Letters to Persons Who Are Engaged in Domestic Service

by Catharine Esther Beecher

this purpose, that I should like so much myself, and therefore I have used the word in writing to you. But if there was any other that I thought you would like better, I certainly would use it.

But remember, my friends, that Jesus Christ, the Lord of Glory, “took upon him the form of a servant,” and he it was that washed his disciples’ feet, to show them that they must not feel above doing the humblest of all duties. And the word “minister,” means the same as “servant,” and this was the name taken by the Apostles of Christ.

And we shall never be fully prepared for Heaven, till we have that humble spirit, which can be contented to see others raised above us, and to take whatever name and place belongs to us. The Bible teaches, that even in Heaven, there are different grades of intellect and greatness, and this is the time of probation, when we are to learn that submissive and humble spirit, which will prepare us to go to a world, where forever, there must be many far above us in knowledge, honour and power. Do not therefore indulge such feelings of pride about the

name, and duties of your station, but honour yourselves by walking in the footsteps of Jesus Christ.

In regard to all the trials that are to be met in your situation in life, it is wisest to look at the matter in this light. There is no situation where you can go, in which you will not find some disagreeable things to try your patience, and tempt you to complain and be discontented. Therefore, it is best to make up your mind, that you will first do all you can to remedy what troubles you meet, and after that, determine to be quiet and content with your lot.

It is very unwise to be roving from one family to another. It is very much for your interest to stay in one place and become interested in the family, and to make them all feel that you are a steady, and tried, and faithful friend. I know many domestics, who have become so much attached to the family where they have long lived, that no money would tempt them to leave. They seem to feel that all that interests the family belongs to them. They share the joys, the sorrows, and the hopes of the family, and are loved and trusted by all, as

kind and faithful friends, while every thing reasonable is done to make them comfortable and contented.

And I would advise every domestic to seek a place where she will be willing to stay for life, if she does not get a home of her own. And when she has found such a place, she should try, by her faithful services, and affectionate kindness, to make herself so necessary to the comfort of the family, that they will all feel that they cannot part with her, and will do all in their power to make her comfortable and happy.

There is one word of advice I would offer to domestics who do change their places, and that is, never to retail the private concerns of the family they leave. A great deal of trouble and ill will in society, is made by the scandal that is propagated by domestics, who go from one family to another. This ought not so to be. We have no right to talk about the faults of other persons, unless we can do some good by it. This the golden rule forbids; for we know we should not be willing to have our faults retailed about and talked over to strangers, and

what we are not willing to have done to us, we should not do to others.