Mr.Wotton’s Reflect. on Ant. and Mod. Learn. p. 349, 350.
For since GOD has given Womenas well as Men intelligent Souls, why should they be forbidden to improve them? Since he has not denied us the faculty of Thinking, why shou’d we not (at least in gratitude to him) employ our Thoughts on himself their noblest Object, and not unworthily bestow them on Trifles and Gaities and secular Affairs? Being the Soul was created for the contemplation of Truth as well as for the fruition of Good, is it not as cruel and unjust to preclude Women from the knowledge of the one as from the enjoyment of the other? Especially since the Will is blind, and cannot chuse but by the direction of the Understanding; or to speak more properly, since the Soul alwaysWillsaccording as sheUnderstands, so that if she Understands amiss, she Wills amiss. And as Exercise enlarges & exalts any Faculty, so thro’ want of using it becomes crampt & lessened; if therefore we make little or no use of ourUnderstandings, we shall shortly have none to use; and the more contracted and unemploy’d the deliberating and directive Power is, the more liable is the elective to unworthy and mischievous options. What is it but the want of an ingenious Education, that renders the generality of Feminine Conversations so insipid and foolish and their solitude so insupportable? Learning is therefore necessary to render them more agreeable and useful in company, and to furnish them with becoming entertainments when alone, that so they may not be driven to those miserable shifts, which too many make use of to put off their Time, that precious Talent that never lies on the hands of a judicious Person. And since our Happiness in the next World, depends so far on those dispositions which we carry along with us out of this, that without a right habitude and temper of mind we are not capableof Felicity; and seeing our Beatitude consists in the contemplation of the divine Truth and Beauty, as well as in the fruition of his Goodness, can Ignorance be a fit preparative for Heaven? Is’t likely that she whose Understanding has been busied about nothing but froth and trifles, shou’d be capable of delighting her self in noble and sublime Truths? Let such therefore as deny us the improvement of our Intellectuals, either take uphisParadox, who saidthat Women have no Souls, which at this time a day, when they are allow’d to Brutes, wou’d be as unphilosophical as it is unmannerly, or else let them permit us to cultivate and improve them. There is a sort of Learning indeed which is worse than the greatest Ignorance: A Woman may study Plays and Romances all her days, and be a great deal more knowing but never a jot the wiser. Such a knowledge as this serves only to instructand put her forward in the practice of the greatest Follies, yet how can they justly blame her who forbid, or at least won’t afford opportunity of better? A rational mindwillbe employ’d, it will never be satisfy’d in doing nothing, and if you neglect to furnish it with good materials, ’tis like to take up with such as come to hand.
We pretend not that Women shou’d teach in the Church, or usurp Authority where it is not allow’d them; permit us only to understand ourownduty, and not be forc’d to take it upon trust from others; to be at least so far learned, as to be able to form in our minds a true Idea of Christianity, it being so very necessary to fence us against the danger of theselastandperilous days, in which Deceivers a part of whose Character is tolead captive silly Women, need notcreep into Housessince they have Authority to proclaim their Errors on theHouse top. And let us also acquire a true Practical Knowledge such as will convince us of the absolute necessity ofHoly Livingas well as ofRight Believing, and that no Heresy is more dangerous than that of an ungodly and wicked Life. And since theFrench Tongueis understood by most Ladies, methinks they may much better improve it by the study of Philosophy (as I hear theFrench Ladiesdo)Des Cartes,Malebrancheand others, than by reading idleNovelsandRomances. ’Tis strange we shou’d be so forward to imitate their Fashions and Fopperies, and have no regard to what really deserves our Imitation! And why shall it not be thought as genteel to understandFrench Philosophy, as to be accoutred in aFrench Mode? Let therefore the famous MadamD’acier,Scudery, &c. and our own incomparableOrinda, excite the Emulation of the English Ladies.
The Ladies, I’m sure, have no reason to dislike this Proposal, but I know not how the Men will resent it to have their enclosure broke down, and Women invited to tast of that Tree of Knowledge they have so long unjustlyMonopoliz’d. But they must excuse me, if I be as partial to my own Sex as they are to theirs, and think Women as capable of Learning as Men are, and that it becomes them as well. For I cannot imagine wherein the hurt lies, if instead of doing mischief to one another, by an uncharitable and vain Conversation, Women be enabled to inform and instruct those of their own Sex at least; the Holy Ghost having left it on record, thatPriscillaas well as her Husband, catechiz’d the eloquentApollosand the great Apostle found no fault with her. It will therefore be very proper for our Ladies to spend part of their time in this Retirement, in adorning their minds with useful Knowledge.
To enter into the detail of the particulars concerning the Government of theReligious, their Offices of Devotion, Employments, Work,&c.is not now necessary. Suffice it at present to signify, that they will be more than ordinarily careful to redeem their Time, spending no more of it on the Body than the necessities of Nature require, but by a judicious choice of their Employment and a constant industry about it, so improve this invaluable Treasure, that it may neither be buried in Idleness, nor lavish’d out in unprofitable concerns. For a stated portion of it being daily paid to GOD in Prayers and Praises, the rest shall be employ’d in innocent, charitable, and useful Business; either in study in learning themselves or instructing others, for it is design’d that part of their Employment be the Education of those of their own Sex; or else in spiritual and corporal Works of Mercy, relievingthe Poor, healing the Sick, mingling Charity to the Soul with that they express to the Body, instructing the Ignorant, counselling the Doubtful, comforting the Afflicted, and correcting those that err and do amiss.
And as it will be the business of their lives, their meat and drink toknowanddothe Will of their Heavenly Father, so will they pay a strict conformity to all the Precepts of their holy Mother theChurch, whose sacred Injunctions are too much neglected, even by those who pretend the greatest zeal for her. For besides the daily performance of the Publick Offices after the Cathedral manner, in the most affecting and elevating way, the celebration of the Holy Eucharist every Lords Day and Holy-day, and a course of solid instructive Preaching and Catechizing; ourReligious, considering that the holy JESUS punctually observ’d the innocentusages of theJewishChurch, and tho’ in many instances thereasonof the Command ceas’d as to him, yet he wou’d obey theletterto avoid giving offence and to set us an admirable pattern of Obedience; therefore, tho’ it may be thought such pious Souls have little occasion for the severities of fasting and mortification, yet they will consider it as a special part of their Duty to observe all the Fasts of the Church,viz. Lent,Ember, andRogation-days,FridaysandVigils; times so little heeded by the most, that one wou’d scarce believe them set apart for Religious Purposes, did we not find them in the antiquated Rubricks. And as their Devotion will be regular, so shall it likewise be solid and substantial. They will not rest in the mere out-side of Duty, nor fansie the performance of their Fasts and Offices will procure them license to indulge a darling Vice: But having long since laidthe Ax to the root of sin, and destroy’d the whole body of it, they will look upon these holy times of recollection and extraordinary Devotion (without which Fasting signifies little) as excellent means to keep it down, and to pluck up every the least Fibre that may happen to remain in them. But we intend not by this to impose any intolerable burden on tender Constitutions, knowing that our Lord has taught us, that Mercy is to be prefer’d before Sacrifice: and that Bodily Exercise profiteth but a little, the chief business being to obtain a a divine and God-like temper of Mind.
