years old or over, will devote the industrial hour, for two days in
each week, to studies under this head, including special lessons
in anatomy, physiology and hygiene. For the present, at least, no
text-book is to be placed in the hands of the students. They are to
gain their knowledge from lectures, which are to be followed by general
and familiar conversation between instructor and pupils on the same
subject. Each girl will be required to take notes of the lecture, and
to write out what she can of the knowledge imparted. After a subject is
completed, each member of the class is required to prepare an essay,
putting in the best possible form her knowledge of the entire subject
in all its bearings.
This is, in a general way, to effect the _theoretical_ training. We
hope to find opportunity to give members of the class at least a little
practice: First, in their own homes or circle of friends; second,
possibly in the woman’s ward of the city hospital, located near us;
third, in private families desirous of forwarding our work; or fourth,
among the destitute poor really in need of such services. Our work is
to commence with the simpler and more commonly occurring complaints of
this section, as colds, accidents that happen often, chills and fever,
etc.
I should like to write more fully of our plans as they relate to other
industrial matters, but space forbids. We are thoroughly convinced,
however, that in this matter of practical teaching, something more
effective than “tracts” is required to make sure of accomplishing any
great amount of good. We must come to closer quarters in this struggle;
it must be made a hand-to-hand conflict. Along our part of the line we
should have no fears of success if we could have placed at our disposal
the appliances really needed for the work. In the training of nurses,
we need and must have a good manikin, a human skeleton, some forms or
models of different organs of the human body, etc., etc. Who will come
forward and help us to them?
A. J. STEELE, _Le Moyne Normal Institute, Memphis, Tenn._
* * * * *
The treatment which preserves health is the best treatment for its
recovery. We should lead our pupils to see that wholesome diet eaten
at proper hours, and sufficient sleep taken at the time which God
appointed for sleep, will impart more physical vigor than any other two
agencies; and that a disregard for them is a fruitful source of much
sickness, especially among colored people.
Sunlight and pure air are important factors in making the sick well,
and keeping the well from being sick. The _temperance pledge_ is also
a cheap and safe medicine. A knowledge of the chemistry of food, of
digestion, circulation and respiration is important, and may be taught
to comparatively young pupils. Nature, like a sensible dame, resents
an insult; and sickness is the punishment she imposes to avenge her
injuries. Nor will punishment cease until reparation is made.
AMOS W. FARNHAM, _Avery Institute, Charleston, S. C._
* * * * *
We are happy to make mention, which is all it would be proper for us to
do in this place, of the book for boys written by Gen. O. O. Howard.
Our friends are so largely his friends, that many of them will want to
read “Donald’s School Days,” published by Lee & Shepard, of Boston.
* * * * *
THE FREEDMEN.
REV. JOS. E. ROY, D. D.,
FIELD SUPERINTENDENT, ATLANTA, GA.
* * * * *
SOME FIRST IMPRESSIONS.
1. I find this school and church work in more forward condition
than I had expected. I had known of the slow process of building up
educational and church institutions at the West. I knew of the greater
difficulties in this line at the South. I am gratified to find the
schools in such substantial buildings, and almost all the churches in
houses of their own, some of them attractive, and some very rough.
2. I find that these people handle the Congregational system better
than I had expected. They even excel in parliamentary tactics; and
what is the course of Congregational usage but the wise procedure of a
deliberative assembly? In their reaction from the experience of bondage
they rejoice in the full liberty of Christ’s house. If this system was
good enough to be given by the Apostles to the early churches round
about the Mediterranean, which had not, as I believe, been trained
in New England, and whose members had to take from them some severe
rebukes in the line of morals, surely it is good enough for these lowly
people.
3. I find an improvement of feeling among Southern people, both towards
the Freedmen and our work among them. As the students come back from
vacation service to our several institutions, they report this advance
in good-will. The people are learning that ours is a philanthropic and
missionary, and not a political process, and so their prejudice is
abating. It is natural that some worthy people should feel a little
chagrin at the slipping of this work out of their hands; but not a few
of them are glad to see it carried on by anybody. They say, now that
these people have been made citizens, they must be made the best of
citizens.
4. I find that the school work is the almost indispensable prerequisite
to the church work. It fixes the place. It draws out the material.
It qualifies for church activity. It is no gain to the Kingdom for
us simply to transfer the old-time church members to our system.
