VOL. XXXV. NO. 5.
THE
AMERICAN MISSIONARY.
* * * * *
“To the Poor the Gospel is Preached.”
* * * * *
MAY, 1881.
_CONTENTS_:
EDITORIAL.
DEDICATION OF CHURCH AT WILMINGTON, N.C. 129
PARAGRAPHS 130
PROF. BLAIKIE’S LIFE OF LIVINGSTONE 132
WHAT THE SOUTHERNERS ARE BEGINNING TO THINK 133
BENEFACTIONS 135
GENERAL NOTES—Africa, Indians, Chinese 135
ITEMS FROM THE FIELD 137
THE FREEDMEN.
GEORGIA—Those Atlanta Apples 138
GEORGIA, ATLANTA—Twenty-eight New Disciples 139
ALABAMA, MARION—Temperance—First Fruits 140
LOUISIANA, NEW ORLEANS—Examination of Law Department
at Straight University 141
AFRICA.
OFF FOR AFRICA: Rev. H. M. Ladd 142
THE CHINESE.
A GENTLE GROWL: Rev. W. C. Pond 143
WOMAN’S HOME MISS. ASSOC’N
MONTHLY REPORT 145
CHILDREN’S PAGE.
CLAUDIE’S COLOR LINE: Miss M. L. Sawyer 147
RECEIPTS 149
LIST OF OFFICERS 155
CONSTITUTION 156
AIM, STATISTICS, WANTS, ETC. 157
* * * * *
NEW YORK.
Published by the American Missionary Association,
ROOMS, 56 READE STREET.
* * * * *
Price, 50 Cents a Year, in advance.
Entered at the Post Office at New York, N.Y. as second-class matter.
[Illustration: CHRIST CHURCH, WILMINGTON, N.C.]
THE
AMERICAN MISSIONARY.
* * * * *
VOL. XXXV. MAY, 1881. NO. 5.
* * * * *
American Missionary Association.
* * * * *
DEDICATION OF CHURCH AT WILMINGTON, N.C.
The new meeting-house for the First Congregational Church of
Wilmington, in connection with the work of the A. M. A., was
dedicated on the evening of March 12th. (See picture on opposite
page.) The history of the house and the services of dedication are
of sufficient interest to warrant a notice in these pages.
Something like a year ago, a gentleman who signed himself
“_Howard_,” and whose real name was only known at the Boston
office, gave $3,000 to build the house. Rev. D. D. Dodge, our
Superintendent at Wilmington, was charged with the duty of securing
a site, of procuring plans and estimates, and of building the house
within the sum appropriated. This work Mr. Dodge duly undertook,
intending to build of wood, but, after the foundations were laid
and the frame was up, “Howard” signified his wish to have the frame
“jacketed” with brick, and for that purpose added $600 more to his
donation, thus making the entire coat $3,600.
The house will seat 450 people, is 72 feet in length by 36 in
width, and measures 22 feet in the clear. It has a corner tower
rising 100 feet from the street below, and is the highest object in
the city, and the first seen on approaching the city from the Sound.
The brick is of a deep red, and, though not pressed, looks as if
it were. The proportions of the building could not well be more
perfect or more pleasing to the eye. Both the local press and
the people speak of it as an ornament to the city, and express
surprise that it could have been built for a sum less than eight
or ten thousand dollars. It should be said, however, that all the
parties on the ground of whom the material was bought, sold at
the lowest rates; those furnishing the lumber, sashes, doors and
iron, throwing off the entire local profit; and Mr. Barstow, of
Providence, R.I., 65 per cent. from the two furnaces to heat the
house. Mr. Dodge, also, gave his time to the work; and Mr. Weston,
of Nashua, N.H., who laid the brick, a part of his. This will
account in part for so fine a building at so moderate an outlay
of money. A large, dry and light cellar extends under the whole
building, which will furnish needed room for storing coal, wood,
&c., for the mission.
The services of dedication occurred in the following order: 1.
Anthem, by the Choir. 2. Prayer, by Rev. Mr. Dodge. 3. Reading of
the Scriptures, by Rev. Dr. Taylor, of the First Baptist (white)
Church of the city. 4. Singing. 5. Sermon, by Rev. C. L. Woodworth,
from Luke xiv. 23. 6. Dedicatory Prayer, by Rev. Dr. Wilson, of the
First Presbyterian Church (white).
After the dedication proper, “_Howard_”—who turns out to be the
Hon. James J. H. Gregory, of Marblehead, Mass.—was introduced as
the giver of the house. In an address full of feeling and of good
sense he offered the salutations and the fellowship of the Northern
Congregational Churches. Drs. Wilson and Taylor followed with words
of kindly greeting, and assurances of sympathy and co-operation
from their respective churches: the former slyly saying that
the only thing he wished different was that the church was
Presbyterian, and the latter responding that the thing he wished
different was that the church was Baptist. Two others, laymen,
spoke from the floor in a similar strain. The addresses were, in
every sense, genial and hearty.
The house was entirely filled, and among the audience were forty or
fifty of the best white citizens of the city, all of whom showed
interest and some of whom expressed warm sympathy.
