to the inspirations that have been kindled in the hearts of Christians
in Africa’s behalf; the efforts that have been put forth since our
Mission was established for reclaiming Africa. Here let me refer
briefly to parallel Providences. There are three of these which are
very striking: (1) The revelations to us of the fertility, resources
and people of the vast interior of Central Africa; (2) The abolition
of American slavery; (3) The eagerness of people of African descent
for education at the South, coupled with a great desire to emigrate to
Africa (It is probable that not less than half a million black people
in America have signified their desire to go to Africa within the
last twelve months). To this must be added the desire manifested by
Christians of our own race, everywhere to follow up these providences
with missionary endeavors. These have been put forth by the English,
Scotch, German and American; skirting the borders of Equatorial
Africa, both on the East and West Coast; resulting in the conversion
of thousands of heathen during the past twenty-five years. Since the
close of our war, and more especially during the past five years,
great enthusiasm has been manifested for what are termed Central
African Missions--missions in the lake regions upon the highlands of
the interior.
The Scotch and English have planted their stations on the Nyassa
Lake. The London Missionary Society had, at last reports, a corps of
missions, heading towards the Tanganyika, while the Church Missionary
Society has occupied Mtesa’s kingdom, in Uganda, on the shores of
the Victoria Nyanza, and the Baptists of Great Britain are searching
for a station on the Livingstone River. The fertile country thus
being entered, extends for four thousand miles from east to west, in
some latitudes, and three thousand from north to south, and probably
contains a hundred million people.
In the providence of God, the American Missionary Association is on
that ground. It is the one missionary society of our denomination that
sustains missions there. We believe we have an inheritance in that
country, and a great destiny in connection with its redemption. We
have been true to the negro from the beginning, seeking to do right
in his behalf, without fear or favor. I think it is not too much to
assert that heaven believes in this Association; that God created it,
and will use it for great things in Africa. Good men have believed
in it. Mr. Avery gave to it property valued at $100,000, for African
Missions. Others, we trust, will follow his example; for we suspect
the negro was right when his attentive ear caught the accents which he
wove into his song:
“The Lord said to Gabriel:
Take down the silver trumpet,
Loud as the seven thunders!
Wake the sleeping nations--
You will see the Christian rising.”
We are truly seeing the Christian rising--as “the trumpet sounds it in
our souls”--that God has come to reclaim Africa.
4. The fourth point of interest relates to what we have been trying to
do about it. The story of the departure of our colored missionaries
has been sufficiently told. The result of their first year’s efforts
has been spread before you. Let me give you, in their own language,
their convictions as to the best missions for Africa. Mr. A. E.
White--a Hampton student, now at Avery Station--writes: “You would
like to know what I think about colored missionaries. My firm belief
is that they can do more than any other missionaries under the sun.
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. Do not think
I say this because I am a colored man. I say it because I know it is
true.”
Mr. Albert Miller, who went out from the Fisk University, writes:
“If Africa is to be evangelized, as I believe it will be, it must be
done through the children of the summer and sunny clime, educated
and Christianized in the South. You in America can’t see this as
plainly as one who mingles with this people, and has all chances to
investigate in regard to this matter.”
It gives us pleasure to state that the success of our colored band
beyond the great waters, warrants as strong expressions as those I
have quoted. A letter from Rev. Floyd Snelson, dated West Africa,
September 13th, contains the following: “The 24th of this month
will make one year since we left New York. Result of work, three
stations are opened, nearly three hundred children have been enrolled
in the day schools, and about the same number, old and young, in
Sabbath-schools. From among these numbers, twenty-four have given
their hearts to Christ and united with the Church, and are endeavoring
to lead Christian lives. The object of the missionary is to go forward
with the work into the interior. There are many places which might be
opened to the saving of souls, if the money and men were furnished.”
