The Daily state journal. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1868-1874, 1871-08-10
ness that oyerhangs the minds of the more pnc-
rant who look TO them for enlightennent

ness that overhangs the minds of the more ignc-
rant who look to them for enlightenment
1t is imperative duty to instruct these benight-
ed people whom Providence has placed in our
midst We have heather at doors, and this
iact should be regarded by as a clear indica
ton that God designs that great work shall be
done by us for this people---that as the result of
our iabors, Ethiopia, so long bound by Satan
shall stretch out her hands unto God.
Aside from the main considerations that it is
our duty TO labor for the spiritual welfare of all
men, that sonls may be saved, and that God may
be glorihet, there are many reasons why we
should put forth selfdenying and unremittng
exerlions for the moral and religious improve
ment OF the colored people in our midst
Iheir FORMER relations to give them strong
claim to our sympathy and regard MANY Of
| them are Intimately associated nour minds with
some OF the most pleasing and touching remin-
iscences OF domestic life, as it was when we were
children. Moreover, the kind offices which they
performed for us, and the prompt and cheerful
obedience and valuable service which they rem
deled ms while they were in servitude, we should
not forget, now that they are free.
Again IL we have regard to the peace and
prosperity of our country, under whose govern
ment the eolored population are entitled to equal
rights and privileges with ourselves, we cannot
neglect their religious instruction for in proper
iion as they are taught the truths of christianity
and become imbned with the spirit of the gospel
they will be better citizens They will become
peaceable, honest. Industrious, loyal ii'i
One more consideration will suffice us: 1t is a
iaet ovlous to ALL and truly painful to those who
have proper feelings, that the colored people, as
a rule, are very suspicious of our motives, are
strongly prejudiced against our views, and have
littie or no confidence in our piety. While much
OF this feeling is the result of influences for
which we are in no degree accountable, we may,
In the course of a few years; most effectually
counteract all antagonistic influences, allay all
unklnd feeling, and win their confidence and
TEEN, by manfesting deep and consistent inter
est in their moral and religious condition.
But, how must this work be accomplished. 1t
should be undertaken and prosecuted in the spir-
1t OF humility and love. We should not scorn the
coiored people on account of this lowly condition,
or ridicule them for their ignorance. To the
language of the apostle Paul, we should "conde-
scend TO men of low estate.' Their poverty, ig-
norance, and superstition should appeal strongly
to our sympathy and aid
Sabbath schools should be relied on rs the
principal means of instructng the eolored peo-
pie. The elderly among them have adopted en-
rors that will not be easily eradicated, and have
fallen into habits that it will be found difficult to
correct. While suchkshould nevertheless, be en-
couraeed to connect themselves with sabbath
schools, and should be faithfully instructed
when they nave done so, special attention should
be given to the youth, who may be much more
easily indoctrinated, since their plastic and in-
quisitive minds error has made but slight inn
preston.
The colored children should be encouraged to
avail themselves of the public schools so far as
it may be found practicable since these schools
The instruction thus impaired will prepare them
for the study of catechism and OF the Old and the
New Testament, without their being put to the
OF relying on oral instruction of con-
sumng time in the Sunday school with the pre-
liminary studies of the alphabet, the speller and
the reader.
pastors should be patronized. The colored peo-
pie will have pastors of their own color and it il
proper that they should be thus supplied But
as long as they are taught by men without men,
tai culture and biblical knowledge, so long must
they themselves grope in darkness If the blind
lead the blind, both will fall into the ditch.--
must be elevated by just such intrrction us Is
given in the school located in Richmond, before
we can reasonably calculate on the moral and re-
ligious elevation of the masses.
The important work, which has been so briefly
and imperfectly described, must deyohe mainly
on the Babtists, North and South. Our Northern
brethren should furnish the funds, with such
help as we can render, while we should furnish
the labor assisted by such Northern brethren as
are suitable to the work
1t will be gratifying TO the friends of this enter
prise to be informed that the interest in the edn
cation of the colored people, though not general
ly felt in proportion to its importance, is the
that Sunday schools are multiplying
througout the land, and that the great demand
for bibles, testaments, and primary Sunday
school books will be furnished by the American
Baptist Publication Society-testaments eratil-
ously, and hersuitable books at reduced prices
To meet this demand, a depository, it is hoped,
will soon be established in the city of Richmond
Submitted,
l.. W. MOORE, Com
Sunday School Mass Meeftag.-The larg-
est congregation that ever assembled in the
Baptist church of this place was present
last night to witness the exercises of the
school and to hear the address to be deliy-
cred.
The exercises opened with singing by the
school, and an eloquent and fervent prayer
by the Rev. Mr.. Snyder.
DR.. l.. r. Chiles, the superintendent, M
.roduced to the congregation the Rev. VIM.
&. Hatcher, of Petersburg, who said it
4l,-41 - I L. = i
% this congregation. He gave some beau
,ful illustrations of fathfllness i'll the Sab
bath school work, and OF the great good
accomplished in late years by the work of
his institution. His remarks were divided
the teachers and children. He
'aid the duty Of the teacher was by precept
md example to save the soul of the scholar,
while the duty of the scholar was to en-
,ourage the teacher by attention to instruc-
ion given.
AT the close of his remarks, the school
United in singing "Who Will be the Next
o Follow Jesus"
Rev. j. VIM. Jones, late of Lexington.
was then introduced. who gave glowing
description of the great Sunday-school
lrmy, and declared that from its duties
zone should be exempted, nor should SUBJ
'tiIutcS DC diloNeu, Dut tnal all should go
Onward in the great conflict with the COM
non enemy of mankind, bearing aIoft the
banner and cross of Jesus.
Rev. J. r. Ragby, Of Powhatan, de-
ivered the last address, which was filled
With forcible, logical and instructive argll-
nents why we should all engage in this
great work.
AT the close of his remarks, the entire
school arose and sang one of those en-
,hanting songs, making the heart of the
Christian leap with joy.
Rev. NJ. W.. Wilson, of Richmond, dis
missed the congregation with the benedie-
ion.
Ne,c Orgaaismion..-,We are informed
hat society Of Cadsts of Temperance is
o be established in few days known as
he Honor of Temperance.