PROFESSOR CHASE IN AFRICA.
It has for some months seemed desirable to the Executive Committee that an experienced man, in the carefulness of whose inspection and the calmness of whose judgment they might fully rely, should go to see for them, with his own eyes, the field on the West Coast of Africa, the missionary band, and the work it is doing. The great difficulty has been to lay hands upon a man who should unite with the qualifications required the willingness and the ability to go. That obstacle has given way at last, and an embassy is on the way.
Prof. Thomas N. Chase had been detailed from his duties as an instructor in Greek at Atlanta, where his eminent abilities have been most fully proved by the annual examinations of his classes, and where his presence has been valued for his manifold service, for special duties in superintending the plans and erection of buildings in the Southern field. Some important preliminary work had been accomplished in that direction, when it was found that the money which was anticipated for this purpose would not be at the disposal of the Association for some months. Prof. Chase being thus open to our call, and being the man of all men we should have chosen for this post, the proposal was made to him that he should take this trip to the Mendi Mission, and inspect the work. After some hesitation, but with much less than was anticipated, and regarding the circumstances and the call as of the Lord, he consented, with the full agreement in his decision of his excellent and devoted wife.
On the sixth of December he sailed from New York for Liverpool, expecting to take the steamer thence to Freetown on the twentieth of December, and to be in the field at Good Hope by the middle of January. He is accompanied by the Rev. Joseph E. Smith, a graduate of Atlanta, who has been for three years in charge of important churches in the South, and in whom we have every reason to place the highest confidence. Mr. Smith will, we hope, conclude to remain with the mission, although that matter is left to his decision. We believe that he will do what he thinks the Master wishes. Meanwhile he will do good service as a companion of Prof. Chase, to care for him and aid him in the accomplishment of his work.
Important questions as to the permanent location of the stations, the distribution of the work among the missionaries, and their more complete equipment will be decided, and with the Lord’s blessing on them we hope for results of lasting value from this embassy.
It is just the time of the year when such a mission can most safely and effectively be prosecuted. They will reach the country and have three mouths of the dry season, if so long a time shall be needed, before it will be necessary that they should come away. They realize, as we do, that there is always some peril in going to the West Coast, especially for a white man; but the professor is in his prime, of sound health, and we believe will be so prudent in all matters of exposure and of living that we have no great fears for him. And yet, when we remember those who have fallen, we pray the Lord, and beg all the friends of Africa to join with us in the prayer, that He will keep these His servants from harm, will prosper them in their mission and bring them back in health.