L I E) RARY 
 
 OF THE 
 
 U N IVE.RSITY 
 
 or ILLI N015
 
 -f/:
 
 WOMIFS WOHK 
 
 FOB 
 
 FOREIGN MISSIONS 
 
 OF THE 
 
 j^Hur^cH Of '^EJjMQLAi^D : 
 
 Tiuo Papers read by the Right Rev. 
 
 ALLAN BECHER WEBB, D.D., 
 
 BISHOP OF BLOEMFONTEIN, 
 At the Missionary Conference of 1875, and at Engby. 
 
 LONDON : 
 
 J. T. HAYES, LYALL PLACE, EATON SQUARE ; AND 
 
 HENRIETTA STREET, CO\^NT GARDEN. 
 
 PRICE-THREEPENCE.
 
 DEDICATED 
 
 TO THE 
 
 XjJk.IDIES J^uSSOCX^TIOIsr 
 
 FOE THE 
 
 PROMOTION OF FEMALE EDPCATIOJf IN THE MISSIONS 
 
 OF THE SOCIETY FOR THE 
 
 [The profits arising from the sale of this pubUcatioyi loill he 
 given to the Ladies Association of S. P. G.]
 
 FOR 
 
 JV1I^^10|^ WOI^K y\BF^OAD. 
 
 Is there need, in the mission-field, of women 
 devoting themselves to the service of the Church ? 
 At least as much as in England ; and relatively, 
 much more. For we have not at om* disposal a 
 suiDply of disengaged women who have leisure for 
 employment in Chui'ch work. Therefore I must 
 now speak of women giving themselves, whether 
 distinctly as Sisters, or pledged in some other 
 way, at least in will and purpose, for a time, to 
 the work of God and His Church under the Bishop. 
 Otherwise, women may be poured into our colonies, 
 but they are sure to be absorbed by marriage. Far 
 from deshing to depreciate the good which they 
 may do in this condition, I only wish that the 
 immense influence which they will exercise, for 
 good or evil, could be more deeply im^Dressed on 
 them. What I mean is that, for distinct and 
 definite work which can be entrusted to them, 
 they are lost to a Bishop upon their marriage,
 
 unless perhaps in a few exceptional cases. This 
 must very frequently be the case at home, but is 
 far more so in colonial life, where domestic affairs, 
 the care of children, &c., quickly employ more 
 than all the energies and health of most women 
 in the upper classes, obliged, as they are, to do 
 almost all which at home would ordinarily be done 
 by servants. There is no time nor strength left, 
 which they can place at the disposal of the missionary. 
 
 What, then, are to be the wants supplied by such 
 devout women ? 
 
 First y that of God's honour. — As '' women pro- 
 fessing godliness," their mission will be to express 
 the life of the Body, which is the Bride of Christ, 
 in its heavenward aspect, and to exercise, as *it 
 were, the power of the burnt -offering. Thus would the 
 King have pleasure in the beauty of His daughters, 
 whose life is one of union with God, of power with 
 God, of witness for God, and for His absolute right 
 to all that men have and are. So would there 
 be a perpetual memorial going up, and the Lord 
 would be entreated for that land. 
 
 Secondly, that of Man's good. — As the ''merciful 
 women " (so our natives would call them) they 
 extend the mission-work of Christ, in good works — 
 such as education, personal influence, teaching, 
 visiting, nursing, and ministering, even as the holy 
 women also did in the old time. We know that 
 home is the centre and fountain of social life, and 
 woman is the centre of home. Such as the women 
 are, such are the homes, and such the civilisation 
 and Christianity of society. To reach that centre, 
 to purify it and consecrate it for the kingdom of 
 God, is woman's especial work. 
 
 u,uc;
 
 If so, is not woman forsaking her true place, 
 by leaving home and country to work elsewhere "? 
 Yes, if that "home" were not itself only a part 
 of a larger circle ; the family of man, and the family 
 of God. But om' Lord's own answer to the 
 question, "Who is my neighbour?" forbids us to 
 think of narrower limits to om- duty. And there- 
 fore, to " do our duty in that state of hfe to which 
 it shall please God to call us " may involve more 
 than at first sight appears. It may involve helping to 
 plant the "home" of God's Church, in foreign 
 lands. And for this, women are needed. Therefore, 
 women must go. The only question is — and it 
 is the question asked by the Lord God himself, 
 " Whom shall I send ?" 
 
