Page:Women of distinction.djvu/457

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WOMEN OF DISTINCTION.
375

important attribute. In addition to this the great Alexander Von Humboldt has truthfully said, "There is no typical sharpness of division among men, all being interfusible." His well-known and able brother, William, has said, "There is no real inferiority of race." The scholarly J. L. M. Curry, D. D., LL.D., has said, "There is no caste in mind." The distinguished and philosophic Dr. Thomas has said also, "The whole drift of scientific reasoning tends to the conclusion that there is really but one race modified and modifiable by environments."

Upon the above evidence, gathered from the Book of books and the writings of wise and scholarly men in recent days, we submit as a reasonable conclusion (1) THAT ALL MEN ARE BY CREATION EQUALLY ENDOWED; (2) THAT UNDER SIMILAR CONDITIONS ALL MEN ARE, TO THE SAME EXTENT, CAPABLE OF INTELLECTUAL DEVELOPMENT.

Whatever, therefore, has been said above as applicable to man in his high calling is equally and to the same extent applicable to woman in her equally high sphere.

Whatever one woman has done in the development of home and home-life among her fellow-creatures others of her sex can also do.

Whatever of good qualities are applicable to American or English women are also applicable to Afro-American' women under similar circumstances.

In fact, we need to lay more stress upon our capabilities to do whatever God has enjoined upon us.

Let us not be too easily discouraged, but let us learn more to labor and to wait for results.