Part 4

It would have inspired every reader of this article to have heard the words of thanksgiving and rejoicing, and to have seen the sympathizing tears, as they stole silently down the cheeks of those who had previously opposed the work here on account of its name and obscure history to the colored people. Permit me to say just here that many of the aristocratic whites of our village took part in the above-stated exercises.

We anchored here for some time, making repairs and casting overboard all who were diseased with intemperance and other maladies, which are so common to those who are not willing to resist the devil.

We rejoiced that the great Physician of souls had so wonderfully preserved all of our number except six. One had taken the ship of time, and sailed into eternity on the 26th of November, 1876—“Peace be to his ashes”; three took leave for other churches; thus leaving us thirty-two passengers for the next tour.

After repairing all things needful, we set sail again, with a full supply of _love_, _truth_ and _mercy_. We landed in the midst of a glorious revival, in September, 1877. Here we took on board nineteen passengers more, and one on the 7th day of July, 1878.

A few days ago the church committee took account of stock, and found that we have on board the gospel ship fifty-two _soldiers of the Cross_, varying in age from thirteen to sixty, all of whom are ready for the next tour, upon which we expect to start out on the second Sabbath in September, 1878.

We have in our community some of the finest colored people in the State of Alabama, most of whom are absolute strangers to Christ. We most humbly solicit a petition in the prayers of each one who reads this article.

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MISSISSIPPI.

Grenada.

[_Extracts from, the Grenada Sentinel of June 29th._]

A representative of the _Sentinel_ witnessed the closing exercises on Friday night, the 21st inst., of one of our colored schools, under the management of Miss Anna Harwood and Miss Carrie Segur, which was an exhibition most creditable to both teachers and pupils, receiving praises from all who attended. The audience was very large, among whom we noticed quite a number of prominent white citizens, both ladies and gentlemen. The call for order, accompanied with the request for good behavior, and that there should be no talking or stamping of feet, was, considering the immense throng which filled the church, well observed, and we doubt not that all went away pleased and highly gratified with the exhibition. The exercises were commenced with an opening chorus, entitled, “Hold the Fort,” which was followed with prayer, by Elder J. D. Williams. The declamations, dialogues, songs, etc., were all very fairly rendered, and, in several instances, worthy of special mention.

That the teachers deserve not only the congratulations of the patrons of the school, but the encouragement and kindest regards of every lover and promoter of education in our community, we think all who were present, at least, will agree. That the colored people are progressing, and that rapidly, too, in an educational point of view, is a fact beyond any doubt, we will venture to say, in the minds of those who have given the subject even a casual investigation. We are impressed with the idea that our people in general have not yet given to this system of free education that reflection to which it is so richly entitled. But we are also impressed with its growing favor, and the importance that will be attached to the institution at no distant day. It is not only our duty, but we should endeavor to make it our pleasure to encourage, improve and build up our free schools.

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KENTUCKY.

Berea College Commencement.

In one respect, Commencement at Berea, Ky., is unlike all other colleges. It exhibits, in the centre of a Southern State, the complete solution of the vexed negro question. In the large tabernacle, on the 3d inst., was an audience of _two thousand_ people, rich and poor, white and colored, ex-masters and ex-slaves, sitting where they could find seats, without distinction, and with the kindest feelings. On the large platform sat in the rear the more advanced students, about half white and half colored; in front of them a choir of twenty singers, selected, evidently, with no thought of complexion; at the right a brass band of various shades; in front of all a score of professional men, with their wives, among whom were several colored preachers; outside was a mixed crowd of five hundred or more.

To this crowd twenty orations and essays were delivered by sixteen young men and four young ladies, of whom fourteen were white and six colored; and the only manifest thought of color was seen in the fact that one side of the audience was of a darker shade than the other. There was not the least sign of disturbance, nor any indication of dissatisfaction with this order of things, though more than two thousand of the audience must have come from regions outside of Berea, which is a village of five hundred inhabitants. A prominent Southern lawyer remarked that he never witnessed so good order in so large a crowd.

This state of things has been brought about without constraint, in the most natural way imaginable. It was originally a white school, but thoroughly anti slavery. A few months after emancipation, a couple of colored youths were admitted. Half the white students left immediately. But the vacancy was soon filled with colored students; and eventually the white students returned, and the trouble was over. The whole question seems to turn on the learning of one simple lesson—that contiguity with a free man is no more disagreeable than contiguity with a slave. The colors are mixed in all Southern society. A little change in the mixture has here occurred, and that is all.

