Whether woman’s powers are equal to those of man seems to us hardly to admit of discussion. The proper question is not one of equality but of adaptation. In the very nature of things, between the two sexes there is a difference as well as a similarity. It was not good for man to be alone, therefore God provided an help meet for him. The one sex is the compliment of the other. “Man and woman,” to adopt the language of Dr. Craik, “are fitted the one for the other as much by their difference as by their similarity. The parts which they have to act, the spheres in which they have to move, are as distinct in some respects as they are identical. Of all false social philosophies, that is the blindest and shallowest which overlooks or denies this, and would seek to improve the character or elevate the condition of women by making them, as far as possible, exchange their own proper character for that of the other sex.” The functions, the occupations, and consequent duties of man and woman grow out of their bodily and mental structures. Each sex is perfect for its purpose; and when the one encroaches on the other, inferiority, incongruity, and antagonism is the result. What so odious as a masculine woman? What so contemptible as a feminine man? Alas! both are frequently met in the world. Woman’s claim to entire equality with man cannot on any pretence be made to rest on the word of God. Some writers beg the question, and insist that woman should be treated by man as she is by God: in all respects equal. But the Scriptures do not teach that the sexes are in all respects equal; nor from the earliest ages, down to the hour when John laid by the pen, and closed the book, is there the slightest intimation that the two sexes may not have peculiar privileges and duties. By declaring the essential unity of the sexes, the Bible bestows supreme honour upon woman, while shedding a dew, tender as the blessing of God upon her affectional nature. In matters of conscience there is no sex; consequently in the discharge of the duties of piety each is equally capacitated, and therefore equally responsible. Love on the part of husbands is made as binding as obedience on the part of wives; and where love rules, instead of heartless ministrations, there are affectionate assiduities, ingenious anticipation of wishes, and noble self-sacrifices.