[from Brave Manx Women]

CONCLUSION.

"The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord."

AS this little volume is addressed to the Manx branches of the Young Women's Christian Association, it will be interesting to those connected with the society, and other kind friends, to know how it originated in the Island, and some of its objects.

Last September (1879), a resident in Douglas had been visiting at the House of Industry when, just as she was emerging from the premises, she came face to face with a lady whom she had. never seen before. The stranger inquired of her if she was near Albert-terrace. Miss_ replied that Albert-terrace was in another direction: this only led to the House of Industry.

"What is the House of Industry?" was the next question. Miss_ explained that it was an excellent institution for the disabled and infirm poor of the town and neighbourhood.

The stranger evinced great interest in the information given her; and, from the tone of her remarks, Miss_ judged that she had perhaps encountered "an angel unawares." Accordingly, she offered to accompany her new acquaintance as far as St. Thomas's Church, and then point out to her the way to Albert-terrace, where, the strange lady said, she and her sister (having only arrived by the steamer the previous night) had taken lodgings for a few weeks.

A circumstance the same evening brought the ladies again together. Later on, the newly arrived visitors to the Island returned Miss _'s call upon them, and on this occasion they conversed with her upon the subject of the Y.W.C.A. The Misses C_ said that they were members of the Clifton branch of the society, and that they made a point of recommending it to the notice of those interested in benevolent objects whereever they went. They would like to see it in existence in every town and village. As it was, 1t had numerous branches at home and abroad. Miss C_, further, begged of Miss_ to take up the work in Douglas, and become local secretary. Miss had previously heard from a friend that the proposal was about to be made to her; but she had in the meantime seriously considered the matter, and felt sure that for her to undertake, in addition to present and more binding duties, anything of so arduous and responsible a nature was not in accordance with the will of her Heaventy Father. Her new acquaintance, however, entreated of her that, even if she did not become secretary, she would find a substitute, representing to her at the same time that God had undoubtedly an especial purpose in bringing them together as He had done.

Miss_ had reflected upon this herself, and the expression of the same thought by Miss C_ made her fear to turn away altogether from assisting in apparently so good a cause.

There was, however, an objection, she thought, to its adoption in Douglas. The Misses C_ had spoken of weekly Bible classes in connection with the work; and Miss_ feared that, were she and other ladies to start these on their own account, it might be regarded as a very uncalled-for proceeding, there being apparently already no lack of religious instruction in connection with every church and chapel in the town.

Miss C_,in reply, said that undoubtedly there must be classes, as a means of uniting the members; but that the great object of the society was to bring young women of different denominations under the religious and moral influence of their own sex——the first, by means of a Prayer Union, spiritual instruction, and Christian sympathy; the latter, by that of good example and constant supervision; and, by means of a Temperance Union, Provident Department, Servants' Registry, and connection with homes for servants out of place, &c., to encourage and facilitate the social welfare of those desirous of profiting by these privileges.

Finally, the loving advocate for the cause of the Y.W. prevailed upon her listener to do at least her best to find some one to undertake the work of secretary.

The new recruit lost no time: that very day she set out upon her errand. Scarcely less zealous now than Miss C_ herself, she spent hours in calling at different houses, where, amongst her friends, she trusted she might light upon one or more who would respond to her appeal. In vain! Towards evening she was returning home, very tired, but still hopeful. Just opposite the Bank of Mona, God, who overrules all wisely and lovingly, caused her to meet Miss W[illson], a dear Christian lady of her acquaintance. Glad of the encounter, the anxious pedestrian mentioned what she had been about all afternoon ; and could Miss W. assist her in gaining her object ?

Miss W[illson] said she was very sorry that she could not be of any use herself, but that her sister, Miss E. W[illson], was very fond of writing, and secretaries had usually a great deal of that to do.

"Capital! Do enlist her for us,"? was the urgent request. "To-morrow morning I have promised to be at Miss C_'s lodgings. Will you ask your sister to meet me there ?"

Miss_ was not to be disappointed. Next morning, greatly to her delight, she espied from a distance Miss E. W_ pacing up and down in front of the appointed house for meeting in Albert-terrace.

At the gate, they enlisted another lady, and the three went in together.

God's blessmg was asked on the little meeting, and the result was most successful.

Miss E. W[illson]_ consented to become local secretary ; and never was there one more adapted to her work.

Thanks to her energy and persevering labour of love, we are now, it will not be too much to say, though only six months old, a flourishing little branch. New interests have been created in the lives of not a few, and a sweet realization experienced of the Psalmist's words, " How pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity."

At Ramsey, too, we understand, a branch has been started; and we trust that at Peel, there will also be another shortly. We must hope for the same as regards Castletown.

On the 9th of Apri[1880]l, we had our first social tea. There were over 200 present, the majority being members. We number about 145 to 150. A more interesting scene was rarely witnessed in Douglas. The Stanley Hall, where the meeting took place, attractive in itself, was additionally ornamented with appropriate texts on the walls, wreathed with leaves; and spring flowers, exquisitely arranged on the tables—from the modest primrose and violet, furnished by youthful hands, to the choice tea rose and arum lily—presented an appearance truly lovely; whilst, in a language all their own—tender and sweet— they spoke to the heart of Him "whose works are manifold," and with the glad reminder that "winter is past, the flowers appear on the earth, and the time of the singing of the birds is come."'

On each plate, also, a little bouquet, with an illuminated card and text, waited to be claimed and carried home by its owner, as a remembrance of the happy evening and a watchword from God's Book for daily thought and practice. Unpledged members wore blue and white favours, and those of the Temperance Union all white, with the temperance badge suspended from the centre.

More touching yet was the picture of glad and youthful faces, eager to please and be pleased.

After tea, one of the local clergy asked a blessing on the work and the workers of the association and all connected with it.

Next followed the hymn, by the juvenile members

"Work, for the night is coming ;
Work through the morning hours."

Another clergyman gave an address on female modesty.

Pianoforte music, songs, and two readings completed the programme. The subjects of the latter were "The Little Hero of Haarlem," by Mary E. Bradley; and "Shining," by Frances Ridley Havergal, that eminent saint of God, lately called to her rest, and who, a short time before her summons, was enrolled a member of the Swansea branch of the Y.W.C.A.

Pray, dear reader, that God's favour may ever accompany our efforts. The cause was His from the beginning. Pray, too, for even a fuller share of general sympathy to be evinced in our behalf, and that our sisters may, throughout the Island, experience the benefit of being associated with this our Father's appointed work. "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." We ask yours; we value it before and above everything.

How sweet is the promise in Isaiah, and how sure (see Gen., xxiv., II-15), "They shall not labour in vain, nor bring forth for trouble. It shall come to pass that before they call I will answer, and while they are yet speaking I will hear."