Recent Good News from Africa
Only time and space are allowed to state, that we are just in receipt of deeply interesting
letters from our missions in Africa. The station at Cape Palmas in Liberia, under the care of Rev.
B. J. Drayton, has shared largely in the diving blessing. On the first Lord’s day in Sept. 2 were
baptized, and on the 24th of the same month, Brother Drayton was pennitted to bury with Christ
in baptism, twenty-three joyful believers. The heart of our lone missionary at that place seems to
have been much refreshed.
We have good tidings also from Yoruba. Letters from Brother Bowen up to October 17th,
inform us that the prospects of our missions are more cheering. He is preparing a vocabulary in
the Yoruba language, which has thus far about 4,500 words. - Buildings also have been erected,
and others more substantial, are contemplated. But the chief ground of thankfulness is found in
the readiness of the people to hear the gospel, and the influence which seems to accompany it.
Bro. Bowen says, that “some are evidently no longer devotees of idolatry.” The chief at Ajaye is
beginning to be somewhat excited in perceiving the hold which truth is taking of the popular
mind - “A few days ago,” says Brother B., “an interesting youth told us that he believed the
gospel, and would gladly lay aside his orisha badge, but if he did, Arch would behead him, then
instinctively lowering his voice, he said, that many others were precisely in his situation. I
believe, he told the truth.”
We are happy to announce, too, that Bro. Wm. H. Clark has arrived in Yoruba, and is
now with Brother Bowen at Ajaye. He is in fine health and commenced the study of the
language, and is already preaching the gospel through an interpreter. He speaks of one applicant
for baptism.
A letter has also been received from Bro. Kingdon, under date of October 27lh. He is on
his way to Yoruba, and was remaining in Liberia, with the expectation of attending the meeting
of the Liberian Association in December. He writes encouragingly of the stations on the coast,
which have come under his observation.
Our hearts are cheered by these tidings. Let our brethren continue to pray earnestly to the
Great Head of the church, for his promised blessing on our work.
The March No. will contain the above-named letters.
T.
Home and Foreign Journal
February 1855
p. 30
