Chapter II: Part 2

The most cheering of closing incidents was found in the prayer meeting. We have regretted the lack of a decided religious influence--it has been the one failure of the year. In the last meeting we were not left without evidence of the Spirit’s work. Two young men confessed their trust in Christ and determination to be his avowed followers. Another young man, whose voice has been silent for years, and who has seldom attended meetings either at school or church, asked prayers for himself in a manly way that spoke well for his expressed desire to resume his place in the ranks of Christian workers.

We are not satisfied with the spiritual record of the year. We hoped it would have been a harvest season.

I have not heard from the church since the fever panic. Am hoping it will not scatter the members or retard the work, which seemed prosperous.

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A Colored Girl’s Experience as a Teacher.

REBECCA A. MICHEL, MARION, ALA.

This little town contains about five hundred inhabitants. There are few colored people in Pikeville, but many live about it from one to three miles away. My school was not right in Pikeville, but just on the edge. The school-house was about eighteen by thirty. It is a frame house and has fourteen seats in it, all without backs except four of them.

My work for the year 1878 began the second week of June, the school being crowded from day to day. During the months of June, July, August, September and October, the number enrolled ran up to seventy-five. I heard from some of the citizens of that little town that the pupils attended the school more regularly than they were known to do before. I am glad to say that the greater portion of my school seemed to have a thirst for knowledge. Even the little ones worked earnestly in trying to prepare their lessons for the time when they should recite. My school opened each morning with singing, Scripture reading and prayer. At the close of the term every one could read, print, write and spell. Those who have been out in the dark regions to teach the people can sympathize with those of us who go into such places. They know something of the troubles that meet us. On the whole, the outlook is very hopeful.

The work of last summer was arduous, yet I went through it with the help of the Lord, seeing promises of most excellent results for the future. When I first went to Pikeville I found the people of both classes in a degraded and superstitious condition, and ignorance seemed to be the leading principle of the place. The Sabbath was regarded but by a very few of either class. Yet they were very anxious for an education, and tried in every way they could to make our schools comfortable and interesting. Their whole cry was, “Do all you can for us poor people who are in the dark, and are in so much need of an education.” I organized a Sunday-school, which I think was one of the most important parts of my work, to teach the people the word of God. I taught day and Sunday-school for five months, and had great success with both white and colored people. The white people were very kind to me. I had a long talk with some of them about the education of the colored people. They said if the colored man was educated they thought he would make a better citizen, and they were ready to do all they could in trying to help him toward an education.

My short but busy term closed with an examination and a good exhibition, well attended by white as well as colored people. All seemed perfectly satisfied with the work that I had done for them during the term. The white people gave me permission to have my exhibition in their academy, which held over two hundred persons.

I have come back to this lonely Sequatchie valley to stay with these people four or five months longer, in which time I hope to do much good for them. All welcome me back to my old home. They say: “The white people seem just as glad to have me back as the colored do.” Some of them stopped me on the street to shake hands with me, and to talk with me about coming to teach the young people manners and behavior.

One said: “I tell you, our young people do need education so much, and I am so glad you have come back to teach them.” Another said: “I knew you could not stay away from here.” I could speak of a good many more interesting facts, but time will not permit me to speak of them. I hope you will find this story interesting.

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MISSISSIPPI.

Letter from a Tougaloo Student--Vacation Work--Needy Recruits.

My public school closed last week, and I commenced teaching an independent school this morning, with thirty pupils. They pay one dollar per month, in _advance_. I think I shall have a very good school.

There are nine or ten promising young men here who want to go to Tougaloo, to school next year. Some of them are quite young, sixteen or seventeen years of age, and a great deal of good can be done with and through such boys. Very few of them will be able to pay anything for their board. They often come to my room in great numbers to talk of Tougaloo.

In speaking with young people about this University, I try to impress them with the knowledge that young men who are willing to work hard and study diligently are those for whom the school is open. I show them my five pound boots, etc. I think those who go there from here will not find it harder than they expected. I go into the country occasionally and meet young men who say: “Please talk to my father in my behalf, and try to induce him to send me to school.” A young man and his sister (who live eight or ten miles in the country) board here and go to school to me. The young man went to school in Selma, when he was quite a small boy. He also went to school at Tougaloo a few months. He is very anxious to be in school there next year, and his parents are very anxious to have both him and his sister go, but he thinks it is very doubtful unless he can get some work to do, and he is willing to do any kind of work. From what I have seen of him, I think him the most promising of any I have met. He is not a Christian.

There are two young women here who are also anxious to go to Tougaloo to school. Both are willing to work all they can. I want to explain their condition to you, and have you let me know whether anything can be done for them. One of them has been bound out for some time to a white family, and is now living with an old lady, and washing, ironing, cooking, etc., for her living. She was raised by those white people, and has every appearance of a lady, so far as I can see. She is about sixteen or seventeen years of age. She went to school to Miss V., who can tell you of her.

I have not come to the point yet. I want to know if you cannot give the people here an opportunity to work in preference to strangers from other places. If you can form an idea how much work you can furnish, I wish you would give me some information in regard to it, so that I can answer the many questions that are asked me.

At the closing exercises of my school, there were people present from ten or twelve miles in several directions. They were all pleased with the exercises, both the white and the colored people. The whites have been assisting me in getting up my independent school. A white man sends one child and pays for it himself. Some of the whites suggested that it would be a good idea to have a high school here for the colored people.

The editor of the paper sent to my room for me Saturday, and I had a long talk with him. He said he had not known very much about Tougaloo University.

There was such a gathering at the church on Wednesday evening that they could not all get into the house. I extended an invitation to all the people in the county to be present: it was well represented. I invited the people to sign the temperance pledge after a temperance concert. The invitation was responded to by a great number. A still greater number have stopped chewing tobacco, but have not signed the pledge, because they prefer giving themselves a trial before doing so. There will be quite a number of others who will sign the pledge soon, I think.

