Chapter II: Part 2

Out of the one hundred and ninety-nine who offered definite amounts, sixty-three paid exactly what they had stated at the outset; thirty-four (all scholars) paid more—in some cases double and over; while one hundred and two (of whom a good many had left school) paid less. Thus very nearly half paid in full or over. Many of the others were deficient only a few cents, and these, in many cases, unavoidably so. Little notes like this would sometimes come in with the offerings: “This is all that I can pay; I have done the best I could.” The record shows that many who fell behind for a time afterwards made up the deficiency.

The offerings of the ten scholars who did not state what they would pay weekly, averaged a little over one cent a week; of the remaining one hundred and eighty-five scholars, a little over two cents a week; of the fourteen teachers, a little over twenty-one cents a week.

The scholars paid in all $102.02; the teachers, $73.00; making in the aggregate, $175.02. _This was a little more than eighty-seven and a half percent. of all that was offered at the start._ Excluding the teachers, all of whom paid in full, the scholars redeemed eighty percent. of the amount they set out to pay; and this percentage would have been larger but for the scholars who left school before the close of the year.

Finally, the best result of all is, that we have learned something of the happiness of Christian giving, when practised thoughtfully, conscientiously and willingly.

* * * * *

CHARLESTON, S. C.

Avery Normal Institute.

[_Extracts from the Charleston News and Courier, July 4th, 5th and 9th._]

The Graduation Exercises of this institution were held at the school building in Bull street, yesterday, commencing at nine o’clock in the morning.

The programme included singing by the school, and addresses and essays, which reflected great credit upon the several pupils who delivered them.

A large number of prizes, including several handsome books, were distributed to the successful pupils in the several classes, and diplomas were presented to the graduates.

Many features of the programme were excellently rendered, and it is, perhaps, fair to award the palm to the salutatory and essay by Julia D. Edwards, and to the discourse on “Class History” by Elizabeth R. Tucker. These compositions were well conceived and gracefully delivered. The singing, too, deserves special praise, and there was one contralto voice in particular very noticeable for its strength and clearness.

The institution, which is devoted to the education of the colored youth of this city, has turned out ninety-seven graduates since 1872, all of whom do honor to their instructors.

Reunion Exercises.

The series of exercises which were arranged for three days, closed most auspiciously, yesterday, with a reunion of the graduates. The programme comprised vocal and instrumental music, original essays, recitation, declamation, oration and closing address. The main hall, where the exercises were held, was thronged with an audience highly appreciative, as was continuously evinced.

The exercises were opened by a piano solo, a galop, which was admirably played by Martha C. Gadsden, of the graduates of ’73. After an address of welcome by Mrs. M. S. Lowery, an oration on “True Greatness” was pronounced by John M. Morris, an alumnus of the institute.

It is but justice to make special mention of the essays: “Youth the Crisis of Character and Destiny,” by Merton B. Lawrence; “Avery Normal Institute our Home,” by Susan B. Artson; “Woman’s Position in Society,” by Susan A. Schmidt; “Necrology,” by Catharine A. Wallace; “What is Life Without an Aim,” by Ada C. Turner.

Avery can well afford to risk its reputation as an educational institution on such essays, all of which showed no ordinary degree of culture. The vocal gem of the exercises was the soprano solo, “Blooming Springtide,” rendered with rare sweetness and taste by Martha C. Gadsden.

Impressions made on a Visitor from a Neighboring State.

Although daily notices were made in the _News and Courier_ of the closing exercises of Avery Institute, as they took place from day to day, the following account by a visitor from a neighboring State will not be without interest:

“Avery Institute has had four principals during its brief
existence of thirteen years, and has been fortunate in their
quality. Two of them, Mr. Warren and the present incumbent, Mr.
Farnham, were fitted for their work by a course of moral training
and considerable experience in schools of similar grade to this,
and especially by their ardent love for their occupation.

“Absence of weeds from the flower-beds, tidiness of walks and
yards, cleanliness of floors and desks, and signs of neatness
everywhere suggested the possible theory of a ‘clearing-up
time’ for the occasion, but a quiet search for information on
this point revealed the fact that things were not ‘fixed up
for Sunday,’ but wore their every-day attire. If a maximum of
stillness, with a minimum of apparent effort, is the _ultima
thule_ of school discipline, there are no new lands for Avery
Institute to discover.

“The plan of ‘native helpers’ is being tried here, the faculty
consisting of a principal and two lady teachers from the
North, and five graduates of the school. Full attendance, good
scholarship and excellent discipline point to a successful
experiment.

“July 2d at Avery was ‘Children’s Day.’ There is not room for the
little ones at the closing exercises, and so Mr. Farnham gives
them _their_ day. The songs, ‘A Smiling Face for Me,’ ‘If I were
a Sunbeam,’ ‘I love the Merry Sunshine, and the recitations ‘The
Golden Side,’ ‘The Little Philosopher,’ and ‘The Summer Time,’
indicate the joyous nature of the programme and the spirit of
the occasion. The teachers seem to appreciate the sentiment of
Dickens, ‘I love these little people, and it is not a slight
thing when they, so fresh from God, love us.’

