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4
Of the 5 days since I wrote last, 2 very cold and 3 very gloomy. Nothing of special interest to interupt the monotonous routine of a school life has occurred.
5
Received two letters; one from Dr. Allen, another from Miss Fannie. The latter proved a feast to my soul. God bless her, her brother and her cousin, Miss Lottie. These three seem to live for no end but each other's good; feed on nothing but each other's love; and do nothing but each other's pleasure.
6
Dr. Allen kindly sent me a copy of "Dr. Neesima's Life". A most stimulating book I have ever read. Neesima was no doubt one of the truely great men of New Japan. I am happy and proud that I had had a personal interview with him, before he died. Lest I might forget the pleasant interview I shall record some details of it:
7
It was the afternoon of the 6th Oct. '88, the day before I left Japan for S. Francisco. Pressed as I was for time, I made up my mind to see Dr. Neesima and Mr. Fukuzawa, if no one else. So getting into a Zinriksha, I told the coolie to carry me to where Dr. Neesima then stayed. Rain and mud and the ascending grade of the road all conspired to retard our progress. But finally we reached our destiny and on calling, a maid came out. I sent in my card to Dr. Neesima asking if I could see him. She returned with the message that Dr. Neesima would see me if I did not detain him too long. On my consenting to this condition, I was conducted into the Kiakubeya. I did not wait long before Neesima came out. At the first sight he impressed me strongly with his gentle and peaceful countenance and carriage. He received me very kindly. I told him who I was; what answer I had received from his college to my application for entering Doshisha; where I was going, what I intended to do etc. etc. Then he expressed his regret at the refusal of Doshisha authorities to accommodate me during his absence; and his desire and success of raising the college to the position of a university. He graciously complied with my request for his autograph in my album and promised to send me his photo next morning. Just before parting, he said in substance, "You will find many evils in America even worse than in the East. But learn the good things and let alone the bad". Then with a cordial grasp, we parted－never to see each other in this world!
8
He asked me the feasibility of educating a number of Corean youth in Doshisha.
12
This morning I finished reading the Life of Dr. Neesima. A few thoughts suggested by his character:
13
1. Singleness of purpose was the secret of his success.
14
2. No adventure, no advance. This holds true in an individual as well as a national life.
15
3. His love attracted friends; his humility pacified enemies; his perseverance overcame difficulties, and his faith in the Hand unseen cheered the way.
16
Answered Miss Fannie. In reference to Dr. Allen, said I, "He is a great man, If he has faults, that does not discount his value. To be great does not mean to be faultless. He needs more help and cooperation than I find the church is giving"
20
Didn't go bed until 1 a.m. last night or rather this morning. Got up at 8 and found the sky cloudy, but little later the sun shone bright.
21
Dr. Haygood preached this morning. The essence of the discourse, as far as I could see, was that opportunities come not necessarily with pomp and circumstances, noise and show; that it is none of our business to hunt after opportunities but to discharge faithfully the duties nearest us; that it is a contemptible and mercantile spirit which measures the success or work of a man by numbers. "Results!" indignantly said the Bishop. "What have you or I to do with results? It is our business to work and God's to take care of the results." Well said!
22
Enjoyed reading the Nashville Advocate. I have been reading this paper for the past week or two almost as a religious duty. Certainly, it would be very mean on my part not to read a paper Mrs. Abbie H. sends by her own hands of her own grace.
23
A nap after dinner enabled me to listen to Dr. Candler's strong sermon with awake interest. He said:－
24
1. That confessing Christ before men is not to say in a prayer meeting how you believe but to live according to the teachings of Christ, in opposition, if needs be, to the fashion and standard of the world.
25
2. That Christ came to teach us to live a supernatural life, a life which a natural man can not even believe much less practice.
26
3. That while there are 5 times more students in this College now than 15 or 16 years ago. the percentage of the ministerial students is not greater. The intense love of money pervading every class of people is the cause of this. It had a solemn effect on me when the Doctor said, "Seventy five years hence, and all of us here tonight will be no more. When we shall stand before Him, the silver and gold we so much covet will avail us nothing, but our conscientiousness of having confessed Him before men through evil and good reports."
30
The first 4 or 5 days of this week were very cold. Heavy frost every morning.
