Part 2

—They have found in the papers of the late Captain Phipson Wybrants, who died in the exploration of the country of Oumzila, a very minute statement concerning the Sabia, one of the great rivers of Southern Africa, which flows into the Channel of Mozambique. The upper part of its course has been little known. The outline of M. Wybrants will allow of the correction of the errors on the ancient maps.

—The complete success of the expedition sent out by the Royal Geographical Society of Rome in charge of Signori Matteucci and Massari is likely to cause a disturbance among map makers. These parties have found their way from Egypt across the continent to the Gulf of Guinea, exploring many hitherto unknown regions in the dark continent. A full account of their journey and the country and people along their way will be looked for with intense interest.

—The conquest of Algeria by the French, in 1830, restored to Christianity that portion of African soil, but for prudential reasons, no missionary enterprises were permitted. But in 1868 a famine occurred which destroyed in some districts of Algeria a fifth of the population, leaving thousands of native children in utter destitution. Nine thousand of these were gathered by the Archbishop of Algiers, and cared for during their youth. In this way the Catholic church has extended its influence and fame far and wide through the back country. A hospital has been provided by the charity of the natives in the village of St. Cyprien where the sick are gratuitously attended.

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THE INDIANS.

—Captain Pratt of the Indian Training School at Carlisle Barracks, has persuaded the apprentice boys who are earning money to deposit it in the bank, and forty-seven of them have opened an account. An excellent suggestion for pale faces as well.

—More than nine-tenths of the Indians in the United States are peaceably cultivating their farms, and sending their sons and daughters to the Government schools, East and West. The disturbance, therefore, made by one tribe of the most wild and untamed Indians in the country will not particularly discourage or alarm those who have been watching the admirable Peace Policy of the Government. A little more patience and perseverance in the right direction would soon overcome what remains of hostility among these wards of the Nation.

—The liberality of the Indians at White Earth Reservation is testified to by Bishop Whipple, who recently visited the Episcopal mission at that point. He says that in taking the offerings, every man, woman and child came up and deposited the gift in the alms basin. The Bishop also speaks encouragingly of the religious work carried on at Red Lake, where there is a flourishing Indian church, whereas three years ago there was not a single member. Five miles farther up the Lake, more than half the Indians are Christians, and these have been baptized within the past three years. The Indian chief, who is an exemplary Christian and one of the noblest specimens of his race, has had much to do in bringing about this wonderful change.

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THE CHINESE.

—The Japanese colony in Paris are about to erect a pagoda for their religious devotions.

—The Governor of Foo Chow has issued a proclamation calling upon the people not to molest the missionaries or the converts who follow them, either at their chapels or school-houses.

—Out of one party of twenty-five Chinese students, who are returning to their homes, it is said that nine have changed their religious faith since they came to this country.

—It is reported that as fifty of the Chinese students ordered home by their Government were leaving the San Francisco wharf, September 6th, they joined in singing our National hymn, “My country, ’tis of thee.”

—The American Board has published a new map of Japan about 2½ by 4½ feet in size, which will be found a valuable aid in missionary concerts. The price of the map on fine paper is 40 cents, and on cloth 70 cents.

—It is reported that the high Chinese authorities are in favor of an International Exhibition at Shanghai in 1882. Twenty-two thousand applications for space have been received from American and European manufacturers, and if the Exhibition is determined upon, there is little doubt of its success, both in a political and an industrial point of view.

THE FREEDMEN.

REV. JOSEPH E. ROY, D.D., FIELD SUPERINTENDENT, ATLANTA, GA.

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SUMMER REVIVALS.

McLEANSVILLE, N.C.

The first Sabbath of September we began a series of meetings, assisted by Rev. Geo. S. Smith and Rev. Mr. Turner, of Raleigh. On the Sabbath the house would not hold the congregation. Quite a number came from ten to twelve miles, a few from twenty to twenty-five miles.

Many white people attended every night meeting. Indeed, more white people attended the services than had ever attended any one meeting here since the church was built. A number of them have expressed themselves well pleased with the preaching.

Seven persons, two of them pupils in our Normal School, professed faith in Christ. We think the influence on the community, both white and colored, has been good.

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SAVANNAH, GA.

