Letter from Rev. A. P. Davis to Brother Taylor, December 5, 1860

MONROVIA From Rev. A. P. Davis MONROVIA, December 5, 1860 Dear Brother Taylor: I am at Monrovia, as you will see by the above, on my way to the Association to be held with the Clay Ashland church. Your very welcomed favor was received yesterday, and was read with interest and satisfaction. Its content is much the breathing of my own soul, both in regard to the church betaking itself to a position of self-dependence, and “the whole country” being “brought under the power of the gospel,” &c., &c. I, at times, have been brought to wonder, as you seem to have anticipated, what it is that prevents my success; as I make it a standing rule of my life to do nothing in conversation, or in contracts, or visiting places, or give countenance to any cause that would interfere with my influence as a minister. I often have to lay aside the state of my feelings in regard to the above subject, and take the command and promises as the rule of my action. Brother John B. Davis, the first fruit of my labor among the Bassas, is dead. He died last October. He continued practically firm in the faith and practice of Christianity to the day of his death. He stood not only high with the church, but also with the government. His services were eagerly sought as interpreter, and he was often sent to settle difficulties between it and its allies. I received brother Poindexter’s letter on the subject of the church relying more upon itself, which was also followed by one from you on the same subject. Brother Yates’ “Circular,” a very interesting document, has been sent to all the churches, I believe - a copy of which the Board, ere this, has received. The number of Congoes brought into this Republic lately, constitute a very important additional field of labor. Many of them voluntarily visit our church and Sabbath School, (which is in a flourishing condition;) and so interesting is that people, I consented to take twenty in the day school. Of this I have fully apprised brother Yates. I find it important to be present in school as much a possible, as I teach many little things besides the nature, use, and power of letters. I am in school every day that I am not called off to some distant point.