Letter from Rev. J. T. Richardson to Rev. A. M. Poindexter, May 11, 1859

LIBERIA — MONROVIA Letter from Rev. J. T. Richardson Monrovia, May 1 lIh, 1859 Rev. A. M. Poindexter, Richmond, Va. Very Dear Brother: — With profound regard and love I raise my pen to acknowledge the receipt of your kind letter, bearing date January 29,h, which was carefully read and duly considered. It reached me the 10th of April; but before I say anything in relation too [sic] it, I beg to inform you of the healthful condition of our Zion in this city. As I informed you in my last letter that we had established a daily prayer-meeting, called the Union Prayer- Meeting, and as I informed you that I would let you know the results of that blessed meeting, and as the indications then seemed so promising, so I now have it in my power to state fully the happy results. There has been a great ingathering of precious souls. On Sunday, a week ago, the cloud of mercy gathered over the Church in the morning prayer-meeting, and the angel of mercy hovered around us — cheering the hearts of believers, while the holy spirit touched our stony hearts — opening at the same time the eyes of our understanding, enabling us to see the glory of God shining forth in the face of Jesus Christ, melting us in love, which has caused a wonderful change in our midst. Sinners are heard crying loudly for mercy, and the young converts are rejoicing from a feeling sense of the love of God being shed abroad in their hearts. Up to date we have received 18 hopefully converted to God for the believer’s baptism. Five of that number are students of the Baptist High School — and it gives me unspeakable pleasure to tell you that by beloved son, Nathaniel R Richardson, is in the midst. This is what can be called the workings of the holy spirit — a reformation in the hearts of God’s people. The work is continually spreading over the city. The natives are to be seen at the altar crying for mercy. Many of them are rejoicing in the love of God. Night before last, while the Church was engaged in singing and prayer, on the back pew of the Church sat two native girls seeking for Jesus. No one in the Church knew anything of it until one of them looked by faith to Jesus, and was made happy in the love of God. I shall, if the Lord wills. Baptise in two weeks. I have had to preach short sermons every night for the last ten days, and