The Power of Faith: Exemplified In The Life And Writings Of The Late Mrs. Isabella Graham.Graham, Isabella
Religion
The Power of Faith: Exemplified In The Life And Writings Of The Late Mrs. Isabella Graham.
Graham, Isabella
Christian biography; Graham, Isabella, 1742-1814
"Again, O Lord, let me request thy blessing on this institution;
put thy seal upon it, and mark it for thine own. Gird the teachers for
their work, and open the minds of the scholars to instruction. And O,
Lord, in thine own time, and by means of thine own devising, provide
spiritual instruction for teachers and taught. Is it thy pleasure,
Lord, that I attend the children on a day appointed for the purpose?
Wilt thou accept of me as an instrument by which thou wilt do good to
the souls of these children; and wilt thou keep me humble and contrite
in my own soul? Bless also Mrs. L----'s school; there too let thy work
appear; deal with her soul as 'thou dealest with thy chosen;' teach
her the way of salvation, and make her a teacher by thine own Spirit.
If it be my dear Master's pleasure to use me, I would also attend that
school as his instrument. 'Search me, O Lord, and know my heart; try
me, and know my thoughts; and see if there be any wicked way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.'"
Mrs. Graham's address to the young ladies, above alluded to, is
given as a specimen of the appropriateness of her addresses on similar
occasions, and as an incentive to kindred exertions in every condition
of life.
"MY DEAR YOUNG LADIES--Every thing new becomes matter of
speculation and variety of opinion.
"An association of ladies for the relief of destitute widows and
orphans, was a new thing in this country. It was feeble in its origin,
the jest of most, the ridicule of many, and it met the opposition of
not a few. The men could not allow our sex the steadiness and
perseverance necessary to establish such an undertaking. But God put
_his_ seal upon it; and under his fostering care it has prospered
beyond the most sanguine expectations of its propagators. Its fame is
spread over the United States, and celebrated in foreign countries. It
has been a precedent to many cities, who have followed the laudable
example. This fame is not more brilliant than just. The hungry are
fed, the naked are clothed, shelter is provided for the outcasts,
medicine and cordials for the sick, and the soothing voice of sympathy
cheers the disconsolate. Who are the authors of all these blessings?
Your mothers, ladies, the benevolent members of this so justly famed
Society. But who are these children that idly ramble through the
streets, a prey to growing depravity and vicious example? hark, they
_quarrel_, they _swear_, and such no doubt will _lie_ and _steal_. And
that group of dear little creatures, running about in the most
imminent danger, apparently without protection, are they under the
care of this so justly famed society? They are; they are fed, they are
clothed, their mother's fireside is made warm for them; but no culture
is provided for their minds, nor protection from baneful example.
These will in time follow that of the older ones, and grow up the
slaves of idleness and vice, the certain road to ruin.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account