text:
Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/103

 force, which is sure to fall where there is the least resistance? How frequent and sudden are the fluctuations in the stocks, owing to the artifices of stock-jobbers, under some false pretence or other: notwithstanding it is a practice so highly detested, both by government and the generality of the parties concerned, yet appearances take the lead; so that, however wrong the practice, since the tradesman finds the absolute necessity of acting like his neighbour, no doubt but a generous public will either point out an expedient, or absolve him, at least, from censure, let the consequence prove how it may. Pope says.

and very justly so, with regard to men; but for poor women, the weight of all these grievances must unavoidably rest upon them, as the weakest sex; who, having struggled through the labyrinth of misfortunes, no sooner arrive at the gate of industry, viz. female occupations, than they find it shut, and men, so much stronger, and in power, the porters at the door.

title: Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/103


text:
Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/104

 So, begging pardon for the digression, we will leave these poor unfortunate women at the gate, and peeping through the wicket to no effect, till we proceed with our young couple, who journey on a few years through this maze of life, a life that seems calculated for felicity, happy in each other, and blessed with a rising progeny, which, in course becomes the mother's care, whilst the father, attentive to the interest of his family, endeavours to extend his trade for the mutual advantage of all; and thus tied with the silken bands of unity, they pass their days in one continued round of bliss, actuated by the amiable endearments of the affectionate father, the fond husband, and the generous friend. But, alas! how frequently does the malice of fate unseen, pursue, and often blast, the happiness of human enjoyments.

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/104


text:
Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/105

 Next, let us suppose, which supposition too is frequently realized, that the father of this happy family. whom we have just left in the sunshine of prosperity, and in the full enjoyment of conjugal and paternal bliss, is snatched away by the hand of death, and leaves his disconsolate widow, in the meridian of her days, surrounded by her innocent offspring, who must now look up to her alone for protection, which even herself may stand in need of.

How keen, how poignant must be her grief at such a separation, when, at once, she is robbed of a tender husband, and her children of an indulgent father! Yet, like a true Christian, she endeavours to arm herself with such fortitude as is necessary to support her in the time of trial; and by the help of reason and religion, she begins to revive, and flatters herself with new hopes, in the many comforts she is to receive from her darling children.

Short-sighted mortal! she now begins to take new courage, from having subdued her stubborn heart to submit, as she thinks, to her greatest affliction; which, alas! is no more than a prelude to her future misfortunes: for

title: Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/105


text:
Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/106

 her late husband's concerns come next to be adjusted, when it is found there is a very small provision, if any, left for herself and helpless children: for the deceased husband, having been under the necessity of deceiving the world by the vile pretext of appearances, has now involved his family in the unavoidable necessity of seeing the world had deceived him; the dreadful consequences of which they are now left to struggle with. These are real trials: yet how frequently do they happen! and now, at once, are all her expectations of future happiness blasted; an intervening cloud has darkened the scene, and that maternal triumph which used to gladden the face of the fond mother, is now done away by the dark gloom of adversity; and her sorrows are like the impetuous torrent. A family, brought up and educated with the idea of being gentlemen and ladies, who have just been figuring away in the gaieties of life, to find themselves entangled in a wilderness of misery, without money, and consequently without friends, or any means of support, requires more than human strength to combat; for, in such a me-

title: Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/106


text:
Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/107

 lancholy situation, independent of real want, the struggles of reluctant nature are not easy to suppress. The parent, the virtuous and tender mother, sees her darling offspring, with all their innocence about them, upon the verge of destruction, yesterday, in the full enjoyment of all the happiness this world can bestow, and to-day turned adrift into the wide world, attended with all those fine and delicate feelings which nature, education, and a pious example could bestow. Yet, all cannot save them from the cruel hand of fate, the die is cast, and they must now bid adieu to the comforts of life, and plunge forward in an ocean of misery; for, by this time, their small fund being nearly, if not quite, exhausted, the distressed mother finds the absolute necessity of making her unhappy situation known to some relation, or former acquaintance, which she had used to call friend. But, alas! she has yet to learn, the world in general takes but little concern for the fate of individuals, and too oft, will sooner upbraid than relieve distress; and so precarious is the possession of friendship, that, in general, on the approach of

title: Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/107


text:
Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/108

 distress, it dissolves like snow under the rays of the sun, or evaporates, like ether, at the approach of poverty: yet, such an unfeeling class there are, who, in prosperity, used to extol her conduct; and are, perhaps, at the very moment decking out themselves, table, and family after her example, and yet can be the first to brand her name with obloquy.

O, cruel censure, are not the pangs of distress and poverty enough to bear! is this Christian charity! is this acting the part of the good Samaritan! Yet, yet, it is past dispute, that such distress does afflicted poverty experience, although the cordial of friendship, and the benevolent sympathy of fellow mortals would so very much alleviate: however, by woeful experience, beginning to see the world in its true colours, she fees her only resource is in the consolation of religion, and in an humble submission to the Divine Will; and with this shield, she endeavours to guard herself and innocent suffering offspring from the impending, storm which appears ready to burst upon their unfortunate heads. Still their pious and laudable endeavours will

title: Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/108


text:
Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/109

 not alone supply the necessity of extreme want; they are mortal, and consequently both nature and duty press hard upon the unhappy mother, to look into the world for a means of support; for now every prospect of happiness to her future days is blackened by anxious care, and, perhaps, at a period which might have been expected the happiest of her life: but since adversity has taught her submission, and she finds she has to climb up the sleep of difficulty, with her children dragging after her like so many clogs at her feet, to retard her progress, her first step is to look out for situations for her sons, to whom Providence having denied an education, so as to command such situations in life as the generality of men are enabled to look up to, and without the aid of connections, or friends, to lead them out into the world; if the poor mother can obtain for them a situation at the back of a counter, it is the highest step in life which she can sue for, or expect; and such as these, indeed, are an exception as to filling women's occupations; for, if nothing else presents, what are they to do? But for the poor

title: Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/109


text:
Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/110

 mother, who perhaps has not yet attained her thirty-fifth year, and her still unfortunate daughters, what is there in their favour? without money, friends, character, or means of industry, they are unavoidably doomed to wretchedness, if any thing on earth can be wretched, notwithstanding her utmost exertions, as well as her pious and exemplary conduct to her children, who not insensible to her merit, endeavour to soothe her sorrows by their tender regard and fond affections.

Alas! what can they do, they all seem to look up to the poor mother for aid, who I as it not in her power even to help herself. She now takes a serious retrospect of her past life, and the mode of education in which herself and children have been trained, and most ardently does she wish they had been reared with industry at least, instead of all those bright accomplishments, which must unavoidably be lost in their misfortunes. But, since there is no recalling past time, their only redress is, to try to get into some situation where their endeavours and exertions, at least, will make up the deficiency of their want of knowledge. What, but such

title: Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/110


text:
Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/111

 distress as this, and the want of a proper education, or trade, is it which fill the papers daily with wants of every kind? "Wants a situation to superintend;" or, "A person who has seen better days, would be glad to undertake;" or, "Wants a situation, as companion or assistant, &c.;" little supposing how frequently these advertisements get answered by that arrogant set of mortals we before spoke of, with the common phrase of, "I want no gentlewomen, or gentlewomen's daughters;" and although this assertion may found harsh to the ears of the humane and sympathising part of the community, be assured, this and such like unfeeling cruelty is exercised over the unfortunate, even by their own sex, and those whose professed feelings are so fine, as to shed tears over a novel, or saint at the rehearsal of a tragedy; however, of these we hope the number is small.—Seeing these women are excluded all benefit in trade, what else can they have recourse to, but to seek an asylum under the roof of the affluent, in some menial capacity? which brings to my memory the contents of the tenth letter of the first Magdalen

title: Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/111


text:
Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/112

 who was admitted into that most excellent charity.

"I was reduced," says she, "to the manifest danger of starving. I would have attempted the most laborious work, but no one would try me, although I offered my labour at half price; but even my industry was made an argument against me: I must, they said, be very bad to be reduced to that, and they supposed, I intended to steal the other part of my wages.

"To be willing and able to work, and yet to starve for want of employment, seemed a hard fate, yet it touched no heart but my own."

What a miserable prospect for helpless innocence! What a shocking case, that poor unfortunate females should be denied the privilege of obtaining a support by servitude, after being precluded earning an honest maintenance, by any other means of industry, merely to make way for a set of beings who are much better calculated for more manly employments; and, in particular, at a time when so many men are required in defence of their country. Besides, if there is not employment for the

title: Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/112


text:
Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/113

 whole, and some must feel the inconveniencies, are not men much better calculated to bear hardships than women? at least, is it not always supposed and considered by men, that women are not equal to any thing great, then surely they may be permitted to fill some inferior department in life, whereby, at least, they may be prevented from becoming burdensome, or pining away for want of real necessaries? And, however shocking to the sympathising part of mankind may be the recital of these melancholy truths, yet the vast numbers of poor unhappy mothers and daughters, who are daily labouring under the weight of these cruel oppressions are innumerable. Nor is it possible for words to express, or pen to paint, the grief of one of these unhappy mothers, who, with her helpless children, is reduced to such extreme misery and want: can any thing be more distressful or pitiable!

