The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1876-12-27

ration. In my present charge we have
large and successful Sabbath School.
have always cherished a deep interest in thei
spiritual welfare. 1t was this which led MI
two years ago to overture our General AS
sembly on the subject of an educated coloreC
ministry. The Assembly placed me on g
committee to report on the subject, which
did last May. As soon as l receive copy
of my published report and the action of the
Assembly thereon, l will send it to you.
81 mention these facts simply to assure
you of my deep interest in this great work.
But have very little experience in educat-
ing any of these people for the ministry. 1t
will interest and encourage both you and DR..
RObb to hear Sattle experience. About
thirty years ago, at the commencement OF my
ministry, when pastor ofour church at Eutaw,
in this State, had remarkable man in my
flock. He was a thorough African, perfect
y black, and with all the physical peculiari-
ties of his race strongly developed, but of
powerful intellect and great force Of charac-
ter. He was slave, and kept very closely
at work as a plantation blacksmith. By
studying scraps of old newspapers and ask
ing questions from passing school boys, ne
learned to spell and read, and then to keep
accounts, so that his master intrusted the
shop accounts to his keeping. He became a
Christian, and he conceived strong desire
to read the Bible in the original languages.
He applied himself to the study of Latin and
then of Greek, and developed wonderful
talent for the acquisition of language. He
went to no school, but studied in the inter-
walls of work-often rising long before day
for the purpose resorted to neighbor-
ing Presbyterian ministers for help, which
they always gladly gave. In this way, while
he never became finished linguist, he &C
quired considerable amount of acquaint-
ance with these tongues, and was enabled to
use his knowledge in the study and interpre.
tation of the Scriptures. Persons who doubt
ed these facts, and suppose ne was a mere
smattering automaton, on examining him were
astoniShed at the accuracy and discriminat-
ing character of his knowledge. The Synods
of Alabama and Mississippi determined to
purchase him, complete his education, and
send him as missionary to Africa. The
writer, with Rev. D. M'Nair, acting for the
two Synods, made the purchase of this man,
his wife, and two children, for 81. 500, and
the title was made to us. He then fell under
my instruction, and, in addition to other
studies, courageousA undertook the Hebrew.
language, and c5rVssering the time given to
it, which was quite limited, made most en-
couraging progress. He was licensed and
ordained by the Presbytery of Tuscaloosa in
1916, and sent to Liberia the following JAN
uary as a missionary of the Presbyterian
Board, accompanied by his family. He had
charge of the church in Monrovia, and also
of the Alexander High School. His promo
ton was too rapid. He fell into some ir-
regularities, and was silenced. But be gave
subsequently such evidences of repentance,
and regained the confidence of the citizens
of Monrovia to such an extent that all the
ministers of the place united in a request for
his restoration. He was reinstated, and Ia
bored in the place till his death, which oc-
Cured some time between 1861 and 1865
His name was Harrison W. Ellis.
81 have given you this account as one
proof that this people are capable OF eleva-
ton. This man, it is true, was an exception;
but no doubt we can fad men enough amongst
them who can be trained and cultivated to an
extent that will aualify them to be the spir'
itual teachers of their race. We all feel that
this will prove an exceedingly dificule work.
They have peculiarities which must be mod
fled, if not overcome, ere they can be wise
teachers and governors of the Church. They
are intensely emotional and fond of excite
ment They are, in consequence, unsteady,
impatient, and changeable. They are pre-
emipently superstitious. On the other hand,
they are docile, and have the religious SEN
timent-I mean as human trait-strongly
developed. We have to encounter the effects
of a very deficient domestic training, but We
have to encounter this in the hesthen of
every land, and yet are able to raise up a
native ministry among them all.
"You will see that we do not propose the
highest instruction of their candidates in our
institute. This is not because We are un-
willing to give it to them, but simply because
we do not think them capable of receiving it;
and we do not wish to break our effort down
by undertaking what is impracticable. But
our honest intention is to carry them on as
far and as fast as they can 60. We should
be glad to send out the most accomplished
scholars. Some of our leading ministers are
in favor of giving them all the full course
The Assembly adopts the view of the com
mittee, that careful instruction in the branch.
es of an English academic course, with such
teaching in theology, church history, and
church government and the rules for inter.
preting and expounding the Scriptures, at
they may be able to receive, will fit them tc
explain and enforce the truths of the gospel
and to administer the affairs of the Church
according to edifcation.
"I am aware that l am giving very in
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