FEMALE INFLUENCE.
Christianity a bond of union. Why woman was created. Her influence
on Society; on Intellectual Culture. Madame Galvani. Miss
Herschel. The Mother's Influence. Bonaparte's Remark. Alfred the
Great. Influence on Society. Home friendly to piety and virtue.
Man's Temptations. The plea of Eve. Fraternal and Sisterly
Influence. The Mother's sway over her Children. Woman's Political
Influence. The Christian Religion. The Church. Religious
Education. Benevolent Enterprizes. The Minister of Legislative
Beneficence. Responsibilities correspond to Influence. Madame de
Stael's description of Society in Paris. Woman by Nature a
Teacher. Domestic Claims. Patriotism. The women in the French
Revolution. A Family in the West. Claims of Religion.
Christianity was designed for the benefit of all classes of mankind.
There are none so high that it cannot raise them still higher; and none
so low, as to escape its kindly notice and fostering influences. It
unites in one fraternal bond, all who bear the impress of God. As a
social religion, breaking down every wall of partition, and bringing the
whole race into fellowship, its fundamental principle is, "We are
members one of another;"--"No man liveth unto himself alone."
If we consider the influence of woman, on the Social, Intellectual,
Moral, and Religious condition of the world, we shall find abundant
reasons for giving a prominent place, in all counsels and instructions
addressed to the public, to her spiritual necessities.
Let me here premise, that, in dwelling on this topic, I should revolt at
the thought of administering to a vain, self-complacent spirit. It is
mournful, it is humiliating to know, as we do, that the incense of
adulation has been offered up to this sex, from the most selfish and
unworthy motives, and in commendation of qualities which a true woman
will regard as her lowest praise, mere personal attractions. Was it for
this that the beneficent Author of nature called her into being? Does
she answer the purpose of her existence by submitting to be the toy of
man? Has God breathed into her an immortal principle, to bestow its best
energies on the mortal frame that enshrines it? to live for an outward
adorning? to be satisfied with applause for her external graces alone?
"For nobler cares, for joys sublime,
He fashioned all the heirs of time."
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.
But should this position be questioned, none can doubt that in one
sphere the intellectual influence of woman can hardly be exaggerated. I
refer to that of the Mother. "What is wanting," said Napoleon, one day,
to Madame Campan, "in order that the youth of France be well educated?"
"Good mothers," was her reply. This struck the Emperor. "Here," said he,
"is a system of education in one word." Let the mind of this parent be
imbued with knowledge, and her children will imbibe from her the love of
learning. How often has she planted germs, which in subsequent years
expanded, and produced the fairest fruits of science and wisdom. It is
related of Alfred the Great, that at the age of twelve years, when he
had not even learned the alphabet, his mother once shewed him and his
brothers a volume adorned with versicolored letters and other
embellishments. Seeing it excite the admiration of the children, she
promised to present it to him who should first learn to read it. Alfred
immediately procured a teacher for himself, and in a short time was
enabled to claim the promised reward. And such was his thirst for
knowledge, that, in after years, he became one of the most learned men
of his nation. Bacon, Cuvier, Sir William Jones and many other prodigies
of learning, received their first impulse in the path of study from
their mothers. Who is that mother, that thinks lightly of her influence
on the minds of her children? Let her know that on her it may now be
depending, whether a son is to pass through life, ignorant of this
world, of his duties as a man, a citizen, and a Christian; or to be so
educated as to adorn the stations he may hereafter fill, to be a
blessing to his country, an honor to his race, and better than all,
trained up to know and to serve the Great Father of lights.
This leads me to observe, that woman affects vitally the interests of
Society, from the transcendent influence she exerts on the Domestic
relations in general. The prosperity of nations depends intimately on
the prevalence of the fireside virtues. Unless the foundations of order,
peace, and a genuine benevolence be laid in our homes, we can hope for
none of these essential blessings. Let there be discord in our families,
and the same spirit that creates it, will lead to public, civil, social,
and political, dissensions. If our sons are trained up in an allowed
disrespect to their parents, the retribution will be felt, not only in
the privacy of our homes, but everywhere around us. And the daughter,
who demeans herself irreverently toward the guardians of her life, will
not fail to manifest the same melancholy trait in her intercourse with
all her superiors.
Nor may we confine these remarks to this one aspect. We desire kind
neighbors, men who will regard the rights and the happiness of others,
and who will strive to promote them in their daily walk. But from what
school do these virtues usually proceed? Where are generous,
conciliatory, obliging dispositions first formed? In the family circle.