O, that men would be wise unto salvation, and not prefer sordid gain to the more substantial happiness of conforming to the precepts of the Supreme Judge, who cannot deceive nor be deceived! namely "Whosoever

title: Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/113


text:
Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/114

 shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea." A sentence one cannot think upon without horror, seeing so many little one offended daily and hourly, and left helpless and forlorn in all the storms and trials of the world, to work their passage through mortality, still floating about, like a bubble upon the surface, in all the delicacy and softness of their sex, without money, friend, or prospect of any human comfort, or even relief, to enable them to drag on a miserable existence the ensuing day; surely, there is not any thing can equal the horrors of a state like this: yet what numbers experience it all, before they will condescend so low as to shrink from the paths of virtue. Surely this does not merit censure: yet, astonishing it is, the smallest feature of poverty is almost sure to be branded with the names of infamy and vice. What a trying situation after a life of affluence! yet, where is the mind of sensibility, under such circumstances as these, who would not feel it almost as great an affliction to discover their

title: Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/114


text:
Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/115

 poverty as to sustain it; for, thus miserably situated, to have any of their former acquaintance witness their wretchedness, must be a very trying circumstance indeed, and especially since, by woeful experience, they are taught to know that little more than censure will be derived from it.

Indeed, amidst the great variety of complicated ills which are attendant upon all mankind, and from which not any are exempt, there will appear several in the world, the origin of whose woe is scarcely to be traced; and who, as a much admired author (Dr. Gregory) observes, will find none to compassionate, or even understand their sufferings: witness amongst the prodigious numbers of unhappy females in the married state, whom the adversity of fate has left alone to wander through all this labyrinth of difficulties, and, perhaps, surrounded by a numerous train of children, who alike must feel the supercilious sneers of taunt and reprobation, for they know not what. Indeed, this subject would alone open a very wide and dreary field to range in, so various and complicated are the calamities

title: Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/115


text:
Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/116

 brought upon mortals by the unseen hand of fate, to which all must submit, since it is not in the power of human skill to prevent: but all must allow, it is in the power of any one to moderate these afflictions by our best aid, or sympathy at least, instead of heightening the sorrows of this unfortunate and oppressed part of the community, and with that well-known philanthropist, Goldsmith, may we say, and firmly believe,

for what can add greater pleasure to the sensations of humanity, than to sympathise with the distressed? consequently to them I need not address this discourse, but chiefly to those whose feelings are less warmed by the misery of their fellow creatures, for a mixture of both sorts there is in the world, is beyond a doubt. Witness a paragraph I have this day, the 17th of August 1798, copied from a well-known daily paper, the Morning Herald, which runs exactly as follows:

title: Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/116


text:
Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/117

 "Mr. Editor,

"My friend and self, a few days ago, having dined with an officer at his barracks, returned home between ten and eleven: in Panton-street we were accosted by an unfortunate woman, who first solicited our charity in English; but overhearing us, in our progress speak French, she renewed her suit in that language, probably thinking we might be foreigners, and therefore did not understand the nature of her first application. You will own, it is by no means astonishing, that hearing an English mendicant, especially a female, beg in different languages should excite our admiration, particularly as she spoke both fluently and elegantly, the evident result of a liberal education.

"Under this idea, we listened to her petition delivered in French, which, being now so common an acquisition, made us desirous of knowing whether her learning was confined to that tongue only; my friend, therefore, replied to her in Italian, and we were not a little surprised to find her not only mistress of that language, but also well versed in Latin.

title: Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/117


text: Page:กม ร ๕ - ๒๔๕๒.pdf/3

title: Page:กม ร ๕ - ๒๔๕๒.pdf/3


text:
Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/118

 "Shocked to discover such extensive learning in one who seemed to profit so little by its possession, and conceiving her an object of the greatest pity, probably abandoned by unfeeling, sordid relations, we delayed not instantly affording her some temporary relief; but in the moment of so doing, I was so unfortunate as to be recognized by my parents, who were returning from a friend's house, where they had supped. In such a place, at such an hour, and with a female, what could be thought? We were immediately adjudged criminal; and, upon our joining them, were accordingly reproached, as if their suspicions had been true. Such is the power of prejudice, that it was in vain we protested our innocence, in vain we informed them of the nature of our conversation with this woman; these availed us nothing: we were not only censured for the immorality of the affair itself, but also despised for the meanness and vulgarity of our taste.

"Unfortunately, what tends to confirm them in this their premature opinion, is the circumstance of my friend's stepping aside immediately, on perceiving their approach. But

title: Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/118


text:
Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/119

 how easy is that accounted for? in such a situation, where all direct proof of the innocence of the individual is, by the peculiar nature of the circumstance, excluded, what avails, except to yourself, the conscious rectitude of the heart.

"Mens sibi conscia recti? It is impossible to impart to others the internal feelings, except by words; and when people are predetermined to disbelieve every syllable you urge in your own justification, how are you to effect your own exculpation? This action, therefore, of my friend is by no means a confirmation of our guilt, as it was extremely natural, that he should with to avoid being seen in such a situation, in which appearances were so much against him. His motives being now explained, I beg leave for once to differ from that proverb, that Innocence hath nothing to fear.

A striking proof indeed, in addition to the many, that unprotected innocence has every

title: Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/119


text:
Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/120

 human thing to fear. But whose conduct of the four, think ye, was the most commendable, or pleasing in the fight of God or man?

Supposing, or even admitting, this poor unfortunate woman to be one of the wretched tribe, of whom we have been speaking. is it not evident, her education was not calculated either for beggary or vice? Nor can it be supposed, from the distress which always seems attendant upon this abject state of beggary alone, that it can be by choice preferred to some laudable and reputable employment. No: it is not in nature.

Then, in the name of reason, justice, and truth, permit me to ask, from whence originates, and what is it that countenances, the cause of all these evils? Are they incurable? Are not women, by nature, of a more gentle and delicate composition than men, and less able to bear the hardships which so frequently are forced upon them? Has it not, in all ages, been the task, or rather the avowed choice, of the male part of the creation, to protect and defend the weaker sex? and is not the male part of the creation better able to

title: Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/120


text:
Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/121

 bear cold, hunger, fatigue, and hardships than women are? Poor helpless women! who no sooner meet the heavy fate of indigence, than, from their appearance, they are bound to support a load of infamous censure along with it.

Although, at the same time, permit me to infer, there is not the least necessity for men to undergo the smallest part of these hardships, even bad they relinquished their claim to women's occupations, since there is such a number of branches in trade, beside arts and sciences, which are only calculated for men. Surely, then, women ought to be permitted to occupy the remaining few, nor any longer suffered to be bound down by these oppressive chains; for, does not generous Pity demand a hearing in their behalf? Does not common decency forbid they should be insulted in the manner they are? Is it manly, is it noble, is it generous, or humane? Would not one think, from such oppressions, that men had determined to exert themselves for the misery and torture of their fellow-creatures.

title: Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/121


text:
Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/122

 I allow this kind of reasoning, to the interested parties, may sound rather grating to the ear: but, be it remembered, I have not undertaken the task of panegyric, but plain truth, which needs no high-flown language to express it: nor have I a wish to make an invidious remark upon the conduct or behaviour of any man, and much less to include a whole body of them. But what success in trade, if such they have, can make the smallest atonement, on a death-bed, or come nearly adequate to the loss of a poor soul, whom they may have been the means of casting into the utmost misery and distress, and forcing to seek an asylum in the jaws of perdition? Would but a mind, capable of the smallest feelings of humanity, reflect on the many sacrifices made to this voluptuous avarice, and, in time, spare themselves that pungent remorse due to such severe reflections.

But, says the reasonable enquirer, with regard to suppressing this ancient custom, which is pointed out as productive of so much evil, supposing an expedient is found out, will it not be attended with such a number of incon-

title: Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/122


text:
Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/123

 veniencies, as thereby to render the remedy as bad as the disease. To which I beg leave to reply: I do not presume to instruct the learned, but simply to communicate my ideas; for, a complicated business like this, which has taken so deep root, requires a greater knowledge in human affairs to discuss than the writer is possessed of; and a general knowledge of the causes which facilitate or obstruct the happiness of the community is absolutely requisite, which discovers the many convincing reasons why a business of so much consequence should be properly investigated; and, upon these considerations, as all things, whether great or small, must have a beginning, I have taken some pains to be informed as to the nature of the subject. But as it is not expected a female can have much knowledge in judicature, I go upon the grounds of common sense and reason, and not actuated by any other motive than a wish to see happiness prevail, I shall accordingly beg leave to proceed to the following considerations; for, as in the estimation and choice of things, it is always granted we are to prefer better to worse, and

title: Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/123


text:
Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/124

 such things as are grounded in reason, to others that hold no comparison therewith: we will, therefore, suppose the very worst supposition on which the argument can be founded, which is, What are this body of men to do, or how are they to be disposed of, if deprived of their present employment? Which may be briefly answered:

That although there may be some men, like women, of a timorous disposition, and thereby may experience some inconveniencies, yet it is not possible the whole body of them can suffer, by reason that, as I before observed, men can turn themselves so many ways in the world, which, were a woman to attempt, she would be pointed at as ridiculous and frantic: independent of which, after having stated the heavy grievances under which, not only the female part of the creation are oppressed, but the community in general, it may justly be replied, that no man, or body of men can, in reason, lay claim to a privilege that is absolutely repugnant to all civil society: after which, will not all other reasons appear to have little weight? In other cases, has it had any weight

title: Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/124


text:
Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/125

 with the police of the country? How many repeated instances have we seen of men, and even bodies of men, who, by certain obligations, have been obliged to give up public or private property, when a general good could not be otherwise obtained?

Then, why is there any distinction to be made between relinquishing property and privilege, when the public good requires it, which in all exigencies must confessedly be just? for, if change of circumstances were to have no weight with the legislature in directing human affairs, what would the intercourse of mankind end in, but contention between private interest and public good? But so long as we are blessed with a happy constitution, and rulers possessing humanity united with wisdom, what have we to fear?

