THE FEMALE ADVOCATE.
PART FIRST. THE FATAL CONSEQUENCES OF MEN TRADERS ENGROSSING WOMEN'S OCCUPATIONS.

TO detail human miſery in all its various ſhapes is not in the power of any individual: ſo complicated and numerous are the ills of this life, and ſo various its misfortunes, that we need not have recourſe to the airy regions of fiction or romance, to find out objects of diſtreſs, to pourtray the woes of our fellow creatures; yet, from motives of delicacy, [18] beg leave to withhold names, leſt the ſuf⯑fering objects ſhould feel hurt at the me⯑lancholy recital of their tale of woe; and ſhall therefore only ſelect a few inſtances, and leave the candid moraliſt to take a compara⯑tive view of the reſt, through all the wonder⯑ful mazes and wide tracts, to which a part of our fellow mortals have been condemned.—And by what? not by divine law, which is, or ought to be, the ſtanding rule of all our action, but by an evil precedent, which hap⯑pens to fall with all its force upon that part of the community, whoſe feeble powers of re⯑ſiſtance, joined to an habitual paſſive ſubmiſ⯑ſion, are the leaſt able to defend them. Con⯑ſequently it has never yet been thought a buſineſs worth inveſtigation, although ſo many others, of much leſs moment, have been ſought out, and redreſſed.

When we look around us, nothing is more conſpicuous in the eyes of the world, than the diſtreſſes of women. I do not ſay thoſe whom a kind Providence hath placed under the immediate care of a tender father, or an affectionate and kind huſband; or, by chance, [19] a friend, or brother. But theſe, alas! com⯑priſe only one part of the community. Not⯑withſtanding all are of the ſame nature, and were formed by the ſame Divine Power, yet their comforts differ very widely indeed. Still, as women ſeem formed by nature to ſeek pro⯑tection from man, why, in the name of juſ⯑tice, refuſe the boon? Does it not become highly worthy the attention of men in general, to conſider in what manner to redreſs the grievances already within their notice?

Perhaps it may be ſaid, and very juſtly, that, conſidering human frailty, there is amongſt women, as well as men, a vaſt num⯑ber of vicious and undeſerving. Granted; ſtill, is it not better to paſs over a hundred guilty, than let puniſhment fall upon one innocent perſon?—Beſides, IS THERE NOT A POSSIBILITY OF FORMING A PLAN OF DISCRIMINATION, FOR THE BENEFIT OF THOSE ONLY WHO MERIT SUCH HUMANE AND FRIENDLY INTERFERENCE?

Some years ago, who would have been made believe, ſo many perſons could be re⯑ſtored to life, as the Royal Humane Society, [20] for the recovering of drowned perſons, has effected? Yet ſo it is; which proves to a de⯑monſtration, the practicability of this de⯑ſign. But before I proceed with my Hint for e [...]ecting any eſtabliſhed plan, for the reſtora⯑tion of peace and happineſs to the, perhaps, once happy, but now moſt miſerable of be⯑ings, I cannot help making a remark, that, in order to lay a good foundation, every builder muſt find it neceſſary, firſt, to remove the rubbiſh out of his way—So let us proceed to the ground-work of the deſign; and. be⯑fore any further ſleps are taken, aſk, What can be ſaid in favour of men-milliners, men-manu [...]a-makers, and men ſtay-makers? be⯑ſides all the numerous train of other proſeſ⯑ſions, ſuch as hair-dreſſers, &c. &c.; all of which occupations are much more calculated for women than men. But, thanks to the fa⯑ſhions of the times, for once, which have near⯑ly exploded that diſgraceful cuſtom of men dreſſing ladies' hair, by the introduction of all the brutuſes and chignons, of every deno⯑mination, which have found their way to the [...]lets of all deſcriptions of females.—

[21] Where is there a Stevens now? was there ever a wider field for the diſplay of his ta⯑lents? Yet, if perukes are the faſhion of the day, what is to prevent a woman from diſplay⯑ing her taſte upon a lady's head as well as a man, who ſeems much better calculated for a more maſculine employment.

"Look," ſays an obſerver, "to the ſhops of perfumers, toymen, and others of a ſimilar occupation; and, above all, look to the ha⯑berdaſhery magazines, where from ten to twenty fellows, ſix feet high, may be counted in each, to the utter excluſion of poor females, who could ſell a tooth-pick, or a few ribbons, juſt as well."

A tax upon theſe fellows would be very ſa⯑lutary, ſo ſay I ; yet, for a poor female indi⯑vidual to attack ſo numerous a body of men, however inſignificant by cuſtom, is a bold ſtroke, no doubt; yet, having thrown theſe ſen⯑timents together, in defence of the oppreſſed, even the cenſure of malevolence itſelf will not prevent the truth, which, like a huntſ⯑man's whip, cannot give pain to any but thoſe it touches : for, as no rule can be eſtabliſhed [22] without exceptions, ſo in this caſe more than one muſt be granted, which ſhall be treated of in a ſubſequent part of theſe pages. To claſs the innocent with the guilty would be doing injuſtice to the cauſe.

But, in the mean time, where are theſe fa⯑thers, huſbands, brothers, and profeſſed friends to virtue and happineſs, who ſtep not forward in the buſineſs? No doubt but there are many men of great probity and humanity, and yet, through the progreſſive courſe of cuſtom, have not adverted either to the cauſe or its fatal conſequences; or, in fine, are not aware of the real diſtreſſes of our fellow-creatures; from which idea it is ſo frequently wiſhed a reference to facts may take place, ſince neither the ſufferings of theſe poor women, nor the cauſe of their ſufferings can poſſibly be known, but by inveſtigation.

It is not to be ſuppoſed but all, in ſome de⯑gree, ſhare the: common misfortunes in life; and few there are, however wretched their ſituations, who cannot ſingle out other beings as bad, if not in a more deplorable ſtate.

[23] But, in the caſe of theſe poor women, where is there a ſtate nearly equal to theirs? borne down by fate's afflicting hand, they are not able to act, or ſeck redreſs; and this, by the unfeeling part of the world, we have too great reaſon to fear, is termed idleneſs and profli⯑gacy.

What a littleneſs of mind ! what an un⯑feeling and deſpicable meanneſs muſt lurk in the breaſts of thoſe, who can, with impunity, inſult over diſtreſs! Into what fits of deſpera⯑tion have numbers of helpleſs females fallen through theſe contemptible inſults and revil⯑ings, and even neglects! for, it is in thoſe dark moments of diſtreſs, when the ſenſes are all alive to the fine feelings of nature, that every nerve is relaxed and ready to receive the fatal dart.

Then indeed it is, that ſhe ſtands expoſed in the field of adverſity, ſurrounded by every diſ⯑advantage, without the aid of education, or the guardian hand of protection; that is to ſay, without either weapon or ſhield of defence: a ſituation which, it is natural to ſuppoſe, would draw pity from the moſt obdurate hearts. Yet, [24] how many are the inſtances of the cenſorious part of the creation, daſtardly and cruelly aſſaſſinating and murdering the character of theſe poor unfortunate victims, and thoſe of all murderers are the worſt under heaven. The common and detected murderer ſtands expoſed to the laws of his country, but the aſſaſſin, who, under a cloak of hypocriſy, can perſecute and deſame the characters of oppreſſed females, are no longer worthy the invaluable title of Chriſtian.

Then, paſs no longer, ſo unconcernedly and without notice, the diſtreſſed and wretched ſituation of the moſt helpleſs part of the cre⯑ation, who are not impowered by any means whatever to defend themſelves; having, by the ſtrong power of cuſtom, ſo long been deemed unworthy of notice.

O! may that auſpicious day arrive. when the curtain may be withdrawn, and the tragic ſcene expoſed to open view; when every true Briton who reveres his Maker, or his king, may cheerfully exert himſelf in the general cauſe.

[25] What greater ſatisfaction can the good heart feel, than to be the inſtrument of draw⯑ing diſtreſs from the dark ſhades of obſcurity and wretchedneſs? In addition to which, are we not fully convinced, from the words of our bleſſed Teacher, that a kind and chari⯑table diſpoſition towards our fellow-creatures, is one of the greateſt precepts of our religion? Does he not ſay, by this the world ſhall know you to be my diſciples, if you love one an⯑other. Then, on the ſtrength of divine exhor⯑tation, let us comfort theſe poor women in the words of the immortal Milton:

But with joyful expectation wait a relief to thoſe trying hardſhips which the unfortunate part of poor females have ſo long ſuſtained; not doubting but ſome friendly and humane well⯑wiſher to the diſtreſſed, and the public in gene⯑ral, will zealouſly undertake the cauſe, whe⯑ther individually, or in general, matters not; for it is not to be ſuppoſed, all men are in the ſame mind at once, or can obtain a ſull know⯑ledge [26] of the caſe at firſt view; but when once begun, doubtleſs others will as quickly join in the grand cauſe, and from a ſerious ſur⯑vey, diſcover ſome mode of regulating this complex buſineſs, which carries ſuch a vaſt train of grievances after it, and which is deeply interwoven with the happineſs of the great⯑eſt part of the people, connected with the whole, will manifeſt itſelf to every ſerious enquirer, and ſhall be more fully enlarged upon, as we explore the dreary ſcene. But I can never force myſelf to a belief, that woman, the mother of all mankind, was ever intended by Divine Providence to become a butt, or mark, to receive ſo many piercing darts from the ſons of her boſom, as her only reward for all that maternal affection and kindneſs which the helpleſs ſtate of infancy and childhood render ſo neceſſary: inde⯑pendently, does it not ſeem a ſocial intereſt in nature, to give aid and ſuccour to one an⯑other?

No: it was never intended that women ſhould be left deſtitute in the world, without the common neceſſaries of life, which they [27] ſo frequently experience, even without any lawful or reputable means of acquiring them, through the vile practice of men fill⯑ing ſuch ſituations as ſeem calculated, not only to give bread to poor females, but thereby to enable them to tread the paths of virtue, and render them uſeful members, in ſome lawful employment, as well as ornaments to their profeſſions and ſex. This lovely ap⯑pearance, alas! is but too often thrown aſide, and, frequently, not from vicious inclinations, but the abſolute neceſſity of bartering their virtue for bread.

Then, is it not highly worthy the attention of men, men who profeſs moral virtue and the ſtricteſt ſenſe of honour, to conſider in what mode to redreſs theſe grievances! for wo⯑men were ultimately deſigned for ſomething better, though they have ſo long fared other⯑ways.

That there ſhould he a mixture of characters in the world is, beyond a doubt, for wiſe and good reaſons, which we poor ſhort-ſighted mor⯑tals know not, more than that it is a principle in which all reflecting perſons have agreed, [28] that our preſent ſtate, on this ſide the grave is certainly deſigned for improvement, in or⯑der to fit us for a better. This being admit⯑ted, where can the well-diſpoſed find a better opportunity, than by deſending the innocent and unprotected, ſelecting them from the noxious part of mankind, with whom they are, through keen adverſity, obliged to aſſociate; and placing them in ſuch ſituations, as will enable them, to purſue the paths of virtue, by means of ſome honeſt employment?

But to accompliſh ſo laudable a deſign reſts both with the humane and the opu⯑lent, by whoſe inveſtigation, there is not a doubt, but it will be found a work of the ut⯑moſt importance, not only in the preſent ſtate of things but in looking forward to a ſucceſ⯑ſion. For in times like the preſent, is not the aid and aſſiſtance of men required in the mi⯑litary and naval departments? And in more peaceable times, which we have to look for⯑ward to, are not, or ought not, the manufac⯑tories of the country to be the firſt object con⯑ſidered? In either of theſe caſes, it evidently [29] appears, that men may be much better employ⯑ed than in filling women's occupations. For, in the words of St. Luke, theſe poor females may very juſtly ſay, "to dig I cannot, to beg I am aſhamed." From this evil precedent, there is no other alternative for theſe poor women, but beggary or vice !

Let us then, if you pleaſe, ſelect one of theſe diſtreſſed females, out of the prodigious multitude, and purſue her through the humi⯑liating ſcene of beggary: I believe it is grant⯑ed, that pride is well known to be the pre⯑dominant paſſion of the human breaſt, and conſequently any comments on that head are needleſs; but certain it muſt be, that after, perhaps, a life of eaſe and affluence, to be compelled to ſuch a mortifying ſituation, re⯑quires more than a common ſhare of forti⯑tude to ſupport. Still this prevailing paſſion, with all its train of attendants, muſt be ſub⯑dued, in the dreadful ſituation of beggary which cannot fail to bring down the ſpi⯑rits of theſe unhappy victims, with more oppreſſive force than it is in the power of words to expreſs, or pen to paint, and can [30] only be conceived, in part, by the ſilent ſenſations of thoſe who can adopt another's woes, and trace the paſſions of the human mind. For what muſt not be the perturba⯑tion of a mind like this, when dire neceſſity compels the poor, neglected victim to purſue ſuch degrading ſteps, in order to ſupport a miſerable exiſtence! See her trembling limbs, which are ſcarcely able to ſupport her load of wretchedneſs, whilſt ſhe aſks an alms from the caſual paſſenger. She who, perhaps, a ſhort time ſince, charmed her acquaintance with her ſprightly converſation and vi [...]tuous example, by one adverſe ſtroke, is neverthe⯑leſs ſo ſoon become the contempt, the ſcorn, and the outcaſt of mortals! Nor is this wretched doom confined to youth alone; but, by the cruel hand of fate, the poor, dejected mother, as well as daughter, is condemned to ſhare the ſame direful misfortunes, and be re⯑duced to the ſame low ſtate of wretchedneſs, from which their characters are ſtigmatized with infamy, and to which they unavoidably fall a ſacrifice. In this miſerable ſtate [31] they muſt for ever remain, until the ſpirit of oppreſſion and miſtaken prejudice is eradicated, and the heavy cloud of miſre⯑preſentation cleared away, through a proper inveſtigation of the cauſe, which, doubtleſs, will lead to a conviction; that the diſtreſs and wretchedneſs of theſe poor, abandon⯑ed creatures originate chiefly from the ava⯑ricious and mercenary views of that ſet of beings, who are "Eating the bread of the hungry, and drinking the drink of the thirſty." Nor are theſe poor women allowed "to pick up the crumbs," which will appear in the ſe⯑quel.

