THE
BOARDING SCHOOL;
LESSONS
OF A
PRECEPTRESS TO HER PUPILS:
CONSISTING OF
Information, Instruction and Advice,
CALCULATED TO IMPROVE THE MANNERS AND FORM THE CHARACTER OF
YOUNG LADIES.
TO WHICH IS ADDED,
A COLLECTION OF LETTERS,
WRITTEN BY THE PUPILS TO THEIR INSTRUCTRESS, THEIR FRIENDS, AND EACH
OTHER.
BY A LADY OF MASSACHUSETTS,
AUTHOR OF THE ‘COQUETTE.’
BOSTON. J. P. PEASLEE.
MDCCCXXIX.
_Press of Putnam & Hunt._
------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONTENTS
THE BOARDING SCHOOL, &c.
LETTERS.
DEDICATION.
To the YOUNG LADIES OF AMERICA, the following sheets are affectionately
inscribed.
Convinced of the many advantages of a good education, and the importance
of improving those advantages; or of counterbalancing the want of them
by exerting the mental powers which nature has bestowed; sensible, too,
that the foundation of a useful and happy life must be laid in youth,
and that much depends on the early infusion of virtuous principles into
the docile mind, the author has employed a part of her leisure hours in
collecting and arranging her ideas on the subject of female deportment.
How far she has succeeded in her design, the voice of a candid public
will pronounce.
THE
BOARDING SCHOOL, &c.
On the delightful margin of the Merrimac, in one of the most pleasant
and beautiful situations, which that fertile and healthful part of
America affords, lived Mrs. Williams, the virtuous relict of a
respectable clergyman.
She had two daughters, lovely and promising as ever parent could boast.
Mrs. Williams’ circumstances were easy. She possessed a little
patrimony, to which she retired, after her husband’s decease; but a
desire of preserving this for her children, and a wish to promote their
advantage and enlarge their society, induced her to open a Boarding
School.
As she had an eye, no less to the social pleasure, than to the pecuniary
profit of the undertaking, she admitted only seven, at a time, to the
privilege of her tuition.
These were all young ladies, who had previously received the first
rudiments of learning, and been initiated into the polite
accomplishments, which embellish virtue and soften the cares of human
life. They had generally lived in the metropolis, and had acquired the
graces of a fashionable deportment; but they possessed different tempers
and dispositions, which had been variously, and, in some respects,
erroneously managed.
To cultivate the expanding flowers, and to prune the juvenile
eccentricities, which were disseminated among these tender plants; or,
to speak without a figure, to extend and purify their ideas, to elevate
and refine their affections, to govern and direct their passions,
required an eye, watchful, and a hand, skilful as those of the judicious
Mrs. Williams.
While her judgment and prudence aided the useful acquisitions of the
mind, a sprightly fancy and a cheerful disposition, regulated by
experience and discretion, qualified her to enter, at once, with
becoming dignity and condescending ease, into all their concerns; to
participate their pleasures; while, with candor and mildness, she
reproved their errors, detected their follies, and facilitated their
amendment.
As the young ladies had finished their school education, before Mrs.
Williams received them to her mansion, her instructions were more
especially designed to polish the mental part, to call forth the dormant
virtues, to unite and arrange the charms of person and mind, to inspire
a due sense of decorum and propriety, and to instil such principles of
piety, morality, benevolence, prudence and economy, as might be useful
through life.
Their time was, accordingly, disposed in a manner most conducive to the
attainment of these objects. Every part of it was employed to some
valuable purpose; “for idleness,” Mrs. Williams observed, “is the rust
of the mind.”
Whatever tended to enlarge, inform, improve, or amuse, she supposed
worthy their attention.
She particularly endeavored to domesticate them; to turn their thoughts
to the beneficial and necessary qualifications of private life; often
inculcating, that
“Nothing lovelier can be found in woman
Than to study household good;”
and laboring to convince them of the utter insignificance and
uselessness of that part of the sex, who are
“Bred only and completed to the taste
Of lustful appetence; to sing, to dance,
To dress, and troll the tongue, and roll the eye.”
Early rising she recommended, both by precept and example. This, she
said, would not only promote their health, but render them mistresses of
many hours, which must otherwise be lost in enervating sloth and
inaction. “And should we,” continued she, “who have so much cause for
exertion, thus sacrifice the best part of our time?”
“Falsely luxurious, will not man awake,
And, starting from the bed of sloth, enjoy
The cool, the fragrant, and the silent hour,
To meditation due, and sacred song?
And is there aught in sleep can charm the wise?
To lie in dead oblivion, losing half
The fleeting moments of too short a life?
Total extinction of th’ enlighten’d soul!
Or else to feverish vanity alive,
Wilder’d and tossing through distemper’d dreams?
Who would in such a gloomy state remain,
Longer than nature craves; when every muse,
And every blooming pleasure wait without,
To bless the wildly devious morning walk?”