My work in Savannah, as supply, during the summer, was greatly blessed of the Lord. For nearly two months my efforts were to become acquainted with the church and people in general, and in the meantime we were preparing our hearts for the ingathering of precious souls. On Monday night, July 18th, we began a series of meetings for the unconverted. They continued about three weeks, during which time thirty confessed Christ. Most of these, we believe, were hopefully converted. Three or four of those who sought Christ in the meetings have been brought out into the light of a dear Saviour since the meetings closed; thus making the number more than thirty. Seventeen united with us, and a few more will come in at the next communion. Some, of course, joined other churches with their parents or friends. We held a young convert’s meeting each week from the close of the protracted meeting to the last of September, when I left for school. There was nothing to me more cheering than to listen to the simple child-like prayers and talks of the young converts in their meetings. The youngest are three little girls who are respectively about nine, eleven and twelve years old. They are always at their post, and it is hoped that their Christian lives will be long and active.

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McINTOSH, CYPRESS SLASH, GA.

In my last letter I informed you of the extra series of meetings we were having. We continued our protracted efforts for two weeks. Now we have the grand result. On last Sabbath I baptized twelve hopeful converts, and four were added on profession; all of these are adults. Sixteen hopeful young men and women have been added to the church within the last two weeks. God has greatly blessed us in our efforts to build up His kingdom, for which we give many thanks, and are very greatly encouraged. Pray for us that others may be added, such as shall be saved.

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TALLADEGA, ALA.

Our series of meetings began on the first Sabbath in September, and at the first invitation offered to the unconverted, at the 11 o’clock service, five came forward inquiring the way of life, and strange to say, each of that five was hopefully converted before the next Sabbath. There were several other inquirers during that week, but on account of repairs to the chapel, we were obliged to close our meetings on Tuesday of the next week. Eleven united with our church—six on profession, and five by letter. Not being ordained, it was necessary that I should get some other minister to perform the baptism and administer the Lord’s Supper. Elder Shuford, in charge of the Methodist church in this place, aided me, and the work was accomplished.

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ANNISTON, ALA.

The revival work commenced in our county the middle of July. Since that date several churches of different denominations have been carrying on revival meetings. All, more or less, have rejoiced over the ingathering of souls.

Even our own little church has felt the visitation of the Holy Ghost and witnessed the gathering in of the sheaves into the Master’s store-house. We began our meetings two weeks ago. The first week we carried on a woman’s prayer meeting. The subject was, “That the church might lay aside every weight and sin, which doth so easily beset, and labor for the conversion of souls.” These meetings did a great deal of good, for when the meetings proper began, the church was ready to enter upon the Master’s work, which it did with great earnestness. The meetings closed with eight conversions. All united with us save one. Others are anxiously seeking for the blessed Master. There was an expression of great joy among my people to know that they had seven more to come around the Lord’s table and take with us the emblems of our Lord’s broken body and shed blood.

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LAWSONVILLE AND THE COVE.

The church at Lawsonville has been blessed with a revival. There were seven conversions and four accessions to the church. At the Cove we enjoyed a revival season in which there were seven conversions and three accessions. The meetings did great good in reviving professed Christians, and bringing parties out of the path of the church to a realization of their responsibilities to God and society. I visited and assisted Bro. Snell at Kingston during a revival at that place, in which there were several conversions prior to my leaving, among which were four white men of respectability in that community. I have just returned home from a revival at my former station, Anniston, where much good was done in reviving the church, and turning some seven or eight souls from the error of their ways.

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CHILDERSBURG, ALA.

We commenced our summer series of meetings on the fourth Wednesday night in July. On the Sabbath we had a great gathering. In the afternoon prayer meeting, every body seemed to be deeply impressed with the spirit of the Lord, and at night many came forward for prayers. The house was full all day and at night. About two o’clock I was awakened by the alarm of fire, and one of my members rapped at the door and said, “Our church is on fire!” I rose to my feet and reached the church just as it was falling in.

We came down to the Baptist church and continued our meetings. Many took a stand for the Lord and joined our church. After my meetings were over, I helped others. At Shelby Iron Works twelve or fifteen gave their hearts to the Lord, and at Talladega the meetings were very interesting and profitable.

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NASHVILLE, TENN.

On the first Sabbath of the month a revival began and continued for two weeks. Our meetings were large and spirited, and all of us have been benefited by them, some of us in a special manner.

The little flock is greatly strengthened and revived, and is in a better working condition. All little jealousies and acrimonies have been buried (I trust never to rise again), and a kindly feeling pervades the entire atmosphere of our church circle. As a result of the revival, five persons have been added to our church, and these five are _live_ and not _dead_ Christians.

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PARIS, TEXAS.

