Some seven or eight German ministers are laboring among their countrymen in various parts.
Yours, very truly,
A. L. Blackford.
I am also informed that a Presbytery was organized yesterday, by these three Presbyterian ministers, to be in communication with the Synod of Baltimore. Senor Conceicão having preached his trial sermon this morning, is to be ordained this afternoon. It was delivered at the house of Mr. Blackford, in the presence of a mixed auditory, of which Dr. Shaw, Major Meriwether and myself formed a part. As he spoke Portuguese, I could only gather a few ideas, and the others had to draw upon their imagination entirely; but, like the deaf man in regard to William C. Preston, we could say he made the motions well.
Afternoon. Since writing the above, I witnessed the ordination of Senor José Manoel de Conceicão (formerly a priest of the Roman Catholic church) as a minister of the gospel in the Presbyterian faith, of the Protestant church. He was interrogated by the Rev. A. L. Blackford, who was joined by the Rev. A. G. Simonton, and the Rev. F. J. C. Schneider, in the laying on of hands, while Senor Conceicão kneeled in their midst. Mr Simonton then delivered an address, at the close of which Senor Conceicão spoke with deep feeling and the most humble appreciation of his new relations.
This event indicates an important epoch in the progress of Protestantism in this papal land, and the character of the individual, with his influence among the people, will doubtless have considerable effect upon the public mind. He has manifested much independence in separating himself from the associations of Romanism; and his appearance bespeaks the character of a high-toned, intelligent gentleman.
Monday, December 18, 1865.
Our trunks were packed and all our baggage arranged for taking our departure early this morning; but it was found that there were still wanting two pack-mules and a pack-saddle to equip us for the tour.
Upon the proffer of Dr. Shaw to pay for the pack-saddle, one was purchased by Mr. Bennaton, at the round figure of thirty ($30.00) dollars. Our friend Mr. Sampson procured two additional mules, and the outfit was pronounced complete.
The President of the province having given Mr. Bennaton the requisite document and funds for proceeding with us, our party left the capital at half-past two o’clock P. M., after a detention of five days for preparation.