American Missionary | Page 4

wise counselors will be heard. Such voices were
uttered before the war, but they were drowned in the noise of sectional
hatred and the imperious demands of slavery. God grant that the sad
lesson of the past may be heeded.
In the meantime, the A.M.A. will continue its efforts at what it believes
to be the true solution of the Southern problem--the Christian,
educational and industrial advancement of the colored people. With the
help of the great benefaction of Mr. Hand, whose money was made in
the South, and is now consecrated to the South, we shall go forward
with greater zeal and encouragement. We are not partizans; we are not
sectionalists. We are working for the good of both whites and blacks,
and for the peace and prosperity of our common country.
The election of Benjamin Harrison as President of the United States,
and the restoration of the Republican party to power, awakens special
attention to the probable attitude of both towards the great Southern
problem. We have no opinion to express on the subject, and we have no
interest in it as a mere party question, but only as it may lead to the
sober and earnest investigation of that transcendently important

problem which requires the unbiased and honest consideration of the
patriot, the statesman and the Christian.
* * * * *
The combination of the Christian powers of Europe for the suppression
of the nefarious African slave-trade is a measure sanctioned by
Christianity and humanity, and is in the interest of the world's
commerce. The effort can be hopefully undertaken. The abolition of
slavery in the Western Hemisphere--once the great slave mart--confines
the outlet of the traffic to the eastern coast of Africa, and the blockade
can be made more effective than when both sides of the great continent
had to be guarded.
* * * * *
An esteemed Christian brother, who made his wife a Life Member of
the Association in 1854, and who has added a member to the list each
year since by his personal gift, speaks of the pleasure he finds in thus
contributing to our treasury, and at the same time enlisting others in our
work. We commend to our patrons this helpful and agreeable way of
doing good. Try it.
* * * * *
ITEMS FROM THE FIELD.
From a teacher in one of our schools in the mountain country:
"As I go among the homes I continually see something new which
shows me how great are the needs of the people here. The primitive
ways and simplicity of the mountain people strike me and I sometimes
imagine that I am in a country a century behind the times. Last week I
made a call at the home of one of my pupils whose mother was sick. As
I entered the room I could not distinguish the faces of those who sat
about the fire, for the room had no windows. The only light that came
in was through a door in an outer room, and it seemed to let in more
cold than light. I wondered how much work or enjoyment could be got
out of such dark, small quarters, while the sick woman told of her
struggle with sickness and poverty. She also gave me some history of
her early life, which showed a great lack of necessary instruction in
what are the best things. The children of this home look like sickly
plants which have always lived in the dark and which have never felt
the invigorating influence of God's beautiful sunshine. We are praying
that the sunshine of God's love may be felt in the hearts of this people,

even if there are no windows in their homes to let it in."
From a pastor in Kentucky:
"We are busily at work in this mountain country, and as we think of
wider possibilities for the mountain boys, you cannot imagine our
gratitude in view of our hopes that a new industrial department will be
opened. It has been the subject of many a prayer in the closet and in
teachers' meetings, and we feel that all that is needed will be supplied
according to His riches who gave himself for us. He has heard our
united petitions for a pastor to gather the straying flock and relieve our
overworked missionaries. We held our weekly teachers' meeting on
Friday. Last evening as we were sitting together as usual, one spoke of
the coming pastor, when lo, he was ushered in. He has really come. We
rejoice in our work, but we see so much just ahead. I long for the time
to come when this interesting people shall be a 'peculiar' people in the
better sense."
From a teacher at Jonesboro, Tenn.:
"Each week brings new accessions