The Newberry herald and news. (Newberry, S.C.) 1884-1903, 1892-04-06
Influence of Woman.
New York Herald. !

| Extract Of sermon delivered by irE. Dr.
Joseph >iivernam at Temple E::."nu FL
The festival OF Purinl, which IS to-
n0rrow celebrated in many Jewish
| SyEagogues aud homes, brings pronli-
nently before US the noble character Of
| Queen Esther. She is the type Of 4 true
woman who, when her people were III
danger, was ready to sacrifice her life III
their behalf by pleading for them before
her iiege lord tie King. She says to
Mor1ecai, "G;o ASSET he The Jews who
are now present in Shushan and fast ye
| tor me so that ye neither eat nor drink
three days, neither day or night; also l
myself, with my maidens, will fast il
like manner, and then will [ go in unto
the King, which is not according to the
law, and if I then perish"
We know the result-hOw the relI-
gious spirit Of Esther gave her courage,
endowed her with moGesty and grace,
made her pleasing in the eyes Of the
King, inspired her with the eloquence
to address him, endowed her with those
gifts by which she gradually unfolded
her petition, succeeded in bringing
Haman to punishment, and averted
the danger that had threatened her
people. This almost unparalleled VIC
tory CT Esther is an evidence Of what
the religious spirit OF a timid woman
can accomplish.
What is the proper field for woman
is frequent subject of the pulpit, plat
form and literature Of the Gay. For
merly there was no need ofsuch discus
sion, for woman was slave, q chattel
without rights Or privileges. Among
the Greeks and Romans, it's true, she
did receive the character Of lnatron,
and beautiful are many OF the praises
that poets have bestowed upon her.
But we nevertheless hear the sad re-
frain Of her inferiority to man. Among
the Hebrews tits true she was accorded
a position Of honor, and no more beau
tiful tribute to woman can be found
than the last chapter OF the Book Of
Proverbs. Civilization which can be
marked by advance in art, science, gov
ernment and religion can, none the
less, be traced by the ever loosening
chains of bondage in which woman
was held. To-day marriage is a union
of equals who are entitled to reciprocal
love, respect, claims, duties aud privi-
leges.
At one time only sons were heralded
with joy. We have gotten over that
silly prejudice and welcome our daugh-
ters with equal rejoicing. At one time
the nation cared only for her sons
they were the flower of the land. To-
day the nation knows the great worth
of her women. Formerly only boys
were prepared for the battle of life.
Now we take as great care Of the edu-
cation our daughters. Sore fathers
and mothers are, alas, still under the
Influence Of the ancient prejudice and
prepare their daughters more with re-
,.rd to effect than to intrinsic merit.
They should remember that the dew
which on the pretty flower sparkles in
the sun is soon melted, but the genuine
pearl, though buried out Of sight, will
last forever and always please.
Women should be afforded the same, |
or similar intellectual opportunities as
men. If they desire to enter certain
trades and professions, why shall they
not? Under certain conditions she
could even be introduced into certain
branches Of politics, and be initiated |
into the mysteries of municipal and |!
national affairs.