In the mean time, let us, if you pleaſe, take another view of this poor mother and her mi⯑ſerable daughter, in this forlorn and diſtreſſing ſtate of beggary, and there ſee what relief they obtain, from their piercing accents and bro⯑ken ſighs—little more, it is to be feared, than contempt or inſults. Even the hand of cha⯑rity, accuſtomed to beſtow on the needy, no ſooner obſerves the appearance of youth, or a capability of induſtry, than it is inſtantly [32] withdrawn, and kept in reſerve (as it is thought) for ſome more proper object.

Good heavens, what a ſcene of woe! when the poor mother and her helpleſs daughter are turned adriſt, to the mercy of an unfeeling world ; which neither their genteel education, or delicate conſtitutions, broken down by po⯑verty and hardſhips, can prevent. O! what diſtreſs, in a ſituation like this! The mo⯑ther, the fond mother, in the full bitterneſs of maternal affection, takes another, and ano⯑ther view of her darling child; perhaps the only remaining pledge of a late kind partner! ſees her ſtill laden with the fruits of a pious education at leaſt; views her with un⯑utterable fondneſs, "whilſt all the ſoft paſ⯑ſions of her tender ſoul throb through her breaſt with unavailing grief," at the near ap⯑proach of their deſtruction! In vain do they ſupplicate their former friends, for the voice of cenſure has pointed them out as infamous! Good God ! what grief can equal this? Aban⯑doned by friends, and left to the reproach, contempt, and cenſure of a cruel world, [33] without a proviſion, or any probable means of gaining a ſubſiſtence, or even the ſmalleſt glimpſe of diſtant hope.

And, though ſhocking to relate, yet ſuch is the miſerable ſituation of thouſands of de⯑ſenceleſs women.

Nor let the unfeeling and cenſorious part of mankind refute the aſſertion, until proviſion is made for the relief of all thoſe who would be both induſtrious and virtuous, had they the means. After which, the remaining few may juſtly be reckoned in the claſs of incorri⯑gible ſinners, and be a ſufficient mode of form⯑ing a diſcrimination.

But until that proviſion is made, it is in⯑human, baſe, and cruel, and beneath the dig⯑nity of a Chriſtian, to load with infamy the poor, neglected female, who ſuffers through misfortunes, and the continuation of an evil precedent; and whoſe paſſive virtue is, per⯑haps, at the very inſtant of calumny, offering up the divine petition of, "Father, forgive them, they know not what they do;" and en⯑deavouring to arm with Chriſtian fortitude herſelf and beloved child, according to the [34] advice of the wiſe man, who ſays, "Haſ thou children, inſtruct them from their youth." She remonſtrates with the child of her boſom not with ſtanding ſhe is her partner in wretched⯑neſs, and ſtill encourages her to perſevere i [...] virtue, and live in joyful hope.

"Let us, my dear child,"; ſays ſhe, "form our eſtimation of the world and its objects at they deſerve; remembering we are pilgrim; and ſtrangers here. Let us keep in view the glorious prize; and let us ſoar above the crowd of human difficulties, and rejoice tha [...] the hand which made us is divine. Then, let not our feet tread in the muddy paths of vice nor ſuffer the purity of our good intentions to be ſtained with a ſingle act of diſobedience to a Supreme Power."

And under theſe and ſuch like reviving comforts, the effects of a religious and pious education, ſhe ſtill endeavours to perſevere in virtue, though in the midſt of poverty; a ſtate which, without the interference of the hu⯑mane, not any thing can hide them from but the ſilent grave. Oh! let not then our ears be polluted by the envenomed breath of cen⯑ſure, [35] but endeavour to remove the cauſe, as well as ſtigma, which, like the pendulum to a clock, ſets every wheel of wretchedneſs in motion; and by ſeriouſly inveſtigating the cauſe, ſearching deeply into the ſtate of facts, and the origin of this tribulation, let the cenſure reſt where it is due. For, is it not enough, enough indeed! for the innocent to ſtruggle with the hardſhips of penury and want, without the double load of malevolence? Alas! even in this deſpicable ſtate, they are ſtill liable to ſorrows they never yet felt, nor are even aware of; for the very means they are driven to uſe, to obtain the triſling pittance which they ſue for, renders them ex⯑poſed to the mercileſs hand of any avaricious ruſſian, who may be baſe enough to drag theſe poor victims they know not where.

What ſays the Vagrant Act?—"Perſons who beg in the ſtreets are idle and diſorderlv; and any perſon who apprehends and carries ſuch a beggar before a juſtice, ſhall receive five ſhillings, when the ſaid juſtice may commit them to a houſe of correction."

[36] However ſhocking the ſentence, what num⯑bers of theſe poor objects have been drag⯑ged away by the ruthleſs hand of the unfeeling ſavage, to ſome loathſome priſon, without re⯑gard to the more refined or delicate ſenſation [...] of one or another? Good heavens! there ſurely needs no Siddonian powers to heighten ſuch a tragic ſcene. She who, perhaps, was reared with all the gentle ſoftneſs and mater⯑nal care of a fond parent; ſhe, who ſo lately was looked upon as an ornament to her ſex, until the preſſure of misfortunes compelled her to ſeek for bread, to be at once confined in a dark priſon, there to be obliged to hear all the opprobrious language of the very low⯑eſt ſet of beings, and that under a ſtorm of oaths and imprecations, which, of itſelf, muſt pierce her very ſoul. There to have her ears grated with the rattling of bolts and bars, and all the adamantine ſetters of miſery. Good God! is it poſſible we can ſee our fellow creatures debaſed ſo low ! Can we ſee the ten⯑der and delicate frame, which was formerly accuſtomed to eaſe and tranquillity, and which [37] was formed by nature to participate in others misfortunes! can we let theſe innocent and helpleſs beings paſs unnoticed, and not com⯑miſerate their diſtreſs, and aſk, from whence the cauſe?—No! it is impoſſible the eyes can any longer be ſhut to their ſufferings, or the ears to their piercing cries of, "Have pity on me! Oh! ye, my friends, have pity on me!"

Is not this real diſtreſs? Surely there can⯑not be any thing more wretchedly miſerable than the ſituation of theſe poor women, who are prohibited from ſharing in induſtry, or the common neceſſaries of life, or even taſting the very dregs of comfort. For let us but figure to ourſelves this wretched pair upon their bed of ſtraw, with all their innocence, with all their tenderneſs, and quick ſenſations of diſtreſs, ſtill laden with the fruits of a pious education,

And thus they linger out a wretched exile in this miſerable dungeon, until the law hath had its courſe, and they again are liberated. [38] When ſee, the fond mother, the poor mother, taking another, and another review of her wretched offspring, groaning out a miſerable exiſtence on the narrow verge of life! her ſorrow ſurrounds her like the ſtern winter's blaſt, and ſhe feels her worn-out ſenſes juſt bordering upon deſponding madneſs; for, when Hope no longer offers her conſolation, deſpondency muſt take place; and with all the bitter pangs of diſtreſs, ſhe, like the poor widow in ſacred writ, ſets about to prepare her laſt handful of meal, that "they may eat it and die." A releaſe they moſt ardently wiſh for, whilſt in a ſtate of innocence, rather than keep life upon ſuch wretched terms as are now preſented: for, alas! by this time, they ſee that period near at hand, which muſt de⯑termine the great and ſhocking alternative be⯑tween vice or death. And what muſt be the conflict at this long-dreaded moment, to a heart which, in early youth, was taught to ſerve its great Creator, and ſtill retains an ardent wiſh to be virtuous! Can any ſtate under heaven be more diſtreſſing to a delicate and ſuſceptible mind, than that between good and [39] evil? And, how ſhocking it muſt be, at length, to hear theſe poor victims of wretchedneſs, defend themſelves, by exclaiming, "I ſought not redreſs in vice, till urged to it by ſelf⯑defence, in order to ſupport an exiſtence, which, though I no longer covet, it is my duty to preſerve: nor is there any other re⯑medy for ills like mine; for, as the wiſe So⯑lomon ſays, "extreme oppreſſion maketh us deſperate!"

What a horrid and ſhocking ſtate! to be driven, by abſolute neceſſity, to ſupport a wretched exiſtence by the forfeiture of every thing ſhe holds moſt dear in this life, and at the hazard of what is ſtill more precious, her immortal ſoul !

Beſides, what muſt not be the agonies of her ſoul in this wretched ſtate, on the dreadful approach of death? a death which, though ſo much deſired in innocence, is dreaded with ſo great horror in guilt, when all her crimes appear at once to her diſtracted view. Worn out with intemperance and diſeaſe, ſhe feels the dreadful period near at hand, when ſhe muſt appear before the grand tribunal! [40] How many are her penetential tears in ſuch a horrid ſituation? She calls, and calls again, upon her great Creator, "O Lord, rebuke me not in thy fury, nor chaſtiſe me in thy wrath ; for who can ſtand before the face of thy indignation?" And thus ſurrounded with all theſe diſmal and heart-piercing ſen⯑ſations, without a friend to comfort, or the ſtill more invaluable conſolations of a dying Chriſtian ; her every ſenſe is racked with hor⯑ror, and little unlike the infernal regions is her wretched ſituation.

Whilſt her aſſociates in vice are revelling in drunkenneſs, in order to baniſh from their reflections all ideas of the horrid ſcene, and thus ſhe lies, "Groaning out the poor re⯑mains of life," her limbs bathed in ſweat, and ſtruggling with convulſive throws, pains in⯑ſupportable throbbing in every pulſe, and in⯑numerable darts of agony transfixing her con⯑ſcience.

Thus her exhauſted breath expires, and ſhe dies in all the bitterneſs of woe. And this alike muſt continue to be the fate (as it has been ſo long to numbers) of both parents and children, unleſs the kind hand of interference ſhall ſever the chain of miſery, by which they have ſo long been held down.

But will not a ſerious inveſtigation into theſe ſcenes of horror be ſufficient to arouſe the moſt callous of mankind? for who would not uſe their utmoſt endeavours to relieve ſuch unheard-of diſtreſs? Or, what is ſtill better, prevent ſuch dire calamities, and all ſuch complicated ſcenes of miſery and wretched⯑neſs: for, is it not always granted, that pre⯑vention is better than cure?

Then let it not be ſaid, that a country ſo ſamed for its juſtice and humanity, ſhould ſuffer a continuance of ſuch diſtreſs; or that any of our fellow creatures ſhould be compel⯑led to take ſhelter under the baneful ſhades of vice, in order to ſupport a miſerable exiſt⯑ence.

[42] Much, very much, indeed, may be ſaid or this ſubject, but it is not my wiſh or intention to delineate, or dwell longer upon the tragica hiſtory, than may ſerve to lead to the avenue of inveſtigation ; when a ſmall part of theſe ftriking truths, to a reflecting mind, will be ſufficient to conciliate, and cauſe them to ex⯑ert a cheerful readineſs to ſerve our fellow, creatures; by doing which we are well aſſure [...] it is performing a three-fold duty, viz. to God to our neighbour, and ourſelves. I am ful⯑ly perſuaded, it will appear equally as politic [...] as humane; for the poor, miſerable, and op⯑preſſed creatures cannot ſay with Job, "I have erred, mine error remains with myſelf." No : their crimes are contagious, and their er⯑rors extend and ſpread their baneful influence through cities, towns, and whole countries, [...] the utter deſtruction of families of all deſcrip⯑tions; in which caſe, is it poſſible unwary youth ſhould eſcape ?

What numbers of unguarded young men, even with hearts inclined to virtue, have un⯑happily been drawn on to vice, by the power⯑ful inſinuations of theſe poor abandoned fe⯑males, [43] who, like Eve in Paradiſe, is no ſooner fallen herſelf, than, by deceitful artifice, ſhe ſpreads the net of deſtruction to catch others. For example: need we go any farther than the theatres, the reſort of all, both good and bad, and where abandoned females, of all ages and degrees of profligacy, attend to make their harveſt, and gather in their unlawful plun⯑der, to ſupply the ordinary wants of the en⯑ſuing day ? And what can better anſwer the purpoſe of decoy than the drama? for, ſhould it be comedy, the obſcenity which prevails in many of our modern plays, cannot fail to act as poiſon upon the young mind : or is it tra⯑gedy, what can have a greater influence upon the feelings of ſenſibility, or ſooner awaken the tender paſſions, which theſe miſerable women take ſpecial care to tranſlate to their own evil purpoſes ? Perhaps, in drawing a ſimile of their own diſtreſs, or by ſome other artful repreſentation or pretence, by which ſuch numbers of innocent and inexperienced young men are artfully led aſtray, in their moſt unguarded moments, whilſt ſeeking a rational and innocent amuſement, as a relax⯑ation [44] from the toils of the day, from which too many have found themſelves, at once, im⯑merged in deſtruction, and ingulphed in the quickſands of vice.

Horrid deſtruction! if all, or the greateſt part, of this originates from women being pre⯑cluded from ſupporting themſelves by means of ſome lawful employment, who will conti⯑nue to countenance a precedent, big with ſo much deſtruction?

