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nightfall, do not know each other fully. Real friends are sure to have memories of evening walks and talks, and of mutual soul-revealings when the night had shut about them, whereby they came to see eye to eye in the disclosures of the darkness.

It was this truth which prompted Dr. Thomas Arnold to say, as a teacher, that he never felt absolutely sure of a boy until he had slept with him; that he could never be confident that that boy had opened all his heart to him, so long as they two were in the concealing light of the busy world; but, when they were all by themselves in the shadows of the inner chamber, then the night would be light about them, and the teacher could see the scholar as he was. it is in every sphere of influence and action. Darkness will disclose much that light tends to conceal.

If a minister "Am I not sound in word and doctrine?” am I inconsistent, not practicing what I preach? Is my "life and conversation, not in accordance with my profession? with our profession?”

It might be well for us all to consider this matter somewhat in this way-search our own campto know if any part of the "cause," lies with us. EMMOR COMLY.

Bristol, Pa., Ninth mo. 5th.

For Friends' Intelligencer and Journal.
A THOUGHT.

So WE not infrequently find Friends in isolated dis

It is in the higher spiritual realms, as in the lower. God himself can be seen in the darkness, as he cannot be in the light. His loved ones can commune with him in the shadow as they cannot in the glare. "Clouds and darkness are round about him;" and the child of God who is most favored of God, "shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty." Not in the blaze of prosperity's sunlight, but in the gloaming of the dusk of sorrow and of trial, can the child of God see the face of God, and have those disclosures of God's love which only the darkness brings.

There is an instinctive shrinking from the gloom of darkness. Man loves "the garish day," and wants to walk by sight, not faith. Even the large-minded prophet calls out to his God, "Show me, I pray thee, thy glory;" although the answer of God must be inevitably; "Thou canst not see my face: for man shall not see me and live." And when the warmest hearted of, the disciples have been called to a sight of the

transfiguration glories of their Lord, they have "feared, as they entered into the cloud" of God's revealings. So, also, with every weak and trembling believer, in the daily life of his earthly experiences. He longs to see the shining face of the Lord, in its soul-blinding brilliancy. He fears as he enters into a cloud of trial and sorrow, out of which the very voice of God is sounding to him. But he can never have such glimpses of the glory of the Lord, as when he is covered by the shadowing hand of the Lord, in the cleft of the rock of God's providences. And he can never be in such spiritual nearness to God, as when the covering cloud shuts out all the world save Christ and his chosen witnesses.

God's chiefest glories in the heavens are never seen in the day-time. The showers of refreshing never fall from a clear sky. Not in the open mart, but in the secret chamber, God promises to meet his trustful suppliant, with a disclosure of answered prayers.

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tricts asking why so few traveling Friends come among them now, in a ministerial capacity. It does seem that these old-time customs, if we may so term them are by no means so prevalent anywhere as they were in former times: not, as we hope, on account of a want of faithfulness amongst us; but the facilities for reaching the isolated ones, by means of printed religious matter are so much greater than formerly, that the requirements for such visits may not be so great; and that he who knoweth the needs of his children, and the strength and capacity of each, has other work for such in his vineyard, equally as valuable for the promotion of his cause and kingdom upon earth. L.

Norristown, Pa.

WORK IN THE SOUTH.

THE NORMAL AND INDUSTRIAL SCHOOL
AT AIKEN.

EDITORS INTELLIGENCER AND JOURNAL:

NOW that some time has elapsed since the close of many schools, an interest may be felt in the first Commencement of the Schofield Normal and Industrial School at Aiken, S. C. Year by year its students have gone forth to become teachers to their people, but 1885 had been fixed for its first graduates, and the 11th of June was an eventful day in the little town where many whites as well as colored did not comprehend the full meaning of Commencement. The Father gave a perfect June day. The large assembly room which has been used ten years, only lathed, was new plastered, its sand-colored walls penciled with white in large blocks. Over the double doors a flag draped the picture of Lincoln reading the bible to his little son; on one side Garfield's silent face, on the other that of Lucretia Mott hung over the illuminated text: "a soft answer turneth away wrath." Cheese cloth curtains at the unshuttered windows softened the sunlight on the platform where another text read: "Not one sparrow is forgotten before God."

