2
2nd. 62ﾟF=62-32=10/1×5/3=50/3=16 2/3ﾟC
3
A regular spring day. This made me all the more sleepy.
4
Last night attended the Sophomore class temperance meeting at Dr. Moore's. The meeting was presided over by Mrs. Scomp―a fine and intelligent looking lady―not so old as I had thought. Several young ladies. Songs; temperance readings; impromptu speeches (so-called) ; and good time in general.
5
After dinner called on Dr. Candler and consulted him in regard to my plan for the next year. He adviced me to stay, as another year would carry me through some of the most important studies in the college.
6
Received a letter from Miss Fannie―an unexpected boon. In answer, said I:―
7
"Accept my thanks for your constant friendship and pardon me for my seeming forgetfulness. Seeming, I say, because as a matter of face, not a day passes but that you are remembered in prayers and cherished in memory. Many a time I thought of writing you not for your but my own pleasure. But the absence of material to write about and fear of intrusion have kept me back. Having, however, your gracious invitation to write, I shall from this on feel freer to write whenever I want to".
11
My dear Mamma: Enjoyed a walk to the Rock, about 3 miles from here. There is nothing extraordinary except a large expanse of rock here and there covered with coral-moss.
12
The social event of this week was the Archinoid or Spider Party at Dr. Callaway's. An intricate "webb" was "spun" of small strings within the reach of the arm in the rooms. At the end of each string was tied a "prophecy" written in a slip of paper. The "spiders" were represented by about half dozen girls and as many boys. Each "spider" was clad in white sheets; his or her face being covered with only openings for the eyes and the nostrils. The fun really began when the spiders went to work to untie the strings. Each string being numbered as the "prophecy" at its end, of course each "spider" got its prediction without any impartiality.
13
This through, a "recitation" class was formed of the uncovered spiders each being required to repeat sentences with jaw-breaking alliterations. A prize was awarded to one who could repeat them with the greatest fluency. M. Speer got it.
14
Then followed recitations of humorous pieces very well rendered. Next came what the entertainment would have done better without: Bell dressed as an Indian chief and begging for nickles and dimes. True, this was done for the benefit of the Missionary Society to whom the proceeds of the night were to go; but Bell―in Indian dress―talking about poverty and about selling the dress―begging and singing for dimes―all this offended my taste, and shocked my sensibility. Nobody else seemed to enjoy this part of the program. The wonder is not that Mrs. Callaway should have asked Bell to take this part; not that Bell should have consented to it, being ignorant of such things; but that he seemed, nay, actually did enjoy this disgraceful performance. The program was closed with social conundrums of no striking character. I record one for its local value. "Why is Mrs. Callaway like an ox?" "Because, she rules the Wheel (the nickname of Dr. Callaway) ".
15
On the whole, the entertainment was 100 per cent worth its cost―10￠.
16
You are a darling Ma to me. God bless you and yours!
19
1. A young preacher stands up in a Friday afternoon prayer meeting and tells the boys that he has quit smoking not because it is a sin but because it is useless. So far very well. Two or three days later he is seen indulging in the worst form of smoking; he smokes cigarettes and that among the boys to whom he made public the resolution No good!
20
2. He sits at the table. A blessing has been asked on and thanks returned for, the food―it may be, by himself. Then he growls and grumbles at the meat, biscuit and everything else while those whom he calls "sinners" and who are as well off as, likely better than, himself eat the things that be on the table without a word of murmur. I have more respect for a "sinner" than for a "saint" of this type.
21
3. The town of Oxford with its population of 500 whites and blacks, is no doubt a most moral place of its size. Sin is here, never-the-less. Some days ago a white woman was found in a negro-cabin where she had been carrying on her immoral traffic for the past two and a half years undetected.
22
4. Behind the church, on the top of a hill, there stands a neat frame house. Mr. Haden is its occupant. He is said to be very smart, well-informed and a good talker. Once he was a Methodist preacher. But he fell; and has been living for years in a criminal union with his brother's wife. No place is safe from sin except the heart full of the fear of God.
