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 RELIGION 280 their own support. Trained sisters receive allowances necessary for their requirements. The time-table at Bowron House shows how carefully the studies a,re planned and arranged. The training comprises biblical and theological teaching, a course of medical instruction, general reading, and practical Christian work. Two afternoons a week are devoted by those in training to district mission work and evangelistic work. The students study the Bibl s Christian doctrine, and the preparation of addresses under three tutors, and also have a course in elocution. They are required to pass the St. John's Ambulance examination in first aid to the wounded and in nursing. The sisters attend Dr. Campbell Morgan's Bible school lectures, and receive very special inspiration in their work from the series of conversations on Methodist history or some kindred topic bj^ the lady superintendent. Th' Work Done by the Sisters At the close of their training the sisters are set apart for their work, and are expected to accept any post of duty to which they may be appointed. They retain their con- nection with the institute, and all future changes are under the control of the com- mittee. The sisters only serve the churches connected with the United Methodist Church. Their work is divided into two main branches — visiting and general church work, which is done by the sisters when stationed at a church for a considerable time ; and special mission work, which is done by deaconess evangelists, who itinerate during the winter. The yearly reports show the abundant activities of the deaconesses in district visiting, work amongst children, the organisation of classes for youths and girls, mothers' gatherings, temperance work, and Gospel meetings. It is a special feature of the institute that it recognises the fitness of women for the pulpit. To-day, when women on all sides are becoming prominent as public speakers and no audience seems too large for a woman to address, it is fitting that some should use their gifts in the Christian ministry. The institute has sent forth many talented women able to preach the Gospel with fervour and power. A remarkable tribute to their power was given at a recent ordination service at Sheffield, when three young ministers re- ceived into connection with the United Methodist Church publicly stated that they had been led to religious decision through the evangelistic services of the deaconesses. Many beautiful tributes have been paid to the gentle and helpful work of the sisters in the homes of the people. But gratitude some- times takes an unexpected form of expression. One woman in a district set herself against the visits of the sister. " She hated Metho- dists," and neither she nor her husband believed in religion. However, her little boy was taken ill, and the visits of the sister became more welcome. The husband came in during her vi.sit one day, and said that he and his wife would like to make her a little present ; and, after a thoughtful pause, he somewhat startled the sister by asking if she would accept a razor if he made one specially for her. It appeared that the man was a razor-maker by trade. The sister knew how to value the kind thought at the back of the incongruous present, and received the razor with a proper show of appreciation. The names of the deaconesses who have passed through Bowron House have become household words in many poor districts of our towns and cities. I may specially mention the name of Sister Sarah, who did such splendid work in Bury, Lancashire. A gentleman of the district was so much im- pressed by her unselfish deeds that in memory of her noble life he left the sum of Once a year, in May, the sisters gather from all points of the compass at Bowron House, and have a delightful re-union with each other and with their well-loved superintendent. LETTLE SISTERS ©F THE ASSUMPTION The Foundation of the Order— Its Aims— The Organisation of and Work Done by the Sisterhood How They Visit the Poor-The Rule Forbidding Them from Accepting Payment or Presents "The Order of the Little Sisters of the Assumption was founded in Paris in 1864 by the Rev. Father Etienne Pernet, of the Augustinian Fathers of the Assumption. Father Pemet's work as a priest brought him into close contact with the lives of the working classes. He was particularly struck with the desolation and distress which fell on the poor home when the member who was responsible for the housekeeping fell ill. Neither alms nor charitable institutions reached the misery. He felt that its alleviation must be the work of kindly sympathetic women, and of women alone. Hence the germ of the idea of the Nursing Sisters of the Poor. A tentative experiment was made with a couple of nurses, but the real work did not really develop until after Father Pernet met a Mademoiselle Page, a woman of great
 * ^2oo for the good of the poor of the town.