D. F. WIIBERFORCE 
 
 
tihrary of tire Itheolo^ical ^tminaxy 
 
 PRINCETON • NEW JERSEY 
 
 PRESENTED BY 
 
 Rufus H. LeFevre 
 
HERBRO AND THE SHERBROS; 
 
 \ Native African's Account of His 
 Country and People. 
 
 DANIEL F. WiLBERFORCE. 
 
 ' Whereas thou hast been forsaken and hated, so that no man went through 
 i€, I will make thee an eternal excellency, a joy of roany generations." 
 6a: 15. 
 
 dayton, ohio: 
 United Brethren Publishing House: 
 
 1S86. 
 
J 
 
I 
 
V 
 
 REV D. F. WILBERFORCE. 
 
I 
 
 SHERBRO IND THE SHERBROS: 
 
 OR, 
 
 A Native African's Account o 
 Country and People. 
 
 DANIEL F. WILBERFORCE. 
 
 "Whereas thou hast been forsaken and hated, so that no man went through 
 thee, I will make thee an eternal excellency, a joy of manj'^generations." 
 Isa. 60 : 15. 
 
 dayton, ohio: 
 United Brethren Publishing House: 
 
 i^^l 
 
Digitized by tine Internet Archive 
 
 in 2009 witii funding from 
 
 Princeton Tiieoiogicai Seminary Library 
 
 littp://www.arcliive.org/details/slierbrosherbrosoOOwilb 
 
 : .' ft r 
 
PREKACB. 
 
 The author of tlris pamphlet is a man whose history must be highly interesting 
 to all friends of the missionary cause. It is fitting that a brief account of his 
 life accompany this work. 
 
 Daniel Flickinger Wilberforce was born on Sberbro Island, near the 
 mainland, on the west coast of Africa, February 24, 1857, and is therefore now 
 twenty-nine years of age. His parents had been converted to Christianity before 
 he was born, so that he is not, and never has been anything approximating a 
 heathen. His parents, after their conversion, took the name of the great English 
 philanthropist. Rev. D. K. Flickinger (now bishop of the United Brethren in 
 Christ) was then laboring as a missionary in Africa, and the parents named their 
 boy for this man of God. 
 
 Late in the year of 187 1, Mr. Wilberforce found his way to New York in com- 
 pany with a returning missionary; and shortly after, Mr. Flickinger, by the 
 advice of the Missionary Board, brought young Daniel to Dayton, Ohio, where 
 he was at once placed in the public schools. He passed through the several 
 grades of the District, Intermediate, and High school, and took one year of 
 special studies in Union Biblical Seminary, in seven years. When Mr. Wilber- 
 force graduated from the High School, he received one of the three diplomas of 
 SPECIAL HONOR. His personal bearing, thrilling graduating address, and high 
 standing in his class drew from his many friends and the immense audience 
 present most emphatic outbursts of applause. 
 
 After selecting a Christian lady of Dayton for a life companion, Miss Lizzie 
 Harris, to whom he was married October 17, 1878, Mr. Wilberforce sailed for his 
 native land under the auspices of the United Brethren Missionary Society, in the 
 autumn of 1878. 
 
 His faith and zeal in the work of preaching the Gospel to his fellow-country- 
 men soon attracted the attention of all in any way acquainted with the missionary 
 efforts on the Western coast of Africa. To a remarkable degree his health and 
 strength were prolonged. At the close of six years' successful labor, owing to 
 
 ^ / ^1 
 
some decline of his own health, and the necessity of a change of climate for a 
 time on the part of Mrs. Wilberforce (her health being greatly impaired), it was 
 deemed wise to return to America for a season of rest, and other needed qualifi- 
 cations for their work in Africa, Accordingly, they sailed for New York in 
 April, 1885. Since their arrival, Mr. Wilberforce has been actively engaged in 
 traTeling, preaching, lecturing, and collecting money for the work to which he 
 has consecrated his life. 
 
