Part 3

—The A. M. A. has appointed Rev. J. C. Fields to labor for one year as an evangelist among the churches at the South. For the last year and a half he has labored in this capacity, much to the satisfaction of the churches. He will supply the church at Mobile for a time.

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THE INDIANS.

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A VISIT TO FORT SULLY INDIAN MISSION.

BY REV. C. O. BROWN.

We had anticipated it with keenest interest, and Providence favored us. A delightful morning of the first week in August smiled on our programme, when our party of four persons was ready for the carriage ride from Pierre to the mission,—Rev. S. Norton, pastor of the Congregational Church of Pierre; Mr. J. Kimball, of Huron, Dakota, missionary of the American Sunday-school Union; Timothy Hudson, Esq.; and the writer, of Kalamazoo, Mich.

The scenery for the first six miles, from the heights which border the Missouri River, was most charming. At our left, and beneath us, was the river and its narrow strip of foliage and bottom lands, having here and there a picturesque dotting of Indian tents; beyond that, westward turned the grass-covered hills; to our right were the boundless prairies, beautifully variegated with cultivated squares of green and golden grain and settlers’ homes.

An abrupt descent from such an outlook brought us to the valley beneath, through which the remaining eight miles of our ride lay. We had only fairly entered the valley when we began to see evidences of the faithful mission work which has here been done. For several miles along the river we were constantly passing the farms of mission Indians, where we saw established homes, quite as good as those of their white neighbors. We saw full-blooded Indians in civilized dress, riding their mowing-machines, raking their hay, and stacking their grain.

Rev. Thomas Riggs was away from home at the bedside of his venerable father in Beloit, but we were most kindly received by the lady missionaries in charge, Misses Collins and Irvine. The mission home into which we were ushered, is a long, tastefully-built log-house, standing sidewise to the road, having in front two bay windows, with porch between, and in the rear a large lean-to attachment for kitchen and laundry. The yard is beautiful with flowers and plants, and hallowed by a little inner enclosure which holds the sacred dust of Mrs. Riggs. (Shown in the picture just to the left of the home.) The large mission garden would be famous in any neighborhood. It is a sermon in vegetables and small fruits, well cultivated and highly productive. Just east of the home is the little chapel, a building capable of seating from 150 to 200 persons, having ceiled walls, and seated with chairs; having a neat pulpit and a good cabinet organ.

The interior of the home is most inviting. The spacious sitting-room has little of luxury; everything, however, is most cheery. The walls are ceiled and adorned with pictures. The bay window is beautiful with plants and vines and birds. A Steinway piano is at one end of the room, statuettes here and there, and books everywhere. During the twenty-four hours of our stay, our party wandered at liberty over the grounds, visited the chapel, were received by the Indians in their homes, and in the large room just described were several times entertained by their singing while their teachers led on the piano. No honest enemy of Indian missions could see and hear what we saw and heard, without a change of heart. Time and again we were melted to tears.

Our visit was entirely unexpected, so nothing could be “gotten up” for our benefit. We were the better pleased that it should be so. Everything was impromptu and natural.

The climax came unexpectedly just as we were about to go the next morning. While two of the brethren were hitching the horses a party of Indian women and two little boys, who with their baskets were about to pass the door, were called in by Miss Collins. They hesitated, and through their teacher apologized for their appearance, explaining that they had just started on a berrying trip. One of the men, who had come on some errand, was also invited in. Then Miss Irvine led on the piano and they all sang from open hymn books, one after another of the sweet gospel hymns which we could recognize only by the tunes. As they sang

“Jesus loves me, this I know, For the Bible tells me so,”

and

“Oh, happy day that fixed my choice On Thee, my Saviour and my God; Well may this glowing heart rejoice And tell its raptures all abroad,”

we could not refrain from tears. Our brethren, who had been attending the horses, heard the music and came in. One glance unsealed the fountain, and they too wept for joy. Then we all knelt in prayer. There were prayers in English and prayers in Dakota language, freely intermingled, and a pervading sense that the good Father understood it all. When we arose to our feet the Indians sang the _Gloria_, and Spotted Bear, by invitation, closed the meeting with a prayer which touched every heart, although we could not understand a word of it. The language of the heart is everywhere the same. And so with hearty hand-shakings and moist eyes this long-to-be-remembered meeting broke up. We came away feeling that for many a day we had not enjoyed such a refreshing, and saying one to another, “Surely God hath made of one blood all nations of men.”

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THE CHINESE.

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REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT.

REV. W. C. POND.