And as this institution will strictly enjoyn all pious and profitable Employments, so does it not only permit but recommend harmless and ingenious Diversions, Musick particularly and such as may refresh the Body without enervating the Mind. They do a disservice toReligion who make it an enemy to innocent Nature, and injure the Almighty when they represent him as imposing burdens that are not to be born. Neither GOD nor Wise men will like us the better for an affected severity and waspish sourness. Nature and Grace will never disagree, provided we mistake not the one, nor indulge the petulancy of the other; there being no Displacencies in Religion, but what we our selves have unhappily made. For true Piety is the most sweet and engaging thing imaginable, as it is most obliging to others, so most easie to our selves. ’Tis in truth the highestEpicurism, exalting our Pleasures by refining them; keeping our Appetites in that due regularity which not only Grace, but even Nature and Reason require, in the breach of which tho’ there may be a Transport, there can be no true and substantial delight.
As toLodging,HabitandDiet,they may be quickly resolv’d on by the Ladies who shall subscribe; who I doubt not will make choice of what is most plain and decent, what Nature not Luxury requires. And since neither Meat nor Cloaths commend us unto GOD, they’ll content themselves with such things as are fit and convenient, without occasioning scruple to themselves or giving any trouble or offence to others. She who considers to how much better account that Money will turn which is bestow’d on the Poor, than that which is laid out in unnecessary Expences on her self, needs no Admonitions against superfluities. She who truly loves her self, will never waste that Money on a decaying Carkass, which if prudently disburs’d wou’d procure her an eternal Mansion. She will never think her self so fine, as when the backs of the Poor do bless her; and never feast so luxuriously as when she treats an hungryperson. No perfume will be thought so grateful as the Odour of Good Works, nor any Wash so beautifying as her own tears. For her Heroick Soul is too great to ambition any Empire but that of her own Breast, or to regard any other Conquest than the rescuing poor unhappy Souls from the slavery of Sin and Satan, those only unsupportable Tyrants; and therefore what Decays she observes in her face will be very unconcerning, but she will with greatest speed and accuracy rectify the least Spot that may prejudice the beauty of her lovely Soul.
In a word, this happy Society will be but one Body, whose Soul is love, animating and informing it, and perpetually breathing forth it self in flames of holy desires after GOD and acts of Benevolence to each other. Envy and Uncharitableness are the Vices only of little and narrow hearts, and therefore’tis suppos’d, they will not enter here amongst persons whole Dispositions as well as their Births are to be Generous. Censure will refine into Friendly Admonition, all Scoffing and offensive Railleries will be abominated and banish’d hence, where not only the Words and Actions; but even the very Thoughts and Desires of theReligioustend to promote the most endearing Love and universal Good-will. Thus these innocent and holy Souls shou’d run their Race, measuring their hours by their Devotions, and their days by the charitable Works they do. Thus wou’d they live the life of Heaven whilst on Earth, and receive an Earnest of its Joys in their hearts. And now, what remains for them to do at Night, but to review the Actions of the Day? to examine what Passions have been stirring? How their Devotions were perform’d? in what temper their Hearts are? what good theyhave done? what progress they’ve made towards Heaven? and with the plaudit of a satisfied Conscience sweetly to sleep in peace and safety, Angels pitching their Tents round about them, and he that neither slumbers nor sleeps rejoycing over them to do them good.
And to the end that these great designs may be the better pursu’d and effectually obtain’d, care shall be taken that ourReligiousbe under the tuition of persons of irreproachable Lives, of a consummate Prudence, sincere Piety and unaffected Gravity. No Novices in Religion, but such as have spent the greatest part of their lives in the study and practice of Christianity; who have livedmuch, whatever the time of their abode in the world has been. Whose Understandings are clear and comprehensive, as well as their Passions at command and Affections regular, and their Knowledge able to govern their Zeal. Whose scrutinyinto their own hearts has been so exact, that they fully understand the weaknesses of humane Nature, are able to bear with its defects, and by the most prudent methods procure its Amendment. Plentifully furnish’d with instructions for the Ignorant and comfort for the disconsolate; who know how to quicken the slothful, to awaken the secure, & to dispel the doubts of the Scrupulous. Who are not ignorant when to use the Spur and when the Rein, but duly qualified to minister to all the spiritual wants of their Charge; Watching over their Souls with tenderness and prudence; applying fitting Medicines with sweetness and affability. Sagacious in discovering the very approaches of a fault, wise in preventing, and charitable in bearing with all pityable Infirmities. The sweetness of whole Nature is commensurate to all the rest of their good Qualities, and all conspire together to makethem lov’d and reverenc’d. Who have the perfect government of themselves, and therefore rule according to Reason not Humour, consulting the good of the Society, not their own arbitrary sway. Yet know how to assert their Authority when there is just occasion for it, and will not prejudice their Charge by an indiscreet remissness and loosening the Reins of discipline. But what occasion will there be for rigour, when the design is to represent Vertue in all her Charms and native Loveliness, which must needs attract the eyes and enamour the hearts of all who behold her? To joyn the sweetness of Humanity to the strictness of Philosophy, that both together being improv’d and heighten’d by grace, may make up an accomplish’dChristian, for she who is truly so, is certainly the best-bred and best-natur’d person in the world, adorn’d with a thousand Charms, most happy inher self and most agreeable and beneficial to all She converses with? And that every one who comes under this holy Roof may be such an amiable, such a charming Creature, what faults they bring with them shall be corrected by sweetness not severity; by friendly Admonitions, not magisterial Reproofs; Piety shall not be roughly impos’d, but wisely insinuated, by a perpetual Display of the Beauties of Religion in an exemplary Conversation, the continual and most powerful Sermon of an holy Life. And since Inclination can’t be forc’d, and nothing makes people more uneasy than the fettering themselves with unnecessary Bonds, there shall be no Vows or irrevocable Obligations, not so much as the fear of Reproach to keep our Ladies here any longer than they desire. No: Ev’ry act of ourReligiousVotary shall be voluntary and free, and no other tye but the Pleasure, the Glory andAdvantage of this blessed Retirement to confine her to it.
