Oh, young ladies
should meditate well and frequently on the conduct that Mary observed
in this interview, and imitate her example! She did not answer the
Angel's words, but she observed an humble and modest silence. Not so
with Eve who, without reflection, answered the devil's question, and
by this first reply began a conversation the issue of which has
proved so disastrous to the whole human race. Learn from this two-fold
example, and from the effects so different which have resulted
from both, how much you should fear Eve's curiosity in yourself, and
with what care and assiduity you should labor to imitate the reserve
and silence of Mary.
Curiosity is a most dangerous rock for a young lady,--this is the
rock upon which a countless number of your sex and age have been
wrecked. The moment that you pander to the desire of knowing
everything, you immediately enter on a most dangerous way, the issue
of which is at least precarious. It was for having satisfied this
desire that Eve opened the door to all the calamities that afflict
and will afflict mankind till the end of time.
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