for the encouragement 'of those who labor in the word
" It has been matter for regret that before coming away I had not made known to you the blessing I had received through your Bible Class, so I do it now, even if late. I cannot tell how thankful I am for the change which has taken place in me. Before attending your class I was withered in heart by worldliness. I never read my Bible, I prayed seldom, and then only in moments of great stress. I had attended Christian services but once in three years, and I had no desire to attend a Bible Class. But God used dear M. to shove me there one evening. I really only went to get rid of her urging me to go. I was attracted at once, however. At first only intellectually, but later spiritually, until finally I became so interested that I believe no member of the class considered it more a privilege to attend than I.
" Now I feel as though I had formerly been cheated out of my birthright for years, for I did not have the faintest conception of what it really meant to be a child of God -a true Christian. But at last I have come to realize what is the meaning of God's grace, and it makes me deeply grateful to have thus been converted while it is yet time to influence my children. I suppose every mother, as she sees her children's characters and temperaments unfold, makes plans for their future, in view of their best securing places of honor among men. At any rate, this is what I did; but my plans have very materially changed since the word of God has reached the depths of my being. It has first of all changed the environments in the home, and though but for one year yet, I already notice that the children's minds are running in a different direction.
"You must surely have seen, and been encouraged by, the manifest blessing received by various members of the class. Mrs. — was deeply impressed last winter, and, in writing to me, never fails to refer to it. Her sister also, and Miss—and the—, and myself and husband. As I think of us all in our widely-scattered homes, and what we have brought into them from your work away down in your southern clime, I realize what an honor God has put upon you in imparting to you such a measure of His truth. Your faithfulness with it has a far-reaching influence. May all who have already been blessed through it be much in prayer for you and your work, that many of the strangers who may assemble there during the coming season from all parts of this great land, may also be blessed and carry the blessing with them to their homes. You will have our own prayers that strength, both physical and spiritual, may be given you for all the requirements and developments of the work. "Yours most sincerely,"