31
Wednesday night after the prayer meeting, our class in Physical Geography－6 in all－went to Prof. Stone's home to take a peep through a telescope at Jupiter and the Moon. I felt rather sober when I thought that, a year hence, I may look at the same heavenly bodies 10,000 miles away from here, yet no futher from them than now, amidst associations and scenes altogether unlike to those of this quiet village.
32
Stood the Fall Term Examination in Physics this morning.
33
The Y.M.C.A. prayer meeting was well conducted by Bro. Joiner. He is an active, and decided character, an excellent leader in revivals and prayer meetings.
35
1. Sometime ago a boy in the Hall, in the evening prayer, went all over the world without coming anywhere near the sick student in the next room. To the point!
36
2. This year seems to be full of national calamities in many countries of the world. The war in Chile; the political storms in Brazil; the terrible earthquake in Nagoya, Japan last Oct. which killed 1500 persons and injured 3000 more; the Human insurrection of China and the late massacre of missionaries and native Christians in Takou－all this shows that mighty changes are yet to be seen in natural as well as political systems of this earth. China is shaking, and she needs a shaking－a powerful shaking, too.
37
3. When I, the first communion Sunday I had here, saw a large number of boys partaking the Supper, I was glad. But now I am sorry there are so many. Wish some of them would rather stay away from the sacred table, I heard a boy curse like a trooper in the class room the day after Communion, and he is only one of the many such inconsistent Christians.
38
4. "Save us at last in heaven." This phrase which we generally close our prayers with, is very superfluous, to say the least. If we are not saved in this life there will be no saving in heaven. Saved now, we are all right in future.
42
Last Sunday and Monday were very lovely days. Sunday night our Mission Band held a missionary meeting in the interest of the Scarritt Bible Training School. I gave a little talk. Bro. Budd with a few appropriate remarks took up a collection to endow Potter's chair in that school. About ＄93 were collected exclusively from the students.
43
Rained all day－Wed. Very cold this morning and gloomy evening. Have been busy in trying to make out a program for a lecturing (?) trip during the coming Holidays.
44
Received a letter from W. Spencer. I love him deeply. Bell will be here next week.
45
Thom. Thomson, a boy of about 14 years of age led the Sub-Fr. weekly prayer meeting. He is a dandy, indeed; handsome, religious, intelligent. He is an emphatically good boy. His brother, the prettiest in the college, is rather worldly.
46
Senior class is the only class in the school that has no prayer meeting of its own.
50
I had a most disagreeable time yesterday. A bad headache all the day, and a long examination in Algebra for which I fretted like a fool that I was. My looking glass went into two; the night was freezing cold; had to go to Middway Chapel through mud and sleet to give a talk; Thomlinson, my nextdoor neighbor, got badly burnt in trying to pull off his shirt which accidentally caught fire; last but not least of all, a mouce carried off my best soap which was rescued just before its final fall through the hole.
51
It is very cold this morning, rain melting the ice and icicles formed on all objects exposed to last night's cold.
52
82℉=82-31=50/1×5/9=250/9=27℃
53
4. p.m. Just from Dr. Candler's with two big oranges to eat up in two mouthfuls.
54
No wander the "fire side" has such tender associations for an American. Example: There in the bedroom the fire burned cheerily. Mrs. Candler sat on the right and Mrs. Cartwright, her mother, on the left of the fire place. Dr. Candler sat facing the fire while Fonzie (his daughter) knit by her mother's side. Little John Candler－Shorty Ⅱ－was busy devouring an orange big as his head. Maude and Pebo frolicked warm and contented. A big basket half full of Florida oranges was temptingly laid at the foot of Mrs. Candler. There was no stiffness, no display of authority on the part of the parents; no fear, no embarassment on the part of the children; but ease and affection on the part of all. To see Dr. Candler－who is said to have more enemies than anybody is Ga. on account of his uncompromising principles－to see him making himself agreeable and approachable among his family circle is a refreshing sight.
55
Dr. Candler, so far as my present estimation of him goes, will make this college a success if he will only stick to it, through thick and thin. But the constant change of the presidents of her institutions of learning does a deal of harm to Methodism in educational line.
