In the preceding chapter I have endeavored to give a general idea of
education, as I understand and use the term. In this I have shown that
no small part of the great work of education devolves, in the best
circumstances--and much more in circumstances which are unfavorable--
upon the daughter. I have shown that her whole life is a state of
preparation, indeed--but also, in some measure, a state of reward.

You perceive your own character and happiness, for time and for
eternity, to be placed, in no small degree and measure, in your own
hands--the efforts of parents, friends and teachers to the contrary
notwithstanding. You perceive the formation of that character, by the
combined efforts of your parents and others and yourself, to constitute
the work of your education. You perceive yourself capable--at least I
hope you do--of everlasting progress; of approaching the great source
of Light, and Truth, and Knowledge, and Excellence, forever and ever,
though without the possibility of attaining it. You perceive that,
though allied on the one side to the dust you tread on, you are allied
on the other side to heaven; that though connected by ties of
consanguinity to the worm you are also connected, or may be, with
angels and archangels, and cherubim and seraphim, in the glorious work
of unceasing progress upward toward the throne of God. Will you not,
then, hail with joy, every effort of every being who would assist your
spirit in its upward flight?

To educate yourself--to make progress--to ascend toward the Eternal
Throne,--you must know yourself--the laws within and without you--your
relations, by means of those laws, to other things and other beings--
your powers, your capacities, your prerogatives. You must, moreover,
know how to govern yourself in accordance with your knowledge.