Chapter II: Part 2

My infant class in Sunday-school has grown from five to forty-five since I came; and, as I visit all my scholars, it keeps me busy. Monday afternoons I give to practising music in the Sunday-school; Wednesday, we have our school prayer-meeting; Thursday, a mother’s meeting, for prayer and conversation. This last has always been an interesting feature in my labors among the poor, and I trust it will be so here. Friday evening, I have a meeting for Bible-reading and prayer in the cabins near by. The reading is greatly enjoyed by the people. Sunday evenings I usually spend in the same way. Saturday, at 2 P.M., I have the sewing-school, numbering seventy-five, and weekly increasing in numbers and interest. The mothers are delighted, and the children not less so. As the entire burden of the work rests on me, with no white help, you can see that my moments at home are all occupied with cutting and basting. I have finally succeeded in getting some colored teachers, and may, in time, have help in preparing work. I try to visit the homes of all the scholars, that I may know their condition and needs. This is one of the very best means of access to the people, and helps to fill up the Sunday-school with needy ones. I feel as much at home as if I had always lived here, and can go to any part of the city with perfect ease. I have visited Vineville, Unionville, East Macon, Tybee, Sandy Bottom, etc., the suburbs of the city.

There was one dear old colored aunty here who was sick for months, but always so tender and thoughtful of me that my visits were a comfort and even pleasure. She went home last week, after a blessed death, singing with her last breath: “I’se passed over Jordan! Hallelu! Hallelu!” I wouldn’t have believed that I should miss her as I do. I don’t find many like her.

I feel very grateful for the barrels that I have received; I have received one barrel from Boston, a cask and barrel from Newburyport, one from Wentworth, N. H., one from Chicago. I have written letters to nine different Sunday-schools, and keep up a constant correspondence with my own church and Sunday-school, also with the Ladies’ Society in it. This was at first a burden to me, but it becomes easier and more of a pleasure. I find I have made 150 calls during January, and though this is not a large number, still it implies a great many miles of walking. I often can make but one or two calls in half a day, the distances are so great and there is no way to ride. I have spent a great many hours in teaching children their A B C’s and reading to them. I carry primers with me and find plenty of teaching to do.

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A Communion Season—District Meetings.

MISS E. W. DOUGLAS, McINTOSH, LIBERTY CO.

It was our Communion Sabbath and eleven united with the church, one by letter. Five were baptized, four by sprinkling, one by immersion. While a few went to the water to witness that ordinance, the many gathered in the church for a season of prayer, and I think that hour gave tone to the services of the day. I have seldom, if ever, seen so much quietness and seriousness in so large a gathering of this emotional people as there was that day. I refer to the greetings after the close of the service. There is usually much loud talking and laughing. The lesson of the morning hour was that they should not forget that the object of the Lord’s table was not to draw a crowd together to meet one another, but to meet the Lord and “remember” Him, and the chapter read and explained by the pastor when he returned from the water led our thoughts to the Crucified One. Three of those who united with the church professed conversion during the week of prayer.

As the members of this church are so widely scattered that it is difficult for the pastor to visit them often, they are arranged in seven districts, each having its “watchman,” whose duty it is to sustain district prayer-meetings and to report to the pastor any thing needing his attention. I have attended one of these district meetings, and hope to attend at least one every week.

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Church and School must Work Together.

REV. S. E. LATHROP, MACON.

During the last session of the Georgia Conference at Savannah, a debate took place on the subject of the church and school work as of necessity going together in this Southern field, which impressed me deeply. It was mainly carried on by the young colored brethren, both ministers and laymen, and in matter and manner showed that they knew whereof they spoke, and were deeply impressed with its importance. Any person who may have doubted the vital necessity of the school to the church work here, would surely have been convinced by the earnest arguments of these brethren, most of whom came to the church through the educational department of the mission work.

Said one young preacher: “The school is the primary department of the church. It trains the children and youth to think, and hence to accept of a thoughtful religion like ours, instead of the mere shouting and emotional style to which the ignorant and untrained cling. The true religion is one which teaches us to love God and our neighbor supremely, and this can be done best by the intelligence which comes only through the school training.”

Another said: “Our people never had any mental training, or any encouragement to think for themselves, and did not know how, until the A. M. A. schools awakened these powers. We, as a race, are not naturally a reasoning people. We are too much governed by impulse, by emotion, by instinct, by passions, and too easily offended, with little self-control. Slavery was a very poor mental discipline, and when freedom came, there were many extravagant ideas and ignorant impulses that led the people to extremes. The utter lack of public schools for our race made us at first prize most highly the advantages offered so generously by the A. M. A. Afterward, as the slumbering intelligence slowly awoke, we saw not only the intrinsic value of education, but we were more able to appreciate the kindness which suggested the sending of these faithful teachers and missionaries. Gratitude prompted us, in many cases, to break away from the old superstitious churches, and growing enlightenment helps us to see more clearly the superior advantages of an intelligent religion. The consecrated teachers of the Association have many of them done grand missionary work, although very few of them are open to the charge of sectarianism. Congregationalism, by its broad, liberal, unsectarian policy of churches and schools, has done a vast amount of good to all the other denominations. They are being leavened more and more by true intelligence, and the ancient foundations of ignorance and hierarchy are slowly giving way. Upon their ruins shall arise more beautiful temples to God, more enlightened worship, more worthy conceptions of daily life and religious duty.”

