Part 4

When the ruined, rescued races, Sit with us in heavenly places, Christ-like love shall crown the graces. Then mine eyes the King shall see, And the waiting welcome be, “Ye have done it unto Me.”

JACKSONVILLE, Dec. 26, ’77.

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REPLACING THE BURNED BUILDINGS.

The new building at Macon, Ga., which contains both chapel and schoolrooms is nearly completed. It is built substantially and plainly of brick, fully supplies the place of the two buildings burned, and in cost will come quite within the insurance money received. It will probably be ready for dedication about the first of February.

A lot, on which is a building for a teacher’s home, has been purchased at Mobile, Ala., and the rebuilding of the Emerson Institute will be begun at once. It will also be of brick, commodious and convenient in its proportions and arrangement.

At New Orleans we have met with delays from time to time, arising from the necessity of a change of location, and the customary vexations of real-estate transfers. We sympathize with the trials of our Straight University corps of teachers in the disadvantages under which they are working. We hope soon to have a desirable lot fully secured, and shall then press the building with all the speed which is compatible with prudence and safety.

One of the teachers, in a personal letter, writes:

“As far as numbers make a school a success, Straight is a success. There must be now two hundred pupils, of which there are ninety-three enrolled in my department, with an average of eighty-seven.

“When you know the disadvantages under which the pupils labor, you will wonder, with us, at their constant attendance. More than half in my room sit in chairs in which their feet cannot touch the floor; and the other half are seated at old-fashioned wooden desks that are loose from the floor and often so nicely balanced that one child leaving his seat will cause the books, &c., of three others to come to grief. Think of ninety-three huddled together in a room twenty-five by twenty-five, with the only two windows on one side, the other three sides being dark, the only passage from this room to the street being through another, in which recitations are being heard through the entire day. This, of course, prevents any recess, so necessary in a primary or intermediate department.

“Quite unexpectedly the severe weather has come upon us, in which, because of the unsuitable clothing of the children as well as lack of conveniences for heating the rooms, the children suffer with the cold. Last Friday the gentlemen teachers kept their winter overcoats on all day, and shivered at that. With the exception of severe colds, the teachers are well, and at their posts. The accession of new pupils each month somewhat retards school work. What to do with any more in my department is beyond my ability to answer at present. But if wishes could lay a brick or drive a nail, the new building would be well toward completion.”

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CAMPAIGN IN MASSACHUSETTS.

DIST. SEC’Y POWELL, OF CHICAGO.

Thanksgiving week ended, we began our campaign in Massachusetts, at Sheffield, Monday afternoon, December 3d. Very unfavorable were the circumstances attending our first meeting. The brutal murder of an old man and woman on Thanksgiving-Day, had thrown the quiet town into an unusual state of excitement. Evidence pointed strongly to a negro as the murderer; and only the determined resistance of the sheriff at the time of arrest, had saved the town from the disgraceful presence of Judge Lynch. A murder committed by a white man would not, I think, have affected unfavorably a meeting in behalf of home missions; rather, such an event would have given it special point and interest; but a black man being the criminal, the result was different. The meeting was small, and yet I should not be surprised if that meeting at Sheffield should prove to be the most fruitful in results of any held. That murder ought to lead the “sober second thought” of the community to a very hearty endorsement of the American Missionary Association, and I believe it will.

The uniform heartiness with which the ministers of Connecticut received us was emulated by our Massachusetts brethren. Wherever we came, a cordial welcome awaited us, and when we left, an equally cordial God-speed accompanied us. Our meetings were held almost entirely in the western part of the State. Hampshire, Hampden and Berkshire counties were the field, and forty-two different churches were visited. Just here I might as well make note of the delightful weather we had all through our Massachusetts campaign—only one unpleasant evening during the time, and that not sufficiently so to keep the people at home. Very fortunate we were that evening in Lee—the well-known go-to-meeting habits of the people gave us a large audience, compared with some other places visited on pleasant evenings; and in connection with the weather, how can I forbear mention of the country—its native beauty, striking grandeur, and historic interest—who that knows New England can be ignorant of these? Valleys where poets might go crazy in the vain attempt to sing their glory, New England’s sturdy sons have turned into factories of wealth. The Mountains Holyoke, Sugar Loaf, Tom and Toby, seeming to keep perpetual watch of the busy life in the valleys below, and then the stories of Indian romance that, lingering still, encircle some spots with their own weird interest; the houses of such as Edwards, Field and Bellamy, open up historic trains of thought which lead to the fountain-head of those intellectual and moral forces which have made not only Western Massachusetts, but all New England such an influential power in the best development of our country. These “sceptred dead,” from whom not yet has the realm of empire departed! What with pleasant weather, beautiful scenery, romantic tales and historic reminiscence, the fatigue of travel and wear of speaking, were considerably lightened.

