little noticed or discussed in the publications which come within your reach.
I have hoped and desired by these few words to supply this want, and to tell you at least of a profession which has hitherto been far too little thought of.
Amidst much that is disheartening, and with, I sometimes fear, an increasing spirit of worldliness and folly in the young, showing itself chiefly in the love of dress and amusement, I would fain hope that there is also a growing sense of religion and a deeper earnestness awakening in the consciences and hearts of many. A conviction of the shortness and emptiness of this life and all its brightest visions may, perhaps, have already penetrated the minds of some of you, calling you to serve God while it is yet day. Oh! do not stifle that feeling of responsibility, but listen to it and obey it, and thank God if He has led you to seek an honest and most useful calling, in which you can honour your Lord and Saviour, and most effectually benefit your fellow-creatures.
I know that there are young women to spare by hundreds in the occupation of needlework, and I am sure that I am doing no injury to that calling by inviting some of you to leave it for another, which greatly needs labourers. If you determine to try it, may you find it a safe and happy occupation, bringing to you peace and satisfaction in this life, and bearing with it the promise of the life to come.
