One zealous C. L. S. C. worker writes us that while traveling through the west in search of health she has succeeded in making many think about the course, and has persuaded ten to enroll for ’84. It is such individual effort that extends the boundaries of our work.
At Mountain Lake Park, Md., Assembly there was formed last summer a very interesting circle. The members are widely scattered. They come from West Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania, but have formed the “Mt. Lake Park C. L. S. C.,” which they are keeping up while belonging to the local circles at their homes. There are some forty-three members.
As an example of how the attention of your community may be drawn to the C. L. S. C., we quote the following from the Petersburg Va., _Mail_: “Everybody has heard of Chautauqua, and the readers of _The Mail_ have enjoyed several excellent papers concerning that institution from the pen of Mrs. C. D. Tinsley, of this city, who spent the summer there. But there are many people who do not know that the C. L. S. C. is spreading out its branches in all directions and offering very fine advantages to people who desire to undertake a systematic course of reading. The course extends over a period of four years, and embraces religious, scientific, and general literature of a substantial character. The books are cheap, and it is said that one may cover the whole course by reading for forty minutes each day. At the end of the fourth year, if the student has gone over the ground, a diploma is given, bearing the seal of the C. L. S. C. A number of ladies and gentlemen of this city have handed in their names. The writer is favorably impressed with what he has seen of it, and cheerfully commends it to the public. All information required may be had of Mr. C. D. Tinsley, of this city.”
A member from Canada writes: “As one of the class of ’84—the ‘Irrepressibles’—and having caught the inspiration at Chautauqua, I can hardly write or say anything strong enough to express my admiration of the movement. I wish the officers could do something for Palestine. When visiting it a year ago I induced my dragoman, Herbert C. Clark, of Joppa, to subscribe then and there for THE CHAUTAUQUAN, as we were sitting on the ruins of the old wall of Mount Zion, above the valley of Hinnom. Mr. Clark writes me that he enjoys it exceedingly. I was much of the time for ten days with Dr. Selah Merril, the U. S. Consul, and his lady, who worthily represents the women of America. There are many fine people speaking the English language in Jerusalem and other points, who are cut off from many of the advantages of our Christian civilization. Nothing prospers under the administration of the stupid Turk, and literature especially is discouraged. I believe the C. L. S. C. is just what these good people need.”