The college campus, in which are all the college buildings except the Ladies’ Hall, consists of forty-five acres covered with native forest trees. Under the shade of these trees, during the intermission, two or three hundred groups spread and consumed their basket-dinners. And, in the more retired parts, a thousand horses were sheltered from the burning sun.

The afternoon exercises consisted of a rousing address by Prof. Dunn of Hillsdale College, Mich., on the conflicts of civilization, and a statement from President Fairchild to the effect that the annual number of students is about 275—males, 145; females, 128. Thirty-one are in the college department, and over a hundred are qualified to teach a common-school. Probably sixty or more will teach during the long summer vacation.

It has often been predicted that this school would either become all white or all colored; but there seems to be no such tendency. The idea of color seems almost to have passed away. Intellectual culture and moral worth determine each man’s position in society. It will be many years before this state of society becomes general; but cheering progress in this direction is very manifest, and not so tardy as many suppose.—_Kentucky, in the Congregationalist._

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Frankfort.

MISS MATTIE E. ANDERSON, TEACHER.

The public examination of this school occurred June 13th, and was one of great pleasure and interest. Each teacher conducted the examinations of her own classes. Parents and friends were highly gratified with the very flattering manner in which the young ladies acquitted themselves. During the year the building has been enlarged, and many improvements have been made. The new room was opened about the first of March.

The closing exercises took place at Major Hall, June 19th, and consisted of vocal and instrumental music, essays, declamations, tableaux, dialogues and concert exercises.

Upon the stage were seated Rev. Mr. Evans, pastor of the A. M. E. Church; Rev. Mr. Parris, of the Independent Baptist Church. Prayer was offered by Rev. Mr. Evans. The children then sang “Away over Mountain,” after which Miss Virgin Gatewood came forward and read the Salutatory. The exercises were of more than usual interest, and held the audience spell-bound from eight P.M. until twelve M. The Valedictory was read by Miss Mittie Streets, after which “The Star-Spangled Banner” was sung by the children, during which they waved fifty flags in the most patriotic manner. Benediction was then said by Rev. Mr. Martin, pastor of the First Baptist Church. The hall was crowded with people, who seemed perfectly delighted with all they saw and heard. We have received numerous compliments from the citizens for giving such an interesting entertainment. Four of our pupils are now teaching in different localities.

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AFRICA.

MENDI MISSION, GOOD HOPE STATION.

In Good Health and Good Heart.

REV. ALBERT P. MILLER

After arriving on the African shores, and reaching our destination (Good Hope), we soon decided to proceed at once to work. We had a little hesitation in so doing, because we knew that we had been instructed otherwise by the Executive Committee. Having been assigned to our different posts of duty, we have been pushing forward the work, with but little loss of time from sickness, ever since. Brother Jackson had an attack of fever, which scared him a little, but he soon rallied, and is now again in the field, fighting valiantly. I was sick last week, but the trouble soon passed away, and I am now walking about, feeling as well as any African in this our fatherland. It may be of interest to you, and to our many friends in America, to know that our wives have enjoyed thus far an unusually good degree of health.

We know not what the future has in store for us; still do we feel thankful to that kind Providence which we have enjoyed since our departure from “dear old Fisk” and the American shores.

A great deal of the mist that gathered around our vision, in regard to Africa and her people, while preparing to leave America, and as the steamer bore us away and her land faded until lost in the distance, has since been removed.

The Americans have a very vague idea of the land of “Ham” and her dusky sons and daughters, who are now depending on the institutions in the South for the story of the Cross.

If Africa is to be evangelized, as I believe it will be, it must be done through the children of the summer and sunny clime, educated and Christianized in the South. You in America can’t see this as plainly as one who mingles with this people, and has all chances to investigate in regard to this matter. If I could speak to every institution in the South, I would ask each one of them to be true to God and this common cause of humanity, which I would to God would seize all Christendom, so that the many who have for ages sat in darkness, might be brought into the light.

The work here still moves on prosperously in both church and school. Ten or eleven were received at our last Communion into the church, among whom were some of our scholars. We hope to see these develop into strong Christian manhood and womanhood. We have a great many very promising boys and girls in our school here, who are able to read and speak English very well. In these is our hope for a missionary work in Africa, which may expand until the interior shall receive of its influence.

We have the material on which to work, and we ask our kind heavenly Father to help us to shape these young hearts for fields of usefulness, which they will have no difficulty in finding if influenced by right motives. They sing well. The old plantation songs are not without interest here in Africa; I have introduced them into my school.