24
10th. Wednesday. 38° F.
25
The weather for the few days past has been as changeable as the friendship of a capricious woman; fair one day. foul the next.
26
Read Henry Marty's life with the intensest pleasure and fascination and sympathy. Impressions and suggestions:―
27
1. "The sudden sight of water and the ship affected me almost to tears." Just before embarking, he lost consciousness in a fit of convulsions. All this shows how tender his heart was, and how sensititive his nerves were. No fool hardiness; all gentleness and refinement. The greatness of his moral courage is made all the more conspicuous by his shrinking modesty. Indeed, what but true courage and entire devotion could persuade him to exchange a life of ease and comfort for that of a missionary? Strong was his faith that neither the persecution of his countrymen nor the scorn of the heathen could shake; constant was his hope that neither sorrows nor sickness could depress; great was his love that could bear persecution and scorn, sorrows and sickness― in fact all things a human heart could bear for the sake of mankind.
28
2. As Edgar A. Poe's life was made sadder by disappointed love, so was Henry Marty's more touching(at least to me) by the cruel disappointment he met with in the refusal of Miss Lydia Grenfell. Had she consented to his desires her angelic influence would have (so far as human eye can see) sweetened his noble life and lengthened his usefulness.
29
3. His delicate health, cheerful resignation under affliction and utter self-denial for the service of God reminds me of the sainted Dona Hamilton.
30
4. It is a comforting thought of rather a comforting fact that the East India Company persecuted H.M., Dr. Carey and others of their stamp. For this shows the oppressions and injustice of which the Company stands accused were committed not by the followers but the enemies of the blessed Lord Jesus.
31
5. Certainly it is very selfish on our part to ask the good Father to prosper us her and then "save us in heaven" without making some self-denial for His sake. Lord Jesus, thou God of Paul, of Luther, of Wesley, of Marty, help me to abandon all petty worldly amibitions and to devote my life and work to Thy cause.
32
Dr. Candler gave a good prayer meeting talk on character. One of his characteristic sayings was: "The Devil invented adjectives. They lie more than all other parts of speech put together." A deal of truth in this. A straight-forward and honest and candid character, as a rule, does not use much adjectives in speech or in writing. If he does use them, they are always to the point.
33
L.L. Wiggins said, on our way from the church: "I learn more from Dr. Candler's talks than from any book I study here. I don't feel any compulsory law as such to go and hear him. He is a man of wisdom". This is a high compliment to Dr. Candler as it comes from a notoriously non-Christian boy.
35
1. This evening I sat down to read. The fact that I had the spectacles on being temporarily forgotten, was surprised and delighted to be able to see the printed words so clearly without (as I thought) the aid of spects. Then desiring to know how much clearer my vision would become with the glasses on, I looked for them everywhere on the table but in vain. Accidentally touching my temple with a hand found, to my mingled sense of mortification and amusement, the glasses securely over the eyes. Moral:
36
(1) Often we think it is our own moral strength that enables us to resist temptations and accomplish good, forgetting the help of the Spirit of God.
37
(2) Many an intelligent man in America, being puffed up by his respectable morality, sneers at Christianity as much to say "Loot at me, the incarnation of morality and decency! I am good and honest without your religion." But the question is: Would he have been such, had he been born and educated in a unchristian community? Where and how did he come by his ethics but through and in the gospel? Without Christianity, he might have been as poor in moral qualities as I am in sight without glasses.
38
2. I would rather be right than consistent. "Consistency is a jewel", never-the-less. It demands that I shall not do or say anything among Christians that I can not sin-cere-ly do or say among non-Christians and vice versa.
39
3. I hate sanctimoniousness. One reason among others why I like Dr. Candler is that he never whines He reads, prays and preaches in everyday language and manner. No putting on air of any sort.
42
My Dear Miss Fannie: Guess where and how I spent the last Sabbath. Well, I shall tell you.
