Church, in which more than fifty were converted, and the church
itself greatly quickened and refreshed, I will not recite the
facts again. The church of Brother Clay (one of the veterans and
pioneers of Congregationalism in Louisiana), in Terrebonne, has
passed through joyful and glorious experiences. The church has
been thronged for days and weeks. Mr. Clay said: “I did not know
where all the people came from. The church and church-yard were
filled with a dense mass of people. It seemed as though they
sprung out of the ground.” Night after night the earnest truths
of the Gospel were preached, and night after night “mourners”
crowded the anxious seats, crying for mercy. The people came from
long distances, five and seven miles. God put honor upon His
word, and many have been converted, and still the good work goes
on. Pastor Clay’s heart is filled with joy and thankfulness.
QUESTIONS DISCUSSED.
Among the topics considered at the Conference were the following:
_Revivals_: The best method of promoting and conducting them.
_Education_: The demand of the hour; how shall we meet it?
_Faith_: Its nature; how can we secure greater faith? Its joys
and its triumphs. What more can we do to reach the people with
the Gospel?
These questions were discussed with vigor and interest. Of
course, no speeches had been prepared in advance, and I was
surprised at the real excellence of the addresses. Mistakes in
grammar were sometimes made, and there were not many classical
allusions, but the speeches had the true ring, and good will come
of them.
PUBLIC SERVICES.
The opening sermon was given by the Moderator, Mr. Alexander,
from Matthew 1, 23: “They shall call his name Emmanuel; which
being interpreted is, God with us.” It was a great pleasure to
speak to such an audience. The church was densely packed, the
entry was filled; people took positions under the windows on
the outside, and fully one hundred, having sought admission in
vain, went reluctantly away. Mr. Hall, of New Orleans, preached
the second evening; after which, the Moderator made an address
on “Christian Unity,” in the hope of removing or modifying some
of the asperities and jealousies existing among the colored
churches. The address was received with strong expressions of
sympathy. One good old “auntie” said the next day: “Don’t you say
anything against that minister. He is trying to build up both
sides. He don’t wish to break down anybody.”
ORDINATION.
On Friday evening Mr. Homer Jones, a member of the church at New
Iberia, but a resident at Lake Piegneur, having passed a faithful
examination before the Conference regarding his Christian
experience, his religious belief, and his ability to preach, was
ordained as an Evangelist.
Bro. Jones is a warm-hearted Christian, and will make an able
and successful minister. He has served the churches faithfully
for two years or more without compensation. He owns a small farm
of eighteen acres on the shore of the beautiful Lake Piegneur.
His worthy wife was for a short time a student in Straight
University. He expresses his willingness to leave his beautiful
home, and go anywhere, even to Africa, where God may call him.
FAREWELL MEETING.
Friday morning was devoted to a “farewell prayer-meeting.” It
was a most tender and impressive scene. As one after another
spoke, “the fire burned”; every eye was wet with manly tears,
and when the entire Conference rose and joined hands, and they
sang or chanted an old refrain, peculiar to themselves, beginning
“Good-by, and shake hands,” and we entered into covenant with
God and with each other to go forth to another year of labor and
self-denial, those dear brethren, in the excess of religious
emotion, laughed and cried together. Thus was our meeting of 1878
brought to a close. The good pastor at New Iberia said: “Such a
light was never kindled here before.” The Conference adjourned to
meet in New Iberia next year, at the call of the Moderator.
Dear brethren of the North, pray for us, and remember that we are
trying to hold this distant outpost of the Church, and to extend,
in this beautiful and fruitful land, the cherished faith and
polity of our fathers.
* * * * *
THE SINGERS TO THE MISSIONARIES, GREETING.
We give the following extracts from a letter, written by the
Jubilee Singers, from Erfurt, Germany, to the new missionaries to
Africa. From the fact that they are all Fisk University students,
the greetings of the gleaners in Europe to the sowers in Africa
is full of pathetic interest:
ERFURT, GERMANY.
To ALBERT P. MILLER, ADA ROBERTS MILLER, ANDREW E. JACKSON, and
ELLA HILDRIDGE JACKSON, Missionaries for Africa:
_Dear Brothers and Sisters_: The Jubilee Singers send greeting.
Could we give you our greeting in person, it would be more
satisfactory, as we can but feebly convey to you, in writing, how
our hearts have gone out to you in love and sympathy, and up to
God in thankfulness, since the glad tidings reached us of your
having consecrated your lives and talents to mission work among
our brethren in Africa. We have prayed and labored long for this
day, and now, thank God, our prayers are being answered.
