SIERRA LEONE-AFRICA
Letter of Rev. J. J. Brown
COLONY OF SIERRA LEONE,
Freetown, Nov. 17, 1858
THE REV. J. B. TAYLOR:
My Dear S/r.-With pleasure and heartfelt gratitude to
Almighty God for his mercies past, I again resume the pleasing
task of reporting to you our labours, and successes which have
attended the preached word among us.
I am just recovering from a severe attack of fever, which
had laid me aside for a few weeks past.
The word of God continues to be preached among us as the
power of God unto the salvation of sinners. Jesus Christ is daily
set forth before us as the only way of access to the Father by the
blood of the covenant. And as the Saviour had prophesied, saying,
“And I, if I be lifted up, will draw all men unto me.” So this great
magnet is daily drawing all men unto himself through the
simplicity of the Gospel. Several have been led to inquire, “Men
and brethren, what must we do to be saved?” They have been
directed to Him who saith, “Come unto me all ye that labour and
are heavy laden, and I will give you rest, ’’-and as many as have
called on him faithfully have found him a “precious and loving
Saviour, and joy in believing.
From January to September 30, inclusive, thirty-six persons
of both sexes have been admitted into church fellowship by
immersion in the Colony. The total number of Baptist members in
connection with the South American Baptist Board of Missions is
one hundred and sixteen members. That is to say, there were
baptized in Freetown, in connection with the church, during three
quarters, from January to September 30, inclusive, two persons. In
connection with the church at Waterloo thirty-four. Members in
connection with the church in Freetown seventy-two, -ten having
backslidden, -three restored, and three removed by death. The
means of grace have been well attended. Number of church
members at Waterloo, forty-four. Prayer meetings, conferences,
and revival meetings, have been punctually attended to, and with
evident tokens of profit during three quarters at Rawdon street
