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ration as an inſult to our underſtanding? Are we not endued with the ſame capability of acquiring learning as a man? Are we not equally docile, and ſhall we not be equally improved? If every female feels this ſaying as I do, they would be ſtimulated to prove it abſurd and falſe; they would apply themſelves more to ſtudy, and convince the world, that a Smith can write as well as a Cumberland—a Robinſon or Inchbald as correct as a Burgoyne. I need not add more to convince my dear Harriot of the utility of learning. I hope ſhe will make herſelf miſtreſs of her own language, before ſhe attempts to learn another; for it is too often the caſe, that a young lady will begin French before ſhe knows Engliſh; and young gentleman as frequently begin Latin before, they can read the Bible; in like manner, Greek before they are acquainted with the Latin Rudiments; the fatal conſequence is, that when they leave their ſtudies, they are ignorant of all. I hope to ſurpriſe my dear Harriot ſhortly, by paying her an unexpected viſit, and giving her an agreeable preſent, to prove myſelf,
From a Tradeſmon to his Son, at School.
My dear William,
As you are now arrived to an age of diſcernment, I hope you will not miſpend the moſt precious part of your life, and neglect thoſe neceſſary means which moſt qualify you to
