The American Missionary — Volume 43, No. 02, February, 1889Various
Religion
The American Missionary — Volume 43, No. 02, February, 1889
Various
Congregational churches -- Missions -- Periodicals; Home missions -- Periodicals
We entered the cabin to which we were going by a door-way in which we
must needs bend our heads very low to get inside. The first thing that
struck us was the gloom and darkness. In each corner of the room was a
bed, with a smaller one pushed underneath, and two sick people suffering
from slow fever. It is no wonder, for eleven people occupied this one
room, about twelve feet square. Need we wonder that misery and squalor
are seen all around? An old soap box from the grocery formed a corner
cupboard. Two old chairs which perhaps belonged to their
great-grandmother, all frame and no seat, an empty box, and a bucket of
water with a tin scoop, formed the whole furniture of the mountain cabin.
Poor souls! I was told that I had done wonders when one day, during an
address, I got them to smile! It was quite a treat to see a smile upon
their faces. Joy seems to be outside their domain altogether, and the
worst feature appears to be that they have no desire for anything
different. If they get the idea that you think them low down and want to
lift them up, they at once commence to stretch themselves up to their
full height and stand upon their dignity. They will not fail to tell you
plainly that you must not think they belong to the "know-nothing" class.
They "know what is right and what is wrong, without you coming here."
This is often said, even by those who live immoral lives. Pride of race
is often affected towards the colored people. A colored man
unfortunately had been drinking and was left at the depot. Some one
stumbled against him, saying, "I did not know it was a man; I thought it
was baggage." His companion spoke up and said, "It isn't a man; it's a
nigger." Often their children are bright, cheery-looking children,
well-behaved, unassuming and quiet. These poor mountain people might do
well to take a few lessons from many of their despised, dusky neighbors.
The whole work, in my little time among these people, has greatly
touched my heart and drawn out my sympathies towards them.
* * * * *
ITEMS FROM THE FIELD.
Trinity School, Athens, Ala.:
"During December there was a special religious interest in view of the
meetings held by Rev. Mr. Wharton, your missionary evangelist. The
meetings were well attended by our students and by the people. These
meetings were greatly blessed to the quickening and upbuilding of
Christians, and twelve persons professed conversion. All of our pupils
except one, above the primary department, are professing Christians. Our
student prayer meetings are exceedingly precious seasons to teachers and
pupils. We have just organized a Young People's Society of Christian
Endeavor which promises to be very helpful.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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