We are indebted to Dr. L. T. Chamberlain, of Norwich, Conn., for a copy of a valuable missionary concert exercise prepared for the use of his church and Sabbath-schools. The exercise is separated into three divisions, each of which forms a series of responsive readings. 1. Responsive Scripture readings. 2. Statements of the object of the concert—missions and the world’s conversion. 3. Missionary agencies. Under this latter division is outlined a series of questions and answers showing the work carried on by the American Home Missionary Society, the American Missionary Association and the American Board. We commend this missionary concert exercise as suitable for general use, and eminently fitted to bring the Sabbath-schools especially into more intimate relations with the work of our great missionary societies.
The New York, Madeira and West Coast of Africa Steamship Company, which has been recently projected, is likely to be of much service, both to commerce and to Christian missions. The names of the incorporators include those of Wm. E. Dodge, John D. Fish, Joseph W. Yates, Robert Porterfield, and other well-known capitalists. These gentlemen have both the means and the experience requisite, and we have a right to conclude that the company will have its ships ready for service at an early day. The capital stock is $100,000, with a proviso allowing an increase of capital to $4,000,000, and the company is to continue for twenty years. The President, Mr. James W. Yates, of the firm of Yates & Porterfield, has been for years engaged in the West African Trade, and the missionaries of this Association have frequently passed on their way to and from our Mendi Mission in his vessels.
The recent impulse that has been given to commerce by the activity in promoting internal improvements, such as telegraph and railway systems, from the mouth of the Gambia to the Niger, together with the rapid development of industries, especially those pertaining to gold mining, the production of palm oil, and the culture of coffee, give promise of large trade between New York and this portion of Africa. The number of missionaries, as well as the number of colonists for Liberia and elsewhere, will be sure to multiply with the increase of wealth among the colored people of America, and the improved facilities for reaching the land of their fathers.
We regard this enterprise as auspicious, and one of the many providential events looking toward the early evangelization of the vast tribes of people in Central Africa. May God speed this new steamship company in His own good way!
We have seen the report of the Fourteenth Street Presbyterian Sabbath-school of this city, which is at once suggestive and most encouraging as to what may be done in the way of systematic giving. The Creed of the school, if heartily accepted, would secure such results in all our Sabbath-schools and churches. This Creed contains the following articles:
We believe, I. That every one should help others to the Gospel.
II. That every one should help as much as he can.
III. That every one should find this work for others blessed and helpful to himself.