How many unhappy young men have fallen a ſacrifice, both in mind and body, to the dia⯑bolical artifices which theſe poor, miſerable, abandoned women are driven to practice for bread! And how many Barnwells, who, not able to ſupport, by honeſt induſtry, the wants of a favourite miſtreſs, have forcibly purſued ſuch methods as have brought them to miſery, ſhame, and death, and their diſtracted parents with ſorrow to their graves! leaving behind them the remainder of an unprovided family, to toil up the ſteep of difficulty; and, if fe⯑males, with all the tribulations before them which we have been juſt tracing in others!

[45] Nor does the dreadful calamity end here; for, notwithſtanding ſo many unfortunate fe⯑males have been obliged to ſeek bread in the paths of vice, and ſo many young men have fallen victims to their ſolly and wickedneſs, ſtill the ſame devouring jaws of deſtruction are open for its future prey; nor can they ever poſſibly cloſe, until the grievous precedent of men uſurping females' occupations is entirely done away, or ſome proper ſubſtitute provided, ſo as to enable women to ſhare the common neceſſaries along with their fellow-creatures: till then, we need not wonder at the vaſt number of pickpockets and houſebreakers which, at all times, infeſt the ſtreets, to the diſturbance of all civil ſociety; for we may again repeat with Milton, when night

For when "young men, void of underſtand⯑ing," are ſeduced by ſuch lawleſs and licen⯑tious methods to ſquander away, in riot and drunkenneſs, what they have obtained by un⯑lawful plander, it is no difficult talk to find [46] out the cauſe of theſe nocturnal depredations; for we may naturally ſuppoſe, theſe poor un⯑happy women are always ready to benumb and drown their reflections with intoxicating liquors, the effects of which muſt lead them, with their wretched aſſociates, into every ex⯑ceſs of ſin and wickedneſs, to the utter demo⯑lition of public happineſs and ſafety, as well as incurring a heavy burden of expences upon the inhabitants.

It is ſaid, the city of London alone pays upwards of twenty thouſand pounds annually to patrols, beadles, and watchmen; and it may be a much greater ſum; yet, that of itſelf ſeems a vaſt ſum indeed, to be raiſed by levy, in which the honeſt trader muſt unavoidably contribute a large ſhare. Would not that contribution anſwer a much better purpoſe in providing for the neceſſitous poor, ſuch as we have juſt been treating of, and who are judged unfit objects to be received into a pariſh work⯑houſe; being, as it is termed, able enough to earn their own bread out of the houſe?

Yet, ſo long as there continues a prohibi⯑tion againſt women having an employment, it [47] is to be feared, double the ſum already raiſed by the inhabitants will be found inefficacious. But ſuch is the link of progreſſion, ariſing from this dreadful uſurpation; which ſhews the neceſſity of entering into the origin of theſe melancholy truths, that ſo the chain of connection may be found whole; otherways, far be it from me to entertain a wiſh to offer to the generous part of my readers a work fraught with ſo many tragic repreſentations: but, leaſt the want of a full narrative ſhould leave the ſubject dark to comprehend, I ſtill purſue my plan; and even ſhould my zeal in the cauſe of happineſs lead into an eccentric mode of writing, be it remembered it is an eccentric cauſe, but with a moſt ſanguine wiſh to ſee all the inhabitants of this favoured iſle become uſeful and happy members of ſociety, inſtead of being the harpies of deſtruction.

That political and private happineſs are in⯑variably connected, is beyond a doubt; and that the morals of this nation are very cor⯑rupt, is but too viſible, from the vaſt numbers of diſgraceful women who infeſt the face of the country. As for the number of theſe mi⯑ſerable [48] ſerable beings, it cannot be an eaſy matter to aſcertain : but ſuppoſe, from the prodigious numbers, that are ſeen ſcattered about, like ſheep having no ſhepherd, that in London, for example, there are five or ſix thouſand: Nay; I have either read, or heard it ſaid, ten thou⯑ſand! but how that calculation can be made, I ſhall not take upon me to ſay ; yet, ſup⯑poſe we call it half that number; are not five thouſand deſtitute females too many to ſuffer through ſo poor a cauſe, and will not a much leſs number ſuffice to contaminate the morals of more than half the youths in town, and prove a ſource of deſtructive oppreſſion to a vaſt number of inhabitants? for, without mo⯑rals, how can we expect happineſs, or what is to ſupport the public good?

Then, what ſort of beings are they, who can, with impunity, oppreſs theſe unfortunate women, to the entire deſtruction of all happi⯑neſs, both national and domeſtic? Or where is the breaſt, truly warm in the cauſe of virtue and a country's good, who will ſuffer the con⯑tinuance of a precedent ſo deſtructively op⯑preſſive, without exerting themſelves in the [49] cauſe? for granting it is a great part of the Chriſtian religion, to aſſilt our neighbours as far as we are empowered. To neglect an inveſtigation of theſe grievances admits no excuſe, when once the clouds of obſcurity are diſperſed; for enquiry is the great ſource of knowledge.

From the holy ſcriptures we learn, that "Wiſdom is juſtified in all her children;" and from what but wiſdom and juſtice is de⯑rived the ſupport of our common weal, by inveſtigating which, will not the judicious quickly diſcover a numerous train of oppreſ⯑ſive grievances not yet told. Let him but en⯑quire the cauſe of ſuch vaſt numbers of con⯑victs having been ſent abroad, to the great expence of the nation; and ſee if their connection with theſe neceſſitous women has not been a great means of their mis⯑fortunes: for, alas! young men, upon their firſt entrance into the world, are too often in⯑ebriated with the pleaſing, but baneful, draught of pleaſures, till their ſenſes are ſo much in⯑toxicated, that they run they know not where, and at length find themſelves enſnared in [50] the net, which theſe poor abandoned women, or rather the inſtigators of their miſery, have ſo artfully ſet to entrap the unwary.

Yet, a ſerious conſideration, no doubt, will prompt an enquiry, and a perſeverance in the purſuit; and ſurely we may hope, an under⯑taking, founded on ſuch a baſis as the laws of humanity, and a general good, can never fail of ſucceſs. Nor will the more generous part of men-traders, ſuch as are before deſcribed, delay to reſign a privilege, maintained upon ſuch unjuſt principles; for far, very far, be it from me to ſuppoſe, or entertain a with to inſinuate a ſuppoſition, that all effeminate tradeſmen are equally guilty of a known vio⯑lation. Nor is any individual accuſed for in⯑voluntary crimes: yet, does it not behove every member of ſociety to inform themſelves, eſpecially when the object of enquiry is of ſuch great magnitude, as to extend beyond the intereſt of individuals, and affect a whole community?

It is beyond a doubt, that many men, through the force of cuſtom, are ignorant of the injury they are doing their neighbour, [51] and mankind in general, the details of which I have very ſcrupulouſly collected, and may ſay with Shakeſpeare, I have "nothing exte⯑nuated, nor ſet down aught in malice."

Indeed, I have not a wiſh to accuſe, or call in queſtion, the conduct or motive of any indivi⯑dual. No: ſuffice it that Pappeal to their own feelings, to humanity, and the goſpel truths; after which, let the inward monitor of the guilty ſay, ‘Thou art the man.’ But permit me to infer, this ſelf accuſation only extends to one part of the oppreſſive body; yet, what is to be ſaid for the re⯑mainder, who ſhall ſtill perſevere in perfecut⯑ing theſe poor helpleſs women, to the ſubver⯑ſion of all civil ſociety? for, are we not told by the inſpired writer, "It is not the will of our Father, which is in heaven, that one of theſe little ones ſhould periſh." Then, in compliance with our threefold obligation, are we not ſtrictly enjoined to exhort our bre⯑thren to turn from their evil ways. What ſays St. Matthew, "If thy brother ſhall treſ⯑paſs [52] againſt thee, go and tell him his faults: but if he will not hear thee, then take wit [...] thee one or two more, that in the mouth o [...] two or three witneſſes, every word may b [...] eſtabliſhed; and if he ſhall neglect to hea [...] them, tell it unto the church; but if he ne⯑glect to hear the church, let him be unto the [...] as an heathen man and a publican.

But by what means, leſs than enquiry, ar [...] we to know who our offending brother is? o [...] why, in this enlightened age, is a buſineſs of ſo much conſequence neglected! a buſineſs on which nothing leſs than the ruin or proſperity of a ſtate depends; independent of Chriſtiani⯑ty or humanity, the great characteriſtic of the nation. Then, in a caſe where the whole is ſo ſtrongly connected, why delay a ſingle mo⯑ment in the reſearch. Indeed, it is a well⯑known maxim, and muſt be allowed, that thoſe who are not forward in a cauſe, may be juſtly ſaid to be againſt it; o [...], in o [...]her words, who⯑ever is not the encourager of virtue, muſt un⯑advoidably be the encourager of vice. But let the breaſt of ſympathy participate in the ſuffer⯑ings of their fellow creatures. Let the tender eye [53] of pity, which can ſo ſoon diſſolve at an ima⯑ginary tragedy, a me [...]e mock repreſentation in a theatre, be truly melted into pity at real ca⯑lamity.

That great numbers would be happy in contributing to the aid and relief of thoſe who appear to be objects of diſtreſs, is beyond a doubt: but, alas! for helpleſs, injured females! the heavy clouds of prejudice and miſrepre⯑ſentation have thrown ſo dark a veil between them and the pity of the world, that they are deſpiſed by all. Yet, when the curtain is once withdrawn, and the tragic ſcene expoſed to open view, leading theſe poor creatures from obſcurity into open light, then will be the criſis, when every good Chriſtian may be impowered to ſoften the affliction of another's woes; and though it may not be in the power of every ſympathiſing breaſt to contribute to⯑wards their temporal wants, they may ſtill be impowered to ſooth their ſorrows, rather than drive the envenomed arrows of cenſure ſtill deeper into their afflicted boſoms.

What kind of monument did the immertal [...]ervey make choice of for himſelf? "Let [54] me," ſays he, "leave a memorial in the breaſts of my fellow-creatures. Let ſurviving friends bear witneſs, that I have not lived to myſelf alone, nor been altogether unſerviceable in my generation. O! let an uninterrupted ſe⯑ries of beneficent offices be the inſc [...]iption, and the beſt intereſts of my acquaintance the plate that exhibits it. Let the poor, as they paſs by my grave, point at the little ſpot, and thank⯑fully acknowledge, there lies the man, whoſe unwearied kindneſs was the conſtant relief of my various diſtreſſes; who tenderly viſited my languiſhing bed, and readily ſupplied my indigent circumſtances. How often were his councils a guide to my perplexed thoughts, and a cordial to my dejected ſpirits."

And why may not the ſame inſcriptive mo⯑nument belong to many? It is in the power of any one to merit it, even by the good offices and tender concern for theſe poor objects, who, like a foot-ball, are ſtill rolling upon the ſurface, ready to receive the next ſtroke, with⯑out being able to make the ſmalleſt reſiſtance. Nor is there any other ſet of being under the heavens, who ſtand in greater need of conſo⯑lation, [55] than theſe poor unfortunate women: or who, through vile cenſure, receive leſs; conſequently, the more deſperate and diſtre [...] ⯑ing the caſe, the ſympathy and condo [...]ence the more welcome; and will always, in ſome de⯑gree, ſoften and alleviate afflictions.

Indeed, it is not any, but the luke-warm, o [...] miſinformed, who requires to be reminded of ſu [...]h diſtreſs; for, where is the breaſt, truly warm in the cauſe of happineſs, that is not hurt at the very ſight of ſo many ſhocking ſpec [...]cles in the ſtreets. Even under the ap⯑pearance of guilt, it is horrid to ſee human nature debaſed ſo low: but how much greater the ſenſations of pity, when it appears, the greateſt part of the diſtreſs we ſee, is not through a [...]icious or depraved diſpoſition, but abſolute compulſion; through the encourage⯑ment given to a deſtructive cuſtom, which permits men to enj [...]y a privilege, which na⯑ture never aſſigned them; and they are there⯑by encouraging vice to predominate, and hold⯑ing virtue in [...]tters.

Conſequently, whether this evil be perſiſted in through ignorance, from its being an an⯑cient [56] cuſtom, or whether from the intereſted narrow views of a malignant paſſion for gain; or from whatever cauſe, ſeeing it robs ſuch a number of helpleſs women of employment and bread, it is a privilege, which, in juſtice to every tie of honour or conſcience, ought to be relinquiſhed, unleſs—I repeat it—a ſubſti⯑tute is found.—Can it be termed either ma [...]ly, honourable, or humane, to oppreſs induſtry and helpleſs innocence, and place them under the abſolute neceſſity of ſac [...]ificing their virtue, their happineſs, and every thing they hold dear, at the ſhrine of the avaricious, and (for the ſake of diſtinction) effeminate tradeſmen; and flying to the rendezvous of ſin and wick⯑edneſs, to ſupport a miſerable exiſtence; and after, perhaps, having fallen a ſacrifice to diſ⯑caſe or compunction of mind, are poſſibly ſo fortunate as to gain the privilege of an aſy⯑lum^*; a charity, which will ever redound honour to its illuſtrious patrons and benefac⯑tors, and will be a laſting monument of Bri⯑tiſh munificence: and, it is hoped, and fer⯑vently wiſhed, the noble example, and the [57] many proofs of its utility, may extend its in⯑fluence over the remaining part of the bene⯑volent, who are bleſſed with affluence, and that we may ſhortly ſee a ſimilar inſtitution take place, as an aſylum of prevention, until a more effectual relief can be procured or given; for, whilſt ſuch ſalutary benefits may be derived from protecting the repenting ſin⯑ner, how much greater will be the ſatisfac⯑tion in protecting innocence!