43
Dr. Candler having made an arrangement for me to talk in Walker St. Church, Atlanta, I went to that city last Saturday evening. This I did with a considerable reluctancy as there was no place of person in Atlanta that I felt attached to.(How differently I would have felt, were I going to Lynchburg of Nashville) . That night a friend took Mr. Bell and me to the Literary Club in R.R. Y.M.C.A. Was delighted with a remarkably fine debate on the question that the investment of foreign capital should be prohibited.
44
Last Sunday was rainy and unpleasant. But the sanctuary on Walker St. Church was packed to hear Dr. Candler. He gave a two-hours-long sermon of excellent character. He denounced the money-making spirit of Christians and the artificialities, superficialities and rottenness of the "Society" so-called, he spared not.
45
After dinner Mr. Bizzell, a young man I met last night, took me to a Presbyterian Church on Luckie Str. Talked to a nice little company. Spent more than half a hour in answering questions―a few specimens of which follow:―
46
1. Question. "Do they (Coreans) know how light and darkness are caused?"
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Answer. "No except that they know it is dark when the Sun goes down."(Laughter)
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2. Q. "Do you know how many Chinese there are in the city?"
49
A. "No. But there are more than you want, I suppose."(Laughter)
51
A. "That's rather a delicate question, especially before so many young ladies. (Laughter) I am 27."
52
A. young lady told me afterward that she felt indignant at the man who asked my age.
53
Took supper at the residence of Rev. A.R. Holder by the worthy pastor of the church.
54
Notwithstanding the inclemency of the night, we had large and interested audience in Walker Str. Church. (Part of the letter sent)
56
1. Was annoyed by the forwardness of Bell, poking his nose into everybody's business, parading his by no means graceful appearance in all sorts of crowd. Certainly he has brass enough to make a good book agent. I don't know: I might have been happier had I been less sensitive.
57
2. Walker Str. Church and some other churches in Atlanta show a good deal of interest in the Chinese laundrymen. High steepled churches don't seem to do much in that line of Christian work. Indeed, it seems the higher the steeple the lower the spirituality of a church.
58
3. By the Grace of God, I have made up my mind to call a Chinese laundryman my brother and not to feel ashamed to associate with than for their good.
62
Mrs. Abbie Hoss: (Not sent)
63
My dear Mamma: Mr. Leon P. Smith having made an engagement for me to talk at his place Sunday night, I left Oxford by the noon train last Saturday. It was rather a disagreeable day―cloudy and rainy. Leaving Atlanta at 5 p.m.
64
I reached La Grange about 7:30. Rained hard. Mr. O.H.
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Smith met me and conducted me to the Female College boarding house.
66
Most of yesterday, I stayed in the college. Read the first few chapters in the Life of Geo. Muller before the morning worship. After dinner, enjoyed nearly two delightful hours in the parlor with about a dozen young ladies in social chat, At 4 p.m. attended the girls' prayer meeting. At 7:30 talked to a large and appreciative audience.
67
This morning―a lovely morning, too,― I went down town to see Mrs. McLure. She being the sister of Mrs. Canldler and Jim's mother, I felt as if I had known her for a long time, Warren, her little boy, was then instructed by Mr. and Mrs. McLure to talk me in a buggie to the F garden. The garden is a private property; but it is a beautiful little concern. Dined at Mrs. McLure's. Everybody in her home tried to make me as happy as possible. Hortense is a sweet and lovable little girl.
68
Dinner being over, Warren and I went up to the college to bid goodbye to the Smiths' family. On our way to the depot, at the request of Mr. McLure, I had my picture taken in Corean dress.
69
Left La Grange by 3:25 train. Good connection at Atlanta. Got home at 8:30 in the night.
71
1. Saturday last, I was very much amused at what Miss Fonzie said about me In her introductory letter to Hortense.
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"He is rather sensitive," said she, "and would feel badly unless you make out as if he were the man"(!) By the way, is it right to read an introductory letter because unsealed?
73
2. O.H. Smith, the 4th son of Mr. R.W. Smith, the President of the College, showed himself a very spiritual man. Faith and prayer were his favorite topics.
