Fundamentals of Nursing 1st Edition

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Fundamentals of Nursing 1st Edition Yoost Test Bank

Chapter 01: Nursing, Theory, and Professional Practice

MULTIPLE CHOICE

1. A group of students are discussing the impact of non-nursing theories in clinical practice. The
students would be correct if they chose which theory to prioritize patient care?
a. Erikson’s Psychosocial Theory
b. Paul’s Critical Thinking Theory
c. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
d. Rosenstock’s Health Belief Model
ANS: C
Maslow’s hierarchy of needs specifies the psychological and physiologic factors that affect
each person’s physical and mental health. The nurse’s understanding of these factors helps
with formulating nursing diagnoses that address the patient’s needs and values to prioritize
care. Erikson’s Psychosocial Theory of Development and Socialization is based on
individuals’ interacting and learning about their world. Nurses use concepts of developmental
theory to critically think in providing care for their patients at various stages of their lives.
Rosenstock (1974) developed the psychological Health Belief Model. The model addresses
possible reasons for why a patient may not comply with recommended health promotion
behaviors. This model is especially useful to nurses as they educate patients.

DIF: Remembering REF: p. 8 | pp. 10-11

OBJ: 1.4 TOP: Planning
MSC: NCLEX Client Needs Category: Safe and Effective Care Environment: Management of Care
NOT: Concepts: Care Coordination

2. A nursing student is preparing study notes from a recent lecture in nursing history. The
student would credit Florence Nightingale for which definition of nursing?
a. The imbalance between the patient and the environment decreases the capacity for
health.
b. The nurse needs to focus on interpersonal processes between nurse and patient.
c. The nurse assists the patient with essential functions toward independence.
d. Human beings are interacting in continuous motion as energy fields.
ANS: A
Florence Nightingale’s (1860) concept of the environment emphasized prevention and clean
air, water, and housing. This theory states that the imbalance between the patient and the
environment decreases the capacity for health and does not allow for conservation of energy.
Hildegard Peplau (1952) focused on the roles played by the nurse and the interpersonal
process between a nurse and a patient. Virginia Henderson described the nurse’s role as
substitutive (doing for the person), supplementary (helping the person), or complementary
(working with the person), with the ultimate goal of independence for the patient. Martha
Rogers (1970) developed the Science of Unitary Human Beings. She stated that human beings
and their environments are interacting in continuous motion as infinite energy fields.

DIF: Understanding REF: p. 7 OBJ: 1.1

TOP: Planning MSC: NCLEX Client Needs Category: Health Promotion and Maintenance
NOT: Concepts: Health Promotion

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3. Which nurse established the American Red Cross during the Civil War?
a. Dorothea Dix
b. Linda Richards
c. Lena Higbee
d. Clara Barton
ANS: D
Clara Barton practiced nursing in the Civil War and established the American Red Cross.
Dorothea Dix was the head of the U.S. Sanitary Commission, which was a forerunner of the
Army Nurse Corps. Linda Richards was America’s first trained nurse, graduating from
Boston’s Women’s Hospital in 1873, and Lena Higbee, superintendent of the U.S. Navy
Nurse Corps, was awarded the Navy Cross in 1918.

DIF: Remembering REF: p. 5 OBJ: 1.3

TOP: Assessment MSC: NCLEX Client Needs Category: Health Promotion and Maintenance
NOT: Concepts: Professionalism

4. The nursing instructor is researching the five proficiencies regarded as essential for students
and professionals. Which organization, if explored by the instructor, would be found to have
added safety as a sixth competency?
a. Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN)
b. Institute of Medicine (IOM)
c. American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN)
d. National League for Nursing (NLN)
ANS: A
The Institute of Medicine report, Health Professions Education: A Bridge to Quality (2003),
outlines five core competencies. These include patient-centered care, interdisciplinary
teamwork, use of evidence-based medicine, quality improvement, and use of information
technology. QSEN added safety as a sixth competency. The Essentials of Baccalaureate
Education for Professional Nursing Practice are provided and updated by the American
Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) (2008). The document offers a framework for the
education of professional nurses with outcomes for students to meet. The National League
for Nursing (NLN) outlines and updates competencies for practical, associate, baccalaureate,
and graduate nursing education programs.

DIF: Remembering REF: p. 17 OBJ: 1.1

TOP: Planning
MSC: NCLEX Client Needs Category: Safe and Effective Care Environment: Management of Care
NOT: Concepts: Care Coordination

5. The nurse manager is interviewing graduate nurses to fill existing staffing vacancies. When
hiring graduate nurses, the nurse manager realizes that they will probably not be considered
“competent” until:
a. They graduate and pass NCLEX.
b. They have worked 2 to 3 years.
c. Their last year of nursing school.
d. They are actually hired.
ANS: B
 Benner’s model identifies five levels of proficiency: novice, advanced beginner, competent,
proficient, and expert. The student nurse progresses from novice to advanced beginner during
nursing school and attains the competent level after approximately 2 to 3 years of work
experience after graduation. To obtain the RN credential, a person must graduate from an
approved school of nursing and pass a state licensing examination called the National Council
Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) usually taken soon after
completion of an approved nursing program.

