In this work the instruments placed in our hands by the Father and the Master, are of no uncertain edge; and sharpened by the Holy Spirit, there is no fear of their operation being inefficient, for God himself works not only in us, and by us, but more gracious still, He works with us,*—while the holy angels are our helpers and fellow-servants.† Confidently, then, let us take courage and be strong in the Lord. Joyfully let us plant in all soils and sow beside all waters. Let us scatter truths, which, like the seeds of the bread-fruit tree, may take root and flourish, after being long tossed on the stormy waters. Before concluding this chapter, we must allude to a subject prominently brought forward in the fascinating periodical literature of the day. We mean the injudicious, ill-timed, and ostentatious performance of the duties belonging to "special work,” by the class often satirically characterized as “good ladies." The sketches of character to which we refer‡ -though broadly caricatured-contain much painful and useful truth. Extensively read, however, by those only whose prejudices need no such stimulantwhose perceptions of the existing evil are more vivid than of the attempted good,-and unread by those to whom they might speak a word of warning, they are more likely to prove injurious than beneficial. That the evil rebuked and satirized is a real and Rev. xxii. 9. *Mark xvi. 20. Bleak House, by Charles Dickens, Esq. extensive one, is, nevertheless, abundantly evident. Twofold in its aspect, it is not only hurtful to those immediately affected by it, but the eddying circles reach many who are thus led to look sceptically upon the real good, and to conclude that active outward work is incompatible with the domestic calling. It is certain that this special activity ceases to be the appointed work for any, where it necessarily interferes with home duties. The exciting and conspicuous doings of the committee-room-the missionary collectorship-the secretary's desk-the abolitionist's appeal the prison visitation, cannot be considered the vocation of those who have husbands requiring in vain their sympathy and companionship at home— who have neglected children to be taught and attracted to religion-whose servants are sick, or idle, or unruly-whose next-door dwellers stand in need of unostentatious but efficient aid. The falseness of this position for a Christian worker, is frequently aggravated by an almost unconscious mixture of selfishness and parade the silver is tarnished with dross-the wine mixed with water. Not only is the domestic routine neglected, but the important principle contained in the command-"Let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth," is forgotten and disobeyed. Religious newsmongers and philanthropic gossips, are made acquainted with the doings both of the right hand and the left; while the oneness of aim, the holiness, dignity, and symmetry of God's service, are marred by injudicious and partial performance, and debased by self-exaltation. While deploring the evil, however, let us not mistake the true remedy. While doing the one set of duties, let not the other be left undone. There is no reason why wives and mothers should be debarred from "the special work" for which they may have a peculiar talent. Only, let their primary duties be performed in their due order; let them seek a double portion of grace, that they may be gifted with single hearts, steadfast hands, and wise heads. Let them make it more clearly evident that they are united to that "Green Fir Tree," that Living Vine-whose branches shall never drop their blossoms, nor shed their fruit at untimely seasons. Let the activity that is for Christ be from Christ, and it will never be undue and misplaced; let them deny themselves in making time-snatching it from their indolence and their amusements; let them deny themselves, by retiring as much as is possible from the applause and the excitement frequently attendant upon their good works; but, above all, let them deny themselves in these very works, so as cheerfully to give up the missionary meeting-the school superintendence-the prison or district rounds, when there is a prior claim to humbler work at home. Let not the stigma be cast upon the religious profession, of working everywhere save in its own sphere, but let it be shewn to the world, that both may be accomplished by those who, weak and foolish and sinful in themselves, receive strength and wisdom and righteousness from Him in whom dwelleth all fulness; that, like the work of the apostles, which began, but tarried not at Jerusalem, the work begun at home may spread itself well and wisely in ever-widening circles. XII. PRAYING WORK. "Thus saith the Lord, the Holy One of Israel, and his Maker, Ask me of things to come concerning my sons; and concerning the work of my hands command ye me."-Is. xlv. 11. "If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you."-JOHN XV. 7. "Lord, what a change within us one short hour That we are ever over-borne with care, That we should ever weak or heartless be, And joy, and strength, and courage are with Thee?" TRENCH. PRAYER is the life of all work. Without prayer, work would be as useless as the suit of armour without the living man within it,—or as the richly-carved casket from whence the gems had been stolen,—or as the scabbard apart from the sharpened steel. Without prayer, every-day work" would be but a dull round of uncongenial tasks. Without prayer, "social work" would degenerate into worldliness on the one |