First Week(ending December 8).—1. “Preparatory Greek Course in English,” from page 172 to 192.
2. “History of Cyrus,” from page 1 to 144.
3. “What English Is,” inThe Chautauquan.
4. Sunday Readings for December 7, inThe Chautauquan.
Second Week(ending December 15).—1. “Preparatory Greek Course in English,” from page 192 to 210.
2. “History of Cyrus,” from page 144 to 289.
3. “Readings in Kitchen Science and Art,” and “Glimpses of Ancient Greek Life,” inThe Chautauquan.
4. Sunday Readings for December 14, inThe Chautauquan.
Third Week(ending December 22).—1. “Preparatory Greek Course in English,” from page 211 to 232.
2. “History of Alexander,” from page 1 to 168.
3. “Readings in Chemistry” and “Temperance Teachings of Science” inThe Chautauquan.
4. Sunday Readings for December 21, inThe Chautauquan.
Fourth Week(ending December 31).—1. “Preparatory Greek Course in English,” from page 233 to 278.
2. “History of Alexander,” from page 169 to 278.
3. “Greek Mythology,” inThe Chautauquan.
4. Sunday Readings for December 28, inThe Chautauquan.
“Truth is as impossible to be soiled by any outward touch as the sunbeam.”
“Truth is as impossible to be soiled by any outward touch as the sunbeam.”
Music.
Roll-call—Responses by quotations from Milton.
1. Essay—A Brief Sketch of the Life of Milton.
2. Recitation—Sonnet on his own Blindness.
3. Review of Milton’s Works.
[A brief outline of his principal works in both prose and poetry, including “Areopagitica,” “L’Allegro,” “Il Penseroso,” “Comus,” “Lycidas,” “Paradise Lost,” “Paradise Regained,” “Samson Agonistes,” given by different members of the circle, each member taking up only one production, and giving explanation and derivation of the name if necessary. In this way the whole class could acquire a good general idea of the field covered by Milton’s works. Each one might be provided with a note-book and take down leading items as the others read.]
Music.
4. Essay—Milton’s “History as connected with the Commonwealth and the Restoration.”
Selections from Taine on Milton’s “Adam and Eve.” See reference given.
[These selections will afford amusement, and add spice to the entertainment.]
Additional subjects for essays: Milton’s Early Home, Milton’s Daughters, Milton’s Wives, Milton on Divorce, Mary Milton, The Character of Milton, Milton’s Times.
The following references will be found useful in gathering materials for essays: “English Literature,” H. A. Taine, Vol. ii, page 240; the same, Vol. iii, page 249; Prose Writings, Vol. vi, p. 257; “Lives of Poets of Great Britain and Ireland,” by Dr. Sam Johnson, p. 1; “Modern British Essayists,” “Macaulay’s Miscellanies;” the same, “Milton and Cowley,” p. 116; Addison’s Works, Vol. i, p. 143, a poetical criticism; Addison’sWorks, Vol. i, p. 39, Milton’s style imitated; Addison’s Works, Vol. vi, p. 168, admirable notice; “Life and Poetical Works of Milton,” published by Gregg, Philadelphia, Vol. ii; “English Literature,” by G. L. Craik, LL.D., Scribner, New York; “Chambers’s English Literature,” Vol. i, p. 396;Christian Examiner, Vol. iii, p. 29;American Church Repository, Vol. ii, p. 153;Contemporary Review, Vol. xxii, p. 427;Littel’s Living Age, Vol. cli, p. 323;Unitarian Review, Vol. xiv, p. 12;Western Review, Vol. v, p. 107;Potter’s American Monthly, Vol. xiii, p. 45;National Review, Vol. ix, p. 150;Congregational Magazine, Vol. xvi, p. 193; “Land We Love,” Vol. ii, p. 445; “Land We Love,” Vol. iii, p. 38;American Quarterly Observer, Vol. i, p. 115;American Quarterly Review, Vol. v, p. 301;United States Literary Gazette, Vol. iv, p. 278;Colburn’s New Monthly Magazine, Vol. cliii, p. 27;Analytical Magazine, Vol. xiv, p. 224;Penny Magazine, Vol. x, p. 97.
Music.
1. Quiz on the Readings of the Week.
2. Recitation.
3. Essay—The Character of Cyrus.
Music.
4. Reading.
5. Essay—What English Is.
6. Fifteen minute talk on Topics of the Times.
Social Converse.
1. Roll-call—Quotations from Readings of the Month.
2. Essay—Demosthenes.
3. Reading—Selections from the Philippics.
Intermission.
4. Essay—The Effects of Intemperance.
5. Reading—Greek Home Life.
6. Experiments in Chemistry.
Music—Chautauqua Song.
Roll-call—With Responses from Milton.
Introduction of New Members.
1. Quiz on the Month’s Readings.
2. Essay—The Story of Ulysses.
3. Recitation—From the Iliad.
Music.