Another speaker claimed that “The day-school brings about sympathy of the day scholars with the church and Sunday-school work. The religious exercises of the schools cause the impression that there is a soul as well as a brain to be trained. The knowledge that the teachers are universally engaged in Sunday-school work, by the very law of cause and effect, calls attention to that work also. The sympathy that always exists between the preacher and teachers, and the hearty interest in the children that is shown by the ministers, cause both parents and children to think that the work is all one, as it really is. New England ‘blossoms as the rose’ to-day, because the church and the school-house have always been built together, and in their mutual work are as inseparable as the Siamese twins. May the day hasten when it shall be so in the South.”

The young delegate from Atlanta said: “The first church of Atlanta is the outgrowth of the Storrs School, whose devoted teachers have always sought after the spiritual as well as the mental welfare of their scholars. They have been true missionaries and worthy co-laborers in the Gospel with the pastors of the church.”

A young preacher, who is also the successful teacher of the day-school in his parish, said that “The training of the school children to be punctual at the morning roll-call, teaches also the very necessary habit of punctuality at church, in which our people are so deficient. The promptness, the discipline of order, cleanliness, good behavior and attention, which is taught in school, has also a corresponding effect in the church services. If our people were educated and enlightened, perhaps the church could get on without the school; but in their ignorance they must be taught to think, before they can get a right idea of Bible religion. The intellect must go with the heart, preparing the way for the coming of the Lord. Superstition is still a formidable enemy in our church work, and nothing but sanctified intelligence will ever defeat that adversary.”

Said another delegate: “I came into the church through the night-school. I was working hard all day and could not attend day-school, but went at night and studied as well as I could. There I first heard of the Congregational church. I found by inquiry that it was a church which had been very active in the anti-slavery times, and believed in free speech, free schools, free churches and equal rights in church and state. That attracted me, and I inquired more, until finally God forgave my sins and I united with the church. I love more and more the freedom and fraternity I find, and I believe in the church, which makes so much of schools, and has educated so many of my people.”

Said another: “The church must go with the school, because education alone only sharpens the mind for greater mischief. In the very nature of things, every school teacher ought to be a true Christian, to exert a Christ-like influence in the school, to encourage pupils to attend church and Sunday-school. The teacher’s power is greater over scholars here than in the North.”

Dr. Roy spoke of the many mission Sunday-schools and churches which had sprung up around Talladega College, the result of labor by the Christian students. He also recalled the history of the mission schools in India, which, on account of some complaints, were at one time given up, to the great detriment of the missions.

This is but an outline of the remarks made upon this important subject, which would have cheered the hearts of all philanthropists to hear. The decorum and general manner of expression throughout would have done honor to the most dignified deliberative body.

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ALABAMA.

Notes from Marion.

MRS. GEO. E. HILL.

Sundays are our grand working days. As we have services morning and night, the afternoon is left free to meet the people in other ways.

Sometimes the women come to the “Home” for a prayer-meeting, or the little children come in to hear Bible-stories told or read. Sometimes I have a Bible-reading for _boys_. They come, bringing their Bibles, and pencil and paper, and I read them some of the precious verses marked in my own Bible, or choose some story like that of the Shunamite, which they are not familiar with.

Many of them read imperfectly, and so lose the full meaning of the words, and we find that the “old, old story” becomes new and strangely sweet as we read it aloud to them, with fresh emphasis and expression.

An old man once said to me, “If I had a hundred dollar bill, I’d give it in a minute if I could read the Bible.”

Last Sunday, I invited several boys to come and see me. I seated them round a table, and gave them eight or ten copies of “Life and Light” and “Missionary Herald” to look over. Choosing for my text the _pictures_, I talked an hour with them, and selected an interesting fact or incident for each one to give that night at our monthly missionary meeting.

A fine, large missionary map has been donated to the church by the Sunday school in Weymouth, Mass., which is very useful in showing the people the great world, about which they know so little.

The girls’ sewing-class has sent $38 to the Mendi Mission.

Our Sunday-school numbers about eighty, and is the pleasantest and most orderly school I have seen at the South. The children come to their classes neatly dressed, after the Saturday’s washing and ironing, and give quiet attention during the hour. We find blackboard illustrations helpful in fixing the thoughts of the lesson. One Sunday, twenty maps of Palestine were handed in, in connection with the lesson.

The Sunday-school concerts are a special attraction, and are attended by many from other churches. At our last, several prominent white citizens were present.

We wish our friends at the North could see how well these colored children carry through the Bible Exercises and other recitations.

Every Monday at 4 P. M., the women meet at the “Home” for an hour of prayer. They have no clocks to tell the time by; but as most of them live in sight, I hang a white flag on the gatepost, fifteen minutes before the hour. We call this our “Gospel flag!”

The prayers of these women are marked by an unquestioning trust. They ask directly for what they want, without getting entangled in the formalities of more educated Christians, and they evidently feel that they speak into a listening ear.

Their faces often beam with pleasure as they hear the reading of the Bible. “What a glorious chapter this is!—it _feels so holy_!”—one of them said.

They need these hours of prayer, for life with them is hard, and pinched, and poor, and in their small houses of one or two rooms, full of little children, washing and ironing, and cooking, these mothers have no “closet” where they may shut themselves in for communion with Jesus, and get patience and strength for the day. But are not their prayers heard, as they stand by the tub, washing for the rich?—or bend over the cradle, in which, for some, there is always a baby—or cook the meal, which to us would seem so scanty? A woman once told me, that in slavery times, she went down in the garden, among the butter-beans, to pray—and there she had such a season of joy, that when she came in, and took her place at her master’s table, to brush away the flies, “’pear’d like glory was in de fly-brush!”

For the last five months, we have had an afternoon school for children under 14 years of age, here at the “Home.” A large room on the back gallery was fitted up for them, and here twenty-five children come every day and are taught from 1 to 4 o’clock.

