WORK AND WORKERS

"Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit, serving the Lord."

A WORD FOR 1897.

"I am but one;
But I am one.
I cannot do everything,
But I can do something.
What I can do I ought to do.
And what I ought to do
God helping me, I will do."

BRANCH NOTES.

Mrs. Mattie Harvey makes the following note of her work as organizer in Auglaize branch since the first of January: The first meeting held was at Collett, Ind. Notwithstanding the unfavorable evening it resulted in the organization of a local of five members and the distribution of several mite boxes among the children whom it was not difficult to enlist. The second meeting held was at Providence Chapel, the result of which was a local organization of ten members. One of the hopeful features of this local is the interest manifested by the young ladies of the society and we expect grand results. Willow Chapel was the next point visited, but on account of the inclemency of the weather but few of the sisters were present and only a partial organization was effected. The president in charge will later complete the organization. At Smith Chapel a revival service engaged the attention of Christian people generally and it was thought best not to have a public service for organization; sufficient private effort was made to secure an organization in the near future. At Payne, Ohio, Rev. C. Weyer was very helpful in introducing our work and its interests to his congregation and we succeeded in organizing Payne local with a membership of ten. At Oak Grove on the same field of labor the sisters are much interested and the officers of Payne local will help them to organize soon. On the 15th of January, I was permitted to meet in quarterly service with Bronghton local and we had a joyful time waiting upon the Lord in prayer, praise, missionary addresses, recitations, etc. It was thought best to transfer Bronghton local to Grover Hill and reorganize the society. Members were solicited and eighteen Were secured, making a membership at that point of twenty-six.

We established monthly missionary prayer-meetings at each place named and secured several subscriptions for the magazine. The work is growing in interest and power. Let us thank God and take courage.

BRANCH MEETING.

Wisconsin Branch of the W. M. A., met in annual session at Basswood, September 22nd, 1896.

The usual devotional services were participated in, after which reports of secretary and treasurer were read, showing that two locals had been organized during the year and that Mill Creek local had contributed $10.88 and Cedar Point local, $13.76 to the general treasury. In the absence of Miss Grace Smith, Rev. W. O. Dinnius gave the annual address. The spirit of the session was good. This being the first annual session of the Branch we hope to accomplish more another year. It was decided to hold the next annual meeting at Finnemore, Wisconsin, the afternoon and evening preceding the annual conference.

A number of ministerial brethren were present at the meeting and were invited to advisory seats and added, much to the interest of the occasion. The election of offi-

cers resulted as follows: President, Mrs. Elizabeth An-near, Basswood, Wisconsin; First and Second Vice-presidents, Miss Lila Randall and Mrs. Martha Dyer; Secretary, Miss Celia Craigo, Byrd's Creek; Treasurer, Mrs, Nellie Higgins, Basswood. Anna Annear was chosen branch organizer and Lila Randall, Celia Craigo and Anna Annear were chosen delegates to annual Board meeting. Anna Annear, Secretary pro tem.

[By some unaccountable oversight the above report failed to appear until now. We much regret the oversight,—ED.]

NOTICES.

All contributions, letters, announcements, etc., etc., intended for publication should reach us by the 10th of each month to insure their appearance in the issue of the following month. Any special notices requiring prompt publicity must reach us not later than the 18th of each month. Will branch executives take notice and if announcements for annual meetings are desired to appear in the March issue of the magazine, the announcements must be at hand not later than the 18th of February; if it is desired that it appear in the April issue, it must be at hand not later than the 18th of March. Be prompt in giving due notice.

Please remember to arrange early for full reports of the year's work. Full reports as to number of locals, members, children's bands, children regularly contributing to children's fund, life members and life directors, also full reports for all funds received for all purposes.

The quarterly report of the treasurer is crowded out this month, but will appear next month.

"If you cannot in the harvest
Gather up the richest sheaves,
Many a grain both ripe and golden
Will the careless reapers leave;
Go and glean among the briars,
Growing rank against the wall,
For it may be that their shadow
Hides the heaviest wheat of all."

MARCH-PRAYER SERVICE.

Topic.—Individual Responsibility—Our Talents.

Song—"Must Jesus Bear the Cross Alone?"

Scripture Lesson—Matt. 25: 14-30.

Special Prayer—That the women of the U. B. Church awaken to their responsibility to God, and use their talents in his service.

Song—"Nearer my God to Thee."

Have a short talk given on the Talents, bringing out the thought that the first and second classes were commended as good and faithful, the third and fourth did not merit approval. Who will acknowledge that they possess no talent?

Question Exercise—Answers to be given by different members.

1 "Who is responsible for my talents?"

2 "How may I improve my talents?"

3 "In how much are the women responsible for the progress in mission work?"

4 "Why should every individual be a missionary?"

5 "What are the benefits derived from being a worker in missions?"

6 "Can we obey Christ and oppose Foreign Missions?" Why?

7 "Can we serve God and refuse to be a ' Home Missionary?" Why not?

8 "What are some of the hindrances to mission work, and how can we overcome them?"

9 "In what way are the prayer-meetings of use in the work of the W. M. A.?"

10 "Who is responsible for the redemption of a lost world and what part of the burden should I bear?"

Song—"Bringing in the Sheaves." Collection.

Benediction.

L. M. T.

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