Part 4

For more than two months we have had weekly meetings on the subject of temperance, attended by large audiences, and securing more than a thousand names to the Murphy Pledge. The moral effect of the movement is strengthened by the fact that each pledge is made whilst invoking the assisting grace of God, and is accompanied by reading the Scriptures, and Christian song. Taking this one step in the right direction is a preparation for a complete surrender to Christ.

During a part of this time Brother Myers, from Hillsdale, Mich., has been here preaching at night. Our chapel is occupied during the day as a recitation room, and though the weather has been peculiarly unfavorable, yet a goodly number have been in attendance each night, with some nineteen or twenty conversions, and many other persons deeply impressed.

Each day brings to us fresh grounds of hope, and enlarged prospects for usefulness. At no other time since its organization has Berea College had so hopeful a prospect as now. Once or twice we have had as many pupils, but at no other time so many of high moral worth and social influence. Daily, the prejudice against a school of colored and white pupils is subsiding; and young men and young women of good habits and character are coming in, and such as appreciate an education, in connection with just and righteous sentiments. We feel that the demonstration here—that God leads and is over us for good—is important for society and our country. We have an abiding conviction that our heavenly Father approves, and that we may, in faith, ask for grace and means.

With the people around us, our association is free and pleasant. With many of the neighboring towns and congregations, exchange of laborers and speakers is frequent, and to mutual advantage. What we need is good men, discreet, self-sacrificing and earnest; and this land will be brought under the power of the Gospel, and of a Jesus who loves all impartially.

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THE AFRICAN MISSIONARIES.

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THE FREEDMEN’S MISSIONS AID SOCIETY.

A Public Meeting in Liverpool.

On the evening of March the 8th, a large congregation came together in the Great George street church (formerly Dr. Raffles), to welcome to Liverpool four colored missionaries, ex-slaves, from Fisk University, and also to bid them farewell on the eve of their departure; under the care of the American Missionary Association, for the Mendi Mission, on the west coast of Africa. The missionaries were very cordially greeted by many of the old, and also the new, friends of the African race.

William Crosfield, J. P., a life-long friend of the oppressed race, presided. After an appropriate hymn, prayer was offered by the Rev. Stanley Rogers. Then the chairman said: “It gives me great pleasure to preside at such a meeting of this society. These missionaries before you are the first-fruits from the Fisk University, which was established at Nashville, Tenn., for the education of those who were freed from slavery by the late Civil War in America. And now, here they are ready for work in that great mission field of Africa. It is a vast field. And it is to be hoped that the British people will do their part in the aid of this most important enterprise. Fisk University was introduced to the English people a few years ago by the Jubilee Singers, who have done wonders towards its support.” The chairman then turned and added: “We must not forget the wives of these young missionaries; we must give them a shake of the hand, as a token of our interest in them.”

The Rev. Dr. O. H. White (one of the secretaries of the Freedmen’s Aid Society), then gave an interesting statement of the origin of the American Missionary Association, of its plan and work for the African race, and of the formation of the Freedmen’s Missions Aid Society, with the Earl of Shaftesbury as President, to be auxiliary to the Association in New York. And he stated that the united societies are now making a special effort to send missionaries from among the freedmen to that dark and long-plundered continent beyond the sea—Africans to teach and to save Africans!

The Rev. Andrew Jackson, one of the missionaries, then spoke, and gave a very interesting account of their call to the work, and of the great increase of the missionary spirit in Fisk University during the year, and of the great self-denial on the part of the colored parents and of pupils, that larger numbers may get an education, and so be prepared for a greater usefulness among their own benighted people.

The chairman then called on the Rev. Hugh Stowell Brown, pastor for many years of the Myrtle street Baptist Church. He stated his great interest in the Jubilee Singers, and in the efforts making to send the Gospel to that long-neglected Africa, which is now so wonderfully opening up to trade and commerce, and especially to Christianity. He expressed his strong hope that these young missionaries would be brought safely to their field of labor, and that they might be greatly successful in their work, and that many more might follow their example, and go forth to that great African field.

Rev. Albert Miller (a true type of the African race), then addressed the meeting, with the warmth and glow peculiar to the sable children of the summer and more genial climes. He spoke of the depressed condition of his people in America, and of the need on that dark continent, to which he and his associates were now going, under the Divine lead. He expressed the desire of his heart that all Christians should pray and give for the evangelization of the benighted millions of Africa.