Besides the ordinary book lessons, their young teacher instructs them in good manners, neatness and simple fancy-work, and gives each day a half-hour talk on birds, plants or animals, illustrated by pictures on the blackboard.

The children are quick to learn and eager for all kinds of information, which they take home and repeat to their parents, when the work of the day is done.

Some of these parents who cannot even read themselves, are “proud” to hear their children talk intelligently about Washington, or Napoleon, or Henry Bergh.

This is our third winter among the Freedmen, but we feel that we are just learning how to be missionaries, and how to get at the people, and meet them in their great needs. Are we happy in our work? Yes; happy and content. Even in our “small corner” we have the Master’s presence, and feel it a privilege to work among His lowly ones.

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MISSISSIPPI.

A Brother’s Devotion.

MRS. G. STANLEY POPE, TOUGALOO.

When we first came to Tougaloo, two years ago last fall, we found a young man who had been here a few days, Frank H——. He had run away from his uncle, because of his cruelty to him. He was then about nineteen years old. He was anxious to get an education; and although he had not a cent of money, he proved to be such a faithful boy, both at his books and at work, that with but little help he managed to earn his board and pay his way in school. He had been a very wicked boy, but Christ wrought a great change in him, and before the year closed, he became a most conscientious Christian.

He remained right here, working on the farm during the summer, and studying when school was in session, until about two months ago, when he left and went to work. He had often spoken of a sister who was still with his uncle, and he was anxious to get her away, and have her in school. A little over a week ago, he received his pay for his work, and went to get his sister. He tried to persuade his uncle to let her go, but he would not listen to it, and said she should never leave him. Frank found out from her that she was greatly abused, and that she wanted to leave and come with him. She is not more than fourteen years old, and small for her age, but when Frank found her she was burning brush and helping to clear up new land. Her whole work has been in the field, plowing and hoeing, picking cotton and “pulling fodder.”

Frank finally made up his mind to “kidnap” her; so a little after dark, when she was feeding the mules, he told her his plan, and they left at once for the swamp, as it would be less easy to track them there. After going through that, they walked till nearly midnight to get to a railroad station farther away than the one they usually went to, as Frank knew his uncle would be down there in the morning to find them. The girl, whose name by the way is Leah, had no clothing on except a cotton dress and a bit of an old shawl over her head; so, early in the morning, Frank went to a store and got calico for two dresses, and hired them made, both being finished (after a fashion) by night, he paying a dollar apiece for the work. He also bought her some shoes and a few other things, and a little after dark they took the cars for this place, arriving here about midnight. Frank stayed over the Sabbath, and then went back to his work to earn money to keep her in school. He said to me, “she’s all the sister I’ve got, and I want her to do well.” She did not know a letter, but she is quick and bright, and during the few days she has been in school she has done well; she knows nothing about housework, but is willing and tries to learn. I asked her yesterday if she knew about God. “Not much.” “Have you ever been to Sabbath-school?” “No.” “Ever been to church?” “Twice.” “Do you know about Jesus?” “Never heard of him.”

Oh, Christian women of the North! do you need to go to India or Turkey to find heathen? I assure you, Leah is not an isolated case; she is a fair sample of thousands in the South.

Your “Woman’s Board of Missions” is doing a good work for God and humanity. I would not underestimate its value; but while you are responding so liberally to the calls for help from afar, are you not forgetting this work of no less importance which lies nearer to you, the work of giving Christian education to the despised and degraded colored women of the South?

We are very sorry to have Frank out of school. He can not afford it, neither can you afford it, for if he could be in school for one or two years longer, he would make a very fair teacher for the country schools.

He hopes to be here next year; but if he has to clothe himself and his sister, and pay seven dollars apiece a month for their board, I don’t see much chance for him. Does any one feel called upon to take the responsibility of her board bill?

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Report

_Of the State Superintendent of Public Education to His
Excellency Governor J. M. Stone, and the Honorable Legislature of
the State of Mississippi._

TOUGALOO UNIVERSITY.

This institution, under the direction and control of the American Missionary Association, is doing a most excellent work in the education of the colored youth of the State. For a number of years after its establishment an annual appropriation was made by the State, supplementary to the funds contributed by the Society, and a Board of Trustees was appointed on the part of the State. This Board still exists; but inasmuch as the last Legislature failed to make appropriation for the University, and as the property belongs to the Missionary Society, it would appear to be useless. The Principal, writing on the 20th of December, 1879, says: “The improvement in the school is very marked. This is seen in the general training of students, in the greater number who are desiring to complete the regular course of study, the increased number in attendance in the higher grades, in more frequent visits from patrons, and by the friends it is making among the whites where our students have been at work.

The management of the institution is admirable, its teachers are superior, and everything connected with it is in excellent condition, as I have had occasion to learn from personal observation. As a recognition of the good work being done by the American Missionary Association in the education and elevation of the colored people of the State, it is recommended that a liberal appropriation be made, that it may be rendered still more useful.”

J. A. SMITH,
_State Supt. of Public Education_.

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LOUISIANA.

Revival in the Central Church—Theological Department—Church Dedication.

REV. W. S. ALEXANDER.

