Grace Darling | Page 4

of Prison
Discipline" was instituted, and she worked in connection with it. She
established a school inside of the prison walls--found work for the idle
hands of the women, and succeeded in forming a Committee of Ladies
who were willing to help in the reformation of the female prisoners. It
soon became evident that the labour was not in vain. A marked
difference in the habits of the women was apparent. Instead of the riot
and filth which were the accompaniments of idleness, order, neatness,
and decency, were maintained. Nor did she rest when Newgate had
shown some improvement. Her thoughts were turned to the condition
of the poor wretches who had been sentenced to transportation. The
foreign prisons were in even a worse condition than our own, and she
took several Continental journeys in order to gain knowledge, and
enlist the sympathy and help of Christian people of all nations for the
prisoners.
But although this work was that with regard to which she was most
deeply solicitous, it was not the only one which occupied her thoughts.
The Abolition of Slavery was a task which was laid upon her heart, and
she rendered the cause good service. She spent much time and money
also in the distribution of Bibles and religious tracts. She provided the
ships of the Royal Navy, and those of the Coast Guard, with religious
and instructive literature, having obtained permission from Government
to do so. And she did not limit her good deeds to such things as these,
which necessarily were well known. She worked silently, too; and
many an act of mercy gladly rendered to the poor and destitute, the sick
and helpless, had no witness but the God who seeth in secret, and
rewardeth openly.
This good friend added to her other engagements that of the preacher;
and never, perhaps, has a woman's voice spoken more effectively than
did the voice of this worthy woman, who preached the gospel both by
lips and life, not only in her own, but also in Continental cities. It was,
indeed, a great loss to this world, where noble men and women are so

much wanted, when Elizabeth Fry died. But He who watches all life
and action, has said, "He that is faithful in that which is least, is faithful
also in much," and He calls the steadfast servant to higher service.
In the year 1845, she died at Ramsgate, in the sixty-fifth year of her age.
A nation mourned for her, and as the most fitting testimony to the
esteem in which she was held, a building was erected, which was called
the "Elizabeth Fry Refuge," and which was to supply home and relief to
discharged female prisoners. Was Elizabeth Fry an unwomanly woman?
Certainly not. But she did exceptional work, because she saw that it
needed doing; and God blessed and prospered her in it. Of her also it
may surely be said, "She hath done what she could."
Even in our own day, there are multitudes of good women who are
slipping a little out of the beaten track. Are not the names of Miss
Faithful, Miss Leigh, Miss Macpherson, Miss Marsh, and Miss Rye,
"familiar in our mouths as household words." Are there not speakers
and preachers, scientific women and teachers, who have been
thoroughly successful in the work they have undertaken, though it has
not been that which has usually fallen to the lot of women?
At the time of writing these words, the largest congregation in London
is mourning the loss of a woman who, Sunday by Sunday, gathered
together eight hundred members of a Young Woman's Bible Class, to
listen while she spoke to them of things pertaining to their present and
eternal welfare. And who is there but would earnestly wish such
women God-speed? Their work may be a little different from some of
that of their sisters, but it is good work all the same. And as such it
ought to be done. Why should not the labourers be allowed to proceed
with their tasks without opposition and hindrance from those who look
on? It cannot be denied that much of this work never would be
performed if the women did not do it. Are they not right to step into
vacant places, and stretch out their hands to help, when help is needed?
Whether they are right or not, they certainly do not escape censure.
People are ready enough to applaud a really heroic action, but if the
deed be as good in itself, yet have no romance about it, the tongues of
the critics are apt to say sharp things. Many women, simply because

they are not courageous enough to brave the adverse opinions of those
by whom they are surrounded, lose golden opportunities of
distinguishing