I repeat, brethren, we had an early call to our African field. God
has spanned His bow of light and promise over it. He has kindled
inspirations in our hearts concerning it. He has prospered the
freedmen who have gone forth for its redemption.
Surely we have a right to believe “the great Admiral, who knows the
way,” has taken our ship in tow, and, as the Jubilees sing,
“The old Ark is a movering, a movering, a movering;
The old Ark is movering, a movering along.”
Shall we remember our birthright, and enter more fully upon our
inheritance? Shall we go up, with the other great missionary
societies, to possess this land? Shall we return over the sea, with
songs and rejoicing, those sable sons and daughters, whose fathers
came with chains and groans to our American shore?
Notwithstanding our great work at the South, I verily believe this to
be our greatest, and that the mighty Ruler of all events will crown
our efforts in this direction with magnificent success. Therefore, Mr.
President, I most heartily second this Report.
* * * * *
THE ANNUAL MEETING.
We have given, as usual, in the MISSIONARY next following our Annual
Meeting, a large part of our increased space to the Report of the
Executive Committee, the minutes of the meeting, and the addresses made
on that occasion. Here we need only to add a few general observations
on the special features of the three days at Taunton.
First of all, the attendance was gratifying both as to numbers and
quality. The earlier sessions drew together more people than are
ordinarily present at the start; and, despite the two rainy days which
followed, the numbers increased to the end. The evening meetings
were crowded, and, had the weather been fine, would have doubtless
overflowed, so as to have made the opening of a second church
necessary. It was a representative gathering, too, of ministers, well
known for their active interest in all good works, and of substantial
laymen from Massachusetts and the coasts beyond. We should be glad if,
more and more, the men who contribute either largely or statedly to our
work, would come to these assemblies, and question the methods of our
work and of our administration of their gifts. The executive officers
of the Association desire to maintain relations of perfect frankness
with those whose trustees they are, are glad to answer all inquiries,
and to submit to all intelligent criticism, to meet with the special
committees when requested, and to give all possible information;--sure
that, as in this case, such detailed knowledge of their ways and works
will only furnish a better basis for the confidence, so largely given,
of the churches and the friends of the lowly.
We need not repeat here what is fully set forth in the preceding
pages--the reports of the year’s work and of its indorsement by the
constituency of the Association. Rather we will confine ourselves to
the things which do not there appear.
The sermon, on the first evening, by Rev. S. E. Herrick, D. D., was
full of grand thoughts, clothed in words of forceful grace, from the
text: “But ye _are_ a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy
nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of Him
who hath called you out of darkness into His marvellous light.”--1.
Peter, ii, 9.
Three thoughts were deduced from those words set forth, and with
ample illustration: (1) God has a people in the world, not marked by
geographical or race lines, and yet one people and one nation, who are
such through their relation to God by Jesus Christ; (2) This people has
undergone a marvellous transformation from darkness into His light; (3)
It is intrusted with a solemn priestly function, a sacrificial work,
for the redemption of men. The special priestly work of God’s people
in this land was set forth, and the historic fact that, having failed
to fulfill it, they were made to suffer on the altar of sacrifice, and
that unless they should meet the obligations of their office now, they
must again be called to an account.
Five papers of great value were read during the meetings. These have
been printed in full in the supplement to the Boston _Traveller_, and
largely circulated among our friends.
1. “The Present Time all-important in the salvation of our Country,” by
Rev. Stacy Fowler, D.D. The paper showed how this was a critical time
in our history as a nation; the great need, a revival of “the American
spirit,” especially in these three respects--the nation’s faith in God,
the purity of the family, and the elevation of the lowly. The Church
must do the work. Incidentally, a strong argument was made to show the
deteriorating tendency of the amalgamation of races, sustained by the
testimony of Prof. Lewis Agassiz.