Thus ended a scene in which Christian feeling and fellowship seemed
to have conquered prejudices and differences on all sides, and
the workers from the North and from the South clasped hands in
fraternal regard, and pledged each other hearty good will.
As growing out of this, and, perhaps, a happy finale, it may be
of interest to say that Dr. Taylor very cordially invited Mr.
Woodworth to preach in his pulpit the next Sabbath morning. The
offer was accepted, and the occasion proved one of great pleasure
to the speaker, and, if judged by the greetings at the close, not
less so to the large audience which listened.
At the proper time we shall take occasion to state the further
good which Mr. Gregory intends for the “Christ Church Mission” at
Wilmington.
* * * * *
On the 27th ult., Secretary Strieby presented the cause of this
Association in Dr. R. S. Storrs’ church, Brooklyn, N.Y., and
after a full and earnest endorsement by the pastor, a collection
was taken, amounting to $3,200, one gentleman giving $2,500 of the
amount. On the same Sabbath, Dr. Wm. M. Taylor, of the Broadway
Tabernacle, New York, presented our cause with his usual marked
ability, and his appeal was followed by a contribution of $1,500,
an increase of about fifty per cent, over last year’s donations
to the same object. In connection with the many good words that
have been recently uttered in behalf of Christian education at
the South, it is exceedingly cheering to record such reports of
increased interest and liberality. Shall we not have many more to
follow?
* * * * *
We have alluded repeatedly to the unanimity now prevalent as to
the remedy for the radical troubles in the South—the education of
the Freedmen. President Garfield’s message sets it forth again in
forcible terms. But ever since Gen. Grant’s military policy became
intolerable to the South and a weariness to the North, and was
abandoned by President Hayes, the conviction that moral and not
military forces are needed has deepened, and has found distinct
utterance by representative men in all sections of the country.
President Hayes, in his address to his comrades in arms at Canton,
O., and Senator Brown of Georgia, in his speech in the Senate,
may stand as the exponents of the two sections of the country and
the two political parties on that subject, while Dr. Ruffner,
Superintendent of Public Instruction of Virginia and Rev. Dr.
Haygood of the M. E. Church South, may represent two influential
States in the South, and two great religious denominations. The
popularity of Judge Tourgee’s book at the North, in which the same
thought is fully and eloquently set forth, may be taken as another
evidence of the views held here.
The thing that remains, as Paul says, is to “_perform the doing
of it_.” President Garfield refers not only to the duty of the
national and State governments, but also to “volunteer forces”
in the great work. To these with churches in the South must be
committed the essential _Christian_ efforts—which neither the
general nor State authorities can do.
It is all-important that the nation should not content itself with
the simple utterances of these noble declarations. Good people,
patriotic people should act, and act promptly and liberally. We
exhort our patrons earnestly to step forth, not spasmodically,
but to inaugurate regular and enlarged measures of assistance. To
this end we venture to suggest regular and steadily increasing
collections in the churches with favorable seasons in the year
for taking them, and that individuals feel more their personal
responsibility in the case and that by liberal gifts in life,
and by remembering the cause in their wills they provide for the
pressing work of the age, and for its progress after they have
passed away.
* * * * *
We are indebted to Dr. L. T. Chamberlain, of Norwich, Conn., for
a copy of a valuable missionary concert exercise prepared for the
use of his church and Sabbath-schools. The exercise is separated
into three divisions, each of which forms a series of responsive
readings. 1. Responsive Scripture readings. 2. Statements of the
object of the concert—missions and the world’s conversion. 3.
Missionary agencies. Under this latter division is outlined a
series of questions and answers showing the work carried on by
the American Home Missionary Society, the American Missionary
Association and the American Board. We commend this missionary
concert exercise as suitable for general use, and eminently
fitted to bring the Sabbath-schools especially into more intimate
relations with the work of our great missionary societies.
* * * * *
The New York, Madeira and West Coast of Africa Steamship Company,
which has been recently projected, is likely to be of much service,
both to commerce and to Christian missions. The names of the
incorporators include those of Wm. E. Dodge, John D. Fish, Joseph
W. Yates, Robert Porterfield, and other well-known capitalists.
These gentlemen have both the means and the experience requisite,
and we have a right to conclude that the company will have its
ships ready for service at an early day. The capital stock is
$100,000, with a proviso allowing an increase of capital to
$4,000,000, and the company is to continue for twenty years. The
President, Mr. James W. Yates, of the firm of Yates & Porterfield,
has been for years engaged in the West African Trade, and the
missionaries of this Association have frequently passed on their
way to and from our Mendi Mission in his vessels.
The recent impulse that has been given to commerce by the activity
in promoting internal improvements, such as telegraph and railway
systems, from the mouth of the Gambia to the Niger, together with
the rapid development of industries, especially those pertaining
to gold mining, the production of palm oil, and the culture of
coffee, give promise of large trade between New York and this
portion of Africa. The number of missionaries, as well as the
number of colonists for Liberia and elsewhere, will be sure to
multiply with the increase of wealth among the colored people of
America, and the improved facilities for reaching the land of their
fathers.
We regard this enterprise as auspicious, and one of the many
providential events looking toward the early evangelization of the
vast tribes of people in Central Africa. May God speed this new
steamship company in His own good way!
