Percepts concerning the social relations 社会関係に関する教訓
ART thou a young man, seeking for a partner for life? Obey the ordinance of God, and become a useful member of society. But be not in haste to marry, and let thy choice be directed by wisdom.
Is a woman devoted to dress and amusement? Is she delighted with her own praise, or an admirer of her own beauty? Is she given to much talking and loud laughter? If her feet abide not at home, and her eyes rove with boldness on the faces of men—turn thy feet from her, and suffer not thy heart to be ensnared by thy fancy.
But when thou findest sensibility of heart joined with softness of manners; an accomplished mind and religion, united with sweetness of temper, modest deportment, and a love of domestic life—Such is the woman who will divide the sorrows, and double the joys of thy life. Take her to thyself; she is worthy to be thy nearest friend, thy companion, the wife of thy bosom.
Art thou a young woman, wishing to know thy future destiny? Be cautious in listening to the addresses of men. Art thou pleased with smiles and flattering words? Remember that man often smiles and flatters most, when he would betray thee.
Listen to no soft persuasion, till a long acquaintance, and a steady, respectful conduct, have given thee proof of the pure attachment and honorable views of the lover. Is thy suitor addicted to low vices? is he profane? is he a gambler? a tippler? a spendthrift? a haunter of taverns? has he lived in idleness and pleasure? has he acquired a contempt for thy sex in vile company? and above all, is he a scoffer at religion? --- Banish such a man from thy presence; his heart is false, and his hand would lead tehee to wretchedness and ruin.
Art thou a husband? Treat thy wife with tenderness and respect; reprove her faults with gentleness; be faithful to her in love; give up thy heart to her in confidence, and alleviate her cares.
Art thou a wife? Respect thy husband; oppose him not unreasonably, but yield thy will to his, and thou shalt be blest with peace and concord; study to make him respectable, as well for thine own sake, as for his; hide his faults; be constant in thy love; and devote thy time to the care and education of the dear pledges of thy love.
Art thou a parent? Teach thy children obedience; teach them temperance, justice, diligence in useful occupations; teach them science; teach them the social virtues, and fortify thy precepts by thine own example; above all, teach them religion. Science and virtue will make them respectable in this life—religion and piety alone can secure to them happiness in the life to come.
Art thou a brother or a sister? Honor thy character by living in the bonds of affection with thy brethren. Be kind; be condescending. Is thy brother in adversity? assist him; if thy sister is in distress, administer to her necessities and alleviate her cares.
Art thou a son or a daughter? Be grateful to thy father, for he gave thee life; and to thy mother, for she sustained thee. Piety in a child is sweeter than the incense of Persia, yea, more delicious than odors, wafted, by western gales, from a field of Arabian spices. Hear the words of thy father, for they are spoken for thy good: give ear to the admonitions of thy mother, for they proceed from her tenderest love. Honor their gray hairs, and support them in the evening of life: and thine own children, in reverence of thy example, shall repay thy piety with filial love and duty.
Mary, what a charming little sonnet your sister Harriet has repeated. Come, my sweet girl, you must let me hear what you can say. But stop, let me see your work. Your little fingers are very handy with a needle. Very pretty indeed; very pretty work. What small stitches. You shall hem and mark all your papa's handkerchiefs, and very soon you shall work a muslin frock for yourself. Now, my girl, let me hear you repeat some verses.