if any of you can possibly conceive that you are safe from all the dangers and ap- palling penalties of vice, merely because you can practice it so secretly, that none who have the control of your conduct can know a word of the matter ; I shall utterly despair of saying any thing which can make the slightest impression on either your hearts or understandings; for they must be lost to all sense of moral worth; — to every perception of religious obligation. But I will not per- mit myself to entertain such truly painful anticipations. I will continue to hope for far better things ; nor will I relinquish the highly pleasing expectations of your general im- provement in every thing which renders life desirable to ourselves, or useful to others, unless you yourselves compel me to do so, by a course of conduct manifesting a total disregard both of persuasion and reproof, — of present fame, and future happiness. My \ Female Education* 377 feelings and my principles alike impel me to keep a constant and vigilant eye over all your actions; and although I shall always endeavour to make my supervision like that of a parent capable of making all proper allowances for juvenile failings and indis- cretions; yet you may rely on it, that it will be the supervision of one who will neither be blind to wilful misconduct; nor disposed to keep it secret from those who ought to know what returns you are making, when out of their sight, for all their love, their afTec*^ tion, and the various privations to which they are subjecting themselves for your sake. This last duty would be one of the most painful that I could possibly be called upoa to perform; yet nothing in this world is more certain, than its performance will be, if any of you should create the distressing necessity. I beg of you not to understand me as here uttering a threat; but rather, as deprecating a great misfortune; for such, I certainly should consider it, were any of > you to act in such a manner, as to make rae 278 Lectures on feel that my duty required me to appeal to your parents. From an event so afflicting to us, and so injurious to 3^ourselves, I most earnestly and fervently hope that we all may be saved by your constant and uniform exer- tions to merit every praise which good con- duct can deserve, or the world's applause can bestow. To-morrow I shall leave you for several weeks. Before I bid you adieu, sufler me to avail myself of this occasion to assure you that few wishes will be nearer ta my heart, than for your welfare; — that you will be continually remembered in my prayers to the Throne of Eternal God; and that scarcely any gratification which I can receive while gone, will be greater, than to learn that you are all rapidly improving in every liberal study which can embellish, adorn, and enno- ble life; but above all, in those more eleva- ted attainments of the soul — piety and vir- tue, which alone, can secure for you imper- ishable happiness in the world to comee LECTURE IX. Although few, my young friends, have been the weeks which have been added tq our years, since we parted last, yet far,— very far, may we have strayed in this brief period from the paths of rectitude, and of wisdom ; or great may have been the acces- sion to ourexperience, our knowledge, and our virtue. According as we have used, or abused this time; — in proportion as we have neglected, or fulfilled our duties; and have earnestly sought, or avoided all the means within our reach of intellectual improvement; — so, necessarily, must have been our pro- gress " in all knowledge and virtue ;" or our departure from the true road to honour and distinction here, and peace and happi* ness hereafter. Manifest and undeniable as these all* important truths are, — few, very few, I fear» 280 Lectures on of the aged ; and still fewer of those who have not yet passed the vernal season of youth, ever bestow sufficient thought on them, to derive from their consideration, any of those salutary lessons of wisdom which they are so admirably calculated to teach. Have either of you, my youthful auditors, devoted any portion of that time which has so rapidly flown away, since I last addressed you, to such meditations? — That you may immediately bring the ques- tion home to your own bosoms, I beg you to imagine me a messenger, just sent by the parents and friends who placed you here, to demand of each individually, prompt and candid answers to the following interroga- tories. Can you truly, and sincerely declare, that you never have been guilty, since I saw you last, of a single act, the acknowledg- ment of which, to those parents and friends, would dye your cheeks with the deepest shame; and which, — were it known to th pulse of inclination and desire; or the rea- son which enjoins you to love, and fear God, and to keep his commandments. But this last, is believed by many to be so arduous a task, that the very effort to per- form it, at once precludes us from every thing called pleasure in this world. How entirely false, — how fatally delusive, is such an opinion ! for it is only among the truly religious, that real happiness is to be found. Genuine religion is the parent of lasting cheerfulness and peace of mind; it is the only permanent source of contentment, the only infallible guide in the path of duty, and the only uniform, unfailing monitor which enables us to persevere in it. None of the true and legitimate enjoyments of social intercourse are interdicted by its precepts; — none of the lawful pursuits of life forbid by its doctrines ; nor can our progress in any useful occupation be at all retarded, or in any degree embarrassed, by a faithful com- Female Education, 295 piiance with all its requisitions. True reli- gion is the only principle of the soul, which can qualify us to bear either prosperity or adversity, as we ought to do ; it is this alone which gives us comfort and consolation in the midst of the most afflicting calamities of our present state ; — and this alone which bestows upon us that self-control, so neces- sary to be exercised, almost every hour of our lives. In short, without religion, we are but one degree removed above the beasts tliat perish in having our reason to guide us, while we degrade ourselves far below them, when we act in direct opposition to it. But with this heavenly rule of conduct engrafted in our hearts, and continually guided and governed by the holy spirit of him who gave it ; we are creatures made after God's own image; only a little lower, than the angels; and fit inheritors of that kingdom prepared for the spirits of just men made perfect, from the foundation of the world. 27 296 Lectures on Let none, for a moment, believe, from any part of the foregoing remarks, that I can possibly consider our obligations to acquire true religion, at all incompatible with an ar- dent pursuit of science and literature. No* thing can be more opposite to my opinions, — nothing more remote from my designs in ad- dressing you. For my chief object has been, and will continue to be, in all I say and do on your accounts, to convince you thorough- ly, that knowledge, real knowledge^ is not only the best and most powerful of all human instruments for the promotion of religion, so far as that depends upon man; but that the acquisition of it, is expressly commanded by the Deity himself. You will find both the proof, and the illustration of this command in our blessed Saviour's admirable parable of the talents. In this, the pieces of money re- present our imaginations, our memories, our judgments, and all the other faculties of our minds : and the means by which we are to improve and elevate them to their highest Female Education. 297 degree of attainable perfection ; are, contin- ual application to study; unwearied research after useful knowledge of every kind adapted to our various situations and circumstances in life ; and an ardent pursuit of wisdom and virtue, as the only sure, effectual mode of obtaining the rewards bestowed on those good and faithful servants who had doubled every talent committed to them. Hence it is most manifest, that to adorn and embellish the mind by all the attainable lights of science, learn- ing, and erudition, is not only an allowable occupation; but an indispensable duty. They lead us to a knowledge of many of the ways of Providence, which we should not other- wise perceive ; they teach us more fully to comprehend the nature and inviolability of our obligations to act well our parts in all the various relations of life; but above all, they give us nearer and more expanded views of the wisdom, the power, and the goodness of the great,— the ever-glorious author of the universe. These are some among the many jijestimable advantages of a good education, 298 Lectures on and I could add more, if I thought it possi- ble that more could be necessary, to produce in your minds, a conviction of the momen- tous truths which I have been endeavouring to inculcate. Let nothing which has been said, be construed into a belief, that those who have been so unfortunate as never to have had the opportunity of acquiring a good educa- tion, are incapable of those sentiments which fill the hearts and guide the conduct of true christians. If this were true, thousands and millions could never be christians at all. What I meant to say, and what I have en- deavoured to prove, is, that true knowledge must always possess most decided, and very great advantages over ignorance, for all the purposes of life. But it was chiefly with wilful ignorance^ that I aimed to contrast it. The first, is