_I AM one of those who think it not only high Time but of
the last Importance, that you should be publickly addressed:
And of the many ingenious Pens, which in the Course of a few
Years have informed and enlightened this Country, I have
often wished that at least some one of them had been more
particularly devoted to your Service. This would have
agreeably prevented me in an attempt to which I find myself
in all Respects but too unequal. Yet relying on your good
Sense and Candour, I venture to lay at your Feet a few
well-intended Sentiments, which tho' in a plain homespun
Garb, I hope will not offend. I am convinced that at this
present it is not only in your Inclination and Will, but
also in your Power, to effect more in favour of your
Country, than an Army of an Hundred Thousand Men; and indeed
more than all the armed Men on this vast Continent._--Can a
Woman forget her Ornaments? _Yes I know she can._ Deborah
_once judged Israel, and some think it was never judged
much better afterwards. But what tho't_ Deborah _or_ Jael
_of their Ornaments, when the one was contriving, & the
other driving the Nail that would go? What tho't beautiful_
Esther _of her Ornaments, when those of her Kindred &
Houshold were in immediate and imminent Danger, by the
Decree treacherously obtained by_ Haman, _from the mouth of
her beloved and almost adored_ Lord Ahasuerus _the Great?
What tho't_ Judith _of her Ornaments, when she was severing
the Head of_ Holofernes _from his Body, or while flying with
the Prize to the Relief of her despairing Friends? The Time
would fail me, were I to recount the wondrous Deeds and
mighty Atchievements of renowned and honorable Women in all
Ages._
_I have but alluded to a few Instances, among many of divine
Heroism in your Sex, which hath often saved a Country, when
the dull ploding Wisdom of man has been totally at a Plunge.
How near we are to such a_ Crisis, _is left to the
Conjecture of others. It would be a little out of Nature to
expect the Birth and Exploits of Heroines to take Place
before those of Heroes. I believe we shall be furnished with
both in their Order, as Occasion may require. All I think at
present that can be reasonably expected or desired of you,
is to consent to lay aside all superfluous Ornaments for a
Season--after which they shall be surely returned to you
again with Interests.--You shall be cloathed in Purple, and
Scarlet, and Fine Linnen of our own, and with other glorious
Apparel; which, if possible, shall add a Lustre to your
native Charms._