In many cases, the afternoon meetings proved, both in point of numbers and interest, the best. People who leave their homes and business in the afternoon, riding in some cases four or five miles to attend a meeting, bring with them an inspiration which a speaker cannot fail to feel; and after he has gone, his words remain to be thought over and acted upon. What a difference between an audience pleased only when the speaker entertains them, and one that is gathered because of already awakened interest in the cause of missions! Well, we had both kinds, but our afternoon audiences were chiefly of the latter. Buckland, Ashfield, Lee, Amherst and Chicopee, are especially worthy of mention for the large audiences given us, while, with the exception of two places, which I will not mention, all the others accorded us a generous hearing, larger indeed than, under the circumstances, could have been expected.

A little episode occurred during the first week, that broke up our speaking force for a few days, but added at the same time to the value of the campaign. The Worcester Central Missionary Society held its Fifty-Third Annual Meeting, December 6th, in Worcester, to which meeting Mr. Woodworth and myself repaired, and occupied a full hour kindly given us, to set forth the claims of the American Missionary Association; while Mr. Cutler, reinforced by Mr. Pike, kept on, and filled the appointments in their original order. There were two things about this Worcester meeting I wish to mention. _First_, it indicated the growing interest of the churches in the subject of missions. This Society was organized fifty-two years ago as auxiliary to the American Board, and, during these intervening years, has preserved this exclusive relation. This year the Society voted to change its constitution, in order that hereafter _all_ the Missionary causes may have recognition in its deliberations and benefactions. _Secondly_, this meeting indicated that a whole day can be profitably given by the churches in convention assembled, to the consideration of missions. From the beginning the power of the meeting increased, and the evening session, at which there was a mingling of stirring pleas for the Education Society, the Board Home Missions, and the Missionary Association, was the crowning interest of the day.

Brethren, let us move for a “Missionary Day” in our conferences, and put the Missionary Societies under requisition for the very best material they can furnish to kindle a fire of missionary enthusiasm in our churches. The Sabbath following this Worcester meeting was spent by Mr. Woodworth in Worcester, Mr. Cutler in Gardner in the morning, and with his former charge in Athol, in the evening; while I went to Keene, New Hampshire, and spent the day with my old Seminary class-mate, Rev. Cyrus Richardson. His sensitive regard for my physical well-being, led him to let me off with three preaching services, at all of which I had to talk A. M. A. and all the time. The evening meeting was a crowded union service, Rev. Mr. Leech coming over with his people in full force, showing that the churches of Keene have a warm place in their hearts for missionary work among the despised races in America.

By previous arrangement, we were to again unite our forces at Buckland, near Sherburne Falls, on Monday afternoon; but

“The best laid schemes o’ mice and men gang aft agley.”

Mr. Woodworth failed to start, Mr. Cutler missed his train, and I found myself dumped at a station, marked Buckland in the railway guide, three miles away from the town, and the only living creature I discovered, from which to get directions what to do and where to go, was a poor little cat that came bounding to my side, purring out as plainly as anything could be said—“I am glad to see you.” After a brief interchange of the compliments of the season, I buttoned my overcoat, adjusted my satchel, and started up the only road it was possible to take, and in the only direction possible—for the road terminated at a river, on the bank of which stood the depot. It proved to be the right way. How easy it would be to get along if the right way was the only way in which we could go! As I drew near the village, the cheery notes of the church bell rung out their merry call, while well-filled carriages, whirling along in the direction of the church, told me that the people were evidently interested in missions. I was on hand, and in time. A fine audience had gathered; but my brethren, where were they? Well, they did not come; that was all I knew, and in their absence I did the best I could. The gift of continuance was given me in copious plenteousness, and the time was exhausted before I was. I failed to notice, however, whether my audience was not also exhausted. The next day the _disjecta membra_ came together again at Sherburne Falls, and henceforth to the close kept together.

