Part 13

Apropos to the above item is the following communication from an earnest New England member: “At a certain Sunday-school convention this question was given me to answer: ‘What is the effect of the Chautauqua course of reading on Christian zeal? Does it tend to increase one’s interest in Christian and Church work?’ I answered in substance as follows: ‘I am very glad of the opportunity for saying, and saying confidently, that, judging from what experience and observation I have had, as also from the nature of the case, just as whatever is calculated to enlighten and invigorate the mind, deepen, broaden, elevate and strengthen character, to enlarge the soul and warm and ennoble the heart, must tend to intensify Christian zeal, so the Chautauqua course of reading and study, when conducted or pursued in accordance with the projector’s idea, can not but tend to have this effect—to deepen and to invigorate, by enlightening, piety. Precisely what we need in our day is a more intelligent piety—a broader and stronger Christian manhood. Our piety generally is too narrow, or superficial, or feeble. We are apt to build up too much on some one side. We are one-sided, unsymmetrical, sanctified in spots only, as it were. We want to be built out more on all sides, that we may be _thoroughly_ furnished unto _every_ good work—that we may be fruitful in all directions. Meantime, if the cultivation of such a thoughtful, intelligent, reverent piety as the prayerful study of the works and Word of God is calculated to promote, is not calculated to intensify one’s interest in and zeal for Christ’s cause, it would be interesting to know what could.’ Subsequently I dropped a line to one of the members of a circle which I organized a year ago—a bright, Christian young woman, who, though an operative in the mill, yet clearly grasped the Chautauqua Idea, and who, together with as fine a company of young men and women as were ever grouped together for any cause, has most enthusiastically and successfully pursued that idea for a year:—to this young lady I dropped a line, submitting the question: ‘Do you find the C. L. S. C. helpful, or otherwise, to Christian piety?’ Permit me to quote from her reply: ‘Do I love my Savior, or his church, any less for what I have learned the past year? No. A thousand times no. Jesus seems ever so dear to me, as I look up into the starry heavens, and try to recall something I have learned about those wonderful worlds. And when I think of him who created, and who, by his almighty power and wisdom controls and keeps them all in place; when I think of him as my own kind Heavenly Father, though I am poor, and lowly, and ignorant, and weak, and sinful, my heart throbs with gratitude, love and praise—for he owns me as his child! O! I wish I could tell you how happy I feel to-night, my Savior seems so near and dear to me. My heart is full of love to him and to his people; and I do want to do something to help on his glorious cause. I am praying day by day that he will show me my duty, and help me to do it; and I know you will pray for me that I may be faithful and true.’ Does not this testimony have the true ring in it? Does this look much as though the C. L. S. C. had secularized the writer’s mind, or diverted her energies from church channels? This lady, together with several other members of that circle, is a devoted Sunday-school worker. What is more, not a little of the glowing, enthusiastic zeal expressed above, has been kindled and developed during this very past year of C. L. S. C. reading and study.”

OUTLINE OF C. L. S. C. READINGS.

DECEMBER, 1883.

The required readings for December include “Vegetable Biology,” Hawthorne’s “Biographical Stories,” Chautauqua Text-Book, No. 24, “Canadian History,” and the required readings in THE CHAUTAUQUAN.

_First Week_ (ending December 8)—1. “Vegetable Biology,” to chapter v, page 27.

2. “Biographical Stories,” to chapter iii, page 19.

3. “German History” and “German Literature,” in THE CHAUTAUQUAN.

4. Sunday Readings for December 4, in THE CHAUTAUQUAN.

_Second Week_ (ending December 16)—1. “Vegetable Biology,” from chapter v, page 27, to chapter viii, page 46.

2. “Biographical Stories,” from chapter iii, page 19, to chapter vi, page 40.

3. Readings on Physical Science and Political Economy, in THE CHAUTAUQUAN.

4. Sunday Readings in THE CHAUTAUQUAN, for December 11.

_Third Week_ (ending December 24)—1. “Vegetable Biology,” from chapter viii, page 46, to paragraph 10, page 66.

2. “Biographical Stories,” from chapter vi, page 40, to chapter viii, page 59.

3. “Readings in Art,” in THE CHAUTAUQUAN.

4. Sunday Readings for December 18, in THE CHAUTAUQUAN.

_Fourth Week_ (ending December 31)—1. “Vegetable Biology,” from paragraph 10, page 66, to the end of volume.

