this system of religion, — widely known; and, by special invitation, have allowed myself to be elected an associate life-member of the Victoria Institute, which numbers among its constituents and managers — not barmaids, but bishops — profound philosophers, brilliant scholars.
Was it ignorance of American society and history, together with unfamiliarity with the work and career of American women, which led the unknown author cited by Mr. Wakeman to overflow in shallow sarcasm, and place the barmaids of English alehouses and railways in the same category with noble women who minister in the sick-room, give their time and strength to binding up the wounds of the broken-hearted, and live on the plan of heaven?
This writer classes Christian Science with theosophy and spiritualism; whereas, they are by no means identical — nor even similar. Christian Science, antagonistic to intemperance, as to all immorality, is by no means associated therewith. Do manly Britons patronize taprooms and lazar-houses, and thus note or foster a feminine ambition which, in this unknown gentleman's language, “poises and poses, higgles and wriggles” itself into publicity? Why fall into such patronage, unless from their affinity for the worst forms of vice?
And the barmaids! Do they enter this line of occupation from a desire for notoriety and a wish to promote female suffrage? or are they incited thereto by their own poverty and the bad appetites of men? What manner of man is this unknown individual who utters barmaid and Christian Scientist in the same breath? If he but knew whereof he speaks, his shame would not lose its blush!