4. Essay—Our Native Tongue.
5. Recitation—From Il Penseroso.
6. Chemical Experiments.
7. Discussion—How can we improve our Circle and extend the C. L. S. C.?
BY REV. J. L. HURLBUT, D.D.
1. The first step is for somebody to get thoroughly saturated with the Chautauqua Idea, either at “the Mecca of us all,” or some other Assembly, or by coming into contact with a live Chautauquan. Find out what the C. L. S. C. is, what it aims to do, and what it has already done in lifting up and inspiring people. Chautauqua Hand-book No. 2 will tell you something about its history and methods, and the C. L. S. C. number of theAssembly Heraldwill shed more light in the address of Dr. Vincent which it contains. But if you can get hold of the button hole of an intelligent leader of a local circle, in half an hour you can learn more of the working of the organization, than in a half-day of reading about it.
2. The next step is to awaken the interest of others in the subject. Talk about it in social conversation, especially with the busy people, who feel their need of just what the C. L. S. C. offers, an inspiration to and a helping hand in reading and thought. Send to the general office for a number of copies of the circular on “Popular Education,” and distribute them where they will be appreciated and read. Let the Sunday-school teacher talk to his Bible class, the Superintendent to his school, the pastor to his congregation. Write an article for the village paper about the good work of the circle among the people. Secure the coöperation of the intelligent people in the community, the doctor, the lawyer, the editor, the principal and teachers of the public school, and let the town be awakened on the subject of the People’s College. If these educated leaders fail to take interest, do not be discouraged, but go on and get up the circle among the few who will be aroused. We know of a place where the first circle consisted of six members; and now there are two hundred readers of the course in that city.
3. Bring together those interested in the subject to hold a meeting for the organization of a local circle. Do not limit the constituency to any one social grade. It will do good to both the banker and the plumber’s apprentice, the society lady and the dressmaker, to meet on the common platform of an interest in one subject of thought. If the circle be started under the auspices of a church, make room for members from other churches, for it does Christians good to look each other in the face and study together. The best place for the meeting is the big parlors of some warm-hearted householder who is in sympathy with the enterprise, and the closer the crowd the better the feeling is apt to be. Have on hand some Chautauqua Songs, and learn a few of the best. Shake hands all around, and try to make people acquainted.
4. At the meeting show a set of the books for the year’s reading, and set forth the plan of the C. L. S. C. Then distribute the copies of the application blanks, and proclaim a recess, during which time the names of members will be received by a Secretarypro tem.[Obtain the blanks in advance of the meeting from the general office at Plainfield, N. J.] Two conditions of membership, in my judgment, should be named. First, that every member of the local circle should also be a member of the general C. L. S. C. “Associate members” have been the bane of many circles, for they are without responsibility; follow the course only so far as they feel an inclination, and are not true Chautauquans. You are uniting a company of people for a definite purpose of study, and no others should be admitted to membership. The second condition of membership should be, that each one joining shall take part as assigned in the meetings. If there is an implied distinction between members speaking and silent, between workers and listeners (who are apt to be critics), your circle will fail to accomplish its highest mission, to develop the dormant abilities of its members. The principles of the local circle should be “every student a member, and every member a worker,” and it will be far easier to establish these as conditions at the outset than to work up to them afterward.
5. The second meeting should consist of members only, and those who come for the purpose of becoming members. At this meeting it may be desirable to prepare a simple set of rules, though it is not necessary, and an elaborate constitution and by-laws have crushed to death many societies. The better way is to make rules as you need them, and to change them ascircumstances may require. Let the leader or organizer bring to this meeting fifteen or twenty written or printed questions on the readings for the coming week or fortnight, and distribute them among the members, in alphabetical order of names, to be answered at the next meeting. A better plan, if practicable, is to print the program for the next meeting, with names of participants, by means of some duplicating process like the papyrograph or hektograph, and give a copy to each member. Assign your fifteen topics among the first fifteen names, so that all will be on an equality, but assign them with some regard to fitness, so that the most difficult question will not fall to the most untrained student.
6. The only officers needed are a president, vice-president, secretary and treasurer; and as everybody knows what their duties are it is not necessary to define them in a written constitution. Two committees may be chosen, each of which might consist of a single person. [Spurgeon says that the best committee consists of three, of whom one is sick and another out of town.] One committee to prepare the program of the meetings, another to provide music, either vocal or instrumental, to vary the exercises.
7. The mention of a treasurer suggests that there may be small expenses to the circle, for secretary’s book, postage, printing, etc. This may be obtained through voluntary contribution, through assessment, or through fines on absent members. In some circles it is obtained by making some person, generally the local bookseller, the agent to procure the books and receive subscriptions for theChautauquan. The members pay the agent the full price, of which he gives a certain percentage to the treasurer, thus supplying a fund upon which drafts may be made for necessary expenses.