 As Africa is a very sickly country, a knowledge of medicine is almost essential 
 to the successful career of a missionary. Hence, as soon as he returned to Dayton, 
 he began the study of medicine under the tutors'hip of Dr, William Webster, an 
 eminent practitioner of the city, and in due time he repaired to Cleveland, Ohio, 
 where he pursued with great industry and faithfulness a course of medical 
 lectures, thus fitting himself to go on in the study and practice of the healing 
 art with great usefulness among his native Sherbros. He will sail for Africa 
 again in a few days. ' j' 
 
 His pamphlet will speak for itself. It has been prepared with great pains by 
 one eminently qualified by experience, culture, and piety for the task. He 
 glories in the Cross as being the true remedy for his countrymen's woes, and 
 is both able and willing to give a reason for the hope that is in him, both for 
 
 himself and his fellows. "' 
 
 'Wm. McKee. 
 Dayton, Ohio, August i, 1886, 
 
 A 
 
RUFUS H. LT-EVEri 
 
 INDKX. 
 
 I. Resources Long Hidden 7 
 
 II. I,ove of Country and Countrymen 8 
 
 III. Work of United Brethren 8 
 
 IV. l,aws and Government 10 
 
 V. Husbands and Wives 11 
 
 VI. Homes 12 
 
 VII. Hospitalit}^ ij 
 
 ^^iii. African Children 16 
 
 IX. Animals, Insecfls, Oysters ig 
 
 X. Farms 21 
 
 XI. Religions and Institutions 23 
 
 XII. Mohammedan Deception 26 
 
 XIII. Societies 26 
 
 XIV. Missionary' Elfforts 27 
 
 XV. Plans and Methods 
 
 XVI. A United States Officer's Testimonv. 
 
 33 
 33 
 
 XVII. Colonization •7. 
 
 xviii. More Work for Christ 35 
 
 5 
 
^HEJRBRO AND THE) ^HElRBRO^, 
 
 I I. RESOURCES LONG HIDDEN. 
 
 It is more than two hundred and fifty years since the European visited 
 the west coast of Africa for business purposes. His traffic was then in 
 human beings. A wonderful change has taken place; the sons of those 
 who robbed and despoiled Africa, and entailed untold miseries upon her, 
 are now presenting to her the true panacea for these woes, — the^Gospel. 
 Commercial relations have also changed, so that, instead of cargoes of 
 human souls, we have a growing commerce in palm kernels and oil, ivory, 
 gum, ginger, hides, gold-dust, diamonds, etc. Yet it is surprising that during 
 so many years of intercourse the interior remained closed to the foreigner. 
 While I do not regard lightly the adventures and explorations of Messrs. 
 Baker, Burton, Speke, Grant, and others, who have published and given 
 to the world some knowledge of the people met in their travels through the 
 wilds of Africa, yet it is but fair to say it is only recently that, through the 
 labors of the great Dr. Livingstone, and explorations and accounts given 
 by Mr. Stanley, that the foreigner has been permitted to gaze into the in- 
 terior of a country, marvelous in its extent and vast resources ; the grandeur 
 of its natural scenery, with a soil capable of the highest development. 
 
 Has not the God whose hand hath led the nations, permitted that country 
 to remain so long unknown that Christianity might achieve her greatest 
 triumphs in the dark continent ? The fact alone that the valley of the Congo 
 was opened, and the "Free State" established, the leading nations of the 
 world consenting, without the shedding of one drop of blood in war, seems 
 to me the beginning of triumphs. 
 
 The population is variously estimated. Until more accurate statistics are 
 obtained, we must be satisfied to place our population at 250,000,000. Two 
 
hundred and fifty millions of beings, created in God's image to hear the 
 gospel, is a fact that ought to awaken the church of Christ to a just sense 
 of its responsibility and the immensity of the field to be occupied. 
 
 The country on the west coast is, for the most part, low and almost level, 
 (there are exceptions), but the land rises gradually toward the interior, and 
 there we have the same variety in soil that you find elsewhere. This fact 
 has led some to believe that the interior higher locations are much more to 
 be preferred for health, even for the European or American. 
 
