JOHN BROWN MEMORIAL STEAMER.
We call attention once more to the John Brown steamer. Scarcely a day passes that we do not receive contributions for it, and yet, as the sums are small, it will require much more to furnish the amount needed. As to the value of the steamer we give below a letter from the Rev. Geo. Thompson. No man in the world is a better judge than he of its necessity for the use of the mission. He was for many years a missionary at the Mendi Mission, was indefatigable in his labors, made wide explorations in the regions round-about, exerted a vast and wholesome influence over the people, exposed himself to the dangers of the climate, and only gave up the work on which his heart was so much set after the failure of the health of his family. His gift, so large in his circumstances, for the John Brown steamer is as strong an attestation of his appreciation of its worth, as his earnest and eloquent words. Read his letter and help us to complete the amount.
Dear Bro.—I notice the intention to build a steamer for the Mendi Mission; Glory to God! My heart rejoices. This, more than almost any other human means, will help the mission. I well know the need of such a craft, having been back and forth so many times in canoes, sometimes old, leaky ones, and my wife and many others have suffered greatly in those long and rough canoe voyages from and to Sierra Leone, often terrible and dangerous. Speed the steamer, and may the blessing of the Lord rest upon the enterprise.
My heart leaps for joy at the prospect. I hasten to send my first earned money (by hard labor) since reading the last Missionary, to help build this John Brown memorial steamer. I send it with joy and thanksgiving.
In order that old and young may have a part in this work, we have arranged to issue four grades of shares, as follows: First Grade, $100; Second Grade, $10; Third Grade, $5; Fourth Grade, $1.
All donations for this purpose should be forwarded to H. W. Hubbard, Treasurer of the American Missionary Association, 56 Reade St., New York.