The faithful and affectionate husband, the tender, yet wise and
judicious father, the considerate and kind brother, these are the
elements which constitute both the good citizen and the good neighbor.
He who is false to the claims of home, may shine on splendid occasions,
and attract the admiration of a distant world of spectators. But his
heart is hollow, and the more he is known, the less will he be loved or
esteemed, and the feebler will be his influence.
The inquiry then becomes of paramount interest, "What are the chief
springs of domestic wellbeing?" Who are they, that contribute most
largely to the advancement of piety at home? I answer, with confidence,
the female sex. For what is essential to piety at home? It is
gentleness, quiet habits, the beautiful harmony of many members,
fulfilling each its appropriate function. It is the peaceful spirit of
the Gospel, mingling with the joint efforts of a well disposed
household.
But the habits and occupations of man are adverse to this tranquil
temper. He is called, in the pursuit of property, to labor abroad, amid
conflicting interests. Competition, the pursuits of a crowd, eager for
gain, planning and toiling ceaselessly to reap some little advantage
over their fellows, this is the sea on which he must follow his fortune.
And what a restless and troubled deep it is. Now the sun beams brightly,
and the wind is propitious to his course; anon, darkness gathers over
his prospects; clouds are lowering; the distant murmur of peril is
heard. Too happy is he, if some portentous sign do not swell, and ripen,
and at length break upon him, in dread fulfillment of his fears. And
what but the same unquiet path do the sons of Ambition tread? Party
excitement, and the contests of rival factions, are to them the very
breath of life. An intense interest in political questions is at war
with inward peace. He who burns for office, station, and power, has
little within him congenial with the calm of the domestic circle. And
these are the two great spheres of human occupation, gain, and honor;
they are both exciting, both unfriendly to the highest virtues of home.
Nor is this all; the employments of our sex lead us of necessity away
from the fireside. Were they ever so favorable to quiet excellence, we
should be compelled, for the livelihood of our families, to absent
ourselves, a large proportion of our lives, from this sphere of duty.
But woman passes her days within the walls of domestic retirement. That
is her accustomed scene of toil. In the temptations that befall her
relatives abroad, she is not present. But where thoughtfulness comes,
where good resolutions are formed, where the tears of penitence are
shed, in that sacred retreat where man finds his only refuge for prayer,
for self-examination, and for the culture of the spiritual life, there
woman habitually dwells.
From this circumstance, joined to her native susceptibilities, she is
pre-eminently qualified to preside over and foster the fireside virtues.
Who has not seen the unbelieving husband sanctified, made serious and
holy, by the believing wife? Where a free intercourse on the subject of
religion exists between them, it can hardly be that man is not softened,
his thoughts withdrawn at times from the world, and the concerns of the
soul, infinite and eternal considerations, brought home to his heart by
the power of his nearest earthly friend. Sometimes, alas! she, whose
whole nature and whose entire condition seem but one lesson to awaken
piety, has given her influence against it. By a worldly disposition, by
a neglect of the means of religion, or by indifference to the most
solemn themes, and an habitual levity of character and speech, the wife
has been known to check the best aspirations of her husband, and reduce
his spirit to the same low, earthly level with her own. She has fastened
the more firmly around him, that chain, which the love of riches, or a
thirst for fame, had already drawn till it corroded his immortal part.
And when God has spoken to his conscience, and rebuked him for his
iniquity, what better plea was at hand than this, "The woman whom thou
gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat"?
Look again at the fraternal influences in a family group. What
inestimable power, can a wise and virtuous Sister exert. Has she a
brother prone to waywardness and passion? Her words may restrain his
wanderings, her example subdue his anger. It can hardly fail, that a
daily influence, mild, gentle, Christian in its character, will produce
no effect on so near a relative. Do the brothers incline to seek their
recreations abroad? Are the charms of merriment, of sensuality, or of
questionable excitements and pleasures, stealing on the heart, and
estranging it from God and duty, from purity and heaven? Now is the
moment for kind remonstrance, for affectionate counsel, and earnest
entreaty. She, who employs these means, and adds to them all the
attractions she can throw round their common home, may be sure that her
efforts will not be lost. Let her persevere, and success, earlier or
later, shall crown her toils and hopes. What power is there in her
intercessions before Heaven, "Years have passed away," says the
grateful brother, as his thoughts revert to his distant home, "and
Heaven has prospered me. Often, when temptations have assailed me,
should I have yielded to them, had not a still small voice have
whispered, thy sister prays for thee."