The Orphan Hoſpital alſo, is undoubtedly a moſt excellent charity, and preſerves num⯑bers of poor young creatures from the devour⯑ing jaws of ſeduction; and, to the immortal honour of its liberal benefactors, is moſt nobly and ſpiritedly ſupported: yet, it can but con⯑tain a ſmall number out of the many who are left deſtitute; and even admitting the Orphan Aſylum and the Magdalen Charity could contain the whole number of theſe unfortu⯑nate fugitives, there is ſtill certain ages of ad⯑miſſion and diſmiſſion, the extent of which, though I am not certain, I preſume ſeldom exceeds five or ſix and twenty years.

[58] Give me leave then to aſk, what proviſion there is for unfortunate women, who are turn⯑ed of that period, amongſt whom are great numbers of widows, but juſt in the meridian of their days, who, after a life of affluence, and, perhaps, every eaſe and comfort, are now wandering about through this vale of tears, in the abject and forlo [...] condition juſt deſcribed; poſſibly driven from their homes by keen adverſity, naked and deſtitute, in the moſt inclement ſeaſon of the year, without a proſpect, or means of any ſort, for providing the common neceſſaries of life, ſince every branch of trade is occupied by theſe uſurpers of a female's right, till, at length, quite weary with fatigue and pining with hunger, the dreaded period arrives, "when, like a hunted bird, ſhe becomes quite exhauſted with fatigue," and wearineſs obliges her to fall t [...] the ground, and become the prey or ſport o [...] every ſchool-boy.

Poor, helpleſs creatures! will no one fly [...] their relief? They aſſuredly have a claim o [...] the aſſiſtance and compaſſion of every one and, I [...]latter myſelf, the generous feelings [...] [59] the humane will no ſooner be ſenſible of their ſufferings, than all, who wiſh well to the cauſe of virtue, will lend their aſſiſtance towards aboliſhing ſo deſtructive a precedent; and every lady, that has a wiſh to ſupport the general character of her ſex, will retire with indignation, when offered to be ſerved by any of theſe authors of female destruction.

The efficacy of theſe reflections to a feel⯑ing and generous mind that can participate in another's woes, cannot be doubted; yet what will all that pity or all that ſympathy avail, unleſs ſome exertions are uſed towards effecting a redreſs?

Suppoſe no lady would ſu [...]er herſelf to be ſerved, in the ſhops of theſe eſſeminate traders, by any of the ſhort [...]clothed gentry, would it not be a means of compelling all thoſe who chuſe to carry on the tragi-comic ſarce, to effect the buſineſs under the diſguiſe of gown and petticoat?

But joking apart: believe me, ladies, it is paſt a joke, when poor, unfortunate f [...]mal [...]s are compelled to go without clothing, in order to ſupport an army of Herculian figures [60] at the back of a counter, diſplaying the beauties of a lady's bandeau, or commenting upon the device of a fan.

Fie upon ſuch conduct! let men act like men, and, as men of honour, ſupport the dig⯑nity of their character. To hear them talk, they profeſs the fineſt feelings; but what do all theſe profeſſions tend to? is it not an appa⯑rent ſoleciſm, that the ſame perſon, in the ve⯑ry moment they profeſs to be friends to civil ſociety, ſhould be loading the defence [...] with unheard-of oppreſſion? But let us, [...] you pleaſe, develope theſe aſſertions in the full light of impartial truth.

Since truth and reaſon cloſed the laſt ſen⯑tence, what is there forbids making the next appeal to juſtice? and enquire, why theſe poor, helpleſs women are to be cut off from all civil ſociety, and that at a period of life which might have been to them the moſt hap⯑py. Inſtead of rendering them noxious to community, they might have been uſeful members, as well as good Chriſtians, and, in the end, have died the death of the juſt, hav⯑ing calmly paſſed through life, inſtead of being the dupes of an avaricious ſet of uſeleſs mem⯑bers, who, by their profeſſions, are a degrada⯑tion to the honourable title of MAN.

What is life? a bare exiſtence, when com⯑pared with a life of civil ſecurity and freedom, neither of which do theſe unfortunate women experience: for, notwithſtanding, ſometimes even difficulties are inſtructive, and, in many caſes, may prevent a number of unforeſeen troubles, they cannot profit by their know⯑ledge, from their not being empowered to [62] exerciſe their talents. It is truly ſhocking to ſee ſuch numbers of miſerable wretches wandering about without employment, or any human comfort, either dreſſed up at the coſt of their virtue and peace of mind, or in ſo wretched, forlorn, and abject a ſtate, that they ſcarely retain an appearance of their ſex; thus dragging on a miſerable exiſtence, which nothing but the effects of a religious edu⯑cation can induce them to preſerve. For, what is life without hope? and where is there the ſmalleſt glimpſe of hope for them? they cannot fly from the frowns of the world, which on all ſides attack them. Yet how aſtoniſh⯑ing is it, that the oppreſſions of theſe men, who are the authors of ſo much miſchief, ſhould ſo long have been paſſed unnoticed!

"But, every one that doeth evil hateth the light;" therefore the ſufferings of theſe poor creatures are hid by the dark ſhade of miſre⯑preſentation. Did every one candidly deliver their ſentiments without reſtraint, would it not be a means of affording a light to the dis⯑cerning eye of impartiality to examine into theſe heinous gri [...]vances? for where no [...] [63] than private intereſt is the foundation of ſo much miſery, dragging after it the moſt dread⯑ful conſequences, the origin of which, may we not ſuppoſe, proceeds from one of the three following cauſes, viz. A want of reflection, from its being a precedent of long ſtand⯑ing; a wilful blindneſs, through avaricious views; or a downright want of underſtanding. The latter of which we hope is the caſe, that it may reſt in their favour; for, where lit⯑tle is given, little may be required.

But ye of the world, whoſe underſtandings have ſo long been carried down the ſtream of miſrepreſentation, ſuffer not yourſelves to be any longer led away by falſe and miſtaken prejudice, nor let the innocent ſuffer with the guilty; for pity's ſake, ſpare the inno⯑cent, although it be at the riſk of ſuffering the guilty to go unpuniſhed; mercy is Hea⯑ven's diſtinguiſhed attribute, and contains a greatneſs next to celeſ [...]ial.

In ſearching for a date to the era of this [...]eſt [...]uctive precedent, wherein men have been [...]ade ſubſtitutes in women's occupations, it [...]ill be [...]ound to be of very long ſtanding; and [64] in its infancy might not, nor, perhaps, was not attended with the evils it has ſince pro⯑duced; for, in thoſe days, when manufactures and commerce were not ſo extenſive, every ſituation and ſcene in life were in a more con⯑tracted ſtate, and while the father and the bro⯑ther were employed in trade, the mother and daughters were employed in the domeſtic con⯑cerns of the houſehold. In fact, they were then the manufacturers alſo, and conſequently were never at a loſs for employment; they found enough to do in ſpinning, knitting, and preparing neceſſaries for the uſe of the family, which, being common, was not looked upon as any degradation.

But were the tradeſman, in this refined age, to employ his wife or daughters in any ſuch low capacity, what would the world ſuppoſe, or where would be his credit? Therefore, in exploring the caſe and its evil conſequences, ſhall we not be well convinced, it is not cuſ⯑tom alone which ought to conſtitute a right; for what precedent or practice ought to be ſupported upon unjuſt principles. Doub [...]leſs there have been various precedents, which [65] ſeemed good at the beginning, and yet have been productive of much evil in the end, as the one in queſtion; at the commencement of which, as I before obſerved, it might be, and was, a very laudable purſuit; for, in thoſe days, when all things were in a more contract⯑ed ſtate, and trade not ſo univerſally extend⯑ed, the father of a family was glad to diſpoſe of his ſons to ſuch mechanical branches of trade as firſt preſented, that his ſon might be empowered to improve or increaſe his little fund, and be able to make a proviſion, not only for himſelf, but for a wife which, in primitive times, he was obliged to endow.

Alas! how much unlike our modern days, when women endow their huſbands, and, with large portions, frequently purchaſe a very heavy bondage.

In fact, the generality of things appear to be diametrically oppoſite to what they were in former times.

We need but look back about three cen⯑turies, and then ſee the vaſt change; [...]or ex⯑ample: What would be the conſequence, were a labourer, in the preſent times, to receive no [66] better wages than a penny a day, which uſed to be the ſtandard even in the reign of Hen⯑ry VII^* and in the reign of Henry VIII. it did not exceed three halſpence? Muſt not every one allow, ſo ſmall a recompence, in the preſent times, inſufficient to exiſt upon, and much leſs to ſupport a family. Still, in thoſe days, it was found a ſufficient proviſion, and they could live comfortably upon it; but the reaſon is evident; every article of provi⯑ſion at that time bore a very inferior price to what it does now. Wheat, for example, which we may call the firſt grand article of proviſion, ſold in King Henry VII.'s reign^† at ſo low a price as three ſhillings per quarter, and every other article equally cheap; which enforces a conviction, that through time all things alter. Therefore, to come to the point in view, whilſt all things cha [...]ge according to the ſtate of times and conting [...]ncies, why ex⯑clude poor females from a ſmall ſhare in the [67] improvements? it is well known they cannot defend themſelves.

Were a body of miſerable women, be they really virtuous or not, to aſſemble with a pe⯑tition to parliament, where is the perſon who would be perſuaded to preſent it, particularly when they are all conſidered as worthleſs wretches.

But were a body of men a [...]tificers (be their conduct or morals as they may) to offer a re⯑preſentation of grievances, doubtleſs their caſe would be hea [...]d, and conſidered, in every ſenſe of the word, both political and humane.

Yet I would gladly believe, theſe differences muſt alone proceed from the defect of not knowing the true ſtate of grievances; for, in every other caſe of oppreſſion, except the one in queſtion, do we not always find a protec⯑tion from the police of the country? conſe⯑quently, there is no fear, but a ſerious inveſti⯑gation will throw open the iron gates of miſ⯑repreſentation, and lead to the avenues of happineſs, both for theſe poor women and the community in general.

[68] I acknowledge, we are too apt to call things juſt, that have been long in practice; and, through ancient cuſtom, theſe oppreſſive tradeſmen act in open defiance of either equity or conſcience, thinking none will call them to account, and they may ſtill ride triumph⯑ant upon the ſtream of avarice. But let not a precedent, abounding with ſo much miſchief, any longer diſgrace the age; let not virtue and happineſs any longer be bartered, which, in the preſent caſe, they evidently are, to the abuſe of all civil ſociety, and diſuniting the very bands of mutual benefit and preſerva⯑tion; nor ſuffer theſe men to monopolize the whole from the female part of the crea⯑tion, unleſs there is a proviſion made to ſe⯑cure them from penury.

Nothing, it is preſumed, can be more rea⯑ſonable and juſt, than that thoſe who deprive others of ſubſiſtence ſhould contribute to their ſupport. For what law, either divine or hu⯑man, will juſtify the continuance of a prece⯑dent, which has influence ſufficient to prevail over the virtue of individuals? What ſtatute is there, which grants that men alone ſhall live, [69] and women ſcarcely exiſt?—Is it not an uſurpation which every violator muſt bluſh at, when conſidered in the light it ought to be, as an act of the greateſt injuſtice? Then, drive hence all ſuch diſtreſs: let it not be ſaid, that Britons can cheriſh a wiſh to oppreſs their ſiſ⯑ters, wives, and mothers, but rather that they are merciful to the fatherleſs and the widow; and though the miſchief of this iniquitous precedent ſhould lie too deep to be cured by any thing leſs than a total ſuppreſſion, can it be called an invaſion of right? No; it is only the ſupp [...]eſſion of an uſurped prerogative; and cannot fail to be productive of every good, not only in clearing the ſtreets of pro⯑ſtitutes, but in providing a ſufficient number of proper and fit hands, in time of peace, for the various manufactories which, it muſt be granted, it is always the intereſt of Britain to cheriſh; and in ſuch calamitous times as theſe, by having ready a ſufficient number of ſoldiers and ſailors fit for ſervice, without being dri⯑ven to ſo many expenſive and oppreſſive ex⯑pedients: independent of the little need there is of throwing any thing in the way to ſend [70] ſuch colonies abroad, to the prodigious ex⯑pence of the nation, or ſuffering ſuch numbers of men idling at the back of a counter, when they might be employed to ſo much better advantage. The enormous expence attending all theſe things, muſt be viſible to every one who will take the trouble to look; therefore, it is unneceſſary to weary my readers with a recital of theſe heavy expences or grievances, far [...]her than is abſolutely neceſſary; for a ſhort reflection muſt convince every enquirer, that to countenance this evil precedent, is not only robbing poor females of their birthrights, which they are not empowered to contend for, but is actually robbing the whole country of its right, as well as ſafety and happineſs, and doubtleſs is tending to impoveriſh the nation.

Theſe are facts, not founded on theory alone, which might be greatly enlarged up⯑on, were the pen of information in the hand of one of thoſe humane, generous, and [71] learned philanthropiſts, who diſtinguiſh them⯑ſelves by a cheerful and ready exertion in the cauſe of juſtice and retribution, and who, being converſant in the language of the law, might trace all the precedents, acts, and re⯑peals, with their conveniencies and inconve⯑niencies, from Adam to Magna Charta, and from thence to the preſent day; when, alas! it is a female's province only (if a mother) to nurſe, cheriſh, and watch over her darling ſon, who, perhaps, in maturity, may be the foremoſt in adding to the weight of this op⯑preſſive burden. "Art thou one of them!" ſaid Julius Caeſar to his ſon, when he ſaw him amongſt thoſe that murdered him. That went deeper to his heart than the ſwords of all his enemies.