 I. There must be a supply. And this supply 
 vrill depend upon three things. 1. A high view 
 of mission-work, as the King's own service, per- 
 vading the Church, and based not upon sentiment, 
 but upon principle. 2. Upon God doing our Church 
 and our people the honour to call a sufficient 
 number of her daughters to this work, and on their 
 hearkening to His call. 3. Upon the dedication, 
 or at least consent, of parents ; for — except perhaps 
 in some very excej)tional case, no child should go 
 forth without a father's blessing, and a mother's 
 loving, albeit tearful prayers. We know that it is 
 easier to give ourselves up fco even an ordinary 
 trial or suffering, than to give up another whom 
 we love. 
 
 The first of these conditions can be promoted 
 by informing the intelligence of the Church at large ; 
 and the others, by prayer to the Lord, Who 
 holds aU hearts in his hands, Who gives the word.
 
 unless loerliaps in a few exceptional cases. This, 
 must very frequently be the case at home, but is 
 far more so in colonial life, where domestic affairs, 
 the care of children, &c., quickly employ more 
 than all the energies and health of most women 
 in the upper classes, obliged, as they are, to do 
 almost all which at home would ordinarily be done 
 by servants. There is no time nor strength left, 
 which they can place at the disposal of the missionary. 
 
 What, then, are to be the wants supplied by such 
 devout women ? 
 
 First, that of God's honour. — As " women pro- 
 fessing godliness," their mission will be to express 
 the life of the Body, which is the Bride of Christ, 
 in its heavenward aspect, and to exercise, as »iit 
 were, the power of the burnt -offering. Thus would the 
 King have pleasure in the beauty of His daughters, 
 whose life is one of union with God, of power with 
 God, of witness for God, and for His absolute right 
 to all that men have and are. So would there 
 be a perpetual memorial going up, and the Lord 
 would be entreated for that land. 
 
 Secondly, that of Man's good. — As the "merciful 
 women '* (so our natives would call them) they 
 extend the mission-work of Christ, in good works — 
 such as education, personal influence, teaching, 
 visiting, nursing, and ministering, even as the holy 
 women also did in the old time. We know that 
 home is the centre and fountain of social life, and 
 woman is the centre of home. Such as the women 
 are, such are the homes, and such the civilisation 
 and Christianity of society. To reach that centre, 
 to purify it and consecrate it for the kingdom of 
 God, is woman's especial work.
 
 If so, is not woman forsaking her true place, 
 by leaving home and country to work elsewhere '? 
 Yes, if that *'home" were not itself only a part 
 of a larger circle ; the family of man, and the family 
 of God. But our Lord's own answer to the 
 question, ''Who is my neighbour?" forbids us to 
 think of narrower limits to our duty. And there- 
 fore, to "do our duty in that state of life to which 
 it shall please God to call us " may involve more 
 than at first sight appears. It may involve helping to 
 plant the "home" of God's Church, in foreign 
 lands. And for this, women are needed. Therefore, 
 women must go. The only question is — and it 
 is the question asked by the Lord God himseH, 
 "Whom shaU I send ?" 
 
 I. There must be a supply, xlnd this suj)ply 
 vrill depend upon three things. 1. A high view 
 of mission-work, as the King's own service, per- 
 vading the Church, and based not upon sentiment, 
 but upon principle. 2. Upon God doing our Church 
 and our people the honour to caU a sufficient 
 number of her daughters to this work, and on then* 
 hearkening to His call. 3. Upon the dedication, 
 or at least consent, of parents ; for — exce^^t perhaps 
 in some very exceptional case, no child should go 
 forth without a father's blessing, and a mother's 
 loving, albeit tearful prayers. We know that it is 
 easier to give ourselves up to even an orduiary 
 trial or suffering, than to give up another whom 
 we love. 
 
 The first of these conditions can be promoted 
 by informing the intelligence of the Church at large ; 
 and the others, by prayer to the Lord, Who 
 holds all hearts in his hands, Who gives the word.
 
