Less separation between the sexes, please

Illustration from An Appeal in Favor of that Class of Americans Called Africans, by Lydia M. Child

“The fact is, reasonable and kind treatment will generally produce a great and beneficial change in vicious animals as well as in vicious men.’’

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“The nearer society approaches to divine order, the less separation will there be in the characters, duties, and pursuits of men and women. Women will not become less gentle and graceful, but men will become more so. Women will not neglect the care and education of their children, but men will find themselves ennobled and refined by sharing those duties with them; and will receive, in return, co-operation and sympathy in the discharge of various other duties, now deemed inappropriate to women. The more women become rational companions, partners in business and in thought, as well as in affection and amusement, the more highly will men appreciate home—that blessed word, which opens to the human heart the most perfect glimpse of Heaven, and helps to carry it thither, as on an angel’s wings. . . .’’

— 1843 remarks by Lydia M. Child (1802-1880), author, editor, abolitionist and defender of the rights of Native Americans. She was born in Medford, Mass., and died in Wayland, Mass.

The First Parish Church (Unitarian) in Wayland, Lydia Child’s church there.