“July 3d was ‘Graduates’ Day.’ The class of nine girls and one
boy furnished music sufficient for the occasion, both in quantity
and quality. Lessons with children, one on composition and one
on number, conducted by two of the graduates, constituted a
novel feature in the programme, and showed something of the
methods of teaching employed in the institute. By permutations
and combinations almost _ad infinitum_ on the numeral frame, the
children learned the ‘Table of Sevens,’ if they had never heard
of it before; and the fact that ‘reproduction’ without credit to
the author is plain stealing, was faithfully impressed upon the
young mind. One of the graduating girls made a strong argument in
the negative upon the question, ‘Should Young Men take a College
Course?’ The simplicity and self-possession of the graduates were
very pleasing. So also were their fine articulation and musical
voices. A little more volume, however, would not have been
offensive, and would have filled the hall better.

“Prizes were distributed by the Rev. Mr. Patton and the Rev. Mr.
Dunton, and diplomas were presented by Prof. Chase, of Atlanta.

“The 4th was ‘Alumni Day,’ and, despite all the attractions at
the Battery, the hall was well filled. The exercises consisted
of addresses, essays, recitations and songs, all by members of
the class. ‘Independence Day’ afforded some stimulus to the
occasion, and called forth some of the sentiments and feelings
of the emancipated race, but revealed no sign of bitterness or
malice. The orderly conduct, dignified demeanor, literary merit
and good elocution of the day, evinced that ‘Avery’s children’
are an honor to their foster parent, the American Missionary
Association, and to their native State and city. Two or three
hours spent in discussing ‘viands that tickle the palate’ and
in social converse, reviving memories of past school-day life,
terminated the three days of closing exercises at Avery Normal
Institute.

“The teachers and pupils were gratified by the presence of some
of the well-known and respectable residents of the city.”

GEORGIA.

Ogeechee—Changes for the Better—Saving Souls and Saving Money.

REV. JOHN R. MCLEAN, PASTOR.

We have a good Sunday-school. It is not so large as it might be; but the children, and all who attend, are getting thoughts of the Bible that they can get nowhere else around here. And it is making a great change with the old people, as well as with the children. The other schools hold the children by giving them cake and candy; I hold them by giving them Bible truth. I find that it has more power over them for good than all the cake and candy that can be given them. The children act better on the Sabbath than they did when I first came here. I can see a great change.

The church is doing, I think, quite well. It takes a steady, but slow, patient and faithful work, to lead a people out who are so far in the dark as these have been. I can see a manifest desire on the part of the members to do better than they have been doing, and even better than the members of other churches.

Last Sabbath was our Communion-day, and I never was in a more lovely meeting in my life. We had no one to join (for the first time, I think, since I have been here), though there were three or four who had been received some time before, but were not able to be out on that day so as to join. Some of the churches that only had preaching once in the month, have it now every Sabbath, since they see that we have it every Sabbath.

I know of no place in the South where the colored people get so much money for labor as they do here. But they don’t save any money at all; they get it, and it is gone, and they cannot see what they got for it. I am trying to induce our members to save their money, and buy for themselves homes; but it is hard to get them to do this, like almost everything else that is right and for their own good.

I know the Lord has blessed me greatly in my work, for which I am thankful. Pray for us at this place.

ALABAMA.

A Surprise Party—A Church well Organized—Burrell School.

MR. E. C. SILSBY, SELMA.

Brother Noble mentions a surprise party in Montgomery. I can refer to an occurrence somewhat similar here. Last fall, during the time that we were without a pastor, Brother Callen, of the church, filled the pulpit. His labors were faithfully performed, and our “Ladies’ Society” determined to give him a “pound donation party.” The “Teachers’ Home” was decided upon as the place, and the members of the church were quite eager to bestow upon him some slight testimonial, indicating their appreciation of his Christian character and faithfulness. It was a complete surprise to him, and the articles contributed were opportune, although “pounded” at him.

One of the most encouraging features of our church is the “Ladies’ Society,” which holds a prayer-meeting every Sabbath afternoon, and a sewing society every fortnight. At these prayer-meetings the girls and young ladies of the church are frequently put forward to lead, and thus are educated to Christian work. The older and younger ladies are also brought more nearly together, and made to realize more fully a common interest in the cause of Christ. An account of this meeting has been given in the MISSIONARY, and, by this means, a very pleasant correspondence has grown up between the society here and one at Dedham, Mass. The ladies at Dedham sent their greetings and sympathy, and encouraged and helped us with their prayers. It has been a blessing to both societies. Hearing of the efforts of our ladies to purchase matting for the aisles of our church, they generously rendered assistance, and the matting has been laid.

One interesting and instructive feature of our work is that of the Committee on Missionary Intelligence. This committee was organized during the pastorate of Brother Pope. Its work is to present at times reports of missions in this and other lands. On the occasion of this presentation the attention is certain to be fixed, and the matter of the papers is discussed for sometime afterwards.