 8 
 
 duty in that state of life to which it has, hitherto pleased 
 God to call them ; woman of practical good sense as well 
 as devotion ; ay, and women, too, who might have 
 the world, and wealth, and honour, and the culture 
 and the delights of the age, who would have to leave 
 houses and lands and brethren and sisters, for 
 Christ's sake and the Gospel's, (b) Those icho have a 
 vocation for such a life. Need I say that there is 
 such a thing as a "vocation" for individuals, as 
 well as for the Church collectively? There are 
 " good works ]3repared for us to w^alk in." We are 
 sent into the world for a definite purpose in the 
 Kingdom of God. 
 
 But how find out, it is asked, if I have a 
 vocation ? 
 
 1. Surrender the will absolutely to God, afresh ; 
 be ready to accept the issue, crushing, in the name 
 of Jesus, all cowardly desire for convenient igno- 
 rance as to your possibilities of usefulness. Place 
 yourselves at the disposal of the Great King. 
 
 2. Meditate on such passages as Isaiah vi. ; take 
 trouble to find out God's mind as to missions ; His 
 point of view, in the light of the Word of God ; 
 alive and attentive, be ready to catch the answer, 
 through the smallest and stillest voice, to your 
 appeal — '* Speak, Lord, for Thy servant heareth." 
 
 3. In the same attitude of listening and of ex- 
 pectation, silently watch God's providence. Notice 
 especially any side which He seems to " hedge up," 
 saying, Thou shalt not walk thitherward. 
 
 4. When your own fixedness of will has been 
 sufficiently tested, by a time of silent waiting and 
 seeking guidance of God only, then consult whatever 
 guide He may have provided for you ; teU every-
 
 thing ; the balance of duties ; your defects ; your 
 points of conscious power ; your state of health, m 
 body and in nerves. 
 
 5. If advised to regard yourself called to the work, 
 give special time to prayer, that your parents, or 
 others whom you are bound to consider and consult, 
 may love God better than they love you, and give 
 you up to Him, if He asks it of them. 
 
 6. Then wait the issue, as silently as possible. 
 Do not ** break through." Respect God's own ordamed 
 bounds, in aspiring to a life of closer union with 
 Him through self-sacrifice. And then ? — " The 
 meek shall He guide in judgment." 
 
 II. The vocation being clear, and the providence 
 clear, the next stej) is actual preparation for the new 
 duty. In some ways, all foreign mission work 
 demands the same qualities, personal devotion to 
 God being taken for granted. 
 
 1 . All such work demands fair health, unshattered 
 nerves, and that general equableness of spirits 
 which so largely depends upon the physical state. 
 A morbid mind or conscience is unfit for such work 
 as this. 
 
 2. It cannot be too much impressed upon us that 
 the education and mental discipline which help most 
 to build up the typical character of woman are also 
 the best for those called to any unusual work. For 
 in whatever measure a woman becomes unwomanly, 
 so far exactly is her usefulness as well as charm 
 impau-ed. She can lose no gi-ace naturally belong- 
 ing to her, without losing at the same time power, 
 influence, and capacity for the work for which she 
 was formed. We all know what that work was — 
 to be a help-meet for man, I say this of the un-
 
 10 
 
 married as well as the married ; and no training 
 can be good, in which this her calling as "the 
 fulness and mysterious complement" of man's 
 nature is not kei)t in view. But in her secondary 
 and supplementary character, carefully directed, 
 there need not be feebleness ; on the contrary, there 
 should be fortitude. In the inspired picture of 
 " the virtuous woman," the quality which is made 
 most prominent is strength. '* She girdeth her loins 
 with strength, and strengtheneth her arms ; strength 
 and honour are her clothing." How far this ideal 
 of the valiant woman, which the wise man has 
 drawn, is from any approach to what is commonly 
 called a '* strong-minded woman," will be seen by 
 studying the details. And, indeed, I could desire 
 no better training for a missionary woman than one 
 which would enable her to carry out the details and 
 follow the example of " the virtuous woman." 
 For, under the simpler and harder conditions of 
 life which exist in far colonies, she must, indeed, 
 be like the '* merchant's ships bringing her food 
 from afar, rising while it is yet night, and giving 
 meat to her household and a portion to her maidens ; 
 looking well to the ways of her household, and eating 
 not the bread of idleness." Indeed, almost all the 
 details in which this womanly strength is set forth 
 arc exactly those in which skill would be found most 
 useful in a mission. There is, first, the cunning 
 and industrious hand. Perhaps only a woman can 
 understand the education of the needle, and the 
 real moral discipline involved in learning to use it 
 sinfully ; for ]3ractical mission purposes, what an 
 excellent training is provided, in learning to do 
 plain work exquisitely well ! It gives even a
 
