The spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1840-1844, 1842-03-04
EDUCATION OF DAUGHTERs--MOT
ERS AND WIVES.

We have long been under the impression, that,
IN many cases, in this country, sad error exists in
the bringing up of daughters Mothers forget, we
fear, that they should be educated to fulfil The re-
sponsible duties of parents and wives, and thus
rather qualify them to glitter in the ballroom or to
shine in the gny circle Of fashion, instead of fitting
them for the domestic circle, and those gentle and
constant responsibilities which are essential to II
good wife. How frequently is ii the case, that
The looks, dress and style of young female arc
alluded TO with exulla,ion by her mother as en-
hracing all the elements suited to adOrn and beau
try the female character! How often, too, do we
see parents rejoicing in the fact that Miss or Miss
{. has dozens Of bcaux-and that scarcely night
goes by, that three or four do not cull-whout
paving The slightest attention TO the character of
hose be aux their means livelihood & their ub-
tyto render gentle being, who has been brought
mp with great tenderness and care comfortable and
happy. low often do we see these fair Young be-
ingS permitted to flIrt first with one and then with
anoher--lo select companions from the reckless.
and dssolu,c, and thus become en'angled in some
romantic love--Inalch the end of which is an
eni.h and despair How often do we see fathers
compelled 10 take their daughters home again under
such crcuris,ances-whl those who went forth
from the f,mily Preside, glowing and blushing with
five years are the very wrecks of what they were
bu, short period before. 1t is always bad sign
10 see young lady run down with beauy. These
mere admirers are in nine cases ont Of ten, insult
ed to be- husbands, and llnitcr around the light of
beauty in mere vanity and with the object Of boast
ing that they visited such and such one. Scilsi-
bic men, who ARE seeking for wives, do not desire
to minge with boys and iops in the pursuit, and
soon become disguised with the fippancy and light
ness Of the coqueltc, OF Of The female who Is con-
stunily decorating the body, ana disregnrdng the
mnd Besides, men Of business cannot seek month
after month, or year after year, in endnavoring to
ascertain the disposition and tone of feeling Of
the lady they may fancy. If:hey find her involved
in the eddy maze orlashion and of folly, they will
soon abandon the pursuit. and seek for more qui.
ct, reasonable and practical object Of courlshp.-
There is another error 10 which we once or twicc
adverted, but which cannot be alluded TO too often.
We refer to the false policy Of parents who are
in poor or moderate circumstances, IN bringing up
their children with expectations Of offers Of mar
riage from those flr beyond their station. Ittoo Of
ten happens that, in such cases. the poor girls fade
year after year, aud are compelled, in the end Il,
The deceasc Of those on whom they have heretololc
depended for support, to exc out an existence for
themselves. How often have we heard young Ia
dies the daughters of respectable mechanics or
storekccpers, sneeing at tho very possibility of
their accepting the proered hand Of any but pro-
lessional character or some such individual.
This is all wrong-radcally wrong-and frausht
with immense distress TO hund eds and thousands.
Far better would it be for any fem ale 10 marry
reputable, and honest and active tradesInan, in n
thriving businnss, than doctor or lawyer with lit
tie or no practice. Parents should pay more atien-
ton 10 these things, as well for themselves as for
their children. We think it was Major Noah who
once sad that he lived over again new life, ms
each Of his children grew apace, and proceeded on
ward to womanhood or manhood. If this doctrine
be true, we should so educate our offspring as to
render them happy and thus 20 secure TO ourselves
the reflected sunshine tina, brisbens their existence
Phil Enquirer.