We realize in how large a degree our success has been
attributable to the faithful prayers of you and your
fellow-students, sent up daily in our behalf from Fisk
University; and let us assure you that while you are doing battle
for the Master, by helping to lift the dark pall of barbarism and
superstition which enshrouds our kinsmen, you, in like manner,
will be sustained by the prayers of your fellow students, and
warm, earnest Christian hearts, not only in our own native land,
but in Great Britain, Holland and Germany. They will follow
your footsteps, faithfully and prayerfully, watching for the
fruits which ye shall reap, in due season, if ye faint not, and
rejoicing with you in the extension of Christ’s kingdom.
You are our first band of missionaries at the outpost of the
American Missionary Association in the land of our forefathers.
May the light of God so shine in your hearts that its reflected
rays shall be a balm to those who may come to you, to be healed
and taught of God. May He give you strength to thrust in the
“sharpened sickle” when the fields are ripe for the harvest, and
the laborers so few.
With the love and best wishes of the Jubilee Singers.
(Signed)
GEORGIA M. GORDON,
F. J. LOUDIN,
B. W. THOMAS.
_Committee_.
* * * * *
AFRICA.
* * * * *
Arrival of the New Missionaries.
REV. FLOYD SNELSON.
I received the letters, telling of the new missionaries on
the way to our mission, with great joy. I left home late last
Thursday afternoon for this place to meet them. We came on very
well until Friday night about ten o’clock, at which time we were
caught in quite a storm, and had to anchor. As I had not been
here since our first arrival, there were many things to look
after.
Just as I was finishing up last night, the steamer came in,
bringing them. I got out to them about 8.30 P.M., and spent
nearly an hour with them. I am very favorably impressed with the
first view of my new co-workers, and hope now to be able to carry
on the work to greater success and with more ease.
Next morning they came ashore, and expressed themselves as
favorably surprised at the appearance of the place and people. On
the 26th, we hope to leave early for Good Hope.
FREETOWN, SIERRA LEONE,
_March 25th, 1878_.
* * * * *
First Impressions of Africa—A Sunday Service—A School
Celebration.
REV. ALBERT MILLER.
On reaching Freetown, and walking about the place and conversing
with the natives, we were very favorably disappointed. Some are
very intelligent and kind-hearted. We attended a Sunday-School
in the afternoon, and were much pleased to hear the children
read and sing. They reminded me of a small country school in the
South. A little boy played on the organ. We visited several of
the natives, and I was everywhere surprised at seeing so much
intelligence displayed. Brother Snelson had made all necessary
preparations for our coming. The mission house had been fitted
up nicely, so that we soon felt as if we were in an American
village. We remained in Freetown two days, and Brother Snelson
lost no time in showing us the many things of interest in this
African city. We visited the market, and saw many things in the
line of fruits to interest us. All were well pleased, but still
longed to reach our adopted home.
Leaving Freetown on the 25th of March, we arrived here on the
28th, early in the morning. The men rowed all night. Mrs.
Snelson, Mr. White and the children of the mission met us at
the wharf. We could not have been more kindly received by any
persons. We have been here several days now, and find the work
promising and encouraging. Brother Snelson and his helpers are
hard at work, and things, I suppose, are much more hopeful than
they have been for years.
The church was filled last Sabbath to its utmost capacity with
hearers. Brother S., I think is the right man in the right place.
The only charge I am able to bring against him is overwork.
He has the confidence of the people, which is so necessary to
success. Services were conducted by Brother Jackson and myself.
I find the people kind and obliging. They are very happy to have
us, of their own race, come and teach and labor among them. Some
seem ready to shout. We are well pleased with our new home, and
are in a good state of health. The heat is very intense. All
things seem to indicate a better day for the sable sons of Ham.
Africa is not what rumor represents it to be—at least, what I
have seen of it.
