Christian literature for children; Women -- Social and moral questions; Young women -- Conduct of life
This position will be confirmed by a view of the influence of woman on
the condition of Society. If this be at all extensive, then we must
infer that her Creator intended she should be thoroughly educated; that
her moral and intellectual powers should be fully developed; that the
spirit should not be subject to, but reign over, and that with entire
supremacy, the outward and perishable form.
But, is it not true, that civilization, refinement, and the manners and
habits of society, depend much on her character? In Christian lands, and
beneath our own observation, we can see that it is so. Mark the nation,
the city, the village, where order, purity and the social virtues in
general, prevail. What is there the female character? We hazard nothing
in the reply, that it is elevated, accomplished, and pure. The coarse
jest, the impure expression, the subtle inuendo,--poisoning the more
surely and deeply, by its very obscureness,--where are these tolerated?
Where woman maintains the high rank of her sex? No! for she has but to
frown on such improprieties, and steadily, and on all occasions, to
discountenance them, and they are banished from the social circle. Let
her influence, in this regard, be correct, let it be mild and gentle,
yet always decided, and there is no passion so rude, nor any proneness
to an outbreaking of temper, or to a violation of the courtesies of
life, which she cannot, and does not, restrain.
The influence of woman on the Intellectual condition of the world, is by
no means small, or unimportant. How many of our best literary
productions are from her pen. Science owes much to her. Galvani
acknowledged himself much indebted to his wife, for aid in those
investigations which led to the discovery of the science that bears his
name. Miss Herschel, sister of the distinguished astronomer, received a
gold medal from the Astronomical Society in London, in praise of her
contributions to their great work. In how many Seminaries of learning
has woman been the chief instrument in forming the minds of the youth,
not only of her own but of both sexes. Who has not marked, that where a
taste for reading and mental cultivation is found, there the female sex
is usually intelligent, educated, and refined. It follows indeed
naturally, that a well trained intellect will discover itself in the
intercourse of society, and that it will impart a tone to its familiar
associates. She who reads much and profitably, will converse upon the
subjects that have occupied her thoughts. This will incite others to
imitate her course; and pride is sufficient,--were no higher motive
awakened,--to induce man to make himself at least the companion and
equal of her who thus laudably cultivates the nobler part of her nature.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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