* * * * *
We have seen the report of the Fourteenth Street Presbyterian
Sabbath-school of this city, which is at once suggestive and
most encouraging as to what may be done in the way of systematic
giving. The Creed of the school, if heartily accepted, would secure
such results in all our Sabbath-schools and churches. This Creed
contains the following articles:
_We believe_, I. That every one should help others to the Gospel.
II. That every one should _help as much as he can_.
III. That every one should find this work for others blessed and
helpful to himself.
Three rules are drawn from this Creed:
{ I. Regularly each Lord’s day.
We will give: { II. Consecutively, according to our ability.
{III. Joyfully, because a privilege and blessing
to ourselves.
The result has been that in the intermediate and senior
departments, 31 classes made 8,037 out of a possible 8,070
offerings; that is, there were only 33 failures to keep the whole
number of promises made for the year, though because of vacation,
sickness, etc., there were 2,004 absences from school.
In the infant department, 11 classes brought 3,355 out of 3,403
offerings promised for the year; that is, there were only 48
failures.
The average attendance in the main room was 201–3/4, of whom
200-37/40 brought their offerings.
The average in the infant department was 85–3/40 of whom 83–7/8
brought their offerings.
If this same conscientious regularity could be secured in all our
churches and Sabbath-schools, the work of the A. M. A. would never
suffer for want of funds. What _has_ been done, _can_ be done.
* * * * *
PROF. BLAIKIE’S LIFE OF LIVINGSTONE.
This volume, published by Harper Bros., is a book of extraordinary
interest. In it two great and good minds meet and yield practical
thought and valuable instruction. They also give us a rare
combination of wise and spiritual truths, calculated to fill the
soul of the reader with great aspirations for a richer experience
in things that pertain to Christ’s kingdom. If the book were read
by Christians everywhere the effect could scarcely be less than
a reformation. It is what is needed, under God, to counteract
the flood of secular things that evermore threaten to quench the
missionary spirit in the hearts of believers. The consecration,
perseverance, enterprise, skill, heroism, fidelity and charity of
Livingstone’s life are dwelt upon by Dr. Blaikie with such grateful
emotions as prompt him to say—“The author could wish for no higher
honor than to have his name associated with that of Livingstone,
and can desire no greater pleasure than that of conveying to other
minds the impressions that have been left on his own.”
Among the many favorable impressions made by this book are
those that relate to Livingstone’s superb faith. This was quite
discoverable in his early life. Talking with his father—“They
agreed that the time would come when rich men and great men would
think it an honor to support whole stations of missionaries instead
of spending their money on hounds and horses.” When he became great
and moderately rich, he illustrated his own faith by his gifts for
missions, and his devotion to the success of the laborers who went
forth at his instance. All this flowed naturally from his life-long
purpose. “I will place no value on anything I have or may possess,
except in relation to the kingdom of Christ.”
Upon this followed his exquisite trust for Divine protection. “If
God has accepted my service, then my life is charmed till my work
is done.” But his faith and works were rounded out by all that was
needful to make them complete. “It was in front and not in the rear
that he expected to find the pillar of cloud and the pillar of
fire,” and it was unto the Lord of Hosts he looked for victory, and
unto Him his prayer ascended unceasingly: “O, Almighty God, help
and leave not this wicked people to the slave-dealer and Satan!”
He not only kept at work answering his own prayer, but was given
to see, as he thought, how all things were working together
for the wished-for consummation. “Viewed in relation to my
calling,” he says, “the end of the geographical feat is only
the beginning of the enterprise. We are all engaged in very
much the same cause—geographers, astronomers and mechanicians
laboring to make men better acquainted with each other—promoters
of Niger expeditions, soldiers fighting for right against
oppression, and sailors rescuing captives in deadly climes, as
well as missionaries, are all aiding in hastening on a glorious
consummation to all God’s dealings with our race. In the hope that
I may yet be honored to do some good to this poor long down-trodden
Africa, the gentlemen over whom you have the honor to preside,
will, I believe, cordially join.”
That the millions who are interested in the negro race may
“cordially join” in the endeavors promoted by this man for “poor
down-trodden Africa,” is our most earnest wish, and, with this in
view, we heartily welcome and commend Dr. Blaikie’s book.
* * * * *
WHAT THE SOUTHERNERS ARE BEGINNING TO THINK.
The following extracts taken from an editorial which appeared
in the _Memphis Daily Appeal_, March 18th, contain so much true
appreciation of what ought to be done for the Negro under the
circumstances, that we are glad to give them a place in our
columns. We believe they indicate that the South is on the eve of a
great revolution of sentiment respecting the importance of popular
education, and that if the friends of the A. M. A. will assist us
in pushing forward with our present and proposed work, the time
will come speedily when the recognition of the vital importance of
our principles and institutions will be well nigh universal.
