The Journals of Martha E. McMillan

space]____ but was too late for the eight o’clock. I was in time for the eleven o’clock. I expected to meet our State President Mrs. Clark but she could not come and sent her sister Mrs. Castle in her place. Mr. Brotherton took us up to the convention in his carriage - Mrs. Clara Dean of Jamestown is county president. We took our dinner at the M.E. Parsonage with Mrs. Maddocks - the Rev. was not at home but was called away for the day. We had a full meeting delegate from all the Unions. This evening I took tea at Aunt Mary’s along with her boarders…. This evening we were at the M.E. church again and were addressed by Mrs. Castle and Miss ?. [...] 15 April. Sabbath. Easter Sunday. [...] The subject: wayside ministries - the little things done between the greater things are the wayside ministries. How can this wayside ministry be performed? The answer is by improving the opportunities afforded in everyday life - Next what is the power and importance of these little unplanned acts of love and kindness to others? The power is so far reaching that it never can be known the greatness of it on this side of eternity. O how great and wonderful is the blessedness of little acts of kindness and benevolence and charity shown along life’s pathway. It is not so much what we do as what we are that counts - These wayside ministries are important because they determine our destiny. What opportunities do we have for performing the wayside ministries? If our hearts are full of love we have ample opportunity at every turn in life. Let us scatter joy and gladness and sunshine wherever we go - that our lives may be a benediction. [...] 18 April. Tuesday. [...] Our colored man Mr. Horton was missing this morning. We will have to believe it is all for the better. … This PM I took B-- down home. I made but a short stay in the town. As I came home I found Alex M. Puck? in Ced. he had just got off the five o’clock train. We were all simply delighted to see him. [...] 19 April. Thurs. [...] This afternoon Uncle Joe and I at the Cedarville Cemetery at Mr. Smith Buck’s funeral. They brought his remains from his late home in Xenia. [...] 20 April Friday. [...] I have been on the sick list today. [...] 21 April. Sat. [...] A beautiful thought written by Newell Dwight Hillis - “As the husbandman in the garden hastens to cast out all thorns, briars, and thistles and usher in the snowdrop, the roses, the fragrent violet, so let man make haste to expel from his heart all hatreds, envies, and jealousies, counting to the ____ weeds which have no place there. Let him bring in all truth, justice, purity, love, flowers, these that are rooted in heaven, but that bloom or blossom up our earth.” I felt I must write this in this book that I could read it often - how beautiful the carrying out of this would make our lives. [...] 23 April. Monday. [...] Dan going right along at the work. He helped Clara and I take up the bedroom carpet. I finished the fussing there and began cleaning the sitting room out. [...] 174