Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1893-12-17

fort when the work is done. No one
can deny that many Of the most ambi-
tious and earnest workers may suffer
from the work connected with fairs.
No doubt the work is hard, but unless
carried to needless extremes should not
be- injurious. Daily employment de-
manding energy, perseverance and reg
ularlty is one OF the best and most reli-
able life assurances, the best tonic, for
those whose feeble health Is too often
the effect OF having nothing to do.
Every year many ladies not yet touch
ing middle age, break down from nerv-
Gus exhaustion, but not from hard labor.
On the contrary, IL is because all house
hold labor is delegated TO servants and
the mistress spends part of her time in
fancy work, but by far the largest gro
portion in fashionable calls or parties,
balls, the opera or theatre or exciting
entertainments In heated rooms till late
hours. No hard work In fairs or at
home strains upon the strength, breaks
down the nerves, aud withers the roses
as a life OF such constant excitement.
We have had charge OF several
church fairs and, with many others,
passed weeks OF steady work in prepar-
ing for each Of them; but, by the close
and constant care and supervision OF
the managers and good sense OF all en-
gagged in the work, have found no just
cause for any Of these criticisms.
Goods offered for sale were honestly
sold at the regular retail price of
the stores. II anything approaching
railing or lottery sales was started
ed, il was stopped at once, and with no
irritation or III temper excited. The
work went on as If 10 . well-organized
family. All worked with the same OBJ
ject in view, and none ambitious TO
have their portion Of the work regis
tered with 1.-THE highest mark" but
only that the fair should be a success.
There was no chance for q collision.
Many new friends were made, who have
never been forgotten, but through all
the years still can claim their place
secured in the affection OF their CO.
laborers in some Of the fairs, and
many old friendships made brighter
aad stronger by such daily intercourse,
and the browning success az the close
Of their labOrs.
NJ doubt there are many fairs that
can claim equally pleasant and strictly
honorable success. but we only vouch
for what we know personally, aud are
sure none can have left such fragrant
memories. We believe that such fairs
make the church relations more sacred,
all the friendships closer, and each one
more ready TO work together In every
good cause.
There may be bright women in a
church, whose originality OF ideas will
do more for the success OF the fair in
which they are interested, than all my
experience. But the one thought should
be uppormost ia all church fairs, as it
was with US; WI are one family, working
for a eommOn cause, and self must be
placed in the background. Then are
j~ealOusies and contentious avoided, and
work leaves no time for gossip.
After every fair WI may expect to
hear for some days, perhaps weeks,
frequent discussions as to the beneficial
or Injurious tendency upon the mana
gers, or those who p~atrOnize the work.
Such discussions are more frequently
connected with church fairs. We
think, however, the same reasons,
whether for or against the influence,
holds good with respect to fairs Of all
kinds.
Yes, we believe church fairs can be
made highly beneficial. If no greater
good resulted from them than to bring
church and congregation into close and
active sympathy with each order; not
that alone, but also with sister
churches, who are pleased TO cooper
ate often with the work for a church
fair, it would richly pay for all the
trouble.
Let it be understood by all concerned,
that the work viii be so directed that
no element unworthy an honest nature
a d Christian can be tolerated, and
church fairs will known and patronized
By all as most beneficial institutions,
not so much for the funds that may be
raised, as for the social, kindly, Chris
tian feelings manifested.
EUNICE WHITE BEECHER.