lunch. We camp for dinner lunch. As we consume the fragments, how we
do bless Mrs. Benson. When, at her own table, we had praised her
baking and cooking, she responded: "Oh, I learned that at Talladega
College." Then I had to tell Dr. Strieby's story of the native
preacher, who thanked him for the good wife who had been trained in
one of the American Missionary Association schools, saying that he
had gotten more than he had anticipated--a good cook and housekeeper.
On, on we trudge through the heavy mud. Night has come, and we are
yet seven miles from Corpus, and the cold, "wet norther" that has
been drizzling upon us all day, as we had been fearing, has at last
broken upon us. Again Brother Thompson is on the lead, with lantern
in hand, through the slush, and he has walked more than half the way
through the day. The black-waxy is heavy for the wheels, and slippery
for the poor old freedman ponies that have no shoes. Pastor J. W.
Strong, who for four years has manfully held this extreme
southwestern outpost of Congregationalism, having learned of our
approach from a dashing country rider, comes along in the dark, one
mile out to meet us, in Oriental style. After our salaams, he gallops
back to town to make the final arrangement for our entertainment. It
is now 8.30 P. M., too late for the preaching; and, for once, the
preacher is glad that the storm has kept the people away from the
appointment. But the next night they make it up, and the preacher
tries to make it up, too. When Mr. Thompson brought me down, six
years ago, we came straight through by fording, belly-deep to the
horses, across the reef, three miles long, that forms the nexus
between the Nueces Bay and the Corpus Christi Bay. On either side was
deep water or miring sand. Once, since that, he has had to _tote_ his
passengers out on his back. The reef has been washed out in spots.
Lo! this time we go up around the head of the bay, ten miles farther.
Brother Thompson claims that he can endure such jaunts without wear
or much weariness, because he is so abstemious as not to drink tea or
coffee nor to eat meat. And everybody knows him to be a true, pure
and high-minded Christian minister who, though he has had but
little schooling, has been so taught of God in the Word, that after
these eleven years in the same parish, that at Helena, he is yet
confided in there as an able pulpit teacher. In old times, his people
were Presbyterians. Blood will tell; and doctrine, too.
[Illustration: VIEWS IN TEXAS]
* * * * *
WEEK OF PRAYER.
NASHVILLE, TENN.--The week of prayer was observed here this year as
usual, a meeting being held each day. Notwithstanding the bad
weather, the attendance was fair and the interest good, although not
of a revival kind. Before that time special efforts had been made in
connection with the labors of Rev. Mr. Field, the evangelist, and
twenty-five professed conversions took place. A pleasant state of
feeling in religion has existed since then. In the circumstances the
order of subjects for prayer was closely observed, except that the
subject of missions was postponed until Sunday evening, that being
the regular time for our monthly missionary meeting. The occasion was
one of unusual interest. The special subjects considered were the
Congo territory, the Congo conference, the mission to Bihé and that
to Umzila's kingdom. In the last mentioned mission we here have a
peculiar interest, as two of our former students, Mr. and Mrs.
Ousley, have been sent there as missionaries by the American Board.
Both are graduates of our college course and Mr. Ousley has since
studied theology at Oberlin. A letter from him, written at Cape Town,
Africa, was read at our meeting. Since then one has been received
from Mrs. Ousley, dated at Durban, Natal, which they had reached in
safety and good health and spirits. They were about to sail the next
day for Inhambane, their final destination. So as to locate them
better we had at the meeting, on our board, a map of that station.
Our society writes them once a month. They are very dear to us and we
hope they will do much good in Africa. Mr. Ousley dedicated himself
one Sunday in the summer of 1878 to that field of labor and has never
swerved from his purpose. The last part of the meeting was devoted to
a season of prayer for Secretary Pike in consideration of his serious
illness.
A. K. SPENCE.
* * * * *
MEMPHIS, TENN.--Our church, as formerly, observed the week of prayer,
with, however, nothing of special note in the way of outward results.
The stormy weather from the first until the middle of the week
greatly hindered the attendance. There was, notwithstanding, for
those who came, a blessed realization of spiritual benefit.
There were no special meetings at the Le Moyne School, the teachers
attending the night meetings at the church.
