Sisterly affection is as graceful in its developments to the eye of the
beholder, as it is cheering to the heart where it resides. There are
some who, though not deficient in its more important duties, are but too
regardless of those lesser demonstrations of attachment, which are so
soothing to the susceptible heart. Every delicate attention which
tenderness prompts; every mark of politeness which refined society
requires, ought to pervade the intercourse of brothers and sisters. It
is a mistake that good manners are to be reserved for visitors, and
that, in the family circle, negligence and coarseness may be indulged
with impunity. Even nature's affections may be undermined or shaken by
perseverance in an improper deportment, more than by lapses into error
and folly. For the latter, repentance may atone, while the former check
the flow of the heart's warm fountains, until they stagnate or become
congealed.
I knew a father, himself a model of polished manners, who required of
his large family to treat each other, at all times, with the same
politeness that they felt was due to their most distinguished guest.
Rudeness, neglect, or indifference were never tolerated in their circle.
Respect to each other's opinion; a disposition to please and be
pleased; care in dress, and courtesy of manner, were not considered
thrown away, if bestowed on a brother or a sister. Every one of the
group was instructed to bring amiable feelings and powers of
entertainment to their own fire side. The result was happy. The brothers
felt it an honor to wait upon their sisters, and the sisters a pleasure
to do all in their power for the comfort and improvement of their
brothers. This daily practice of every decorum, imparted to their
manners an enduring grace, while the affections, which Heaven implanted,
seemed to gather strength from the beauty of their interchange. I would
not assert that fraternal or sisterly affection may not be deep and
pervading without such an exterior, yet it is surely rendered more
lovely by it; as the planets might pursue in darkness the order of their
course, but it is their brilliance which reveals and embellishes it.
Every well-regulated family might be as a perpetual school. The younger
members, witnessing the example of those whose excellence is more
confirmed, will be led, by the principle of imitation, more effectually,
than by the whole force of foreign precept. The custom of the older
daughters, to assist in the education of their less advanced sisters, I
rejoice to see, is becoming more common. It cannot be too highly
applauded. What should prevent their assuming the systematic office of
instructors, when circumstances are favorable to such an arrangement.
By what method can a daughter more fully evince her gratitude to her
parents, than by aiding their children in the search of knowledge and of
goodness. How amiable, how praiseworthy, is that disposition which
prompts a young and beautiful creature to come forth as the ally of a
mother, in that most overwhelming of all anxieties, so to train her
little ones as to form at last an unbroken family in heaven. No better
apprenticeship could be devised, and no firmer hostage given to God or
man for its faithful performance.