Letter from Rev. A. P. Davis, circa 1855

Letter from Rev. A. P. Davis Brother Davis, of Bassa Cove, thus refers to the opportunity he will now enjoy of preaching to the natives more regularly: Yours of October 30th came safe to hand. I was very glad to hear from you, as it contains good news from a far country. This letter breathes the spirit of those of 1847 and ’8. I take thankfully the admonitions given in this letter, and feel deeply the force of several sentences in this sheet. I find myself in the midst of a dusty field, where sin abounds. I try to preach to them; but standing in the midst of crowds of natives, I am led to ask, “Can these dry bones live?” But you are aware that the part assigned me up to this time has not permitted me to preach the gospel much among the natives of this great country. My time has been employed teaching school at upper Buchanan, and performing services when called upon at Bexley, since Brother Day left there, and my own church at upper and lower Buchanan. But you will no doubt be informed that a letter of instruction has been received from Brother Day, requesting me from the first of April to give the charge of my school to one appointed by him. He requests me to devote as much of the balance of the year as time will allow to preaching the gospel among the heathen. It may not be amiss to say here that our hearts were gladdened by Rev. John Kingdon’s coming among us, with words of encouragement, and meeting with us in conference to recommend plans for larger operations in our respective fields of labor. He was at my house for more than a week, and went in and out with us all at the association, preached with us, prayed with us, conducted worship in my family mornings and evenings, and deliberated with is in the association. His presence, experience and wisdom, added great importance to our association, as you however will see. Home and Foreign Journal July 1855 P-3