And now I suppose, you’ll save me the labour of proving, that this Institution will very much serve the ends of Piety and Charity; it is methinks self-evident, and the very Proposal sufficient proof. But if it will not promote these great ends, I shall think my self mightily oblig’d to him who will shew me what will; for provided the good of my Neighbour be advanc’d, ’tis very indifferent to me whether it be by my method or by anothers. Here will be no impertinent Visits, no foolish Amours, no idle Amusements to distract our Thoughts and waste our precious time; a very little of which is spent in Dressing, that grand devourer and its concomitants, and no more than necessity requires in sleep and eating; so that here’s a vast Treasure gain’d, which for ought I know may purchase an happy Eternity. But weneed not rest in generals, a cursory view of some particulars will sufficiently demonstrate the great usefulness of such a Retirement; which will appear by observing first a few of those inconveniencies to which Ladies are expos’d by living in the World, and in the next place the positive advantages of a Retreat.
And first, as to the inconveniences of living in the World; no very small one is that strongIdeaand warm perception it gives us of its Vanities; since these are ever at hand, constantly thronging about us, they must necessarily push aside all other Objects, and the Mind being prepossess’d and gratefully entertain’d with those pleasing Perceptions which external Objects occasion, takes up with them as its only Good, is not at leisure to tast those delights which arise from a Reflection on it self, nor to receive theIdeaswhich such a Reflection conveys, and consequently formsall its Notions by suchIdeasonly as it derives from sensation, being unacquainted with those more excellent ones which arise from its own operations and a serious reflection on them, and which are necessary to correct the mistakes and supply the defects of the other. From whence arises a very partial knowledge of things, nay, almost a perfect ignorance in things of the greatest moment. For tho’ we are acquainted with the Sound of some certain words,viz. God,Religion,PleasureandPain,HonourandDishonour, and the like; yet having no otherIdeasbut what are convey’d to us by those Trifles we converse with, we frame to our selves strange and awkward notions of them, conformable only to thoseIdeassensation has furnish’d us with, which sometimes grow so strong and fixt, that ’tis scarce possible to introduce a new Scheme of Thoughts and so to disabuse us, especially whilstthese Objects are thick in our way.
Thus she who sees her self and others respected in proportion to that Pomp and Bustle they make in the world, will form her Idea of Honour accordingly. She who has relish’d no Pleasures but such as arise at the presence of outward Objects, will seek no higher than her Senses for her Gratification. And thus we may account for that strange insensibility, that appears in some people when you speak to them of any serious Religious matter. They are then so dull you’ll have much ado to make them understand the clearest Truth: Whereas if you rally the same persons, or chat with them of some Mode or Foppery, they’ll appear very quick, expert, and ingenious. I have sometimes smil’d betwixt scorn and pity, to hear Women talk as gravely and concernedly about some trifling disappointment from theirMilliner or Taylor, as if it had related to the weightiest concerns of their Souls, nay, perhaps more seriously than others who wou’d pass for Good, do about their eternal Interest; but turn the talk that way, and they grow as heavy and cold as they were warm and sensible before. And whence is this, but because their heads are full of the one, and quite destitute of such Ideas as might give them a competent notion of the other, and therefore to discourse of such matters, is as little to the purpose as to make Mathematical Demonstrations to one who knows not what an Angle or Triangle means. Hence by the way, will appear the great usefulness of judicious Catechizing, which is necessary to form clear Ideas in the mind, without which it can receive but little benefit from the Discourses of the Pulpit, and perhaps the neglect of the former, is the reason that the great plenty of thelatter has no better effect. By all which it appears, that if we wou’d not be impos’d on by false Representations and Impostures, if we wou’d obtain a due knowledge of the most important things, we must remove the little Toys and Vanities of the world from us, or our selves from them; enlarge our Ideas, seek out new Fields of knowledge, whereby to rectify our first mistakes.
From the same Original,viz.the constant flattery of external Objects, arises that querulousness and delicacy observable in most Persons of fortune, and which, betrays them to many inconveniencies. For besides that it renders them altogether unfit to bear a change, which considering the great uncertainty and swift vicissitudes of worldly things, the Greatest and most established ought not to be unprepar’d for; it likewise makes them perpetually uneasy, abates the delight of their enjoyments, for such personswill very rarely find all things to their mind, and then some little disorder which others wou’d take no notice of, like an aching Tooth or Toe, spoils the relish of their Joys. And tho’ many great Ladies affect this temper, mistaking it for a piece of Grandeur, ’tis so far from that, that it gives evidence of a poor weak Mind, a very childish Humour, that must be cocker’d and fed with Toys and Baubles to still its frowardness, and is like the crazy stomach of a sick Person, which no body has reason to be fond of or desire.
This also disposes them to Inconstancy, for she who is continually supply’d with variety knows not where to fix; a Vice which some Women seem to be proud of, and yet nothing in the world so reproachful and degrading, because nothing is a stronger indication of a weak and injudicious mind. For it supposes us either so ignorant as to make awrong Choice at first, or else so silly as not to know and stick to it, when we have made a right one. It bespeaks an unthinking inconsiderate Mind, one that lives at Random, without any design or end; who wanting judgment to discern where to fix, or to know when she’s well, is ever fluctuating and uncertain, undoing to day what she had done yesterday, which is the worst Character that can be given of ones Understanding.
A constant Scene of Temptations and the infection of ill company, is another great danger which conversing in the world exposes to. ’Tis a dangerous thing to have all the opportunities of sinning in our power, and the danger is increas’d by the ill Precedents we daily see of those who take them.Liberty(as some body says)will corrupt an Angel, and tho’ it is indeed more glorious to conquer than to fly, yet since our Vertue is so visibly weakenedin other instances, we have no reason to presume on’t in this. ’Tis become no easy matter to secure our Innocence in our necessary Civilities and daily Conversations, in which if we have the good luck to avoid such as bring a necessity on us, either of seeming rude to them, or of being really so to GOD Almighty, whilst we tamely hear him, our best Friend and Benefactor affronted and swallow it, at the same time, that we wou’d reckon’t a very pitiful Spirit to hear an Acquaintance traduc’d and hold our Tongue; yet if we avoid this Trial, our Charity is however in continual danger, Censoriousness being grown so modish, that we can scarce avoid being active or passive in it; so that she who has not her pert jest ready to pass upon others, shall as soon as her back is turn’d, become a Jest her self for want of Wit.