These are our hints concerning organization. The local circle is now launched, and we give it the Chautauqua salute, wishing it a successful voyage.
BY LEWIS C. PEAKE.
You say “There is no circle in my neighborhood.” It may be so, but if you want one you may have it. If you desire to form one in a church (and if every church had a circle connected with it, its power would be immeasurably increased), get, if possible, the coöperation of the pastor. If you fail to secure his active assistance, as you very likely may, he will be pretty sure to give you his moral support and good will, without which little can be done in connection with any church. If, however, he can see his way clear to active participation, so much the better for the circle, as well as for himself. He has made another bond between pastor and people. If the proposed circle be in connection with a Y. M. C. A., get hold of the general secretary in the same manner and for the same reason. Wherever it may be, get, if you can, by private effort, one or two persons (as many more as possible) interested in the movement. Then, as near the first of October as possible, call a meeting of all interested in mental and moral culture, old as well as young, explain the object and aim of the C. L. S. C.; have blank forms of application for membership, and get as many as possible committed to it there and then. As a rule there need never be a failure. A large membership is not essential to success; indeed, much of the most satisfactory work is done in small circles of from four to a dozen members. Many a family circle has been blessed by being formed into a C. L. and S. circle.
A good deal of the success of a circle depends upon the person chosen as leader, conductor, president, or whatever name may be given to the chief executive officer; hence the importance of the question, who should occupy this position? The president should be the best person in the circle, be he man or woman; one of admitted preëminence among the members; one who is sufficiently interested to undertake and persevere in the study for its own sake, either to benefit himself or to enable him to help others, and not simply to patronize the Circle. The C. L. S. C. neither asks nor accepts patronage from any. The president should be a man of good general information and common sense. One who knows how to express himself in good plain Saxon, and when to stop. One who is regular and punctual in his attendance. A good conversationalist. One who will diligently pursue the course of reading, so that he may be in a position toleadthe circle. If, in addition to these qualifications, he be a college trained man or a teacher, his power will be greatly enhanced. Get, if you can, one who through attendance at Chautauqua, has become thoroughly imbued with the spirit of the movement. Failing in this, do your best to induce him to go there next season.
Next to the office of president, that of secretary is the most important in the circle. So much of the working of the circle depends upon this officer, that it is not easy to attach too much importance to the selection of a suitable person for the position. The president and secretary usually constitute the cabinet of the circle, hence the need of a perfect understanding between them. To this end frequent and easy communication is desirable. The secretary should be one capable, not only of keeping a fair and accurate record of the membership and business of the circle, but of suggesting methods for increasing the membership, adding to the comfort and convenience of those attending the circle meetings, etc.; a wide awake person with a great deal of thought for others.
In conducting your local circle, do not seek to use any stereotyped plan. That which has proved the best for some circles may not be so well adapted to yours. Study your surrounding circumstances, the habits and employments of the members, etc. One of the most satisfactory meetings I have known was held during the study of Roman History. The general subject was divided into two parts—B. C. and A. D. Each of these was again divided into Internal and External history, the former treating of the intellectual growth, laws, literature, etc., and the latter, of the wars, conquests and extension of the empire. The subjects were apportioned to four members who each occupied ten minutes, and a general discussion ensued. Where the circle is located in the vicinity of an educational institution, advantage may frequently be taken of the learning and teaching ability of some of the professors, many of whom would gladly render assistance in the matter, by delivering a lecture or teaching a lesson upon certain subjects under consideration. To this willingness on the part of eminent specialists to communicate freely from their store of knowledge, I gladly bear testimony. Get the members to prepare brief papers or criticisms upon certain phases of the subjects under consideration. These might be anonymous, if by that means some timid ones might be drawn out. Begin and close promptly on time. Sing the Chautauqua songs and persevere until all can and do sing them.
A good deal of interest might be awakened in the C. L. S. C. by steady effort. Furnish the local press with interesting items, accounts of circle meetings, an occasional paper prepared and read before the circle, etc. Editors are not dull; they will soon come to see that so far from patronizing you, they are really your debtors, and will give all the aid you reasonably ask of them. An occasional article in the religious weeklies will do good service, and such articles, brief and well written, will almost always command insertion. By all means cultivate the press. Circulate the Popular Education circularswhich, with forms of application, can be obtained in any quantities necessary from the head office. Send and give them to your friends. Talk about the circle. Be interested in it, and show that you are. Invite your friends occasionally to the circle meetings. The observance of the Memorial Days affords fine opportunities for introducing the work of the circle to persons who have not given much attention to it. Best of all is to induce your friends to spend a week or two at Chautauqua in August, where the animus of the movement may be seen and studied as it can be nowhere else. This plan seldom fails.
“We Study the Word and the Works of God.”—“Let us keep our Heavenly Father in the Midst.”—“Never be Discouraged.”
