THE LATE G. F. BAYLEY.

135 always most precious to him) in responding to the many appeals., Papers can be produced to-day that must have cost him many long hours and even days of patient research and mental work to rescue a brother from difficulty. His general trustworthiness led brethren far and near to repose unbounded confidence in him; hence he became the guardian of many private as well as public trusts. His praise is in all the churches where he is personally known. Our Annual Associations rarely missed him, and were incomplete without him; our Foreign Mission Committee had in him a warm sympathiser, a wise adviser, and a willing worker. The Church at Boston had, up to the very last, a practical helper, and amongst his last public efforts was his preaching in connection with Witham Green anniversary, a service he has rendered for many years. He marched in the fore ranks of every denominational enterprise; and, though he did not court the publicity of office, when office was laid upon him he discharged its duties faithfully and well. He was a catholic Christian, a broad Baptist, a genuine "General;" he loved all who loved Jesus; he could work along with all who purposed the progress of righteousness; but whilst owing to the circumstance of locality he worked amongst the Particular Baptists generally, his sympathies always were with the General Baptists particularly. He held firmly to the creed that in the second Adam all men are redeemed; that pardon is a fact all men are called upon to believe; that good must one day completely triumph over evil; and that God will reconcile all beings to Himself; the deepest sentiments of his heart being uttered in the stanzas of our poet laureate :

"Oh, yet we trust that somehow good,

Will be the final goal of ill."

Our brother had been declining in physical strength for some time; and many of his old friends had noticed, with serious apprehensions, a want of that vigour and vivacity which had always been characteristic of him; nevertheless he attended pretty much as usual to his official duties, and within less than a fortnight of his death he was present at a Foreign Missionary Committee at Peterborough. This, however, was his last service rendered to the Church of Christ. Inflammation of the lungs seized him, together with other serious symptoms, and after being fiftyseven hours in the valley of the shadow of death, his spirit was ushered into the tranquility of the heavenly world.

Devout men from London, Barnet, Hitchin, Peterborough, Tunbridge Wells, etc., followed him to his burial in the General Baptist Cemetery, Boston, all feeling that they had lost a friend as well as a fellow-worker, and all possessed with sentiments that the tender words of Mr. Reynolds faintly expressed, "Farewell, dear saint! thy memory is fragrant on earth, thy works will perpetuate thy fame; thy spirit has gone to those that are made perfect; we are following after, tried, sinning and sighing. But we have one motive more to quicken us in our course, that we shall meet thee, loving and beloved, holy and blessed, in that bright home where adieus and farewells are sounds unknown."

Resolutions expressive of warm admiration of Mr. Bayley's character and service, and sympathy with the bereaved family, were passed at the meetings of the representatives of our Foreign and Home Missions on Tuesday, February 24th.

Point of View.

BY A WOMAN.

By "woman's work," we do not mean the conspicuous work which some aspire to, and which belongs of right to men; but the quiet, and perhaps obscure work, which silently, though none the less effectually, undermines the kingdom of Satan, and erects upon its ruins the kingdom of Christ.

A great deal of failure is owing to the want of a right idea of "woman's work; we are so anxious to do great things that we are tempted to neglect little duties, forgetting that it is by doing little things well we become fit for greater. We read of women, in times gone by, who led forth armies to fight for their country's rights; or battled with the waves of the ocean to rescue the lives of their fellow creatures; or for the love of Jesus endured imprisonment and torture, and braved a cruel death, till our hearts are kindled with enthusiasm, and we long to emulate their deeds, and are sometimes perhaps inclined to murmur because such trivial duties fall to our lot. But the extraordinary deeds of these women were called forth by extraordinary circumstances; we have to do with ordinary life. We call them heroines, and they are worthy of the name; but they are not the only heroines. In many a cheerless home, or lonely garret, there are women struggling hard with poverty, and surrounded by all that tends to quench the light that is in them, who yet shine like stars through the darkness around; and though at work all day, and often far into the night, may be found at the bedside of the sick and dying, or sharing their humble meal with those yet poorer, or caring for a sick neighbour, who has no claims upon them but their mutual want and loneliness.

These are as truly heroines as those whose names are held in veneration, and whose praises are said and sung. They are doing "women's work" in the sphere where God has placed them; and it may be, when the Master comes to take His people home, He will put upon the heads of such, crowns radiant with stars, and lead them to a higher place than some of us, who, though so highly favoured, have done little for Him.