DIF: Remembering REF: p. 13 OBJ: 1.7

TOP: Planning
MSC: NCLEX Client Needs Category: Safe and Effective Care Environment: Management of Care
NOT: Concepts: Care Coordination

6. The prospective student is considering options for beginning a career in nursing. Which
degree would best match the student’s desire to conduct research at the university level?
a. Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
b. Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
c. Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
d. Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD)
ANS: D
Doctoral nursing education can result in a doctor of philosophy (PhD) degree. This degree
prepares nurses for leadership roles in research, teaching, and administration that are essential
to advancing nursing as a profession. Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs usually
are conducted in a community college setting. The nursing curriculum focuses on adult acute
and chronic disease; maternal/child health; pediatrics; and psychiatric/mental health nursing.
ADN RNs may return to school to earn a bachelor’s degree or higher in an RN-to-BSN or
RN-to-MSN program. Bachelor’s degree programs include community health and
management courses beyond those provided in an associate degree program. A newer
practice-focused doctoral degree is the doctor of nursing practice (DNP), which concentrates
on the clinical aspects of nursing. DNP specialties include the four advanced practice roles of
NP, CNS, CNM, and CRNA.

DIF: Remembering REF: pp. 15-16 OBJ: 1.8

TOP: Assessment
MSC: NCLEX Client Needs Category: Safe and Effective Care Environment: Management of Care
NOT: Concepts: Care Coordination

7. During a staff meeting, the nurse manager announces that the hospital will be seeking Magnet
status. In order to explain the requirements for this award, the nurse manager will contact the:
a. American Nurses Association (ANA).
b. American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
c. National League for Nursing (NLN).
d. Joint Commission.
ANS: B
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receiving in return a very interesting letter from Mrs Ramsay, expressing
her approbation of my work, and inclosing a bill of ten dollars. Before
my eyes failed, I had sent out a subscription paper; but afterward, the
idea that I never should be able to complete the compilation, induced me
to drop it; and I was obliged to publish the work almost entirely at my
own expense. The printers were in low circumstances, and required
payment before I could dispose of the books. I was therefore obliged to
borrow a sum of money to defray the expenses of the work, which, as it
was printed on very good paper, were large, and I derived but little profit
from my labor.
My next publication was the third edition of my View of Religions, to
which I made the addition of a hundred pages. The Rev. Mr Freeman,
who continued his kind attentions, made the bargain for me with the
printer, by which I was entitled to receive five hundred dollars in yearly
payments, for an edition of two thousand copies. This relieved me from
the embarrassments in which I was involved by printing my History of
New England at my own expense. As my eyes still continued too weak
to engage in any new laborious work, I determined to wait till a large
part of my History of New England was sold; and then, if my life
continued, to abridge it for the use of schools.
In the meantime, however, I set about writing a concise View of the
Christian Religion, selected from the writings of eminent laymen. I wrote
with difficulty, as my eyes were still very weak; but I wished to exert
myself as much as possible to be useful, and to gain a subsistence.
Though attention to religious controversy had led me to feel undecided
on some disputed points, of which perhaps Christians of equal piety form
different opinions, my conviction of the truth of divine revelation,
instead of being weakened by all my researches, was strengthened and
confirmed; and I wished to make a public declaration of my sentiments
on this important subject. I found it difficult to procure proper materials
for the work, as I was utterly unable to purchase books. A considerable
part of this compilation, as well as the additions to the third edition of
my View of Religions, was written in booksellers’ shops. I went to make
visits in Boston, in order to consult books in this way, which it was
impossible for me to buy, or borrow. I desire, however, to recognise with
gratitude the attention of my kind father, who took pains that I should
have the benefit of all books which he could procure, and assisted me
greatly in disposing of my works. When I had completed my
compilation, I found the printers and booksellers unwilling to purchase
the copy, because much had been written on the subject, and these
publications were unsaleable. At length, in 1804, I agreed with a printer
to execute the work, upon the small consideration of receiving only one
hundred dollars in books.
The tenor of my life at this time was very monotonous. It was
enlivened, however, by gleams of happiness, from the society of a few
friends, and the pleasure I derived from literary pursuits; and, by my
convictions of the truth of that religion, to the examination of which I
had devoted so much of my time. My eyes still continued very weak, and
I wrote under the apprehension of being reduced to a state that would
preclude all application to study. A considerable part of my History of
New England being now disposed of, my only resource appeared to be to
abridge that work for the use of schools. The profit I hoped to derive
from this compilation seemed to me to constitute all I had to depend
upon in future, if my life should be spared. While I entertained these
hopes, in which I was made sanguine by my knowledge of the success