2. “Biographical Stories,” from chapter viii, page 59, to end of book.

3. “Selections from American Literature,” in THE CHAUTAUQUAN.

4. Sunday Readings for December 25, in THE CHAUTAUQUAN.

A REUNION AT MILWAUKEE.

The five local circles in Milwaukee named Alpha, Beta, Grand Avenue, Delta and Iota, recently had a grand reunion on the occasion of the visit of the Superintendent of Instruction. It having been announced in the papers that Dr. Vincent would attend the Wisconsin conference and preach Saturday afternoon, the circles decided to give him a reception. The committee on invitation sent out about two hundred invitations gotten up in a very tasteful and unique manner. The envelopes were covered with autumn leaves of most delicate tints, and contained each a square gilt-edged card, also covered with leaves, bearing the monogram C. L. S. C. and the following invitation: “You are kindly invited to meet Rev. J. H. Vincent, D.D., Superintendent of Instruction of the Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle on the evening of Saturday, October 6, in the parlors of the Grand Avenue Congregational Church. Reception, 6 to 9. Refreshments, 6:30.”

There was also a smaller card containing a neat little device in a circle in the center, representing a hand holding a handkerchief, and a request in the corner that this card be shown at the door.

Besides these two cards there was a green leaf (artificial) in each envelope for a badge, and a little printed slip of instructions, directing each member to wear the leaf as a badge, and explaining the Chautauqua salute to be given Dr. Vincent when he entered the room.

The committees on decorations and on supper made diligent preparations, so that when the time arrived parlor No. 1 was tastefully arranged with vines and flowers, while through the open doors could be seen twelve tables in parlor No. 2 arranged for an inviting feast. Among the decorations was the banner of the class of ’86, made of maroon velvet bordered with cream colored fringe, and bearing the class motto, in letters cut from white felt, “We study for light to bless with light.”

Above the platform was a diploma granted to Mrs. William Millard of the class of ’83, which arrived from Plainfield a few hours before the reception, and was used as an object lesson by the Doctor in his address. The entire event was most joyous, this being the first union meeting of the circles, and the first time many of them had ever met their revered leader. Of his address, what can be said but that it was _like him_; full of uplifting thoughts and helpful ideas of inestimable value to all Chautauquans, and delivered in his delightful manner.

On Sabbath Dr. Vincent conducted a vesper service in the Immanuel Presbyterian Church, the largest in the city. The Chautauquans gathered in an adjoining room, and forming two columns, headed by Dr. Vincent, marched into the audience room where the central seats were reserved for them. Short addresses were given by Bishop Hurst and Dr. Buckley, which, with the impressive vesper service, made the occasion one long to be remembered.

A C. L. S. C. EXPERIENCE.

From an able speech by Prof. H. A. Strong, before the local circle of Erie, Pa., we clip the following: “Says one of the workers and leaders around the C. L. S. C. camp-fire at Chautauqua: ‘I was in Missouri, March last, and was compelled to take a freight train to make connection. As I entered the caboose I noticed a little candle on a cracker-box on the side of the car. There was a door on hinges made out of bits of leather, and a rough button held in its place by a screw, closed the door. After the train started, the conductor came in, and, after attending to his duties, stepped to the box, turned the button, opened the door, and took out a package of C. L. S. C. books, recognizable as such anywhere, sat down on a bench and began working with one of the Chautauqua text-books. Of course it was an absolute necessity that I should make his acquaintance. I approached him and asked him what he was doing. He said: “A friend of mine in St. Louis called my attention to this Chautauqua course of reading. I did not know what it meant, but I knew I ought to read. So, finally, I joined the circle, bought the books, and put them in this box. My brakemen read with me. One of us keeps watch and the others read. Sometimes we are switched off on a side-track, and then we make good progress. Sometimes it is pretty hard work when we have an unusually long run and much freight; but for the sake of the help it is, I am going to hold on to it.” I felt like giving the fellow a round of applause, all alone as I was in the car.’ Such an experience of the C. L. S. C. can be duplicated over and over again in the history of any class, and the simple truth is the realization of the vision.”

THE C. L. S. C. IN TORONTO.