Our protracted meetings began here the fourth Sunday in June and continued two weeks. We had no conversions, but the church was revived. During these meetings many persons came forward to be prayed for. Two weeks later the fire of the Holy Ghost which was kindled here broke out at Pattonville. We joined our brethren out there in a week and a half meeting. Before the meetings broke up we had thirteen to come out on the Lord’s side; six joined our church, and the rest went into other churches. Bro. Jordan Carter, a worthy young member of my church, keeps up this work here and at New Hope. The spiritual condition of these churches in the country is good. Pattonville church has 30 or more members, and New Hope and Paradise 43. These churches meet with us in a quarterly conference regularly.

Our white brethren of the various denominations invited us colored brethren to organize with them in a minister’s meeting which meets every Monday at 3 P.M. We are discussing some very vital questions in these meetings.

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OPENING OF SCHOOLS.

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BEREA, KY.

The Fall term of Berea College opens with greater promise than ever before. There are more students, and they bring more money. Two-thirds are colored, if the slightest shade of black is reckoned negro; but, if divided according to predominance of color, fully half are white.

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McLEANSVILLE, N.C.

On the 16th of September we closed a two months Normal school, the first ever attempted here. We enrolled 20 pupils, six of whom had taught school, and four were preparing to teach next winter. Most of the others were primary scholars.

Our pupils did good work. Since the school closed, some of our pupils have attended a Teacher’s Institute in an adjoining county, lasting a week. One of them proved to be one of the best scholars present, was commended by the county superintendent of instruction, who conducted the institute, and by him urged to attend the public examination of teachers in October.

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MONTGOMERY, ALA.

Swayne School opened last year with 300 pupils, this year with 400, showing an encouraging increase of 100.

We are securing student aid from friends at the North for several students who have gone from here to the higher institutions. Most of our best students are quite young and can do as well here at present, except that it is better for them to be in an institution where they can be under proper control twenty-four hours in the day. The social and church life of these people is so bad that we advise all to leave for boarding-schools and colleges as soon as they can.

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EMERSON INSTITUTE, MOBILE, ALA.

The institute opened its doors on the 3d inst. The full corps of seven teachers, including music teacher, were present. In the two lower grades the attendance of pupils somewhat exceeded that of last year; in the higher grades it was less. The total was 52. At the end of four days it has increased to 75. This dilatory entrance will probably continue until the total will run up to 300, or thereabouts. Some of our students residing at remote points wrote that many new ones would come; but the drought has delayed, perhaps prevented them. The uncommon heat of the summer has cut off the expected means of some. Poverty is keeping a considerable number of our former Normal pupils at work for the present. The outlook presents many hopeful points.

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HOWARD UNIVERSITY.

REV. W. W. PATTON, D.D., WASHINGTON, D.C.

Our new year has opened at Howard University with great promise of good. A remarkably large attendance at prayers, the first day, showed an increase of punctuality in the return of the old students, and an influx of new ones. Thus far 80 new students have joined the Normal Department and about 30 the Preparatory. The incoming Freshman Class of College numbers 8. Already 13 new ones have joined the Theological Department and others are expected. Many more would have come to it, but the standard of admission is now much higher than it used to be, and will be gradually raised as better and better material will be furnished. We discourage and often reject poorly qualified applicants. The Medical and Law courses are just commencing their term, and with bright prospects. The medical faculty is one of eminence, three of its members having been connected with the illness of President Garfield; Dr. Purvis being the first to prescribe for him after the shooting; Dr. Reyburn having been one of the six physicians in regular attendance; and Dr. Lamb having performed the operation at the autopsy. Last year this department had 81 students (a majority being white), and this year the number will sum up to nearly quite a hundred. It is open to ladies as well as gentlemen. All the law graduates of last year (5 in number) have come back to take the post-graduate course. The law students this year will number twenty or more.

The University students, through poverty, are compelled to spend the vacation in earning money (for which they find many opportunities to the north of us), and have been acting as waiters at the springs and the seaside resorts, where their good behavior makes many friends and often secures benefactors. Eight of the theological students gave themselves to missionary work with great success during the summer. One received twenty converts to the church, the Sabbath before he came back to resume study. The others were in the rural district of Southern Virginia, dark with ignorance, where they established day-schools as well as Sunday-schools, aided in a very interesting Sunday-school convention of that region, visited the families and preached the Gospel. It is thought that several new churches will soon result from these efforts, and one such was organized last month. They gave special attention to encouraging young men to prepare for usefulness as teachers and ministers, but hardly any proper facilities exist there, and poverty prevents them from going elsewhere to obtain education. We are continually tried by not having the means to aid those seeking the higher education, as the number increases and their literary character improves, while the colored people must have educated leaders in church and state.