74
3. In the Sunday afternoon prayer meeting, the testimonies of the girls were remarkably like those of boys. Only difference was that girls showed the greater susceptibility of their emotional nature by baptizing their confessions with tears. Tears became therm as fragrance the rose, or gracefulness, the lily. What surprised me was that one of young ladies said there were girls in the college who never attended the prayer meetings.
75
4. Though hundred or more girls board in the house, quiet reigned everywhere. In the dining room, their graceful movements, polite and orderly behavior at the table contrasted very favorably with the noise and confusion of our M.H. crowd in a meal time.
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5. This morning at 4 or 5 an aged Christain died. The singular thing about this is that he came to church last night, sat on the nearest bench, laughed at my funs, and asked me if the Corean had Sundays etc. Whoever thought that, are the sun of another day dawned, he would have breathed his last! Therefore, watch!
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6. La Grange Female College has a commanding location. The grounds, the buildings and furniture are very plain. The library is not larger than that of a private scholar of ordinary means.
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7. The first morning I ate in the college dining room, I was so rattled at being the centre of attraction of all the fair eyes that I could hardly move or talk or eat. It must have been a sight to a looker-on to see me after dinner, in the parlor surrounded by a dozen girls trying my best to be at home.
81
The events of the week:
82
1. The Sub. Temperance meeting met at Dr. Moore's. This was the last of the series of class temperance meetings beginning with the Senior. The program in general use consists of (1) prayer; (2) reading temperance items clipped from papers; (3) reading temperance speeches; (4) impromptu speeches so-called (but prepared by the boys at least 3 weeks before hand) ; (5) social chats with the ladies; (6) signing the pledge. A meeting of this nature is of a great value to the boys. Temperance principles and facts are impressed on their minds; they are brought under the refining influence of the fair sex; and their monotony is relieved. God bless the ladies of W.C.T.U.
83
2. Juniors' Fun. According to a college custom of hoary antiquity, the Juniors, by means and ways queer and crooked, attempted and succeeded (at least so they thought) in stealing the Senior song. To hack the Seniors, the Juniors headed by a big lantern with mottoes and pictures on, went about from house to house, singing the turn. They had a hallelujah time of it, though the Seniors breathed freely as soon as they found out that the tune was a wrong one after all.
84
3. Senior class day. The Seniors were fortunate to celebrate their arbor-exercises on a lovely day like this. The school was turned loose after 12. The exercises began at 2 p.m. and proved an interesting event. The brief histories of each individual of the class were good. The prophecies-what each boy would do and become―were rather pardonably tame. Though in professions different, every member was promised a pretty wife, handsome income and nice children. The class song was good.
85
A scene like this always appeals to my emotions. When the class entered the college long seemed the time and rough seemed the way. Now their course is run, their battle is fought. Their vacant seats will be filled by others and in a short time their trials and triumphs will be forgotten. The fitting remark someone made that one's life is like an impression made by a finger in the mighty Mississippi is properly applicable to a college life.
86
4. Brockman visited us Wednesday. His familiar face and voice awoke in my memory a whole train of Vanderbilt associations. He urged the Y.M.C.A. to send a strong delegation to the state Y.M.C.A. convention to be held in Griffin. I consented to go bearing half of my R.R. expenses by myself. Public meetings of this nature seldom do me good, though.
89
Up at 3:30 a.m. Joe Sharp and I, after a brief toilet had to walk to the depot. While waiting for the train 3 other boys joined us. About 40 minutes in Atlanta. There 6 more Emory delegates came up with us. All enjoyed the ride in the fresh morning air. Reached Griffin about 9:15. Sharp and myself were assigned to the hospitable care of Mrs. Mauley, on Hill Street.