W. H. L.

AFRICA.

* * * * *

THE MENDI MISSION.

Religious Progress, etc., at Avery.

REV. A. E. JACKSON, AVERY.

I am glad to say that there is an increasing interest religiously among the people. They seem to be growing more and more in the love of God, and to exhibit it in their lives. They have begun to be a more Sabbath-observing people. They are also attending church more regularly than usual, and give better attention than ever before. These are all features of encouragement in our work.

Sunday, May 11, was our communion day, and the Lord seemed to be present with us in the Spirit’s power. Two adults were added to the church, and five children christened. There is also a growing interest in our prayer meetings; several are inquiring the way of salvation. We earnestly ask the united prayers of your church for our work.

The tornadoes are fast coming to a close, and the rains are rapidly approaching. There will doubtless be very great suffering on the part of the natives this season, on account of the scarcity of rice. This comes from the fact that the rains came on much earlier than usual last year.

The agricultural work is progressing quite nicely. The coffee farm is in quite a good condition, and Brother Anthony is now having it cleaned.

* * * * *

Travels into the Interior--The Heathen--The Country--The Opportunity.

REV. ALBERT P. MILLER, GOOD HOPE.

It was my privilege to visit, during last mouth and part of this, a large extent of country toward the interior of this broad continent, directly in front of the Sherbro Islands, to form an opinion as to the prospects of “stretching our lines.” I cannot promise to give you a detailed account of all incidents of interest that came under my observation, but shall dwell upon that which presses my mind most in regard to our work--the opening up of new places for missionary operation.

On the 13th of May ultimo, Brother Jackson and I left Avery with a view of visiting places in the Bargroo country, and at the same time of getting children to be trained at Avery for missionaries. We skimmed along nicely on the Big Bargroo River, passing many neatly built and arranged villages. We stopped at some to ask for children, but the chiefs informed us, generally, that they would have to hold consultations with the people on the matter.

On every side signs of heathenism exhibited themselves. Little mounds, built by certain insects of the country, neatly covered by the natives, are bowed down to and worshipped. Small pots or bottles are placed before their doors to keep away evil spirits.

COCONANNY AND DODO.

Late in the evening we arrived at Coconanny, the extreme military post of the English. This is kept here to suppress the slave-trade, though much of it is carried on, I am informed, clandestinely. It is a beautiful place, elevated and healthy; vegetation, too, grows luxuriantly. The trader, Mr. Hayes, with whom we put up for the night, has built, at his own expense, a small chapel, in which services are conducted mornings and Sundays. Mr. Hayes is a friend of the Mission and our work, and desires very much to have us come and begin missionary work in behalf of those among whom his lot is cast. The villages round about are abundant, and I think a good work could be done in this community. The people are willing to have us come and establish a permanent Christian work among them. British protection being here would render property safer and less liable to plunder.

Leaving Coconanny early next morning, we made our way to Dodo. The neatness of the places visited was everywhere noticeable, the people in their very expressions seeming to welcome “the missionaries” who had come to visit them. There is nothing strikingly beautiful about the part of the Bargroo country that I visited. Mangroves extend to the village of Dodo, which we have in abundance in Sherbro. The scene to me was rather monotonous. “We reached Dodo late in the evening, and after the usual ceremony, which consists in giving the chief presents, we disclosed to him the nature of our journey, among other things telling him that we desired very much to get children from his territory to train in our mission for missionaries. For his people he could not speak just then, but his majesty informed us that the matter would be brought before them for consideration as soon as practicable; he was in a position to speak for himself, and would give the only son large enough to leave home at the time. A large goat was slain and brought in and laid before us, with a peck of rice, for our supper. Although we were very hungry, this was more than we felt able to consume at one or two meals. A hind quarter was sent in to the chief, the rest being shared between ourselves and our men. Here we stopped overnight. The place is strongly barricaded, and is very neat and cleanly. A place was offered our Mission on which to establish a station. Here is a fine opportunity to make a step more directly toward the interior. They want us to come; what must we tell them? Brother Jackson visits the chief as often as time and strength will allow. He was once ransomed by Brother Snelson when on the point of being sent to Freetown, accused and found guilty of selling slaves. They dread very much to fall into the hands of the English, and he was a happy man when Brother Snelson paid his ransom for him, and stood between him and the English authorities. He has given up warring, and his people are seemingly prosperous and happy. His subjects are chiefly Sherbros, but they speak Mendi as well as their mother tongue.

Our Mission, through former missionaries, is known far into the interior, and the natives generally are favorably disposed toward it. We left Dodo early next morning, homeward bound, with Joe, the chief’s son, with us. He wore only nature’s garment, and seemed as happy as a bird. The people here don’t bother themselves too much about clothing. Industry is characteristic of them. We stopped at places that we visited on our advance up the river, and were informed in most cases that the “big man” was away, or the chief at Dodo. Humper Ranko had not been consulted. The people dare not do anything of this nature without first consulting their head. However, we succeeded in getting four children, who were carried, as we found them--without a rag on--to Avery.

There are two places in this wilderness of moral darkness now open to us which, I think, could be worked up with very small expense to the Mission. Both are on the Bargroo River, leading toward the interior, which is navigable at all seasons of the year by small boats. May the Lord in His own good time send to these our benighted brethren the advantages of a Christian civilization.

KAW-MENDI.

In accordance with your request I visited, last month, Kaw-Mendi and vicinity, where the banner of the Cross was first unfurled in this part of a heathen land by men sent out by the American Missionary Association. This place, as you will remember, was deserted for a long time. Of late years Mr. J. M. Williams, of his own accord and on his own responsibility, has resumed the work. Here lie some of the sainted dead who fell in pure devotion to the cause of the Christian religion, to the cause of suffering and unenlightened humanity.