May God help you in America in every effort put forth for the advancement of His kingdom.

May He provide for the wants of the eleemosynary institutions planted in the South for the good of that people and the millions of Africa.

May these institutions foster such young men and women as shall be willing to work for the Master anywhere He may want them. Pray for us!

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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 O. 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.

China for Christ.

REV. W. C. POND, SAN FRANCISCO.

A venerable Presbyterian minister of New York, to whom we are indebted for a generous gift to our mission, writes as follows: “I firmly believe that God in his providence is sending the heathen to our doors, _in order that they may carry back the blessed news of the gospel to their own land_; and if we turn them selfishly away, He will surely require their blood at our hands.”

The truth thus expressed is a chief source of our enthusiasm in our Chinese mission work. “CHINA FOR CHRIST” is our motto. I wish to lay before the readers of the MISSIONARY some of the facts in view of which we believe that we do reach China, though we are working here 10,000 miles away.

There is nothing improbable in the idea. Indeed, it scarcely could be otherwise. Hardly a steamer sails for China that does not carry one or more of our pupils back to his native land. Most of these are heathen still; but they are heathen with their eyes at least half-opened. These, even, cannot be exactly what they were. But many of them are Christians, as we confidently hope. Will these go there to be silent? When neighbors and friends gather about them, to hear the accounts they have to give of things in the Sunrise Land, will they forget to tell of the Saviour they have found? I do not believe it would be possible. The message to which they have listened will be as a fire in their bones, and they will feel that they must bear it on. Letters, too, are passing back continually; and these are not empty of gospel. A missionary at Canton writes me that the mother of one of our brethren lives near his mission-house. “She enjoys the money he remits, but is not pleased with his urging her to be a Christian.” I hear incidentally that the parents of another of our brethren have been visiting all the shrines near them, and, with wailings and prayers, have placed their votive offerings where they thought they would do good, hoping that thus he would be won back from Christian heresy to their ancestral orthodoxy. What passes here in this regard is not unknown at the old Chinese homesteads; and what is known is felt.

But we ought not to be content with these spontaneous and sporadic operations. We do not rise to the height of our great opportunity while we leave this thing to work itself. It ought to _be worked_ energetically, systematically. Never was battery better placed for storming a stronghold than we are here, for pouring shot, hot with the love of Christ, into that empire-fortress of selfishness and superstition across the sea; but we need heavier guns, more ammunition, and a truer aim.

About four years ago, Wong Min died at Canton. He was spoken of after his death as “the distinguished native pastor of the Baptist Church in Canton.” It was said that, in the absence of American missionaries, he had carried the pastoral care of three Baptist churches, and all were flourishing. Wong Min was converted at Sacramento, in this State. Returning to his native land, he began to tell in the streets and elsewhere the good news of redeeming love. His work attracted the attention of Baptist missionaries, and they took him into regular mission work. He had been at it more than twenty years when the Master called him higher. But he has left a son walking in his father’s steps—a preacher of great promise. Why have we not by this time sent back to China a hundred Wong Mins? It might have been done; it ought to have been done. How large the blessing if it had been done! We are verily guilty in this matter.

You will think me extravagant. “One hundred,” you say, “is a large number; it would be a large proportion of the whole number reported as converted in California from the beginning of missionary effort to the present time.” I know it; but I do not flinch. It could have been done, and the doing of it would have reacted on the work here, and helped us to larger harvesting.

1. I observe that our Christian Chinese have a strong desire to do this work. One of them once wrote me as follows: “In China, those who live in the villages don’t know Jesus and never heard of Him. I am sorry I cannot go home. If I could fly I would go home immediately, and tell how good and how kind Jesus is. Then I think they would all learn to love Him also. I want all our people in China to be Christian, and our mothers and sisters and friends to get the key, so they will go to heaven when they die.” I shall never forget the joy that shone in the face of our Jee Gam when he told me, a few months since, that a mission had been established near his home. Soon after, I found him writing for other eyes than mine—“Oh, how glad I feel whenever I think of this mission-house in my own beloved district. How much I am indebted to the ever-living and merciful Father for sending these missionaries there!” In expressions like these, these brethren represent the almost universal feeling among our Chinese believers—not from San Francisco and Oakland alone, but from San Leandro, from Petaluma, from Santa Barbara, from Stockton. As conversions are reported, there comes again and again the suggestion that such or such a one wants to learn how to preach the Gospel in his native land.