Another laudable practice of Mrs. Williams, was perfect regularity in
the government of her pupils, and in the arrangement of their daily
exercises. “When,” said she, “we observe the order of the natural world,
and admire the consistency and harmony of every part, we may hence
derive a lesson, for the regulation of our conduct, in the sphere
assigned to us.”
Pursuant to this plan of operation, the young ladies arose at five; from
which they had two hours at their own disposal, till the bell summoned
them at seven, to the hall, where, the ceremonies of the morning
salutation over, they breakfasted together; their repast being seasoned
with the unrestrained effusions of good humor and sociability. On these
occasions, Mrs. Williams suspended the authority of the matron, that, by
accustoming her pupils to familiarity in her presence, they might be
free from restraint; and, feeling perfectly easy and unawed, appear in
their genuine characters. By this means she had an opportunity of
observing any indecorum of behavior, or wrong bias; which she kept in
mind, till a proper time to mention, and remonstrate against it; a
method, the salutary effects of which were visible in the daily
improvement of her pupils.
The breakfast table removed, each took her needle-work, except one, who
read some amusing and instructive book, for the benefit and
entertainment of the rest. The subject was selected by Mrs. Williams,
who conferred the reading upon them in rotation.
At twelve o’clock, they were dismissed till one, when dinner again
called them together, which was conducted in the same manner as the
morning repast.
Having resumed their occupations, the reader of the day produced some
piece of her own composition, either in prose, or verse, according to
her inclination, as a specimen of her genius and improvement. This being
submitted to Mrs. Williams’ inspection, and the candid perusal and
criticism of her companions; and the subject canvassed with great
freedom of opinion, they withdrew from the tasks of the day to seek that
relaxation and amusement, which each preferred. No innocent
gratification was denied them. The sprightly dance, the sentimental
song, and indeed every species of pastime, consistent with the decorum
of the sex, was encouraged, as tending to health, cheerfulness, and
alacrity.
In these pleasing pursuits and enjoyments, the present class of happy
companions had nearly completed the term allotted them by their parents,
and were soon to leave the peaceful shades in which they delighted, when
being assembled on the Monday morning of their last week, their revered
Preceptress thus accosted them:
“As the period is approaching, my dear pupils, when I must resign your
society, and quit the important charge of instructer and friend, which I
have sustained with so much pleasure, and, I trust, with some degree of
fidelity, I shall sum up the counsels, admonitions, and advice, which I
have frequently inculcated, and endeavor to impress them on your minds,
as my valedictory address. For this purpose, during this last week of
your residence with me, I shall dispense with your usual exercises, and
substitute a collection of my own sentiments, enforced by the pathos of
the occasion.
“Your docility, and cheerful diligence in attending to my instructions;
your modest, affectionate, and respectful behavior, together with the
laudable progress you have made in every branch, which you have pursued,
have well rewarded my care, and engaged my approbation and love. To me,
therefore, a separation will be painful. To you the period is important.
It is a period, which, while it relieves you from the confinement of
scholastic rules, introduces you to new scenes of cares, of pleasures,
of trials, and of temptations, which will call for the exercise of every
virtue, and afford opportunity for improving the endowments, both
natural and acquired, which you possess. Think not then, that your
emancipation from schools, gives you liberty to neglect the advantages
which you have received from them. The obligations under which you are
laid to your parents for the education they have given you, require a
diligent improvement of every talent committed to your trust.
“Of needle-work you are complete mistresses, from the most delicate and
highly finished, to the most ordinary, though perhaps not less useful,
economy of mending and making the coarser garments of family use. Many,
I am aware, suppose _this last_ a species of learning, which is beneath
the attention of a lady: but Clara will tell you how valuable it has
proved to her; and how valuable it _may_ prove to you.
“Nursed in the lap of affluence, and accustomed to unbounded expense,
Clara little thought, at your age, that she should ever depend on her
needle for the livelihood and decent appearance of a rising family. A
discreet and prudent mother early inculcated the lessons of industry and
economy, which she now practices; and taught her that the knowledge
could be of no disservice, though she never had occasion for it. She
married with the brightest prospects. But a series of unavoidable
disasters, such as no human wisdom could foresee or prevent, reduced her
to narrow circumstances; and, to complete her misfortune, she was left a
widow with four small children. Her parents were in the grave; her
patrimony was gone! In this exigence what was her resource? Not
fruitless lamentations, and unavailing complaints. She immediately
summoned her resolution; and by the use of her needle has ever since
supported herself and family with decency, and been highly respected for
her prudent exertions and exemplary industry. Directly the reverse of
this amiable character is that of Belinda. She was educated in the same
way with Clara; the same schools gave them tuition; and similar
prospects awaited their entrance into life. Calamities attended the
progress of each; but different as their tempers and dispositions was
their conduct under them. The falling fortunes of Clara were awhile
suspended by her discretion and frugality; while the ruin of Belinda was
hastened by her extravagance, dissipation, and idleness. View them, now,
in their reduced state! Neatness, cheerfulness, and activity preside in
the dwelling of Clara; negligence, peevishness, and sloth are legibly
stamped on that of Belinda. The ear is pained by her complaints of
poverty; the eye is disgusted by her slatternly appearance, and
ostentatious display of the tattered remnants of finery, which bespeak
the pride and indolence of their owner; who will neither convert them
into more comfortable garments, nor, by repairing, render them becoming.
