one hears, in the various moods which lead them to How often are men arrested, after years of profli- gacy, degradation and crime, by the vivid memory of a mother, a sister, or early friend, whose appeal had been strong to their better nature; or by the sudden presence before them of such an one! IIe whom a father or brother's face and voice would instantly challenge and put upon his self-defense, feels in a good woman who approaches him, a fountain of tenderness and compassion, which disarms him of his hardness, silences the self-justification or the cant with which he is prepared to meet men, and makes him yearn in heart for the fitness he once had to mingle with those purer Woman is called an angel of purity and wisdom to "Whatever I am," said Dr. Spurzheim, "I owe to SECTION II. Sentiment of Women toward Women; of Woman toward Difference between Women and Woman. in the actual life of both, PAGE How it appears 287 Some reasons why Women do not rise to the condition of Woman. The worship enjoined upon girls, which holds them to the estate of Women, Doctor Mayo's View of American Women. Self-condemnation felt by those who remain in the inferior condition, 293 Reverence of Woman for Womanhood; her perception of it, even when latent. Her exalted character; sympathy with her sex, tenderness, compassion, and care for inferior and erring Women. Her value of identity in Consciousness and Experience, making her appreciative of her sex, whatever its outward condition, What she also requires in Women, . 296 298 How Woman inevitably commands acknowledgment from both sexes, and is revered by them. Effect of time and distance in softening criticism upon her and her work, and elevating her to reverential affection. Mrs. Grundy, who would be offended by brave work in a Woman, her neighbor or contemporary, becomes admiring when it is removed to another continent or generation, - 306 What Woman has done for herself in breaking the chains of her immemorial slavery. She is to lead her own Revolution, because it is made for the highest life on the globe, and consequently for the largest Freedom that any mortal being can exercise. Woman necessarily a revolutionist, the moment she departs in any worthy direction from the old subjugation, 310 PART II. CHAPTER I. RELIGIOUS ARGUMENT. Moral Superiority of Woman, THE SYLLOGISM, Power; its significance in the life. Powers; their relations Moral claims for Woman, harmonized with what has been shown of her Organic Superiority. Appeal for proof that the attributed or deduced character is her true one, EVIDENCE OF MYTHOLOGY. The gods and goddesses. Their Character and offices, 120 129 EVIDENCE OF THEOLOGY: I, The Old Dispensation-Genesis examined-Eve's conduct considered in a somewhat new light—The narrative speaks for itself, and is clear and plain as to the moral superiority of the Woman in Eden, 145 II, New Dispensation. Woman's part in introducing it on the earth. Mary and Peter as types of Feminine and Masculine, in their attitude toward the Christian truths and practices, Some general remarks. Reasons why the testimony in this department of inquiry is scanty. Woman the Inspiration of the Artist, Reverence with which it treats her. Art likens Masculine to Feminine, in refining and exalting it; but never Feminine to Masculine, save to exhibit degeneracy or hardness. Angelic the recognized type of the Feminine. Michael Angelo's Last Judgment, 146 152 - 154 156 II, Poetry, like Painting and Sculpture, an unconscious witness to the superior exaltation of the Feminine. Why so, 160 Shakspeare as witness-Character of his genius. His treatment of Woman, Spenser's recognition of her. Why clearer. Extracts from Spenser, Wordsworth, Shelley, Schiller, Lowell, Tennyson, Clough, Bailey, Jewsbury, Channing, Patmore, . 164 Massey, and others. Conclusion-Art, which achieves CHAPTER III. HISTORIC ARGUMENT. PAGH . 187 190 General glance at Historic Aims and Methods. Why it must neglect Woman while these remain what they are, Mr. Buckle. His trust in the Intellect. Relation of the Intellect to Truth. Relation of the Spiritual nature to Truth, 193 Reasons for Woman's inferior position, and infrequent ap pearance in History, Illustrations from History and living Women, Conclusion of Historic Argument, CHAPTER IV. POPULAR SENTIMENT AND COMMON OBSERVATION. SECTION J. Testimony of Man's Sentiment as to Woman's Rank. Pre-existence of human sentiment to all forms of its expression, 255 Love makes every man an Artist during its reign over him. Through it he sees the Ideal, His language as a lover. Illustrative Extracts, application of these terms, - 257 263 264 - 267 271 What men require and need from Women in love experiences, 269 How Woman receives the homage of Man, and why its often extravagant language does not offend her inner Consciousness, that she is personally unworthy of it, Absurdity of her addressing him in like terms, or in any way expressing feelings of the same character. What each expects of the other, Friendship between Men and influence on the former. Why it has not oftener existed and been more freely acknowledged. All minor forms of affection bear the same testimony that we have seen in the major. Strength of this correlative testimony for Woman, |