Four new members have been received on profession; two heads of families and two young people. One has been received by letter. One of those uniting on profession—a man—had long been the subject of prayer by a wife, mother, sister, son and other friends, but at last the stubborn heart has yielded, and he is free.

The “Ministerial Association,” formed last year, and consisting of the ministers from the various colored churches, has been holding its meetings this year. The association meets at the study or residence of each pastor, in turn. The time of the meeting is occupied in discussing doctrines, presenting plans of sermons, and deciding upon practical subjects to present to their various congregations.

The Sabbath-school still continues in interest, and is growing in strength. I well remember that, a few years ago, when the Northern teachers who were laboring in the Sabbath-school went home for their vacation, we with difficulty secured a few to take their places; but now, superintendent, organist and teachers could be secured from resident members of the school.

The church is now in charge of Brother A. J. Headen, a student from the Theological Department of Talladega College.

I will add that the interest in Burrell School is not diminishing. The school was never so far advanced in studies before, and for the coming year the prospect is good for having quite a number of advanced pupils. We seem to be keeping a hold upon our older pupils. I have a class of them in one study this summer. Some are becoming very proficient in vocal music, singing by note.

* * * * *

Anniversary of Trinity School—A Grateful People.

REV. HORACE J. TAYLOR, ATHENS.

The thirteenth anniversary of the commencement of Trinity School occurred on the 28th of last May. On the Sabbath previous the anniversary sermon was preached by the pastor. The scholars had prepared themselves for the exercises of Tuesday evening. At the appointed hour the church was full of a bright-faced throng of old and young. A class of little girls, dressed in white, stood on each side of the broad central aisle; and as Miss Wells (who begun the school May 28th, 1865) advanced, they spread flowers in her way. She was conducted to her seat, which was covered with flowers. The exercises consisted of speeches, compositions, and music. One old man—Uncle Dennis Collier—said he was very grateful to Miss Wells for what she had done for him. He was blind, and couldn’t learn to read, but his “wife was the grandmother of sixty-six children,” and he doubtless felt that he had through them received a full share of the benefits of the school. She had done him favors, he said, “and if you want to know what kind of favors, here’s one of ’em,” as he vigorously shook his coat. Then the offerings of flowers were brought forward, and it seemed as if Miss Wells would be buried in the mass of roses, lilies, magnolias, etc.

These anniversaries do the people good, and enable them to look back and compare their condition in May, 1865, with their present condition, and to learn more forcibly what it is that is lifting them up.

School closed on the 28th of June. The examinations were on the afternoons of the 25th, 26th, and 27th. The schoolrooms were crowded with people from the neighborhood; they were of every shade from black to white, but all “colored.” All the classes were examined, from the little “tots” to those in grammar, analysis, and algebra. The examinations showed patient drill on the part of the teachers, and generally work on that of the scholars.

Friday afternoon and evening—the 28th—occurred the exhibition. Compositions, declamations, orations and music instructed and amused the audience till well along to midnight. All were pleased and edified. The colored people remember that, before the war, they sometimes went to anniversaries and exhibitions of the white people, but now they can attend those of their own.

* * * * *

A Gospel Ship.

REV. PETER. J. MCINTOSH, PASTOR, ANNISTON.

The church building stood unoccupied about one year after the students of Talladega Theological Class, under the direction of Rev. H. E. Brown, had ceased to work upon it. Mr. Albert Brown and J. R. McLean, students at Talladega, labored to organize a church here, but the denominational prejudice was so great that they both were compelled to give up in despair.

I came to this place in April, 1875. My first sermon was preached to a benevolent society, which assembled in the church building. The society numbered about 100 members. You can imagine how earnestly I plead with my heavenly Father that He might give me a place in the hearts of these people. I preached from 1 Cor. xiii, 13, dwelling largely upon charity, interpreted love. I see before me to-day those faces which were indexes to so many prejudiced minds, as they commenced to show approval of my discourse. At the close of the services, I asked the people if they would meet me here in this house and take part in carrying on a series of meetings, two weeks from that time. They said they would.

On my arrival at the church at the appointed time for the meetings to begin, I found the church crowded to its utmost capacity. We held meetings for one week, which resulted in the conversion of six persons, and the willingness of three others to join with me in the formation of a church. Rev. H. E. Brown came up from Talladega, and, on the 23rd of May, 1875, assisted by the Methodist minister of the white church of this place, organized the First Congregational Church of Anniston. With these nine members (all heads of families) I took charge of the church, being elected by them as pastoral supply. I preached here once in every two weeks, and pursued my studies at Talladega.

During my absence, Brother A. J. Logan took charge of the church services, and conducted them as faithfully as any one could have done under the same circumstances. (He was one of the converts). With these means, we set sail on the ocean of God’s eternal power. We drifted on until we reached October, 1875, at which time we took on board nine more passengers for glory. We again set sail with the eighteen passengers on board. By October, 1876, finding that we numbered forty-two, we deemed it expedient to stop over, and thank God for bringing us so far on our journey towards the heavenly Jerusalem.