We were quickened by the thought that even a few souls gathered in
each of many places, make up a great company in supplication before
God. The topics presented for each evening came to our minds with
more than ordinary freshness and force, and the weight of all
accumulated to the last. I trust that we were duly impressed with a
sense of the obligation incurred by thus confessing to the truth and
importance of those themes, and by coming with them to the Lord.
Those members of church who, unhindered by other things, come to
meeting in stormy weather are more clear in their testimony that it
pays, in direct returns of spiritual strength and joy in the
fellowship of Christ.
The spirit of our meetings at the close was just such as warrants a
continuance of effort, but the winter has been unusually cold and,
unlike the custom North, it would be an extraordinary excitement
which would secure a general interest and attendance now.
B. A. IMES.
* * * * *
SAVANNAH, GA.--The week of prayer was a spiritual feast to those who
attended the meetings, held each night in the Congregational Church,
and the results still continue to appear. Topics assigned by the
Alliance followed.
To our church the week of prayer was largely a season of review, the
whole cycle of blessings, needs and hopes passing in prayerful
review. The meeting for thanksgiving, on Monday night, was a goodly
remembrance of special blessings during the past year, and the
exercises were chiefly supplications, experiences and rejoicings of
those who one year ago had no Christian hope. By count, more than
one-half of the persons present were, as one said, only "yearlings."
The ready use of Bible promises at this meeting measured well the
value of our special missionary's Bible work. Two mothers, each with
her family about her, testified in word and deed that the one year of
Christian life had created home forces and blessings of infinite
worth. The time of confession and consecration lasted the whole week,
and proofs of genuineness are not wanting. Said one: "The new year
shall not be so dull as the old one." Another: "The new year I give
_all_ to my Master, Jesus." And kindred promises were frequent and
fervent.
Results of week of prayer: Church much encouraged and quickened, new
consecration to work, one convert, a number of interested souls, but
chiefly the quickened desire for growth of individuals in all that
makes Christian character; and, more than all, the growth of
missionary spirit shown in the earnest prayers for the conversion of
the world to Christ.
At the close of the "Missionary night" meeting, one of the oldest
members of the Church called at the pastor's study and asked for the
Missionary magazines, saying: "I am just beginning to hear God's call
to missionary work, and I want to know more of what the A. M. A. is
doing for our people, and to have my part in it." Seed _will_ grow.
DANA SHERRILL.
* * * * *
SANTEE AGENCY, NEB.--We remembered the week of prayer by services in
the chapel every evening, except on Thursday and Saturday, when we
held the meetings in the afternoon for the convenience of our Indians
who live at a distance from the Mission. The spirit of prayer rested
upon all of our several school boarding halls, and we felt that the
mercy seat had come near.
The line of instruction in these meetings was concerning the Holy
Spirit as enlightening the mind, convicting of sin, revealing Christ
to the soul, and abiding with the believer.
Our young men very generally took part in prayer. And their prayers
showed a clear understanding of the truths spoken, and deep feeling
with regard to their own needs and the wonderful revelation of the
mercy of Christ. And they seemed to open their hearts to the ministry
of the Spirit.
The same spirit of tender prayerfulness and devotion to the Master
was manifest among the girls, a number of them coming out as
candidates for church membership and eagerly forming a class for the
study of the Catechism.
In the middle of these days of prayer, we were startled by the word
that came from a brother missionary's family, the Rev. J. P.
Williamson, at Yankton Agency, Dakota, that his children were all
sick with scarlet fever, that one was dead and another dying. We took
their burden on our hearts in prayer. And the merciful Father spared
the one on the borders of death.
By this I was called away from Santee for two days to attend the
burial of the dear missionary child that was taken. But I found no
interruption of interest when I returned. Thus, all in all, the
experiences of this week have been very precious, and we believe that
larger fruits of it are yet to appear.
ALFRED L. RIGGS.
* * * * *
LETTER FROM A STUDENT.
----, Miss., January 18, 1885.
DEAR PROFESSOR: As I only wrote you a few days ago, you will no doubt
be surprised somewhat to receive this letter so soon after. But it is
on a matter of great importance that I write you. I think I told you
in my letter previous to this that I found no Sabbath-school here,
and that I had formed a little class among my day pupils.