 11 
 
 meclianical education to the fingers, making them 
 apt tools for all other skilled work, such as is needed 
 in cooking, nursing the sick, &c." " She maketh 
 fair linen and selleth it." No one can properly 
 overlook that which he is incapable of doing well 
 himself, if necessary ; though it is also true that 
 many do that well who have not the power of 
 making others do it. It may be almost impossible 
 to supply this power by education, where it is 
 naturally lacking ; but it is a quaUty most necessary 
 in women employed in the mission work, and one 
 which ought to be carefully trained and disciplined. 
 We all know that it is far easier and less troublesome 
 to do a thing one's self, than to multix^ly power by 
 getting many others to do the same well. Still, it 
 is exactly the administrative faculty which is most 
 valuable, in the lands where there are many un- 
 trained and few tramed hands. 
 
 3. All work in the mission-field abroad needs 
 some practical knowledge of common things ; and, 
 what is still more important than any one branch 
 of practical knowledge, a readmess to observe and 
 to learn and to do anything whatever that may 
 have to be done, in the often unexpected contin- 
 gencies of foreign work. To remember the Scotch 
 proverb, " Can do is easily carried about." 
 
 4. But then, at the same time, it is well that 
 some distinct branch of work should be mastered ; 
 the choice being determined, to some extent, by the 
 place in view\ For India, where native servants 
 are abundant, it is specially desirable that ladies 
 working in the Zenanas should be clever in fancy 
 work, and have a talent for music, &c. For South 
 Africa, where the climate is much better, but the
 
 12 
 
 lack of good servants proverbial, a lady must be 
 prepared to do everything for herself, and a good 
 deal for the household. One of the great hind- 
 rances to a really missionary spirit among colonists 
 in that part of the world, is the almost absorbing 
 claim of household duties. Mind and soul alike are 
 in danger of paralysis, through the undue and 
 unavoidable proportion of care for outward things. 
 Thus the whole standard of mental and si)iritual 
 attainments is lowered. There is no appetite for 
 mental food, or for sj)iritual ventures. To meet this 
 lowered condition of intellectual and moral life, 
 Christian women- — and the more highly cultivated 
 and refined the better — must learn to understand 
 that life, and to share it, so far as its lawful and 
 necessary claims are concerned. To share it; not to 
 sink to the level of its unspiritual materialism, 
 but in order to raise it and glorify it. To manifest, 
 after the example of the Virgin, blessed among 
 women, to whom the angel of God w^as sent at 
 uncouth Nazareth, the compatibility of rude house- 
 hold work with the spirit of recollection and 
 adoration. To carry on the mission of the 
 Eternal Son- — who took part in flesh and blood, 
 that we might be partakers of the Divine nature. 
 For other's sakes as well as their own, they must be 
 able to turn their hand to anything. And, of course, 
 the more they learn in England, the more service- 
 able will they be yonder. 
 
 5. Some may be so conscious of some special gift 
 of God, that they may find in this their landmark. 
 They have, e.(/., always felt at home with the sick 
 more than with anyone else, or with children : and 
 they judge rightly that this is their own " prepared "
 
 patlii wlietlier ov not they see as yet whither it may 
 tend Music will be of use everywhere, and so w^ill 
 drawing, as far as my experience goes. 
 