2. “The Denominational Polity of the American Missionary Association,”
by Rev. G. L. Walker, D. D. The real question is, shall we only
seek to Christianize, or shall we also try to Congregationalize the
Freedmen? The paper discussed the nature of Congregationalism, and
the prevalent characteristics of the colored race; and, from the
comparison, drew conclusions not very favorable to the prospects of
denominational success, yet by no means discrediting what has already
been accomplished in that direction, or discouraging further efforts.
3. “America’s Opportunity the World’s Salvation,” by Rev. C. L.
Woodworth. The end of Christian work is to spread the saving knowledge
of the Lord Jesus Christ. This needs human activities, directed with
strategic wisdom and sanctified energy. Each nation has its peculiar
work: England to send forth Christian and civilizing agencies through
her widely scattered colonies; America to Christianize the peoples from
other lands who come to her shores; and to send back, through them, the
Gospel of Christian civilization to their benighted countrymen.
4. “A Revival of Righteousness toward the Despised Races of America,”
by Rev. Ebenezer Cutler, D. D. That they are despised is the main
indictment which the paper details at length. This unrighteousness
prejudices our Christian work, restrains the heartiness of many, even,
who are engaged in it, and hinders the blessing of God on our labors.
This revival must begin by reflection, leading to repentance; must
go on to the repeal of unjust and the execution of just laws, to a
righteous public sentiment, and such atonement as can be made for past
wrongs.
5. “The Work of Half a Generation among the Freedmen,” by Secretary
Strieby, in which the progress since emancipation was traced, supported
by much important testimony, in material, educational and religious
prosperity.
We have given these brief analyses only to serve as an index to the
contents of these papers, and not at all as a substitute for their
perusal. Still less would it be possible to make good to our readers
the misfortune of their absence from this inspiring gathering. We are
confident that we shall feel the impulse of it through the year.
* * * * *
We are close upon the threshold of a new year. The churches, many
of them, at this time, are making up their schedules of benevolence
for 1879. Do not forget, we pray you, to give a good place to the
Association, whose work is among the least of these, the Master’s
brethren, in our own land. Do not forget, you who apportion your weekly
contributions among the various fields, to give its due share, as God
shall give you light, to this peculiar work which presses its claims by
so many sacred pleas, and on the timely cultivation of which depend so
largely the permanence and purity of the spring itself. We would not
have you neglect Judea, and Samaria, nor even the uttermost parts of
the earth, but only beseech you, earnestly and tearfully, _Don’t forget
Jerusalem_.
* * * * *
Several thousand dollars of the money pledged for the reduction of our
debt, is made conditional upon our paying up the full amount by the end
of this year. We beg our friends to bear this fact in mind, as a spur
to make their thoughts quicker, and their hands obey their generous
promptings without delay. We cannot afford to lose this offered help,
and you cannot afford to have us. The impetus given at the Annual
Meeting to this debt-destroying work is not abated; our friends are
reminding us of their interest daily; some of those who were present at
the meeting are pressing it, on their own account, in the States from
which they came. How soon will you enable us to make our proclamation
of emancipation from this bondage?
* * * * *
Our readers will see that we have endeavored, in this number of the
MISSIONARY, to present them with the doings and the sayings of the
Annual Meeting not already put into print and circulation. The valuable
and stirring addresses by Rev. Messrs. Atwood, Heywood and Pike, we
have been able to get in form already. Other equally thoughtful and
forcible addresses, though reported, have not yet come to us in such
shape that we can use them immediately. What you find here is what you
did not find in the Supplement to the _Traveller_. We beg you, then, to
“read, mark, learn and inwardly digest.”
* * * * *
A new cartridge, No. 5, of the series of pamphlets begun last year, is
ready for distribution, and contains Secretary Strieby’s review of half
a generation of work among the Freedmen. As a collation of facts and
testimony, we commend it as furnishing to thoughtful men the means of
forming their own opinions on the success of past labors, and on the
hopefulness and the duty of pressing on the good work already begun
patiently to the desired end.