The hope expressed in my last letter that I might have glad tidings to send you, has been fully realized, and it is my happiness to record one of the most precious revivals in the history of the Central Church. I do not forget the history of the past four years, and the seasons of spiritual awakening through which the church has passed. The present movement differs from the preceding, if at all, in a more intelligent grasp of the truth, and in a deeper spiritual tone. The past summer was a time of preparation for the scenes that were to follow. The Revival was the constant theme of conversation and prayer. It was the one burden upon their hearts. Sunday, January 4, the first day of the week of prayer, was marked by evident signs of deepening interest. On that day, eight were received to the church, of whom three came on profession of their faith. For twenty-seven consecutive evenings, we met in our lecture room. The Gospel was preached with directness and earnestness. A “church in earnest” took hold of the work and pressed it forward. Beginning with an audience of 75, the numbers in constant attendance rapidly increased to 200. The interest suffered no diminution to the last night, when six came forward to the “mourners’ seats” with the cry, “Pray for us.” Some continued in an anxious state for two, three or four weeks, while others, coming in from motives of curiosity merely, were stricken down by God’s Spirit, and as quickly brought into the light and liberty of believers.

An old man of 70 years was brought into the Kingdom, and is as happy as the youngest convert. Another, much in political life, and who publicly said, “I have been an awful sinner,” seems now to be a reformed and converted man.

Four of our University students have joyfully professed Christ.

While incidents occurred daily which touched our hearts, and added to the tenderness and deep solemnity of our meetings, they cannot of course be faithfully recorded, and I do not attempt it.

Let me say that there was no undue excitement, and not the slightest approach to merely physical and emotional demonstrations. The work was too intelligent, too spiritual for that. In prayer, in song, and in appeal, human agency was forgotten, and the converting power of the Divine Spirit was reverently recognized.

Sunday, Feb. 1st, was our “Feast of Ingathering.” Of the _thirty_ converted in the meetings, twenty-four were received to the fellowship of the church, with two who came to us by letter. The people brought flowers for the pulpit and communion-table. Of the 250 present in the audience, 150 received the sacrament. “The Lord hath done great things for us whereof we are glad.”

_The Theological Department_ is larger than in any previous year. It numbers twenty members, young men of zeal and promise, not only willing but eager to be instructed in the truths and doctrines of God’s word. Four of the class are ordained ministers, of whom two are pastors of churches in New Orleans. Not all of them have the ministry in view. Those who have not, are hoping through this instruction to become more useful and efficient in the church. Three theological lectures are given each week, and there are besides sermons given by the students before the class for criticism, and discussions on religious topics. Our great lack is books of reference. We have no systems of theology, and no commentaries to which the young men can have access. In the “good time coming,” these we trust will be supplied, and so the efficiency of the department be increased.

_Church Dedication._—In response to an earnest invitation from the Congregational Church in New Iberia, I went down on Saturday, the 14th inst., to assist in the dedication of their new church. The terrific windstorm of last September laid their tasteful and really beautiful house of worship in ruins. The building was a total wreck. The storm, as it swept up the bayou, left only desolation in its track. The people, with commendable energy and self-denial, bating not one jot of heart or hope, set themselves to the work of rebuilding. They purchased more ground, put up a larger and better building, and the machinery of the church is again in working order. They have expended something like $450, and urgently need $200 more for painting and furnishing. The people feel that they have exhausted their resources. It is a noble enterprise, and should be encouraged. Loyalty to our Congregational polity in Louisiana should call forth a hearty response to their appeal. At the service of dedication, the house was crowded to its utmost capacity. Both morning and night the word was received with all readiness and gladness of heart. Southern Louisiana is a beautiful country, unsurpassed for productiveness, and should be dotted all over with churches where the Gospel in its simplicity, clearness and power may be preached. God speed the day!

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TENNESSEE.

Revival in Fisk University.

PROF. H. S. BENNETT.

A quiet but deep work of grace has been in progress since the week of prayer in our institution. The week of prayer was observed as usual with us, but without any special increase of interest. The question then came up, “Shall we pass through the year without our usual work of grace?” This led to earnest prayer and consecration on the part of teachers and Christian students. The result was soon perceptible in greater earnestness among Christians, and a wide-spread spirit of inquiry among the impenitent. At this point the attendance on the half-hour prayer meetings was largely increased. From six to ten inquirers presented themselves for prayers from night to night, and from this time the work went forward. Four students were converted on one Sabbath, and others were brought out into the light. Thus the work went forward hopefully but quietly, until, up to this time, fourteen students have expressed a hope in Christ. This is the second season of interest during the present scholastic year. Before Christmas, a brief season of spiritual awakening brought seven students out upon the Lord’s side, so that the results of the year have been twenty-one conversions. Several others are still inquiring, and the work goes on, though with less manifest power than a few weeks ago.

The results of the revival have been seen in the deepening of the earnestness of Christians, so that much of the power of the good work does not appear.

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THE INDIANS.

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CHURCH—CHRISTMAS—BIBLES.

REV. MYRON EELLS, S’KOKOMISH, WASH. TER.

The first Sabbath in this year we received five members into our church, three of them on profession of faith, two of whom were our older scholars. One of the scholars whom we received a year ago died some time since. It was on the Sabbath, and after his brother, also a member, had returned from church, he took his brother’s hand and held it until he died, urging him to hold steadfast to his Christian profession to the end.

We have, to our great regret, been obliged to discipline two others for misconduct, suspending them for three months.

On Christmas I arranged so that a dinner was prepared for the oldest Indians, who are unable to support themselves. They enjoyed it, coming through storm, snow and cold in order to get it. It was the first affair of the kind we have had for them alone. Between Government and the Indians, feasts have been prepared for the Indians in general, but never for the old decrepit ones. They are nearly always neglected.

For more than two years I have been serving as Local Agent of our Territorial Bible Society. On making my report for the last year, I find that I have sold books to the amount of $32.19, viz. thirty Bibles and forty-five Testaments. Of these, twenty-one Bibles and eighteen Testaments have been bought by the Indians, for which they have paid $22.72. These have varied in price from the five-cent Testament to the royal octavo Bible, gilt, reference, the latter having been for a newly married couple, both of whom have been in school.