But in bidding us work for Him, God does not ask us to step out of our sphere; and certainly, as a rule, the pulpit, or platform, is not woman's place, though there are cases, here and there, where God has evidently given women qualities fitting them for both, and has proved it by bestowing a rich blessing upon their labours.

But we are only ordinary women, all of us having daily duties to attend to, but with some spare time to be used specially for Christ (though all work done for His glory He counts as work for Him) and the question is, "How can we best employ our spare time in His service ?"

We have some examples of women workers in the New Testament. When our Saviour trod the earth as a lonely "Man of Sorrows,”hated, persecuted and despised-faithful women ministered to Him of their substance, and did all they could to show their love to Him by attending to His wants. Throughout His public life they were His

"WOMAN'S WORK."

137 firm and devoted friends; and who shall say that His heart was not made lighter by their gentle ministries?-for though God, He was man. They could not save Him from a shameful death; but they followed Him to the Cross, to show, by their presence, the sympathy they felt.

And when the apostles, after Christ's death, began their great work, women were among their chief helpers. Paul spoke of Priscilla and her husband as his "helpers in Christ Jesus;" and in his salutations to Christian friends, mentions "Mary, who bestowed much labour upon us;" and "Phoebe, a succourer of many." We can imagine Phoebe taking little delicacies to the sick, and speaking words of comfort to the dying, ministering to the wants of the aged, and cheering the lonely ones.

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One New Testament example we must not admit:-Dorcas, a woman full of good works and alms-deeds which she did," who spent a large part of her time in making coats and garments for the families of poor widows.

There is as much need now, as then, for Dorcas, Mary, and Phoebe.

There are old ladies, for instance, who have out-lived all who loved them, and in their lonely homes are only waiting for the call to come up higher; we may find a work here, and while the "silver cord" is being gently loosed, we may seek to fill their last days with sunshine.

But there is a difference in old ladies. Some are so nice and chatty, and can tell us such interesting stories of their early days and later life, and are so interested in all we can tell them, that we feel it quite a pleasure to visit them. But there are also deaf old ladies, who need to be shouted to all the time, and always misunderstand what is said; and immovable old ladies, who seem to have lost all interest in everything, and apparently don't care whether we talk, or sit silent-indifferent when we go in, and equally so when we take our departure. Then there are the crotchety old ladies-soured, crusty, and disagreeable; of course it is not so enjoyable to visit these, but they need it most; and perhaps if we knew all they had had to make them so, our pity for them would be so great that we should not be daunted when our knock at the door is answered by a sort of growl, that might mean either "come in," or "keep out;" or when the door is opened just a chink, and an unfriendly face peers through, as though we were suspicious characters that had better be kept at a distance, but we should persevere in kindly efforts for their good, for the sake of Christ. And for those who can sing there is a good opportunity of using their voices for Jesus. Most old people like singing, and especially the "Songs of Zion," and they would be glad to hear some young voice read a chapter, and sing one of their favourite hymns; and where any of these do not yet know Christ, through the words of a hymn we may sow some truth in their hearts, which we might otherwise not be able to do. Though the pleasure given to one poor old soul may seem a small thing in contrast with the applause of an appreciative audience, it will wear a different aspect if we recollect that it is the "King of kings" who is listening to us-and His approval is worth striving for.

Then there is tract distribution, which affords many opportunities of speaking a word for Jesus.

Of work in the Sunday school we need say little, for there are so many who can testify to the joy of the work, as well as its success.

Perhaps some are less inclined to imitate Dorcas, than any of the New Testament characters, and would rather go and see half a dozen deaf, or crotchety old ladies, than sit for an hour or two and sew; while others would rather work for hours with their needle, than take a class, or go into a sick-room: but we are not all to do the same work; let each do the work she is most fitted for. Some are so situated that they cannot get out to work for Christ, but could do something at home in their spare evenings. There are needy widows still, who would be thankful for "coats and garments" for their little ones; and even if they can afford to buy the materials, have little time to put them together. Who will follow Dorcas, and in the spare evenings which they are obliged to spend at home, employ their skilful fingers thus in the Master's service?

All can speak for Jesus, by tongue or pen.