Let then the claim to theſe female occupa⯑tions be developed; let not an indelible ſtain be fixed on the character of men; for, when the affair is finally diſcuſſed, will theſe griev⯑ances ſound credible to the ear of poſlerity? Let not then our annals be ſtained with ſuffer⯑ing a longer continuance of ſo much miſery, but let an immediate interference take place. [72] Why ſhall the deliberate deſtroyers of happi⯑neſs be ſuffered to continue, without ſome notice being taken of their in human and ava⯑ricious guilt? To refuſe a compliance with this requeſt, is to become enemies to peace and happineſs: to enjoy the neceſſaries of life is an invaluable right, which each individual expects to ſhare in common with his neigh⯑bour; and, in fact, is what all do ſhare, mo [...]e or leſs, except the identical women in queſ⯑tion.

The very poor, who are born in an ab⯑ject ſtate, are taught from their inf [...]ncy to ſtruggle through life in the ſame manner they ſee their needy connections: bread muſt be had, and all the inſtructions they can poſſibly get, is in what way to obtain it. Conſequently, if by labour and induſtry, they can acquire a ſufficiency to exiſt upon, they are perfectly at caſe, without beſtowing a ſingle thought upon to-morrow.

But the poor, unfortunate woman, who has ſeen better days, and been reared and educated with tenderneſs and care, ſhe it is that feels her broken ſlumbers can no longer give relief [73] to her weary limbs. Her inability to wreſtle with difficulties are great indeed; eſpecially when ſhe finds her whole endeavours fruit⯑leſs: and, what is ſtill as bad, by running to and fro, in purſuit of ſome means for bread, (which ſhe is not able to obtain) the ſhrill voice of cenſure, or the deſtructive whiſper of ca⯑lumny, having breathed ſuch a poiſonous va⯑pour over her character, ſhe is deſpiſed by all, in the manner deſcribed in the fore⯑going pages, and irremediably doomed to ſink, never more to riſe; for, who will admit a woman of loſt reputation into their houſe? O, cruel cenſure! what muſt be the ſenſations of oppreſſed innocence, under the cenſure of guilt! Even what is it they do not feel, on the bare appellation of idle and diſor⯑derly, when they have tried every expedient to obtain employment, though to no effect?

Under ſuch a preſſure of misfortunes, they muſt bear their ſorrows in ſilence, un⯑known and unpitied! and muſt frequently put on a face of cheerful ſerenity, when their hearts are [...]orn with ſecret grief. Thus they paſs their time in ſorrow, till they meet the [74] fatal alternative, either to be paſſive under the horrors of a priſon, or compound for their preſervation, by entering under the infernal roof of vice for protection.

When ſuch an alternative is preſented, what is to be expected? Should they evade the lat⯑ter by conforming to the former, what is to be the advantage? I believe, it is generally al⯑lowed, that all priſons, or places of confine⯑ment, are but poor ſchools for virtue; and that youth and inexperience, or even thoſe of a more advanced age, ſeldom return to the world without being, in ſome degree, conta⯑minated; for it is not to be ſuppoſed, that theſe poor, miſerable mortals are invulnerable. In⯑deed, ſhould they even paſs through theſe tracts unpolluted, it is next to impoſſible they ſhould ſtill eſcape deſtruction. After the death of kindred, faithleſsneſs of friends, misfortunes, and diſgrace, where are they to find a plan [...] to ſave them from the wreek, where they ſee ſo many toſſing up and down before them [...] and may very applicably ſay, with Pope's Sappho,

But it is yet to be hoped, the charitable and humane will ſtep forward in the cauſe, and no longer ſuffer the noble faculties of the un⯑derſtanding to remain buried in a torpid ſtate of acquieſcence to outward appearances, whilſt ſuch numbers are labouring under the moſt pitiable diſtreſs, and ſo many honeſt, in⯑duſtrious tradeſmen and mechanics are obliged to contribute to the cauſe, which the profli⯑gacy of theſe diſtreſſed women brings upon the community.—Although it be ſuppoſed the moſt judicious cannot foreſee or provide againſt every fraud or accident, yet, from the deep penetration and ſtrict juſtice of ſuch as are in power, there is not a doubt, but ſome plan will be adopted for the benefit of the whole, and ſome expedient thought of, as a temporary relief, for theſe diſtreſſed women, until a more permanent arrangement of things can take place. Indeed, it is poſſible ſome difficulties may a [...]iſe, from the compli⯑cation of the undertaking, yet what is it hu⯑man [76] efforts cannot effect, when aided by di⯑vine promiſe? which ſays, "Whatever you do unto one of the leaſt of theſe, ye have done it unto me."

An undertaking commenced upon ſuch grounds, muſt infallibly be productive of great good, and in that ſtep alone, can we fail to ſee many of theſe uſurpers drop away in confuſion and ſhame, whi [...]ſt the remainder, being held up to public ridicule, which they ſo juſtly merit, muſt quickly follow? for, ſhould they be ſuffered to continue in their effeminate and unmanly employment, and neither be forced nor ſhamed out of their evil courſes, where will they ſtop, or what will be the conſequence?

"But whatſoever thou findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor de⯑vice, nor knowledge, nor wiſdom, in the grave, whither thou goeſt^*"

THE FEMALE ADVOCATE.
PART SECOND. Continuation of the foregoing. Which demonſtrates that the Frailty of Female Virtue more frequently originates from embarraſſed Cir⯑cumſtances, than from a depravity of Diſpoſition.

HAVING given a ſaint ſketch of the grand cauſe which precludes women from partaking in the comforts of life, let us next proceed to the avenue which leads to ſo much miſery. Doubtleſs, through the viciſſitudes of human affairs, neither great riches nor great happineſs [78] are always permanent; the dark and crooked paths of fate are, by the unerring hand of Di⯑vine Providence, hid from mortal eyes: nor can we ſee into futurity. "To-day we are here, and to-morrow in the grave;" or, according to the Proverbs, chap. xxvii. v. 1. "Who knoweth what a day may bring forth?" For how often does death, inſatiable death, unex⯑pectedly ſnatch, in a moment, the indulgent parent from the beloved child, who is at once left at large in the wide world, perhaps in the morning of her days, and in all the ſimplicity of artleſs youth, without a proviſion, or any means of obtaining one. Pitiable object! thy fate ſeems hard indeed: yet ſo it but too frequently happens to hundreds, beſides thy⯑ſelf. Where wilt thou go, to ſecure thee from real want? A pariſh workhouſe is but a poor conſolation for ſo great a loſs, at a period when neither reaſon nor religion is ripened into maturity, to moderate the grievance. But, if, perhaps, a friend ſtep forward, the Aſylum for the protection of Orphan Girls may re⯑ceive the poor fugitive; in which bleſſed and happy inſtitution, through time, the memory [79] of her woeful loſs, in parents and proviſion, may, in ſome degree, be wiped away in the benevolence of her new protectors, who not only provide for her temporal, but alſo for her ſpiritual concerns, in inſtructing her as a good Chriſtian and a uſeful member. But, alas! ſmall is the number which this inſtitution can admit, when compared with the vaſt num⯑bers left in ſimilar ſituations. And for thoſe, who are more advanced in age, to what ſtand⯑ard can they repair? It is true, neceſſity will teach people to exert themſelves, who have no⯑thing but their own induſtry to depend upon, and conſequently they ſeek for a female occu⯑pation. But how great their ſurpriſe, and inex⯑preſſible their grief, to find, like the reſt, that they are repulſed in every purſuit of induſtry, whereby they might expect a maintenance!

Good Heavens! what courſe can a poor, young creature purſue, when, from the quick tranſition from good to evil, at that early pe⯑riod of life, when diſcernment has not made its way to a knowledge of the world, ſhe is at once on the verge of the precipice, where ſo many have unhappily been loſt? Without a [80] pilot, ſhe finds herſelf launched out into the ocean of the world, where ſhe floats about ſo awhile, until ſhe perceives her danger, and would gladly retreat; but neither meeting pro⯑tection nor aid, neceſſity drives her back, and ſhe ſhortly engages in the diſſipation of the age, and at once becomes the object of ſco [...] and contempt, and the real food for ſcandal in which deplorable ſtate ſhe finds herſelf in⯑volved, even before ſhe is aware of her dan⯑ger, which no ſooner preſents itſelf to he view, but ſhe endeavours to retreat and clea [...] away the black vapour; but, alas! though ſhort-lived the experiment, it is now too late for the miſty cloud of obloquy has diſcoloure [...] her reputation, and ſhe is now doubly diſtan from a friend to defend her, or point out mode of redreſs; for the unfeeling part of the world exclaims, in the words of a much ad⯑mired writer,

No: her ſupplication is not noticed, not [81] withſtanding "God hath given to every one the charge of his neighbour."

This excellent charge being ſo very ſeldom put in practice, ſuperadded to her youth and inexperience, ſhe not being ſufficiently armed with that fortitude, which is ſo neceſſary in her time of trial, and ſeeing the frowns of the world againſt her, ſhe naturally perſeveres, and even launches out ſtill farther in the ſtream of thoſe falſe and miſtaken pleaſures, which cannot fail to terminate in her deſtruc⯑tion; and, perhaps, at length, ſhe triumphs in obtaining (what ſhe thinks) protection from thoſe whoſe acknowledged right it is to guard the weaker ſex.

But here, alas! under the ſpecious name of friendſhip, ſhe too ſoon ſees her miſtake, and finds herſelf the real object of diſtreſs, aban⯑doned by the world, and left to her own bit⯑ter reflections; until the kind hand of Provi⯑dence once more takes her under protection, and admits her a member of that humane charity, the Magdalen; where, in a ſmall de⯑gree, ſhe is once more permitted to taſte a portion of comfort, by the cheering rays of [82] Chriſtian charity; and her oppreſſed ſpirits are ſomewhat enlivened by the following ſweet and comfortable diſcourſe from the Matron, on her admiſſion into that moſt excellent cha⯑rity.

"You cannot be inſenſible of the kindneſs of providence in bringing you hither; the wretched ſituation you are reduced to ſeems to offer you no other relief. Your intereſt and ours is the ſame; we mean to do you all the good we can, and you to have good done to you; we mean to render you happy in this world, and what is of much greater moment, in the next alſo^*."

How can charity be better employed than in taking care of the ſoul as well as the body? This is, perhaps, the moſt comfortable diſ⯑courſe ſhe has heard ſince death cloſed the lips of her dear parents. Yet how much greater would be the charity for protecting the inno⯑cent, than in reclaiming the guilty? Preven⯑tion muſt certainly be better than cure; and [83] were there a capacious eſtabliſhment for induſ⯑try, built upon ſuch a baſis as would form a diſcrimination between the well-bred female, who is reduced by the unſeen hand of fate, and the very poor and abject, whoſe birth has de⯑prived them of the knowledge of reſinement or delicacy; what crouds of unprovided women would ſlock to the ſtandard!

But, in the mean time, it cannot fail to af⯑ford infinite ſatisfaction to the humane con⯑tributors, by enabling the poor penitent to re⯑peat the following hymn of admiſſion.

How nearly do the humane contributors to this excellent charity imitate the compaſſion⯑ate ſentence of our bleſſed Lord, when he bade the offending woman "Go, and ſin no more?" For there is ſcarcely a period in life, when the moſt irregular characters may not be reclaimed. It is through misfortunes and a want of employment, that ſuch as theſe poor, helpleſs, young creatures have brought ſo great an additional load of heavy misfortunes upon their guilty heads; yet, we are told, there is joy in heaven at the repen⯑tance of a ſinner:—What a bleſſed inſtitution, then, to provide a means for that purpoſe!

Human nature is undoubtedly liable to corruption, yet it is impregnated with the ſeeds of virtue; and when the mind is proper⯑ly cultivated, they will quickly grow up and ripen into good works. It muſt afford a moſt lively and pleaſing ſenſation to the humane and ſympathiſing breaſt, in contributing their [85] endeavours, to let the memory of former woes be loſt in the enjoyment of preſent bleſ⯑ſings.

Compaſſion is a heaven-born virtue, and not only conſoles the innocent, but is the firſt ſtep to reclaim the guilty: a kind and gentle treatment muſt ever be efficacious, when harſh proceedings, in general, drive to deſperation. For the truth of this, we need but ſcrutinize our own hearts, (the golden rule is a moſt excellent guide) and there ſee, on a ſerious inveſtigation, if any one of us is not more ready to comply, in any caſe whatever, by le⯑nient means, than from the force of peremp⯑tory methods.

Yes: the moſt obdurate ſinner, if poſſeſſed of one ſingle ſpark of grace, on the repeated calm admonitions of a good Chriſtian, cannot ſuppreſs that ſpark from kindling into a flame of gratitude, at leaſt, and muſt bluſh at their perfidy; whereas the hardened wretch, by conſtant upbraidings and ſevere treatment, be⯑comes callous to every thing.

Therefore, theſe poor young women, who have, through extreme neceſſity, been driven [86] to criminal and unlawful purſuits, are not to be deſpiſed or ſunk beneath our care, but cheriſhed and ſupported, in order to reclaim their wicked courſe of life. What ſays the oracle of truth?—Whilſt we have time, let us do good, for the night cometh, when no man can work.

For the opulent, and thoſe in power, to ſuppoſe they have done their part, in help⯑ing to relieve their ſpiritual wants only, is a miſtake; ſo long as the ſoul and body act in uniſon, proviſion muſt be made for their temporal neceſſities alſo. What ſays St. James, chap. ii. v. 15 and 16. "If a bro⯑ther or ſiſter be naked, and deſtitute of daily food, and one of you ſay unto them, depart in peace, be you warmed and filled, notwith⯑ſtanding you give them not thoſe things which are needful to the body, what doth it profit?"