After commenting upon an article which appeared in the _North
American Review_ from the pen of Chief Justice Chalmers, quoting
from him the assertion that the negroes’ “right to vote as a race
is as fixed and irreversible as their freedom,” and that “the
ballot box must speak the unbiased verdict of all lawful electors,”
the editor says: “No sane man doubts it; there is but one thing
left for the people of the South to do, and that is to throw
themselves into the work of educating the negro, of lifting him
out of the deplorable condition of brutality which slavery left
him in, and elevating him to a plane where he can not only stand
alone and see for himself, but where he can not be reached by the
arts of demagogues, of which, unfortunately for the country, there
are too many in all parties. In this work, a man of culture, like
Judge Chalmers, can do a great deal. He can by personal example
induce the leading men of his State to come to the front as eager
defenders of a thorough system of public education. They have, as
most of those of the other Southern States have done, too long
stood aloof and allowed the stranger to do for the negro what they
should have done themselves as willing workers, instead of making
mouths at a fate which after fifteen years of effort they find is
superior to anything they can put forward against it.
“Thirteen years ago the Jackson _Clarion_ warned the people of
Mississippi, as the leading papers of the South everywhere did,
that ‘there was but one way out of the wilderness, and that was
as plain as the road to market. It was to recognize the rights
the Federal Government had bestowed upon the negro; to treat him
kindly, and to point him the way he should go.’ This plan was not
generally pursued. But it is never too late to mend. We can begin
now the work that should have been done in 1867. We can rescue the
negro from the ignorance that threatens him and us by establishing
good public schools—not grudgingly, as if we were conferring an
unwilling charity—but in a broad, cheerful, earnest and good
neighborly spirit, as if we were performing a duty—a paramount
and most important duty. Under God this is the only remedy for
negro suffrage. It is a waste of time to talk of abridging it.
Revolutions never go backward. The best answer to that sort of talk
is that the United States never were so strong or so prosperous
as they are at this moment, when public sentiment is in all the
States demanding the most absolute assertion of democratic life
and living. Instead of looking back, we must look forward; nay, we
must go forward, and we must take the negro by the hand and make
him feel that he is a part of the great column of the people; that
his destiny is interlaced with ours; that we must not stand apart,
isolated and at enmity, but go forward, each doing what he can to
strengthen the community at all points, moral and physical, to
uphold and defend our democratic form of government and perpetuate
unsullied the liberties which have survived the chaos of civil war
and reconstruction.”
* * * * *
We are glad to add to the other testimonials from able and
intelligent Southerners, a few words from the remarkable
Thanksgiving Sermon of Rev. Atticus G. Haygood, D.D., President of
Emery College, Oxford, Ga.:
“There is a vast mass of illiteracy among us. There is white as
well as black illiteracy. There are multiplied thousands who can
neither read nor write. They must be taught.
“Let us wake up to our want of educational facilities. Our
public-school system is painfully inadequate. Our colleges and
universities are unendowed, and they struggle against fearful odds
in their efforts to do their work. We are one hundred years behind
the Eastern and Middle States. We are also behind many of the new
States of the West.
“For the negroes themselves. * * * * Much depends on those who,
under God, set them free. By every token this whole nation should
undertake the problem of their education. That problem will have
to be worked out on the basis of co-operation; that is, they must
be helped to help themselves. To make their education an absolute
gratuity will perpetuate many of the misconceptions and weaknesses
of character which now embarrass and hinder their progress. Much
also depends upon the Southern white people, their sympathy, their
justice, their wise and helpful co-operation. This we should give
them, not reluctantly, but gladly, for their good and for the
safety of all, for their elevation and for the glory of God.”
* * * * *
BENEFACTIONS.
Three Israelites in Germany devoted 1,400,000 marks to charitable
purposes without distinction of faith.
Mr. J. H. Wade of Cleveland, O., has given $92,000 to the City
Orphan Asylum, $12,000 of which is to be applied for a school-house.
The late John M. Pinkerton, Esq. left about $300,000 to Pinkerton
Academy at Derry, N.H. Mr. Pinkerton was a native of that town,
and the Academy was founded by his grandfather.
The late E. R. Harris, of Preston, England, left over £300,000 for
the establishment of public institutions for the town, of which
£100,000 will be expended for an orphan home, and £50,000 for a
science and art school.
The late Hugh Meharry, of Paxton, Ill., left the following
bequests: To the Central Tennessee College, $10,000; to the Parent
Missionary Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church, $10,000; to
the American Bible Society, $10,000.
If the executors of A. T. Stewart carry out the proposed plan of
a college for educating 1,500 young men—with an endowment of some
three to four million dollars—it will doubtless be the largest
donation to education from any one estate.
The late Herr Isador Kraft, of Berlin, a wealthy philanthropist,
has left behind him a will which would have rejoiced the soul of
Tom Hood. He has ordered that half of his fortune of 1,000,000
marks be expended in the foundation of a fund for the assistance of
poor needlewomen, without regard to sect.
Mr. Amasa Stone has given $500,000 for the removal of Western
Reserve College to Cleveland, O. The citizens have raised $100,000,
with which a site of 40 acres has been purchased on Euclid Avenue,
opposite Wade Park. It is proposed to locate the College and the
Case School of Applied Science, with its endowment of $1,250,000,
on these grounds, and to designate the different schools as Western
Reserve University. The combined endowment funds exceed $2,000,000.
* * * * *
GENERAL NOTES.
Africa.
—The Sultan of Zanzibar has put in irons three slave-owners
prominent in the late disturbances at Mombasa.