1.Opening Day—October 1.
2.Bryant Day—November 3.
3.Special Sunday—November, second Sunday.
4.Milton Day—December 9.
5.College Day—January, last Thursday.
6.Special Sunday—February, second Sunday.
7.Longfellow Day—February 27.
8.Shakspere Day—April 23.
9.Addison Day—May 1.
10.Special Sunday—May, second Sunday.
11.Special Sunday—July, second Sunday.
12.Inauguration Day—August, first Saturday after first Tuesday; anniversary of C. L. S. C. at Chautauqua.
13.St. Paul’s Day—August, second Saturday after first Tuesday; anniversary of the dedication of St. Paul’s Grove at Chautauqua.
14.Commencement Day—August, third Tuesday.
15.Garfield Day—September 19.
The local circle keeps warm and vigorous through the year the spirit of the summer assemblies. Indeed, to the local circles we believe we are indebted for much of the enthusiasm of the summer meetings. Their students garner rich harvests of thought and feeling in the long months of study, and the assemblies are but the meeting places to compare work, rest weary brains, gather fresh zeal and plan new undertakings. They are becoming necessary elements in the work. Students are feeling we must have an assembly. If we can not go to Chautauqua, we must have a local meeting. This feeling is leading to a great multiplication of centers. One of the latest plans we have learned of from the TorontoGlobe, which says in a recent issue: “For some months past a few gentlemen have been quietly working to secure the control of the beautiful Oak Grove on the banks of the Niagara River, above the town, and near the famous old Fort George, as an assembly ground to be affiliated with the Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle, and also for general Sunday-school and temperance work. A deputation waited on Chancellor Vincent recently, and secured his hearty consent to coöperate, as far as possible, and aid the work in the direction indicated.”
A new and delightful summer center for our work is promised by the active interest which the members of the local circle ofOcean Grove, N. J., are taking in extending their bounds. The circle is fortunate in having among its members Rev. J. L. Corning, director of the Department of History and Literature of Art in the Chautauqua University. Mr. Corning recently favored the circle with a most interesting article on the “Geography of Greece,” showing how the peculiar configuration of the country had helped in forming its military and political supremacy, and had aided in developing the national individuality. The outlook of the circle Mr. Corning gives in a recent letter to theOcean Grove Record, in which he says: “The Ocean Grove local circle of the C. L. S. C. in its new organization is yet in its infancy, being only a few weeks old. But it has already proved its calling to a noble mission as auxiliary to every appliance of religious and moral influence which in some sense is peculiar to this place. A most fortunate circumstance for its prosperity is found in the active sympathy of the resident officers of the Camp-meeting Association. Those honored men already divine the good work which the new agency contemplates, and have enlisted in it their cordial coöperation. Especially favored is our youthful organization in having my most valued friend, Dr. Stokes, for its presiding officer. He will bring to this auxiliary mission the same high qualities of mind and heart which have marked his successful administration as a guiding spirit in the noble religious works of the association. The duty and privilege of securing personal membership in the Ocean Grove local circle of the C. L. S. C. can not be too strongly commended to the winter residents both of this and our neighboring town. To the young, especially, who need intelligent guidance, systematic habits and periodical inspiration in intellectual culture, this local organization will bring inestimable benefit. The Ocean Grove local circle of the C. L. S. C. is an organization with large possibilities before it. Its constituency need not necessarily be limited to the permanent residents of this highly favored locality, but may include as well, an unlimited auxiliary force from the thousands who gather on this hallowed spot during the summer. Upon the growth and work of this subsidiary organization will, in a great degree, depend the recognition which the great mother organization will have in the annual summer gatherings which have given Ocean Grove an enviable name all over our land.”
In connection with these projected assemblies we have the pleasure of giving our readers an account of a local assembly which held its first session last summer. When we reported in October the local summer assembly at Lake Grove, Auburn, Me., we were not aware that another similar assembly had been held within the boundaries of the same state. It is but recently that we have received the program of the Maine Chautauqua Assembly, the first session of which was held from July 23d to August 2d, atMartha’s Grove, Fryeburg, Me.The idea of a Maine Assembly originated with Mrs. Martha Nutter, a noble hearted woman of Cape Elizabeth, who wished to see the spread of the Chautauqua plan of study in Maine, and to have a permanent organization of the C. L. S. C. meeting once a year for a few days, something after the plan of the larger assemblies. At first it seemed that the movement would not be successful, but through the earnest efforts of Mrs. Nutter, assisted by Rev. John Collins, also of Cape Elizabeth, and Mrs. Stickney, of Brownfield, promises of lectures, readings, essays and music were obtained, programs were printed and sent out among the people. When the time appointed for the meeting arrived, July 28th, there was a goodly number of enthusiastic Chautauquans gathered at Martha’s Grove. The entire program was successfully carried out, and the meetings lasted throughout the week. During the meetings a regular organization was formed under the name of “The Maine Chautauqua Union,” officers were elected and a vote was passed to meet at the same time and place another year. No lovelier spot could be selected for such a gathering than Martha’s Grove. There is a large growth of elm trees, which furnish a delightful shade, while beneath is a carpet of green, where a speaker’s stand and seats are erected, and here are held nearly all the meetings. This grove borders on the SacoRiver, and just across its banks is obtained a lovely view of Mount Kearsarge, while other peaks of the White Mountain Range are seen in the distance. A pleasant drive of two miles, past flourishing farms and through the lovely village of Fryeburg, and the station on the P. & O. R. R. is reached.
