Mission Schools by C. A. Chichlow

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 10, 1910

Mission Schools

By C. A. Chichlow

IN our daily visits among the people, and in the closer association with our students in the schoolroom, it is all too apparent the part that mission schools have to play in the scheme of the great work to be done for “this backward child race” of the South. There is no more positive and uplifting factor, no schools better adapted to the present and future needs of these simple folk, than our mission schools. In the minds of many of the Southern white people no amount or kind of training and education can ever fit the Negro to assume the duties and responsibilities of life, in their fullest extent, or lift him above “the place where his inferiority naturally puts him;” but we are assured that if his training is neglected no longer, but begun at once, he can be lifted above his present state, and fitted for a useful life here and the eternal home above. But how shall this be done? By what means shall it be accomplished? We quote the words of another:—

“No line of work will be of more telling advantage to the colored people in the Southern field than the establishment of small schools. Hundreds of mission schools must be established; for there is no method of giving the truth to these people so effectual and economical as small schools. This line of work has been specially presented before me.”

Brethren, that which is to be done to help push forward the work among this unfortunate people must be done quickly, now. There is much indeed to occasion alarm. Events are so shaping themselves, and rapidly, in the thoughts and tendencies of the Southern people, both white and colored, as to call loudly and insistently for the last full measure of our devotion to a cause long neglected. Let us watch and take heed that that day, when all efforts in behalf of the colored race shall perforce have an end, come not upon us unawares. A people as enlightened as we are should both jealously and zealously guard against the possibility of such an event, by enlarging our gifts and helping the work along in its various needs. The time to prepare for war is in time of peace; the accepted time to prepare a people from among this race for the great and awful day of God’s judgment is now. This responsibility rests upon each one of us, and by no means can we avoid it or shift it upon another. “So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and

warn them from me. When I say unto the wicked, O wicked man, thou shalt surely die; if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. Nevertheless, if thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it; if he do not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.' Eze. 33:7-9.

May the softening influence of God’s Spirit touch and tender every heart to respond quickly to this call, ‘while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.’ C. A. CHICHLOW.