Women Preachers

William Booth: Co-founder of the Salvation Army

Adapted by Colin Melbourne from Rev. William Booth's comments in 'Heathen England' by G. Railton 1878

© 03-08 Born-Again-Christian.Info

What is woman's work if not to preach?

A woman, Queen Victoria, ruled an Empire so vast the sun never set upon it. Yet British women were forbidden from proclaiming the Good News of Christ.

William and Catherine Booth set women free from such religious and cultural bondage to fulfil their God-given role as dynamic soulwinners. Are you ready for Booth's challenge?

The Devil made her the first preacher on Earth, and the result of her first sermon was the ruin of us all.

And now she must not preach any more?

Of course not, Devil! How clever a deceiver you are!

But wait. The two-faced Devil will consent to your advancement to the most public position possible, if it leads souls to Hell.

The stage? Oh, yes, by all means, go on the stage. Dance there half-dressed, if you like. Take part unblushingly in a show of the vilest iniquity before crowds of the highest and most learned in the land. Sing, speak, perform, be shameless, be a great, public, constant lie, and you will be worshipped for it. Nobles will pour their wealth at your feet for the honour of your hand. The greatest monarchs of the earth will bow to you. Every Christian nation will honour you. The Christian Press reserve a little quiet corner for such celebrities. Every kingdom of the world shall be yours if you take the foremost part in leading men down into the Pit.

But to stand upon that same stage, and lead men to Heaven; to speak, or sing, or to pray there.

Oh, horrible; abomination, degradation of your sex, disgrace to religion, outrage to society!

Society? The same society that would gloat over your performances as an actress: Yet shut you out of its circle because you were one!

And what about appearing in the open-air; at the street-corners, addressing men, braving insult, and standing amidst the godless multitudes to speak aloud for God. Why, you must be demented, lost to every sense of propriety, utterly without self-respect, to dream of anything of the sort! Surely, you will not make such an exhibition of yourself, and disgrace family and friends forever?"

Applause of Heaven: or of Earth?

Woman of God, make your choice!

There is the stage: There is the open-air stand.

The multitudes will crowd to hear you, no matter what your name, your position, your abilities, simply because you are a woman.

If you, by the power of God, no matter whether with polished oratory, or with faltering, disconnected phrases, move their hearts, they will come, and come again, and you will see many of them fall at the feet of Jesus, if you will just go and speak to them.

Your God says to you as much as to anyone, 'Go into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature.' There is neither 'male nor female' in the eye of your Creator, your King, your Saviour, your Judge. Will you obey Him? It may cost you all your friends, your reputation, your comfort in life, your home, your fortune, your life, your all; but, 'He freely gave himself up for us all', for women, as well as for men.

Will you give up all for Him? Will you hear the Master's Voice, and gladly answer when He calls, 'Here am I, send me, send me.' Oh, woman, Heaven, Earth, and Hell are eager to hear your answer! Will you?

It's Time to Usurp Authority to Save!

But women are not qualified for the management of spiritual affairs!

Indeed? Are they not? How many large mansions and large families are under the care of a woman, and well cared for? How many millions of pounds are gained, and how many millions of souls drowned in drink annually in public houses and hotels, owned by a landlady?

Not allow a woman to usurp authority over a man?

You, noble Sir, what are the facts? Aye, and you love-struck youths too? Is it not the very joy of your life to submit in everything, from the choice of a business; a town, a horse, to that of a shirt, or a salt-cellar, to the sweet gentle influence that can usurp to any extent, before you know it had done so?

Is it not time somebody usurped authority over the millions of professedly 'Christian' men, who stand idle while the world is perishing?

If a house were burning, and a woman, finding the fireman gaping below, usurped authority, and showed how to save it, would the insurance companies object?

Did anybody cry, 'Shame!' when the captain of a ship, having fallen ill on the Atlantic a few years ago, and his wife usurped his authority, and brought the vessel safely into port? The helm of many a church is in feeble enough hands today. Members idling, chatting, entertaining one another while souls all around are perishing for the lack of knowledge that churches should supply!

May God raise up some spiritual Grace Darlings, [Read our account of this famous English heroine. Ed)] who, even if they have to row alone in the boat they manage, may bring salvation to thousands who, through mismanagement, carelessness, and stupidity of men, are ready to perish. Grace Darling, wherever you are, for you are many, come forward in spite of Earth and Hell, and usurp authority to save!

The Power of a Woman Speaking

If our ministry ceased to exist today, it would have amply justified its past career, because it has once again brought to light that chosen instrument of the Kingdom of Heaven, female ministry, and allowed a demonstration of its usefulness, its power, its divine right.

The Christian woman on a street-corner can get, and hold, as large a crowd by simply giving out a hymn, as the most eloquent of male evangelists. The power of a woman speaking; as her own heart melts, and her tears flow at the sight of the lost around her, causes streams of tears to pour from eyes that never wept for sin before. Repentant sinners with broken hearts, confirm it a million times every saving day. General William Booth

Aimee Semple McPherson