AFRICAN MISSION
Journal of Mr. Day
The reference, in the following journal of brother Day, to the willingness of the king to receive a
teacher, and to give encouragement to the proclamation of the gospel among his people, cannot be
regarded with other than lively interest by our readers. May we not hope soon to hear that the spirit of
inquiry is at work among this people, and that their work renewed by the Spirit of God, are throbbing with
holy delight in the reception of the truth as it is in Jesus. For this, all should earnestly pray. The extracts
which follow, are a continuation of the journal in our last number:
January 9th - After breakfast preached to quite a large congregation at Troas town, from
the words, “Why halt ye between two opinions,” &c. After preaching, I asked the people what
they thought of these things. Troas said “Mr. Day, that time I live Gov. Buchanan, I mind this
palaver proper. I never have gree gree. I pray plenty time - no mo, I no pray all time.
Sometime I plenty bisness — then prayer forget me. That time I think again, then I pray.”
Afterwards I went to Neo’s town. He had gone to the king’s town, (Black Wills.) I preached,
and returned to Troas - thinking as I was unwell I would return home. Preached at night.
January 10th - Rested better last night than the night before, but still unwell. Had prayers
with all the Troas’ people, who behaved well. After breakfast, preached to his people, and others
from surrounding villages. Left my trunk at Troas’ and went to an old man’s town, whom they
call king Dyawa. Preached from the words: “Repent and turn yourselves from your idols, and
turn away your faces from all your abominations.” They were very attentive. After preaching, I
conversed long with them on the immortality of the soul, &c.; and asked them to be free, and tell
me plainly what they thought of these things. Several said in substance, “on these subjects our
minds are dark; we wish to learn. We thank you for preaching to us. We think man lives, but
cannot tell where he goes, or anything about it. Sometimes we almost think a man dies like a
goat. Sometimes these things trouble us, and then we forget all and play.” Returned to Troas’,
preached to his people, and went to bed.
Jan’y 1 llh - Still unwell. Waiting for an answer from Neo to the question, “will you let
me have your son Damblus?” a very fine boy, who has been to school to me, while under the
patronage of the Northern Board. Preached to Troas’ people. Went to Ben’s town and preached
to his people. While there, about a dozen men from Black Wills came with a message from their
sovereign, requesting me to go to his place — saying, if you are not able to walk, we are
commanded to take you on our backs, and Black Will will send you home too. I concluded to
go, as I wished to see the country and their king. Returned to Troas’ and packed up my things.
Jan’y 12th - Quite unwell. Started to Black Wills, after having prayers with Troas’
people. Passed some baricaded towns; too fatigued to preach. Reached Black Wills town after
10 o’clock at night; found him ready to receive me. He invited me to sup. His plates, dishes and
tea pot, of the best Liveipool china; his knives and forks good, and his glass ware of superior
quality, reminded me of civilization. After supper, I asked the king to allow me to retire. He
said
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no, I cannot yet. He ordered a bed to be made on the floor of the large house where we
were sitting, and said lay down sir, and rest — and while you rest, we talk. He asked me how his
