Analysis Of 'The Approbation' By Jocelin Elizabeth

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Jocelin Elizabeth (1596-1622) was an educated female author in Early Modern England. As she had a foreboding of dying in childbirth or not surviving it, she wrote The Mothers Legacie during her pregnancy, addressing her husband but mainly her unborn child, giving him or her directives and advises on education, mainly through the practice of religion. First, we can find in this edition The Approbation, a text written by the chaplain to the archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Goad, who was the one finding her manuscript and, impressed by its very pious and wise content, took the initiative to publish it as an example to all (despite the fact that Elizabeth did not wish for her letter to be public). In his text which serves as a sort of preface, …show more content…

To become a good Christian should be the child's priority : to be thankful for her/his life, to never expect more, to be generous to others and to never fall into evil. From then, she has listed thirteen “charges” or advises, the first being to “Remember thy Creator in the days of thy youth”, implying that serving God from an early age is a crucial condition to deserve His protection. Meditation in the morning on the mercies of God, devil and one's own weakness as well as in the evening must be a most respected routine and must be performed alone, using Doctor Smiths prayers. Attending public prayers is also important. If a sin was ever committed, she begs him to immediately repent so that God may forgive through confession (she says that the sooner the better as one cannot escape or hide from God). Elizabeth also insists heavily on the sin of idleness as well as “pride in attire”: she or he must avoid extravagant fashion which “deform and transform” what God has already created perfect and equal for all. Following fashion trends is a sign of vanity which she knows to be a great temptation for children and young adults who strive to be like their friends or better than them. A well-dressed woman is not necessarily a wise and religious woman and this she also asks her child to be careful

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