There is one other subject to which I wish to refer, before laying aside my pen. An objection has sometimes been raised to the establishment of Mothers’ Societies, on the ground that it is wrong to offer these poor women any inducement to leave their homes; that accident may arise from their absence; that the husband may be dissatisfied, and so forth. A lady once reminded a working-man of these objections; he roughly replied, “What’s the use of a woman being always at home, if she can’t do nothing—no good, when she is there? Now she does pick up something at the meeting, and we are all a sight better off the rest of the week for her going there a bit.” Another lady, visiting at one of their houses, asked the husband how he liked having to remain at home, and take care of the children, while his wife was at the meeting. His reply was, “I should think, ma’am, that was little enough for me to do for all the good my wife gets there. She is always bringing home bits of clothes for some of us that she makes there, besides lots of things to talk about.”
It must be evident to all, that it is not possible for any mother to spend every hour of her life at home. When, unfortunately, she is obliged to assist in the maintenance of the family, many hours of absence have to be provided for; and it is not more difficult to arrange for her absence at the Mothers’ Meeting than anywhere else. Children, from the age of one to seven, are generally in bed before seven o’clock; older children are not so likely to get into mischief; and the baby, if necessary, can be brought with the mother.
It is not desirable, however, that any president should require regularity of attendance. The illness of their husbands or children, and many other things that may arise, ought, of course, to keep the mothers at home. When they have come to me to apologise for their absence, as they frequently do, I have generally to say, “I should indeed have been sorry to have seen you here under such circumstances.”
There is surely some want of sympathy in the hearts of those who continue to urge this objection. A lady once not only declined subscribing to the society on this plea; but said also, it was all owing to the “miserable mothers that the servants of the present day were so bad; and she would not have anything to do with such a set.”
Those who can dismiss their children, at pleasure, to the nursery or the school-room, are apt to forget the sufferings of others differently situated, whose lives are worn down by one constant and unmitigated pressure. I have thought that one principal reason why the poor mother often fails so much in her duties is, that there are no pauses in her work. The physical suffering and the weariness of spirit induced by this constant toil have much to do with that fretfulness of temper which often makes the homes of poor children wretched indeed. A cord strained too tightly, and too long, will snap at a touch that would otherwise have produced the sweetest music. The words of sympathy which meet the ear at these meetings refresh the wounded spirit. The thought is suggested, that, painful and irksome as the work may often be, it is of God’s appointment; and that to do it for Him, and with a view to His glory, at once ennobles and sanctifies it.
A poor woman, whose heart had been renewed by Divine grace, once said to me, “I used to think I was the poorest, miserablest thing in the world, always slaving about after children; but now God has shewed me my work so different, that I wouldn’t change with the parson.”
The following letter, which I received from one of our poor mothers, will prove the truth of these observations better than anything I can add:—
“Potteries, January 7, 1856.
“Dear Christian Friend,—
“It was very much my wish to have spoken a few words on Thursday evening, but was unable to do so; therefore, to pacify my conscience, I write to you, stating a few of the advantages I have received since I became a member of your society.
“1st. That of sympathy. If I have been in trouble and difficulty, you have ever lent a willing ear to my tale of sorrow, and led me to cast my care on Him who has promised to care for me.
“2d. That of training my children in the best way. Being obliged to work very hard for them, I have found little time to spare for teaching them; but being reminded by you so often that a mother’s voice, a mother’s look, a mother’s actions, are all noticed by children, I must say it has often influenced me to bear with patience much that I should not have done, and offer a silent prayer for their welfare; and been more happy myself in thus acting.
“3d. We enjoy rest. Often with hurried step we hasten there, and the first sound that salutes our ear is the calm voice of prayer, which seems at once to hush the mind to peace, and carry our sorrows to a throne of grace, where we find relief and comfort.
“Again, there are the texts of Scripture, which often prove a word in season. Sometimes we have been very tired, by reason of the way; difficulties have beset our path, and every hour of the day has been full of care; and perhaps we hear those kind words—‘Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.’ ‘Cast thy burden on the Lord, and he will sustain thee.’ ‘Call upon me in the day of trouble, and I will deliver thee.’ We thus leave the place of meeting relieved from much that would distress us. I have thus written a few of the advantages derived from attending the Mothers’ Meeting.
“Praying that a blessing may rest on you; and hoping you will never grow weary in this work of faith and labour of love,
“Believe me to remain,
Yours most respectfully,
—”
In drawing this narrative of facts to a close, I would make one or two concluding remarks:—
Dr. Chalmers used to say that most of us think too much of our abilities, and too little of our influence. The force of example is always great, even though the exemplar be a fool. A man of the narrowest intellect will accomplish more by personal conduct than the large-brained man will effect by mere verbal precept. It is true not only that