In consequence of all this, we areinsensibly betray’d to a great loss of time, a Treasure whose value we are too often quite ignorant of till it be lost past redemption. And yet considering the shortness and uncertainty of Life, the great work we have to do, and what advantages accrew to us by a due management of our time, we cannot reconcile it with prudence to suffer the least minute to escape us. But besides our own lavish Expences concerning which one may ask asSolomondoes of Labour,What Fruit have we of all that Sport and Pastime we have taken under the Sun?so unreasonable is the humour of the World, that those who wou’d reckon it a rudeness to make so bold with out Money, never scruple to waste and rob us of this infinitely more precious Treasure.
In the last place, by reason of this loss of time and the continual hurry we are in, we can find no opportunities for thoughtfulness and recollection;we are so busied with what passes abroad, that we have no leisure to look at home, nor to rectifie the disorders there. And such an unthinking mechanical way of living, when like Machines we are condemn’d every day to repeat the impertinencies of the day before, shortens our Views, contracts our Minds, exposes to a thousand practical Errors, and renders Improvement impossible, because it will not permit us to consider and recollect, which is the only means to attain it. So much for the inconveniences of living in the World; if we enquire concerning Retirement, we shall find it does not only remove all these, but brings considerable advantages of its own.
For first, it helps us to mate Custom and delivers us from its Tyranny, which is the most considerable thing we have to do, it being nothing else but the habituating our selves to Folly that can reconcileus to it. But how hard is it to quit an old road? What courage as well as prudence does it require? How clear a Judgment to overlook the Prejudices of Education and Example and to discern what is best, and how strong a Resolution notwithstanding all the Scoffs and Noises of the world to adhere to it? For Custom has usurpt such an unaccountable Authority, that she who would endeavour to put a stop to its Arbitrary Sway and reduce it to Reason, is in a fair way to render her self theButtfor all the Fops in Town to shoot their impertinent Censures at. And tho’ a wise Woman will not value their Censure, yet she cares not to be the subject of their Discourse. The only way then is to retire from the World, as theIsraelitesdid out ofÆgypt, lest the Sacrifice we must make of its Follies shou’d provoke its Spleen.
This also puts us out of the road of Temptation, and very much redeemsour Time, cutting off those extravagancies on which so much of it was squandered away before, and furnishing us constantly with good employment, secures us from being seduc’d into bad. Great are the Benefits of holy Conversation which will be here enjoy’d; As Viceis, so Vertuemaybe catching; and to what heights of Piety will not she advance, who is plac’d where the sole business is to be Good, where there is no pleasure but in Religion, no contention but to excel in what is truly commendable; where her Soul is not defil’d nor her Zeal provok’d, by the sight or relation of those Villanies the World abounds with?
And by that Learning which will be here afforded, and that leisure we have to enquire after it, and to know and reflect on our own minds, we shall rescue our selves out of that woful incogitancy we have slipt into, awaken our sleeping Powersand make use of that reason which GOD has given us. We shall then begin to wonder at our Folly, that amongst all the pleasures we formerly pursued, we never attended to that most noble and delicious one which is to be found in the chase of truth; and bless our selves at last, that our eyes are open’d to discern, how much more pleasantly we may be entertain’d by our own Thoughts, than by all the Diversions which the world affords us. By this means we are fitted to receive the influences of the holy Spirit and are put in a due frame of Devotion. No doubt but He has often knock’d at the door of our hearts, when the croud and noise of our Vanities would not suffer us to regard or hear him, and could find no admittance when our house was so fill’d with other company. Here therefore is the fittest place for his Entertainment, for being freed from outward disturbances, we are entirely at leisure toattend so divine a Guest. Our Devotions will be perform’d with due attention, those Objects that used to distract being now remov’d from us; simplicity of desire will beget simplicity of thought, and that will make our mind most intense and elevated, when we come to address our selves to the Throne of Grace. Being dead to the things of this world, we shall with greatest fervour petition for those of another; and living always in a lively and awful sense of the divine Majesty, our hearts will ever be dispos’d to approach him in the most solemn, serious and reverent manner. ’Tis a very unseemly thing to jump from our Diversions to our Prayers; as if when we have been entertaining our selves and others with Vanity, we were instantly prepar’d to appear in the sacred presence of GOD. But a Religious Retirement and holy Conversation, will procure us a more serious Temper, agraver Spirit, and so both make us habitually fit to approach, and likewise stir us up to be more careful in our actual preparations when we do. For besides all other improvements of Knowledge, we shall hereby obtain truer Notions of GOD than we were capable of before, which is of very great consequence, since the want of right apprehensions concerning him, is the general cause of Mistakes in Religion, of Errors in Speculation, and Indecorums in Practice; for as GOD is the noblest Object of our Understanding, so nothing is more necessary or of such consequence to us as to busie our thoughts about him. And did we rightly consider his Nature, we shou’d neither dare to forget him, nor draw near to him with unclean hands and unholy hearts.
From this sacred Mountain where the world will be plac’d at our feet, at such a distance from us,that the steams of its corruptions shall not obscure our eye-sight, we shall have a right prospect of it and clearly discern that all its Allurements, all those Gaities and Pageantries which at present we admire so much, are no better than insignificant Toys, which have no value but what our perverse Opinion imposes on them. Things which contribute so very little to our real Good, that even atpresent, which is their only season, we may live much happier without than with them; and which are so far from being necessary to our Felicity, that they shall vanish and be no more when that is consummate and perfect. Many are the Topic’s from whence we might declaim against the vanity of the world, but methinks Experience is so convincing that it supersedes all the rest, and wou’d certainly reclaim us from the immoderate love of earthly enjoyments, did we but seriouslyhearken to it. For tell me, Ladies, if your greatest Pleasures are not attended with a greater sting; when you think to grasp them, do they not either vanish into Air, or gall your fingers? To want or to enjoy them, is equally tormenting; the one produces in you the Pain of Hunger the other of Loathing. For in reality, there is no good in them, nothing but the Shadow and Appearance; if there were, you cou’d not so easily loath your old Delights and be so fond of variety, what is truly desirable never ending in disgust. They are not therefore Pleasures but Amusements which you now pursue, and which, through your ignorance of better Joys pretend to fill their place, toll you on with fair pretences and repay your Labour with defeated Hopes. Joys not near so lasting as the slightest toy you wear, the most capricious Humorist among you is more constant far than they. Come hithertherefore and take a true view of ’em, that you may no longer deceive your selves with that which profits not, but spurning away these empty nothings, secure a portion in such a Bliss as will not fail, as cannot disappoint you! A Felicity which depending on GOD only and your own Minds, is out of Fortunes reach, will place you above the Batteries of the world, above its Terrors and Allurements, and enable you at once to triumph over and despise it. And what can be more glorious, than to have a mind unshaken by the blandishments of Prosperity, or the rough shocks of Adversity; that passes thro’ both with the same indifferency and integrity, is not to be tempted by either to a mean unworthy and indecent Action?