It would have inspired every reader of this article to have heard the words of thanksgiving and rejoicing, and to have seen the sympathizing tears, as they stole silently down the cheeks of those who had previously opposed the work here on account of its name and obscure history to the colored people. Permit me to say just here that many of the aristocratic whites of our village took part in the above-stated exercises.

We anchored here for some time, making repairs and casting overboard all who were diseased with intemperance and other maladies, which are so common to those who are not willing to resist the devil.

We rejoiced that the great Physician of souls had so wonderfully preserved all of our number except six. One had taken the ship of time, and sailed into eternity on the 26th of November, 1876—“Peace be to his ashes”; three took leave for other churches; thus leaving us thirty-two passengers for the next tour.

After repairing all things needful, we set sail again, with a full supply of _love_, _truth_ and _mercy_. We landed in the midst of a glorious revival, in September, 1877. Here we took on board nineteen passengers more, and one on the 7th day of July, 1878.

A few days ago the church committee took account of stock, and found that we have on board the gospel ship fifty-two _soldiers of the Cross_, varying in age from thirteen to sixty, all of whom are ready for the next tour, upon which we expect to start out on the second Sabbath in September, 1878.

We have in our community some of the finest colored people in the State of Alabama, most of whom are absolute strangers to Christ. We most humbly solicit a petition in the prayers of each one who reads this article.

* * * * *

MISSISSIPPI.

Grenada.

[_Extracts from, the Grenada Sentinel of June 29th._]

A representative of the _Sentinel_ witnessed the closing exercises on Friday night, the 21st inst., of one of our colored schools, under the management of Miss Anna Harwood and Miss Carrie Segur, which was an exhibition most creditable to both teachers and pupils, receiving praises from all who attended. The audience was very large, among whom we noticed quite a number of prominent white citizens, both ladies and gentlemen. The call for order, accompanied with the request for good behavior, and that there should be no talking or stamping of feet, was, considering the immense throng which filled the church, well observed, and we doubt not that all went away pleased and highly gratified with the exhibition. The exercises were commenced with an opening chorus, entitled, “Hold the Fort,” which was followed with prayer, by Elder J. D. Williams. The declamations, dialogues, songs, etc., were all very fairly rendered, and, in several instances, worthy of special mention.

That the teachers deserve not only the congratulations of the patrons of the school, but the encouragement and kindest regards of every lover and promoter of education in our community, we think all who were present, at least, will agree. That the colored people are progressing, and that rapidly, too, in an educational point of view, is a fact beyond any doubt, we will venture to say, in the minds of those who have given the subject even a casual investigation. We are impressed with the idea that our people in general have not yet given to this system of free education that reflection to which it is so richly entitled. But we are also impressed with its growing favor, and the importance that will be attached to the institution at no distant day. It is not only our duty, but we should endeavor to make it our pleasure to encourage, improve and build up our free schools.

* * * * *

KENTUCKY.

Berea College Commencement.

In one respect, Commencement at Berea, Ky., is unlike all other colleges. It exhibits, in the centre of a Southern State, the complete solution of the vexed negro question. In the large tabernacle, on the 3d inst., was an audience of _two thousand_ people, rich and poor, white and colored, ex-masters and ex-slaves, sitting where they could find seats, without distinction, and with the kindest feelings. On the large platform sat in the rear the more advanced students, about half white and half colored; in front of them a choir of twenty singers, selected, evidently, with no thought of complexion; at the right a brass band of various shades; in front of all a score of professional men, with their wives, among whom were several colored preachers; outside was a mixed crowd of five hundred or more.

To this crowd twenty orations and essays were delivered by sixteen young men and four young ladies, of whom fourteen were white and six colored; and the only manifest thought of color was seen in the fact that one side of the audience was of a darker shade than the other. There was not the least sign of disturbance, nor any indication of dissatisfaction with this order of things, though more than two thousand of the audience must have come from regions outside of Berea, which is a village of five hundred inhabitants. A prominent Southern lawyer remarked that he never witnessed so good order in so large a crowd.

This state of things has been brought about without constraint, in the most natural way imaginable. It was originally a white school, but thoroughly anti slavery. A few months after emancipation, a couple of colored youths were admitted. Half the white students left immediately. But the vacancy was soon filled with colored students; and eventually the white students returned, and the trouble was over. The whole question seems to turn on the learning of one simple lesson—that contiguity with a free man is no more disagreeable than contiguity with a slave. The colors are mixed in all Southern society. A little change in the mixture has here occurred, and that is all.

The college campus, in which are all the college buildings except the Ladies’ Hall, consists of forty-five acres covered with native forest trees. Under the shade of these trees, during the intermission, two or three hundred groups spread and consumed their basket-dinners. And, in the more retired parts, a thousand horses were sheltered from the burning sun.

The afternoon exercises consisted of a rousing address by Prof. Dunn of Hillsdale College, Mich., on the conflicts of civilization, and a statement from President Fairchild to the effect that the annual number of students is about 275—males, 145; females, 128. Thirty-one are in the college department, and over a hundred are qualified to teach a common-school. Probably sixty or more will teach during the long summer vacation.

