the poor and the sick and helpless
"for Jesus' sake;" and that they are servants one of another.

Special stress is given to the importance of cultivating unity, love,
and forbearance in the relations of daily life, and the deaconesses are
enjoined "to protect and further the honor of other sisters," "to form
one family living unitedly as sisters, through the tie of a heartfelt
love for the one great object that brings them to this place."

There are two classes of deaconesses formally recognized, nurses and
teachers; although there is another, deaconess whose work is year by
year becoming more important, and that is the deaconess who is attached
to a church in the capacity of a home missionary. She is designated by
the term "commune-deaconess," or, as the English translate it,
"parish-deaconess."

Those who desire to become nurse-deaconesses must have the elements of a
common school education, must be in good health, and, as a general rule,
be over eighteen and not over forty years of age. Most important of all
is it that she possess personal knowledge of the salvation of Christ,
and a living experience of the grace of God. Those who desire to become
teacher-deaconesses must, in addition, present certain educational
certificates, and be able to sing. All must pass some months at the
mother-house, taking care of children and assisting in housework, so
that their fitness for the office can be proven. A great deal of care
is taken to test the efficiency of the candidates, and only about one
half the probationers finally become deaconesses in full connection. The
teachers have, further, a seminary course of one year for those who are
to teach in infant schools, of two years to prepare for the elementary
schools, and of three years for the girls' high schools.

While probationers, they receive, free of charge, board and instruction,
and the caps, collars, and aprons that are their distinctive badges.
Their remaining expenses they provide for themselves. Those who have
completed the full term of probation, and have proved their fitness for
the office, must pledge themselves to a service of at least five years.
At the end of the time they may renew the engagement or not, as they
wish. Should a deaconess be needed at home by aged parents, or should
she desire to marry, she is free to leave her duties, but is expected to
give three months' notice of her intention to do so.

The deaconess performs her duties gratuitously. Th