Letter from Rev. W. H. Clark
We extract from the Southern Baptist an interesing letter from
Bro. Clark, written in Liberia, on his way to Yoruba. It is addressed to a
student at Mercer University. He says:
“I am much pleased with the country, as far as my
observations have extended. In point of luxuriance, fertility and
beauty, but few if any countries sutpass this dark land. Nature
seems to have lavished here her gifts in rich profusion. That which
renders this country dark and undesirable, and eclipses the beauties
of nature, is the awful debased state of this poor benighted people.
It would be difficult for me, with my limited knowledge of the
country and inhabitants, to present a faithful account of the state of
things as existing; and, therefore, shall not attempt it now. O! to
see a land like this, whose scenery is one unchanging green, lying
in the depths of moral darkness, is enough to draw forth our
tenderest pity, and excite every power within us. My brother, if
you wish to be useful in gathering many sheaves into the granary
of the Lord, come here. Come to a land where arms are
outstretched to receive you. Leave the land most blest of heaven,
and come to a region only dark, because there is no gospel light.
Having been here but a short time, of course my knowledge of the
general character and disposition of the natives, is very limited, but
so far as 1 can judge, they are extremely kind and hospitable. On
one occasion, I visited one of the kings. I told him I was desirous
of speaking to his people on the subject of the Christian religion.
He heartily granted my request, and had a large audience
assembled to hear me. I don’t think I ever addressed a more
interesting audience. While I was speaking to them of Jesus, they
paid the profoundest attention; and when the meeting closed, the
king had a chicken caught, and presented it to me, as, I suppose, an
evidence of my acceptance with him and his people. The field
seems to be already white for the harvest. I feel more willing to
enter it as a laborer now, than at any past time of my life.
Home and Foreign Journal
February 1855
P-31