The Rev. Mr. Pearson, M. A., pastor of the church, next spoke, in the most cordial manner, of his great pleasure in welcoming these young missionaries and the freedmen’s cause to that ancient historic church. He commended the plan for sending educated Africans to that great work to be done in those vast fields, which have proved so fatal to Anglo-Saxon life. He said the British people had special reasons for taking part with the American people in this effort to redeem Africa from the darkness and doom of the past centuries. If the work so well begun was followed up, as it ought to be, the time was not distant when we should see a far better day for that dark continent with its millions of people.

In the absence of the Rev. Mr. Wech, M. A., who was expected to speak, his Elder, John Patterson, Esq., was called to fill the place. He spoke with the pith and pathos characteristic of those from the Emerald Isle. He recalled a little of the past history of Liverpool and contrasted it happily with the present state of things, when so many, from the different denominations of the city, could come together so harmoniously to greet the young missionaries from Fisk University, on their way to the west coast of Africa to teach the knowledge of the Gospel to the benighted of their race.

The Rev. Wardlaw Thompson, in a few words, cordially commended the Freedmen’s cause to the hearts and to the pecuniary support of the friends of Africa. He then led the congregation in an earnest prayer for the blessing of God upon the missionaries, in their voyage to their distant home, and upon their work for many years among their own people.

An appropriate hymn was then sung, and the services, which had been highly satisfactory, were closed with the Benediction.

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Wanted—Cloth, Bibles and School-books.

REV. FLOYD SNELSON, SHERBRO ISLAND, W. AFRICA.

I must “strike while the iron is hot.”

There is very little of anything found here. Most of the children and parents go naked, with the exception of those who wear a handkerchief or country cloth. When you ask them to send their children to school, they show a willingness, but render, as excuse, that they have no clothes, and that they are unable to furnish them. Cloth here is very high, and in most cases their excuse is reasonable. If some person would be so kind as to send out a quantity of cheap cloth, to be made up for clothing, it will prove a blessing to many a suffering one.

The disadvantages and sufferings through which this people have to pass are indescribable. I have had many calls for Bibles, but regret to say I have been unable to honor any. We have a very flourishing Sabbath-school, and are in great need of Sabbath-school papers and tracts. The day-school is larger. Some of the scholars are unable to pursue their studies for want of books. We cannot keep the number together we now have, unless this evil is removed.

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THE INDIANS.

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S’KOKOMISH AGENCY, W. T.

Sunday-School Progress—An Indian Festival—Temperance and Order.

REV. MYRON EELLS.

Our Sabbath-school is accustomed to make a specialty of inducing the children to learn the lesson in the Bible, believing that the Bible is the best Sabbath instruction with which we can store their minds. Learning six verses places a child on the roll of honor, and reciting them perfectly gives him two credit marks. For four Sabbaths during the past year there was no Sabbath-school, hence the highest number which a child could receive was ninety-six. That number was received by one Indian girl, and it is the best that has ever been done in the school. Last year the highest number was eighty-six, and that was better than the year before. Ten others, out of about thirty who can read English, received over fifty credit marks.

In January and February, I was absent some three weeks at an Indian festival, ninety miles from here. They are wholly heathenish, but thus far it has been about as impossible to prevent them as it is to prevent a river running down stream; hence, the next best thing is to guide them. Drunkenness at such places is one of their worst dangers, and the principal Indians are beginning to realize it. About 550 Indians were present, seventy-five of whom went from this reservation. I have made the trip by canoe several times in the summer, and in the winter by steamer, but the prospect was not pleasant of traveling 180 miles in an open canoe; camping out when it might rain, snow or freeze all the time. But the chiefs there and here urged me to go, and assist in guarding against worthless white men and Indians. There was no one else to go, and it did seem that if they should get on a “big drunk,” and I should be asked why I did not go and try to prevent it, and should reply, because I was afraid it would be stormy, it would be a poor excuse. It was a hard place to attempt to elevate the Indians, though I held several services with them, but there was a prospect that I might prevent their falling as deep into the pit as they would otherwise. The result justified the work. One drunken Indian was arrested, one drunken white man and wife were sent home; and it was plain that, had I not been there, no one could have told where it would have ended. Out of the seventy-five who went with me, I do not know of more than half a dozen who have been drunk within four years, although nearly all drank more or less previous to the adoption of the present policy; and it is considerable to say that 550 Indians were together for a week, and that there was only one case of drunkenness, and only one of quarreling.

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GREEN BAY AGENCY.

