"The family state, then, is the aptest earthly illustration of the heavenly kingdom, and it is woman is its chief minister....

And such is the blessedness of aiding to sustain a truly Christian home, that no one comes so near the pattern of the All-perfect One as those who might hold what men call a higher place, and yet humble themselves to the lowest in order to aid in training the young, 'not as men-pleasers, but as servants to Christ, with good-will doing service as to the Lord, and not to men.' Such are preparing for high places in the kingdom of heaven. 'Whosoever will be chiefest among you, let him be your servant.'" [Beecher/Stowe, 19-20.]

Catharine Beecher and Harriet Beecher Stowe, in their chapter on "The Christian Family", bestow on woman the title "chief minister" of this w orld's closest approximation of paradise.

Beecher and Stowe established two separate tracks for readers, depending on their situation, to follow. The first, which is the preferable, is a home in the country. Recognizing that this is not feasible for all parts of the audience, a city dwelling was offered.