Chapter 2

The death of this honored servant of God, January 27, at his house in Talladega, Ala., was sudden and unexpected. Although he has suffered for several years past under impaired health, yet on the day preceding the accident he appeared unusually well. He had performed his usual college duties, attended and spoken at the memorial services for Dr. Cutler on the afternoon of Friday, and was present at the college social on Friday night. The accident occurred on Saturday. He arose early in the morning, as was his custom, and made preparations for his usual bath. On crossing the hall at the head of the stairway he fell down the entire flight and was found stretched out, face downward, on the lower floor. The family came speedily to his relief. Help was summoned from the neighborhood and medical attendance secured. It was the doctor's opinion that the fall was due to an apopleptic stroke, which seized him while in the upper hall and rendered him powerless to either prevent the fall or hinder its continued progress. Funeral services were held on Tuesday forenoon, which were attended by many of the best citizens of Talladega, two of the pastors of the Talladega churches speaking warmly and sympathetically of Dr. De Forest and of the institution over which he had presided. Mrs. De Forest and her daughter, accompanied by one of the professors of the institution, attended the remains to their last resting place in Sherburne, N. Y.

Dr. De Forest was of Huguenot descent; was born in So. Edmeston, N. Y., March 17, 1833, was graduated from Yale College in 1857, and obtained his theological education at Yale and Union theological seminaries. He was ordained in New Haven, August 2, 1863, and served as chaplain in the Eleventh Connecticut Volunteers during the civil war. He was called to the pastorate of Plymouth Congregational Church, Des Moines, Iowa., October 17, 1866, where he remained until October, 1879, when he accepted the call to the Presidency of Talladega College, Talladega, Ala., a position he has filled with great acceptance to the day of his death. He was married August 25th, 1869, to Miss Anna M. Robbins, daughter of Rev. Alden B. Robbins, D.D., of Muscatine, Iowa.

Dr. De Forest was a man of fine personal presence, affable in manner, gifted as a speaker, a scholar, and a man of practical affairs. His life has been varied, but in whatever position he has been employed he has soon won the confidence and esteem of those with whom he has been associated.

MISS LUCELIA E. WILLIAMS.

This estimable lady, after four years of severe but patient suffering from neuralgia, passed away Sunday afternoon, December 22, at her home in Deerfield, Mass. Miss Williams was a native of Deerfield, an old historic town in the Connecticut Valley, and a descendant of Rev. T. Williams, who was taken captive by the Indians. During the war of the Rebellion Miss Williams was sent by the National Freedman's Aid Society to labor among the Freedmen of Port Royal Island, S. C. With a commission and a Government permit alone she found her mission field. The following year was spent at Richmond, Va., teaching among the refugees who had come into the city at the close of the war. The next year she taught a large school in Washington, D. C., at Kendall Green, and in the autumn of 1867, accompanied by her sister, Miss P. A. Williams, she began her work at Hampton, Va., teaching in the Butler and Lincoln schools. After the new building was completed, the sisters were transferred to the Normal school, which they organized, and the success of which was largely due to their indefatigable labors. Miss Williams was connected with the institution two years when she was appointed by the American Missionary Association as Principal of the Stanton Normal Institute, Jacksonville, Fla., where she remained seven years.

Miss Williams always secured the confidence and esteem of those with and for whom she labored, and was considered one of the most efficient teachers in the employ of the Association.

The South.

THANKS, GOVERNOR STONE.

The popular Governor of Mississippi, Hon. J. M. Stone, who has filled the responsible position of chief executive for a greater length of time than any other person since the formation of the State government, in his last message to the Senate and House of Representatives called especial attention to Tougaloo University, as follows:

"Although Tougaloo University is not a State institution, I desire, in its behalf, to convey to you in this parting message a word of warm and sincere commendation. No school in the South is conducted upon higher principles, and its good effects are felt throughout the State. By way of recognition of its great merit, and for the high esteem in which its principal is held in the community, the Board of Visitors has been continued from term to term, and I recommend that a Board be appointed by the Governor for the next biennial year."