 The people are divided into various tribes, speaking different dialects, and 
 differing somewhat in respect to customs, manners, and dispositions. A 
 marked difference in physical appearance and intellectual capacity is ap- 
 parent to an observant mind. Upward of 400 dialects are spoken. The 
 Veys, or Gallinas tribe, has reduced its dialect to a written language. 
 
 Some of the tribes found on or near the coast are known as Foolahs, 
 Mandingo, Soosoo, Limbah, Timneh, Sherbro, Mendi, Lok-Koh, Vey, Bassa 
 Kro, Aku, Ebo, etc. In treating this subject I shall speak almost wholly of 
 the Sherbro people and the neighboring tribes, Mendi and Timneh. 
 
 § II. LOVE OF COUNTRY AND COUNTRYMEN. 
 
 It was my fortune to be born in Africa, of African parentage. I am 
 identified with the Sherbro people, although my father belongs to another 
 tribe. I share with my people the humiliating thought of our benighted 
 condition. And, painful as it is to speak of my heathen brethren and their 
 condition, yet, if I can by this arouse you to give expression to your sym- 
 pathy, or in any way tend to hasten the glad day of gospel light, I shall 
 cheerfully undergo its mortification. 
 
 I am aware that any attempt to present a picture of heathen life must 
 fall far short of the reality. Especially is it a condition difficult for you to 
 imagine, surrounded as you are by comforts and the blessings of life, and 
 with the influences of a Bible Christianity. 
 
 § III, WORK OF UNITED. BRETHREN. 
 
 The church of the United Brethren in Christ has its mission in the terri- 
 tory of the Sherbro people of the west coast. Sherbro proper is an extensive 
 country. It lies immediately below Sierra Leone, and north of Liberia, 
 about 6° to 8° north of the equator, and includes what are known as the 
 Ribbee, Bompeh, Plantain and Cockborough, Bargroo, Impereh, Jong, 
 
9 
 
 Boom, and Kittim territories. Tlie dialects of the country are Sherbro, but 
 the dialects of neighboring tribes, Mendi and Timneh, and few others, are 
 .extensively spoken. 
 
 The country is thickly populated. The inhabitants live in towns and 
 villages, the larger and greater number of towns being found away from 
 the coast. Each town has its headman or chief, while each district and 
 territory has its chieftain. This crowding of the people into towns is for 
 protection. Here they sleep and have their homes. During the farming 
 season those who do farm-work go out and work during the day, but return 
 to the town at night. Those whose farm-work carries them a great distance 
 often build temporary sheds, and there stay a part of the time, or during 
 the entire farm season. The houses, as a rule, are closely built together. 
 This is especially so in large towns that must be fortified during a time 
 of war. 
 
 The construction of a native house is very simple. The tools required 
 are an ax and matchet, or cutlass. These are to be used for cutting posts, 
 rafters, ropes, bamboo or palm branches, or grass for covering the house. 
 A hoe must be added, with which to dig the clay. The posts are set in 
 holes in the ground, and so cut or forked at the top as to support the beams 
 laid across. These are secured with ropes, the rafters are thrown up so as 
 to meet around a central post at the top, thus making an acute angle, if the 
 house is a round one, or they rest upon a cross-bar if it is rectangular in 
 form. The rafters are lathed and covered with palm branches or grass, or 
 with a kind of shingles made of bamboo leaves pinned together. Between 
 the posts are inserted small sticks; this is a peculiar process of lathing. 
 The body of the building is then ready for the clay, which is applied ex- 
 ternally as well as internally. A house like this, if cared for, the roof kept 
 in order, may stand ten or fifteen years, indeed would last longer, if it was 
 not for the white ants that eat the wooden portion of the building. Some 
 of the inhabitants of Sherbro islamd enclose the sides of their huts with 
 mats made of bamboo reeds. 
 
 A wall several feet high, or palisades three to four in number, serves as a 
 fortification. Sentinels keep close watch through the night. This precau- 
 tion is necessary, for the war-boys in this part of the coast seldom attack 
 during the day, nor do they meet as regularly-organized armies in open 
 field to battle. 
 
