Tounghoo Women by Ellen B. Mason

It is brought as an objection to sending out young women and widows, that the Church anciently chose only such as were sixty years old. By that time they might be very infirm and need a pension or support from the Church. It would seem as if that was the thought. But they were not to receive any such attentions, unless they had all those years of widowhood "relieved the afflicted, and _diligently followed every good work._" Of course enlightening her pagan sisters came into the "every" catalogue, especially as these instructions were given for women surrounded by heathen.

I do not believe the apostle who recommended Phebe as one who had helped a great many, would cut off all widows or single ladies, for his counsel is: "I say to the _unmarried_ and _widows_, it is good for them if they abide even as I." Why? Because "The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and spirit," implying certainly, that she would have more time and opportunity to work for the church than a married lady.