Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1859-04-01
The EropcY Bscporassaasst of il
FessaAAp OF Ssy.nasa

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age which poets call "swecs sixteen''
she learns that she is expected to
change her department frcm the
thoughtlcsj mcrriment Of childhood to
Il dignity more bcitting the age to
which she has arrived. She must no
longer engage in the merry sports tina:
possessed so great a charm in youthful
days, but she should earnestly strive to
employ the more matured mental cner-
gics she now possesses in performing
the duties that may devolve upon her
in the best possible manner.
When in the society of persons older
than herself, she should pay a respectful
Difference to their opinions, always re-
membering that she can learn some
thing from every one, and especially
from those whose years in active life
have numbered many more than hers.
When in the society Of those Of her own
age she should be kind, courteous, ANA
gentle to all, ever remembering the Oft
repeated lines
''rhat mercy to others show,
That mercy show to me.'
She should be modest and cheerful,
trying to promote the happiness Of all
around her. If am ong those she meets
there should be any whose social stand
ing may be lower than hers she should
be careful not to wound their feelings
by speaking to them in cold, naughty
manner for no true lady will be gull
ty of such conduct, but rather Git
worthy pay them more attention be-
cause others neglect them.
And at all times she should be true to
the best impulses of her nature.
When il the street her department
should be modest and digniied, not
striving to attract general attention.
She would acknowledge at once that if
she passed through the streets trundling
hoop, as in childhood, she deserved
the ridicule Of others and yet, if not
careful, she may be thoughtlessly led
to act quite as improperly
But has the young lady no home du-
ties? Yes, indeed; for the homo cir
Gle presents many opportunities Of use
fulness to her, if she will improve them
There are many little deeds of kindness
she can perform, and often her cheer
fulIy-renlered assistance will tighten
the labor Of her parents without much
fatigue to herself. By amusing a
younger brother or sister, she may re-
lieve wearied mother and give her a
chance to rest. Wh0 has cared for
her as her parents? Ought she not,
then, to render them all the assistance
in her power-giving them cheerful
obedience in all things? Certainly,
she ought F.; and in SO doing she will
gain her reward in their APPROVAL
Yes, in the home-circle she may find
the highest duties united with the pur-
est pleasures, and every young lady Of
sixteen ought to be able to say, in
heartfelt language, "thc happiest
place is home''
But, while the love Of home is so
-commendable, she must not forget her
duty to those beyond the home circle +;
she should be attentive to the wants of
the poor and needy, for charity is one
Of the hottest virtues young lady can
possess. Ii there are any invalids
among her friends, her sympathy and
kind attention may brighten many a
painful hour, and should. be freely
given.
At this important period Of life she
should spend her leisure hours in read
ing and studying for knowledge is
sure wealth, and she will never feel that
studious hours are misspent ones. She
should pay respectful attention to the
instruction Of her teachers, and obey
all the rules they may lay down. Her
intercourse with schoolmates should be
marked with kindness and good; will to
oil. If she wishes to be more intimate
with some than with others, she should
try to effect this in such a manner as
not to cause unpleasant feelings. She
should set them a good example by
strictly attending to her studies and
improving every moment.
But however deeply she may drink
at the fountain Of knowledge, she must
not be unmindful Of the fountain Of
Life. Let her take the Bible as her
constant guide, and store her mind with
the precious truths it contains, and she
will always find their aid invaluable for
enabling her to resist the temptations
that are ever around her path. Obey
irg the precepts Of this Holy Book will
enable her to maintain correct de-
pertinent when nothing else can.
MARTHA BARRows.
There has been so much said about
the department Of young ladies at this
aye that they are sometimes at a loss to
know how to act. There are great
many who think they should be regard
ed as children at this age, and there
fore act as such. Others consider they
arc old-old enough to take upon them
selves the heavier responsibilities Of
life. Parents, often, urge their child
rem forward 50 that when they are at
the age Of sixteen they act as majestic
and digniGed as some old maid IT,
They possess none of that cheerful and
unaffected disposition that is natural
at this age. Their studies, which have
Just commenced to interest them, are
to be laid aside as completed, and they,
without the least preparation, are to
take upon themselves the laborious du-
ties Of life.
Considering these things, the ques-
ton is, what should our department be?