| Description | In this address Elizabeth Taylor Cadbury explores the importance of the 'cultivation of the intellect' among women. She begins her address by remarking that 'the day has gone by when it would have been necessary to advocate the advantages of a full and generous education for women', commenting on the 'commendable improvement in the standard of women's attainments'. She describes how intellectual training 'strengthens our moral perceptions' by engendering humanity and considers the value of teaching women to 'differentiate between emotion and experience.'
Taylor Cadbury also explores how intellectual training could aid religious faith, particularly by encouraging appreciation for the 'wonderful literary excellence' of the Bible. She remarks that intellectual training would benefit women by promoting 'a higher, nobler life that is only possible through fellowship with our Lord Jesus Christ'. Taylor Cadbury encourages women 'to pass on the training and culture' that they enjoyed, suggesting that establishing a 'bond of sympathy' through 'common interest' had the potential to lead people towards a knowledge of Christ.
Taylor Cadbury concludes her address by considering 'why the training of the intellect is especially beneficial for women'. She remarks that greater emphasis was needed on cultivating a thinking mind and criticises the previous emphasis on female emotional development. Taylor Cadbury also refers to the valuable experiences of Quaker women who held an 'active part in the business of their church' before emphasising the value of the simple teachings of Jesus Christ. |