Our work is to train up the youth, to develop intelligence, and to
organize a fellowship of congenial material. A judicious man of
another denomination, speaking upon this subject, said that the
Congregationalists could afford to wait for the young; that his church
could not wait. It is surprising to see how rapidly the young people
come forward, for the mass of our congregations are of that class.
5. I find a philosophical reason for our call to the church work. This
people have been taught to seek dreams and visions at conversion; to
think that there can be no regeneration without a dreadful physical
process of “coming through.” Now, there are not a few persons of strong
minds and strong wills who say that they never can come through in that
way. Some such have been delighted to find the quiet way of submission
and faith. Some of the noblest natures now in our churches were of that
sort. Happy have been the preachers and teachers who have led them in
this way of peace.
6. I see a wise Providence in the opening of “Homes” for our workers.
It was impossible to get board among the white people. The Freedmen
had not the accommodations. It became necessary to provide “Homes”
which should be the property of the A. M. A. They become castles of
safety and abodes of comfort. They also bring to bear the example and
influence of home, which is a valuable adjunct to the missionary scheme.
7. As the soldiers once took this country, so now the women seem to
be taking it over again. In all our chartered institutions, men are
at work, affording the masculine quality to the workmanship. But in
all these, ladies are employed as teachers in the higher as well as in
the primary departments. Many of the normal and high schools are under
the exclusive control of ladies. In the earlier conflict their sex
was their protection. In all the movement their patience and tact and
heroism, and their loving devotement to the good of the people, have
secured a crown of success. Our country will never know its debt to
these patriotic women.
8. That whatever in politic or personal estate may betide the Freedmen,
our business is to keep pegging away at the up-lifting process. Whether
for the time their vote is allowed them or not; whether they be
ku-kluxed or bush-whacked or bulldozed; whether the South favor this
work or not, this one thing we have to do—to go forward patiently,
kindly, and strongly in this rudimental work of Christian civilization.
9. That we are not to repress the emotional nature of this people,
but to give it a basis of intelligence. This element, which is a
beauty and a power in the endowment of man, abounds in the African
mind; enriched by culture it may yet add a glory to our civilization.
Barnabas Root and Prof. Blyden both argued that we should develop their
race according to their idiosyncrasies; and yet the tendency seems to
be that as they advance in cultivation they re-act to the more severe
and logical style, and so lose somewhat of their power. We ought not to
contribute to this result by our training process. Let them sing some
of their rich “spirituals.” Give them our hymns and tunes that have an
enlivening glow. Be not afraid to appeal to their hearts as well as to
their heads. Let them be allowed the Pauline privilege of saying “Amen”
to the “giving of thanks.” It is a robbery of this people to bring them
down to the intellectual severity of the Puritans. It has been argued
that we of the Caucasian blood have weakened ourselves by this ruling
down of our emotional sentiments. It was a friend who said at Taunton,
that what the Congregationalists needed was consecrated emotion. At the
same place it was incorrectly argued that our system was not adapted to
the freed people because of their tropical nature. Was it so with the
Oriental nature 1,800 years ago?
10. That those who, in this work, during the years past, have gone on
in the face of prejudice and ostracism and persecution, have made the
way comparatively easy for those of us who join them now.
* * * * *
THE CENTRAL SOUTH CONFERENCE.
The Annual Meeting at Chattanooga, Tenn.
REV. S. S. ASHLEY, ATLANTA.
This body held its annual meeting at Chattanooga, Tenn., on the 15th,
16th and 17th of January, the prevalence of the yellow fever having
prevented its session at the regular time in November. Owing to the
withdrawal of most of the Alabama and of all the Georgia churches,
to form conferences in their respective States, the Conference now
consists of the Congregational churches in Mississippi, Tennessee and
Northern Alabama, twelve in number. The churches in Mississippi were
not represented. Rev. Horace J. Taylor, of Athens, Ga., was chosen
Moderator. Each evening of the session was occupied with preaching;
Rev. S. S. Ashley, Dr. J. E. Roy and Prof. H. S. Bennett officiating.
Papers were read as follows: “On the Diaconate,” by Dr. Roy; on the
“Congregational Polity,” the Scriptural authority therefor, and its
advantages, by Rev. Temple Cutler of Chattanooga; and interesting
discussions were awakened by them. This Conference evidently believes
that the time has come to push Congregational church extension in the
South. The experience of those who have been long in this field is,
that Congregationalism is eminently adapted to the South.
