Caroline recounts the story of Flora, a young woman whom she had previously warned about a relationship with a man whom Caroline knew to be married. One evening, some months later Caroline again encounters Flora:
…the ruddy rose of the highlands was changed for the tinge of rum; she had been drinking but well knew what she was about. ‘Tell me where you are going?’ ‘To hell!’ was her answer. I continued to walk by her side; she became insolent; but I was determined not to leave her. She made for Lavender’s Ferry; and said, ‘My mistress lives over there’. I said I will go to the other side with you, as I want to say a few words with you. She was unwilling; but I persisted; we crossed over; I felt certain from her manner that she meditated suicide …
Caroline’s suspicions were confirmed. Flora was pregnant and intended to drown herself. She remained with Flora until she regained her composure and promised not to attempt self-destruction. Caroline Chisholm, reassured of Flora’s psychological state, made immediate arrangements to find her suitable accommodation.
The story recalls the parable of the Good Samaritan, recounted in the Gospel of Luke. The Good Samaritan also tends to the needs of the man beaten by robbers and pays for his care at an inn. Jesus concludes his parable by asking, ‘which of these proved himself a neighbour?’ (Lk. 10: 37) This parable in Luke follows and reinforces Jesus’ Great Commandment to ‘love your neighbour as yourself’. It is precisely this love of neighbour that recurs as a theme in Caroline Chisholm’s life.
Herminie Chavanne, a young Swiss woman records her meeting with Caroline Chisholm and sums her up with:
Kindness shone from her face, with never a hint of weariness and it was obvious that God had granted her all the courage and energy she needed for this living work for her ‘neighbour’ (this simple and profound word says so much that I need say nothing more).
Caroline’s own understanding of neighbour extended beyond those of her own faith and culture to all humanity.