59
A gloomy but not a cold day. Dr. Candler gave a strong sermon whose italicized thought was that one's love is not real and Christian unless it were willing to suffer for its object=no self-denial, no love.
60
Dined at Prof. Stone's, Mrs. Susie Stone, you know, is Prof. W.B.B.'s sister. She is fair to look upon. Her mother lives with her. The old lady carries her age well.
61
Wrote to Dr. Allen, Prof. Bonn. and Mrs. Hoss.
62
Wish my body were free from restrictions of space and time as my thoughts are. They know no limits or bounds. Now they range over Corea anxiously seeking for the whereabouts of my parents; now they visit the rooms I once occupied in W.H.; now they sit by the side of Mrs. Hoss happy in her kind words and cheering smiles or pained at her over work and cares; now they grasp the warm hands of that noble fellow, Walter Spencer; now they join the talks of love and affection in the quiet family circle of Miss Fannie Early and her dear companions; now they soar among stars whose lights are said to take thousands of years to reach the Earth－in short my thoughts are something like omnipresent.
63
This throws a new light on our dear Savior's promise, "Lo, I am with you always". I can not imagine how He can be with me except in the same or similar way as my spirit is with my loved ones only with this difference, that He has power to help me while I have not.
64
This belief, which I hold to be true, give me a great deal fo comforts－this belief that God is present with me right where I am. God grant I may realize this so strongly that I shall stamp my foot on every filthy thoughts, words, and acts that can not be done or said in His sacred nearness.
68
Cloudy all day long－rained in the night.
69
Bell came here this morning. Was glad to see him here.
70
Christmas holidays began from 4 p.m. this day. How time flies! It was a pleasant sight to see the boys all in high spirit and good humor at the near prospect of seeing their loved ones. Impatience in a boy on such an occasion is a virtue rather than a fault. Though nobody waits me with heart throbbing and arms open yet I couldn't help participating the universal joy.
71
Spent the evening in getting ready for my tour.
74
Thomaston. Dear Future:
75
Wrote to Mrs. Hoss Thus:－
76
"Left Oxford yesterday noon for Atlanta. Found Dr. Walker Lewis sick just recovering from a bad grippe. The weather was gloomy. Mrs. Lewis was naturally enough uncheerful. I felt so mean and miserable as if the gloomy sky and the grippe were all brought on by myself! Wished I were ten miles from Atlanta; but the announcement had been made and the audience must not be disappointed. Audience! Everybody was so busy with the Xmas preparations that scarcely more than 30 were out. The kindhearted Dr. Lewis took upon himself the responsibility of postponing the talk to a future date. It was very kind of him to do so. Gave a short prayer meeting talk.
77
"This morning by 7 o'clock train came down to Thomaston the home of schoolmate, Mr. Nath Thompson. He is one of the best men I have met with anywhere. He makes me feel quite at home. Shall talk here tomorrow.
78
"Yesterday I received a photo of Mrs. Ashford. She is so thoughtful! I shall write her right now telling her how much I appreciate her kind remembrance. Wish you had a picture to spare. Wonder if Miss Ollie and Miss Mary have taken their pictures lately. Can't you prevail on them to send me one?
79
"As trashy my letters seem; as uninteresting they always are, by being allowed to write you often, my affections have a centre and a home, Many thanks for this privilege.
80
"Not a lady in this house. All men. Looks strange in an American home."
81
Nath's father keeps a livery stable. He has a fine commodious house.
82
Wrote to Mrs. Ashford. Said among other things:
83
"Yesterday as I was passing by the post office not expecting any mail－I very seldom get one－somebody handed me a neat little package. Before opening it I looked at the handwriting, but could not recognize it. I knew it contained a photograph but whose it was I couldn't tell to save my life. At last I opened the package and behold! it was your own likness. To say I was delighted and happy to receive it doesn't nearly express the delight I did feel. Besides its intrinsic value the photo gives me this comfort; that you have not forgotten me. Thanks!!!
84
"I showed your photo to some of my friends here. Guess what one of them said about your age. He said－actually he said－that you did not look older than 21 or 22. When I laughed he made another guess and said 'Eighteen'!"
85
I record these letters, because they, in them, constitute my diary.
89
Last night I had a hard time of it. My bowels got out of fixt and compelled me to make 3 "Egyptian" trips before morning. Too much sweet milk was the cause of this.
