THE FREEDMEN.

REV. JOS. E. ROY, D. D.,

FIELD SUPERINTENDENT, ATLANTA, GA.

WINNING BY PASSIVE VIRTUE.

Virtue, etymologically, has a masculine element, that of bravery, energy. Those qualities had a grand exhibition on both sides of our late civil contest. In the process of moral construction now following there is occasion for the exercise of the passive virtue of patient endurance. In the long run this courageous standing by moral convictions will come to a victory more resplendent than that of physical valor. He that ruleth his spirit is stronger than he that taketh a city.

Our missionary teachers and preachers have gone down South from year to year armed not with carnal weapons, but with spiritual—not under the impulse of martial prowess, but of high moral courage. This one thing they do: they give themselves exclusively to their work of lifting up the lowly and despised by the influences of education and of the Gospel. They do not go to engage in the political conflicts of that part of our country, thinking that a training in the higher elements of character and of citizenship will be the most effectual way of doing good to the body politic.

It is not necessary now, nor is it to our purpose, to detail the persecutions, the hardships, the social ostracism through which those cultivated and consecrated people, in this period, have had to pass. We, rather, take the more pleasant task of reporting how by their patient endurance in well-doing they have been winning the confidence, the favor, of the best people of the South. Each of our leading institutions in that region has the habit of holding an experience meeting upon the return of the students from their vacation work. Last year Fisk and Atlanta Universities sent out each one hundred and fifty young folks as teachers. These come into contact with a great number and a great variety of the white people. At those reunions they have reported from year to year an increasing amount of good feeling toward them and their work in behalf of their people. This is gratefully noted by their teachers. From our own observations the past year we are satisfied that there is a good deal of such latent approval which has not yet given itself expression in public. Our teachers and preachers for a long time have had complete immunity from personal violence, and largely from personal insult. As the quality of their work has become known in developing intelligence, industry, honesty, Christian character, they have received for it the highest approbation from an increasing number, especially from the Christian and the more substantial portion of the community. This has been accomplished by faithful service and quiet waiting.

In the matter of social recognition they still wait to win that fair recompense. In business and other relations on the street, and even, as in some places, at public gatherings, our gentlemen workers are receiving that meed of consideration. In one city, under the lead of one noble-hearted Christian man, that thin barrier has been broken down, and some of the best ladies of the place are on social terms with our teachers and the pastor’s wife. We are sorry to say that this is the only place where this social recognition has gone so far. At one other city, where some of our workers live in homes outside of the institutions, these have been treated with a measure of delicate and highly appreciated attention. The wife of one of our college presidents waited seven years for her first call from a citizen lady. Some of our elect lady teachers have been engaged ten or twelve years, at the same place, in their arduous and self-denying labor, without having had a single sisterly greeting. It seems pretty hard to hear these godly women, of the best that our churches can furnish, saying: “For so and so many years I have not been spoken to by a white Southern lady.” Our “Homes,” where these Christian people dwell, are avoided as though they were pest-houses. If the same people had been missionaries to Africa, they would be received with all deferential courtesy. If they were to go as missionaries to Natal or Calcutta or Constantinople, they would have for society the elite of foreign residents and their company would be courted.

But we will not complain. Our brethren and sisters, who are in these situations, make no ado about it. They bear this neglect meekly and hopefully, expecting that purity of life and devotion to their humane mission will yet win the tokens of regard which belong to them. One lady says that she expects that it will yet be counted an honor to her that she was the wife of the President of a Freedman’s College.

We grant that it may be hard to break the ice after so long delay. In a few cases there has been a disposition to make atonement by showing attention to the newly arrived workers, while the old ones are still overlooked. One fine, old Christian gentleman, who was prominent as a Methodist minister, broke his embarrassment, when calling late upon some of our missionaries, by stating thus: “I have heard that in some parts of the world the social custom prevails that whenever a new-comer arrives in a community, it is his prerogative to select from the citizens such as he and his would like to take into relations of social acquaintance, and to make the first call upon them.” The pleasantry served well in removing a barrier from between those who proved to be real friends.

GEORGIA.

Dying Scenes—Pressing Work.

REV. J. H. H. SENGSTACKE, WOODVILLE.

A great deal of sickness is all around us and death has been very busy reaping. A few days ago we buried one of our faithful members. Sister Williams sent for me quite early last Monday morning. As soon as I arrived she took hold of my hand and said to her cousin, “Tell him what I have been saying, for I am too weak to converse.” She had spoken the following words: “I want to go and see Jesus. Come, Master, please come quickly. I am willing to go,” etc. As it was some time before I spoke, she said, “Tell Brother Sengstacke to speak quickly. I want to hear his voice once more.” I read and commented on the 22d chapter of Revelation, and offered prayer, after which I folded her hands and laid them on her breast, as I exclaimed with a loud voice, “Sister Williams, I hope we shall meet in heaven!” She tried to speak as she bowed her head, and with a smile upon her face, her spirit took its everlasting flight, “not as the quarry slave at night, scourged to his dungeon, but sustained and soothed by an unfaltering trust.” Tuesday her funeral took place from our little church, the procession being over a mile long. Wednesday morning an old Baptist woman sent for me quite early to “come quickly.” Arriving at her house I found her in a very low condition. She took hold of my hand as I knelt by her on the floor, and said: “Brother Sengstacke, I want you to take me in your charge. Do look after me and not let me want for prayers and the word of God. I know that my Redeemer lives,” etc. After singing, reading and prayer, I left her in the hands of Jesus. To-day we buried Sister Williams’ baby. This sleeping infant will rest upon a mother’s bosom, as they both lie in one grave.

