But men of tact, versatility, talent, and
piety will not devote their lives to teaching. They must be ministers
and missionaries, and all that, and while there is such a thrilling
call for action in this way, every man who is merely teaching feels as
if he were a Hercules with a distaff, ready to spring to the first
trumpet that calls him away. As for division of labor, men must have
salaries that can support wife and family, and, of course, a revenue
would be required to support a requisite number of teachers if they
could be found.
"Then, if men have more knowledge they have less talent at
communicating it, nor have they the patience, the long-suffering, and
gentleness necessary to superintend the formation of character. We
intend to make these principles understood, and ourselves to set the
example of what females can do in this way. You see that first-rate
talent is necessary for all that we mean to do, especially for the
last, because here we must face down the prejudices of society and we
must have exemplary success to be believed. We want original, planning
minds, and you do not know how few there are among females, and how
few we can command of those that exist."
During the summer of 1834 the young teacher and writer made her first
visit East since leaving New England two years before. Its object was
mainly to be present at the graduation of her favorite brother, Henry
Ward, from Amherst College.
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