I particularly object to the lover-like phrases of pumped up
passion, which are every where interspersed. If women be ever
allowed to walk without leading-strings, why must they be cajoled into
virtue by artful flattery and sexual compliments?- Speak to them the
language of truth and soberness, and away with the lullaby strains
of condescending endearment! Let them be taught to respect
themselves as rational creatures, and not led to have a passion for
their own insipid persons. It moves my gall to hear a preacher
descanting on dress and needle-work; and still more, to hear him
address the British fair, the fairest of the fair, as if they had only
feelings.
Even recommending piety he uses the following argument. 'Never,
perhaps, does a fine woman strike more deeply, than when, composed
into pious recollection, and possessed with the noblest
considerations, she assumes, without knowing it, superiour dignity and
new graces; so that the beauties of holiness seem to radiate about
her, and the by-standers are almost induced to fancy her already
worshipping amongst her kindred angels!' Why are women to be thus bred
up with a desire of conquest? the very word, used in this sense. gives
me a sickly qualm! Do religion and virtue offer no stronger motives,
no brighter reward? Must they always be debased by being made to
consider the sex of their companions? Must they be taught always to be
pleasing? And when levelling their small artillery at the heart of
man, is it necessary to tell them that a little sense is sufficient to
render their attention incredibly soothing? 'As a small degree of
knowledge entertains in a woman, so from a woman, though for a
different reason, a small expression of kindness delights,
particularly if she have beauty!" I should have supposed for the
same reason.
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