Page:Woman and the Bible.pdf/33

29 positive a command as any that Paul gives. Both Paul and Christ taught and practiced it, but excepting the Roman Catholic clergy, the way the Doctors of Divinity observe the command of celibacy, is to get them a wife often before they are out of their theological swaddling clothes, and before congregations can be found who will suffer the infliction of their expounding of Holy Writ; and while they are preaching, with all the eloquence at their command against "the lusts of the flesh" a dozen young olive branches take their seats at the parson's table, whose worldly comfort would be scant indeed if it were not for the donation parties, pink teas, and grab-bag games, the women of the church resort to, to keep the larder and the wardrobes of the D. D.'s and their olive branches well supplied. Yet women are so blinded by faith that they are oblivious to the injustice and insult dealt out to them.

The genuine pot and pan souled women, frightendefrightened [sic] to death at the theological mumbo-jumbo, fall at their master's feet and cry "kick us again dear rulers; we like it; indeed we do." The fact is the only prop of Christianity today is the subjection of women. The whole system is like unto an elegant chariot, caparisoned, cushioned and curtained, wherein sit the councils, synods, conferences, priests and laymen, who with wise looks and sanctimonious air, hold their conclaves, and interpret to the women the "Word of God."

The women are harnessed to this chariot, and with bits in their mouths, are pulling the man-made system. If the wheels clog the "Sisters" are called upon by the holy men to use their strength, means and ingenuity to apply axle grease so the deliberations of the "holy men" may not be disturbed. They exhort the dear sisters to renewed effort and patience, holding out the hope of reward when thythey [sic]