"High above
The fret and tumult, and discordant jar
Of the base world, she led me, and the war
Of grosser passions, which she dreamed not of."
But there is yet another relation, which gives woman her chief power
over the destinies of our race. It is that of the Mother. We have
already spoken of this power, as affecting the intellect of children.
But a far higher work is still to be accomplished. For if the mind alone
be educated; if science and literature be all she impart to them, if
their love of knowledge be not quickened and controlled by a spiritual
love, it will be a vain possession. The culture of the religious
affections, the developement of the sense of duty and of the entire
moral nature, this is the great business of human life. And to whom has
God entrusted the commencement of this solemn work? Who is to cherish
the swelling bud, who to point the infant soul to its spiritual Father?
On whom does it devolve to call forth the infant man? Where is the
influence that shall keep the young heart from fatal wanderings and
errors? It is the mother to whom we look, for the discharge of these
momentous offices. It is not more certain that Providence designed her
to supply the first wants of the animal nature, than it is that she must
impart to her child its spiritual nutriment. If she neglect to do this,
there remains no substitute, none to whom we can turn, to excite, purify
and foster its immortal faculties. An irreligious mother! what an
anomaly, what a monster, among things human, is she. A wicked woman is
always one of the darkest spectacles this earth can exhibit. But if that
woman be a parent, and give poison to her own offspring, who can
exaggerate her faithlessness, her unnatural, may I not say, her inhuman
qualities?
The influence of woman is felt beyond the circle of her own fireside, in
the wellbeing of her Country. If this sex contribute so largely, as we
have affirmed, to the progress of civilization and refinement, then can
it be no little aid they afford, by their character and exertions, to
the support of pure political institutions.
True, the fair hand of woman deposits no vote in the ballot box. She
takes no part, at primary meetings, or on days of election, with the
mass who place men in office. But is she therefore destitute of
political power? No, she has the sacred right of petition. She may be
heard, appealing to the legislative body for redress of the wrongs done
her, or of the grievances she suffers. Question, as some may, the
expediency of her ever exercising this privilege, she has still great
influence, a far greater one than the exercise of this right can give
her, over the destinies of her country. Think of the mother of
Washington. Peruse the biography of the wife of that sainted patriot.
Study the character of the elder Mrs. Adams, of the wife of Hancock, and
of the long list of females, who lived and toiled in the period of our
Revolution. Could they do nothing,--did they accomplish little,--for
this country? How many hearts were cheered in the Senate chamber, what
courage was infused on the battle-field, by the mother, companion,
sister, and daughter, among the noble race that then lived.
In these latter days, what is to give integrity to the statesman, purity
to the patriot, and true glory to the nation? It must be done in part by
woman. Let her be educated, and above all, let her educate herself, in
intelligence, grace, and holiness, and I have no fear of conflicts
abroad, or of perils at home. The little watchman, shut in the security
of a glazed frame, does not more surely save the ship, amid darkness and
storm, than does she, who at the quiet fireside, exerts the influence
which she may for her country, on son, husband, and brother, by
pointing out the path of political salvation.
The influence of woman is felt in the general interests of the Christian
Religion. We have already remarked that she was a personal friend and
servant of Christ, while he was on earth. Nor did her devotedness to his
cause, terminate with his ascension to heaven. We read of "some of the
chief women and the devout," as among the earliest converts of the
Apostles. Paul speaks of certain "women, which labored with him in the
Gospel," and he sends numerous special salutations to individual
females, who had "helped him in the Lord;" shewing that this sex took a
direct share in the promulgation of Christianity. They not only embraced
it with their whole soul and strength, but they gave their influence,
both remote and immediate, to induce others to participate in its
blessings.
Their efforts have been seen in determining the general character of the
Christian world. If any age has been peculiarly spiritual, or any people
more than ordinarily devout, it was because woman was there true to the
holiest impulses of her nature. Point me to the most prosperous era of
the institutions of Christianity; shew me a sect, who honor the Sabbath,
or who sustain most liberally the ministers of Christ, and I am
confident that then and there the female sex will be found most active
in defence of the holy day, and of sanctuary privileges.
Look at the Church of Christ. Who are they that confessed their Lord
before men, in the early ages of the gospel? "Within a few years after
Christ, the Christian martyrologies are full of the names of female
sufferers, who, for Jesus' sake, went to the stake, with all the courage
and inflexibility of apostles."