Quite as unique and delightful, though less ambitious, was a gathering which assembled weekly during the past summer at theProfile House, far up among theFranconia MountainsofNew Hampshire. It was formed early in August, by six of the waitresses of the hotel. They held their meetings sometimes in the quiet forests, sometimes in their rooms, and spent the two lovely months of August and September reviewing the readings of the year. It must have been a beautiful, inspiring hour, to the members of the little circle, when they would lay aside their duties, and under the trees of those lovely mountains turn their thoughts to their books.
Even Chautauqua itself keeps the germ of its power aglow through all the fall, winter and spring, by a local circle. From this center of centers a friend writes us of the life and work that has taken the place of the summer’s study and enthusiasm. The pleasant letter gives a picture which our friends will enjoy, we believe, as well as we did. “You have seen a New England cellar banked up for winter? Then imagine the Amphitheater securely shut in by a five-foot tight board fence all round about. Something very precious must be stored there! Mayhap the seeds that shall next summer blossom into eloquence. Imagine all the Athenian watch-fire pillars, huddled into a corner of the Hall of Philosophy, like a shame-faced group of oriental women. Think of the Point, the docks, as absolutely silent; the lake without a sail, or even a row boat, save that of some solitary fisherman, drifting. Think of gathering nuts by the quart among the rustling leaves of the old Auditorium; of seeing the cottages stripped of their hand-painted decorations, ‘Boarding and Rooms.’ Two daily excitements still remain: the meatman’s bell each morning rings, and the stage brings the one bag of mail at noon. The crowds seemed loth to leave this year, but the lingerers left in a body, and silence seemed suddenly to fall upon the place. There is settled down for the winter a genial, social company of live people, and it is evident that soon there will not be evenings enough in the week in which to accomplish all the delightful things the weeks will bring to enjoy. Indeed, this seems to me in several senses, a remarkable, a model, community. All social life centers in the little chapel. Here an enthusiastic C. L. S. C. meets each Tuesday evening, and each Sabbath at the vesper hour, the bell, whose echoes reach so far, calls an earnest company to the dear old hall.”
Turning to our eastern circles, the first report of the month comes from the “Ashuelot” local circle ofSwanzey, N. H., which is still prospering, and has begun on its second year of work. “It is composed of thirteen regular members of the class of 1887, with eleven local members. Nearly all are diligent students and active workers. The Rev. Benjamin Merrill, one of the presidents of the New England class of ’87, is an enthusiastic Chautauquan and member of our local circle. Our meetings are opened with prayer, and often closed with a Chautauqua song. At the opening each member repeats a quotation, and waits for the class to name the author if they are able to do so. At each meeting a portion of the required reading is assigned to each member of the class, as a special lesson for the next succeeding meeting. Both the regular and the local members are expected to prepare condensed reviews of the topics thus allotted to them, which are usually recited from memory. In order to give time for questions and remarks, each of these reports is limited to five minutes. The subjects considered often call out animated discussions, which are conducted in a friendly, conversational manner. A critic is appointed by the president at each meeting, to notice errors in language, and report at the close. The meetings increase in interest, are instructive and entertaining, and the work done is thorough. We have been favored with some excellent essays and poems by members of the circle.”
October 1st is the anniversary day of the C. L. S. C. ofFranklin, Mass., and this year their second anniversary was observed in a manner highly creditable to the circle, as it was also enjoyable to their friends. The exercises were listened to by an audience of nearly six hundred people, fully one hundred and fifty of them being Chautauqua students. By a generous outlay of money the circle secured the services of talented musicians from Boston and vicinity. They were also fortunate in securing the Rev. J. L. Withrow, D.D., the eloquent preacher of Park Street Church, Boston, to deliver their Commencement address. The topic selected by this eminent speaker was “The Intellectual Signs of the Times.” It was a vigorous, instructive, and exceedingly entertaining address. The Franklin Circle has secured its publication in full, in the local paper of that town. A very interesting original poem, prepared for the occasion, was read by the author, the Rev. Wm. M. Thayer, of Franklin, the topic being “What is Thought?” The chapel was very beautifully decorated with the national colors, with deep-hued autumn leaves, and bouquets of choice flowers, arranged about the platform. The occasion was full of inspiration to the members and their friends, and opened in a very interesting manner the new year of the C. L. S. C. course. About twenty-five new members have enrolled themselves upon the books of this circle, as members of the class of ’88.
