If there be no muscular
energy the nerves become irritable, and the temper a source of perpetual
disquiet, not only to one's self, but to every associate in the
household.

It is therefore a duty of the young woman, for health's sake, not to
allow a kind mother to become her waiting maid, but to exert herself in
the performance of domestic, manual services. If she permit the needle
to engross those hours, a part of which should be sacredly devoted to
physical exercise, then let her know that God is thereby dishonored; for
laws, which he thought worthy to establish, are, by her negligence,
daily and directly violated.

Home is a moral school for the acquisition of habits of Industry. It is
a singular fact that, while every young man is trained to a regular
occupation,--even the sons of the wealthiest are so,--and to have no
business or calling is, with this sex, deemed a reproach, young ladies
are, in some circles, not only excused in indolence, but regarded as
disgraced, if they are industrious and useful. Is this a pure state of
society? Are not all who thus judge, and all who thus live, sadly
deluded?

God has wedded industry and happiness, and ordained that they shall
never be divorced. Idleness corrodes the mental faculties, and thus
causes depression and gloom. It is the disturber of conscience; for
nothing makes us so miserable, as the thought that we are wasting our
lives, and are drones in society. Blessed are the poor; for they know
the sweets of toil. Pitiable are the rich, if their treasures generate a
selfish indolence.

Equally true is it that diligence is indissolubly bound to virtue. The
mind, when unoccupied by profitable topics, roams on forbidden ground.
Folded arms are accompanied by a distempered imagination. The tongue of
the idle often setteth a world on fire; for scandal and gossip vegetate
to rankness in the garden of sloth. The degradation, therefore, is not
on the side of work. Be not ashamed to labor; for it is Heaven's decree
that all should labor. Conceal not your industry. It is honorable, and
honored by all good minds. In a republic especially, where the follies
of caste should never enter, let woman, if she must glory, glory in
being scrupulously devoted to some useful occupation. So living, she
will find grace and goodness attend on her steps.

Where is the habit of order better acquired, than amid the routine of a
well arranged household? In what school can a girl so well learn le