The American Missionary — Volume 32, No. 04, April 1878Various
Religion
The American Missionary — Volume 32, No. 04, April 1878
Various
Congregational churches -- Missions -- Periodicals; Home missions -- Periodicals
We have no fear of a lack of missionary zeal henceforth in Fisk
University. But the manifestation of interest in this event was not
confined within its walls. All Nashville seemed aglow with friendly
enthusiasm. Dr. Rand, of the First Cumberland Presbyterian Church,
invited Miller into his pulpit, at the close of the Sunday morning
service, to address the congregation, which took up a liberal
collection for the outfit of the young missionaries. Their ages
range from twenty-one to twenty-seven. The Theological students
of Vanderbilt University invited them to an interview on Sunday
afternoon, at which they were most kindly received; and after
prayers together, and conversation, were the recipients of presents
of books and money.
The next day, the double marriage was solemnized by Professors
Bennett and Spence, and later, a general farewell meeting was held
in St. John’s Chapel. The large building was crowded, and many went
away unable to find entrance. Prominent ministers from the city
and vicinity, representing the leading denominations of Christian
churches, were present. The tone of the meeting was congratulatory
and hopeful, as befitted the sending forth of these soldiers of the
Cross.
At their leaving Nashville by the evening train, an immense crowd
gathered in and about the depot to see them off. A day or two only
was spent in New York, to make necessary purchases, and receive
instructions from the Secretary. On Thursday afternoon, a few
members of the Executive Committee, and representatives of the
religious press, held an informal interview with them. They each
told the story of their lives, of their struggles to acquire an
education, and of their religious experiences. All were deeply
impressed with the sincerity of their devotion, and with their
modesty and good sense as well.
On Saturday, the 23d of February, they sailed for England, where
they arrived March 3d. By the 20th they were expected to reach
Freetown, and a few days later, their new home.
We have thus fairly launched on the new experiment of African
evangelization by men and women of African descent, who have come
through American slavery to freedom. The nine adults together in
the field are enough to support each other’s courage and hold up
each other’s hands. But the field is far away; the perils of it are
peculiar; the path is a new one to these young men and women. We
trust in them with great confidence. But in the complications and
unforeseen emergencies which always may arise in a foreign field,
we feel that they need, more than most missionaries even, the
constant remembrances, in prayer, of the thousands of the friends
of Africa in our land and in Great Britain. We repeat most urgently
their parting request—“Brethren, pray for us.”
* * * * *
THE TWO INDIAN POLICIES.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account