New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1895-08-26

II change its centurys approved government, ana
so widely depart from its former rules and resua-
tlons as to admit to its supreme authority Women
as lay legislators. It cannot be supposed tnat popu'
lar approval will go along with the Innovation
We should be called on to admit that thus far mo
order OF government in the Church has been ue'
nc,ent the better era has dawned, and the ILLUSION
that men were alone the sufficient legislators Is
past. Also, 1t is now discovered tnat woman "aS
como to her long-deayed right to participate as
governor in the highest judicatory OF 'he chuic".
There are those who will adopt such revolutionary
continents but It is certain a large proportion OF
the church. including its majority OF thougntiui
women, will disapprove.
'One inquiry will be, Is such a proposed chaHse
according TO Scrptural authority or the prac'ce Oh
the early Church? But one answer can De properly
made. and that is the proposed radical cnange mas
no Scriptural sanction. nor any preceoeh1 !" 'He
early Church. Should women advocates succeed N
bringing about the radical change OF clothing "ome"
with governmental authority in the CnurcA' WINE =
large portion OF its membership object ma VINO
conscentiously believe that it has no warrant OF
Scripture opposes the dictates of reason ard con-
tennis the usages OF society cannot be considered
as less than a disastrous measure Nor can the Ease
step be readily retraced. For years, IL !eas" '"e
mischief would be irreparabie.
The advocates of women's eligibility refer % the
societies composed of female directors and q the
excellent management Of such associations. DO
societies of male directors and the councils OF
Church government composed of men that have had
existence for a century past? Is a speculative
possibility to be more approved than an actuA E'r'
There is no faint probability that the .ssisa;iSa
of the Church VIII be improved by women les's.a.
tors, and contrary suppOsitOn seems not 10 oe
put forward The contention in their favor spscts
their capability to become such legislators The eX'
pertinent, as 10 some OF them may succ ed hut u
general it is proper to observe that neither the:
training nor their position has given very much
opportunity of development legislators. II The
evangelical denomina tions-coUld lay aside the inter-
necine controversy of womar's advancement TO rs
its Gospel work. 1t may ere long lead the van OF
glorious fraternity of Protestant Organizations,
whose combined grandeur Will herald the dawn Of
tne coming jubilee VI Christianity in this Western
Continent.
I'm this busy world amid the 'rnadding crowds
ignobe strife there is already sufficient important
work for Christian women do Ii Is ample for
all their time and opportunity. There is NJ
culture nor capability they may not call into ser
vice. Their peculiar work they are better than
men fitted to perform. They ind it in many =
school, the fresh-air societies in aid Of children. thu
associations for charity and benevolence the housr
other fields OF usefulness. Woman needs no sep 10
legislative hail TO advance her opportunity for DO
ing humane or useful work. nor for elevating htr
position or widening her influence Everywher1
in civilized land her melodious and he-
ILLUSTRATIONS are sweet. Men bend at the shrif,
OF her peerless beauty and bow at the mandate Q.
the power behind the throne? or what just rigAt
Is she deprived? Her influence Will never vans
until she attempts 6ascend the pulpit or enter me
halls of legislation, Or the board OF episcopal au-
thorty or the bench of the judge. Then u sne
thus should her sex, while her injudcious
advocates cheer her on with the cry that there -
friends will deprecate the movements that nave
persuaded her TO become man..