Chapter II: Part 2

The attendance of the citizens from the town through all the public exercises was a very pleasant feature. Talladega has made a deep and lasting impression on the white people. They acknowledge the good work that it has done and is doing, and believe in the possibilities that are before it.

Last fall, arrangements were made for an Industrial Fair, which called together some of the best specimens of work done by colored men and women in this State and a part of Georgia. This, probably, gave more impetus to the industrial enterprise of the people than anything that has been done since freedom. May the good work go on. That is just what we want to see--the people waking up to do their level best.

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BEREA COLLEGE.

A Commencement Crowd--A Mixed School--Free Speech--Self-Support.

PRESIDENT E. H. FAIRCHILD, BEREA, KY.

Wednesday, June 25th, was a beautiful day. The dust had been laid by a grand shower the evening before, and the whole day was cool and bright.

At half-past seven in the morning the neighboring people began to enter the college campus, a beautiful grove of forty-five acres. At half-past nine, when the exercises commenced, they were bringing extra seats into the tabernacle, a rough but very substantial and commodious building, which accommodates two thousand people.

At half-past ten there were thought to be three thousand in and about the tabernacle, and nearly a thousand horses on the ground. As Berea embraces but eight hundred inhabitants, including students and infants, it appears that more than two thousand came from abroad.

But what came they out for to see? An exhibition of an impartial school in the centre of Kentucky. Sixteen students--twelve young men and four young ladies--delivered orations and essays. Only three of these were colored. This disproportion is accounted for partly by the fact that the great demand for colored teachers calls colored students away before they reach the higher classes. But it was partly accidental. It has never occurred before, and probably never will again. The colored students outnumber the white.

There were ten graduates--six from the classical department, three from the scientific, and one from the normal.

Two-thirds of the audience were white. A large portion of them were mountain people, but many were from the blue-grass region. The colored people generally gravitated to one side of the building, thus keeping up their country customs and gaining the approbation of their white neighbors. This is one of the relics of slavery. Generations must die before either white or colored people will feel like treating each other as equals. As master and slave they made no objection to the closest contiguity; as equals they cannot eat in the same dining-hall, though forty feet apart. This feeling has nearly passed away in Berea, as was perfectly manifest in a social farewell gathering of about three hundred of both races at the ladies’ hall in the evening. Equal rights, to the full extent, will never be enjoyed till this feeling is extinguished.

“Democracy Restored” was the subject of one oration, delivered by the only democrat in the institution. It was cheered by ex-rebels, and the college gained popularity among them for its liberality. Some of them thought the Faculty must have hired him to deliver his harangue to make a show of toleration. One young son of the democracy decided to attend the school. It will be a good place for him. The author of the oration has two years yet to study, and trying years they will be for him. His party had better get his faith insured.

The graduates are all professing Christians, though one has had his faith somewhat shaken, as was shown by his oration. He would be glad to study theology at an orthodox seminary. He is a son of the mountains, and an honest, earnest thinker, and a superior scholar.

The effort of the college to get on alone, without aid from the American Missionary Association, taxes all its energy and faith; but, thanks to God and its faithful friends, the past year it has not been left to suffer. The erection of the new chapel will commence immediately, though the necessary means are not all secured.

Berea College is a miracle of God’s grace and power. No other being could have established such a school, in such a community, with such instrumentalities, and made it such a power.

In this voting precinct of five hundred voters, where whiskey has reigned for many years, three-fourths of all the inhabitants have signed the Murphy pledge. Arrangements are made for a grand temperance rally on Friday, the 4th, which, it is confidently believed, will fill the tabernacle to its utmost capacity. Berea, a beautiful spot by nature, is growing more and more beautiful every year. It is a charming place for a college, and nothing but poverty prevents a thousand youth from flocking here for education. Expenses are very low: Tuition, $9 a year; board, $1.50 a week; free tuition for ninety pupils; yet many students must leave, unless they can contrive a cheaper way to live, and find work to meet their small expenses.

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SOUTH CAROLINA.

School Closing--Religious Life.

REV. W. L. JOHNSON, ORANGEBURG.

Our scholastic year closed on the 5th inst. Appropriate exercises were held at the “Independent Hall.” There was a very large and respectable audience of the children’s parents and white citizens who felt interested in our work. The exercises began about 8 o’clock, consisting of declamations, orations and music. After the exhibition, Rev. Professor Larrence, of Claflin University, by an eloquent address, in which he paid a splendid tribute to the value of learning and the excellence of the A. M. A. schools, its Principal and teachers proceeded to make the presentation of six silver-plated vases and beautifully ornamented butter-dishes to as many pupils. Those gifts were awarded by the Superintendent. Five were given for sustaining perfect examinations, and one for excellence in delivering a declamation. The whole affair was closed by a bountiful collation for the children and friends of the school.

During the term we have maintained religious meetings among the children, several of our scholars taking part by offering prayer. It has been a pleasure to see others mourning to know Christ as their Saviour. The neighboring ministers have, in general, been present, and expressed deep interest in our undertaking, besides impressing valuable lessons and pious sentiments upon the minds of the children.

Six pupils taught this year, in the free schools of Orangeburg County, an aggregate of 575 children, and were very acceptable to trustees and patrons of the schools. The whole number of days taught by them is about 375.