“I hope, however, that occasions like these may never call for your
exertions. But there may be cases, when, to know the use of your needles
will answer important purposes, even in an exalted station, and amidst
the splendor of affluence and plenty.
“Matilda dignified a princely fortune by the exercise of every virtue
which can adorn a lady. Among these, charity shone conspicuous. Her maid
said to her, one day, Madam, would you have me lay aside these
cast-clothes for some poor person? Yes, replied Matilda; but sit down,
and mend them first. Don’t you see they need it? Why, Madam, rejoined
the girl, is it not enough for you to give them away? I should think the
least they can do is to mend them for themselves! In that case, said
Matilda, my bounty would be greatly diminished. People, who need charity
have not the necessary materials for putting such articles into repair;
and should I furnish them, perhaps they have never been taught to use
their needles. No more have I, returned the maid. Have you not? said
Matilda. Well then, sit down, and I will direct your ingenuity upon
these clothes. By this mean you may learn a very useful lesson, I assure
you; a lesson, which by practising for yourself, will enable you to lay
up part of your wages against the time when sickness or old age shall
take you from your labors.
“Such examples of condescension and benevolence to inferiors, are of
more real and lasting use than pounds prodigally bestowed.
“Do you seek higher testimonies of the honor and utility of this
employment? You may collect many from the histories which you have read
during the last year. Among the Romans, and several other nations of
antiquity, a scarf, wrought by the needle of a favorite fair, was
received as an honorable token of respect, and improved as an invincible
stimulus to heroic deeds. Ladies of the first rank and station
considered it as no derogation from the dignity or delicacy of their
character, to make their own apparel, and that of their families. The
virtuous Panthea, when her husband was going to fight in the cause of
Cyrus, her generous deliverer, magnificently adorned his person, and
decorated his armor with her own needle-work.
“We ought never to be idle. No moment should be unoccupied. Some
employment, salutary, either to body or mind, or both, should be
constantly pursued; and the needle is always at hand to supply the want
of other avocations. The listless vacuity, which some young ladies
indulge, renders them extremely unhappy, though they are insensible of
the cause and seek to beguile the time in frivolous amusements.
“A still more endearing motive remains to be suggested; and that is the
pleasure, which your accomplishments in this ornamental and useful art
must afford your parents; and the pain, which your neglect of it
hereafter must occasion them.
“But your faithful and assiduous improvement of time, since you have
been with me, is a sure pledge of your perseverance in the path of duty,
and your progress in every virtue. I trust, therefore, that what I have
said will be engraved on your memories; and that some useful ideas will
be selected by each of you for your future advantage.
“Your minds are a good soil; and may I not flatter myself, that the
seeds of instruction which I have sown, will spring up, and yield fruit
abundantly?’”
With one voice, they most affectionately assured Mrs. Williams, that it
should be their daily study to profit by her lessons; and withdrew.
_Monday, P. M._
READING.
Being assembled, this afternoon, Mrs. Williams thus resumed her
discourse.
“Reading is so common a part of education, that the value of it is not
duly estimated; nor the manner of performing it, sufficiently attended
to. It is not the mere propriety of pronunciation, accent, and cadence,
which constitutes good reading. You must enter into the spirit of the
subject, and feel interested in the matter, before you can profit by the
exercise.
“But you are so well acquainted with the manner of reading, that the
quality of books most worthy of your perusal is the only point on which
I need to enlarge.
“Romances, the taste of former times, are now so far out of vogue, that
it is hardly necessary to warn you against them. They exhibit the spirit
of chivalry, knight-errantry, and extravagant folly, which prevailed in
the age they depict. But they are not interesting; nor can they be
pleasing to the correct taste and refined delicacy of the present day.
“Novels, are the favorite and the most dangerous kind of reading, now
adopted by the generality of young ladies. I say dangerous, because the
influence, which, with very few exceptions, they must have upon the
passions of youth, bears an unfavorable aspect on their purity and
virtue. The style in which they are written is commonly captivating; and
the luxuriance of the descriptions with which they abound, extremely
agreeable to the sprightly fancy, and high expectations of the
inexperienced and unreflecting. Their romantic pictures of love, beauty,
and magnificence, fill the imagination with ideas which lead to impure
desires, a vanity of exterior charms, and a fondness for show and
dissipation, by no means consistent with that simplicity, modesty, and
chastity, which should be the constant inmates of the female breast.
