tains any being but itſelf and the model of perfection to which its ardent gaze is turned, to adore attributes that, ſoftened into virtues, may be imitated in kind, though the degree overwhelms the enraptured mind.
If, I ſay, for I would not impreſs by declamation when Reaſon offers her ſober light, if they are really capable of acting like rational creatures, let them not be treated like ſlaves; or, like the brutes who are dependent on the reaſon of man, when they aſſociate with him; but cultivate their minds, give them the ſalutary, ſublime curb of principle, and let them attain conſcious dignity by feeling themſelves only dependent on God. Teach them, in common with man, to ſubmit to neceſſity, inſtead of giving, to render them more pleaſing, a ſex to morals.
Further, ſhould experience prove that they cannot attain the ſame degree of ſtrength of mind, perſeverence, and fortitude, let their virtues be the ſame in kind, though they may vainly ſtruggle for the ſame degree; and the ſuperiority of man will be equally clear, if not clearer; and truth, as it is a ſimple principle, which admits of no modification, would be common to both. Nay, the order of ſociety as it is at preſent regulated would not be inverted, for woman would then only have the rank that reaſon aſſigned her, and arts could not be practiſed to bring the balance even, much leſs to turn it.
Theſe may be termed Utopian dreams.—Thanks to that Being who impreſſed them on my ſoul, and gave me ſufficient ſtrength of mind to dare to exert my own reaſon, till, becoming
