ning? And may I not lay ſome ſtreſs on this fact to prove, that when any power but reaſon curbs the free ſpirit of man, diſſimulation is practiſed, and the various ſhifts of art are naturally called forth? Great attention to decorum, which was carried to a degree of ſcrupuloſity, and all that puerile buſtle about trifles and conſequential ſolemnity, which Butler's caricature of a diſſenter, brings before the imagination, ſhaped their perſons as well as their minds in the mould of prim littleneſs. I ſpeak collectively, for I know how many ornaments to human nature have been enrolled amongſt ſectaries; yet, I aſſert, that the ſame narrow prejudice for their ſect, which women have for their families, prevailed in the diſſenting part of the community, however worthy in other reſpects; and alſo that the ſame timid prudence, or headſtrong efforts, often diſgraced the exertions of both. Oppreſſion thus formed many of the features of their character perfectly to coincide with that of the oppreſſed half of mankind; for is it not notorious that diſſenters were, like women, fond of deliberating together, and aſking advice of each other, till by a complication of little contrivances, ſome little end was brought about? A ſimilar attention to preſerve their reputation was conſpicuous in the diſſenting and female world, and was produced by a ſimilar cauſe.
Aſſerting the rights which women in common with men ought to contend for, I have not attempted to extenuate their faults; but to prove them to be the natural conſequence of their education and ſtation in ſociety. If ſo, it is reason-