It has often been predicted that this school would either become all white or all colored; but there seems to be no such tendency. The idea of color seems almost to have passed away. Intellectual culture and moral worth determine each man’s position in society. It will be many years before this state of society becomes general; but cheering progress in this direction is very manifest, and not so tardy as many suppose.—_Kentucky, in the Congregationalist._

* * * * *

Frankfort.

MISS MATTIE E. ANDERSON, TEACHER.

The public examination of this school occurred June 13th, and was one of great pleasure and interest. Each teacher conducted the examinations of her own classes. Parents and friends were highly gratified with the very flattering manner in which the young ladies acquitted themselves. During the year the building has been enlarged, and many improvements have been made. The new room was opened about the first of March.

The closing exercises took place at Major Hall, June 19th, and consisted of vocal and instrumental music, essays, declamations, tableaux, dialogues and concert exercises.

Upon the stage were seated Rev. Mr. Evans, pastor of the A. M. E. Church; Rev. Mr. Parris, of the Independent Baptist Church. Prayer was offered by Rev. Mr. Evans. The children then sang “Away over Mountain,” after which Miss Virgin Gatewood came forward and read the Salutatory. The exercises were of more than usual interest, and held the audience spell-bound from eight P.M. until twelve M. The Valedictory was read by Miss Mittie Streets, after which “The Star-Spangled Banner” was sung by the children, during which they waved fifty flags in the most patriotic manner. Benediction was then said by Rev. Mr. Martin, pastor of the First Baptist Church. The hall was crowded with people, who seemed perfectly delighted with all they saw and heard. We have received numerous compliments from the citizens for giving such an interesting entertainment. Four of our pupils are now teaching in different localities.

* * * * *

AFRICA.

MENDI MISSION, GOOD HOPE STATION.

In Good Health and Good Heart.

REV. ALBERT P. MILLER

After arriving on the African shores, and reaching our destination (Good Hope), we soon decided to proceed at once to work. We had a little hesitation in so doing, because we knew that we had been instructed otherwise by the Executive Committee. Having been assigned to our different posts of duty, we have been pushing forward the work, with but little loss of time from sickness, ever since. Brother Jackson had an attack of fever, which scared him a little, but he soon rallied, and is now again in the field, fighting valiantly. I was sick last week, but the trouble soon passed away, and I am now walking about, feeling as well as any African in this our fatherland. It may be of interest to you, and to our many friends in America, to know that our wives have enjoyed thus far an unusually good degree of health.

We know not what the future has in store for us; still do we feel thankful to that kind Providence which we have enjoyed since our departure from “dear old Fisk” and the American shores.

A great deal of the mist that gathered around our vision, in regard to Africa and her people, while preparing to leave America, and as the steamer bore us away and her land faded until lost in the distance, has since been removed.

The Americans have a very vague idea of the land of “Ham” and her dusky sons and daughters, who are now depending on the institutions in the South for the story of the Cross.

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. If I could speak to every institution in the South, I would ask each one of them to be true to God and this common cause of humanity, which I would to God would seize all Christendom, so that the many who have for ages sat in darkness, might be brought into the light.

The work here still moves on prosperously in both church and school. Ten or eleven were received at our last Communion into the church, among whom were some of our scholars. We hope to see these develop into strong Christian manhood and womanhood. We have a great many very promising boys and girls in our school here, who are able to read and speak English very well. In these is our hope for a missionary work in Africa, which may expand until the interior shall receive of its influence.

We have the material on which to work, and we ask our kind heavenly Father to help us to shape these young hearts for fields of usefulness, which they will have no difficulty in finding if influenced by right motives. They sing well. The old plantation songs are not without interest here in Africa; I have introduced them into my school.

May God help you in America in every effort put forth for the advancement of His kingdom.

May He provide for the wants of the eleemosynary institutions planted in the South for the good of that people and the millions of Africa.

May these institutions foster such young men and women as shall be willing to work for the Master anywhere He may want them. Pray for us!

* * * * *

THE CHINESE.

“CALIFORNIA CHINESE MISSION.”

Auxiliary to the American Missionary Association.

PRESIDENT: Rev. J. K. McLean, D. D. VICE-PRESIDENTS: Rev. A. L. Stone, D. D., Thomas O. Wedderspoon, Esq., Rev. T. K. Noble, Hon. F. F. Low, Rev. I. E. Dwinell, D. D., Hon. Samuel Cross, Rev. S. H. Willey, D. D., Edward P. Flint, Esq., Rev. J. W. Hough, D. D., Jacob S. Taber, Esq.

DIRECTORS: Rev. George Moor, D. D., Hon. E. D. Sawyer, Rev. W. E. Ijams, James M. Haven, Esq., Rev. Joseph Rowell, E. P. Sanford, Esq., H. W. Severance, Esq.

SECRETARY: Rev. W. C. Pond. TREASURER: E. Palache, Esq.

China for Christ.

REV. W. C. POND, SAN FRANCISCO.

A venerable Presbyterian minister of New York, to whom we are indebted for a generous gift to our mission, writes as follows: “I firmly believe that God in his providence is sending the heathen to our doors, _in order that they may carry back the blessed news of the gospel to their own land_; and if we turn them selfishly away, He will surely require their blood at our hands.”