As Governor Stone has repeatedly visited Tougaloo, he speaks with personal knowledge of our great work in the "Black Belt." In agricultural and industrial work Tougaloo is not excelled in the South, while the standard of scholarship is greatly superior to that of industrial schools which seek only elementary attainment.

GREGORY INSTITUTE, WILMINGTON, N. C.

BY PROF. F. T. WATERS.

Christmas in Gregory Normal Institute does not mean simply _receiving_, but we have what has proved to us, after a trial of two years, a much better plan--that of _giving_. It is truly surprising how much can be given, even by those who it would seem are too poor to give anything. On Thursday, December 19, it was announced by the principal in all the rooms that all who could bring a Christmas offering might do so on Friday, the last day of the term before the holidays. Before eight a.m. Friday the articles began to come in, and the variety would discount any country grocery store, I am sure. Flour, meat, rice, grits, cracked peas, beans, potatoes, apples, turnips, cabbages, greens, onions, sugar, tea, coffee, eggs, bacon, wood, kindling, matches, soap, pictures, thread, needles, pins, and in fact almost every article that can be eaten or worn or made use of in any way. Quite a good deal of money was contributed, and that was used for buying articles for needy persons.

What struck me most forcibly was the willing and cheerful giving. Some things came from homes where there was scarcely to be found as much more of the same thing as was brought. I must mention an instance of real sacrifice, though the things brought will seem, without doubt, to those who read this article, as of but little worth. One little girl we had picked out of the most wretched hovel only a few weeks before, so ragged that except for pity you would wish her out of sight; and when I saw her coming in with her gift I thought, "What can she bring?" Well, she brought all she had to bring--literally her whole wealth--a few dirty little picture cards which some one had given to her and which she had treasured "lo, these many years," judging from the dirt accumulated on them. The gift seemed trivial, but it meant something to this little girl. Hundreds there are in this very city who are in no school--who can't attend for want of money. Oh that God's treasures could be used to save his own dear children!

Thank God there are many who hold a little of God's gold who have laid it on the altar for His use! I wish some of the consecrated gifts I have received and used for two poor children, with the accompanying letters, were not so sacred; I should feel like mentioning some--where a poor factory girl sent one dollar, with a "God bless you!" and where a good mother in Israel sent fifty cents in stamps, saying, "This is my consecration money of three months." So poor was she that the accumulation was by a penny now and then. Many larger amounts I have received, but all with the same cheerful "God bless you!" that so cheers the heart of the missionary far from home and loved ones.

PRAYER WITH A BACKBONE.--The pastor of one of our smaller churches in the South, describing the concert of prayer held in behalf of the Association, tells this brief but pithy story about it: "The objects and purposes and work of the American Missionary Association were briefly reviewed at the prayer-meeting, and the prayers in its behalf were fervent and earnest. But we shall not cease, but continue to pray for your success. Inclosed please find one dollar as a sort of backbone to our prayers."

FUNNY ANSWERS.

A teacher in the mountain field gives in a recent letter some of the answers that came in from the pupils in their examination papers. Some of them are amusing.

"Climate is the combined space of heat and moisture."

"The solar system is situated in that part of the heavens called the Milky Way."

"The polar circle is parallel, running slanting round the earth."

"It is the wind's duty to refresh and cherish the earth."

"A volcano is the safety-valve of an earthquake."

Digestive organs are termed "dijective organs," and the different races of men were given as "Indians, Negroes, Whites, and French."

FAMILY FEUD IN THE MOUNTAINS.

BY A MISSIONARY.