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GEORGIA.

A Revival--Call for a Lady Missionary.

REV. FLOYD SNELSON, M’INTOSH, LIBERTY CO.

We have had, and are still having, a precious work of grace. On Sunday, the 25th, our communion season, nearly a thousand people were present. The weather was very delightful, and everything else connected with the occasion. Sixteen persons, hopefully converted, united with the church. The church is much encouraged, and its future looks very hopeful. I am almost broken down in this long and hard pull, still I believe that with this interest around me I could go on five months longer.

In summing up the converts during this campaign we find twenty at Cypress Slash, 14 miles above in our new field, and thirty-five here, making fifty-five in all. Most of these are not only young in grace but young in years, being from eleven to twenty. Therefore, in order to make them successful and useful Christians, I deem it very necessary to give them uncommon care. A special meeting of a social and religious nature is held Friday evening of each week in my house for them, and each one is required to take a part and is made to feel at home.

A Literary Society is also held at the church on the second and fourth Wednesday evenings of each month. In the former meeting much is sometimes said to correct the errors of home life. The necessity of this arises from the secluded situation of their parents and themselves from the white people. They were not at all situated like those in the upper part of the State among the whites, whose ways they generally imitate, but were left to themselves, with no training except such as was given by overseers and drivers.

This important work is, therefore, left still undone. My wife did what she could in this line before we left for Africa, but since our return her health has been such that she has not been able to do anything. This work is of so much importance, and in such a promising field, that I now _earnestly_ ask, Will not some one of our churches or Sunday-schools send us a lady missionary who can do it?

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Actions and Reactions--Temperance and Religion.

WM. F. JACKSON, FORSYTHE.

Our school year closed May 30th, with encouraging results.

This was the first year of real systematic work in the Academy, the building having been finished too late to open at the beginning of last school year.

There is a growing interest in the work. Upon the close of the war, the schools established by the American Missionary Association were everywhere crowded with our people thirsting for knowledge: in the whole South the feeling for education ran high, so that the zeal of the Freedman for education became proverbial. But this proved to be not so much zeal as blind impulse. It is not so now. By a bitter experience, our people have been brought to see the errors of the past. Their present ideas respecting education plainly show this discovery. The people of our community feel that they and their children need it to make them useful. In our school were three women and two men of advanced age, who were diligent in studying, and compared favorably with younger pupils in their advancement, and who are now exerting their influence to bring in others, that a permanent class of aged persons may be formed. Again, many parents have sent children to school to me, evidently for no other purpose than to have them cared for; but now, some of these same parents express a different purpose, viz., to have them prepared for the duties of life. Then, too, there is a public spirit in favor of a better and higher education, manifested in the efforts now being made to establish here an African Methodist Episcopal College and a Methodist Episcopal High School.

Our pupils have been very regular in attendance compared with past years. There have been 113 students in school during the year, many of whom came from the adjoining counties, and will go out to take schools for the summer. There has been much earnest study done by these pupils, who seem determined to surmount the difficulties which present themselves. They have been encouraged to organize a Temperance society, which they manage themselves with credit. This organization is doing much in the school and community to encourage those who are striving to be temperate.

Amid all the flattering results of the year not much could be considered gained were it not for the great revival of religion among the pupils of our school. In April, very many became serious about their souls. They made earnest inquiries after the way of life. The Lord poured out his spirit in copious showers upon these precious souls, and nine were happily converted and added to the church. Thus we feel that God has richly blessed our labors, and that His approving smile rests upon us.

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ALABAMA.

Corner-Stone of a Church Laid--The School Work.

REV. WM. H. ASH, FLORENCE.

This week has been a blessed one for us. On Saturday last the corner-stone of the new chapel was laid, and on Sunday appropriate services were held. It was an occasion long to be remembered.

On the walls, at the front of the building, was erected a temporary platform, and on it a table. In the centre of it was a Bible and a large vase of beautiful flowers; back of this were seats for the speakers, and at the right was seated the choir.

The Rev. M. L. Frierson, of the Presbyterian Church, opened the services by reading the second chapter of Nehemiah, and led in prayer. The Choir then sung “What shall the harvest be?” The clerk of the church read the list of articles which were to be placed in the box prepared for the corner-stone, which has this inscription: “First Congregational Church, A.D. 1879. A.M.A.”

Next in order was an address by Hon. W. B. Wood, who said that he was a Methodist and a sectarian, too, but he loved _all_ who loved the Lord Jesus Christ. We are not of the same denomination, but Paul said, Be ye brethren. He said that the times were better, that some old fogies would have us believe that we are not as progressive as they were 40 or 50 years ago, but his experience was, that we are moving onward, for he, as a judge, did not have as many cases to decide as he had five or six years ago. Not that the people were afraid of the punishment of the law, but controlled by the power of the Gospel and its morality.

He said that he took pleasure in aiding to build churches, that he had an interest in every church of Florence, and that if a subscription book should be carried around and his house passed he would feel slighted; and he advised all present to aid in behalf of the church.

He said that he believed he could speak for the entire white population, that they, in sympathy, would encourage every good work.