APRIL 3, 1878.—To-day has been one of great interest, both
to parents and children. The day-school, under the general
management of Brother White, turned out. An examination took
place in the forenoon, after which the schools (day and
Sabbath), with two banners waving o’er head, came marching to a
place near the mission-house, where a dinner had been prepared
for them. Brother Snelson led the schools, and the children,
full of joy, followed him. He led them through the principal
streets of this our city, the sides of the streets being filled
with lookers-on. All this seemed new to them, and I dare say it
is new to this part of Africa. We had music, but very different
from such as our American friends are accustomed to. An old tin
box served as kettle-drum. This, with other instruments, made
music sufficient for the children to march and keep pretty good
time. Returning to the tables, the little ones ate dinner, using
spoons, which is something very new to them. Each one seemed to
be happy. The patrons were called upon to contribute for the
giving of this dinner. Many responded, sending chickens, rice,
etc. Of course, the whole affair was devolved upon Brother
Snelson. He received contributions from traders and officials,
many of whom are here on the coast. These, you will remember,
are white, the friendship and kind favor of whom Brother S.
has gained. They did not attend the exercises of the day, but
came out at night, and listened to speeches from members of the
school. The pupils spoke and sang well, and reminded me very much
of my past experience in the South—so Southern-like.
All were highly pleased with the exercises of the evening. The
American flag was on one side of the house, that of England on
the other—thus bringing all in attendance between them. These
two flags during the day were unfurled to the gentle breeze with
which we were favored. Many of the leading men of Bonthe were
here, and, with those from other places, took tea with us. I gain
more interest daily for this my field of labor. I shall not wait
to become acclimated, but shall proceed to labor at once.
* * * * *
Advantages of Colored Missionaries.
EXTRACT OF LETTER FROM A. E. WHITE.
You would like to know what I think about colored missionaries
doing good here. My firm belief is, that they can do more than
any other missionaries under the sun. These people have always
been used to colored people. Most of the white men whom they have
seen were traders, seeking their own good. They robbed the people
of their produce and children, and destroyed their confidence.
A white missionary has to be more careful than a colored one.
The natives look upon a white person as unnatural, and think
he is above them in every way, and that God made him so. They
also think it is of no use for them to try to do the things they
see the white man do. But, on the other hand, when they see a
colored man do anything, they think if he can do it they can do
it themselves. They are a great people to imitate. For a proof of
what I have said, look at the Shengay Mission. It is conducted
altogether by colored missionaries, and stands ahead of others on
the coast. Do not think I say this because I am a colored man. I
say it because I know it is true.
* * * * *
THE INDIANS.
* * * * *
School Wants and Farm Work.
W. W. WHEELER, KESHENA, WIS.
The school opened very encouragingly this term, and before the
close of the second week we had fifty-four different boarding
scholars, and were compelled to refuse admission to others, on
account of our limited accommodations. Soon the scarlet-fever
broke out, and before the close of the term twenty-three boarding
scholars, and many of our day scholars, had been sent home on
account of sickness.
The boarding scholars seem, generally, to be happy and contented
with us, and eager to return at the opening of each new term; and
their progress in their studies, and general deportment, is much
greater than with the day scholars. The general interest, also,
of the tribe in the subject of education is greatly quickened.
The boarding-school, with suitable accommodations, might be made
a great blessing to the tribe. We feel sure we could readily
obtain 100 scholars if we had the accommodations.
The tribe has asked the Department to appropriate, from their
funds in the United States Treasury, $6,000 for the erection of a
suitable building.
We see the dreadful results, in other tribes around us, of
allowing the youth to grow up, without education, in contact with
the whites, learning their vices and not their virtues, and it
makes us long to see something done to save this people from the
blight which has fallen upon so many other tribes before them.
I have spent nearly three weeks going over the Reservation since
school closed, visiting from farm to farm, encouraging the
Indians to make larger improvements; and I have been very greatly
gratified to notice so many already clearing up new lands. I have
only found three or four families who will not clear up some new
ground this spring. Some will clear as much as three or four
acres. Many are chopping and logging heavy timber without any
team to help them.
I think there will be 300 acres of new land cleared this spring.
I expect to distribute (only to those who clear at least one
acre) 1,000 bushels of potatoes, besides corn, oats, wheat, and
vegetable seeds, for many of them have not yet learned to provide
beforehand. There are, however, quite a number who not only have
enough for their own seed, but some to sell.
Could the boarding-school be kept up regularly for a few years,
we should have great hopes for the future of this tribe, but
there seems to be a strange lack of interest in this matter on
the part of the authorities at Washington. We are now anxiously
waiting for instructions to re-open this school. Meanwhile, the
day-school is in operation, with an attendance of twenty-two
scholars.
* * * * *
An Indian Wants a Cow.
