"In my jaunt to Deep Creek, and to the poor cabins in Dismal Swamp,
I helped mend six bridges before our horse could cross, borrowing
rails from the fence. It was a very hard trip--no chance for a single
dinner while gone--but it paid. The same night I mended bridges, I
found work of a different kind. Going on business to the Bute Street
Church, I found a love-feast under full headway: about two hundred were
present; the excitement terrible among the young converts, who, in
their frantic leaps, broke lamps and windows, and filled the house with
perfect uproar. I found the new pastor dared not risk his popularity
by checking it. Courage was given me to make my way to the pulpit,
when I at once had permission to speak. All was still as need be, while
I appealed to their judgment, and the teachings of the Bible. I saw
I had the sympathy of most, and when at last, I said, 'wait till the
wind, and the earthquake, and the fire have all passed by, and then go
to your homes and listen to the still small voice by which God himself
will teach you; and oh, remember, my young sisters, that the proof
of your growth in grace is not the _feelings_ you have here tonight,
but the _life_ you will lead to-morrow.' There was such an earnest
'amen,' all over the house, as gave me hope again that they will rise
above this great delusion. Many came to thank me. 'It was just what we
needed, and they will hear it from you.'"
"Deeply impressed with the moral wants of these poor creatures,
especially the women, and their need of friendly counsel in their new
position, I have opened Mother's meetings--now held weekly, in each
of our three-school districts--where they are invited to come with
their work and their babies. I talk familiarly with them about their
household matters, the cheapest and most wholesome food, the best ways
of cooking it, and the right care of their children, and their duties
to their husbands--often being greatly helped out in my own stock of
knowledge by the practical experience of some nice old aunty, who tells
how she manages, till the whole group is at ease and can confide their
troubles and trials. Then I read, teach, or talk to them. Finally, all
lay aside their work, and the babies are hushed up, while they listen
to a chapter from the Bible; and the devotional pause at the close
is solemn and impressive. Those who cannot spare two or three hours,
hurry in at the last, and I hear them saying 'I'se just goin' over to
prayers, 'pears like it gives me _such_ a lift.'"