COMPARISON WITH PREVIOUS YEAR.—The work of the previous year (1881 to 1882) was by far the largest we had ever done. The same superlative applies to the year just closed. Our statistical table for that year contained the names of fifteen schools, with a total enrollment for the year of 2,567 pupils. This table shows nineteen schools with an aggregate enrollment of 2,823. The total number of months during which schools were sustained was in that year 153; in this year, 187. Our teachers during that year numbered 31; eleven being Chinese; this year, 41; fourteen being Chinese. The aggregate number of months of service by our teachers was then 356; the past year, 423. The aggregate average attendance was in that year 401; in this, 438. We reported last year 156 as professing to have ceased from idol worship, and 106 as giving evidence of conversion; this year we report 175 and 121. But these numbers represent only those who were in attendance during August, or during the last month of each school—not by any means the total number of whom we cherish the hope that they are believers. I am obliged to send this statement before all the returns upon which it should be based have come to hand, but I shall be disappointed if we do not find that more than forty have professed conversion during the past year, making the total number who have seemed to us to turn to Christ from the commencement of our work exceed 400. These are scattered now very widely over the United States and in China. We hear of many of them as doing good work for the Master and for the salvation of their countrymen; and those of whom we can hear nothing, we commit in faith to the Great Shepherd’s tender care.

THE FINANCES.—The expense of this work for the past year has been as follows: For salaries, $8,697.20; for rent of mission houses, $2,409; for incidental expenses, including fuel, lights, traveling expenses of Superintendent and helpers, fitting up and furnishing new mission houses, printing Annual Reports, etc., etc., $791.85. Total, $11,898.05. The resources have been: Appropriation by parent society, $7,000; Receipts to treasury and auxiliary, viz.: From its own auxiliary local missions, $735.05; from churches, $1,003.60; from donations by individuals and firms, $2,613, and from Eastern friends, $512. Total, $4,863. Total resources, $11,863. It should be added that this statement is necessarily made before the account of the auxiliary (the California Chinese Mission) is closed, and that we have hope of some further contributions, sufficient to set the balance on the right side. The amount raised by the auxiliary last year was $3,582.30. The increase has been nearly 37 per cent. The most gratifying elements in this increase are in the offerings of the churches and of our Chinese brethren. The latter cannot now be stated exactly, but it is very considerable. The former is from $532.85 in ’81-’82 to $1,003.60 in ’82-’83; and the number of churches contributing has doubled rising from 15 to 30.

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BUREAU OF WOMAN’S WORK.

MISS D. E. EMERSON, SECRETARY.

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As was indicated in the August MISSIONARY, ladies from the different benevolent societies for home work are holding a series of meetings in Michigan. The Bureau of Woman’s Work is represented by Miss Anna M. Cahill, who has been connected for several years with Fisk University.

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HELP AT PUBLIC MEETINGS.

The Bureau of Woman’s Work is prepared to present the claims of this Association in its line before missionary meetings, conferences, Sabbath-schools, monthly concerts and other religious gatherings, either through its Secretary or some one who has had large experience on the Southern field. Application should be made to Miss D. E. Emerson, 56 Reade street, New York.

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CONTRIBUTION FROM A LADY MISSIONARY.

We do enjoy our work, and it was never more encouraging than now, and yet sometimes it grows almost unbearable, to be so utterly alone. The dear Lord sent a bit of a thought to cheer me to-day, and I sat down and wrote it out, thinking it might comfort other lonely workers in these dark corners.

THE LORD’S GARDEN.

(LOVINGLY INSCRIBED TO THE A. M. A. WORKERS IN THE SOUTH.)

A few days’ work In His garden, The dear Lord gave me to do; And I went to my task so gladly, I thought ’twould be something new—

Some dainty task ’mong the flowers, That would show my skill and taste. Alas! I sat down in sorrow, To weep at the woeful waste.

For He sent me to a corner. Where never a flower could bloom; A tangled thicket of tall, rank weeds, As damp and dark as a tomb.

But I said, “The dear Lord sent me.” So in tears the task begun, Clearing the weeds and rubbish away, From morning till set of sun.

Far away I heard the voices Of fellow-servants so gay. As they worked in bands together, While I wrought alone all day,

Tearing my hands with the thistles, With heart so heavy and sad, And never a flower to cheer me, Or a song to make me glad.

But slowly the task grew lighter, As I cleared the rubbish away, And the soft brown earth lay open To the light and warmth of day.

The Master came down at nightfall, And gave me a smile so sweet, I knew He was pleased with the service, Though so rough and incomplete.

