In addition to the foregoing, we should deem ourselves guilty of the sin of omission, were we not to insert the very excellent moral hints to female servants, written by the Rev. H. G. Watkins, in furtherance of the views of the London Society, for the improvement and encouragement of female servants.
[We have great pleasure in mentioning this society, the object of which is, to promote the moral and religious improvement of female servants.
The society bestows annual rewards, on those who are duly nominated, to encourage them to view their employers as their friends, to be correct and trust-worthy in their conduct, and to continue as long as possible in the same service.
To prevent, also, the hazard to good servants of resorting to common Register Offices, a Registry is instituted, to which—cooks, house-maids, and nurses, wanting situations, who have lived two years in one service—servants of all work who have lived one year in their last place—and young women above sixteen, who have never been in service—may apply, without any expense whatever.
Plans of the institution, and rules of the registry, may be had gratis, at the society’s house, No. 110, Hatton Garden, where attendance is given on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays only, from ten o’clock to four.]
Though much of this address is applicable to servants of both sexes, yet, it is for the assistance of domestic female servants, that such plain advice is here offered, as, it is hoped, may be found useful in the direction of their conduct, and for the promotion of their comfort. As many servants cannot enjoy the daily counsel of their parents, we endeavor to supply their place, by entering into more particulars, in the way of caution and advice, than we otherwise should have thought it right to do.
When young persons first enter upon service, they should be thankful to God if they have obtained a situation where they may be instructed in those domestic duties which are to be the business of their lives. They ought also to be very thankful, and very submissive, to those who will take the trouble to teach them. Such cannot shew their gratitude in a better way than by continuing, as long as possible, in their first service. Endeavour, during this season, to remember, by thinking often upon, every direction you receive. This will prevent the trouble and vexation of often repeating to you the same thing—a circumstance which frequently makes even good mistresses fretful, and occasions many changes of places and servants.—Habituate yourself, as much as possible, to every kind of domestic service; it will make you to be more generally useful, and less likely to be long unengaged. Here may be hinted, the great importance to your character, of lodging, when out of place, with only respectable persons. Avoid sauntering in the street, especially in the evening, and ask your way, not from those who are passing, but at a shop.
Make it your daily study and concern in all things to maintain an unblemished character. You may then always hope to find a new situation, if you need one, through the medium of your last mistress, or your own friends; for very good employers, or very good servants, seldom need apply to common Register Offices. It is a fact well ascertained, that many females, totally unconscious of their danger, have been hired from such offices, as servants, by keepers of infamous houses, for no other actual purpose than that of seduction, or prostitution! Many decent looking, but wicked women, are employed, even in the streets, to find out, and strongly recommend, young girls to places as servants. By this horrible deceit, many artless females are unawares drawn into disgrace, disease, and hasty death!
In your application at any time for a new service, express yourself with frankness and sincerity on every point of enquiry—Avoid the error of requiring too high wages—many good situations have been lost through it. Do not undertake a service to which you are not competent. It is no disgrace not to know every thing; but it is dishonest to say you can do things which are beyond your capacity.
It is really important to your good here and hereafter, to stipulate for attending public worship once at least on every Sabbath-day. A good mistress, who wishes to keep a good servant, will afford other and better opportunities for seeing your friends. Sunday pleasures, in which there is generally a sad mixture of company, put a young woman in the highway of danger—and of ruin!