The Young Maiden Part 13

Woman needs every support that G.o.d has placed within her reach. She requires, first, Mental Culture. This will give her strength of mind, power to discern the true relations of our nature. A narrow mind cannot comprehend the great scheme of Providence. If it submit to his will, there is still much blindness in the act. A fuller trust would come from enlarged conceptions of duty and life. She, who enjoys reading, can beguile many a sad hour, by a useful volume. How many are prostrated by domestic afflictions, for the want of that mental discipline, by which they might fix the eye of faith steadily on Heaven. The grave absorbs their thoughts; they want energy to turn from the body, and contemplate the sainted spirit.

Woman needs a Moral developement, corresponding to the demands of her peculiar temperament and dispositions. Her sensitive frame, unless accompanied by great self-control, will betray her into errors, which, added to the thorns that ever beset the path of human life, will cause her continual uneasiness and pain. Let fancy be the guiding faculty of her nature, and in what sins must she inevitably be involved. Its aerial flights will bear her above the beaten, common-sense, road of duty, and make her the prey of a fatal instability and its attendant mortifications, follies, and sorrows. Her acute feelings, and tender affections need a moral counterpoise. The sudden sickness of the loved will else overwhelm her, and unfit her for the service she owes them. In this world of casualties, if her heart be not braced by the power of good judgment, she will yield to disaster and grief, with a hopeless inefficiency. Her virtues must be the result of reflection, inherent, and not incidental. There must be a Christian dignity, a calm repose, that beautiful balance of character, in which keen sensibility is sustained by a patient and firm self-possession. So fortified, let her add one grace more and

"The arched roof, * * * * * *

By its own weight, stands steadfast and immovable."

We may not omit, in this connection, the influence of Friendship, as a soother of woman's sorrows. Always susceptible of sympathy, and alive to the voices of kindred spirits, in her trials she feels their indispensable necessity. How are her affections knit to each relative, by adversity, disappointment, and death. In bereavement a family build, as it were, a single monument, each placing its tribute in the mournful structure. They lean on one another, and, thanks be to G.o.d, next to his own strong arm, there is none so dear in our grief, as that of a friend.

Thanks for human love.

"When cold storms Rack the worn cordage of the heart, it breathes A healing essence, and a strength'ning charm, Next to the hope of heaven."

"The hope of heaven," the prospects and supports of Religion, deep piety, these I name last, because they are the greatest, indeed, the only effectual solace, for the trials of woman. "Those wells of feeling," says a female writer, "hidden in the soul, upon whose surface the slightest smile of affection falls, like sunlight, but whose very depths are stirred by the breath of unkindness, are too often unvisited by the kindly influence of kindred sympathies, and go wearing their own channels deeper, in silence and in secrecy, and in infinite bitterness,--undermining health, happiness, the joy of life, and making existence one succession of burden-bearing days. It is in this species of blight, that that merciful and compa.s.sionate faith, whose words are, 'Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest,' becomes a refuge and a consolation. Woman may trust to other lights, in the darkness of sorrow; but they will prove transient, the meteors of midnight. It is the Sun of righteousness alone, which can shed true peace on her troubled spirit. Jesus Christ was 'a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief.' He only can present to her, unfailing sources of consolation. She must follow him, and with him, 'glory in pursuing a path of steep ascent.'"

Let her set to her seal, that Religion, however received by man, is a gift which she can never, with impunity, decline. When piety presents its claims to the sterner s.e.x, they raise doubts, and questionings, and comparisons with other goods. But woman may not hesitate for a moment.

So does instinct teach us the fitness of female piety, that even the irreligious of our s.e.x expect, and require, it in her.

I cannot but feel that the discipline of her trials was intended by Providence, to impress the first and most affecting lesson on her soul.

