ARTHINGTON MISSION—THE OUTLOOK.
To those who are acquainted with the fact, that there is not a single Protestant missionary in the Nile Basin proper, from the Albert Lake to the Lybian Desert, the subject of this article will be of profound interest. Is Ethiopia stretching out her hands to God, or will she do so soon? For a reply to these questions, the eye turns, just now, to this Association and the progress of the proposed Arthington Mission. We have considered Mr. Arthington’s proffered aid, and have sounded the call for men and means. Expectations have been raised, money has been contributed, and the service of experienced missionaries tendered. There have been so many disasters in connection with Central African Missions, so much delay has been caused by unexpected obstacles, and such sacrifices of health and life have been experienced, that we have felt constrained to proceed with the greatest caution. The courage and faith of God’s people may be sustained for a time by displays of enterprise, daring, and readiness to give one’s life for a good cause. Indeed, such exhibitions are essential; but a time comes when nothing will satisfy but solid success. Our earnest prayer from the beginning has been, that we might be led to enter upon work in the Nile Basin, if at all, in a manner that would give promise of great and permanent usefulness. We have, therefore, endeavored during the past year to gather information from every available source, and, especially, from persons who have been engaged in the service of the Egyptian Government. In this, we have been fortunate.
Col. C. C. Long, of New York, who visited Mtesa’s kingdom on the Nile, has kindly responded to our calls upon him, whenever questions of interest about which he was informed, have arisen. More than a year ago, we submitted to him in writing a list of thirty-nine questions for the purpose of obtaining information on every matter of interest in connection with the Mission. To these questions, he responded fully in writing.
Last autumn, Col. H. G. Prout, who had served for two years and a half on Gordon Pasha’s staff in ancient Ethiopia, established himself in New York. At our request, he gave us several interviews of great interest and profit. During his stay in Central Africa, he had carefully surveyed the route from Souakim to Berber, of which we have a full report. He had also surveyed the countries of Kordofan and Darfur, after which, with a view to the acceptance of the governorship of the Upper Nile Basin, he proceeded to Mrooli, by way of the White Nile and the Albert Lake, traversing the country we propose to occupy. He kindly reviewed with us the responses given by Colonel Long, and added valuable information.
Prof. Chase, on his return from Africa to London, submitted the information, received from Col. Prout and Col. Long, to Gordon Pasha, who at that time was in England, and from him gathered in writing additional and valuable knowledge of the country, and the methods of procedure necessary for entering it. Prof. Chase also obtained an interview with Dr. Felkin, of the Church Missionary Society, who had just returned from Mtesa’s kingdom, by the way of the Nile and Souakim. From these gentlemen, and the current literature of the year pertaining to the Nile Basin, we are prepared to re-affirm and supplement the statements made by us a year ago:—
1.—The country is accessible. Col. Prout’s survey from Souakim on the Red Sea to Berber on the Nile, a distance of 240 miles, is reported with such fullness of detail as to familiarize the reader with almost every mile of the journey, impressing him with the feeling that a trip over the road at the right season would prove a pleasurable pastime. From Berber to the mouth of the Sobat, the northern border of the territory selected for the Mission, steamers with suitable accommodations ply with more or less regularity. To this it may be added that abundant supplies, except medicines, can be purchased along the route.
2.—The negroes from the Sobat to the Equator have not been Mohammedanized. They are real heathen, in very needy circumstances, and would, doubtless, welcome missionary endeavors, especially if trade and industries were promoted in connection with religious teachings.
3.—The efforts of the missionaries would have a very wholesome influence upon the Egyptian officials, and serve to check the slave-trade and to ameliorate the condition of slaves.
4.—It would be the part of wisdom to locate our first stations where the people are already protected by the Egyptian Government, as their flag would be sure to follow if new fields were opened, and with it, temporary disturbance. Pressure should be brought to bear upon the Khedive for obtaining permission to navigate the Nile with steam-boats, and for freedom and protection while pursuing missionary work at the points selected.
5.—While it would be desirable to commence at once, for many reasons, among the Obbo and Latooka, south-east of Gondokoro, yet it would probably be the part of prudence to plant our first station near the mouth of the Sobat, where the country is rolling and well-wooded, and the people of the Nouer tribe are friendly to missionary endeavors. From this point, there is frequent and not difficult communication with Khartum, which is a sufficient base of supplies. From the mouth of the Sobat, mission stations may be extended throughout the region we hope to occupy.
6.—A rendezvous might wisely be established at Berber, where a fruitful oasis affords supplies. This locality is said to be healthy, and, being situated on the Nile in the southern portion of the desert, free from African fever. If a steamer is secured for the Mission, the missionaries, in case of sickness or need of changes, could easily resort to Berber, spending a portion of the more unhealthy season; and possibly, meanwhile, developing a Mission at that point.
7.—The aid rendered by the Egyptian authorities to the United Presbyterian, of America, who have established 35 mission stations in Lower Egypt, gives promise of a good measure of protection and co-operation. Although the Mohammedans as such, and, especially, the slave-dealers, are sure to look with disfavor upon Protestant missions in the Nile Basin; yet, American and English influence is sufficient to assure such toleration as is needful, while the real heathen, to whom we hope to minister, have no political or other reasons for discouraging our efforts.
From the information gained during the year, we are encouraged to believe that as soon as the means, now being gathered in Great Britain and America, is sufficient to warrant us in inaugurating the Arthington Mission, we can safely and wisely enter upon the work. The amount to be made up is a little less than $15,000. May the Lord hasten His work in His own good time.