Education Among the Menomonee Indians.

JOS. C. BRIDGMAN, KESHENA, WIS.

Education among the Menomonee Indians is making very perceptible headway. At the suggestion of Colonel E. C. Watkins, United States Indian Inspector, the three day-schools upon the reserve were merged into a boarding-school, in September, 1876. This has proved a success beyond our most hopeful expectations. No like school among white children, so far as my observation goes, shows more enthusiasm on the part of the scholars, more zeal on the part of the teachers, or better progress, when the obstacles to success are taken into consideration.

It is almost impossible to induce the children to talk English. Only when forced to do so, will they speak in other than their vernacular tongue. Naturally very timid, a proper and pleasant familiarity with them is a sure inroad to their confidence, and the knowledge of them thus gained convinces us that they are capable of comprehending and grasping ideas of knowledge. We have no difficulty in filling our limited accommodations; and, could they be increased sufficiently, we should expect an average attendance of one hundred children. This tribe very enthusiastically voted $6,000 of their own funds, to be expended in the erection of a school boarding-house; but the possibility of part of the tribe becoming citizens within a few years, leads the Indian Bureau to delay the building, so much needed and desired.

The Indian problem will never be satisfactorily solved until education and citizenship are brought to the foreground, and take the prominence they deserve.

This is strictly a government school. The two teachers are Protestants, the assistant matron a Catholic. When first established, the Romish priest attempted to break it up; but understanding the agent’s aim, that it should be free from sectarianism on the part of both teachers and matron, he has kindly and wisely withdrawn all opposition, and is in pleasant harmony with both agent and school.

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THE CHINESE.

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“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 Moor, D. D., Hon. E. D. Sawyer, Rev. W. E. Ijams, James M. Haven, Esq., Rev. Joseph Rowell, E. P. Sanford, Esq., H. W. Severance, Esq.

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

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A Rebuke and a Response.

The following communication is clipped from the San Francisco _Chronicle_. The club which expresses its mind after this sort, is a society of so-called (miscalled) “workingmen,” followers of Dennis Kearney. Bernal Heights is in the immediate vicinity of Bethany Church, of which Rev. W. C. Pond is the pastor. The production has marked peculiarities, not only in moral tone, but in grammar and rhetoric as well, and affords to our readers all the elements necessary for a correct and vivid picture of its authors:

“BERNAL HEIGHTS CLUB.

“The Bernal Heights Club met last evening, in Ewald’s Hall, J. Clancey in the chair. The following resolution was read and adopted:

“The Committee on Chinese, in the discharge of the duties assigned them, do submit the following, with the recommendation that the same may be communicated to the parties addressed, either through the public press or by letter, as follows: To the Rev. Pond, pastor of the Bethel[A] Congregational Church Society, and members of the aforesaid society: We, the members of the Bernal Heights Club, having been informed that you, and the members of your society, are devoting your energies in the endeavor to teach and instruct Chinese in the English or our language, in order to Christianize them, and bring them up to our standard in all their requirements (a futile undertaking), knowing as we do that they consider their theory of spiritual economy and their doctrines concerning the soul’s immortality, and such things, far superior to our own, and they treat us and all our endeavors to bring them over to the theory and belief with absolute contempt, should convince us, without doubt, of the fallacy, we take this method of expressing our disapprobation of the course that you are pursuing, in encouraging Chinese in this country. We do not object to your following the commands of our Divine Master. Where He enjoins you to go out to all the world and teach and preach, He did not command the whole world to come to you. He said go out to the world and preach. Therefore, if you must preach and teach Chinamen, go to China, and you will there find an opportunity to unburden your full load of Christianity for the heathen lepers. We tell you now, and we shall tell you again, in all earnestness and candor, that we shall and will handle this question without gloves, and that the Chinese must go. Our organization is perfecting to attain that end, and the beginning of the end is not yet. We tell you these facts in all friendship. Do not think that we array ourselves as enemies, but as friends of our race we will defend and protect you as far as we can, consistently with our obligation; but we tell you you must stop this Chinese business. If there is no other way to perpetuate Christianity in this country but through the medium of the Chinese, why, let Christianity slide; if you cannot get a society of your own race and kind to support you, without the help of Chinamen, quit the business you are at, and try something else. Do not think we have signaled out your especial case. Other similar Chinese Christian factories will receive their full share of attention in due time in their own districts. To expel the Chinese from our shores is a duty we owe to ourselves and to posterity, and we will not relent one particle until that end is attained; and, in our struggle to attain that end, we have a right to expect the sympathy of all. We have a sufficient guarantee to warrant us in asserting that every member of the Workingmen’s Party of California will do his duty in this regard.”

