Page:The Hardships of the English Laws in Relation to Wives. Bodleian copy.pdf/24

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Nature to be both ſtrong and active; but I believe it will be readily allow'd me that it is in general more ſo in the Mother. One would therefore ſuppoſe that the Mother is in ſome Degree qualified, as ſhe is more inclined by Nature, to take Care of the Children. In the Levitical Law, we ſee the Evidence of both Parents neceſſary, to the Conviction and Puniſhment of a rebellious Son. We are alſo told in the ſacred Pages that, God has confirmed the Authority of the Mother over the Sons. We can't therefore but conclude that God well knew that he had qualified her to give Laws, when he ſo ſtrictly enjoins the Obſervation of them.

Since therefore the Light and Inſtinct of Nature, and the revealed Law of God, both concur in giving Dominion to both Parents, what Authority do we want to plead for that Dominion over our Children, which Nature and the Laws of God give us?

I ſaid before, yet to avoid Miſconſtruction, I will repeat it again, that the Huſband ought to have the Power to diſpoſe of the Children while he lives; but when it has pleaſed God to provide every Child two Parents, we may ſuppoſe one at leaſt is neceſſary to him; why then ſhould the Child be deprived of both in one Day?

When