They often pervert the judgment, mislead the affections, and blind the
understanding.
“A melancholy example of this sort is exhibited in Juliana. Juliana was
the only daughter of a wealthy merchant, who grudged no expense which
could please or embellish his darling child. He, however, possessed
neither leisure nor abilities ‘to teach the young idea how to shoot;’
but thought it sufficient that he gave her every advantage, which could
be derived from the various schools, to which she was consigned. She had
a brilliant fancy, and a fondness for books, which, properly directed,
might have proved of great use to her. But, having no better principles
instilled into her mind, she indulged herself in the unlimited reading
of novels, and every light publication which a circulating library could
furnish.
“Hence her imagination took wing, and carried her far above the scenes
of common life. The excessive refinement of her mind admitted no
ordinary amusements or avocations. Plain truth from her own sex was an
insult; and from the other, nothing less than adoration would satisfy
her unbounded vanity. Her beauty (of which she really had a considerable
share) and the large fortune which she would probably inherit, gained
her many admirers; some of whom were men of unquestionable merit. But a
sober, rational courtship could not answer her ideas of love and
gallantry. The swain, who would not die for her, she deemed unworthy of
notice.
“Her father strongly recommended a gentleman, as well calculated, in his
opinion, to make her happy, and as having his entire approbation; but
she rejected him with disdain, though she could produce no one objection
against his person, or character.
“Her father acquiesced; expressing, however, his regret at the mistaken
notions she had imbibed; and warning her most pathetically against the
indulgence of so romantic a disposition; yet all in vain. He was
considered as an illiterate plodder after wealth, which she had a right
to bestow as she pleased.
“At last the lovely youth whom she had so long contemplated, made his
appearance. A military captain entered the town on the recruiting
service. Young, handsome, easy, bold and assuming; with all the _bon
ton_ of the coxcomb, and all the insolence of the novice. He saw
Juliana; he sacrificed to her charms, and conquered. She could not
resist the allurements of his gallantry. His affectation of dying love
was received with apparent pleasure; while art and duplicity took
advantage of her weakness, to precipitate her into engagements to pity
and relieve him. Her friends saw her danger, and warmly remonstrated
against her imprudent conduct, in receiving the addresses of a man,
destitute of property to support her, and void of every kind of personal
merit. Her father entreated and implored the rejection of her lover,
till, finding every other method vain, he at length resolutely forbade
him the house, and his daughter’s company. This was viewed as
persecution; and, consistently with her sentiments of adventurous love,
a clandestine amour was commenced. Her father surprised them together;
and, enraged at their disgraceful intrigue, seized the captain, and
endeavored to turn him out of doors. He violently resented this
ungentlemanlike treatment, as he termed it, and defended himself with
his sword. The old gentleman received a slight wound in the scuffle; but
accomplished his purpose. Juliana was terrified at this rencounter, and,
dreading her father’s displeasure, ran out with her paramour. His
lodgings were near, and thither, favored by the darkness of the night,
he instantly led her. She involuntarily followed him, without
considering the impropriety of her conduct. Here he drew his sword, and,
throwing himself at her feet, professed his despair, and declared
himself resolved to put an immediate end to his life. She endeavored to
reason him into calmness; but in vain. He was sensible, that, if he now
relinquished her to her father, he should lose her forever. His apparent
agony overcame her, and she gave him her hand.
“Her father was almost distracted at her elopement. He traced her steps,
and, following her to the house, condescended to soothe her with
parental kindness; and promised her pardon and continued affection, if
she would renounce her worthless lover, and return. She confessed it was
too late; that she was his wife.
“Petrified with astonishment, he looked at her, for some time, with
speechless grief; and, showing his arm, bound up with the wound he had
received, left her with every token of anguish and indignation!
“When the fever of passion had abated, a returning sense of duty in
Juliana, and, in the captain, the fear of losing the property which he
sought, induced them to seek a reconciliation, and make submissive
efforts to obtain it. But her father was too highly incensed to grant it
to him, on any terms; or to her, on any other than the utter rejection
of her unworthy companion. These terms were not complied with.
“Sorrow and vexation preyed so deeply upon the mind of this afflicted
parent, that they brought on a rapid decline; and he died without again
seeing his undutiful and ruined daughter. His estate was divided between
Juliana and her four brothers. Her portion was received by her husband,
and soon spent in dissipation and excess. Having rioted on the fortune
of his wife, while she often pined at home for want of the common
necessaries of life, he left her, to join his regiment, promising
remittances from time to time, for her support. This promise, however,
was but ill performed; and she now feels the dreadful effects of her
folly, in the accumulated ills of poverty and neglect. Yet she still
cherishes the most passionate fondness for what has proved her bane. A
friend called to see her, not long since, and found her the emblem of
wretchedness and sloth. Her emaciated form, her squalid appearance, the
disorder of her house, and her tattered raiment, bespoke the shameful
negligence of the owner. Yet she was sitting with a novel in her hand,
over which she had apparently been weeping. She expatiated largely on
the tale it contained, while her children, who exhibited a picture of
real woe, engaged not her attention. Her friend enquired how she could
be thus interested and distressed by mere fiction, while every thing
about her was calculated to arouse the keenest feelings of her soul! She
coolly replied, I have fortitude sufficient to support my own calamity,
but I must sympathize with the heroine of adversity. I have not lost my
sensibility with my fortune. My only luxury is now imagination! How
ill-timed, and how improperly exerted, was this kind of sensibility, in
Juliana! Where, and what was her sensibility, when she disobeyed an
indulgent parent, sacrificed her reputation, and threw herself into the
arms of a worthless man for protection—from what? from the kindness and
love of her best friends!
