hundred and forty-five girls under
its charge the past year. Most of these were Italians, but different
foreign residents also availed themselves of the opportunity to send
their children to an excellent Protestant school. There is also a
mission at Rome maintained by deaconesses during the winter months.

The large majority of the undertakings outside of Kaiserswerth were
initiated personally by Fliedner. When we recall the complex demands of
the home field in Germany we marvel at the versatile executive ability
of this man, who started life as the humble pastor of an obscure village
church. But he loved work. He possessed "iron industry." He was ever
hopeful, courageous, and indefatigable. Above all, he trusted completely
in the leadings of Divine Providence, and constantly went forward with
sure confidence. Then he was a true leader. He knew men. He put the
right person in the right place, gave him full liberty of action, and
held him to a strict responsibility for results. So, while Fliedner
remained the soul of the great institution, he knew how to make himself
spared, which was not the least of his qualifications for his calling.

[30] _Der Diakonissenberuf_, Emil Wacker, Guetersloh, 1888, p. 116.
[31] _Life of Pastor Fliedner_, translated by C. Winckworth, London,
1867.
[32] _Ein und fuenfzigster Jahres-Bericht_, p. 30.
[33] _Achtzehnter Bericht ueber die Diakonissen Stationen im
Morgenlande_, 1888.
[34] _Vierzehnten Bericht ueber die Diakonissen Stationen am Libanon._
[35] _Der Rheinisch Westfaelische Diakonissen Verein_, p. 64,
J. Disselhoff.

CHAPTER VI.

THE REGULATIONS AT KAISERSWERTH, AND THE
DUTIES AND SERVICES OF THE DEACONESSES.

The regulations in daily use at Kaiserswerth are based on those that
Fliedner drew up in the early days of the institution. They have been
adopted with few alterations by the larger number of deaconess
institutions that have since arisen, so that to understand the spirit
and usages prevailing in them it is well to give these rules some study.
They are contained in a book numbering one hundred and seven pages,[36]
treating with great minuteness every question that affects the daily
lives of the deaconesses. The qualities that the office demands are
first dwelt upon as they are described in Acts vi, 3, and 1 Tim. iii, 8,
9. The sisters are reminded that their life is one of service; that they
serve the Lord Jesus; that they serve