BUREAU OF WOMAN’S WORK.
Reading edition
Miss D. E. Emerson, Secretary.
As was indicated in the August Missionary, ladies from the different benevolent societies for home work are holding a series of meetings in Michigan. The Bureau of Woman’s Work is represented by Miss Anna M. Cahill, who has been connected for several years with Fisk University.
HELP AT PUBLIC MEETINGS.
The Bureau of Woman’s Work is prepared to present the claims of this Association in its line before missionary meetings, conferences, Sabbath-schools, monthly concerts and other religious gatherings, either through its Secretary or some one who has had large experience on the Southern field. Application should be made to Miss D. E. Emerson, 56 Reade street, New York.
CONTRIBUTION FROM A LADY MISSIONARY.
We do enjoy our work, and it was never more encouraging than now, and yet sometimes it grows almost unbearable, to be so utterly alone. The dear Lord sent a bit of a thought to cheer me to-day, and I sat down and wrote it out, thinking it might comfort other lonely workers in these dark corners.
THE LORD’S GARDEN.
(LOVINGLY INSCRIBED TO THE A. M. A. WORKERS IN THE SOUTH.)
A few days’ work In His garden, The dear Lord gave me to do; And I went to my task so gladly, I thought ’twould be something new— Some dainty task ’mong the flowers, That would show my skill and taste. Alas! I sat down in sorrow, To weep at the woeful waste. For He sent me to a corner. Where never a flower could bloom; A tangled thicket of tall, rank weeds, As damp and dark as a tomb. But I said, “The dear Lord sent me.” So in tears the task begun, Clearing the weeds and rubbish away, From morning till set of sun. Far away I heard the voices Of fellow-servants so gay. As they worked in bands together, While I wrought alone all day, Tearing my hands with the thistles, With heart so heavy and sad, And never a flower to cheer me, Or a song to make me glad. But slowly the task grew lighter, As I cleared the rubbish away, And the soft brown earth lay open To the light and warmth of day. The Master came down at nightfall, And gave me a smile so sweet, I knew He was pleased with the service, Though so rough and incomplete. For He said, “Dear heart, be patient! I bring you some seeds to sow In the soft soil, and you may watch To see that they thrive and grow.” So my heart grew light and gladsome, For the corner dark and wild. Where I’d wrought in tears and sadness, In growing loveliness smiled. I watched and tended my corner, I gave it most faithful care, Pruning, training the tender plants Till they bloomed with fragrance rare. The Master came to His garden Again, at set of the sun, And I ran with joy to meet Him, For He said, “Dear child, well done! “For this dark, benighted corner Was a grievous sight to see. What you have wrought in toil and pain Was a blessed work for me.” Forgotten was all the sorrow, Forgotten the lonely hours, As I stood beside the Master Who smiled upon the flowers.
Sept. 25th, 1883.