The American Missionary — Volume 33, No. 01, January 1879Various
Religion
The American Missionary — Volume 33, No. 01, January 1879
Various
Congregational churches -- Missions -- Periodicals; Home missions -- Periodicals
The roll was then called by Brother Jackson; after which the
candidates were examined, and by vote of the Council eighteen were
received into full membership. Some of the candidates were not
received because of not being legally married. They were instructed
to attend to this matter, and then they might be received into the
church. They are to remain under watch-care until this obligation
is met. After examination of candidates, Brother Snelson spoke to
them about things peculiar to their country—slavery, polygamy, etc.
The meeting was then dismissed to meet at 7 P. M. Brother Gomer,
who has for years known our work, expressed his astonishment at
seeing so large a congregation assembled in the house of God at
this place, and at the good order kept throughout the exercises.
Some of those received were old members, while others were new
converts, among whom were three chiefs, Peah Carle, Carray Phemah,
and Sei Lōtō. These men exercise a vast influence over their
people, and their being reached makes the reaching of their people
easier.
The people assembled at the ringing of the second bell. “Praise
God from Whom all blessings flow” was sung. Brother Snelson then
led the congregation in the Lord’s Prayer. A hymn was sung, after
which the Rev. J. Gomer offered prayer. “Alas! and did my Saviour
bleed?” was sung. Portions of Scripture were read by A. P. Miller.
The services of organization and dedication were combined, owing to
want of time. Brother Snelson spoke through the interpreter, and
told the candidates what their step meant—turning from death unto
life. The church, too, he said, we had come together to dedicate to
God and His service. Brother Snelson preached, choosing Luke xii.
32, as his text—“Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s
good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” A comparison was made
between the people to whom these words were spoken and these our
benighted brethren. The promises of God were dwelt upon. We must
trust in Him for salvation. The dedicatory prayer was then offered
by Rev. A. P. Miller. A hymn was sung. The right hand of fellowship
was given by Bro. A. E. White. The address was delivered by Rev. J.
Gomer. The Lord’s supper was then celebrated; Brothers Gomer and
Jackson presided. It was a solemn scene. The Doxology was sung,
and the benediction pronounced by A. P. Miller. The meeting was
one long to be remembered. One more stronghold is now erected in
this land of night to tear down the powers of darkness. We have all
reason to thank God for His blessings thus far. A better day is
dawning for these benighted, long-neglected sons of Africa.
Brother Gomer says that more laborers (colored) are wanted in his
mission. We, too, in a work so vast, can but ask God to prepare
such as are needed for a work so difficult.
We ask the prayers of all lovers of mankind that the work
begun here may not only succeed, but that its influence may be
far-reaching.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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