It may be argued that the possession of civil power confers dignity, and is of itself a re-enforcement of whatever natural power an individual may possess; but the dignity of womanhood, when it is fully understood and appreciated, needs no such re-enforcement, nor are the peculiar needs of woman such as the law can reach.

This gives sight to the blind, legs to the lame, cures all diseases, confers grace, expels vice, inserts virtue, comforts and fortifies the soul."

V. be powerful &c adj.; gain power &c n.. belong to, pertain to; lie in one's power, be in one's power; can, be able. give power, confer power, exercise power &c n.; empower, enable, invest; indue^, endue; endow, arm; strengthen &c 159; compel &c 744.

The difficulty, however, such as it appeared to the Duke then, has had such weight with subsequent administrations, that a new principle has been established of creating bishoprics which shall not at first confer seats in the Upper House till their holders become entitled to them by seniority.