VOL. XXXIII. NO. 6.
THE
AMERICAN MISSIONARY.
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“To the Poor the Gospel is Preached.”
* * * * *
JUNE, 1879.
_CONTENTS_:
EDITORIAL.
PARAGRAPH—MONEY WHICH COSTS MONEY 161
RAILROADS AND RIVERS 162
CONGREGATIONALISM IN THE SOUTH 164
WORK STOPPED, BUT THE RECOMPENSE CONTINUED 165
ITEMS FROM THE FIELD 166
GENERAL NOTES 167
OUR QUERY COLUMN 169
THE FREEDMEN.
A TOUR OF A MONTH THROUGH THE SOUTH ATLANTIC STATES:
Rev. J. E. Roy, D. D. 169
TENNESSEE, MEMPHIS—Students’ Day at Le Moyne 171
GEORGIA—NO. 1 MILLER STATION—Perils of Young Converts—An
Open House 171
GEORGIA—Midway Church—Dorchester Academy—New Church at
Cypress Slash 172
SOUTH CAROLINA, CHARLESTON—Plymouth Church and Avery
Institute 174
ALABAMA—State Conference 176
LOUISIANA—South-Western Conference—Revivals and
Conversions 178
THE INDIANS.
SPICE OF MISSIONARY LIFE 181
THE CHINESE.
THE “CONGREGATIONAL WAY” IN MISSION WORK: Rev. Wm. C.
Pond 184
GOLDEN WEDDING GIFTS 186
RECEIPTS 186
WORK, STATISTICS, WANTS, &C. 190
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NEW YORK:
Published by the American Missionary Association.
ROOMS, 56 READE STREET.
* * * * *
Price, 50 Cents a Year, in advance.
American Missionary Association,
56 READE STREET, N. Y.
* * * * *
PRESIDENT.
HON. E. S. TOBEY, Boston.
VICE-PRESIDENTS.
Hon. F. D. PARISH, Ohio.
Hon. E. D. HOLTON, Wis.
Hon. WILLIAM CLAFLIN, Mass.
Rev. STEPHEN THURSTON, D. D., Me.
Rev. SAMUEL HARRIS, D. D., Ct.
WM. C. CHAPIN, Esq., R. I.
Rev. W. T. EUSTIS, D. D., Mass.
Hon. A. C. BARSTOW, R. I.
Rev. THATCHER THAYER, D. D., R. I.
Rev. RAY PALMER, D. D., N. Y.
Rev. J. M. STURTEVANT, D. D., Ill.
Rev. W. W. PATTON, D. D., D. C.
Hon. SEYMOUR STRAIGHT, La.
HORACE HALLOCK, Esq., Mich.
Rev. CYRUS W. WALLACE, D. D., N. H.
Rev. EDWARD HAWES, Ct.
DOUGLAS PUTNAM, Esq., Ohio.
Hon. THADDEUS FAIRBANKS, Vt.
SAMUEL D. PORTER, Esq., N. Y.
Rev. M. M. G. DANA, D. D., Minn.
Rev. H. W. BEECHER, N. Y.
Gen. O. O. HOWARD, Oregon.
Rev. G. F. MAGOUN, D. D., Iowa.
Col. C. G. HAMMOND, Ill.
EDWARD SPAULDING, M. D., N. H.
DAVID RIPLEY, Esq., N. J.
Rev. WM. M. BARBOUR, D. D., Ct.
Rev. W. L. GAGE, Ct.
A. S. HATCH, Esq., N. Y.
Rev. J. H. FAIRCHILD, D. D., Ohio.
Rev. H. A. STIMSON, Minn.
Rev. J. W. STRONG, D. D., Minn.
Rev. GEORGE THACHER, LL. D., Iowa.
Rev. A. L. STONE, D. D., California.
Rev. G. H. ATKINSON, D. D., Oregon.
Rev. J. E. RANKIN, D. D., D. C.
Rev. A. L. CHAPIN, D. D., Wis.
S. D. SMITH, Esq., Mass.
PETER SMITH, Esq., Mass.
Dea. JOHN C. WHITIN, Mass.
Rev. WM. PATTON, D. D., Ct.
Hon. J. B. GRINNELL, Iowa.
Rev. WM. T. CARR, Ct.
Rev. HORACE WINSLOW, Ct.
Sir PETER COATS, Scotland.
Rev. HENRY ALLON, D. D., London, Eng.
WM. E. WHITING, Esq., N. Y.
J. M. PINKERTON, Esq., Mass.
Rev. F. A. NOBLE, D. D., Ct.
DANIEL HAND, Esq., Ct.
A. L. WILLISTON, Esq., Mass.
Rev. A. F. BEARD, D. D., N. Y.
FREDERICK BILLINGS, Esq., Vt.
JOSEPH CARPENTER, Esq., R. I.
CORRESPONDING SECRETARY.
REV. M. E. STRIEBY, D. D., _56 Reade Street, N. Y._
DISTRICT SECRETARIES.
REV. C. L. WOODWORTH, _Boston_.
REV. G. D. PIKE, _New York_.
REV. JAS. POWELL, _Chicago_.
EDGAR KETCHUM, ESQ., _Treasurer, N. Y._
H. W. HUBBARD, ESQ., _Assistant Treasurer, N. Y._
REV. M. E. STRIEBY, _Recording Secretary_.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.
