The American Missionary — Volume 37, No. 1, January, 1883 — John Shaqi
The American Missionary — Volume 37, No. 1, January, 1883Various
Religion
The American Missionary — Volume 37, No. 1, January, 1883
Various
Congregational churches -- Missions -- Periodicals; Home missions -- Periodicals
Much misunderstanding and suffering must result, perhaps to
both sides, from this clash of the old and the new. In heathen
countries, we find it unwise to change the customs which are
foreign, unless some principle is involved; in our work, the
differences that arise are wholly matters of knowledge or
principle. The English civilization exists throughout our country,
and what our girl finds as she goes to her home, that is contrary
to her improved ideas of home, is the result of ignorance, or
indolence, or sin. These, in a quiet, modest way, she must change.
God grant her grace to be patient, true and firm through it all.
* * * * *
INDUSTRIAL WORK AT MEMPHIS.
BY MISS ELLA HAMILTON.
Two years ago, through the kindness of friends in the North, two
rooms were fitted up in our building, at Memphis, for use in the
industrial work among the girls. Will you visit these rooms with
me this morning and see what is being done there? As we enter,
we find ourselves in the midst of a dozen girls between the ages
of 12 and 16, whose eyes and fingers are busy with their work,
while their tongues are making sweet music as they sing some
simple Sabbath-school hymn. Let us walk about among them, and
see what it is that so engrosses their attention. Here, at our
side, is a bright-eyed, pretty girl, who is patiently working
on the long over-and-over seam, which, it may be, was quite as
great a bug-bear to some of us in our childhood days as it is to
this little one. Near her is another, busy with a child’s apron,
destined, perhaps, for her own little sister. Another still is
darning a stocking, while here, at the long table, stands a girl
who is taking her first lessons in cutting. There is very little
rest for the pleasant-faced teacher during this hour. She must
straighten the gathered seams, show the awkward fingers how to
take the tiny stitches, give the word of advice or encouragement
where it is needed, and see that each one of these active girls is
busy upon the task assigned her, and doing that task just as it
ought to be done. This work has its place in the course and upon
the programme of the school, just as any other school work. The
class receives instruction forty minutes each day, for at least one
school term. They are taught how to do plain cutting and sewing,
and usually become quite expert with the needle. The materials for
work have been obtained for the most part from the boxes sent our
lady missionary. I had word, however, just before I left home, that
these supplies were exhausted, and that they were very much in need
of calicoes, needles and threads. Perhaps there are those who can
help them in this need.
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