We have seen that the Scriptures declare, 1.  That it is not well for man to be alone.  He is not complete until woman is joined to him in marriage. 2.  Woman was made for man.  Manliness is an attribute that belongs to man; it disgraces a woman.  To be womanly, is the noblest tribute that can be paid to woman; but it disgraces a man, because God, the Creator, placed this characteristic within the heart and soul and nature, just as he gave a difference of nature, mould, and form, to the outward appearance of man and woman.  He made them for a particular purpose, and not for the same purpose.  They were not made in the same manner, nor of the same material.  If woman be the weaker vessel, she is of the finer mould.  God made man in his own image, and woman was created to be his helpmeet.

3.  We have noticed the change in the relations which was the product of the curse.  Woman in Eden was the source of influence.  After it, man became the head, and her desire was unto him.

4.  Since the fall, labor has been multiplied to man, sorrow to woman; but such is the kindness of God, that these two facts are sources of perpetual joy in the home.  The wife is proud of her toiling husband, the man is tender of his suffering wife; and in the bliss of childhood happiness both find their reward.

These statements shrine all the facts of the separate histories of man and woman.  It were easier to change earth to water, and sea to land, than it is to make a womanly woman consent to appear manly.  Her God made her a woman.  It is not a fault.  It is a glory.  The bird that skims the wave would not exchange places with the bird that goes to meet the sun; but this is not to bring a charge against the eagle or the swan.

One more truth, and then we will pass to the consideration of the lessons discoverable in woman’s nature.  All the Scripture requirements, such as refer to the plaiting of the hair, to being uncovered in public, are said to refer to the customs of the East, and not to bind woman in this age of progress.  The principle covered by those requirements then, rules now.  Paul said, Let not a Christian woman break through any of the restraints of womanhood, and so appear as do the harlots, with uncovered faces and with plaited hair, who mingle freely with men, and are shorn of that modesty and weakness so becoming woman.  Woman’s right to be a woman implies the right to be loved, to be respected as a woman, to be married, to bring forth to the world the product of that love; and woman’s highest interests are promoted by defending and maintaining this right.