with which books for schools had been printed, can it be a subject of
blame, or reproach, to a person in my situation, that I felt extremely
grieved, and hurt, when I found my design anticipated by a reverend
gentleman, whose calling, and indefatigable industry, are highly
respectable? The difference between us was left to referees, who
sustained a high reputation for ability, and sound judgment, extensive
information, and moral excellence. I was satisfied with their decision.
But I was reduced to the painful task of writing on the subject; for,
though I took this measure with extreme reluctance, my opponent left me
no other alternative. I sincerely hope the painful affair may never be
recalled to his prejudice.
 CHAPTER IV.
Notwithstanding the little profit, and various discouragements I had
experienced in writing for the press, as I was entirely dependent upon my
own exertions for a support, I was resolved to persevere. I had now
acquired a number of valuable friends, to whose generous exertions in
my favor I was deeply indebted. By several of them, I was enabled to put
my abridgment of the History of New England to the press. I was
however unfortunate in this, as well as my other compilations. The
printer failed while it was in the press, which deprived me of the profit I
expected to derive from it. Two years afterwards, I published a new
edition. A similar misfortune befel me in this second attempt to avail
myself of my labors.
But though my productions were far from being profitable, and I had
frequent interruptions in my studies from ill health, and bad eyes, I still
had my share of enjoyment. I hoped my works might be useful, and I
was highly gratified by their candid reception by the public.
I next chose a subject in which I thought it probable that I should not
meet with any interference. I formed the design of writing the History of
the Jews, though I was sensible that it would require much reading, and
that I must wander through a dreary wilderness, unenlivened by one spot
of verdure. My curiosity was strongly excited, and I determined to
persevere in my attempt to investigate the fate of this wonderful people. I
began the introduction with their state under the Persian monarchy, after
their restoration from the Babylonish captivity. The standard works for
this History were Josephus, and Basnage, the latter of whom brings his
narrative down only to the 19th century. After this period, I was obliged
to compile from desultory publications and manuscripts. I had at this
time the privilege of corresponding with the celebrated Gregoire, who
had attained great celebrity for the conspicuous part he acted during the
French Revolution, and exerted all his energy in the first constitutional
assembly to procure the rights of citizens for the Jews. He had the
goodness to send me some writings in their favor, which increased the
interest I felt in this oppressed people.
Previously to concluding this gloomy detail of the difficulties I
encountered, while writing for the press, I would first notice, that I was
obliged to exert myself to the utmost to overcome my natural timidity,
and accommodate myself to my situation. After the age and infirmities of
my father prevented him from assisting me, as he had formerly done, in
selling and exchanging the copies of my work, I was necessitated to
exert myself in doing business out of the female line, which exposed me
to public notice. And as I could not but be sensible that my manners
were remarkably awkward, this consciousness, joined with my ignorance
of the established rules of propriety, rendered me tremblingly
apprehensive of exposing myself to ridicule. These unpleasant feelings,
however, in time abated. In order to meet this trial, I considered, that
what is right and necessary in the situation in which Providence has
placed me, cannot be really improper; and though my acting upon this
principle may have exposed me to the censure, or ridicule of those,
whose ideas upon the subject are derived from the varying modes of
fashion, and not from the unchanging laws of moral rectitude, it saved
me from a feeling which would have been infinitely more painful, that of
self-reproach. My objects were, to obtain the approbation of my own
heart, and the esteem of a few friends whose opinion I most highly
prized, and I was comparatively indifferent to the censure or ridicule of
the world in general.
In the life of Mrs Charlotte Smith it is pertly remarked, that the
‘penalties and discouragements attending authors in general fall upon
woman with double weight. To the curiosity of the idle, and the envy of
the malicious, their sex affords a peculiar excitement. Arraigned not
merely as writers, but as women, their characters, their conduct, and
even their personal endowments, become the object of severe inquisition.
From the common allowances claimed by the species, literary women
appear only to be exempted.’
Though I have been too insignificant, and treated with too much
candor, fully to realize the above remarks, yet I have been in a situation
deeply to feel the trials which attend literary pursuits. At length I saw old
age approaching, without any provision for it, when if my life was
spared, I should be incapable of exerting myself; and my mind was at
times depressed by this gloomy prospect.
 CHAPTER V.
While I was compiling my History of the Jews, I boarded in Dedham.
I was here honored with the friendship, and received the kind offices of
Mr Dowse, his lady, and her sister,[1] and more pecuniary favors than I
have ever experienced from any other individuals. Whenever I visited
this happy family, I was received with the utmost cordiality; and I desire
publicly to express my grateful sense of their goodness.
[1] Mrs Shaw, who allowed Miss Adams one hundred dollars a year, for
twenty-five years, paid to her quarterly, by Josiah Quincy, Esq.

