The venerable Dr. Moffat affirms that black missionaries for Africa is the “Divine plan.” Dr. Blyden tells us that the climate of Africa recognizes only pure negroes with favor. It conforms to no prejudices or customs of society in assigning mulattoes to the negro race. Unmixed black men alone are welcomed with long life and happiness.
God sets bounds to habitations, but the love of Christ in God is unbounded. The good tidings of great joy has no metes. The heathen and the uttermost parts of the earth are within the borders of the kingdom. The elect and precious are separated by no climate or partition walls. They shall come up from the North, South, East and West. We can only hope to succeed in doing our part towards hastening the consummation when we have fallen into line with the logic of events, and have accepted the new phases of work for the negro as they are providentially unfolded.
ITEMS FROM THE FIELD.
Savannah, Ga.—The pastor of the church at this place writes: “The standard of piety among the colored people about us is so low that it is difficult to create a moral conscience in our own people, and this fact shows the great need there is for our churches.” There has been an unusual work of grace among his people, and the “meetings have been quiet and orderly, as with a New England congregation.” A number have been brought into the church whose experience has been most satisfactory; none of them have had dreams or visions, but all tell of simple faith in the Saviour, and express the purpose of a new life of intelligent obedience to Him. “We are beginning to rise above the superstitious notions which once prevailed.”
Atlanta, Ga.—June 20th, Rev. M. E. Strieby, D.D., preached the dedication sermon of the First Congregational Church. The dedicatory service had been delayed until all debt should be cleared off the house—a beautiful structure in brick, with slate roof and tower, having cost more than $5,000. This done, and a $300 Troy bell secured, all was ready. In the afternoon, a thanksgiving service was held, consisting of music, the responsive reading of appropriate Psalms, and addresses by the pastor, Pres. Ware, Prof. Francis, Supt. Roy, and Mayor Calhoun. The latter, referring to the early days of trial, said that he had always been glad that this people had friends, wherever they came from, who were willing and able to help them.
—Rev. T. E. Hillson, of New Orleans, has been located at Flatonia and Luling in Texas, to have charge of the two churches in those places, which are far out upon the “sunset” route to San Antonio. Miss M. E. Green is in charge of the school in Flatonia.
—Rev. Mr. Roberts, a recent graduate of the Talladega Theological Department, has been appointed to take the pastoral charge of the church at Paris, Texas. Mr. White, another student of Talladega, will probably take the school at Paris.
—Rev. L. C. Anderson, of Fisk, is teaching and preaching near Austin, Texas.