Dr G L Mahon
Dr Sir i thought i would write a few lines to you to asking you
that you dint not answered me when i was asking you while you was
here about the Cow i want you to give me one if you Can i thing
i would use the Cow very much if you would give me one i could
get Some Butter from her and i could make good living on Butter
with Potatoes if you Send me one Send who have a young Calf in
her thats the one i like to have her and you will let me know it
By G Wheeler and another thing about Potatoes Zack Brown told me
he hasent got enough Potatoes Seeds for in a spring and ive got
Plenty potatoes in Net Lake and if you want any i could Sell it
to you Some that is for Zack Brown wants it Now i send my Best
Regards to you
from ADAWWAN-NE QUA BENANS
VERMILLION LAKE.
* * * * *
THE CHINESE.
* * * * *
“CALIFORNIA CHINESE MISSION.”
Auxiliary to the American Missionary Association.
PRESIDENT: Rev. J. K. McLean. D. D. VICE-PRESIDENTS: Rev. A. L.
Stone, D. D., Thomas C. Wedderspoon, Esq., Rev. T. K. Noble, Hon.
F. F. Low, Rev. I. E. Dwinell, D. D., Hon. Samuel Cross, Rev. S.
H. Willey, D. D., Edward P. Flint, Esq., Rev. J. W. Hough, D. D.,
Jacob S. Taber, Esq.
DIRECTORS: Rev. George Moor, D. D., Hon. E. D. Sawyer, Rev. W. E.
Ijams, James M. Haven, Esq., Rev. Joseph Rowell, E. P. Sanford,
Esq., H. W. Severance, Esq.
SECRETARY: Rev. W. C. Pond. TREASURER: E. Palache, Esq.
* * * * *
Fung Affoo’s Bible Class—Visalia and Petaluma.
REV. W. C. POND, SAN FRANCISCO.
Remembering that the Sabbath worship at our Central Mission had
never been described, though often alluded to in the MISSIONARY,
I requested Bro. Fung Affoo to give an account of it, and
received the following communication:
“As we have not much time to teach them the Scripture on any
other evening, we set apart Sunday and Wednesday evenings to
teach them to read the Bible instead of their other lessons. On
Sunday we have the “Bible-class,” commencing at half-past eleven
A. M., and continuing for one hour and a half. We sing about half
an hour either in Chinese or in English, then offer a prayer, and
then read a chapter from the Bible. Each verse they read after
me, then I translate it into Chinese; when through interpreting,
on each verse or paragraph I make some remarks which I have
studied out during the week days. After we get through the
chapter, I speak about ten minutes on a subject selected from
that chapter beforehand, then one of our brethren offers prayer;
we then unite in singing the Doxology, and close with the
Lord’s Prayer. Our exercises on Wednesday evening are similar
to those we have on Sundays. It gives me much encouragement in
the work seeing that they like to read the Bible more than ever
before. Formerly only about one-half of the school attended the
Bible-class on Wednesday evenings, but now they number nearly
as many on that evening as on any other evening of the week. It
seems as though their hatred of Christianity becomes less. Of
course, many come to read the Bible only for the sake of learning
the English, but in time we hope, when they know the truth of
God, they will change their mind and heart, as some of them have
already done, who are now on Christ’s side, battling for the
Lord.”
“FUNG AFFOO.”
The attendance at this Sabbath noon service averages about
fifty-five. Of course, my pastoral duties render it impossible
for me ever to be present. I do not think, however, that my
presence would add anything to the worship or the work. I assist
the helpers in their preparation, but I believe that in dealing
with their countrymen they are more skilful than I could be, even
if I could speak Chinese. It needs an experience in heathenism,
to enable one to reach the heathen in the most efficient way. God
chooses saved _sinners_ to be messengers of salvation to those
still lost. I think that the programme of this service, as Bro.
Fung Affoo gives it, illustrates this fact. It is not one of my
planning—not the one I should have chosen; but as I carefully
consider it, I ask, “What _could be_ better fitted for those for
whom the service is arranged?”
Rev. T. M. Oviatt, whose missionary labors among the Chinese
at San Leandro were attended with so rich a blessing, is now
acting pastor of the Presbyterian church at Visalia. He has
carried there his zeal for this good work; has already rented a
small room, and opened a school. We shall aid him as far as we
are able. Would that we had a hundred men like-minded with him
touching this work!
