overcome the
difficulties to be encountered. In other words, we need to obtain all
the preparation and discipline we can possibly have in order to do our
work well; and especially is this true of Christian work, which demands
the highest service that the heart and soul of humanity can give. Many
individuals will come to the home to be trained and fitted to work in
their own homes, and will start new lines of Christian activity that
will win the sympathies and efforts of many who are eager to be employed
in good works, if only they can have competent direction.

A pamphlet entitled _The Deaconess Institution and Training Home_ says:
"Are there not many parts all over Scotland--mines, quarries,
etc.--where the population is poor and hard-working? Would it not in
such places be an advantage both to minister and people to have a
Christian lady, trained, experienced, and devoted, to live and work
among them? Or, which would be possible in every parish, would it not be
a great advantage that in case of need--in a mining accident, an
outbreak of sickness--a trained Christian nurse should be available
during the emergency?"

The General Assembly provided that deaconesses should be solemnly
inducted into their office at a religious service in church. It also
provided "that along with the application for the admission of any
person to the office of a deaconess there shall be submitted a
certificate from a committee of the General Assembly intrusted with that
duty stating that the candidate is qualified in respect of education,
and that she has had seven years' experience in Christian work, or two
years' training in the Deaconess Institution and Training Home." Also,
"Before granting the application, the kirk session shall intimate to the
presbytery their intention of doing so, unless objection be offered by
the presbytery at its first meeting thereafter." On Sunday, December 9,
1888, the first deaconess was set apart to her duties. The kirk session
was already in possession of the necessary certificates testifying to
her "character, education, experience, devotedness, and power to serve
and co-operate with others." Due intimation had been made to the
presbytery. The questions were put that were appointed by the General
Assembly:

"Do you desire to be set apart as a deaconess, and as such to serve the
Lord Jesus Christ in the Church, which is his body?

"Do you promise, as a deaconess of the Church of Scotland, to work in
co