Nothing is so pleasing to the mother as interest taken in her children, and many interviews, following these friendly calls, will long be remembered. Only kindness and welcome do I receive everywhere among them. I have learned truly to pity these poor mothers, who tell me, with tears, how hard it is to bring up their children properly in the midst of all this abounding iniquity. All I can bring under the influence of the A. M. A. work I deem a great gain.
During the last three days I have visited thirty-four families. Quite a good number were promised for church and Sunday-school.
One Sabbath I was pleased to see in church three mothers and ten children whom I had visited during the week. There are many discouragements attending these efforts, but there are also many rewards—many bright, happy faces, and many happier homes; many children learning good, rather than all evil ways; and so the days go by, while we take courage in the growing work, hoping that the little seeds, as well as the greater, will take root and grow.
TENNESSEE.
Better Prospects of Memphis—Effect upon School-Work—Value of Industrial Work—Hopeful Outlook.
REV. A. J. STEELE, MEMPHIS.
In October, 1879, few were hopeful of immediate prosperity for Memphis. All her interests seemed paralyzed, her best friends discouraged and even hopeless.
But now, in June, 1880, all is changed, despondency and fear have given place to the utmost assurance of a great future for the business and social influences of the city.
The business season just ended has been one of unexampled prosperity in the history of the city; all classes have been kept busy; and as the sanitary improvements, including a complete and almost perfect system of sewerage, and durable street pavements, are pushed forward, little fear is felt of another visitation of the fever this year.
Our work has seemed to take on new life and vigor, and the year just closed, though cut short two months by the fever, has been one of special success in every respect.
Though an unusual number of our students have continued teaching during the year, our classes have been constantly full, the enrolment being in advance of last year and the attendance more steady.