Rev. Mr. Frierson also spoke. After a collection was taken, “Ye Christian heralds, go proclaim salvation in Immanuel’s name,” was sung by the choir, and the benediction pronounced.

On Tuesday the examination of the school took place, and on Wednesday night the exhibition occurred. We had many visitors during the examination, and on the night of the exhibition our building, used for church and school, was filled to overflowing; all around the building, at the windows and doors, there were many who were eager to see and hear the exercises.

It is the first year of school work in connection with the church. At the beginning of the year we had three scholars; at the end we closed with thirty-five.

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TENNESSEE.

Teachers’ Institute--Practical Education.

The Shelby County Teachers’ Institute or Convention was held in June. In regard to it the editor of the Memphis _Appeal_ writes:

The teachers of the colored schools of the city and county deserve especial commendation for the interest they take in the leading educational questions of the day, and for the efforts they are making to reach wise and correct conclusions, and if we may judge of the nature of their entire proceedings and discussions from the paper on practical education presented before the Institute yesterday, and printed in another column of this morning’s _Appeal_, the Institute has certainly been a success in point of ability. It is not often that teachers take the initiative in educational reforms, but we are glad to notice here that a company of teachers speak boldly and plainly in favor of a more practical course of study for the preparatory and common schools of the country. We would call the attention of educators and school boards to this paper, and urge that some system be devised for our schools, whereby the simpler of these plans, at least, be at once carried into effect with the opening of the schools in October. The actions and words of this Institute have an especial significance, coming as they do from the teachers of our colored schools, themselves belonging, with few exceptions, to the colored race. They certainly indicate a commendable earnestness in matters pertaining to the educational interests of the country and community, and they richly merit the encouragement and co-operation of all good citizens.”

The paper referred to was by Miss Laura A. Parmelee, of the Le Moyne School, and, after a historical sketch of much value, ended with the following recommendations:

After careful inquiry into the various methods adopted
by different schools, your committee feels justified in
recommending: That in every school-house a room be furnished
with mechanical appliances, where, for an hour each day, the
boys and young men may receive lessons in the art of handling
tools and methods of work, under the direction of a practical
workman; that all girls spend three-quarters of an hour daily
in learning to do plain sewing, to cut garments neatly and
economically, and to judge of the value and appropriate use of
fabrics commonly made into clothing; that the first lessons in
free-hand drawing be given to every student, and classes for
further instruction organized for those who display special
aptness for the work. One competent teacher could attend to
this branch in all the schools, and still have time to assist
in private schools, if desired. A plan of co-operation in
these extra branches would greatly lighten the expense, while
stimulating healthy competition to excel on the part of pupils;
that the older girls study the science of nursing from a regular
text-book, reporting to the teacher for criticism and advice
their own experiences in neighborly watchings with the sick. Your
committee note, with pleasure, an awakening interest in this
subject, and would endorse the “Hand-Book of Nursing,” arranged
and prepared by the New Haven training school for nurses, as a
suitable work to be introduced for this purpose. In connection
with the usual study of physiology, there should be discussions
as to proper foods and best methods of their preparation. That
in city and country schools, young children be encouraged to
observe the habits of animals and plants; that no school-house be
considered complete without a small microscope, and at some time
in the course of study, the usual reading books be laid aside
for a series of child’s books of nature, treating of the first
principles of botany, philosophy and zoology; that all methods
of teaching bend toward educating the senses to observe quickly
and accurately, the mind to think independently, and the hands to
work dexterously.

A cordial letter from the Hon. W. H. Fonte, Superintendent of Schools, closed with the following words:

Especially, I may add, do I desire to encourage and forward
in every way, every plan or purpose which has for its object
the elevation and progress of the colored race, believing with
Frederick Douglass, that “without intelligence there is no
independence, without independence no leisure, without leisure no
progress.”

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THE BY-WAYS OF TENNESSEE.

In February, 1878, we printed a letter from our Bro. Cutler, in which he spoke of a young girl who wanted to get an education, but who was entirely without means. He procured for her half enough to keep her at study for a year, started her on her course, and pronounced her “the happiest girl in the land.” The following description of her first field and work as a teacher will certainly interest those who aided Tennie Morford, and, we think, many others.--EDS.:

There is situated in the eastern part of Tennessee a beautiful, lonely, little valley, called the Sequatchie Valley. It is sixty miles long and five miles wide, containing about four hundred inhabitants. This is one of the by-ways of Tennessee, or, as it seems to be, from the condition of the people, Africa at home. It is hedged about with mountains, and its inhabitants scarcely hear of any other place than their own valley. They are very ignorant, and their chief occupation is farming.

I spent my last vacation among them, and tried to teach and show them the need of an education. There were persons who were forty and sixty years old who could not count a hundred. Scarcely any of them had seen a steam-boat or car. They know only of the wilds of Sequatchie, where they have spent their lives. Near the head of the valley was my place of work, principally inhabited by drunkards of both colors, who spent their Sabbaths in intoxication and in the use of profanity. Their places of enjoyment were three still-houses about half a mile apart, where the price of their labor was given in liquor.