10 
 
 You will understand from this statement that wars are of frequent occur- 
 rence between the tribes. The stronger and more restless ones will attack 
 the weaker, and these wars are not so much to avenge wrongs as for the 
 purpose of plunder. The prisoners of war may be men, women, and chil- 
 dren, who are afterward retained as slaves, or sold, and, in the case of 
 the women, sometimes forced to become the wives of their captors. 
 
 In a visit made into the Mendi country, I saw the remains of a peculiar 
 prison that had been occasionally used for captives taken in war. It had 
 been the property of a noted warrior, who, because of his many successes 
 in his campaigns, was said to have help from his " devil." The prison was 
 an immense hollow tree, with an aperture a number of feet from the ground, 
 reached by a ladder. Prisoners destined to a sacrifice to this devil were 
 cast into this tree and left to starve to death. "The dark places of the 
 earth are filled with the habitations of cruelty." 
 
 ^ IV. LAWS AND GOVERNMENT. 
 
 An important point of interest in each town is the chief's barra, a build- 
 ing different from the rest and generally larger, having a roof, but open on 
 all sides. In this barra the chief and his advisers, or elders, of the town 
 are found. This is the first point visited by the stranger when he comes to 
 a town; for he must make his presence known to the chief, and "shake 
 his hands," before he can find a resting-place. Here public councils are 
 held, cases of dispute argued; for, while there are no written laws regu- 
 lating the conduct of citizens, the rights of men are regarded, and the people 
 controlled by customs and laws that have been handed down by the fathers. 
 Very seldom do we hear of murders among native Sherbros, and such 
 scenes as you read about in your daily journals, that are so common here, 
 are unusual. The slightest as well as the gravest offenses are carried be- 
 fore the chief, and there argued ; if necessary, lawyers plead, and some of 
 them are eloquent. The matter is then decided by the chief, if alone, 
 or by himseli and council. This decision is, as a rule, final. Occasional 
 laws are proclaimed by the Purrow, the chief secret-society of the country. 
 Such laws are general. Cases of theft are decided in various ways. 
 Murders, when they occur at all, are settled by taking the life of the 
 murderer, or he may be given up to the friends of the murdered person, 
 who may do with him as they think best, — kill him or sell him and his 
 
11 
 
 family as slaves. The question has been asked me many times, "Is it 
 your opinion that the heathen will meet a future punishment?" Possibly 
 not, because of the mere fact of their being heathens. Yet we must first 
 decide whether heathen nations do not have some standard by which they 
 know this or that to be right or wrong ; and if so, whether they live up to 
 their own standard, for by that we must judge them. The Bible answer 
 to the question is given in Romans, 2: 14. "When the Gentiles which 
 have not the law do by nature the things contained in the law, these hav- 
 ing not the law are a law unto themselves; which shew the law written in 
 their hearts (or, the work of the law in their hearts), their consciences 
 also bearing witness, and their thoughts, the meanwhile, accusing or else 
 excusing one another." 
 
 \ V. HUSBANDS AND WIVES. 
 
 I would not have you infer that we catch all our wives in war. Each man 
 may engage his wife according to the country fashion. This is done as 
 follows : Friends of the man wishing a wife visit the home of the parents or 
 relatives of the girl to be engaged ; the " wine-money " or present is paid for 
 the girl. Here customs vary with tribes, and even with families. Some 
 are particular as to the person making the application, a few ask the girl's 
 consent, but, as a rule, the decision of parents is final. We pay much at- 
 tention to, and regard as binding upon us what our parents say. Occa- 
 sionally girls are engaged quite young, but do not go to their husbands for 
 years after. 
 
 Polygamy is a custom of the country, and it is a common occurrence for 
 men to have any number of wives, from one up. I have known men who 
 had over one hundred wives. But you must take into consideration the 
 fact that the African does not look upon this thing as a crime or sin; ta 
 him it is the custom received from his ancestors, and his social standing or 
 influence is enhanced in proportion to the number of slaves and wives he 
 has. The women, on the other hand, often regard it a matter whereof to 
 be proud to be called the "king's wives," or the wives of a "big man." 
 Neither regard it as a crime against society, nor do they see that true 
 love can not exist under the system of polygamy, nor can fathers have that 
 natural affection for their children ; that by it womanhood is debased, 
 jealousies incited, not only among the women, but children of the same 
 
.12 
 
 father and different mothers, and that unfaithfulness must be a necessary 
 outgrowth. I can say, however, that most of the young ladies who have 
 come under Christian influence have refused to accept polygamous engage- 
 ments; some have, however, been forced by their own parents to submit. 
 
