I send you this letter that you may see the state of feeling cherished in favour of our
mission. Kong, or as he is now called, Lewis K. Crocker, Esq., went to school to me, and
through my instrumentality was brought to the knowledge of the truth. His character has ever
since been exemplary so far as I know. He has been charged with fondness for strong drink.
The charge was not sustained. He, however, confessed in a letter which I sent you, that being
induced once to drink, though but a little, it stupefied him, and that he informed his church, who
pardoned him; — and afterwards he quit the use of ardent spirits.
Zovle is an older brother and had a right to the kingdom. But they conferred it on an
older relative. Kong has been, virtually, for several years of Bargay’s life the chief, and the reign
of his relative is merely nominal.
Now, then, what is is before us? The establishment of a mission in a native Christian
kingdom, — whose executive chieftain is a Baptist preacher, who reads the New Testament in the
original! What hath God wrought? and what must I say? Huzza? What won’t do! Glory? Too
much rant. What then? Thank God, and take courage.
Dear brother Taylor, when I was sowing in that field I sowed in tears. Well, do I
remember a flood of tears shed on a mountaintop, a little in the rear of those towns. I looked
around; behind was a barren waste. Before, but a prospective hope, such as I had often seen end
in disappointment. Now, many towns have adopted the institutions of Christianity, and speak in
tones of thunder in favour of educating heathen youth.
Kong’s acquaintance with Natural Philosophy raises him above the superstitions of his
race.
Vive Day’s Hope. Live and shine on Africa’s sable sons, until the rays of the Sun of
Righteousness reflected from them shall kindle a light to shine over this dark land. “God moves
in a mysterious way.”
Peck will make a good teacher. Let him be employed. Let L. K. Crocker preach.
I am yours, much encouraged,
John Day
Home and Foreign Journal
February 1859
p. 32