Between the graduates of Atlanta or Fisk, and the toilers in cotton patch or rice swamp—between the better homes of Memphis or Charleston, and the cabins in piney woods or Louisiana glades—there is a great gulf, to be spanned only by the prayers and labors of Northern Christians. I have chosen not to paint prospects and aspirations of the dwellers this side of that chasm; but rather to give you a glimpse of life beyond in the darkness, that you may comprehend in some degree the urgency of the need to chase away the clouds that obscure the light of hope and purity.
I have thought it possible for women to do more than they have heretofore in distinct efforts for their own sex; that some new effort might be made to efficiently supplement the work of schools and churches.
Two years ago, we made a bold venture at Le Moyne Normal School. Health talks had become popular, and the teachers were convinced of the wisdom of taking further steps in that direction, when, most opportunely, there came to Memphis a lady physician, well advanced in years, of evident culture, and provided with an excellent life-size model of the human frame. She was invited to lecture to our female pupils and their mothers, and did so very acceptably. Her gray hair commanded respect, although the girls were at first a little suspicious of the manikin. Satisfied with the effect upon the students and of the lady’s good judgment, her services were secured for a course of lectures, to which the friends of the girls were invited. It was a happy idea, as was quickly proven. I cannot tell how many times teachers were thanked for the privileges thus afforded, or how many mothers exclaimed, “If I had only known these things sooner, I should have saved myself and my children worlds of sickness and trouble and disgrace!”
Ever since that experiment I have longed to see a similar opportunity offered to all the colored women. If a discreet, motherly woman, who understood anatomy, hygiene and medicine, could be furnished with a model of the body and sent through the large cities and villages, giving free lectures upon health, care of their own persons, proper food, training of children, and responsibility to God for the chastity of their sons and daughters, the Freedwomen would receive incalculable benefit. The teachers cannot always reach out and control the mothers; the missionary meets but a part of the women in a single city; but an itinerating lady physician could influence thousands of the very class most in need of the instruction she could give. I wish the heart of some woman, qualified for the undertaking, would be stirred to consecrate herself to this work. I think the officers of the Association would indorse such a movement. Certainly, pastors and teachers in the field would heartily welcome her to their churches and homes, to which she would be a valuable auxiliary, while exerting a more positive and direct influence upon the women than is possible from any one of the already established methods of work.
Dean Howson says: “How can you convert a country unless you convert the families? How can you convert the families unless you convert the mothers?”
It was once my privilege to minister to an honored friend who was gently falling asleep in Jesus. Happening to draw up a window-shade an hour before the eyes closed upon the scenes of mortal life, I received from the beloved lips this last commendation and counsel: “That’s right; give us more light.”
Speaking to-day in behalf of our colored sisters, I appeal for light. “Give us more light” to dispel the heavy clouds of ignorance and sin, to show plainly straight paths for the feet of stumbling ones, and for the praise of Him who is able to keep us from falling, and to present us faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy.
THE GEORGIA CONFERENCE.
REV. C.W. HAWLEY.