with more firmness than did the ardent disciple, "though all men forsake thee, yet will not I." Ever should she assiduously cherish the spirit, so beautifully ascribed to her by the poet, "Not she, with serpent-kiss, her Saviour stung; LETTER XIV. DUTY TO THE COMMUNITY. WE mothers, best discharge our duty to the community, by training up those who shall give it strength and beauty. Our unwearied labours should coincide with the aspirations of the Psalmist, that " our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth, our daughters as corner-stones, polished after the similitude of a palace." palace." We would not wish to leave to society, where we have ourselves found protection and solace, a bequest that would dishonour our memory. I feel peculiar solicitude with regard to the manner in which our daughters are reared. Being more constantly with us, and more perfectly under our controul, than sons, they are emphatically our representatives, the truest tests of our system, the strongest witnesses to another generation, of our fidelity, or neglect. "Unless women," said the venerable Fellenberg, "are brought up with industrious and religious habits, it is in vain that we educate the men: for they are the ones, who keep the character of men in its proper elevation." Our duty to the community, which must be discharged by the education of a whole race, comprises many unobtrusive, almost invisible points, which, in detail, seem trivial or desultory, but which are still as important as the rain-drop to the cistern, or the rill to the broad stream. A long period allotted to study, a thorough implantation of domestic tastes, and a vigilant guardianship over simplicity of character, are desirable for the daughters of a republick. That it is wise to give the greatest possible extent to the season of tutelage, for those who have much to learn, is a self-evident proposition. If they are to teach others, it is doubly important; and there is no country on earth, where so many females are employed in teaching, as in our own. Indeed, from the position that educated women here maintain, it might not be difficult to establish the point, that they are all teachers, all forming other beings upon the model of their own example, however unconscious of the fact. To abridge the education of the educator, is to stint the culture of a plant, whose "leaves are for the healing of the nations." I was delighted to hear a young lady say, at the age of nineteen, "I cannot bear to think yet of leaving school. I have scarcely begun to learn." With propriety might she express this sentiment, though she was eminent both in studies and accomplishments, if the great Michael Angelo could adopt for his motto, in his ninetieth year," ancora imparo," "and yet I am learning." It has unfortunately been too much the custom in our country, not only to shorten the period allotted to the education of our sex, but to fritter away even that brief period in contradictory pursuits and pleasures. Parents have blindly lent their influence to this usage. To reform it, they must oppose the tide of fashion, and of opinion. Let them instruct their daughters to resist the principle of conforming in any respect to the example of those around them, unless it is rational in itself, and correctly applicable to them as individuals. A proper expenditure for one, would be ruinous extravagance in another. So, if some indiscreet mothers permit their young daughters to waste in elaborate dress, and fashionable parties, the attention which should be devoted to study, need their example be quoted as a precedent? To do as others do, which is the rule of the unthinking, is often to copy bad taste, and erring judgment. We use more discrimination in points of trifling import. We pause and compare patterns, ere we purchase a garment which perchance lasts but for a single season. Why should we adopt with little inquiry, or on the strength of doubtful precedent, a habit, which may stamp the character of our children forever? The youngest girl should be taught, when circumstances require, not to fear to differ from her companions, either in costume, manners, or opinion. Singularity, for its own sake, and every approach to eccentricity, should be deprecated and discouraged. Even necessary variations from those around, must be managed with delicacy, so as not to wound feeling, or exasperate prejudice. But she who dare not be independent, when reason or duty dictate, will be in danger of forfeiting decision of character, perhaps, integrity of principle. Simple attire, and simple manners, are the natural ornaments of those who are obtaining their school-education. They have the beauty of fitness, and the policy of leaving the mind free, for its precious pursuits. Love of display, every step towards affectation, are destructive of the charms of that sweet season of life. Ceremonious visiting, where showy apparel, and late hours prevail, must be avoided. I feel painful sympathy for those mothers, who expose their young daughters to such excitements, yet expect them to return, unimpaired and docile, to the restraints of school-discipline. "Those who forsake useful studies," said an eminent philosopher, "for useless speculations, are like the Olympic game |