Two young girls, Eliza L. Giles and Anna E. Massey, were to receive diplomas. From seven to seventeen they had known no other school; though the home of the latter is a hundred miles distant, each term her thrifty parents have sent her to go on with her education.

Chairs and benches had been put in every available place. The printing room had supplied different styles of invitations, and the boy marshal knew

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where to seat the people. Few white southern ministers, the Judge of Probate Court, County Treasurer, and other citizens were present, as well as colored ministers, parents and friends. The exercises opened with chanting the Lord's prayer and singing their own hymn:

I am climbing Jacob's Ladder,
Soldier of the Cross,

[3 times.]

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It would seem like sacrilege to take away the hymns pressed out of hearts bearing the burden of slavery. An old man said to a friend of ours; "Massa, Massa, you think 'em mighty queer, dese hymns, but, massa, you wasn't there when dey was born. Dey was born way down in de woods, after we been workin' hard all day, and could only go in de swamps in de night and sing, 'Steal away to Jesus! Steal away to Jesus.' Dey was mighty sweet den, and we loves 'em yet."

Anna's salutatory was all we could have expected, holding up to her fellow students the need and beauty of cheerful doing, the expectation of meeting and overcoming trials and temptations, the new openings and opportunities for labor to her own sex, and to the faithful, sure hope of success "for when duty is done all is done." A prize had been offered by the Carter Prohibitory Union for the best essay on Temperance, and the essay receiving the prize was read by the author, Matilda A. Evans, of the class of '86. Boys of that class gave some good declamations, followed by an address by Joseph Hayne, of Charleston. Eliza Giles read her essay on the "Woman of the Nineteenth Century" and her valedictory, wherein good advice and encouragement were for the pupils, touching gratitude to teachers, whose paths to this day had not been over roses, and a pathetic farewell dear school house whose walls have shelto the tered us for years and now send us forth to do our duty. May we honor them as they have honored us."

There were moist eyes among the northern visitors, when the two young graduates, in neat white dresses, sang in trembling tones the class song, written by the principal, and heard his earnest words of advice and encouragement when he presented the diplomas, in the centre of which was a picture of Lincoln and the school motto, "Thorough." These students had been born since freedom, but many a mother sat there in tears, wishing her daughter was with them; many a father resolved to work harder to keep his child at school, and the native whites were not "If any here

have looked upon the race as unworthy of help, if any have been tempted to say it was useless to try and elevate them, if any here think the lowest too low, or the poorest too poor to be lifted up by the spirit of Christ, let them remember this day and the promise, "Not a sparrow is forgotten before God." After it as over, friends, parents and former pupils, who had

come many miles, gathered around with congratulations, but the most touching benediction came from an old white-haired deacon, who grasped our hands and with eyes aglow with happy tears, said in fervent tones, “Every gate of Heaven is open this day, looking down, and may the good Lord keep them ajar for these teachers! God bless you for what you have done for me and my people."

It is well those who labor have such blessings and such rewards, for the burdens are heavy, and for the first time the school did not pay all its teachers. The shadow of debt hangs like a pall over the present. The loudest preaching was the practice of incurring no debt. Carter Hall, with its accommodations for forty boarders, went up week by week, as the means were secured for that especial purpose. To do the work, and raise the money for carrying on such a school, seems more than should be required of us, and though called to labor in this portion of the Lord's vineyard are we called to take up more than we can do ourselves? Must we then turn away three hundred pupils and keep one hundred which is enough for two teachers? Shall we let go, not the foundation of our faith, but the school which has been built and grown and prospered on the plain and simple principles of Friends? It is a frequent question whether the Society can afford to let go the few schools where teachers are among its members. Twenty years a few have striven to keep the doctrine of the light within trimmed and burning, that a long-oppressed people might kindle their torches at its fires, and be led out of darkness. But a few can no longer bear the responsibility which rests on so large a religious denomination. The work here has outgrown its founders. Unless the Society come with help, unless it recognize the need of sustaining the workers, the work must be narrowed down to what two can accomplish, or the whole institution must be turned over to other denominations.

