Miss Child's heart yearned
over the sailors who crowd the public-houses, escaped from the perils
of the sea only to fall into worse dangers. She longed for some means
of helping them. Miss Macpherson appealed to him whose burning words
in the City of London Theatre in 1861 had so stirred her own heart
Mr. Reginald Radcliffe had lately opened a Strangers' Rest in
Liverpool, and only longed to see the same established in every port
in the world. In answer to the call, he came up to London and
addressed Christian workers assembled at the Home of Industry,
stirring them up to undertake a new form of attack on the strongholds
of the enemy. Mr. James E. Matheson took the deepest interest in this
work, and a house was secured in Ratcliff Highway, the appearance of
which was made to contrast very strongly with all around. Gospel
texts in many languages appeared in all the windows, and invitations
to sailors to enter and write their letters, materials provided free
of cost. This work needed many helpers. Preachers were required for
the different nationalities. Such were found, and willing listeners,
so that soon a larger house was necessary. Notwithstanding the many
calls on her time and strength, Miss Macpherson was frequently to be
found here, delighting in seeking to save among a class hitherto
difficult to reach.
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