The Massachusetts spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1821-1823, 1822-01-23
OUR GRANDMOTHER

by the Iate Cor. Livingston, of.N Jersey.1
Our grandmothers were not, it is true.
so gaily drest as our wives, but of inex-
pressibly greater utility to their hus-
bands. They saw, with the glance of
the eye, whatever concerned the well
fare of the family. This they were stu
dious 10 promote. In this they placed
their renown. They were strangers to
dissipation; nor were they seen constant
ly abroad. Their own habitation was
their delight, and the rearing their off
spring their greatest pleasure. Content
with kind of domestick royalty, they
considered every part of the administra
ton of the last importance. Queens
without crown, they were "a crown
to their husbands;'' and NOT only saved
their earnings by their economy, but
augmented their treasure by their indus
try. This was the source of their pleas
ure, and the foundation of their glory.
! Fhey maintained good order and harmo-'
ny in their empire-every female ser
want at work under their direction
every waste prevented by their circum-
spection.-Such grandmothers, what
blessings to their families They enjoy
ed happiness in their chimney corner.
while their granddaughter seek for it
in vain amidst the tumuts of the world.
Their good housewifery supported fam
lilies that have since crumbled into moth
ing. In short, the wife appeared to ac-
quit herself of task equal to the labour
of the husband, in being occupied with
an intinity of cares respecting her inte-
riour department. Careful to inspire
her female progeny with the like assid-
uity, she reared offspring like herself.
With such education, their daughters
were early Injured to join such amiable
mothers, in causing the sweet and peac-
able charms Of private life to reign in
the family. By such virtues and accom-
plishments they recommended them
selves to the other sex; and, with their
frugality and industry, were a better
fortune without groat, than woman
destitute of both, with thousands! Hence
man inclined to marry; feared not to
choose such mate-a mate that wonld
save and increase instead of squandering
what he had, and who was like to per-
petuate race of diligent women.
o! how often have admired the in
dustry of our grandmothers! How often
have ! been an eyewitness to their do
mestick assiduity But now, how remote
are we from duties so simple and en-
dearing A regular and uniform conduct
would seem torment to our gossips and
gadders.
They want perpetual dissipation-all
out of doors, full of vanity, and loaded
with the gewgaws of London and~Paris.
Who can find virtuous woman? For
her price is far above rubies. She seek
eth wool and flax, and worketh willing
ly with her hands. She riseth also
while it is yet night, and giveth meat to
her household, and portion to her mai
dens. She layeth her hands to the
spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.
She stretcheth out her hand to the poor;
yea, she reacheth her hands to the
needy. She maketh fine linen, and SELL
eth it, and delivereth girdles to the
merchant. Strength and honour are
her clothing, and she shall rejoice in
time to come. She openeth her mouth
with wisdom, and her tongue is the law
OF kindness. She looketh well to the
ways Of her household, and eateth not
the bread Of idleness."