“But I would not be understood to condemn all novels indiscriminately;
though great prudence is necessary to make a useful selection. Some of
them are fraught with sentiment; convey lessons for moral improvement;
and exhibit striking pictures of virtue rewarded; and of vice, folly,
and indiscretion punished; which may prove encouragements to imitate, or
warnings to avoid similar practices. I shall not descend to particulars.
Those, which are sanctioned by the general voice of delicacy and
refinement, may be allowed a reading; yet none should engross your
minds, to the neglect of more important objects; nor be suffered to
monopolize too large a portion of your time.
“Novels are a kind of light reading, on which the imagination feasts,
while the more substantial food which is requisite to the nourishment of
the understanding, is either untasted or undigested. Imagination is a
sportive faculty, which should be curbed by the reins of prudence and
judgment. Its sallies are delightful in youth, provided they be not too
excursive.
“Poetry is, by some, ranked with novels; but I think injudiciously. Good
poetry is certainly a sublime source of entertainment and instruction.
What music is to the ear, poetry is to the heart. There must, indeed, be
a natural taste for it, before it can be highly relished or enjoyed; and
this taste, whereever it exists, should be cultivated. I know of no kind
of reading more richly formed for the mental repast of a liberal and
polished young lady, than the poetical productions of true genius. The
trifling and indelicate cantos of ordinary witlings, and every day
poetasters, are unworthy your attention. But the species of poetry which
I now recommend, is peculiarly adapted to soften the passions, excite
sympathy, and meliorate the affections. It soothes the jarring cares of
life, and, pervading the secret recesses of the soul, serves to rouse
and animate its dormant powers.
“Many essays, written by monitors of both sexes, are extant, which you
may find profitable and pleasing, both in youth and more advanced age.
Among the foremost of these, I mention Mrs. Chapone’s letters to her
niece, which contain a valuable treasure of information and advice.
“But among your hours devoted to reading, history must not be without a
place. Here an extensive field of ages and generations, which have gone
before you, is opened to your view. Here your curiosity may be gratified
by a retrospection of events, which, by conducting your thoughts to
remotest climes and periods, interests and enlarges the mind. Here the
various revolutions, the rise, fall, and dismemberment of ancient
kingdoms and states may be traced to the different springs of action, in
which they originated. Hence you may gain a competent acquaintance with
human nature in all its modifications, from the most rude and barbarous,
to the most civilized and polished stages of society. This is a species
of knowledge, which will not only be of constant use to you, in the
government of your own temper and manners, but highly ornamental in your
intercourse with the polite and learned world.
“But let your reading of every description be regular and methodical.
Never confuse your minds by a variety of subjects at once. When you turn
your attention to any one in particular, finish, and lay that aside,
before you take up another. Let what you read be well understood at the
time, and well digested afterwards. Possess yourselves, at least, of the
leading traits: otherwise your labor will be totally lost. If
convenient, always recapitulate what you have been perusing, and annex
to it your own sentiments and remarks, to some friend. If you have no
friend at hand, who will be disposed to hear, recollect, and run it over
in your own thoughts. This will be a great assistance to memory. But
whatever be the kind of reading which you undertake, select such authors
as good judges esteem the best, upon the subject. Have a particular
regard to the morality and delicacy of the books you peruse.
“When you read for mere amusement, (which should seldom happen) be
careful not to corrupt and vitiate your taste by frothy and illiberal
performances, which will degrade the dignity and sully the purity of
your minds. That time is very greatly misspent, which is bestowed in
reading what can yield no instruction. Not a moment’s attention should
be given to books which afford not some degree of improvement. Always
have an eye, therefore, to profit, as well as to pleasure. Remember that
youth is the seed-time of life. You are now to cultivate that knowledge,
which future years must ripen. Free from those domestic cares, which
will engross and occupy your minds, when placed at the head of families,
a most inestimable price is now put into your hands to get wisdom. Now
you may learn; then you must practice.
“Now, therefore, lay up in store some provision for every exigence, some
embellishment for every station.
