Report of the Maternal Association of Battle Creek, Michigan.
By Mrs. S. Sisley
In presenting this fourth annual report of our unostentatious society, we feel a degree of thankfulness and gratitude to our Heavenly Father that we are still associated together, that death has not been permitted to enter our little circle during the past year, but that instead thirteen dear sisters have been added to our number, some of whom prove willing and efficient helpers. We would also gratefully acknowledge the kindness of the Lord in condescending to meet with us at our weekly gatherings, to which we have often come with a great pressure upon our minds, such fears, anxious solicitude, and ardent longings for the well-being and salvation of our children, and of the other dear ones whom the providence of God has brought among us, as only mothers can feel. And while pouring out our hearts together in prayer the sweet peace and confiding trust that has taken possession of them is too blessed to be described. And ere many weeks had passed away some of us have been permitted to bring in our tribute of praise and thanksgiving for special answers received to our unworthy prayers. This has greatly cheered and encouraged us all, while it has made us feel sad that so few comparatively were with us to share in the blessing. How great and important are our duties, fearfully augmented by the shortness of time and the allurements and dangers to which we are thereby exposed. How important that our minds should be properly informed, that we should be wise in all things pertaining to this life and the life to come, and embrace every opportunity of adding to our stock of knowledge and of seeking divine aid and guidance, without which all our efforts will prove in vain. Only think, if all the dear mothers residing in this place had been constant and faithful in their attendance whenever possible, instead of many not coming at all and some only a few times since the last annual meeting, what joy and gladness might now fill their hearts and their homes, diffusing courage and energy all through our ranks. There is no uncertainty in this matter if we only feel our need and utter helplessness and are determined to persevere; for we do not come to poor weak man, but to the mighty, true, unchangeable God, who has said, “Call upon me in the day of trouble. I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.” “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it;” and, “All things whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.” Encouraged by these gracious words, shall we not with humble boldness press our petitions to His throne, and see if he will not verify his promise and pour us out a blessing that there shall not be room enough to receive it? May he graciously enlarge175our hearts, and prepare us to perform well life's duties, and fill that place in his cause and work which his providence has assigned us. We should feel grateful at any time to receive encouragement, counsel, advice, or suggestions, given in a Christian spirit from any that may feel disposed to favor us. And as there are still some mothers, and others having the care of the youth, residing among us that have not united with us, we would cordially invite them to do so. And to those at a distance, whose names are enrolled on our book, we would say, We should be pleased to occasionally hear of your welfare. We assure you that you are affectionately remembered in our prayers and tenderly sympathized with in those seasons of sickness, sorrow, and bereavement, through which we know some of you have been called to pass. Shall we not all awake to our solemn duties? The characters of our dear children will soon be formed for good or evil, happiness or woe. Our blessed Saviour will soon come, and then there will be no retracing our steps. Therefore, “whatsoever our hands find to do,” let us “do it with our might;” for “time is short,” and eternity is near. There are ninety names of mothers belonging to the Association, representing three hundred and nine children.