* * * * *
Three Communion Sets are needed for as many churches near Talladega,
Ala. Churches at the North can make good use of their old ones if they
are about to replace them with new.
We invite attention to the call of Mr. Connett, in another column, for
means to erect cheap cottages for the accommodation of students. The
small sum needed for each cottage will enable many of our readers to
accomplish a definite and useful object, who cannot undertake larger
enterprises. We indorse most heartily the appeal.
* * * * *
Miss Rebecca Tyler Bacon, daughter of Rev. Leonard Bacon, D.D., died
at New Haven, Ct., October 26th, 1878. She was a woman of rare gifts,
of great intelligence, and of extraordinary ability. She had the true
missionary spirit in a self-sacrificing devotion for the welfare of
others, especially of the unfortunate and the debased.
The Normal Institute, at Hampton, Va., was much indebted to her wise
management for its successful organization, and the impress of her mind
and spirit will remain while that institution stands. She was a power
for good in her native city, where her counsel and direction were given
to many public and private charities, with untiring devotion.
Her faithful and tender ministry as the eldest daughter and sister,
amid trials and sorrow, are best appreciated by those whom she cheered,
and comforted, and strengthened. Thousands in our churches will deeply
sympathize with her honored and venerable father in this bereavement.
* * * * *
ITEMS FROM SCHOOLS AND CHURCHES.
WILMINGTON, N. C.--Religious interest is reported. Two young men have
been received into the church. Others seem very thoughtful. “Our little
flock is a working one.”
MCLEANSVILLE, N. C.--The Lord’s Supper was administered, October 13th,
to about 100 communicants. Eleven united with the church on profession,
ten of whom received baptism.
ATLANTA, GA.--The University is fuller than ever before at this time of
the year. The girls’ hall is crowded, and more are coming. The church,
under Mr. Ashley’s care, is flourishing in numbers and activity.
Several conversions have occurred during the summer. Fifteen persons
stand propounded for membership. Storrs School, which has been for
several years under the care of the city Board of Education, is opened
this fall again, under the care of the A. M. A., and is full to the
limit of its capacity.
SAVANNAH, GA.--Mr. Koons has been transferred from the Emerson
Institute, at Mobile, to the Beach Institute, at Savannah, which has
re-opened in its new building, with over 200 pupils.
MOBILE, ALA.--Rev. D. L. Hickok goes from Talladega to Mobile, to take
charge both of the church and of Emerson Institute.
ANNISTON, ALA.--A large number of conversions are reported at this
place. Thirty-four members were received into the church Sept. 22d.
Twenty-six were baptized.
MONTGOMERY, ALA.--Swayne School re-opened October 1st. It has enrolled
the first week, 334 pupils. The teachers from the North reached their
posts just in time, for the city was quarantined against Louisville the
day after their arrival.
TALLADEGA, ALA.--There have been four or five conversions in the last
few weeks in this church, and continued meetings in all the mission
churches about here with a marked degree of interest.
HELENA, TEXAS.--As the result of protracted meetings, following the
meeting of the Association, ten persons were received into the church.
TOUGALOO, MISS.--The University will re-open on Thanksgiving Day.
NEW ORLEANS, LA.--On account of the terrible plague of the Summer,
Straight University will not be opened until the first Monday in
December.
NASHVILLE, TENN.--At Fisk University the yellow fever deterred the
students from a prompt attendance at the beginning of the term. The
school is increasing weekly.
CHATTANOOGA, TENN.--The Central South Conference met here November 7th.
* * * * *
THE FREEDMEN.
* * * * *
ATLANTA, GA.
Students’ Reports of Summer Work.
MRS. T. N. CHASE.
School has opened with larger numbers than for several years. Our
graduates seem to be doing much toward recommending the school. The
first Sabbath afternoon of each new school-year is given up to reports
from our students, who have been teaching through our summer vacation
of three months. Nothing in all our school work interests me so much
as these reports. The only alloy in my enjoyment is that thousands of
Northern friends, whose hearts would be equally cheered by them, cannot
enjoy them too.