2. They are doing this thing now. The missionary sent to Jee Gam’s district was converted in California. The story is full of interest, and I give it in Jee Gam’s own words. It illustrates well the truth I wish to state on more sides than one: “Six years ago, a Chinese fortune-teller, while in California, heard a Chinese missionary speaking to a crowd of his countrymen on the subject of superstition. His heart was deeply touched. Not long after he went home, and at once commenced to build a house for his family, without going to an appointer of days to ask him to select a lucky day to begin upon. And so his friends and relatives told him that he must have a day selected before he put a single man to work, or his house could never be built to stand, or somebody would be killed by evil spirits before the house was completed. He told his friends that he had done with that superstition, and that he would keep on building. Finding they could not persuade him, they left, saying they would have no more to do with him, for he had become a foreigner. Then he was not only despised by these friends, but by every one who lived in that village. They said the evil spirits would soon take his life, or some great trouble would surely visit his family. Finally, his house was completed. He moved in and lived in perfect safety. People then began to wonder why the evil spirits did not visit this house. Some said they were busy elsewhere; but others said they must have gone away, and, on their return, they would cause this home and this obstinate family to be desolated. So they waited, but in vain; for this man prospered, and in due time, in that very house, a son was born to him. When, now, the people saw the joy of this household, they said one to another, ‘He must have worshipped the foreign God, and so the spirits dare not touch him.’ He came back to California and went to fortune-telling again. This time he determined to learn more of Christ, and every opportunity he could find he attended the Chinese meeting, and searched for truth by reading the Bible. He was finally converted, gave up his profession, and was baptized by Rev. Mr. Loomis. He then went home the second time, and studied at Rev. Dr. Happer’s mission in Canton, where he was fitted to be a very able missionary, for he had a very good Chinese education before he became a Christian. When he got through his studies, he was sent to a large city, not far from his own home. There he labored successfully for about two years, and he had been the means of converting a number of his countrymen, among whom was one of his villagers, a professor of Confucius. He was on his way to a county examination; he visited the chapel where this missionary was preaching, not that he might learn about Jesus, but merely for curiosity. But the Lord’s design was otherwise. He sent him there to be converted by the Holy Spirit, and fitted for the great work which He intended to assign him.

“After his conversion, this missionary and a delegate were sent to visit Chuck Hum, a city about six miles from my home. When they reached there, great was their surprise to learn that a man named Quan Lang, who lived close by, had been Christianized in Australia, and had been preaching there, in the open air, for the last three months. They searched and found him earnest in the faith, glad and anxious to join himself with these missionaries. They consulted together about opening a chapel there. Then they wrote Dr. Happer about it. He consented, and they began. But oh, what a hard time they met! Opposition came upon them from every side. Even the whole city firmly united against them. After violent persecution, the governor was consulted. He sent proclamations to the head man of the city and the judge of the district, commanding protection to his person and property. Then this missionary could have as many police officers to protect him as he pleased. They even became burdensome to him, and he had to dismiss them. When the chapel was dedicated, it was crowded to its utmost capacity.” This brings the story down to the present time. The work in that district, it will be perceived, was begun by an Australian convert, and is now carried on by one from California.

Two of our Oakland brethren, Joe Jet and Lee Sam, have recently returned to China, and intend to commence at once their studies at a mission-school, in order to preach the Gospel. One of our San Leandro brethren, Jee Wee, started for China last October, and has just returned. On the westward voyage he fell in with some missionary families and a Chinese evangelist. The result was that at once, on reaching Canton, he began evangelistic work, opening a room for the distribution of Bibles, and preaching. He encountered opposition and persecution at first, but, on application at headquarters, was protected in the same manner with those of whom Jee Gam writes above. The crowds that listened sometimes numbered 300 or 400. More than twenty were hopefully converted, his own father and mother being among them. Another Lee Sam, who returned to China about three years ago, and who, though a Christian, had not at the time he left us been baptized, in his first letter to his brethren here, told of the conversion of his brother, an educated man and a sort of college professor, to whom he had been speaking of the way of life.

We have lost sight of this Lee Sam, of Lui Chung, also, a most hopeful convert and Christian worker, whom I ought to have retained in California, and many others likewise. It is not strange that this should be. Indeed, it could not be otherwise. We, 10,000 miles distant, could not possibly follow them, save with our prayers. But they ought to be followed, and nurtured and edified. And not only that, but set at work, as light-givers and soul-savers, where-ever they go.