 The lot of woman is everywhere a hard one, till that condition is amelio- 
 rated by the influences of a pure Christianity. In Africa her condition is 
 no exception ; indeed, if anything, it is worse. She is married not because 
 she is considered the equal and fit companion for her husband, but to 
 serve his pleasure; and if in return for this service she should receive the 
 most unkind treatment, she has no redress. 
 
 I once saw a women who had a rope around her neck, her hands tied 
 behind her back, the other end of the rope in the hands of a man who was 
 beating her. I supposed first that she was a slave. When I remonstrated 
 with him for this brutal conduct upon the highway, he said it was all right ; 
 she was his wife, had run away, and now that he had got her back he 
 would " learn her sense." I have heard and read of men in your civilized 
 country who undertook to teach their wives sense by beating them ; thejlaw 
 took the matter in hand, and in turn taught them sense. But in the case 
 referred to, the chief of the town had given permission. 
 
 Ladies of America, let me make an appeal to your sympathy for the 
 women of my country, many of whom from the nature of things are my 
 own relatives ; for you can help them if you will. " What can you do ? " 
 Send to them, to their country, the Gospel; it is the balm for every woe. 
 Educate them ; elevate the young people, the girls, who are to become the 
 mothers of the future ; give them such a training as will make them intelli- 
 gent, virtuous and industrious wives and mothers ; educate for them the 
 boys who are to become their husbands — make them Christian men, fit 
 companions for their wives. 
 
 Our ladies in Africa are intelligent and industrious. In cases where 
 they are rulers of towns and country, they have shown skill and tact equal 
 to most men and superior to many. 
 
 I VI. HOMES. 
 
 The homes of our people are the rudely constructed huts previously de- 
 scribed, with little or no furniture. But our more civilized natives display 
 good taste in building and making their homes comfortable and attractive. 
 Indeed, some have built splendid residences. 
 
13 
 
 The principal article of food is rice. Cassava, sweet-potatoes, yams,, 
 cocoa, etc., are cultivated to some extent ; also tropical fruits, as oranges, 
 bananas, pine-apples, mangoes, guavas, and many more. Our ''bill of 
 fare" is not extensive, nor does it call for many cooking utensils or dishes. 
 We use no stoves as a rule, but our cooking is done in open fire-places, 
 while the pot or sauce-pan rests upon three stones or supports. For fuel 
 we use wood. 
 
 To prepare a first-class meal you want rice, fish or chicken, palm-oil, 
 salt, onions or yarbas, and pepper ; the latter is indispensable. The rice 
 as it comes from the farm must first be carefully hulled. This is done in a 
 wooden mortar, and the rice pounded with a stick or wooden pestle. This 
 is done by women and children. It is then boiled in sauce-pans or pots as 
 only African women can prepare rice. The stew may consist of chickens, 
 fish, or anything that may come within the range of one's taste. Sometimes 
 the meat is made into palaver sauce, — a dish that must be tasted to know 
 what it is. If my commendation is worth anything, I can vouch for its 
 palatableness. This or the stew is prepared in a separate vessel. The rice 
 is then served, generally rice and stew served in one dish, sometimes sep- 
 arately. I must say our African ladies excel in the preparation of a rice 
 meal. One or more persons eat out of a dish or bowl. Instead of the slow 
 process of eating with a knife and fork, we prefer to use that instrument 
 that was given us for the purpose,— the hand. The foofoo is a preparatioa 
 from the cassava, and is eaten with palaver sauce, but is one of those 
 things that are really pleasant to taste, but hard to describe. The best thing 
 about a native meal is that it costs so little. In an ordinary-sized family, 
 such a meal as I have described may cost from two to five cents per in- 
 dividual. It is possible to live in Freetown for five to ten cents a day. You 
 must understand that we can be extravagant, sometimes, with food, as you 
 are in this country. The more wealthy ones and people of Freetown, who 
 have acquired different tastes, often have a bill of fare something like yours. 
 At any rate, they know how to prepare them, as our wedding-feasts at 
 Shaingay and other places have proven. 
 
