SECTION VI. 549. and the elegancies of entertainment. Sarah 'made ready three measures of meal and kneaded it, and made cakes upon the hearth ; Gen. xvüi. 6. And the women of Israel that were wise hearted; did spin with their hands, both blue and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen, for the tabernacle; Exod. xxxv. 25. Women shall bake your bread ; Lev. xxvi. 16. Women sew pillows and make kerchiefs ; Ezek. xiii. 18. which words, though perhaps they are a metaphor in that text, yet denote the office or work of women. And Dorcas made coats and garments for the poor; Acts ix. 36, 39. I might cite many ancient heathen authors to prove the same thing among the Greeks and Romans; if it were needful. Some of these things are the constant labours and cares of women in our day, whereby they maintain themselves ; the most laborious parts of them belong to the poor. And it is the opinion of the best judges, that, even in superior and wealthy circum- stances, every daughter should be so far instructed in them as to know when they are performed aright, that the servant may not usurp too much power, and impose on the ignorance of the mis tress. Nature and providence seem to have designed these offices for the sex in all ages and in all nations, because while the men are engaged in harder and more robust labours; and are often cal- led abroad on business, the women are more generally accus- tomed to keep house and dwell at home; and the word of God, as well as the custom of human life recommends it ; Tit. ii. 5. 1 Tim. v. 14. SECT. VI. Rules of Prudence. ALL children should have some instruction given them in the conduct of human l fe, some necessary rules of' prudence, by which they may regulate the management of their own affairs, and their behaviour towards their fellow - creatures. Where all other sorts of knowledge are conferred upon children, if this be wanting, they make but a contemptible figure in the world, and plunge themselves into many inconveniences. Sonic of these rules of prudence are of a general nature, and neces- sary at all times, and upon all occasions ; others are more parti- cular, and proper to be used according to the various occurrences of life. If I were to enquire what are the foundations of human prudence, I should rank them under these three heads. 1. A knowledge of ourselves. Here every one should ba taught to consider within himself, what is my temper and natural inclination ; what are my most powerful appetites and my pre- vailing passions ; what are my chief talents and capacities, if I have any at all ; what are the weaknesses and follies to which I am most liable, especially in the days of youth ; what are the temptations and dangers that attend me ; what are my circuit- al má r
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