A mangrove tree here and there and roads leading in different directions only remind one that once better things were here. Some of the scholars who attended school when Kaw-Mendi was in her bloom are still round about, and they still remember their old teachers, many of whom, doubtless, are now gone. They all seemed glad to have us come and visit them. One of the “Amistads” is here--Father Smith. He is growing quite old; yet he is active. Old Aunt Maria and Limby are still alive and can tell you all about Mr. Raymond and others who, in the infancy of missions here, came to Africa. Brother Williams has prayer meetings in his country house, mornings and evenings, to which those near are invited to come. Regular preaching services are held in a country chapel on Sundays. The chapel has been recently built, and the membership is such as to necessitate its being organized and dedicated. Old pupils of the Mission, who had lapsed into heathen habits, having long been left without any spiritual leader, have been reclaimed and brought into the church.

The chief is favorably disposed toward missionaries and accompanied us to many places in his territory. Were it not for his favor, Brother Williams could not get along so well in his work. There are 21 boys under Mr. Williams’ immediate care in his country house, (which is very neat and comfortable), whom he is instructing. He feeds and clothes them, and how he does it is a mystery to me. One thing helps him, and that is his agricultural department, connected with his school. His boys are taught to work. Although the farm is small, still it is very good.

We took Brother Williams by surprise and notwithstanding his poor accommodation, as he termed it, we (Mrs. Miller, Mr. Jowett and myself) spent two or three days very pleasantly in and about Kaw-Mendi. We went up the Little Boom as far as Kambia. This was a very strongly barricaded town, held by Tom Cabby Smith, the most powerful and wealthy chief in all this region of country. He died last year, and his estate is going to ruin. The walls have fallen, the slaves are widely scattered, and things in general are in a very unsettled state. He was once connected with the Mission at Kaw-Mendi as a common laborer and was a very industrious man. Villages all along the banks of the river were flourishing and rice crops promising. Everything indicated prosperity, so far as the natives are able to be prosperous without the light of the Gospel.

The country is Mendi-speaking, and though it is large and the people are plentiful, and are not opposed to the Christian religion, still there is but one man in this country to tell them of Jesus.

I am favorably impressed with the country and the people. It is a day’s travel from Good Hope. Stretching out toward the interior, the country is low, but Brother Williams pronounces it healthy. He is a West Indian, and has lived in Africa for the last twenty years. It may be that he is quite acclimated, and it is not unhealthy for him.

* * * * *

Places up the Big Boom were also visited in the interest of the Mission, some of which were formerly occupied by missionaries under the general direction of the American Missionary Association, but are now abandoned. Three of these, doubtless, are well remembered--Salem Hill, Lawana, and Mo-Tappan.

The lower portion of the Boom River waters a section of country that is very fertile, and might be called, very appropriately, the “Palm-growing Region.” The towns in this section of country are prosperous looking, and as one beholds palm-trees stretching into the distance, he can but think of the old missionary hymn--

“From Greenland’s icy mountains, etc.,
From many a palmy plain.”

Surely from these plains, rich in the production of palm-nuts, etc., they are calling Christian men and women to deliver them, not from physical bondage, but from that bondage that enslaves the soul forever--the bondage of eternal death!

GBAP, TROM, MARKETAH.

We stopped all night at a place called Gbap, where the king of a large extent of country, lying or bordering on the Big Boom, resides. We had very comfortable lodging here, although we failed in seeing his majesty the king.

Mrs. Miller was along; also Mr. Jowett, our interpreter. Two of the schoolboys also attended us. The next morning we got a good peep at the place. It was very neat, and I was informed that the Mission once had a teacher here.

Shoving off (you must remember we travel in boats), we advanced slowly up the river, whose current had become quite strong. The day’s travel was very unsatisfactory, and our night’s rest more so; for the mosquitoes are so bad in this part of the country, that children and cows have been killed by them. This our men say. I am sure they were bad enough that night. Mrs. Miller seemed a perfect marvel to these savage people. We could scarcely go to bed, such as it was, for their looking in upon us, talking about Mrs. Miller. I was so black, and so much resembled other Africans, that I was not the centre of attraction. Still, our interpreter informed us that they complimented us as “Nyandingo te te”--very fine, or fine for true.

Morning was gladly hailed by all. Mosquitoes was the principal theme. Each one had battled, evidently, all night, not for place, but for life, against these pests. We moved off early, and shall ever remember the village and the night spent here. Its name is Trom. I am sure if I had been in a tomb that night, with something of the vault kind over me, my rest would have been more peaceful than in this dreary place. The people wherever we stopped kindly received the missionaries. We made better time from Trom to our next night’s resting-place. We entered the Kittam River, early leading off toward the Gallinas, a tribe that also speaks Mendi. Mendi is the predominant language of a very large extent of country. The lower part of the Big Boom River, which is called the Bullom, runs through a beautiful section of country. The Kittam also has very picturesque scenery. The people looked contented and happy; the country elevated and healthy. We travelled several miles down this river, and on visiting the king, the reception that was given us showed that he highly appreciated our visit. I am informed that no missionary had ever been here before. He promised the mission two children. After holding conference with the people he offered a place to plant a mission station in which to educate his children. He had them in his villages in abundance. I informed him that I would “look my head”--think over the matter. All were impressed with the beauty of this country, with the neatness of its villages and the good disposition of the people. The king’s daughter made so much fuss over Mrs. Miller, dressed so differently from herself, that she became quite uneasy. Large crowds came around and joined her in welcoming their strange friend. My color again made me more common and less noticeable. We had a good night’s rest in this place. We left Coranko and the Soboo chief and his people the next day, feeling happy in the thought that missionaries are wanted in this place, and that the Lord in his own good time will send them to it. “The harvest, truly, is plenteous, but the laborers are few.” The people stood on the shore while we sailed away. We met persons in our travels whom we knew in Bonthe, at Good Hope. They always did their best to make us happy. All I can say is, may the Soboo chief and people have, before a great while, some one to teach them the way to Christ, man’s only Redeemer.

