NORTH CAROLINA.
The Church—Contrasts and Progress—Two Prayers.
REV. D. D. DODGE, WILMINGTON.
Our church-work is distinct from the school, the latter being not in any sense sectarian. We think we see marked improvement in the character of those who have been longest members of the church. They seem to hunger for truth for the purpose of living it, and their progress is, of course, steady and rapid. We are often thrilled by the rich experience as manifested by unconscious expressions in the prayer-meetings. We have received six new members during the year:
It may be well to hear what impression is made upon a new comer, so I quote from one of our teachers who has been with us only a year.
“To hear of the degradation of the colored people of the South is to know but little of it, for ‘the half can ne’er be told.’ It is humiliating to think that in our own beloved land there exists so much of barbarism and heathenish superstition. This is realized by looking at the homes and home-life of the poor people, but much more by noticing their form of religion.
“I had visited lowly cots and abodes of poverty, seeming devoid of even the bare necessaries of life. Sometimes, in one small house several families huddled together, the little ones swarming in the yard like bees from the hive on a sunny day. I had seen poor sewing women trying to earn a bare subsistence—trying to keep by that little weapon, the needle, the wolf from the door. And I had thought what must life be worth to such suffering ones? And yet the degradation of this poor people never came to me with such force as when, for the first time, I entered a colored church, and witnessed scenes such as I had heard of, but never could realize without seeing.
“The meeting was in progress when we entered, many talking or standing ready for a chance to be heard, others jumping and clapping their hands. One man, who gesticulated fiercely and screamed hoarsely, exhorted the brethren and sisters to ‘look out for the devil—he’s after yer—he’ll run yer inter the briers, but yer mus’ put on yer shoes—he’ll knock yer down, but yer mus’ get up an’ run, an’ put on yer shoes.’ Finally, in his frenzy, we could distinguish nothing except, in broken utterances, ‘put on yer shoes! put on yer shoes! put on yer shoes!’ amid the shouts of laughter and cheers which urged him on, coming chiefly from the female portion of the audience. He at length sat down exhausted, when a woman rose in mid-air, with a wild scream, coming down head-foremost, while all around were others shouting or jumping up and down. This, with variations, continued amidst quavering, weird music, the big cape bonnets bobbing to and fro, keeping time. At length the minister, who seemed to prefer order, wished to close the meeting, when immediately the people began to disperse, he calling to them to keep their places until after the benediction should be given, but they paid no heed. Whereupon he proceeded to lecture them on this wise: ‘If I were at one of your houses and should take my hat and leave without saying good day, you would think it was a piece of very ill politeness,’—and more to the same effect; but the tide not being stayed, he called upon a fine-looking young man to pronounce the benediction, which he did with such an air of ease and grace as contrasted strangely with all the surroundings, and I turned away in silent wonder at him, as being one of such a crowd. I never felt so truly thankful for a better way that is opened to them, and that even a few are struggling to elevate themselves,—are found sitting ‘clothed and in their right mind,’ learning truth.
“For there is a brighter side, and it is only by keeping in mind the motto, ‘look on the bright side’ that there is encouragement to make continued efforts for the uplifting of those who do not wish it for themselves. That there are noble exceptions we are glad and thankful. The little church planted here, as a branch from the true vine, though in number small, is noble in its strength of purpose, and the willingness of heart found in each member. So eager to learn, so thankful to be taught, it has been a pleasure to teach them as they have come to our night-school.”
At the closing session of our Sabbath-school, five young men made short addresses. Their words were hearty and stirring, and expressed a deep satisfaction with what they had gained in the school, as they looked back over the time they had attended, one of them adding modestly, “Not that I would have you think that I have learned so much of the Bible, for I don’t know anything of any great account.” Ah! but what he has learned he has practiced so faithfully that he is a shining light to all who know him, and his words are eloquent with the power behind them of a consistent life. All of these young men are a power for good in the city. Two others, members of the church, are not in town, but we believe they are living true lives elsewhere.
I close by giving you the quaint words of two prayers, offered when the family was away, and jotted down by the one teacher who was left in charge. The excellent spirit shines through the strange clothing:
“O, Lord! please make us wise enough to see sin before we get to it, that we may shun it; and won’t you please cause people to fall out wi’ their ways and accept your ways.”
For the teachers gone North:
“Bless those who is absent; be with ’em and keep an eye on ’em, and bless ’em week in and week out; bless those who is afflicted and isn’t feeling well; help ’em to get out of the state which they is in; prop ’em up in strength and also in grace, and prepare ’em for the work they is calkerlated for. Teach us Thy way, and make us more wiser in reading Thy word. Help us to grow more steadfaster, more loviner, more sincerer, and more wiser.”