Miss Beale herself had learned much since 1856. As time went on she felt less inclined to seek remedies for evil than to prevent its beginning; she looked more to causes than to resulting facts. When in 1885 Mrs. William Grey made an appeal for help in organising some definite movement among the mothers of England against the sins which create the necessity for rescue, Miss Beale responded warmly, urging her to come forward herself to lead it.
‘Ladies’ College, Cheltenham, August 5, 1885.
‘Dear Mrs. Grey,—Your beautiful letter was sent me by an old pupil, who with her husband, Mr. Mitchell, is one of the most earnest workers in the cause. The labours they have gone through patiently and quietly for years are immense.
‘Well: it seems to me that we ought to have a Union, as large as the one you established, and which did such wonderful work before; but this time for—shall I say shepherding those who have no proper protectors, and my thoughts turn to you to lead in this also. (1) Because I am sure that the work you have done has alone made it possible to hope that we may roll back this flood of corruption instead of being submerged by it; the improvement in education has shown what women can do, and won for the time a respect from men, which they had not before. These large schools have taught them to work together organically, and the solid studies have strengthened them in every way. (2) Because you have such faith—I remember how strong it was when mine failed. (3) Because you would be able to unite people of various creeds and classes and ranks in this great national work—people would trust your delicacy and your judgment, and you would emphasise the patriotic grounds. I never forget your speech at Bristol, and your words about our “dear, dear country.” You can both stir the heart, and guide the judgment. I think that perhaps God has restored your health that you may lead once more.
‘Dim visions float before my mind of an Union of Women which should embrace and work with the existing organisations, such as the Girls’ Friendly, the Metropolitan Association, and the Christian Young Women,—which should welcome help from all; for what are sectarian distinctions in the presence of such evils? “Let every one that nameth the name of Christ” join—and those too who, not naming His name, live according to His life....
‘Women band themselves together to go out to nurse in the armies—once that was thought impossible.... Perhaps I am talking of what is impracticable. It is hard to keep calm enough to see clearly, when such visions hover before one. It is so important to keep calm, that one may neither be paralysed, nor make fantastic strokes instead of striking truly; and therefore I want you to think and guide.
‘I am sure we teachers must not let ourselves be diverted from our proper work, of inspiring and setting others to work—indirectly, not directly, can we act. I often have to stop earnest teachers, who would break themselves down, and say—“If you want a thing done, don’t do it yourself.” But we do need more and more not to think of the mere giving of knowledge, but of lifting through education the girls’ characters; giving them proper ideas of marriage and what it ought to be: we should abolish all the frivolities of the marriage ceremonial. Would we had more weddings like that I attended yesterday of one of our teachers. I had never before been present at one which had really satisfied me, and there were crowds of poor people belonging to the “unwashed” amongst whom she had laboured, who behaved as fashionable congregations do not, and who must have gone away with a deeper sense of the meaning of a true marriage. We need, I think, a marriage reform association as much as a funeral reform. I am afraid my letter is a little incoherent. I am in bed with headache, after a somewhat exhausting week. We have had a teachers’ meeting again this year, beginning with some Quiet Days, and addresses to teachers by Canon Mason, whom the Archbishop of Canterbury kindly asked. I think we all thoroughly enjoyed these and our after meetings, and our country excursions and social gatherings.
‘Miss Helen Gladstone was with us, and Ramabai, with teachers from all parts.
‘Give my love to dear Miss Shireff. I don’t know what she will say to my urging work on you.’