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Original.

REPORT OF THE MATERNAL ASSOCIATION, PUTNAM, OHIO.


Time, in its rapid flight, my dear sisters, has again brought us to
another anniversary of our Association. It seems but yesterday since we
held our last annual meeting, but while we have been busy here and
there, the fugitive moments have hurried us along almost with the
celerity of thought through another year. Were it not an established
usage of our society, that something like a report be rendered of the
past, the pen of your secretary would have remained silent. The thought
has often arisen, what foundation have I for giving that which will be
of any interest to those who may come together? It is true that each
month has witnessed the quiet assembling of a little band in this
consecrated place, but how small the number! Have we _all_ been here,
with united hearts, glowing with love for the souls of our children, and
feeling that we had power with God, that we had in our possession that
key which is said to unlock heaven, and bring down precious blessings
upon those committed to our charge? Have not family cares been suffered,
too often, to detain some from the place of meeting? and their absence
has thrown the chill air of despondency over those who _were_ here. The
average attendance during the year has been but five, while fourteen
names are upon the record as members. Are we manifesting that interest
in this important cause which those did who were the original founders
of this society? Almost all of those are now absent, several have
removed to other places; two, we trust, have long since been joining in