Entering again the Big Boom en route to Mo-Tappan, we made good time, stopping at a few villages along the way. No missionary is in all this country. We stopped overnight with one Mr. Collier, who carries on trade near the river, in a place called Marketah, people’s market. It was Saturday night, and he was very busy closing accounts for the week. Our reception was a cordial one. We spent the Sabbath here and were much pleased to see what is doing for these benighted people. We had services at eleven o’clock, which the natives attended. It was interesting, and I feel that a good impression was made. Such meetings--I mean those consisting of reading of the Bible, commenting, etc.--are held regularly by Mr. Collier for the community. They surely can do a great deal in helping on the good cause. It were better and safer for trade, if religious instruction were in all this country. This part of the Big Boom is often visited by the horrors of war. Whole villages are sometimes laid low in one night, the inhabitants put to the sword or carried off into slavery. These wars are not waged because the aggressors have been in any way wronged by the attacked, but just for the sake of plunder. It is now something over a year since war visited this part of the Big Boom, but it has left its signs. Villages that were deserted are being rebuilt. Traders are resuming their business, and peace is gradually returning to all this region.

We left early Monday morning, having spent a pleasant Sabbath with our friends in Marketah. The current became stronger as we advanced toward the interior. The winds were adverse, so our progress was somewhat like the missionary work, slow. We had long since left mangroves, with their malarial swamps. That we were getting some distance from Sherbro was visible from the very appearance of things. The farther we advanced into the interior, the more uneasiness seemed to be depicted on the countenances of Africa’s enslaved children. Africa is her own greatest enemy. War and slavery curse her most, bring misery where happiness might reign. When you launch out of British jurisdiction, slaves are common. This traffic is carried on by the natives themselves, and the biggest man owns the largest number of slaves and has the greatest number of wives.

Polygamy is common, where men are able to support more than one wife; but you may rest assured that when means of support give out, the women are found giving out too.

This day’s travel brought us to Baikal, a strongly barricaded town. We did not go inside, but the music and noise within showed plainly that Ham’s sons and daughters here were having a good time in a country dance.

MO-TAPPAN, SALEM HILL, LAWANA.

We rested overnight, but early next morning pushed on for Mo-Tappan, the extreme interior Mission station held by the American Missionary Association. We stopped at villages along our journey, where signs of late wars are still apparent. Each man is armed with either sword or cutlass. I am told that they keep these near them in time of peace to fight with, but in time of war they wrap them up in mats, give them to their wives, and ask their feet to save them by flight. The Mendi people are treacherous and cruel in war, and not at all brave. I hope the time may soon come when all this region will enjoy peace and righteousness in God.

This country is elevated, with beautiful bills stretching away into the distance. We enjoyed the fine scenery. About ten o’clock we reached Salem Hill. The massive walls built here by the former missionaries are still standing, but the place is so covered with shrubbery and vines that it is with great difficulty that access to it is obtained. The Hill and scenery are splendid, but this foundation, of no use to any one, made us feel sad, everything around looked so forlorn. The large village that once stood near has disappeared, as so many African villages and towns have done. Along toward night we reached Lawana, where we remained overnight. Here, though several years’ labor was given to this place, no sign of past missionary work is visible. The place was captured in war; the inhabitants, all but a few who were ransomed, were put to death or sold into slavery. Our resting place here was not large, nor was it very comfortable. The chief was not seen until our return from Mo-Tappan. He evidently feared us, because the portions of country where wars are numerous are often or sometimes visited by the English to ask the people to keep quiet.

We left early next morning for Mo-Tappan, arriving there about 9 o’clock. The place is now a regular canebreak. The tomb of the late Mr. Brooks is the only thing that reminded us that the white man had been here. Our stay was short. No one at all lives here now. It was broken up by war.

“We now retraced our steps for home, stopping at Lawana. We then saw the chief, who gave us a cordial welcome. Three children were brought home by us to be trained for future workers. The current carried us down quite rapidly. We stopped at but few places on our return; our Mission is well known in all this country, and it will be easy for us again to gain footing in former places held by the American Missionary Association. Large outlays are altogether unnecessary; plain houses, on cheap plans, are things for a country so subject to changes from war.

The real Mendi people are here, and I hope that the banner of Christ will soon again in triumph wave over the strongholds once held by our Mission. Pray that we may be guided in attempting to extend our work, and that everything may be done to His honor and glory.

* * * * *

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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FALSE BRETHREN.

We have had new griefs of late. In days past, when reproach and opposition came mainly from those whose anti-Chinese rage was simply an expression of an anti-Christian spirit, it was comparatively easy to endure it. And even when those professing godliness have cringed before ungodly prejudices, and shut the door of the house of God upon the Chinese Sunday-school, and received, if at all, with left-handed welcomes to the church on earth Chinese who gave every token of having been accepted by Christ to the kingdom of Heaven, we remembered with comfort the “sure foundation” which has “this seal; the Lord knoweth them that are His.” In all these experiences, and even when the violence of lawless hoodlumism for the time almost emptied our school-rooms, and the intensity of anti-Chinese feeling on the part of Americans was provoking an equally intense anti-American feeling on the part of the Chinese, so that we found it difficult to bring them within reach of Gospel influences, we had this to console us, that our Chinese brethren themselves, almost without exception, seemed to be “steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.” It is true, some who were received to our Association of Christian Chinese were found, before the six or eight months of their probation had expired, not to be sincere, and were consequently never baptized; but of those who had been received to the church, I was accustomed to say that thus far not one, so far as we knew, had brought any reproach upon the name of Christ.