 § VII. HOSPITALITY. 
 
 No people show greater hospitality to strangers than do Africans. The 
 first act of hospitality is to give the stranger water in which to bathe.. 
 Native-made cloth must be provided, even though he may have brought 
 
14 
 
 his own. Food is supplied him as long as he continues a guest. But to 
 secure this attention and good will, it is necessary to comply with the 
 custom of "shaking the chief's hand," which is required of strangers, 
 both Africans and foreigners. 
 
 During my stay in Africa I made several trips, visiting very many towns 
 within reach from all our principal stations, twice going beyond the Sherbro 
 territories. The first trip was made in i86i, to the Yawnie territory; the 
 second to the Mendi country, during January, 1885; the expense attending 
 both being borne by myself. As the Mendis and Yawnies are regarded as 
 the most restless and warlike of the tribes of our part of Africa, I shall here 
 give examples of their conduct toward strangers. I had formed the ac- 
 quaintance of a chieftain of the Mendi country, who gave me a hearty 
 invitation to visit him, saying, also, that his chief, the late Carjoe, of that 
 territory, would be pleased to see me, as they had already heard about me. 
 On reaching the country, I repaired to the residence of my friend, the 
 sub-chief, who at once informed Carjoe of my arrival. To honor the 
 stranger, the chief called to see me. We "shook hands " formally, I giv- 
 ing several yards of goods, which he accepted thankfully, but declined 
 hearing anything I had to say as to my business till he should give tokens 
 of welcome. Said he: "I can't talk business with a hungry stranger, hence 
 I must first look for something for you to eat." So I was left in the care of 
 his sub-chief, who, for our entertainment in a small way till the return of 
 the chief, provided a goat and basket of rice already hulled. Two days 
 afterward the chief came in state, attended by a retinue of women and men, 
 the former his wives (for he had about two hundred). One woman carried 
 his ^un on her shoulder, another carried his sword, a third his shot-pouch, 
 a fourth his parasol, while a male-servant, whose place was to sit at the 
 chief's feet, carried a bunch of keys. Several others carried baskets of 
 rice, two pieces of cloth of native manufacture, and a large sheep. "This 
 small (?) quantity of rice," he said, "will enable you to get strength after 
 your long journey. And the sheep you may roast, instead of a chicken, 
 till I can get you something better." When I left him some days later, — 
 rather too soon to get the "cow" that was to have been killed for my 
 entertainment, — he gave six country-made cloths to be used for my comfort 
 during the return home. I wish to say here that Carjoe wielded a strong 
 power in that country. There are nine large towns, built closely together, 
 
15 
 
 each having its fortifications, and except the one in which the chief him- 
 self lives, governed by a sub -chief. These towns have thousands of 
 human beings living without a certain knowledge of God. They are 
 capable of a most rapid development, and should have the gospel. 
 
 From the incidents already cited, you may see how large-hearted our 
 heathen brethren are. Even our wildest war boys are not lost to feelings 
 for the comfort of the stranger. 
 