While writing my History, my eyes, which, since I had first injured

them, have been occasionally troublesome, failed to that degree, that I
was induced again to go to Boston to consult Dr Jeffries, in the hope,
that, by attending to his directions, I might finish my work. During this
visit at Boston, I received the unexpected intelligence, that a number of
benevolent gentlemen had settled an annuity upon me, to relieve me
from the embarrassments I had hitherto suffered. The Hon. Josiah
Quincy, Stephen Higginson, Esq. and William Shaw, Esq. were some of
its first promoters. This providential interference excited my most lively
gratitude to my generous benefactors, and I hope I sensibly felt my deep
obligation to the source of all good.
My generous friends could hardly appreciate the extent of the benefit
they conferred upon me. I had not been able to make any provision for
my declining years, and had not a place on earth which I could call my
home. My spirits were depressed by my destitute circumstances, and I
am persuaded that under Providence, the generosity of my friends was
the means of prolonging my life.
I had now attained a condition more eligible than my most sanguine
wishes could ever have led me to anticipate. If in early life I could have
enjoyed the literary advantages I now possessed, I should have thought it
the height of earthly happiness. But I was now too far advanced in life to
profit by the advantages I had gained. However, I was grateful, and
happy. My friend William Shaw, Esq. gave me the liberty of frequenting
the Atheneum. Amidst that large and valuable collection of books, I
found an inexhaustible source of information and entertainment; and
among other advantages, I found a few literary friends, in whose
conversation I enjoyed ‘the feast of reason and the flow of soul.’ Among
the many blessings I was favored with, I shall ever highly appreciate the
acquaintance and friendship of the late Rev. Mr Buckminster, in whom I
contemplated with admiration the rare union of intellectual, moral, and
religious excellence; of a powerful mind with extensive information, and
a feeling heart enlivened by devotion. He was admired for his
distinguished abilities and learning by all who knew him; but the
peculiar traits of benevolence, nobleness of mind, sincerity and
sweetness of temper, which adorned his character, could only be duly
appreciated by those who were honored with his friendship.
Mr Buckminster was so kind as to give me the use of his large and
valuable library, which was of great advantage to me in compiling my
History of the Jews. In my efforts to complete the work, I was
encouraged and animated by his participating in the interest I felt in this
extraordinary people. Though entering into the details of the sufferings
of the persecuted Jewish Nation, yet the enthusiasm Mr Buckminster
inspired, and the pleasure of conversing with him upon a subject with
which he was intimately acquainted, rendered the time I was writing my
History one of the happiest periods of my life. I completed my work in
1812, a few months before his death.
In the year 1812 I sustained a severe affliction, by the sudden death of
Mr Buckminster. Amidst the large number who lamented his death, I
believe there was none (except his near relations) who felt more
distressed than myself. I desire, however, to be grateful to divine
Providence for the privilege of his acquaintance and friendship.
While my feelings were deeply susceptible from the recent wound
they had received by the death of Mr Buckminster, I went to Medfield to
visit my aged father, with the hope that I might do something to
administer to his comfort, and in this way soothe my own grief. But
while I was with him, he was seized with a complaint which put a period
to his life. Though from his age, and infirmities, I had been often led to
anticipate this event, I found it very trying when I actually realized it. He
had been a very kind parent to me, and though he could not bestow any
property upon me, he was very solicitous to aid me as far as he could. He
was a great assistant to me both in procuring books, and in disposing of
my works. During the last years of his life, he was assiduously engaged
in studying the sacred Scriptures, with the assistance of all the
commentaries he could procure. In the funeral sermon preached upon his
death, the Rev. Dr Prentiss observes, ‘He was ever strongly attached to
the society of literary and serious people, particularly of the clergy, with
a number of whom he kept up a friendly intercourse. There is reason to
believe, that by his exertions for many years he contributed in no small
degree to the diffusion of knowledge and piety, and to the advancement
of the cause of Christ.’ My father’s love of books continued till the last.
He read, and heard reading, on the day on which he expired. My
residence in Boston enabled me to procure books for his perusal, and it
afforded me great pleasure to be thus permitted to gratify my honored
parent.
When, after the death of my father, I returned to Boston, my mind was
depressed with my recent losses. But I was sensible that I was still
favored with many inestimable privileges. Mr Buckminster had been so
kind as to introduce me to a number of his acquaintances, who treated
me with that genuine kindness which is the essence of true politeness.
Among the number of those excellent friends, to whom Mr
Buckminster was so kind as to introduce me, I would particularly
recognise Mrs Dearborn, and Mrs Winthrop, who shone in the circles of
polished life, and adorned their eminent stations by their engaging
manners, and highly cultivated minds; and still more, by their christian
virtues. They were blessings to those around them; and for a course of
years favored me with their attention, and kind offices. When they were
removed by death to a higher state of existence, I deeply mourned the
heavy and irreparable loss I sustained.
While deeply indebted to the bounty of my dear and honored friends, I
wished to pursue my literary occupations with as much diligence as my
health would permit. But in the decline of life, I was so far debilitated by
repeated fevers, at small intervals from each other, that I was unable to
write for the press. At length, I so far recovered, as to resume a work I
had formerly begun, upon the New Testament, which I designed to be
much larger than it is; but my advanced age induced me only to publish a
little book, entitled, ‘Letters on the Gospels,’ which has passed through
two editions.
I have already mentioned the perplexity and embarrassment of my
mind, while writing my View of Religions. After removing to Boston,
and residing in that city while the disputes upon Unitarian sentiments
were warmly agitated, I read all that came in my way upon both sides of
the question; and carefully examined the New Testament, with, I think, a
sincere and ardent desire to know the truth. I deeply felt the difficulties
upon both sides of the question; yet prevailingly give the preference to
that class of Unitarians, who adopt the highest idea of the greatness and
dignity of the Son of God. I never arrived to that degree of decision that
some have attained on that subject. In this, and every other disputable
subject, I would adopt the following lines;

If I am right, thy grace impart

Still in the right to stay;
If I am wrong, O teach my heart,
To find the better way.
 NOTICES
IN CONTINUATION.
BY A FRIEND.

