And thus, though man may direct the intellect, woman cultivates the feelings, which mainly determine the character.

While he fills the memory, she occupies the heart.

She makes us love what he can only make us believe, and it is chiefly through her that we are enabled to arrive at virtue.
The respective influences of the father and the mother on the training and development of character, are remarkably illustrated in the life of St.Augustine.While Augustine's father, a poor freeman of Thagaste, proud of his son's abilities, endeavoured to furnish his mind with the highest learning of the schools, and was extolled by his neighbours for the sacrifices he made with that object "beyond the ability of his means"-- his mother Monica, on the other hand, sought to lead her son's mind in the direction of the highest good, and with pious care counselled him, entreated him, advised him to chastity, and, amidst much anguish and tribulation, because of his wicked life, never ceased to pray for him until her prayers were heard and answered.

Thus her love at last triumphed, and the patience and goodness of the mother were rewarded, not only by the conversion of her gifted son, but also of her husband.

Later in life, and after her husband's death, Monica, drawn by her affection, followed her son to Milan, to watch over him; and there she died, when he was in his thirty-third year.