I have recently witnessed the result of a Kentucky riot, the first since I came here. Two desperate factions met on the night of the 25th, at eleven o'clock. Four men and a woman were engaged in it. The leader of the first faction fired and shot the leader of the second faction in his own house, and another of the first faction fired at the leader of the second faction till he fell with two balls through his left arm, one ball broke his right leg, and two balls went into his back. The leader of the second faction shot the leader of the first faction in the right leg and he fell; both men lying within a few feet of each other. The wife of the leader of the second faction took one of his pistols and started to kill the first leader, but one of his men stepped up with two revolvers and told her not to fire, that he would kill her if she did. This ended the shooting. The first faction helped to carry the leader of the second faction in the house and then took the first leader away. They used 32 and 44 calibers.

The first leader lives four miles from my house. When they told him he could not live he asked them to send for me. I went and helped dress his wounds and sung and prayed with him. He said he had been a bad man, and asked me to pray for him. I heard to-day that some of his friends wanted him to send for some other minister, but he said no, he wanted no one but myself; and I expect to go and see him to-morrow if he is still living. I believe in the near future we will have a good hold in eastern Kentucky, if the American Missionary Association is successful in getting the right ministers. The minister's wife has a great deal to do with his success in this work.

AN INCIDENT OF MOUNTAIN WORK.

BY A MISSIONARY.

At noon, the 16th, I reached Rev. Mr. ----'s home, and after dinner he hitched up his horse, and we set out for ----, some twelve miles away, reaching there at dark. 'Twas here I heard the wonderful story of ----'s rescue and salvation through Bro. ----, one of Rev. Mr. ----'s converts. Next morning I met the Sunday-school and addressed it. Then came the after-service, and it was a pleasure to look into those faces and preach the gospel message, which was so earnestly and anxiously received, and to think that only six months before a preacher could not come into this valley to preach and be safe. Some were shot, others thrashed, and because of the low element located there the place was given up as hopeless.

Our Bro. ----, in his quiet way, went into the homes and gained them by personal contact, and for six months held meetings, during which they were constrained to surrender to Christ. I had the pleasure of hearing some thirty tell the story of how our A. M. A. preacher won them. It was a marvelous work, and the good part is the activity that characterizes each member. Of the sixty members belonging to Rev. Mr. ----'s churches fifty-seven are praying members, and _all_ sixty take active part in testimony. A most cordial relation exists between pastor and people. We held an afternoon service at another one of Rev. Mr. ----'s churches, where I had the privilege of talking and meeting the friends.

A MOTHER TEACHING REVENGE.--"We know the mother in the home of the mountaineer is a strong influence. How important that she be trained to occupy this position! I have sat at the fireside and heard the mother relate the story of a murder and turn to her eldest boy and say, 'Mind ye, if ever ye meet up with him, you'll not forget to do what ye'er mammy learned ye to do.' And that boy will not forget unless the grace of God keep him."

AN INTERESTING CONVERSION.--The month has been a most blessed one to us at Deer Lodge. The meetings were not large in numbers, but they were rich in power and full of spiritual blessings. The report that ---- was converted spread quickly, and a large number came last night to see and hear him. He had been a wicked man for many years, and now his change is marked, and he proposes to live as near the Christian life as possible. He commenced to read the Bible, and reads a chapter both morning and evening. He told me last night, "I cannot read much, but my wife can help me, and so together we shall help each other." Oh, how much joy it would give us if the Holy Spirit would sweep into his kingdom a number of other precious souls at this place. We shall pray and work for this end. The young ladies who accepted Christ now take part in our meetings, and it is no small pleasure to hear them testify for Christ.

A COMMUNION SERVICE.--"We had a pleasant communion service last Sunday. Six young people joined in regular Congregational form after careful examination. We had previously elected a new member, who was a pupil in the school last year, to be deacon immediately upon his joining the church. One of those who joined the church made an attempt on my life last year. Though he is nearly as old as I he is now a docile pupil in the fourth-reader grade."

HEATHERLY CHAPEL.--The new church in the mountain field, in Tennessee was organized in November, and is called Heatherly Chapel. It is enjoying a very interesting revival season. About fifty have been hopefully converted, twenty-two having joined the new church. This new church is an important addition to the work which the American Missionary Association is accomplishing in the mountain field.

