Practical Hints from a Father to His Daughter
William Sprague,
PREFACE
The following work was originally designed to be preserved in manuscript, as a legacy to a motherless child. The circumstances which have resulted in its being given to the world, it is unnecessary to state. The author has only to add his earnest prayer that it may be read with some degree of advantage by young girls into whose hands it may chance to fall; and especially by those whom the righteous providence of God has deprived of the benefit of maternal care and instruction.
The following pages contain one of the most practical and truly valuable treatises on the culture and discipline of the female mind, which has hitherto been published.
There is surely no judicious American parent who would not rejoice in the possession of this unpretending work, not merely as a lesson of wisdom for a beloved daughter on entering the unattempted trials of life, but as an invaluable monitor to the adult ear.
The subject is a serious one to a reflecting mind, and the writer has dwelt upon it in seriousness — yet it is seldom indeed that anyone has succeeded so well in exciting and sustaining the deepest interest of the reader.
'Practical Hints from a Father to His Daughter' is a work that we can most sincerely recommend to the perusal of every parent and every daughter in our country! And it is our earnest hope and belief that it will produce a beneficial influence upon the character of the rising generation.
Introduction'
Independence of Mind'
Forming the Manners'
Conversation'
Amusements'
Interaction with the World'
Practical Religion'
Self-Knowledge'
Self-Government'
Improvement of Time'
Preparation for Death'
Early Friendships'
Marriage'
Forming Religious Sentiments'
Proper mode of treating Religious Error'
Education, general directions'
General Reading'
Education, various branches'