Would it not honor the yearly meetings to take up and ably support a normal and industrial school for this race? Would it not awaken in the young the true missionary spirit, and stir to more earnest action, faith in the injunction: "As ye have done it unto the least of these, ye have done it unto me?" Would it not prevent the finger of the world from pointing to a religious society that was first to undo the heavy bonds of slavery, yet failed to help them stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ has made them free? MARTHA SCHOFIELD. Aiken, S. C.

NEWS OF FRIENDS.

BLUE RIVER QUARTERLY MEETING.

THIS was held at Benjaminville Ill., on the 5th inst the meeting of ministers and elders convening the preceding afternoon. At this were members in attendance from three of our monthly meetings; the others of which, three or four, were represented by their reports and the excuses for the absentees. Our quarterly meeting is now composed of four monthly and three executive meetings. The silence of the meeting was broken by a minister addressing us as

follows, (in substance): "My heart goes out to you with the satisfaction of love, to inquire, How is it with thee, my brother? how is it with thee, my sister? Have we all lived up to the best light vouchsafed us, and been faithful in the performance of known duties? If so, then is our condition blessed." Another Friend warned us against the spirit of criticism which he feared was sometimes indulged in to the hurt of the person criticised. A third Friend thought we often made ourselves liable to this criticism by talking too much, and by not presenting the truth to the congregation in the best manner possible. His opinion was that in many instances eulogy was as harmful as criticism. The usual business was then transacted, the answers to the queries indicating a favorable condition amongst us.

In the evening the First-day School Quarterly Conference assembled. There were reports from three schools, all evidencing life and interest in the cause, one in particular manifesting a great improvement. One school uses Friends' lesson leaves; one uses the Testament, and one Cook's lesson leaves, and papers. Four essays, two selected articles, and some original remarks, the most of these pertaining to the F. D. S. interests, and the regular routine business of a conference, constituted the exercises of the evening.

On Seventh-day morning, prior to the meeting, the committee to labor for the promotion of truth met, and prepared a report of their work, which, although not showing so much as we would like, still gave evidence of life, as there had been several families visited, meetings appointed and printed matter distributed.

Owing to removals, etc., our meeting is not so large as formerly. The quarter in this month being but one week in advance of our yearly meeting, it is often difficult for members living in the locality in which it is held, to attend here. Still, it was larger than sometimes; vocal communications testified to the efficiency and reality of the grace of God in the soul of man. The exhibit of our condition, as given by the answers to the queries, called forth considerable expression. They showed that deficiencies still exist; but as endeavors have been used to rectify these, a hope was felt that in the future our answers might reflect a better state of affairs. As it is, love and unity are generally maintained, and when this is so, when the heart is filled with love, there is no room for envy, or malice, or any thing else that is bad.

On First-day, the house was well filled with an attentive audience, who listened to the spoken word, delivered with power. The spirit of worship was particularly dwelt upon. Among our visitors to the meeting was a man who had passed beyond the age of four score, who appeared especially pleased with the sermons. He said his mother was a Friend, but he had not attended a Friends' meeting for upwards of thirty years; wanted to go home with some of the elderly Friends; thought he would feel encouraged. On finding that our yearly meeting was held within forty miles of his home be declared his intention of attending it; said he must go, he could not stay away.

How often the teachings of our early life come back to us, and with added force, in our later years. The precepts received in childhood cannot be thrown away at will. The afternoon was devoted, at our several homes, to social comminglings between the residents and visitors, which is much enjoyed by both, and which is often so profitable and strengthening to all participating therein. The people of this immediate locality, six months ago, organized and have since held regularly, a series of meetings on First-day evening, circulating from house to house, and participated in by members of various denominations,—four or five at least. We think they have been productive of much good. Instead of meeting at a private house, we met at the meeting-house, last First-day evening, the numbers being too great to be otherwise accommodated, and we were glad to welcome among the number many of our elderly visitors.

