Vol. XXXIII.
MAY, 1879.
No. 5.
American Missionary Association.
We wish to remind our readers that the offer of Mr. Arthington, as it has come under our consideration by the report of the Foreign Committee, and as it has been put before them by its publication in the Missionary for April, is still commended to their consideration, and open to acceptance or declinature, as they may decide. We are well aware that such great things are not to be lightly or suddenly decided. It is a subject which demands careful weighing, and all the light which may be gained from earthly as well as from heavenly sources. The first offer was not made suddenly or unadvisedly. Dr. O. H. White, of the Freedmen’s Aid Society of England, writes us that he conversed with Mr. Arthington about it more than a year ago, who said then, “I will think of it, and you pray earnestly that Robert Arthington may be led to a right decision.” We can say nothing better now. Do you, friends, think about it, and we will pray earnestly that you may be led to a right decision.
We have just received from the estate of the late Charles Avery, of Pittsburgh, Pa., $12,000 as an endowment, the interest to be used in the work of African evangelization. As the money has just come to hand as we are going to press, there has been no opportunity for action on the part of the Executive Committee as to its specific appropriation. It may be deemed advisable to use it in furtherance of the mission proposed to us by Mr. Arthington, of Leeds, England.
In behalf of Africa and her descendants on two continents, we cannot forbear another tribute to the memory of Mr. Avery, and to his executors who have so faithfully carried out his benevolent wishes.