ALONZO S. BALL,
A. S. BARNES,
EDWARD BEECHER,
GEO. M. BOYNTON,
WM. B. BROWN,
CLINTON B. FISK,
ADDISON P. FOSTER,
E. A. GRAVES,
S. B. HALLIDAY,
SAM’L HOLMES,
S. S. JOCELYN,
ANDREW LESTER,
CHAS. L. MEAD,
JOHN H. WASHBURN,
G. B. WILLCOX.
COMMUNICATIONS
relating to the business of the Association may be addressed to
either of the Secretaries as above; letters for the Editor of the
“American Missionary” to Rev. Geo. M. Boynton, at the New York
Office.
DONATIONS AND SUBSCRIPTIONS
should be sent to H. W. Hubbard, Ass’t Treasurer, No. 56 Reade
Street, New York, or, when more convenient, to either of the Branch
Offices, 21 Congregational House, Boston, Mass., or 112 West
Washington Street, Chicago, Ill.
A payment of thirty dollars at one time constitutes a Life Member.
Correspondents are specially requested to place at the head of each
letter the name of their Post Office, and the County and State in
which it is located.
* * * * *
THE
AMERICAN MISSIONARY.
* * * * *
VOL. XXXIII. JUNE, 1879. NO. 6.
* * * * *
American Missionary Association.
* * * * *
We are in receipt of several communications suggesting that we, as
an Association, should do something for the relief of the negro
emigrants to Kansas. We are compelled to say to this, however, that
1. We cannot divert funds from our overdrawn treasury from the work
to which we are pledged and the responsibilities we have definitely
assumed. 2. Our legitimate work is with the Freedmen in the South,
where our schools and churches are, and where the mass of the
people will be for a very long time yet. 3. That assistance to
reach their destination has been given to them from many sources,
and that their greatest need of help for a time will be after
reaching Kansas, in securing and settling upon lands. 4. That we
cherish the deepest interest in the suffering multitudes who have
already left their homes, and will cheerfully transmit, for friends
who may prefer to send through us, such moneys as may be designed
for this specific object, and will use our utmost diligence to see
that they accomplish the end for which they are set apart.
* * * * *
MONEY WHICH COSTS MONEY.
It is unfortunate, perhaps, that the agents of the beneficence
of the churches and Christian people of the land should be
compelled so often to “rise and explain,” but the necessity will
in all probability continue so long as there is a possibility
of misunderstanding facts and figures. We are all creatures of
association, and things which are coupled together are apt to make
unwarranted impressions on our minds.
For instance, the name of the American Missionary Association has
been of late passing the rounds of the public press in connection
with large sums of money. $150,000 to four of its institutions
from the Stone estate; $20,000 for Fisk University from the
Graves legacy; $20,000 from the estate of Deacon James Smith, of
Philadelphia; $12,000 announced last month from the Avery estate,
and which is to be increased to about $18,000; $15,000 from Mr.
Arthington, of Leeds. All this sounds very rich and prosperous, and
our contributors say: “They are rich and increased in goods. For
a time, at least, they will do well. Let us thank God for their
prosperity, and turn to those whose wants are more pressing than
theirs can be.”
Just here is where the explanation must be made. First, then,
almost none of these bequests are in our hands as yet. The largest
of all is coupled with conditions which we hope to be able to meet,
but of which, until we shall have met them, we have no right to be
sure.
But secondly, and what is of more consequence, with one possible
exception, the way in which all this money is to be expended
is determined before it reaches our treasury. The donors have
examined the field, or parts of it, for themselves, and have given
their gifts, not to us, but only through us, to certain definite
fields and uses. Most of this, which is for home use, is to build
buildings, and must go for that purpose. But it will cost us money
to see these buildings built; the oversight, the correspondence,
and the co-operation of all sorts will be a drain upon our time
and treasury; and when the much needed buildings shall have been
erected, the enlarged work to which they lead will increase very
considerably the annual expense for which we must provide. Other
of these funds are for a new mission field, of which the founding
is only an item, but the carrying on from year to year will demand
larger resources than the past has ever furnished.
Dear friends, we recognize the call of God in these large gifts to
go forward, trusting in Him and in His people to supply our needs.
We do not wait until our work shall be fully provided for before we
enter on it; we do not shrink from the advance which may be needed;
but we do want you all to know that while, on the one hand, the
equipment and the opportunity for larger work are thrust upon us,
the outfit for the journey is insufficient, and the officers are
embarrassed already to carry on the work in hand.
Even with special gifts to help the current work, our receipts are
$10,595.85 less than last year at this time (May 12th), through the
falling off in legacies. Enlarging work and a shrinking purse—this
is our quandary.
Is our explanation clear? We want money day by day—more money day
by day. Not millions, though we could use millions so that they
would help on the cause of our Divine Redeemer in the world; but
moderate gifts—yes, mites even, as they come with prayer and love
for Christ; but more in number and with greater frequency; above
all, the steady supply of constantly recurring and increasing
needs, to carry on the work in hand. It costs money to spend money;
that is our most pressing need to-day, and our new gifts will need
more money. Will you plan to supply it? Or must we say to those who
would entrust us with the administration of their beneficence, “We
cannot afford to administer the trust”?
* * * * *
RAILROADS AND RIVERS.
