Now, they badge him with gold,
So that when he is old,
They can still claim their son of Chautauqua.’”
At South Manchester, Conn., a most encouraging increase of members has taken place. Last year the circle numbered twenty, this year forty-eight. Such growth is full of promise for the future, and yet it is the inevitable result of enthusiastic members and carefully prepared programs.——The new circle at Mansfield Center, Conn., numbers ten members. They are expecting a lecture on chemistry soon, from Prof. Washburn, of the North Mansfield Agricultural College.——The “Newfield” C. L. S. C. of West Stratford, Conn., has recently received the following pleasant letter from “Pansy:”
Carbondale, Pa., January 6, 1885.
Dear Friends of ’87:
My word of greeting to you must commence with an apology. The letter from your secretary found me immersed in work. The holiday season brings upon me a heavy pressure of care, in addition to the usual routine. From the almost hopeless mass of unanswered letters which I have just overturned on my study table, that of your secretary emerges, so I seize it and make a beginning. What shall I say? I might congratulate you on being members of that great literary circle, which verily seems destined to reach out its long arms and encircle the world—but to what purpose would this be?
You already know by experience all, and more than I could tell you of its advantages, and its far reaching influences.
What then, shall I, in this moment of time, say to you who are classmates of mine? Shall I hope that you may be able to pass the Golden Gate and join in the class song of the ’87s, and receive your diploma from the hands of the Chautauqua chief, and enjoy all the delights of Commencement day? That indeed I heartily wish. I hope to be there and to clasp hands with you, and give and receive greeting.
But I am conscious while I write, of a higher, stronger, holier hope than that, even that every member of your circle and of all the great Chautauqua Circle may finally pass the Golden Gate that leads to the palace of the King, and receive from him the greeting “well done, good and faithful servants,” and receive from his hands the crowns laid up for those who are “called, and chosen, and faithful.”