By Rev. James Wharton.
I wish to say a word about Lincoln Academy as I found it. For several weeks they had been expecting me to go and hold evangelistic services for the students, whom I was glad to meet, and, I may say, a finer and more promising set of young people I have seldom met during the past twenty years of my work in the South. They are to be the fathers and mothers of the next generation, and will be just what we make them. They were all in good condition and prepared to enter upon the work of the Lord under the leadership of the principal, Miss Cathcart, and the teachers, who are all deeply interested in the spiritual welfare of each one under their care, and time after time one and another were taken to their rooms apart and pleaded with at the throne of grace, and I need not say that their efforts were signally blessed of God, for during the past week twenty-eight students have professed faith in Christ and are now living new lives.
Every one around this neighborhood speaks in the highest terms of praise of the school and the good which is being done. A lady said to me the other day it was easy to recognize "Lincoln Academy" students for their good behavior and their manners. What a blessing to have such faithful helpers to lead them. As a result we need not wonder that parents sometimes send spoiled and wayward children for training, while others, knowing of the good influence brought to bear upon the children, deny themselves in every possible way that they may send their sons and daughters that they may be fitted for future life in the world which they have soon to face.
A Gracious Revival.--Rev. Mr. Wharton, writes from Atlanta, Ga.: "The Lord has graciously blessed His work here, and the Gospel is still the power of God unto salvation. I have held services at Storrs School, Atlanta University, and the First Congregational Church, and during the last twelve days over 200 have been converted. Some of the most prominent colored citizens of this city and some of the most promising students of Storrs and also of the University have been reached and have decided for Christ, the future teachers and fathers and mothers of the next generation, who will come to the front, maybe, when we are silent in the grave. The beauty of this work is, it does not stop with the converts, but dark homes and hearts are going to be reached, superstition is going to give place to sound doctrine, and the whole country be benefited by such a revival. Parents are rejoicing on every hand over sons and daughters and also friends being converted.[pg 131] Truly 'God has done great things for us whereof we are glad.' I go next to Selma, Ala., for Sunday. I would be thankful of your prayers for Selma."
Good Results of Noon Prayer-Meetings.--A teacher from Helena, Ark., writes: "We suggested to the Christians among our pupils that they meet in the chapel at noon recess each day for a prayer meeting, in the hope of bringing the unconverted members of our school to Christ. The suggestion was carried out by them and the blessing came abundantly. The result of these meetings has been the conversion of 25 of the 28 of our pupils who were not Christians. I have learned one lesson, that we must prepare for the outpouring of the spirit, and then expect great things."
From Tennessee.--Home again. Shall we all meet again? O, must some parts of the work be dropped and other parts be crippled by the debt? This will not be so if all our members are like the little Tallmadge girl. Only five years old, lame and with suffering nerves she has earned a dollar this year by washing dishes, and gives it to our school. So a little child may teach us self-denial and devotion. God speed His work and bless our efforts.
Atlanta, Ga.--"We send you $1 as an offering of the Junior Society of Christian Endeavor of Storrs School. It is an offering of love and gratitude. The Little Sunshine Committee of the society were very active in gathering this. It is their second missionary effort, their first being for the Indians at Fort Berthold."