the greatest ornament and safe- guard of youth, — the best occupation and solace of old age; while the last, is a shame, a scandal, and a deadly sin in all who are Female Education* 299 guilty of it. Let me, once more then, im- plore you, my young friends, to avoid the one, as highly disgraceful in the sight of man, and really criminal in the eyes of God ; while you ardently cultivate the other, as the purest source of all your greatest en- joyments upon earth ; and the surest founda- tion for your dearest hopes of heaven. LECTURE X. Once more, my youthful auditors, per- mit me to solicit your attention, while I renew my admonitions in regard to the means necessary to be pursued for your moral and intellectual improvement. And let me not appear too importunate, if I continue to press and urge you on these topicks, with a degree of earnestness, which, to you may seem dis- proportionate to the importance of the sub- ject. Some of you perhaps, may think, that as you are the persons chiefly to be bene- fitted, I might safely trust to this circumstance, as a sufficient security, that you would neglect pothing that you ought to do, for the promo- tion of your own welfare. If the mere per- ception of the mode by which this was to be accomplished, were enough of itself, to enable us steadilv to follow that mode, then 302 Lectures on indeed, would my labour be useless, my care and anxiety entirely supererogatory. But it is not the judgment to discern what is right, which most of us want, so much as the reso- lution to practice it; for it is on this rock that both the aged and the young are most exposed to shipwreck. Few, — very ^ew of us, are so idevdid of understanding, as not to know per- fectly well, what our duty is, in almost any situation wherein we may be placed; but the great misfortune is, that although we see and approve the true course, we follow the wrong one. Our spirit may be willing, but our flesh is weak; and hence the necessity, not only that this true course should frequently be pointed out to us; but that all the powers, both of argument and persuasion, should con- tinually be brought to bear upon our minds, that by the blessing of God on the labours of our moral teachers, all our infirmities * may, in a great measure, be cured; our perverse inclinations counteracted; and the cprruptions of our hearts purified. These diseases of our depraved nature can never b^ Female Education, 303 healed, merely by the self-acknowledgment, that we have them. Indeed, the conscious- ness of their existence, unaccompanied by any effort to remove them, only aggravates their malignity. To effect a perfect cure, we must not only listen with undivided atten- tion to the physicians of our souls; but we must follow strictly, their prescriptions ; and above all, we must continually pray to our Heavenly Father for that restoration to the primitive perfection of our nature, which he alone, can ultimately bestow. Unless we ask, we cannot possibly have; unless we seek, we shall never find; nor will the eternal portals of heaven ever be opened for us, if we do not constantly beg admittance with the most humble and fervent devotion which we are capable of exercising; and fit ourselves for entering them, by a life of holiness, and active piety. Although few, if any of the means essential to your preparation for the parts which you will probably be called hereafter^ 304 Lectures ou to act, have passed unnoticed in my former Lectures; yet I fear, that some of them at least, have been recommended in too cursory a manner; or that much which was said, has so far been forgotten, as to require a recur- rence to several of the same topicks. The faults which I still see you commit, I must still endeavour to correct; — discouraging as I acknowledge every instance to be, wherein my labours appear to have been fruitless. But the lamentable fact is, that there is nothing which the memory so illy retains, or, if retained, — which the will so reluctant- ly practices, as the great precepts of our moral and religious duties. Among those of which it seems most necessary to remind you, are all that relate to the economy of time and money; — the acquisition of self-control; and the proper regulation of your tempers and deportment: for in these particulars you most frequently err; — these are the duties in which you are most apt to fail ; and these are the qualities Female Education. 305 most requisite for your welfare, — at least in time, if not in eternity. The maxim "t^^as^e notj want not,^"* applies with equal force to every object of real utility, or allowable pleasure, to which we wish to devote our time; or upon which we may desire to expend our wealth ; nor can it scarcely ever be violated without some loss, greatly dispro- portionate to the imaginary gain for which we make the sacrifice. If you waste your time, it is most manifest, that no pos- sible exertion of human power can recover it; seeing that you have but a certain period to live; that every portion of it has its ap- propriate duties, to be fulfilled without suf- fering one to encroach upon the other, or to interfere with its faithful performance; and consequently, that the attempt to compensate for any past neglect, cannot be made without violating some present obligation. If you » waste your property, you incur the same moral responsibilities, and expose j^ourselves to the same moral risks in relation to another world, as in misusing vour time: for both 306 Lectures ori are " talents" confided to you for improvement and beneficial application ; and wo be to all those who abuse so sacred a trust. But the waste of money is inevitably followed by- many temporal punishments of no ordinary- severity, which do not always ensue from the mere waste of time. To say nothing of the utter impossibility of gratifying all those false tastes, vicious appetites, and highly culpable, — if not criminal passions, which such extravagance almost always creates, it frequently brings upon us all the complica- ted miseries of povert}'. These are too often, not only mental and bodily anguish, starvation, and perpetual disease; but the perpetration of crime, everlasting disgrace, and a miserable — not unfrequently, an ignominious death. It is not alone, in the dissipation of private fortunes; in the ruin of private families; and in the tragical sui* cides, by poison or the pistol, of persons driven to desperation in the accursed haunts of profligacy and vice, that the fatal effects of wanting economy, are to be seen. Neither Female Education, SOT IS it alone, in the groans of imprisoned debtors, in the impassioned cries of malefac- tors under the gallows; nor in the djing prayers of distracted mothers who leave their starving children to perish for a morsel of bread, that the heart-rending consequences of this criminal passion, are to be heard. Its bloody march is often to be traced over the murdered bodies of thousands of vie* tims, to the desolation of great kingdoms, and the utter subversion of mighty empires. For no cause whatever, more frequently pro- duces these overwhelming revolutions, than the lust of wealth arising from the profuse expenditure of it, which beget arbitrary exactions, resistance to such tyranny, and the numerous wars of injustice and ra- pacity which for so many ages, have con- tinued to scourge and curse mankind. — Little do any of you imagine, in the un- suspecting innocence of your hearts, that the mere throwing away of a few dollars and cents for useless toys, trinkets, nuts, cakes, and sweetmeats, can possibly proceed from 308 Lectures on the same passion, which leads to such awful and appalling results : — as little as the poor man, who was crushed to death the other day in his mill, probably imagined, that so trivial a cause, as a small part of his apparel catch- ing in the wheels, could bring him to so ex- cruciating, and dreadful an end. Nor indeed, could such fatal consequences ever follow from wasting such small sums, if we had al- ways the power jof stopping when we pleased, in any culpable indulgence. But in so weak a degree do the best of us possess any such power, that the neglect to exercise it for a very short time, and in regard to very small mat- ters, destroys it altogether. We must resist every propensity of the kind in the outset ; or it is an hundred to one, that resistance will be vain ; for the disposition which im- pels us to squander cents, is precisely the same, that causes the waste of thousands of dollars in the most irreclaimable offenders. It is not, therefore, the magnitude of the sum thrown away, but the motive which prompts the expenditure, that constitutes the guilt of Female Education, 309 extravagance in the use of money : and it is the frequency with which we permit this mo- tive to act, much more than the extent of each indulgence, that uhimately gives it an uncontrolable influence over our actions. To see our errour after so fatal an ascendancj; is once established, only serves to aggravate our sufierings ; for the consciousness of sinning, without the power of effectual repentance, is the consummation of all human misery. We ourselves have cast the die ; we ourselves have irrevocably sealed our fate, as to this world; and God alone, can save us from despair and destruction in the next. Such are often the disastrous consequen-^ ces of the want of economy ; nor is it necessa- ry, in order to produce them, that the in- stance, at first, should be either great in amount, or incessantly repeated. All our habits, — even the worst, are superinduced by slow degrees; by indulgences which, at the beginning, appear scarcely worth noticing; and the evil is thus, often past all human re- 310 Lectures on medies, almost before we are aware of its €ommencement. I fear much, my inexperienced young friends, that you will think the picture which I have drawn of the fatal effects of wanting economy, somewhat too highly coloured; and that you will turn rather an incredulous ear to all I can say on this subject, as you cannot, so early in life, have acquired any knowledge by personal suffering, which will confirm what I have said. God grant that you may all live and die without any such experience. If I could feel confident that you would, I should be quite content that you should believe my better judgment had yielded to imaginary fears on your account ; that the wasteful dispositions which I occa- sionally see some of you manifest, will de- cline with your advancing years; and that all will, ultimately do right. In close connexion with this ruinous vice — the want of economy, is the want of Female Education. 