Were the desire of procuring liberty or happiness for this, or any other set of people, at the hazard of injuring the community, or any part of it, the request would not only be unreasonable but unjust: but after summing up, under each respective head, all the evidences I have collected, with a very gentle hint at the

title: Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/125


text:
Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/126

 enormous expence, as well as danger, and other inconveniencies attending a continuance of this precedent, and considering the many great advantages which would accrue, not only to the community, but to themselves, by engaging in more manly employments, I shall leave the impartial reader to draw the conclusion, and rest the basis of my observations with those in power, for there are few, if any, precedents of arbitrary commitments, except the one in question, which have not come under the watchful eye of the legislature, whose vigilance and impartiality have, at all times, been a strong barrier and shield against any infringements upon the rights and privileges of the British nation; and, I presume, an investigation into the grievances of these poor suffering females will quickly be a means of doing away the precedent of encouraging, or countenancing, effeminate tradesmen, which, it is evident, are not only the origin of such unheard of distresses to poor helpless females, and preventing parents, who may be desirous of breaking through the fashions of the times, from placing their daughters to trades,

title: Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/126


text:
Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/127

 but is absolutely leading to the dissolution of all good government.

Nor is there the smallest danger, when once the business is commenced, that the deep penetration and humanity of the guardians of the common weal will ever be baffled in so laudable a pursuit. For, notwithstanding the subtlety of the enemy of mankind may invent a number of false and artful reasonings, yet what will all that avail, when the curtain is drawn aside, for then the spirit of justice and retribution is to be no longer appeased by such artifice; for neither law nor equity will admit of mending their fortunes by fraud or violence. And, although some of the offensive body may endeavour, by little artful chicanery, to gloss over their crimes, and endeavour to palliate them with idle excuses, yet the only real plea these oppressive traders can make, being that of private interest, as I before observed, it has at all times been judiciously ordered to be given up for a public good.

What can possibly be deemed a more efficacious good, than to relieve the oppressed, and preserve so many poor miserable souls

title: Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/127


text:
Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/128

 from perdition. Yet it is greatly to be feared these considerations to men, who are grown torpid by custom, or blind by ignorance, will give but little room for reflection.

Have we not every reason to believe, to the disgrace of such part of the community as call themselves Christians, that there are some, though we will hope but a small part, whose hearts are too much contracted and bound down by avarice, to admit of any humane sensations, which, in a quarter of the globe, where the refinements of the age are cried up by all nations, is unaccountably strange; for, in a scrupulous search for facts, which confirms the writer's opinion on this subject, certain it is, there is not a single page in the New Testament which does not explicitly, or on the fairest inference, condemn such conduct, either by the example or precepts of Christ and his apostles.

Then, since these men have become apostates from Christianity, why any longer suffer their arbitrary power to be a subterfuge for fraud and oppression? Let the salutary laws of Great Britain provide means for suppressing

title: Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/128


text:
Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/129

 a precedent, which, through time and unforeseen events, has become productive of so much mischief. Or let them appear and shew cause, why they are entitled to oppress these poor women, in order to enjoy indolence and ease. And let their claims to the flagrant violation of the rights of our fair countrywomen be developed.

Although, at the same time, permit me to infer, I cannot flatter myself these modes of proceeding are expected entirely to eradicate the sin against the seventh commandment. But, from the prodigious numbers, which are by compulsion driven to the paths of wickedness, will it not be a means of saving thousands of miserable creatures from sin and sorrow, and enable magistrates, and men in power, to exercise justice and authority over the wicked, without fear of punishing the innocent with the guilty? for, believe me, it is not the incorrigible sinner I take upon me to commiserate, but the encouraged, or rather the compelled, sinner; and still more those who suffer in innocence, which is the hapless, wretched fate of thousands. And although I cannot recal

title: Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/129


text:
Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/130

 to my memory the trifling observations I have made on this occasion, I am conscious they are my real sentiments; and flatter myself, however bad the composition, the design will be adopted by the generous and humane; when there is not a doubt, but the heavy burden, which these children of misery have so long supported, will quickly be thrown off, and the stumbling block to virtue and happiness be rolled away.

Have we not had sufficient proofs, that the happiness and welfare of mortals have at all times been thought worthy the attention of a Briton. Witness the poor slaves; what exertions have not been used by the humane friends of liberty in their behalf? Yet less, much less, are their sufferings to be lamented than the poor females I speak of, who have been bred up and educated in the school of Christianity, and fostered by the tender hand of Care.

The slave is little acquainted with the severe pangs a virtuous mind labours under, when driven to the extreme necessity of forfeiting their virtue for bread. The slave cannot feel pain at the loss of reputation, a term of

title: Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/130


text:
Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/131

 which they never heard, and much less know the meaning. What are the untutored, wild imaginations of a slave, when put in the balance with the distressing sensations of a British female, who has received a refined, if not a classical, education, and is capable of the finest feelings the human heart is susceptible of. A slave, through want of education, has little more refinement than cattle in the field; nor can they know the want of what they never enjoyed, or were taught to expect; but a poor female, who has received the best instruction, and is endowed with a good understanding, what must not she feel in mind, independent of her corporeal wants, after the adversity of fate has set her up as a mark, for the ridicule, the censure, and contempt of the world? Her feelings cannot be described, nor her sufferings sufficiently lamented.

I recollect some observations, made some years ago, by a late honourable, humane, learned, and truly worthy member of the House of Commons, respecting the business

title: Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/131


text:
Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/132

 of the slave-trade, which doubly confirms my opinion of the great necessity there is for an investigation into the grievances I have been speaking of, since it leads to a clear demonstration, that the most judicious and benevolent may still remain in the dark, as to the sufferings of our Christian slaves at home.

"There is," said the honourable gentleman, "no state in human nature but had its compensations. What was a slave? a happy slave was a degraded man; his happiness consisted in having no thought of the past, or the future, and this deficiency of mind it was which lessened the dignity of man, and conferred happiness on the African."

A very striking and just observation, with regard to the African, it must be granted; yet I cannot but differ in opinion, when it is said, that all mankind are capable of a compensation. For, admitting the same mode of reasoning to stand good, if the oppressions of one part of the creation are moderated through their ignorance, how much must the other be heightened by their sensibility and the refinements of education. Nor can I see the small-

title: Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/132


text:
Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/133

 est trait of compensation remaining for these miserable females, since the very education they have received in youth, redounds to their misfortunes in maturity.

Then, if an investigation into the business of the slave-trade has been founded on such humane and generous principles, how much greater pleasure must it give the feeling heart, to patronize the poor, unfortunate women of our own nation, who labour under the very worst kind of slavery, and must continue to languish under the fetters of a painful bondage, till death, or the kindly hand of interference, has severed the chain?

But the justice of retribution taking place, shall we not see these poor, helpless, and forlorn women set on a level with their fellow-creatures, and not be under the shocking and cruel necessity of starving in a land of plenty? And when the face of sorrow is enlivened with the smile of happiness and content, and the weary tradesman can lie down in peace, without fear or danger of being annoyed, by the lawless plunderer; when all are united in the bands of mutual benefit and preservation, and

title: Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/133


text:
Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/134

 the memory of former woes is lost in the blessings of a future age; it is then we may reasonably expect, that less than half the immense sums which are now required, will be sufficient to encourage honest industry.

But to detail the extent of human woes in so small a compass is impossible, so various and so fluctuating are the events of human life, and its ills so numerous: so many sudden deaths, losses in trade, and other casualties daily happen within our knowledge, the bare recital of which is not only painful to the narrator, but revives the melancholy tale of woe in the ears of the suffering parties; therefore, as the fate of an unknown individual seems so much on a par with the rest of mankind, permit the foregoing pages to suffice; and, instead of adding the distressing history of the unfortunate Mrs, the writer begs leave to introduce the story of Fidelia, which being picturesque, and well adapted to the design, by permission, may serve as a kind of back-ground to the piece, without wounding again the heart of sensibility, by the recital of past misfortunes.

title: Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/134


text:
Page:The Harveian oration, delivered before the Royal College of Physicians, Wednesday, June 27th, 1877 (IA b22314623).pdf/27

 form. But as it is one of the functions of the Harveian orator to speak "in commemoration of those who have added aught to the sum of medical science in the course of the bygone year," I believe myself to be only fulfilling the trust confided in me if I dwell upon the earnest work which we see on all sides, and which, in spite of malevolence and misconstruction, is leading us on step by step to more perfect knowledge, and enabling us more and more to benefit our fellow men.

Two of our distinguished contemporaries of this College I have already named-one, alas! no more whose names will shed lustre upon the present time. But there are many, both in and out of this College, whom this country may be proud of, and whom we cannot but think that Harvey would gladly have extended the right hand of fellowship to, and have recognised as fellow-labourers. Scientific medicine of the present cannot fail to command the grateful ac- knowledgments of our descendants with such an array of names as Billing and Watson, Burrows, Williams, Carpenter, Sharpey, Beale, Paget, Ben- nett, Simon, Radcliffe, West, Sanderson, Johnson, Brown-Séquard, Lockhart Clarke, Murchison, Handfield Jones, Richardson, Garrod, Wilks, Pavy, Dickinson, Harley, Hughlings Jackson, Hutchinson, Bastian, Ferrier, and many others, whose researches have already secured them a


text:
Page:The Harveian oration, delivered before the Royal College of Physicians, Wednesday, June 27th, 1877 (IA b22314623).pdf/28

 renown that nothing my feeble voice might urge can either abate or increase. Would not Harvey have rejoiced to learn the revelations of the microscope and of the chemical laboratory, which belong especially to our day? Can we not picture to ourselves the flash of joy that would beam from his black eyes as he traced the intricacies of cardiac action and of respiration with the stethoscope, the sphygmograph, and the car- diograph? Would it not have gladdened his heart to see the admirable reports of the (late) Medical Officer of the Privy Council, spreading light over recondite processes, and illuminating subjects not less interesting to the man of science than fraught with benefits to the human race? Would Harvey not have followed with profound intelligence and animation the discussions in our societies on the causes and pathology of cancer, on the communi- cability and production of tubercle, and the in- tricate question of syphilitic infection ?