It was designed that her pliant affections should twine round our divine Father, as a pillar of enduring strength. In almost the earliest stage of her life, and onward to its latest hour, she is upheld by a little less than visible presence. Rescued by that Power in peril, enabled to pa.s.s through what was once her chief dread, how can she turn her eye off from him? "G.o.d has ever supported and saved me. He will do it in future." This language is a spontaneous utterance of the true woman. Thus, like Jesus, is she "made perfect through sufferings."

In this manner does religion become, with her, the medium of continual Improvement. Mental culture is one invaluable part of female education.

The social graces are a chain of pearls about her neck. But her permanent being consists of a spiritual principle. Unless that be called into action she lives but an ephemeral life. Let her pious capabilities be awakened, let the love of G.o.d become her ruling motive, let submission to his high behest, be the joy of her heart, and she enters that path, which conducts, eternally, toward holiness in perfection.

She who has a true reverence for her nature, and who comprehends the powers of her s.e.x, will never rest content with present attainments. She will study, and unfold her intellect, because G.o.d hath endowed her with Mind, and his glory calls for her mental progress. Her domestic duties will be discharged in the love of Him, who "setteth the solitary in families." No event will be lost on her watchful spirit. Each day's cares and trials will nurture in her a new patience, benevolence, and active piety. Thus will she build up a character, resting, like the pyramid in the East, on a basis so broad, and of materials so solid and enduring, that the ages cannot move its foundation.

Chapter XIV.

ENCOURAGEMENTS.

What woman has done. Zen.o.bia, Isabella, Pocahontas. The Catholics.

Facilities for Improvement. Political Inst.i.tutions. Growing Elevation of the s.e.x. Ill.u.s.trious catalogue. Const.i.tutional Susceptibilities. Domestic Habits. Means. Self-observation. The Scriptures. Prayer. The life of the soul, how glorious.

In approaching the conclusion of these Chapters, I cannot doubt that some of my female friends will inquire, "Who is sufficient for these things. How is it possible for me to reach the high standard now set before me?" We reply briefly, that the first thought to be presented in this place is,

That you should contemplate what your s.e.x has actually accomplished in the Past. The Scriptures, the oldest records of our race, contain a long catalogue of female names, ill.u.s.trious for the virtuous and pious a.s.sociations, that cl.u.s.ter around them. Greece and Rome abound in examples of women of intellectual, and sometimes, of moral, distinction.

Zen.o.bia, queen of the East, stands forth a pattern of excellence, in whom were combined an enlarged understanding, singular refinement, courage, prudence, and fort.i.tude. Modern Europe has exhibited more than one instance of this kind. The kingdom of Spain produced that female, to whom the discovery of this continent might be almost directly traced, one who had rare talents and strength of mind, yet no arrogance, or despotism, like the renowned queen of England; one "who possessed the grace, the gentleness, and feminine accomplishments, of Mary Stuart, without her weakness, who joined to Castalian pride, as a queen, extreme sensibility and softness of deportment, as a woman."

If we turn to the records of this country, we find, among the female portion of its aboriginal inhabitants, proofs of no despicable qualities. Looking at the red man's race, who can fail of admiring the n.o.ble, self-denying spirit of Pocahontas, the friend of our fathers, the victim, in her prime, of civilized life? Within the present century, when the men of the Mohawk tribe were debased by Intemperance, and embroiled in sanguinary wars with their brother Indians, the females called a council, by themselves, and so did they protest against these giant sins, as, for a season, to bring sobriety and peace within the borders of their people.

Such being the power of Pagan woman, what might we not antic.i.p.ate from this s.e.x, where the mild gospel of Jesus had appeared? It was for conscience' sake that females, like the lady Arabella, left homes of peace and plenty, and often families of n.o.ble rank, and came to these sh.o.r.es with the Pilgrim band. How many of this s.e.x once fled to this land, from the religious persecutions of France, and chose danger, privation, and death, rather than subscribe creeds hostile to their faith. What sacrifices have they made in the Catholic Church. The Convent may be the fruit of erroneous opinions, yet it has shown forth gloriously the power of woman. Such self-denial, such unwearied devotion to prayer and the ceremonies of a church, such offices of charity, furnish proofs of the moral capacity of this s.e.x, misled as they often have been, on which the Protestant believer may dwell with grateful emotions and inspiring thoughts.