But in the humane charity of the Mag⯑dalen, as well as in others, the wants of the needful are plentifully ſupplied, both as to ſoul and body, and as many deſtitute objects received as the foundation of the inſtitution will admit; and, in general, ſuch as theſe it [87] is of whom we have been diſcourſing (if in London) who reap the benefit. Their ages of admiſſion being from ſixteen to twenty-ſix years, between which periods they, in general, find their fatal miſtake, and are happy to find an aſylum under ſo beneficent an inſtitution. Or if, unhappily, their ſituations in life are too far diſtant, or other caſual accidents pre⯑vent them from obtaining the benefit, they muſt inevitably fall a victim to their misfor⯑tunes and vice, and the world's contempt. Which brings to my remembrance a poem, entitled The Country Church Yard.

Notwithſtanding the misfortunes of ſuch poor young creatures are truly pitiable, others there are whoſe caſe is ſtill more lamentable. But to conduct my readers to the various ave⯑nues which lead to the deſtruction and miſery of the female part of the creation, would ſwell this volume to a greater bulk than is in⯑tended; therefore ſhall content myſelf with juſt touching upon a few characters, who have been plunged into this dreadful pit of deſtruc⯑tion, by the known miſconduct of connections, or the miſhap of human events. From ſuch as theſe it is we muſt gather our information. Doubtleſs, imagination might lead to a num⯑ber [89] of viſionary flights, but, by engaging with perſonalities, the faculties are confined, and external appearances muſt diſtinguiſh the ob⯑jects.

Let us then commence with a gentleman of ſmall, independent fortune; for, as it is the general maxim through life, that every one ſhould endeavour to outvie his neighbour, the gentleman alſo muſt keep up appearances for the benefit of his family (as he is pleaſed to term it;) and, in the preſent day, where do we ſee the father or mother of a family, with an independent fortune, be it ever ſo ſmall, who would not be ſhocked at the bare idea of placing their daughter in the world in ſuch ſituations as would enable them to riſe, through their own induſtry and merit, or [...]it them for becoming wives to ſome honeſt and induſtrious tradeſman?—No: that would be a degrada⯑tion which muſt not take place. It is the eti⯑quette of the times for the daughters to be bred fine ladies, although it be without a fortune, either dependent or independent, to ſupport it. As for trade, that is out of the queſtion. The ſons indeed are differently provided: the el⯑deſt, [90] in courſe, inherits the paternal eſtate and the younger ones are placed in the church the army, the navy, or at the bar; and others again are genteelly ſituated in the mercantile world: the whole of which are fit profeſſions for a gentleman, and by which, if they have merit and ſucceſs, they may acquire a com⯑petency.

But for the female part of the family, what appears in their favour? what proſpects have they in life?—The parents die, and leave them, without a proviſion, a burden upon their connections; which forms the firſt ſtep to deprive them of friends as well as ſubſiſt⯑ence. A miſerable inheritance, to be their beſt and only portion! What can be ſaid in behalf of ſuch parents? can their eaſy compli⯑ance with the faſhion of the times form any apology for ſuch a miſtaken conduct?—This ſurely cannot be called true paternal affection, to entail upon theſe helpleſs young crea⯑tures ſuch a ſucceſſion of miſery as muſt even⯑tually enſue. Is not this a ſufficient definition of the ſecond divine commandment, that "the ſins of the father ſhall deſcend to their [91] children, to the third and fourth generation." Which under ſuch circumſtances is juſtly ve⯑rified; for, what leſs than a miracle can deſtroy the entail of miſery brought upon helpleſs innocence, by the ſins of their pa⯑rents? which, however harſh the term, is worſe than Herod's cruelty; that could only affect the body, but by a compliance with this miſtaken folly of the day, there is a great chance of its affecting the ſoul alſo.

What was it brought ruin upon the firſt diſ⯑treſſed female, who was admitted into the Magdalen Charity; and what but a miracle led her to taſte comfort^*?

What numbers of helpleſs and deſtitute young women there are, who, ſeeing them⯑ſelves neglected and deſpiſed by their connec⯑tions, notwithſtanding all the refined and de⯑licate ideas which their education and mode of bringing up have poſſeſſed them with, would gladly endeavour, through neceſſity, to make up the deficiency of their parents' neglect, by [92] putting themſelves forward in the world, in order to obtain a ſupport. But, alas! to their ſorrow, they quickly ſee it is not in their power; for, under their preſent circumſtan⯑ces, "the world is not their friend, nor the world's laws;" and what was not effected by their parents, cannot poſſibly be obtained by an inexperienced young woman.

Indeed, it is frequently ſaid, the female part of the creation are by far the moſt ready in cenſuring their own ſex. But permit me to aſk, would it not be highly reprehenſible in any lady to countenance even the appearance of a guilty conduct? By ſo doing, it is not only the means of encouraging vice, but muſt unavoidably incur cenſure upon herſelf, which, above all other misfortunes in life, is the moſt to be dreaded, ſince a female charac⯑ter, once loſt, is for ever irretrievable. But, in juſtice to my own ſex, I would gladly hope, there is not a female, who really conſiders the many horrid miſchiefs which are the attend⯑ants upon cenſure, who will ever ſuffer the ſmalleſt intimation thereof to eſcape the [93] bounds of her own breaſt, unleſs through the moſt flagrant proofs of guilt.

Out of the many, ſome there are, no doubt' who, to colour their own vicious lives, are ever ready to murder the character of any one, without taking the ſmalleſt thought or concern as to the conſequences, nor even ſparing the innocent with any greater degree of lenity than they would the guilty. But of this claſs we hope there are but few; for, why ſhould it be ſuppoſed that female objects in diſtreſs, particularly thoſe who have youth and beauty on their ſide, muſt unavoidably be objects of contempt rather than pity? From what motive can this certain part of the ſex continue to load the ſufferings of theſe poor, helpleſs wo⯑men with reviling and contempt? None other, muſt repeat it, but to draw a veil over their own vicious lives; for neither religion nor vir⯑ [...]ue ever countenanced ſo much injuſtice. To cad the poor ſufferer with calumny, is cruel indeed; ſuffice it, ſhe has to ſtruggle with the hardſhips of penury!

Let them be traced along from the moment that fate's afflicting hand is ſtretched out againſt [94] them: trace them through every ſtage of life and then ſee if they are not the moſt pitiab [...] of all mortals! Then, how can the time of th [...] opulent part of the ſex be better employed, tha [...] in ſearching into the ſource of their ſorrow and endeavouring to obtain redreſs? To in veſtigate the cauſe will be ſpeak a remedy [...] at hand. But for a continuation of the va⯑rious diſtreſſes which poor females are ſubject to, we need but take a general review, an repreſent the caſe as it evidently is, which will ſave the unpleaſant taſk of uſing names: for, it is to be feared, few there are who have any knowledge of life, but can reaſon upon this ſubject, if not through fatal ſelf-expe⯑rience, yet through experimental obſervations on others. For example: how often do we ſee whole families entirely ruined by the im⯑proper conduct of a huſband or father, who, through giving way to ſome predominant vi [...], at once overwhelms the whole of his family [...] ruin and diſtreſs, or, at leaſt, the female [...] of it, who, not being able to defend themſelves, or ſeek redreſs, are liable to every misfortune.

[95] How far the wife was intended to be the ſlave to her huſband, I know not, but certain we are, ſhe was deſigned to be his friend, his companion, and united part; or, according to the gentlemen's phraſe, his better part; and yet how often do we ſee her ſinking un⯑der the burden of a houſehold load, whilſt the unfeeling huſband is laviſhing away the ſub⯑ſtance which ought to be for the comfort and ſupport of a family? Yet ſuch unnatural be⯑ings there are, who, by giving way to ſome unlawful paſſion, can, without ſcruple or re⯑morſe, trample under foot all laws, divine and human, and with impunity bring wretch⯑edneſs upon thoſe he is bound to ſupport: notwithſtanding St. Paul tells us, "if any one provide not for his own, and eſpecially thoſe of his own houſe, he hath denied the faith, and is worſe than an infidel."

Let us but look at the many unhappy females, who come to ruin through merce⯑nary marriages. How many are the inſtances of young women, who have been brought up in affluence, and reared with all the tender care and attention, which are in the power [96] of maternal affection to beſtow; yet, perhaps, through her youthful follies and credulity, ſhe is led away by the artifice and falſe pretenſions of one of theſe mercenary men, on whom ſhe cheerfully beſtows her patrimony, whether acquired by inheritance, or the ſmiles of for⯑tune upon the honeſt induſtry of her deceaſed parents, avails not, for her expected happi⯑neſs is vaniſhed in empty air, and ſhe is quick⯑ly expoſed to all the ills of fate.

As leading to a further explanation, let us repreſent a caſe which very frequently hap⯑pens. A gentleman's daughter, one of theſe well-bred young ladies, which was ſpoken of at the beginning of this diſcourſe; or be it a tradeſman's daughter, it matters not, they be⯑ing equally trained up in the ſame liberal plan of female education, married to a reſpectable and worthy tradeſman, who, we will ſay, ac⯑cording to the common run of the times, has [97] made choice of a very proper partner for ſu⯑perintending the domeſtic concerns of his houſehold, and conducting a table with taſte; which, according to the beau monde, muſt un⯑doubtedly be complied with, ſince his credit in trade ſo greatly depends upon appearances; and however great may be his diſlike to the practice, yet he it is that is abſolutely obliged to comply with the cuſtom of the times, and make a figure in life, in order to ſupport the credit of his trade; a precedent big with every evil conſequence, yet he muſt comply, and act like his neighbour, if he expects to receive neighbour's fare. Therefore, before we cen⯑ſure or condemn ſuch conduct in any one individual, let us, if you pleaſe, place choice and neceſſity in the ſcales of juſtice, and ſee which will preponderate.

I recollect an obſervation upon this ſubject ſome time ago, made by a noble and very learned man, the Earl of—. Says his lord⯑ſhip, "it is the tradeſman and mechanic who are under the neceſſity of making a figure in life, in order to catch notice and obtain credit in their line of buſineſs." But, continued his [98] lordſhip, "for ſuch as me there is no oc⯑caſion, and conſequently we can ſave whilſt they are obliged to ſpend: we can live as we pleaſe, dreſs as we pleaſe, and, in fine, act as we pleaſe; for our independence and anceſtry will always command reſpect, and enable us to do as we like."

I muſt confeſs, I thought it was a hard caſe, that ſo many ſenſible, clever men, of an infe⯑rior claſs, with regard to pecuniary matters, ſhould abſolutely be held down for what was not a fault; but, after a moment's conſidera⯑tion, I could not help joining in the validity of his lordſhip's opinion. Although I knew, at the ſame time, his lordſhip was frequently ridiculed for the meanneſs of his table and dreſs; yet, it occurred to me, that did not eraſe any names from his lordſhip's rent-roll; though the ſame conduct might occaſion a great deficiency in a tradeſman's ledger.

In fine, need we advance any further than Change-alley for a confirmation, that it is in compliance with evil cuſtoms, and a confor⯑mity to deſtructive precedent, that bring on ſuch a train of misfortunes, with the greateſt [99] force, which is ſure to fall where there is the leaſt reſiſtance? How frequent and ſudden are the fluctuations in the ſtocks, owing to the artifices of ſtock-jobbers, under ſome falſe pretence or other: notwithſtanding it is a practice ſo highly deteſted, both by govern⯑ment and the generality of the parties con⯑cerned, yet appearances take the lead; ſo that, however wrong the practice, ſince the tradeſ⯑man finds the abſolute neceſſity of acting like his neighbour, no doubt but a generous public will either point out an expedient, or abſolve him, at leaſt, from cenſure, let the conſe⯑quence prove how it may. Pope ſays.

and very juſtly ſo, with regard to men; but for poor women, the weight of all theſe griev⯑ances muſt unavoidably reſt upon them, as the weakeſt ſex; who, having ſtruggled through the labyrinth of misfortunes, no ſooner arrive at the gate of induſtry, viz. female occupa⯑tions, than they find it ſhut, and men, ſo much ſtronger, and in power, the porters at the door. [100] So, begging pardon for the digreſſion, we will leave theſe poor unfortunate women at the gate, and peeping through the wicket to no effect, till we proceed with our young couple, who journey on a few years through this maze of life, a life that ſeems calculated for felicity, happy in each other, and bleſſed with a riſing progeny, which, in courſe becomes the mo⯑ther's care, whilſt the father, attentive to the intereſt of his family, endeavours to extend his trade for the mutual advantage of all; and thus tied with the ſilken bands of unity, they paſs their days in one continued round of bliſs, actuated by the amiable endearments of the affectionate father, the fond huſband, and the generous friend. But, alas! how fre⯑quently does the malice of fate unſeen, pur⯑ſue, and often blaſt, the happineſs of human enjoyments.

Next, let us ſuppoſe, which ſuppoſition too is frequently realized, that the father of this happy family. whom we have juſt left in the ſunſhine of proſperity, and in the full enjoy⯑ment of conjugal and paternal bliſs, is ſnatch⯑ed away by the hand of death, and leaves his diſconſolate widow, in the meridian of her days, ſurrounded by her innocent offspring, who muſt now look up to her alone for protection, which even herſelf may ſtand in need of.

How keen, how poignant muſt be her grief at ſuch a ſeparation, when, at once, ſhe is robbed of a tender huſband, and her children of an indulgent father! Yet, like a true Chriſtian, ſhe endeavours to arm herſelf with ſuch fortitude as is neceſſary to ſupport her in the time of trial; and by the help of reaſon and religion, ſhe begins to revive, and ſlatters herſelf with new hopes, in the many comforts ſhe is to receive from her darling children.

