Occupations > Frugal housewife

160 HINTS TO PERSONS OF
then let them calmly ask themselves whether
• we are in no danger, in depai-ting thus rapidly i
from the simplicity and industry of our fore- ]
fathers.
Nations do not plunge at once into ruin— f
governments do not change suddenly—the ]
causes which bring about the final blow arc ;
scarcely perceptible in the beginning ; but i
they increase in numbers and in power; j
they press harder and harder upon the
energies and virtue of a people ; and the
last steps only are alarmingly hurried and j
irregular. A nation without industry, eco- |
nomy, and integrity, is Samson shorn of his '
locks. A luxurious and idle nation ! Look j
at the phrase !—the words were never made
to be married together ; every body sees it
would be death to one of them.
And are not we becoming luxurious and
idle ? Look at our steam-boats and stages,
and taverns ! There you will find traders,
who have left debts and employment to take
care of themselves, while they go to take a
peep at the theatres, or the opera dancers.
There you will find domestics all agog for
their wages-worth of travelling ; why should
they look out for “ a rainy day ?” There
are hospitals enough to provide for them in
sickness ; and as for marrying, they have no
idea of that, till they can find a man who
will support them genteely. There you will
find mothers, who have left the children at ‘