—M. Callisto Legnani has been named as consular agent of the
kingdom of Italy, with his residence at Khartoum.
—Mr. Mackay, missionary of the Church Missionary Society at Mteza’s
kingdom, has completed his translation of St. Matthew’s Gospel into
the language of Uganda.
—Lieutenant Dumbleton and the military physician Browning embarked
the last of December at Liverpool to penetrate by the Gambia into
the valley of the Niger, and if possible as far as Timbuctoo.
—The journal _Nature_, of London, announces that M. J. Thomson, the
explorer of the region between the Dar-es-Salam, the Nyassa and the
Tanganyika, has been called to direct an expedition from Sierra
Leone to Timbuctoo.
—Capt. Neves Ferreira, Governor of Benguela, and some officers of
the Portuguese army, have offered to the Geographical Society of
Lisbon to undertake a scientific exploration across Africa, setting
out from the Western side.
—A conference has been held at Madeira by the Church Missionary
Society respecting West African missions. Bishop and Arch-deacon
Crowther, two native Africans, were invited to be present. A
deputation from London had arrived safely at the island some time
since, and the report of proceedings will be looked for with
interest.
—More than nineteen years since, the daughter of Archbishop Whately
established a mission in Cairo which she is said to have supported
with her own private means. It includes a large mission school for
Copts and Moslems, and is attended daily by more than 500. It has
also in connection with it a medical mission, book depot and Bible
women.
—Mr. Mackay writes from Kagei, on the southern shore of the
Victoria Nyanza, on November 1st, that canoes had arrived from
Uganda, and he was about proceeding thither together with a
re-inforcement for the Romanist mission. The canoes, however,
having been three months coming across the lake, there was no news
later than July 29th. Affairs were then no brighter and Mr. Pearson
found it difficult to obtain food.
—It is reported that the women at the Livingstonia Mission, Eastern
Africa, attend the services respectably clothed, and have learned
to make dresses for themselves. The native young men have acquired
many industrial arts, and can make furniture, bricks, etc., and
even work the engines of the steamer belonging to the mission. Over
100 children are on the school-roll, and their attendance is very
regular.
—Mouchot, an ingenious mechanic, has succeeded with an experiment
in Algiers which is likely to attract much attention among those
interested in the development of the manufacture of industries in
Africa. He has contrived an apparatus by which he is able to pump
and boil water by solar force. With abundance of force, cotton and
working people, the unclad millions of Ethiopia, among whom already
cloth is the most valuable currency, may become both respectable
and rich.
—A new company of missionaries from Algiers has set out to found
between that side and the great lakes a station which will render
communication easier with the missions of Uganda and Ouroundi, and
from whence they can come to their aid, according to circumstances.
The missionaries of Ouroundi will also establish a new station
to the west of Tanganyika, so that they may advance towards the
Manyema and the Upper Congo by a shorter route than that they have
hitherto followed.
* * * * *
The Indians.
—Six new converts were received by the church of Odanah, Chippewa
Mission, during the last year.
—Congress has appropriated $165,000 for indemnity to the Ponca
Indians, and to secure their lands in severalty on either the old
or new reservations, in accordance with their wishes.
—A few hundred of the Iowas and Sacs are still in the north-eastern
part of Kansas, and the Rev. S. M. Irwin, one of their early
missionaries, has agreed to spend some months in missionary labors
for them. This is regarded as somewhat an experiment, but it is
hoped that it may result in permanent arrangements for their
benefit.
—Rev. G. L. Deffenbaugh writes from Lapwai, Idaho Territory, of
the very encouraging progress of the Presbyterian mission at that
point. It appears from his statement that thirty-four united with
the church there during the past year, and that now they have a
total membership of 178. Of these three were licensed to preach,
while the ordinance of infant baptism was administered to seven.
Good work was also done at Kamiah, where the church numbers 200.
Seventeen children were baptized at this place during the year
ending Jan. 1st, 1881.
* * * * *
The Chinese.
—A Christian hospital has been erected at Tientsin, with funds
provided by the viceroy Li Hung Chang, in connection with the
successful treatment of his wife by a female medical missionary.
—The Chinese Methodist Mission in San Francisco reports as good
results from their religious endeavors as those attained by like
labors among the whites. There are ninety-seven full members and
ten on probation.
—The American Baptist Missionary Union, Tremont Temple, Boston, has
issued a valuable map of China, including Siam, Burmah and Japan.
It is about six feet by five in dimensions, and will be furnished
at $1.25 cloth, or 75 cents paper.
—A new Chinese church was dedicated at Honolulu, Jan. 2d. The
building, commodious and attractive, cost with the land $10,700,
the Chinese contributing $4,470. The King and the Attorney-General
were at the dedication. Drs. Damon and Hyde assisted in the
exercises, while the principal parts were taken by Chinese, and the
benediction was pronounced by a native Hawaiian.
* * * * *
ITEMS FROM THE FIELD.
MCLEANSVILLE, N.C.—On the 4th of March the school observed the day
by giving in the forenoon some account of each of the Presidents.
In the afternoon they set out Garfield shade trees. At night there
was a prayer-meeting, in which the central thought was—pray for the
new President.
