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Indiana University Studies 



ing, and which appears terrible to them only because they have no ex- 

 perience of it. 



Vice cannot be exhibited in detestable colours when the intention of 

 the author is to make resistance meritorious. . . . Think, then, what 

 mischief may be wrought in a youthful female mind by such pernicious 

 representations of character. ... 



My first great injunction, then, is to Keep the Sabbath. Do not be 

 seen flying about with gentlemen in gigs and carriages, nor walking and 

 giggling in the fields; for each behaviour is lightsome, and highly dis- 

 reputable. Attend Divine service once every Sunday at least, even 

 though your minister should be a bore as too many of them are, repeat- 

 ing the same monotonous sentences from day to day, and from year to 

 year. Still it is your duty to attend Divine worship, to join in praise 

 and prayer with the community of Christians to whom you belong, and 

 listen, reverently and attentively, to the word preached, as you know 

 not whence a blessing may come, or when it may light. 



But as attending on Divine service takes up but a small portion of 

 the day, in directing your studies for the remainder of it I am some- 

 what at a loss. I cannot insist on your reading sermons, not even my 

 own, for I never could do it myself, except Sterne's and Boston's, the 

 two greatest opposites in nature. The Bible is by far the most inex- 

 haustible book in the world, even laying aside its divine origin alto- 

 gether. For its great antiquity, simplicity of narrative, splendour of 

 poetry, and wise and holy injunctions, there is no work once to be com- 

 pared with it; therefore, by all means, read your Bible, and attend to 

 all ordinances of Christianity. 



After advising in a general way not to introduce religion 

 into general conversation, he says, 



but, am.ong friends, whose hearts and sentiments are 

 known to each other, what can be so sweet or so advantageous as occa- 

 sional conversation on the principles of our mutual belief, and the 

 doctrines of grace and salvation? 



I remember when I first entered into genteel society, which was not 

 till after the year 1813, I thought it the easiest matter possible to gain 

 the affection of every person of whatever age, and to live in habits of 

 intimacy and friendship with them. Alas! how soon I found myself 

 mistaken; for, to my astonishment, the very men with whom I had 

 been so happy over night, who had crammed me with flattery more 

 than I could hold — and it is a dish with which I am not very apt to 

 be satiated — who had invited me to their houses, not on one day, but 

 on every day that suited my convenience, would the next day, when I 

 addressed them in the kindest and most affectionate way I was able, 

 stare me in the face and shrink from the gloveless hand of the poor 

 poet, without uttering a word. 



In regard to dealing with children, he says : 



Generosity would be the great virtue I should reward. Injustice, 

 falsehood, cruelty, and ingratitude, would be almost the only crimes I 



