Part 4

DEAR FRIENDS: Of course you will be curious to know how it happened that some persons in this place—Marshall, Texas—suddenly conclude to read the AMERICAN MISSIONARY, consequently I send you these words of explanation. I am indebted to your schools for all the education I possess. I attended Straight University five months—from January to June, 1874; then beautiful Fisk University nearly nine months—from September to May, 1879, entering college regularly with the class. Commencement over, I set out for Texas, earnestly desiring to secure means to go through with; but, owing to bad health and the want of proper precaution, I failed. I was unwilling to return immediately to Fisk University empty-handed, to give my teachers additional concern about my welfare, and, as I am firmly resolved to complete the course, everything to the contrary notwithstanding, something had to be done. Hence I decided to remain in Texas a few months longer, giving my wife, who is at Nashville, the choice of remaining there or joining me here, until the difficulty is past. I could get no paying work right away, having walked upwards of two hundred miles and spent three weeks of valuable time in the search. Finally, weary, foot-worn and exhausted, I fell under the effects of intermittent fever—indeed, I was in trouble. Nothing remained, then, but to be idle two months or more, at the expiration of which I could begin to teach, in accordance with a contract that I then held. In the meantime my class would be making progress; this thought, believe me, gave me as much concern as my ill-health. I carried the subject to the Lord in prayer and became reconciled. I reached Marshall, on the 22d instant. I plainly stated my case to the teachers of this Institution. They seemed to sympathize with me, and on the following morning assigned me work. Thus, you see, I am doing something, though it may be very little.

I heard an interesting discourse Sabbath evening from I. Corinthians xv., 58. The preacher proved clearly to my mind that Christians ought to be zealous of good works for the churches to which they belong. He proved, too, that all could do something. The whole furnished me excellent food for reflection. I began to figure out how much we colored people in the South could advance your glorious work if we only had the zeal. I found, indeed, that we are neglecting a very important service; so I resolved, not having anything else in view, to secure some subscribers to the AMERICAN MISSIONARY, and within two hours yesterday I begged fourteen persons to put down their names. Now, suppose each one of your students in the South should do even that much, is it not plain that you would soon have a large constituency here as well as in New England? Such service alone would increase your subscription-list by many thousands, and add largely to your income, as well as disseminate, as should be, a wide knowledge of your work. Let, then, every one, put his hand to the wheel, for all can do something. Believe me, I am heartily ashamed of myself, now that I can see what an excellent opportunity of doing great good I have lost by not doing the lesser. I have lived, more or less, in no fewer than twenty towns, and I have taught in at least fifteen different schools since I first left one of your schools, at any one of which I ought to have raised at least as many subscribers to the AMERICAN MISSIONARY as I have here. I have been a Christian for several years, but unfortunately one of that class who are afraid to “stand up for Jesus.” I am feeling differently now, consequently am likely to fly to the other extreme. Should any little work, then, suggest itself to you, such as you may regard me capable of performing, why be assured that a willing servant is at hand. It is to be very much regretted that, since I have to remain here, I could not be with the teachers at Tillotson College; still those who can work will work anywhere.

Very sincerely,

H. C. G.

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THE INDIANS.

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AN INDIAN BOY’S LETTER.

DEAR FRIEND: I was born in Grand Island, Neb. in the 15 day of November. My mother was married by a white man, and used to live in Grand Island, and my father was scouting with the Pawnees, and once it rain very hard and he got lightling struck and died; I did not know him, I never seen him, my mother tells me about him. When he died, my mother went back to her home, and lived with her brother, who lived like a white man. In 1869 I went on a hunting bufflos with the Pawnees and Puncas. We went on about three days; they found some bufflos, so all the men got their best horses and fixed them up, and then took their bows and arrows and guns. They went all around them, and then they just run their horses to see who’ill get there first, one man would kill two or three, sometimes four and eight, and they skin them, and take them home, skin and all. The skins is used for mocassins and men legends (leggings). Once I went swimming while the men went after bufflos, while I was in the water I seen a bufllo coming where I was, frightened me to, I had to climbed upon a tree. It was mad, and some men were after him; and had some arrows in him. They killed it, and then I got down, and I seen them skin it. We had lots bufflo meat; we camp the same place, the Indians were drying their meat, so it will less (last) long. After while we went on again, we went on till sun was sat. Next morning they seen some more bufflos; they killed many more; they had to stay there till their meat was dry. We stayed there and then the Indian women got their work things and work on with their skins. They finished them and had lots meat and skins. We return home again.