 If the matter is determined, communication 
 should be held, as soon as possible, with the Bishoj:) 
 for whose diocese they are desu-ous of offering 
 themselves, or with his Commissary. In most 
 cases (not in all), I should myself recommend 
 residence for a time in some commimity, in order 
 that, among other reasons, the adaptabihty for 
 h\ing and woi-kiug with other fellow-workers may 
 be tested. In all cases, I should m'ge attention to a 
 rule of life, and especially a rule of meditation and 
 devotion, so necessary where life wiU be very dis- 
 tracting. I should earnestly recommend some 
 intellectual training in systematical theology and 
 Church history, in order to meet inquiries. I should 
 require the assurance of thorough, hearty, intelligent 
 loyalty to the Anglican Church, to guard against 
 restlessness. I should warn any applicant of the 
 temptations likely to arise from the withdrawal of 
 much sustaining power in the way of reUgious 
 activity and excitement around us here ; and against 
 a craYuig for much demonstrative sympathy. I 
 should j)i*epare her for the necessity of retainmg 
 a high standard and aim, and a noble ideal of what 
 mission work and communities of mission workers 
 should be ; but, at the same time, of being at peace 
 in the midst of much actual imperfection, many very 
 petty, i)rosaic, commonplace, and harassing trials. 
 The vu'tues I should bid her cultivate would be 
 hope, patience, and endurance, as weU as, of course, 
 unwearying love and sweetness of temper.
 
 14 
 
 But — to end as we began — for one work or 
 another, icomeii are needed. Tliey have their own 
 phice and work m Christ's Cliurch mihtant — a work 
 which the clergy can no more do, than they can do 
 the work of the clergy. All members have not the 
 same office ; though even those that seem feeble are 
 "necessary." But in her feebleness, love shall be 
 the secret of her strength : — 
 
 " The citadel, 
 Of courage and heroic fortitude, 
 Which in the centre of a woman's heart, 
 Is stablished, whatsoever outwardly 
 Of doubt or womanly weak fear j)revail." 
 
 If only, with a true heart, each one shall listen to 
 the call of God Almighty, "Whom shall I send?" 
 it will be from those whom He chooses that the 
 answer shall come — " Seyul me.'^
 
 15 
 
 THE WORK OF WOMEN AT HOME 
 
 FOR 
 
 foi^Eiqj^ ^I^^ION^. 
 
 "Let me write the ballads of a nation, and who- 
 ever will may make the laws !'" 
 
 May we not say that it is the women who inspire 
 the ballads, while the men make the laws ? 
 
 The reign of Love is mightier than the reign of 
 Law. Law touches the actions only ; Love touches 
 the springs of action. "Asa man thinketh in his 
 heart, so is he." (Prov. xxiii. 7.) Touch the heart 
 of England, and the life blood will flow forth 
 through every artery, and back again through every 
 vein. And it is the women of England who influence 
 the heart of England ; if silently, so much the more 
 surely. 
 
 Our thoughts on the " Supply and Training of 
 Women for Mission work abroad," forestall most 
 of what might here be said, as to that part of 
 women's work. 
 
 Those thoughts may be roughly summed up in 
 the foUo^dng words : — For the development of true 
 hfe — of church hfe — home hfe — women are needed, 
 everywhere ; women who have realised the ideal of
 
 16 
 
 that life. If needed everywhere, then abroad as 
 well as at home. And if women of the right sort, 
 with leisure for work, are not to be found on the 
 si3ot, then they must be sent forth from the 
 mother-land. Some must go. 
 
 And who ? Not the useless members of home 
 and church. Not those who have a distinct home- 
 duty that none other can do for th-em'; e.g. a wife or 
 mother. But, those ivho icoiild he missed, wherever 
 they have lived ; and those whom God has called, by 
 His special inward vocation, and by His co-operating 
 Providence : giving them ' ' a sound mind in a sound 
 body," and circumstances that leave them free to 
 respond to that inward call. 
 
 If we thoughtfully review these classes, we shall 
 •find among them four, willing to go forth for the 
 Master, yet commanded to stay. 
 
 1. Those tied by untransferable home-duties. 
 
 2. Those forbidden to go, by parents, or others in 
 authority. 
 
 3. Those who, in whatever way, are not strong 
 •enough. 
 
 4. Those who are conscious of no vocation for this 
 special form of work. 
 
 All these, from among even the small number of 
 those whose wills are absolutely yielded to their 
 Lord, so as to care littl-e where or how they spend 
 themselves for Him ! 
 
 Many more there are, absolutely given up to Him, 
 hitherto, and yet willing and able, in the strength 
 of the body of Christ, to do something. Powder is 
 needed, of every possible kind; physical, mental, 
 moral, social, spiritual. And there are many in 
 the Body of the Baptized, conscious of power in some
 
 17 
 
 way or other, and willing to put it fortli, if under 
 authority, and without much of that dreaded element, 
 personal responsibihty — many such there are, who 
 would be useless, if alone. 
 