311 ' self-control. Indeed, if it be not the proli- fick source of all our worst passions and ha- bits, it is, at least, the cause of their acquiring such irresistible influence over us, as they always do, where this waat exists in a great degree. This all-important power of self- government, is the joint result of good-judg- ment, piety, and virtue; and to be without it, is to lose every advantage of that god-like faculty, reason, which our Heavenly Father hath bestowed on us, as a faithful guide in all matters essential to our well-being. But the great difficulty, the rare achievement, is how to acquire such power. The presump- tion of mankind, and their insane pride of opinion, generally incline them to the belief, that the best mode is, to expose themselves to frequent trials of their moral strength. But rest assured, my young friends, that by far the safest course, if not the most produc-- tive of celebrity for you, is to keep yourselves always, if possible, out of the ivay of temptation. Avoid the dangers of defeat, rather than court the laurels of victory. This is far preferable 28* 312 Lectures on for every body, but especially for your sex, to seeking opportunities of exposure to moral conflicts, for the hazardous purpose of prov- . ing your capability of effectual resistance. The first is wisdom, the last is what in com- mon parlance, may justly be called, fool-har- diness; and rarely escapes the punishment due to such temerity. If indeed, we are una- voidably exposed to moral danger, we may then exert as much of our moral courage, as is necessary, successfully to oppose it; and it is highly honourable, as well as meritorious to do so. Women especially, are entitled to great praise for every such exertion; be- cause it is too common an errour in their edu- cation, to act towards them, as if they were far less capable than man, of making them: and it is, in a great measure, attributable to this very pernicious errour, that we witness, in your sex, so many woful failures to ex- ercise self-control, when necessary. The belief in your natural weakness, often pro- duces the incapacity, where none would have existed, but for this most erroneous; and high- Female Education, 313 3y pernicious pre-conception. But if such an obstacle, on the one hand, opposes your acquisition of this cardinal virtue ; every principle of laudable ambition, of respect for publick opinion, of gratitude to your parents, and duty to your God, call upon you, on the other, to acquire it, if possible. Not one in the whole catalogue, is more generally use- ful; for none are of more general applica^ tion, whether our object be pleasure, business, or mental improvement. It is by the exer- cise of this quality solely, directed by good judgment, that we are able to allot to every occupation, to assign to every duty, its pro- per portion of our time. Pray for it there- fore, my young friends, pray for it, I beseech you, "in season and out of season," and practice it on every occasion where suitable opportunities present themselves for this most salutary discipline. No worldly dis^ tinction which your sex can possibly gain, will acquire for them more general es- teem ; no quality which they can cultivate, can prove of greater practical benefit ; no 314 Lectures en moral virtue with which they can be en- dowed, will contribute more towards con- ducting them safely and happily, along <'that narrow way" which leads to everlast- ing life. Should I appear to give you but ano ther version of such arguments, exhortations, and admonitions, as I have addressed to you on former occasions, do riot, I pray you, turn a deaf ear to them on that account: you would act just as wisely, in refusing to eat to day, merely because you had taken 3/our usual quantity of food yesterday. For unless you can truly and conscientiously affirm, that you have no longer any faults to cor- rect, nor vicious inclinations to subdue, you are still in great need of sucli advice and instruction, as I have already endeavoured, with the most earnest wishes for your welfare, to bestow. In fact, although ail the changes have been rung by moralists and divines, ipany millions of times, on every branch and precept of our moral law, the frequent repe-^ Female Education, 315 tition of these changes must always be neces- sary, so long as our violations of moral duty continue to be of almost daily occurrence. To administer these precepts in every possi-» ble form, which affords the least prospect of rendering them efficacious, is one of the means appointed by our Heavenly Father himself, for the cure of all our moral mala- dies : nor have we any excuse for neglecting to prescribe them, so long as our patients appear in danger, or the sniallest shadow of hope remains, of infusing the sovereign balm of moral health into their souls. If ray object were literary fame, I might, very probably, have gained more by saying less. But it is to benefit you that I speak ; to in- spire you with a love of science and virtue that I write; and my highest ambition, my most anxious hope, is, to restore you to your parents and friends, accomplished, if possible, "in every good word and work," — that you may be the pride and joy of their declining years ; the ornaments and blessings of every circle in which you move; and finally, tha$ 316 Lectures on you may receive in another and a better world, the crown of everlasting glory and fe- licity, for a life wellspent in this. To give you every aid in my power for accomplishing these exalted purposes, I must not omit again to admonish you on other to- picks, equally important with those to which I have, just now, so earnestly besought your constant attention. The government of your tempers, and the fashioning of your deport- ment, appear to rank first, among those not yet noticed, on the present occasion; not only on account of the necessity and difficul- ty of the acquisition; but because I perceive, with the deepest regret, that some of you have still, much to doy if not also to learns in regard to these momentous matters. Your tempers are generally felt to be so much a part of yourselves, that you are often un- conscious of having any more power over them, than over the circulation of your blood. This is a most fatal mistake ; for it frequent- ly prevents you from all effort to regulate Female Education* 317 them ; and every out-breaking is excused by some such self-justification as, — " 'tis my na- ture, and I can't help it:" as if it were possi- ble to believe, that the beneficent author of the universe had ijuplanted in the creatures vi'hich " he had formed after his own image," ungovernable dispositions and passions that render them greater annoyances and curses to their fellow beings, than the fiercest and most savage, and ferocious beasts of the forest. The latter, it is true, will sometimes rend, and tear, and devour the human body,— never their own species : but is not this a thousand times better, than to lacerate, and tear, and blast the human reputation; to in- flict the deepest wounds on the human heart and character; and to exercise all the power we have, for no other apparent purpose, than to render the unfortunate victims of it mise- rable ? And yet beings called human, in- telligent, and rational beings, — if they have uncontrolable tempers, often do all this, without the slightest discoverable compunc- tion or remorse ! When this is the case, it 318 Lectures on is because the moral poison has been trails^ fused, as it were, by bad nursing, into the very blood, almost as soon as it begins to circulate ; and the hearts of the little inno- cents are deeply corrupted, before it is even surmised, that their infant palpitations can be at all affected by any other cause, than mus- cular contraction and dilatation. And here I cannot forbear to suggest a hint for parent- al consideration. Ifitbetrue, — as it most unquestionably is, that temper is one of the very first things found in the infant mind, what continual caution, what unceasing vigi*- lance should be used in the choice of those who are to have the care of children, during the whole period previous to their being sent to school? Yet how few parents are therCj who seem to be aware, that any thing more is necessary at this age, than to place them under the supervision of some two-legged animal, utterly incapable of any other act of rationality, than to save their limbs from be- ing broken ; to keep them out of the fire; and prevent their being drowned? How