Farther yet, besides that holy emulation which a continual view of the brightest and most exemplary Lives will excite in us, we shallhave opportunity of contracting the purest and noblest Friendship; a Blessing, the purchase of which were richly worth all the World besides! For she who possesses a worthy Person, has certainly obtain’d the richest Treasure. A Blessing that Monarchs may envy, and she who enjoys is happier than she who fills a Throne! A Blessing, which next to the love of GOD, is the choicest Jewel in our Celestial Diadem; which, were it duly practis’d wou’d both fit us for Heav’n and bring it down into our hearts whilst we tarry here. For Friendship is a vertue which comprehends all the rest; none being fit for this, who is not adorn’d with every other Vertue. Probably one considerable cause of the degeneracy of the present Age, is the little true Friendship that is to be found in it; or perhaps you will rather say that this is the effect of our corruption. The cause and the effect are indeedreciprocal; for were the World better there wou’d be more Friendship, and were there more Friendship we shou’d have a better World. But becauseIniquity abounds, therefore thelove of manyis not onlywaxen cold, but quite benumb’d and perish’d. But if we have such narrow hearts, be so full of mistaken Self-love, so unreasonably fond of our selves, that we cannot spare a Hearty Good-will to one or two choice Persons, how can it ever be thought, that we shou’d well acquit our selves of that Charity which is due to all Mankind? For Friendship is nothing else but Charity contracted; it is (in the words of an admired Author) a kind of revenging our selves on the narrowness of our Faculties, by exemplifying that extraordinary Charity on one or two, which we are willing, but not able to exercise towards all. And therefore ’tis without doubt the best Instructorto teach us our duty to our Neighbour, and a most excellent Monitor to excite us to make payment as far as our power will reach. It has a special force to dilate our hearts, to deliver them from that viciousselfishnessand the rest of those sordid Passions which express a narrow illiberal temper, and are of such pernicious consequence to Mankind. That institution therefore must needs be highly beneficial, which both disposes us to be Friends our selves and helps to find them. But by Friendship I do not mean any thing like those intimacies that are abroad in the World, which are often combinations in evil and at best but insignificant dearnesses, as little resembling true Friendship, as modern Practice does Primitive Christianity. But I intend by it the greatest usefulness, the most refin’d and disinteress’d Benevolence, a love that thinks nothing within the bounds of Power and Duty, toomuch to do or suffer for its Beloved; And makes no distinction betwixt its Friend and its self, except that in Temporals it prefers her interest. But tho’ it be very desirable to obtain such a Treasure, such a Medicine of Life as the wise man speaks, yet the danger is great least being deceiv’d in our choice, we suck in Poyson where we expected Health. And considering how apt we are to disguise our selves, how hard it is to know our own hearts much less anothers, it is not advisable to be too hasty in contracting so important a Relation; before that be done, it were well if we could look into the very Soul of the beloved Person, to discover what resemblance it bears to our own, and in this Society we shall have the best opportunities of doing so. There are no Interests here to serve, no contrivances for another to be a stale to; the Souls of all theReligiouswill be open andfree, and those particular Friendships must be no prejudice to the general Amity. But yet, as in Heav’n that region of perfect Love, the happy Souls (as some are of opinion) now and then step aside from more general Conversations, to entertain themselves with a peculiar Friend; so, in this little emblem of that blessed place, what shou’d hinder, but that two Persons of a sympathizing disposition, themakeandframeof whose Souls bears an exact conformity to each other, and therefore one wou’d think were purposely design’d by Heaven to unite and mix; what shou’d hinder them from entering into an holy combination to watch over each other for Good, to advise, encourage and direct, and to observe the minutest fault in order to its amendment. The truest effect of love being to endeavour the bettering the beloved Person. And therefore nothing is more likely to improveus in Vertue, and advance us to the very highest pitch of Goodness than unfeigned Friendship, which is the most beneficial, as well as the most pleasant thing in the world.
But to hasten; such an Institution will much confirm us in Vertue and help us to persevere to the end, and by that substantial Piety and solid Knowledge we shall here acquire, fit us to propagate Religion when we return into the World. An habitual Practice of Piety for some years will so root and establish us in it, that Religion will become a second Nature, and we must do strange violences to our selves, if after that we dare venture to oppose it. For besides all the other Advantages that Vertue has over Vice, this will disarm it ofCustom, the only thing that recommends it, bravely win its strongest Fort and turn its own Cannon against it self. How almost impossible wou’d it be forher to sin, whoseUnderstandingbeing clearly illuminated with the knowledge of the Truth, is too wise to be impos’d on by those falseRepresentationsthat sin wou’d deceive it with; whoseWillhas found out and united it self to its trueCentre; and having been long habituated to move in arightline, has no temptation to decline to anOblique. WhoseAffectionshave daily regaled on those delicious Fruits of Paradise which Religion presents them with, and are therefore too sublime and refin’d to relish the muddy Pleasures of sensual Delights. It must certainly be a Miracle if such an one relinquish her Glory and Joy; she must be as bad asLuciferhimself, who after such Enjoyments can forsake her Heaven. ’Tis too unreasonable to imagine such an Apostacy, the supposition is monstrous and therefore we may conclude will never, or very rarely happen. And then what a blessed World shou’d wehave, shining with so many stars ofVertue, who not content to be happy themselves alone, for that’s a narrowness of mind too much beneath their God-like temper, would like the glorious Lights of Heaven, or rather like him who made them, diffuse their benign Influences where-ever they come. Having gain’d an entrance into Paradise themselves, they wou’d both shew the way, and invite others to partake of their felicity. Instead of that Froth and Impertinence, that Censure and Pragmaticalness, with which Feminine Conversations so much abound, we should hear their tongues employ’d in making Proselytes to heaven, in running down Vice, in establishing Vertue and proclaiming their Makers Glory. ’Twou’d be more genteel to give and take instructions about the ornaments of the Mind, than to enquire after the Mode; and a Lecture on the Fashionswou’d become as disagreeable as at present any serious discourse is. Not the Follies of the Town, but the Beauties and the Love of JESUS wou’d be the most polite and delicious Entertainments. ’Twould be thought as rude and barbarous to send our Visitors away uninstructed, as our foolishness at present reckons it to introduce a pertinent and useful Conversation. Ladies of Quality wou’d be able to distinguish themselves from their Inferiors, by the blessings they communicated and the good they did. For this is their grand Prerogative, theirdistinguishing Character, that they are plac’d in a condition which makes that which is every onesChiefbusiness, to be theirOnlyemploy. They have nothing to do but to glorifie GOD, and to benefit their Neighbours, and she who does not thus improve her Talent, is more vile and despicable than themeanest Creature that attends her.
