| J.R. Miller D.D. | Page 7 |
Now I turn your thoughts away from faults to ideals. The second question was: “What are some of the essential elements of character in your ideal of true young womanhood?” Here also I can give only very few of the answers received.
Nearly every one emphasizes the element of gentleness. One says: “I like to see a young lady kind and agreeable to all, yet dignified.” “Gentle in speech, voice, and manner; full of love for her home, yet firm and decided in her convictions,” says another. One sums up his ideal in these particulars: “An unspotted character, a cheerful disposition, a generous, untiring heart, and a brave will.” Nearly all put strength with gentleness, in some form. “All the firmness that does not exclude delicacy, and all the softness that does not imply weakness. Loving, helpful, and trusting, she must be able to soothe anxiety by her presence; charm and allay irritability by her sweetness of temper.” Another writes: “A beauty of spirit in which love, gentleness, and kindness are mingled. Patience and meekness, fortitude, a well-governed temper, sympathy, and tenderness,” Says another: “Kind, courteous, humble, and affectionate to old and young, rich and poor, yet ambitious to right limits.” One young man writes: “Loving and kind, a Christian in heart and arts; a character based on Christ and his teachings.” Then follows this noble tribute: “My own mother has lived and proved this ideal for me.”
Of this tenor are all the letters. Without gentleness no woman can be truly beautiful. Cruelty in a man is a sad disfigurement, but in a woman it is the marring of all her loveliness.
Purity is another element which, in many of the letters, is emphasized. I need not quote the words. I need only remind you that purity must have its home in the heart, if it is to be the glory of the life. “Blessed are the pure in heart,” is the Master’s beatitude.
“You are pure, you say; are your thoughts as white
As the snow that falls with the midnight’s hush?
Could you see them blazoned in letters of light,
For the world to read, and feel no blush?
If you stood in the court of heaven, mid swift,
Glad greetings of loved ones who know no wrong,
Could you bare your heart to them all, and lift
Unshrinking eyes to that spotless throng?”
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