NOTICES.
Those who have been favored with a personal knowledge of the
Author of the short Memoir contained in this book, will read it with the
deepest interest; and perhaps to them it may seem almost superfluous to
say more of her. But Miss Adams’s works have circulated far beyond the
sphere in which she moved, and there are many who are desirous of
knowing her, as she was appreciated by others, and not by her own
estimate. Such would be poorly satisfied with the short sketch she has
given of herself, though her friends must ever value it as a parting
legacy.
The ‘timidity of early years’ followed Miss Adams through life; and,
even when surrounded by intimate friends, it never wholly forsook her. It
was a sensitiveness that sprung from deep feeling, and a diffidence that
was the result of genuine humility. This often operated unfavorably upon
her manners, and produced an awkwardness, of which she was painfully
conscious. But there were times when the warmth of her heart, and the
cultivation of her mind, gave an enthusiasm and eloquence to her
language, that astonished those who listened to her. At such times, her
countenance lost its usual calm placidity, and glowed with an animation
that rendered it highly interesting. There was indeed a wonderful
singularity in her appearance. In the circles of polished life to which she
was often courted, there was nothing like her. In the circles of humble
life, she was equally unassuming, and equally peculiar. No one could see
her, without feeling that she was not of this world. It is possible that part
of this timidity might have arisen from the seclusion of early years. But it
is certain, that no culture, or discipline, could have formed her manners
to the standard of easy and fashionable life. She sometimes observed, ‘I
know I am very awkward; I never could learn to make a curtsey.’ But it
must not be supposed that there was in her any want of gentleness, or
propriety. Her disinterested and affectionate disposition made her, in
reality, all that the most calculating would desire to appear.
The simplicity, and often the abstractedness of Miss Adams’ manner,
led many to suppose that her talents were confined to the subjects on
which she wrote. Some considered her as a walking dictionary of
‘Religious Opinions.’ Others viewed her merely as an ‘Abridgment of
the History of New England.’ And many said, ‘if you want to know Miss
Adams, you must talk to her about the Jews.’ And this last was, indeed, a
subject that always called forth the energy of her mind. She had
faithfully studied their history, and she venerated the antiquity of their
origin. Her inquiring mind was deeply interested by their ‘wonderful
destination, peculiar habits, and religious rites.’ She felt for them as a
suffering and persecuted people; and she felt yet more, when she
considered them as a standing monument of that religion, which she
regarded as the first and best of God’s gifts to men. It was the long
contemplation of this chosen race that induced her, amidst all the
obstacles that were in her way, to write their history. It was an arduous
labor. Yet her work is a proof, that, in this ‘barren wilderness she found
many a spot of verdure.’ But those who viewed her merely in relation to
her literary works, knew her but imperfectly. With her extreme
simplicity, there was an uncommon depth of observation, and an intuitive
knowledge of character. She was often in circles where her timidity kept
her almost wholly silent, and where she hardly seemed to be even a
spectator. But her subsequent remarks would show how accurately she
had observed, and how nicely she had discriminated. In speaking of a
lady of her acquaintance, she said, ‘I value and admire her, but I can
never be easy with her. She is so kind, and so condescending, that I can
see she never forgets I am a poor awkward old woman.’ At another time,
when deploring the loss of a young lady, whose fine talents had made her
the delight of her friends, ‘and yet,’ she said, ‘she died at the best time.
Her powers were brilliant, and beautiful, but they were exhausting to
herself; and had she lived, she would have faded before she reached her
prime.’ Her mind was habitually cheerful, and her cheerfulness was
much increased by her sensibility to the works of nature. She looked
upon every object with the eye of a poet, and forgot her infirmities, and
even her diffidence, as she described her emotions. On visiting her sister,
who resided in the country, after having been confined to her chamber, in
the city through the winter, ‘it seemed to me,’ said she, ‘as if the world
was just created.’ No one could exclaim with more feeling and truth,

‘I care not, fortune, what you me deny,

You cannot rob me of free nature’s grace,
You cannot bar the windows of the sky,
Through which Aurora shows her brightening face.’

There is but little doubt, that, had she given way to the natural
temperament of her mind, which was enthusiastic and romantic, she
might have been a poet. But her duties, and her lot, led her into a
different path of life. In her youth, however, she occasionally listened to
the inspiration of the muses; and though she never set any value on these
productions, they discover much excellent thought, and a high tone of
feeling.
The want of early advantages, to which Miss Adams so feelingly
alludes in her memoirs, ought not to be forgotten, nor the difficulties
through which she struggled. Her attendance upon any school was
extremely uncertain, and often interrupted by her feeble health. Added to
this, the schools of a country village are not often of the highest class.
Even the elementary parts of education are much neglected in them. ‘I
never,’ said she, ‘was taught how to hold my pen.’
There is nothing that more strikingly denotes the progress of literature
in this part of the country, than the attention which is at present paid to
female education. There are few branches, if any, in which boys are
instructed, which are not now equally open to girls. Not many years ago,
however, the test of a good school rested principally upon the exhibitions
made of hand-writing, spelling, and arithmetic. Grammar, it is true, was
professedly taught, but in a manner that conveyed few ideas to the pupil.
To get the longest lessons, and to be at the head of the class, constituted
the best scholar. By degrees, parsing, in its simplest forms, was
introduced, to aid the knowledge of grammar. Composition, geography
and history followed; and the education of girls began to assume a more
respectable standing. Yet even at this period, our village school-master
much resembled Goldsmith’s, of whom,

‘The village all declared how much he knew;

 ’Twas certain he could write and cipher too.’

It was at such schools as these that Miss Adams received her early
education. Her ardent thirst for knowledge, however, and her industry
and perseverance enabled her, in maturer life, to make uncommon
acquirements. Yet she always felt, and regretted, the want of more
thorough, and systematic instruction. Her father entered into trade as a
desperate resource from the weariness of an agricultural life, for which
he had no taste. He was plundered, and cheated by the man, whom he
engaged to carry on his farm; and as he had plunged into all the
transactions of a country trader, dealing in books and drugs, English and
West India goods, through all came vexation and disappointment, and a
total failure ensued. A large proportion of his books were left on his
hands, and afforded to Miss Adams great facilities for reading. Her
father, too, happily for her, had encouraged in her a taste congenial to his
own; and her mind became cultivated, and embued with knowledge,
almost without her own consciousness of the progress she was making.
However unpropitious to her were the pecuniary disappointments of her
father’s life, they seem to have exerted a favorable influence on her
mind. Resort was had also, at this time, to the receiving of several
boarders into the family; and from these she acquired the knowledge of
Greek and Latin. Of this knowledge, she tells us she availed herself, for
fitting three young men for College; and for Mr P. Clark, one of her
pupils, mentioned in her memoirs, she retained through life the warmest
regard. He married a friend of hers; and ‘this,’ said she, ‘was the only
match I ever had any hand in making.’ Of her mother, she always spoke
with enthusiastic reverence; and though only eleven years of age when
she died, she retained a perfect recollection of her. Mrs Adams was
married at fifteen, and died at the age of thirty three, leaving three girls
and two boys. Her short life seems to have been filled with usefulness;
and the following epitaph, written by an Episcopal clergyman, who was
a particular friend, and constant visitor of the family, may still be traced
on her humble grave stone, should any descendant of ‘Old Mortality’
chance to wander to the spot.

