We have in our night-school some who are making great efforts to improve in knowledge. It requires no little resolution, after working hard all day, to walk a mile or two and study two or three hours. A stranger came a few weeks ago, wishing, as he said, “to cultivate his brain.” There was evidently need of it, and we were glad to learn that his recent conversion had awakened him to the importance of knowing how to read for himself. He also expressed a wish to come here to church, as he had become acquainted with one of our members, who, as he said, “seemed to be a good, civil sort of Christian,” and he thought he would come and see what kind of meetings produced that effect. He had attended another church, but said he “didn’t like there, for they had some crossness, and good Christians is peaceable; they can’t help being peaceable”;—a good lesson for all who bear the Christian name.
Our Sunday-school averages about 130, and the truth seems to be gaining a firmer hold in the minds of some of the older pupils. The day-school is prospering. One of the little ones of the primary department, a bright little fellow, was yesterday laid in his grave.
At the annual meeting of the church, in December, it was found that of the $100 pledged to the pastor’s salary, only $25 had been paid; and that an old debt for sexton’s services remained, amounting to $34. In the extra effort made to pay for the painting and repair of the church, and other expenses in spring and summer, these things had been neglected. It was a surprise, and, of course, a disagreeable one to many of the church; but there was a decided feeling that the amount ought to be raised at once, and not left to be a burden on the church any longer. A debt of $109 is as much to this people as some of the $50,000 debts, which Mr. Kimball has been helping churches North to clear away, are to them. Therefore, it seemed to me that the matter was one to be carefully and prayerfully managed. I appointed a meeting for the consideration of the matter, and opened it by reading Chaps, viii. and ix. of 2d Cor., and briefly explaining their teachings. Then we spent half an hour in prayer, the brethren bringing the burden right to the Lord in the simplest and most touching language, expressing their sorrow and self-reproach at having failed to make good their promises, and asking forgiveness and help. Then they talked the matter over, and decided to raise the amount at once by subscription. A fair was suggested, but the decision was against it, on the ground that it wasn’t quite honorable to call in outside help to make good their own delinquency; and, moreover, that a fair involved a great deal of unprofitable labor and excitement, and was a fruitful mother of dissensions. These points they made themselves, and in view of them they decided to raise the amount by voluntary offerings. The subscription began at once, and the matter being presented to the church for two successive Sundays, the whole amount was raised by voluntary pledges. I am certain that the brethren who so cheerfully and promptly pledged, and paid, $7.50 and $6 and $5, gave as abundantly, in proportion to their means, as those who pledged $5,000 and $2,000 at Providence. The spirit in which it was done was the most beautiful part of it. It was more than willingly done. The gifts were brought forward thankfully, joyously, and I never saw happier people in my life than those who joined in thanksgiving to God, when the whole amount was raised. We observed the week of prayer, with meetings every evening, and there was real evidence of the presence of the Spirit. One who has long been in the dark was brought out into the light; and it seemed to us that we must go forward. We had meetings for two weeks with good attendance, and very tender feeling. Quite a number of people rose for prayers, and we hope that four at least have found the Saviour. The church has certainly been quickened and strengthened very much.