Monday, most of the school devote the time of one recitation—three-fourths of an hour—to Bible reading and study in classes. After school there is held a female prayer-meeting of a half hour, led by a lady teacher.
Wednesday evening is the regular church prayer-meeting, led by the pastor, attendance upon which is voluntary. The last half hour of school, Friday afternoon, is devoted to a prayer-meeting, led by the President, and attended by the entire school. This is the only meeting at which the day scholars are required to be present, and so is the most important of all the week. At its close almost every member of the school deposits in the box an envelope containing his regular weekly contribution toward paying the debt of the A. M. A.
A very profitable meeting is announced on Sunday in this way: “On Friday evening bring your Bibles, and tell us what it says about the evils of the tongue;” or, at another time: “Select passages referring to the Sabbath, the Holy Spirit, Repentance,” etc. Most of the family gladly come, each reading one of his selected passages, and discussing it. Familiarity with the Bible and Concordance is a very apparent benefit of this exercise. It is also remarkable how they improve in clearness of expression, and in confining their thoughts to one point. Best of all is the broad view they get of Bible truth, by looking at it from all sides. No disputed points—as Baptism or Perseverance of the Saints—are discussed in this Bible exercise, or in Sunday-school, or any other religious meeting. No Baptist or Methodist need fear being proselyted in Atlanta University.
Saturday evening is the teachers’ prayer-meeting of a half hour. The best test of the religious interest is the number of voluntary students’ meetings. Sunday evening, just before the general meeting of an hour, the young men always gather for another hour in a meeting of their own. The burden of this meeting is praying for the Spirit’s blessing on the sermon and Sunday-school, and pleading for His presence in the general meeting that follows.
There are many other students’ meetings, among both the young men and women, whose interest, and existence even, depend upon circumstances. Nearly every summer term these meetings multiply. As the pupils realize they are soon to leave this peaceful home, and for three months take on the responsibilities and trials of teachers, they seem impelled to a new consecration. Many, each year, go out to teach for the first time, and all feel it is a solemn undertaking. Another occasion for extra meetings is to plead for those so soon to leave us, and not yet in the fold.
This is a hasty view of what may be seen of our religious work. Eternity alone will reveal the number and effect of the private personal appeals, or of the pleading notes written to the timid ones. So, dear friends, do not think, because no revival is announced, that souls are not often coming into the kingdom, and that Christians are not receiving a most careful culture.
I have often thought that the prayers of Northern friends, more than anything else, have been the occasion of such a deep Christian spirit in the A. M. A. schools. Think of that old lady watching the Missionary to see if her prayers for us were answered! I once knew a man, who was not rich, or even a professing Christian, who, for some years, gave $300 each year for the support of a teacher, who, as he said, “would teach a knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ” to the freedmen. Many of our best friends are in such haste for us to do simply church work, that they can hardly wait in patience for us to build on an intelligent, educational basis. If God has so burdened hearts for the spiritual welfare of the freedmen, may it not indicate that, in His plan, He may have a glorious part for them, in bringing the nations to His feet?
A Photograph with Lights and Shades.
MR. JOHN MCINTOSH, TEACHER, ATHENS.