90
Our quarters being settled―which, by the by, was attended with some difficulty on account of my being mistaken for a piano tuner and Sharp for a book agent, to both of which professions Miss Susie Mauley had a great aversion-well, in spite of this amusing mistake, we had every reason to be grateful for our temporary home. When we got everything settled, we went to the Baptist Church to attend the Convention. The latter part of the morning was occupied by reports and other business considerations. On returning to our room we found a fire cheerfully blazing in the hearth and a large bowl full of goodly oranges. I was tenderly reminded of the kindness I had enjoyed at the hand of Mrs. Hoss while I was in Nashville last October.
91
After dinner, we attended the p.m. session of the conventon. The Bible study conducted by Rev. E.F. See was of great value. At 4 the delegates―about 90―were divided into 3 groups each attending a Parlor Conference on some specific subject, as City work (1) ; College work (2) ; R.R. work (3) . I went to the Conference on City work.
92
The Conference met in the parlor of Mr. T.T. Mills. About 20 present. The first topic was "The Financial Problem; the Danger and Deliverance". Mr. H.P. Anderson discussed the subject by asking questions. Under the head of danger, the members agreed on that:
93
1. Debt brings disrepute to the work.
94
2. The success of Y.M.C.A. depends on the confidence of the community.
95
3. It is easier to keep out of a debt than to get out of it.
96
4. The failure of one Y.M.C.A. endangers the welfare of the whole system.
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1. Careful counting of cost―make your coat to suit your body.
99
2. For securing the money, make a list of reasonable subscribers and the reasonable amount of each. Keep at it until you get the full collection.
100
3. For next year, keep the list of the subscribers; and by good work and economy show them that their money has been put to good use. Keep them informed of the work and condition of the association.
101
4. It may be a blessing that we have to depend on the confidence of men, this preventing our weak human nature from becoming indolent and careless.
102
5. We should never solicit money from a saloon keeper; but we need not refuse it when voluntarily offered.
103
The qualifications of the Secretariship:
104
1. Many young men mistake the position for one of ease and good time in general. This explains why there is so much talk about being called out of the work.
105
2. Natural qualities. (1) Business ability; (2) tack and cordiality; (3) executive ability of setting others to work; (4) good face that smiles a young man into confidence.
106
3. Educational advantages. (1) Thorough Biblical education; (2) well posted on general and daily topics.
107
4. General and intelligent knowledge of Y.M.C.A. work in all its branches.
108
5. Piety. (1) Abiding in Christ; (2) willingness to do a little work; (3) willingness to be criticized; (4) cheerfulness and naturalness; (5) persistance.
110
1. Important: In Ga. 5/6 of its population live in country.
111
2. Difficulty: The petty jealousies of the churches and the prejudice of preachers against Y.M.C.A.
113
(1) In a small town, it is easier to single out good workers.
114
(2) An association soon becomes the pet institution of the town.
115
(3) Easier to control the morals of the community by substituting innocent pleasures for harmful ones. Expenses 7 or 8 hundred dollars.
116
It was 6 p.m. when the interesting conference broke up. Thence we went to the Y.M.C.A. building to enjoy the refreshment gotten up by the ladies of the town. The entertainment was a success notwithstanding the fact that I was tickled and vexed by being called Mr. Yum Yum (!) and that I had a time of it to dodge the many fair damsels whom “I adored as angels and feared as mad dogs".
117
Among other exercises in the night, the most prominent one was the vivid account of Brockman of the rise of College Association.
118
This morning in contributions. Emory College led all the colleges (7) represented by subscribing50.
121
Cold, gloomy and windy.
122
All the town pulpits were occupied by the Convention men. Most of the Emory boys worshipped in the Methodist Church. There was no regular preaching; but a delegate from each college represented was given 4 minutes to talk on a special phase of college Y.M.C.A. work. There were 8 delegates. Bell and myself being included. The subjects were (1) Temptations of a College boy; (2) Advantages of the great Brotherhood; (3) What Association means for me; (4) Personal work and its experiences; (5) Necessity of Bible Studies; (6) Loneliness of a New Student; (7) Young men in China; (8) Young men in Corea. Brockman closed the service by giving a pointed talk on the volunteer movement.
