The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1906-07-04

preacher
this illustration: Two Indians who were fond of
strong drink, crossed a deep narrow creek on n
log by night and having found the object of their
search started home again, somewhat mixed
Upon returning to the creek, the moon was rising
on the other side causing tree to cast its shadow
across the creek. The first one mistook this
shadow for log and plunged into the depths be-
low The second remarked that his friend fell
off the log, and undertook to cross on the same
shadow, joining his companion in the water be-
meath. 1t was given illustration of a man
who depends upon something else than that which
is substantial.
Near the close of the Presbytery it was found
that the treasury practically empty, and $40
were needed to pay the expenses of the commits
sioners to the General Assembly. There was
nothing to be done except to take UP special
collection tor this purpose. statement was
made OF the need of this money, and then the peo-
pie were called upon to respond. 1t little
difficult to get the properly started but as
soon as the stream began going towards the front
with their contributions, the amount was soon
raised 1t was announced in English that the
amount had been secured, but the Indian
brethren did not fully understand English, they
kept on coming forward with their money and
then it some little difficulty to get the stream
OF contributions stopped. So it occurred to the
Secretary that perhaps a very good way to take
up collection successfully would be to under
take 1t in foreign language.
By the side of the church building is the Mis-
sion School, which has been in operation at this
place Tor years and years, and it is proposed to
build here an Industrial School for the Indian
children, and possibly erect orphanage in con-
necton with it. The Indians themselves have con-
tributed about acres of land round about the
church, and the Choctaw Legislature asked Con-
gress to set apart $1,000 of their tribal money for
erecting the buildings upon this land The mat
ter is still in the hands of Congress. The Sec
rotary has promised that the Committee in At
anta will also assist them in this noble enterprise.
Immediately upon the adjournment of the Pres
bytery, the Secretary went to Hugo, the embryo
city, which has sprung into existence within the
last few years. near Goodland, and succeeded i'll
getting meeting of some of the representative
need of this Industrial School, and asked whether
the city of Huge would join in the effort create
such an institution for the Indians at Goodland
Rev. Silas Bacon, full-blood Choctaw Indian,
first addressed the meeting, presenting the adj
vantage to Hugo of such a school from financial
standpoint. The Secretary then stated the adj
vantage from spiritual standpoint saying he laid
more emphasis upon that than upon the financial
advantage. Immediately the Indian preacher
arose and said: When go fishing, we bait our
hook with different kinds of bait. | used one
kind of bait and DIR. Morris used another kind;
but are both trying to catch the same fish,
The Secretary himself joined in the laugh that
followed at his expense.
About $1,000 was promised by Hugo Many
readers of the religious papers will remember that
Mrs. ]. P Gibbons has brought this matter to
the attention of the church time and again in the
papers, and carried it to the Throne of Grace as
one of her daily prayers. Possibly the near fu-
ture will give her her hearts desire and the In
dams their Industrial School.