This was a glad surprise to me. I had read Paul’s letters to the churches of Corinth and of Galatia, and the messages of Jesus to the seven churches of Asia, and was well aware that the disappointments which attended apostolic missions occurred often enough to-day in heathen lands to make our missionaries there rejoice with trembling over those apparently born of God; but, till recently, no such disappointment had been visited upon us. There were occasional backslidings, a temporary recession of interest, which started fears and called us to earnest prayer; but, in general, I could say, that I knew of no group of American Christians in whose steadfastness and zeal a pastor could take more delight than we could in our Chinese brethren. And this is still true; perhaps more evidently true than before, in view of the course which they have pursued towards some “false brethren.”

About three months ago I visited Sacramento, in order to make new arrangements for the accommodation of our Mission there. The room which we had occupied free of rent for many years being no longer at our service, I was enabled to rent, at a comparatively low rate, a Mission house so well located, so roomy, and so well adapted to our peculiar work, that I came away gratefully realizing that the Master himself had gone before me, and believing that He was about to lead us into a larger and better work there than we had ever done before. The added expense, however, caused me to withdraw temporarily the paid helper, and to trust to the volunteer aid which our Chinese brethren promised to give. Among these volunteers, the one who seemed at once most able and most willing was Wong Wing. He spoke English well; seemed to be a natural leader; and while exhibiting some traits which made one stand somewhat in doubt, yet, on the whole, was trusted both by his Chinese brethren and their American friends. But he proved to be a Judas. He carried the bag and was a thief. Having possessed himself of several hundred dollars from the hard earnings of his brethren, he attempted to decamp, but has been brought back, and is now awaiting a trial which cannot but consign him to State’s Prison. The concern of our brethren, however, seems to be less for their own losses than for the dishonor brought upon the cause of Christ. “How shall we preach in the street any more,” they say, “unless we continue to let all men see that while we pity Wong Wing, we hate his evil deeds?” And they have spared neither pains nor expense in bringing him to justice, as, indeed, by the rules of their Association they were bound to do.

In San Francisco we have had one case even sadder than this, which has made our hearts ache through and through, and two or three cases which, without bringing overt reproach, yet involved excision from the church. And at the same time with all these griefs came dissensions among the brethren in Oakland, which spread widely, and for a while threatened great disaster. These, however, have been allayed, and, indeed, so overruled that the work, on the whole, has been helped rather than hindered through them.

I suppose it would be neither needful nor wise for me to go further into details, even if the space at my command admitted of it; but it seemed to be the dictate even of honesty, since, like Paul, I have ventured to “boast” over the character of our Chinese believers, that I should not conceal these humbling facts. Yet I still will “boast” that never did I witness in any church more prompt, wise and effective Christian discipline than these events have called forth in our Association of Christian Chinese; and God will, sooner or later, overrule it all for good.

BETHANY SCHOOL.

I append some clippings from the last monthly report of the school taught in the lecture-room of Bethany church, San Francisco. After speaking of the great pleasure she finds in the work in general, Miss Worley says: “The last month has been one of great anxiety to me. Some who had attended the school for a long time, and were still attending, had been trying to send others away. In some cases, by using threats, they had succeeded. Months ago I was requested by two scholars to expel one pupil for this offense, but I wanted to try him a little longer. But

‘One sickly sheep affects the flock
And poisons all the rest.’

In this instance only a few were thus affected. Some were too faithful to be moved by threats. At length the issue came in this way: This scholar became aware that one of the pupils was about to join the Association. He set his heathen relatives upon him, and they threatened to kill him. To keep him away from the school, they got possession, one day, of the key of the ‘Bethany Home’ and locked him in. He, finding the door locked, and no chance of its being opened till after the close of the school, went out the back way and climbed over the fence (a close board fence about twenty feet high, erected to protect the rear of the house from hoodlumism). He now thought he would get to school all right. He was mistaken, for, stationed in the corridor between the church and the lecture-room were these Chinese who had locked him in. As he passed them they struck him across his eye and hand. I found it necessary then to expel them; yet I feel that they cannot forget what they have learned, and I live in hope that bread cast upon the waters ‘will be found after many days.’

“I am glad to say that this good and faithful scholar (for such he is) who was hurt, gave his name at the next meeting as a candidate for membership in the Association. The only obstacle in the way of another scholar is the fear of his parents in China. He has not yet learned by _heart_ that ‘he that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me.’

“Since that night, and the expulsion of those persecutors, I seem to be constantly adding fresh names to my roll. Working scholars are leaving no stone unturned to increase our numbers. I feel thankful for such scholars. Friends kindly help me in the work, but what I most need is a Chinese helper. I trust that at no distant time I may have one. The scholars who are able are willing to explain, but they need all the little time they have for study. I find the most studious pupils make the sincere Christians.”

To which appeal for a Chinese helper the superintendent adds his own _Amen_. But we cannot have one without more means than now we have at our command.

CHILDREN’S PAGE.

* * * * *

CHILDREN’S INFLUENCE.

MISS MARY BAILEY, VERMONT.

Children’s influence is too much overlooked in the Mission work. Parents, Sabbath-school teachers, and missionary agents do not take the pains they might to create in them a missionary spirit.

As soon as they “can speak and go alone” they should be “bent” into missionary workers. They _can_ be taught to take as much interest in the condition of the Freedmen, Chinese and Indians, as in “Mother Hubbard,” “Jack and the Bean Stalk,” etc. Especially when they are called upon to give their pennies should it be explained to them for what purposes their moneys are solicited.

A little mite of a girl came to me and asked for a penny. “What would you do with a penny?” said I. “Carry it to Sunday-school.” “What do you carry it to Sunday-school for?” “To put it into the conniption box.” “What do you put it into the ‘conniption box’ for?” “For the man.” “What does the man do with it?” “He put it into his pocket!”

