"Why in this work did the creation rest,
But that eternal Providence thought you best
Of all his six days' labor? Beasts should do
Homage to man, but man should wait on you."
RANDOLPH'S "Praise of Women."
The assertions of the poet are, in a general sense, true, because they harmonize with the declarations of Holy Writ. Men should provide for women; the hard work of the world belongs, with the government of the world, to men; the "household good," the education of the young, the gentle and spiritual influences that humanize man and harmonize society, are the appropriate work of women. When the good time comes, feminine value will be appreciated as highly as feminine virtues, and the last are now the basis and the glory of Christian life. But the good time is not fully come even in our happy land, therefore many women are yet obliged to toil for their own support. Some mothers have to maintain their little children, other women must provide for parents and those who helplessly depend on them. For these reasons, it is necessary that every young woman in our land should be qualified by some accomplishment which she may teach, or some art or profession she can follow, to support herself creditably, should the necessity occur. If the trial of self-exertion never comes, women will be better qualified by such useful education for their happiest position, that of presiding over, guiding, and adorning the well-ordered home.
These educational views, that we have always held and urged on our readers, are now fast becoming the fashion and rule in society. We are happy to note the change—to find grave men, whose experience of life is practical wisdom, uniting in plans to promote the usefulness of woman's talents. Give her education and opportunity, let it be seen by actual trial what she can learn and what she can do, then a true estimate of the best means of promoting and insuring the happiness of humanity may be made.
Among the various plans for woman's advantage, adopted in our country within the past five years, three are most worthy of note, viz., opening "Female Medical Colleges," "Schools of Design for Women," and "Schools to Teach the Art of Type-setting." The first and most important of these we have often and zealously advocated and described in our "Book." We shall continue to uphold Female Medical Education as one of the best and most important advantages for woman and for the race. Now, however, we will give some account of another excellent improvement.
The Philadelphia School of Design for Women.—This school, the first of the kind in America, was founded by Mrs. Sarah Peter, 1848. It is now an incorporated institution, with a Board of gentlemen Managers, from among the most eminent citizens of Philadelphia, and a Board of lady Assistant Managers, who attend to the internal affairs of the school, the admission of pupils, their deportment, proficiency, &c.