Whence come the majority of church communicants? Let woman reply. She,
who at first encountered danger and death, and who inspired man to do
likewise, has always been prompt to profess her faith at the table of
her Lord, and give her influence to the honor of his visible church. Had
this work been left to the other sex, where had been now this goodly
fellowship of avowed believers? Should woman ever forsake her Master, or
shrink from bearing his name at the altar, it would portend gloom,
decay, and desolation, to the fair fabric she now so devoutly upholds.
To the female sex we owe a large share of the benefits resulting from
the present enlarged means and methods of religious education. Not only
in the day school, and at the fireside, but in the Sunday school, we
find this sex occupied in one of their most hallowed services, the
training of the young. Difficulties occur in securing and retaining the
aid of male teachers in the Sabbath school. The heart of man is not
always so disengaged from the world, and so intent on the calls for a
pious benevolence to the young, as to come cheerfully and punctually to
this divine work. But our female teachers are prompt to assume, and
unwearied in the discharge of, this function. What were the institution,
without the spirit of woman operating on its vital principles, toiling
and praying, and sacrificing herself, to save those "little ones" whom
Jesus loves?
"Meekly ye forfeit to your mission kind
The rest of earthly Sabbaths.--Be your gain
A Sabbath without end, 'mid yon celestial plain."
Let me add, that the Benevolent Enterprizes which mark the train of
Christianity, have received much of their support from woman. Previous
to the coming of Christ, public charities were nearly unknown. Among the
names of the disinterested women of the first century, who were "full of
good works, and alms-deeds, which they did," stands that of Dorcas. Her
example was not lost on the ages that followed. And in the Catholic
church, the kind, self-denying labors of the "Sisters of Charity," are
worthy of all commendation.
To whom, but to this sex, are we indebted for the sacred and
sympathetic services rendered by the multiplied Benevolent Associations
and Institutions of our own age? So long as the Orphan has a tongue to
tell of her deeds, or the sick-bed of Poverty can show a gleam of
gratitude, or the Seaman's heart shall beat and glow, they will testify,
that it is woman, who is God's high-priest of mercy to the suffering.
Legislation may appropriate its thousands for the Blind, the Dumb, and
the Insane; but how poor were its consolations, did not she who best
knows how to smooth the pillow for the aching head, and cheer the spirit
in its heaviness, administer to each sufferer the public bounty? Who can
estimate her influence in originating, and directing, in co-operation
with man, and in giving its final efficacy to, every blessed charity,
that springs from the soil of Christianity?
Such being the influence of woman on all the great interests of
humanity, how should she exert it? Is there any peculiar inference to be
drawn from the possession of this mighty power? No candid mind can deny
that it involves responsibilities, corresponding precisely to its
extent. To whom much is given, of them much is required. Were this sex
of insignificant moment in the world, then might they plead for an
exemption from its duties and obligations. But now the burden presses
on them, and no individual can cast it lightly from herself.
In society, woman should ever bear with her a deep conviction of the
power she there exercises. Her deportment should never be of that
frivolous, or insipid character, which betrays no consciousness of a
share in the dignity of our nature. She should carry to the social
circle a sense of the value of human life, and a resolution to acquit
herself as becomes an intelligent and immortal being. A courteous, yet
perfectly natural manner, a cultivated understanding, and pure morals,
are the tribute she should lay on this altar.
Why should our approach to a lady be the signal for trifling and
nonsense? How long shall there be circles of this sex, from which a man
of sense must turn away with the caustic saying of Wallenstein,
"I cannot traffic in the trade of words
With that unreasoning sex."?
When will the civilities of social life become, through her influence,
something beside an exchange of heartless forms, or of self-seeking
attentions? Precisely so soon, and so fast as woman shall determine to
reject the empty adulation of fops and simpletons, to be commended only
for what deserves praise, and to be entirely sincere and Christian, in
the social interview, no less than by her own fireside. Until this take
place, society, in fashionable circles, will be, as an authoress
remarks, like "the brilliant assemblies of Paris, a collection of young
men who have nothing to do, and young women who have nothing to say."
The responsibleness of woman extends widely through the world of
Intellect. She is called to preside over schools for the nurture of the
infant mind. Every child receives thus the impress of her taste and
talents. Shall she come to this work, and daily pursue it, without a
thoughtful preparation for her task? Is it for the mother to say, "I may
read little or much, as I please. Of what consequence is the condition
of my mind?" when she can hardly breathe on the germs before her,
without either blighting their beauty, and checking their expansion, or
shedding life, health, and eternal freshness, upon them?