The truth thus expressed is a chief source of our enthusiasm in our Chinese mission work. “CHINA FOR CHRIST” is our motto. I wish to lay before the readers of the MISSIONARY some of the facts in view of which we believe that we do reach China, though we are working here 10,000 miles away.

There is nothing improbable in the idea. Indeed, it scarcely could be otherwise. Hardly a steamer sails for China that does not carry one or more of our pupils back to his native land. Most of these are heathen still; but they are heathen with their eyes at least half-opened. These, even, cannot be exactly what they were. But many of them are Christians, as we confidently hope. Will these go there to be silent? When neighbors and friends gather about them, to hear the accounts they have to give of things in the Sunrise Land, will they forget to tell of the Saviour they have found? I do not believe it would be possible. The message to which they have listened will be as a fire in their bones, and they will feel that they must bear it on. Letters, too, are passing back continually; and these are not empty of gospel. A missionary at Canton writes me that the mother of one of our brethren lives near his mission-house. “She enjoys the money he remits, but is not pleased with his urging her to be a Christian.” I hear incidentally that the parents of another of our brethren have been visiting all the shrines near them, and, with wailings and prayers, have placed their votive offerings where they thought they would do good, hoping that thus he would be won back from Christian heresy to their ancestral orthodoxy. What passes here in this regard is not unknown at the old Chinese homesteads; and what is known is felt.

But we ought not to be content with these spontaneous and sporadic operations. We do not rise to the height of our great opportunity while we leave this thing to work itself. It ought to _be worked_ energetically, systematically. Never was battery better placed for storming a stronghold than we are here, for pouring shot, hot with the love of Christ, into that empire-fortress of selfishness and superstition across the sea; but we need heavier guns, more ammunition, and a truer aim.

About four years ago, Wong Min died at Canton. He was spoken of after his death as “the distinguished native pastor of the Baptist Church in Canton.” It was said that, in the absence of American missionaries, he had carried the pastoral care of three Baptist churches, and all were flourishing. Wong Min was converted at Sacramento, in this State. Returning to his native land, he began to tell in the streets and elsewhere the good news of redeeming love. His work attracted the attention of Baptist missionaries, and they took him into regular mission work. He had been at it more than twenty years when the Master called him higher. But he has left a son walking in his father’s steps—a preacher of great promise. Why have we not by this time sent back to China a hundred Wong Mins? It might have been done; it ought to have been done. How large the blessing if it had been done! We are verily guilty in this matter.

You will think me extravagant. “One hundred,” you say, “is a large number; it would be a large proportion of the whole number reported as converted in California from the beginning of missionary effort to the present time.” I know it; but I do not flinch. It could have been done, and the doing of it would have reacted on the work here, and helped us to larger harvesting.

1. I observe that our Christian Chinese have a strong desire to do this work. One of them once wrote me as follows: “In China, those who live in the villages don’t know Jesus and never heard of Him. I am sorry I cannot go home. If I could fly I would go home immediately, and tell how good and how kind Jesus is. Then I think they would all learn to love Him also. I want all our people in China to be Christian, and our mothers and sisters and friends to get the key, so they will go to heaven when they die.” I shall never forget the joy that shone in the face of our Jee Gam when he told me, a few months since, that a mission had been established near his home. Soon after, I found him writing for other eyes than mine—“Oh, how glad I feel whenever I think of this mission-house in my own beloved district. How much I am indebted to the ever-living and merciful Father for sending these missionaries there!” In expressions like these, these brethren represent the almost universal feeling among our Chinese believers—not from San Francisco and Oakland alone, but from San Leandro, from Petaluma, from Santa Barbara, from Stockton. As conversions are reported, there comes again and again the suggestion that such or such a one wants to learn how to preach the Gospel in his native land.

2. They are doing this thing now. The missionary sent to Jee Gam’s district was converted in California. The story is full of interest, and I give it in Jee Gam’s own words. It illustrates well the truth I wish to state on more sides than one: “Six years ago, a Chinese fortune-teller, while in California, heard a Chinese missionary speaking to a crowd of his countrymen on the subject of superstition. His heart was deeply touched. Not long after he went home, and at once commenced to build a house for his family, without going to an appointer of days to ask him to select a lucky day to begin upon. And so his friends and relatives told him that he must have a day selected before he put a single man to work, or his house could never be built to stand, or somebody would be killed by evil spirits before the house was completed. He told his friends that he had done with that superstition, and that he would keep on building. Finding they could not persuade him, they left, saying they would have no more to do with him, for he had become a foreigner. Then he was not only despised by these friends, but by every one who lived in that village. They said the evil spirits would soon take his life, or some great trouble would surely visit his family. Finally, his house was completed. He moved in and lived in perfect safety. People then began to wonder why the evil spirits did not visit this house. Some said they were busy elsewhere; but others said they must have gone away, and, on their return, they would cause this home and this obstinate family to be desolated. So they waited, but in vain; for this man prospered, and in due time, in that very house, a son was born to him. When, now, the people saw the joy of this household, they said one to another, ‘He must have worshipped the foreign God, and so the spirits dare not touch him.’ He came back to California and went to fortune-telling again. This time he determined to learn more of Christ, and every opportunity he could find he attended the Chinese meeting, and searched for truth by reading the Bible. He was finally converted, gave up his profession, and was baptized by Rev. Mr. Loomis. He then went home the second time, and studied at Rev. Dr. Happer’s mission in Canton, where he was fitted to be a very able missionary, for he had a very good Chinese education before he became a Christian. When he got through his studies, he was sent to a large city, not far from his own home. There he labored successfully for about two years, and he had been the means of converting a number of his countrymen, among whom was one of his villagers, a professor of Confucius. He was on his way to a county examination; he visited the chapel where this missionary was preaching, not that he might learn about Jesus, but merely for curiosity. But the Lord’s design was otherwise. He sent him there to be converted by the Holy Spirit, and fitted for the great work which He intended to assign him.

