Daughters of the Cross: or Woman's Mission

"Daughters of the Cross: or Woman's Mission" by Daniel C. Eddy is a 19th-century biographical collection that shines a light on the extraordinary lives of female missionaries who devoted themselves to spreading Christianity across the globe. It seeks to encourage readers by portraying the remarkable dedication of these women, often called heroines, who worked tirelessly in foreign lands, supporting missionary efforts amid hardship. The story commences with a preface explaining the book's goals and then introduces Harriet Newell, the first American female missionary, recounting her life from her youth to her momentous decision to journey to India with her husband. Eddy vividly portrays Newell’s internal battles, her steadfast dedication to service despite societal skepticism, and, ultimately, her untimely death while wholly committed to her calling. This initiation lays the foundation for a moving series of biographical accounts that honor the dedication of these women to their faith and humanitarian work.