fatal Female Educahoiu 319 does this errour often prove ! What incalcu- lable mischief and wretchedness are fre- quently, the bitter fruits of such rash, incon- siderate neglect ! If such nurses were to plunge these poor children into the deepest abyss of the ocean, or roast them alive, it would often prove a far more merciful treat- ment, than to bring them up to the hopeless misery of that utter degradation, and incura- ble depravity of character, which the early neglect of their tempers and principles, is so apt, — I may almost say, so certain to pro- duce. Although it seems probable, that physi- cal organization has some influence over our tempers ; yet it is certain, that the characters and conduct of our first teachers, — our ear- liest associates, have much more : — so much indeed, that the moral discipline to which they may be subjected with these, will prove all-sufficient, by the blessing of God, to make them, in almost every case, what they ought to be. But the soul being the seat of all 29 320 • Lectures on our mental qualities, our chief cares should be unremittingly devoted to that. In the beautiful imagery of poetick fiction, it has been aptly called a " vital spark of heavenly flame." To pursue this figure still farther, we may add, that by watching with the most se- dulous anxiety, its first dawnings ; by cher- ishing with proper materials, the earliest emanations of its rays ; we may render it a genial and auspicious light, instead of a blast- ing and consuming fire. This precautionary care, and assiduity may be the means, by Divine aid, of multiplying to an immense and indefinite extent, every blessing of which our present state is susceptible ; and of real- izing all the felicity that can be anticipated for the future. But this " one thing need- ful" — the earliest possible culture of the in- tellect, being neglected, will render ineifec- tual, every other care. For if the faculties which distinguish man from the brute crea- tion, be suffered to remain unimproved ; — if the reason be perverted, and the temper ut- terly ruined, what can the mere preservation Female Education, 321 of limbs and health avail, but to prolong the power of the individual to annoy, to tor- ment, and to curse mankind f All which has been said of the necessi- ty for the earliest attention to the formation of temper, applies with equal force to deport- ment, so soon as the period arrives, when we can bec^in to regulate it : and all goes to de- monstrate the paramount importance of the Scripture command ; to "train up your child in the way he should go, that when he is old, he may not depart from it." The real advantages of such a course, so very far sur- pass, either the real or supposed difficulties and inconveniences, that those who fail to pursue it without intermission, will not only deserve to be ranked among the most irra- tional of all irrational animals ; but they will assuredly have to drink of " the gall of bitterness," as long as life shall last. But to return to the subject of deportment, — by Avhich I here wish you to understand, all our outward actions, as well as the manner of 322 Lectures on performing them. Although this may be good, while our temper is bad ; yet if the last be defective, the first must always be destitute of its greatest charm, which is the effort to please, flowing directly from the heart. Hence results the necessity of the strictest attention to both, at the same time. On temper we must greatly depend for our own comfort and happiness in all our social relations, in the dreariness of solitude, as well as in all the bustle and business of life : while we have to rely chiefly on deportment for the power of contributing to the comfort and happiness of others. To this last quali- ty, in its most enlarged sense, we are whol- ly indebted for our good or bad reception in society ; for the influence which we may ac- quire over the minds and hearts of mankind ; and for the permanent regard and attach- ment of all who may be the objects of our esteem, our love, and our most ardent affec- tions. If therefore, you are capable of en- tertaining either of these sentiments for oth- ers; or find it essential to your happiness that Female Education* 323 any should entertain them for you ; let me beg, let me most earnestly beseech you, ne- ver hereafter, to be, for a moment, off your guard against every emotion of ill-temper, against every inclination to bad deportment. But preserve throughout 3^our whole course of conduct ; — in all the actions of your lives, the same invariable, lady-like propriety, de- licacy, and decorum, that you would en- deavour to display, if you stood before the whole world assembled as spectators. To crown all, you should continually practice that heavenly grace of truly christian bene- ficence, which is summed up in the compre- hensive term — charity; and you will assured- 1}^ secure to yourselves that lasting peace and unutterable joy which all the power of mor- tal man can neither give nor take away. Could I possibly prevail on you, either by reason or persuasion, thus to act, you would most infallibly gain all that I have ventured to promise, as the rewards of so rational, so praise-worthy, and truly admira- 29* 324 Lectures on ble a course. Interest, duty, and honour, on the one hand, court your acceptance of the proflered boon ; while, on the other, shame, disgrace, contempt, arid general dis- like, await your rejection of it. Decide wise- ly in regard to this alternative, and you will have innumerable occasions to bless the hour of your choice, to the latest moment of your lives. LECTURE XIo f Conclusion of the whole Course, J Your scholastick year will soon ter- minate; and the hour is fast approaching when many of you, on leaving school, will be called to enter upon a very different scene of action from any in which you have ever before been engaged: — so different indeed, as to require much more than a double por- tion of your vigilance, and self-command to take " that good part,^^ which so many anx- ious hearts are fondly expecting you to take. That you may be still better prepared for commencing so novel and arduous a course, let me endeavour once more, and for the last time, to place before you, some of the chief obstacles to be encountered in your progress ; and to exhort you by every consideration most dear to you, never to neglect the means 226 Lectures on which are necessary to overcome them. To " keep thy heart with all diligence, since out of it are the issues of life, " is a precept of holy writ*which it will behoove you, more than ever to regard, as the all important means to secure that spotless fame, and puri- ty of reputation so essential, — so lovely, — so far above all price, in the female charac- ter. The increasing claims of this maxim to your attention, will result from the great augmentation of all those various temptations by which the individuals of your sex are al- ways surrounded; especially when they first enter upon that career, on their proper con- duct in which, their fates both here, and here- after, so materially depend. Against some of these, I confidently trust, that your sense ofwhatisdue to yourselves and others, and the diligence with which you have cultivat- ed it, since you have been here, will prove an adequate protection. But there are others, my young friends, against which, I greatly fear, you will find it extremely difficult to guard; because the}' will assail you in vari- Female Education, 327 ous unsuspected shapes; and approach you in forms of such fascination, as to lull to rest all apprehensions of your own' power to re- sist. For example, — the partiality of parent- al affection is one of them; and strange and painful as it may sound in your ears, it is one of the greatest. Parents who have been long separated from their children, — parti- cularly where they have warm, generous, and affectionate hearts, are either among the last people in the world, to see their children's faults ; — or if seen, they are the most reluc- tant to notice them. Nothing can well inflict more pain, or sink deeper into the heart of a father or mother, than to perceive defects, where they expected accomplishments; to witness ignorance instead of knowledge ; and to find perhaps, not only foibles, but vices in the child of their bosom ; when they had, for months and years, been fondly calculating on solacing their old age, and smoothing their passage to the grave, by the continual contemplation of her virtues and perfections. There is no parent who deserves the name of 328 Lectures on one, that does not consider such disappoint- ment, one of the heaviest calamities which can possibly befal him : and as none of us are disposed to court misfortune, we anxiously avert our eyes to the last moment we can, from so distressing a spectacle. A child just returned home from school, after a long ab- sence, may therefore commit many faults, and be guilty of numerous improprieties of conduct, before they will probably meet with parental reprehension. Would to God, my dear young friends, you would meditate se- riously on this fact, and resolutely determine to save your parents, and friends, from the painful necessity of any such reproof. The period immediately subsequent to 2L gxrVs finishing y (as 'tis falsely called) her education, is too often considered a season of extra6rdinary indulgence; — a season for displaying personal accomplishments, ra- ther than for exercising intellectual acquire- ment; — a season, — not for "refreshing the soul" with intellectual