FOUR NEW MISSIONARIES FOR AFRICA.
Many an experiment has failed because entered upon half-heartedly, and tried on too small a scale to succeed. The height of wisdom is to find the true line on which caution and courage meet. It has been the purpose of the Association to do its part in the evangelization of Africa, by missionaries of African descent, and to begin in that effort so soon as our schools should begin to furnish those qualified for such important work.
Last fall, when, after the return of Mr. Billheimer and the death of Barnabas Root, the Mendi Mission needed rëinforcement, the new policy was begun by sending Messrs. Snelson, James and White to the field. They arrived in due time, and entered at once heartily upon their work. They have had some slight illnesses—almost, if not quite all of them having suffered somewhat in the process of acclimation—but at last accounts all were well again. If we are fully informed, they have endured less inconvenience from this cause than we anticipated.
But the mission was still weak—Bro. Snelson the only minister. Two of the white missionary helpers, who had been in the field before, soon withdrew in impaired health. It was deemed wise, and, indeed, indispensable, for the successful prosecution of the work, that the ranks should be at once filled. It was decided to send three single men, or better, if possible, two married men with their wives. A letter was written to Fisk University, stating the need, which was read without comment, at prayers, Feb. 8th.
God’s Spirit took the message to the heart of Andrew E. Jackson, and sent it by him to Albert Miller, and through them to Ella M. Hildridge and Ada J. Roberts (also students at Fisk), to whom they were respectively engaged, and three days later the four offered themselves willingly for this far-off field. The faculty recognized at once their fitness for the work; they were among the best and brightest and most advanced of the students in their respective departments. The four met daily for prayer together, and their convictions and purposes were daily strengthened. The Executive Committee accepted them promptly, and felt it necessary to press their speedy departure, that they might reach the west coast of Africa before the wet season should set in, when the conditions for their acclimature would be less favorable than earlier.
On Saturday of that week a council was convened, which, on the following day, Sunday, Feb. 17th, ordained the two young men to the Gospel ministry, they having each had considerable experience in preaching. A farewell meeting of the students was also held on the same day, full of heartiness and fervor, at which the following resolution was unanimously adopted:
“In consideration of the call of God to our brethren, to labor in Africa, and in consideration of the many hours spent together in Christian communion,
“Resolved, That we devote a portion of each Sabbath morning to prayer especially for them in their labors on the African shores, that they may be abundantly blessed, both spiritually and physically, and enabled to do good work for the Master.”
We have no fear of a lack of missionary zeal henceforth in Fisk University. But the manifestation of interest in this event was not confined within its walls. All Nashville seemed aglow with friendly enthusiasm. Dr. Rand, of the First Cumberland Presbyterian Church, invited Miller into his pulpit, at the close of the Sunday morning service, to address the congregation, which took up a liberal collection for the outfit of the young missionaries. Their ages range from twenty-one to twenty-seven. The Theological students of Vanderbilt University invited them to an interview on Sunday afternoon, at which they were most kindly received; and after prayers together, and conversation, were the recipients of presents of books and money.