dominion was given to both alike over every living thing. After
Mr. Davis made a few pertinent remarks on the allegorical character of
the second chapter of Genesis, Mrs. Mott followed with a critical
analysis of the prayer, and the portion of the Scripture read by her
son, showing the eternal oneness and equality of man and woman, the
union of the masculine and feminine elements, like the positive and
negative magnetism, the centripetal and centrifugal forces in nature,
pervading the animal, vegetable, and mineral kingdoms, the whole world
of thought and action, as there could have been no perpetuation of
creation without these elements equal and eternal in the Godhead. The
press commented on the novelty of reviewing an address to the throne
of grace, particularly when uttered by the chaplain of Congress. Mrs.
Mott remarked on these criticisms, "If we can teach clergymen to be as
careful what they say to God as to man, our Conventions at the capital
will be of great service to our representatives."
As a writer Mrs. Mott was clear and concise; her few published
sermons, her charming private letters and diary, with what those who
knew her best can remember, are all of her thoughts bequeathed to
posterity. As a speaker she was calm, clear, and unimpassioned;
indulged but little in wit, humor, or pathos, but by her good common
sense and liberality on all questions, by her earnestness and
simplicity, she held the most respectful attention of her audiences.
Hence an occasional touch of humor or sarcasm, or an outburst of
eloquent indignation came from her with great power. She had what the
Friends call unction; that made the most radical utterances from her
lips acceptable. In her conversation she was original and brilliant,
earnest and playful. Such was her persuasiveness of voice and manner
that opinions received with hisses from another speaker, were
applauded when uttered by Mrs. Mott.
Some one has said that "sagacity, a mental quick-wittedness for
meeting an emergency, a sagacity that might have been called
shrewdness, had it not been for a pervading heart quality that went
with it, was one of her prominent traits." Perhaps a wise diplomacy
might express this quality more nearly. No one knew better than she
how to avoid the sharp angles of a character or an occasion, as the
many anecdotes told of her so fully illustrate.
Returning from England in 1840, in a merchant vessel, a large number
of Irish emigrants were o
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