There are railroads and there are rivers. The first are laid out
after careful survey of the country, and follow the most direct
lines of communication possible or politic between two given
points. They tunnel mountains and bridge gorges; they cut through
hills and level up valleys. They are made. But the rivers—we, at
least, do not make them; we only find them, follow them, and use
them. They do not run exactly in parallels of longitude, nor flow
exactly south or west. They do not take the shortest courses to the
sea; they yield to circumstances, and gracefully circle round the
obstacles which they cannot surmount. Somehow, they always reach
their destination, and leave a path of life and beauty as they go.
You may divert them for a little to serve other than their main
uses, but still they flow on unwasted to the larger waters, into
which they pour their steady streams.
There are two theories of missionary work, and especially of the
work of missionary societies. One, which sets out to do one
definite thing, and to reach it by the shortest surveyed and
graded road; another which seeks an end with no less purpose and
persistency, but seeks it with more pliability—does not make the
country over to fit its needs. Now, our Association is not a
railroad, but a river. It was not made by man to serve one fixed
and changeless end. It was born of an emergency, and it has been
adapting itself to the changing needs of successive years for the
third of a century of its existence. We need not recapitulate
its history. Its early work was peculiar, and in part transient.
Enough that since the war the claims of millions of Freedmen,
enfranchised but in ignorance, has seemed its greatest work. It
has stretched out a hand more warm than full to the Chinamen on
the Western coast. It has not forgotten the wrongs or the needs of
the poor Indian. Intrusted with a fund for African evangelization,
it has sought to exercise that trust with all fidelity. Of late
the foreign work, by new offers, has claimed new attention, and
the possibility of opening a new mission in that field has been
considered. A little help was sent through it to the poorest class
of sufferers by the scourge of pestilence; a little aid seeks by it
to reach the needy thousands who have just sought asylum in Kansas;
and some of our old friends, perhaps, have come to fear lest we
were in peril of being diverted from what they and we consider to
be still our great and most important work.
We write this to assure such friends that they need not be anxious
on this score. There are no such anchors as institutions whose
foundations are laid deep in the soil. Many men talk with less
swelling pride than a few years ago of owning real estate, when
the plain truth is that real estate owns them. So we are held, if
by no other bond, to the educational and church work among the
colored people of the South. But far more we are, and shall be,
kept true to this as our main work by our ever-growing sense of its
importance to the race so long oppressed, and to the interests of
Christian civilization in our land.
The river will flow on southward still. It may bend a little to
the east or to the west, as Providence may determine; there may be
eddies along its banks, and now and then a dam along the stream to
concentrate its power; it may open, as does our own Mississippi,
through more mouths than one into the Gulf; but its course for a
generation to come is fixed, not by human resolution, but by the
Providence which makes the water-sheds and water-courses both.
To educate the colored people of the South and lift them to the
elevation of a worthy Christian citizenship is our great work.
So let the springs among the hills of New England, and the streams
which water the prairies of the West, not fear to flow in as
aforetime, only with a larger flowing, and we will pledge them
that the work to which they are devoted shall go on till the end
be reached. Meanwhile, let us not try to be a railroad, but a
river—one of the rivers of God’s earth which flow into the sea of
His great universal love and peace.
* * * * *
We call special attention to the account in Mr. Alexander’s letter
of the work of grace which accompanied and followed the recent
meeting of the South-western Conference, at New Iberia, La. Such
records are rarer than they ought to be, and ecclesiastical bodies
are often more careful to be “not slothful in business” than
“fervent in spirit.” Pastor Butler, of the church in that place,
writes that already fifty-seven persons have offered themselves for
reception to its membership, and still more are coming.
* * * * *
CONGREGATIONALISM IN THE SOUTH.
3. Its Obligations.
DIST. SEC. C. L. WOODWORTH, BOSTON.
It ought to be clear by this time that Congregationalism is under
bonds to do its best to fit the Freedmen for their new condition
and duties. They _are freemen_ and _citizens_ largely through the
influence of the Congregational churches. No small part of the
anti-slavery sentiment of the country which gripped the conscience
and put into the word “_right_” an almost omnipotent meaning can be
traced to the teaching of our pulpits. They were behind no others
in preparing the people to carry into their political action what
they thought in their hearts and uttered in their closets. But with
every gain to freedom in the Northern mind a new pang was wrung
out of the heart of the slave. The laws became more severe, the
punishments more cruel, the tasks more exacting. The two sections
were being driven asunder with a repulsive force which could only
end in war. The South saw it and threatened; but the Northern
conscience, quickened by the principles of religion and of the
“higher law,” would concede nothing. The people said, “No more
slave States; no more slave territory. If we _must_ have war, let
it come; but slavery shall not be national.” This stern resolution
carried a million and a half of men to our battle-fields, and held
them there till the slave was free! It is not claimed that the
convictions of equality and right which swayed the Northern mind
were the result of Congregational teaching alone, but only that
Congregationalism marched abreast of those moral forces which made
the North equal to the work and sacrifice to which it was called.
The responsibility, nevertheless, is the same as if our churches
_alone_ had taught the doctrines which brought freedom to the slave.
This, however, is only the first step in the work they did for the
negro. No sooner was he made free than they insisted that he should
be invested with all the dignities and rights of citizenship.