“After his conversion, this missionary and a delegate were sent to visit Chuck Hum, a city about six miles from my home. When they reached there, great was their surprise to learn that a man named Quan Lang, who lived close by, had been Christianized in Australia, and had been preaching there, in the open air, for the last three months. They searched and found him earnest in the faith, glad and anxious to join himself with these missionaries. They consulted together about opening a chapel there. Then they wrote Dr. Happer about it. He consented, and they began. But oh, what a hard time they met! Opposition came upon them from every side. Even the whole city firmly united against them. After violent persecution, the governor was consulted. He sent proclamations to the head man of the city and the judge of the district, commanding protection to his person and property. Then this missionary could have as many police officers to protect him as he pleased. They even became burdensome to him, and he had to dismiss them. When the chapel was dedicated, it was crowded to its utmost capacity.” This brings the story down to the present time. The work in that district, it will be perceived, was begun by an Australian convert, and is now carried on by one from California.

Two of our Oakland brethren, Joe Jet and Lee Sam, have recently returned to China, and intend to commence at once their studies at a mission-school, in order to preach the Gospel. One of our San Leandro brethren, Jee Wee, started for China last October, and has just returned. On the westward voyage he fell in with some missionary families and a Chinese evangelist. The result was that at once, on reaching Canton, he began evangelistic work, opening a room for the distribution of Bibles, and preaching. He encountered opposition and persecution at first, but, on application at headquarters, was protected in the same manner with those of whom Jee Gam writes above. The crowds that listened sometimes numbered 300 or 400. More than twenty were hopefully converted, his own father and mother being among them. Another Lee Sam, who returned to China about three years ago, and who, though a Christian, had not at the time he left us been baptized, in his first letter to his brethren here, told of the conversion of his brother, an educated man and a sort of college professor, to whom he had been speaking of the way of life.

We have lost sight of this Lee Sam, of Lui Chung, also, a most hopeful convert and Christian worker, whom I ought to have retained in California, and many others likewise. It is not strange that this should be. Indeed, it could not be otherwise. We, 10,000 miles distant, could not possibly follow them, save with our prayers. But they ought to be followed, and nurtured and edified. And not only that, but set at work, as light-givers and soul-savers, where-ever they go.

It is easy to see that a Chinese, returning to his native land from California, would be likely to have special advantages for doing missionary work. In the first place, by a process of natural selection, they are picked men. It is not the dullards or the drones that undertake to cross the Pacific, and make their way to fortune in a land so strange to them as this. And by the same process it is, again, among those who come, the picked men that enter our schools. The great mass do not care enough about learning to follow up each hard day’s work with two hours of evening study. Those that come do care, and care so much that they brave bitter reproaches in coming, from those whom they leave behind.

Then, besides the limited education which they are able to get in our schools, there is an unconscious education, which they _must_ be, all the while, unconsciously receiving, as they breathe the air of a free and Christian land. Their views are broadened; the old crusted conservatism is broken; and they can speak out, with a force and an authority which, it seems to me, no Chinese who had never left his native district could possibly use.

Then, there cannot but be an interest gathering about them, as having been in “the land of the golden mountains.” They have the story of this to begin with where-ever they go; they gather a crowd by means of it; they gain attention; and the gospel of Christ will come in after it as easily as if it belonged—as, indeed, it does—to the very theme.

Now, what have I to propose? It is this: We ought to have a mission at Hong Kong. It ought to be in close, vital relationship with our California Mission. It ought to be at Hong Kong, because there our steamers land their passengers, and from that point our brethren scatter. Most of them do not enter Canton at all. We ought to have, then, at least one American missionary—not necessarily a great man, but a man of earnest piety and business capacity, and sound common sense—a man who would give to his mission the atmosphere, which, I am sure, our brethren recognize in the mission here, of Christian kindliness and brotherly love—not that of a condescending benevolence, but that of a hearty Christian brotherhood.

He ought to meet every converted Chinese—at least, from our own mission (others, if they are willing)—and take him home to his mission-house; find out his destination, and arrange to keep track of him, and make use of him as an errand-bearer for Christ. And we, on our part, ought to be raising up and sending men who, educated either here or in China, may give themselves, under direction of this missionary, to district gospel work.

