New-York tribune., 1869-06-05
A PROPHECIES IN ISRAEL.
SERMON By TIE WIDOW VAN corr.

SERMON By IHk WIDOW VAN COIi.
Although the local preachers of the Method
Church have for some time past been discussing the
question "whether women ought 80 preach" and have
taken the efforts 80 that line OF Mrs Maggie Van
Colt INTO special consideration, they have right TO
give final decision pro con, the question. That
be left to the Annual Conferences The publicity
which has attached to this lady, who is famiary known
widow Van Colt" IS more unexpected probably. to
than 10 herself andss apparently the result OF
combination Of circumstances which may be almost
called accidental she first became known beyond a
limited circle last April, at the time Of the
session OF the New-York Methodist Epis-
copal Conference, when the Presiding Elder
Of the ElenvIe district, in the course Of his re-
port, stated that he had during the year, given a
preachers license to woman and that the results Of her
ministry had attested the wisdom Of his action. This
probably struck Of the reverend gentlemen there
assembled rather encrOachment on their field OF
labor and little discussion arose. motion was
made disappearing the Of Mr. Ferguson the Pre-
siding Elder also motion expressing the opinion Of the
Conference that should not De licensed preach
1t was at at seen, however, that the matter
of too great importance TO the church 10 be
acted hastily; and neither motion pre-
yailiBg, Committee appointed to whom the whole
subject referred and who directed 20 report at
The session OF the Conference, year from that
time In the meantime she continues preaching there
having been expression Of wish that she should sus
pend her ministerial functions pending the deliberations
Of the Committee The members Of the preachers meet
lug Of this city. finding 1--we question ready to their
hand and being infected, doubtless, with Of the
fever with which the "Woman's sphere" question has
1cd the political and social atmosphere, took up for
debate the question, "Ought women 10 receive
licenses local preachers in the Methodist Eps-
eOpal Churchf probably TO the great relief
by those regular attendants Of this clerical debating
club. who had listened to the ponderOus nomiles on
How to Save the Poor" and "How 10 Save the Rich"
For three long days the matter OF female preaching
handled pro and by those who best ought to under.
stand 1t and right the Of the last debate the sub.
feet OF all this pother preached IL is sad rousng
mon IN the Duane Methodist Episcopal Church in this
city, thus showing that, wOmanke, she was bound to
have her own way aslong she could or she would
probably express t-that she will follow the promptngs
Of the spirit SO long she shall be permitted.
The history OF Mrs Van Cots public life is simple and
brief She is apparently between thirty and thirtyhye
years Of age and until about two years ago resi-
dent Of this city. She was member Of Duane-st.
Methodist Episcopal Church, which has recently been
removed TO a house OF worship on Hudsonst. Being
active, jealous woman she found ready outlet for
energies in the city mission work which was all about
her she was an able the Rev Mr. Batersby,
city missionary, who has died within the last year.
She thus became famarzed with speaking and exhort-
ing in small assemblies year ago last February she
went visit 20 the family Of Mr. BateTsby, In the
town OF Durham, Greene County. Her talent as re-
hgiOus speaker was then discovered by her taking
part in the prayer meetingsas Methodist women are
accustomed TO do-and she was prevailed upon, much
sganst her wIl 70 take charge Of prayer meeting, hello
IN the district schooihouse From this time great
hEous revival spIang up She continued 70 hold meet
ings aud her brief Invitations 10 sinners gradually grew
into long exhortaons, which became sermons in every
thing bat name The schoohOuse too small for the
crowds which thronged TO hear and 20 see, and the
Baptist Church was placed at her disposal After
uae the Rev A. @. Morehouse invited her to
visit WHdham, where shs spent six weeks. and
gathered eighty-hye persons into the church From
en she 10 Cairo, where she conquered apathy aud
opposition and created an intense excitement Since
that time she has devoted herself almost entirely to
holding rel Ous meetings. in which she does good deal
a taDE which, ~ khs told her congregation Last Bun