They urged this upon the Government when nothing but the _direst_
necessity could justify it in putting the ballot into the hands
of a million ignorant voters. The change in the negro’s condition
was so radical—so above his capacity and education—that the
highest moral obligation rested upon those who brought it about,
to see that he was fitted for its duties. This was so clear to
the Southern people that they have said, with as much force as
logic: “We were ready to take care of the negro as a slave, in
our way; but the North took him out of our hands by violence, and
now let it take care of him in its way.” And why not? Especially,
why should not the Congregational churches, foremost in arousing
the conscience of the North against slavery, and in spurring the
Government to smite the system and enfranchise the slave, now come
to the front and lead him into the better future?
But if we had not assumed these obligations by forcing upon the
negro the condition and duties of an American citizen, he would
lay them upon us by all the wrongs he has suffered at our hands;
by all the gains we have made from his unpaid toil; by all the aid
he rendered us upon the field, and by his fidelity to us through
all the years of the struggle. How he served our living, nursed our
sick, fought our battles, watches by the graves of our fallen, will
be the unequaled theme of the future historian.
As he alone in the South showed us sympathy and offered us aid,
so now he alone is ready to receive learning and religion from
the lips of Northern instructors. And is not this reason enough
why our churches should improve the opportunity to fill his mind
and heart with those principles which are so fraught with human
weal, and are working so powerfully for the regeneration of the
world? For every interest of the South as well as of the country at
large, Congregationalism is summoned to put in its best work for
the colored people. Only thus can we lay to rest the passions which
have reddened the South with innocent blood, and bring to the land
the reign of peace and love.
* * * * *
THE WORK STOPPED, BUT THE RECOMPENSE CONTINUED.
BY A DISABLED TEACHER.
_TO_ THE AMERICAN MISSIONARY:
_Dear Friend_: Ever since our first acquaintance, fourteen years
ago, at old “61 John St.,” you have never failed to make me
your monthly visits, when we could talk over our work with all
its encouragements and discouragements, giving our own personal
experience. That experience has not at all times been very
cheering, but it certainly was inspiring, for we always separated
with more of zeal and determination in our hearts to do our part
in the great work which we love so well. During the long months
in which I wait for health and strength to come back to me, your
coming, with fresh reports of our work, is eagerly looked for, and
your visits are often “times of refreshing” to me.
Since you, in January, spoke of “the abundant recompense” which all
your workers in the field have, I have been thinking whether those
who have fallen from the ranks have any, and I feel sure that we,
too, have a goodly share of it, and I want to tell you something
about mine.
In the years when I was engaged in the work, pious souls often
assured me that I would have my reward in the future, both of this
life and that which is to come. I replied: “I get so much reward
from day to day as I work, I don’t see how there can be any left
for the future.” But I was mistaken; those workers who have been
laid aside from active service find that the reward _continues_
after the work is done.
It comes to us in various ways—this “abundant recompense.” We often
thank the Master that when health and strength were ours He led us
into the Southern field, and gave us so much to do there that self
could not always have our first or best efforts. The consciousness
that all the best years of our lives have not been wasted ones is
worth a great deal to us, and as we think of the work, and plan
and pray for it, even now our souls grow stronger, braver and
truer. There has come into our lives a recompense in the Christian
sympathy and love of noble souls who have toiled with us, and of
those who have helped us over many a hard place with their money,
and stayed our hands with their prayers and words of cheer. I hold
in sweet and grateful remembrance many who have opened their purses
in response to my importunate and oft-repeated calls, some of whom
have entered upon their eternal reward.
Up from the Southland comes many a word to cheer and comfort the
heart. From the pen of one who has long labored there comes the
precious, but forgotten promises of the 41st Psalm. How the heart
thrills with thankfulness and gladness, and, it may be, with a
little pride, when a present worker assures us that some of those
pupils in whom we are most interested, and for whom we have long
worked and prayed, are growing in true manhood and womanhood,
fitting themselves to go out into the harvest field to take up the
work that has fallen from the tired hands of their teachers. Of
those pupils who are already teachers many are carrying the light
and truth received at school into the gross darkness which hangs
over their people. From the rice fields of Ogeechee, where two of
us began the work and labored from 1865–’67, comes a good report
from one who has since, and in other places, been our pupil, and I
have your assurance that he and his wife, also a former pupil of
mine, are doing good work there. In that “School of the Prophets,”
the theological department at Talladega, are some who manfully
struggled through common fractions under my instruction. To them it
was a fiery ordeal, but it proved what manner of stuff was in them,
and when they get out into the conflict of life, fighting against
the powers of darkness, I shall look for victory.
One who nearly twelve years ago was taught to read in the old
boat-house on that beautiful sea-girt isle, is moved to preach the
Gospel. He writes me that his greatest desire is to go to Talladega
to prepare for the ministry, and will do any kind of work to pay
his expenses.
The hearts of my old aunties send up many a “God bless her dear
soul!” One writes, “I have been studying about you a great deal. I
have been praying for you, and if it is God’s will, you will get
well.” Another says, “Tell her I pray for her _every_ day.” Oh, how
rich the prayers of these poor children of the King make one feel!
All these things which make up our “abundant recompense” are
_riches_ which cannot “take to themselves wings,” but are as
enduring as the eternal ages. And who can tell what work for God
has branched off and is now spreading over the South, from the
little that we, the worn-out ones, have done.
N. T.
_Augusta, Me., March 12, 1879._
* * * * *
ITEMS FROM THE FIELD.
ATLANTA, GA.—The new catalogue of Atlanta University gives a total
of 245 in attendance, a number exceeding any previous year. These
have come from _ten_ different States, and those from Georgia from
forty-seven counties. They are classified as follows: College
course, 27; preparatory course, 44; higher Normal course, 59; and
Normal course, 115.
