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CTTRTSTIAK HERAtD
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In conclusion, therefore, we say,
when the officers go forth to their
work, with a thorough preparation
in head and heart consecrated to
Christ and his cause on earth, and
when the multitude of disciples
learn • ta follow with implicit
obedience the law of the Lord, and
submit themselves one to the other,
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-irrthe world-
that was .designed
_she
should have, and the too frequent
cry, the church is dead, would
seldom be heard. May the Lord
help, us to do his will.
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A Plea for Woman’s Aid.
AN ESSAY BY MRS. A. M.«BEDWELL.
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Read at
C, 1883.
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My Dear Sisters and Brethren :
In making this appeal for the aid
of women here I shall only
modestly request that the sisters
may be permited to take such part
as they may choose in these Co­
operation Meetings of your State
Board and societies of like kind of
their own. I feel it commendable
to desire to have a share in the
work of the Lord. That this is a
worthy sentiment and ambition I
think none will deny. I think the
love of Christ should prompt thè
heart of a converted woman to
honor him and serve him just as it
does the heart of a converted man.
Surely there is a provision made
for the gratification of these divine
impulses. Surely there is a sphere
in which the heart of consecrated
women may exert their influence
upon the church, and contribute
their share to its moral and spiritu­
al forces without being guilty of a
misdemeanor, indiscretion, or some
other hard names familiar with
many. I have thought sometimes
that the moral desolation of the
church was due to the absence of
the influence of real, God-fearing,
intelligent women; and I some­
times think the lack of pious, de­
voted men to go out and preach the
gospel is due to the fact that there
are so few mothers worthy of such
sons. Is ’there no transmission of
moral and spiritual qualities ? It
is acknowledged that the principle
holds good in everything else. The
Apostle Paul clearly admits it, and
assures himself of the worthyness
of his son Timothy on this ground,
when he says, “ How unceasing is
my remembrance of thee in my
supplications, night and day long­
ing to see thee, remembering thy
tears, that I may be filled with joy ;
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paving been reminded of the un-
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o/ mankind, itTîârTëën^nTy^”'
feigned faith that is in thee, which an important part in their salva­
these favored latter days of privil­
dwelt first in thy grandmother tion. I was asked a short time ago
ege and promise that the complete
Lois and thy mother Eunice; and what it was to be a Christian if all
realization of the lovely idéal has
I am persuaded in thee also.” I denominational people were not. I
been,, to any extent possible.
know the age in which we live is said I suppose to be a de­
Through the portraiture of vital
unfavorable to the development of nominational Christian was easy
truth we will look down and ask,
the highest type of consecrated enough, but to become a Christian
piety among women. The love of after the Christlike pattern is quite In what ago of the world prior to
display and worldly pleasure, and another thing. Let us talk of its our own was such a woman upheld
*..AiriiwnAiir amhiftonfij meaning and seek to understand as a divine model ? It is only in
vanity rather than share in the i t s <1 u t’ies,' aiiiT "learn WgTit“Tts TheHe tirnes that knowledge of
work of the church or even ~be the responsibilities pasGod-lov mg w«- s .Xftmy phyainlngy and hygiene has
mothers of its most worthy and men let us take up life’s tangled been spread among women and
gifted preachers and servants, 1 threads and weave of them a web with it the consciousness that ig­
fear we study more about how to of beauty, and harmony. Our norance is folly and neglect sin,
appeaxln thé house of the “■f^rd -irr^walks in life may be different, but and that their responsibilities as
showy apparel than We study the we all have one common object— women place them under solemn
revelation of the best friend woman that of making our homes good and obligations to regard the wellbejpg
ever had,’ whose teachings has re- pure, our lives above reproach, and of their own bodies. We are also
.. told of the model woman, that “ she
d^ineTEéF^
made her the companion of man— help and encouragement. There girdeth her loins with strength and
the equal heir with him of an in­ are weak ones we may aid and strengtheneth her arms.” Strength