Thus passed off the meeting and its adjuncts, and they now live in memory only, except in so far as the truths enunciated found lodgment in many souls, we trust, and will yet bring forth fruit to the honor of the great Head of all rightly-gathered assemblies. E. H. COALE.

Holder, Ill.

[After the above, from our friend E. H. C. had come into our hands, an account of the meeting reached us from our friend C. O'Neale, ("Rus Ruris "), which necessarily covers the same ground, but presents some additional details, and in order to utilize as far as possible the fruit of his attentions, we print part of it beneath.-EDS.]

OUR Select Meeting was composed of three monthly meetings, Clear Creek, Richland (Hoopeston), and Benjaminsville. But the last named embraces the scattered families in a circuit of perhaps eighty miles. Whether our meeting would have gathered, as in the olden time, had there been organized bands of soldiers to demolish the house, and left us to transact business on its ruins, is perhaps questionable. Yet it was certainly a good meeting, filling the house to its fullest capacity, and all appeared to be deeply interested. In the Seventh-day morning worship, previous to the transaction of business, Abel Mills opened the vocal exercises in a well-timed address calling to the true spiritual life. He was followed by Elihu Durfee, in one of his logical discussions, leading in the same direction, at the close of which a halfhour recess was taken, and lunch which had been spread under the beautiful shade trees in the yard, was partaken of. This has been found with us a very necessary preparation for the long business transactions, occupying the larger part of the afternoon,

In the meeting for worship, next day, the house was well filled by a very attentive congregation, which was addressed by Sidney Averill with a pathetic call, and by Elihu Durfee. In the evening there was another gathering of nearly equal size, in which, after Sidney Averill and Elihu Durfee had spoken Edward Coale closed the vocal exercises, giving evidence of his growth in best things; he will, we hope, be a great bulwark in our little society here, as he appears to be industriously alive in the truth.

GOOSE CREEK QUARTERLY MEETING.

Editors INTELLIGENCER AND JOURNAL:

WE left Alexandria, Virginia, on the Washington,

Ohio and Western R. R., for the purpose of attending Goose Creek Quarterly Meeting, to be held at Lincoln, in Loudoun county, in Eighth month. The train traverses a picturesque region of country, halting a few minutes at Arlington, Falls Church, Vienna, Leesburg, etc., places made memorable in the history of our land during the late desolating war, and arrived at Purcellville, about fifty miles distant from Alexandria. Here Friends met the visitors with teams of wonderful capacity. The day (7th of the week), was fair and beautiful, which was an added enjoyment to the breezy drive of a few miles to the homes of our kind entertainers. There was quite a large delegation from Baltimore, Sandy Spring, Philadelphia, and elsewhere, and although some were entire strangers, they were made most welcome, according to the far famed Virginia hospitality. In the afternoon of the day, select meeting was held for Ministers and Elders.

First-day morning was cool and clear, and all nature seemed in harmonious keeping with the occasion. The neat, attractive meeting-house stands in the midst of a grove of noble trees, and it was estimated that at the appointed hour nearly one thousand persons had assembled there. It was a cheering and beautiful sight. Clustered about the grounds were groups of Friends with serenely happy mien, interchanging pleasant salutations. Love and unity indeed seemed to prevail. The house was filled to its utmost capacity with an earnest, thoughtful company, amongst whom were seen many bright young faces. The stillness was broken at an early period by Sunderland P. Gardner, who for over an hour held the undivided attention of the people in a most able discourse, clearly setting forth the views and doctrinal points generally subscribed to by the larger part of this branch of the religious society of Friends. Drinking at such a fountain, all felt a good degree of spiritual refreshment.

