ANNIVERSARY OF THE BATTLE CREEK, MICH., MATERNAL ASSOCIATION.
By Susannah Sisley
We feel sure our dear sisters at a distance whose names are enrolled among those who compose our Maternal band, will be interested to hear that our Society held its anniversary meeting on the evening of the tenth of March. Eld. R. E. Andrews spoke to us on the occasion, taking for his text the words of the wise man: “Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” He first told us what we must teach our children,—the principles contained in the law of God, especially inculcating and requiring prompt obedience. He next set before us the manner in which they should be taught,—with great patience and perseverance, accommodating ourselves to their childish feelings, sharing with them their joys and sorrows to such a degree that they may ever be sure of our sympathy and interest, and feel no inclination to run off in quest of a more congenial friend, companion, or counselor. Then the manner of correction. We should never correct them with a passionate, hasty spirit; but with a calm, prayerful, sorrowful one, not sparing the rod and spoiling the child. This course of training, to insure success, must be commenced early, even in tender infancy. Eld. J. H. Waggoner read the report, which, for the sake of brevity, and as it referred chiefly to those residing here, we think it best to omit. Nothing very remarkable has occurred in our experience since our last annual meeting. We have, with but few intermissions, kept up our weekly gatherings. Have formed some new and pleasing associations, which, like many others, have soon been severed;—such is the changing nature of this community, and of all things earthly. We have enjoyed some precious seasons while endeavoring to ease one another’s burdens, to soothe one another’s sorrows, and while unitedly pressing our petitions to the throne of grace. Eld. Waggoner made some excellent and encouraging remarks in regard to the importance and utility of our work; as an aid to which, he urged the necessity of striving to gain and retain the confidence of our children, and on no account allowing them to suffer for lack of sympathy and attention. He had observed with regret the great want of respect for the aged and reverence for sacred things which prevails at the present day; and said he believed it to be the growing sin of the age, and one that ought to be especially guarded against. Eld. A. S. Hutchins was also present. Owing to the lateness of the hour he could say but little, but that little was very effective and encouraging. He closed the meeting with earnest, fervent prayer, commending the Society, with all its members and all its interests, to the prospering care of our gracious Heavenly Father.