The American Missionary — Volume 35, No. 4, April, 1881Various
Religion
The American Missionary — Volume 35, No. 4, April, 1881
Various
Congregational churches -- Missions -- Periodicals; Home missions -- Periodicals
I have very pleasant meetings with the Indians here. I let them read
the verses from the English Bible and then explain them. When I first
came I used to read myself, but I found that they liked better to take
a part in the services. Then we sing together from Dr. Robinson’s Songs
of the Sanctuary. After that I give the meeting into their hands. They
suggest their favorite hymns and lead in prayer, usually in their own
language. They all seem attentive and devout. It is very pleasant to
see their faces light up as they get some new thought from God’s word.
I have seldom seen men more earnest in the study of the Scriptures.
One of those who united with the church at the last communion has
been confined to the house with sickness. The nurse tells me that he
often sits for two or three hours at a time patiently spelling out the
words of the English Bible, and asking her the meaning of that which
he cannot understand. I am pleased to see that they are interested
to work for one another. I found the other day that one of the older
boys, Jas. Murrie, had been accustomed to get a number of the others
who were not Christians together, and read the Bible and pray with
them. Excellent work, isn’t it, for a young chief who will soon go back
to take charge of his own tribe? They have a meeting of their own on
Wednesday evening, of which they take charge themselves. I could give
you instances of how these Indian boys have resisted temptation in a
way which seems to me really remarkable.
My work among the colored students progresses very pleasantly. It is
hard to get out of their minds wrong conceptions as to what a Christian
life is. They expect to see visions and dream dreams when they enter
upon it, and seem to look upon the entering as the all important part.
They haven’t been used to thinking of the Christian life as a struggle
against sin. It is a real pleasure to preach to them, and they are
earnest to know the truth.
I am trying to make the Christian boys and girls feel their
responsibility more. I am trying to make them work for others. We
have started a Missionary Association for work in the country about.
On Sunday afternoon twenty-five go out into the cottages to read
the Bible and pray with the poor families. Many of them work in the
Sunday-schools in Hampton. One goes out to the poor-house, another
to the prison. They all make the reports of their work to me. We are
talking of starting a Sunday-school in the Butler School House. We
think we could get in many who do not now attend, and it would give
our students a chance for work. I am anxious to make them feel that
they are not merely to be recipients. There is a good interest in our
meetings, and although I don’t feel at all contented with what is being
done, and look for much greater things, yet I am thankful for the
evidences of God’s favor which I see.
* * * * *
GEORGIA.
Revival Interest.
REV. C. W. FRANCIS, ATLANTA.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account