 And every educated woman in England, whether 
 she realize it or not, is daily helping, or hindering, 
 the work of Foreign Missions. For it is Chiisfs 
 work ; one that cannot be ignored or neglected with- 
 out sin ; and it is not of men only, but of women 
 also, that our Lord has said: "He that gathereth 
 not with me, scattereth." 
 
 Women at home, then, have a manifold work for 
 the Mission-field abroad. Let us ponder over it a 
 while, in detail. 
 
 i. WOIMEN OF THIS GENERATION TRAIN THE NEXT 
 
 GENERATION. — The toue of thought and action as to 
 Foreign Missions, fifty years hence, will depend, to 
 an extent that can never be known on earth, upon 
 the young mothers of the present day. Li Sacred 
 History, it is not without deep significance that the 
 names of the mothers of Judah's kings are so often 
 recorded. 
 
 Let us recall our own childhood ; our nursery 
 tales and pictures ; the food and exercise provided 
 for our imagination and affections ; and then our 
 school-room daj's, at home or elsewhere. Could we 
 not tell each other of a lack never to be supphed, or 
 of memories that can never grow cold — as to interest 
 kmdled, or unkindled, in Mission-work — by pictures 
 and stories, and Children's Missionary Meetings 
 or G-uilds, and httle plans for "helping the good 
 Missionaries," such as God's little childi-en, still 
 " glistening with baptismal dew," delight in ? If 
 we were early taught to pray for Foreign Missions,
 
 18 
 
 has the habit ever wholly died away ? If not, is 
 that habit easy to acquire ? 
 
 The influence is obvious. The only question for 
 each to ask herself is : " What am I doing to help 
 or hinder the Church of the future, in this, her 
 world-wide Mission ?" 
 
 II. Women can influence general society — their 
 equals, in age and position, as well as little children. 
 The more refined and cultivated they are, the 
 greater will be their power over others. Mere 
 *' conversation " is a power for good or evil, com- 
 pared with which the much-talked-of power of 
 modern inventions is but a plaything. 
 
 Now, what are the ordinary topics of conversation, 
 — apart from the way of hancUing them ? There 
 are some, indeed, that were better unnamed ; others, 
 in which it were well for women to remember 
 Apostolic teaching, and avoid intruding into things 
 that they know not. Others again there are, which 
 are mischievous simply from their utter folly; 
 involving that ^'foolish talking and jesting, which 
 are not convenient;" quite distinct from the inno- 
 cent, light-hearted talking, as '* children of the free," 
 which Our Father will never blame. 
 
 But, while we talk fluently on topics of " general 
 interest, how often do any of us dare to allude to 
 " Missions," as to a topic that oiKjlit to be of general 
 interest ? 
 
 The Arctic Expedition, the Ashantee War — these 
 have their champions in abundance ; among England's 
 Volunteers for these ventures, who is not proud to 
 reckon a personal friend ? But carry on the topic 
 of "ventures for a noble cause," and speak of a 
 friend or brother, fit for the highest posts in England,
 
 19 
 
 and yet, gone forth to be a ''Missionary ;" and who 
 is not made conscious, that if the contemptuous 
 wonder be unexpressed, it is chiefly through mere 
 courtesy ? 
 
 These things ought not so to be : and Chiistian 
 women are responsible, to a great extent, for not 
 suffering it so to be. We need not " di-ag in " the 
 subject of Missions; but "a word spoken in due 
 season, how good is it ! " 
 
 To uphft. the Mission-banner from the mire ; to 
 silence — if only by then- own eloquent silence — the 
 first word of ridicule or of ignorant impatience, this 
 is witliin woman's province, and the Master expects 
 it of her. And then, by quietly-told facts, to turn 
 this negative testimony to what is positive, and, 
 God helping her, to win enthusiasm for the cause 
 that in her watchful hearing has been put to shame, 
 — is this too much for any Christian woman to do 
 or dare for her Lord ? "In the Name of our God, 
 we will set up our banners !" 
 
 III. With a view to this, woiien aee bound to be 
 wELL-ixroEMED, as Christians and as Church- women, 
 of the progress of Church Missions. 
 
