The Young Lady's Companion; In a Series of Letters (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1839. Excerpt: ... LETTER VII. Intellectual And Moral Discipline. My 'dear Niece--In glancing our eyes over the surrounding world, we cannot fail to perceive an infinite diversity, not only in the external situation of the individuals composing its population, but in their moral and intellectual condition. Many causes have concurred, to render the investigation of the reasons for this variation in human circumstances in the former respect, a subject of interest; as it alike concerns the philanthropist, and him whose heart is thirsting after his own gratification and aggrandizement. The more obvious grounds of the difference existing in external things, have accordingly been analyzed with the precision and clearness, which is exhibited in the investigation of scientific 'truth, and from thence have been deduced certain axioms to assist the inquirer on this subject. To the pious and reflecting mind, the solution of this mystery would be far less interesting, than the ascertaining of the most probable causes of the disparity which exists in man's intellectual and moral condition. Can we suppose that the Almighty has endowed certain of his creatures, with such overwhelming superiority in mental and moral power over others, irrespective of all exertions of their own? If He has not done this by an absolute exertion of power, but has left the measure of our attainments to a certain degree dependant on our personal exertions, does it not behove us, my dear E-, earnestly to seek instruction as to the best means of improving our characters. It is well for lis that we are not left to select for ourselves, or those we love, the mode of discipline best fitted to further our intellectual and spiritual growth; else we might shrink tremblingly from those severe trials by which our Heavenly...