I just eat dry meat all the time. No town near to buy some bread nor sugar. I used to be hungry for bread. I used to cry for bread. My stepfather had to take me where their was some Pawnees, that did not go on hunting. We got there. I had all the bread I want. I was glad then. The next day we went on and got to a town; and got in the cars, and went on; we got to another town; we get out and went to my home, and then they sent me to school. I went to school four months. I went home again.

After while some of the Pawnees ran away from their homes, went to Indian Territory and stayed there for couple years, had nice time and had many ponies, then one went back home and told them it was very nice down the Territory, and it made part of the Chiefs think it would be nice to go down there. They used to have a counsil all day, and had a counsil one year. One Chief did not want to go down there; that was Lone Chief, because he liked that place, because the Pawnees were civilized when they were up there. They commencing putting up their houses, and farming. They went down there. I went down with them. When I was there, I used to work on my farm. I have got a farm my own. I use to go to school in winter. I had been wanting to go to school somewhere else. I am very glad they took me to Hampton School. I think my friends will help me all they can. I want to learn all I can at Hampton School and stay here till four or five years, my mother was willing for me to go to school and be among the white people, and when I went to Indian Territory, and I went to the day school one year, and the next year I went to the Boarding School. I never use to talk English one year ago, but the Agent at my home, keep me at his office where there was many white men were writing. They use to talk to me all the time in English, and then I learn how, and then I use to interpret for the Agent.

When we first went down to the Territory, there use to be many sickness; they used to die; they were not use to in warm country. Once I was sick. I had the chills and favor. I near died. I got well again; before I came away, I plow part of my field and sowed some wheat, but I have got brothers who will work at my field while I am away, and keep my horses good, and houses. Some white people used to want to take me. When I was at home I used to write to Col. Meachem, to help me to go to some school. He did help me, and I am glad I went to Hampton School. I am trying to be a good boy, and study all I can. The only thing troubles me is Geography, that is the only thing I have to try hard.

Yours truly, JAMES MURIE.

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 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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AN ANNIVERSARY AT SACRAMENTO.

REV. W. C. POND, SAN FRANCISCO.

We have sustained a mission school among the Chinese at Sacramento for nearly ten years; but our first public anniversary was held at the Congregational church there, on Sunday, January 11th. The following account of it was furnished for _The Pacific_ by the pastor, Rev. Dr. Dwinell:

“The attendance was good, and the exercises thrilling with Christian interest to one who can see in such facts the beginning of a great tidal wave of grace that is yet to flow over the Chinese empire; and, what is more, a good collection was taken, showing the interest to be genuine. The exercises consisted of recitations of classified Scripture, an original address, an original dialogue, and singing—all by the Chinese—and brief introductory and closing exercises by others. The mission is in a very prosperous condition, and shows the fruits of the earnest, faithful teaching of those who have had charge of the school, and especially of the present principal, Mrs. Carrington.”

After several of the exercises a muffled applause was audible, such as on any other day and in any other place would have been irrepressible. Especially was this the case after the following

ADDRESS BY LEM CHUNG.

“Ladies and gentlemen: I am very glad to see you all here this evening. I thank you very much for your kindness, teaching us about the Gospel of Jesus Christ, because our people are in very darkness indeed, worshiping idols. I would like to tell you of something I did when I was a little boy at home. My parents were very careful to attend to worshiping idols, but on the first day of the year they must worship more than any other day of the year. At this time I used to carry a basket with some sacrifice in it, follow after my father from place to place where the different gods were for worshiping. I believe on them very much. I thought the idols can help us a great deal. So when I was at school one day, I wrote a piece of paper, it represent a sage, and I put it inside of my desk. I then bought some nuts and wine and offered to him, and bowed my head to him, and ask him to help me about my lessons, that I might recite them well, and I said, ‘If you do not help me to recite my lessons well, when I return I tear you off and burn you up.’ When the time come I could not recite very well, so then _I burn it_. I had been at school about three years. My father sent me to the high school professor. Explaining the book of Confucius at that time, I often go with the priest to help them play the music for worshiping the evil spirits. After little while the priest came to my father, see if he can let me go learn to be a priest. My father was willing to let me go, but when my mother knew it she said, ‘I cannot spare my son to be a priest, worshiping too much for the evil spirit, but I rather to send him to California, getting his living.’