And now as I review this entire series of meetings, the question comes—have they been profitable? Others, I presume, will ask the same question, and therefore I take a brief space to answer it as I may be able. The object we had in view was, _first_, to impart information concerning the work of the American Missionary Association, and to discuss its claims upon the churches, to the end that the receipts of its treasury might be increased, and its work correspondingly strengthened; and, _secondly_, that the distinctive missionary nature of our work might have a more prominent place in the religious thought of the churches, and thus become a factor in the development of such Christian life as has a tender regard for those who are despised and poor and oppressed. So far, then, as our object is concerned, we must wait for time to bring an answer, but the meetings themselves developed certain data out of which we can construct an answer. The data are these: _First_, while no contributions were asked for or taken from the congregation, individuals, self-moved, have handed to us considerable money that otherwise would not have come into our treasury, while pledges have been made of amounts far more than sufficient to meet the expense of both campaigns. _Secondly_, I took occasion to ask nearly all the ministers, and, so far as I could, the leading men attending the meetings, the question—“In your judgment has it paid for us three men to come here and hold this meeting?” And _without exception_ the answer has been, “_Yes_,” and in the majority of cases the additional remark, “I wish it were so you could come again.” With this testimony, and personal knowledge of the general interest of the meetings, I can only answer the question raised in the affirmative, with the strong conviction that time will confirm its correctness.

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[_From the Fisk Expositor._]

AMERICAN MISSIONARY ASSOCIATION.

Great honor is due George Peabody, because he donated to the South, for the purposes of general education, upwards of three millions of dollars, the interest of which is to be appropriated to the work of developing the school systems of the various States.

But the American Missionary Association of New York City, the almoner of funds received from the Congregational churches of the United States, has already, since the war, disbursed more money in the South for educational purposes than the entire gift of George Peabody, and is expending for the prosecution of the same work, every year, more than twice as much as the interest of the Peabody Fund.

In this statement no intention exists to depreciate the munificence of Mr. Peabody’s gift, but to call attention to the fact that the South owes a debt of gratitude to the American Missionary Association, which it should not be slow to recognize.

The Association was organized in 1846, for the purpose of “carrying the Gospel to the poor.” The first school for colored children was opened at Hampton, Virginia, in 1861. Since that time it has expended between $3,500,000 and $4,000,000, ninety per cent. of which has been appropriated to the support of its work in the South.

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THE CHILDREN’S PAGE.

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AN EXAMPLE FOR THE BOYS.

The following letter explains itself. A boy who gives to the poor the whole proceeds of his farm, and that within a month of Christmas, is worthy of special note. We would like to hear from more such boys.

I have wanted to do something for the freedmen. I am a little boy seven years old. Last spring grandpapa gave me a little plot of ground for my vegetable garden, consisting of corn, pop-corn, beans, summer squashes, Hubbard squashes, cucumbers, tomatoes, cabbages, watermelons. I took most of the care of the garden myself; only when I went on a sail my grandma picked the squashes. I sold the products of my garden to my grandma, and she paid me in money, amounting to a _dollar and a half_, with which I cheerfully send to you for the freedmen.

AMASA DAY CHAFFEE. MODUS, CONN., _Nov. 29, 1877_.

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SIX COMPOSITIONS.

A graduate of Hampton writes to a former teacher enclosing sample compositions of his pupils in “The Sunday School.” We copy from the _Southern Workman_: as it says; “We do not remember ever seeing a richer collection of children’s compositions. The teacher has no reason to despair.”

“VA.

“_Dear Teacher_:—On returning from my school this afternoon, I thought I would write and let you hear of my sojourning. To-day is Friday (the last day in school week), and, after a review of the week’s studies, the children are requested to write short compositions. I send you six, copied just as they were written:

‘SUNDAY SCHOOL.

‘Sunday school is a good place to go. To keep out of badness. And learn the words of god good boys and girls goes to sunday school every sunday when they can. Everybody ought to go to sunday school; and hear the Bible because it tell them what is right and wrong. M. F. Hancock.’

‘Sunday school are the place that people ought to go, and learn to read about god and his diciples, and of him to learn good and not bad like Biley done to day killed a little sparrow, where will never do him no harm in the world, and he put the bird to death. Poor bird. Peter S. Hancock.’

‘Sunday School is a good place that all bad children ought to go to. And some of the members do not come to the Sunday School. And this School is a very emportant one. And the people ought make their children come where gods work are going on. And if they fuse to come whip them. I do not fuse to come where the Lord work is. Jerry Chappell.’

‘Sunday School are a place that people ought to go to learn something about the scripture Sunday School are a very pretty place to go to learn and to spell and to read People ought to be have there Selves. Emily Farmer.’

‘Sunday School is a very useful thing; though I don’t go to it but I hope every body will go if I dont go. Sunday School is a place where every body ought to go to learn sense, and read the scripture and hear the word of God. Ellen Coles.’

“These were written by the Fourth Reader class. My school numbers fifty-one pupils. I have no little task to undergo. Besides worrying with the children all the week, I have the responsibility of head Deacon and Clerk of the church. I sometimes despair; but when I look and see that there is no one in our midst more competent than I am for either position, I look to the ‘Great I Am’ and do the best I can.

“Ere this, you are somewhat experienced in the movements of our race. They suit quite well to begin with, but the end, alas! how different from the beginning! Our people are quick of apprehension, but do not continue in it.

