At length, on the
first Sabbath of 1852, John preached on the subject, and a few
korans (worth twenty cents each), were contributed. The first
Sabbath of February it was Yonan's turn to preach there. So he
prepared himself thoroughly on this subject,--Miss Fiske had read
with him the prize essays on Benevolence, published by the American
Tract Society,--and, carrying his map into a crowded church, he
spoke at some length about missions in various parts of the world.
His account was well received. Then Bibles were distributed through
the church, and the readers were called on to read passages
previously selected, showing, first, the antiquity of benevolent
contributions; secondly, that the poor were to give as well as the
rich; and thirdly, that the blessing of God was promised to the
benevolent. The readers were scattered all over the church, and the
people listened with great attention. Then several spoke on the
subject, and the elders of the village gave the work their hearty
approval. Afternoon came, and as the time for meeting drew near, old
and young were eagerly engaged in getting ready their contributions
(in Geog Tapa the monthly concert is held on Sabbath afternoon), and
as many as two hundred came together.
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