Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1857-07-15
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Gahiss' 9sRar
Training Of GirIs-Ends Of Education.


Training Of GirIs-Ends of Education.
The superficial training of girls, in the
present day, has formed the subject of
much complaint, and no little ridicule.--
The object Of competition has been to pro-
cure snowy attainmehts in the easiest and
cheapest way-such accomplishments be-
ing accepted by parents as a criterion Of
success. No care is given, in many cases,
20 an apprehension Of the lesson; the SEN
sation Of what is taught being acquired
without the meaning, and the sound with
out the idea. No pains are taken to infu-
ence the development of the mind, or to
control its operations. The memory is
cultivated merely to obtain a present i'm
preston, without regard to the intellect
that grows by mental aliment, and the
feelings that adorn the female character
and prepare for social relations, are left
wholly to their own ~unregulated growth.
The consequence is that, 10 spite Of ex-
tensive teaching, girls leave school unedu.
Gated. There is q difference between teach
ing and education. The opportunities for
improvement between school and marriage
are neglected for the absorbing pursuits of
fashion and folly. How many, among
young women in our society, possess true
literary cultivation, with the refinement Of
nature that it produces, or artistic taste,
or elevation of manner, sentiments and
mind? How many among those who
learn music, become imbued with appre-
citation and love of the art ? How many
know how to read without stammeriug
and hungling2 How many know even the
names Of our standard authors
The empty pride and show and glitter
and dissipation of fashionable social life can
never compensate, either to the woman or
to those within the sphere of her influence,
for the want of that intellectual and spirit
ual training, which alone can dignity and
exalt her character, and make her maturity
blessed. Without this training, she will be
found unguarded when time and circum-
stances apply the best. The uncontrolled
impulses that work so much misery, the
~inadequacy Of the intellect to simple duties
an life-may be ascribed to defective train
I'M. in youth, rather than to any inherent
ifeebleness Of nature. Even great stupidi-
ty is not common natural gift. An early
habit Of intellectual application Of the mind
TO worthy and dignifed pursuits, will, in
almost all cases, enable the individual to
meet all difficulties with a conscious power
to overcome them.
Society is ordained for benignant minis
tries. Our ideas Of goodness and purity
freshen and are yitalized in an atmosphere
Of cheerful sympathy, and reason does no
interdict frolic, mirth andlightheartedness
But no genial thought or grace of expires
sion can expand in gusts of boisterous VI
garity or in the nipping cold of narro'
minded sefsh Ignorance. Conversation
al important branch of education, its higl
est kind requires, indeed a large range
faculties aud experience it can do muc
good in a small way. The delicate susce
tibilities Of woman, their ready sympathie
their social feeling, their refined and intu
tive apprehension of character, their fl
.ency and native elegance of language, al
their vivacity of spirits, eminently fit the
to excel in conversation, and to take char
of the best interest of social life. TIL
need training BY exercise il Benevolent 2
mental enlightenment, to give their powt
full scope and benefcent influence. TIL
should be early taught to reject the spu
GUS coin Of slang and vulgarity in cow
s%ation, and to aid in i~naugurating a refo,
in social manners. 1t has been well sa
The divinest power in human existence
character and the home life of woman
especially favorable to its attainment,
that life is what it should be. A will 7
perly trained is better than genius or
ent. 1t blends strength with calmness, /;
in its serenity controls and directs 9th,
For the proper training Of girls, simp
ity Of living is important, and absence
ostentatious display and extravagent
penditure. Every thing ultra, especit
in dress, should be adjured, while 20
may be surrounded with softening and
filming influences. Licence or rudel
should never be tolerated they are ut
ly destructive to self respect. The Low
display leads to shallow and vulgar pre-
sion, and should be guarded against
pestiferous passion
If the best ends of education are
in view-the acquisition of the strel
which perceives duty and is loyal to it,
is capable Of self-renunciation-it vii
seen that the system pursued in many
ionable institutions is worse than useI
it is baneful and pernicious.