PREFACE. IN the history of the world, back to the remotest ages, there are passages at every stage of human progress which assert the influence of womankind upon the destiny of nations. Yet that influence seldom appears in a prominent position from being hid among the overwhelming events it has assisted in maturing. Nevertheless, it is acknowledged by the most eminent historians and biographers, that women have succeeded where men have failed, in developing some of the grandest chapters of history. It is the object of this unpretending volume to elucidate the subject in a series of brief sketches of female life and character, selected from the annals of various ages and nations, as "Gems of Womanhood," from which the rising female generation may take example. Among these will be found the lives of some of the valorous heroines of history; the ministering angels among suffering humanity; noble examples of woman's influence in social and political spheres; instances of enduring affection; models of domestic happiness; and martyrs to religious devo tion. As a rule, it will be found that the women who have been most remarkable in their public career, were those whose youthful training was of the most feminine character. Even the most courageous in action or in suffering were generally of the most retiring and domestic character in their youth; and in some instances, where they have survived their mission in the cause of freedom and liberty of conscience, they retired again into modest obscurity. Thus it would appear that the courage of woman arises from an involuntary act of the sentiments or affections, which becomes relieved or subdued when the object is attained that called forth extraordinary energy: thus, also, woman's courage is sustained in times of peril, which renders the feeble maiden invulnerable, through God's Providence, amidst an armed host. S. M. EDINBURGH, July, 1870. 5. FLORA MACDONALD: The Deliverer of Prince Charles Stuart 12. MADAME DE STAEL : Eminent for her Political Writings 13. Jane, Duchess of Gordos: Eminent in English Political 14. THE DUCHESS OF DURAS: Of great Political Influence in France WOMAN'S INFLUENCE IN THE DOMESTIC SPHERE, 18. MRS HEMANS: The English Poetess of the Domestic Affections 20. LADY RACHEL RUSSELL: Whose Husband was beheaded on a false Charge of Treason in the Reign of Charles II. 21. ELIZABETH of Siberia: Daughter of an Exile, whose Freedom |