On my arrival at Pikeville I was conducted to a little house on the main street, where I remained one week. I was examined three days after my arrival. My examination seemed very simple, and I received first grade certificate. During that time it was noised abroad that school would open Monday, June 10th. Bright and early Monday morning I commenced my summer’s work; but as I met only twelve bright faces I felt somewhat discouraged, and was beginning to think that I would go elsewhere if I did not have more next week. To my surprise, by that time I found nineteen, and felt more reconciled. After I had taught a while I visited some of the children’s parents, and found that every body wanted to go to school, both young and old. Every one began to show an interest, and the number of scholars grew to fifty-seven, a few of whom had been to school before, while the others were only making a beginning. My most advanced pupil studied only the Third Reader and the Elementary Speller, which was considered by him quite an education. The most of them said that they did not want to go any higher than the Speller. Others only wanted to get as far as “publication.” In one case a lady came and brought a little girl to me who did not know the alphabet, and asked me to get her to “baker” as soon as possible, for she wanted her, as they say, to “help to lay by crop.” She said that if she got as far as “baker” she would be half through the Speller, which she considered half of an education; but I told her that that was only laying the foundation for the great work intended for them to do. They had often heard of schools, and half realized that they had minds to be cultivated, but not until last summer had they become interested in the real work of learning. They had a very good school-house for dry weather, but when it rained we had to shelter ourselves the best we knew how. The house would seat about sixty scholars comfortably, and was beautifully situated on a small hill called “Cedar Bluff,” which was surrounded by large oaks.

The people do not have very much preaching, but when they do have it it must be by daylight, on account of the white people stoning them at night. The colored people are still living as slaves, and are afraid to live otherwise. The laborers do not work by the day, as they do here, but as they are told. They get up about three or four o’clock in the morning and work until about midnight, and sometimes later if their employers desire to have the work finished. This is what they consider a day’s work. They have the same idea about teaching. They wanted that I should teach from sunrise to sundown. They know nothing of the eight or ten hour system of labor.

Those who live along the highways of trade and culture in our State, that are participating in the active work of the world, would scarcely believe that some parts of their own State are half civilized if they did not occasionally see it; but one has only to cross the Cumberland mountain to find his mistake. The Sequatchie Valley is only catching a ray of light now and then from the sunrise. When the sun comes up in the east it is first seen by those who live on the mountain tops and those who live in the highest places; but it keeps rising until it shines on valleys and plains. So with the morning that has dawned upon the people of the South; it is first grasped by those on the highways, and then it begins to shine into the hidden corners until all shall be lighted. What can be expected of the children of the next generation if their parents are not more than half civilized? We need educated parents, so that the children may be properly trained. In order to do this we must go into these by-ways of our State and sow our seed, though it be on untilled soil. I think that the time is fast approaching when the public school system, carried out by earnest teachers, shall reclaim these valleys, and make them an honor to the State instead of haunts of ignorance and vice.

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AFRICA.

* * * * *

THE MENDI MISSION.

Explorations into the Interior, etc.

REV. ALBERT P. MILLER, GOOD HOPE STATION.

I am traveling more or less to see the interior of this extensive country, going up certain rivers and visiting towns and villages on the way. I visited the Bargroo country last week, and hope to leave in the morning for Kaw-Mendi, to see what are the prospects of useful work for the Mission in that part of the country. Many of the old places formerly held by the Mission I shall try to visit before the rainy season proper sets in. We are getting things somewhat in shape, and hope to push into the interior as soon as practicable. Dodo is open to us; Cunkananny, also, on the very frontier, no mission station having ever been established nearer them than Avery. Bros. Anthony and White are to-night with us; will leave to-morrow for Avery. Bro. Anthony is well, and is getting on very well in his new field of labor. He takes right hold, and seems to be in dead earnest. Bro. White is also well. I find that we shall be obliged to get a large quantity of goods from some source or other with which to purchase logs, as two saws will soon be running in the mill, which will come in to help us. We are all very well save the doctor, who has been ill of late, but is now up. Pray for us.

The Industrial Work--General Impressions.

ELMORE L. ANTHONY, AVERY STATION.

I am well and all right. I had a slight pain in my head yesterday for the first time since I have been in the country, and that came from being in the sun too much. Everything seems to be going forward. I am doing the best that I can.

The mill has been repaired. The bottom logs were decayed; the ends of some of the posts were also decayed. There is considerable work to do yet. One of the saws started this week, and the other one will start soon. Bills for lumber are coming in. We can find sale for all the good lumber that we can saw. Logs are coming in; business seems to be opening. We had the shoot that leads the water from the vat or receptacle to the turbine wheel enlarged, which will, I think, give the water greater propelling power, and, of course, give the circular saw greater velocity. I am having the coffee farm cleaned, and will have the trees pruned next month, as I understand that is the time. I am doing just as you said.

The religious work seems to be improving, though I have not been here long enough to tell much about it. The industrial department is about all one man can attend to if he will do his duty. Brothers Jackson and White have the church and school. I help in the Sabbath-school. Having seen the condition of the people, I would say, if you had the money, send _one hundred thousand missionaries_ to different parts of Africa at _once_, and have them establish missions and tributaries. This country is baptized in ignorance, vice, poverty and old customs. Humanity is entirely below description. There are hundreds, yes, thousands of persons here that have not a string of clothing to their names. All the natives do is to sow and reap; they know nothing about cultivation whatever. Now, why keep missionaries away, when Christ has said, “Go ye, therefore, and teach all nations”?

