Letter from Rev. John Day to Rev. James B. Taylor, circa 1857

LIBERIA - AFRICA Letter from Rev. John Day The following letter, though it has been on hand for some, will be read with interest. Rev. James B. Taylor: Very Dear Sir: — With a high degree of pleasure, and a deep toned gratitude do I acknowledge the receipt of the books, stationery and the appropriations for finishing the Seminary, and for a teacher. But two days before they arrived, I lay at the point to die. I had been long afflicted in the liver, and fancied I had not time to attend to it. Constantly busied in school, and running about at Cape Mount, was finally too much. Two doctors came in to my aid. Soon an alarming hemorrhage caused Dr. Smith to despair, and tell me I could not live through the night. Then I witnessed the truth of those lines I read when a boy — “Presence of mind and courage in distress Are more than annies to insure success.” I can now sit up a little, but lie on my back to pencil this. You would like to know perhaps the effect of my anticipated death on the community. Had you witnessed the general interest, and had been a stranger, you could not have told of what denomination of Christians I was. All of the Churches had prayers for me. Crowds of anxious enquirers after my state, were constantly in attendance. The same anxiety extended up the river. Today a young Presbyterian preacher said to me, thank the Lord that you are still spared to us. The Commission July 1857 p. 23-24