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SERVANT-GIRLISM

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Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Nov 26, 1901

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 78, No. 48.

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SERVANT-GIRLISM

By Wm. P. Pearce

From a Religious Standpoint.

WM. P. PEARCE.
AMONG the important, perplexing problems which confront household queens is that of “servant-girlism.” It has raised “a great cry in Egypt.” Theories have been advanced, advices given, treatises written, and though—
“The affair cries, haste And speed must answer it.”
yet unanswered and unchanged it still remains.
Unlike Continental conditions where caste has full sway and domestic service a premium, the madams of American homes find independence arrayed against real or imaginary exactions. The blame is not one-sided. The servant has conceived the idea that her position is degrading, while the madam and her young ladies believe her mission is to serve. Both are wrong.
The domestic department is as honorable as it is necessary. The apron and dusting cap are ensigns which speak of a laudable position and industry which as—
“Surely brings Reward of good, no matter what be done,”
as the crown which decks the brow of England’s queen, or the apron which distinguishes Persia’s royal standard.
Honor to the royal roasters and caterers. Blessings on the heads of those who make music out of a frying pan to the accompaniment of a gridiron. Success to the indispensable enemies of cobwebs and dirt, who have the ability to keep the house neat and their tempers sweet. Let not useless burdens be placed upon them, or their liberties unnecessarily circumscribed, or their position minimized. They are household indispensables, who emit sunshine in proportion as the madams smile upon them.
How to solve the problem in retaining servant girls, is a question frequently asked. Inasmuch as my work deals with the pen instead of the frying pan, books rather than brooms, I confess I do not know. Mrs. Eliza Stuart Phelps Ward thinks she has solved it by inducing a class of persons to enter it who had previously considered it degrading; and Inez Goodman has shown in her “Ten Weeks in a Kitchen” that mistresses could easily solve it, if they would hire out for that limit of time, as she did, without the application of the golden rule.
From a religious standpoint this problem may be solved. The story runs that a chaplain in the army, passing over the field, saw a wounded soldier lying on the ground. “Would you like me to read the Bible?” The wounded soldier said, “I’m so thirsty, I would rather have a drink of water.” As quickly as possible the chaplain brought it. The man said: “Could you lift my head and put something under it?” The chaplain removed his light overcoat, and tenderly lifting the soldier, put it as a pillow for the tired head. “Now,” said the man, “if I only had something over me; I’m so cold!” There was only one thing the chaplain could do, take off his coat and cover the man. This he did. The soldier looked into his face and said: “For God’s sake, if there is anything in that book which makes a man do what you have done, let me hear it.”
It is to this Book, which suits every person’s condition and every exigence in life, I turn for information in the solution of this problem.
Servants must not be too independent and imperative in their demands. They must not expect to “run things” to their liking, nor should they take advantage of any favors shown, but should be obedient, honest, and respectful to their superiors, as if such were to Christ himself. “Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters” (Eph. 6:5); “not purloining, but showing all good fidelity” (Titus 2:10); “not with eyeservice, . . . but . . . with good will doing service, as to the Lord.” Eph. 6:6.
With such a spirit as this, every household task would be easy, service would be adorned by love’s coronet, and “servant-girlism” would be a term which would count for more than it does. In the beautiful lines of George Herbert—
“A servant with this cause, Makes drudgery divine; Who sweeps a room as for Thy sake Makes that and the action fine.”
Mistresses should not be too exacting and domineering. Time, health, comfort, and remuneration of the servant should be carefully considered. Denham thus expressed it all in a verse:—
“Expect not more from servants than is just; Reward them well, if they observe their trust, Nor with them cruelty or pride invade, Since God and nature them our kinsfolk made.”
Paul the apostle emphasized the reciprocal spirit. Madams should not expect a spirit in servant girls which they are not willing to show themselves. “And, ye mistresses, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening.” Eph. 6:9. “Give unto your servants that which is just and equal.” Col. 4:1. “Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt.” Col. 4:6. Kind words, smiles of appreciation, and a few favors are not given in vain. “Hearts are flowers; they remain open to the soft-falling dew, but shut up in the violent downpour of rain.”
Thus the problem confronts us. To reason is good, and she is “next to the gods whom reason and not passion impels.” To advise may be profitable, and she who accepts, whether serving or ruling, may be “superior to him who gives it.” She who loves the Master will consider the term “servant” as one of high honor, and with Him will be willing to serve; while she who rises in the consciousness of relation to God will stoop to make duty pleasant for that one who ministers to her.