‘I have been asked to speak to you a few words to-day, and I have consented on condition that I should not advocate a cause. It is sometimes said, “Will you not collect money or bring forward such an institution?” and I say “No! my duty is to give principles, and to leave the definite application.” And if the carrying out of the principles deprives of helpers myself and the work that is nearest to my heart I am content, and so I am sure the Bishop is.’ She continued, ‘I admit there is sometimes a call to go abroad for those who want to serve Christ, and lack resolution to be cut off from home ties. We cannot so easily forget we are soldiers if we go out to an enemy’s country. We read in history of brave people who failed in war because when they had won a battle they could not be kept together; but disappeared into their own homes, and had to be got together again on the next emergency. So, I think some who feel themselves weak do well to join some army bound for foreign parts. They can’t run away on the first repulse, or give up when tired;—and the raw recruit comes back a veteran from his foreign campaign, able to lead the volunteers who have to be trained at home. Not only does a foreign campaign help us to break the bondage of self-indulgent habits, but it unites us too. There is nothing like going away from home and facing a common foe to unite us to those from whom we were severed. A neighbour whom we scarcely knew in Cheltenham is a friend at once in China or Africa. In the presence of unbelief Christians who are separated feel their differences in minor matters, matters of taste and feelings rather than of principle, to be insignificant;—and unite in the great battle against sin. Whilst, on the other hand, they feel the immense power, the great need of faith, living and real, to sustain them when the props of Society, of Church Services, of sympathetic friends are taken away;—they have to dig down to the rock.... In any case the battle must not begin without training and discipline. Useless women, because undisciplined in thought, in will, in action, what havoc they make! Having a name to live, yet dead;—these bring in confusion. Those who have not learned obedience, those who want credit for themselves, or excitement, never help to win victory.’