Who can study the researches of Dr. Burdon Sanderson into the pathology of infective processes without feeling that he is leading us to a pro- founder study of the most hidden phenomena of disease than was thought attainable a very short time ago? Mr. Simon,* alluding to his work and that of his colleagues, says well that their studies are extremely important, and that ordinary pro-
 * Report of Medical Officer of Privy Council, 1874.


text:
Page:The Harveian oration, delivered before the Royal College of Physicians, Wednesday, June 27th, 1877 (IA b22314623).pdf/29

 fessional practice supplies neither opportunity nor immediate stimulus for them; studies of elaborate and purely scientific research in aid of the develop- ment of medical knowledge, studies never im- mediately convertible to pecuniary profit, but perhaps, on the contrary, involving heavy cost; studies, too, which, from their nature, cannot promise rapid results, nor be conducted in fragments of leisure, but require systematic and continuous labour extending over long periods of time.

Dr. Sanderson's researches have especially served to open out a new vista with regard to many inflammatory and febrile processes; and, although they are not to be regarded as concluded, they have already shed much light, particularly on the origin and course of infective processes. We owe to his earlier experiments the discovery of the fact that when in the lower animals local inflammations are produced, either in the skin or peritoneum, by the introduction of irritant sub- stances, two distinct sets of consequences manifest themselves-viz., a chronic disease exhibiting in all respects the anatomical characters of tubercu- losis, and consisting essentially in the overgrowth of certain tissues, designated as lymphatic or adenoid, and shown to be in close relation with the lymphatic system; and (2) an acute disease presenting the leading features of pyæmia, attended


text:
Page:The Harveian oration, delivered before the Royal College of Physicians, Wednesday, June 27th, 1877 (IA b22314623).pdf/31

 thoroughly understand the origin and course of the disease, and the changes that occur. Although it is manifest that morbid poisons do not all act equally upon man and animals, still, it is also clear that we must be content to study the synthesis of disease, with very rare exceptions, in the brute creation only. Would that it were possible to popularise such researches as those initiated by the Medical Officer of the Privy Council, in order to convince a sentimental public that they open a prospect of hopeful harvest in the field of pre- ventive and curative medicine. Surely, it is as much in accordance with the dictates of the most refined humanity to utilise animals for the exten- sion of knowledge that shall afford relief or im- munity from disease, as to employ them for the sustentation of life as food and raiment. As some of the agitators against scientific advancement are proof against facts and evidence brought forward in the vernacular tongue,* we may hope that they will more readily accept arguments when expressed in the language of Virgil. We would recommend them to read the "Carmen Elegiacum" of Dr. Bridges, in which the poet offers an elegant pro- test against the imputation that heartlessness and

practice of subjecting animals to experiments for scientific purposes; 1876; Bluebook. + Carmen Elegiacum Roberti Bridges, de Nosocomio St. Bar- tolomai, Londinensi. Londini: 1877.
 * See especially the Report of the Royal Commission on the


text:
Page:The Harveian oration, delivered before the Royal College of Physicians, Wednesday, June 27th, 1877 (IA b22314623).pdf/32

 cruelty direct experiments made upon animals. After referring to the good work done by our distin- guished fellow Dr. Brunton, whom he describes as

"Promptus aberrantes vivisecare canes,"

and, after alluding to the popular errors prevailing on the subject, he exclaims :

"Hoc crudele aliquid nobilitatis habet, Hic simul humanis prodesse inventa videntur ; Quoque loco cecidit rana, resurgit homo."

Assuming that we have acquired a power to recognise the germs giving rise to febrile and infective processes, or of the cansa proxima (to use an antiquated term) of other morbid conditions, we could not hope to determine satisfactorily by chemical reagents in the test-tube the antidote that would neutralise them. This would merely be an ancillary method, guiding to further re- searches; the real value of the antidote could not be established in any other way than by experi- ment upon a living body into which the germs had been introduced. Valuable as are the reports of Dr. Baxter,* as to the relative disinfecting power of chlorine, permanganate of potash, sulphurous acid, and heat, they deal only with contagia out- side the body. We have probably all of us in practice hoped that, by introducing these and similar agents into the discased body, we might

No. 6.
 * Report of Medical Officer of Prizy Council, 1875; Appendix


text:
Page:The Harveian oration, delivered before the Royal College of Physicians, Wednesday, June 27th, 1877 (IA b22314623).pdf/33

 influence beneficially the processes manifestly de- pending upon such contagia. I fear that as yet no results have been achieved that would in any way justify a belief that the antidote has been dis- covered, which will neutralise or arrest an infective process in the body, as we have succeeded in doing external to it. Our treatment in these cases, as yet, consists in dealing with the product of the morbific germ, and in assisting Nature to bear its assaults with more or less impunity. The goal that we or our successors must aim at is to dis- cover a germicide agent, whether to be introduced by the mouth or by injection directly into the blood; so that, to use Mr. Simon's words,* " the bedside practitioner shall be able to apply his counteragents with the precision of one who con. ducts a mere physical experiment."

But if we are still far from a perfect knowledge of the intimate cause of morbid processes, pro- mising as the investigations are to which allusion has just been made, we have greater reason to congratulate ourselves on our recent advances in the determination of the various phases exhibited during the progress of disease. Few appliances during the most recent period of medicine have contributed more to this advance than the ther- mometer, the universal adoption of which might well be adduced in evidence of that Harveian

C
 * Report of Medical Officer of Privy Council, 1875, p. 1.


text:
Page:The Harveian oration, delivered before the Royal College of Physicians, Wednesday, June 27th, 1877 (IA b22314623).pdf/34

 spirit which I venture to claim as a characteristic and prevailing feature in the medical profession of the present day. Remembering the early days of the stethoscope, and the comparative slowness with which it forced itself into universal recognition, the manner in which the thermometric test of morbid processes has been received in all ranks of the profession, from the time its valuc was first shown by Wunderlich and Traube, seems to justify a high estimate of the advance made by the students of medicine during the present generation. The thermometer does not give us the reason of the change of temperature in the individual case; but it enables us to form a correct estimate of many processes, the nature of which previously could only be determined in the post-mortem room; and increased diligence in its employment is likely to render more clear the diagnosis of various obscure changes, as, for instance, Bastian* and others have already indicated in the depart- ment of cerebral pathology. The thermometer tells us a fact, which the most educated tactile sensibility is inadequate to determine with pre- cision; and both in the outset, course, and con- valescence of acute discase, it is an invaluable help to judge of the requirements of our patients. Whether more care in observation, or more refined

Charlton Bastian, M.D., F.R.S. 1875.
 * Paralysis from Brain-Discase in its Common Forms, by H.


text:
Page:The Harveian oration, delivered before the Royal College of Physicians, Wednesday, June 27th, 1877 (IA b22314623).pdf/35

 instruments, will materially increase the value of thermometry, remains to be seen; but what we specially require is a means of determining the commencement of the incubative stage of febrile disease, so that we might be enabled to apply our remedies before the zymotic process has actually poisoned the entire system. The interval that elapses between the absorption of a germ and the actual manifestation of the complicated processes to which it gives rise is the period during which an antidotal or germicide agent would be most certain to effect the desired end. It suggests itself whether we are not likely to find, in a com- bination of the galvanometer and thermometer, the means of a further advance in this direction; and it seems to me that we must look to the galvanic test also for a solution of the problem, which is so often presented to the practitioner, how pain, which at present is only a subjective sign, can be rendered more objective; how we may estimate and measure this important symptom; how we can secure an instrument which, by anticipation, may be termed an odynometer.

The "tactus eruditus," upon which our pre- decessors justly laid stress, and which cannot now be dispensed with, is rendered more intelligible and receives a scientific basis in the explanations of the varying conditions of arterial tension afforded by the sphygmograph. It is one of those


text:
Page:The Harveian oration, delivered before the Royal College of Physicians, Wednesday, June 27th, 1877 (IA b22314623).pdf/36

 inventions and applications of the modern physio- logist which we conceive that Harvey would have especially delighted in, as giving confirmation to many views which he held, and explaining much that necessarily was beyond even his powers of solution. The sphygmograph affords us the rationale of those differences of the pulse which the practised physician has long recognised; and though not suited, at least in its present form, for ordinary bedside practice, has already, in the hands of experienced observers, thrown muchi light on the changes which the heart and vessels are subjected to in the varying phases of disease. As it has already given precision to our physio- logical doctrines on the action of the heart, the condition of the arteries, and the balance of the circulation, we may hope that it will aid us still further in determining the action of many sub- stances which affect the circulating apparatus and the blood, concerning which the medical mind is still in a painful state of dubiety.