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HAMPTON, VA.

MISS HELEN W. LUDLOW.

Hampton begins the year with a large influx of students. They have come in much faster and more promptly than ever before. Last year, our largest number was 385, including 70 Indians; now, on the sixth day of school, we have 385, only 40 of whom are Indians. They appear to be a good set—hopeful material—on the whole, in advance of former years. Indeed, so many more have applied than it is possible to accommodate, that it has been our duty, of course, to select the best, and examinations have been more severe. Our quarters are full to overflowing, especially the girls’. There is a larger proportion of these than ever. Seven of our returning students report that they have taught schools this vacation. A few more who will return are still out teaching. Of the few students, sixty-one reported having come through the agency of our graduate teachers, and fourteen more through that of undergraduates. One girl brought nine. Several of our graduate teachers came in person to bring their students.

Forty-seven students reported as having worked as Sunday-school teachers this summer. Some have been active in temperance work, and give interesting account of their efforts, especially among the young. They find the old people hard to touch. They are, of course, most of them too young themselves to do as effective work as our graduate teachers. A revival has been in progress through the summer in some of the colored churches of Hampton, and our students who stayed at the school to work through vacation, took part in the meetings to some extent. Our own Sunday-school organization was kept up under our resident graduates. In the course of the summer our students here also interested themselves in an effort to aid the Tuskegee Normal School, Alabama, taught by our two graduates, Mr. Booker Washington and Miss Olivia Davidson; and succeeded by their own exertions in raising by a festival and otherwise, $75 towards the payment of a small farm (already half paid for), by the purchase of which Mr. Washington is trying to put his school on a manual labor basis.

The Hampton School Mission Association, organized last year, will continue its work by helping in the Sunday-schools in the town, Bible reading in the jail and poor-house, and among the aged poor, and aiding them in other ways within their power. Our young men have taken a great pleasure in giving a day’s work now and then to patch up some poor old cabin against the severity of the winter, or to supply some poor old aunty with food and fire.

As to your inquiry for the number, condition and wants of students seeking a higher education, I suppose if the question were put to the school, how many would _like_ to pursue a higher education, they would rise _en masse_, without always much appreciation of the labor or the value in it; but the Hampton School is so well-known to be established on the basis of self-help, and for the purpose of immediate helpfulness, that it draws to it chiefly the class who are glad of a chance to work their way through school, and are seeking to fit themselves as promptly as possible for the work of life. The opportunities for this, in learning trades and in Normal training, are greater this year than ever.

General Armstrong left on September 27th for Dakota, with 30 Indian students, 23 boys and 7 girls, who having been with us three years, are now returning to their homes. The morning they started, the last three of them were received into the church by baptism. We feel hopeful for all, believing in the sincerity of their purpose, as shown in their lives, to “walk the good road by the help of Jesus.” Every boy and young man took with him from $15 to $25 worth of tools of his trade, which he had earned here by his own labor. The girls had corresponding working implements. Provision has been made ahead for their regular employment as soon as they get to their homes, and Gen. Armstrong goes with them there, with two ladies to take care of the girls, to get them settled, to visit their agencies, and see their parents. He is expected back by the 15th, and has Government authority to bring back 42 new students, including both sexes, 25 boys and 17 girls.

Forty Indian students are still in the school, and looking forward with interest to having some new comrades to initiate into the mysteries of civilization they have themselves so lately acquired. They are about half of them Arizonas, some of them Apaches, bright, docile and earnest. We only wish that those of their tribe now on the war-path could join them here. After what experience we have had, we should not be afraid to try them. It has led us to the conclusion that the Indian is a human being, and susceptible of development in the right direction, as well as “our brother in black” or in white.

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BEACH INSTITUTE.

PROF. H. H. WRIGHT, SAVANNAH, GA.

The fall term of Beach Institute has opened with a marked improvement over the opening of a year ago. The pupils of the previous year have returned with an earnestness for _work_, and their deportment has been marked with a degree of quiet and manliness which is very gratifying to their teachers. The new pupils who have entered have fallen in with the current without creating the least disturbance. The opening weeks of 1880 were marred by continual quarreling and even fighting upon the play-ground. This year there has been none. Quite a number of the advanced pupils were hopefully converted during the summer, and are showing the fruits of the Spirit in their lives in school. We have great hopes of a continued outpouring of the Spirit upon the school.