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THE CHINESE.

* * * * *

“CALIFORNIA CHINESE MISSION.”

Auxiliary to the American Missionary Association.

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

DIRECTORS: Rev. George Mooar, D. D., Hon. E. D. Sawyer, Rev. E. P. Baker, James M. Haven, Esq., Rev. Joseph Rowell, Rev. John Kimball, E. P. Sanford, Esq.

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

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NOTES AND CLIPPINGS.

BY REV. W. C. POND.

It is unnecessary, and, of course, in the space at command it would be impossible, to give at length my correspondence with teachers and pupils connected with our schools; but I must ask you occasionally to make room for brief “notes and clippings.”

Whatever concerns our Chinese helpers bears with great weight on our work. Their teacher writes: “I think my pupils are very much in earnest, and study the Bible with no mere desire of finding out what there is in it, or of advancing themselves in the knowledge of our language--as some intimate the Chinese do--but with an earnest purpose to learn God’s ways and follow His commands, and to fit themselves to teach others the blessed truths which they themselves have come to believe. It seems to me they must make excellent missionaries; they appear to realize so fully the sad condition of their heathen friends, and are so simple and unquestioning in their faith in the God revealed to them by our Bible. All their teaching and preaching is the love of Christ, and what we should do in return for such love. I am puzzled what to do about the texts [passages of Scripture which I give them week by week to prepare outlines of discourses from. W.C.P.], for no matter what is the subject of them they are sure to run into the _one thing_ that seems to fill their minds.” But that is the one thing needful.

The difficulties of which our teacher at Petaluma writes, are encountered to a greater or less extent everywhere. She says: “No Chinese ever attend the school except from one company. [Two of the now famous ‘Six Companies’ are represented among the Chinese of Petaluma. The rivalries and mutual antipathies of members of these companies are often very intense, leading sometimes to pitched battles. In Petaluma they keep the peace; but no efforts of teachers or helpers have yet succeeded in getting Chinese of both the companies into one school. W.C.P.] The scholars are, also, house-servants or laundrymen, and are constantly changing places, and a great deal of the time have nothing at all to do. If they had work we could keep them. If the times would improve the school would improve. The scholars like the school, and are much more friendly and cordial to me since Hong Sing [the Chinese helper] came, because now I am better understood. But while they are constantly shifting about to get employment, I am afraid the good accomplished cannot be very great.”

This is illustrated by the following from a teacher in the Oakland School: “I was hearing a scholar who had been in the school about a week read in his primer. We came to the sentence, ‘Christ died for us,’ and I asked him ‘Who was Christ?’ To my astonishment, he knew nothing of him. In the plainest way possible to me, I gave an account of Christ’s life and death. He seemed interested, but told me that he had never been at Sunday-school. The next night I noticed him reading with the helper in the Testament, and he became regular in his attendance at Sunday-school. Losing his position, he was obliged to go away to get work. I was very sorry, for I had great hopes that he would soon become a Christian. This teacher adds: ‘It is gratifying when you ask one who has seemed somewhat dull, Who is God? to see the face brighten and the hand point upwards; and if you go still further and ask, Do you love God? a smile plays upon the features and the reply is, ‘Oh, yes.’ A prayer-meeting is held each Wednesday evening, in which manifest interest is taken. After the close of the school the pupils often remain and read together the Scriptures written in Chinese. Each Friday evening I tell them a short story from the Bible, and try to take from it some truth which they may remember. I should be deeply grateful could I write of more being brought into the kingdom of God. The work is encouraging; and while sometimes we reap the fruits of others’ labors, so others shall reap the fruits of ours.”

Of course the Gospel leaven working in this mass of heathenism induces more or less of fermentation. Our Christian Chinese are often engaged in discussions with their heathen friends. I took brief notes of one such, as afterwards reported to me. I am glad to say that the assailant of the truth in this dispute has since been converted, and is now a member of my church. The heathen, who had long been a pupil in Bethany School, and a close reader of the New Testament, said to our brother, “Your Bible itself says we must not put new wine into old bottles. China is an old bottle; new wine will burst it.” The reply surprised me by its apt and correct interpretation of the text referred to: “Not so. You cannot put the new wine of Christ into the old bottles of Chinese teachings and worship, it will burst them; but you can put it into Chinese hearts and it will save them.” “But you say,” continued the objector, “that a little water on the head washes sins away. I wash all over three times a day, and not take my sins away.” “Not so,” replied Hong Sing, “water cannot take sins away; but water means that God’s Spirit poured upon our hearts, Christ’s blood sprinkled on our souls, takes our sins away.” “But people come to the Lord’s Supper and then go away, do wrong, gamble, smoke opium.” Neither admitting nor denying this, Hong Sing told and interpreted with perfect correctness the parable of the net cast into the sea. The last objection was this: “You Christians say that you go to the Lord’s table and drink his blood and eat his flesh. Would you eat your mother’s flesh and drink her blood, if she were dead?” Hong Sing’s reply will be easily surmised by my readers. I wish that I could give word for word the broken English, and could reproduce on paper the animation with which this conversation was related to me; but the limits of my space forbid, even if otherwise it were possible.

