AFRICA
JOURNAL OF BRO. JOHN H. CHEESEMAN
Baptisms, &c.
February 25th, Sabbath — After devotional exercises and
preparations being made, I set out for New Geotgia, where I
arrived just as the people were assembling for worship. As I arose
to introduce divine services, I could but pause for a moment’s
reflection: here, thought I, is a congregation of Christians, who, but
for the light of the gospel might, like their brethren, be groping in
darkness. In front of the desk sat thirteen candidates for baptism;
eleven or twelve of whom, were native Africans. “Surely the Lord
is doing great things for us for which we ought to be, nay, for
which we are glad.” It would have been pleasant to me to have
been able to remain during the afternoon, the time appointed for
baptism, but I had not previously arranged for preaching in the
afternoon and evening at Monrovia. Pursuant to arrangement,
preached this afternoon and evening in the Providence church,
Monrovia.
Feb. 26th — To-day his excellency, the President, reported
his doings in England and France before the Senate and House of
Representatives. His report was truly interesting. He has done
honor to himself and country.
Feb. 27,h — To-day set out for Millsburg, where I arrived
about 5 P.M. At 7 P.M., preached to a crowded audience. The
Lord was with us.
Feb. 28'. — After a short discourse by brother Day,
preparatory to the administration of the sacrament of baptism, I
had the pleasure of baptizing two young men, who, I hope, will
prove useful members of the church. As soon after the baptism as
the necessary arrangements could be made, the church were again
assembled. Brother Day extended to the newly baptized persons,
in behalf of the church, the right hand of fellowship, and I
administered the sacrament of the Lord’s supper. We then took
our leave of the brethren and were soon in our boat gliding
smoothly down the beautiful St. Paul, on our way to New Virginia,
where I had arranged to preach in the evening.