 While I was at Rotufunk in the year i88i, we learned that the Yawnies 
 were threatening the Bompeh people, particularly those at Rotufunk, for 
 allowing missionaries to settle there. Whether the reasons given were the 
 real cause for the emnity, I am unable to say. But one thing was certain, 
 the Mohammedans, who had made Rotufunk a slave depot, fearing that 
 the slave trade would in time be seriously affected, did not lose their 
 opportunity to stir up enemies. I decided to go up to that country and in 
 some way have the people become acquainted with us, and the real object 
 of missionary enterprises. I took an interpreter (for I could not speak the 
 Timinee,) and a few school -boys, A band of warriors from that region 
 who had come down to trade, learning of my proposed visit to their 
 country, offered to act as escorts. A previous acquaintance with the 
 "Yawnie boys" did not inspire me with the tenderest feelings toward 
 them. It was as follows: we were conducting a Sabbath -evening service 
 in a barra, and had commenced singing, when I heard a band of singers 
 (attracted, I suppose, by our singing,) coming toward our meeting -place. 
 I rather congratulated myself that our stranger friends, to whom we had 
 extended a most cordial invitation that evening, would be among my 
 listeners ; and though they were coming with much noise, I thought we 
 could stop it when they entered the barra. Imagine our feeling and the 
 confusion when, instead of taking seats, one of them, a leader, unsheathed 
 his sword and brandished it as if determined upon "business." They did 
 not tarry long, but kept on singing their war song till they passed out of 
 the barra through another opening. They were Yawnies I afterward 
 learned, made drunk with the "white man's rum." 
 
 You can appreciate my feelings when these warriors from the same 
 country insisted that they must accompany me as escorts to their chief. 
 I reluctantly consented. We had gone but a short distance when some 
 one proposed] that the "white man" (meaning civilized or a man who 
 
16 
 
 speaks English) be borne in a hammock. Of course, I declined and 
 walked. We decided to spend the night in a small village near the boun- 
 dary line of the Bompeh and Yawnie territories. On reaching the town 
 a hut was assigned me, and almost immediately after I heard our warriors 
 singing a war song and marching about the village. Soon two of them 
 brought a chicken, "This," they said, "is for our stranger; he is the 
 guest of our Chief Pah Senna, and we mean to take good care of him, for 
 the chief will call us in question for any lack of attention. We are not in 
 our territory yet, but if you should see anything, even a cow, and should 
 want it you have only to tell us and we will get it for you." The boys 
 who were with me had another chicken given them. Dinner was prepared, 
 and after thanks to Him from whom all blessings flow (I felt it was from 
 Him, tho' the devil brought it,) I began to devour my chicken with all the 
 zeal of a hungry man, I had been at this task some little time when I 
 heard a noise in the town, and a few moments after one of our boys came 
 running, "Please sir, we done got in trouble. They are making a 'rowl» 
 about the chickens." I never could tell afterward why I did not leave my 
 food and go settle the "rowl." But I didn't till I finished my meal, and 
 before I went out the matter had been settled by the warriors who told the 
 people about their distinguished stranger, and that it was the duty of the 
 people of the town to entertain him, but as they did not meet them in the 
 town they had undertaken that duty for them. This explanation seemed 
 reasonable, and so the matter ended. I assure you, after this chicken 
 "rowl" I never mentioned "cow" to them, although I saw several, for 
 I was certain they would get it, even if somebody had to suffer for it. 
 The utmost attention was given us, and entertainment provided for by 
 their savage chief. At the end of seven days I left them, no one asking 
 pay for house or food that had been provided during my journey and stay 
 among them, 
 
 I VIII. AFRICAN CHILDREN. 
 
 Boys and girls, I must tell you something about the Sherbro children, to 
 whom you have sent missionaries. When a boy or girl is born, papa and 
 mamma don't have to go through a long catalogue of grand-fathers and 
 grand-mothers or uncles and aunts for generations to find a suitable name,, 
 for our little fellows come into the world with their names. The first son of 
 
17 
 
 every female is called Cho; the second Thong, and names for any number 
 of boys. The first girl Boye ; the second, Yeymah, etc. From this very 
 handy arrangement some of you boys are either Chos, Thongs, Saus, or 
 Barkys, and some girls Boyes or Yeymahs. Sometimes we have a good 
 many Chos in the same family, or Boyes, because they may be children cf 
 one father but different mothers. In that case something must be added 
 when they have to distinguish between them ; more frequently the mother's 
 name is added. The writer's name, according to this arrangement, is Sau; 
 you can easily pronounce it, for it is like "Saul" with the "1" dropped 
 off. Now there are a good many cousins who may have the name Sati ; 
 to distinguish mine when I used to visit my relatives, I would be called 
 Sau-Coyah, Coyah being my mother's country name. 
 