 It would be counted " ignorance," not to have 
 heard of the Fiji Islands, and their late annexation. 
 It is a more pardonable ignorance, not to have heard 
 of — many a new colony of the King of kings — many 
 a fair territory annexed to His possessions ? Are 
 Ave to hve through our appointed term in the 
 world's long history, and do nothing to correct the 
 notion (hardly ever attacked at all till lately !) that 
 an " interest in Missions " is the amiable peculiarity 
 of some Christians, instead of being the common 
 interest of all ?
 
 go 
 
 IV. Women can use their pen for Mission-work. 
 Not as "authors," necessarily; tlioiigli some might 
 well expend on such a cause the powers bestowed 
 upon them for the good of the Church and the glory 
 of God ; but in ordinary correspondence. A real 
 habit, once formed, of trying to widen and deepen 
 Mission-work influence, in anij ivay ivhatever that the 
 Master may point out, would soon exert its power 
 over a woman's ever-ready pen. 
 
 Many an idle note, about — nothing at all — would, 
 by degrees, give place to some gentle reminder of a 
 far-off corner of the earth. We do not mean a 
 " begging letter," but a word as from sister to sister, 
 just naming — as one who cannot help naming — the 
 far-off brother ! 
 
 Might not something be done, moreover, yet more 
 directly and definitely, by a little forethought and 
 combined action ? We have heard of an invalid 
 who spends her long leisure hours in writing illumi- 
 nated letters, exquisitely penned, full of holy and 
 helpful thoughts, to soldiers in India. Other friends 
 arrange as to the sending ; hers is simply the 
 willing and skilful hand ; adding to the words of 
 Christian sympathy some home-flower, thoughtfully 
 chosen according to the time of year, and painted at 
 the beginning of the letter, to bring back thoughts 
 of home and " mother." 
 
 Could not some of our lonely Missionaries be 
 remembered thus practically, in some way suited to 
 their need ? And especially in parishes which God 
 has honoured by taking from them one of his own 
 volunteers for " Foreign Service." Could not some 
 combine to send forth a stream of regular information 
 as to home-life and work, thus quickening sympathies,
 
 21 
 
 and giving scoioe for tliat great law of action ^ and 
 re-action between tlie heart and the extremities, 
 which rules the spuitual as well as the natiu-al 
 body ? *' Love chiefly grows in giving.'' 
 
 V. WoisiEN CAN *'woiiK." No One can deny that 
 this is a fitting occasion for her special ministry. 
 
 Many agencies of this kind are already in opera- 
 tion : Working Parties, Work Societies, &c., where 
 materials are given out, to be sold, here or abroad, 
 when made up, for the fi'iends of the Mission. 
 
 Details would be needless. Here, as in all other 
 things, judgment is needed ; that " right judgment " 
 which om- Chm^h bids us pray for "m all things," 
 and which the All-rulhig Sphit of God will condes- 
 cend to give us, even for the details of a Missionary 
 Working Party ! There will be difficulties ; there 
 may be mistakes ; but the effort is none the less to 
 be made, where God points it out as suitable. 
 
 Might not work for Foreign Missions, in some 
 such i)ractical form, become a motive for Uttle girls, 
 in the often imattractive task of "learnmg to work?" 
 
 VI. To some women, among those whose Mission- 
 work Hes at home, is given a special calling ; even 
 that of YIELDING UP — not themselves, but what is 
 dearer than themselves — son or daughtee, for Foreign 
 Service in the King's army. 
 
 " Will you give me Coleij /" That question, asked 
 by Bishop Selw;sTi, of the mother of Patteson— has it 
 not become almost lu-overbial ? We cannot but 
 suspect that the secret dread of such a question is 
 keepmg back many a Christian mother from opening 
 her heai-t to Chiist's Commandment as to Foreign 
 Missions. " I fear I have brought it on myseK," a 
 mother has been heard to say, when her son had
 
 22 
 
 gone forth ; " I brought hhn up with such a high 
 ideal of Missionary work !" 
 
 And are not many kept back from honest prayer, 
 that the Lord of the Harvest will send forth labom-ers 
 into His Harvest, by the secret reservation, *' Only, 
 Lord, not my Son ! — not my Pastor !" 
 