Miss Anthony is obliged to relinquish the care of the school at
Petaluma, and is succeeded by Miss Waterbury, whose Christian
spirit is not unknown at No. 56 Reade St., New York. This school
is quite small, but its members surpass those of every other
school in liberality, and I cannot consent to abandon them.
Christ, too, is becoming known to them. With increasing interest
they study God’s word. And they _sing_, somewhat at random, it
must be confessed, in the matter of time and of tune, but with
an eagerness and a gusto that betoken a beginning both of the
spirit and the understanding in their song. Miss Anthony writes:
“Wah Yene is a good Christian as far as he understands. He told
me, one evening, that he prayed ‘every morning, every dinnertime,
and every night. Some people,’ he added, ‘not much good; likee go
to church; make Mr. Hutchins [the pastor of the Congregational
church] think they good. Some people very good, and pray to God.
I likee be good—not much bad.’”
* * * * *
THE CHILDREN’S PAGE.
* * * * *
A TEACHER’S STORY.
The following letter is from a young girl who has not gone
through the Middle Class at Hampton, but is showing much energy
and tact, and doing good work as teacher in one of the rough
places of the far South:
FLORIDA.
I will first say, I am a colored girl; my native home is in St.
Augustine. I was raised by kind Northern friends. I am teaching
school on the St. John’s River, about thirty or forty miles from
St. Augustine. In giving my descriptions, I will first describe
my school-house. It is made entirely of logs, with the exception
of the door and windows, which were given by Miss M. The skies
may be seen in any part of the room. The cracks in the floor are
large enough to put your hands through. When it rains, it leaks
in like water dropping from the trees. There is no fire-place,
nor was there any way for keeping warm until, the past week, a
young man got me a little stove. But the house is so open this
does but little towards heating it up. We have had some cold
days, and the only way I had to keep my scholars warm was, to
build two large fires and have the poor little children set
around them (out of doors). I rubbed their little cold hands and
bare feet, and oh! how it made my heart ache to see the tears
stand in their eyes, when I asked them why they didn’t put on
shoes and warmer clothes, and the reply would be, “I have on all
the clothes I got, and I ain’t got no shoes.” Sometimes, when I
have on all I can to keep warm, most of my girls have only two
garments on, the boys nothing but pants and shirt. Some of my
pupils have to come between two and three miles, and then cross a
creek. I have a sewing-school for my girls once a week. I read to
them, and teach them things to sing while they are sewing. They
are to keep what they make. I have been teaching three-and-a-half
months. The age of my scholars is from three-and-a-half to
twenty-four years. I have enrolled thirty scholars, most of them
very good, all anxious to learn. The people are very, very poor,
and have real hard times in getting clothing, and keeping from
starving. They live in log huts, some of which leak, and are in
a dreadful condition. I don’t know how to describe some of them.
There are a few white settlers here; some of them, when the folks
work for them, won’t pay. This makes it real hard, as the work
they get from them is mostly their entire support.
* * * * *
RECEIPTS
FOR APRIL, 1878.
* * * * *
MAINE, $27.24.
Andover. S. W. Pearson 5.00
Bluehill. Mrs. S. D. and Mrs. P. C. 50c. ea. 1.00
Litchfield Corners. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 10.00
Winthrop. Cong. Ch. $10.21; Mrs. S. B. $1 11.24
NEW HAMPSHIRE, $417.29.
Bristol. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 2.75
Deerfield. ESTATE of Stephen Brown, by Joseph T.
Brown, Ex. 100.00
Exeter. “Friends in Second Cong. Ch.,” _for a
Teacher_ 78.00
Fitzwilliam. H. H. W. and M. W. W. 1.20
Franklin. Cong. Ch. and Soc., to const. REV. AUSTIN
H. BURR, L. M. 35.00
Hampstead. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 25.00
Hudson. Mrs. B. F. Chase, bbl. of potatoes.
Kingston. Cong. Ch. and Soc. $5; Jacob Chapman $5 10.00
Laconia. Cong. Sab. Sch. 6.75
Lyme. Cong. Ch. and Soc. (ad’l) 3.00
Manchester. C. B. Southworth $50; Rev. C. W. Wallace
$25 75.00
Mount Vernon. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 19.00
Nashua. First Cong. Ch. and Soc. 34.78
Stoddard. Rev. H. H. C. 1.00
Temple. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 8.81
Wilton. “Mistletoe Band,” _for Student Aid,
Wilmington, N. C._ 17.00
VERMONT, $1,166.04.