He seems to be refined and encouraged and purified only as she herself is refined and purified and encouraged to look high and labor for the betterment of man. She does not seem to be created as man's slave. She is certainly not his beast of burden. She is not created to follow, necessarily, in all things, but seems to be rather his equal, and therefore belongs at his side, and is his companion in the truest sense.
We have only to recall to mind the nations and individuals of ancient, mediaeval and modern times to remind ourselves of a chain of testimony clearly proving that man has scarcely ever risen higher as a matter of fact, nor has had even higher ideals than the corresponding position which woman has occupied as his immediate associate.
Man's estimation of woman seems to be a true index to his own worth and condition. Now, then, if she is his equal, an associate and companion, then surely she is capable at least of helping and encouraging him to become whatever God has intended that he should be. In no place is she a more necessary power than in the home.
I. As a mother she may, to a great extent, assist in shaping our destiny, (1). The child’s physical development will largely depend upon the condition of the home and the care and conduct of the mother. If the moral and hygienic surroundings have been good, then we may expect a good physical development. These she may greatly modify. Let the home be attractive, neat, pleasant and pure. (2). The child's moral development is