On First-day afternoon an interesting educational conference was held under the auspices of Prof. Eli M. Lamb, of Baltimore, showing the uses and need of more schools under the care of Friends. Remarks were made in favor of such schools by Prof. Sidwell, of Washington, Henry R. Russell, of Woodbury, N. J., and others.

On Second-day, as on the preceding day, the roads were enlivened by carriages with their occupants wending their way to the meeting-house. The assemblage was large, and the hour for divine worship well observed. Again, our friend Sunderland P. Gardner addressed the meeting, evidently under a deep sense of inspiration, and thereby was enabled to feed the hungry soul with living truth. Upon closing the shutters about twenty minutes were occupied for a light lunch. Tea, coffee and crackers were served, of which refreshments nearly all gratefully partook before proceeding to business. M. Sidwell and Cornelia Janney acted as clerks (in women's meeting), very acceptably. The minutes were read, representatives answered to their names, after which the

state of the Society was entered upon by reading the queries and the answers thereto. The writer felt renewedly impressed with the strength and great importance of their minute inquiries into the everyday life of the members of our beloved society, and thought that a better code of morality could not have been devised. The answers were quite full, showing a very fair state of society existing within the limits of the meetings comprising this quarter. The general freedom of expression as the answers to the several queries were read, seemed to show a real life and newness of interest in the welfare of the society. The dignity and solemnity of all the meetings held, as well as the social character of the occasion, together with the delightful homes visited, will long be affectionately remembered by those whose privilege it was to sojourn with them.

Wilmington, Ninth mo. 9th.

NOTES.

E. W. S.

-Our friend Thomas Foulke, of New York, attended Friends' meeting in Wilmington, Del., on the 6th inst., in the forenoon, and Chester, in the historic old house, now nicely renovated,-in the afternoon. In the latter many were present who were not Friends. Thomas has a prospect of being in Richmond, Ind., at the time of Indiana Yearly Meeting, and our friend Sunderland P. Gardner will probably attend that meeting also.

-Whitewater Quarterly Meeting was held at Pendleton, Indiana, Ninth month 5th. The meeting was as large as usual, but no strangers from abroad were with us. Jesse H. James, of Lincolnville, Ind., Ann Packer, of Green Plain, O., and Sarah A. E. Hutton, of Richmond, Ind., spoke, all their communications encouraging us to press on higher. The business was transacted with much harmony. On First-day morning I attended the First-day school, which was very interesting and encouraging, especially so to see so many of our older Friends taking part in the classes. William W. Foulke and the writer visited the orphan home near Pendleton, and had a very satisfactory opportunity. There were forty-one children present. The meeting on First-day morning was well attended, the house being well filled with people. William W. Foulke, of Richmond, was the first to speak, followed by Ann Packer and Jesse H. James, and the meeting closed with prayer from W. W. Foulke.

J. W. M.

-At Nottingham Quarterly Meeting, on the 28th ult., (some report of which has already been given), several changes in the places of holding Nottingham Monthly Meeting were reported and were united with. The times and places hereafter will be as follows: At West Nottingham in the 1st, 4th, 7th, and 10th months; at East Nottingham, 2d, 5th, 8th, and 11th months, and at Oxford in the 3d, 6th, 9th, and 12th months.

-On the 10th inst., New Garden Monthly Meeting was held at the new West Grove meeting-house, in Londongrove, Chester county, Pa. A local report says: "It was very largely attended. The visiting committee appointed by the Philadelphia Yearly

4

Meeting was present. Several speakers were there, mostly members of the committee. In the afternoon at 3 o'clock, quite an interesting conference was held at Jos. Pyle's, in West Grove, which was attended by the members of the committee and friends in general."