WOODVILLE, GA.—The Pilgrim Church had a very interesting service
March 6th. The building was crowded; three persons were admitted to
membership; one brother was ordained deacon, after which the Lord’s
supper was celebrated. The Sabbath-school is well attended, taking
the place of the forenoon sermon. Twichell school is growing, and
some of the scholars walk eight miles every day to attend.
NASHVILLE, TENN.—Pres. Cravath in a recent letter says: “This is
a time of special religious interest. Daily prayer-meetings have
been held for several weeks, and there have been a few recent
conversions. Yesterday Dr. Earle, who has been laboring in the city
in connection with the First Baptist Church, came out at eleven and
held a meeting with the students. The audience was deeply moved,
and a large number rose to express a desire to become Christians.
There was deep interest at the night prayer-meeting, and this
morning our opening exercises were changed to a prayer-meeting.
Prof. Bennett held an inquiry meeting all the forenoon in the
parlor. Fourteen think they have found peace, and a large number
are anxious and inquiring. We expect to have the inquiry meeting
again to-morrow. The interest seems very deep and genuine.”
CHATTANOOGA, TENN.—On last Sabbath evening the Sunday-school held
its quarterly concert, which consisted in reciting the golden texts
of the quarter and the lessons of the same, by topics, with a short
talk on the great missionary work Christ came into this world to
do. Quite a number of people were present and seemed interested in
the services. At the close a contribution of $5.64 was taken for
the A. M. A.
PARIS, TEXAS.—“Our work is growing. The members are all doing
nicely. All our meetings are full of interest. We are holding
neighborhood prayer-meetings for those who cannot get to the
regular prayer-meeting. One united with us last Sabbath by
profession. Sunday-school is full of interest.”
THE FREEDMEN.
REV. JOS. E. ROY, D.D.,
FIELD SUPERINTENDENT, ATLANTA, GA.
* * * * *
GEORGIA.
Those Atlanta Apples.
Missionary statistics are sometimes thought to be dry. I propose to
give some that all will concede to be juicy.
In the good old Massachusetts towns of Amherst, Danvers, Lincoln,
Newton, Norfolk, and Walpole, there grew last summer a choice
collection of forty thousand apples. These apples were choice not
only because of their beauty and flavor, but also because of their
missionary destiny. Scorning to waste their precious substance in
the cellars, and attics, and barns of a region already over-stocked
by their orchard companions, they resolved to put themselves
where they would do the most good. So by the aid of willing hands
and generous hearts they found their way into eighty good-sized
barrels, a goodly half thousand in each barrel. Rail-cars and
steamers brought them to the sunny South, and they were soon
provided with ample accommodations in one of the basements of
Atlanta University.
It must be confessed that when the barrels were opened some of
the apples had a very green appearance, as though they had never
been on a mission before; while others of them were blushing
violently, as if greatly agitated by the responsibilities of their
new vocation. Subsequent acquaintance, however, proved that these
indications of weakness were wholly upon the surface, and that,
with the exception of a very few who had been suffering from their
long journey, the new comers were sound to the core and fully
prepared for missionary service.
This service, it must be added, was one which called for nerve
on the part of the missionary recruits in proportion to their
realizing sense of what they were coming to. Many times companies
of two hundred each were summoned from the barrels and placed in
long picket lines around the edges of a dozen large dining tables,
one standing guard at each plate. But scarcely had this been done
when two hundred hungry boys and girls and missionary teachers
appeared upon the scene, and, after bestowing upon the red and
green sentinels many a complacent smile through a long meal of meat
and vegetables, finally attacked them with six thousand (more or
less) sharp ivory weapons, and subjected them to that fate which
other missionaries are said to have suffered among the Cannibal
Islands. Others, after being flayed, drawn and quartered, were
placed in boiling cauldrons, and their indistinguishable remains
were afterwards served up on the same tables in sauce dishes or
concealed under the crust of pies.
Yet these missionaries of Pomona uttered no complaint, but met
their fate with a calmness that was beautiful to behold. All honor
to the forty thousand! What a host it was! If taken to the capital
of their native state and strung together, they would have made a
festoon stretching from the State house dome to the apex of Bunker
Hill monument! Many, many thanks to our generous friends.
ALL OF US.
* * * * *
Twenty-eight New Disciples.
MISS JULIA GOODWIN, ATLANTA.
“Sweet day, so cool, so calm, so clear!
Bridal of earth and sky.”
These beautiful lines of the sainted Herbert well describe that
bright day in March, a day in which to breathe its delicious air
was a luxury; a day in which our hearts were lifted up in unison
with all things in Nature; a day long to be remembered as a golden
one in the history of this band of Christ’s followers.
As we entered the audience room, going from the clear sunshine
without into the subdued light of the sanctuary, we found it filled
to its utmost capacity, and over all seemed to reign a holy calm.
