Serious Hours of a Young Lady

Charles Sainte-Foi sees the value of women in society. He sees their virtues as essential to a Christian life. He talks of the stages of a woman's development and the dangers and evils that may befall her. Sainte-Foi describes these stages "We behold her on the threshold of childhood a tiny, timid and retiring creature, naturally disposed to attach her affections to all that is pure and elevated, to everything that conduces to the practice of virtue and the love of God. While yet a child she is the little confidante and angel of consolation of her brothers and sisters in their pains and difficulties. At a more advanced age we see her consoling her aged parents in their sorrows and afflictions; and when she merges into womanhood she becomes either the spouse of Jesus Christ or of man, only to continue the same work of beneficence in some charitable asylum, or in the midst of domestic cares. But ere she attains this last stage of life how numerous and great are the difficulties that she must encounter, the dangers to which she will be exposed, and the snares to entrap her!" Sainte-Foi says it is essential for a woman to have a steady advisor and friend to teach her and keep her away from harm.