The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1859-04-12

By Christopher Houston, of Iredell county, In the
latter part of the seventeenth century; and was re-
Gently found in an old family desk belonging to
one of his children:
RULES FOR A YOUNG FEMALE.
/. Cultivate religion in your heart, by prayer,
reading the Scriptures seeking the society OF the
pious and by a regular attendance on the public
worship and ordinances of the Church of God.
Beware of an intimacy with more especially beg
of you never to consider as a frend) any one who
treats holy religion with ridicule or levity-a
continued acquaintance with such is justly deemed
disgraceful to a female.
2. Never forget that golden precept, DO unto
others as you would that others should do unto
YOU" You will at once perceive that under this
head be classed the forbearance OF speaking,
singularity of DRESS appearance, &c Before you
venture any remark on others, always take time to
reflect how you would like the same remark to be
made upon yourself.
8. When you can conscientiously speak we'll of
q person. take pleasure in doing it,; but touch gen.
tly his foibles, or rather forget he has any.
4. Do not make your own inclination the only
rule of your conduct. Endeavor to conform to,
and consult, far you can, the wishes of those
whom you believe to be your friends especially if
neither your conscience nor judgment oppose them.
Obstinacy is always HATEFUL but particularly so in
young person.
5. Never speak while under the influence of
passion; for then you will talk nonsense or regret
what you have said.
6. Never be angry with those who address you
contrary to your inclination, tell you of your
faults. Be grateful to them-they will often
prove your best friends
Z. Never mention, as a reflection upon others,
unpleasant circumstances that have occurred in
their family-'tis mean-'tis pitiful
8. Whatever request you may think proper to
refuse let it be always done with gentleness and
due regard to the feelings of those who make it.
Q. Cultivate a cheerful and eontented dispo-
sition. When you feel unhappy, compare your
situation with those around you who do not enjoy
equal comforts You will by this means learn how
to be grateful.
10. Proper attention to dress ought not to be
omitted; but avoid talking thinking too much
upon that subject:-remember it is the appendage
of sin.
IL. Remember that the object of speech is to
convey ideas inelligibly; before therefore you be-
gin to speak be cautious that you have some
idea to convey, and take care that by too rapid a
pronunciation it be not rendered unintelligible.
Never begin the relation OF any circumstance I'M
less you can finish it; as the contrary must denote
want of reflection or intellect.
IL. Never be the first to laugh at what yourself
have said, lest it should happen that you laugh
alone.
Ii. Avoid contradiction-it is the bane of friend
ly intercourse; deliver your opinions freely, to-
gether with the reasons by which they are sup
ported; if these fail to convince let the subject on
your part be dismissed.
IA Never treat your seniors with the familiarity
used towards those who equal to you in age;
although they may permit it, they cannot but think
that you are intruding.
Is. Never impart to any one what has been con-
fdently committed to your charge-it is like dis
posing of another persons property.
Is. Let your demeanor towards servants be gen
orally gentle or kind; but avoid equally familiarity
and arrogance.
II. Nightly forbear to close thine eyes to rest
Till thou hast questioned well thy conscious breast
What sacred duty thou hast left undone,
What act committed which thou oughtst to shun
And as fair truth error makes the decd
Let sweet applause sharp reproof succeed;
So shall thy steps while this great rule is thine
Undeyious tread in virtues paths divine.