In 1844, the day scholars made as many as fifty
garments for poor children. Early in 1845, when some mountaineers
came to beg money for their ragged children, the question was put,
"Who will give her own clothes and wear poorer ones till she can
make others." Many responded at once, and she who gave her best
dress was deemed the most happy. Some even wept because they could
not do the same. In a letter written December, 1848, the pupils say,
"The last day of the term was monthly concert. We had a good time of
prayer, and then a collection, which went up to thirty-two sahib
korans--(seven dollars.) We hope this will be increased, and used
for sending the gospel to the poor people of the mountains."
They were accustomed to devote several hours a week to sewing for
some benevolent object. At the close of one term the articles thus
prepared were sold for sixteen dollars, and the proceeds sent to
Aintab to pay for teaching women there to read.
The same virtue was assiduously cultivated in the people. Deacons
John and Yonan had for some time been urged to take up a collection
at the monthly concert at Geog Tapa, but they dared not try; not
that they did not wish it, but they feared that the people, in their
poverty, might take offence at the innovation.
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