After the Assembly at South Framingham, an evening was spent in the church atWest Chelmsford, Mass., on the Chautauqua Idea, the result of which was a local circle consisting of twelve members, nine of whom are regular members of C. L. S. C., of the class of ’88. All are enthusiastic over the studies. The circle meets twice a month, following somewhat the order of exercises suggested inThe Chautauquan.
We learn from thePalladium, ofNew Haven, Conn., that the first fall meeting of the “Woolsey” circle, composed of members of the “Pansy Class,” was held on the evening of October 15th. The members witnessed some very interesting experiments in chemistry by James D. Whitmore, of the high school. Mr. Whitmore expressed his hearty sympathy in the C. L. S. C. organization, and any similar movements calculated to elevate young or old in searching for knowledge. In a very pleasing way he made all who were present feel perfectly unrestrained, frequently requesting them to gather close around him and the table, that they might the more perfectly witness the results of his experiment. The “Woolsey” circle has now entered upon the second year of its course of reading, and has increased its membership from twenty-eight to forty-two.
A second local circle was organized inPawtucket, R. I., on September 29th. It has taken the name of the “Pleasant View Local Circle,” and counts sixteen regular members, beside several “locals.” A report of methods, plans, and special work, we trust, will soon come from these new friends. They may be sure that they have a hearty welcome from all members of the C. L. S. C.
This fall, after three years of hard work in the C. L. S. C., the little circle of ladies atOneida, N. Y., entered upon their senior year. During the past term of their reading they have held weekly meetings at the homes of the members, rarely in all this time missing an evening. These gatherings have been informal and home-like, but withal very thorough. Their plan has been to read aloud, criticising carefully every point in the reading—an excellent plan, and one which does much to make good the sentiment which they write us that they heartily believe in: “Trifles make perfection, but perfection is no trifle.” Lively discussions often arise over some point of their reading, and do much toward strengthening their interest. They report that during their course they have observed nearly all of the Memorial days—an excellent plan, and one which alwayscompensates in the ideas and inspiration which it gives, for the extra work it may cause.
There is a circle atWellsville, N. Y., that has the rare honor of having been in successful operation since 1878. They have graduated members in the classes of ’82 and ’83, and now number nineteen members, representing each of the four classes. A friend writes of their last annual reunion: “The last of August we held our annual reunion, which has been usually held at the home of some member, but this year, as last, was made a surprise; we succeeded so perfectly in this as to have our coming only made known by our hearty singing of
“‘Hail the day with joy and singing,Swell the chorus, full and ringing,Love to Alma Mater bringing—All hail! C. L. S. C.’”
“‘Hail the day with joy and singing,Swell the chorus, full and ringing,Love to Alma Mater bringing—All hail! C. L. S. C.’”
“‘Hail the day with joy and singing,Swell the chorus, full and ringing,Love to Alma Mater bringing—All hail! C. L. S. C.’”
“‘Hail the day with joy and singing,
Swell the chorus, full and ringing,
Love to Alma Mater bringing—
All hail! C. L. S. C.’”
“Our repast was bountiful, and the decorations were worthy the loving hands that arranged them. We sat long at the table, and gave the time more to song and toast than to food. These reunions are so enjoyable that I think their fame is causing many in our town to feel that it would be very pleasant to be numbered with us. One of the ’82 graduates is pursuing his third year at Wesleyan University, and his presence at these reunions adds to our pleasure.”
FromJohnstown, N. Y., the secretary writes us that on October 1st the circle was reorganized, and the officers for the year elected.
For two years the “Clinton” circle ofNewark, N. J., has been quietly but seriously working. On the 14th of October it began its third year’s work. Of the plans which have governed them each year we have a brief outline: “We endeavor to amuse and profit ourselves by embracing as great a variety of general lines in our programs as possible; for example: Our first president, a C. L. S. C. graduate, made our meetings especially attractive by illustrating the lessons in geology with maps, engravings, fossils, ores, etc., and bringing ‘the heavens near by’ with blackboard and crayon. Our second year president fostered and developed the question-box idea, and encouraged the preparation of original papers. This year we hope to make famous with special exercisesin memoriam, lectures, glees, quotations, and question matches.” At the meeting of the circle on October 30th, among other happily chosen exercises was a talk on “Europe” by a cultured traveler from their circle, who has lately returned from a trip abroad.
