this advice, that in the grand end of exiſtence the object of both ſexes ſhould be the ſame, when he well knew that the mind, formed by its purſuits, is expanded by great views ſwallowing up little ones, or that it becomes itſelf little?
Men have ſuperiour ſtrength of body; but were it not for miſtaken notions of beauty, women would acquire ſufficient to enable them to earn their own ſubſiſtence, the true definition of independence; and to bear thoſe bodily inconveniences and exertions that are requiſite to ſtrengthen the mind.
Let us then, by being allowed to take the ſame exerciſe as boys, not only during infancy, but youth, arrive at perfection of body, that we may know how far the natural ſuperiority of man extends. For what reaſon or virtue can be expected from a creature when the ſeed-time of life is neglected? None—did not the winds of heaven caſually ſcatter many uſeful ſeeds in the fallow ground.
'Beauty cannot be acquired by dreſs, and coquetry is an art not ſo early and ſpeedily attained. While girls are yet young, however, they are in a capacity to ſtudy agreeable geſture, a pleaſing modulation of voice, an eaſy carriage and behaviour; as well as to take the advantage of gracefully adapting their looks and attitudes to time, place, and occaſion. Their application, therefore, ſhould not be ſolely confined to the arts of induſtry and the needle, when they come to diſplay other talents, whoſe utility is already apparent.'
