Page:The Hardships of the English Laws in Relation to Wives. Bodleian copy.pdf/61

 to him, not only by private Writers, but even by Laws, becaue I think it has been carried much too high. I would have them live o far upon the Level, as (according to my contant Leon) to be governed both by Reaon. If the Man's Reaon be tronger, or his Knowledge and Experience greater (as 'tis commonly uppoed to be) the Woman will be obliged upon that Score to pay a Deference and ubmit to him."

It eems to me from hence, that Mr. Wollaton, founds all Authority in the wedded State upon a Superiority of Reaon; therefore let that Superiority happen on either Side, the ame Conequence mut follow from it, and no Doubt, as the World now is, it would generally fall to the Men; they having the Advantages of Univerities, publick Negotiations, and a free uncontrained Convere with Mankind, in Puruance of their everal Profeions, Arts, and Occupations.

But if we argue from a State of Nature, we mut conider the Abilities of each Sex, antecedently to thee accidental Advantages; and we do not ee in Fact, that, amongt the vulgar unlearned People, Men are o much wier than Women, as to induce us to uppoe that their natural Endowments are much greater. Yet