It is said that the “hand that rocks the cradle, rules the world.”  It matters not whether that hand be black or white, but it does matter whether that hand be intelligent or ignorant.  They not only need the education of the schools to develop their minds, and industrial training to prepare their hands for the practical duties of life, but Christian education, such as is given in the schools of the Association.

More than three thousand women and thousands of men have gone out under the A.M.A., in school, home and church, for the uplifting, Christianizing and elevating of our people.

Eternity alone will reveal the work that these Christian heroines and heroes have done in the Master’s name.  The eleventh chapter of Hebrews would need be extended to give to them their rightful place in the role of achievements of faith.  We need not wait for eternity, we now see some of the grand results; their memory is already engraven upon the hearts, and their spirit infused into the life of thousands of educated colored young men and women, who have gone out among their people, carrying educated minds, trained hands and warm hearts, as an outgrowth of that labor which has not been in vain.  This magnificent record of Christian endeavor and conquest has largely been made possible by the foresight, energy and fidelity of the many who have been and are at the head of the different departments of the A.M.A.

How can the Association more fully meet these needs?  By continuing woman’s work for woman, through their Woman’s Bureau.  Through this agency, ladies of the churches can furnish volunteers for the work and the base of supply.  While we at the front are in the heat of the battle, you at home, through your missionary societies, young people’s meetings, and Sunday-schools, can aid us with your prayers, your sympathy, your gifts and service.  Those in the larger churches can sustain a missionary in the field, and may it be said of all, both large and small, “They have done what they could.”  Then we can sing,

     “March on, and you shall gain the victory,
     March on, and you shall gain the day.”

My sisters, we must first be touched by the Spirit of the Master, and through him touch them.  This work cannot be done perfunctorily or professionally.

And now in conclusion allow me to thank you in behalf of the millions whom I represent, for the faithful work and practical sympathy already given, and appeal to you in his name, and through you to the thousands whom you represent, for a continuation of your Christian efforts and support, also for greater supplies and larger gifts to the treasury of the A.M.A., that it may be able to furnish the laborers according to the demands of the growing needs of more than four millions of colored women and girls, who are trying to help themselves.  Our lamented President Garfield said to the Jubilee Singers during their visit to Mentor:  “Ethiopia is not only stretching out her hand unto God, but God is stretching out his hand unto Ethiopia.”  We believe this, and that the time is coming when all races shall sing: