xercises. This, repeated
with variations, will give them courage to speak, and intelligent
thoughts to express. _They are on the way to active participation._
Crown the exercises with a collection. The leader must know how to
kindle enthusiasm and put it to the tangible proof.

The subject for the next meeting may be some branch of the work of the
American Missionary Association, as "Indian Missions in Dakota." Assign
to some one a paper, an historical sketch. She will need books from the
missionary library. "Ten years among the Dakotas," and "Mary and I; or,
Life among the Sioux," (to which she would never think of going for help
unless informed that the Dakotas and Sioux are one.) She may also send
to Miss Emerson for further helps. Then, in addition, give out back
numbers of the _American Missionary_ to two or three passive ladies,
asking them to make short selections concerning Indian missions--or let
one read Prof. G.F. Wright's leaflet--"Indian Missions as seen upon the
ground"--and another some missionary's letter. Call out expressions of
interest in the work--proofs of its success--etc., and ask if we ought
not to do something for its support. Give to everyone present a small
envelope with the request that it be brought to the next meeting with a
free will offering for Indian missions.

The next meeting may be devoted to "Christian work among the Mormons,"
using the "New West Reports," "The Gleaner," newspaper extracts,
missionary letters and, if possible, have the experience of some one who
has visited the schools and the homes of sin-cursed Utah. Having
awakened deep interest, the proposition to procure a lecture or a
musical entertainment and devote the proceeds to the New West Commission
will probably find favor and be carried on to success.

For the next meeting, choose another object, as "Parsonage Building."
Distribute copies of the _Church Building Quarterly_ and again the
indispensable back numbers of _The Home Missionary_, and have extracts
read which show the discomfort, and even distress, which come to the
family of the home missionary. Propose aid in the form of a birthday
offering, in which every member brings in an envelope as many cents as
she is years old. The result may be surprising.

For other objects other plans, but in every case the way should be
prepared for _intelligent giving_.

It has sometimes resulted favorably to secure, at the beginning of the
year, pledges for some definite,