Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1828-08-19

public beneht-the pnianthropist, WHO apPHes VIC
means within his command, for the promotion OF learn.
ing and yirtue-and the enlightened patriot, whose
rst best country is at homc will spare no pains to
increase tn at country veal and render equal to all
others; will unite in the principle, that to purify and
embellish stream, you must commence at IT'S source,
giving it wall of defence against The rude elements
and removing every obstacle to its clear and unler
upted course through the country which Il should
fertize. until it mingles with the ocean OF waters
Thus to obtain the most certain means OF promoting
the wisdom and happiness OF all MANKIND the WORK
of Education should commence at the fountain head:
from whence derived mans first impressions OF good
and evil; from whence he receives the FIRST bias 10
right and wrong; from whence Washington or bacon
may be reared, to defend, guide, give counsel and
glory their country, by their wisdom and iesrhhSi
or Cesar or Nero be nurtured to the destruction OF
its virtue and liberties. Since, then, all admit that
maternal influence is the first, deepest and most aSt
ing which is exered the mind man, all must DC
aware of the importance of fitting that influence Tor
the w.est and best employment of itspower.
Mrs. Porter arrogates to herself no superiority over
her contemporaries in this town, in the arduous but
truly interesting occupation in which she has eniistea
the best feelings of heart keeny alive to IT. yta I'M
portance, and the high responsibility which she
| assumes The best instruction will be always
sought and procured; and every aid which the
general diffusion of information, the advice OF in
telligent and experienced persons offer. VIII DC
employed to advance the objects ofthe institution
| Bound by no eudice to particular systems the
course adopted will be open to scrutiny and puniGy
] amined.-Where amusements are fosnd deslranie'
new eXpedients useful, and Improvements sugsesteu'
they will be received with interest and attention.
The object of education is to give female the ee.
mensry principles of learning and virtue, which are TO
guide her to temporal and eternal Happiness. 10 rum
this design, the mind mast be disciplined, the memory
improved, the moral sense purified and quickeaed,
and intellectual energy awakened and cultivated -
Upon this view of the subject, Mrs Porter las ar
ranged her system of instruction. Every means are
sought to animate perception, engage the attention.
and induce pupils to love their studies faueh. iaoor
and diigent application, all know, are essential to the
requirement ofany branch OF knowledge; but the way
m,y be cheered by many exp dients; and instead OF
making study pathway filed with lhorns and briars'
it NAV become grateful exercise over hill and dale,
whose many flowers may be culted to igh'en the 'e.
diousness Of the walk The inductive system, that
which cultivaes the active use of the powers OF mind
before those ofthe memory, pursued III every branch
permitting no pupil to commit beyond her power
of comprehendng and dgesting the subject OF pursuit
Grammar is abstrlse; but ny explanation and il!ls'ra
| tion pupils have become much Interested History
is taught BY regular of reading Of which alb
stracts are notwithstanding with the Histo-
nv of the United States and constant use OF the maps
in connection with the history, they become familiar
it'll the Geography of their country at the same time
Attaching the fact in History, to the spot where il oc.
cured on the Map gives visible object to strength
en- the efforts of memory and mpresses it permanent
| w upon the mind GeograDhyis studied from the
Maps and woodbridge's system, ancient and modern.
Arithmetic, from Colburn's mental system has been
partially introduced, and with success among tiose
who had not been previously taught upon other plans
hut the prejudice in favor OF the old system occasions
! the use of Walsh's and Pixies Arithmetic also.
Natural Philosophy AMI Chemistry, are taughtby sim
ple experiments. Moral Philosophy, by example, AS
the season advances, flowers are dssect@d and exam
ioed Short lectures given to cultivate honorable
feelings and showing instances wherein women have
been distinguished Tor their talents, attainments, ana
! virtues OF the heart.
The government always parental-Faults have sell
tGsa.ssasaG cativate seif.sovernment without ex
citing dread OF punishment that would tend to degrade
self-respect SIsterly regard and attention to each
others wants and pleasures, promoted, and every
method sought to amend the temper and overcome
selhshness by shelving examples of its odious conse-
quences, and leading them hate vice tor its PERM.
cious effects upon the comfort aid happiness and to
love the practice of virtue for its agency in procuring
pleasure-thus clearing the way and guiding them to
adore and obey the Author of all virtue and Happiness
Habits OF neatness and good order indispensable
10 the refinement of female characte raDd these are
encouraged by rewards for the of clothing, rooms
books, sc. and attention to personal neatness careful
ly inculcated.
Considering sound health as one of tie greatest |
blessings to be bestowed upon man or womsn-tlat
while the mental faculties are cultivated due regard
to bodily vigor should be ever kept in view; for who
sympathizes with the condition of the bo,ly-that it is
cheerful when the body issrong and healthy, aud de-
pressed when the body is unhealthy Maternal solic
tudc watches over the health of the pupils and by
early rising plain Diet and regular hours of exercise
the strength OF the constitution is srkngly promot
ed. Every sale and innocent amusement is permitted
that encourages activity and cheeIfulness.
particular regard is had to The expenditure of mo.
ney-foung ladies, whose wants all supplied who
have only to ask to obtain much as they WISH know
not the value of the means they spend lavshy upon
trAes-To lead them to reflection upon this subject
Mrs. Porter gives each pass book in which is regis
tered the sum received and how expended, to be
compared at the close of TIE term with her account
This has produced valuable effect upon some who
expended all their allowance in cakes, candy &c. and
a book filled with such expenditures has so surprised
and mortified their good sense that they hare volun.
tarily abandoned the indulgence
Volumes have been and may be written upon the
mnutr necessary for the culture of the moral and in
eecual character of youth; and those who are con.
Scientousy faithful over these small things may not
indeed expect to rule the world but they may lessen
he mass of human sorrow, extend the Of know.
edge and happiness in this world and rear inhabitants
mr. he,y