gether; and, I think, that the obſervation may fairly be extended to the other ſex, till the natural inference is drawn which I have had in view throughout—that to improve both ſexes they ought, not only in private families, but in public ſchools, to be educated together. If marriage be the cement of ſociety, mankind ſhould all be educated after the ſame model, or the intercourſe of the ſexes will never deſerve the name of fellowſhip, nor will women ever fulfil the peculiar duties of their ſex, till they become enlightened citizens, till they become free by being enabled to earn their own ſubſiſtence, independent of men; in the ſame manner, I mean, to prevent miſconſtruction, as one man is independent of another. Nay, marriage will never be held ſacred till women, by being brought up with men, are prepared to be their companions rather than their miſtreſſes; for the mean doublings of cunning will ever render them contemptible, whilſt oppreſſion renders them timid. So convinced am I of this truth, that I will venture to predict that virtue will never prevail in ſociety till the virtues of both ſexes are founded on reaſon; and, till the affections common to both are allowed to gain their due ſtrength by the diſcharge of mutual duties.
Were boys and girls permitted to purſue the ſame ſtudies together, thoſe graceful decencies might early be inculcated which produce modeſty without thoſe ſexual diſtinctions that taint the mind. Leſſons of politeneſs, and that formulary of decorum, which treads on the heels of falſehood, would be rendered uſeleſs by habitual pro-