Before the altar sat thirty who waited to be made one with this
fold, (twenty-eight by profession, two by letter). Waiting to
welcome these and to assist in the sacred rites of the hour were
Rev. Messrs. Hawley, Francis, and Beaman, and Dr. Roy. After the
singing of hymns, reading of Scripture and prayer, and the pastor
had spoken fitting words of welcome, admonition and encouragement,
those who had not already received the rite, one after another,
kneeled before the altar for baptism. The hush of solemn stillness
added to the impressiveness of the simple ceremony. Then in the
freshness of their love the twenty-eight new disciples stood and
took the vows of God upon them, while Christian hearts rejoiced;
and may we not believe that angels bent to hear, and carry the
news to Heaven of young hearts renouncing the world and pledging
allegiance to the King of kings? God grant that each one may be
found “faithful unto death.”
The emblems were blessed, the bread was broken, the wine poured,
the invitation given, “eat ye all of it.” Interesting and touching
reminiscences were indulged in, often with much tenderness of
feeling. The heart-hymn, “My faith looks up to Thee,” every line of
which breathes a prayer, ascended in its wedded tune of Olivet. The
benediction was said; the service was over.
Thus we tell you of the first ingathering of sheaves from the
harvest not yet fully garnered. Silently, as God’s greatest
blessings always come, this favor has come to us. Seed scattered
through many years by loving hands has, all unnoticed, been
springing up. Sowing, pruning, digging about, preparing the ground
to receive the watering of Divine mercy, has not been in vain. In
answer to fervent, long-continued prayer, not with boisterous
storm or rush of wind, but gently, the rich showers of blessing
fell, “Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, saith the
Lord.”
The awakening began in our day-school. Much seriousness seemed
manifest during the week of prayer, when daily after-school
meetings were held, and in connection with the labors of Mr. and
Mrs. H. E. Brown, a few weeks later, in many hearts a settled
purpose to serve the Lord found expression. The church and school,
like twin-born sisters, go hand in hand. One can not be troubled
and the other be unaffected; one cannot be blessed and the other
remain unmoved. The work of grace went on, making the Sunday-school
and all church services solemn seasons. Each night the place of
prayer was crowded, many anxious to know the way of life or avowing
their purpose to live for Christ, sometimes struggling through days
of darkness to find the clear light from the sun of righteousness
just beyond. Sweet always will be the remembrance of a morning
greeting from a bright-faced girl of fourteen, as she waited at
the school-yard gate. Her beaming countenance told the story even
before the lips, which quickly uttered the glad words, “_I_ have
found Christ at last! He has forgiven my sins!”
Some among those who seemed the stoutest-hearted were the first to
submit to Christ, while sadly we look upon others, who remind us of
the young man whom Jesus loved, who seemed near the kingdom and yet
took no step nearer.
The joy it gives every new-born soul to welcome one after another
to their newly-formed ranks has been beautiful to behold. A hopeful
sign is that everyone seemed so ready, nay, so eager, to do some
service in showing to others the path in which their own feet had
just begun to tread. All love the place of prayer, and often spend
the half-hour recess at noon in a prayer-meeting by themselves in
the small library up-stairs. Some of tender years are as thoughtful
in face and manner as the oldest ones. One in telling of her
new-found love said, “I felt that I loved everybody, and if my arms
had been large enough I thought I would like to take in the whole
world;” and with eyes and voice full of tears, she begged prayers
for her father, who had said, when she urged him to come to Christ,
“I am too old.”
Just as in days gone by, many benighted ones outside of us believe
that “gettin’ religion” consists in the seeing of visions and the
dreaming of dreams, and those who have been taught the truth in our
Sunday-school are often interrogated; “How far did you go?” “What
did you see in your travels?” “How long did you stay in torment?”
and when they have no answer but the unvarying one, “We are
trying to do Christ’s commands,” they are taunted with “You’re no
Christian!” “Bible religion ain’t no religion.” Yet they show only
a feeling of pity for such ignorant ones.
There is still among us a spirit of inquiry. At our usual Monday
after-school prayer-meeting many said, “Pray for us!”
Through all there seems to underlie a current of earnestness and
desire for holier living in God’s children, and more, much more we
crave of willingness and strength, that so we may—
“Joy to find in every station
Something still to do or bear.”
* * * * *
ALABAMA.
Temperance—First Impression—First Fruits.
REV. A. W CURTIS, MARION.
The temperance agitation here has not been without fruit. A monster
petition was sent to the Legislature, praying for prohibition, and
a law was passed prohibiting all traffic in intoxicating drinks
within five miles’ radius of the court house. The word _Bar_,
printed prominently over several places of common resort, has
found at last its legitimate meaning—to bar out all drinkers.
Everything is very quiet, and it seems probable that a great crowd
of loafers will have to go five miles for their liquor or reform.
One man died from over-drinking the last night of open traffic. Yet
another loud lecture on temperance was given us a few weeks ago. An
old colored man, going home late Saturday night, intoxicated, fell
about eight feet into a gully and broke his neck. The effect of the
new law upon the colored people has proved very salutary.
Knowing that this people have little opportunity for finding out
the news, I have adopted the plan of giving a brief resumé, such
as will afford them some idea of the world’s progress in all the
great reforms of the day, at the opening of our Sabbath evening
service. It works well, if intense eagerness in listening is a fair
indication.