In connexion with this subject, I am confident that I re-echo the feelings of every member of this ancient Corporation if I dwell upon the loss which the College has sustained, since the last Harveian oration was delivered, by the decease of a man whom we may justly designate as a genuine follower of our great medical prototype, and who showed by his work that he also "avowed himself


text:
Page:The Harveian oration, delivered before the Royal College of Physicians, Wednesday, June 27th, 1877 (IA b22314623).pdf/37

 the partisan of truth alonc," questioning Nature with all the perseverance of the earnest student, and not content with anything but the most rigid examination of the replies she vouchsafed to his inquiries. Among the numerous works of Harvey, the loss of which we have to deplore,* "by certain rapacious bands, which, not only with the permis- sion but by the command of Parliament, stripped his house of all its furniture, but abstracted the fruits of many years of toil," we have to reckon a Medical Anatomy. One of the various works by which our friend Dr. Sibson has established a name, which will endure while this College lasts, is a Medical Anatomy, in which he gives evidence of many of the admirable qualities which charac- terised Harvey. Like Harvey, too, he did not hurry into a publication of his researches, but thoroughly matured his work before bringing his fruit into the great market of literature. To both we may suitably apply the praise bestowed upon Goldsmith, in a somewhat different sense, in the well-known words: "Nihil tetigit quod non orna- vit." Sibson's work in connexion with respira- tion, with the nomenclature of disease, with

+ Ibid., p. 89. We hope to be pardoned for taking a slight liberty with John- son's epitaph on Goldsmith, the commencement of which runs thns : "Olivarii Goldsmith, poeta, physici, historici, qui nullum feri scribendi genus non tetigit, nullum quod tetigit non ornavit, sive risus essent movendi, sive lachrymæ, affectuum potens et lenis dominator, etc."
 * The Works of Harvey, Sydenham Society's edition, p. 481.


text:
Page:The Harveian oration, delivered before the Royal College of Physicians, Wednesday, June 27th, 1877 (IA b22314623).pdf/38

 aneurism, and with sanitary science, deserves a grateful record on our part. There appears a special fitness in the fact that, the last time Sibson appeared before the medical public, he delivered two Harveian lectures "on Bright's Disease and its Treatment," in which we find all those qualities of the scientific physician which have left so deep an impression upon the generation in which he lived. They do not, of course, convey to the reader the many estimable qualities of head and heart, the warmth and hcartiness of his friendship, the poetic love of nature and of art, which endeared him to all who had the privilege of intimate intercourse with him, and which we rarely see so harmoniously blended as they were in our departed friend. These, indeed, arc cn- shrined in our affectionate memories; but his chief claim to be mentioned in this place, and on this occasion, lies in the fact that those who knew him best may claim for him, in an especial manner, that he was the representative of the Harveian spirit of honest and truthful research into the mysteries of God's work in Nature.

In no department of medical science has careful study offered to the inquirer of late years more promise of reward than in the domain of the nervous system. We have, indeed, been told, but recently in this hall, by one of its most successful cultivators, how much of uncertainty yet surroutids


text:
Page:The Harveian oration, delivered before the Royal College of Physicians, Wednesday, June 27th, 1877 (IA b22314623).pdf/39

 our knowledge of disease of the brain; and yet, whether we dwell upon the physiology of the cerebro-spinal system, the chemical changes which it controls, the localisation of function, the relation of nutrition and nerve force, or the minute patho- logy of the brain and spinal cord, it is impossible not to be struck by the progress made by labourers of the present and most recent periods. In this field alone, of all the wide regions of medical science, we find no evidence that our Harvey instituted any special inquiries and obser- vations. In his manuscript lectures on anatomy, the brain and spinal cord are treated in the most summary manner; and although his works afford proofs of his pathological knowledge,* of his acquirements and practice in surgery,t and of his acquaintance with and performance of operations in obstetrics, we search in vain for a sign that he even appreciated the importance of the nervous system. The significance of this part of our

et passim. Ibid., p. 254. Harvey here speaks of his surgical operations as a common thing; and it is particularly interesting to note that in an age when the "ferrum candens" was still in vogue for the arrest of hæmorrhage, he says: "I have occasionally, and against all ex- pectation, completely cured enormous sarcoceles by the simple means of dividing or tying the little artery that supplied them, and so preventing all access of nourishment to the part affected." + Harvey's essay on Parturition affords satisfactory evidence that he was not a mere theorist, but that he personally engaged in the practice of midwifery. He appears to have paid attention to the process of parturition of animals as well as of the human female (Sydenham Society's edition, pp. 521, et segg.; see also p. 534).
 * The Works of Harvey, Sydenham Society's edition, pp. 90-197,


text:
Page:The Harveian oration, delivered before the Royal College of Physicians, Wednesday, June 27th, 1877 (IA b22314623).pdf/41

 intense becomes the admiration for the great mind that achieved them; and the greater our regret that barbarous hands destroyed other products of his labour, which we are justified in inferring to have been of the greatest value. As the reputa- tion he enjoyed among his contemporaries has been confirmed by the continuous applause of his successors, we cannot doubt that his powers, brought to bear upon the investigation of disease and its treatment, the results of which were em- bodied in his (lost) "Medical Annotations," would also have largely advanced the healing art. With his help, it is not unlikely that our control of morbid processes might be greater than it is at present, and that we might already claim a greater precision in this department of our calling than our advances in diagnosis, in the chemistry of the body, and in the knowledge of drugs, can yet justify. Earnest as the work is that is being done in this field of science, it is scarcely com- mensurate with the results gained in other sections of the domain; though here, too, the Harveian spirit is abroad, and humanity is already reaping benefits which even Harvey could not have dreamt of.

But if we may not justly assert that we have as yet acquired the precision in our control over morbid processes that the general advance of medical knowledge would appear to demand, we


text:
Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/135

AYS, I shall make no apology for the trouble I am about to give you, since I am sure the motives that induce me to give it will have as much weight with you as they have with me; I shall, therefore, without farther preface, relate to you the events of a life, which, however insignificant and unentertaining, affords a lesson of the highest importance; a lesson, the value of which I have experienced, and may therefore recommend.

I am the daughter of a gentleman of good family, who, as he was a younger brother, purchased, with the portion that was allotted him, a genteel post under government. My mother died when I was but twelve years

title: Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/135


text: Talk:The New Student's Reference Work/Story of Wool


text:
Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/136

 years old, and my father, who was excessively fond of me, determined to be himself my preceptor, and to take care that my natural genius, which his partiality made him think above the common rank, should not want the improvements of a liberal education.

He was a man of sense, with a tolerable share of learning. In his youth he had been a free liver, and, perhaps, for that reason took some pains to become a free thinker. But whatever fashionable frailties he might formerly have allowed in himself, he was now in advanced life, and had, at least, worldly wisdom enough to know, that it was necessary his daughter should be restrained from those liberties, which he had looked upon as trifling errors in his own conduct. He therefore laboured with great application to inculcate in me the love of order, the beauty of moral rectitude, and the happiness and self-reward of virtue; but, at the same time, professed it his design to free my mind from vulgar prejudices and superstition, for so he called revealed religion. As I was urged to chuse virtue and reject vice, from motives which had no neces-

title: Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/136


text:
Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/137

 sary connection with immortality. I was not led to consider a future state either with hope or fear. My father, indeed, when I urged him upon that subject, always intimated that the doctrine of immortality, whether true or false, ought not at all to influence my conduct, or interrupt my peace, because the virtue which secured happiness in the present state, would also secure it in a future state: a future state, therefore, I wholly disregarded, and, to confess the truth, disbelieved: for I thought I could plainly discover, that it was disbelieved by my father, though he had not thought fit explicitly to declare his sentiments. As I had no very turbulent passions, a ductile and good disposition, and the highest reverence for his understanding, as well as the tenderest affection for him, he found it an easy talk to make me adopt every sentiment and opinion which he proposed to me, as his own, especially as he took care to support his principles by the authority and arguments of the best writers against Christianity.

At the age of twenty, I was called upon to make use of all the philosophy I had been

title: Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/137


text:
Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/138

 taught, by his death; which not only deprived me of a parent I most ardently loved, but with him of all the ease and affluence to which I had been accustomed. His income was only for life, and he had rather lived beyond than within it; consequently, there was nothing left for me, but the pride and helplessness of genteel life, a taste for every thing elegant, and a delicacy and sensibility that has doubled my sufferings. In this distress, a brother of my mother's, who was grown rich in trade, received me into his house, and declared he would take the same care of me as if I had been his own. When the first transports of my grief were abated, I found myself in an easy situation, and from the natural cheerfulness of my temper, I was beginning once more to taste of happiness. My uncle, who was a man of narrow understanding and illiberal education, was a little disgusted with me for employing so much of my time in reading; but still more so, when happening to examine my books, he found, by the titles, that some of them were what he called blasphemy, and tended, as he imagined, to make

title: Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/138


text:
Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/139

 me an atheist. I endeavoured to explain my principles, which I thought beneath the dignity of virtue to disguise or disavow; but as I never could make him conceive any difference between a deist and an atheist, my arguments only served to confirm him in the opinion, that I was a wicked wretch, who, in his own phrase, believed neither God nor devil, As he was really a good man, and heartily zealous for the established faith, though more from habit and prejudice than reason, my errors gave him great affliction. I perceived it with the utmost concern; I perceived too, that he looked upon me with a degree of abhorrence mixed with pity, and that I was wholly indebted to his good nature for that protection, which I had flattered myself I should owe to his love. I comforted myself, however, with my own integrity, and even felt a conscious pride, in suffering this persecution from ignorance and folly, only because I was superior to vulgar errors and popular superstition. And that Christianity deserved these appellations, I was not more convinced by my father's arguments, than my uncle's

title: Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/139


text:
Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/140

 conduct, who, as his zeal was not according to knowledge, was by no means qualified to "adorn the doctrine which he professed to believe."

