The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1880-10-13

OF their duty. A great work was done
before and during the late civil war for
their Christianization and civilization,
and while circumstances since that time
have been unpropitious and have con-
trlbuted to deteriorate and in some
measure to obliterate the good already
accomplished not few of us during all
these dark days have longed and labored
for their welfare. Every Protestant
church in the South has had this matter
under repeated and prayerful considera-
ton, and much has been accomplished
There is reason, too, to believe that the
times are becoming more favorable, and
that hindrances are being removed.
Certain it is, that larger number of our
people seem to be interested in it now
than few years since. At some points
1t has been blessed, and some are enter
ing upon it who little time ago were
IN despair of good results. There is,
however, pressing need of largely in
creased effort on the part of us all until
the whole Church shall realize its re-
sponsibility and come up to its full duty.
Methods to be Used
The means to be employed are, for
the most part, simple, Inexpensive and
easily within the reach Of earnest Chris
tians. Hardly anyone who wishes to do
good among them will lack opportunity.
This is a field in which many NAV work.
and blessed are those humble and self
denying ones who are willing to under
take 1t. Among a multitude of sugges-
tons which arise, as the memory Of the
past reveals again scenes which were
daily experiences in the olden times, the
following must suffice:
(l.) Let Christian householders invite
and as far as practicable, influence their
domestics to unite with them in family
worship. This was a general custom in
godly households in former days; and in
some families it still exists, and is a
potent means of imparting Christian
knowledge, and awakening Christian as
piration, and of securing Christian love.
fidelity and good doing. 1t cannot be
doubted that much of the mutual regard
which formerly existed between some
masters and servants was kindled as
they bowed together at the throne of
grace is 1t too much to hope that this
sancutylng element may in some measure
be restored to our Christian society in
the South, even under its changed aspect
ID Let pains be taken to do little
deeds of kindness and benevolence to
those within our reach. We NAV visit
the sick and pray with them; we NAV
speak words of consolation to those in
sorrow; we may lend helping hand to
the needy; we may tell them as we have
occasion, OF Jesus, the Lamb of God, that
taketh away the sins of the world. Such
unpretending ministers are commended
IN the word of God, and among no peo
pie will they likely be more effective than
among them.
g. Let Sabbath Schools and classes
be established for them in towns and
country places. Many may be induced
to become learners, and under Gods
blessing receive seed which shall produce
good fruit In time and eternity.
a. Let them be induced to attend
when convenient, upon the ministry O
our sanctuaries. In most of our South
ern churches provision has always beer
made Tor their accommodation, and mo-
lntrrequently they attended with pleasure
and profit. In some places they are
beginning to come again, and it is be-
lleved that If kind and persistent effort,
are made thay may be induced to resume
attendance.
(5) Let our ministers interest them.
selves, as far as may be practicable. II
their spiritual welfare, ministering t.
them in public and private, and giving
them what advice, council, and assistance
they can in their efforts towards higher
religious culture.
These are few practical hints, which
to many are not needed, but which tc
some, and especially to those who have
entered upon the duties of life since the
great change in our Southern society
may be useful They seem almost
trivial in themselves, and yet if generally
adopted, the knotty question, What car
be done for the religious welfare of the
negroes ? will not be far from solution
A Separate Ecclesiastical Organization
Necessary.
But if our Christian people can be in.
duced to do all that has been indicated
and the Divine blessing shall accompany
1t, much more will be needed for VIZ
cannot overlook the fact that thew
are distinct race from ourselves
and that as such they have strong
ly marked peculiarities, proclivities
alntipathies, and preferences, and thai
these must exert a strong influence