This question has been freely discussed, not upon set occasions, but as people met in their usual way of dropping in; what _he_ said, and what _she_ said, being told from house to house. Two parties have been formed; and the excitement is very great. Everybody says there was never any thing like it in Tweenit before. There probably was never so much Bible-reading. Each side searches out texts whereby to sustain its position. At first, the women were united; but, latterly, some of them, influenced by husbands, brothers, or lovers, have come out against themselves. Mrs. Laura says she has said, “Amen!” or “Glory!” occasionally in a revival-meeting at Piper’s Mills, but that was before she looked into the subject; and she sees now, that, as the command forbids women to speak, one word is as wrong as twenty words. Mr. David and others say that the text is plain and direct, and therefore they cannot conscientiously worship in the building, if women speak in the meetings. The opposite party contend that the prohibition was a local affair, applying only to the women of those days, and of that Eastern country. Mr. David replies, that, if you are going to explain away the Bible, you may as well not have any Bible. Fennel Payne and some others propose that the men meet in the schoolhouse, and there talk the matter over, and, if possible, come to some decision. Mr. David says he is ready to do this, if Fennel Payne’s party will take the Bible literally, and not add, nor take away, nor explain away. Four days later. Last evening the men came together in the schoolhouse. Those who live near brought lamps, candles, and lanterns, which, being set in a row on the desk, did their best to bring out the low ceiling and dingy walls. Mr. David opened the discussion by saying that he saw no reason for any discussion at all, if we believed the Bible; for there was the text in plain words: “_It is not permitted that a woman should speak in the church._” Fennel Payne asked whether the word “church” meant a building, or the collection of people who partake of the sacrament, and are called “the church.” Mr. David said it probably meant either, or both. “Then,” said Fennel, “if a collection of people who do not belong to the church assemble in a building which is not a church, a woman may speak to them?” Mr. David began to say that the prohibition was probably intended to cover--but Fennel reminded him that nothing was to be added, or subtracted, or explained away.