Revival among the Students.
REV. C. W. FRANCIS, ATLANTA.
You will be glad to know that at this school we are in the midst of a deep and effective work of grace, which has already brought into the kingdom a goodly number of precious souls. There has been a good degree of religious interest since the school came together in October, and during the week of prayer, which we faithfully observed, that interest was deepened; and since that time some have been committing themselves to Christ’s service. The day of prayer for colleges, just observed, was an occasion of deep and solemn interest, and a considerable number took a step forward. A few extra meetings have been held; but, for the most part, affairs have gone on as usual, with no interruption of school work; and but for the greater quiet and improved order and discipline of the school, and increasing fidelity to duty, an observer would not know how thorough a work was going forward. Our reliance has been mainly upon the truth, earnestly and plainly presented, rather than upon any unusual measures, and our aim to reach the conscience, and thus secure an intelligent and thorough submission to the claims of God. All the members of the classes to graduate this year now profess to be Christians, and we hope will be well prepared to do effective work for the Master in the wide and needy field open before them. Some who have long withstood every good influence are already affected, and we hope will soon yield to Christ’s claims; indeed, there are hardly any in the family who are not ready to acknowledge a deep interest in the subject. We do not like to give numbers, but we may reasonably hope that as many as twelve have already begun the new life, and more than as many more are deeply serious. We hope for a greater work and a deeper consecration, and that the Lord may baptize afresh for the great and growing work pressing upon us. There are constantly, even at this season, calls for teachers in all parts of this State which cannot be answered, and in almost all cases Christian character is one of the first qualifications sought.
ALABAMA.
Christmas Festival—Bearing One Another’s Burdens.
REV. WILLIAM H. ASH, FLORENCE.
From the depletion made in September by many of our members going to Kansas, a dark cloud for a time gathered over the work here; but I believe the crisis is past, and some that were active in opposition are now working in harmony with us, and endeavoring to take part in every good work. The faithful few are ever encouraged by these cheering words: “But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.”
Up to the Sabbath previous to Christmas we were undecided as to whether it was best to have a Christmas tree; but I found so many willing hearts and ready hands eager to help, and particularly some not members of the church, but friendly to it, that I threw all my influence in this direction to make it a success. At first we planned to have it in the church; but finding that the building used for our Sunday services was too small, it was removed to the court-house, where we had ample room. The church would only accommodate about one-fifth of the people who came with their children to receive the gifts, for we had something for nearly every Methodist and Baptist boy and girl, as well as every Congregationalist in town.
On Friday night, the ladies of our church gave an entertainment to aid in defraying the expenses incurred by the burial of a member of the church who had died very suddenly. He would have been buried by the town but for a few loyal and faithful brethren who revolted at any such idea, and at once assumed the responsibility, though there was not one cent in the treasury. At the supper they cleared enough to pay the debt, and quite a little sum in addition. Our polity is guarded with the same sacredness as in New England.