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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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OUR NEW FIELDS.

It will be remembered by such of our friends as keep a close watch of our movements, that on or about the first of February, we commenced work in three new fields, Oroville, Grass Valley and Marysville. They will read with interest the subjoined extracts from letters already received:

_Marysville._—I requested Lee Haim to stop at Marysville, on his way to Oroville, and spend the Sabbath there, preaching as he had opportunity. I also invited Lem Chung, our helper at Sacramento, to accompany him, and to spend a week there assisting to start the school. A postal from Lee Haim and Lem Chung, written in Chinese and addressed to “The Brethren of the Congregational Association of Christian Chinese,” has been translated for me as follows: “Dear Brethren, We write to tell you that we arrived safely in Marysville a little after 4 P. M. An hour later we went to Chinatown, and on the street we preached to our countrymen. A large crowd was gathered at first by our singing, and they listened to both preaching and singing with great interest. At 7 o’clock the same evening, we had so large an audience in our school-room that many went away on account of lacking seats. Our hearts were filled with joy, and we preached to them from the Chinese Testament, and explained to them the meaning of the hymns we sang. We trust the seed sown will soon spring up to a good harvest. Our countrymen here in school treat us very kindly, and we know this is due to your and Mr. Pond’s prayers. Please pray for us continually.”

Miss Mattie A. Flint, the teacher, writes: “I have 25 names on the roll, with an average attendance of about 15. They all take a great deal of interest, especially in the singing. Already they can sing three or four of the hymns on the card very well. We have organized a Sunday-school. Visitors drop in occasionally and express much interest. I myself am deeply interested, and will do all in my power to teach them of their Heavenly Father. They are learning to read very fast.” The Christian co-operation of Rev. P. L. Carden, pastor of the Presbyterian Church in Marysville, has much to do with the good promise of the work there.

_Grass Valley._—Rev. F. B. Perkins reports orally, that he has succeeded in renting a school-room already tolerably well furnished, and expects to pay the rent by donations made upon the field. The average attendance thus far is but eight—owing partly, perhaps, to the fact that the school-room is rather remote from the Chinese quarter. But there is a good prospect of increase. I wish I could dare to send a helper to each of these points.

_Oroville._—Lee Haim wrote as follows after spending a fortnight in his new field: “The school was opened on the 5th day of this month” (the room not being ready before). “Only had school two evenings. Then we have vacation two days for New Year’s. At New Year’s day I made a call at every store (Chinese) in Oroville. On the second day of our new year I went to the other Chinese town three miles from here, and when I reached there I first made a call on every store. After that I preach to them and sing several hymns in Chinese in the opening” (_i. e._, of his street service). “It seems to me, by my own judgment (so far as I could judge) they were pleased to hear. Twenty were present at our last prayer-meeting, and when the school was opened again, the school-room was quite crowded. I hope the Almighty God will send His Holy Spirit to remove (move) their heart, and still lead them coming; that they may hear this wonderful word, and repent, to be the children of God.”

At a later date Miss Waterbury writes: “We are going on very well, and have as many as we can teach with any degree of profit. Last night I should judge there were fifty or more. It is impossible to tell the exact number, as many come in, take a lesson, and leave before the school is closed. Two-thirds, I should think, began at A B C. Many of these are now spelling words. [After less than a fortnight’s instruction.—W. C. P.] Last night I had twelve or more in their letters, and taught them from a card hung upon the wall, till lungs and strength gave out. Among them were two little boys about six years old, uncommonly smart and quick. Several old men have been spelling “dog,” “man,” etc. with great patience. The school is a new thing and creates much interest. Sometimes several will crowd around, looking over the shoulder and listening eagerly to the one who reads. I do not think this will always last, but I think there is a great field here for good. Oh, to be filled with the spirit of God, that I may be the channel of grace to these dark souls! Who is sufficient for these things?”

I add an extract from a letter from Miss Helen E. Clarke, teacher in one of our old fields—Santa Barbara. It is written in the familiar terms of a friendly correspondence, and not at all as a formal report; but it gives, for that, all the more graphic picture of the “ups and downs” of our work:

“I am very sorry to say that Ah Sing has left Santa Barbara. We shall miss him very much in the school. He went to the gold mines in Mexico, I think. He said he would write you when he got there. Gin Gem took the wash-house, [previously carried on by Ah Sing.—W. C. P.] It makes quite a difference whom they have there, and I am very glad he has it, for I think him a very good boy. He said the reason he wanted the place was, so that he could come to school every night. He and Gin Foy expect to unite with our church to-morrow.”

EDWARD P. SANFORD,

a director in our California Auxiliary, from its organization, for many years Superintendent of the Chinese Sunday-school of the First Congregational Church in Oakland, was transferred to the church above on Feb. 16th. A fearless friend of all who are unbefriended by the world at large, an eager, efficient and prayerful follower of Jesus, a strong pillar in the church, a man who united a careful and intense energy and an unflinching and unspotted integrity, with the gentleness and kindliness sometimes supposed to adorn womanhood alone, genial, generous, helpful everywhere,—how _can_ we spare him? But how high and holy and beneficent must be the service prepared for him above, since the Master who never mistakes, thought good to take him there!

* * * * *

CHILDREN’S PAGE.

* * * * *

A VOYAGE TO AFRICA—PROF. CHASE TO HIS FOUR-YEAR-OLD BOY.

* * * * *

MY DEAR LITTLE BOY:

It is a good many days since papa left you and mamma, and he has been sailing on the water most all of the time. I was in the boat that you and mamma left me on twelve days, as many as you have fingers on both hands and two more. Then I was on land three nights. Then I came on this ship, and have slept on it as many nights as you and mamma both have fingers on your two hands. The little beds on this boat are just like those you saw.

