Neither can too much be said in praise of the work of the teachers of Burrell School, who, though no longer under the commission of your society, and necessarily undenominational in their efforts, do much real missionary work. Such an intelligent, faithful and efficient corps of coadjutors it has never been my fortune to meet before.
I wish to acknowledge through your columns the receipt of a large quantity of second-hand Sunday-school papers, well preserved, and greatly appreciated by our children, as they have been only partially supplied before. The package came, prepaid, by express from Cairo. Our heartiest thanks to the unknown donors, and may other schools be moved to “go and do likewise.”
A Thoughtful Congregation--Personal Work.
The church has been quickened in its spiritual life and activity, but no pervading revival influence has gone forth into the community. A good proportion of our members seem to be earnest, growing and happy Christians. Our social-religious meetings are very enjoyable. Some who have been delinquent now promise better things. One or two have just begun a new life of faith in Christ, and some others have promised to take the subject of their salvation into serious consideration. By following up such cases, I trust some of them may be won to Christ by personal effort. I learn, on inquiry, that most of our members were brought one by one to the Saviour by persevering and judicious pastoral labor. The colored people are very accessible to such effort; and what a boundless field for it they furnish! But “the laborers are few” that care to gather such a harvest.
I still enjoy my work, and the privilege and importance of it grow in my estimation. Last Sabbath I preached three times: twice for my people, and once for the A. M. E. church. Quite a large congregation.
Soon after the opening of the school we gathered together in our chapel, to tell a few of the things for which we were _thankful_. I wish some of our friends had been present to share the enjoyment of the occasion with us.
One said: “I have had the severest sickness of my life, but it proved a good thing for me. It kept me from going to my second school at Lake, where the fever was so bad afterwards. I see a great change in the people. They have been more thoughtful. I have not prayed once without asking God to protect and bless the teachers and scholars of our institution. My prayers have been answered.”