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This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text
Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1870 Excerpt: ...to start with him, why should he go alone? Why not take along his young wife, and their one child? Will not the journey, and the visits by the way, be just as refreshing to her as to him? Is there not a communion of sisters, as well as of brethren? The hallowed influences of these annual assemblies,--are they not as needful and useful for the wives as the husbands? At an early day, the general understanding was, that the wives, too, should come. They did come, renewing old and forming new friendships, recounting the goodness of God in the past, and gathering new strength, hope, courage, and consecration, that made them better helpers in the home-mission work. If in this, too, other bodies have copied our example, we think no harm has come of it. But times have changed. Family cares have increased. Modes of travel have changed; becoming more expeditious, but more costly too. The field has enlarged. Not every mother and wife can go now; but the attendance of the sisters is still a feature of the Iowa Association, profitable alike to them, their companions, and the churches. They have their separate meetings for prayer; while, in the regular hours of devotion, the volume of supplication is increased by the silent uplifting of their hearts, with those of the brethren, to God. By the light of their cheerful faces, homes are opened to a more cordial hospitality; they helping in many ways to make the meeting of the Association a pleasure and a blessing in any place where it is held. Often, in some house or hall, are social fellowships added to the religious. Acquaintances and friendships are formed, ties of affection are strengthened, and Christ''s kingdom as well. Lest any one may think the picture is overdrawn by one who has for years been in and of them, let the...
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