WOMAN'S POSITION IN THE CHURCH.
By W. N. Glenn
IN these last days, when skepticism is rife, and the enemies of God's truth are ever on the alert to spring opposition, the most palpable absurdities are trumped up to ensnare and confuse unwary Christian pilgrims. Amongst other stumbling-blocks that have been thrown in the way, there has been much questioning as to the part women should take in the work of the Lord. Some assume that she should not take any prominent part in gospel labor, whilst others would forbid her even to speak in the church. Many a woman's heart has thus been chilled by inactivity, and many a female tongue, that might have become eloquent for the truth, has been beguiled into silence through a false persuasion that God would not approve her public testimony. There is one instance on record that ought forever to settle all doubts about God accepting the ministration of women, and revealing his will through them when it suits his purpose to do so. The record is found in 2 Kings, 22d chapter. It appears that the Jews, under the long and wicked reign of Manasseh, had become very much backslidden, and the temple desecrated by idolatry. Josiah began to reign when eight years of age, and "did that which was right in the sight of the Lord." In the eighteenth year of his reign he set about repairing the temple, and during the progress of the work the book of the law was found. The temple service and true worship of God must have been very much neglected, for this book seems to have been entirely new to the king and his associates. "And it came to pass, when the king had heard the words of the book of the law, that he rent his clothes," thus showing that he was deeply humiliated, and thoroughly impressed with the importance of the discovery. He felt that God must be very angry with his people because of their long neglect of the law. Like a true penitent, his first thought was to go to the Lord. So he called the high priest and four other eminent and trusty persons, and commanded them to inquire of the Lord for himself and the people. Now mark, the high priest was sent to inquire of the Lord; and one would suppose that he, of all, could make inquiry directly of Heaven. But he did not attempt to do so. The five commissioners of the king went to a woman named Huldah, a prophetess, and "communed with her." And the Lord heard, and answered by the mouth of the woman, thus acknowledging her office. And while curses were pronounced upon the place and upon the inhabitants, mercy was shown unto the king, because of his humble penitence. Thus was demonstrated the Lord's approbation of the whole proceeding.