“Look upon Elvira. Her acquirements in a single state have qualified her
for a shining pattern of matronal duties. Her husband’s business abroad
prevents him from attending to domestic avocations; nor need he be
anxious respecting the management of his household affairs. Elvira is
present to every occasion. The superintendence of her family, and the
education of her children is her delight. Capable of instructing them in
every needful branch of science, and of furnishing them with every
requisite endowment, she is, at once, their guide, their example, and
their friend. When her husband returns from the cares and fatigues of
business, with what becoming ease and cheerfulness does she dissipate
the anxiety which sometimes hangs upon his brow, and exhilarate his
spirits by the enlivening charms of rational and refined conversation!
In the entertainment of their friends, how distinguished a part she
sustains! Her powers of mind have been so happily improved, that she is
able to discuss every subject with ease and propriety. To an enlarged
understanding and a cultivated taste, to an extensive knowledge of the
world and an acquaintance with polite literature, she superadds those
amiable virtues, which give society its highest relish; while the
elegance of her manners and the modesty of her deportment are a proof of
the greatness of her mind, and render her esteemed, beloved, and
respected by all who know her.
“But I flatter myself that each of you, my dear pupils, will be an
Elvira. Then will you do justice to the superior advantages of your
education; be the delight of your friends, and the ornaments of your
country.
“Religious subjects must, by no means, be neglected in the course of
your reading. Let the BIBLE be the rule of your faith and practice. If
you wish an explanation of any particular passages, seek it from some
judicious and pious friend, or in the writings of some judicious and
learned commentator. But always attend chiefly to those points which
serve to mend the heart, rather than to those knotty, metaphysical
disquisitions, which tend only to perplex the understanding, and involve
the inquirer in such labyrinths of abstrusity, as are above human
comprehension, and beyond human concern. The essential doctrines and
precepts of the gospel are level to every capacity; and upon a life and
conversation governed by these, our hopes, both of present peace and
future glory, must be founded. “He hath shewed thee what is good; and
what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy,
and to walk humbly with thy God.”
_Tuesday, A. M._
WRITING AND ARITHMETIC.
The young ladies being seated, this morning, their preceptress addressed
them as follows.
“Writing is productive both of pleasure and improvement. It is a source
of entertainment which enlarges the mental powers more, perhaps, than
any other. The mind is obliged to exertion for materials to supply the
pen. Hence it collects new stores of knowledge, and is enriched by its
own labors. It imperceptibly treasures up the ideas, which the hand
impresses. An opportunity is furnished of reviewing our sentiments
before they are exposed; and we have the privilege of correcting or
expunging such as are erroneous. For this purpose, you will find it a
good method to collect and write your thoughts upon any subject that
occurs; for by repeatedly arranging and revising your expressions and
opinions, you may daily improve them, and learn to think and reason
properly on every occasion. By this mean you may likewise provide
yourselves with a fund of matter for future use, which, without this
assistance, the memory would not retain. It will be of great service to
note down in your commonplace book such particulars as you may judge
worth remembering, with your own observations upon them. This will be a
kind of amusement which will exercise your thinking powers at the time,
and by recurring to it afterwards, it may afford you many useful hints.
“The frequent use of the pen is calculated to refine and enlarge your
understandings. Have you any talent at composition? it will be increased
by cultivation.
“Neglect no opportunity, therefore, which your leisure affords, of
delighting your friends, and accomplishing yourselves by the exercise of
your genius in this way.
“Thrice blessed are we, the happy daughters of this land of liberty,
where the female mind is unshackled by the restraints of tyrannical
custom, which in many other regions confines the exertions of genius to
the usurped powers of lordly man! Here virtue, merit, and abilities are
properly estimated under whatever form they appear. Here the widely
extended fields of literature court attention; and the American fair are
invited to cull the flowers, and cultivate the expanding laurel.
“But the species of writing, which is open to every capacity, and
ornamental to every station, is the epistolary. This, between particular
friends, is highly agreeable and interesting. It is a method of
interchanging sentiments, and of enjoying intercourse with those from
whom you are far removed, which is a happy substitute for personal
conversation. In a correspondence of this sort, all affectation,
formality, and bombast should be laid aside.
“Ease, frankness, simplicity, and sincerity should be its leading
traits. Yet let not your letters be composed of mere sounding terms, and
verbose egotism; but intermix sentiment with expression, in such a
manner as may be improving as well as pleasing. Letters of friendship
should conduce no less to the advantage than entertainment of the person
addressed; and mere cursory letters, of general acquaintance, must, at
least, be written with propriety and accuracy. The formation of the
characters, the spelling, the punctuation, as well as the style and
sense, must be attended to.
“Never omit noticing the receipt of letters, unless you mean to affront
the writers. Not to answer a letter, without being able to assign some
special reason for the neglect is equally unpardonable as to keep
silence when conversation is addressed to you in person.