So far forth, I am confident. It is no new thought with me, and, in proposing it, I feel that I am walking on solid ground. I feel that I speak in God’s name when I say this ought, forthwith, to be done. Whether the proposed mission should be sustained by the A. M. A., or by the American Board; whether more than one efficient American missionary will ever be needed; what sort of mission work he should go about in Hong Kong itself—concerning these and other matters of detail, any suggestion I could make would be crude, and, likely enough, mistaken. But the proposal itself, as to its essentials, I stand in no doubt about, and I ask the prayers and co-operation of all who love Christ and souls, that it may be speedily fulfilled.

Let me add, as if by postscript, that a Chinese brother, Wun Ching Ki, a member of one of the London Missionary Society’s churches at Canton, who is in business at Hong Kong, has been doing something in the line above marked out; has kindly welcomed and aided our brethren on their arrival; has suggested that, in that English city of Hong Kong, mission work among the Chinese could be conducted most successfully, upon the very plan which we use here; and is very desirous himself to send native preachers into the neglected interior districts, asking whether our Chinese brethren here could not help him so to do. The emphatic testimony which these bear to his good judgment and general efficiency, as well as to his Christian character, makes both the work he has done, and the work he wants to do, confirm my confidence in the suggestion I have made.

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THE CHILDREN’S PAGE.

We make the following extracts from letters of Mr. A. E. White,
one of our missionaries to Africa, to his former teachers at
Hampton Institute:

I have just returned from the Shangay Mission, where I have been for near two weeks (this mission is carried on by the United Brethren of Ohio.) The brother there sent for me to come and spend some time with him, and to give him some advice in regard to his work while I was there. This mission is on the mainland, and one can see more of the habits of the people than he can here. When their children have gotten up to be two or three years old they send them to the bush, called the Purroo and Bundoo. The Purroo is the place where they send the boys, and the Bundoo where they send the girls. They keep them there for a good many years, and cut on their backs the shape of a hamper-basket, and teach them the use of the country medicines and the way of worshipping the heathen’s gods, and all the heathen’s habits. If a man wants to marry, he can go to the Bundoo Bush and pay eight pieces of cloth, of two yards each, and take any girl he wants. After these boys have spent all the time which the chief says they must spend in the bush, they come out and go to whatever trade they have learned. Some are doctors, others teachers, and some are farmers. The doctors go around with their medicine, and sell it at a very high price; and when they attend the sick they carry a board about one foot long and nine inches wide, with a bottle of ink and brush. On this board they write, and then wash the ink off and give it to the sick to drink. Then they have various things to sell to keep away sickness and to give good luck. These children are taught all kinds of vice, and they think it is right—such things as lying and stealing. They are very easy to teach, and they put a great deal of faith in the person who teaches them, and whatever they are taught they believe. So one can see that the hope of this country lies in the children. It is a hard thing to get a heathen to turn from his god; and I believe you can only do this by prayer. The missionaries who want to do anything must use the weapon of prayer. The chief of Shangay is an educated man; he spent eight years in the high school of England. When you find one of the heathen educated, he is ten times worse than an uneducated one. This man was taken up and sent to England and educated there. If he had been trained under some good missionary, he might have been of use to the country.

I have given the school to Mr. Miller, one of the new comers, and I have taken other work. We had an examination, and all the people seemed to be pleased. We had, also, pieces recited on the stage, and a dinner for the children and the friends of the school. The people said that they never saw anything of the kind in Africa before. I think now we have about 140 pupils that are coming. We don’t have that many any one day, but they are in attendance. I have some fine boys in school, and one whom I want to send to Hampton next fall, if I can find a place there for him, and some one to help me pay for his board. Please ask the General if he can have a place there? He is the boy who has been with me since I have been here, and I have taken him and want to do all I can to educate him.

Last Sunday was the happiest day I have seen for many. We had thirteen new members to unite with the church—twelve on profession; and one who once was a member, and was shut out when the church was closed, came back and united the second time. And of this number, six were members of my Bible-class—four were my best boys, as I call them, and two I own as the fruits of my own labor. The young man whom I have already written you about was one. He has been trying ever since his brother became a Christian on the ship, and at last has made up his mind to follow Christ. You can imagine how I felt to see all these—my boys—standing up acknowledging Christ to be their Saviour. There was another of my class to unite with us, but he was sick and could not. I hope he will be able by the next Communion-day.

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RECEIPTS

FOR JULY, 1878.

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MAINE, $153.75.

Cumberland Centre. O. S. T. 50c.; E. J. B. 25c. 0.75
Foxcroft and Dover. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 20.00
Newfield. Mrs. N. C. A. 1.00
North Yarmouth. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 4.00
South Berwick. J. B. Neally $5; Hugh and
Philip Lewis $5 10.00
Windham. Rev. Luther Wiswall 5.00
Winthrop. ESTATE of Mrs. Mary Carr 100.00
Winthrop. Stephen Sewall 18,000 pages
Anti-Tobacco Tracts.
Yarmouth. First Cong. Ch. 13.00