Chapter M: L. Berger

FISK UNIVERSITY.

The time has come in the religious history of the year in Fisk University when an account of the work done may be given. I have no doubt that it will interest and encourage the friends of the Association.

During the week of prayer for the Y. M. C. A. among colleges, the young men of the institution who belong to the Y. M. C. A. of Fisk held meetings and did good work among the young men who do not profess to be Christians. As a result, three or four were hopefully converted.

The week of prayer was observed in the institution, meetings being held immediately after supper. From the beginning to the end the attendance was large and the interest great. The meetings continued four weeks, and have just closed. Twenty-five of the students have been converted, including the three or four who were converted during the week of prayer held by the young men. The interest culminated at the meetings during the day of prayer for colleges.

The afternoon meeting of that day was one of the most remarkable ever held in the University. At the beginning of the meeting, President Cravath gave the following statistics of the higher grades: Students in college, 42, professing Christians, 37; Normal students, 40, professing Christians, 36; College preparatory students, 46, professing Christians, 34. Total number in higher grades, 126; total number of professing Christians, 121, or about 86 per cent.

The key-note to the meeting was given by George McLellan, a former graduate, who had studied theology at Hartford for a year. He said that in a meeting at Hartford he found that Fisk had a larger percentage of Christian students than any other college represented in the meeting, but that the students of Fisk were not entering the ministry in such large numbers as the students from other colleges were.

The key-note once struck, a most interesting discussion arose as to why the students of Fisk were not entering the ministry. Different causes were assigned, which may be reduced to one or two. There is not sufficient inducement offered to the young men to become ministers; the claims of the ministry are not presented with sufficient stress; the churches are so few and so small that the prospect is very discouraging; if a young man offers himself for the ministry, he must go North to study theology, where he is in danger of being educated out of sympathy with his people. The Southern schools have no well-equipped seminaries in which young men may be educated.

The meeting closed with this question still uppermost, and at night it was taken up by common consent and another hour spent in considering it. It was felt by all that the time had come for the establishment of a well endowed theological seminary for the schools in the South.

H. S. BENNETT.

SAVANNAH.

The revival in Savannah and vicinity began with the church in Woodville in November, spread to McIntosh, thence to Savannah. Results: somewhat more than two hundred appear desirous for the Christian life, and great renewal to activity among the members in these churches. The presentation of the sole essential—a crucified Saviour; Scriptures linked in argument like shields in the Phalanx, and pressed day after day by Evangelist James Wharton, of Barrow-in-Furnes, England, are not to be lightly esteemed if no conversion had resulted. The man who holds that the congregations gathered in A. M. A. churches cannot be moved by the _Book, was not_ present during these services. March 6, at our feast of in-gathering, the Savannah Church gave the right hand to twenty-nine new members, in part the fruit of this revival.

Tender and thankful were the tears of joy shed by the faithful teachers as those converted in answer to their prayers stood forth to confess the Saviour. The harvest from seed long sown was there in the converted mother, at whose recall a Magdalen home is purified, and a son and daughter stand on either hand, making the gracious picture complete. Let Shelburne, Mass., hear this testimony, “I have never been at rest till now since I was in one of Miss Hardy’s mother-meetings long ago.”

DANA SHERRILL.

STORRS SCHOOL.

The last has been a month of much labor and of much rejoicing as well, for the Lord has blessed us—in school and church—we feel. Nearly one hundred conversions in our school and in our Sabbath school, and a great quickening among those who had grown indifferent. I never felt so close to the Master, more that His spirit was so in our midst; and yet there was no excitement—just a ready willing surrender of the heart and life to Jesus. Some of the converts are “little ones,” and some are youths and some are in mid-life. In my own class of young men, ten have found the Saviour and eight of them are to unite with our Church next Sunday. I think there are forty who are proposing a public uniting with us at that time. It is a time of great anxiety for us. The young feet will wander if not guided by earnest Christian admonitions. I need not say we are tired and trying to rest a little before our spring term opens next Monday.

H. J. M.

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COMPLIMENTARY CONCERT TO GOVERNOR AND LEGISLATURE OF TENNESSEE BY FISK UNIVERSITY.