“By habituating yourselves to writing, what may, at first, appear a
task, will become extremely pleasant. Refuse not, then, to improve this
part of your education, especially by your frequent and dutifully
affectionate epistles to your parents, when absent from them. Express
your gratitude for their care, and convince them it has not been lost
upon you.
“Always employ your pens upon something useful and refined. Let no light
or loose compositions occupy your time and thoughts; but remember that
what you utter in this way is in some measure the picture of your
hearts. Virtue forbid, that this favorite employment should be disgraced
by impurity, indelicacy, or the communication of vicious and ignoble
sentiments!
“One of the sages of antiquity being asked why he was so long in writing
his opinion, replied, ‘I am writing for futurity.’
“Your characters during life, and even when you shall sleep in the dust,
may rest on the efforts of your pens. Beware then how you employ them.
Let not the merit of your attainments in this noble art be degraded by
improper subjects for its exercise. Suffer not the expectation of
secresy to induce you to indulge your pens upon subjects, which you
would blush to have exposed. In this way your characters may be injured,
and your happiness destroyed.
“Celia and Cecilia were companions at a boarding school. When separated,
they commenced an epistolary correspondence, on which each valued
herself. Their former intimacy which they termed friendship, prompted
them to write with unlimited confidence; and, without the least reserve,
to reveal every dictate of levity and thoughtless folly. They imagined
themselves perfectly secure from the censure of the critic. Their
education had not taught them, that a virtuous mind should shrink even
from ideal indelicacy. Celia was courted by Silvander, a young man of
whom she was passionately fond; but she had art and resolution enough to
conceal her letters from his inspection, though he often solicited a
communication of her correspondence. At length he became impatient for a
perusal of letters which appeared so pleasing and interesting to the
parties, and suspicious that some particular cause directed their
privacy. Influenced by these motives, Silvander bribed a market-boy, who
came from the village where Cecilia lived, and always conveyed the
letters to and from her, to give them first into his hand. How
astonished was he to find the lightness of mind exemplified in them!
Purity of sentiment, delicacy of thought, and refinement of taste were
entirely laid aside; and illiberal wit, frothy jests, double entendres,
and ridiculous love-tales were substituted in their place. His name was
used with so much freedom, and every circumstance relative to his
intercourse, and proposed connexion with Celia, was bandied with such
familiarity, that he was mortified, disgusted, and chagrined, in the
extreme. He had the policy, however, to conceal the discovery till he
had copied a considerable number of Celia’s letters, leaving out
whatever had reference to his own affairs. He then revenged himself by
disclosing his knowledge to her, avowing his indignation at her
weakness, duplicity and folly, and taking an immediate and final leave.
Not content with this, he even circulated her letters among his
acquaintance. This fixed the stamp of ignominy on the correspondents;
and their names and characters were rendered as ridiculous as scandal
and malicious wit could desire.
“Celia was almost distracted at the loss of her lover; but when she
found the method he had taken to punish her indiscretion, and that her
reputation was thus materially injured, she secluded herself, in a great
measure, from society. Her sensibility received a wound which could
never be healed; and she lived and died in melancholy, regret, and
obscurity.
“However censurable the unjust and ungenerous conduct of Silvander may
be deemed, yet no adequate excuse can be offered for the young ladies,
who dishonored their pens and their talents by a most improper and
unbecoming use of both.
“Next to writing, arithmetic usually claims attention. This is
absolutely necessary in every department, and in every stage of life
Even in youth, the proper arrangement of your expenses will conduce
greatly to your advantage; and when placed at the head of families, it
will be very friendly to the order and economy of your domestic affairs.
But, leaving your matronal conduct to future admonition, many benefits
result from keeping regular accounts in a single state. Your parents
allow you a certain sum for your own private use. Fashion and folly are
always busy in creating innumerable imaginary wants, which must exceed
your finances, if you do not attend to an exact adjustment of your
expenditures. For this purpose, always calculate your immediate and most
necessary demands. Let these be first supplied, and then if your funds
be not exhausted, more superfluous ones may occupy your thoughts. There
is one claim, however, which must not be neglected, and that is CHARITY.
You will, therefore, manage your expenses in such a manner as to reserve
some portion of your income for the necessitous. Should you think your
allowance insufficient to admit the children of want to a share, let
your benevolence plead for the retrenchment of some trifling article
which you may dispense with, without much inconvenience; and the
exquisite pleasure resulting from the bestowment, will more than
counterbalance the sacrifice. In these, and many other particulars, a
knowledge of arithmetic will enable you to conduct the affairs of youth
with ease, advantage, and usefulness. And, perhaps, as you advance in
years, and are called to fill more important stations, you may find it
of still greater utility.
