The Journals of Martha E. McMillan

the prodigal of old came stepping in to get out of the severe cold. [...] I heard Paul’s catechism and we read the first chapter of Mark. [...] 27 Feb. Tues. [...] Our good man who stopped with us Sabbath went on this morning - he was so good and kind to help that I have been sad to think of him being gone. [...] March 6 March. Tuesday. [...] This morning early Clayton and Charlie N. were up - I was up too and prepared their breakfast. [...] I have been busy today too. [...] 7 March. Wed. [...] This afternoon I went to the congregational prayer meeting. 9 March. Friday. [...] Mr. Henry Houston very sick - he is very rich but that will not buy his life. [...] I attended the WCTU at Mrs. Alexander’s - after the meeting Aunt Belle and I walked out to Tom Crawford’s to call but they were not at home… I took supper at Aunt Mary’s with Clayton, Jason, Mr. Wallace, and Miss Graff. At a later hour Clara was in to supper. This evening Clara and Jason and I went with Aunt Mary to the hall to a prayer meeting on behalf of new church - after the prayer meeting she and Clayton and Jason at the Opera House at the show - It sprinkled rain this evening. I stayed at Aunt Mary’s until eleven o’clock when Clara and Jason and I came home. 10 March. Saturday. [...] All of us up at the ringing of the first bell. [...] I have put in a busy day. This afternoon I took Uncle Joe down home… When in C. I made a brief call at Aunt Mary’s - I called at Dave Mc’s along with others. [...] 11 March. Sabbath. [...] Mr. Morton’s text “Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness.” Where is the light seen? It is seen in the Christian’s character. The light ariseth in the darkness of the Christian’s life. Light ariseth in the darkness of our devotions or religious acts in the closet - at the family altar in the house of God. The thought is darkness will come - and we will have light in the darkness - while it lasts - and then we will have light when the gloom and darkness of earth will have passed away. O thanks be to God that light has arisen to us in the darkness. [...] I heard Paul’s question this evening. We read the Sabbath School lesson for next Sabbath. O by the way this is Clara’s birthday - It was remembered by some of us at least. 13 March. Tuesday. [...] Clara and Robert and I all busy this afternoon. This afternoon late I took Clara to C. The Monmouth Glee Club came to town today. Miss Leon Slack and Miss Vesta Stuart drove down from Springfield to attend it - we met them coming up here but they turned and went back with us to town - and they and Clara stopped at Aunt Mary’s for supper. Clara and the girls called at the Opera House to see the Monmouth folks and they rec’d a warm reception. I 171