LIBERIAN MISSIONS
Letter from Bro. John Kingdon
The following from our departed brother, we believe the last
letter he wrote, presents a reference to the condition of things in Liberia.
It was, doubtless, during the exposure of this journey, the fever which
ended his life was taken.
10th. Preached to Bro. Goodman’s native congregation in
the morning. Bro. Goodman having offered prayer in Bassa, and
Bro. Clark translating the sermon sentence by sentence into the
same. Administered the Lord’s supper (after Bro. G. preached) to
Bro. Hill’s congregation in the afternoon, closing with asking them
to aid the parent society; results $22 per annum, besides coffee
trees, &c., assembly not over 40. In the evening, lectured on the
other side of the water, at Bro. Vonbrun’s, to his people (he being a
chief,) some 35 grown persons and 25 young persons present; took
latter part of Ac., 18th, which he explained in their language. Out
in a heavy dew, but had impervious coat on; besides which, I take
suitable medicines.
1 1th. Bro. Vonbrun hindered unexpectedly from taking me
to see other towns father up the river, so I returned to Buchanan
and availed myself of an opportunity of writing Bro. Bowen, that
he might look for me by the January steamer, about the 26th, I
think. Bro. Davis collected as many scholars as he could, holidays
having begun. Only 17 out of 44; they performed well in spelling
and reading, above par. Of the whole, 10 are in scriptural classes,
24 in elementary and 10 in alphabetical ones; two writing and 2
ciphering. No books, is the cry still. Bro. Cheeseman concludes it
to be a great mistake, that Bro. Goodman is leading the N. Board
into leaving Bexley, “because the natives are leaving the
neighborhood.” Bro. C. denies that they are quitting that district,
and so say Brethren Vonbrun and Crocker, native converts and
preachers. Bro. Cheeseman will watch events and if these brethren
should refuse (as I am satisfied at least one will) to go to the future
station, leaving his own people, he will try to secure him for you.
12th. Bad weather prevents our going up the Mechlin river.
Heard Bro. W. Cheeseman lecture; readiness of thought and
expression, but loses command of his voice.
