fancy, romantic expectations, nervous affec
tions, acute sensibility. Women physically con-
structed for retirement. Their unfitness for
public business. Reflections on the reigns of Q
Mary I. Elizabeth, Mary Queen of Scots,
Mary II. and Anne. Their domestic sub-
jection. Happiness in domestic life, their
security from many vices: Intemperance, pro-
faneness, cruelty, ambition; dangerous ex-
tremes of anger.
Passive virtues the most

difficult and glorious. Women most disposed

for piety.

LETTER III.

P. $331

J

CHANGE OF MANNERS IN THE MIDDLE CLASSES.

Comparison of past and present manners. The

greatest change is in the middle orders; much
of which is ascribable to female vanity. In-
stanced in entertainments, furniture, dress, em-
ployments, arrangements. Pleas of promoting
business, and introducing the family to good
connexions, proved to be futile. Misery and
guilt of extravagance. Needless expense is un-
genteel. Awkwardness of vulgar finery. A re-
spectable character may be more cheaply pur-
chased. Slavery of a life of pleasure, and of
a citizen's Sunday retirement. Luxury injurious

to trade and morals. The views of different
ranks, in regard to expenditure, should be dif
ferent. Effect of the conduct of the middle
orders upon the lower. The vital part of
society dreadfully injured by extravagance and
luxury

LETTER IV.

P. 195

ABSURDITIES AND LICENTIOUSNESS AMONG
WOMEN OF FASHION.

Prevalence of democratical notions. Folly of birth
and greatness in sanctioning such errors, and
courting mobs. Responsibility of every kind
of eminence; which is a great blessing when
well applied, Misery of mere selfish enjoyment..
The great are now strongly tempted to vanity
and expense by competition: pre-eminence in
these is impossible: some seek pre-eminence in
vice. False apologies for vicious conduct. The
alarming contagion of bad example in exalted
stations. Female profligates in high life with-
out excuse, as they are placed above temptation.
Nothing so much degrades the great in the eyes
of their inferiors as vice. Bad effects of lost
characters being countenanced by the virtuous.
True penitence ever wishes for retirement. Un-

(

remitting pursuit of amusement endangers inno-
cence, diminishes pleasure, destroys conjugal
affection. Dangerous custom of cicisbeos: ma-
tronly flirts. Rage for education. Its excesses
considered in accomplishments, occupations,
and morals. Loose ideas respecting honesty
and punctuality in payment. Ruin of great
families draws with it many dangerous con-
sequences. Frugality necessary to benevolence.
Confined views among people of fashion re-
specting the value of their inferiors. Occasional
mixture between different ranks on terms of
respectful intercourse recommended. Luke-
warmness in religion too general among the
higher circles.

LETTER V.

P. 337

ON RELIGIOUS KNOWLEDGE, AND THE PECULIAR

NOTION OF CALVIN.

Our ancestors excelled us in religious knowledge,
which they thought the basis of education. Dif-
ficulty of acquiring it afterwards. The converts
of reason likely to be mere controversialists.
Religion is strengthened by the assaults of her
enemies. Danger of a scientific preceding a
religious education. Faith should never be sepa-
rated from morals. Religious inquiries should

be bounded by judgment as to their limit and
nature. Office of reason. Necessity of divine
revelation: its authenticity. Choice of the
persuasions into which the Christian world is
divided. Duty of church communion. The
church of God has always been proved by
sufferings. Religious disputes are her present
trials. Guilt of those who foment them, though
they have benefited the cause of pure chris-
tianity. Obligations to obedience to the national
church. Her apostolical constitution, regard
to ancient usages, moderation, as legally esta-
blished in this kingdom. Women should know
not only the general outline of christianity, but
the distinguishing doctrines of the church to
which they belong. Considerations on the
charge of Calvinism urged against our original
church. Proof of what it is from Calvin's
Works: these opinions contrasted with our
articles, liturgy, and the history of that period.
Consequences of teaching Calvinism as Chris-
tianity. Necessity of submitting to our spiritual
rulers.

The Church of England enjoins piety, seriousness, and humility: Insists on the independence of her ministers. Toleration different from religious liberty, considered as christians. Itierance from our parish church. Methodistical excuse of edification considered. The topics of Gospel preachers discussed. Imputed righteousness of Christ. Filthiness of good works. Total imbecility and depravity of men. Christ hath done all for sinners. Typical and allegorical allusions. Sensible influences of the holy