The chemistry in this year’s course is going to prove a most delightful part of the year’s reading, affording, as it does, such ample opportunity for interesting experiments. One of the first circles to report their work in this line is the “Parker Circle” ofWashington, D. C., of which theEvening Criticof that city says: “‘Parker Circle,’ C. L. S. C., has taken up the work of the year with increased vigor, the meetings being well attended and very interesting. A special meeting was held last evening at the residence of the president, A. P. Steward, to give opportunity to the members to witness some experiments in chemistry, a portion of the required reading of this year’s course being upon this interesting subject. The experiments were conducted by Mr. W. T. Criswell, chemist. Hydrogen and oxygen gases were successfully generated, hydrogen soap bubbles blown and then exploded by igniting them, recently extinguished tapers relighted by oxygen, sodium and potassium burned on water, arsenic and antimony tests made, etc., etc. Only one slight explosion occurred, which caused much amusement, but no harm resulted except to the test tube, which was blown to atoms.” The plan of the “Parker” circle in securing a practical chemist to conduct their experiments is wise. There is always more or less danger in operating with gases, and we earnestly recommend circles who wish to see these beautiful experiments to engage the services of some one skilled in laboratory work.
A neighbor to the “Parker” circle is the “Pansy” circle of our national capital. We have received from this circle a poem lately written in its honor, from which we extract the following verses:
Beside the lake, in simple grace,Alma Mater sits sereneAnd gathers in her kind embraceThe children she has never seen.Through the broad continent they dwell,Some, hungry minds, else unsupplied—Some, who have drawn from learning’s wellBut still would dip, unsatisfied.Anear or far, we feel her hand;Her guiding counsel shapes our “course,”Her sympathy unites our band;Hers the unseen cohesive force.The “Circle’s” brightest Jewel, thou,Fair Mother! To whate’er thou bidstWith prompt obedience we bow,But “Keep our Father in the Midst.”Here, on the Circle’s southern edge,Responsive to thy guiding nod,We, faithful to our earnest pledge“Study the Word and Works of God.”We may not rise to eminence and fame,We may not win, but may deserve success;Beneath the shadow of an humble name,We may live on our little world to bless.As our bright pansy from its lowly stemSmiles almost human cheer to eyes that see,We’ll brighten each our little niche for themTo whom it matters what our life should be.We’ll learn where hoarded gems of clearest rayLie hidden close in pure and noble booksAnd lead still other feet in learning’s way,To gather wealth in these rich-dowered nooks.Not for ourselves alone we con our task;Chautauqua owns no selfish miser churl;Where her fair lake’s sun-lighted waters bask,True knowledge is no guarded, hidden pearl.We only hide the drudgery from view;To social cheer transform the study’s gloom;In mutual converse pierce the sunlight thro’And cover sternest themes with Pansy bloom.Then rally round Chautauqua’s banner bright!And win to wisdom all who will be won!Still looking upward for the one Sure Light,True, loyal Pansies, turning to the Sun!
Beside the lake, in simple grace,Alma Mater sits sereneAnd gathers in her kind embraceThe children she has never seen.Through the broad continent they dwell,Some, hungry minds, else unsupplied—Some, who have drawn from learning’s wellBut still would dip, unsatisfied.Anear or far, we feel her hand;Her guiding counsel shapes our “course,”Her sympathy unites our band;Hers the unseen cohesive force.The “Circle’s” brightest Jewel, thou,Fair Mother! To whate’er thou bidstWith prompt obedience we bow,But “Keep our Father in the Midst.”Here, on the Circle’s southern edge,Responsive to thy guiding nod,We, faithful to our earnest pledge“Study the Word and Works of God.”We may not rise to eminence and fame,We may not win, but may deserve success;Beneath the shadow of an humble name,We may live on our little world to bless.As our bright pansy from its lowly stemSmiles almost human cheer to eyes that see,We’ll brighten each our little niche for themTo whom it matters what our life should be.We’ll learn where hoarded gems of clearest rayLie hidden close in pure and noble booksAnd lead still other feet in learning’s way,To gather wealth in these rich-dowered nooks.Not for ourselves alone we con our task;Chautauqua owns no selfish miser churl;Where her fair lake’s sun-lighted waters bask,True knowledge is no guarded, hidden pearl.We only hide the drudgery from view;To social cheer transform the study’s gloom;In mutual converse pierce the sunlight thro’And cover sternest themes with Pansy bloom.Then rally round Chautauqua’s banner bright!And win to wisdom all who will be won!Still looking upward for the one Sure Light,True, loyal Pansies, turning to the Sun!
Beside the lake, in simple grace,Alma Mater sits sereneAnd gathers in her kind embraceThe children she has never seen.Through the broad continent they dwell,Some, hungry minds, else unsupplied—Some, who have drawn from learning’s wellBut still would dip, unsatisfied.Anear or far, we feel her hand;Her guiding counsel shapes our “course,”Her sympathy unites our band;Hers the unseen cohesive force.
Beside the lake, in simple grace,
Alma Mater sits serene
And gathers in her kind embrace
The children she has never seen.