The boat stopped a little while at some places, and I saw people without much clothes, like the pictures you saw in the book, and little boys and girls, as big as you, who had not any clothes at all. They did not seem to care; but I think they would feel very fine if they had nice little sailor suits like yours. These black people eat real funny. On the little boats that came out to get things from this big boat they had little stoves with one pot. A boy about as big as Johnnie C——, with no clothes but one piece tied around him—no hat, no shirt, no coat, no pants, no socks, no shoes—made the fire and cooked the food. He took some fishes that he had caught in the water and cut them into small pieces, and then took some rice, and put the pieces of fish and the rice into the pot over the fire with some water in it. Then he put something into a hole in a big log and pounded it with the end of a shovel-handle, and when he had pounded it enough he poured it on the fish and rice in the pot. By and by he poured what was in the pot into a large tray and all the men began to eat. But they did not eat as we do. They did not have any plates, nor any knives, nor any forks. They just had one spoon. One took this spoon and ate a little, and then handed it to another and he ate a little. The others put their hands into the tray and took out a handful of the fish and rice and made it up into a ball, as boys where you are make snow-balls, and then ate it as people eat apples. I don’t think you would like to have your papa and mamma eat in that way, and I don’t think you would like to eat just fish and rice, no meat, no potatoes, no bread, no butter, no pie, no cake. But the rich people here in Africa have _some_ nice things to eat. Mr. Smith bought a lot of nice oranges for about a cent apiece. They were real sweet and juicy and do not make my teeth sore, and we have some real nice bananas—I wish you and mother had some of them—and where we are to stop next, pine-apples grow.

It is not cold here as it is where you are. The sun is real hot and the trees are all covered with leaves and oranges, and bananas and pine-apples are growing on the trees and just getting ripe. I expect to leave this ship to-morrow. The next day will be Sunday, and we shall spend that day in Sierra Leone. Then we are to ride in a small boat that black men will make go with their oars, like that boat the boy took us to see the soldiers in last summer, when you were just a little afraid it would tip over and spill us out into the water. Don’t you remember?

So in four days more we are to stop going, going, going on the water, and live on the land in a house once more.

From your loving papa,
T. N. C.

P. S.—We reached Sierra Leone Sunday morning, and found a little steamer bound for Good Hope, to which we have been transferred. We went ashore yesterday and attended church at the Wesleyan Mission, at which a native minister preached, and took lunch with Rev. Dr. Godman, who is in charge of the Wesleyan Missions. The boat is to leave at 12 to-day, and we plan to go ashore meanwhile.

* * * * *

RECEIPTS

FOR FEBRUARY, 1880.

* * * * *

MAINE, $394.68.

Andover. Mrs. Eldridge Poor $2.00
Augusta. John Dorr 15.00
Bangor. Central Cong. Ch. and Soc. 151.18
Bethel. ESTATE of Mrs. Sarah J. Chapman, by A.
W. Valentine, Ex. 20.00
Blanchard. “A Friend of Missions” 5.00
Brownville. Hon. A. H. Merrill 100.00
Dennysville. Mrs. Samuel Eastman 5.00
Falmouth. Second Cong. Ch. 10.60
Garland. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 5.00
Minot. “A Friend” 1.00
Monson. Rev. R. W. Emerson 20.90
Orland. “A Friend” 7.00
Orono. “A Friend” 5.00
Searsport. Cong. Sab. Sch., _for Student Aid,
Atlanta U._ 10.00
Winslow. Cong Ch. and Soc. 20.00
Yarmouth. First Ch. and Soc. 17.00

NEW HAMPSHIRE, $374.27.

Alstead. Third Cong. Ch. and Soc. 13.11
Amherst. W. D. L. 0.50
Auburn. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 7.35
Bennington. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 20.00
Chester. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 11.80
Concord. “A Friend” 1.00
Dunbarton. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 11.01
East Pembroke. John Rand, deceased, by W.
Martin. 2.00
Fisherville. J. C. Martin 10.00
Fitzwilliam. Dea. Rufus Phillips 5.00
Gilmanton Iron Works. Cent Charitable Society
of Cong. Ch. 7.30
Keene. “A Friend,” $100; Cong. Ch. and Soc.,
$63 163.00
Langdon. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 5.00
Lyme. Cong. Ch. and Soc., $36.11; Cong. Sab.
Sch., $10. 46.11
Lyndeborough. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 8.25
Marlborough. Ladies’ Benev. Soc., Bbl. of C.
_for Talladega C._
New Boston. Presb. Ch. and Soc. 11.10
Plymouth. Cong. Soc., $24.14; H. W. H. $1. 25.14
Rochester. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 25.00
Salem. Mrs. G. D. K. 0.50
Troy. M. W. W. 1.00

VERMONT, $207.84.

Berlin. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 11.00
Coventry. M. C. Pearson 5.00
Craftsbury. Correction. ESTATE of Mrs. Deborah
W. Lewis in March number should read Mrs.
Deborah W. Loomis
East Hardwick. Cong. Sab. Sch. (adl.) 8.00
Hardwick. —— _for Ag’l Dept., Talladega. C._ 5.00
Hartford. Second Cong. Ch., $93.61.
Incorrectly ack. in Feb. number
Jamaica. “A Friend” 5.00
Newbury. Cong. Ch. and Soc., $27.57; Centre
Ch., $11.06 38.63
North Cambridge. Miss M. K. 1.00
North Ferrisburgh. ESTATE of Sylvia Dean, by
J. M. and W. L. Dean, Ex’s 15.00
Pittsfield. Dea. H. O. G. 0.50
Saint Albans. First Cong. Ch. and Soc. 64.20
Salisbury. J. F. 1.00
Saxtons River. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 3.00
Shelburn. “A Friend” 15.00
Strafford. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 15.00
West Danville. “A Friend” 0.51
Windsor. “A thank offering for a departed
Mother” by her daughter 20.00

MASSACHUSETTS, $2,615.07.

