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[Bob Pickle]

REPLY TO QUERY IN REVIEW NO. 8

BRO. SMITH: The question proposed by sister Sarah A. Hallock in No. 8 of the Review, “how Bro. Robbin’s address to Female Disciples can be reconciled with 1 Corinthians 14:34, 35, and 1 Timothy 2:11” is I think, easily harmonized. 1 Timothy 2:11. “Let the women learn in silence with all subjection.” Here the apostle doubtless alludes to that kind of teaching connected with usurping authority; for it is evident that the gospel does not alter the relation of woman in view of priority. “For Adam was first formed then Eve.” And though the condition of woman is improved and her privileges enlarged yet she is not raised to a position of superiority where she may usurp authority and teach dictatorially, for the law still remains as at the beginning.

But the sort of teaching to which the apostle alludes in the text cited connected with usurping authority cannot be of the sort to which he alludes in 1 Corinthians 11:5, etc. Here the apostle admits the prophesying of women in public assemblies and gives particular directions respecting their conduct and appearance while engaged in that sacred duty. “Every man praying or prophesying having his head covered dishonoreth his head. But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoreth her head, etc.” Here I think the apostle recognizeth the public prophesying of women. With respect to the prophesying as exercises by both men and women in the churches of the saints, he defines its nature in 1 Corinthians 14:3. “But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men for edification and exhortation and comfort.” Now such kind of speaking as described in this passage were the public services of women which the apostle allowed, and such was the ministry of females predicted by the prophet Joel and described as a leading feature under the gospel dispensation. See Acts 2:16, 17, 18. Women who speak in assemblies for worship under the influence of the Holy Spirit, assume in so doing no authority over others but are merely instruments through which divine instruction is communicated to others.

But of vast importance in order to usefulness in edification and exhortation and comfort to the dear disciples of Jesus, is the pouring out of the Spirit upon the servants and handmaidens. Without this endowment of power from on high all is vain; both men and women can do nothing. And, my dear sister, will not the same indwelling of the Spirit of might which fell upon Mary and the other women on the day of pentecost also qualify the daughters of the Lord Almighty in these last days for abundant usefulness? And if in obedience to the command of our Saviour they seek for and attain it, who I ask could forbid their speaking among their brethren as the Spirit gives them utterance?

B. F. ROBBINS.
Friendship, N. Y. Jan. 17.