The New Orleans crescent. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1866-1869, 1868-07-12

LEARN TO DO YOUR APPOINTED woRs
by Mrs. N. p willis, in the New York Ledger +,

by Mr.. N. P. Willis, in the New York Ledger
/ find myself, scarce know how or why, unex-
pectedly required TO give my word Of advice to
you, my young friends. Others have said theirs
who are far better qualified. Many of them are
those TO whom we older women look for words of
instruction. But no woman of ordinary intelli-
genee and kindly heart can stand on the verge of
the hill, whence the path leads inevitably down.
and she knows that her strength to do the work
she would, OF to render her service to Others
mast be gradually less, without looking back
wistfully at the past and wishing she had pos
sessed clearer apprehension of her position, and
that she had been better trained for her duty.
She recalls with bitter regret the ignorance and
earelessness which wasted the strength she should
have stored for the duties Of later years. 1t is by
no means selfshy she reflects thus, but with one
regretful thought for herself she turns to the
young about her and yearns TO give them peep
into her horizon. 1t is with feeling little short
Of anguish that | see young girls throw aside or
bali use their opportunities of culture; or care
lessly, and defantly follow fashions and pursue
habits OF life which must inevitably make them a
care TO others instead Of helpers.
take it for granted that you each wish to be a
yourself, in vague way, what manner of woman
you would be, each according to your tempera-
ment and gifts, and somewhat after the standard
Of those with whom you associate.
One sees herself useful, helpful, wise, making
the sunshine of her loving spirit to be felt by all
aspires to Intellectual culture aone-she would be
the peer of learned men. of brilliant thinkers.
Another would be accomplished and shine among
the fascinating, and so on to aspirations for all
grades OF development, even for mere worldly
success.
But, as the vision rises to each Of you. do you
realize that lciStiHg is not loi2ing? That for
either OF these ends there is an appointed work
to be done honestly, earnestly, promptly? Do
you recognize that to be the high hearted, noble
woman, there must be patient wedding out of
faults of temper, beginning nOU IN girlhood
there must be formed the habit of self sacrifice
there must be no despising Of plain work ald
the doing Of it WE'LL mean the domestic work
which makes home more comfortable, more
heslthfnl. Learn TO sew; to make good bread;
cook few simple articles of food well. If the
time does not come when you find yourself cor
nered and obliged to put in practice your knowl-
edge, at least you can teach the ignorant servant
whom you are sure TO be mistress of at some
time. Do not say to yourself. " | am intelligent,
shall have knowledge, shall find out the way
by and-by;" it is possible you may, but it will
be through tIibuation and vexslion Of spirit.
And so with each Of the types of womanhood
you image TO yourself, there must be true, vigor-
Gus work and preparation, or the result is not
gained. Exactly what seed you SOW. that shall
you reap; and as you tend the plant, so will be
its perfection.
But beside honest purpose. intelligent and