the gospel. So unlike was the deportment and so different was the
character of the two audiences that but for their common color one might
have thought that they were composed of two distinct races. The question
may be asked, what makes the difference? They are the same people,
worshiping the same God out of the same Bible. Education and the lack of
it make the difference.

The conduct of audiences like the first here spoken of seems to vary
with the style of the speaker. I once preached to such a congregation.
Their behavior was orderly. During the sermon their responses were a few
amens. Knowing their habit in worship, I was somewhat annoyed with the
thought that I was muzzling their feelings and the sooner I got through
the gladder they would be. That class of people have a way of calling
the minister "Cold water preacher," if he does not preach them into
something like a spell of hallucination. Their composure led me to
believe that I would earn the title. Still I endured, and endeavored to
give the plain truth plainly and earnestly; having a strong feeling that
as I was in authority I must command in the right way. After dismission,
many said to me, "You gave us the pure word and we enjoyed it." "That's
what we need," said another. I was heartily invited to come again. I
find now I am welcome with that people.

"The fields are white already to harvest." Great is the opportunity of
the rich and enlightened churches. The helpfulness of our schools to my
people and to the country, is beyond calculation. Our missionary
schools are like so many lighthouses along this dark belt of the Union.
Their light is being reflected by thousands of colored youth who without
these schools would have grown up in gross ignorance.

This brings to mind an incident of my life, which now I believe was
providential. Seventeen years ago, when my education was very limited,
while working in a restaurant, I visited Talladega College and was
deeply impressed with the school, and the intelligence and advancement
of the boys. I decided that I would enter school immediately, and did
so, though my money was scarce and a few weeks before I had agreed to
continue work in the restaurant at twelve dollars per month, board and
bed furnished. That was good wages for a boy of my age, but I know now
that giving it up and going to school was a thousand times higher wages
for me. I felt my imperfections so keenly then I was ashamed to talk to
the boys in