Page:Letters to Mothers (1839).djvu/94

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dress? Will she throw an illusion over those who strive to save her, and like the Spartan culprit, conceal the destroyer that feeds upon her vitals? We know that it is so. Who that has tested the omnipotence of fashion, will doubt it? This is by no means, the only sacrifice of health that she imposes. But it is a prominent one. Let us, who are mothers, look to it. Let us, be fully aware of the dangers of stricture on the lungs and heart, during their season of developement.

Why should not we bring up our daughters, without any article of dress which could disorder the seat of vitality. Our sons hold themselves erect, without busk, or corset, or frame-work whalebone. Why should not our daughters also? Did not God make them equally upright? Yes. But they have "sought out many inventions."

Let us educate a race who shall have room to breathe. Let us promise, even in their cradle, at their hearts shall not be pinioned as in a vice, nor their spines bent like a bow, nor their ribs forced into the liver. Doubtless, the husbands and fathers of the next generation, will give us thanks.

Yet if we would engage in so formidable a work, we must not wait until morbid habits have gathered strength. Our labour must be among the elements of character. We must teach in the nursery, that "the body is the temple of the Holy