“Very respectfully, “Your once pupil and scholar, “H.”

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RECEIPTS

FOR DECEMBER, 1877.

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MAINE, $288.54.

Alfred. Cong. Ch. and Soc. $23.07 Augusta. Joel Spalding, to const. MRS.HELEN G. ECOB, L. M. 30.00 Bangor. Hammond St. Ch. 10.00 Bath. Mrs. J. C. 0.25 Bethel. Francis Barker 2.24 Biddeford. Second Cong. Ch. and Soc. 21.00 Blanchard. "A Friend" 5.00 Blue Hill. "A Friend" 1.00 Brewer. First Cong. Ch. $12; and Sab. Sch. $4.53 16.53 Dennysville. Peter E. Vose, box of C. and new cloth, _for Atlanta, Ga._ Fryeburgh. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 8.10 Gorham. First Cong. Ch. and Soc. 13.60 Hampden. Chas. E. Hicks and others 5.00 Hallowell. Mrs. Mary Flagg $10; H. K.Baker $2, _for printing press Talladega, Ala._ —— "Friends" $1.25, _for Ogeechee Ch._ —— "Two Lady Friends" $5 ea. 23.25 Norridgewock. Cong. Ch. 50.00 North Bridgton. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 5.00 North Vassalborough. Joseph White 10.00 Norway. Wm. Frost and Mary K. Frost 5.25 Portland. "Two Ladies" 4.00 Topsham. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 10.00 Vassalborough. —— 0.25 Waterford. Cash 5.00 Wells. Second Cong. Ch. and Soc., to const. SARAH A. SOUTHWORTH, L. M. 40.00

NEW HAMPSHIRE, $755.32.

Antrim. "Friends," by Imla Wright 40.00 Atkinson. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 8.25 Auburn. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 10.50 Brookline. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 7.00 Bristol. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 2.05 Centre Harbor. Cong. Ch. and Soc. (bal. coll.) 1.00 Concord. First Cong. Ch. and Soc. 55.22 Concord. North Cong. Ch., B. of C., _for Wilmington, N. C._ Dunbarton. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 42.50 Exeter. "A Friend" 30.00 Grafton Co. "A Friend" ($30 of which to const. MRS. GEO. E COLBURN, L. M.) 130.00 Hanover Centre. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 10.00 Hollis. "Lady Friends," bbl. of C., by Mrs. J. C. Burge Hopkinton. D. S. 0.35 Keene. First Cong. Sab. Sch. $117.85; Second Cong. Ch. and Soc. $37; J. P. $1; Mrs. C. C. W. 25c. 156.10 Milford. Nathan Jewett 5.00 Nashua. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 27.35 ——. "A Friend," _for the Debt_ 100.00 Newport. "A Young Lady" 10.00 Stratham. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 20.00 ——. "A Friend" 100.00

VERMONT, $536.98.

Brandon. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 16.65 Brattleborough. Cong. Ch. 70.00 Brookfield. C. E. B. 0.25 Cambridge. Dea. Solomon Montague $10; Mrs. Benj. Barrett $2 12.00 Charlotte. Cong. Ch. and Soc. $29.61; Rev C. C. Torrey $15 44.61 Chester. "X. Y. Z." 1.00 Granby and North Victory. Cong. Ch. 1.50 Hardwick. A. M. Amsden and wife 15.00 Hartford. Cong. Ch. and Soc. $52.73; Woman’s Miss. Soc. of Cong. Ch. $11.—Ladies’ Miss. Soc., B. of C., _for Wilmington, N. C._ 63.73 Lower Waterford. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 27.75 Ludlow. Cong. Ch. and Soc. $22.45; Sab. Sch. $1.81 24.26 North Cambridge. John Kinsley 10.00 Peacham. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 34.40 Pittsford. Thos. D. Hall 5.00 Royalton. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 27.00 Shelburn. Mrs. Mattie Duncan, bal. to const. MRS. JOSIE. MERILL, L. M. 10.00 Stowe. Cong. Ch. 44.14 West Charleston. Rev. W. T. Herrick, _for the Debt_ 25.25 Westminster. Cong. Ch. 8.50 West Randolph. M. A. and S. E. Albin 6.00 West Rutland. Young Ladies’ Working Band, by H. D. Tuttle 65.00 West Townsend. Charitable Soc., by Mrs. R. P. W. Baldwin, bbl. of C., val. $42, and $2 _for freight_ 2.00 Windham. Cong. Ch. $10.29; Cong. Sab. Sch. $1.65 11.94 Woodstock. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 11.00

MASSACHUSETTS, $3,447.27.