I am not aware that Mrs. Frye is an author—but she, however,
has made herself a sufficiently public character to excuse
the slight notice I have taken of her in my poem. Her
labours in the cause of gaol reform have, I am told, been
eminently successful, and render her deserving of the thanks
of the community. I cannot, however, help thinking hers a
somewhat dangerous example—especially to young ladies.
The female sex have of late become far too fond of display,
and are too apt to seek for that applause from crowded anniversary
meetings which they ought alone to look for from
their fathers, husbands, or brothers. The great merit of
Mrs. F. is the unassuming manner in which she commenced
her praiseworthy labours; and doubtless she regrets as much
as myself the (if I may be allowed the expression) unfeminine
publicity since given to them.
I must confess I have no patience when I see our females
forming themselves into societies, committees, &c. &c.
whether for the purpose of clothing naked infants, erecting
naked statues, distributing bibles or blankets, or collecting
weekly pence for the support of all or any of
these purposes. The objects themselves may be—many no
doubt are good—but I fear very dearly purchased when at the
risk of rendering our fair companions familiar with vice and
publicity. Let every female be a Dorcas, but away with the
canting institutions where ladies-patronesses, committee-women,
&c. figure away in printed display with such additions
as Miss A. three bedgowns—Miss B. seven shifts—Miss C.
two frocks—Mrs. D. a bundle of old baby-linen—Mrs. E. a
parcel of old rags, &c.
Mrs. More hath written much; and must now have attained
a venerable old age. Pleasing must be the recollections of
her well-spent life. Though her last work is the very acmé
of slang-theological, it certainly strikes me as her best, and
the most likely to become generally useful.
