The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1838-05-17

reflect upon the motives which induced us to enter
IT, and our reflections will strengthen and invigoSae
our resolution.
Ihere Is no reason 10 doubt the beneficial results
that young persons may experience from an ac-
quainiance with the world, Did we but use il as we
ought" But the prevailing fashion Of visiting, even
to those who are most inclined TO gain information,
is very little calculated 70 imparti whatthe must
be its effect upon those who live only upon excite
ment, upon the gay votaries Of pleasure who look
forward TO every amusement as relief from ennui;
and consider the time spent in gay society as the
happiest manner Of Kidding themselves of those lone
ly hours which are 10 them gloomy void DR..
! Sprague in his Letters to daughter" has made
some very just observations upon our intercourse
with the world and if every young lady would
adopt the rules he lays down, should have little
reason to complain Of the existing state Of society.
Allow yourself in constant round Of company,
even for short time, and will be strange, indeed,
fyon do not begin TO feel that company your only
elements il you do not in great degree, lose your
relish for the pleasures Of the domestic fre side if
you do not find yourself complaining of weakness,
when you happen for season TO be proyideniially
shut up at home. need not stop to show how en-
tirely such habit Of feeling must dsqualify female
for the most important relations she can ever sus-
tain" The whole letter is so rephte with good
sense, and correct judgment, that all daughters
should read Il and remember it.
The distinctions Of society, though necessary in a
political, as well as moral point Of view, should
never be unnecessarily assumed, 10 remind fellow
being that We are moving in sphere higher than
that in which providence has placed him; and we
never depart much from true dignity, as when we
attempt to display imagined superiority; il is as
contrary TO the dictates Of pure religion, ii is re-
mote from self-respect. Those whose destiny it is
to drudge through life, paraking ofthe bitter bread
of dependence, and drinking the cold cup Of adyer-
sy, have Ills enough TO brook without experiencing
the proud mans contumely.n Whenever We find
ourselves disposed 10 frown upon any worthy mem
Der Of society, let us examine the motives which ac
tuae our conduct. In adding contempt to misfor-
tune, are we doing as we would others should do to
us, are placing ourselves in their situation and
shall we never regret our "hard unkindness 2"
Happily we are formed as not to be deaf to the
stings Of conscience and the present moment flies,
but to bring another, which will in its turn be pre-
SENT and there is nothing that more embitters our
happiness, than the recollection of past folly. No
more deadly enemy to our peace Of mind Than
that remorse which to all the evils Of misfortune,
adds this sting blame thy foolish self'' But cannot
better conclude these remarks than in the words of
DR.. Sprague, who enoins the necessity offrequently
minging in the lower classes of society.
81 would have you go among them, with the be-
nign aspect Of friendships would have you make
them feel that you recognize them as fellow crea-
lures placed in many respects on the same level with
YOURSELF and would have you leave an impression
upon their minds that the adventitious distinctions
OF life are really of little moment compared with
those points in relation to which all stand upon an
4 thorx
can easily imagine to render the poor conented and
cheerful and to secure for yourself their gratitude
and confidence. And let me say too, that its infiu-
ence upon your own heart would be most sautary;
that it would serve to refine and elevate the social
affections, and confer dignity on your whole char
acter r.