skill in the mastery of unknown and difficult dialects; of
tact in dealing with the varieties of human character; of ardor and
perseverance in the pursuit of a noble end under the most trying
discouragements; and of exalted Christian heroism and fortitude, that
braves appalling dangers, and even death in its most dreadful forms, in
its affectionate devotion to earthly friends, and the service of a
Heavenly Master. Compared with the true independence, the noble energy,
the almost superhuman intrepidity of the Mrs. Judsons, how weak and
despicable seem the struggles of many misguided women in our day, who
seek to gain a reluctant acknowledgment of equality with the other sex,
by a noisy assertion of their rights, and in some instances, by an
imitation of their attire! Who would not turn from a female advocate at
the bar, or judge upon the bench, surrounded by the usual scenes of a
court-house, even if she filled these offices with ability and talent,
to render honor rather to her, who laying on the altar of sacrifice
whatever of genius, or acquirement, or loveliness she may possess, goes
forth to cheer and to share the labors and cares of the husband of her
youth, in his errand of love to the heathen?

And it seems peculiarly appropriate that woman, who doubtless owes to
Christianity most of the domestic consideration and social advantages,
which in enlightened countries she regards as her birthright, should be
the bearer of these blessings to her less favored sisters in heathen
lands. If the Christian religion was a Gospel to the _poor_, it
was no less emphatically so to woman, whom it redeemed from social
inferiority and degradation, the fruit for ages of that transgression
which "brought death into the world, and all our wo." Never until on the
morning of the resurrection "she came early unto the sepulchre," was she
made one in Christ Jesus (in whom "there is neither in male nor female")
with him who had hitherto been her superior and her master. Nor does she
seem _then_ to have misunderstood her high mission, or to have been
wanting to it. The 'sisters' in the infant churches rivalled the
brethren in attachment and fidelity to the cause, and to their
"ministry" the new religion was indebted in no small degree for its
unparalleled success.

Perhaps an apology may be deemed necessary for _another_ memoir of the
distinguished females whose names adorn our title-page. With regard to
the _first_ Mrs. Judson, it has been t