THE WOMAN'S WORK IN INDIA.
By Mrs. C. C. Lewis
Owing to an extra amount of other writing, a report of what was done at some of the camp-meetings toward carrying the gospel to the women of India has not before been prepared. Because our beloved Sister Henry was laid away, shall we who are left quietly sit down and fold our arms in idleness, or shall we honor her memory by taking hold of the work for others in an energetic manner? At the Kansas camp-meeting the foreign missionary work was talked of a great deal. It was suggested that the women of the Southwestern Union Conference take it upon themselves to support a zenāna mission worker in India. After talking with the foreign mission secretary and other leading brethren, a meeting of the women was called, and the matter was laid before them. Every one expressed her approval of the plan, not only in words, but also in a material way. Although the meeting was small, thirty-five dollars was pledged, and partly paid. Before the meeting closed, the amount was raised to about forty dollars. At the Texas camp-meeting the same subject was presented to our sisters. Slips were passed through the audience, and when they were collected and counted, the result was very encouraging. The amount pledged was about eighty dollars. This is to be “a freewill offering,” from loving hearts, who are themselves rejoicing in the possession of Christian homes and the light of a soon-coming Saviour. The zenana work in India corresponds to our Bible work in America. One of the best Bible workers of Kansas has offered herself for this work, and is expecting to sail sometime this fall. Will not our sisters in other Conferences join us in the work? It is all very simple. There is no organization or officers needed. We have hoped that there might be no red tape, but that those interested would simply take hold and do something. We do not want to blow a trumpet, but in a quiet way seek the Lord for a new consecration, and for a knowledge of His will concerning us as individuals. Just now the Lord is calling upon us to sacrifice and deny ourselves, and so be able to put more into His suffering cause. May this not be a channel into which we may put some of our offerings? All that we are as Christian wives and mothers, do we not owe to the light of the gospel? The gospel of Jesus Christ has always elevated the standard of womanhood. Shall not we, who enjoy that freedom which only the gospel can give, do all we can to liberate those who sit in heathen darkness? It seems that there ought to be an earnest, godly woman in each Conference who will lead out, so to speak; who will write short articles for the State paper, and in every proper way encourage and inspire the women to sacrifice for this fund. The children, too, will be glad to have a part in this work. We do not need any officers. The offerings may be paid to the church librarian, who will send them to the Conference Secretary, and he to the Mission Board at Battle Creek.