food, but for the gra- Female Education, 329 tification of many of its silly vanities, and baneful passions; — a season during which, that moral discipline, so continually necessa- ry for us all, may safely be suspended, or to- tally neglected : — and happy will it be both for parents and children, if too many fooleries and extravagances be not permitted during the time, ever to regain the ground that will be lost by such unnecessary and highly cul- pable waste of the most precious period of life. I pray you to reflect while you can, oa this all important subject. Prepare diligent- ly for the trials that await you ; and God grant, that you may form unalterable reso- lutions to increase your own vigilance to guard against all the evil propensities of which you have any consciousness, exactly in proportion to the affectionate confidence which your parents and friends appear to re- pose in the amiableness of your dispositions, the soundness of your understandings, and the ardent desire which you feel, to be dis- tinguished for knowledge and virtue, above all other attainments. Let this confidence^ 330 Lectures en W — the delightful source of so much pleasure to them ; — of so much honour to yourselves, if you do but deserve it, be to your conduct, what the life-blood is to your hearts. Let it warm, invigorate, and give permanence to all your good resolutions; and repay it, I most earnestly beseech you, repay it amply, with a full measure of continual love, grati- tude, deference, and obedience. This will prove a perennial source of mutual felicity, as pure as it is desirable; and the preserva- tion and reaction of such sentiments between the parties, must assuredly be equally salu- tary to both. Is it not astonishing, — is it not most lamentable, that what the mind's eye so clearly discerns to be right; — that what we all feel in the very bottom of our souls, must contribute so largely to human happiness, as for parents and children to live in such a state of mutual trust, mutual affec- tion, and mutual effort to promote each others felicity, should yet be so rare ! Hea- ven, in the plenitude of its mercy, can be- stow no higher benefaction, as regards this Female Education, o31 lite, than to form and preserve such a union ; nor can God, in the fulness of his wrath, in- flict a much heavier curse, than to dissolve, or prevent it. Remember, 1 entreat 3'o« to remember, that up to the present time, the chief effort to perpetuate this union, has been on the part of those who gave j'ou birth ; who have nurtured you with unremitting care during the helplessness of infancy ; who have cherished your adolescence with uncea- sing anxiety; and who now wear you next iheir heart, as its last, best hope on this side the grave. Let it be your part next, to fulfil this hope: to prove, not only, to thenij but to the world, how well you deserve their confidence and affection ; and how ear- nestly^ you will devote yourselves to the preservation of their happiness, so far as that can be promoted by human means. And here let me add, (if it will give you any gra- tification.) that one of the greatest pleasures which I myself can experience in the down- hill of life, will be, frequently to hear, that you all have taken ^'this good part, which 30 332 Lectures on ' can never be taken away from you;" and to reflect that your having clone so, ma}', in some measure perhaps, be ascribed to the . continual efforts made, while you were under our care, to form your hearts and minds for this great purpose of your temporal exis- tence. 1 Another temptation of almost resistless malignity, to which you will be continually exposed, will be the corrupting influence of flattery. It is an opinion much too prevalent among our sex, that yours can live on no other food. Hence it happens, that from the moment you begin to take a part in what are called the gaieties and amusements of life, you are destined to hear little else, than the language of adulation. The fools and cox- combs among us, will address you in no other style; and even the men of sense will too often follow their example; but in a way to render it all the worse for you ; because the poison will generally be so disguised, that you will swallow it without being at all Female Education. 333 aware of your danger. On such occasions, your only safety will be, immediately to call to your aid, if possible, enough of your arithmetick to deduct some three, four, or five hundred per cent, from each contribu- tion, according to its apparent extravagance. But if you can see none in any thing which gentlemen usually say to you, it is proof positive that self-complacency has so far over- come your better judgment, as to bring you into imminent peril of becoming ridiculous for vanity and affectation; as well as of losing all those qualities which really entitle you to love and esteem. If you are so fortunate as to escape the dangerous effects of this early intercourse with society ; there is still another obstacle to your moral and religious improvement, arising from certain dij^positions almost always found in persons at your age, which lead to deplorable results, if not properly regulated. I mean that gaiety of heart, and buoyancy of spirit with which our Heavenly 334 Lectures on Father hath armed the young, against the various sorrows, distresses, and calamities of life. Among all the manifold instances of his wisdom, goodness, and mercy, there are none which call for our gratitude more; while iesv appear to occupy our minds less, as regards the great purpose for which they seem to have been bestowed. But for this inestimable blessing, (qw indeed, uould be able to view our present state of existence, as any thing but a weary and most painful pilgrimage, the bare anticipation of which, would render most of us, not only incapable of the exertion necessary for the performance of our most indispensable duties; but would sink our hearts in utter despondency. Blessed be the God of all mercies, he has ordered it otherwise. But altho' such is the beneficent dispensation of his Providence, he certainly never could have designed that tlie younger portion of the human race should presume to live without every thing resembling serious reflection, merely because they had never experienced misfortune; or should always Female Education. 335 act with the same giddy, thoughtless folly, which mark their wildest hours of idleness and dissipation. This tlionj^htlessness in regard to the future, — this most culpable neglect of that early preparation of heart so necessary to fortify us all, against the various afflictions incident to our nature, is the great errour, — nay the greatsin of omis- sion, which you, who are just commencing life, are bound by every principle of reason and of duty, not to commit. Do not ima- gine that I wish 3 ou to contemplate so long, or intensely, the dark side of the picture of life, as to lose all perception or feeling of its multiplied beauties and blessings. No, God forbid. Neither would I have you anticipate evil in any such wa}^, as to mar such of your present enjoyments as are in- nocent and praiseworthy. All I wish and all I aim at, is to convince you, that as the hour of trouble and sorrow must inevitably come for us all, the only effectual way to meet it as we ought to do, is to make ready beforehand. Pause in due season, and 3U* o3G Lectures on W recollect, I beseech you, that although tht- Scripture hath said; "there is a tiuje for all things,*' to spend any portion of it in utter idleness, — much less in extravagance and dissipation, is no part of this Divine license. Reflect also, before it be too late, that she whose business is pleasure, will never find any pleasure in business : that useful occupa- tion is the duty of all : — that the lives of Virginia Ladies are essentially domestick: — that publick sentiment with us, as well as the soundest dictates of reason and morality for^- bid that our wives, our daughters and our sisters should ever become a publick specta- cle and a show for idle multitudes to gaze at: and finally, that neither personal attractions, nor mental endowments of the highest order, will any where be so much admired and loved, in our state of society ^ as when they are displayed within their proper province — the domestick circle. It is there that they improve, embellish, and endear to us, a life of privacy and retirement, in which alone the mistresses of families can have time to Female Education. 