After that, when missionary papers came, I read them through to her. By glancing ahead I saw what the facts were, then I would read them in words she could understand. She was so charmed with that kind of reading she would take a toy book out of my hand and hunt up a missionary paper to be read to her instead.

When she saw me glancing along she would exclaim, “Don’t let your eyes zig-zag over the page; read every word!”

The Freedmen interested her very much. She said one morning, “I prayed for the colored people last night; I told Jesus they suffered.” At another time I read about a colored student who was anxious to become a minister, and she “told the Lord that he wanted to be a minister.”

Last Sabbath a missionary preached a very interesting sermon at our church, in the interests of the Freedmen. I hoped he would speak a few words to the children, but he did not.

I asked a little girl of nine years, who thinks she would like to be a missionary, how she liked the sermon? She replied that she could not understand it. I told her that he said the Catholics were sending more teachers among the colored people than we were, and they were fast becoming their converts.

She quickly replied, “Then we shall be slaves; we had better look out!”

If all children under religious instruction were engaged to do all they could in the cause of Missions, what an additional power would their praying and gleanings be against the enemies of Christian liberty.

* * * * *

RECEIPTS

FOR JULY, 1879.

* * * * *

MAINE, $158.27.

Castine. Mrs. Lucy S. Adams, to const. MRS.
DOROTHY L. STEVENS, L. M. $30.00
Dennysville. Mrs. Samuel Eastman 5.00
Eastport. Cong. Sab. Sch. $5; Rev. G. A. P.
50c. 5.50
Kennebunkport. Second Cong. Ch., $8.25; First
Cong. Ch., $7.02 15.27
North Waterford. “A. J. H.” 2.00
Portland. State St. Cong. Ch. 75.00
York. First Cong. Ch. and Soc. 25.50

NEW HAMPSHIRE, $450.38.

Amherst. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 10.68
Antrim. “Friends,” by Imla Wright 105.00
Bennington. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 22.01
Brentwood. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 2.00
Concord. South Cong. Ch. and Soc. 54.33
Greenville. E. G. Heald 5.00
Keene. First Cong. Sch., $65.40; E. R., $1 66.40
Manchester. C. B. Southworth, to const. MINNIE
P. SOUTHWORTH, L. M. 50.00
Marlborough. Freedmen’s Ladies’ Aid Soc. 7.00
Milford. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 11.94
Nashua. First Cong. Ch. and Soc. 19.97
New Market. T. H. Wiswall 10.00
North Hampton. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 21.02
Northwood Centre. Cong. Soc. 16.23
Pembroke. Mrs. Mary W. Thompson 5.00
Temple. Cong. Sab. Sch. 17.00
Winchester. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 25.80
Windham. “A Friend” (thank offering) 1.00

VERMONT, $248.32.

Cambridge. B. R. Holmes, Rev. E. Wheelock, S.
M. Safford, J. G. Morse, and O. W. Reynolds,
$5 ea.; J. W. T. and M. J. M. $1 ea. 27.00
East Hardwick. Mrs. L. W. J. and Mrs. L. H. P. 1.00
East Berkshire. S. J. B. 50c.; “A Friend.” 25c. 0.75
Enosburg. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 18.56
Fair Haven. Cong. Sab. Sch. _for Student,
Atlanta U._ 30.00
Hartland. Union Coll. 2.45
Manchester. Cong. Ch. to const. Dea. S. G.
CONE, L. M. 74.51
Milton. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 18.05
Underhill. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 9.10
Wallingford. Cong. Ch. and Soc. $32; “E. A.
H.” $2 34.00
West Brattleborough. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 10.15
West Milton. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 9.81
Windham. Cong. Ch. 9.10
Woodstock. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 3.84

MASSACHUSETTS, $2,265.03.