And if after so many Spiritual Advantages, it be convenient to mention Temporals, here Heiresses and Persons of Fortune may be kept secure from the rude attempts of designing Men; And she who has more Money than Discretion, need not curse her Stars for being expos’d a prey to bold importunate and rapacious Vultures. She will not here be inveigled and impos’d on, will neither be bought nor sold, nor be forc’d to marry for her own quiet, when she has no inclination to it, but what the being tir’d out with a restless importunity occasions. Or if she be dispos’d to marry, here she may remain in safety till a convenient Match be offer’d by her Friends, and be freed from the danger of a dishonourable one. Modesty requiring that a Woman should not love before Marriage, but only make choice of one whom she can love hereafter; She who has none butinnocent affections, being easily able to fix them where Duty requires.
And though at first I propos’d to my self to speak nothing in particular of the employment of theReligious, yet to give a Specimen how useful they will be to the World, I am now inclin’d to declare, that it is design’d a part of their business shall be to give the best Education to the Children of Persons of Quality, who shall be attended and instructed in lesser Matters by meaner Persons deputed to that Office, but the forming of their minds shall be the particular care of those of their own Rank, who cannot have a more pleasant and useful employment than to exercise and encrease their own knowledge, by instilling it into these young ones, who are most like to profit under such Tutors. For how can their little Pupils forbear to credit them, since they do not decry the World (as others may bethought to do) because they cou’d not enjoy it, but when they had it in their power, were courted and caress’d by it, for very good Reasons and on mature deliberation, thought fit to relinquish and despise its offers for a better choice? Nor are mercenary people on other accounts capable of doing so much good to young Persons; because having often but short views of things themselves, sordid and low Spirits, they are not like to form a generous temper in the minds of the Educated. Doubtless ’twas well consider’d of him, who wou’d not trust the breeding of his Son to a Slave, because nothing great or excellent could be expected from a person of that condition.
And when by the increase of their Revenue, theReligiousare enabled to do such a work of Charity, the Education they design to bestow on the Daughters of Gentlemen who are fallen into decay will be no inconsiderable advantage to the Nation. Forhereby many Souls will be preserv’d from great Dishonours and put in a comfortable way of subsisting, being either receiv’d into the House if they incline to it, or otherwise dispos’d of. It being suppos’d that prudent Men will reckon the endowments they here acquire a sufficientDowry, and that a discreet and vertuous Gentlewoman will make a better Wife than she whose mind is empty tho’ her Purse be full.
But some will say, May not People be good without this confinement? may they not live at large in the World, and yet serve GOD as acceptably as here? ’Tis allow’d they may; truly wise and vertuous Souls will do it by the assistance of GOD’s Grace in despite of all temptations; and I heartily wish that all Women were of this temper. But it is to be consider’d, that there aretenderVertues who need to be screened from the ill Airs of the World: many Persons who hadbegunwell might have gone to the Grave in peace and innocence, had it not been their misfortune to be violently tempted. For those who have honest Hearts have not always the strongest Heads; and sometimes the enticements of the World and the subtil insinuations of such as lie in wait to deceive, may make their Heads giddy, stagger their Resolutions, and overthrow all the fine hopes of a promising beginning. ’Tis fit therefore, such tenderCyonsshou’d be transplanted, that they may be supported by the prop of Vertuous Friendship, and confirm’d in Goodness by holy Examples, which alas! they will not often meet with in the World. And, such is the weakness of humane Nature, bad People are not so apt to be better’d by the Society of the Good, as the Good are to be corrupted by theirs. Since therefore we daily pray against temptation, it cannot be amiss if we take all prudent careto avoid it, and not out of a vain presumption face the danger which GOD may justly permit to overcome us for a due correction of our Pride. It is not impossible for a man to live in an infected House or Town and escape with Life and Health, yet if he have a place in the Country to retire to, he will not make slight of that advantage; and surely the Health of our Souls is of greater consideration than the health of our Bodies. Besides, she has need of an establish’d Vertue and consummated Prudence, who so well understands the great end for which she came into the World, and so faithfully pursues it, that not content to be wise and good her self alone, she endeavours to propagate Wisdom and Piety to all within her Sphere; But neither this Prudence nor heroic Goodness are easily attainable amidst the noise and hurry of the world, we must therefore retire a while from its clamour and importunity,if we generously design to do it good, and having calmly and sedately observ’d and rectify’d what is amiss in our selves, we shall be fitter to promote a Reformation in others. A devout Retirement will not only strengthen and confirm our Souls, that they be not infected by the worlds Corruptions, but likewise so purify and refine them, that they will become Antidotes to expel the Poyson in others, and spread a salutary Air on ev’ry Side.
If any object against a Learned Education, that it will make Women vain and assuming, and instead of correcting encrease their Pride: I grant that a smattering in Learning may, for it has this effect on the Men, none so Dogmatical and so forward to shew their Parts as your littlePretendersto Science. But I wou’d not have the Ladies content themselves with theshew, my desire is, that they shou’d not rest till they obtain theSubstance. And then, shewho is most knowing will be forward to own with the wiseSocratesthat she knows nothing: nothing that is matter of Pride and Ostentation; nothing but what is attended with so much ignorance and imperfection, that it cannot reasonably elate and puff her up. The more she knows, she will be the less subject to talkativeness and its sister Vices, because she discerns, that the most difficult piece of Learning is to know when to use and when to hold ones Tongue, and never to speak but to the purpose.
