God, the same is My brother, and My sister, and My
mother." Before Christ came into the world the condition of women was
most miserable. They were degraded, despised, treated as slaves, and
beasts of burden, as they are in heathen lands to this day. Since
Christ came every good woman is loved, honoured, and respected. Jesus
Christ set us the example. It was on a woman's breast that the Son of
God found earthly refuge. It was to a woman who had been probably a
great sinner, and out of whom He had cast seven devils, that Jesus gave
the first news of His Resurrection. He told Mary Magdalene to announce
the Gospel of the risen Jesus to His disciples. This, my sisters, is
the true work of every Christian woman, to teach those around you, the
children, the household, the busy men, the Gospel of the higher life,
the Gospel of the Resurrection. And this is not to be done with the
preacher's voice from the pulpit, but with the still, small voice of
love and gentleness, and sweet temper, and purity; by that most
powerful of all sermons--a good example.

Next, I want you to remember the wonderful power which God has given
you, and which you can use either for good or evil. God has, in one
way, made men stronger than women. But every woman has influence, the
power of leading others right or wrong. Do you know that from the time
of Eve women have mainly made the history of the world? Men may have
done the deeds, but women have led the men. "The hope of France is in
our mothers," said a famous French Bishop, and every good man owes the
best part of himself to his earliest and best teacher and guide--his
mother. The origin of most sins also can be traced to the influence of
a bad woman. Samson, the giant, becomes the blinded, helpless slave,
by trusting to false Delilah. Ahab loses honour and life by making
Jezebel his counsellor. Mark Antony, the conqueror, sits helpless at
the feet of Cleopatra. Never forget the power of leading others which
you have as mothers, wives, or sisters, and take good heed that you
lead them in the right way.

Secondly, let me give you a few homely words of advice about the
special temptations and dangers which surround you, and the best means
of helping each other to resist them. Many of you passed from home
life into domestic service, where you have very frequently to stand
alone, without the help of parent or teacher. Every position in life
has its special trials and temptations.