Page:Advice to young ladies on their duties and conduct in life - Arthur - 1849.djvu/28

20 is right or wrong in her conduct, and mode of thinking and living, at this period. The habits of order and study which existed while at school were not properly her own, for they were merely the result of obedience to laws prescribed by others; but now, acting in freedom, whatever she does is from herself, and stamps itself permanently upon the impressible substance of her forming character. If she, from natural indolence, sink into idleness and self-indulgence, she will be in danger of forming a habit that will go with her through life; but if, from a sense of duty to herself and others, she still occupy all her time, and all the powers of her mind, in doing or acquiring something, she will gradually gain strength and force of character, as her mind expands, and take, as a woman, in a few years, a woman’s true position of active use in her appropriate sphere.

Up to the time of her leaving school, a young girl may be excused for acting from either impulse or obedience. But now she must begin to think, and her wisest thoughts will be on the subject of life and its requirements. If she do not think now, and act from an enlightened reason, let her be well assured that the time will come when she will be compelled to think; but alas! when thought will avail but little in