A new and interesting feature has been introduced during the
year. The young women who graduate from the higher Normal course
are taught “Household Science,” embracing plain sewing, cookery,
house-cleaning, nursing the sick, &c. These branches are taught
both by familiar lectures and by practice in those arts.
MACON, GA.—The Lewis High School is prospering under its competent
teachers, Misses Gilbert and Phelps. It has been favored by the
gifts of friends. Recently a fine Smith American organ was donated,
and more recently another Northern friend has given six of Warren’s
fine geographical wall charts, which are of great assistance in
teaching geography. A number of text books have also been donated.
Daily instruction in vocal music is given, besides all the ordinary
branches, and there are weekly rhetorical exercises. The three
rooms have in all 750 square feet of good wall blackboard, and the
best school furniture.
TALLADEGA, ALA.—Seven were received into the Talladega church, May
4th, which, with those received two months ago, make thirty-seven
in all as the gathered fruits of the revival last winter. The
meetings continue to be full of interest.
SELMA, ALA.—We are happy to learn that the Rev. H. E. Brown,
of Michigan, who a few years since was in the employ of this
Association, has been sent out under the auspices of the
International Committee of the Young Men’s Christian Association as
a visitor to the colored young men of the South, and has been very
successfully conducting a series of Bible readings and Union Gospel
meetings in Selma, Ala.
HELENA, TEXAS.—On the last communion day two adults and nine
children were baptized. The church and Sunday-school are
prosperous, the latter numbering over sixty.
GOLIAD, TEXAS.—The quarterly meeting was a day of unusual interest.
The church house was furnished with a new pulpit, and the teacher
presented the church with two lamps for the same. One person was
converted on that day and four children were baptized.
* * * * *
GENERAL NOTES.
The Freedmen.
—The Mississippi Valley Labor Convention met, May 6th, at
Vicksburg. It was composed of both white and colored delegates; the
latter, however, by their own choice, not voting, but hearing what
there was to say to them. The resolutions which were adopted refer
to many causes for the exodus to Kansas, among which they do not
name extortionate and oppressive contracts, and express wonder at
the credulity of the negroes. The practical suggestions are: 1. A
system of contracts which shall be of mutual benefit. 2. Absolute
political equality. 3. Free and fair elections. 4. A limitation of
liens on expected crops. 5. Contradiction of false reports about
Kansas. 6. The unrestricted right to emigrate. Governor Foote
offered a substitute intimating that the true causes had not been
given, and suggesting local committees to investigate grievances
and protect the rights of the Freedmen, which was voted down.
—The Refugee Relief Committee of St. Louis reports that over six
thousand of the emigrants have passed through that city. About
two thousand of these were able to pay their fares to Kansas. The
others were sheltered, fed and partly clothed while there, and had
their passage paid to the same destination.
* * * * *
Africa.
—A letter dated Demidris, Jan. 1, to Gordon (Pasha),
Governor-General of Southern Egypt, from one of his officers who
was sent to break up the slave depots in the neighborhood of Bahr
el Gazal, in the Province of Kordofan, reports an engagement with
Suleiman, one of the chief slave-traders and owner of 25 depots,
in which it is stated that the women alone, waiting importation
into Egypt, number 10,000. The Egyptian forces numbered 3,000, and
were intrenched, a part of them being armed with Remington rifles.
On the morning of the 28th of December, Suleiman, with 11,000 men,
attacked the intrenchments. After numerous assaults, in which the
Arabs, under the personal lead of Suleiman, fought with desperate
courage, the attack was completely defeated, and the assailants
fled in disorder, leaving 1,087 dead on the field. The Egyptians
lost 20 men. A special dispatch from Alexandria says: “On the day
after the battle between the Egyptians and Arabs, under the lead
of Suleiman, 5,000 deserters came over to the Egyptian camp. The
Egyptians followed the retiring enemy, killed ten chiefs and 2,000
more men, and were still in pursuit at last advices. The capture of
all the slave depots is considered certain.”
—A telegram dated London, May 5, says: Conflicts between the
Egyptian troops and the slave-dealers on the 13th and 14th of
January, in Upper Egypt, resulted in the complete defeat of the
latter, with the loss of six thousand killed and wounded and
prisoners. The Egyptian troops lost two hundred men.
—A telegraph line is now proposed from Cairo up the Nile southward
to Gondokoro; thence to Mtesa’s capital; thence to Unyanyembe;
thence to Ujiji west and Zanzibar east, from Bagamoyo to Lake
Nyassa, and to meet a line from Cape Colony to Pretoria, in the
Transvaal at Pretoria. This is said to be no more difficult than
was similar work accomplished in Australia and India.
—The Methodist Missionary Society have made arrangements for
missionary work in the interior of Africa. Mr. Osgood, who is now
in Africa, will locate a mission post somewhere in the interior,
and Miss Mary A. Sharp will soon leave this country for work
there.—_Christian Union, April 2._
—A letter from Zanzibar announces the arrival of Henry M. Stanley,
the African explorer, with M. Dutalis, the officer in command of
the Belgian expedition in Africa. It is stated that Mr. Stanley
will act as guide and interpreter to the Belgian exploring
expedition under M. Dutalis.