Another encouragement to female effort may be found in the general Facilities for Improvement in our age. Education is receiving more thought, than in any former period of the world. She, who desires it, can enjoy higher literary advantages, better instruction, more useful manuals, and other aids in the school-room, than were ever before possessed in any community. The pulpit is emitting new light for the spiritual man, and the press is redolent with a moral fragrance. Such is the progress of society, that conversation, social manners, and the incitements of example, now combine in furtherance of personal culture.

Our Political Inst.i.tutions present, likewise, eminent incentives to a higher self-training than has ever yet been witnessed. The republican principle not only gives scope for individual freedom of thought and action, but awakens a.s.sociated effort. We have, hence, Female Societies for benevolent purposes, Maternal a.s.sociations to a.s.sist the female parent in her responsible tasks, and Young Ladies Circles for reading and intellectual sympathy and mutual enlightenment. These are a portion of the fruits of our free inst.i.tutions. They create an healthful atmosphere, and, a.s.sociated as they are with the memory of their n.o.ble founders, they utter to woman the inspiring summons,

"Through thy veins The blood of Heroes runs its race!

And n.o.bly shouldst thou brook the chains That, for the virtuous, Life prepares, The fetters which the matron wears, The Patriot Mother's weight of anxious cares."

The growing elevation of your s.e.x in popular estimation should also encourage you, my friends, to untiring devotedness, and patient self-culture. She, who was once regarded as but the satellite of a proud planet, is now herself marked in the catalogue of heaven's luminaries.

Already are the names of Madam de Stael, Edgeworth, Jameson, Martineau, and Hemans, abroad, and of Sigourney, Sedgwick, Child, Lee, and others, in our own land, enrolled on this bright register. Nor is the moral advancement of woman less remarkable than her literary attainments. The Alcoran may exclude her from Paradise, and teach her that she has no soul; practically, if not literally, it has done this. But Christianity places her in the same high rank with man. She is an heir of the Redeemer's kingdom. In the social edifice, she is viewed as the rich tracery of its ma.s.sive frame-work; the more graceful and delicate part, yet as essential to the completeness of the structure, as its giant pillars and solid masonry.

In her Const.i.tutional Susceptibilities woman should find motives for signal excellence. Philosophy teaches that sensibility alone will prompt to the kind offices of Christian beneficence. Why does man pa.s.s so often, in pa.s.sive indifference, the helpless child of woe? Because nature has not gifted him with a tender heart. He was formed to buffet the storms of public commotion. Extreme sensibility would have made him shrink from the encounter. But woman was endowed with a sensitive spirit, that she might feel for the sufferer, and an active imagination, to picture his troubles, and an ardent love, to relieve them. How can she fail of perpetual charities?

Again, her temperament is friendly to piety. St. Augustine calls hers the "devout s.e.x." And meet is the appellation. For her weakness teaches her to lean upon an Almighty arm; and her trustfulness,--so striking, that to doubt, suspect, and despond, come, in her, only from peculiar physical infirmity, or from a most erroneous education,--leads her to confide in G.o.d. Add to these the earnest affection of this s.e.x, and we have a moral predisposition to religious sentiment. To them is given a vantage ground, which they should joyfully and gratefully occupy. She, on whom the heavier burden is laid, is gifted with superior powers of endurance. Virtue is the prize of humanity, and she is placed nearer than man to its goal. Piety is the crown of our life, and for her brow is it pre-eminently fashioned. The divine Spirit, dwelling in all souls, is yet imaged to our minds, in Scripture, and in Nature, as "a still, small voice," a gentle and quiet influence, which are peculiarly congenial to the soul of woman.