I had lived a few months under the painful sensibility of receiving continual benefits from a person whose esteem and affection I had lost, when my uncle one day come into my chamber, and after preparing me for some unexpected good fortune, told me, he had just had a proposal of marriage for me, from a man to whom I could not possibly have any objection. He then named a merchant with whom I had often been in company at his table. As the man was neither old nor ugly, had a large fortune, and a fair character, my uncle thought himself sufficiently authorised to pronounce as he did, that I could not possibly have any objection to him. An objection, however, I had, which I told my uncle was to me insuperable; it was, that the person whom he proposed to me as the companion, the guide, and director of my whole life, to whom I was to vow, not only obedience, but love, had nothing in him that could ever en-

title: Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/140


text:
Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/141

 gage my affection: his understanding was low, his sentiments mean and indelicate, and his manner unpolite and unpleasing. "What stuff is all this?" interrupted my uncle, "sentiments indelicate, unpolite, his understanding forsooth, not equal to your own! Ah! child, if you had less romance, conceit, and arrogance, and more true discretion and prudence, it would do you more good than all the fine books you have confounded your poor head with, and, what is worse, perhaps, ruined your poor soul. I own it went a little against my conscience to accept my honest friend's kind offer, and give him such a pagan for a wife. But I know not, whether the believing husband may not convert the unbelieving wife? As to your slighty objections, they are such nonsense, that I wonder you can suppose me fool enough to be deceived by them. No, child, wife as you are, you cannot impose upon a man who has lived as many years in the world as I have. I see your motive; you have some infidel libertine rake in your eye, with whom you would go headlong to perdition. But I shall take care to have

title: Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/141


text:
Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/142

 your soul to answer for, as well as your person. Either I shall dispose of you to an honest man that may convert you, or you shall dispose of yourself how you please for me; for I disclaim all farther care or trouble about you. So I leave you to consider, whether or no the kindness I have shewn you, entitles me to some little influence over you, and whether you chuse to seek protection where you can find it, or accept of the happy lot Providence has cut out for you."

He left me at the close of this fine harangue, and I seriously set myself to consider, as he bade me, which of the two states he had set before me, I ought to chuse.—To submit to a legal sort of prostitution, with the additional weight of perjury on my conscience, or to expose myself to all the distress of friendless poverty and unprotected youth. After some hours of deliberation, I determined on the latter, and that more from principle than inclination; for, though my delicacy would have suffered extremely in accepting a husband, at least indifferent to me, yet as my heart was perfectly disengaged, and my tem-

title: Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/142


text:
Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/143

 per naturally easy, I thought I could have been less unhappy in following my uncle's advice than I might probably be by rejecting it. But then I must have submitted to an action I could not think justifiable, in order to avoid mere external distresses. This would not have been philosophical. I had always been taught, that virtue was of itself sufficient to happiness; and that those things which are generally esteemed evils, could have no power to disturb the felicity of a mind governed by the eternal rule of right, and truly enamoured of the charms of moral beauty, I resolved, therefore, to run all risques, rather than depart from this glorious principle. I felt myself raised by the trial, and exulted in the opportunity of shewing my contempt of the smiles or frowns of fortune, and of proving the power of virtue to sustain the soul under all accidental circumstances of distress.

I communicated my resolution to my uncle, assuring him at the same time of my everlasting gratitude and respect, and that nothing should have induced me to offend or disobey him, but his requiring me to do what my rea-

title: Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/143


text:
Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/144

 son and conscience disapproved; that supposing the advantages of riches to be really as great as he believed, yet still those of virtue were greater, and I could not resolve to purchase the one by a violation of the other; that a false vow was certainly criminal; and that it would be doing an act of the highest injustice, to enter into so solemn an engagement without the power of fulfilling it; that my affections did not depend on my own will; and that no man should possess my person, who could not obtain the first place in my heart.

I was surprised that my uncle's impatience had permitted me to go on thus far; but looking in his face, I perceived that passion had kept him silent. At length the gathering storm burst over my head in a torrent of reproaches; my reasons were condemned as romantic absurdities, which I could not myself believe. I was accused of designing to deceive, and to throw myself away on some worthless fellow, whose principles were as bad as my own. It was in vain for me to assert, that I had no such design, nor any inclination to marry at all. My uncle could sooner have believed the grossest

title: Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/144


text:
Page:The plastic age, (IA plasticage00mark).pdf/182

164 some of them think; if they did n’t, I’d leave col¬ lege to-morrow. It’s men like Davis and Maxwell and Henley and Jimpson who keep me here. But most of the profs can’t do anything more than spout a few facts that they’ve got out of books. No, they don’t know any more about it than we do. We don’t know why we ’re here or where we ’re going or what we ought to do while we are here. And we get into groups and tell smutty stories and talk about women and religion, and we don’t know any more than when we started. Think of all the talk that goes on around this college about sex. There’s no end to it. Some of the fellows say pos¬ itively there’s no sense in staying straight; and a few, damn few, admit that they think a fellow ought to leave women alone, but most of them are in a muddle.”

He rose and stretched. “I’ve got to be going— a philosophy quiz to-morrow.” He smiled. “I don’t agree with Nutter, and I don’t agree with George, and I don’t agree with you, Don; and the worst of it is that I don’t agree with myself. You fellows can bull about this some more if you want to; I’ve got to study.”

“No, they can’t,” said Ross. “Not here, any¬ way. I’ve got to study, too. The whole of you ’ll have to get out.”

The boys rose and stretched. Ferguson rolled lazily off the couch. “Well,” he said with a yawn,


text:
Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/145

 contradiction, than that a young woman could so strenuously refuse one man, without being prepossessed in favour of another. As I thought myself injured by his accusations and tyranny, I gave over the attempt to mitigate his anger. He appealed to Heaven for the justice of his resentment, and against my ingratitude and rebellion; and then giving me a note of fifty pounds, which he said would keep me from immediate indigence, he bade me leave his house, and see his face no more. I bowed in sign of obedience, and collecting all my dignity and resolution, I arose, thanked him for his past benefits, and, with a low curtsey, left the room.

In less than an hour, I departed, with my little wardrobe, to the house of a person who had formerly been my father's servant, and who now kept a shop and let lodgings. From thence I went the next day to visit my father's nephew, who was in possession of the family estate, and had lately married a lady of great fortune. He was a young gentleman of good parts, his principles the same as my father's, though his practice had not been quite

title: Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/145


text:
Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/146

 agreeable to the strict rules of morality. However, setting aside a few of those vices which are looked upon as genteel accomplishments in young fellows of fortune, I thought him a good sort of man; and, as we had always lived in great kindness, I doubted not that I should find him my friend, and meet with approbation and encouragement, at least, if not assistance, from him. I told him my story, and the reasons that had determined me to the refusal that had incurred my uncle's displeasure; but how was I disappointed, when, instead of the applause I expected for my heroic virtue and unmerited persecutions, I perceived a smile of contempt on his face, when he interrupted me in the following manner:

"And what in the devil's name, my dear cousin, could make a woman of your sense behave so like an ideot? What! forfeit all your hopes from your uncle, refuse an excellent match, and reduce yourself to beggary because, truly, you were not in love? Surely one might have expected better from you even at fifteen. Who is it, pray, that marries the person of their choice? For my own part, who

title: Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/146


text:
Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/147

 have rather a better title to please myself, with a good fifteen hundred a year, than you who have not a shilling, I found it would not do; and that there was something more to be sought after in a wife, than a pretty face or a genius. Do you think I cared three farthings for the woman I married?—No, faith; but her thirty thousand pounds were worth having; with that I can purchase a seraglio of beauties, and indulge my taste in every kind of pleasure. And, pray, what is it to me, whether my wife has beauty, or wit, or elegance, when her money will supply me with all that in others? You, cousin, had an opportunity of being as happy as I am. The men, believe me, would not like you a bit the worse for being married; on the contrary, you would find, that for one who took notice of you as a single woman, twenty would be your admirers and humble servants, when there was no danger of being taken in: thus you might have gratified all your passions, made an elegant figure in life, and have chosen out some gentle swain, as romantic and poetical as you pleased, for your cecisbeo.

title: Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/147


text:
Page:The plastic age, (IA plasticage00mark).pdf/265

Rh ut He proceeded to bluff himself out of the di:mma. “She? OH, yes, she. Well, she is she. Altoether divine, Len.” He was trying hard to be asual and flippant, but his eyes were dancing and is lips trembled with smiles. Gates grinned at him. “A poor bluff, old man —a darn poor bluff. You ’re in love, pauvre enant, and I’m afraid that you ’re in a very bad ray. Come on, tell us the lady’s name, her pediree, and list of charms.”

Hugh grinned back at Gates. “Chase yourself,” e said gaily. “I won’t tell you a blamed thing bout her.” “You’d better,” said Jim Saunders from the epths of a leather chair. “Is she the jane whose icture adorns your desk?” “Yeah,” Hugh admitted.

“How do you like er?”

“Very fair, very fair.” Saunders was magnif:ently lofty. “I’ve seen better, of course, but ’ve seen worse, too. Not bad um, not very ad.” f ,.

The “razzing” had started, and Hugh lost his .
 * erve.

