Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1868-03-18

often feel that IL Christians at home could
realize as we do here the magnitude of the
work done by the American Missionary Asso-
citation, and other similar benevolent societies,
for these freed people, and their gratitude
for gifts of clothing and comforts for the sick,
surely their hearts and hands would open
never before to their appeals for aid.
1t is indeed a blessed work leading a
race, for centuries enslaved and oppressed,
out from the degradation of ignorance. cdu-
eating and enlightening them and aiding
them to develop into a nobler, truer, higher
life. Could the benevolence of the Christian
Church be given to any cause where the re-
turns would be more Immediately seen and
be at the same time more far reaching in its
results, results eternity alone can measure.
Could the ladies who contributed those ar
ticles of clothing you forwarded have heard
the expressions of gratitude, as have given
them away, they would feel more than paid
for every sacrifice and trouble. Shoes were
very acceptable, as there is great call for
them Bare feet keep many from our schools.
Dresses. pants, stockings and underclothes
was acceptable Ten tousand blessins on
yer dear heart for dis. honey. | shall be
warm now if l rs hungry sOmefimes.' said
one. g tank you, baby, for dis yer you'se
mighty good to we,' etc. often tell them
they must not thank me, but rather God and
their Northern friends. ~ does tank 'em
a heap; they helps right smart and
tanks God, too, for givin such kind
friends" You would hear many such ex-
pressions could you but listen your gifts
were being bestowed upon them. had Civ
en- out all the hoods you recollect there was
one in your barrel An old auntie who is
quite infirm came hobbling in one day, and
when asked what she wanted, said, 90 |
thought, honey. if I jes come niyseT, mabbe
you would give me one of dose yer nice
stuffed hoods, 'twould keep my old head so
warm and den, too, / wants to hear ye read
again, bless yer dear heart. does love to
have YOU read about Jesus The hood from
your barrel, and the words of the blessed
Jesus paid her for long walk with her staff
| had before given her warm flannel clothing,
for she is good old saint even if her skin is
darker than ours. Is it not g blessed to
give?''
| often sent for in extreme of
destitution, and my heart aches that have
SO little to give. A few days since | was
called to see poor woman. | found her in
feeble health, with four children, one of
whom was sick. They lived in an under
Z 1,os 1,-;a Oh ~
glass windows. Not n chair, table or bed
stead was to be seen-all had been sold for
food. Their clothing in rags, and they
had nothing to eat. A sick brother paid the
rent, (three dollars per monthly which was
all he could possibly do for her, \ bundle
Of rags on straw pallet in corner on the
bricks, was their bed. Some bedding and
clothing, some meal for the well ones, and
rice, sugar and tea for the sick, made them
more comfortable. Another case was that of
one of our scholars, who was very sick with
pneumonia, and given over by the doctor.
Stimulants were needed, but they had no
money to buy with, although the woman had
ten dollars owing her for washing. ] was
sent for, and went Immediately. / left
money for stimulants, etc, rice, crackers and
tea for another child just able to sit up for
they had nothing in the house to eat but
meal, and that borrowed. The sick one is
now recovering. That widowed mother was
grateful as only such suffering mother could
be.
might multiply instances, but these will
suffice. have thus given you brief sketch
of our work and its wants, hoping to interest
you even more in this blessed cause
should be happy to answer any inquiries, OF
receive any further donations if you choose
to send. My home is not far from your place
in Bakersfield. | should be very happy tC
hear from any of you. Letters are our onI1
society. The white people never notice us al
all Direct to Miss f. NJ. Barnes, Box l76
Macon, Ga. Gratefully yours,
f.. NJ. BARNES.