The Southern Literary Messenger, Vol. II., No. 5, April, 1836Various
General
The Southern Literary Messenger, Vol. II., No. 5, April, 1836
Various
American literature -- 19th century -- Periodicals
If taught then to yield its desires to parental wishes and
commands--taught that the path of duty is the path of
pleasure--convinced by every day's experience that the object of all
restraints is her good, and proving continually that her happiness
is her parent's great delight, she soon becomes, both by habit and
nature, submissive,--and consequently is at peace with herself and
all around her. If a sister, early does she learn, that affection
and tenderness to those so closely united to her, is a duty, the
performance of which, brings a sweet reward. Gradually are her
duties enlarging, and gradually is she prepared by judicious
government and good habits, to fulfil them.
When the nursery is exchanged for the school room, easy is the task
to lead that child on from knowledge to knowledge. The mind is not
crowded with many and incongruous studies--but gradually is it
enlarged, and its wants supplied by a well regulated course. If in a
situation to permit the acquirement of ornamental branches, she is
taught to regard them as the light dressings of the mind, intended
not to interfere with what is useful and solid, but as a recreation
and source of future pleasure to herself and friends. When the
mental powers are sufficiently expanded, to digest what is presented
to them, books of general knowledge and taste are allowed, while the
manners have been formed by good society, and the ideas arranged by
conversation, &c. If intended to mingle in a gay circle for a
season, her character is so formed as to be able to resist, in a
great degree, the snares to which such scenes usually expose the
young and thoughtless. Taught to regard these things as trifles
compared to the other pursuits of life, she enjoys without abusing
them, and willingly returns to the sweet domestic fireside, and the
pleasures and amusements within her own bosom.
The feelings which will exist between that daughter and her parents,
deserve to be considered. The filial care and tenderness which was
exercised over her mind, will not be forgotten or unrepaid. In all
times of doubt or difficulty, to a parent's bosom and counsel will
she fly, as her surest refuge. If about to settle in life, prudence
and the heart directs her choice. To her parents she confides the
feelings and hopes that agitate her bosom. On their judgment she
relies, and knowing their sentiments are governed by the desire to
see her happy, she is prepared to weigh all their reasons, and to
act with prudence. She was early taught to reflect, and is now
capable of acting, with dignity. Her heart is capable of _love_--she
has been taught the nature of the flame, and the only solid grounds
on which it could be reared. She is capable of discriminating
between a man of _ton_ and a man of worth. Most generally, such a
woman will marry well. The man of lightness, dissipation and folly,
rarely seeks her hand. He may and does admire her, but he feels his
own inferiority, and rarely wishes to form such an alliance.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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