Ballard Vale. J. L. 1.00
Barre. Evan Cong. Sab. Sch., to const. JOHN S.
ROPER, L. M. 30.00
Boston. Mt. Vernon Ch., ad’l $20; G. F.
Kendall, $5 25.00
Boxford. Miss Mary L. Sawyer, $2, _for Student
Aid, Talladega C._ Mrs. J. K. Coles’ S. S.
Class $1, for _Savannah, Ga._ 3.00
Brockton. Mrs. T. C. P. 50c.—Bbl. of C. 0.50
Brookline. Sophia B. White 10.00
Buckland. “A Friend” 5.00
Amesbury. Mrs A. L. Bayley 20.00
Amherst. Wm. M. Graves $20—Miss Coit and Mrs.
Field, Box of C., _for Talladega C._ 20.00
Andover. Rev. A. D. Smith, $2.15, _for Freight
on books, for Talladega C._;—“Friends,” by
C. E. Towle, Box of C., _for Savannah,
Ga._—Bbl. of C. 2.15
Ashfield. Ladies’ Benev. Soc., $14, by
Clarissa Hall, Treas.; B. Howes, $1.30 15.30
Cambridgeport. Miss H. E. M., 50c; Mrs. H. L.
B., 50c. 1.00
Campello. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 69.81
Charlestown. Winthrop Ch. and Soc. 61.93
Chelsea. First Cong. Ch. and Soc. 24.90
Danvers. Maple St. Sab. Sch., _for Student
Aid, Atlanta U._ 25.00
Dedham. Young Ladies’ Mite Box, $7; Ladies’
Soc., $3, _for Teacher, Selma, Ala._ 10.00
Dunstable. Cong. Ch. 20.00
Essex. “Howard,” _for Chapel, Wilmington, N.
C._ 1,000.00
Fall River. Third Cong. Ch. and Soc. 12.75
Granville Corners. Mrs. Clement Holcomb 5.00
Groveland. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 4.00
Hadley. First Cong. Ch. and Soc. 7.00
Hanover. Second Cong. Ch. and Soc. 20.00
Hanson. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 6.00
Harvard. Evan Cong. Ch. and Soc., _for Indian
M._ 6.25
Holliston. Bible Christians of District No. 4,
by John Batcholder 25.00
Lawrence. Lawrence St. Ch., Bbl. of table
linen, and $5, _for Freight, for Savannah,
Ga._ 5.00
Lenox. A.J. Holman 5.00
Loudville. Mrs. W. S. R. 1.00
Marion. Ladies’ Miss. Soc. 5.00
Millbury. Second Cong. Ch., $25, _for Student
Aid, Atlanta U._; Hervey Goodell, $2; John
P. Lovell, $2; Mrs. H. C., $1: D. B., 50c.;
Tyler Waters, $5 35.50
Millford. —— (of which, $2.50, _for Indians_,
and $1.50, _for Chinese M._) 7.00
Monson. Miss Anna M. Bradford, $2; E. A. W.,
50c. 2.50
New Bedford. “A Lady Friend” 30.00
Newburyport. Philip M. Lunt, $25.50; Foster W.
Smith, $5; J. D., $1 31.50
Northborough. Mrs. A. E. D. F. 0.50
Palmer. ESTATE of Mrs. Betsy Barton, by Wilson
Brainard and John C. Brainard, Ex’s 489.80
Pittsfield. S Frissell, M.D. 1.50
Roxbury. S. W. B. and J. F. 50c. ea. 1.00
Salem. N. C. Robbins, $5, _for rebuilding
barn, Talladega C._; South Cong. Ch., Bbl.
of C. _for Talladega, Ala._ 5.00
Saxonville. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 30.92
Somerville. Franklin St. Ch. and Soc. 112.86
South Amherst. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 7.00
South Dartmouth. Mrs Mercy P. Staples 2.00
South Deerfield. “A Friend” 5.00
South Hadley. Mt. Hol. Sem., “A Friend” 2.00
Sudbury. “A Friend” 2.00
Taunton. Sewing Soc. of Winslow Ch., $25, _for
Student Aid_; also Box of C., and $2, _for
Freight, for Talladega, Ala._ 27.00
Tewksbury. Mrs. Geo. Lee, _for Savannah, Ga._ 5.00
Warren. Cong. Ch. 40.00
Waquoit. Mrs. V. N. H. 1.00
Westborough. Evan Cong. Ch. and Soc.,
$133;—Mrs. Sarah Fisher, Box of C., and
$1.50, _for Freight, for McIntosh,
Ga._—Ladies of Cong. Ch., Box of C. 134.50
Westfield. Mrs. H. O. C. 1.00
Westford. Union Cong. Ch. and Soc. (ad’l) 1.56
West Medway. Cong. Ch. and Soc., $32.75; “A
Friend” $10 42.75
Williamstown. A. M. 0.50
Wilmington. Cong. Sab. Sch., _for Student Aid,
Talladega C._ 25.00
Woburn. Mrs. G. A. B. 0.50
Worcester. Union Ch. quar. coll., $47.59; “A
Friend,” $1; Mrs. M. P. J., 50c.; G. M. P.,
50c; Benj. C. Moore, a Melodeon 49.59
Worcester Co. “A Friend,” to const. MRS. MARY
W. HARRIMAN, L. M. 30.00
—— “A Friend,” _for Communion Service for
Midway Ch., Macon, Ga._ 44.00

RHODE ISLAND, $5.00.

