New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1875-04-08
VOEK FOR GOOD WOIfEN.

On Monday last the Potter Memorial House
in Philadelphia celebrated its eighth annual
anniversary We notice this occurrence with
especial interest, as in this institution was be-
gun one of the most successful attempts made
i'm this country for the establishment OF
Protestant sisterhOOd Of good and useful
women. In many denominations there Is q
strong prejudice against these associations, a
prejudice growing, we suspect. out OF an old
anita gonism to the Roman Catholic Church
and all parts of its system. But to cool,
unbiased outside spectator nothing appears
moro rational than their excuse for being.
There is a certain amount of work to do IN
the world which seems to be nobody's bust
ness :-heathen, prisoners, paupers, the SICK
and ailing in soul and body, who are all I'M
cared for. Society does little more than de-
fend herself against them; they are OF ought
to be the wards and charge OF the Christian
Church. But the ministers, elders. and dea-
cons have their own work to do, and this Is
more than they can accomplish. On the other
hand there are many unemployed women, uh-
married or widows, without home duties, ntted
by both culture and devOut intention to serve
God and their fellow men. Why should not
the work and worker be authoritativclY brought
together by the Church
Directors may ask why woman so c'rcum-
stanced cannot devote herself to these pious
duties without entering a sstcrhood or wear
ing a certain dress, &c. The answer is.
doubtless. that her labor when directed by
anv church is doubly effective. in consequence
of being used with experience, and III pre-
ciscly the right place and way, and gains also
infinitely in influence with the world. In one
case she is apt to find difficulties thrown In
her way by the popular opinion that she Is q
well-meanng but Eighty woman; IN the
other she has the whole integrity and prestige
of powerful Christian sect to give her posi-
ton and weight. AS for the dress, the name
cf sister, etc., ETC., these are, as we suppose
a Wise concession to the weakness or human
nature, which, in man or woman, tries to
throw over every sacrifice for duty the halo
of romance. The soldier ought to fight as
brave,y for his country without flag or
trumpet-call, stripped Of his blue and red
forgery, and reduced to his everyday coat
and trowsers. But would hef There Is an
esprit dc corps, an enthusiasm, sense OF
devotion to a great cause, which is reused and
kept alive by these outside symbols, and
which it is unwise to slight.
The work Of this Philadelphia Sisterhood
has been exceptionally practical and fruitful
of good results during the last year. Six
women have been sent to labor among the
Indians on the Missouri River, of whom the
Bishop of Niobrara speaks in the highest
terms. Others have had charge of hospitals,
orphan asylums, hospital missions, and Sum-
mer hospitals for sick children; many are en-
ployed in the Memorial House in training
other women and in missionary work among
the poor. There can be no doubt of the ster-
linz efficiency of the work accomplished by
these good women, and we should gladly
know that the institution had become the germ
from which others might increase and null
tiulv