True American. [volume] (Steubenville [Ohio]) 1855-1861, 1858-03-17
Female Piety,


One of the most delightful features Of
The benevolent efforts of the present ago,
is the active cooperation Of the female
sex. II has ever been the provinces Of
woman to cheer and humanizs man, 10
soace his woes, and 10 refine and grace
his enjoyments. She had been his earl
lest and most constant friend, sustaining
him in adversely, and embellishing bis
prosperous fortunes. But it is 10 chris.
tianity alone tha, she is indebted for the
elevation on which she now stands. She
exerts all her powerful influence under
the higher advantage Of being regarded
as entitled 10 share in the same intellect
ual pleasures, and as equally interested
in that life and Immortality which are
brought to light in the Gospel.
Until within few years, females con.
fined their efforts in aid Of religion to the
circle of their own families and neighbor-
hoods. Here, indeed, they moved as
burning and cheering lights; but recently
they have entered wider field, and given
to their efforts q far more extended scope.
We find them forming associations in aid
Of missionary efforts, for the diffusion of
Bibles and tracts, fox the support Of
schools, and in fine, for the instruction of
Ignorance, and the alleviation Of woe.
wherever they may be found. Scarcely
town in our country is without some Of
these combinations. To estimate the
amount of benefit resulting from these
exertions, not only in their direct but in
their reflected influence, we must wait for
the disclosures Of the last day.
There is something peculiarly crafty.
ing in this state Of things. 1t bodies we'll
to the cause OF truth and benevolence,
that the fine affections, and The quiet yet
enduring energy Of females are actively
enlisted in its service. By assuming The
province SO emiuen,ly appropriate 10 their
habits and characters, OF visiting the dis
tressed. clothing the naked, insiructing
the ignorant, cheris hing the helpless or.
phan, and causing the widows heart TO
sing for Joy, they become the most sue.
cessful allies Of their brethren, and the
best almoners of their bounty; while they
leave them at liberty to concert mightier
projects, and taking the wings Of the
morning to fly with the everlasting Cos
pei 10 the uttermost parts Of the earth.-
Their aid, too, in replenshing the mis-.
sionary treasury, is highly important
II will bo found, OH examination, that q
large proportion Of the contributions 70
Bible, missionary and education societies
are supplied by females. .a
Ii is highly necessary 10 the success OF
any project, that il be pursued with
undiminished ardor, and with spirit
prepared TO meet and triumph over every
obstacle. These requisites are found in
the female character. While ii posseSses
a sensitive delicacy which inclines il %
shrink from rough collision with the jar.
ring elements Of the world, Il is endued
with an unconquerable spirit which diff!
cult occasion call into exercise. The
moment in which man desponds 10 the
very junclure which summons up the
slumbering energies Of woman's soul.
Her piety, too, is generally Of higher
character. The temple Of her heart is
kept more pure from worldly idolatries,
It savors little Of enthusiasm 10 say, with
departed ornament of our country, 81
believe that if christianity should be forced
to fee from the mansions Of the great,
the academies Of philosophers, the halls
Of Legislators, and the ,hrong Of busy men,
she would find her last and purest retreat
with women at the freside. Her last au'
dience would be the children gathered
around the knees Of q mother; her last
altar would be the female heart: her last
sacrifice the secret prayer escaping in
silence from her lips, and heard only at
the throne Of God" M ~
But we must not pursue this attractive
theme, The christian cannot but rejoice
that she whose charms and virtues cheer
and illuminate every path Of life, anc
whose affecionate kindness smooths the
pillow Of disease and death, adds to other
bene6cent Offices that of minister Of
mercy and salvation; and that
GAS tho bird each fond endearment tries,
To tempt her new hedged offspring 70 'ae
she tr;ss 90 Oh oyt yauroveu each fall delay,