—An interesting discussion is begun as to the likeness between
Lake Tanganyika and the Dead Sea. No outlet of the lake has been
discovered, but the exploration has hardly yet been sufficiently
thorough to make the negative a proof. The freshness of its waters
is in striking contrast with the saltness of the Dead Sea, and, so
far, against the theory proposed. We wait for further light.
* * * * *
The Indians.
—Two new projects for a wholesale intrusion into the Indian
Territory have come to light: one promoted by certain railroads who
claim land grants there, and another expedition of several hundred
emigrants, under the lead of C. C. Carpenter, who led the Black
Hills expedition into the Sioux country several years ago. In view
of these illegal purposes, the President has issued a proclamation,
in which he says: “I do further warn and notify any and all
such persons who may so offend that they will be speedily and
immediately removed therefrom by the agent, according to the laws
made and provided; and, if necessary, the aid and assistance of the
military forces of the United States will be invoked to carry into
proper execution the laws of the United States herein referred to.”
* * * * *
The Chinese.
—Eleven young Chinese, nine males and two females, were recently
received into a Presbyterian Church in San Francisco.
—The following card is furnished for publication by the Chinese
Six Companies: “The Chinese Six Companies are daily in receipt
of applications for laborers to go to Southern States, notably
Mississippi and Louisiana, to take the place of the negro labor now
emigrating. The officers of these companies wish it to be expressly
understood that they have no control over their people’s labor, and
have never brought or caused to be brought one of their countrymen
here; and have never contracted their labor or collected their
wages in any manner whatsoever, the press of California to the
contrary notwithstanding.”
—It has been very well said recently: “In America if a man is
black, we enslave him; if he is red, we steal his lands and
massacre his wife and children; and if he is yellow, we won’t let
him come here at all.”
—The _Sunday School Times_, in commenting on the fact that eight
Chinamen were recently received into a church at Sacramento, asks
whether it wouldn’t be a good plan for Congress to pass a law that
not more than fifteen Chinese converts should join any Christian
church the same Sunday.
* * * * *
OUR QUERY COLUMN.
1. What English pronouncing dictionary is the standard in England?
2. What is the authorized pronunciation of _Khedive_?
3. Should _Beaufort_ (N. C.), be pronounced as is _Beaufort_ (S.
C.)?
4. Ought A. M. A. teachers to make special effort to have their
pupils sign the temperance pledge?
5. Can any teacher afford (or can his pupils afford to have him) do
without an educational publication?
* * * * *
THE FREEDMEN.
REV. JOS. E. ROY, D. D.,
FIELD SUPERINTENDENT, ATLANTA, GA.
* * * * *
A TOUR OF A MONTH THROUGH THE SOUTH ATLANTIC STATES.
[We omit the mention of the Midway Church and School and the
organization of the church at Cypress Slash, as an account of
them is given elsewhere by Rev. Floyd Snelson.]
At Savannah, the Beach Institute and the mother church, with her
four or five daughters settled in the suburbs, were found to be in
a prosperous condition. Pastor Markham and Principal Koons, with
their corps of lady teachers, are making a decided impression upon
that city.
Thence to Orangeburgh, S. C., where Rev. W. L. Johnson is pastor,
and also principal of a large school, in which his wife is
assistant. Mr. Johnson had been trained up at the North, in the
Dutch Reformed way, as a protégé of the Rev. Dr. E. P. Rodgers
of New York. The visitor gave from his big map a lesson upon the
geography of our country. As a guest of Rev. Dr. Cooke, President
of the Claflin University, he had an opportunity to become
acquainted and favorably impressed with that fine institution of
our Methodist brethren. In Charleston, a Sabbath was given to
the Plymouth Church, now happy under the new pastorate of Rev.
Temple Cutler, and one day to the Avery Institute, under Prof. A.
W. Farnham, who is reproducing the style of his own Alma Mater,
the Oswego Normal. It was a delight to witness the orderliness
and accuracy of that training. It is only common fame that this
Institute stands ahead of every other in the city. It has a corps
of six teachers, and scholars enough to work them hard. Our lady
missionary, Miss H. E. Wells, I found getting hold of her peculiar
work quite hopefully; as also Miss Douglass, at Miller’s Station,
Ga. I think this arm of our service will prove equal to the
anticipation of its friends.
In North Carolina, I went first to Wilmington, where is the
nourishing Williston Normal School, with its consort church, and
all under the management of Rev. D. D. Dodge and his wife, and
Misses Warner, Fitts, Goodwin and Phelps. Besides the several young
teachers under training here, there is also a class of preachers in
the old time churches who are getting brushed up. Two nights had to
be given to talks before the school and congregation. Thence up to
Dudley, where Rev. David Peebles and his wife, lately Miss Anna
M. Day, of the Washington School at Raleigh, have charge of the
church and school in the large and comely structure which serves a
double purpose. Besides a half dozen candidates for the teaching
profession, one young man is pursuing Latin with reference to a
full classical course. This church numbers seventy-five members,
and makes a specialty of temperance and music. It has to meet in
the community a theological _coloring_ taken from the Hard-shell
Baptists and the Quakers. In the Ku-Klux times a good many Freedmen
came in here for safety.
At Beaufort I found the church and school making headway under Mr.
Michael Jerkins, a graduate of the Theological Department of Howard
University. At Morehead City, a town once of great expectations,
now blighted, our school and the city lie dead side by side.