123
Sharp and myself with two other delegates went to Mr. Flynt's home for dinner. Had a most delightful time out there. Miss Lucy is a delightful little creature. She beats anybody talking; yet I could have listened to her for days. The truth of the business is I was (and am) badly stuck on her. Mr. Flynt. her father. displayed a deal of hard practical―if not elevated―common sense. some of his sayings:―
124
1. "Negroes are a draw back in a community. When a place has 10,000 blacks and 10,000 whites, you may put down the efficient population at 5000. I have a negro. He never does a thing I want him to. They all go back to Buddism (heathenism?) ."
125
2. "Preachers try to make a man believe that unless he gave everything he has to them he could not go to heaven. It is shame to Christianity that a preacher should live in a grand style by taking money from poor folks."
126
3. Hearing Mr. Clement talking glibly on plays and novels to Miss Maude, the old man winked and said to Sharp. "I bet, many of your delegates know more about plays and theatres than they do Y.M.C.A."
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4. "I like old Brockman (Fletcher's father) . He and I had some business dealings, and I found him the only honest commission merchant I had ever met with."
128
When time came for us to leave it was a painful task to me to pull myself away from the enchanting influence of Miss Lucy. But we had to. Returned to Mrs. Mauley's about 6:30.
129
After supper with young Mr. Mauley. I went to the Baptist Church. The house was full. Rev. See addressed on the Reasons for the Existence of the Y.M.C.A.
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1. The Y.M.C.A. is a necessary complement to the work of the church. The reasons that necessitate the existence of the S.S. for children demands the existence of the Y.M.C.A. for young men as much as they do the existence of the missionary society for the heathen.
131
2. The gregarious nature of young men seeks for a home where society and pleasures are found. The object and need of the Y.M.C.A. are to offer a lonely youth a society without its corruption and pleasures minus their dangers.
132
3. Economic Reasons. The state licenses saloons; protects homes of infamy; and patronizes theatres and shows. When a young man I ruined by these ungodly means a police man is provided to carry him to the jail. A town was building a jail worth50,000. An intelligent man said that had the town built a Y.M.C.A. worth.40,000, a10,000 jail would have answered the purpose. Great business men as Vanderbilt, Dep. and Grady know this 2/3 of the expenses of R.R. associations are paid by the R.R. companies. Mr. Dep. remarked that the Y.M.C.A. has done more for the protection of his lines from disasters than all the patent machines known.
133
5. Religious reasons. 75% of young men of the country are non-church members; 5% church members; and 15% church goers. Y.M.C.A. is the only means of reaching young men in towns.
134
The address was followed by short testimonies of the delegates in regard to their impression of the Convention. After which the members of the Convention formed a ring, hand in hand. Then we gave expression to our sentiment through that beautiful Y.M.C.A. hymn which begins "Blest be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love" etc. etc.
135
A prayer and we parted. God be with you!
136
Impressions etc. etc. etc.
137
1. The fine looks and cordiality of Y.M.C.A. folks.
138
2. The systematic dispatch of business. Everything has its time and is done in its time.
139
3. The orderly and well- timed religious exercises. (1) Short, pointed, fervent prayers; (2) short, pointed, well-loaded talks. Nothing drags. I like that. Of all intolerable things in the world, a long wined and dragging religious service, when one is tried in body and mind, is most unbearable.
140
4. Rev. E.F. See of Brooklyn. is a very handsome and polished gentleman. Withal he is unostentatiously pious.
141
5. Griffin has a population of between 9 or 10 thousands.
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Substantial and hospitable people. I never had the least idea of its being so nice a town.
143
6. Miss Lucy said that she loved really theological works. That she had read Watson's Institute being immensely interested by Watson's treatment of the Son-ship of Christ. That she did not like Sam Jones because he, while saying he did not want riches, lived in a most splendid style.
144
7. Joe Sharp thinks there is no possibility of negroes' being civilized.
145
8. Griffin is said to have more girls than boys. Yet there are many bachelors―strange to say
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