On account of our growing school I fear that very little pastoral work and preaching can be done this winter, and yet two services a day are necessary: one in the morning for the young converts and members living several miles away, and the other at night for a large body of Christians of other denominations and unconverted people who do not come to us during the day. I am not gifted with words to picture to you the great need of this field and its bright promises of a successful future, provided that it be not neglected. I feel that the American Missionary Association has done a great deal for us, and this encourages me to sacrifice for the good cause. Yet how happy I should be if I had some help, or at least enough salary to employ one of the most advanced scholars to assist me in the day-school.

Our promising mission and Sunday-school at the Five Mile had to be given up, because it was impossible for me to look after so much work. Another denomination has started a mission at that place.

I have to whitewash and try to paint the parsonage, as the church is not able, on account of struggling hard to raise money to paint the inside of the meeting-house, and to pay Brother Markham for some new benches. They have finished paying for the organ and have had the church nicely done up (whitewashed) outside. Our Sunday-night meetings are crowded. Our Sabbath-school and day-school are flourishing.

Last Sunday I received a note which read as follows: “I desire to become a member of this Sabbath-school. I promise to study hard and obey all its rules.” Signed, “Thomas.” In reading out my church notices I remarked, “Here is a note from little Thomas, etc. Yes, Tommy, we are happy to receive you. If little Tom is present he will please stand up.” Imagine my feelings when a big man got up and exclaimed, “Here is your little Tom, sir.” This person was a teacher in the Baptist Sabbath-school, and is a member of that church.

A New Field.

REV. A. J. HEADEN, CYPRESS SLASH

I arrived here July the 3d. There are many things to encourage effort in this field of labor. We have a splendid situation for a church, and school, and a few earnest men and women. We need a church building very much indeed, and hope to secure one as soon as possible.

When I arrived here I found my people building a school-house of pine logs on the grounds near where we hope to build the church, in which a public school will be opened the 1st of August by Mr. Silas Daniels. We shall use the school-house for worship until we can build a church. It is 18 by 20 feet.

This field seems now to be ready for the harvest, and for that reason I would urge the importance of building a church as soon as possible. The people are poor, but willing to do what they can to push the work forward. With some help I believe great results may be obtained here for our Lord and his Christ. I do not think that money could be given to any field or people with more advantage than to this. The people are truly in earnest, and will put forth every effort themselves with the Association to establish here a Christian church and school.

ALABAMA.

Swayne School.

MISS M. J. ADAMS, MONTGOMERY.

Swayne School closed its school year June 5th. We had pleasant public exercises for the little ones Wednesday evening at 5 o’clock and on Thursday night for the older pupils at the Congregational church. “We had a neat programme printed, the pupils bringing each a “nickel” to pay the printer. One was sent to each of the clergymen of the city, and to several prominent citizens.

The Board of Education and the mayor of the city, also two or three judges, responded by their presence. It was a very bright and happy occasion; a crowded house seemed to enjoy, without weariness, a two hours’ sitting.

Many kind words of approbation have come to us with regard to the high order and interest of the exercises. We trust that some new friends have been made, and a new interest developed in our work with some present that evening. It has been a very laborious year, but the teachers have all stood bravely and faithfully at their posts, and by the good hand of our God upon us, we have all “come through” without falling by the way.

TENNESSEE.

Le Moyne School—Close of the Year—Conversions.

MISS LAURA A. PARMELEE, MEMPHIS.

At the closing exercises of the school our numbers were good, and the last recitation was as perfect as any lesson within the year. It was remarkable that interest in study did not flag in the least.

The most cheering of closing incidents was found in the prayer meeting. We have regretted the lack of a decided religious influence—it has been the one failure of the year. In the last meeting we were not left without evidence of the Spirit’s work. Two young men confessed their trust in Christ and determination to be his avowed followers. Another young man, whose voice has been silent for years, and who has seldom attended meetings either at school or church, asked prayers for himself in a manly way that spoke well for his expressed desire to resume his place in the ranks of Christian workers.

We are not satisfied with the spiritual record of the year. We hoped it would have been a harvest season.

I have not heard from the church since the fever panic. Am hoping it will not scatter the members or retard the work, which seemed prosperous.

A Colored Girl’s Experience as a Teacher.

REBECCA A. MICHEL, MARION, ALA.

This little town contains about five hundred inhabitants. There are few colored people in Pikeville, but many live about it from one to three miles away. My school was not right in Pikeville, but just on the edge. The school-house was about eighteen by thirty. It is a frame house and has fourteen seats in it, all without backs except four of them.