This is my second Sabbath here, and we met this morning in our little
schoolroom for the first time. How happy it made me feel to meet with
such a pleasant little band of children, all eager to talk and learn
of Jesus. But I was greatly pained to find that the teachers who
recently taught here failed to have Sabbath-school. I inquired of
those present this morning how long since they had Sabbath school
here, and was informed, "three years." I then asked what the teachers
did who previously taught free school here; the answer which came
from many was, "They visited on Sundays." I don't see how they could
content themselves at doing nothing in a place like this, when there
is so much work to do. I have not in all my experience of school
teaching found a place so pitifully neglected and needful as this.
What I want to say, Professor, is this: We have no Sabbath-school
literature of any kind.
Have you anything that you could send me, Professor, for my little
Sabbath-school? If so, please send it at my expense. I shall be glad
to get anything that I could interest them with; I mean to have them
come to my room Sunday afternoons, that I may read to them and talk
with those who are not Christians, and perhaps you can find something
that would be good for that purpose. We shall be glad of anything.
There is so much work here, and I shall be so glad if I can do any
good. Now, Professor, if you can find ANYTHING to send us, do send it
at once. Hoping to hear from you soon, I remain your pupil and
friend,
---- ----.
* * * * *
THE CHINESE.
* * * * *
LOU QUONG AT HIS HOME IN CHINA.
BY REV. W. C. POND.
Our brother Lou Quong, for several years the Chinese Helper in our
West School in this city, has recently returned from a visit to his
native land. I was so greatly interested in his account of his
experience as a Christian, thrown back into the heathen associations
of his childhood, that I asked him to write it out for me, and I give
it to the readers of THE MISSIONARY with only a few corrections of
his English,--respecting which, during his absence, he has lost some
ground:
"I came to California in 1876, and lived in the city of San
Francisco. In the day-time I worked in a family, but in the evenings
I attended the Mission school. In 1877, I became a poor Christian
among our countrymen here. The schools were cared for by all the good
Christian friends that are in this free country, and even by some
from England and other nations. They were looked after by Rev. W. C.
Pond, pastor of Bethany Church--the same church that all our Chinese
brethren go to, to take the Lord's Supper, once in two months.
Last September I paid a visit to my home--the home that I had left
for so long a time. But before I go I make up my mind to stand up for
Jesus, who has kindly given His life for my soul. At first my heart
was some troubled about going back to my heathen country, but I pray,
and kept praying that Jesus would go with me. So He heard my humble
prayers. He was going before me, and made everything smooth for me. I
got home Oct. 9th, at noon. In a few moments there came all the
people of my village, both young and old, women and men, asking me
about California. I answered them the best I could. Some of them try
to get a look on my head at first, to see if my hair is all right,
for they believed Christian Chinese have their queue cut off, and
belong to California. He is no more Chinaman. For this cause they
trouble me many days.
I met Rev. C. R. Hager at Hong Kong, when first I got there. We fell
to talking of the Mission work among our people.
When I was at home, as soon as my father worshiped the ancestors or
the idols, he sent one of my little sisters to call me to join the
worship; but my mother, who has a better spirit, told my father that
I would not worship them any more, "for (as she said) he have told me
that he did thank God _in his heart_, and that he love us the same."
Thus, my mother stopped the calling for the worshiping of the
ancestors ever since. I thank God for this first.
During the time I was at home there were seven or eight brethren
called at my house and did shake hands with me. Some of them I knew
in California, but the rest I knew not and never saw them before; yet
they could find their fellow-brethren in Christ, and came from far
to do so. Some of them are Bible-sellers; some are preachers. They
show their brotherly love and Christian faith by bringing candy and
oranges for my sisters. And my father was also glad to see them, each
time they call. Some of them did take dinner with us in our family.
Rev. Mr. Jones also call, and he preached to the people in my
village. He can use the chop-sticks, and did eat our food. In the
evening, with the moon shining, and in the day-time he asked me to
take him to the market-place, to tell the people the same thing in
Chinese as we preached here in California. He was astonished that the
people treated him so well, and did not say a bad word to him about
it.
Now comes the hardest thing for a Chinese Christian to bear; that is,
the marriage day. I was married on March 28, 1884. I had been engaged
by my parents when I was fourteen years old to a girl who was only
nine, and lived four miles away. When she come to our house to live
with us, then she begin to ask me why I did not worship the ancestors
with her on the marriage day; and I begin with my lesson to her in
simple things, telling her why I don't worship those things any more.