In Canada the course of study for 1883-4 opened with a meeting of C. L. S. C. workers and their friends in the lecture-room of the Metropolitan Methodist church, Toronto, on the evening of the 29th of September. After a few words of greeting from Mr. Edward Gurney, jr., president of the Toronto Central Circle, Rev. Dr. Thomas, pastor of the Jarvis Street Baptist Church, spoke for a short time on the importance and value of a systematic course of reading. The too common habit of desultory reading, with its waste of time and mental enervation, came in for a vigorous denunciation from the doctor. All reading, he said, should be purposeful and systematic, and no reading can be of any real profit that is not of that character. The C. L. S. C. course answered two supreme questions that can not fail to arise in the mind of any young man who is desirous to rise: “What shall I read?” and “How shall I read?” In this age of great intellectual power it was important that we should avail ourselves of every opportunity for the better equipment of our minds, so that we can use with precision the implements of our profession or calling, whatever that may be. The multitudes that are treading upon each other in the lower levels of life, are the incompetent; no first-class worker in any line need remain idle. The doctor also pointed out that this is a skeptical age, and that we should be prepared to answer, if necessary, the reflections that are being cast upon the foundations of our faith. Before closing he said: “I want to declare my entire sympathy with the work and purposes of this rapidly-spreading Chautauqua tree, from the branchings of which thousands and tens of thousands are gathering with delight and gratitude the most luscious fruit. I thank God for this course of study, by means of which the mind is led into the green pastures and beside the still waters of literature. My mind has been stirred in the matter as it would not have been if I had not examined into it closely, and if I had not been profoundly impressed by the fact that multitudes of our young people spend their spare moments in reading pernicious literature in which the serpent has left his slimy trail. I am going to join this class to-night for myself.”

Rev. Mr. Milligan, of old St. Andrew’s Presbyterian church, followed with an earnest, practical address on “How to Read Books.” He impressed upon his hearers the fact that books are made for man, and not man for books, and that it is possible for us to abuse the gift of books by becoming literary ceremonialists, just as we can abuse any other good thing. Every investment we make in relation to books should be made with a definite purpose, and should make us richer. In our reading, too, we should have something more ultimate in view than the mere book; we should endeavor to ponder and reflect on the subject which it treats. In this way we become thinkers, and thinking becomes a necessity, and the mind and memory are enriched and strengthened. Mr. Milligan expressed his hearty coöperation and sympathy with the Chautauqua scheme, and his pleasure that it is associated with the churches. A brief round-table conference followed the addresses, in which thought and experience were interchanged, and inquiries as to the methods and progress of the Chautauqua Idea were answered by the president, and by the Canadian secretary, Mr. Peake. The local press is doing good work in bringing the advantages of the scheme before its readers, and public interest is awakening in all directions in regard to it.

SUNBEAMS FROM THE CIRCLE.

C. L. S. C. class of ’87 sends out the following circular to its members:

_Beloved Friends and Co-Laborers_:—We greet you with joy and gladness as we enter upon our four years’ college course of reading and study. It is wisely selected and admirably prepared for us in our home life. We that toil ten hours in the shop, office, and store, with the never ending farm life and detail of housekeeping, will know not a little struggle to command forty minutes per day; but we need it and will do it. Mary A. Livermore was forty-five years of age before ever attempting public speaking, and in a decade was queen of the American rostrum. Some of you at Chautauqua, last August, remember the determined earnestness of Louise R. F. Jones. She writes: “Aiken, S. C., Oct. 6. Have formed a local circle of thirteen; first meeting last night at our house, two men, eleven women; sent for our books yesterday. Have persuaded two persons in Augusta, Ga., to join the C. L. S. C. In Langley, a small town eight miles out, my ‘Hall in the Grove’ has been read, and a circle is the promise. In Spartanburg, S. C., a circle is formed, which, with Aiken, are the only two in the Palmetto State, so far as known.” This Pansy Class of ’87 ought to graduate at least 10,000, and with five hundred members like our South Carolina friend, it would be accomplished. One of our class travels, and in forty days visited over thirty newspaper offices, begging editors to publish the C. L. S. C. leaflets, and securing their sympathy. Another one, (just completing his three score years) when on trains, goes from car to car, and politely and quietly seating himself in front or back of the passenger, introduces the “People’s College.” Our motto, “Neglect not the gift that is in thee.” Inspired words! Let each one of us make them ours in the best sense. Let us introduce circles as rapidly as possible. Every day that passes now is forty minutes behind, and it is difficult to catch up. It can be done up to the first of January. Class writing paper has been prepared. Communicate with either of the undersigned concerning it. Rev. Frank Russell, Mansfield, Ohio, president Class of ’87. K. A. Burnell, 150 Madison St., Chicago, secretary Class of ’87.