“Jim, you can go to hell,” he said definitely, pre•ared to rush up-stairs before Saunders could re¬ ly. “You don’t know a queen when you see one. Vhy, Cynthia—”


text:
Page:The Great Didactic of John Amos Comenius (1896).pdf/55

 each time stress should be laid on some fresh point. By the ninth reading it should practically be known off by heart. Great stress is laid on the importance of employing the morning hours for learning, and the afternoon for reading and writing. Similarly, the Janua is to be read ten times, the tenth reading being a kind of Latin disputation in which the winner gets a prize.

In the following year (1638) an invitation came from Sweden asking Comenius to undertake the reformation of the schools in that country. He refused. The task, he said, was too great for one man, and he foresaw nothing but envious opposition from the local schoolmasters.

But, though not induced to leave Lissa, it was brought home to him how much schools all over Europe were in need of reformation, and he was induced to commence the translation of The Great Didactic out of Czech into Latin. The headings of the chapters he communicated to Hartlib, who published them in 1642 as an appendix to his Reforme of Schooles. In other directions his literary output was as great as ever. To these years belong two plays, Diogenes Cynicus redivivus and Abrahamus Patriarcha, which were acted by the students of the Gymnasium.

To the interest excited by his philosophic schemes we have alluded in our account of the Prodromus. This interest continued to increase, and Comenius, who had come to Lissa in 1628, known merely as a member of a little band of Bohemian exiles, with sensible views on the teaching Latin, began to realise that he had achieved European notoriety and that any country would be glad to secure his services. Much his renown was probably due to the enthusiasm of Hartlib, who was in correspondence with a large number of intellectual men both in England and on the continent. Pell, an English mathematician and the friend of Hartlib, was in communication with Mersenne in France; Mersenne had written to Comenius on the subject of his Pansophic schemes, and Descartes himself, an old school-fellow and friend of


text:
Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/148

 The good John Trot husband would have been easily managed."

My indignation could be contained no longer, and I was leaving the room in disdain, when he caught me by the hand. "Nay, prithee, my dear cousin, none of these violent airs: I thought you and I had known one another better. Let the poor souls who are taught by the priests and their nurses to be afraid of hell-fire, and to think they shall go to the devil for following nature, and making life agreeable, be as outrageously virtuous as they please, you have too much sense to be frightened at bugbears. You know that the term of our existence is but short, and it is highly reasonable to make it as pleasant as possible."

I was too angry to attempt confusing his arguments; but, bursting from his hold, told him, I would take care not to give him a second opportunity of insulting my distress, and affronting my understanding; and so left his house with a resolution never to enter it again.

I went home mortified and disappointed; my spirits sunk into a dejection which took from me, for many days, all inclination to

title: Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/148


text:
Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/149

 stir out of my lodging, or to see a human face. At length I resolved to try whether indigence and friendship were really incompatible, and whether I should meet with the same treatment from a female friend, whose affection had been the principal pleasure of my youth. Surely, thought I, the gentle Amanda, whose heart seems capable of every tender and generous sentiment, will do justice to the innocence and integrity of her unfortunate friend; her tenderness will encourage my virtue, and animate my fortitude; her praises and endearments will compensate all my hardships. Amanda was a single woman, of a moderate independent fortune, which I heard she was going to bestow on a young officer, who had little or nothing besides his commission. I had no doubt of her approbation of my refusing a mercenary match, since she herself had chosen from motives so opposite to those which are called prudent. She had been in the country some months, so that my misfortunes had not reached her ear, till I myself related them to her.

title: Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/149


text:
Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/150

 She heard me with great attention, and answered with politeness enough, but with a coldness that chilled my very heart.

"You are sensible, my dear Fidelia," said she, "that I never pretended to set my understanding in competition with yours. I know my own inferiority, and though many of your notions and opinions appeared to me very strange and particular, I never attempted to dispute them with you. To be sure, you know best: but it seems to me a very odd conduct, for one in your situation to give offence to so good an uncle; first, by maintaining doctrines which may be very true for ought I know, but which are very contrary to the received opinions we are brought up in, and therefore are apt to shock a common understanding; and secondly, to renounce his protection, and throw yourself into the wide world, rather than marry the man he chose for you; to whom, after all, I do not find you had any real objection, nor any antipathy for his person."

"Antipathy, my dear," said I, "are there not many degrees between loving and honour-

title: Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/150


text:
Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/151

 ing a man preferably to all others, and beholding him with abhorrence and aversion. The first is, in my opinion, the duty of a wife, a duty voluntarily taken upon herself, and engaged in under the most solemn contract. As to the difficulties that may attend my friendless, unprovided state, since they are the consequences of a virtuous action, they cannot really be evils, nor can they disturb that happiness which is the gift of virtue."—"I am heartily glad," answered she, "that you have found out the art of making yourself happy by the force of imagination. I wish your enthusiasm may continue, and that you may still be farther convinced, by your own experience, of the folly of mankind, in supposing poverty and disgrace to be evils."

I was cut to the soul by the unkind manner which accompanied this sarcasm, and was going to remonstrate against her unfriendly treatment, when her lover came in, with another gentleman, who, in spite of my full heart, engaged my attention, and, for a while, made me forget the stings of unkindness. The beauty and gracefulness of his person caught

title: Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/151


text:
Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/152

 my eye, and the politeness of his address, and the elegance of his compliments, soon prejudiced me in favour of his understanding. He was introduced by the captain to Amanda as his most intimate friend, and seemed desirous to give credit to his friend's judgment, by making himself as agreeable as possible. He succeeded so well, that Amanda was wholly engrossed by the pleasure of his conversation, and the care of entertaining her lover and her new guest. Her face brightened and her good humour returned. When I arose to leave her, she pressed me so earnestly to stay dinner, that I could not, without discovering how much I resented her behaviour, refuse. This, however, I should probably have done, as I was naturally disposed to shew every sentiment of my heart, had not a secret wish arisen there to know a little more of this agreeable stranger. This inclined me to think it prudent to conceal my resentment, and to accept the civilities of Amanda. The conversation grew more and more pleasing; I took my share in it; and had more than my share of the charming stranger's notice and attention. As we all grew

title: Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/152


text:
Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/153

 more and more unreserved, Amanda dropped hints in the course of the conversation relating to my story, my sentiments, and unhappy situation. Sir George Freelove, for that was the young gentleman's name, listened greedily to all that was said of me, and seemed to eye me with an earnest curiosity, as well as admiration. We did not part till it was late; and Sir George insisted on attending me to my lodgings. I strongly refused it, not without a sensation, which more properly belonged to the female than the philosopher, and which I condemned in myself, as arising from dishonest pride.

I could not, without pain, suffer the polite Sir George, upon so short an acquaintance, to discover the meanness of my abode. To avoid this, I sent for a chair, but was confused to find that Sir George and his servants prepared to attend it on foot, by way of guard. It was in vain to dispute: he himself walked before, and his servants followed it. I was covered with blushes, when, after all this parade, he handed me in at the little shop door, and took leave with as profound respect, as if

title: Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/153


text:
Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/154

 he had guarded me into a palace. A thousand different thoughts kept me from closing my eyes that night. The behaviour of Amanda wounded me to the soul: I found that I must look on her as no more than a common acquaintance, and that the world did not contain one person whom I could call my friend. My heart felt desolate and forlorn. I knew not what course to take for my future subsistence. The pain which my pride had just given me, convinced me that I was far from having conquered the passions of humanity, and that I should feel too sensibly all the mortifications which attend on poverty. I determined, however, to subdue this pride, and call to my assistance the example of ancient sages and philosophers, who despised riches and honours, and felt no inconveniencies from the malice of fortune. I had almost reasoned myself into a contempt for the world, and fancied myself superior to its smiles or frowns, when the idea of Sir George Freelove rushed upon my mind, and destroyed, at once, the whole force of my reasoning. I found that, however I might disregard the rest of the

title: Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/154


text:
Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/155

 world, I could not be indiffernt to his opinion; and the thought of being despised by him was insupportable. I recollected that my condition was extremely different from that of an old philosopher, whose rags, perhaps, were the means of gratifying his pride, by attracting the notice and respect of mankind: at least, the philosopher's schemes and wishes were very different from those which, at that time, were taking possession of my heart. The looks and behaviour of Sir George, left me no doubt, that I had made as deep an impression in his favour as he had done in mine. I could not bear to lose the ground I had gained, and to throw myself into a state below his notice. I scorned the thought of imposing on him with regard to my circumstances, in case he should really have had favourable intentions for me; yet to disgrace myself for ever in his eye, by submitting to servitude, or any low way of supporting myself, was what I could not bring myself to resolve on.

In the midst of these reflections. I was surprised, the next morning, by a visit from Sir George. He made respectful apologies for

title: Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/155


text:
Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/156

 the liberty he took; told me he had learned from my friend, that the unkindness and tyranny of an uncle had cast me into uneasy circumstances; and that he could not know that so much beauty and merit were so unworthily treated by fortune, without earnestly wishing to be the instrument of doing me more justice. He entreated me to add dignity and value to his life, by making it conducive to the happiness of mine; and was going on with the most fervent offers of service, when I interrupted him, by saying that there was nothing in his power that I could with honour accept, by which my life could be made happier, but that respect which was due to me as a woman and a gentlewoman, and which ought to have prevented such offers of service from a stranger, as could only be justified by a long-experienced friendship; that I was not in a situation to receive visits, and must decline his acquaintance, which, nevertheless, in a happier part of my life would have given me pleasure.

