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[97]
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Mr. Seys records that his experience as a missionary
in Liberia prompted him to visit these emigrants on board ship,
just preparatory to their departure, and at the request of Mr.
Herndon, make them a short address. He then writes: "I closed my
remarks and Mr. Herndon followed me." The latter said: "I may not
see you again, I may as well say all I have to say now." And then
he became so choked for utterance, and tears fell so fast that a
silence ensued only broken by sighs and sobs of the entire party.
Again he continued:
"My heart is too full. I can hardly speak. You know how we have
lived together. Servants, hear me, we have been brothers and
sisters, we have grown up together. We have done the best for you.
For two or three years this has been contemplated and you are now
on the point of starting for the land of your ancestors. Besides
your freedom, we have spent $2,000.00 in procuring everything we
could think of to make you comfortable—clothing, bedding,
implements of husbandry, mechanics' tools, books for the children,
Bibles, a family Bible for each family, all these have been
provided, and when you have been there some few months, we will
send you out another supply of provisions and will continue to do
so. And now, you three brethren, who formed the committee
appointed by the church to watch over your brethren, a word to
you. You are chosen to admonish, guide, counsel the others, not to
lord it over them, but gently and kindly to watch over their
souls; and now, may God bless you. I can never forget you. Write
to me, Washington, you can write; I have provided you with paper.
Keep a journal, put all of your names down, even the children, and
write opposite to each one everything that happens concerning you.
I shall feel much interested in hearing from you—especially will
your Miss Frances. (Here the bare mention of their almost adored
mistress started their grief afresh.) Now, as we may never meet
again, let us part with prayer, let all kneel down, and Brother
Seys will lead in prayer to Almighty God for you all." We knelt
there, and under feelings words but poorly express, engaged in
prayer as best we could amid cries and sobs and tears.
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