The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1907-09-27
Copyright. by Joseph B. Bowles.)

Copyright, by Joseph IS. BoWles.)
fThe Rev. Anna Shaw, NJ. D.. has the
t"ofold distinction Of being regularly
Ordained minister OF the gospel and Il
physician. The latter title was gained
BY study SO that the gifted woman might
widen her scope OF usefulness in her
charitable work among the poor. She
was born in England. but her parents re-
moved to this country when she was four
yeasr of age Her arst studies were car
RED On by reading the newspapers pasted
on the walls OF the log cabin in which
she lived In a wild part of Michigan. At
M""earsso f age she became a teacher.
In 1878 she was graduated from the theo-
logical department. OF Boston university.
Her first pastorate was in Methodist
church at E!ingnam. Mass. She after
ward filled other pulp:ts. For some years
she has devoted her time to lecturing
and preaching rather than to parish
work.
Il the civilization of an age is
measured by the degree of freedom
accorded to women this age is making
vast progress toward that much-de-
sired goal OF human development.
The nineteenth was pre-eminently
-."o,uan.s centnrN. In it. more changes
Were wrought fo1 the ameliuration OF
her condition than in the 10 proceed
Ing centuries. Great as have been
these changes there still remains
mach to be accomplished before
women will be free to develop them
setFes Or to exercise their highest
powers along any line of human en-
deaEor. This is particularly true of
tneiS position in the ministry
A correct appreciation of the rela-
tlon OF women to the service OF re-
igion is exceedingly difficult There
has accumulated about the subject
vast amount OF futile discussion,
mach of which is irrelevant. which
has hidden its real and vital signiR-
cance. The only hope of clear I'M
Outstanding OF the subject is to di-
voice our thought from the narrow
view OF our own time and study it
from the vantage ground of the great
religious movements of the past. And
White this will not give a definite an
sWes to our problem for today it
Will give us clearer vision and
tomorrow.
There can DC no question that in
tue development of ecclesiastical his
tory and i'll the propagation of relig-
loas systems women have constituted
oce OF the mostseffectiye agencies. In
ali ancient religions. as priestess,
peotshetess and sibyl women partici-
pated in the worship and service of
,,,,1n h,,,l
or all pagan countries was chiefly
theocratic, women. after they ceased
to meet in councils with men, enioved
great dignity by virtue OF their office
as deliverers Of the inspired oracles.
From the earliest history of the
Hebrews women were teachers, proDh.
etesses and servants of tho ceurch.
The recorded ministry of Miriam, the
prophecies and joint leader with her
brother OF the hosts of Israel: OF De.
borah, who became the theocratic
ruler and judge Of her nation: OF the
little Hebrew maid whose eva,igelistic
fervor led Naaman to bow before the
true God: OF Anna the prophecies
who departed not from the temple, =.
will remain forever famous in the
/. history Of the Hebrew nation.
/. It we turn 70 the story of the
Founder of Christianity We learn that
the three sublime events OF. His life.
which form the basis of all orthodox
creeds. were first revealed to women
and announced by them to the world
tho 'annunciation by the angel to
Mary. the declaration Of HIS Mesai-
anic mission BY Jesus to the Samari-
tan woman. through whose ministry
/. many believed and followed Him. and
the manifestation of Himself to Mary
Mag6alspe after His resurrection aud
her commission from the highes: au
thority to preach risen Lord.
His example paved the way for
WomeRss activity in the apostolic
vhurch. Here they stand out pre-.
saEtne4tly as teachers. preachers,
sYanksiists and missionaries. The