At Woodbridge our school is under the care of Mr. W. H. Ellis, a
graduate of Williams, who was recently licensed to preach by Mr.
Peebles’ church, of Dudley. Last year, in this school, under the
excellent Miss Waugh, a revival was enjoyed which enlisted more
than a score of the scholars as disciples of the Great Master. Mr.
Ellis ministers the word on the Lord’s day, and a church fellowship
must soon be gathered here. At this place, at North River near
Beaufort, and at Dudley, some years ago, the A. M. A., with funds
specially provided, purchased several hundred acres of land to be
sold to the Freedmen. Not all of this has yet been taken up. The
highest ideal of such an investment has not been realized at these
points. Nevertheless, I find that the Freedmen almost everywhere
are making advance in securing homes and farms.
At Goldsboro’, a fine railway centre, we found an urgent call for
a church and school movement, which must soon be set forward.
Chapel Hill, the location of the State University, offers a similar
opening.
Heretofore the churches of this State have been unassociated.
Feeling the need of such fellowship, they have now secured it. In
the North Carolina Conference, which was organized at Raleigh on
May 2d, holding over a Sabbath, the five churches at Wilmington,
Dudley, Beaufort, Raleigh and McLeansville, with their ministers,
were thus united. The pastor of the church, Rev. G. S. Smith, a
graduate of Atlanta, was made the moderator of the Conference, and
Rev. David Peebles secretary. It was a rich and glowing meeting.
The several parts and methods of a regular Conference came together
as naturally as though this were an experienced ecclesiastical
body. The entertaining church was greatly comforted, and some
special services were to follow, Rev. David Peebles remaining to
assist. The next meeting is to be at Dudley, beginning on the first
Friday of May, 1880.
By letters missive from the church at Beaufort, an Ecclesiastical
Council was convened at Raleigh, during the session of the
Conference, to examine and ordain Mr. Michael Jerkins. The Council
being well satisfied with the examination, proceeded on Sabbath
evening to the appropriate public services. Sermon and prayer of
ordination by Supt. Roy; right hand of fellowship by Rev. David
Peebles; charge by Rev. Geo. B. Smith. Rev. Dr. H. M. Tupper,
President of Shaw University (Baptist), participated in the
services.
The Washington School of Raleigh, these many years under the
formative influence of Miss E. P. Hayes, now assisted by the
pastor’s wife and Miss Hettie Minton, has here, as with our
schools everywhere else, been the great feeder of the church. It
has prepared not a few school-teachers and started some young
men on the way to the ministry. The Sabbath-school held in the
Washington school-house, also under the superintendence of Miss
Hayes, has been complimented by one of the white pastors as the
best Sunday-school in the city. Its teachers are all from among the
former pupils of the school, except the pastor and his wife, who
have large classes of adults. It ordinarily numbers from two to
three hundred. It is gratifying indeed to hear the young people,
who from these schools have come on to be teachers and preachers,
publicly express their profound appreciation of these godly women
who have led them along the path of education and of character. It
is characteristic of these students in general that they delight to
put honor upon their lady teachers. They are not too proud to own
that they came up under the tutelage of women.
On the home stretch I visited, inspected and addressed the church
and school at McLeansville, N. C., under the care of Rev. Alfred
Connet and his daughter, and also the Brewer Normal School at
Greenwood, S. C., under Principal Backenstose. Since going to his
field last summer, Pastor Connet has shared with his people in a
gracious revival and in the building of a parsonage. The structure
serving for church and school use is comely and convenient.
This tour through the old North State has greatly increased my
appreciation of its material resources, its people of both colors,
its recuperative process, and its public institutions.
* * * * *
TENNESSEE.
Students’ Day at Le Moyne.
PROF. A. J. STEELE, MEMPHIS.
April 23d was Students’ day at Le Moyne. This interesting day was
a complete success in every respect. The school was under such
excellent discipline that there was no hesitancy in surrendering
it entirely to the students for a day’s experience. The faculty
were chosen by the school with a great deal of judgment, and on
Wednesday morning they took their places upon the platform.
The new principal is a man of a great deal of promise—the principal
of the intermediate department, a young man Who is an earnest
student and who has already had some experience in teaching. Other
teachers were equally well chosen.
The lower schools came up as usual, marching to the music of
the piano. After appropriate devotional exercises, the pupils
re-passed to their school-rooms below, and the other classes to
their respective duties. The work in the classes was as usual, and
the order and attention were remarkable. The teachers deported
themselves with much dignity, and seemed anxious to avoid an
assuming, overbearing manner, which might have been expected from
the newness of the positions.
Many visitors were in and out during the day, and remarked upon the
order and good feeling manifested. The influence of these days upon
the school is most excellent. We can but feel that being thrown
upon their own resources in this way, their executive ability and
devotion to work is tested to the utmost; and it requires no small
moral culture to avoid temptations to disorder that might come to
those whose hearts are not thoroughly in the work.
Our year has been greatly broken by the time lost at the beginning
of the year by the epidemic, yet the school never seemed to be
in a more prosperous condition. Both the normal and intermediate
departments are filled to overflowing. Our horizon seems
brightening more and more, and we hope at the close of the year
not only to have gained in popularity, but to have extended the
influence of the school for good.
* * * * *
GEORGIA.
Perils of Young Converts—An Open House—Temperance.
MISS E. W. DOUGLASS, NO. 1, MILLER STATION.