Short-fighted mortal! ſhe now begins to take new courage, from having ſubdued her ſtubborn heart to ſubmit, as ſhe thinks, to her greateſt affliction; which, alas! is no more than a prelude to her future misfortunes: for [102] her late huſband's concerns come next to be ad⯑juſted, when it is found there is a very ſmall proviſion, if any, left for herſelf and helpleſs children: for the deceaſed huſband, having been under the neceſſity of deceiving the world by the vile pretext of appearances, has now involved his family in the unavoidable neceſſity of ſeeing the world had deceived him; the dreadful conſequences of which they are now left to ſtruggle with. Theſe are real trials: yet how frequently do they happen! and now, at once, are all her expectations of future happineſs blaſted; an intervening cloud has darkened the ſcene, and that maternal triumph which uſed to gladden the face of the fond mother, is now done away by the dark gloom of adverſity; and her ſorrows are like the impetuous torrent. A family, brought up and educated with the idea of being gentlemen and ladies, who have juſt been figuring away in the gaieties of life, to find themſelves en⯑tangled in a wilderneſs of miſery, without money, and conſequently without friends, or any means of ſupport, requires more than hu⯑man ſtrength to combat; for, in ſuch a me⯑lancholy [103] ſituation, independent of real want, the ſtruggles of reluctant nature are not eaſy to ſuppreſs. The parent, the virtuous and tender mother, ſees her darling offspring, with all their innocence about them, upon the verge of deſtruction, yeſterday, in the full en⯑joyment of all the happineſs this world can beſtow, and to-day turned ad [...]iſt into the wide world, attended with all thoſe fine and delicate feelings which nature, education, and a pious example could beſtow. Yet, all cannot ſave them from the cruel hand of fate, the die is caſt, and they muſt now bid adieu to the com⯑forts of life, and plunge forward in an ocean of miſery; for▪ by this time, their ſmall fund being nearly, if not quite, exhauſted, the diſ⯑treſſed mother finds the abſolute neceſſity of making her unhappy ſituation known to ſome relation, or former acquaintance, which ſhe had uſed to call friend. But, alas! ſhe has yet to learn, the world in general takes but little concern for the fate of individuals, and too oft, will ſooner upbraid than relieve diſ⯑treſs; and ſo precarious is the poſſeſſion of friendſhip, that, in general, on the approach of [104] diſtreſs, it diſſolves like ſnow under the rays of the ſun, or evaporates, like ether, at the ap⯑proach of poverty: yet, ſuch an unfeeling claſs there are, who, in proſperity, uſed to extol her conduct; and are, perhaps, at the very moment decking out themſelves, table, and family after her example, and yet can be the firſt to brand her name with obloquy.

O, cruel cenſure, are not the pangs of diſ⯑treſs and poverty enough to bear! is this Chriſtian charity! is this acting the part of the good Samaritan! Yet, yet, it is paſt diſpute, that ſuch diſtreſs does afflicted poverty expe⯑rience, although the cordial of friendſhip, and the benevolent ſympathy of fellow mortals would ſo very much alleviate: however, by woeful experience, beginning to ſee the world in its true colours, ſhe fees her only reſource is in the conſolation of religion, and in an hum⯑ble ſubmiſſion to the Divine Will; and with this ſhield, ſhe endeavours to guard herſelf and innocent ſuffering offspring from the impending, ſtorm which appears ready to burſt upon their unfortunate heads. Still their pious and laudable endeavours will [105] not alone ſupply the neceſſity of extreme want; they are mortal, and conſequently both nature and duty preſs hard upon the un⯑happy mother, to look into the world for a means of ſupport; for now every proſpect of happineſs to her future days is blackened by anxious care, and, perhaps, at a period which might have been expected the happieſt of her life: but ſince adverſity has taught her ſubmiſſion, and ſhe finds ſhe has to climb up the ſleep of difficulty, with her children dragging after her like ſo many clogs at her feet, to retard her progreſs, her firſt ſtep is to look out for ſituations for her ſons, to whom Providence having denied an education, ſo as to command ſuch ſituations in life as the ge⯑nerality of men are enabled to look up to, and without the aid of connections, or friends, to lead them out into the world; if the poor mo⯑ther can obtain for them a ſituation at the back of a counter, it is the higheſt ſtep in life which ſhe can ſue for, or expect; and ſuch as theſe, indeed, are an exception as to filling women's occupations; for, if nothing elſe pre⯑ſents, what are they to do? But for the poor [106] mother, who perhaps has not yet attained her thirty-fifth year, and her ſtill unfortunate daughters, what is there in their favour? with⯑out money, friends, character, or means of in⯑duſtry, they are unavoidably doomed to wretch⯑edneſs, if any thing on earth can be wretch⯑ed, notwithſtanding her utmoſt exertions, as well as her pious and exemplary conduct to her children, who not inſenſible to her merit, endeavour to ſoothe her ſorrows by their ten⯑der regard and fond affections.

Alas! what can they do, they all ſeem to look up to the poor mother for aid, who I as it not in her power even to help herſelf. She now takes a ſerious retroſpect of her paſt [...]ie, and the mode of education in which herſelf and children have been trained, and moſt ardently does ſhe wiſh they had been reared with induſ⯑try at leaſt, inſtead of all thoſe bright accom⯑pliſhments, which muſt unavoidably be loſt in their misfortunes. But, ſince there is no recall⯑ing paſt time, their only redreſs is, to try to get into ſome ſituation where their endea [...]ou [...]s and exertions, at leaſt, will make up the deficiency of their want of knowledge. What, but ſuch [107] diſtreſs as this, and the want of a proper edu⯑cation, or trade, is it which [...]ill the papers daily with wants of every kind? "Wants a ſituation to ſuperintend;" or, "A perſon who has ſeen better days, would be glad to under⯑take;" or, "Wants a ſituation, as companion or aſſiſtant, &c.;" little ſuppoſing how frequent⯑ly theſe advertiſements get anſwered by that ar⯑rogant ſet of mortals we before ſpoke of, with the common phraſe of, "I want no gentle⯑women, or gentlewomen's daughters;" and although this aſſertion may found harſh to the ears of the humane and ſympathiſing part of the community, be aſſured, this and ſuch like unfeeling cruelty is exerciſed over the unfor⯑tunate, even by their own ſex, and thoſe whoſe profeſſed feelings are ſo ſine, as to ſhed tears over a novel, or ſaint at the rehearſal of a tra⯑gedy; however, of theſe we hope the num⯑ber is ſmall.—Seeing theſe women are ex⯑cluded all benefit in trade, what elſe can they have recourſe to, but to ſeek an aſylum under the roof of the aſſlu [...]nt, in ſome menial capa⯑city? which brings to my memory the con⯑tents of the tenth letter of the firſt Magdalen [108] who was admitted into that moſt excellent charity.

"I was reduced," ſays ſhe, "to the mani⯑feſt danger of ſtarving. I would have at⯑tempted the moſt laborious work, but no one would try me, although I offered my labour at half price; but even my induſtry was made an argument againſt me: I muſt, they ſaid, be very bad to be reduced to that, and they ſup⯑poſed, I intended to ſteal the other part of my wages.

"To be willing and able to work, and yet to ſtarve for want of employment, ſeemed a hard fate, yet it touched no heart but my own."

What a miſerable proſpect for helpleſs in⯑nocence! What a ſhocking caſe, that poor unfortunate females ſhould be denied the pri⯑vilege of obtaining a ſupport by ſervitude, af⯑ter being precluded earning an honeſt mainte⯑nance, by any other means of induſtry, merely to make way for a ſet of beings who are much better calculated for more manly employments; and, in particular, at a time when ſo many men are required in defence of their country. Beſides, if there is not employment for the [109] whole, and ſome muſt feel the inconvenien⯑cies, are not men much better calculated to bear hardſhips than women? at leaſt, is it not always ſuppoſed and conſidered by men, that women are not equal to any thing great, then ſurely they may be permitted to fill ſome in⯑ferior department in life, whereby, at leaſt, they may be prevented from becoming bur⯑denſome, or pining away for want of real ne⯑ceſſaries? And, however ſhocking to the ſym⯑pathiſing part of mankind may be the recital of theſe melancholy truths, yet the vaſt num⯑bers of poor unhappy mothers and daughters, who are daily labouring under the weight of theſe cruel oppreſſions are innumerable. Nor is it poſſible for words to expreſs, or pen to paint, the grief of one of theſe unhappy mo⯑thers, who, with her helpleſs children, is re⯑duced to ſuch extreme miſery and want: can any thing be more diſtreſsful or pitiable!

O, that men would be wiſe unto ſalvation, and not prefer fordid gain to the more ſub⯑ſtantial happineſs of conforming to the pre⯑cepts of the Supreme Judge, who cannot de⯑ceive nor be deceived! namely "Whoſoever [110] ſhall offend one of theſe little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millſtone wer [...] hanged about his neck, and he were caſt int [...] the ſea." A ſentence one cannot think upo [...] without horror, ſeeing ſo many little one offended daily and hourly, and left helpleſ [...] and forlorn in all the ſtorms and trials of the world, to work their paſſage through morta⯑lity, ſtill floating about, like a bubble upon the ſurface, in all the delicacy and ſoftneſs of their ſex, without money, friend, or proſpect of any human comfort, or even relief, to en⯑able them to drag on a miſerable exiſtence the enſuing day; ſurely, there is not any thing can equal the horrors of a ſtate like this: yet what numbers experience it all, before they will condeſcend ſo low as to ſhrink from the paths of virtue. Surely this does not men [...] cenſure: yet, aſtoniſhing it is, the ſmalleſt feature of poverty is almoſt ſure to be branded with the names of infamy and vice. What [...] trying ſituation after a life of affluence! yet [...] where is the mind of ſenſibility, under ſuch circumſtances as theſe, who would not feel it almoſt as great an affliction to diſcover their [111] poverty as to ſuſtain it; for, thus miſerably ſituated, to have any of their former acquaint⯑ance witneſs their wretchedneſs, muſt be a very trying circumſtance indeed, and eſpe⯑cially ſince, by woeful experience, they are taught to know that little more than cenſure will be derived from it.

Indeed, amidſt the great variety of compli⯑cated ills which are attendant upon all man⯑kind, and from which not any are exempt, there will appear ſeveral in the world, the ori⯑gin of whoſe woe is ſcarcely to be traced; and who, as a much admired author (Dr. Gregory) obſerves, will find none to compaſſionate, or even underſtand their ſufferings: witneſs amongſt the prodigious numbers of unhappy females in the married ſtate, whom the adver⯑ſity of fate has left alone to wander through all this labyrinth of difficulties, and, perhaps, ſurrounded by a numerous train of children, who alike muſt feel the ſupercilious ſneers of taunt and reprobation, for they know not what. Indeed, this ſubject would alone open a very wide and dreary field to range in, ſo various and complicated are the calamities [112] brought upon mortals by the unſeen hand of fate, to which all muſt ſubmit, ſince it is not in the power of human ſkill to prevent: but all muſt allow, it is in the power of any one to moderate theſe afflictions by our beſt aid, or ſympathy at leaſt, inſtead of heightening the ſorrows of this unfortunate and oppreſſed part of the community, and with that well-known philanthropiſt, Goldſmith, may we ſay, and firmly believe,

for what can add greater pleaſure to the ſen⯑ſations of humanity, than to ſympathiſe with the diſtreſſed? conſequently to them I need not addreſs this diſcourſe, but chiefly to tho [...]e whoſe feelings are leſs warmed by the miſery of their fellow creatures, for a mixture of both ſorts there is in the world, is beyond a doubt. Witneſs a paragraph I have this day, the 17th of Auguſt 1798, copied from a well-known daily paper, the Morning Herald, which runs exactly as follows:

A ſtriking proof indeed, in addition to the many, that unprotected innocence has every [116] human thing to fear. But whoſe conduct of the four, think ye, was the moſt commend⯑able, or pleaſing in the fight of God or man?

Suppoſing, or even admitting, this poor unfortunate woman to be one of the wretched tribe, of whom we have been ſpeaking. is it not evident, her education was not calculated either for beggary or vice? Nor can it be ſuppoſed, from the diſtreſs which always ſeems attendant upon this abject ſtate of beg⯑gary alone, that it can be by choice preferred to ſome laudable and reputable employment. No: it is not in nature.

Then, in the name of reaſon, juſtice, and truth, permit me to aſk, from whence origi⯑nates, and what is it that countenances, the cauſe of all theſe evils? Are they incurable? Are not women, by nature, of a more gentle and delicate compoſition than men, and leſs able to bear the hardſhips which ſo frequent⯑ly are forced upon them? Has it not, in all ages, been the taſk, or rather the avowed choice, of the male part of the creation, to protect and defend the weaker ſex? and is not the male part of the creation better able to [117] bear cold, hunger, fatigue, and hardſhips than women are? Poor helpleſs women! who no ſooner meet the heavy fate of indigence, than, from their appearance, they are bound to ſup⯑port a load of infamous cenſure along with it.

Although, at the ſame time, permit me to infer, there is not the leaſt neceſſity for men to undergo the ſmalleſt part of theſe handſhips, even bad they relinquiſhed their claim to wo⯑men's occupations, ſince there is ſuch a num⯑ber of branches in trade, beſide arts and ſci⯑ences, which are only calculated for men. Surely, then, women ought to be permitted to occupy the remaining few, nor any longer ſuffered to be bound down by theſe oppreſ⯑ſive chains; for, does not generous Pity de⯑mand a hearing in their behalf? Does not common decency forbid they ſhould be inſult⯑ed in the manner they are? Is it manly, is it noble, is it generous, or humane? Would not one think, from ſuch oppreſſions, that men had determined to exert themſelves for the miſery and torture of their fellow-crea⯑tures.

