or
its pastor a young man of progressive and thoroughly liberal
ideas. Rev. Oscar Clute is well known as an earnest advocate in
the cause of woman. Last Sunday the communion or Lord's Supper
was administered in his church. One of the laymen who usually
assists in the distribution of the bread and wine, was absent,
and Mr. Clute invited one of the women to officiate in his stead.
She did so in such a sweet and hospitable manner that it gave new
interest to the occasion. Even those who do not like innovations
could not find fault. And why should any one be displeased? The
Christ of the sacrament was the emancipator of women. In olden
time they had deaconesses, and in most of our churches women
constitute a majority of the communicants, so it seems
particularly appropriate that they should be served by women.
Women vote on all matters connected with this church, they are on
all "standing committees," and sometimes are chosen and act as
trustees.

Rev. Phebe A. Hanaford sends us the following reports of the
progress of the movement in this State:

While Lucy Stone resided in New Jersey, she held several series
of meetings in the chief towns and cities before the formation of
the State Society.[276] The agitation that began in 1867 was
probably due to her, more than to any other one person in that
State. The State society was organized in the autumn of 1867, and
from year to year its annual meetings have been held in Vineland,
Newark, Trenton, and other cities. On its list of officers[277]
are some of the best men and women in the State. Several
distinguished names from other States are among the speakers[278]
who have taken part in their conventions. County and local
societies too have been extensively organized. These associations
have circulated tracts and appeals, memorialized the legislature,
and had various hearings before that body. At the annual meeting
held in Newark February 15, 1871, the following memorial to the
legislature, prepared by Mary F. Davis, was unanimously adopted:

_To the Honorable the Senate and General Assembly of the
State of New Jersey:_

Section 2, Article 1, of the constitution of the State of
New Jersey, expressly declares that "All political power is
inherent in the people. Government