The Mozart Society, under the direction of Prof. Spence, has just given its concert complimentary to His Excellency the Governor, and the Legislature of Tennessee. The Governor was unable to attend on account of sickness in his family, but sent a letter to Prof. Spence expressing his regret. This is the third time that a complimentary concert has been given to the Legislature, at its different sessions, but this one was probably the most successful in every sense.

The whole chapel was reserved for our guests; no tickets being sold, and the students not attending, that there might be room for the entire body. A few leading citizens, both white and colored, were invited, and the Faculty and teachers of the University were also present. The night was warm and pleasant, and students appointed for the purpose met our distinguished guests at the street car, a quarter of a mile distant, escorting them up through the unlighted street.

The Hall, however, was brilliantly lighted, and when the concert began was well filled, still others coming in later in the evening.

The Mozart Society, consisting of fifty members, with piano, organ, violins, flute and cornet, occupied the raised platform in front.

The Society includes all grades of students, but more especially are they from the advanced classes, as the very difficult music which they render requires all the mental power of which they are capable. Prof. Spence is the soul and life of the Society, and gives himself to it with an energy and enthusiasm that is an inspiration to all the members. They have studied music from the great composers for several years, and during the present school year have devoted themselves especially to the Oratorio of Elijah.

The first half of the concert consisted of selections from this Oratorio.

All who are acquainted with the music know that it is simply sublime and that it must be a most unappreciative soul that can listen to it without being deeply moved.

The opening chorus, “Help, Lord! Wilt Thou quite destroy us?” was so full of pathos and of pleading that it seemed to subdue and quiet the whole audience. Indeed, the _silence_ that prevailed throughout the entire rendering testified to the interest felt. When they sang, “Lord! bow thine ear to our prayer!” the breathless stillness in the house made us feel that much of real prayer was there, and we wondered if hearts that had never before felt God’s presence might not be touched by His spirit. Then came the wild cry of the priests of Baal, loud and long and despairing, with the mocking of Elijah, who says, “Call him louder, for he is a God.” A few times the audience broke into applause, but generally expressed themselves by quiet attention.

Probably the style of music was new to many of them, and it was interesting to watch the faces of different ones as they listened. Some were at first perhaps disappointed, evidently not expecting that kind of music, but a growing and deepening interest marked their faces as they sat watching as well as listening.

When Elijah pleaded for rain, and the people cried, “Help, send thy servant help, O God!” “Hear from heaven, and forgive their sin,” the listening attitude of the audience seemed to express sympathy with the sad refrain, and when, at last, the grand chorus, “Thanks be to God,” burst forth, it was almost overwhelming. What a lifting up of voices it was! it with a piercing sweetness that rent the air and bowed all hearts before it.

The second part of the concert consisted of Jubilee songs, college songs, and patriotic songs, more popular music, but to some of us it was a letting down from the heights to which we had been lifted. It was received, however, with demonstrations of delight, which could not have been expressed for the first part, if it had been felt. Almost everything was encored. The college songs were full of rollicking fun, and the Jubilee music brought rounds of applause again and again.

When “Good news, the chariot’s coming,” and “Silver Slippers” were sung, the dignified legislators got to beating time with their feet in real camp-meeting style.

“Way down upon the Suwanee River” was sung with a softness and sweetness that reminded one of Jenny Jackson in the old Jubilee days. It was listened to with breathless attention and followed by prolonged applause.

The concert closed with “America,” beautiful and grand, as it always is. The whole audience rose to their feet and joined with a heartiness which showed that the “old time” has indeed “gone,” and “new times” for the South, white and black, are already here.

H. M.

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THE INDIANS.

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THE FAILURE OF THE SIOUX BILL.

This bill, known also as the Dawes Bill, for the opening of parts of the great Sioux reservation and settling the tribal boundaries of each division of the Sioux nation now occupying it, failed to become a law by the fatal objection of one man, Representative Holman.

The bill was warmly advocated by the best friends of the Indians as being the best possible compromise with the tide of civilization pressing in on these people from every side. The Black Hills were seized by the whites first, and bought afterwards. It was hoped to prevent the recurrence of such robberies. It was also felt that these Indians needed to be forcibly reminded that their condition has changed, and that they must speedily adapt themselves to the ways of civilization or go under. The majority of them accept this idea in theory, but are very slow to adjust themselves to it practically. The thing they are slowest about is to select for themselves good lands for homesteads. They are loth to separate from each other, and few of them have any idea of what good land is.