For He said, “Dear heart, be patient! I bring you some seeds to sow In the soft soil, and you may watch To see that they thrive and grow.”

So my heart grew light and gladsome, For the corner dark and wild. Where I’d wrought in tears and sadness, In growing loveliness smiled.

I watched and tended my corner, I gave it most faithful care, Pruning, training the tender plants Till they bloomed with fragrance rare.

The Master came to His garden Again, at set of the sun, And I ran with joy to meet Him, For He said, “Dear child, well done!

“For this dark, benighted corner Was a grievous sight to see. What you have wrought in toil and pain Was a blessed work for me.”

Forgotten was all the sorrow, Forgotten the lonely hours, As I stood beside the Master Who smiled upon the flowers.

Sept. 25th, 1883.

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CHILDREN’S PAGE.

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THE STORY THAT SUBDUED HIM.

BY MRS. HARRIET A. CHEEVER.

A man of towering form, straight as an arrow, with copper-colored skin, stood before a bit of looking-glass in a small wooden dwelling. The clearing about the little habitation indicated perseverance and thrift on the part of the owner. It had taken more than that—hard labor and an almost endless amount of patience had been required to bring this little portion of a “reservation” into its present condition.

The tawny man regarding himself in the bit of mirror was unmistakably a savage, and savage enough his regular features were as he addressed himself at that moment. He was decently and comfortably clothed, in garments coarse, but clean and not ill-fitting. But with an angry, scowling face, and quick, fierce movements, the young giant was throwing off his garments, growling in thick, guttural tones, “I kill, I shoot, I burn! Pale face shan’t push Indian any more; I take th’ warpath again, let pale face beware—him serpent!”

Ten minutes later, and he would never have passed for the same man first seen. His face was daubed with streaks of paint, making it hideous indeed. The broad wampum belt contained both bowie knife and pistol, while a coarse jacket and leggings of wolf-skin made the tall figure appear animal-like in its ungainly trappings.

But what wonder the slumbering savage nature was asserting itself! For two long years, Trapper Dan—he liked the name the white men had given him, successful hunter that he was—yes, for two years, Trapper Dan had worked and slaved, encouraged by really kind leaders, and with simple faith in the white man’s promises, he believed the plot of land he was cultivating so untiringly, and the rude but enduring little building would be his to keep forever. He was a bright man naturally, and grasped eagerly the offers made by the superior class of beings known to him as the pale faces.

But now, when things were working never so easily and prosperously, the reservation was to be broken up, or at least so meanly encroached upon, that Trapper Dan’s little mite of an estate was included in the reservation to be reserved no longer.

What wonder, we repeat, that the barbarous instincts of the man awoke in vengeful fury toward the unscrupulous destroyers of his peace and his home? For, after all, the holy instincts clustering about the idea of a home are easily understood and fostered even by the savage when once he can grasp its blessed meaning.

In hateful guise and with deadly weapons, the hunted trapper stole, forth under cover of the darkness, his poor heart thirsting for revenge. He realized vaguely that the Great Spirit would be displeased at his anger, but he stifled all that as he vaulted along toward the building where a great meeting was to be held.

A slight young man just entering on a missionary career had resolved that on this, his first night of addressing the Indians, he would tell them in the very plainest language possible the simple story of Jesus and His cross. Doubtless they had heard it many times before, but no matter, it should be told to-night mainly in words of one syllable, so that even the most untaught could understand its import.

Cowering close by one of the openings answering for windows was the unseen figure of Trapper Dan, his dark face and darker designs alike in hiding until the time for action should come. Once the people were engrossed in the speaker, he would shoot into the building and bring down more than one pale face on the platform, then he would hide again, only to pillage and burn later on in the night.

He did not wish to listen or hear anything that might be said by a despicable pale face, but when the young missionary, with heart on fire for very love of his theme, told of the innocent little baby, born in the far-off East, Dan became unconsciously interested in _that baby_. Then, in words, every one of which his hearers understood, the speaker told of the eager, intelligent boy, who lingered in the temple to ask questions of the wise old doctors.

Then the child became a man and did wondrous things, and for the needy, the poor, the blind, the sick, the sinning! In most touching accents he went on and told of the cruel return this dear child, this bright boy, this loving, helpful man received at the hands of those he had only helped and blessed. He came at last to the piteous scenes at the cross, and when he cried out: “And it was all for you, poor Indian, for you and me—for us all,” Trapper Dan was surprised to find the tears raining over his painted cheeks, and the anger and hatred was all gone from his poor heart. He lingered to hear the young preacher tell of the forgiveness of the Saviour towards his cruel enemies, then he turned away; and it was not a savage any longer, but a softened, forgiving man, who went back to the crude little home on the borders of the great solemn forest. He wanted now so much to forgive those who were wronging him, that early the next morning the land agent was surprised to see Trapper Dan walk into his office, and holding out a friendly hand, say bluntly: “I forgive all for the dear Jesus’ sake—he die for poor Indian. I give up home, give up land—um sorry, but I no harm pale face.”

