nl_e17

Ballard, Danger to our Girls, [1900]
its full bloom and beauty?
The power and influence of woman have not reached their zenith,
but are expanding with every decade as she sees her duty before her,
and especially for her children she will reach to her utmost power. In
the words of Dr. Blackwell, "To be wise, knowledge of truth is
essential, and the adult woman, the center of home influences, must
acquire correct knowledge of all subjects that concern family life. A
woman is mother always, not only of the infant, but of the growing and
grown man. The high influences which women are intended to infuse
into sex makes the subject a holy one to the wise mother. She can
approach in moments of sacred earnestness which wound no natural
reserve, but excite a grateful reverence in the young mind." Through
the dependent years the child looks to the mother for comfort, and
explanation of all things. In this confidence may it not always be held?
May not the affection of the mother hold the daughter from early
seeking outside the home for expressions of love, that are more liable
to stimulate to premature development the latent faculty? Can she not,
while watching and guiding the physical growth, also direct in selfrespecting
habits? "The key of moral education is respect for the
human body and its faculties." The intelligent mother is careful to guide
in the intellectual training of the young; shall she not be quite as
anxious about the unfolding of the emotional nature? I cannot refrain
from again quoting to you the weighty words of another:[C] "An
invaluable provision for the education in the principle of sex exists in
the companionship of brothers and sisters. The familiar intercourse of
boys and girls in the kindly presence of their elder is of very great
advantage. The friendship and affection of these natural associates
should be sedulously promoted by companionship in studies, in music,
in out-door pursuits and amusements. There is peculiar value in the
influence of sisters. It is a special mission of young women to make
virtue lovely. To make brothers love virtue, to make all men love purity
through its incarnation in virtuous daughters, is a grand work to
accomplish. The necessity of cultivating mental purity and respect for
the principles of sex, exists as strongly in relation to girls as to boys;
and it is only by securing this mental purity that young women will
unconsciously address themselves to the high, rather than to the lower
instincts, of their male companions."
Does not the mother betray her daughter, and future generations
as well, when she accepts a double standard of morals, and for
material advantage consents to her union with a profligate or licentious
man; or when she sends her into her new home, it may be with an
http://womhist.binghamton.edu/aoc/doc21.htm (7 of 9) [6/5/2005 8:52:01 PM]