John Angell James

"Every woman, whether rich or poor, married or single,

has a circle of influence, within which, according to her character,

she is exerting a certain amount of power for good or harm.

Every woman, by her virtue or her vice:

by her folly or her wisdom; by her levity or her dignity,

is adding something to our national elevation or degradation...

A community is not likely to be overthrown where woman fulfills her mission;

for by the power of her noble heart over the hearts of others,

she will raise it from its ruins

and restore it again to prosperity and joy."

John Angell James (1785-1859)

Female Piety: A Young Woman's Friend and Guide