‘Beneath this monument of love and truth,

Rear’d by fair gratitude’s persuasive call,
Rest the remains of innocence, and youth;
 Esteem’d, lamented, and beloved by all.
Fond of retirement, and of rural ease,
Her sober wishes never loved to stray.
Heaven was her aim, her study, how to please,
And carefully improve each fleeting day;
To worth, a friend; a parent to the poor.
Such was the woman! could the saint be more?’

After the death of her mother, the care of Hannah, and of a younger
sister, devolved on Elizabeth, who was the oldest daughter. They now
lived in great retirement; and one of Miss Adams’s early employments
was, weaving lace with bobbins on a cushion. In referring to this, she
afterwards pleasantly observed, that, ‘it was much more profitable than
writing books.’ This manner of life, with her desultory habits of reading,
gave a romantic and enthusiastic turn to her mind, which was never
essentially changed either by time or circumstances.
Miss Adams’s heart was however peculiarly alive to the ties of natural
affection. She deeply felt the death of an aunt, who had shown for her
maternal tenderness. But as long as her sister Elizabeth lived, she had, to
use her own words, a friend, a counsellor, and guide. ‘There was,’ she
said, ‘but one heart between us; and I used sometimes to tell my sister, in
the overflowing of my affection, that I could bear to lose everything if
she was spared to me; but, if she were taken away, I should surely die!’
Yet this calamitous event took place; and Miss Adams lived to prove, as
many others have done, that there is, in the day of sorrow, a strength
imparted beyond human fortitude. The health of this beloved sister was
declining for nearly two years; and it was, during that time, one of her
constant objects, to fortify Miss Adams’s mind for an event, that she felt
was near, and which she feared would be overwhelming. It however
gradually approached, and brought no terrors to herself. She was calm,
and resigned; constantly expressing her ‘entire submission to the Divine
will, and laying all her burden at the foot of the cross.’ There were no
enthusiastic flights, nor was there any unnatural exaltation of mind in her
views of death. Though in the bloom of youth and with an ardent
enjoyment of life, she met the event like a Christian. Hers was a
philosophy which was formed and nurtured by religion.
‘For years after my sister’s death,’ said Miss Adams, ‘it was a struggle
to live.’ Her health was extremely feeble, her heart she believed broken,
and poverty pressed heavily upon her. There were times, indeed, when
she felt as if she had not even a home. Her father had made over his
house and property to a son, with whom he and his other children
continued to live; but as this son was married, and his family was
increasing, notwithstanding his paternal kindness, Miss Adams felt, and
could not but feel, as if she was a burden upon her brother. This was the
most trying period of her life, and it was always recollected by her with
strong emotion.
The first effort of her pen, after her sister’s death, produced some lines
on that subject. They seem to be the very breathings of her heart, and are
thrown together almost without form; yet a few extracts from them will
best show the state of her mind.

‘The first attachment of my earliest years,

Ere yet I knew to feel the attractive force
Of sacred friendship, was my love to her.
Our minds expanding, each succeeding year
Heightened our mutual friendship. Not a joy
Ere touched my soul, but when she shared a part.
When pierced with sorrow, her all cheering smile
Could give me comfort. Well she knew to bear
Life’s adverse scenes with calm, undaunted mind,
And placid resignation. Grace divine
Illumed her soul, and stamp’d its features there.

The best of friends! Oh, how my bleeding heart

Recalls her tender love! Of self unmindful,
For me she seemed to live; forever kind.
Forever studious to promote my good.
“She was my guide, my friend, my earthly all;”
Heaven’s choicest blessing. Not a single thought
Could lurk in close disguise. I knew to trust
This much loved sister with my inmost soul.
 And must I lose her! While unkind disease
Threatened a life so dear, my trembling heart
Sunk in o’erwhelming wo. Could prayers, or tears.
Could sleepless nights, or agonizing days,
And all the care of fond officious love
Avert thy fate,—sister, thou still hadst lived.’

