conduct from the
standpoint of Bible Christianity. To-day the church, especially in our
race, is the center of both our social and Christian life. Like
priests, like people. All honor to the pioneers who did their best in
their circumstances and who served well their day and generation. But
this is another age; this, a brighter day--one that demands
improvement along all lines, and especially in the pulpit of my race.
The pew is advancing, hence the pulpit had better push on. The key to
the situation, then, is nothing more nor less than a more
consecrated and intelligent Christian ministry for our race throughout
the length and breadth of this land. And we are hopeful; for the
"signs of the times" portend the coming of better things. Already
bright streaks of gray high up upon the eastern horizon herald the
dawn of a new and brighter day. Every branch of the Christian church
in our race is putting forth strenuous efforts to supply the pulpits
of the race with competent ministers. Let this glorious day be
hastened and soon Ethiopia will stretch out her hands to God.

THIRD PAPER.

THE NEGRO AS A CHRISTIAN.

BY REV. WALTER H. BROOKS, D. D.

[Illustration: Rev. W. H. Brooks, D. D.]

REV. WALTER H. BROOKS, D. D.

Rev. Walter H. Brooks, D. D., has a very unusual and
interesting history. He was born a slave in Richmond, Va.,
August 30, 1851, his parents belonging to different masters.
In 1859 his mother's master died, and arrangements were made
to sell her and her six children, she being allowed to
select a purchaser if she could find one. Through a white
friend his father bought Dr. Brooks' mother, together with
two of the youngest children. Walter H. Brooks and an elder
brother were bought by a large tobacco manufacturing firm in
Richmond. In 1861 the breaking out of the war affected the
tobacco trade, and many of the tobacconists were obliged to
sell or hire out their slaves. Walter and his brother David
were hired by their mother, who, each quarter of the year,
managed to pay the amount agreed upon. For the next three
years both of the boys worked, thereby aiding their mother
in paying their hire. After the war Walter H. Brooks, for a
short time, attended a primary school in Richmond, taught by
a young lady from the North.

In October, 1866, he had received one year's instruction
when he went