“Nearly five years have passed since I leaved my native land and came to this country, where I found all the things strange and different from what I had ever seen before. I found there was much for me to learn. A friend of mine invited me to Sunday-school, and I went with him. When I returned to the Chinatown I ask some person what kind of people are they who teach us there? They said, American people; but I could not know how it was that they should be willing to come and teach us without pay. They told me that they were very good people who come to teach you, and talk about Jesus Christ, and show us the right way. I kept on going till I can read the Bible. Great many things very different from other books. My heart was touch of Christ. I could not understand all; but not many days after the same friend invited me to go with him to the evening mission school. So I went with him to the school. After the lessons were over, the Chinese helper explained the Bible and talk to us, telling us it was useless to serve idols; they cannot help us; _they cannot take care of themselves_. But we must come to God of heaven, who made all things, heaven and earth. We must ask Him to help us, and pray to Him to give us all things what we need. We ought to praise Him. So when I heard him say this I saw and felt all I had done before was of no use, and was very wicked. Then I make up my mind to leave off worshiping idols, and begin to worship the true and living God. So I went back where I was employed. When I kneeled down to pray I opened my window, because I thought God cannot hear me if I leave it closed. After a few days the Chinese helper request me to join the Association of Christian Chinese, which I did, and read the Bible day by day, learning more about Christ. Oh, friends, I was very happy when I was converted! when I come to Jesus and worship the true God; leave the darkness and follow the light, and try to lead others of my countrymen to learn of Jesus, and know Him who died for us and save us from sin.

“When my father heard I follow Christ he sent me a letter. He said: ‘What are you doing out there? Are you going to believe Jesus, and leave all your countrymen, and your ancestors, and idols, and Confucius unserved?’ And he said: ‘No other way better than Confucius; so many of your countrymen do not believe Christ. You must leave off and come back to _our own way_. Believe the way that most of our people believe.’ But Christ tell us, ‘He that loveth father or mother more than Me not worthy of Me.’ I cannot leave off the way of Christ for the way of darkness; but I can try to bring them to Jesus. I hope you all, brethren, who come to Christ, will help hold up the light of the Gospel to shine on them which are in the dark and bow down to idols, and that many of my countrymen shall go back to China to tell the glad news to thousands there who have never heard of Christ; and if we cannot reward you, God will reward you every one.”

I have not been willing to correct any of the little mistakes of grammar, but give the address in exact copy from the original. It was uttered in a clear voice, with a distinct and quite correct pronunciation, and with such simple earnestness that every eye was fixed upon him, and every heart seemed touched. Lem Chung has been our helper in Sacramento for about eight months, is _growing_ mentally and spiritually, and gives promise of a very useful future.

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CHILDREN’S PAGE.

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HOW TO MAKE MONEY FOR THE MISSIONARIES.

An original Essay written by a Girl eleven years old, and read by her at a Woman’s Foreign Missionary Meeting in Indiana.

I should think that everyone could think of ways for themselves, but I suppose we can help each other. Some ways that I may suggest might not be thought of by others, while others in turn might think of many ways that I would not.

The first way that enters my mind is what I found to be a very good plan at one time; have your grandfather get sick so that your father will have to go and see him, and on his return your grandmother will send you a present of one dollar. With it buy a pig in partnership with someone else who has the same amount, and after feeding it with your father’s corn for a year, sell it for twenty dollars, you of course getting one half of it.

Another way is to have a little garden and sell vegetables out of it; and another way is to have a hen and sell eggs, or raise chickens and sell them. One way that I found to be a good one, is to make tidies and sell them. And those of us who are fortunate enough to have a baby brother or sister, attend it two or three hours for a penny an hour. And I think another good way is to be a great talker, and have your mother give you five cents to be still. We may also relieve our mothers very much by watering the house plants, and may be she will give us a little bit.

And I have often thought it would be a good plan to have pay for washing dishes, and may be some of your mothers would; just mention it to them; but mine won’t, for I have tried it! And when your mother sends you to pick berries, just mention the missionaries to her. And if you live in the country, gather apples, churn, kill potato bugs and dig potatoes. And then have a penny a dozen for finding pins; and the best place in the world to find pins is in the oldest sister’s room.