-Four members of the Yearly Meeting's Visiting Committee-Henry T. Child, Amos Hillborn, Louisa J. Roberts, and Lydia H. Hall,-attended Upper Dublin meeting, (Montgomery Co., Pa.), on First-day, the 13th inst. The company present was much larger than usual, the whole house being fairly filled. At the close of the religious meeting, in which Dr. Child spoke, and Louisa J. Roberts offered prayer, a conference was held, continuing about an hour, in which the state of the Society was attentively considered. It had been intended to hold a parlor meeting at a Friend's house in the afternoon, but on account of the desire of so many to attend, it was decided to meet at the meeting-house at 3 o'clock. The conference at that time continued about two hours,-the good fruits of which it is hoped may appear. (The First-day School exercises, usually held immediately after the morning meeting, had to be dispensed with then, the Conference occupying the time.)

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IN

PHILADELPHIA, NINTH MONTH 19, 1885.

HOLDING FAST.

N the reädjustment of religious thought to meet the broadening ideas of faith and duty, so widely spread over the Christian church, there is need for us as a body of believers in the fundamental truths that constitute its claim to our support, to exercise great care and watchfulness, lest we lose our hold upon that which has been a stay and support to the spiritual life, before we have grasped with firmness the higher round of truth, after which we are reaching.

We are very much in the condition of the Jews, when the prejudices under which they had been reared, and the observances that had become as a second nature to them, were attacked by the great Teacher. And the same necessity exists for those of us who are convinced that the time to move forward has fully come, to have faith.

How often Jesus found it necessary to call his disciples home to this; and the apostle, in summing up those things that give stability and permanence to the church, embraced all in the declaration " and now abide faith, hope and love," adding “the greatest of these is love." And this corresponds with the expe

rience of every earnest seeker. Amid all the discouragements, the turnings and the overturnings, faith may go down under the debris of failing creeds and usages-hope may die out till scarcely a spark is left, yet, if there remain love in our hearts-if we hold with unswerving fidelity to the belief that the supreme intelligence is over all-that through the seeming ill there runs a thread of his own purpose, drawing and encircling all, and that if we will but respond to this all-pervading spirit, as its enclosing influence brings us into nearness one to another, we shall so strengthen and help each other, that in the rebuilding which must follow there will be a compactness and completeness that is soul-satisfying and enduring.

Let us be strong-holding fast to whatever we may find worth preserving in this struggle, and as willingly part with every time-worn belief or usage that is no longer necessary to our religious life, and all will be well. It is only as we do this that the fresh manna of to-day becomes the food that nourishes our immortal life. It is in the divine order as exemplified in the economy of nature that there shall be progression. The stages of progress in the history of the race are as plainly marked, and the intelligent, thoughtful observer of to-day may read the future in the past. "History repeats itself," is a trite saying, and our only safety lies in this, that our aim be to rise to higher levels.

What has been gained in material good, in the century so near its close, should give promise of enduring good in the things of the soul. This must be the result, and that no one of us fail to find it so in our own lives, let us remember the injunction of the Master, "What I say unto one, I say unto all-Watch."

DEATHS.

ALLEN.-At their residence, Bryn Mawr, Pa., on the morning of Ninth month 10th, Hannah E., wife of Edmund Allen, aged 62 years.

BORTON.-Suddenly, in Moorestown, N. J., Eighth month 9th, 1885, Ner Borton, in the 84th year of his age.

BROWN.-Ninth month 9th, 1885, at his residence, after about two weeks' sickness, Samuel A. Brown; an esteemed member of Nottingham Preparative and Monthly Meeting.

HICKS.-At Saratoga Springs, N. Y., suddenly, on the 28th of Eighth month, Catharine E. Hicks, of Brooklyn, L. I., widow of Robert T. Hicks, in the 80th year of her age. HILLIARD.-Ninth month 11th, at the residence of his son-in-law, Bennett L. Smedley, Philadelphia, Townsend Hilliard, aged 82; a member of Green Street Monthly Meeting.

HOLMES.-On Eighth month 18th, 1885, Helen, daughter of Thomas D. and Sarah L. Holmes, aged 8 months and 8 days.

HULL.-On Eighth month 2d, 1885, near Oak Park, 10 miles west of Chicago, Ill., George Hull, a member of De Ruyter Monthly Meeting, N. Y., aged 99 years, 1 month and 10 days.

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