When I make a prayer to God before I go to bed she laugh at me
because I pray to nothing--no God that I can _see_. But I told her
that she must bow her head too when I pray, and must keep still. So,
after this, she pay more attention to what I tell her about this
great God that I have found in California.
Once she ask me why I don't take Mr. Ying's example, and do just like
he do to please all men. For Mr. Ying was living in the same house
with us, and had come back from California at the same time with me;
and though he had been in our Mission schools for two or three years,
yet he will not take Jesus as his Lord. So when he got back to China,
he do things just as free as any heathen. So I ask her: "Well,
suppose a man who served his ancestors, and all the dead and all the
idols with all his heart; yet he would not take care of himself and
go about smoking opium, gambling, throwing away his money in
foolishness, and leaving his whole family uncared for. Now, how do
you like that?" Then she said, without delay, "I will not like such a
man. I rather take a man that is called a Christian, and have him do
good, than to have him serve ancestors and gods and do bad things."
Though she was a heathen, yet I think she see a little light now. I
left home to come here again, Oct. 29, but I still pray God to keep
her on the right way; and may she become a Christian woman by the
Lord's power alone! Thus the Lord blessed me. May He bless all the
workers in His vineyard."
[Illustration: BRIDE AND BRIDEGROOM WORSHIPING TABLETS OF DECEASED
ANCESTORS.]
I have exceedingly interesting accounts from the new fields: Alturas,
Modoc Co.; Tulare, Tulare Co., and San Diego. In Sacramento where
Rev. Mr. Jones is engaged in special services, we hear of crowds
gathering about him in the street when he speaks there, and following
him into the mission house till it is completely packed. We hear also
that some hearts seem to have been touched; and that the hope is
cherished that some who were far off have been brought nigh. Space
fails me to go into details; but I bespeak the earnest prayers of all
who love this cause and love our Lord, that this evangelistic work
may yield us the glad harvests for which we have been wrestling with
God.
* * * * *
BUREAU OF WOMAN'S WORK.
MISS D. E. EMERSON, SECRETARY.
* * * * *
We are glad to notice that the ladies of Connecticut have recently
organized a State Missionary Society to co-operate with the leading
benevolent societies for work in our own country. Nothing in these
days can be accomplished without organization. What is everybody's
business is nobody's business, and causes whose support is left to
those who merely happen to have an interest in them are very likely
to be neglected. We wish that in every State of the Union, ladies'
domestic missionary societies might be organized. The great work
which our Association is called upon to perform among women needs to
be specially brought to the attention of the Christian ladies in our
churches. This information can only be effectually disseminated
through organized and systematic effort. We are prepared to furnish
interesting missionary material to all who will ask for it. We invite
correspondence with missionary societies, promising to give careful
attention to any inquiries they may make. With gratitude do we record
the fact that the interest in the woman's department of the American
Missionary Association's work is steadily enlarging.
* * * * *
LETTER FROM A LADY MISSIONARY.
----, Ga., January, 1885.
DEAR FRIENDS: As I take my pen to write my mind goes back to the
general letter that I wrote. Can I tell you of any improvement among
those with whom we have to do, since that time? Watching the progress
of our school from day to day the upward tendency seems slow, but
looking back a year a marked improvement can be seen. While they
learn readily they remember well, and the homes of those who come in
contact with our church and school are different. Last Saturday was
the coldest day of the winter, but Miss Robertson and I, according to
a previous appointment went to the Dunwoody settlement to hold a
woman's meeting. I think I wrote you about a similar meeting one year
ago; this is the third one that I have held, and the meetings have
gained in interest. In that settlement, before they commence
planting, the people have a fast day; they neither eat, wash their
faces nor perform any ordinary duties from one sunset to the next.
They pray in their homes and unitedly for God's blessing upon the
labor of their hands. It reminds me of the way fast days used to be
kept in the early history of New England. I am inclined to think they
caught the idea from the people who came from New England here. I do
not know that such a custom is observed except in this settlement. I
asked the women if a blessing followed their prayers? They answered
decidedly, "Yes," and said that while the people all about them had
suffered for the necessities of life, in that settlement they had
never since freedom bought corn, rice or potatoes, but had raised
sufficient for their needs. In their simplicity they take God at His
word, "Ask and ye shall receive."