But the men if they rightly understand their own interest, have no reason to oppose the ingenious Education of the Women, since ’twou’d go a great way towards reclaiming the men, great is the influence we have over them in their Childhood, in which time if a Mother be discreet and knowing as well as devout, she has many opportunities of giving such aFormandSeasonto the tender Mind of the Child, as will shew its good effects thro’ all the stages of his Life. But tho’ you should not allow her capable of doinggood, ’tis certain she may dohurt: If she do notmakethe Child, she has power tomarrhim, by suffering her fondness to get the better of discreet affection. But besides this, a good and prudent Wife wou’d wonderfully work on an ill man; he must be a Brute indeed, who cou’d hold out against all those innocent Arts, those gentle persuasives and obliging methods she wou’d use to reclaim him. Piety is often offensive when it is accompanied with indiscretion; but she who is as Wise as Good, possesses such Charms as can hardly fail of prevailing. Doubtless her Husband is a much happier Man and more likely to abandon all his ill Courses, than he who has none to come home to, but an ignorant, froward and fantastick Creature. An ingeniousConversation will make his life comfortable, and he who can be so well entertain’d at home, needs not run into Temptations in search of Diversions abroad. The only danger is that the Wife be more knowing than the Husband; but if she be ’tis his own fault, since he wants no opportunities of improvement; unless he be a naturalBlock-head, and then such an one will need a wise Woman to govern him, whose prudence will conceal it from publick Observation, and at once both cover and supply his defects. Give me leave therefore to hope, that no Gentleman who has honourable designs, will hence-forward decry Knowledge and Ingenuity in her he would pretend to Honour; If he does, it may serve for a Test to distinguish the feigned and unworthy from the real Lover.
Now who that has a spark of Piety will go about to oppose so Religious a design? What generous Spiritthat has a due regard to the good of Mankind, will not be forward to advance and perfect it? Who will think 500 pounds too much to lay out for the purchase of so much Wisdom and Happiness? Certainly we shou’d not think them too dearly paid for by a much greater Sum, did not our pitiful and sordid Spirits set a much higher value on Money than it deserves. But granting so much of that dear Idol were given away, a person thus bred, will easily make it up by her Frugality & other Vertues; if she bring less, she will not waste so much as others do in superfluous and vain Expences. Nor can I think of any expedient so useful as this to Persons of Quality who are over-stock’d with Children, for thus they may honourably dispose of them without impairing their Estates. Five or six hundred pounds may be easily spar’d with a Daughter, when so many thousands would go deep; and yet as the world goesbe a very inconsiderable Fortune for Ladies of their Birth, neither maintain them in thatPortwhich Custom makes almost necessary, nor procure them an equal Match, those of their own Rank (contrary to the generous custom of theGermans) chusing rather to fill their Coffers than to preserve the purity of their Blood, and therefore think a weighty Bag the best Gentility, preferring a wealthy Upstart before the best Descended and best Qualified Lady; their own Extravagancies perhaps having made it necessary, that they may keep up an empty shadow of Greatness, which is all that remains to shew what their Ancestors have been.
Does any think their Money lost to their Families when ’tis put in here? I will only ask what course they can take to save it, and at once to preserve their Money, their Honour and their Daughters too? Were they sure the Ladies wou’ddie unmarried, I shou’d commend their Thrift, but Experience has too often shewn us the vanity of this expectation. For the poor Lady having past the prime of her Years in Gaity and Company, in running the Circle of all the Vanities of the Town, having spread all her Nets and us’d all her Arts for Conquest, and finding that the Bait fails where she wou’d have it take; and having all this while been so over-careful of her Body, that she had no time to improve her Mind, which therefore affords her no safe retreat, now she meets with Disappointments abroad, and growing every day more and more sensible, that the respect which us’d to be paid her decays as fast as her Beauty; quite terrified with the dreadful Name ofOld Maid, which yet none but Fools will reproach her with, nor any wise Woman be afraid of; to avoid this terribleMormo, and the scoffs that are thrown on superannuatedVirgins, she flies to some dishonourable Match as her last, tho’ much mistaken Refuge, to the disgrace of her Family and her own irreparable Ruin. And now let any Person of Honour tell me, if it were not richly worth some thousand Pounds, to prevent all this mischief, and the having an idle Fellow, and perhaps a race of beggarly Children to hang on him and to provide for?
Cou’d I think of any other Objection I wou’d consider it; there’s nothing indeed which witty Persons may not argueforandagainst, but they who duly weigh the Arguments on both sides, unless they be extreamly prejudiced, will easily discern the great usefulness of this Institution. TheBeauxperhaps, and topping Sparks of the Town will ridicule and laugh at it. For Vertue her self as bright as she is, can’t escape the lash of scurrilous Tongues; the comfort is, whilst they impotently endeavour to throw dirt onher, they are unable to soil her Beauty, and only defile and render themselves the more contemptible. They may therefore if they please, hug themselves in their own dear folly, and enjoy the diversion of their own insipid Jests. She has but little Wisdom and less Vertue, who is to be frighted from what she judges reasonable, by the scoffs and insignificant noises of ludicrous Wits and pert Buffoons. And no wonder that such as they who have nothing to shew for their pretences to Wit, but some scraps of Plays and blustring Non-sense; who fansie a well adjusted Peruke is able to supply their want of Brains, and that to talkmuchis a sign of Ingenuity, tho’t be never so little to the purpose, no wonder that they object against ourProposal: ’Twou’d indeed spoil the Trade of the gay fluttering Fops, who wou’d be at a loss, had they no body as impertinent as themselves to talk with.The Criticism of their Dress wou’d be useless, and the labour of theirValet de Chambrelost, unless they cou’d peaceably lay aside their Rivalling, and one Ass be content to complement and admire another. For the Ladies wou’d have more discernment than to esteem a Man for such Follies as shou’d rather incline them to scorn and despise him. They wou’d never be so sottish as to imagine, that he who regards nothing but his own brutish Appetite, shou’d have any real affection for them, nor ever expect Fidelity from one who is unfaithful to GOD and his own Soul. They wou’d not be so absurd as to suppose, that Man can esteem them who neglects his Maker; for what are all those fine Idolatries, by which he wou’d recommend himself to his pretended Goddess, but mockery and delusion from him who forgets and affronts the true Deity? They wou’d not value themselves on account of theAdmiration of such incompetent Judges, nor consequently make use of those little trifling Arts that are necessary to recommend them to such Admirers; Neither wou’d they give them opportunity to profess themselves their Slaves so long till at last they become their Masters.
