Club Minutes: Mutual Improvement Association, 1883-1889

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The religion we want is that which is mindful of the little courtesies of life - at home and abroad, was a sentiment given by L. G. Thomas, and S. Porter read an article on Cats, which animals are used in China as time keepers (on account of the pupil of the eyes dilating and contracting at certain hours) and after their use in that respect is over they are served as delicacies at table.

M. W. Kirk recited Longfellow's lines "Footsteps of Angels" also Sarah B. Stabler answer to the same.

S. E. Stabler read "Catch the sunshine" and E. D. Bentley an article on getting acquainted with Nature. A miniature Aquarium in the house is a source of knowledge and pleasure. The Wardian Case was accidently discovered and now added much to the enjoyment of home in winter. She also read "The hand that made us is divine. "

S. B. Farquhar read an editorial from Friends Intelligencer relating to the sermons at the late Philadelphia Yearly Meeting.

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"As set of fun" and "Nothing is lost" pretty lines - were selected by M. L. Roberts.

M. Farquhar read of "The trade in Modern Antiquities".

Accepting an invitation from E. B. Smith, we meet at Osceola on the 26th of next month at 3 o'clock P. M.

"Our acts make or mar us, we are the children of our own deeds."

More dear in the sight of God and his angels than any other conquest is the conquest of self, which each man with the help of heaven can secure for himself."

We had not met at Osceola for a long time on account of the absence of Elizabeth B. Smith (our hostess) in Europe.

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Osceola, 6th Mo 26th 1884

After a long interval we met here again to day - thirteen members and fourteen guests being present. The weather was cold for the season, a heavy rain fall last night not only cooling the atmosphere but doing much damage in several counties of this state.

S. T. Miller being called upon, read an excellent article on the duty of today - closing with the following paragraph " They who are called to passive duties, who the cross of suffering bear," who only stand and wait in the service of the King, who endure the fires of the crucible till all dross is burned and purged away; these too shall find every cross changed into a minister of blessing, every hour of waiting a preparation for the final service, every wave of heat in the furnaces a purifier to make them fit for the rest that remaineth".

A sketch of the life of Elizabeth Fry - that noble woman so much a Queen that Kings

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were glad to do her homage, was selected by M. M. Miller.

C. B. Smith gave a recipe for currant jelly. To one pint of currant juice add one pint of water. To one pint of this liquid add 3/4 lbs of sugar, wait twenty minutes and take off the fire. A good jelly but not rich.

E. D. Bentley read Joseph Wharton's address to the graduating class of Swarthmore of 1884.

H. J. Moore selected several good extracts, one of which we copy. "God will judge us by what we are and do. There is no substitute for purity of heart and uprightness and usefulness of life. Nothing will save us, but to obey God, keep one's own hearts, and do good one to another."

An essay on the moral and intellectual forces, modified by the Physical was read by M. S. Hallowell.

L. G. Thomas read poetry "Be still and know that I am God."

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S. Porter read a good selection from Dean Stanley's "Thoughts that breathe".

M. L. Roberts recommended the ends of cucumber vines be joined off that they may continue giving all the season.

M. W. Kirk read "Among the daisies" and S. E. Ellicott "The Miller and his burden". a good lesson.

S. E. Stabler selected several pretty verses and M. W. Kirk stated that melted paraffin is good to pour over jelly- making a thin air tight cover taking the place of paper.

After tea we adjourned in good time- hoping to meet at Walnut Hill on the 28th of 8th mo. at 3 o'clock P.M.

"Be noble! and the nobleness that lies in other men - sleeping but never dead; Shall rise in majesty to meet thine own."