Wesley Corpus

The uncommon expression, “This holy birth brought forth,” is taken from Jacob Behmen. And indeed so are many other expressions used by the Quakers, as are also many of their sentiments. “10. By this light of God in the heart, every true Minister is ordained, prepared, and supplied in the work of the ministry.” As to part of this proposition, there is no difference between Quakerism and Christianity. Doubtless, “every true Minis ter is by the light of God prepared and supplied in the work of the ministry.” But the Apostles themselves ordained them by “laying on of hands.” So we read throughout the Acts of the Apostles. “They who have received this gift, ought not to use it as a trade, to get money thereby. Yet it may be lawful for such to receive what may be needful to them for food and clothing.” In this there is no difference between Quakerism and Christianity. “We judge it noways unlawful for a woman to preach in the assemblies of God’s people.” In this there is a manifest difference: For the Apostle Paul saith expressly, ‘Let your women keep silence in the Churches; for it is not permitted unto them to speak. And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home; for it is a shame for women to speak in the Church.” (1 Cor. xiv. 34, 35.) Robert Barclay, indeed, says, “Paul here only reproves the inconsiderate and talkative women.” But the text says no such thing. It evidently speaks of women in general. Again: The Apostle Paul saith to Timothy, “Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. For I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man,” (which public teaching necessarily implies,) “but to be in silence.” (1 Tim. ii. 11, 12.) To this Robert Barclay makes only that harmless reply: “We think this is not anyways repugnant to this doctrine.” Not repugnant to this, “I do suffer a woman to teach !” Then I know not what is. “But a woman “laboured with Paul in the work of the gospel.’” Yea, but not in the way he had himself expressly forbidden. “But Joel foretold, ‘Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy.’ And ‘Philip had four daughters which prophe sied.’ And the Apostle himself directs women to prophesy; only with their heads covered.” Very good.