S.A.Register 24 July 1888 p7 h

Women's suffrage

SIR, In Saturday's issue I observed the report of the meeting re women's suffrage. In Mrs. Lee's speech the following sentence occurs: "Man has altered the desire of the Great Designer by declaring that she was not fit to stand at his side." Man declares nothing of the sort. It is impossible for man to alter the desires of the Creator. In my last letter I showed that sentiment was opposed to women's suffrage but women want argument. Now, men are taught not to argue with women on subjects that concern women more than men; all that men can do is offer women sentiment and leave the rest to their honour. I will now endeavour to show that the Bible is opposed to the political interference of women. Some say the Bible is against women in the married state only. What is the difference between the married and the single states? The Bible says (1 Cor. vii, 34) "there is difference also between the wife and the virgin. The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord that she may be holy both in body and in spirit; but she that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please her husband." Now, considering the single state alone, Tim. ii, 9, says "In like manner also that women adorn themselves in modest apparel and shamefacedness and sobriety, not with braided hair or gold or costly array. 10 But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works. 11 Let the women learn in silence, with all subjection. 12 "But I suffer not a woman to teach or usurp authority over the man but to be in silence." This is enough about the single state. Now as regards the married state. Gen iii, 16 says, 'Unto the woman He said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and they conception; in sorrow thou shalt being forth children, and they desire shall be to thy husband and he shall rule over thee. 1 Cor. xiv, 34, "Let your women keep silence in the churches, for it is not permitted unto them to speak, but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law. 35 "And if they will learn anything, let them ask their husbands, at home, for it is a shame for women to speak in the Church." If women think a little more they will find that women's suffrage is opposed to common sense.

I am Sir &e,.

Respice Finem.