PREFACE. THE following pages were written, first of all, for the writer's own personal benefit, that she might better keep in remembrance the bright example of one, whose consistent and cheerful piety shed a hallowed influence on her home life. Afterwards they were printed for private circulation, and were dedicated to the Members of the SundaySchool Girls' Bible Classes in connection with the Mornington-Road Methodist Chapel, Southport, many of whom were domestic servants. As, however, the general publication of the Memoir has been frequently urged by those who expressed disappointment at not being able to obtain it, it is now sent forth, with some emendations, in the fervent hope, that Servants may be encouraged thereby to seek for themselves that grace, which can ennoble any life, and dignify any sphere of labour. SOUTHPORT, December, 1870. A FEW WORDS, BY WAY OF INTRODUCTION, TO DOMESTIC SERVANTS. HE simple record of a faithful life given in this little book, speaks, first of all, to Christian Servants. But surely it has its message also to those who can lay no claim to the title of Christian. Will it not help such to measure how far they are from what they ought to be, from what they might be? And will they not, as they read, draw a contrast between the true dignity of Christian Service, and the degradation of a life lived anywhere in the service of sin? To Christian Servants, then, chiefly, are these introductory remarks addressed. And surely there is a special interest and peculiar fitness in this title-in this union of the Christian with the Servant; for, without doubt, a life of service gives most favourable opportunities for living according to the religion of Him, who "came, not to be ministered unto, but to minister." Have you looked at the whole of your own rich portion in the Holy Scriptures? You have seen, then, that some of the strongest, and, at the same time, the most encouraging, apostolic admonitions as to Christian fidelity are addressed to Servants. It is Servants, who, being exhorted to do their duty "as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart," are reminded, "that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free:" (Ephesians vi. 6, 8:) and again, "that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance for ye serve the Lord Christ." (Col. iii. 24.) It is Servants, who are warned so to acquit themselves, "that the name of God and His doctrine be not blasphemed." (1 Tim. vi. 1.) Many : |