“The father of Lucinda was in easy circumstances, while he could perform
the duties and enjoy the profits of a lucrative business. He was the
affectionate parent of a numerous family, to whose education and
improvement he attended with unwearied diligence and pleasure; till
repeated losses in trade, and disappointments in his worldly
expectations embarrassed his affairs, depressed his spirits, and
impaired his health. In the midst of these difficulties, his amiable and
beloved wife was removed by death. This trial was greater than he could
support. He sunk under the affliction, and lost his reason. Lucinda was
the eldest of six children, the care of whom, with the melancholy task
of attending and ministering to the necessities of her unhappy father,
devolved on her. She looked upon the wo-fraught scene, and wept. Her
heart was sinking under the weight of grief; and hope, the best soother
of the unfortunate, had nearly abandoned her. She advised with her
friends, who proposed to relieve the family by means of a subscription.
Lucinda thanked them for their proffered kindness, and returned to her
disconsolate habitation. She deliberated on the projected measure; which
she considered must be slow, uncertain, and, at any rate, inadequate to
their future exigences. She could not reconcile herself to the idea of
her father’s depending on charity for subsistence. Yet what could be
done? One resource only remained;—her own exertions. By these she
flattered herself, that she might save the family from suffering want,
and discharge the obligations she owed to her revered parent. Her
education, by which, among other branches of learning, she had been well
instructed in arithmetic, (that being her father’s favorite study)
qualified her for this undertaking. She therefore devoted herself to the
business without delay; examined her father’s accounts, collected
whatever remained that was valuable; sold the superfluous moveables, and
purchased a small stock for trade. All who knew her motives and merit
frequented her shop, and encouraged her by their custom and kindness. By
this mean, together with her judicious management, and engaging
behavior, she increased her business to such a degree, as to support the
family with ease and reputation.
“Her discreet and dutiful conduct to her father, soon restored him to
his reason.
“When he found how prudently and affectionately Lucinda had exerted
herself in his behalf, he exclaimed, ‘Many daughters have done
virtuously, but thou excellest them all!’
“He resumed his former business, and lived to see his children all well
provided for, and happily settled around him.”
_Tuesday, P. M._
MUSIC AND DANCING.
Her pupils having taken their places, Mrs. Williams proceeded.
“In music and dancing you have made such proficiency that your
performances must be very pleasing to your friends, before whom you
occasionally exhibit.
“As dancing is an accomplishment merely external, let not the vanity of
excellence in it betray itself in an air of conscious superiority, when
you shine at the ball, and perceive yourselves to have attracted the
attention and applause of the gay assembly. But in the midst of hilarity
and mirth, remember that modesty, diffidence, discretion, and humility
are indispensable appendages of virtue and decency.
“Music is a talent which nature has bestowed, and which your application
has considerably improved. It has a powerful influence over the heart;
wonderfully soothes and humanizes the passions, and is a source of
refined pleasure to a mind capable of tasting its charms.
“Never refuse gratifying your friends by the exertion of your abilities
in performing, unless for some very special reason. Though I would not
have you vain of your skill, and officiously forward to display it; yet
the affectation of uncommon modesty, and ignorance, is truly ridiculous.
To plead inability to exercise powers, which you are conscious of
possessing, and for which you wish to be esteemed and honored by others,
is false delicacy, and will never gain admission to the breast where
that which is genuine resides. How perfectly absurd it is for a young
lady, who is politely requested to entertain a company with her musical
talents, to declare them so small that she is really ashamed to expose
herself before such good judges; or that she has neglected playing, or
singing, for some time, and cannot immediately revive her dormant skill;
or that she has forgotten her tunes, or songs; or that she has a bad
cold; (which none but herself perceives,) and is unable to sing; or that
she is loath to begin this amusement, and must insist upon some other
lady’s setting the example; which other lady has, in her turn, an equal
number of excuses! Thus the time of the company is engrossed, and their
pleasure suspended, till a long train of arguments, entreaties, and
compliments are run through, and her vanity fully gratified by the most
flattering and importunate solicitations.
“Then, elate with pride and self importance, she condescends to grant
their request; not considering how far she has derogated from her own
merit by the futile artifice she has employed; an artifice unworthy of
an ingenuous mind, and disgraceful to any lady who has arrived to years
of discretion.
“Let us view this evasive manner of seeking compliments a little nearer.
When a person is known to be mistress of this delightful art, what can
be her motive for delaying the gratification of her friends by its
exercise, and refusing a compliance with their wishes, till their
patience is exhausted? I believe that excuses, in this case, are very
seldom sincere. The youthful mind is not insensible to praise, nor
indifferent to the means of obtaining it.
“Why then should it not be received and increased by a ready and
obliging compliance? A desire to please is usually attended with
success; and for what reason should the power and disposition be
artfully concealed?
“Always preserve a frankness and sincerity in your actions and designs.
These will add dignity to your condescensions, and gracefulness to your
deportment.
“Rise superior to those little arts which bespeak the finesse of a
childish folly, or a narrow mind. Do honor to this, as well as to every
other part of your education, by acting conformably to the precepts
which have been given you, the knowledge which you have acquired, and
the opportunities with which you may be furnished for the purpose.