Justice to San Francisco demands that we append to this deliverance of the club the following editorial response, which appeared the same week in the _Mission Mirror_, a paper published in the section of the city in which Bethany Church and Bernal Heights are located:

“MOBOCRACY.

“If that Bernal Heights Club don’t quit fooling with the bull, the first thing they know, that animal will turn and gore them. Their late pronunciamento against the Protestant Christian churches generally, and Rev. W. C. Pond in particular, for teaching the English language to the ignorant heathens in our midst, stamps the majority of that club as a body of men who, in point of civilization, stand away below the ignorant, helpless pagans at whom they profess to strike. No one for a moment believes them so reckless as to mob a Christian church. It is only another one of those little bluff games, for which political anti-Coolieites have become famous, and in which they propose to frighten somebody into their way of thinking. We greatly mistake the callibre of Mr. Pond if he is not more than a match for the whole mob. We agree with the great body of intelligent people on this coast that “the Chinese must go,” but the course proposed by this club will only tend to prolong their stay in this country. There is, at least, abundant opportunity yet for the fool-killer, if not the hangman, to reap a rich harvest on Bernal Heights.”

FOOTNOTE:

[A] A mistake for _Bethany_.

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THE CHILDREN’S PAGE.

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ALBERT, THE SLAVE BOY.

MRS. A. K. SPENCE, NASHVILLE, TENN.

Twenty-three years ago, in one of the northern counties of Mississippi, there was born a little slave boy. No white blood coursed in his veins. No one cared for his birth save, perhaps, his weary slave mother. Some one called him Albert, and that was all, for slave children had only one name. No future opened before him, for slave children had no future, but service to a master. He grew up to a life of poverty and toil and neglect, and early learned what it was to be cold and hungry and sorrowful.

By and by began the fierce struggle between slavery and freedom. The slaves were sent from place to place, to prevent their escape to the Union army. Albert wandered about with them—to Tennessee, to Texas, to Georgia—till the close of the war found him back in Tennessee, and near the city of Nashville. Here he picked up his letters, and, at the age of fourteen, learned to read. In 1869, he went to a school taught by one of the first student teachers from Fisk University, who encouraged him to look to something higher than the spelling-book and reader.

In 1870 he entered that institution. Then began the long, hard struggle for an education. For two years he groomed horses and did housework. For two years more he took care of a drunken young man, the son of wealthy parents in Nashville; and often might Albert have been seen with his Greek or Latin book, far into the night, sitting in some saloon or grocery, waiting for the young man, whose aged mother had made him promise that he would never leave her son in a saloon at night. Poor, awkward, and dressed out of missionary barrels, often the recipient of student aid, sometimes well-nigh disheartened, but always pressing on; once bought off by Mr. Spence for the sum of ten dollars, when his father wanted him to work in the field, he toiled slowly on, step by step, winning honor and respect, and loved by his teachers as, perhaps, few students of Fisk University were ever loved.

Always good in scholarship, always among the first of his class, in nine years he passed from the alphabet to within three mouths of a college diploma.

He was converted in 1872, and at once gave himself to the ministry. In common with most students of Fisk University, he had thought, though not very definitely, of missionary work in Africa.

On the 1st day of February, there came a call for two men for the Mendi Mission. Albert had his plans. He hoped to graduate from college, a thing few colored youths have attained. He had two orphan brothers and a little sister, to whom he purposed to give an education and Christian training. Perhaps he had also his ambitions in the ministry, where educated colored men will soon rise so high; but he laid them all aside when God called, and with a fellow-student, whose soul was mightily stirred by that call, he said, “Here am I, Lord, send me.” He said, “How I should feel, to have God call, and I not be ready!”

His last request to the students of Fisk University was that they would make this its motto:

_“Her sons and her daughters are ever on the altar.”_

To-day Albert Miller is on the shores of Africa. The prayers, the tears, the affections of the institution, are with him. The prayers of the Christian heart of America will be with him, and his companions, in that distant land. Did not God, who chose Abraham and David, and Paul and Luther, choose him for such a time as this, and make all the years of his slavery—his privations, and his discipline—but the means to fit him for this great work of carrying the Gospel to Africa?

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RECEIPTS

FOR MARCH, 1878.

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MAINE, $146.95.