=The Story of Lee Jin as told by Jee Gam.=--“Lee Jin was a young man twenty-three years of age, a nephew of Lee Young. For more than three years previous to his death he had been a member of a Chinese society of freemasonry, and also a member of Lock Shan Tong. This latter is a school or society where the doctrines of Confucius and other Chinese sages are professedly taught; but, in reality, this society has been formed for no other purpose than to prevent any more Chinese from becoming Christians, and to entrap those who have already become Christians. During his connection with the above-mentioned society he was one of its most active members, and one of the strongest opposers of Christianity. He did not content himself with setting forth his opposition at his own place and outside Christian institutions, but often carried it into our Christian association. His argument was nothing but pride and self-glory. As a Jew boasted of his father Abraham, and felt proud because his race was the chosen people of God, so he himself was lifted up. He said: ‘The middle kingdom is the true celestial empire. She is the realm of literature. She is the nation of rites. Great and powerful are her people, and especially her ancient personages, whose great deeds no language is sufficient to describe.’ He endeavored to display his learning by quoting what he had learned from the books of his sages, ‘I have heard of men using the doctrines of our great land to change barbarians, but I have never yet heard of any being changed by barbarians, etc.’ But when his arguments were overcome he would say, ‘Well, I am a Chinaman; I have Confucius; I worship the gods of my own country. If Jesus is the God of the barbarians, let him be worshiped by them, and not by Chinese.’ So his heart was hardened like that of Pharaoh, until, at last, he fell sick. During his illness the Lord, with His wonderful power, revealed the folly of his pride, and the consequences of his self-righteousness and evil deeds, to his then opened eyes. He trembled with fear and said, ‘Oh, what a great sinner I am! What a miserable offender of Jesus! Do send for Lee Hain and Jee Gam. Tell them to come immediately and pray for me.’ His uncle, Lee Young, was struck with astonishment when he heard these words, and saw this great change in his nephew. He said in reply, ‘Do you really want Jee Gam and Lee Hain to pray for you?’ ‘Yes,’ was the reply. ‘Why not pray to the gods you always worship?’ ‘Oh, they are dead idols. They are of no use. They could not save me from the punishment of my sins.’

“We were sent for accordingly. When we reached there he begged us to forgive him for his opposition against us for preaching the Gospel of the Saviour, whom he had begun to love. We prayed for him, and asked him to repeat the words after us, which he did with a tone of true repentance. Oftentimes after this he asked his uncle and his younger brother to pray for him. His heathen friends deserted him to the care of these Christian relatives, but after his death, when we had taken charge of the body to give it Christian burial, they came and wished to perform some of their heathen rites. We would not permit it; and, rather than take back their offerings, which would bring them bad luck, they burned them before the door. We accompanied Lee Jin to the cemetery, where we had procured a suitable lot, and then we sang a hymn and offered a prayer before committing his body to the dust. We believe he is now safe in heaven.”

* * * * *

CHILDREN’S PAGE.

* * * * *

The following “short talk” was made by Etahdleuh Doanmoe (“Boy Hunting”), at the anniversary at Hampton. He is one of the St. Augustine Indians now studying there:

My Home in Indian Territory.

“I am a Kiowa Indian boy twenty-three years old. My home is in the Indian Territory. My people are not much civilized. They live in houses made of skins of the buffalo. They like to hunt and fight. When I was a little boy I did not see many white people. The Kiowas moved camp often to keep near the buffalo, and we lived on buffalo meat and berries all the time. We had no bread, no coffee or sugar. We boys talked all the time about hunting the buffalo, going to fight the Utes, Navajoes, or Pawnees, and most about fighting the white people or stealing horses. The old Kiowas talked all the time to us about fight or hunt the buffalo. Sometimes the men would go off and bring back scalps of white men and women, or Indian men and women; then we had a big dance. This was all I heard and all I saw, and I thought it was good, so I will be a big fighter and a good hunter too, and may be I get to be a big chief. When I was about fifteen years old I killed my first buffalo with a bow and arrow. I had no gun. Then I was called a man, because I could kill buffalo. Then I went with the young men to fight the Utes and Navajoes and steal horses. I was in three fights with the Utes and two with the Navajoes. All this time I wore a blanket or a buffalo robe, and liked to have my hair long, and paint my face and wear big rings in my ears. I did not know anything about God, or churches, or schools, or how to make things grow from the ground to live on. Four years ago there was a big war. The Kiowas, Comanches and Cheyennes fought the soldiers all winter. The buffalo were nearly all gone, and the Indians got very hungry. The horses worked hard, and it was so cold the grass was poor, so they got very weak, and we lost many in fights with the soldiers. Then the soldiers came to our camps and we had to run away and leave our lodges, then the soldiers burned them. We all got very tired and hungry, and the women and children cried, so the chiefs said we will go into Fort Sill and give up. We met Captain Pratt in the Wichita Mountains. He had some Indian soldiers and two wagons loaded with bread, sugar and coffee. He gave us plenty, and we gave him all our guns, pistols, bows and arrows, shields and spears. That night we had a big dance because we had plenty to eat. I went to Florida. Then I first began to learn something about the good way, and I find Indian’s way very bad; so I thought I will never live Indian’s way any more. Captain Pratt was our good friend. He taught us many things and showed us the white man’s road. We stayed in Florida three years, and then some of the Indians went back home, but the young men wanted to stay east and get a good education. We came to Hampton. We have been here one year, and we study hard and are learning to work and be men. We like it. I see that every white boy and girl, and every black boy and girl can go to school, and that is the way they get ahead of the Indians. Indians have no chance. You give all Indian boys and girls schools and teachers like you have, and Indians will do better.”

