Edina Station
Extract of a Letter from Brother John H. Cheeseman
Another year has nearly closed; the result of its labors is known only to Him, whose
knowledge extends to eternity. I have endeavored to discharge my duty according to the ability
given me. I hope that I have labored with something of that zeal which such a work demands,
but still when I look back upon the year, now nearly gone, and will soon be gone forever, I see
much to humble me, and am conscious, that I might have done more for the blessed Redeemer,
and his cause.
The impediments to the progress of the gospel among a people like these, who are buried
in gross darkness, are greater, and more difficult of removal, than those who are unacquainted
with their condition, are aware of. But I hope that seed has been sown, which by the blessing of
God will spring up, and yield an abundant harvest to the glory of God.
The enemy of all righteousness has his strong holds here, and opposes a mighty force
against the Redeemer’s cause, but the progress of the gospel is onward to a final and complete
victory, and we trust even here, in these ends of the earth, the work of the Lord is advancing. Let
not our brethren in America be discouraged; there is hope for Africa -- “Ethiopia shall stretch out
her hands to God.” Prophecy declares it, and it shall be fulfilled. This “wilderness and solitary
place shall be glad, and this (moral) desert shall blossom as a rose.”
We acknowledge with gratitude, that much has been, and is still being done by our
brethren in America for Africa, but cannot more be done for these perishing thousands? I entreat
you in the name of God the Father - in the name of his dear Son Jesus Christ, who gave himself
a ransom for sinners, even for the poor Ethiopian - in the name of our holy religion, and in
consideration of the vast multitudes on this coast, who are annually sinking into the eternal abyss
of woe and misery, to exert all your efforts to sustain and extend a mission, which promises so
much good. Send us men and means, and with God’s blessing, a large return will be made in a
few years. Again I ask, what are our colored brethren in America doing? Have they forgotten
the relation they sustain to Africa? Have they a sense of the obligations they owe to God and
their brethren here?
Southern Baptist Missionary Journal
February 1850
p. 226-227