Her Domestic Habits furnish the final encouragement of woman to constant self-improvement. In the sequestered paths of home, having hours and days, in which the needle is her quiet employer, how may she meditate on the touching and lofty themes of human concern. Why should she wander from the ways of truth, integrity, and purity? She has her temptations it is true. In some situations they may be greater than man's. But, taking our whole mortal existence, and the usual occupations of the s.e.xes, it will hardly be denied, that woman may, if diligent in attention, hear those voices of admonition, which are drowned in man's ear, by the world. She may enjoy seasons for communing with her soul, and surveying the riches of the interior world, and for estimating the vanity of sensual, and the glories of spiritual things, such as are seldom granted to man. She walks, ever, as it were, beneath that moral arcade, which Providence has raised above us to proclaim his hallowed presence. Can she withdraw her eyes from it, and look downward, and become a servant of time? Will she,--will one thus n.o.bly privileged,--surrender her birth-right? If she comprehends its value, she cannot be other than an aspirant for the prize of life eternal.

But how shall this prize be obtained?

Let the young woman understand that religion is not a strange thing, disconnected from this world, out of herself, and to be introduced by some mysterious influence. It is the unfolding of a principle within her. You must study self, and seek the kingdom of G.o.d in your own soul.

There only will you ever find, and establish, it. Religion consists in giving the heart,--this very heart which beats with emotion at the objects around you,--unto spiritual pursuits. So directed, it will flow out on your fellow beings, and spring upward to the Father.

Search the Scriptures. Use them chiefly as a mirror in which you are to see yourself. Dwell on the writings of the Psalmist. They speak to human experience as few books, even in the sacred volume, address us. You will feel no joy, for which they have not the language to express your grat.i.tude. No sorrow will so deluge your heart, that G.o.d will not, through them, send a holy wind, to a.s.suage the waters. Peruse especially the life of Christ. There is your model, an incarnation of the Divinity.

Rest not until you also have begun to grow in the image of G.o.d. Do you love what he loved? Are you living as he lived? Have you the same high purposes, to "please your Father," and to "go about doing good?"

Pour out your soul before the Lord. Prayer is our spiritual aliment. It teaches us humility. For who can carry self-important and haughty feelings to the throne of Infinite Purity? Prayer will teach you to see the hand of Providence in all that befalls you. While you present all issues before Him, second causes will not disturb and distress you.

Submission is the fruit of devoutness. "Thy will be done," be this your pet.i.tion, and it will not only reconcile you to those overwhelming events, which would else prostrate you in the dust, but it will be a daily sedative amid the disquieting cares of your lot. And, though you feel burdened with guilt, do not restrain prayer before G.o.d. He is the friend of the penitent. Nor let a cold heart keep you back from this service. The habit of being instant in prayer is indispensable to salvation. Besides, who can tell that, even while you are speaking, the cloud will not roll off, and the face of your Father, a view of his love, deep, unutterable, and divine, and the sense of his precious presence, revisit your soul?

You are now in the prime of your being. Commence to-day the life of the soul, and you will enter on that course, which leads to an immortal virtue. Time is short; why should you give to it your n.o.blest energies?

This world is but a pa.s.sing shadow. Oh, do not consent to build your dwelling, as if the suns, that scorch and blast the soul, could not strike you. That Being, in whose hand is your breath, has placed you, for a few swift-winged years, on a vessel, propelled by fearful elements. In an hour you least imagine, that, which now bears you brightly onward, may burst its confines, and scatter on the wild waves the black fragments of all that is mortal. Yet fear not death; FEAR LIFE. Live as you ought; leave the rest with G.o.d. Calmly may you then lean on Him; peacefully will you pa.s.s the strange ongoings of earth.

Through tears, and through smiles, in the body, or parted from it, live as you ought, and heaven is gained. Wait upon the Lord, and while worldlings, living to earth's pleasures, dead while they live, shall faint and be weary, and many shall utterly fail, you shall renew your strength; you shall mount up with wings as eagles; you shall run and not be weary, and you shall walk and not faint.