My work for the year 1878 began the second week of June, the school being crowded from day to day. During the months of June, July, August, September and October, the number enrolled ran up to seventy-five. I heard from some of the citizens of that little town that the pupils attended the school more regularly than they were known to do before. I am glad to say that the greater portion of my school seemed to have a thirst for knowledge. Even the little ones worked earnestly in trying to prepare their lessons for the time when they should recite. My school opened each morning with singing, Scripture reading and prayer. At the close of the term every one could read, print, write and spell. Those who have been out in the dark regions to teach the people can sympathize with those of us who go into such places. They know something of the troubles that meet us. On the whole, the outlook is very hopeful.

The work of last summer was arduous, yet I went through it with the help of the Lord, seeing promises of most excellent results for the future. When I first went to Pikeville I found the people of both classes in a degraded and superstitious condition, and ignorance seemed to be the leading principle of the place. The Sabbath was regarded but by a very few of either class. Yet they were very anxious for an education, and tried in every way they could to make our schools comfortable and interesting. Their whole cry was, “Do all you can for us poor people who are in the dark, and are in so much need of an education.” I organized a Sunday-school, which I think was one of the most important parts of my work, to teach the people the word of God. I taught day and Sunday-school for five months, and had great success with both white and colored people. The white people were very kind to me. I had a long talk with some of them about the education of the colored people. They said if the colored man was educated they thought he would make a better citizen, and they were ready to do all they could in trying to help him toward an education.

My short but busy term closed with an examination and a good exhibition, well attended by white as well as colored people. All seemed perfectly satisfied with the work that I had done for them during the term. The white people gave me permission to have my exhibition in their academy, which held over two hundred persons.

I have come back to this lonely Sequatchie valley to stay with these people four or five months longer, in which time I hope to do much good for them. All welcome me back to my old home. They say: “The white people seem just as glad to have me back as the colored do.” Some of them stopped me on the street to shake hands with me, and to talk with me about coming to teach the young people manners and behavior.

One said: “I tell you, our young people do need education so much, and I am so glad you have come back to teach them.” Another said: “I knew you could not stay away from here.” I could speak of a good many more interesting facts, but time will not permit me to speak of them. I hope you will find this story interesting.

MISSISSIPPI.

Letter from a Tougaloo Student—Vacation Work—Needy Recruits.

My public school closed last week, and I commenced teaching an independent school this morning, with thirty pupils. They pay one dollar per month, in advance. I think I shall have a very good school.

There are nine or ten promising young men here who want to go to Tougaloo, to school next year. Some of them are quite young, sixteen or seventeen years of age, and a great deal of good can be done with and through such boys. Very few of them will be able to pay anything for their board. They often come to my room in great numbers to talk of Tougaloo.

In speaking with young people about this University, I try to impress them with the knowledge that young men who are willing to work hard and study diligently are those for whom the school is open. I show them my five pound boots, etc. I think those who go there from here will not find it harder than they expected. I go into the country occasionally and meet young men who say: “Please talk to my father in my behalf, and try to induce him to send me to school.” A young man and his sister (who live eight or ten miles in the country) board here and go to school to me. The young man went to school in Selma, when he was quite a small boy. He also went to school at Tougaloo a few months. He is very anxious to be in school there next year, and his parents are very anxious to have both him and his sister go, but he thinks it is very doubtful unless he can get some work to do, and he is willing to do any kind of work. From what I have seen of him, I think him the most promising of any I have met. He is not a Christian.

There are two young women here who are also anxious to go to Tougaloo to school. Both are willing to work all they can. I want to explain their condition to you, and have you let me know whether anything can be done for them. One of them has been bound out for some time to a white family, and is now living with an old lady, and washing, ironing, cooking, etc., for her living. She was raised by those white people, and has every appearance of a lady, so far as I can see. She is about sixteen or seventeen years of age. She went to school to Miss V., who can tell you of her.

I have not come to the point yet. I want to know if you cannot give the people here an opportunity to work in preference to strangers from other places. If you can form an idea how much work you can furnish, I wish you would give me some information in regard to it, so that I can answer the many questions that are asked me.

At the closing exercises of my school, there were people present from ten or twelve miles in several directions. They were all pleased with the exercises, both the white and the colored people. The whites have been assisting me in getting up my independent school. A white man sends one child and pays for it himself. Some of the whites suggested that it would be a good idea to have a high school here for the colored people.

The editor of the paper sent to my room for me Saturday, and I had a long talk with him. He said he had not known very much about Tougaloo University.

There was such a gathering at the church on Wednesday evening that they could not all get into the house. I extended an invitation to all the people in the county to be present: it was well represented. I invited the people to sign the temperance pledge after a temperance concert. The invitation was responded to by a great number. A still greater number have stopped chewing tobacco, but have not signed the pledge, because they prefer giving themselves a trial before doing so. There will be quite a number of others who will sign the pledge soon, I think.

W. H. L.