A USEFUL CHURCH.--From Corbin comes the message of deep spiritual interest and large usefulness in the church. At the last communion five were added and the work still goes on very encouragingly. A Sunday-school is carried on by the Christian Endeavorers of the Corbin church in a community near by.

CHRISTIAN ENDEAVOR SOCIETY.--A Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor was organized at La Follette, Tenn., early in December. Thirteen members united with this society and much enthusiasm was manifested.

The Indians.

DI TAPI'O?

BY REV. C. L. HALL.

We reached the Missouri at dark. A heavy gale tossed the water and whirled the sand. Can any one hear across the water, or are we to spend the October night in the timber? The Lord had provided for His work. A dark figure appeared on the bluff against the fading light. "Di tapi'o?" is the call across (Who are you?). "Ho-washte" (I am Good Voice) is the reply. The figure, like the man of Macedonia; the reply, "a voice crying in the wilderness." The man was Good Bird. He had come out, expecting his wife, and found us.

The wind had sunk the flat-boat, and our horse had to wait in the brush till morning. I cared for him, while the carpenter and Good Bird crossed. Two other Indians came for me. The wind lulled and the dark flood flowed silently. Their leaky skiff was plugged with mud. One rowed, the other watched in the shadows for the landing. I bailed with a tin can. The current swung us in, and we lugged our tools and provisions and bedding up a sand slide, and slept in the "Independence Station" log house.

We had made several visits during the summer. Once the whole family stayed a week. We won the affections of Mrs. Pedi'tska-Kadi'shta (Little Crow), so that she paddled Mrs. Hall over in her hide "bull-boat," on our return, for twenty-five cents.

Then our trained nurse left her hospital room and visiting work at Fort Berthold and kept up the routine, and also treated about twenty patients among these Mandans.

This time we had come to finish the house for winter, before the lady missionary's return from her vacation. Four women plastered outside with a mixture of mud and dry grass. This is woman's part of house-building here, I was laborer and cook and preacher for three days, and then left the carpenter plastering inside.

The Mandans are friendly, but much behind our Rees at Fort Berthold. Dead bodies in rough boxes lie on the ground on a knoll not far from our house, and near by is an old-style earth lodge.

At Christmas we had more than 125 people out. A cedar tree hung full of presents. All had a good meal, except plates, which some were not very familiar with. A crowd of big men reached out eagerly for the luxury of red apples.

This station is named for Mr. Moody, who gave money to start it. The place is a hill in the midst of a valley independent of the bluffs on either side and so Awatahesh--Independence.

Mr. A. P. Nichols, of Haverhill, Mass., kindly offered $200 if we would reopen the station. We have done so, trusting to our friends for $300 more for the year. The work is yet in the dough, but the yeast is in and it is rising.

Our Elbowoods station began far out in the wilderness in a log house like the Independence meeting-house. The Government, after several years, planted its central agency by our station and so brought many under our influence. Now we have a new dwelling, with a chapel attached, and the congregation have raised $130 toward the expense.

These stations are the spokes of which the Fort Berthold boarding-school and hospital and church work are the hub. Every hub must have spokes--as here. If you rim the whole with some of your silver or gold, and bolt it on with prayer the whole work will roll on.

Di tapi'o? Indians, and whites too, some gladly others uneasily, are finding out who we are--you dear friends of the churches and we here together--a power for righteousness from and by the King.

THANKSGIVING DAY.--Rev. C. L. Hall gives us the following interesting glimpse of Thanksgiving in a prairie mission school:

"We are to have a church dinner on Thanksgiving (Shak-s-shte-hun), for which the church have collected produce and money, so that there will be a large thank offering to the Lord, all paid up, not subscribed. Mrs. Black Rabbit and Mrs. Crow and Mrs. Two Bears and Cedar Woman are on the committee to help cook and prepare dinner. There are rabbits and geese and beef to cook, which is cooked and which cook you can decide.