337 cultivate all those tender charities, affections, and amiable qualities of the heart, which give true loveliness, dignity, and exalted estimation to the female character. Would you become such women; — would you enjoy and impart such happiness, you must act in direct opposition to the too common opinion among the giddy idlers of your sex, that young ladies have little else to do, between the period of leaving school, and getting married, than to pay and receive visits; — to indulge continually in every species of amusement, wherein it is not positively scan- dalous for them to participate; and to seek all opportunities of placing themselves before the publick eye, in the piteous plight of the forlorn damsel, who, in their favourite song, is made to exclaim ; "Will nobody come to marry me? Is nobody coming' to woo ?" This utter absence of all useful employ- ment, will, in most instances, totally unfit them for the lives which thev must necessa-r 338 Lectures on rily lead after marriage: for the habits of the mind resemble tliose of the body, in the great difficulty with which they are changed; and if they happen to be such, as to require the excitement of continual stimuli to main- tain them, every fresh indulgence creates a new necessity for augmenting the dose, until both ho(\y and soul are utterly destroyed. ; By far the greater part of our existence, and especially that of females, must be passed among the sober realities of life; in the discharge of its multiplied and arduous duties; in bearing as christians ought to do, its complicated difficulties and suflerings. But how can this possibly be done, — except in hopeless misery, by women who can feel no sensation of pleasure, unless in continual crowds; — who can find no amusement, but in idleness; nor lov(? any other occupation but that of decorating their worthless persons with all the most costly apparel, which they can, by almost any means procure? Wretched infatuation! desperate folly! thus to make Female Education. o39 the first part of our lives serve no other purpose, than to render miserable, the last 5 — to make no other provision for the dreary season of old age, than to accumulate for its use, a stock of unquenchable vanity and insatiate pride, which is destined to admin- ister nothing but shame and mortification to yourselves, and annoyance toother people; — and to hazard for such temporary gratifica- tions, as our sober reflection most painfully condemns, the entire loss of health, comfort, and respectability in this world ; and of peace, joy, and happiness in the next ! Do not, I pray you, do not run the risk of persuading yourselves, that I exaggerate the perils of such a course. Rely on it, they are full as great, as I represent them ; while the utmost gain which you have any right to anticipate from pursuing it, cannot, by any possibility, much exceed what I have allowed that it may be. Whereas the advantages, the rewards, the exquisite pleasures of an opposite conduct, are just as certain as the present union of your souls and bodies. Fit yourselves for 340 Lectures on domestick life, rather than for the empty pageantries of crowded assemblies; prepare to act the admirable part of true American matrons, instead of the fantastical idols, and frivolous plaj-things of equally fantastical and frivolous men; but above all, prepare to live and die like christians ; and you will be all that your dearest friends can rationally hope or expect. The grand talisman by which all is to be accomplished, is a com- pound of active piety, common sense, pru- dence, forbearance, and invariable good temper. This, like the mild effulgence of a vernal sun, which warms, expands, invigo- rates, and matures every tender blossom upon which it shines, will diffuse intellectual light, joy, and gladness throughout the whole range of its influence. Blessed in- deed, thrice blessed will that domestick circle be, where these are the ruling principles: for within its limits, — narrow as they appear to some, may be realized, all that this world affords, to make it worthy the wish of beings gifted with rational and immortal souls, And Female Education. 341 it is there i even in such a circle, that we may all best prepare ourselves for that future state of existence, wherein our situation must entirely depend upon the manner in which we have fulfilled our various duties in the present life. Let it be your constant endea- vour then, to prepare yourselves for taking- your proper place in this circle, as the initia- tory step to a far more exalted and happier station in another world. Let it be your continual study so to regulate the sentiments and principles which should guide and govern your conduct, that they may always preserve you in the middle course between too much levity and thoughtlessness, on the one hand f and too great a degree of inertness and des- pondency on the other. Both will equally incapacitate you for the active and essential duties of life; — both are alike repugnant to that Divine law which commands us "to do the will of our Father, on Earth, as it is in Heaven." 342 Lectures on Very soon after leavhi^^ us, you will be called uj3on to exert all the moral qualifica- tions, and to apply to some useful purpose, all the knowledge which your parents and guardians placed you here, to acquire. If you have diligently employed your whole time to fulfil these hopes : if you feel yourselves prepared to enter upon the new scenes which will be opened to you, with the unalterable determination to act 3'our res- pective parts, as well as 3'ou know how : if you anxiously desire opportunities to make some retribution for the love, afi'ection, and care which your friends and relations have always manifested towards you ; — I shall have nothing farther to ask, nor to hope on your account, in the present life. As wards, you will always consult your guardians in regard to any material step which you may be about to take. As daughters, you will continually exert yourselves to prove by your conduct, that its ruling principles, — next to piety and the love of virtue, — are, Female Education, 343 boundless gratitude to your parents, and en- tire devotion to their happiness. As sisters, you will learn, ever to hear and forbear ; — to return every instance of kindness and affec- tionate regard, with compound interest ; and you will constantly show, that you consider those whom the same maternal bosom has nurtured during the helplessness of infancy, are thereby bound together by ties which nothing can sever, but death itself. In the capacity of friends, you will demonstrate more by actions, than words, how deeply you feel, how sedulously you will practice all the various means by which this endear* ing union is to be preserved. These are, mutual trust, mutual confidence, mutual ten- derness towards each others weaknesses — • without a disposition to encourage them ; and a disinterested, unceasing effort to pro- mote each others happiness. Finally, in the character of wives — should you ever be- come such, you will never cease, while you live, to display and exert all the foregoing fjualities in a highly concentrated degree: 31 344 Lectures on in addition to which, you will manifest, by every act of your lives, that the parties to this union — by far the most important and closest of all otliers, should have but one aim, one interest, and one heart. As regards society at large, you will never be at a loss how to act, if you fulfil your obligations wisely and faithfully in these great domestick relations. The admirable art to insure success, is as intelligible in theory, as it is easy, and delightful in practice. A manner, at once candid, complaisant, and courteous; — a conduct, kind, attentive, and beneficent, are the certain and infallible means to conciliate regard and secure es- teem. Take my word for it, these can never be gained, — no, not if the trial were to last forever; unless you aspire to some higher destiny, unless you aim at some more rational, more elevated honours, than to be applauded for your tasteful arrangement of mere personal decorations; or to be admired for the possession of mere personal attrac- Female Education, 345 tions, that are almost as perishable, as the ephemeral flowers to which they have beeu so often, and so aptly compared. Believe me, my dear young friends, that to devote your precious time to any such paltry pur- pose, is to waste it in a way, of which it is bard to decide whether the folly or the wick- edness is greatest. It is repugnant alike to all our ideas of the nature, and destiny of man; — to all our notions of the wisdom, power, and goodness of the Almighty God who made him, to imagine that so large a portion of the species can justifiably live a life of such utter inutility. Resolve then, at once, resolve, I implore you, before the temp- tations to do otherwise, assail you too pow- erfully, that your lives shall be very different- ly spent. That the fulfilment of all your various duties, rather than the indulgence of youthful frivolities, follies, and vices, shall be 3our great, leading objects. Should these duties assume to your unpractised eyes, an aspect too forbidding ; should either their minuteness, their homely nature, or the slovy 346 Lectures on return of temporal rewards which we gain by them, discourage j^our eflbrts^ exert, I pray you, your utmost power to call to your aid, every motive both of morality and reli- gion which can strengthen your resolution to perform them constantly, and faithfully. Recollect, that it is only by small, and often repeated exertions, that knowledge is accu- mulated, virtue acquired, and character ma- tured : and should the tardiness of such ac- quisitions, or the number of acts necessary to confirm your title to them, still dishearten you, endeavour to find consolation in the fact, that all the grandest and most magnifi- cent objects of the material world, are sub- ject to a similar, and irreversible law. For what, in their elementary principles, are all the great waters of the mighty ocean; the lofty mountains that soar to a sightless ele- vation above the clouds; — the immeasurable planets and constellations, that unceasingly revolve in the immensity of space; — what are they^ but an accumulation of mere atoms, impalpable to the touch ; — an aggregation of Female Education, 347 the minutest particles, imperceptible to the sight! Tlie Omnipotent God of all, hath thus decreed, both for the moral, and the physical world ; and let not that miserable worm — man, dare to murmur or repine, either at the wisdom or goodness of such dispensa- tion. His only duty, — his