the equal participation of a woman
(¶16)
Some future generation will perhaps be more sensible than we are of the
remarkable circumstance which this institution presents to us, in the equal
participation of a woman in one of the most magnificent achievements by
which society is served, in this age of magnificent achievements. The
grandest philanthropic experiments which have hitherto proved undoubtedly
successful, have been, the work of men; and it has been thought enough for
women to be permitted to follow and assist. Here is an instance,
unsurpassed in importance, where a woman has, at least, equally
participated; an instance, too, where more was required than the spirit of
love, patience, and fortitude, for which credit has always been granted to
the high-minded of the sex. A strong and sound intellect was here no less
necessary than a kind heart. The very first act was an intrepid stripping
off of prejudices, and an enlightened discernment alike of the end to he
attained and the means to be chosen. The instrument has been proved
perfectly equal to the work, and the sex is placed in a new state of
privilege. Some will be doubtless found to perceive and make use of it.
Women who are dejectedly looking round for some opening through which they
may push forth their powers of intellect as well as their moral energies,
will set Mrs Ellis's example before them, and feel that the insane are
their charge. They may wait till the end of the world, for a nobler office
than that of building up the ruins of a mind into its original noble
structure. Not the faithful Jews, re storing the temple of Jehovah by
night, with arms by their sides, were engaged in so hallow ®1 a task. It
involves some few perils, and a multitude of irksome toils; and the weight
of the sympathies which it puts in action, are at times as much as can be
sustained : but the spirit rises to meet its responsibilities; and it has
never yet been proved to what peril and what toil the bravery and patience
of woman are unequal. They will not fail, in an instance like this, where
it is known that the contest is with an evil which has only to be fairly
met, to give ground, day by day. If it is true of woman that she en a hope
against hope, and "toil against unceasing discouragement, there is no
question what she can and will do towards a work whose completion is, if
she will believe it, in her own hands.