Abington. First Cong. Ch. and Soc. (ad’l), $3;
S. P. L. 50c. 3.50
Amherst. Church in Amherst College 35.30
Andover. Chapel Cong. Ch. $75.39; “A Friend,”
$10; Miss H. E. Whittier, bbl. of C. 85.39
Beverly. Dane St. Ch. and Soc. 8.15
Boston. Eliot Cong. Ch. (ad’l) 20.00
Brimfield. Second Cong. Sab. Sch. 5.00
Brockton. 2 bbls. C. by Lizzie F. Trow, _for
Tougaloo U._
Brookline. Harvard Cong. Ch. 97.29
Charlestown. Winthrop Cong. Ch. and Soc. _for
Hampton N. and A. Inst._ 70.00
Chelsea. First Cong. Ch. and Soc. 63.38
Curtisville. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 14.75
Dover. Trin. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 4.00
East Hampton. Payson Cong. Sab. Sch. 50.00
England. Miss S. L. Ropes 10.00
Falmouth. First Cong. Ch. and Soc. 23.50
Fall River. Central Cong. Ch. 1.50
Framingham. Plymouth Cong. Sab. Sch. 24.50
Gardner. First Cong. Ch. and Soc. 10.00
Georgetown. Memorial Cong. Ch. 27.05
Hadley. Thomas P. Carleton 2.00
Haverhill. John Kendrick, $10; Mrs. L. P. F.,
50c.;--Industrial Soc. of North Ch., bbl. of
valuable bedding, _for Tougaloo U._ 10.50
Holliston. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 12.60
Holyoke. Second Cong. Ch. 17.90
Hingham. Ev. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 13.98
Lexington. Hancock Cong. Ch. 14.24
Lowell. Kirk St. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 224.55
Lowell. High St. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 15.83
Malden. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 44.25
Maplewood. Free Christian Ch. 2.25
Middlefield. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 35.00
Millbury. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 56.49
North Adams. Cong. Ch. 81.66
New Bedford. North Cong. Ch. (ad’l) 10.00
Newburyport. Whitfield Cong. Ch. 10.87
Newton. Eliot Ch. 125.00
Newtonville. Central Cong. Ch. and Soc.,
$26.17; Mrs. J. W. Hayes, $25 51.17
North Brookfield. First Cong. Ch. and Soc. 50.00
Northbridge. Phebe S. Marsh 5.00
North Somerville. “A Friend” 2.00
Oxford. First Cong. Ch. and Soc. 34.70
Petersham. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 3.25
Pittsfield. First Cong. Ch. and Soc. 35.47
Reading. Rev. W. H. Willcox, _for Emerson
Inst._ 20.00
Rockland. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 70.00
South Abington. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 17.73
Southborough. P. E. Ch. and Soc. 16.99
South Deerfield. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 10.50
South Hadley. First Cong. Ch. and Soc. 21.00
South Weymouth. Union Cong. Ch. and Soc., $40;
Second Cong. Ch. and Soc., $45, bal. to
const. MRS. MARIA J. LOUD and FRANK W.
WALLIS, L. M.’s 85.00
Springfield. First Cong. Ch., $39.85; South
Ch., $23.02; Mrs. Bowdoin, $10; Ira Merrill,
$5; Mrs. A. C. Hunt, $5 82.87
Sterling. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 3.39
Sturbridge. Cong. Ch. and Soc., $32.45, and
Sab. Sch., $14.15 46.60
Templeton. Trin. Cong. Ch. and Soc., $20.15;
L. R. and C. C. Shattuck, $3; Mrs. W., $1 24.15
Waltham. Cong. Ch. and Soc., $82.74; N.
Scamman, $2 84.74
Waverley. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 23.66
West Barnstable. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 10.00
Westborough. Cong. Ch. and Soc. ($5 of which
from Mrs. Samuel Griggs), 12.31
West Boylston. Miss Polly Ames and Geo. W.
Ames, $3 each 6.00
West Hampton. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 17.72
Wilbraham.--by Chas. Marsh. Treas. H. B. A. 10.70
Williamsburgh. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 22.52
Williamstown. First Cong. Ch., $15.57; A. M.
M., 50c. 16.07
Winchendon. “F. T. J.” 5.00
Wollaston Heights. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 10.00
Worcester. Central Cong. Ch. and Soc. 145.99
Yarmouth. First Cong. Ch. and Soc.,
$50;--Cong. Sab. Sch., $10.07, _for Student
Aid, Fisk U._ 60.07

RHODE ISLAND, $85.65.

Central Falls. Cong. Ch. 85.65
Pawtucket. Robert Cushman, Organ and freight

CONNECTICUT, $1,500.26.

Berlin. Second Cong. Ch. 19.79
Bethel. Cong. Sab. Sch. 10.00
Bethlehem. H. B. 0.50
Bristol. Mrs. J. R. H. 0.50
Colchester. First Cong. Ch. and Soc. 4.00
Durham. First Cong. Ch. and Soc. 28.00
East Haven. Cong. Ch. 30.00
East Hartford. First Ch. 30.00
Farmington. Cong. Ch. 40.08
Glastenbury. First Cong. Ch. 125.00
Gilead. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas L. Brown 5.00
Goshen. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 30.00
Granby. First Cong. Ch. 6.50
Guilford. Daniel Hand 100.00
Hanover. Cong. Ch., to const. JAMES W. CUTLER,
L. M. 37.52
Hartford. First Cong. Ch., $295; Asylum Hill
Cong. Ch., $135; Windsor Ave. Cong. Ch. $22 452.00
Lebanon. First Ch. 56.67
Meriden. First Cong. Ch. (ad’l) 1.25
Millington. Cong. Ch. 3.63
New Haven. Amos Townsend, $50; B. P., $1;
Third Cong. Ch., $24.71 75.71
Northfield. Cong. Ch. 28.75
North Stonington. Cong. Sab. Sch. 2.00
Norwich. First Cong. Ch. (in part) 112.00
Old Lyme. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 18.00
Old Saybrook. Cong. Ch. 14.76
Poquonock. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 17.25
Salisbury. Cong. Ch. 59.91
South Coventry. Cong. Ch. 37.50
Terryville. Elizur Fenn and Mrs. Elizur Fenn,
$5 ea. 10.00
Thomaston. Cong. Ch. 41.55
Vernon. Mrs. E. P. 1.00
West Haven. Mrs. Kimball and Mrs. Coe, $5 ea.;
Dr. Painter’s S. S. Class, $1.13 11.13
Wilton. Cong. Ch. 27.09
Windsor. Cong. Ch. 50.00
Woodstock. First Cong. Ch. 13.17

NEW YORK, $2,471.35.

Binghamton. Chas. A. Beach 25.00
Brooklyn. Central Cong. Ch. Sab. Sch., $30, to
const. HON. W. W. WHEELER, L. M., _for
Missionary at Charleston, S. C._; also $50
_for Rev. Geo. Henry, Fernandina, Fla._ 80.00
Camden. Cong. Ch., $23.61; and Sab. Sch., $10 33.61
Carthage. Cong. Ch. 2.03
Champlain. Pres. and Cong. Ch. 21.60
Columbus. Box of books and papers by O. S.
Williams
East Bloomfield. Cong. Soc. 39.00
Fairport. Cong. Sab. Sch. 10.00
Freeport. Rev. C. F. Boynton, _for Emerson
Inst._ 6.00
Gaines. Cong. Ch. and Soc., $27.21, and Sab.
Sch., $8.61, to const. MRS. LEANDER
BIDELMAN, L. M. 35.82
Harlem. Cong. Ch. 11.46
Kingsborough. J. W. 1.00
Lima. Chas. D. Miner, Geo. Thayer and Geo. W.
Thayer, $5 each; Mrs. A. E. M., $1; Mrs. L.
T. B., $1 17.00
Madison. Cong. Ch. 7.00
Marcellus. “A Friend.” 20.00
Newark Valley. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 50.18
New York. Tabernacle Ch. (ad’l), $1; J. A. V.
A., 65c.; A Deceased Friend, by E. S. H.,
bag of C. 1.65
North Bergen. Rev. S. Carver 10.00
Onandaga Valley. A. L. G. 1.00
Owasco. Mrs. A. S. 1.00
Perry. “A Friend.” 10.00
Poughkeepsie. Mrs. M. J. Myers 25.00
Randolph. Mrs. Diantha C. Bush, deceased 2000.00
Rensselaer Falls. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 18.00
Spencerport. Sarah Vannest 15.00
Syracuse. “An Old Friend,” to const. G. B.
DOUD, L. M. 30.00
West Farms. Mrs. A. Woods, pkg. of books

