American Etiquette and Rules of Politeness (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1889 edition. Excerpt: ...a true womanhood. Life is given that work may be done. We are here for a purpose. All young ladies should determine to do something for the honor and elevation of their sex. At least they should determine that they will possess and always wear about them, as their richest possession, a true womanhood. This is the most that they can do. Let them determine that for themselves they will do their own thinking; that they will form their own opinions from their own investigations; that they will persist in holding the highest principles of womanly morality and the virtuous attainments which constitute true womanhood. When they have done this, let them call to their aid all the force of character they can command, to enable them to persist in being women of the true "stamp." Women have a great work to do. It is not enough that they should be what their mothers were. They must be more, since their advantages are superior. The demands of the country call on women for a higher order of character and life. The ladies of to-day must heed the call. They must emancipate themselves from the fetters of custom and fashion, and come up, a glorious company, to the possession of vigorous, virtuous, noble womanhood--womanhood that shall shed new light upon the world and point the way to a divine life. Girlhood is the time to prepare for the great work of life. If girls would be women, they must begin before the years of maturity. If thy would be wise, they must not fritter away their early life. Girlhood is a preparation for womanhood. It sends its life and character into womanhood. Girls are able to fit themselves for high positions, and why should they stand listlessly by, and allow the men to advance and do everything. Young ladies should step...