Since I wrote last we have had a series of meetings during the
evenings of one week. Every Friday evening there is a meeting for
prayer and religious instruction, attended by all the scholars.
This has been greatly blessed. Twenty of the scholars profess
to have been converted. As soon as their parents knew that they
were interested about their souls’ welfare, many of them were put
under the instruction of ignorant godfathers or godmothers, to be
“brought through” by a course of dreams and other superstitions.
How far this has turned them away from simple trust in Jesus we
cannot tell. We can only teach them the right way, and leave them
with the Master. One thing I have learned—that these teachers
are never satisfied with their pupils till they obtain a promise
to join _their_ church. Four joined us at our communion season
in March. One, an old white-headed man; three, children. These
children are exposed to persecution because they did not “come
through” the right way. They are told that they are no Christians,
for they “hav’n’t dun prayed yet.” One little boy, who has been
a member of the church a year, and of whose life all speak well,
could not partake with us. He sat and looked on sadly as long as he
could endure it, and then went out and wept bitterly. He did not go
to his godfather for guidance, and he has now persuaded the boy’s
mother to forbid his communing. I found him weeping after meeting,
but still trusting in Jesus. He said, “I know I love Him, and try
every day to do what He wants me to.”
This course of “travel” in dreams is what they call “praying.”
Though most of those converted will join other churches, yet they
will continue in our Sunday-school, being absent only when there is
preaching in their churches. Thus we hope to lead them to take the
Bible for their guide.
Notwithstanding the house is so open that we have to hold our
papers tightly, or put a weight on what we lay down (for the wind
always blows there), yet my school at Cross Roads is increasing in
numbers and interest. Last Sabbath the wind was breaking trees and
throwing down fences, and twice during our school here burst open
the door and blew over benches, so that all said, “You cannot go to
Cross Roads; you will get killed by falling branches.” After asking
guidance, I thought I ought to go. As I passed under swaying limbs,
and was enveloped in a cloud of sand, I saw how impossible it would
be to teach in that open house; but I thought, God can calm the
wind. I asked Him, and almost immediately there was a comparative
calm, and I went on comfortably.
I find many in my walks who have once been church members, but
“fell out.” Often, too, I meet those who show very plainly that
they frequent the whiskey shops, of which there are no less than
six within two miles of the Cross Roads church. A young man, one of
my former pupils, told me, as I tried to show him his danger even
in taking a little, “The ministers and church members use it; how
then can it be so bad?” This is true, and some say they cannot pray
and sing well till they get enough to make them feel well. Wherever
I find those who can read I give tracts, and to others I read of
the evils of tobacco and strong drink. To all I read the Bible, and
try to make them see that, the Bible way is the only safe way, and
the road to happiness here and hereafter.
If Christians could only realize the terrible heathenism of the
ignorant masses, and the danger to our free institutions from
this ignorance, coming under Romish influence and the lead of
unprincipled men, I am sure your treasury would be so filled that
the number of teachers and missionaries would be multiplied a
hundred fold, as they need to be if we are saved.
* * * * *
Midway Church—Dorchester Academy—New Church at Cypress Slash.
REV. FLOYD SNELSON, M’INTOSH, LIBERTY CO.
I have been quite silent since my return from Africa and resumed my
work here; not altogether because there was nothing of interest to
write, but because I thought it more important to keep the sword in
hand until the victory was gained than to stop in the heat of the
battle to report progress. Notwithstanding the unpleasant situation
of a church worshiping in a house unfinished and unprovided with
heaters in the month of January, we determined to observe the week
of prayer. Some religious interest was manifested among the young
people, which was encouraged in every way possible, and one after
another gave himself to the Lord, until March 23d on our communion
season, when nineteen, hopefully converted, united with the church.
Rev. R. F. Markham, who is now in charge of the work of the A. M.
A. in and around Savannah, came out by invitation on the 21st and
remained until Monday the 24th; delivered the preparatory lecture
on Saturday, preached Sunday morning, assisted in the other duties
pertaining to the communion, and in the afternoon delivered a very
interesting lecture on the work of the A. M. A. This was listened
to with great interest by about 700 people in the house and about
300 outside who could not possibly get in. I would like much to
give you a short account of the candidates’ confessions, but it
would make my letter too long. Their ages range from 10 to 60 years.
I have had the work of building a new school-house, nicely
furnished and very conveniently arranged, and have also been
working up a church in a new field. The new building was built
with means furnished by the A. M. A., and with such help as the
people here could give, at a cost of $1,100. It is called the
Dorchester Academy, from its Puritan history. First, the Pilgrim
Fathers planted Dorchester in Massachusetts; then Dorchester, South
Carolina; then Dorchester, Liberty, Georgia; and lastly, Dorchester
Academy at Snelsonville, four miles on the Sunberry Road, from No.
3 A. & G. R. R. This was dedicated April 13 by Dr. J. E. Roy, Field
Superintendent of the A. M. A. The address was rich and full of
instruction. He dwelt principally upon the blessings of the family
institution of home; the duties of the three divisions of the
family in the relation which each sustains to the other. $50 was
pledged toward the debt of $100 which was due on the new building.
Judge E. Fulton (white) promised $5 of the $50, and made a very
encouraging speech to the people.
On Monday night Dr. Roy delivered at our church a lecture on “Our
Country,” illustrated by his large map. This was a grand treat
to all. The whites present expressed themselves as being highly
pleased.