THE FEMALE CHARACTER. 51 



most helpless state, and thrown the shield of 

 affection over them. What perseverance, anxiety 

 and courage are shewn by the parent in providing 

 for, and defending her young, and at the same 

 time what an absence of all selfishness ! When 

 they are in danger, the most fearful female 

 becomes the bravest. Affection then appears in 

 its strongest light. We may see a feeble bird, a 

 timid quadruped, a little insect, sacrifice even life 

 itself in defence of its young. 



Let us view a mother watching over a sick and 

 helpless child which requires all her care and atten- 

 tion. How delightfully has Providence smoothed 

 the path of the parent in this case. Instead of 

 anxiety, fatigue and constant watching and atten- 

 tion becoming insupportable or irksome, we find 

 that affection overcomes every difficulty, and that 

 parental care is bestowed with cheerfulness and 

 pleasure. 



It is pleasant to reflect on the perfection of the 

 female character to indulge in the remembrance 

 of having seen women perform those offices of 

 affection and love, which they alone are capable of 

 shewing. If we refer to the Bible, how delight- 

 fully are their best attributes there portrayed, 

 and how conspicuous are they for the warmest 

 and kindliest feelings. It was a woman who 

 watched over her little brother when he was 

 hidden in the bull-rushes. It was a woman who 



