Daily Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1828-1831, 1830-01-23
FEMALE INFLUENCE.

The following striking and eloquent remarks ore
from "Srgsestions on Education" by CATHERINE e.
BEECHER.
Woman has been but little aware Of the HIGH in.
ctenents that should stimulate to the cultivation of
her nobest powers. The world is no longer TO be
governed by physical force, but BY the influence ,rich
action in the political world put in motion. Often by
the secret workings of single mind that in retire
ment plans its schemes. and comes forth to execute
them only by presenting motives of prejudice, passion
sell Interest, or Pridr, to operate on other minds
.""'o the world is chiefly governed by motives that
ashamed to o,cn. When do we find man
kind acknowledging that their efforts in political life
are the offspring Of pride, and the desire of self
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT, andyet who hesiatcs believe this
is true,
But there Is class Of motives that mon are not
only willing but proud to own. Man does not will.
lingly yield TO force: he is ashamed to own he can
yield To fear; he will not acknowledge his motives of
pride, prejudice, or passion. But none are unwing
to own they can be governed by reason; even the
worst will boast of being regulated by COINCIDENCE and
where is the person who is ashamed TO own the nfiu
cnce Of the kind and generous emotions of tho heart,
Here, then the only lawful field for the ambition Of
our sex. Woman, in all her relations, is bound 10
"honor md obey those whom she depends for pro-
lection and support, does tho truly feminine mind
desire TO exceed this limitation of Heaven But
whcrcthe dictates OF authority NAV never conf ro The
voice Of reason and affection mzy ever convince nd
pcrsuade and while others goyorn by motives thar
mankind ashamed TO own, tho dominion OF woman
may be based on influences that the heart rs proud TO
acknowledge.
And !; is indeed tho TRUTH That reason and con.
science guide 10 the only path Of In ppipcss and IL
affection will gain hold those po worful principles
which eau be attained no other way, what high and
holy motives are presented TO for
her nobest powers. The development OF the ren.
soDlng faculties, the destinations Of purified magi-
nation, the charms Of cultivated taste tho uuie Il
perceptions Of an active mind the power of exhibiting
truth and reason, by porspcuous and animated con-
versation md writing, all these be employed by
woman az much as by man. And with these Ain
able faculties for gaining influence woman has already
received from the hand Of her Maker those warm
aft ctloDs and quick susceptibities. which can most
surely gain he empire Of the heat
! Woman has never woked TO her highest destinics
and hOlost hopes. She has yet learn the purifyino
aud blessed influence she amy gum aud rpapts in
the intellect and affections of the human mind
! Though she may not teach from ,he portico nor
thunder from the forum in her secret retiemens sbe
may form and s.nd forth the pages that shall ooyern
and renovatc the world. Though she NAV not piyd
hcrsef for bloody conflict. nor sound the trnpet If
war; she may cnwrap herself in the panopy of U.a-
ven, and send the thrill OF benevoIence through n
thousand youthful hearts. Though she NAV not enter
the lists IN legal collision sharpen her iptelle CT
AMID the passions aud conflicts of msn she NAV teach
the lay 1T kindness, and hush up the dlscords aud
conflicts Of li; Though she may not ~ clothed os
the alnassGdor of Hgavcn, minister at the altar
." LODI as secret angel OF mercy she may {. acl its
will, aud Cause 10 nscund tho humble bui INST ac-
copied sacriflc.