Soon after the opening of the school we gathered together in our chapel, to tell a few of the things for which we were thankful. I wish some of our friends had been present to share the enjoyment of the occasion with us.
One said: “I have had the severest sickness of my life, but it proved a good thing for me. It kept me from going to my second school at Lake, where the fever was so bad afterwards. I see a great change in the people. They have been more thoughtful. I have not prayed once without asking God to protect and bless the teachers and scholars of our institution. My prayers have been answered.”
Another said: “I am thankful that I have been blessed with more light than many others. I never before saw how great the darkness is in our country. The condition of the people where I have been teaching is dreadful.”
Another, who is not a Christian: “I am thankful that I have at last got here, where I have so long desired to be. I hope I may be blessed spiritually as well as in my studies.”
Another: “I see the need of good teachers and preachers as I never did before. I am thankful for this, and that I am spared to get back under these kind instructors.”
“I have been in a very intemperate place, but the Lord has helped me to do good work. Secured a good many signers to the pledge. I am thankful for this, and that I have been spared during the sickness.”
One who was converted last winter said: “I am thankful that I have been with Christians who have led me to the Lord. I don’t know how to tell my gratitude. I am just beginning to know what it is to be upright and truthful.”
“When I left here last summer to go to a new place, I felt that I needed God’s aid. I asked Him to be with me. He has kept me and made my work successful. I thank Him for it. I will continue to thank Him.”
“The old mother thanks the Lord that she has been able to get here to hear the Bible read, and see the teachers back again.”
“I was teaching near Grenada. That was my P. O. The fever was on three sides of me. Some of my scholars had to leave school; but amidst it all God spared me, and I am thankful for it. There were some white young men came into my Sunday-school. At first I was afraid, but I spoke to them, and asked them if they would like some papers. They kept coming, and seemed just as much interested in what I said, and in getting the papers, as any of my pupils.”