And another way of getting money for our school in Persia is to save a part of the money we spend in candies. But I hope that in our dividing between ourselves and missions, none of us may be like the little boy that I heard of not long ago. His uncle gave him two bright new nickels. They were a little fortune to him, and as he looked upon them, he said, “One of these must go for the heathen and the other for candy.” After this decision he put them away, and every few minutes he would go to see if his fortune was safe. But once, after having them out, one of them was missing. What should he do? and which piece was lost, the missionary or the candy money? His little eyes rested upon the shining piece in his hand, and after many minutes of hard struggle with selfishness and benevolence, he said to his mother, “It was the missionary money that I lost!” But then I guess that bigger folks than children often have their business plans, which they think cannot be broken into by missionaries.

(“Children’s Work for Children.”)

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RECEIPTS

FOR JANUARY, 1880.

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MAINE, $528.76.

Bangor. Central Ch. Sab. Sch., $25, _for Student Aid, Atlanta U._;—Hammond St. Ch. (ad’l), $15.21; T. U. C., $1 $41.21 Bath. Mrs. J. C. 1.00 Biddeford. J. N. A. 1.00 Brownville. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 16.00 Cumberland. S. M. R. 1.00 Farmington. —— Bbl. of C. Lovell. Ladies, by Mrs. Lewis Goodrich, Bbl. of C. Machias. Miss U. M. Penniman. 5.00 Norway. Second Cong. Ch. and Soc. 12.84 Orland. Mrs. S. T. Buck and Daughter, $30; “A Friend,” $1.00 31.00 Portland. State St. Cong. Ch. and Soc. (ad’l), $221.45; High St. Cong. Ch. and Soc., $100;—High St. Cong. Ch. Sab. Sch., $25, _for Hampton N. and A. Inst._;—Mrs. David Patten, $5; Mrs. L. D., 50c. 351.95 Rockland. Mrs. E. R. S., 51c.; Ladies of Cong. Ch., bbl. of C. 0.51 Saccarappa. W. K. D. 0.50 South Freeport. Miss Fannie E. Soule, $25, _for Miller’s Station, Ga._;—Rev. H. I., 50c. 25.50 Sweden. E. P. Woodbury 8.00 Wells. First Cong. Ch., $5.50; Individuals, $2.50 8.00 West Newfield. Samuel C. Adams 10.00 Winthrop. E. H. N., $1; Ladies of Cong. Ch., $1 and bbl. of C. 2.00 Woolwich. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 13.25

NEW HAMPSHIRE, $452.38.

Amherst. Mrs. Ed. Aiken, $25, _for Student Aid, Straight U._;—Ladies Soc., $2 and Box of Goods, _for Wilmington, N. C._;—Miss C. M. Boylston, $2 29.00 Colebrook. J. A. H. 0.50 Concord. South Cong. Ch. and Soc., $47.01; —W. H. Pitman, $2, _for Mendi M._; —Miss F. A. G., 50c.; Mrs. C. D., 50c 50.02 Francestown. ESTATE of Miss Lucy Everett, by Joseph Kingsbury. 60.00 Francestown. A. F. 1.00 Greenville. Cong. Ch., $8.50; E. G. Heald, $6 14.50 Hanover. Dartmouth Religious Soc. 25.00 Hampstead. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 9.00 Harrisville. D. Farwell 2.00 Hopkinton. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 6.00 Keene. Individuals 1.50 Kensington. “Friend” 3.00 Lake Village. B. Q. J. 1.00 Londonderry. C. S. P. 1.00 Manchester. Franklin St. Ch. and Soc., $100, to const. REV. WM. V. W. DAVIS, F. B. EATON and E. L. BRYANT, L. M.’s; “Pillsbury,” $10 110.00 Mason. Cong. Ch. 3.00 Milford. Cong. Ch. 19.31 Monroe. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 0.97 Mount Vernon. J. A. S. 1.00 Nashua. Pilgrim Cong. Ch. and Soc., $30.28; Mrs. E. A. S., and Rev. F. A., 50c. ea 31.28 New Ipswich. Cong. Ch. and Soc., $3; J. W. C., 50c. 3.50 Orford. Cong. Ch. and Soc., $13; Mrs. M. B. Pratt, $11; A. E., $1 25.00 Pembroke. Mrs. Mary W. Thompson, $7; Cong. Ch. and Soc., $5 12.00 Pittsfield. —— $10; John L. Thorndike, $10 20.00 Rindge. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 2.30 Short Falls. I. W. C. 0.50 Temple. Individuals, by Rev. J. F. Bassett 5.00 Wentworth. Ephraim Cook, $10 and bbl. of C. 10.00 Wolfborough. Mrs. Sumner Clark 5.00

VERMONT, $1,153.69.