Club Minutes: Mutual Improvement Association, 1883-1889

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Jennie Lea recited "Write them a letter tonight."

A. F. Gilpin read a selection from Recollections of Peter Cooper the good benevolent, and greatly missed man.

After having passed a delightful day, we separated, to meet at Evergreen at the usual time next month at 2 o'clock P.M.

"It is commonly said that revenge is sweet, but to a calm and considerate mind, patience and forgiveness are sweeter; and do afford a much more rational, solid and durable pleasure than revenge.

The monuments of our mercy and goodness are a far more delightful spectacle, than those of our rage and cruelty - and no thought usually haunts men with more lessons, than the reflections upon deeds they have done in the way of revenge."

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Brooke Meadow.

4th mo 24th 1884

Our meeting to day was small. only eleven members and five guests being present. Owing to sickness and sad causes mentioned elsewhere, our gathering last month was omitted.

Many families in this neighborhood have been sorely afflicted during the last year - but we should all feel that "The will of the Lord is a pillow to rest on, not a burden to carry". The day was pleasantly warm, with showers at intervals.

Caroline Scott, feeling that many duties and frequent absences, prevent her regular attendance at our meetings concluded to send a resignation, which was accepted with regret.

The first piece, read by M. Farquhar was a comparison between the modern dwellings and those built one hundred years since. She also read her announcement of Moncure Conway's return, to reside in Washington.

The atmosphere of the Soul and the influence which good and pure thought - exist on those around

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us was selected by S. E. Stabler.

M. L. Roberts read an interesting paper, about the use of narcotics which is a growing evil, and can often be traced to the use of patent medicines and nostrums given during infancy and childhood.

Mary Hall's contribution, touching lines "Our Birthdays" by Charles Abert and Crush not a flower" were acceptable.

S. H. Stone (by Eliza Bentley) read the Father's rod and M. R. Hallowell selected from Friend's Intelligencer, an address by Joshua L. Bailey on Temperance. The amount of money spent for alcoholic drinks is fearful to think of - were the same amount invested in bread, every poor family in this country would be provided for.

Eliza Bentley read several sentiments, all good selections. "Lo, I am with you always" as given by H. J. Moore and E. B. Smith read an account of the recent alarming earthquake in England, which so nearly destroyed the town of

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Colchester and was severely felt in many other places.

We had a satisfactory time and adjournment to the Cedars on the usual day in next month.

"Often our lives left bare by some of great desolation; something pleasant is left to cheer the uneasy days. Often in the great mountain passes, where uneven rocks betray the footsteps of the storm; delicate ferns and tender wild flowers, fill the ghastly rents, and mosses cover over the unsightly scars."

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Cedars, 5th mo 29th 1884

Our meeting today was not large but all present seemed to have a pleasant time, though we all regretted that so many of our members were compelled to be absent.

The first piece read by M. S. Hallowell was about Temperance. and recommended the use of hot milk in place of stimulants in sickness.

E. G. Thomas gave the following extract from H. W. Beecher's lecture "There are many trials in life which do not seem to come from unwisdom or folly. They are silver arrows shot from the bow of God and fixed inextricably in the quiescence heart. They are to be borne. They were not meant like snow or water, to melt as soon as they stick. But the moment an ill can be patiently borne, it is disarmed of its poison though not of its pain.

C. S. Moore read a sketch of the last days of Thomas Foulks of Swarthmore College.