Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1842-09-15
70 the Citizens OF Augusta
and aAioining Counties.

| uon IL was decided That the interests OF the com
munity would be promoted by the establishment
In Stanton Of Female Seminary. Several ndi-
viduals were appointed Trustees of the proposed
institution whose names are presented in the plan
which is herewith submitted 10 your inspection.
i Alta subsequent meeting, composed in part of
some oil those trustees, and in part oil others
friendly to the scheme, this plan was adopted, as
eNhin'tng briei outline OF the general principles
on which the institution shall be conducted; and
The Undersigned were appointed to address you
III lis behalf, by further, but brief exposition OF
Its purpose and character.
1t is deemed useless to offer you any arguments
or illustrations, enforcing the Fundamental im-
Poranco OF the object sci before us. No reflect
ing mind can fail to perceive how intimately con-
nected not only with individual happiness, bu,
with the national welfare, the proper education of
tho iemae sex must ever be considered. Woman
who unfoids and cuitivates tho first buds of in
teiiigenco in man, and rresides over the eares,
developments OF moral agency should possess
cultivated intellect and christian heart. Wo-
man, who IS mans companion and comfort, should
6epreParcd III mind to counsel & in heart TO soo,he
| w oman, who watches his couch Of afliiction dis
ease and death, should be adapted by careful train.
in9,to appreciate the truths which are the subjects of
our faith, and TO administer the consultations those
truths convey.
10 secure for the mothers Of our pos,eri,y such
an education, is the dictate Of sound policy, the
just aim OF christian philanthropy, and the requi-
stion OF enlightened patriotism.
10 accomplish this objective propose an insti-
tuition IN whose course OF instruction we place
the Bible as the source of sound doctrine, the
guide TO u true morality, and the repository off
consoling promises. Deducing from, il the faith
by which we approach the God of Heaven and
Earth, the duties we owe Him and ourselves, and
the plan by which alone we can secure his favor, |
we aim first 10 prepare each child to live i'm time
with wise reference toreternty.
To perform rightly the duties she owes TO socic
ty, aud to meet the responsibilities devovnp on
woman as an individual and the mother of a fam |
lily, II Is fist Important to open TO the mind the
stores OF truth contained in those substantial sci
ences which lie at the basis of all human knowl- !
edge. We therefore consider an Indispensable
subject OF instruction. the art of reading neil |
win It's Important adJuncts, writing and spelling !
The science of Arithmetic, Whether for lis re- |
suits in the practical affairs Of life, OF the iniu-
ence OF Its study on the development of the mind,
takes the next rank In importance. 10 this must
BIO added a knowledge OF the earth wo inhabit.
the manners and customs of its inhabitants their
literary, POLITICAL religious and moral condition
and prospects. With lis present actual condition.
so far as Geography informs us OF that condition.
we propose to connect the lessons OF wisdom de-
duced from the history OF the past. The iorma-
ton and development of taste for literary pur.
suits, Wo found OH the study Of our vernacular
language III It's grammar and literature. Wecon-
celye the usua! time devoted by girls to the pro-
curing an education, may he fully and profiably
employed In the acquisition of these substantial
branches OF study and first aim will be 10
secure the pupils in the thorough perception Of
these important sciences. Should time and incli-
nation permit, other and ornamental branches of
education as Music and Painting, may be pur-
sued, and Tor which we present competent
! teachers.
! We do not offer you school in which YOUR
daughters are promised instruction in the various
physical sciences, as multiplied by modern no
menc!ature to an extent absurd In catalogue as
their attainment Is iinpraclcable in the period OF
girl educational life. y ct In such elements of
I the physical sciences can be acquired by the
usual text books, with the aid of oral explanation
and lectures, we promise ample instruction. 10
advanced pupils, we present facilities for extend
ing their English education by the study of men
tai and moral Philosophy, and such principles of
! Logic and Rhetoric as shall secure The ability TO
! express intelligenty and elegantly, the ideas
which the acquisition OF substantial education
may furnish. We earnestly advocate, &c 5. tho
Importance OF some elementary know ledge Of at
least, one of the dead languages, for lis obvious
bearing 10 illustrating the structure and facilitating
the comprehension Of our own. To such as de-
sire 1t, opportunity will also BIO afforded 10 learn
the French language.
Our purpose then, you perceive, is not to attract
your patronage by vain display of numerous
studies, but would fain urge on YOU the adyan-
tages oil substantial English education as the
basis Of all future acquisition, and the guarantee
Tor the happiness and usefulness of your daugh-
tiers. And this, without pretending TO Infinite
wisdom or power, we fatter ourselves able to of
Ter, by the preparations we have made and shall
make, both In the character of the Principal, the
general plan of our school, and tie diiigcnt efforts
OF its founders and trustees.
u Give us then fair trial. Let sufficient pat
ronage from this county be concentrated on
school which, bearing its venerated name, aims to
perPetuate IN its daughters, and ihro' them, in its
sons, the virtues, the habits, the piety, and the
patriotism of their ancestors. Let it not be
said that liz county noted for its resour-
ces, physical, moral, and intelectual-there
cannot be sustained economical adj
mlnstrauon, and basis OF sound learn
Ing and the Christian faith, such Female
Seminary. Though attached TO that Church
which is predominant in size and influence in the
county, and DESTROYS OF its prosperity, and com
hitting TO one Of its ministers the instruction of
our school, thus distinctly announcing the institu
ton Presbyterian, in its religious aspects, yet we
invite your scrutiny TO detect in It's administration,
aught that is bigoed or offensive to other evangel-
lca churches, aught to tarnish her own fair
lame, as at once the ardent supporter Of sound
learning and the tried defender, not only of civil,
but religious liberty
Make trial of the school by sending TO it your
i daughters; we shall aim to return them intelIi
I gent accomplished, and, by the grace Of God,
CHRISTIAN. Serd US your daughters, and we shall
am 70 Illustrate the integrity Of motives, and
the sincerity Of our professions, by returning them
prepared to DO the faithful companions of educa-
TED and pIouS men, the vrtuous mothers of pos
teTity 10 whom, we trust God is reservinr the
iarest OF all lands the putest Of all institutions
the noblest of all desiinies.