Many friends, both in Europe and America, have given invaluable aid, for which words of thanks are an inadequate recognition.
The excellent Index at the close of the volume was kindly prepared by the Rev. J. C. Thomas.
Acknowledgments are also due to Mr. Gillett, Librarian of the Union Theological Seminary, and to Mr. C. H. A. Bjerregaard, of the Astor Library, for putting not only the facilities of the library, but their personal assistance, at the service of the writer.
Jane M. Bancroft.
New York city, June 5, 1889.
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER I.
THE DIACONATE.
Compassion a Christian virtue—Brotherhood of all men in Christ—Foreign Missions—Home Missions—Service of ministering compassion gives rise to the diaconate—Diaconate of women—Its qualities—Field of labor [Page 9]