heritance incorruptible and eternal. strengthen, erring ones to be led and honor are her clothing and “ as
Then, my sisters, let us give our back to paths of virtue and up­ a natural consequence, when not a
time to the study of the Scriptures rightness, and desponding ones to self-made invalide or prematurely
more fully, and to the aid of the cheer. But it is ours to aid wher­ old,” she shall rejoice in time to
church. The need of these times of ever there is need, ours to dispel come. From early days of church
missionary enterpiises should be dark clouds of doubt and unrest, history, until quite recently, a dis­
an .abiding eon vic tion in every in­ and let the blessed sunlight through regard of personal appearance,
dividual heart of the imperative and touch each heart. Angels are backed by misunderstood apostolic
character of Christ’s command : the Father’s heavenly messengers, injunction, has been considered a
Go ye» therefore, and teachafl but wo may be his earthly ones test of grace. Now it is well
nations.” This command demands clad in the armor of purity, with known that if the heart is light,
a broad and all-inclusive interpre­ his love as a shield and helmet, beautiful garments, so far from de­
tation. The Apostle Paul said, where may not woman venture ? tracting from real virtue, may even
“ Woe is to me if I preach n<H the what may not woman accomplish ? adorn it. But, over three thou-
gospel.” Is it for ordained minTs- Lives she ever so quietly, so that- sand years ago,.a wise.. woman re-
ters only to feel this condemnation. she lives purely her influence and ceived unequivocal praise for a
All believers in Christ are made power are untold. Wherever a proper pride in her becoming at­
" priests unto God,” and all are pure woman dwells there rests the tire, “ She maketh herself coverings
made preachers of the gospel. It sure blessings of God ; her good in­ of tapestry ; her clothing is silk
is not, of course, given to all to fluences may flow like healing balm and purple.” Not only in aged
stand in the pulpit; but no one and life-giving nourishment to the past, but within the present cen­
who has been accepted by Christ great world beyond. “ While all tury, child-like dependence and
and is filled with his spirit can fail my soul gives manhood humble submissive ignorance were con­
to declare in some way the blessed­ reverence,” I would not underrate sidered womanly virtues, and a
ness of salvation; and those who its great worth and beauty, but liberal education was looked upon
with the blessed assurance of faith woman is* the mother of nations, with dread and suspicion, as an
in their hearti, neglect to use the she it is who more than any other enemy to feminine grace. Yet not
power and influence for the con­ moulds the lives and characters of of a childish dependant, submissive,
version of their fellowomen fail in­ generations; Oh, that wq could ignorant woman could it possibly
ft positive duty. All are not called realize more fully the sacredness of have been said, (“ she Openeth her
to the same work ; but there is a our calling. To the reverent eye» mouth with-wisdom-/’)and for a
place and a work for everyone. It of children, mother is Gad. A woman to earn money, or transact
may not be our privilege to de­ mother’s loving prayers and self- business outside of her own home,
clare from the sacred desk the “ un­ sacrificed, a sister’s pleadings, a was an occasion of humiliation and
searchable riches of Christ,” nor to wife’s devotion are things ivhich disgrace under the old social con­
be advisers in church affairs; nor sink |oo deep in the heart to be ditions. But Soloman’s woman is
even to speak or pray in public; forgotten. Live where she may, in able to assist her husband and en­
but we have it in our power to ad­ town or country, in humble cot or rich her familv, as we are shown,
vance the interest of Christ’s cause palace, the true woman is queen "The heart of her husband doth
both at home and abroad. If we sisters ; let us not forget this; let safely trust in her, so that he shall
have been blessed and made happy Qs also remember the model woman have no need of spoil,” “ She seek-
we want our neighbors to enjoy of Salomon’s time; her price is far eth wool and flax, and worketh
our happiness. We should feel it above riches. The one woman of diligently with her haq,ds,” “ She is
our duty then to contribute of our all others, whom a royal son would like the merchants’ ships; she
substance for the support of those desire to complete his happiness. bringeth her food from afar,” “ She
who go out as missionaries or Though for ages this noble charac­ considereth a field, and buyeth it;
teachers, and in doing this we Lave ter has been before the daughters with the fruit of her hands shQ
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