Blair Collection > Celtic magazine > Volume 2

THE CELTIC MAGAZINE.
Xo. XIX. MAY 1877. Vol. II.
THE LAST SCEXES OF FLORA MACDOXALD'S LIFE, ^VITH
A YAPJETY OF COLLATERAL IXCIDEXTS.
By the Rev. Alex. Macgregor, jM.A.
The qualities and virtues of female life have not beeu so frequently de-
veloijed as those of the opposite sex. This arises from the circumstance
that the sphere in Avhich Providence has more immediately appointed
them to occupy is of a more domestic character. The virtues of female
private life have seldom any record beyond that which is left in the
esteem and affection of relatives and friends. j\Iany of the most estim-
able, and perhaps the most valuable and worthy, of women have acquired
no wide fame. Contented to fulfil their duties humbly, though ardently,
their difficulties, their struggles, their devotetlness, and their usefulness
have been known but to comparatively few. Their vmobtrusive virtues,
however venerated in their own circle, have made but comparatively little
claun upon public attention, and hence the world has but little acquaint-
ance with their simple yet instructive history.
To this, however, there are many honourable exceptions. Xot a few
of the fair sex have distinguished themselves in science, literature, the
fine arts, and various other walks of life. Even of the positive heroic we
have the brave, masculine deeds of the celebrated '•' Maid of Orleans" — a
lady whose natural enthusiasm, if not ratlrer wild fanaticism, carried her
far beyond the bounds of legitimate duty.
The subject of the present narrative -was distinguished for her earnest
and faithful devotion to the duties which she considered herself caUed
upon to perform ; and these duties she did perform amid severe trials and
imminent perils. Her prudent measures, patient endurance, and active
fortitude never appear to have forsaken her, nor did the hazard of her
own life, from the cause which she had espoused, render her for a moment
indifferent to the purpose which she had in view, or chill her benevolent
exertions in the behalf of her fellow sufferers.
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