My first impression of this people,—Sabbath, January 2d—was that a
very large infusion of white blood and brains was represented in
my audience, and it was very hard to think that most of them had
been slaves. The next was one of respect for my predecessors, as I
noted their readiness and precision in responsive reading; though
I afterwards saw that many of the older ones did not read—could
not, as it proved. You may imagine with what delight some of these
listened to President Garfield’s inaugural address as I read it,
when it came, to such as happened to be within easy reach. Our
work here has been full of encouragement. The attendance is never
large, as compared with the other churches, but good interest has
been manifest from the very first. We moved here January 17th, and
at once revived the meetings at “The Home” for the ladies, the
children and young people, Mrs. C. taking charge, with the one aim
from the first of winning their hearts to Christ. As many as forty
young people have been present at some of her Sunday evening and 3
P. M. meetings, and at the close frequently several of these would
ask leave to stay and talk personally about becoming Christians.
Of course, we were soon obliged to have special meetings, and have
just closed a session of 17 nights’ consecutive preaching. The Holy
Spirit has been working in many hearts. The church has been greatly
revived. _All_ the Sunday-school children—not already members—have
been forward for prayer, and many others in the community, quite
a number converted, and more awakened who will probably go to the
Baptists, who started a “revival” the second week of our meeting
and are still continuing with great excitement, and I hope real
good results. Not a small part of our work is to stir up the other
churches, for which let us thank God and take courage. Last Sabbath
we received ten of the first fruits on profession of their faith in
Jesus. Nearly every one of our Sabbath-school now think they are
Christians. Oh, for more to come into our Sabbath-school! Pray that
the good work may go on.
* * * * *
LOUISIANA.
Examination of the Law Department at Straight University.
It was my pleasure to fall in upon the Straight University at the
time of the annual examination in its Law Department. The exercises
came off at the office of the Dean of the Law Faculty, Judge Alfred
Shaw. There were present, also, the three other Professors, J. C.
Walker, Esq., and Honorables M. M. Cohen and R. T. Posey, and Dr.
W. S. Alexander, President of the University. Eight young men were
examined for graduation, one of whom, J. B. Gaudet, was colored.
Pres. Alexander, leading off in general questions, each of the
Professors followed in the line of his department. The young men
had taken the two courses of lectures and had read law in private,
or under preceptors. All were approved. By the laws of Louisiana,
graduation from this Institution admits at the Bar for practice.
The State University’s Law Department has the same prerogative.
So fades out the color line. Our institutions are color-blind.
Brains and culture stand on their own merit. The accomplished white
law-lecturers and the bright white students receive the colored
aspirant lawyers on the basis of citizenship and scholarship.
Simon Cameron repeats at the North, after a tour of the South,
“the picked-up notion of ‘over-education’ among the blacks, the
same, of whom awhile ago it was said that they could not take on
the higher education. But how would the Pennsylvania statesman
have these sable attorneys prepared for their profession and for
the competition of life and business? Does it not come with an ill
grace that a man who has himself risen from humble position, should
rule down these Africo-Americans to an education that would simply
fit them for good servants?” Of the twenty-five graduates of this
Law Department, seven are colored, and they are making their way
successfully in the Courts. Of the nineteen students now in the
course, five are colored. One is the pastor of the English Lutheran
Church of the city, a former graduate of a Pennsylvania College,
and of Princeton Seminary.
* * * * *
AFRICA.
* * * * *
Off for Africa.
BY REV. HENRY M. LADD.
It does not seem possible that anyone could ever have crossed the
Atlantic, followed by more prayers and good wishes, than attended
and do, we believe, still attend us.
Our good steamer, the “City of Berlin,” though advertised to sail
from New York on the twelfth of February, did not leave till the
thirteenth. We met on board, quite unexpectedly, some old college
friends, who were bound for a trip in Europe, and we were therefore
soon at home, surrounded by the most congenial society.
On the twenty-first we sighted the bold headlands of Cape Clear,
and in the evening we were reading the latest news from London.
Having arrived safely in Liverpool, and Mr. and Mrs. Kemp, colored
missionaries for the Mendi Mission, reaching the same place a few
days later, we were obliged to wait there a week for an African
steamer; but the time was well employed in some preliminary
business in London and elsewhere, with reference to the proposed
new mission in the Nile basin. We had the pleasure of a short but
interesting visit with Rev. O. H. White, D.D., the earnest and
efficient secretary of the Freedman’s Missions Aid Society, who has
done so much to interest our English and Scotch friends in the work
of the American Missionary Association. We also called on Robert
Arthington, Esq., of Leeds, whose munificent generosity has made
possible the opening of the new mission near the head-waters of
the Nile, which is to be distinguished by his name. He received us
very kindly, and with outspread map before us, we spent a pleasant
afternoon together, discussing plans and hopes for the opening
of the work next fall, which now seems to promise so well. On
Saturday, March 5th, we embarked on board the steamship “Mayumba,”
for Africa, and our voyage has been a delightful one ever since.
The same steamer had on board two hundred tons of gunpowder for
the slaughter of the natives. Like the vessel that carried out rum
and missionaries to Turkey, this was carrying powder to kill the
Africans, while we were going for their peace and healing. Yet we
would rather a thousand times go with the powder than with the
rum; for the former, horrid as is the art of war, has in the hands
of the English made a way in the wilderness for the heralds of the
Cross, while the latter has been and always will be an unmitigated
curse.