90
At 11 a.m. went to the church. There was a better turnout than feared. After a short Christmas exhortation by the venerable pastor－Rev. Myrick－I gave a talk on Corea. The people seemed well pleased and gave me ＄8.55. It makes me feel really mean to take up collection for my chestnuts. The thing looks so mercenary. It destroys－at least I fear,－the seriousness of any appeal I may make. Would to God I were in circumstances that need no collection.
91
Went to dine with Rev. Myrick. His wife is a very handsome old lady. The old couple live all by themselves. The pastor is an eminently good man and well informed.
92
Spent the p.m. in Thompson's house. Nath's mother being dead and his siter living in Americus, his home is a regular male concern. With all my fears for young ladies, because there is none here, I dare wish there were one.
93
Uncle Burl, Nath's uncle is a kindest creature to be found. He is a library of Sunday, informations on geographies, histories mostly generations old. He was very dissipated, when young－so Nath says. Since Nath's mother's death, uncle Burl has kept the house, that with great credit.
94
After supper went to the church to witness the pleasant scene of distributing Xmas presents to S.S. children. The house was packed. Everybody was in a good humor. I gave a short talk to the S.S. folks. Then distribution began. A "grab box," decorated with evergreens and flowers, full of toys－250－was placed in the front of the altar. By the special favor of the congregation I was called on to take the first "grab". A "jumping jack" fell into my lot. No distinction between the poor and rich. Such occasions ought always to be encouraged.
98
Early on the 26th, Nath and myself set out in a buggy for Joe Rankin's home 26 miles away. No sooner we got into the buggy than rain poured down. The road was exceedingly muddy and sticky. Reached Yatesville－a new town－at 12. Spoke to a handful of people in the church. Telegraphed to Mr. Leon R. Smith of La Grange whether I should come on next Monday. Asked an immediate answer. But none after more than 2 hours' waiting.
99
Left Yatesville for Roger's church－Joe Rankin's place. Though the rain stopped, the mudd was deep all the way. Had a tedious time of it. Got to Rogers Church about 5 p.m. Rankin and his folks welcomed us as old acquaintances.
100
After supper went to the Church. A few people were out. Nath led the prayer meeting which lasted 2 hours or more. A happy and profitable gathering it was. When we came home I wished to go to bed but was disappointed. Mr. Yates, an old styled Methodist, went into talking and knew no end. The conversation was mostly on religious topics. What bored me most was the confused questions put to me. Scarcely anybody in the company－unless it was Miss Issie one of Rankins sisters－had any definite ideas of the Eastern world. For instance, Bro. Yates would start out asking something about Corea. Before I got through answering, he or someone else would ask what they produce or eat in Japan. No sooner I attempted to answer this than somebody－generally the talkative Bro. Yates, would confound me with such questions as "Do your people in China do so and so?" or "Have you brought your que with you?" or "I thought you had to cross the Atlantic to come from Japan to California" and etc. "Over your way"－this phrase as used by Bro. Yates and others comprises the whole Asia from Japan to the Mediterranean coast of Asia Minor.
101
A hymn or two of sweet tunes sung by the sweet Issie relieved my annoyed soul a great deal. It was nearly one (1 o'clock a.m.) when we got into bed.
102
Yesterday was a beautiful day though cold. Went to the church at 11 a.m. A small audience but by no means indifferent. Talked nearly one and a half hours. After the dinner Nath and I had to leave Rankin's home for Culloden. This was a great disappointment to me. Was so enchanted by the charms of Misses Issie and Evie－the latter "favors" my dear Mrs. Hoss－that I would have stayed out yesterday at least, if Nath hadn't made the engagement at Culloden without my knowledge.
103
A word for Rankin's home. His parents look remarkably young though they have 4 sons and 5 daughters. One of the youngest girls is named after Miss Lockin, a missionary to China. Joe's father is said to have never missed a single religious service held in the Rogers Church for past 20 years. The parents are pious, the children are Christian and parents and children are all blessed with the best kind of hearts. The Rankin's family is a typical Methodist family.
