KNOWS NO GENDER
The ideal Pentecostal Church is without distinction as to
the prominence given to the sexes. The women were equally honored with the men
when the Spirit was poured out. "These all continued with one accord in prayer
and supplication with the women." "I will pour out my Spirit upon all
flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy." "And also
upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my
Spirit." Women, as well as men, are to prophesy when this holy baptism
with the Spirit shall be administered. No reference is made in Scripture to
the ruling of a General Conference or an Ecumenical Council.
Originally, woman was not only man's helpmeet but his equal. "They twain
shall be one flesh." Sin cursed and degraded her, until in dark heathendom
we find her as man's slave. She is a beast of burden in many pagan countries.
Enslaved, degraded, abused, she is brought lower than the brute. Well might
Mr. Moody say, "I would rather be a donkey in heathen lands than a woman,"
for in those countries men set a greater value many times upon their donkeys
than upon their wives.
But just in proportion as the grace of God and the light of
the Gospel are shed abroad, in that proportion woman is elevated, until at
Pentecost she stands, a second Eve, by the side of he husband, sharing in the
beatific blessings of the baptism with the Spirit.
Taking humanity as a whole, it may be said with confidence
that more genuine New Testament piety can be found among women than among men.
From the days of Pentecost until this hour, whenever Holy Ghost revivals have
been produced, holy women have mothered them, nursing into strength and vigor
the nascent converts. Many an Elizabeth Frye, or Mary Fletcher, or Sibyl Jones
has blessed the world with her holy ministry. The world will never get over
the fragrant effects of the loving lives of these saints.
Nothing but jealousy, prejudice, bigotry, and a stingy love
for bossing in men have prevented woman's public recognition by the church. No
church that is acquainted with the Holy Ghost will object to the public
ministry of women. We know scores of women who can preach the Gospel with a
clearness, a power, and an efficiency seldom equaled by men.
Sisters, let the Holy Ghost fill, call and anoint you to
preach the glorious Gospel of our Lord.