Many expressions of her deep feeling on this subject might be

extracted from her papers; and to her immediate friends, they are
precious records of a sorrow stricken, and resigned spirit. But the
friendship of these two sisters was such as ‘strangers intermeddle not
with.’ The death of this sister seemed to be the dissolution of a tie, like
that which occasioned the exclamation of David in his beautiful
lamentation over Jonathan, ‘Thy love to me was wonderful, passing the
love of women.’
That Miss Adams drew her support from religion under this calamity,
her manuscripts very clearly show. She employed herself, when unable
to compose, in making extracts from the Scriptures, which she applied to
her particular state of mind. These she arranged in a little book, and
preserved till her death.
In her memoirs, she alludes to a small circle of females that had
gradually been drawn together from the neighboring towns, by a
similarity of taste and situation; and in this circle she found great
enjoyment. In after years, her imagination probably exaggerated their
merit. Yet she retained many proofs that they were not of an ordinary
stamp. In speaking of this knot of friends, Miss Adams, said, ‘they were
all poor, and most of them good-looking,’ and then added, with her usual
simplicity, ‘I had the fewest attractions of any of them.’
Nor was Miss Adams’s pen at this time idle. The powers of her mind
were early appreciated by her young associates; or, perhaps, it is more
just to say, that they obtained that influence, which, however unclaimed,
is stamped upon superior intellect. Mind is created to rule. Wealth, and
all merely outward distinctions are thrown into obscurity, when brought
in competition with mental power. This is strikingly exemplified in
public and professional strife; and, though more minutely, yet hardly less
obviously, in the miniature circle of private life. Miss Adams, with all
her humility, and her retiring modesty, was the casuist of her youthful
friends. A number of her papers that remain, prove how often she was
resorted to by her companions in cases of opinion; and the publication of
a few of these, it is believed, cannot be wholly uninteresting to those
who knew her in later life.
One of her young friends put to her this interrogative. Ought mankind
to be respected for their personal worth alone, abstracted from all
accidental causes?
To this question Miss Adams replied.
‘Mankind ought primarily to be respected for their personal worth; yet
if accidental causes make that worth appear more conspicuous, it may
increase our esteem, which still is founded on personal worth in
proportion as it appears. The more we see of virtue, the more it ought to
attract our love and admiration. Virtue becomes visible only by its
effects. The diamond we value for its intrinsic worth. But when it is
polished and set, its essential beauty appears more refulgent. So external
accomplishments, and accidental causes, set forth the original beauty of
virtue, and serve to heighten its charms. There are particular
circumstances in which every virtue will shine with peculiar lustre. For
instance, humility has intrinsic excellence. But it appears most attractive
in those who are placed in affluent circumstances, and are surrounded by
pomp and splendor. Fortitude, also, is an excellent quality of the mind.
But suffering and adversity must bring it forth. Persons who have
performed eminent services for their country are worthy of greater honor,
than those who have remained in private life with equal worth. I
conclude, therefore, that mankind ought to be esteemed for their personal
worth, as it is rendered conspicuous by accidental causes.’
Another question proposed was, whether virtue ought not to be
regarded as its own reward, without any reference to a future state of
happiness, or misery?
To this she replied, ‘A regularity of conduct is for the interest of all,
even were their prospects terminated by the enjoyments of this life. We
cannot doubt that the virtuous Seneca enjoyed more happiness than
Nero, his cruel and tyrannical master. So far as inward peace of
conscience depends on virtue, it is its own reward. But we do not find
that its ends are commensurate with its exertions. Honest industry does
not always bring even a moderate support. It therefore appears evident to
me, that there would not be sufficient reward for, nor consequently
sufficient excitement to, the sacrifices which virtue requires, without the
hope of a future life. God, by the influences of his spirit, brings home the
truths of the Gospel upon the mind, and makes them the spring of new,
and right principles. Hence Divine Revelation informs us, “by his own
will begat he us by the word of truth.” If we look for nothing beyond the
grave, too many will say, “what advantageth it me?” Dr Doddridge
observes, “there are some sufferings of flesh and blood, to which good
men for conscience’ sake have been exposed, so extreme, that without
some extraordinary support from God, it would be really impossible that
the pleasures of a rational thought should be enjoyed by them.” Such
support must arise from a view of a future state, and from a conviction
that afflictions are but for a moment, and are “working out for them a far
more exceeding, even an eternal weight of glory.” Not that I mean to say,
we are to expect Heaven as a reward for our virtue, independent of the
free grace of God. But he has promised a glorious inheritance to those
who do well, and this ought to stimulate men to the greatest industry in
his service. Love to God is the great principle of christian virtue.’
On another occasion she was applied to by a friend, who was placed in
an embarrassing situation, for her sentiments on the subject of forming a
connexion, without mutual attachment.
The following observations are extracted from her reply.
‘It has been readily allowed, that marriage, without great congeniality,
must render a person of sensibility extremely wretched. Novel writers
have general urged the impropriety of this connexion from this motive.
But as this life is only a passport to a better, the principal objection ought
to arise from a nobler source.
‘Both religion and morality require that there should be a conformity
between our words and actions; and, that in both we should always be
entirely true. Now when two people marry, they virtually and publicly
declare, that they prefer each other to all the world. If that preference be
wanting, this declaration is a capital breach of sincerity. It is the
declaration of an untruth before Heaven and earth.
‘The least deviation from truth, in this one capital point, imposes a
kind of necessity to practise continual dissimulation. Having exhibited to
the world the strongest proof of a peculiar, and individual affection,
honor and reputation render it of consequence to keep up the deception.
By doing this, however, the delicacy of moral feeling must be
continually wearing away. And what will be the happiness of married life
under circumstances like these?
 ‘The attention which a husband and wife have a right to expect from
each other, must originate in a decided preference of each other; else the
indifference of one of the parties may effectually destroy that happiness,
which they had bound themselves by the most sacred obligations to
promote.
‘But even this continual dissimulation, which is highly injurious to the
moral character, and extremely painful to an ingenuous mind, will be
wholly unavailing for its end. True love is of so delicate a nature, that it
can never be satisfied with anything short of love in return; and it is of a
power so penetrating, that, by its own light, it sees into the heart of the
person beloved. Its primary object is to possess the heart. “Not the
warmest expressions of affection, or the most fervent protestations, are
able to give any satisfaction, where we are not persuaded the affection is
real, and the satisfaction mutual.

