Page:Wrong and Right Methods of Dealing with Social Evil - Elizabeth Blackwell (1883).djvu/16

6 the establishment of sound legislation or wise custom, in all that concerns the relations of the sexes.

In the great majority of the subjects of legislation, the nature and interests of the two sexes are identical; but the fact of natural difference between men and women in one important point, renders it impossible for either sex alone to understand the true aspect of this ineradicable difference, on which just and wise action must be based.

The intelligent aid which is thus demanded from women, can only come from larger knowledge, and earnest study of the actual facts of life. The fundamental error that one sex can govern the several relations of both, is a corrupting fallacy, which has proved destructive of national life in the past. The documentary evidence which follows, shows clearly how all self-styled Christian nations are really drifting to the same destruction which has come upon so many ancient races.

The restraining force of old religious feelings and customs is rapidly disappearing. Up to the early part of this century, when the Roman Catholic and Puritan faiths were still active controlling influences in the life of nations, sexual vice, like other vice, was regarded as an evil thing in men and women; and the efforts made to check it were made on the assumption that it is to be repressed, not accepted. This is seen in the existent Common and Statute Law, i. e. the