Let no young lady disclaim for herself any lot or portion in those sober
concerns. Hannah More had, at one time, more than a thousand children
under her instruction. Others have recently followed in her steps. Every
woman is, I maintain, by virtue of her sex, a teacher. There are now, or
there sometime may be, minds subjected to her influence, over whose
destinies, for weal or for wo, she will exert a fearful sway. Is it
certain she will never be school-mistress, or mother, or guide and
guardian to another? No, it is certain that, unless her path be strange,
secluded, and anomalous, she will be either the architect, or destroyer
of, or at least, a more than leaden weight on, some human intellect. Let
her reflect on this fact, and conduct herself always in view of it.
At the fireside, what a sum of duties does her power impose? Here she
wields a more than regal sceptre. Wisely did Boaz argue the excellence
of Ruth, when he said, in reply to her modest question, "why have I
found grace in thine eyes?" "It has fully been shewed me, all that thou
hast done unto thy mother-in-law, since the death of thy husband." Such
domestic piety, a virtue that could sacrifice home, people, substance,
and which tendered even life itself for a parent, was an earnest of the
choicest worth. It formed
"A wreath that cannot fade, of flowers that bloom
With most success, when all beside decay."
Of the confessed power of the mother, and the unrivalled claims of her
children on her spiritual care, no language can speak too strongly, or
even in adequate terms. From the hour when their first cry announces to
her their utter helplessness, onward through the trials of childhood,
and the crossing elements of youth, till they part from her charge,--no,
this they never do,--but until she grasps their hand amid the chill of
death, they draw from her, as a well-spring of life. What a question
then is there to be asked, "Does she shed upon them an Eden-like
fragrance? Is she a true mother?" Worlds of wellbeing hang on the answer.
In every domestic relation, the influence of woman is of transcendent
concern. Let her measure the responsibilities that attach to her
position. The faithful daughter, the kind sister, the disinterested
inmate, no less than the parent, must habitually realize, that around
that little spot, her home, she is distilling and must distill, either
dews that fertilize the spirit, or night-damps which blast what they
touch.
Consider the demands of her country upon woman. Sparta required her
women to bear arms in war. Rome called on hers for the austere virtues
of heathenism. But America justly anticipates in this sex a union of
grace with power, intellectual cultivation sustained by moral and
religious attainments. During the French Revolution, we are told that
the wives and daughters of the celebrated artists gave their jewels to
extinguish the national debt. Would that they had added the fairer gift
of the Christian graces.
She who shapes so emphatically the destinies of home, should be aware of
the calls of patriotism on her sex. I have read of a family in the West,
in which the daily conversation of both sexes is, "What can I do for my
country?" Rare as this example may be, I earnestly hope that, through a
sense of her high obligations to her country, woman will everywhere
emulate its spirit.
Is it not due for the rank she is allowed to hold in our republic?
Released from the servitude of her sex, which prevails in so many
foreign lands, and recognized as a partaker in the divinity of our
nature, why should she sink into inaction? How, as if an angel spoke to
her soul, should she rise and gird herself in the meek robes of
righteousness, standing fast by the young, and inciting them to a lofty
patriotism, quickening brother, husband and son, to public integrity,
and calming the fierce spirit of political contention.
But how shall I describe the paramount necessity of woman's devotion to
the interests of religion? Christianity regards her as a human being,
equal in moral power to man, and accountable to the same God and Judge
with him. Our religion has elevated her sex from Pagan degradation, and
expects a commensurate return, in her superior virtue. Let her then
first give her own soul to God, and then shew forth in her works the
spirit of her Savior. By the study of the Scriptures; by establishing
herself in a rational faith; by an humble profession of her belief in
Jesus; by diligence in the Sunday instruction of the young, and by a
series of benevolent and charitable offices, among the sick and the
needy, let her requite the love of God, as manifested in the Gospel of
his Son.
How can one of this sex, constitutionally gifted with strong and
enduring affections, sequestered from man's peculiar temptations, and
summoned by unnumbered considerations, to meditate on heaven, be other
than pious, other than a beacon-light on the rock-begirt coast of human
life? What can she offer at the judgment-seat of Christ, if she have
denied him on earth? To every young woman, I would say, shew
"That thou, in the prime of earliest youth
Wisely hast shunned the broad way and the green,
And with those few art eminently seen,
That labor up the hill of heavenly truth."
* * * * * * "That
Thy care is fixed, and zealously attends
To fill thy odorous lamp with deeds of light."