Here may be one of the ways in which the postponement of this measure will be a blessing. Time is something much needed in the Indian’s re-adjustment of himself to the new conditions of life. If he can only be encouraged now to exert himself to establish a separate home and open a farm; if he can be guided so as to avoid serious mistakes, he will come out the better for the delay. Let the Christian public throw their sympathy and interest towards securing this end. The Government is well disposed, but cannot act alone. It will do what the public demands.

What is needed is the multiplication of such sub-agents as our Rev. John E. Smith at the Ponca Agency, Dakota, who is both Government teacher and our missionary. He knows every man, woman and child in his charge, and just what they are doing.

Or take our native missionary, Mr. Francis Frazier, at Burrell Station, Swift Bear’s colony. He is himself a practical farmer, _and an Indian_. What Indian has done, Indian can do.

Now, if such men were planted all over the Sioux country in charge of small colonies of farming Indians, properly backed up by Government, the progress of this people would be rapid. As it is, the colony from Rosebud Agency at Swift Bear’s have to choose between the barren lands near the Agency, or spend half their time traveling back and forth over the one hundred and forty miles to their farms located in the best land of the whole reserve. There is no encouragement in that for an Indian to choose land that will bring him a living when Government rations cease.

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THE GRAND RIVER MISSION

Miss Collins’ introduction to work in her new field has been no tame affair, as far as the physical elements could make it. The winter has been unusually cold and stormy. But the people have welcomed her cordially, and she has been especially helpful to the sick. Her administration of simple remedies has been blessed of the Lord to work a number of cures, which, to the Indians, have seemed miraculous and have given her a reputation as a healer, so that they bring their sick to her from all directions. One morning she found at her door a young woman sick with pneumonia, who had been brought there on a hand sled by her mother and sister through a fearful snow storm. Miss Collins expostulated with them for so exposing the sick one. The mother answered: “We heard that unless you see their body with your own eyes, and lay your hands upon them, you cannot heal them.” This report, no doubt, arose from her feeling the pulse of the sick.

A child, whose sister had died with convulsions and St. Vitus’ dance, and who was also thought to be dying in the same way, was brought to her. The spasms were relieved at once, and in a few days the root of the difficulty was discovered and she was cured.

Elias Gilbert, the new teacher who takes the place of Edwin Phelps during his absence at Hampton, works in finely. He is very enthusiastic over the progress the people have made under his predecessor and the hearty interest they take in the school and in church services. On the Sabbath there is a very interesting woman’s meeting, numbering about thirty, mostly mothers.

Adams Wakanna is the new worker at Oak Lake, another point in this field. This is newer ground, and the people are yet in careless ignorance of the way of life. But our native helper is full of zeal, for this very reason. He is working well.

Edwin Phelps, who has worked so long and so well in this field, is now at Hampton, Va., taking Bible studies and serving as Indian Chaplain there. Many of the pupils at Hampton are from his own field at Standing Rock Agency. So he has a special interest in them and a personal hold upon them. He cannot fail to do them good.

This Grand River field should at once have a thorough equipment of buildings and missionary force. Four thousand dollars were given two years ago by Mr. E. B. Monroe to build this Mission. But everything waits for the fit man for a missionary.

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THE CHINESE.

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A NEW HOME.

BY THE REV. C. T. WEITZEL.

The Santa Barbara Chinese Mission has taken a long step forward. Until the beginning of this year, its rooms were hired. Now it lives in rooms of its own on grounds of its own.

Some time before the annual visit of our faithful Superintendent, the Rev. W. C. Pond, the further use of its old quarters had been denied the mission. In this emergency the teacher of the school, Mrs. E. M. Shattuck, opened her own house for its meetings until it should appear what was wise to do next.

The problem had already been considered by Mr. Pond. With a faith, an energy and a wise caution all alike admirable, he set about the solution of it. Within forty-eight hours after the steamer landed him, a desirable lot had been purchased and the contract for a mission-house made. In a week’s time the building was sufficiently advanced to be used by the young men for their Chinese New-year’s reception. On the evening of Feb. 11th, it was formally dedicated. I had charge of the service, and fully sympathized with Mr. Pond’s earnest wish that it should be a decidedly religious and solemn one. His letter for the occasion, and the addresses of the evening, which were interpreted by the helper, Foo King, all strongly emphasized the religious purpose and character of this mission work. The building was set apart not only as a place of instruction, but also as a place of worship; not only as a school, but also as a sanctuary. May it become, indeed, a sacred place to many of these our brethren by the manifestation of the Divine Spirit in His enlightening and converting power!