highest praise, is, to obey, — to adore, — and give perpetual thanks, with the deepest humility of heart, and the most cheerful acquiescence in the Di- vine will. In this stupendous, most admirable whole, it may be your distinguished part, — if you choose wisel}', to act as the Hea- venly Almoners of Divine beneficence. To your sex we all look, for the most refined and greatest pleasures of social life; — for encour- agement and co-operation in the discharge of its most important and arduous -duties; and for comfort, and consolation in all its most trying afflictions and calamities. ^'To your sex we look, to raise the standard of character in our own ; we look to yov, to guard and fortify those barriers which still exist in society, against the encroachments ;i48 Lectures on of impudence and licentiousness. We look to you (or the continuance of domestick pu- rity, for the revival of domestick religion, for the increase of our charities, and the support of what remains of religion in our private habits and publick institutions." And firmly do we believe, "that if Christianity should ever be compelled to flee from the mansions of the great, the academies of philosophers, the halls of legislators, or the throng of busy men, we should find her last and purest retreat with women at the fire-side ; her last altar would be the female heart; her last au- dience would be the children gathered round the knees of a mother; — her last sacrifice, the secret prayer, escaping, in solitude, from her lips, and heard perhaps, only at the throne of God." Before I conclude, as this is the last opportunity I shall ever have, of addressing several who now hear me, permit me to as- sure you, that, in the long period during which many of you have been members of Female Education, 349 our family, if, on any occasion, we have ever wounded your feelings, either by word, or deed, we are sincerely sorry for it ; and it has been done with the most heart-felt reluc- tance. Nothing is more difficult, than for persons who stand towards others in the re- lation of pupils, to appreciate justly, the mo- tives and conduct of those who exercise au- thority over them. No errour is oftener com- mitted by them, than to confound friendly ad- vice, with supererogatory care; and neces- sary reproof, with unmerited severity. If any of you have ever made this mistake in regard to us, let me solemnly repeat the assurance, that you can have suffered no pain on this account, in which we have not large- ly participated. In the connexion which has so long subsisted between us, no circumstance has ever distressed us more, than when duty has extorted from us, the language of cen- sure and reproof; while none have given us higher gratiification, than when we could justly address with expressions of encourage- 350 Lectures on ment and applause. Your good has been our continual aim; your happiness, the ob- ject, always nearest our heart, in every thing which we have, either said, or done, on your account. The time will assuredly come, — if it has not already, when you will feel this more sensibly, than perhaps, you now do. You also, may have the care of others; — you also, may have to behold the painful spectade of the immature qualities of the mind and heart in danger of taking a fatal direction ; and threatening to bring upon all concerned, the countless miseries of such a calamitous developement. Should such, ever be your unfortunate lot, — then you will re- member, then you will feel in your inmost soul, all that you have heard and read with us, in regard to the inestimable value of the earliest possible instruction in religion and morals: and you will then thoroughly under- stand the imperative, unbending nature of the obligation by which all instructors are bound, never to spare either admonition, or Female Education* 351 reproof, when either appears necessary ; and never to gratify or give way to the passions of their pupils, at the perilous expense of their understandings and principles. And now, my children,— -for such I must consider you, until we finally restore you to those who confided you to our care, — my work is done; and the task which I ha(i prescribed to myself, with the anxious hope of rendering you some essential service, is, at length, accomplished. If I have been fortunate enough to succeed in my wishes, I shall have impressed this momen- tous truth, indelibly on your minds, and fixed it deeply in your hearts; — that the sum and substance of all useful knowledge, is, to know how to live, and how to die; — the essence and perfection of all real duty, to put this knc^vledge into practice, whenever required. That you may be enabled to do this, should be your first prayer every morn- ingj and your last at night; nor need you 352 Lectures on Female Educaiioru ever despair of its being granted, if you will always utter it "in spirit and in truth." All that remains, is, to bid you farewell, and to implore the Omnipotent Author of "every good and perfect gift," — as I do, with the most earnest sincerity of heart, to guide and protect you through all time; — to bless and preserve you to all eternity. Elm- Wood, Essex County ^ Virginia. END OF THE l,ECTUUES. (EKE)©©ii]p'© miisroAJLa IKTRODUCTVOX TO THE GOSSIF'S MANUAL, The propensity to that practice called in common parlance "Gossipping," being deemed by most philosophers coeval with the earliest proofs which we give of intelli- gence and reason ; the Author of the follow- ing Maxims conceived that he might confer a publick benefit, by giving some plain and concise directions for its most speedy devel- opement. With this view he has endeavoured to imbody in a few short, and easy Maxims, all which he thinks necessary to enable youth- ful aspirants of only ordinary capacity, very rapidly to acquire great proficiency in this most natural and delectable mental exercise, 358 Introduction. And he hesitates not to say, that any young lady or gentleman, — however inexperienced, who will so far commit them to memory, as to have them always ready in their mind on suitable occasions, may at once assume equal rank with the most approved Gossips of the land. If it be inquired how the Author him- self obtained them? Let it suffice to say, that they are the well earned fruit of thirty or forty years close, and delighted attention to the practice of some of the greatest mas- ters and mistresses of the Gossipping art, which this, or any other country probably ever produced. THE GOSSIP'S IKEANUAL. MAXIM I. It should never for a moment be forgot- ten, that the first principle, and very cor- ner-stone of the Gossip's Manual, is to keep alive the fire of conversation. To do this, the same means should unceasingly be used, as to keep alive the natural element called fire; — that is, by continually adding fresh materials to sustain it. Horace's directions for making a good, comfortable fire; — " Lig- num super foco large reponens," will answer equally well in a metaphorical sense for making a good, comfortable, gossipping con- fabulation. 32* 360 Gossip^s Manual, MAXIM II, m Serves still farther to illustrate this ana- logy. For as one of the principal uses of the element — Fire, is to give, when cold predo- minates, due warmth and heat to the body ; so the great function of the fire of conversa- tion, is to excite in the mind a sufficient degree of action to counteract the effect of a too lan- guid temperament; and to produce that de- gree of effervescense in the animal spirits, which is absolutely essential to mental health. To accomplish this, continual practice is ab- solutely necessary; so that if the Gossip feels the slightest degree of that laudable ambition to excel so prevalent among the members of her society, she must talk to herself, if she can find no other auditor. — @®^— MAXIM III. There is one talent essential to the per- fection of the Gossip's character, which if not Gossip^ s Manual* 3G1 equally incommunicable with genius itself, is certainly one of the most difficult, as well as useful to attain. It is the art of appearing equally interested, equally busy in regard to what ordinary thinkers deem the most trivial things in nature, as you are with the most im- portant. For example, if Mrs. such-a-one's cat had killed her canarv bird, it will furnish a Gossip thus naturally gifted, with as much chit chat, as if Mr. such-a-one's wife had lost her favourite child by some horrible death. The only rule is, that whatever it be which the spirit moves you to talk about, be sure to speak fast; — to speak loud; — to use as much gesticulation, as you can possibly practise ; and at the same time to petition with your eyes for as many listeners as there is the most distant chance of attracting. MAXIM IV. Whatever may be the subject of con- versation, never wait until others have done, 362 Gossip\^ Manual. before you begin to speak ; for there are two material objections to such an unusual prac- tice. The first and most important is, that it may never come to your turn to speak at all. And the second is, that unless you not only speak when others do, but as emphati- cally loud, as vehemently earnest, and with as rapid an utterance, as nature enables you, —taking care at the same time, if any thing like argument is going on, to shift your bat- tery continually; you will certainly be thought to take no interest either in the com^ pan}^ or conversation of your associates. MAXTM Y. Set it down as a cardinal point, always to make your neighbour's failings or vices the topick of conversation, rather than their good qualities or