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The Rev. C. S. Woodruff, of Bayonne, N. J., class of ’82, was present at Chautauqua this year, and passed under the Arches with the class of ’83. On his return home he took occasion to preach upon the subject of education, and mention the Chautauqua plan particularly. As a result he has organized a local circle of over sixty, and it is still growing. He says: “Every pastor ought to visit Chautauqua. After being inspired he should spread his enthusiasm among all his people. Let us cast out the devil of bad literature by giving the people good reading.”

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The Johnstown, N. Y., local circle, includes among its officers a critic and an orthoepist—two excellent officers. Much exact knowledge of pronunciation, spelling, use of words, and forms of expression may be obtained at evening sessions, if critical and wise persons are selected.

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There is an energetic circle of twelve members at Shushan, N. Y., the outgrowth of one member who began the readings two years ago. There is something contagious in the C. L. S. C.

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Nothing could show better the peculiar work of the C. L. S. C. than the following suggestive toasts offered at the “Opening Day Exercises” at Meriden, Conn.; they were: “The C. L. S. C., a beneficial force in the life of a business man; as a coöperative with the duties of a school teacher; for young working people, establishing an alliance between labor and culture; as promoting Christian growth and culture; for the wife and mother at home.”

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A very pleasant and inspiring piece of news comes from the same circle. A young printer belonging to the circle became so much interested in his studies, and so anxious for further development that leaving his trade he has undertaken a college course. The circle did a kindly act when they presented to him that most necessary book for a student—Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary.

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A local circle whose work is done by correspondence has been started in the province of Ontario. There are but two members, but a dozen might carry on the work with equal success. For readers who are remote from the regular societies this plan may be utilized and made a means both of culture and of sociability.

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A novel and exceedingly useful idea comes to us from Union City, Indiana. On a neatly printed program there is given the outline of the exercises for four months. The circle meets fortnightly, and the date, place of meeting, exercises and participants are given for eight sessions, so that there can be no mistake or misunderstanding about the work to be done. The plan is to be commended to all circles.

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The class of ’85, C. L. S. C., held a meeting at the grounds of the New England Assembly at Framingham and organized by the election of the following officers: President, Rev. J. E. Fullerton, of Hopkinton, Mass.; Vice Presidents, Miss Lena A. Chubbuck, New Bedford, Mass., Alice C. Earle, Newport, R. I., Miss Marcia E. Smith, Swanton, Vt., J. B. Underwood, Meriden, Conn.; Secretary and Treasurer, Albert B. Comey, South Framingham, Mass. Plans were suggested looking to the social and other interests of the New England members; said plans to be perfected as soon as the details can be arranged by the executive committee. It is earnestly desired that all persons in the New England States belonging to class ’85 will send their name and address to the Secretary. The President cordially solicits correspondence from members of the class upon matters pertaining to its interests.

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From the Silver Creek, N. J., _Local_ we learn that the meeting for re-organization of the C. L. S. C. has been held, and that on October 8 the first regular meeting took place. Several new members have joined the circle.

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At Spring Mills, N. J., though several members have moved from the village, and a few have dropped the course, they report a prospect of doubling their numbers.

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A circle of eleven members is reported at Greencastle, Pa.

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Osceola, Iowa, has a circle of seventeen members, class of ’87.

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Some one inquires for a copy of “the rules of the C. L. S. C. to guide in their meetings.” There are no rules to guide in the meetings of the local circles. The wide diversity of circumstances under which they exist would make a fixed organization impracticable. What would fit the great circles of Troy, N. Y., and Pittsburgh, Pa., would be of little use to the small circle of the village. The many plans and outlines of work in this department are presented especially to guide new circles to the plan best suited to their needs.

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Montana has sent us reports of several energetic circles; the one at Bozeman, of fifteen members, is the last reported.

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A circle has been organized at Hood River, Oregon.

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The Summer Assembly at Monteagle, Tenn., did some excellent work in the interest of the C. L. S. C. Many circles are being formed as a result of the efforts made there to spread information concerning the methods and object of the organization.

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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.

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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.

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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.”

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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.”

LOCAL CIRCLES.