The narratives of the state of religion in the Conference developed
several interesting facts concerning Chattanooga. That city was
severely smitten by the yellow fever. Through all the autumn, business
and meetings were suspended. The citizens had largely fled away,
and the place was left to the sick, the dying and the doctors. The
Chattanooga church consists of about eighty members; several of them
were smitten, but not one died. “The Band of Hope,” a society pledged
to abstinence from intoxicating drinks, tobacco and profanity, having
between two hundred and three hundred members, lost only two members
by the fever. This “Band” was organized by Rev. E. O. Tade some ten
years since. Its object is to gather in and hold under strict New
Testament temperance principles the youth of both sexes. Some twelve
hundred names have been enrolled upon its records. Its power has been
felt far and wide. A branch of the mother band has been organized in
the city. It may be safely said that through its agency Chattanooga is
more free from intemperance than any other Southern city hereabouts.
Its elections are less noted for rioting and drunkenness than those
of the cities of Georgia. Here is one result of A. M. A. work. Every
church should have connected closely with it a kindred organization.
The steadiness of this church in Chattanooga is largely owing to the
temperance principles of its members, adopted while they were young.
* * * * *
Bro. Taylor gave the Conference an interesting description of his
former mission field on the Gilbert Islands, pointing out their
peculiar coral formation, the customs and character of the inhabitants,
and the success of Christian missions among them.
* * * * *
Prof. Bennett gave encouraging statements concerning Fisk University.
Prof. Spence is in Scotland; Prof. Cravath at his post, and the
machinery is running smoothly. The number of students is about as large
as usual; the religious interest not quite so decided as in former
years.
* * * * *
It was voted to invite the Congregational churches of the South to meet
in convention at Atlanta in November, 1880.
* * * * *
GEORGIA.
=Atlanta University, Alumni and Students.=
PROF. J. F. FULLER, ATLANTA.
This is the _tenth_ year since the organization of this school. The
first class graduated from the higher normal course in 1873, and the
first from the college in 1876. Classes have graduated regularly from
both departments each year since. The _alumni_ number 52, of whom,
at graduation, 50 were professing Christians. With the exception of
three who are now pursuing a higher course of study, and one who has
died since graduation, these are all doing active work for the Master
among their own people, and, with others who have left school before
completing the regular course of study, are selecting and sending to
the University the more promising of their pupils.
The present year shows a larger number of students in attendance and of
a better class. Besides those already established in different parts of
the State, over a hundred of the students teach during the long summer
vacation in the public schools, and also engage in Sabbath school
work. It is estimated that during the year 1878 over _ten thousand_
pupils in the State of Georgia were taught by those educated at this
University. The influence of the school is commensurate with the number
of its workers, and that influence, now very marked, is constantly
increasing. The last catalogue shows 30 in the college classes, 37
in the preparatory, 72 in the higher normal, and 104 in the normal.
The buildings are of brick, plain, substantial and convenient, but
_inadequate_ to the present and prospective needs. The grounds are
ample—nearly sixty acres—and beautifully located in the outskirts of
the city.
* * * * *
=Revival among the Students.=
REV. C. W. FRANCIS, ATLANTA.
You will be glad to know that at this school we are in the midst of a
deep and effective work of grace, which has already brought into the
kingdom a goodly number of precious souls. There has been a good degree
of religious interest since the school came together in October, and
during the week of prayer, which we faithfully observed, that interest
was deepened; and since that time some have been committing themselves
to Christ’s service. The day of prayer for colleges, just observed,
was an occasion of deep and solemn interest, and a considerable number
took a step forward. A few extra meetings have been held; but, for
the most part, affairs have gone on as usual, with no interruption
of school work; and but for the greater quiet and improved order and
discipline of the school, and increasing fidelity to duty, an observer
would not know how thorough a work was going forward. Our reliance has
been mainly upon the truth, earnestly and plainly presented, rather
than upon any unusual measures, and our aim to reach the conscience,
and thus secure an intelligent and thorough submission to the claims of
God. All the members of the classes to graduate this year now profess
to be Christians, and we hope will be well prepared to do effective
work for the Master in the wide and needy field open before them. Some
who have long withstood every good influence are already affected, and
we hope will soon yield to Christ’s claims; indeed, there are hardly
any in the family who are not ready to acknowledge a deep interest in
the subject. We do not like to give numbers, but we may reasonably
hope that as many as twelve have already begun the new life, and more
than as many more are deeply serious. We hope for a greater work and a
deeper consecration, and that the Lord may baptize afresh for the great
and growing work pressing upon us. There are constantly, even at this
season, calls for teachers in all parts of this State which cannot be
answered, and in almost all cases Christian character is one of the
first qualifications sought.
