The physical health of the rising generation is
entrusted to woman by Providence; and it is in the physical nature
that the moral and mental nature lies enshrined. It is only by
acting in accordance with the natural laws, which before she can
follow woman must needs understand, that the blessings of health
of body, and health of mind and morals, can be secured at home.
Without a knowledge of such laws, the mother's love too often
finds its recompence only in a child's coffin. (19)
It is a mere truism to say that the intellect with which woman as
well as man is endowed, has been given for use and exercise, and
not "to fust in her unused." Such endowments are never conferred
without a purpose. The Creator may be lavish in His gifts, but he
is never wasteful.
Woman was not meant to be either an unthinking drudge, or the
merely pretty ornament of man's leisure. She exists for herself,
as well as for others; and the serious and responsible duties she
is called upon to perform in life, require the cultivated head as
well as the sympathising heart. Her highest mission is not to be
fulfilled by the mastery of fleeting accomplishments, on which so
much useful time is now wasted; for, though accomplishments may
enhance the charms of youth and beauty, of themselves sufficiently
charming, they will be found of very little use in the affairs
of real life.
The highest praise which the ancient Romans could express of a
noble matron was that she sat at home and span--"DOMUM MANSIT,
LANAM FECIT.
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