Through the broad continent they dwell,
Some, hungry minds, else unsupplied—
Some, who have drawn from learning’s well
But still would dip, unsatisfied.
Anear or far, we feel her hand;
Her guiding counsel shapes our “course,”
Her sympathy unites our band;
Hers the unseen cohesive force.
The “Circle’s” brightest Jewel, thou,Fair Mother! To whate’er thou bidstWith prompt obedience we bow,But “Keep our Father in the Midst.”Here, on the Circle’s southern edge,Responsive to thy guiding nod,We, faithful to our earnest pledge“Study the Word and Works of God.”
The “Circle’s” brightest Jewel, thou,
Fair Mother! To whate’er thou bidst
With prompt obedience we bow,
But “Keep our Father in the Midst.”
Here, on the Circle’s southern edge,
Responsive to thy guiding nod,
We, faithful to our earnest pledge
“Study the Word and Works of God.”
We may not rise to eminence and fame,We may not win, but may deserve success;Beneath the shadow of an humble name,We may live on our little world to bless.As our bright pansy from its lowly stemSmiles almost human cheer to eyes that see,We’ll brighten each our little niche for themTo whom it matters what our life should be.We’ll learn where hoarded gems of clearest rayLie hidden close in pure and noble booksAnd lead still other feet in learning’s way,To gather wealth in these rich-dowered nooks.
We may not rise to eminence and fame,
We may not win, but may deserve success;
Beneath the shadow of an humble name,
We may live on our little world to bless.
As our bright pansy from its lowly stem
Smiles almost human cheer to eyes that see,
We’ll brighten each our little niche for them
To whom it matters what our life should be.
We’ll learn where hoarded gems of clearest ray
Lie hidden close in pure and noble books
And lead still other feet in learning’s way,
To gather wealth in these rich-dowered nooks.
Not for ourselves alone we con our task;Chautauqua owns no selfish miser churl;Where her fair lake’s sun-lighted waters bask,True knowledge is no guarded, hidden pearl.We only hide the drudgery from view;To social cheer transform the study’s gloom;In mutual converse pierce the sunlight thro’And cover sternest themes with Pansy bloom.Then rally round Chautauqua’s banner bright!And win to wisdom all who will be won!Still looking upward for the one Sure Light,True, loyal Pansies, turning to the Sun!
Not for ourselves alone we con our task;
Chautauqua owns no selfish miser churl;
Where her fair lake’s sun-lighted waters bask,
True knowledge is no guarded, hidden pearl.
We only hide the drudgery from view;
To social cheer transform the study’s gloom;
In mutual converse pierce the sunlight thro’
And cover sternest themes with Pansy bloom.
Then rally round Chautauqua’s banner bright!
And win to wisdom all who will be won!
Still looking upward for the one Sure Light,
True, loyal Pansies, turning to the Sun!
It is a great pleasure to hear from circles who have been steady workers for some time, but have never sent us reports. Such a bit of circle-history comes to us fromRootstown, Ohio. A friend writes: “We organized a circle October, 1882, with a membership of twenty, and surely a good report is due the circle for the two years’ work they have done. The benefit received has been many fold, the discipline obtained by having a certain course of reading to pursue has already been perceptibly felt. A taste for the better class of reading has been cultivated, and a feeling of sociability gained among the young people, brought about by common interests. As we are ready to start in with our third year’s reading, all our former members will not respond at roll-call. During last year, we, as a class, were very much bereaved by the loss of our former president, Mrs. H. O. Reed, who was untiring in her efforts to organize the circle here, and who happily presided over our meeting for the first year, always entertaining the class at her own home. She was the first of our number to pass through the ‘Golden Gate’ at Chautauqua, graduating August 1883. The following December, on Christmas day, her spirit passedthrough the ‘Golden Gate’ to join the great ‘Circle’ of the redeemed above. We have been so fortunate as to have three clergymen belonging to our order, one, who graduated with the class of ’84. Our regular meetings have been opened with singing, prayer, and scripture reading. The specified memorial meetings have generally been observed. The programs have been arranged by a committee, and have consisted of roll-call, responded to by quotations from authors specified, followed by articles prepared on topics connected with the subjects we were reading, after which a poem was generally read. The last hour we have devoted to miscellaneous topics and the questions inThe Chautauquan. During the latter part of ’83 we had a Round-Table which we found very interesting.”
How many stories of wit and wisdom find their center at Chautauqua. One of the most entertaining we have seen comes from a member of theDetroit, Mich., local circle, Mr. G. F. Beasley, a lawyer of that city, and bears the title of “John Scroggin’s First Visit at Chautauqua.” It is a bright and real description of the first visit of a farmer and his sturdy boys and girls to Chautauqua, of their funny mistakes, their gradual appreciation of the “Idea,” and finally their complete metamorphosis into typical Chautauquans; for at last