A Directory for the female-sex being a father's advice to his daughter : wherein all young ones (especially those of that sex) are directed how they may obtain the greatest beauty, and adorn themselves with a holy conversation.

A Directory for the Female-Sex : BEING A Father's Advice to his Daughter :

Wherein all Young Ones ( especially those of that Sex ) are directed how they may obtain the greatest Beauty , and Adorn themselves with a Holy Conversation .

DEar child , These words which briefly I declare , Let them not hang like Jewels in thine Ear ; But in the Secret Closet of thy Heart Lock them up safe , that they may ne'er depart . Give first to God the flower of thy Youth . Take Scripture for thy Guide , that word of Truth : Adorn thy Soul with Grace ; prize Wisdom more Then all the Pearls upon the Indian Shore . Think not to live still free from Grief and Sorrow ; That man that laughs to day , may weep to morrow . Nor dream of Joys unmixed , here below ; No Roses here , but what on Thorns do grow . Scorn this deluding World , that most bewitches ; And place thy hopes in Everlasting Riches . Make room for Christ ; Let not so base a Guest As Earth , have any Lodging in thy Brest . Bad Company ( as deadly Poyson ) shun ; Thousands by that are Ruin'd and Undone . The giddy Multitude still goes astray ; Turn from the Road , and choose the Narrow way . Keep Death and Judgment always in thine Eye ; None's fit to live , but who are fit to die , Make use of present time , because thou must Shortly take up thy Lodging in the Dust : 't is dreadful to behold the Setting Sun , And Night approaching , ere our work be done . Let not thy winged days be spent in vain ; When gone , no Gold will call them back again . Strive to subdue thy sin , when first beginning ; Custom ( when once confirm'd ) is strangely winning Be much in Prayer ; it is the begging Trade By which true Christians are the Richest made . Of Meditation get the blessed art ; And often search thy own deceitful heart . Fret not with Envy at thy Neighbours Wealth , Preferment , Learning , Beauty , Strength , or Health Abhor the Lying Tongue : vile Fraud detest ; Plain-hearted men by Providence are blest . Take heed of Idleness , the cursed Nurse And Mother of all Vice : There 's nothing worse . And fly from Pride : High Hills are barren found ; But lowly Valleys with choice Fruits are crown'd . Short sinful Pleasures and Delights , eschew ; Eternal Torment is their Wages due . The Rules of Temperance observe and keep ; That thou offend not in Meat Drink , or Sleep . Nor costly Garments wear ; Let men admire Thy Person , rather then thy rich Attire . Get a good Treasure laid up in thy heart , Which by discourse thou wisely may'st impart To profit others : Holy Thoughts within Will guide thy Tongue , and guard thy Lips from sin ? Learn to distinguish between faithful Friends , And fawning Flatterers ; which for base Ends Will speak thee fair , in words as soft as Oyl , And make a shew of Friendship , to beguile . The Secrets of thy Friend do not disclose ; Lest by so doing , thou resemble those Whose Ears are leaking Vessels ; which contain Nothing but what pour'd in , runs out again Straight at their mouths , proclaiming them unfit For any Trust , and to be void of Wit . If thou resolve to change a single Life , And hast a Purpose to become a Wife ; Then chuse thy Husband not for worldly gain , Nor for his comely Shape , nor Beauty vain : If Money make the Match , or Lust impure , Both Bride and Bridegroom shall to weep be sure : But if the fear of God most excellent , Be chiefly minded , look for true Content . Cast off all needless and distrustful Care : A little is enough ; too much , a Snare . Our Journey from our Cradle to our Grave , Can be but short ; no large Provision crave . For such Conven'encies as must be had , Trust in that God who hath so richly clad The laughing Meadows with fresh silver show'rs , Sent down to nurse up tender Plants and Flow'rs : He for each chirping Bird provides a Nest , And gives all Creatures that which feeds them best . To Him give thanks for Mercy which before Thou hast receiv'd , and that makes way for more . For Faults , before his Face reprove thy Friend ; But all good Deeds behind his Back commend . Labour for Peace ; choose to contend with None ; Let Reason , with sweet Calmness , keep the Throne ; Treading fierce Wrath and lawless Passion down : The Grace of Meekness is a Womans Crown . Be Loving , Patient , Courteous and Kind ; So doing thou shalt Praise and Honour find Here upon Earth ; and when All-conqu'ring Death Thy Body shall Dissolve , and stop thy Breath ; Upon the Golden Wings of Faith and Love , Thy Soul shall fly to Paradice above ; ( Where Sin and Sorrow shall for ever cease ) And there be crown'd with Endless Joy and Peace