 YII. Women can show hospitality. — '* A certain 
 woman received Him into her house," has been 
 written again and agaui, in the Eecord on High, 
 concerning many a " Martha," and her receiving of 
 Clnist Himself, in those of whom He has said : " He 
 that receiveth you, receiveth Me." 
 
 To have " lodged strangers " — for Christ's sake, 
 not for mere kindness' sake — is a mark given by St. 
 Paul of those eligible for a special office in the early 
 Church. It is for the ''Sarah" to provide for the 
 strangers whom Abraham is not forgetful to enter- 
 tain. Lydia, Europe's first convert to Christianity, 
 welcomed to her house the first Missionary of the 
 Church. Cu'cumstances may have changed, in these 
 less simple days ; but should not the Missionary's 
 heart be cheered, when at home for awhile, by the 
 manifestation of the same spirit? And is it not 
 for " the glory of the same Lord, Who acce]3ts, in 
 every age, each kindness done to His servants as 
 done unto Himself?" 
 
 Vni. Women can pkay. — This is the greatest 
 work of all ; the secret strength of all other work. 
 
 True, it belongs to men, as much as to women. 
 Yet, in speaking of women's vrorli, I would especially 
 remind you that this is a worl; within your reach at 
 all times. The quiet intercession of many an invalid, 
 the resolutely-dedicated time, taken out of a life of 
 active service, for the great work of intercession for
 
 23 
 
 Missions, and united definite i^rayer together for 
 special needs — these weapons have a power m the 
 whole Mission army, which Eternity alone will fully 
 reveal. " More things are wrought by prayer than 
 this world dreams of." There are those — 
 
 " "UTiose prayers and silent efforts Heaven employs 
 To do the good, while others make the noise." 
 
 Many ways of working at home for Missions 
 abroad have doubtless been omitted in the foregoing 
 sketch, e.g. disti'ibuting periodicals, collecting money, 
 &c., as well as gi^'ing money themselves, according 
 to then' abihty. Some who cannot go in person, but 
 who would be willing so to do, may have the means 
 of enabling another to go, by providuig, or combining 
 with others to provide, what is needful for the cost 
 of passage, outfit, and after-maintenance. Love is 
 ingenious in self-sacrifice ; fertile in resoui'ces ; 
 "strong as death!" "WTiy multiply suggestions? 
 '* Charity never faileth." 
 
 One more way of helping forward the work of 
 Missions abroad must, however, be definitely named, 
 being less obvious, perhaps, than others — peesonal 
 FAITHFULNESS IX Ho^nE DUTIES. The satirist must 
 have no " Mrs. Jellyby " among our Mission-workers 
 to hold up to ridicule — a ridicule involving the holy 
 cause which such a one caricatures. They must 
 " guide the house ;" they must ** give none occasion 
 to the enemy to speak reproachfully." 
 
 It must be made evident that their interest in 
 Missions is based on principle, not on feeling ; and 
 that this principle rules nothing less than their 
 whole hves. A holy seK-restraint, the mark of the 
 Cross, must stamp every common duty. The 
 mteUigence, as well as the affection, must be evidently
 
 2^ 
 
 enlisted. There must be no silly talk about '' in- 
 teresting natives," &c. ; no excited rimning to and 
 fro, to more Missionary Meetings than they can 
 inwardly digest, while then* own servants, and the 
 obvious claims of those at hand, are uncared for. 
 
 Our women at home, if they would be *' fellow- 
 helpers to the truth, "must be ''keepers at home ;" 
 they must learn somethmg of self-mastery and self- 
 sacrifice ; that so their witness may have power, and 
 those who see that their cliarity extends to the ends 
 of the earth may also see that it " begins at home." 
 
 After all, the work is one, throughout all the 
 world. For there is but one Lord ; and "He is the 
 Great King over all the earth." "It is Grod which 
 ruleth in Jacob," — here, in the Church at home, — 
 " and unto the ends of the earth." Even there, the 
 King must have His daughters, honourable women. 
 
 If even the annals of Heathendom are often made 
 bright by the story of woman's devotion, and even the 
 Spartan mother could add fortitude to her love, shall 
 it not be reserved for Christian women to show — 
 
 " A fairer strength than this, 
 Strength linked with weakness, steeped in tears and fears, 
 And tenderness of trembhng womanhood, 
 But true as hers, to Duty's perfect Law ?•' 
 
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