We cannot but feel that the eloquent author was right in making the embodiment of such goodness a woman; for under all conditions, from the lowest barbarism to the highest civilization, her sense of right is conspicuous, and her generous affection is proverbial. Both in Latin and Greek almost every moral excellence is expressed by nouns in the feminine gender. Virtus, Sophia, Fides, Justitia, and Charitas, are examples. Some are of opinion that there was much philosophy in the mythology of the ancients; but, be this as it may, it is certain that in nearly all languages the virtues, when personified, are spoken of in the feminine gender; intimating that the nature of woman is pre-eminently adapted for their exemplification.
“Perhaps,” says William M’Combie, in his “Hours of Thought,” “if we would see moral elevation apart, as far as possible, from all earthly excitements, we must leave the halls of riches, and the possessors of high intellectual endowments, and enter the dwelling of the lonely female of threescore years and ten, whose ‘acquaintances’ have gone down into ‘darkness,’—who has outlived all that were dearest to her heart on earth. We shall, perhaps, find her sitting in a corner of her confined apartment, scarcely visible amidst smoke, distressed with disease, or suffering under acute pain, with only the literal ‘bread’ and ‘water,’ which the word of God hath made sure. Yet the language of thankfulness is on her tongue, and her countenance brightens with contentment as if lighted by a ray from heaven; the withdrawment of earthly comforts and cares seem to have opened a wider entrance for the heavenly consolation; and her distresses and her pains only impel her forward in her journey to the celestial city. In the want of earthly associates, she enjoys more intimate communion with her God, and the ineffably animating language of the Saviour has become, as it were, an element of her mind.” “These things have I spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”
The capacity for religion is the highest part of human nature, and the qualities which constitute religion, the noblest which it is possible to cultivate. If the choice were possible, that to-morrow every woman and maiden should become worthy of being associated with those splendid intellects, some few score of which have done the main part of the work of thinking for the rest of the world; or else should become unchangeably and fearlessly religious,—would any true and wise lover of his country for a moment hesitate to choose the latter? Can there be any doubt which would contribute most to the happiness, and in the end, to the honour, greatness, and security of the world.