In the most explicit terms, the sacred writers affirm that neither the male nor the female have any peculiar claims or advantages in regard to religion. Both sexes are alike sinners, and are alike saved by grace. Christianity smites pride to the dust, by proclaiming that the human family have a common origin, and esteems them all to be equal in the matter of salvation. At the foot of the Cross, at the communion table, and in heaven, there is neither male nor female. The personal conduct of the Divine author of Christianity tended to elevate the female sex to a degree of consideration in society unknown before. Jesus was present at the marriage of Cana of Galilee, conversed with the Samaritan woman, and in some of his most illustrious miracles females were personally concerned. He mingled his tears with those of Martha and Mary, restored their brother to their affections, and gave the widow of Nain back her son. The conduct of Christ naturally induced His disciples to imitate His example; and the subsequent admission of women to all the privileges of the Christian Church, tended mightily to confirm their elevation and evince their importance in society. Women ministered to the Saviour in the days of His humiliation; and when one professed friend denied Him, and another betrayed Him, and all forsook Him and fled, their fidelity was never impeached. They were the last at the cross—they were the first at the sepulchre. Through all succeeding ages, they have been conspicuous for their works of charity and their labours of love,—through all the phases of persecution the women have suffered for their religious faith like the men; and it has been remarked that no woman ever put forward her sex as a reason for being spared. The congregations and churches of the present day testify how well women have understood their privileges.
Religion, indeed, in itself is venerable; but it must be attractive in order to be influential; and it is impossible to tell how great might be the benefit to society, if the personal loveliness, versatile powers, and lively fancy so lavishly bestowed upon woman were conscientiously employed on its behalf. Right truly has James Russell Lowell, one of the most original poets America has yet produced, sung:—
“The deep religion of a thankful heart,
Which rests instinctively in heaven’s law,
With a full peace that never can depart
From its own steadfastness; a holy awe
For holy things—not those which men call holy,
But such as are revealed to the eyes
Of a true woman’s soul bent down and lowly
Before the face of daily mysteries;