* * * * *

LETTERS TO THE TREASURER.

* * * * *

We give a few extracts from letters recently received expressing
interest in and motives for pressing our work, and containing
substantial contributions to its continuance. We could print many
such letters every month if we had room for them:

I inclose a pocket-piece (a gold half-dollar), held and valued
for many years, to pay subscription to THE AMERICAN MISSIONARY
for one year.

Respectfully, I. M. S.

* * * * *

My little son, the morning he died, on being asked what should be
done with the little money he had so carefully invested in the
new four per cent. $10 certificates issued April 1st, said his
father should have it to distribute as he thought best among the
benevolent societies, and I send you one-third of it, and the
balance to the Board and Home Missions.

This is very precious money. Put it where it will do the most for
the cause.

A. L. W.

* * * * *

Inclosed find draft on the American Exchange Bank for $200, my
subscription to your society for the Freedmen for the year 1879.
I have heretofore given $100, but it seems to me very important
that the Freedmen should be educated as fast as possible. As many
of the educated men as possible should be kept in the Southern
States to assist in educating the colored people and helping them
to stand up for their rights.
R. L.

* * * * *

Inclosed please find $5 for the American Missionary Association.
As I am now nearly ninety years old, this, in all probability,
is my last contribution to this good object. With my prayers for
this and every object of Christian benevolence,

I am yours truly, C. H.

* * * * *

The other day, when I thought that our loved American Missionary
Association was in debt, when I thought that our kind Father in
heaven had given us such overflowing crops in the past season,
and blessed us in every department (almost), it struck me that
there was something wrong in the supporters of the noble cause.
Well, let the time past suffice that we have been slack; let us
come up to the work.

Please find inclosed $25 for the old debt, $15 to constitute (in
part) two life members of the American Missionary Association,
and oblige yours,

A FRIEND.

* * * * *

In the _Congregationalist_ of last week, I noticed your “Appeal”
in behalf of the American Missionary Association, to which I
respond by inclosed draft for $24, pension for one quarter, for
service in the War of 1812.

An abolitionist from my first consideration of the enslaved in
our country, induced by the movement and utterances of the great
agitator--now happy, I trust, in his reward--I still feel that,
though their chains are broken, they are objects of sympathy and
aid in their anxiety and effort to become intelligent and useful
citizens. There is no department of benevolent effort to which I
more cheerfully contribute.

With respectful regards,
Yours truly, O. G.

* * * * *

_From Grenada, Mass._

Inclosed find six dollars ($6), which you will please accept
from our Sunday-school as a thank-offering for what the American
Missionary Association has done for us in the past. We would
gladly have made it more, but the pressure of so many conflicting
claims made it impracticable. We are just now paying for a new
organ.

* * * * *

RECEIPTS

FOR JUNE, 1879.

* * * * *

MAINE, $80.82.

Bangor. Rev. James H Crosby, _for Fisk U._ $10.00
Bridgeton. First Cong. Ch. and Soc. 6.56
Buxton Centre. Mrs. M. G. Hill 2.00
Calais and Milltown. Sab. Schs., $1; also Ten
six burner Chandeliers, _for Emerson Inst._ 1.00
Falmouth. Second Cong. Ch. and Soc. 8.10
Houlton. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 5.00
Lewistown. Pine St. Cong. Soc. 29.16
Mechanic Falls. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 2.00
Otisfield. “Friends” 4.00
Portland. Williston Cong. Ch., $10; West Cong.
Sab. Sch., $3 13.00

NEW HAMPSHIRE, $106.11.

Colebrook. Cong. Sab. Sch., $13.70; “E. C. and
Wife,” $2 15.70
Gilsum. Cong. Ch. and Soc., $30.25, and Sab.
Sch., $12.39 42.64
Hollis. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 8.00
New Preston. Presb. Ch. and Soc. 19.52
South Newmarket. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 3.25
Short Falls. J. W. C. 1.00
Temple. Isaac Kimball 5.00
Webster. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 11.00

VERMONT, $341.52.

Benson. Miss J. Kent 2.00
Brandon. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 22.75
Bridport. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 18.00
Cornwall. Cong. Ch. and Soc., $41.68; Cong.
Sab. Sch., $14; Miss A. W., $1; Miss L. C.
W., $1 57.68
East Hardwick. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 26.00
Ferrisburg. “A Friend” 0.50
Ludlow. Mrs. L. M. 1.00
Middlebury. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 27.43
McIndoes Falls. Dea. W. R. M. 1.00
Montpelier. Bethany Ch. 13.66
New Haven. Cong. Ch. 35.50
Saint Albans. Mrs. J. Gregory Smith 10.00
Saint Johnsbury. Fairbanks & Co. 125.00
West Randolph. Mrs. S. W. 1.00

MASSACHUSETTS, $3,147.31.