What now remains, but to reduce to Practice that which tends so very much to our advantage. Is Charity so dead in the world that none will contribute to the saving their own and their neighbours Souls? Shall we freely expend our Money to purchase Vanity, and often times both present and future Ruin, and find none for such an eminent good Work, which will make the Ages to come arise and call us Blessed? I wou’d fain persuade my self better things, and that I shall one day see thisReligious Retirementhappily setled, and its great designs wisely and vigorously pursu’d; and methinks I have already a Vision of that lustre and glory our Ladies cast far and near; Let me therefore intreat the rest of our Sex, who tho’ at liberty in the world, are the miserable Slaves of their own vile affections, let me intreat them to lay aside their Prejudices andwhatever borders on Envy and Malice, and with impartial eyes to behold the Beauties of ourReligious. The native innocency and unaffectedness of whose Charms, and the unblameable Integrity of their Lives, are abundantly more taking than all the curious Artifices and studied Arts the other can invent to recommend them, even bad men themselves being Judges, who often betray a secret Veneration for that vertue they wou’d seem to despise and endeavour to corrupt. As there is not any thing, no not the least shadow of a motive to recommend Vice but its fashionableness and the being accustom’d to it, so there is nothing at all forbidden in Vertue but her uncouthness. Acquaint your selves with her a little, and you’ll wonder how you cou’d be so foolish as to delight in any thing besides! For you’ll find her Conversation most sweet and obliging; her Precepts most easy and beneficial; her very tasks Joys and her Injunctions the highest Pleasures. She will not rob you of any innocent delight, not engage you to any thing beneath your Birth and Breeding; but will put a new and more grateful relish into all your Enjoyments, and makethem more delicious with her Sweetness. She’ll preserve and augment your Honour, by allying you to the King of Heaven; secure your Grandeur by fixing it on a firm bottom, such as the caprice of Fortune cannot shake or overthrow; she’ll enlarge your Souls, raise them above the common level, and encourage that allowable Pride of Scorning to do a base unworthy action; Make you truly amiable in the eyes of GOD and Man, preserve even the Beauty of your Bodies as long as ’tis possible for such a brittle thing to last, and when it must of necessity decay, impress such a loveliness on your Minds, as will shine thro’ and brighten your very Countenances; enriching you with such a stock of Charms, that Time which devours every other thing, shall never be able to decay: In a word, ’tis Vertue only which can make you truly happy inthisworld as well as in the next.
There is a sort of Bravery and Greatness of Soul, which does more truly ennoble us than the highest Title, and it consists in living up to the dignity of our Natures, being so sensible of our own worth as to think our selves too great to do a degenerate and unbecomingthing; in passing indifferently thro’ Good and Evil Fortune, without being corrupted by the one or deprest by the other. For she that can do so, gives evidence that her Happiness depends not on so mutable a thing as this World; but, in a due subserviency to the Almighty, is bottom’d only on her own great Mind. This is the richest Ornament, and renders a Woman glorious in the lowest Fortune. So shining is real worth, that like a Diamond it loses not its lustre tho’ cast on a Dunghill. Whereas, she who is advanc’d to some eminent Station and wants this natural and solid Greatness, is no better than FortunesMay-game, rendered more conspicuous that she may appear the more contemptible. Let those therefore who value themselves only on external accomplishments, consider how liable they are to decay, and how soon they may be depriv’d of them, and that supposing they shou’d continue, they are but sandy Foundations to build Esteem upon. What a disappointment will it be to a Ladies Admirer as well as to her self, that her Conversation shou’d lose or endanger the Victory her eyes had gain’d! For when the Passionof a Lover is Exchang’d for the Indifference of a Husband, and a frequent review has lessen’d the wonder which her Charms at first had rais’d, she’ll retain no more than such a formal respect as decency and good breeding will require, and perhaps hardly that, but unless he be a very good Man (and indeed the world is not over full of ’em) her worthlesness has made a forfeit of his Affections, which are seldom fixt by any other thing than Veneration and Esteem. Whereas a wise and good Woman is useful and valuable in all Ages and Conditions: she who chiefly attends theone thing needful, thegood part which shall not be taken from her, lives a cheerful and pleasant Life, innocent and sedate, calm and tranquill, and makes a glorious Exit; being translated from the most happy life on Earth, to unspeakable happiness in Heaven; a fresh and fragrant Name embalming her Dust, and extending its Perfume to succeeding Ages. Whilst the Fools, and the worst sort of them the wicked,liveas well asdiein Misery, go out in a snuff, leaving nothing but stench and putrefaction behind them.
To close all, if thisProposalwhich isbut a rough draught and rude Essay, and which might be made much more beautiful by a better Pen, give occasion to wiser heads to improve and perfect it, I have my end. For imperfect as it is, it seems so desirable, that she who drew the Scheme is full of hopes, it will not want kind hands to perform and compleat it. But if it miss of that, it is but a few hours thrown away, and a little labour in vain, which yet will not be lost, if what is here offer’d may serve to express her hearty Good-will, and how much she desires your Improvement, who is
Lettersconcerning the Love of GOD, between the Author of the Proposal to the Ladies, and Mr.John Norris; wherein his late Discourse, shewing that it ought to be intire and Exclusive of all other Loves, is farther clear’d and Justified, 8vo.
Printed forRichard Wilkin.
MADAM,
What was at first address’d to the Ladies inGeneral,as seeming not considerable enough to appear in your Royal Highnesses Presence, not being ill receiv’d by them, and having got the Addition of a Second Part, now presumes on a moreParticularApplication to Her who is the Principal of them,and whose Countenance and Example may reduce to Practice, what it can only Advise and Wish.
And when I consider you Madam as a Princess who is sensible that the Chief Prerogative of the Great is the Power they have of doing more Good than those in an Inferior Station can, I see no cause to fear that your Royal Highness will deny Encouragement to that which has no other Design than the Bettering of the World, especially the most neglected part of it as to all Real Improvement, the Ladies. It is by the Exercise of this Power that Princes become truly Godlike, they are never so Illustrious as when they shine as Lights in the World by an Eminent and Heroic Vertue.A Vertue as much above Commendation as it is above Detraction, which fits equally Silent and Compos’d when Opprest with Praises or Pursu’d with Calumnys, is neither hurt by these nor better’d by the other; for the Service ofGOD,and the Resembling Him, being its only Aim, His Approbation in a soft and inward Whisper, is more than the loudHuzza’sand Plaudits of ten thousand Worlds.
I shall not therefore offend your Royal Ear with the nauseous strain of Dedications; for what can one say, when by how much the more any Person deserves Panegyric, by so much the less they endure it? That your Royal Highness may be All that is truly Great and Good,and have a Confluence of Temporal, Sanctify’d and Crown’d with Spiritual and Eternal Blessings, is the unfeigned and constant desire of