We meet with some whose Christian character has seemed to become dwarfed by the circumstances of their daily life, whose hearts have been chilled by unkindness; who are lonely, yet hold themselves aloof from others; but a friendly word, and the grasp of a kindly hand would go far to warm their hearts. If we look about us, we shall find plenty of ways of speaking and working for Christ. Some, perhaps, have been hovering just outside the kingdom because no one has asked them to come in and enjoy the fulness of the blessing-the humblest worker for Christ can whisper "come" to these halting ones. Whatever we do, be it great or small, let us do something for the Lord who bought us.

"Let each ask herself in earnest,

'Am I doing all I might?
Is each talent God has given me
Used for Him as in His sight?'
Cast a look around you, Christian,
At earth's misery and sin,
At the many hearts to comfort,
At the many souls to win.
Are there no disheartened pilgrims
Needing words of kindly cheer?
No sad souls to whom in sorrow
You could whisper 'God is near?'
Is there no poor sinner anxious
For the safety of his soul?

Needing some kind friend to show him
Christ who makes the wounded whole.
Are there no death-beds of terror

Where the Saviour is not known?
Are there no young hearts around you
Where the good seed might be sown?
O, the fields are white for harvest,
And the labourers are but few;
Be not slothful, be not weary,

God will help and strengthen you. Think not now of ease and pleasure; Will not this be thy reward? 'Well done, good and faithful servant, Rest thee ever with thy Lord."" In order that the work may be successful there must be union among the workers. Good works are sometimes spoilt because the

workers cannot agree-all want to lead, none to follow. Let us all love each other, and then, if the glory of Christ is our desire, there will be no room in our hearts for such paltry feelings.

There must be earnestness. No half heartedness, but real determined effort-earnestness that breaks through hedges, and removes mountains; that is not quenched by cold water, nor daunted by an occasional sneer; but, in spite of opposition, is determined to win the day earnestness that will plead and wrestle at the throne of grace with the spirit of Jacob of old, "I will not let thee go, except thou bless me."

There must be constancy. It is easy to take up work with a considerable amount of zeal, but in time it becomes an every day thing; then is the testing time: if our work is the out-come of hearts filled

NEW TESTAMENT POINT OF VIEW.

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with love to Christ, we shall stick to it when the novelty has worn off, and when those who took it up for the sake of the novelty have gradually slipped away.

We must be self-denying. It is not difficult to work for Christ when it interfers with none of our pleasant pursuits, and is quite convenient; but true workers will be willing to give up some little enjoyment for the sake of giving more time to Christ's service. Let His work stand first, and our own pleasure after.

We must be prayerful. We may labour hard in the vineyard, and willingly give our time, money, and influence to the work, and yet fail: we may plant and water, and yet see no increase, unless our work is followed up by earnest prayer.

Perhaps there is a danger in these working-days of leaving too little time to ask God's blessing on our work, but,

And yet

"God does not ask of us such busy labour

As leaves no time for resting at His feet."

"So oft to others do we try to give,

When not enough from heaven we receive."

It is necessary for all of us to do something for Christ, at home or outside, or our Christian life becomes shrivelled and dwarfed, and we, exclusive and selfish. Work calls forth powers that would otherwise lie dormant; it develops our spiritual nature, and draws out our sympathies. Knowing, by experience, the difficulties to be met with, we are less disposed to find fault with the work of others. As a rule, it is those who do no work themselves who look with an unfriendly eye upon the efforts of others.

Some people seem to think a woman's mind can only care for trifles. Let us prove to the contrary by the earnestness with which we consecrate ourselves to the service of God. Let us not be drones in the hive. Who would not rather be among the busy workers ?-sowing beside all waters: making many mistakes, it is true, but learning, through these very failures, most precious lessons of Christ's loving pity for our weakness, and the strength of His mighty arm working for us and through uslessons of our own utter helplessness, but His exceeding power-walking with greater self-distrust, it may be, but more joyous confidence in the faithfulness of our Lord.

But most of us have loved ones who cannot work actively in the vineyard, because the Lord has laid His hand upon them, and bidden them "be still." And often their eyes follow the workers wistfully, as they set forth on some errand for the Master, and they long to join them; but theirs is the more difficult service of suffering and waiting patiently. And what would be the results of our work, were it not for the fervent prayers which rise for us from the loving hearts in the sick rooms? And perhaps we little guess the self-denial they exercise when they listen to the tale of our doings, and are so ready with their sympathy and encouragement, though it must be very hard to rejoice that others can do what they may not do. Let us work while we can, for it may not be long before the Master bids us leave the harvestfield, and come apart with Him; then do not let us have to reproach ourselves because we have not worked when we had the opportunity.