200
Daughters of God
seem to consider it entirely optional ... whether or not their daughter
is educated to be independent and self-supporting. She usually learns
little at school which can be put to practical use in earning her daily
bread, [
This was written in 1877, when few girls acquired any higher
education.
] and receiving no instruction at home in the mysteries of
the kitchen and domestic life, she grows up utterly useless, a burden
upon her parents....
A woman who has been taught to take care of herself is also fitted
to take care of others. She will never be a drug [a drag or burden] in
the family or in society. When fortune frowns, there will be a place
for her somewhere, a place where she can earn an honest living, and
assist those who are dependent upon her. Woman should be trained
to some business whereby she can gain a livelihood if necessary.
Passing over other honorable employments, every girl should learn
to take charge of the domestic affairs of home, should be a cook, a
housekeeper, a seamstress. She should understand all those things
which it is necessary that the mistress of a house should know, whether
her family is rich or poor. Then, if reverses come, she is prepared for
any emergency; she is, in a manner, independent of circumstances.—
The Health Reformer, December 1, 1877
.
The child, the mere undisciplined immature schoolgirl, the Miss,
dependent upon the discretion of parents and guardians, has no reason
to listen to anything like courtship or marriage. She should decline all
special attentions which would have the least likelihood to lead to any
such results, and devote herself intently to making herself as perfect
a woman as possible, that her life may be useful, and learn a trade
that she will have employment and be independent.—
Testimonies on
Sexual Behavior, Adultery, and Divorce, 21
(1880).
All, Even Women, Should Learn a Trade
[214]
All to Educate Themselves to Industrious Habits—The custom
of supporting men and women in idleness by private gifts or church
money encourages them in wrong habits. This course should be
conscientiously avoided. Every man, woman, and child should be
educated to practical, useful work. All should learn some trade. It may
be tentmaking, it may be some other business, but all should be trained
to use their powers to some purpose. And God is ready to increase