virtues. Take it for granted too, that their affairs are generally more interesting, and of course, more aa object Gossip^s Manual, 363 of your concern, than your own. You are but one; your neighbours and acquaintance, comparatively speaking, constitute a multi- tude. From these two centres, the radii of chit chat are so numerous, that the presence of a single, thorough-going Gossip, — or only two or three amateurs, will always prove an effectual bar to that most appalling thing, — a dead-silence in a full company. — @®©— MAXIM VI. The good qualities of your friends af- fording but a very limited, tame, and sleepy kind of exercise for the discursive faculty, never volunteer to speak of them yourself, nor encourage the conversation in others, be- yond a monosyllabic assent: the true max- im in such an unpleasant predicament re- quiring, that we should neither give, nor follow any lead, but such as may excite all tongues to let loose upon it at once. In the S64 Gossijp^s Manual, first case, the same rule of decorum and good breeding applies, as governs at a feast, which is; — "never to choose any of a prof- fered dish that appears to be scarce." — ^O©— MAXIM VII. As the practice of speaking well of a (riend or acquaintance, or suffering others to do it, without adding a great many qualifying circumstances, is altogether without prece^ dent in your reporters, you must studiously avoid being the first to violate a law in re- gard to the antiquity of which we may truly say, (as of the common law,) "that the memory of man runneth no^ to the con- trary." This violation too would be the more inexcusable, when it is so easy to throw in a damper to the applause, in the ready form of some such inuendo as the follow- ing; — "If you had heard all that / have, you would not think so highly of this per- Gossip^ s Manual. 365 son.'' Or else " what think you of such and such faults and vices" — (here name some of the worst you can think of,) " Suppose I could satisfy you, that your favourite was guilty of either of these; — what would you say then? But / say no more. It is my rule never to speak ill of people behind their backs." --^©©— MAXIM VIII. is an individual to be made an object of derision, contempt, or hatred, never com- mence with open, direct attacks supported by a plain narrative of facts : your oblique hint by way of aperient for the auditory organs, is your true recipe. Our curiosity being ifirst awakened by obscure inuendoes, pride of opinion, uniting with the love of what moral- ists call "defamation," has the best possible opportunity for gratification by guessing even worse, than the reality. In this mode. o66 Gossip^ s Manual. the useful work is more than half accom- plished without the irksome labour of detail- hig particulars, which — besides the inconve- nience of requiring rather a closer adherence to truth, produces that delay in accomplish- ing the object of demolition, which like "hope deferred, maketh the heart sick." MAXIM IX. The lie direct is quite too clumsy, and ill-contrived a thing to be at all admissible among Gossips who have any pretensions to high standing; but the indirect falsehood, and by implication, on suitable occasions, is highly essential to the maintenance of their proper rank. Indeed, with a little manage- ment, they may by this ingenious, but simple method, soon make nearly as many inroads upon the best fortified characters, as there can be changes rung upon a full set of bells. This is the theory :— the rule of practise is ; Gossip's Manual, 367 "take care always to have at least some colour of truth in what you say." MAXIM X. Never suffer a good tale of scandal to {lie in your hands, but pass it to your next neighbour with the rapidity of an expert hand going through the manual exercise ; as children do the burning straw in their play of " Robin's alive, and alive like to be," Sic. This gives all the necessary interest, and vi- vacity to a game which otherwise might soon become, (as Hamlet says of the uses of this world,) "weary, stale, flat, and unprofitable." — e©©— MAXIM XI, As the chief use and value of friend- ship, is to cure faults, the readiest way to .368 Gossip^s Manual. prove that you are capable of it, is to be as lynx-eyed in discerning, and as free-tongued in exposing, as you possibly can, the faults of those persons in particular, for whom you profess to entertain this sentiment. The ex- posure too, should be made with all the as- perity 3^ou are able to exert, blended with as many honeyed expressions of regard and affection as you can conveniently crowd in ; on the same principle, that doctors mix sirup with their most nauseous medicine, and envelope their bitterest pills in something sweet to the taste. We all believe that we are indebted to the bitter principle of the Je- suit's bark for the cure of some of the most malignant diseases of the body : And by ana- logy, why should not the bitter principle of the tongue be the true panacea for subduing some of the most malignant diseases of the mind? Gossip^s Manual. 369 MAXIM XII. Much of our bodily comforts being de- rived from the culinary art, the savoury and exhaustless topick of our neighbour's cook- ery, as well as the quality, and quantity of what they cook, should be considered as much a standard topick of your conversation, as bacon and greens are a standard dish at every substantial, Virginia farmer's table. But since bad cooking is much more com- mon than good, and the evils arising from the first, far over-balance the benefits result- ing from the last, we should always prefer descanting upon the former, rather than the latter. This produces the double advantage of reformation in others; and of making strangers believe, that we ourselves must cer- tainly be exempt from the faults which we so sharply censure in other people. MAXIM XIII. Should fashion, business, or company lead you to the house of God, instead of lis- 370 Gossip^s Manual, tening to what you have heard a thousand times before, recollect that your chief pur- pose there, is, " to see, and to be seen." Be sure then, after a proper display of your own person, to occupy yourself in watching the improprieties of conduct in all you find there, — but especially of your particular friends and acquaintance. And by no means neglect to notice every thing in their dress,— even down to the most minute article, which can form an adequate object of critical analy* sis. These will infallibly furnish an ample fund for table-talk during a Sunday's dinner, and a suitable accompaniment for tea and coffee, before evening prayer, MAXIM XIV. The spiritual concerns of your neigh- bours and friends, being much more nume- rous, extensive, and complicated than your own ; to make them the most frequent topick^ of your conversation, shows both chanty and disinterestedness. 1 Gossip^s Manual. ^71 MAXIM XY. To censure with acrimony, the religious opinions of those who differ from 3'ou, and to arraign their motives, is the shortest, and most publick method of proving how deeply you are concerqed for their eternal welfare. — @0^— MAXIM XVI. Take care always to liave at least as much religion in profession, as you want in practice; since it is a wonderful help, — indeed the "sine qua non" of the Gossip's trade to appear to be actuated by the best possible motives which can influence the human heart; for your hard-judging people are very apt not unfrequently to impute their conduct to the worst. Should you be compelled in as- suming this appearance, to be the trumpeter of your own praise, — so much the better; us that merit must be unquestionable which 33^ 372 Gossi])^s Manual. has so much internal strength as to burst through all the ordinary restraints of natural modesty and humility to find utterance through our own lips^ MAXIM XVII. The vanity and egotism of the Gossip having this property in common with brisk- bottled cider, or small beer, that they both endanger the safety of the containing vessel, unless unstopped before bursting ; you should take special care never to suffer them to ef- fervesce too long, without giving them vent- This always gives immediate, and marvellous relief; until another accumulation of these very subtle and expansive gases takes place, when the same remedy must be repeated. — ^(Q©— MAXIM XYIII. Has any unpleasant or painful occur- rence happened within the circle of your in- timate acquaintance and connexions, instead Gossip'^s Manual. 373. of vainly endeavouring, like some silly, mis- calculating people, to confine the knowledge of it to the immediate and only witnesses, — especially, when no duty urges the disclo- sure; hasten, as if you were running from the pestilence, to relate it to the first friend you meet, lest some one more alert and less retentive, should get the start of you. This ranks you at once very high in the scale of his or her friendship ; because to repose con- fidence in another, respecting those things usually called secrets, particularly where they concern other people, being one of the greatest proofs of tender regard ; the indivi- dual first put in possession of the fact, through your kindness, will not fail to give you all the credit you could wish for so judicious a choice of a confidant. You should by no means neglect to throw in, en passant, such interesting embellishments as occur to you on the spur of the occasion ; because it being no less a physical law of rumour, than it is of a snow-ball, to gather as it rolls along ; the neglect to add your part, as it goes 374 Gossips s Manual. through your hands, would evince a