GEORGIA.
Perils of Young Converts—An Open House—Temperance.
MISS E. W. DOUGLASS, NO. 1, MILLER STATION.
Since I wrote last we have had a series of meetings during the evenings of one week. Every Friday evening there is a meeting for prayer and religious instruction, attended by all the scholars. This has been greatly blessed. Twenty of the scholars profess to have been converted. As soon as their parents knew that they were interested about their souls’ welfare, many of them were put under the instruction of ignorant godfathers or godmothers, to be “brought through” by a course of dreams and other superstitions. How far this has turned them away from simple trust in Jesus we cannot tell. We can only teach them the right way, and leave them with the Master. One thing I have learned—that these teachers are never satisfied with their pupils till they obtain a promise to join their church. Four joined us at our communion season in March. One, an old white-headed man; three, children. These children are exposed to persecution because they did not “come through” the right way. They are told that they are no Christians, for they “hav’n’t dun prayed yet.” One little boy, who has been a member of the church a year, and of whose life all speak well, could not partake with us. He sat and looked on sadly as long as he could endure it, and then went out and wept bitterly. He did not go to his godfather for guidance, and he has now persuaded the boy’s mother to forbid his communing. I found him weeping after meeting, but still trusting in Jesus. He said, “I know I love Him, and try every day to do what He wants me to.”
This course of “travel” in dreams is what they call “praying.” Though most of those converted will join other churches, yet they will continue in our Sunday-school, being absent only when there is preaching in their churches. Thus we hope to lead them to take the Bible for their guide.
Notwithstanding the house is so open that we have to hold our papers tightly, or put a weight on what we lay down (for the wind always blows there), yet my school at Cross Roads is increasing in numbers and interest. Last Sabbath the wind was breaking trees and throwing down fences, and twice during our school here burst open the door and blew over benches, so that all said, “You cannot go to Cross Roads; you will get killed by falling branches.” After asking guidance, I thought I ought to go. As I passed under swaying limbs, and was enveloped in a cloud of sand, I saw how impossible it would be to teach in that open house; but I thought, God can calm the wind. I asked Him, and almost immediately there was a comparative calm, and I went on comfortably.
I find many in my walks who have once been church members, but “fell out.” Often, too, I meet those who show very plainly that they frequent the whiskey shops, of which there are no less than six within two miles of the Cross Roads church. A young man, one of my former pupils, told me, as I tried to show him his danger even in taking a little, “The ministers and church members use it; how then can it be so bad?” This is true, and some say they cannot pray and sing well till they get enough to make them feel well. Wherever I find those who can read I give tracts, and to others I read of the evils of tobacco and strong drink. To all I read the Bible, and try to make them see that, the Bible way is the only safe way, and the road to happiness here and hereafter.
If Christians could only realize the terrible heathenism of the ignorant masses, and the danger to our free institutions from this ignorance, coming under Romish influence and the lead of unprincipled men, I am sure your treasury would be so filled that the number of teachers and missionaries would be multiplied a hundred fold, as they need to be if we are saved.
Midway Church—Dorchester Academy—New Church at Cypress Slash.
REV. FLOYD SNELSON, M’INTOSH, LIBERTY CO.
I have been quite silent since my return from Africa and resumed my work here; not altogether because there was nothing of interest to write, but because I thought it more important to keep the sword in hand until the victory was gained than to stop in the heat of the battle to report progress. Notwithstanding the unpleasant situation of a church worshiping in a house unfinished and unprovided with heaters in the month of January, we determined to observe the week of prayer. Some religious interest was manifested among the young people, which was encouraged in every way possible, and one after another gave himself to the Lord, until March 23d on our communion season, when nineteen, hopefully converted, united with the church. Rev. R. F. Markham, who is now in charge of the work of the A. M. A. in and around Savannah, came out by invitation on the 21st and remained until Monday the 24th; delivered the preparatory lecture on Saturday, preached Sunday morning, assisted in the other duties pertaining to the communion, and in the afternoon delivered a very interesting lecture on the work of the A. M. A. This was listened to with great interest by about 700 people in the house and about 300 outside who could not possibly get in. I would like much to give you a short account of the candidates’ confessions, but it would make my letter too long. Their ages range from 10 to 60 years.
I have had the work of building a new school-house, nicely furnished and very conveniently arranged, and have also been working up a church in a new field. The new building was built with means furnished by the A. M. A., and with such help as the people here could give, at a cost of $1,100. It is called the Dorchester Academy, from its Puritan history. First, the Pilgrim Fathers planted Dorchester in Massachusetts; then Dorchester, South Carolina; then Dorchester, Liberty, Georgia; and lastly, Dorchester Academy at Snelsonville, four miles on the Sunberry Road, from No. 3 A. & G. R. R. This was dedicated April 13 by Dr. J. E. Roy, Field Superintendent of the A. M. A. The address was rich and full of instruction. He dwelt principally upon the blessings of the family institution of home; the duties of the three divisions of the family in the relation which each sustains to the other. $50 was pledged toward the debt of $100 which was due on the new building. Judge E. Fulton (white) promised $5 of the $50, and made a very encouraging speech to the people.
On Monday night Dr. Roy delivered at our church a lecture on “Our Country,” illustrated by his large map. This was a grand treat to all. The whites present expressed themselves as being highly pleased.
Tuesday morning, the 15th, it began to rain, but ceased about 7 o’clock. Very soon ten buggies and one-horse wagons, well loaded with ministers, delegates and spectators, were seen on their way to a council of churches which was called to meet 14 miles N. W. of us to consider the expediency of organizing a church at Cypress Slash. The roads are quite level all the way, pretty much through a pine forest. All were highly pleased with the trip. Three churches were represented in the council—the Midway, Ogeechee and Savannah churches. Dr. Roy represented the A. M. A.; Rev. J. R. McLean was chosen scribe, and Rev. F. Snelson moderator. In reply to inquiries it was said that the community generally would look upon the movement with favor. They wished as soon as possible to have an intelligent minister sent to them, such as the A. M. A. would recommend, and they pledged to do all they could to support him. Fifteen persons were then baptized, 20 were received by confession, 28 from other churches—48 in all. A sermon was preached by Dr. Roy, from Rev. xxii 17: “The Spirit and the Bride say, Come.” Scripture read by Mr. J. McIntosh. The ordinance of baptism administered and the prayer offered by Rev. F. Snelson. Rev. J. R. McLean gave a short address and the right hand of fellowship. Rev. R. F. Markham gave the address to the church, and Dr. Roy extended a cordial welcome to the fellowship of all the Congregational churches in America. Five deacons were then ordained, Mr. Markham offering the ordaining prayer of consecration. Several whites were present; one white lady, who assisted largely in providing dinner for our company. I must acknowledge this to be the first place in the South where I have ever seen a white man ask for prayer among the colored people and at their meeting. This was done by a man of about 60 years, while I was trying to gather the nucleus which formed this church. Another important Congregational seed is planted; pray that its growth may be a success.