104
After a tiresome drive we got to Culloden about 6 p.m. almost frozen. Mr. John Allen, Nath's old chum met us and took us to his house. His wife is a nice, intelligent woman. Their little boy Hugh, 3 years old, is one of the sweetest and smartest kid I ever met with. Mr. Allen, a merchant in this town, belongs to Baptist Church.
105
After supper we went to the Methodist Sanctuary and I spoke to a tolerably good audience. They gave me ＄4.76. Mr. Allen and another contribution ＄2.00.
106
The church I spoke in last night is said to be the oldest brickMethodist Church in Ga. Wesleyan F. Col. Macon was once located in this town.
107
This morning at 7:30 we left Culliden. I went to Yatesville on a train; and Nath and Mr. Allen started for Thomaston in the buggy. Getting no answer from Leon P. Smith, at Yatesville. I came to Thomaston.
111
Monday night Nath conducted a prayer meeting. It was largely attended. After Nath I gave a short talk. The parting scene was impressive. While that beautiful tune－"Hail, sweetest, dearest tie that binds"－was sung, Nath wept. Very few dry eyes. God bless those, especially the little boys. who came up to us giving hands indicative of their resolution to live better Christians.
112
Yesterday morning, bidding a farewell to Nath's Pa and Uncle Burl, I left their hospitable home for Oxford. Nath and Lewis came on the same train. At Barnsville, several Emory boys got on. Reached Atlanta about noon. Rain made the streets very muddy. but we had to go about to kill the time.
113
It paid us to see the Cyclorama of the Battle of Missionary Ridge. "The painting is 50×400 ft in size; weighs 17000 lbs. The painting was done in Berlin by 16 artists. The original cost was ＄15,000." 120 miles were represented in the space of 132 ft. Every object on the canvas－the trees, the brown leaves, the smoke, the clouds, the soldiers, the horses－everything was perfectly true to life that I could hardly believe I were looking at mere pictures. The natural scenes stretching away from the foot of Lookout Mts. were as real as I had seen on that mountain last fall. The living in a civilized city is cheap when we consider that only a quarter enables one to feast his eyes on such marvelous productions of art.
114
The 2:45 train landed a load of Emory body at Covington depot about 5 yesterday evening. The street car being crowded, I had to walk home. Was delighted to find two boxes of Xmas presents waiting for me, one from Miss Fannie, and the other from Nashville. In writing to Miss Fannie said I:
115
"How can I sufficiently thank you for your kindness? It is not for the things－valuable though they be－but for the kindness that I feel most grateful. The thing I could buy anywhere and anytime; the kindness no money can purchase. I appreciate your kindness all the more because it is so disinterested and so undeserved. Only wish I had something better than mere words to express my gratitude!" I do wish I had!
116
This morning I wrote to Miss Issie Rankin.
118
"Many thanks for your photo. I very seldom, if ever, ask for a boy's picture. When a man gives me his photograph I take it as a matter of grace on my part. But I have as great a passion for the likenesses of fair and young ladies as for roses and violets. Shell keep your picture as a sweet reminder of the exceedingly happy and pleasant time I enjoyed under your hospitable roof."
119
Wrote to Mrs. Abbie H. "On returning to the Hall I found a box of nice Xmas gift. I sought hard and long the name of the giver but in vain. However, I am sure it was from your kind hands. I don't know what to say to express my sense of indebtedness to your favors. I feel it too deep to put it in words."
120
This and that and others during the Xmas.
121
1. Nath, on the Xmas day, was going to a country church in a buggy. Meeting an acquaintance, he invited the man to ride with him. In course of conversation, the man took out his whiskey bottle offering Nath a dram or two. Smiling, Nath pulled out his Bible and, handing it to the fellow, asked him to drink some out of that bottle.
122
2. In Culloden, while I talked about the wild animals of Corea, I said that the wild tiger is no worse than the "blind tiger" in an American town. Upon which two men left the church. Afterward I learned that one of them was a blind tiger man and the other his patron.
123
3. Dr. W. Lewis said that the present Faculty of Emory is the ugliest in the U.S. Prof. Peed being the ugliest whiteman on this continent.
126
From this day on, the diary shall be kept on ordinary plan, So, good-bye to Future.
127
Very cold this morning. Yearned all day for a letter from dear Mrs. Hoss. Oh how I wish she wrote me one!
128
Last day of 1891. Farewell, kind 1891!
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