Letter of Rev. J. T. Richardson
Rep. Liberia, Day’s Hope, May 28, 1859
Rev. James B. Taylor:
Much Esteemed Brother: -- I have it in my power to write
you the pleasing news of the state of our mission in this vicinity.
Last Sunday was a high day with us — at 6 o’clock A.M., we met
in prayer-meeting as usual, and during the exercises of that hour,
we received 3 candidates for the holy ordinance of Baptism who,
with those already received, make 25 hopefully converted. But on
account of the small pox, which is raging among us, we only
baptized 22 on the day above named. It would have been
gratifying to you to have the pleasure of witnessing the movements
on that holy day. To see the wild men and women of the forest
assembled at the waterside for the purpose of obeying the holy
command of the ever blessed Saviour. One native man in
particular, who was converted some 8 miles from the city, and
having been told by a brother who was out there, that we would
have baptism on the above named day, came in and told his
experience to the church, which was satisfactory. Although he
could not so much as speak the English language plain enough to
be understood in common conversation — yet he could speak so as
to give us to give us to understand that he knew what sin is, and
that he was sensible when his sins were removed, and who by.
So he was buried with his Lord and Master with the rest. The
cause of Christ is much revived among us. Our Zion is
travailing — bringing her sons from afar, and her daughters is
nursed at her side. All the students of the Hope are hopefully
converted, except one. He says, with divine aid, he will never stop
praying until he too, with the rest, shall obtain the prize, or taste
the pardoning love of God. This is a glorious revival, spreading far
and near, and growing in interest every day. I had the pleasure to
baptize two Methodist sisters who declared that they could not
resist any longer. There are many more talking of doing the same.
I know not how to thank the Lord for his divine goodness. He has
blessed my labors wonderfully — so much so that 1 am left to
wonder, particularly when I look at my unworthiness. I beg an
interest in your prayers. My present position seems to expose me
to new trials — consequently I need new aid from the father of life
and glory; I will tell of some of my trials after awhile, perhaps in
my next. The church in this city is much revived — appears to be
aiming for the prize, the one thing needful. In great haste I pen
