There are now twenty-six State organizations for Woman's Work in our own country through our Congregational Churches, which co-operate in the work of the American Missionary Association. Some have increased their contributions during the past year; others have not fallen below the standard they had fixed for this field, but have not made any annual advance. With a very few, co-operation has not yet extended beyond a study of our work. But a study of the field is encouraging, for a knowledge of the need brings responsibility to do all possible to meet it, and soon we trust these also will be contributing Unions. To facilitate the study of our field, our monthly magazine has been sent free to many ladies' societies, our literature has been distributed, and more than sixteen thousand copies of missionary letters have been circulated among the ladies. Would not the value of organization be shown in the larger flow of funds annually for a work of such pressing necessity as this? We rejoice that some have already demonstrated this value of united effort. More than one State Missionary Union, recognizing the importance of this work and remembering that in drawing upon the benevolence of all the Congregational Ladies' Societies in the State, it should not do a small thing, has raised the support of four or more missionary teachers for an entire school. And the officers of the Union have taken pains to stir up the pure minds of the ladies in each auxiliary by way of remembrance of this particular field.
But there are those not in the State organizations, whose help we record, as Sunday-schools and Christian Endeavor Societies. Many such have during the year asked for a special object for their contributions. What can the Secretary do? The particular things that can be accomplished with forty or fifty or seventy dollars are indeed few, but these sums combined may sustain a missionary for a year. So each such contribution is made a share of the four hundred dollars necessary for the purpose, and something definite is accomplished. What is it? This. A faithful Christian woman is sent to the field, where, in a neat cottage, she makes her home life an object lesson to the colored people or the mountain whites or the Indians for many miles around. Their homes begin to improve. Her day school, held in the little church near by, attracts not only children, but young men and women, and even young married people. A Christian Endeavor Society is formed. The Sunday-school and church take a new start under her teachings. Other Sunday-schools and Christian societies are maintained through her influence, and so the small contributions accomplish a large work.
Private individuals also have aided us. What a blessed privilege to be able out of one's own income to put worthy missionaries into such a field.
There has been an increase in aid rendered in sewing, a form of help that is very valuable in keeping our boarding schools and mission homes furnished, our sewing schools provided with basted work, and clothing ready for worthy but needy students. As with money, so with sewing, we could use wisely very much more than has been received.
We acknowledge also the kindness of ladies in furnishing books and papers adapted to the need. The young people, especially among the Negroes, are acquiring a taste for reading, and with their emotional and excitable natures, they take readily to sensational literature, with its startling illustrations. A neighborhood or society collection of books and papers will usually contain some of such a stamp, and you maybe sure they will not always discriminate in favor of the most instructive reading. Therefore select for them as you would for your own sons and daughters, what is attractive and healthful, and withhold all else.
And now we are just starting upon a new year. Four hundred and seventy-six laborers have been called into the missionary ranks of the American Missionary Association. One hundred and ninety missions are in operation, with their widening influence and ever growing needs. Of our one hundred and forty-two churches there are fifty-seven which have not at present any Northern missionary associated with them. The difference in the development of these churches, as contrasted with those which have the influence and help of Northern teachers, is so marked, as to constitute a most urgent appeal for more missionaries—faithful women—to gather in the young people, interest and instruct them, to live among them, an example of economy and thrift in housekeeping, of neighborly kindness, of faithfulness in church obligations and of consistent Christian life. I do not hesitate to affirm that in the field of the American Missionary Association such provision is next in importance to the preached word. Neither can take the place of the other. Either is at a disadvantage without the other. And yet there are fifty-seven of these mission stations this year, now, without such beneficent woman's ministry, waiting only for additional funds, the new money necessary to provide reinforcements.
I appeal to you, Christian women, in your organized capacity as State Unions; and as individuals—stewards to whom perchance our Lord has entrusted a goodly inheritance—for help to the American Missionary Association in this almost overwhelming responsibility. Send us the missionaries for these needy fields.
I appeal to you in behalf especially of the wronged and helpless women and girls of these ten millions of our own countrymen, American born, whose only hope is in the sympathy and the help of the Christian people of our own land. We do not live in the day of small things, but of great needs and large opportunities. Surely now, if ever, is the time to "enlarge the place of thy tent and stretch forth the curtains of thy habitation. Spare not, lengthen thy cords and strengthen thy stakes, that thou mayest spread abroad on the right hand and on the left, and possess the nations of our land."