Later the same day the missionary found Trapper Dan, and was amazed at the man’s gentle, forgiving spirit. A ferocious look had stolen for a moment into his face when telling of his labor and his wrongs, but it died out at the name of Jesus.

It transpired that the little home was not disturbed after all, and the missionary not long after remarked feelingly to the agent:

“Only give him a fair chance, only treat him like a man and a brother, treat him fairly and squarely, teach him Christ so he will know him for a Saviour, and I will answer for the Indian. He may appear the savage until taught better things, but he has the heart of a human being after all.”

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BRING IN THE TITHES. MAL. 3: 10.

BY NOEL HALL.

Bring in the tithes, bring in the tithes, The hovering blessing, haste to claim; Or gold, or incense, corn, or wine, Bring to the honor of His name— The Giving One, whose law demands Thank-loans, returned into his hands.

Bring in the tithes, while faith is warm, And love rehearses all his grace; While zeal inspired, would fain go forth, And bear his fame from place to place: Your work, his treasury to fill— The Lord’s, to bless you as he will.

Let love essay its best to bring Unto the altar of the Lord Itself, its gems, its precious things, And, bringing, find a sweet reward. Behold, your offerings freely given, Before you know, ’tis almost heaven!

The word stands fast. “Bring in the tithes, Fill up my house, with sacred store, And prove me now: see my full hand, From heaven’s open windows pour A blessing that is past compare— Reward of giving blent with prayer.”

A glad and willing sacrifice This day, this hour, make haste to bring; Lo, even while you come—surprise! Because you’ve brought unto the King Your gifts elect, he all restores, Himself, his riches, all are yours.

—AMERICAN MESSENGER.

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RECEIPTS FOR SEPTEMBER, 1883.

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MAINE, $575.21.

Castine. Rev. A. E. Ives $5.00 East Madison. Mrs. Eliza Bicknell 4.00 Freeport. Daniel Lane 5.00 Machias. Center St. Cong. Ch. and Soc., 6.16; “Lady Member Center St. Ch.,” 5 11.16 Milltown. Ladies of Cong. Ch., Furniture _for Guest Room, Talladega C._ Oldtown. Cong. Ch. 5.00 South Berwick. Mrs. Ephraim Hodgson’s S. S. Class, _for Student Aid, Talladega C._ 12.00 South Bridgton. F. W. Sanborn 15.00 South Paris. Cong. Ch. 6.30 West Farmington. Box of Books by Mrs. Hannah F. Packard, _for Chattanooga, Tenn._ Wilton. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 5.75 Woodford. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 6.00 --------- $75.21

LEGACY.

Augusta. Estate of John Dorr, by J. W. Chase, Ex. 500.00 --------- $575.21

NEW HAMPSHIRE, $205.90.

Brentwood. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 5.00 Chester. Mrs. Mary E. Hidden 10.00 Exeter. Second Cong. Ch., “A Friend.” 2.00 Exeter. Mrs. W. Odlin, _for Land and Building, Austin, Texas_ 1.00 Fitzwilliam. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 1.00 Harrisville. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 11.00 Hebron. Rev. J. B. Cook and Wife 5.00 Henniker. Mrs. M. L. C. Whiting 5.00 Keene. Second Cong. Sab. Sch., _for S. S. Work_ 25.00 Keene. Second Cong. Ch., Mrs. J. A. Grimes 5.00 Keene. “Children’s Miss’y Garden,” Second Cong. Ch., _for a Little Girl in Bird’s Nest, Fort Berthold, Dak._ 10.00 Littleton. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 13.00 Lyme. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 18.75 Marlborough. “A Friend” 0.50 Merrimack. First Cong. Ch. 16.80 Milton. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 5.00 Nelson. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 10.60 Peterborough. Cong. Ch. and Soc. (ad’l) 5.00 Salem. Cong. Ch. and Soc., 5; Mrs. Gilman D. Kelley, 1 6.00 Swanzey. Mrs. R. Williams 2.00 Wakefield. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 12.00 Wilton. Second Cong Ch. and Soc. 31.25 Wilton. “Busy Bees,” _for Woman’s Work_ 5.00

VERMONT, $738.00.