Rejoice with me, for the Lord has answered our prayer for an old man, who has spent sixty-five years in the service of Satan, but is now rejoicing in the great grace and love of a forgiving Saviour. It is quite a change in the old man, to see him in Sunday-school and at preaching service, and to hear him using his tongue in telling how good God has been to him, instead of taking His name in vain, as he used to do. But while we rejoice with this one, there are others for whom we are praying, and for whom we ask an interest in your prayers, that they may be brought into the fold of Christ.
I hope to be able to help a few of the young people, but the way seems dark at present. One of our Northern friends, who is here in the work, said to me not long ago, “The people North know nothing of the real condition of the people here; it is so unlike anything there, that they cannot realize just how it is. Before I came here I had heard a great deal about the state of things, but had no thought of finding the people in the condition in which they are.” I know that what she said is true, and that many of our friends North, and in England, have but little idea of the real condition of our people.
I am sure that if the representations that Christ and His disciples gave of the Christian life be true, there must be a much greater and deeper work among the people here before the Spirit of God can make them His. I have thought and said often, and I say it yet, that the work of the A. M. A., or a work of the same kind, is the only thing that will save the people of the South. Nine out of every ten know but little or nothing of what it is to live an upright life, and, therefore, they have no real communion with God, such as all His true children do have.
If the people here could be made to see the wrong there is in rum, and to put it down, there would be some hope for them; but so long as rum takes their labor, their money, their brains, and their God from them, there is no hope for them, and but little chance of doing them good. This is saying a great deal, but the truth is light, and that is what we want. Fourteen persons have been received into the church since I came here, and more are expected to come in with us. I am sure the Lord is waiting to bless this place.
THE ALABAMA CONFERENCE.
Papers, Reports, Sunday-School Convention, Theological Institute.
REV. CHARLES NOBLE, MONTGOMERY.
The Alabama Conference met Friday evening, March 29th, in the college chapel at Talladega; the exercises opening with the annual sermon, by Rev. Mr. Ash, of Mobile, and an address of welcome to the delegates, by Prof. Lord. Rev. Mr. Andrews read a paper of very great interest, on the “Mission of Congregationalism in the South.” He first dwelt upon the history of Congregationalism, especially in its freedom from complicity with slavery, its prominence in the anti-slavery movement, and its comparative freedom from the sect spirit, as peculiarly indicating its call to work among the freedmen. He then brought out the peculiar features of the polity, independence and fellowship, and showed how they tend (1) to develop and sustain republican institutions, and to fit the church member for his duties as a citizen; (2) to promote intelligence; (3) to sustain an unshackeled pulpit, and (4) to develop personal piety, including moral reform and revivals. This is a very bare abstract of an essay which aroused great interest, and tended to encourage and cheer on the workers very much. Other papers were read, on “How to Develop Benevolence in our Churches,” by Rev. Fletcher Clark, of Selma; on the “Relation of Talladega College to our Church Work,” by Prof. Lord; and on the “Mission of the Young Ministers in the South,” by Rev. P. J. McEntosh—himself one of those young colored men who have gone out from Mr. Andrew’s teaching to work among their own people.
The reports from the churches showed a very encouraging condition of things. One new church has been organized during the year, making a total of thirteen within the bounds of the State. All are, at present, supplied with ministers. Almost all reported additions on profession of faith, and evidence of the special presence of the Spirit. Though it has not been a year of remarkable revivals, it has been one of hopeful and vigorous growth. The feeling seemed general and strong, that these little churches have “come to stay” in Alabama, and have no idea of dying whatsoever. A great deal of missionary activity was reported. Talladega College sustains twenty-five Sabbath-schools; Montgomery and Selma, four each; and others are not behind, according to their means and opportunities. It is certainly a suggestive and encouraging fact that, in the very heart of Alabama, a body of men could come together so full of enthusiasm for Puritan ideas, and should, without exception, report that their hold upon the communities in which they labor is manifestly strengthening.