NEW JERSEY, $29.35.

Newark. Belleville Av. Cong. Ch. 19.35
Parsippany. Mrs. Jane W. Force 10.00

PENNSYLVANIA, $131.

Canton. H. Sheldon 5.00
Millbrook. Rev. G. S. 1.00
Philadelphia. Mrs. S. L. Chester 5.00
---- “For Jesus” 120.00

OHIO, $332.59.

Ashland. John Thompson. 2.28
Berea. Cong. Ch. 3.80
Charlestown. Cong. Ch. 9.50
Cincinnati. Columbia Cong. Ch. 14.10
Cleveland. Euclid Av. Cong. Ch. 14.04
Cuyahoga Falls. Cong. Ch., $13.85, and Sab.
Sch., $8.51 22.36
Grafton. Mrs. Sally Tuttle 5.00
Harmar. Cong. Ch. 54.60
Hudson. By H. E. Riker 4.95
Huntsburgh. Cong. Ch., _for Emerson Inst._ 0.50
Jersey. Mrs. Lucinda Sinnet, $50; Mrs M. H., $1 51.00
Lodi. Cong. Ch., $9; Ladies’ Miss. Soc. $1 10.00
Mantua. Cong. Ch. 4.00
Mesopotamia. S. O. Lyman 15.00
Newark. “A Friend” 1.00
Oberlin. Second Cong. Sab. Sch. $30, _for
Student Aid, Atlanta U._;--Second Cong. Ch.
$10; Mrs. J. F. B. $1 41.00
Painesville. First Cong. Ch. (of which $1.50
from Mrs. Albert Morley _for Straight U._). 30.21
Randolph. W. J. Dickinson 10.00
Ravenna. Cong. Ch. 22.67
Rootstown. C. S. S. 0.51
Springfield. O. H. Anderson, $10; First Cong.
Ch. and Soc. $6.07 16.07

INDIANA, $86.12.

Fort Wayne. Cong. Ch. and Sab. Sch. 15.00
Michigan City. Cong. Ch. 71.12

ILLINOIS, $919.97.

Belvidere. M. C. Foote 2.00
Chesterfield. Cong. Ch. 4.00
Chicago. Col. C. G. Hammond. _for Howard U._ 500.00
Creston. A. B. McCrea 5.00
Elmwood. Cong. Ch. $24.05; Mrs. I. B. Reede,
$10 34.05
Farmington. Cong. Ch. 80.14
Greenville. Cong. Ch. 2.00
Hennepin. Cong. Ch. 10.00
Hutsonville. C. V. Newton 2.00
Kewanee. Woman’s Miss. Soc. _for Tougaloo U._ 2.00
Malden. Cong. Ch. 20.00
Mendon. Cong. Ch. 29.00
Newark. Horace Day and Wife 5.00
Oak Park. Cong Ch., $45.10; Geo. Van Zant, $10 55.10
Ottawa. Cong. Ch. 35.28
Paxton. Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Shaw 5.00
Peru. First Cong. Ch. 16.50
Port Byron. Ladies’ Miss. Soc. 5.50
Providence. Benj. Dexter 10.00
Saint Charles. Dean Ferson 2.00
Sparta. P. B. Gault 2.00
Sycamore. First Cong. Ch., $85.90; “A Friend,”
$3 88.90
Wayne Station. Cong. Ch. 4.50

MICHIGAN, $473.06.

Canandaigua. Cong. Ch. 4.60
Homestead. Morris Case 5.00
Jackson. “A Friend,” $300; Cong. Ch., $38;
Miss Eliza Page, $30, to const. MISS S.
LOUISE OVIATT, L. M. 368.00
Littlefield. Ladies’ Miss. Soc. of Cong. Ch. 11.55
Morenci. Cong. Ch. 6.00
Northport. Cong. Ch. 5.08
Port Huron. First Cong. Ch. 42.00
Saint Clair. Cong. Ch. 15.83
Warren. Rev J. L. Beebe 5.00
White Lake. Robert Garner 10.00

WISCONSIN, $402.67.

Alderly. Mrs. E. Hubbard, $3; Mrs. Ann Reid, $2 5.00
Appleton. Mrs. Ann S. Kimball 25.00
Beloit. First Cong. Ch. 170.57
Brant. Mrs. E. W. Scott 4.45
Burlington. Cong. Ch. 4.91
Clinton. Cong. Ch. 23.75
East Troy. Cong. Ch. 10.00
Genesee. Cong. Ch. 10.00
Geneva Lake. Presb. Ch. 12.00
Leeds. Cong. Ch. 5.04
Madison. First Cong. Ch. 50.00
Milwaukee. Spring St. Cong. Ch. 22.58
New Richmond. First Cong. Ch. 22.06
Racine. Mrs. E B 0.51
Waukesha. First Cong. Ch. 20.00
Windsor. Cong. Ch. 16.80