Those who attend meetings of the A. B. C. F. M., and are thrilled with
the reports of returned missionaries, know something of our pleasure.
Yet, I suspect ours is greater, for these missionaries are of our own
training, many of them led to Jesus in our own school, and the fields
reported are the benighted spots of our native land.
I will copy a few jottings, hastily taken at the time. The first one
says: “I have the same old story to report, except a few new things.
Have taught in Monroe Co. for four summers. The first year no white
people visited the school; the second two came; the third year four;
this year thirty or forty. All think highly of Atlanta University, and
the Commissioner begged me to supply the county with teachers from this
school. People are not willing to sell land. Colored people doing well
as they can; anxious to get up higher and want teachers to help them
up.”
Another says: “I had a half hour of Bible study each morning. Devoted
part of Friday afternoons to talks against tobacco and whiskey. All
the Sunday-school material the people had was a catechism and some
papers left locked up by the last Atlanta teacher and not used since.
Only four colored people own land. Landowners seem to ask such a price
as they know never can be paid. Some bargain for land, and then pay
enormous interest. One man pays one hundred and fifty dollars a year
interest--all he can save. I advised them to save their money till
they got enough to pay cash for their land. Met several white young
men, professing Christians, and had pleasant talks with them. Closed
school a little before it was time to return, and picked cotton in the
meantime.”
One of our girls, who graduates this year, says: “The people seem
poorer than last year; crops failed. The land is poor, and they pay
high rent for it. But the children are advancing in knowledge each
year. The school is well classified. Had an exhibition at close. Did
not spend much time on it, but had them learn their parts well. Several
white visitors attended it. One of the gentlemen talked well to the
people on morals. He went around and told the people I was very smart.
I was told another one said I could read and write better than any
white woman in the county.”
Another girl said: “The white people did not want teachers from
Atlanta, because they took the money out of the county. They kept me,
however, and wanted the people to watch me. When I closed they urged me
to stay till Christmas.”
One of our youngest teachers said: “I reached the place in which I
was to teach on ‘Big Meeting’ day, and the people were very angry to
see me, for a daughter of the most prominent colored man of the place
had been teaching there some years, and wished to continue. She was
very incompetent, and the Commissioner had sent for me. The father
electioneered for his daughter at the ‘big meeting,’ told them she
would wait on them for their pay; she would be there if there was
but one scholar; she’d always look after her chickens, etc.; but the
Commissioner said to them: ‘This young man can write the best hand in
the county, and you’d better take him.’ So, after offering to teach
for a very little from the patrons, I got the school. A white man had
given the people some land if they would build a church. They did so,
but used it during the week for school. This made the donor of the land
angry, as he did not wish them to have a school. The year before he
and his wife went to the building, drove off the teacher, and then he
nailed up the door on the inside, while his wife stood on guard with
his gun. This summer, when my school was nearly through, the building
was burned. It was very plain who did it. So, for the little while, we
all went to a cotton-gin house. We laid some shingles down for a floor,
and hauled some logs in for seats. A paper laid over the gin served for
my desk. We had our closing exercises under a bush arbor. One day I
asked the children, ‘How many drink whiskey?’ Twenty or thirty held up
their hands and said ‘pa and ma drink it, and give it to me.’”
Another says: “I see great improvement in old people and children. Good
many own land and are still buying. One man owns two hundred acres.
Another bought some land for eight hundred dollars, and paid half last
year, and is in a fair way to pay the rest this year. I did not ask a
boy or girl to quit whiskey or tobacco, but I preached temperance by
example and quiet conversation. There is harmony between the races.
They visit each other’s churches. The bell of a white church tolled for
a colored woman. This year I had my first exhibition, because I thought
they better learn to read and write first, then exhibit after they had
something to show. Prepared the children after school. All the white
people attended.”