Tiverton Four Corners. Amicable Cong. Soc. 5.00

CONNECTICUT, $2,159.57.

Bethlehem. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 17.50
Bridgeport. Rev. Chas. Beecher, $1.50, _for
Freight_; J. B., $1 2.50
Bristol. Cong. Ch. 83.70
Buckingham. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 2.52
Canton Centre. S. B. H. 1.00
Collinsville. Cong. Ch., ad’l to const. MRS.
MELISSA LANE. L. M. 2.00
Cornwall Hollow. Mrs. H. S. 1.00
Guilford. Daniel Hand, $100; First Cong. Ch.,
$20 120.00
Haddam Neck. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 9.45
Hadlyme. R. E. Hungerford, $50; Cong. Ch.,
$10.04 60.04
Hartford. South Cong. Ch., $150; Windsor Av.
Cong. Ch., Mrs. C. T. Hillyer. $30, to
const. MRS. DOTHA B. HILLYER, L. M. 180.00
Litchfield. First Cong. Ch. 27.70
Lyme. Grassy Hill Cong. Ch. 16.00
Mansfield Centre. J. L. Hinckley 2.00
Mount Carmel. Cong. Ch. and Sab. Sch., _for
Student Aid, Atlanta U._ and to const.
SAMUEL H. ARMSTEAD, L. M. 30.00
New Britain. Miss. Julia A. Kelsey, $5, _for
Indian M._—Mrs. W. H. S., 50c. 5.50
New Haven. Alfred Walker, $5; Mrs. S. P. C.,
$1; Rev S. W. Barnum, books (val. $12) 6.00
Newington. Laura. C. Kellogg 3.00
New London. M. A. R. Rogers 2.00
Norfolk. Cong. Ch. 50.00
Norwich. Second Cong. Ch., ($10 of which _for
Student Aid, Atlanta U._) 115.21
Norwich Town. First Cong. Ch. 50.00
Old Lyme. E. M. P. 1.00
Pomfret. First Cong. Ch. 70.00
Prospect. Cong. Ch. 13.00
Roxbury. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 19.47
South Windsor. Second Cong. Ch., $25.84, and
Sab. Sch., $11.27 37.11
Thompson. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 9.75
Thompsonville. D. P. 1.00
Unionville. Cong. Ch. 55.53
Waterbury. Second Cong. Ch. and Soc. 491.59
Westbrook. Cong. Sab. Sch., to const. WILLIAM
N. KIRTLAND, L. M. 30.00
Wilton. Rev. S. J. M. Merwin, _for Chinese M._ 100.00
Winstead. E. E. Gilman 10.00
Winthrop. Miss C. P. and Mrs. M. A. J., $1 ea. 2.00
Woodbury. First Cong. Ch. and Sab. Sch. 10.00
—— “A Friend,” ($200 of which, _for Woman’s
work for Woman_) 502.00

NEW YORK, $482.39.

Austerlitz. Cong. Ch. and Soc., Mrs. H. P.
Bake, $2; Sab. Sch. Concert, $1.46 3.46
Bangor. Mrs. E. T. and Miss L. K., 50c. ea. 1.00
Brighton. E. C. A. 1.00
Brooklyn. Mrs. M. L. H., $1; Central Cong.
Sab. Sch., by George H. Shirley, Chairman of
Mis. Com., a second hand Organ 1.00
Canandaigua. First Cong. Ch. and Soc. 60.00
East Hampton. Mrs. S. S. 1.00
Flushing. First Cong. Ch. 16.02
Gloversville. Cong. Ch., ($50 of which from
Mrs. U. M. Place) 112.65
Goshen. “A Friend” 5.00
Jefferson. Mrs. Susannah Ruliffson 4.00
Lima. “A Friend” 5.00
Lockport. First Cong. Ch. Sab. Sch. 72.92
Middlesex. Mr. and Mrs. Lester Adams 10.00
Moravia. Cong. Ch. 16.10
Mount Sinai. Cong. Ch. 7.32
New York. Z. Stiles Ely, $50: Gen. Clinton B.
Fisk, $30, to const. MISS IRENE E. GILBERT,
L. M.; Mrs. Elizabeth Merritt. $10; Mrs. E.
L. Congdon, $5; Miss J. A. V. A., 60c.; T.
R. W., Jr. 50c. 96.10
Oswego. Mrs. Martha Dodge 2.00
Penn Yan. F. O. Hamlin 25.00
Rochester. Cong. Sab. Sch. 5.00
Rushford. W. W. 0.51
Saratoga Springs. Mrs. S. S. and Mrs. A. M.
W., $1 ea. 2.00
Spencerport. Alvin Webster 2.00
Volney. First Cong. Sab. Sch. 8.25
Warsaw. Cong. Soc. 19.40
Watkins. Mrs. F. B. 0.66
West-Winfield. Henry Smith 5.00

NEW JERSEY, $127.27.

Bricksburgh. Rev. G. L. 1.00
Englewood. Rev. Geo. B. Cheever 26.27
Morristown. Miss Ella M. Graves, _for Student
Aid, Atlanta U._ 100.00

PENNSYLVANIA, $112.50.

Canton. H. Sheldon 5.00
Philadelphia. Mrs. James P. Dickerman, $100;
Rev. H. L. P., 50c. 100.50
Pittston. A. S. H. 1.00
Prentissvale. C. L. Allen ($5 of which, _for
Communion Service_) 6.00

OHIO, 314.03.