Publishing books and papers is not the only line of work that is being done here by those connected with the Southern Publishing Association.
A few weeks ago a Workers’ Mission Band was organized, composed largely of the employees of the publishing house, and all work is now done under the supervision of this band.
Cottage meetings and Bible readings are held, families are visited, reading-matter is distributed, the poor and sick are relieved as far as possible with the limited means at the disposal of the band, and public meetings are held.
The band has a thriving Sunday-school in the chapel of the publishing house, and a regular Sunday-night preaching service is maintained in West Nashville, a suburb seven miles distant.
Nashville is a city of about one hundred thousand people, and affords large opportunities for missionary work. The following report submitted, at a recent meeting of the band will give a better idea of the work being done than anything that I could possibly say:—
“Sabbath forenoon, from seven to nine o’clock, visiting the city market, where farmers and gardeners come from a radius of twenty miles around the city to sell their produce. I distribute about three hundred papers at this place each Sabbath, so they have them to read on Sunday.
“At 10 A. M. I meet with the colored Sabbath-school at 415 Woodland Street, and then for church services meet with the white people in the chapel of the publishing house on Jefferson Street.
“From this place, I go nine miles into the country, taking the street car out seven miles, and visit two plantations. One of these plantations belongs to Gen. Overton Lee, a descendant of Gen. Robt. E. Lee. At both of these plantations I leave with the employees papers for about thirty-five colored families. After this I visit a blind colored man, and read to him for about an hour.
“Sunday, 8 A. M., I distribute papers on Jefferson Street near the river, and visit the workhouse, where the chain gang is kept. I usually find about fifty there, both young and middle-aged men, and Our Little Friend meets their needs. I also visit the police station, where I find about twenty, both men and women.
“At 10 A. M. I meet with a colored Sunday-school at Jackson Temple, and teach the Bible class. After this I go to the State prison and teach a class of colored men, usually from eight to fourteen, and supply them with reading-matter. At this same time there is a Sunday-school in which about two hundred take part. At one time I supplied seventy persons with reading-matter, and on the 6th of October I gave out over twelve hundred scripture picture cards, there being that number of convicts in the prison. On this number of cards there were one hundred and twenty lessons on temperance.
“I can use Gospel Herald, Signs, Reviews, Youth’s Instructors, Little Friends, Good Healths, etc. All these are gladly accepted.
“I also visit the home for the aged women, the W. C. T. U. reading-room, and hotels. I would be glad to see the International Sunday-school lessons in the weekly Gospel Herald, as many schools in the country would then take that paper. I also hold two Bible readings each week. I find many destitute families, and a fund should be provided to meet their need the coming winter.”
“R. SAWYER.”
Those who have copies of any of our good papers which they cannot use to advantage can assist in the work here by sending either to R. Sawyer, 1025 Jefferson Street, or to the Workers’ Mission Band, at the same address.
Opportunities for doing good by the distribution of papers are increased with the coming of long evenings, as people have more time to read, and there are fewer attractions on the streets.
Let us have your prayers, sympathy, and co-operation, brethren, and we shall soon rejoice together in the kingdom of God.