SUGGESTIONS FOR THE WOMAN'S GOSPEL WORK
By Mrs. Geo. A. Irwin
Many are inquiring how to do Woman’s Gospel Work, and asking us to send plans for organization. We wish to say that, so far, we have had no distinct organization, and have made no special effort to multiply meetings. We have no plans, save those formed by the Saviour himself, to do good to all mankind. We have endeavored so far, in our Woman’s page and in our correspondence, to help the sisters to work in such a way that they may not arouse prejudice, but break down any that may have existed. Before attempting work for the Master, we should be sure a work has been wrought in our own souls. Let us begin at home, and put our own house in order. Let us confess our sins to God and man, and put them away. Let us dress as the Lord would have us; live up to the laws of our being; be good, faithful, loving wives and sisters, and make our homes the dearest spot on earth to our families. It will take but a short time to do this, when once our hearts are fully surrendered to the Lord. Let each one of us say, “I have done it.” What is the object of our work?—It is to win souls to God. Now, how shall we proceed? Well, is there not a poor, tired, discouraged sister near you? Call upon her, and when the opportune time comes, tell her you remember when you were similarly situated, and how some good woman came and helped you, and that now you wish to help her. Or if a neighbor has no one to leave her baby with while she runs on an errand, or goes to church occasionally, tell her in the spirit of the Master, that you will care for the little one while she goes, or while she takes time to do her washing. Visit the sick. Do not call and merely ask how they are, but ask, in such a way that they will know that you mean it, if there is not something you can do to help. Be a good Samaritan. Help the poor. If possible, help them to help themselves. This is a much better way than to give things away to those who do nothing in return. Take a deep interest in the temperance work. Do all the personal work you can. If we can first win the hearts of the people, then the way will be open to tell them the truth, and to sell and give away our literature. This truth is illustrated by the experience of a sister who lives ten miles from any of our people, who started a cottage prayer-meeting with her neighbors. They are becoming much interested in the soon coming of Christ. She has sold a copy of “Christ’s Object Lessons” to every family that attended the meetings. These are only a few of the ways in which the Woman’s Gospel Work may be carried on. But this is an individual work, and God has a different plan for each of us. No two persons in all this world are exactly alike, and so no two can work in exactly the same way. Therefore, let us live so near to the Lord that we shall be able to understand the plan of work which He has arranged for us.