On the subject of promoting the external accomplishments of her scholars, it became a question how far Mrs. Graham was to countenance them in their attendance on public balls—­to what length it was proper for her to go so as to meet the received opinions of the world in these concerns.  She consulted with her pious friends, and wrote to Lady Glenorchy on the subject.  Her ladyship’s letter in reply is so excellent that the serious reader will be gratified with its insertion.

“BARNTON, December 27, 1781.

“DEAR MADAM—­I received your letter last week, and also one some time ago from Mrs. Walker, in which she desired me to send you my sentiments upon the alteration you had made, and still thought of making, upon your plan.

“I have since endeavored to consider, with all the attention of which I am at present capable, the arguments that may be brought on both sides of the question; and with regard to the first point, the practisings, I will frankly own, that could you send your young ladies to one where girls only are admitted, I should more readily yield my opinion of the matter to those Christians who have advised you to it.  But as I learn that it is a promiscuous dance of boys and girls, I must in conscience say that I look upon such a meeting to be as pernicious in its effects upon the minds of young people, as balls and public assemblies on persons of riper years.  When you mentioned the subject to me first, I thought it had been a practising of girls only, else I should then have given you my sentiments fully upon that head.

“As to the reading of plays, or any part of them, to your young people, I must own, it does not appear to me to be expedient; it may be productive of bad consequences, and the good arising from it is, at most, uncertain.  It is, no doubt, very desirable to enlarge young people’s minds and improve their taste as well as their persons; but such is the state of things in this world, that to attain this to the degree wished for by every person of refined taste, some things must be sacrificed of much greater value:  for example, a girl cannot acquire the smart, polished air of a person of fashion, without imbibing too much of the spirit of the world. Vanity and emulation must be awakened and cultivated in the heart, before she will apply herself with diligence to outward accomplishments; nor can her mind and taste be much improved in polite literature, without losing its relish for simple truth.  I grant you, there are a few Christians in the world who have acquired the outward accomplishments of it, and have, by grace, been enabled to turn these to good account—­who, like the Israelites, having spoiled the Egyptians, have made use of their jewels in adorning the tabernacle; but this can never serve as an argument on your side of the question.  If the Lord sees fit to manifest his power and grace by plucking a brand from the burning, this is no reason why children should be initiated into the ways of sin and folly, in hopes that some time or other he will bring them out.  We are never to do evil that good may come; and this brings the question to a short issue.