THE EVANGELIST AT WORK.
MR. JAMES WHARTON.
It has again been my privilege to spend the winter in the South in the interests of the colored population under the auspices of the American Missionary Association, and in each section of the country visited I am glad to record a marked change for the better both morally and spiritually in advance of twenty years ago, and this I consider is due in a great measure to the influence and instrumentality of the Congregational churches and schools in connection with them.
The untold good that is being done by the various institutions under the American Missionary Association will never be known this side of eternity, and wherever I have gone I have found the people speaking in the highest terms of praise of the efforts which are being put forth to help raise the standard already attained.
During the last winter I have visited and held revival services at Dudley and Raleigh, N. C.; Hampton, Va.; Howard University, Washington, D. C.; Oaks and Hillsboro, N. C.; Athens and Thomasville, Ga.; High Point, N. C.; and at each place the ministers and teachers of the schools have worked admirably, with the result that the churches have been quickened and scores of the most promising young people of both sexes from different parts of the States have been led to trust in Jesus as their Saviour and to commence a new life for Him. It has been a great joy to me on returning to places formerly visited to find after years of absence the converts going on still in the "good way," witnessing for Christ and working for the welfare of others, and, in many cases, settled for life in comfortable frame-built houses where once it was the one-roomed log cabin with its evil influences. In spite of the distress so keenly felt by everyone, the past year has been one of unusual interest and revival. The old idea, of visions, dreams and voices being necessary to a person's assurance of his acceptance of God, seems to be yielding to a more perfect and Scriptural way: "Thus saith the Lord."
WASHINGTON, D. C.
In Plymouth church, Rev. S. Brown, pastor, protracted meetings were held, resulting in the lifting heavenward of the members. Among the converts was a Mrs. T., who had been a seeker for thirty-three years. While listening to an address on Ex. xii Chap. 13 v., "He sprinkled blood," the light she had been so long looking for began to dawn upon her soul, and before the address closed she was rejoicing in God's wondrous love. She could scarcely keep her seat for joy; she arose to testify that God had saved her that night. Her testimony caused considerable rejoicing, as she was well known to all as a "long-time mourner."
HOWARD UNIVERSITY.
At the invitation of Dr. Rankin, the Evangelist and Pastor Brown held a ten days' mission, resulting in some good cases of conversion, two brothers being among the number, the sons of a Methodist minister, one studying to become a doctor and the other a pharmacist.
HAMPTON, VA.
During the week of prayer we felt a deep wave of spiritual blessing sweep over the institution such as had not been realized for years past. Quite a number of the students were brought over on the Lord's side, including several young Indian students.
OAKS, N. C.
Meetings were held here for ten days, and although snow covered the ground several inches thick, the people attended well, and every night a large proportion of the congregation was composed of white folks who did not hesitate to worship under the same roof with their colored brethren.
HILLSBORO, N. C.
Here the revival commenced in the school. When the Christian pupils were asked to show hands only about three testified, but ere the meeting closed a marked change was seen, for a large number became Christians during the meeting. As there is no Congregational church the Baptists kindly offered their church building for our use, which from the first was packed to its utmost, the people standing around the doors and windows unable to get inside, so eager were they to hear the word preached. Several "long-time mourners" were converted, including three old grandfathers and two or three grandmothers. People of all classes came in from the country for miles around, willing to leave their fields and work to attend the services. Many of the older inhabitants of the town said that such a revival had not been known since before the war, for in a few days the converts reached the number of one hundred and sixteen. As a result, a goodly number were added to the Sunday-school. A society of Christian Endeavor was organized and a weekly prayer-meeting started, the young converts readily taking part.
ATHENS, GA.
The members took an active part here in helping on the good work. At Knox Institute meetings were held for the pupils and a large number professed conversion. At the church three public school teachers were converted, also the mother of two of them.
MACON, GA.
I was rejoiced to find in this city quite a number of young converts who decided for Christ seven years ago still going on steadily, many of them now grown up into fine young men and women, and still seeking to glorify God in a consistent life and walk. Here one editor of a weekly newspaper came over on business and made his way to the services, and the first night gave himself to the Lord, going home to the town from whence he came to tell his friends what great things the Lord had done for him.
THOMASVILLE, GA.
After the first meeting it was evident the Lord had something good in store for us. At the close of every succeeding service anxious souls were to be found kneeling at the front seat seeking Christ, and great was the joy of all when they saw those whom they were interested in deciding for Him. Every night the young ladies of the boarding department with a part of the congregation formed a large circle outside the church door to sing some of the "old-time" hymns, which, in the stillness of the night under the starry heavens, and with nearly all the singers dressed in white, made the scene more a heavenly one than can well be imagined. Their sweet voices pealed forth the strains of Zion, which on the gentle breeze were wafted to many an ear of those who lived in the neighborhood, and hearts were touched, and many drew nigh to listen who never ventured inside the church door. Many of the young ladies ere this have gone back to their homes in the country, others to their summer schools, and from these services will carry with them the happy influence of the gospel which will in turn reach the ears of those entrusted to their care, the result of which will be many a sad heart made glad, and many a dark home brightened, and, above all, God will be glorified. Brethren, pray for the three hundred and forty converts of this last winter's campaign.