* * * * *
ALABAMA.
=Christmas Festival—Bearing One Another’s Burdens.=
REV. WILLIAM H. ASH, FLORENCE.
From the depletion made in September by many of our members going to
Kansas, a dark cloud for a time gathered over the work here; but I
believe the crisis is past, and some that were active in opposition
are now working in harmony with us, and endeavoring to take part in
every good work. The faithful few are ever encouraged by these cheering
words: “But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be
found even to fight against God.”
Up to the Sabbath previous to Christmas we were undecided as to whether
it was best to have a Christmas tree; but I found so many willing
hearts and ready hands eager to help, and particularly some not members
of the church, but friendly to it, that I threw all my influence in
this direction to make it a success. At first we planned to have it in
the church; but finding that the building used for our Sunday services
was too small, it was removed to the court-house, where we had ample
room. The church would only accommodate about one-fifth of the people
who came with their children to receive the gifts, for we had something
for nearly every Methodist and Baptist boy and girl, as well as every
Congregationalist in town.
On Friday night, the ladies of our church gave an entertainment to aid
in defraying the expenses incurred by the burial of a member of the
church who had died very suddenly. He would have been buried by the
town but for a few loyal and faithful brethren who revolted at any such
idea, and at once assumed the responsibility, though there was not one
cent in the treasury. At the supper they cleared enough to pay the
debt, and quite a little sum in addition. Our polity is guarded with
the same _sacredness_ as in New England.
* * * * *
LOUISIANA.
=Straight University and the Central Church—A Week of Prayer and Work
of Grace—Revival Incidents.=
REV. WALTER S. ALEXANDER, NEW ORLEANS.
New Orleans, La., Feb. 1st, 1879.
The terrible epidemic which held this city in its relentless grasp
for five months and created general gloom and depression, delayed
the opening of the University till December 1st. When we closed the
last term and planned for another year—our first year in the new
University building—our hopes were strong and enthusiastic, and we
said, “With the attraction and novelty of a fresh, beautiful building
in a central position, and the tide of public sentiment strongly in
our favor, the new year will be a marked period in the educational
interests of our State.” These brilliant expectations were changed
to grave uncertainty and anxiety. But God is with us, and our fears
are already dissipated. In the first place, the colored people were
wonderfully exempt from the ravages of the fever. There were instances
of the fever, but the mortality was slight. The only disadvantage was
the uncertainty regarding the time of opening the term, which induced a
large number to enter into other school arrangements. At this writing
we have in the Academic Department 175, and in the Law Department 25.
New students are enrolled every week, and we have great occasion for
satisfaction and gratitude. Our friends will be glad to know that the
new University building suits our needs to perfection. We could hardly
suggest a change in the arrangement of rooms. In many respects it is a
model house. If our friends could understand how earnestly we desire
to furnish our beautiful chapel and two additional recitation rooms,
into which we are almost ready to “_swarm_,” and how we long to see a
neat fence surrounding the lot, isolating and protecting us, situated
as we are on the grand boulevard of the city, I am sure that some good
heart would suggest the means of accomplishing these things. But this
is God’s work, and He will send relief if we can only wait.
We shall graduate a class of six, of whom five are young men. They all
have bright minds and are first-class scholars. It is a real pleasure
to teach them. I hear them every morning in Upham’s Mental Philosophy,
and the most exacting teacher would ask no better recitations than are
uniformly given. The inducements for young men and women to qualify
themselves for teachers of the highest grade are all that could be
desired. It is impossible now to answer the demands for competent
teachers for the colored schools of Louisiana. I have received an
application for a principal of a large parish school, with a salary of
$1,200, and two are now in hand for lady teachers, with salaries of $30
per month, in a town where good board can be obtained for $7 per month.
This demand will constantly increase both in Louisiana and Texas. Two
of our last senior class are teaching in Texas, and receiving $50 per
month.