[118] I allow this kind of reaſoning, to the inte⯑reſted parties, may ſound rather grating to the ear: but, be it remembered, I have not under⯑taken the taſk of panegyric, but plain truth, which needs no high-ſlown language to ex⯑preſs it: nor have I a wiſh to make an invidious remark upon the conduct or behaviour of any man, and much leſs to include a whole body of them▪ But what ſucceſs in trade, if ſuch they have, can make the ſmalleſt atonement, on a death-bed, or come nearly adequate to the loſs of a poor ſoul, whom they may have been the means of caſting into the utmoſt mi⯑ſery and diſtreſs, and forcing to ſeek an aſylum in the jaws of perdition? Would but a mind, capable of the ſmalleſt feelings of humanity, reflect on the many ſacrifices made to this vo⯑luptuous avarice, and, in time, ſpare them⯑ſelves that pungent remorſe due to ſuch ſevere reflections.

But, ſays the reaſonable enquirer, with re⯑gard to ſuppreſſing this ancient cuſtom, which is pointed out as productive o [...] ſo much evil, ſuppoſing an expedient is found out, will it not be attended with ſuch a number of incon⯑veniencies, [119] as thereby to render the remedy as bad as the diſeaſe. To which I beg leave to reply: I do not preſume to inſtruct the learn⯑ed, but ſimply to communicate my ideas; for, a complicated buſineſs like this, which has taken ſo deep root, requires a greater know⯑ledge in human affairs to diſcuſs than the writer is poſſeſſed of; and a general know⯑ledge of the cauſes which facilitate or ob⯑ſtruct the happineſs of the community is ab⯑ſoloutely requiſite, which diſcovers the many convincing reaſons why a buſineſs of ſo much conſequence ſhould be properly inveſtigated; and, upon theſe conſiderations, as all things, whether great or ſmall, muſt have a beginning, I have taken ſome pains to be informed as to the nature of the ſubject. But as it is not ex⯑pected a female can have much knowledge in judicature, I go upon the grounds of common ſenſe and reaſon, and not actuated by any other motive than a wiſh to ſee happineſs pre⯑vail, I ſhall accordingly beg leave to proceed to the following conſiderations; for, as in the eſtimation and choice of things, it is always granted we are to prefer better to worſe, and [120] ſuch things as are grounded in reaſon, to others that hold no compariſon therewith: we will, therefore, ſuppoſe the very worſt ſup⯑poſition on which the argument can be found⯑ed, which is, What are this body of men to do, or how are they to be diſpoſed of, if de⯑prived of their preſent employment? Which may be briefly anſwered:

That although there may be ſome men, like women, of a timorous diſpoſition, and thereby may experience ſome inconveniencies, yet it is not poſſible the whole body of them can ſuf⯑fer, by reaſon that, as I before obſerved, men can turn themſelves ſo many ways in the world, which, were a woman to attempt, ſhe would be pointed at as ridiculous and frantic: independent of which, after having ſtated the heavy grievances under which, not only the female part of the creation are oppreſſed, but the community in general, it may juſtly be replied, that no man, or body of men can, in reaſon, lay claim to a privilege that is abſolutely re⯑pugnant to all civil ſociety: after which, will not all other reaſons appear to have little weight? In other caſes, has it [...]ad any weight [121] with the police of the country? How many repeated inſtances have we ſeen of men, and even bodies of men, who, by certain obliga⯑tions, have been obliged to give up public or private property, when a general good could not be otherwiſe obtained?

Then, why is there any diſtinction to be made between relinquiſhing property and pri⯑vilege, when the public good requires it, which in all exigencies muſt confeſſedly be juſt? for, if change of circumſtances were to have no weight with the legiſlature in direct⯑ing human affairs, what would the intercourſe of mankind end in, but contention between private intereſt and public good? But ſo long as we are bleſſed with a happy conſtitution, and rulers poſſeſſing humanity united with wiſdom, what have we to fear?

Were the deſire of procuring liberty or hap⯑pineſs for this, or any other ſet of people, at the [...]azard of injuring the community, or any part of it, the requeſt would not only be un⯑reaſonable but unjuſt: but after ſumming up, under each reſpective head, all the evidences I have collected, with a very gentle hint at the [122] enormous expence, as well as danger, and other inconveniencies attending a continuance of this precedent, and conſidering the many great advantages which would accrue, not only to the community, but to themſelves, by en⯑gaging in more manly employments, I ſhall leave the impartial reader to draw the conclu⯑ſion, and reſt the baſis of my obſervatio [...]s with thoſe in power, for there are few, if any, precedents of arbitrary commitments, except the one in queſtion, which have not come un⯑der the watchful eye of the legiſlature, whoſe vigilance and impartiality have, at all times, been a ſtrong barrier and ſhield againſt any in⯑fringements upon the rights and privileges of the Britiſh nation; and, I preſume, an inveſti⯑gation into the grievances of theſe poor ſuf⯑fering females will quickly be a means of doing away the precedent of encouraging, or countenancing, effeminate tradeſmen, which, it is evident, are not only the origin of ſuch un⯑heard of diſtreſſes to poor helpleſs females, and preventing parents, who may be deſirous of breaking through the faſhions of the times, from placing their daughters to trades, [123] but is abſolutely leading to the diſſolution of all good government.

Nor is there the ſmalleſt danger, when once the buſineſs is commenced, that the deep pe⯑netration and humanity of the guardians of the common weal will ever be baffled in ſo lauda⯑ble a purſuit. For, notwithſtanding the ſub⯑tlety of the enemy of mankind may invent a number of falſe and artful reaſonings, yet what will all that avail, when the curtain is drawn aſide, for then the ſpirit of juſtice and retribution is to be no longer appeaſed by ſuch artifice; for neither law nor equity will admit of mending their fortunes by fraud or violence. And, although ſome of the offen⯑ſive body may endeavour, by little artful chi⯑can [...]ry, to gloſs over their crimes, and endea⯑vour to palliate them with idle excuſes, yet the only real plea theſe oppreſſive traders can make, being that of private intereſt, as I be⯑fore obſerved, it has at all times been judici⯑ouſly ordered to be given up for a public good.

What can poſſibly be deemed a more effi⯑cacious good, than to relieve the oppreſſed, and preſerve ſo many poor miſerable ſouls [124] from perdition. Yet it is greatly to be feared theſe conſiderations to men, who are grown torpid by cuſtom, or blind by ignorance, will give but little room for reflection.

Have we not every reaſon to believe, to the diſgrace of ſuch part of the community as call themſelves Chriſtians, that there are ſome, though we will hope but a ſmall part, whoſe hearts are too much contracted and bound down by avarice, to admit of any humane ſen⯑ſations, which, in a quarter of the globe, where the refinements of the age are cried up by all nations, is unaccountably ſtrange; for, in a ſcrupulous ſearch for facts, which con⯑firms the writer's opinion on this ſubject, cer⯑tain it is, there is not a ſingle page in the New Teſtament which does not explicitly, or on the faireſt inference, condemn ſuch conduct, either by the example or precepts of Chriſt and his apoſtles.

Then, ſince theſe men have become apoſtates from Chriſtianity, why any longer ſuffer their arbitrary power to be a ſubterfuge for fraud and oppreſſion? Let the falutary laws of Great Britain provide means for ſuppreſſing [125] a precedent, which, through time and unfore⯑ſeen events, has become productive of ſo much miſchief. Or let them appear and ſhew cauſe, why they are entitled to oppreſs theſe poor women, in order to enjoy indo⯑lence and eaſe. And let their claims to the flagrant violation of the rights of our fair countrywomen be developed.

Although, at the ſame time, permit me to infer, I cannot flatter myſelf theſe modes of proceeding are expected entirely to eradicate the ſin againſt the ſeventh commandment. But, from the prodigious numbers, which are by compulſion driven to the paths of wicked⯑neſs, will it not be a means of ſaving thou⯑ſands of miſerable creatures from ſin and ſor⯑row, and enable magiſtrates, and men in pow⯑er, to exerciſe juſtice and authority over the wicked, without fear of puniſhing the innocent with the guilty? for, believe me, it is not the incorrigible ſinner I take upon me to commi⯑ſerate, but the encouraged, or rather the com⯑pelled, ſinner; and ſtill more thoſe who ſuffer in innocence, which is the hapleſs, wretched fate of thouſands. And although I cannot recal [126] to my memory the trifling obſervations I have made on this occaſion, I am conſcious they are my real ſentiments; and flatter myſelf, however bad the compoſition, the deſign will be adopt⯑ed by the generous and humane; when there is not a doubt, but the heavy burden, which theſe children of miſery have ſo long ſupported, will quickly be thrown off, and the ſtumbling block to virtue and happineſs be rolled away.

Have we not had ſufficient proofs, that the happineſs and welfare of mortals have at all times been thought worthy the attention of a Briton. Witneſs the poor ſlaves; wha [...] exertions have not been uſed by the humane friends of liberty in their behalf? Yet leſs, much leſs, are their ſufferings to be lamented than the poor females I ſpeak of, who have been bred up and educated in the ſchool of Chriſtianity, and foſtered by the tender hand of Care.

The ſlave is little acquainted with the ſe⯑vere pangs a virtuous mind labours under, when driven to the extreme neceſſity of [...]or⯑feiting their virtue for bread. The ſlave can⯑not feel pain at the loſs of reputation, a term of [127] which they never heard, and much leſs know the meaning. What are the untutored, wild imaginations of a ſlave, when put in the balance with the diſtreſſing ſenſations of a Britiſh fe⯑male, who has received a refined, if not a claſſical, education, and is capable of the fineſt feelings the human heart is ſuſceptible of. A ſlave, through want of education, has little more refinement than cattle in the field; nor can they know the want of what they never enjoyed, or were taught to expect; but a poor female, who has received the beſt inſtruction, and is endowed with a good underſtanding, what muſt not ſhe feel in mind, independent of her corporeal wants, after the adverſity of fate has ſet her up as a mark, for the ridicule, the cenſure, and contempt of the world? Her feelings cannot be deſcribed, nor her ſuf⯑ferings ſufficiently lamented.

I recollect ſome obſervations, made ſome years ago, by a late honourable, humane, learned, and truly worthy member of the Houſe of Commons^*, reſpecting the buſineſs [128] of the ſlave-trade, which doubly confirms my opinion of the great neceſſity there is for an inveſtigation into the grievances I have been ſpeaking of, ſince it leads to a clear demon⯑ſtration, that the moſt judicious and benevo⯑lent may ſtill remain in the dark, as to the ſuf⯑ferings of our Chriſtian ſlaves at home.

"There is," ſaid the honourable gentle⯑man, "no ſtate in human nature but had its compenſations. What was a ſlave? a happy ſlave was a degraded man; his happineſs con⯑ſiſted in having no thought of the paſt, or the future, and this deficiency of mind it was which leſſened the dignity of man, and con⯑ſerred happineſs on the African."

A very ſtriking and juſt obſervation, with regard to the African, it muſt be granted; yet I cannot but differ in opinion, when it is ſaid, that all mankind are capable of a compenſa⯑tion. For, admitting the ſame mode of rea⯑ſoning to ſtand good, if the oppreſſions of one part of the creation are moderated through their ignorance, how much muſt the other be heightened by their ſenſibility and the refine⯑ments of education. Nor can I ſee the ſmall⯑eſt [129] trait of compenſation remaining for theſe miſerable females, ſince the very education they have received in youth, re [...]ounds to their misfortunes in maturity.

Then, if an inveſtigation into the buſineſs of the ſlave-trade has been ſounded on ſuch hu⯑mane and generous principles, how much greater pleaſure muſt it give the feeling heart, to patronize the poor, unfortunate women of our own nation, who labour under the very worſt kind of ſlavery, and muſt continue to languiſh under the fetters of a painful bondage, till death, or the kindly hand of interference, has ſevered the chain?

But the juſtice of retribution taking place, ſhall we not ſee theſe poor, helpleſs, and for⯑lo [...]n women ſet on a level with their fellow⯑creatures, and not be under the ſhocking and cruel neceſſity of ſtarving in a land of plenty? And when the face of ſorrow is enlivened with the ſmile of happineſs and content, and the weary tradeſman can lie down in peace, with⯑out fear or danger of being annoyed, by the lawleſs plunderer; when all are united in the bands of mutual benefit and preſervation, and [130] the memory of former woes is loſt in the bleſſings of a future age; it is then we may reaſonably expect, that leſs than half the im⯑menſe ſums which are now required, will be ſufficient to encourage honeſt induſtry.

But to detail the extent of human woes in ſo ſmall a compaſs is impoſſible, ſo various and ſo fluctuating are the events of human life, and its ills ſo numerous: ſo many ſud⯑den deaths, loſſes in trade, and other caſual⯑ties daily happen within our knowledge, the bare recital of which is not only painful to the narrator, but revives the melancholy tale of woe in the ears of the ſuffering parties; therefore, as the fate of an unknown indivi⯑dual ſeems ſo much on a par with the reſt of mankind, permit the foregoing pages to ſuf⯑fice; and, inſtead of adding the diſtreſſing hiſ⯑tory of the unfortunate Mrs—, the writer begs leave to introduce the ſtory of Fidelia, which being pictureſque, and well adapted to the deſign, by permiſſion, may ſerve as a kind of back-ground to the piece, without wound⯑ing again the heart of ſenſibility, by the reci⯑tal of paſt misfortunes.