As for the spiritual results among these young men, it is even more difficult than in ordinary evangelistic effort to speak definitely and positively. Yet no one, it seems to me, can look into the many eager and open countenances to be seen every evening in those mission rooms, without the conviction that somehow the good seed is growing in those hearts. Nor can I note the cheerful alacrity and the large generosity with which these young men have contributed toward the cost of the new building without a feeling that they have, on the whole, a worthy conception of its purpose. And I certainly cannot contrast the debasing, poisonous atmosphere of the ordinary resorts of their countrymen in Chinatown with the healthy, uplifting atmosphere of this mission home, without the thankful assurance that this is a refuge from temptation as well as an inspiration to a better life for every one of these scholars.

That the Chinese Mission of Santa Barbara is doing good, there is not a doubt in my mind. One of their number made a public confession of his faith in Christ the past year, making four who are now members of the Congregational church. Two or three more are anxious to be baptized, but dare not yet take this step for fear of the bitter opposition and the complete ostracism which they say they must expect from their family connections here and in China if they do.

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BUREAU OF WOMAN’S WORK.

MISS D. E. EMERSON, SECRETARY.

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_My dear friends_:

It is Monday morning, “bright and early.” I have taken my seat by an open window, not so much to enjoy the beautiful outside view of green fields and budding trees as the pleasure of a little talk with you.

There are so many things that I want to tell you, I hardly know which to select, but think I will first tell about

“The Mothers’ League.”

I had felt so deeply that more must be done in careful home training by the mothers of these young girls I meet in Sunday-school and sewing-school, if we would raise up true and pure maidens, that I resolved to try to bring more of the mothers together, that we might freely talk the matter over, hoping thus to bring them into a fuller sympathy and helpfulness with my work and with each other. I bought a package of twenty-five visiting cards, and wrote upon each as follows: “The Mothers’ League will meet at Porter Mission, E. Cedar street, at 3 o’clock, next Saturday evening. You are cordially invited to be present.” Then I sent two of our little Sunday-school girls to take them to the homes of those living near each other.

Last Saturday sixteen of these mothers responded by their presence, and we had a very impressive meeting. Mrs. H., of Tillotson Institute, kindly went with me, and spoke pleasantly to them about the very earliest influence of the mother upon her children. I gave them a few incisive thoughts from God’s Word, one of which was this: “As is the mother, so is her daughter.” The poor burdened mothers, who do so desire to be faithful to their children, but feel so helpless, listened earnestly and with eyes full of tears.

When the question was asked, how many of you would like to join this Mothers’ League? every hand was raised. It seemed best then to suggest only one point of agreement, viz., to pray daily for God’s help in their duties as mothers, and for God’s blessing upon the Mothers’ League.

When asked to suggest the best time when all could unite, one said: “I shall think about it all the day long.” Another said: “I shall pray for it every day at 12 o’clock.” The oldest mother present said: “I think the best time is the first thing in the morning, for we have to pray then, any way.” So it was agreed that with the first waking moments the prayer “God bless the Mothers’ League,” shall ascend from sixteen mothers’ hearts. Will He not bless?

I suggested that we meet again the first Saturday in April, but they said: “That will be a long time to wait; can’t we have another meeting in two weeks?” Consent was given. Then another said: “Can’t we sometimes bring our girls with us?” Consent was given that on the first Saturday in April they might bring their daughters.

I took with me from Tillotson Institute two of the “Young Daughters of the King,” to help in singing, and in this way do something for Jesus. The one who played the organ is the daughter of a minister, who is now pastor of a Congregational Church in Texas, and who was educated in the A. M. A. schools. So true it is that the circle of influence is ever widening.

I find that I have nearly filled my paper, and must leave other things until another time.

We have recently had a cheering visit from Rev. Dr. Beard, Secretary of the American Missionary Association, and the one who has the special charge of the Southern work. Texas is so far away from the centre of things, that we are not often thus favored; so that such visits are the more highly prized when they do come.