Abington. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 42.15
Andover. West Parish Sab. Sch. 10.00
Boston. Old South Cong. Ch. and Soc. 203.18
Boston. Mrs. E. C. Ford, $25; Central Cong.
Ch. (ad’l), $5 30.00
Beverly. Dane Street Ch. and Soc. 41.76
Braintree. First Cong. Ch. and Soc. 12.50
Bridgewater. Central Sq. Sab. Sch., $15; Mrs.
L. A. Darling, $2.50 17.50
Boxford. First Cong. Ch. Sab. Sch., _for
Straight U._ 10.00
Brockton. “A Friend” 20.00
Charlestown. Ivory Littlefield. 25.00
Chelsea. Central Cong. Ch., $11.59; Miss M.
H., 50c. 12.09
Concord. ESTATE of Edward P. Parker, by
Margaret J. Parker, Ex. 1000.00
Dana. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 1.00
Danvers. Missionary Circle, _for Student Aid,
Atlanta U._ 30.00
Dorchester. “A Friend” 10.00
Dracut. First Cong. Ch. and Soc. 16.00
East Medway. Mrs. P. D. 0.50
Gardner. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 10.00
Greenfield. First Cong. Ch. and Soc. 10.66
Greenwich Village. Daniel Parker. 5.00
Groton. Union Cong. Ch. and Soc. 66.71
Hanover. First Cong. Ch. and Soc. 2.00
Haverhill. Ladies, _for Freight_ 3.05
Haydenville. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 12.04
Hopkinton. Mrs. P. J Claflin 150.00
Hubbardston. Miss E. Cutler 2.50
Lawrence. South Cong. Ch. and Soc. 10.00
Longmeadow. Ladies Benev. Soc. 13.80
Little River. A. Doolittle 10.00
Lynn. Central Ch. and Soc., $18.25; First
Cong. Ch and Soc., $4.90 23.15
Lynnfield Center. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 8.35
Marlborough. Union Cong. Ch. and Soc. 28.00
Marshfield. First Cong. Ch. and Soc. 47.74
Mattapoisett. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 10.27
Melrose. By C. N. Chapin 3.50
New Bedford. North Cong. Ch. and Soc. 70.00
Newbury. First Cong. Ch. and Soc. 18.50
Newburyport. ESTATE of Ann M. Cross, by
Richard Tenney, Adm. 300.00
Newton Upper Falls. Miss R. P. Ward 20.00
Norfolk. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 5.50
Northampton. “W.” 100.00
Norton. Trin. Cons. Ch. and Soc. 35.00
Oakham. “A Friend” 5.00
Palmer. Second Cong. Ch. 25.00
Princeton. Ladies, by A. H. Whitteker 12.00
Reading. Bethesda Cong. Ch., $102.18, to
const. REV. WILLIAM B. ELY, DEA. HIRAM
BARRUS, and CHARLES N. NOWELL, L. M.’s; E.
F. S., 50c. 102.68
Royalston. Albert Brown 2.00
Salem. Tabernacle Ch. and Soc., $190.40, to
const. MRS. EMMA T. CLARK, OLIVER CARLTON,
and WALTER K. BIGELOW, L. M.s; A P., 50c. 190.90
Scituate. Cong. Ch. and Soc., 6.37., and Sab.
Sch., $6.43 12.80
Shelburne Falls. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 7.25
South Amherst. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 10.00
South Hadley. Teachers and Pupils of Mount
Holyoke Seminary 50.00
South Hadley Falls. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 30.00
Springfield. Olivet Cong. Ch. 19.45
Springfield. _First Ch._ Marvin Chapin and
Mrs. Ed. Palmer, $5 ea; Mrs. Dr. Smith, Miss
Mary Brewer, and Mrs. Dr. Calkins, 3 ea.;
Nelson C. Newell and Ed. C Rogers, $2 ea.;
Mrs. H. F., S. C. R., Mrs. E., Mrs. S. R.
N., A. J. S. and Mrs. L. S., $1 ea.; Others,
$3.--_South Ch._ Geo. Merriam, $2; Mrs. R.
D. and Mrs. H. B., $1 ea.--_Olivet Ch._ Mrs
W. H. B., Mrs. A. B. F., and Mrs. A. H., $1
ea.; Others, $1.75;--Mrs. H. Bailey, $2;
Mrs. L. R., $1, by L. S. D. 43.75
Stockbridge. Miss Alice Byington, _for
Washington Sch., Raleigh, N. C._ 10.00
Tewksbury. Mrs Geo. Lee, _for Straight U._ 10.00
Townsend. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 8.00
Walpole. Mrs. C. F. Metcalf. 5.00
Ware. First Cong. Ch. and Soc. 17.25
Westfield. First Cong. Ch. 10.91
West Roxbury. South Evan. Ch. and Soc. 58.25
West Springfield. Park St. Cong. Ch., $27;
First Cong. Ch. $9 36.00
West Warren. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 3.00
Whately. Cong. Ch. 5.62
Winchendon. No. Cong. Ch. (adl) 5.00
Wrentham. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 20.00

CONNECTICUT, $2,550.47.