Last Sabbath another couple entered upon the "_matrimonial sea_,"
this time young people. The gorgeous attire of the wedding party can
be better imagined than described. We see few tokens of love and
affection among this people. In the Sunday-school lesson of last
Sabbath the questions and remarks of our pupils led us to think that
it was almost a missing link in their lives; it seemed impossible for
them to understand why the people should fall on Paul's neck and kiss
him; it is a rare sight to see a kiss exchanged among them.
Yesterday, after school, the parson went with me over the swamps to
the homes of some of our scholars. We passed through several ditches,
where the water was up to the hubs of the buggy wheels; there was a
log for a foot-path over these places. It was very muddy all along
the way, and yet these children are seldom absent from school.
To-day, the clouds are heavy and dark, and the rain has come down in
torrents, yet many have come into school from these long distances,
to our surprise, one boy having the promise of being promoted into
the second reader came at least six miles, bringing a chicken and six
eggs to pay for his book; when he arrived he was wet to his skin.
Two-thirds of our school were present to-day. I realize as never
before the effort these children are making for themselves. Oh! I
remember how freely money was given and the young men from our homes
that freedom might be obtained for this people; then the women must
wait and pray at home, but now the way is open for women to teach the
young of this vast race that the future may not disclose a nation
within a nation, hostile to the good and true of a Christian people.
Shall there not be volunteers among our New England girls, who shall
say: "Here am I. Send me" to the work?
Very cordially yours,
E. P.
* * * * *
Some of our hard-worked sisters at the North may wish to enter the
service of the A. M. A., that they may get a little rest and find
time for literary culture. We commend to such a careful perusal of
the following report.
MONTHLY REPORT BY MISS H.
Days taught during the month, 25; Hours taught, 150; Scholars
classified, 73; Tuition collected, $54.75; School books sold, 111;
Book money, $24.00; School programmes, 10; Slates corrected, 1,250;
Arithmetical examples (oral), 325; Words written on the blackboard,
225; Spelling words (oral), 450; Reading lessons, 50; Golden Texts,
4; New song taught, 1; Five-minute talks, 10; Conducted chapel
exercises, 4; Conducted home devotions, 5; Tuesday evening public
talk, 1; Interviewed mothers of refractory scholars, 5; Notes to
parents, 10; Postal cards (absent scholars), 20; Written examination,
1; Choir meetings, 4; Whipped scholar, 1; Attended woman's prayer
meeting, 4; Church services, 20.
* * * * *
CHILDREN'S PAGE.
* * * * *
VIC'S LILIES.
School was dismissed, and the boys and girls came rushing out with
merry shouts and laughter. The voices had a musical ring and the
intonation peculiar to uncultivated colored lads and lassies. They
were a comely, thrifty-looking set, and the instinctive hopefulness
of their race looked from the bright eyes and shone in the cheery
faces. Life had gone hard with some, but had failed to quench their
faith in the good time yet to come.
As they neared the corner of the street and came in sight of a large,
handsome white house, a girl's voice called, "Hush! hush!"
"Lor', now, Vic!" her brother Phil remonstrated, "what nonsense!" But
in spite of the remonstrance every voice took a lower tone, and the
house was passed almost in silence. The blinds of the house were
closed, and from the door-knob hung the black-and-white token of
mourning. Vic was saying, "Yes, sick jest two days; taken Sunday and
died this morning. When I tol' teacher, she said, 'Death loves a
shining mark.'"
"I'm awful sorry," said Nan; "he was a mighty peart little 'un, and
he al'ays looked up and smiled when we passed. But if I'd knowed he
was really goin', I'd sent a message to sister Fan. Don't you think
she'd like to know about the Christmas tree, Vic?"
"You're a green un," said Phil. "You don't s'pose that little pink
and white chap has gone to our heaven, do you? He'll see Fan a heap
sight! She's off in a little cubby-hole with all the rest of the
darkies. All the first-class 'commodations b'longs to the white
peoples, ye know."
"Hush, Phil," said Vic; "you shan't stuff Nan so. Everything will be
all right, honey, when we gets up dere. Shouldn't be s'prised if Fan
knew all 'bout the tree. And p'rhaps the good Lord will let her help
take care of the little fellow till his po' mother comes. Ole Dinah
says she's awfully cut up--his mother, you know. You see they're
strangers here, came for the mammy's health; and Frankie, he was the
only chile. 'Pears like I want to comfort the po' mammy. My lily has
three blossoms. I mean to take them all to her."