He now had recourse to all the arts of his sex, imputing his too great freedom to the force of his passion, protesting the most inviolable

title: Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/156


text:
Page:The Great Didactic of John Amos Comenius (1896).pdf/56

 Mersenne, had expressed his approval of them, though hitherto he knew of them only by hearsay.

Comenius thus began to feel that the walls of the Lissa Gymnasium formed a limited horizon, and one beyond which his personal influence might with great advantage be extended. Many causes worked together to make him dissatisfied with his position. The death of Count Raphael in 1636 and of his old master Alsted in 1638 had taken from him two of his best friends. Enemies, envious of his success, had worked upon the distrust that his brothers in the faith could not refrain from evincing towards his scientific efforts, and had accused him before the Synod of displaying irreverence in his Pansophic writings. Count Bohuslaw had seceded from the Evangelic party and embraced the Catholic faith, and seems to have given an unsatisfactory reply when Comenius (in 1640) laid before him his further schemes for scholastic and pansophic works. It is therefore not surprising that he yielded to the pressing demands of Hartlib and, having first obtained leave from the Unity, set out for England.

It was after a most unsatisfactory voyage, during which he had been carried by a storm into the Baltic, that he reached London in the September of 1641; but, once there, he was received with open arms by the little band of which Hartlib was the centre.

A man of great enthusiasm but of less judgment, Hartlib knew everybody in England who was worth knowing. “I could fill whole sheets,” he wrote to Worthington, “in what love and reputation I have lived these thirty years in England; being familiarly acquainted with


text:
Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/157

 respect, and imploring on his knees, and even with tears, that I would not punish him so severely, as to deny him the liberty of seeing me, and making himself more and more worthy of my esteem. My weak heart was but too much touched by his artifices, and I had only just fortitude enough to persevere in refusing his visits, and to insist on his leaving me, which at last he did; but with such a profusion of tenderness, prayers, and protestations, that it was some time before I could recal my reason enough to reflect on the whole of his behaviour, and on my own situation, which compared, left me but little doubt of his dishonourable views.

I determined never more to admit him to my presence, and accordingly gave orders to be denied, if he came again. My reason applauded, but my heart reproached me, and heavily repined at the rigid determination of prudence. I knew that I acted rightly, and I expected that that consciousness would make me happy; but I found it otherwise, I was wretched beyond what I had ever felt, or formed any idea of. I discovered that my

title: Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/157


text:
Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/158

 heart was entangled in a passion which must for ever be combated, or indulged at the expence of virtue. I now considered riches as truly desirable, since they would have placed me above disgraceful attempts, and given me reasonable hopes of becoming the wife of Sir George Freelove. I was discontented and unhappy, but surprised and disappointed to find myself so, since hitherto I had no one criminal action to reproach myself with; on the contrary, my difficulties were all owing to my regard for virtue.

I resolved, however, to try still farther the power of virtue to confer happiness, to go on in my obedience to her laws, and patiently wait the good effects of it. But I had stronger difficulties to go through than any I had yet experienced: Sir George was too much practised in the arts of seduction to be discouraged by a first repulse, every day produced either some new attempt to see me, or a letter full of the most passionate protestations and entreaties for pardon and favour: it was in vain I gave orders that no more letters should be taken in from him: he had so many

title: Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/158


text:
Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/159

 different contrivances to convey them, and directed them in hands so unlike, that I was surprised into reading them, contrary to my intentions. Every time I stirred out, he was sure to be in my way, and to employ the most artful tongue that ever ensnared the heart of woman, in blinding my reason and awakening my passions.

My virtue, however, did not yet give way, but my peace of mind was utterly destroyed. Whenever I was with him, I summoned all my fortitude, and constantly repeated my commands, that he should avoid me: his disobedience called for my resentment, and, in spite of my melting heart, I armed my eyes with anger, and treated him with as much disdain as I thought his unworthy designs deserved. But the moment he left me, all my resolution forsook me, I repined at my fate, I even murmured against the Sovereign Ruler of all things, for making me subject to passions I could not subdue, yet must not indulge. I compared my own situation with that of my libertine cousin, whose pernicious arguments I had heard with horror

title: Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/159


text:
Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/160

 and detestation; who gave the reins to every desire; whose house was the seat of plenty, mirth, and delight; whose face was ever covered with smiles; and whose heart seemed free from sorrow and care. Is not this man, said I, happier than I am? and if so, where is the worth of virtue? Have I not sacrificed to her my fortune and my friends? Do I not daily sacrifice to her my darling inclination; yet, what is the compensation she offers me? What are my prospects in this world but poverty, mortification, disappointment, and grief? Every wish of my heart denied, every passion of humanity combated and hurt, though never conquered! Are these the blessings with which Heaven distinguishes it favourites? Can the King of Heaven want power or will to distinguish them? or does he leave his wretched creatures the sport of chance, the prey of wickedness and malice? Surely no. Yet is not the condition of the virtuous often more miserable than that of the vicious? I myself have experienced that it is. I am very unhappy, and see no likelihood of my being otherwise in this world—and all beyond

title: Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/160


text:
Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/161

 the grave is eternal darkness. Yet why do I say that I have no prospect of happiness? does not the most engaging of men offer me all the joys that love and fortune can bestow? Will not he protect me from every insult of the proud world that scoffs at indigence? Will not his liberal hand pour forth the means of every pleasure, even of that highest and truest of all pleasure, the power of relieving the sufferings of my fellow-creatures, of changing the tears of distress into tears of joy and gratitude, of communicating my own happiness to all around me? Is not this a state far preferable to that in which virtue has placed me? But what is virtue? Is not happiness the laudable pursuit of reason? Is it not then laudable to pursue it by the most probable means? Have I not been accusing Providence of unkindness, whilst I myself only am in fault for rejecting its offered favours? Surely, I have mistaken the path of virtue: it must be that which leads to happiness. The path which I am in is full of thorns and briars, and terminates in impenetrable darkness; but I see another that is strewed with flowers, and bright

title: Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/161


text:
Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/162

 with the sun shine of prosperity: this, surely, is the path of virtue and the road to happiness. Hither then let me turn my weary steps, nor let vain and idle prejudices fright me from felicity. It is surely impossible that I should offend God, by yielding to a temptation which he has given me no motive to resist. He has allotted me a short and precarious existence, and has placed before me good and evil. What is good but pleasure? What is evil but pain? Reason and nature direct me to chuse the first, and avoid the last. I sought for happiness in what is called virtue, but I found it not: shall I not try the other experiment, since I think I can hardly be more unhappy by following inclination, than I am by denying it?

Thus had my frail thoughts wandered into a wilderness of error, and thus had I almost reasoned myself out of every principle of morality, by pursuing, through all their consequences, the doctrines which had been taught me as rules of life and prescriptions for felicity, the talismans of truth, by which I should be secured in the storms of adversity, and listen without danger to the syrens of temptation;

title: Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/162


text:
Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/163

 when, in the fatal hour of my presumption, sitting alone in my chamber, collecting arguments on the side of passion, almost distracted with doubts, and plunging deeper and deeper into falsehood, I saw Sir George Freelove at my feet, who had gained admittance, contrary to my orders, by corrupting my landlady. It is not necessary to describe to you his arts, or the weak effects of that virtue which had been graciously implanted in my heart, but which I had taken impious means to undermine by false reasoning, and which now tottered from the foundation: suffice it that I submitted to the humiliation I have so well deserved, and tell you, that, in the pride of human reason I dared to condemn, as the effect of weakness and prejudice, the still voice of conscience, which would yet have warned me from ruin; that my innocence, my honour was the sacrifice to passion and sophistry; that my boasted philosophy, and too much flattered understanding, preserved me not from the lowest depth of infamy, which the weakest of my sex with humility and religion would have avoided.

title: Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/163


text:
Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/164

 I now experienced a new kind of wretchedness: my vile seducer tried in vain to reconcile me to the shameful life to which he had reduced me, by loading me with finery, and lavishing his fortune in procuring me pleasures which I could not taste, and pomp which seemed an insult on my disgrace. In vain did I recollect the arguments which had convinced me of the lawfulness of accepting offered pleasures, and following the dictates of inclination. The light of my understanding was darkened, but the sense of guilt was not lost: my pride and my delicacy, if, criminal as I was, I may dare to call it so, suffered the most intolerable mortification and disgust every time I reflected on my infamous situation. Every eye seemed to upbraid me, even that of my triumphant seducer. O depth of misery! to be conscious of deserving the contempt of him I loved, and for whose sake I was become contemptible to myself.

This was the state of my mind during a year which I passed in Sir George's house: his fondness was unabated for eight months of the time; and as I had no other object to

title: Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/164


text:
Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/165

 share my attention, neither friend nor relation to call off any part of my tenderness, all the love of a heart naturally affectionate centered in him. The first dawnings of unkindness were but too visible to my watchful eyes. I had now all the torments of jealousy to endure, till a cruel certainty put an end to them; I learnt, at length, that my false lover was on the brink of marriage with a lady of great fortune. I immediately resolved to leave him, but could not do it without first venting my full heart in complaints and reproaches. This provoked his rage, and drew on me insolence, which, though I had deserved, I had not learnt to bear. I returned with scorn, which no longer became me, all the wages of my sin, and the trappings of my shame, and left his house in the bitterest anguish of resentment and despair.

I returned to my old lodgings; but unable to bear a scene which recalled every circumstance of my undoing, ashamed to look in the face of any creature who had seen me innocent, wretched in myself, and hoping from change of place some abatement of my misery, I put

title: Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/165