The Lamented F. S. James
Reference to the life and character of this young colored brother will be found in the
February number of the Journal. He died at New Virginia, Africa, the 9th of November, having
been about a year in the service of our Board. He gave promise of great usefulness, but his
Divine Master has seen it best to call him away from his earthly labors. It is proper to remark
that his death is not to be attributed to the influence of climate, as he had been many years on the
coast. His constitution was naturally fragile. Referring to his labors, brother Day, in one of his
letters, thus writes:
At New Virginia you had a most flourishing station. Intelligence from that place was
always fraught with interest. But alas! alas! F. S. James who presided over that station is no
more in the land of the living. The Judge of all the earth will do right. I can only say: “It is the
Lord, let him do what seemeth him good.” Brother James has not left his equal with us. There
was nothing very showy in him. He had but little education, made no display with his pen, but
the root of the matter was in him. He was pious, amiable, laborious, self-denying. He was
beloved by his people and all who knew him. He sought not his own but his heavenly Master’s
glory. His place, said one of our most distinguished citizens, cannot be filled. He was not a
great but a good preacher. Filled with the spirit of his station, he carried a heavenly influence
wherever he went.
At his station is a day school of 62 children, a most interesting Sabbath school, and a
church of between 50 and 100 members, which has been built up principally by his indefatigable
labors, besides, he preached in several native villages and at New Orleans, where he also laid the
foundation, and built up a church. Every thing in his hand prospered as if the Lord delighted to
bless him.
In another communication brother Day remarks:
Since my arrival in Monrovia, I have been twice up the river, and rejoice to find that
brother James in every particular has more than come up to my expectations. Last Sunday, I
preached for the church he had raised; they appear alive to God; the happiest, most affectionate
band I know. They have the spirit of their departed pastor in a high degree. I do not know when
I have felt such assurance that I was with the children of my heavenly Father.
THE COMMISSION
February 1849
p.6