Clear moonlight on the snow, mild but no thaw, fine sledding. It was a good night to come home from prayer meeting at Deacon Many-bears."

BUSY DAY OF AN INDIAN MISSIONARY.--Rev. Myron Eells, our missionary at S'kokomish, Washington, writes:

"Last Sabbath my work was as follows, though it was a little extra: Superintended the Sunday-school at the Agency at 9:30; 57 present. Taught a Sunday-school class. Preached at the same place at 11, then was on my horse in a few minutes, and at 12:05 was a mile distant and preached to the Indians. Then rode four miles to John's Creek and preached to a small congregation of whites in English at 3:00 P.M., eating my lunch as I rode along. Came home by six o'clock, and at seven o'clock went in for half an hour to the Christian Endeavor meeting."

A THANK OFFERING.--Miss Collins, of Fort Yates, N. D., in writing of the Indian work at her mission, says:

"Last night there was a New Year's meeting, and they took up a 'Thank Offering' because God had been so good the past year, and they handed me ten dollars this morning for the native missionary society, and they pledged ten more. Pretty substantial way to show gratitude to God! Oh if our churches would come to the help of our American Missionary Association in so liberal a way, what might we not do for Christ this year!"

The Chinese.

THE WATSONVILLE MISSION.

BY REV. W. C. POND, D.D.

This work was begun about two years ago as an experiment, the teacher, Mrs. Martha Ellis, giving her services without expense to us for several months, till it became apparent that the field was one we ought to occupy. She is an earnest Christian and is putting her very life-blood into this service for Christ and the souls he died to save. With her has been associated from the first Mr. Joe Dun, a most faithful and efficient helper. He was converted in our Marysville Mission, and has been a steadfast Christian for many years. He accepts less than half pay in these times of straitness, and tries to eke out a support for himself and those dependent upon him by attention to business in a small and, I fear, far from lucrative way, but gives his _heart_ to mission work. I feel guilty every time I make a remittance to Watsonville because the pittance we allow him is so small as compared with the work he does. But he and the zealous teacher have other rewards far richer than coin.

I reached the Mission House at about 2:30 P.M. Mrs. Ellis's afternoon class of children was just being dismissed. But it seems they had heard about me, and were glad to come to order again, and get acquainted with me and let me hear them sing. It was a sight I never looked upon before, and did not expect to see in California till we had come much nearer the millennium than I dare think we now are. Nine children stood in line before me--three of them Americans, three Chinese, and three Spanish or Mexican. The whole class numbers sixteen, the absent ones being five Spanish children and two Jewish ones. They sang for me, with great vigor and quite good harmony, "Jesus Loves Me," "Precious Jewels," and "At the Cross." Books were not needed. The words were packed away in their memory, where they will remain to bless--as we hope and pray--their whole lives.

After the children had gone, eleven Chinese brethren gathered about the table to study with me the Confession of Faith and Covenant of Bethany Church, San Francisco, with reference to being organized into the BETHANY CHURCH OF WATSONVILLE. About three hours I spent with them holding them to close study of that which they would profess and promise if they were united in Church relationship. They were of various ages and various grades of intelligence, but I felt that Christ had refused none of them, and I must not do so. Hum Quong was converted in Marysville five years before, but had not till now had opportunity--since he was sufficiently confirmed in his discipleship to do so--to offer himself for baptism. He had become well versed in Christian truth, and was able to interpret for me, and to assist his brethren, almost as well as Joe Dun himself. The others were, all of them, the fruit of our Watsonville work. One had been in California 25 years, but had attended mission-school nowhere except in Watsonville. He was a substantial looking man, a good miniature of a New England deacon of the old school but for his complexion and attire. I was rather pleased--having made such reflections silently--to hear him nominated by several voices and to see him unanimously elected their only deacon. His name is Ng Kite.