“All these possessed are nought, but as they are

The proofs, the substance of an inward passion
And the rich plunder of a taken heart.”’

The first edition of Miss Adams’s View of Religion was published

before her sister’s death, and partly transcribed by this sister. The second
was begun as soon after this afflicting event took place, as she could
collect resolution to engage in it. Those who knew her might indeed
wonder that any motive could at any time be powerful enough to induce
her to publish a book. Her humility, her diffidence, and her total
ignorance of business, seemed to present insurmountable obstacles. It
was necessary, however, that she should earn a subsistence in some way.
She had tried various methods. Making lace, during the war, had been
one of the most lucrative employments. But home-made lace could only
be tolerated, when no other could be procured; and as soon as
importation become easy, it sunk into total disuse. Spinning, weaving,
and braiding straw were by turns tried. But all afforded her only a scanty
subsistence. Her eyes were weak, and often so much inflamed that she
could not use them. Her general health also was extremely feeble, and
her mind depressed by present evil, and harassed by distressing fears for
the future. ‘It was desperation, therefore, and not vanity,’ said she, ‘that
induced me to publish.’ Her memoirs mention the disappointment she
experienced in the profits of her first edition. When about publishing a
second, it was necessary to pay a few shillings for the further security of
the copy-right; and this sum, though so small, she was obliged to borrow
from a friend. On the subject of poverty, she always spoke with great
feeling. She had early in life been brought up in indulgence; and poverty
had come upon her at an age, when the sensibility of the heart are most
alive. There can hardly, indeed, be a suffering more acute to a feeling
mind, that has experienced the pleasure of bestowing, than to find its
means of benevolence cut off, and all its powers necessarily turned into a
weary, wasting struggle for self-preservation. ‘And yet,’ she said, ‘I had
then enjoyments, of which the rich have no idea. When I had any work
brought in that would enable me to earn a few shillings, by which I
might buy paper, or any articles of stationary, I engaged in writing with
an interest that beguiled the monotony of my life.’ After the second
edition of her book was published, she kept a school for the summer
months for successive years; and, though in this employment she
experienced the usual difficulties of school-keeping in the country, it
was, upon the whole, a source of happiness. As the schools were in the
neighboring towns, she resided among the parents of the children by
turns; and her intelligent and acute mind often derived amusement, and
profit, from these occasional residences. She treasured up many pleasant
little anecdotes, that marked the habits and manners of the families in
which she then lived, many of which retained much of the primitive
simplicity of their forefathers.
One anecdote may not be unacceptable. She passed several months in
the family of a respectable farmer, whose turn it was to receive the
school-mistress. His wife was a pattern of frugal, industrious
management; yet not devoid of that desire of appearing ‘decent,’ which
was manifested by the Vicar of Wakefield’s wife before her. The usual
dress of females in the country at that period, when engaged in domestic
employments, was the ‘short russet kyrtle,’ confined at the waist by a
home-spun checked apron. This was the costume of the mistress of the
family. The year Miss Adams resided there had been one of uncommon
prosperity. The crops were abundant, and many little luxuries had been
added to the household establishment. With injunctions of secrecy, the
good woman informed her guest, that, if the next year also should prove
to be as prosperous, she intended to wear long calico gowns!
Miss Adams remarked, that these early scenes often recurred to her
mind, amidst the wealth and splendor she witnessed in later life; and the
impressions of both were heightened by the contrast.
 That her sensibility was a source of pain, as well as of happiness,
cannot be doubted. She censured herself severely for moments of
irritation, and felt the keenest self-reproach for what might be truly
called the infirmity of her nature. That she perfectly understood her
weaknesses, and moral exposures, and guarded in her heart the avenues
to temptation, the following resolutions, found among her papers, are a
sufficient proof.

SERIOUS RESOLUTIONS.

I resolve to read the Bible more attentively, and diligently, and to be

constant and fervent in prayer for divine illumination and direction.
2d. To read less from curiosity, and a desire to acquire worldly
knowledge, and more for the regulation of my heart and life;
consequently, to have my reading less desultory, and to read more books
of practical divinity.
3d. In choosing my friends and companions, to have a greater regard
to religious characters than I have hitherto had.
4th. To avoid such company as has a tendency to unsettle my mind
respecting religious opinions.
5th. To endeavor to preserve a firm reliance on Divine Providence,
and to avoid all unreasonable worldly care and anxiety.
6th. To pray and guard against loving my friends with that ardent
attachment, and that implicit reliance upon them, which is incompatible
with supreme love to, and trust in, God alone.
7th. To endeavor to attain a spirit of forgiveness towards my enemies,
and to banish from my mind all those feelings of resentment, which are
incompatible with the spirit of the gospel.
For a number of years, no incidents occurred in the life of Miss Adams
which claim peculiar notice. It is a long road, with only here and there a
milestone. She continued to write, but on subjects not at all congenial
with her own taste. She was enthusiastic, and a great lover of poetry and
fiction; but on these subjects she distrusted herself, and made it her
constant study to accommodate her mind to common life. Her History of
New England is evidence of her perseverance in this purpose, as that
work was undertaken soon after the second edition of her ‘View of
Religious Opinions.’