 In most cases before our children are fully grown, they enter or are 
 forced to become members of some one of the native secret organizations, 
 where they lose their former names and receive new ones. Cho or Thong 
 may become Bangang, Beah, or something else ; and Boye or Yeyjnah 
 may be Sateah or Yaing Kam. 
 
 Instead of being rocked in cradles, the little child is carried about upon 
 its mother's back, to which it is bound with a cloth. From the quiet it 
 restores to a restless child, you may believe the little one finds no bed as 
 easy as its living cradle. 
 
 Though there are no schools, except such as are opened by missionaries, 
 our children have many ways of spending their time. You are not the 
 only children in the world who play "hide and seek," or who jump ropes, 
 climb trees, make traps for birds, catch fish, go fruit hunting and swim- 
 ming, for children the world over are the same as to the various ways by 
 which they enjoy themselves. 
 
 They are as happy a set of children as you can find anywhere, for 
 although they have not fine things and beautiful homes, and though most 
 of them sleep on mats spread upon the floor, they are perhaps more con- 
 tented than some of you are, except when the drivers or traveling ants get 
 into their homes and they have to get up and leave the house to them, then 
 they are not happy ; for nobody likes to be forced out of bed at midnight 
 and be even driven out of home, because somebody with more fight in 
 him, or more numerous, wants possession. 
 
 2 
 
18 
 
 As they grow stronger, they must help to hull the rice, carry water for 
 home use,* get wood, and during the " bird driving" season help to keep 
 the birds from eating or destroying the rice. They never grow too old to 
 obey their parents ; indeed, not only their own parents, but older persons 
 in general. Some of you stop at twenty-one; we are never free from the 
 obligations that rest upon us. Father and mother have the same claim 
 and right to command at our age of fifty as they had when we were little 
 children. 
 
 Evenings are spent in various ways — in songs and dance, with or without 
 drums or rattling gourds ; or somebody, famed for telling stories or fables 
 about big devil, wonderful people, intelligent animals, etc., entertains them 
 by these fables, interspersed with solos and choruses, in which young and 
 old participate. I can remember how I used to take in these horrible 
 stories, which were of such extreme interest, that we would afterward 
 be^o affected by them that for days we trembled in the darkness, and 
 avoided the loneliest places. 
 
 In places where war is considered a profession, our boys learn early to 
 wield the sword, or whatever the principal arms may be. Our Sherbro 
 children have not much of that to do. 
 
 In a few places day and Sabbath schools have been opened, and the 
 children have made /apid progress, both in school -work and in the 
 acquisition of the English. Not all the children of the towns attend 
 school. Some are slaves, and others can't come because they have noth- 
 ing to wear. In some of our stations we are often obliged to go to the 
 Tiearest village to get the children for the Sabbath-school. In this work 
 our school-boys have rendered good service, in bringing to us quite a 
 number of children. The naked ones have gowns put on them, which 
 are taken off when school is over. You see, we are obliged, in many 
 cases, to clothe children when they come to our schools, for heathen 
 children do not wear clothes until they are grown to a good size. 
 
 Many of our children, some very young, have become Christians, and 
 most of them are members of the seekers' classes. That some of them 
 have taken a Christian stand in advance of their parents maybe seen from 
 the following : Madeline, a girl of our mission and some time ago a member 
 
 »In our heathen towns wells are not common, but the water for drinking and cooking 
 purposes is olotained from springs or streams near which the town is located. The water 
 js carried in kettles or vessels of wood or clay. 
 
19 
 
 of the seekers' class, was, a few months ago, with others, baptized. A few 
 days after, the father came to the mission in quite a rage, and accosting 
 Brother Gomer, asked: "You done make my picken drink God-water?' 
 "I baptized Madeline," was the reply. Again he asked angrily, "How 
 can you do a thing like that when I born the gal, and she has already drank 
 country medicine?" To this and much more Mr. Gomer, who has quite a 
 tact in dealing with natives, listened quietly, and finally asked the enraged 
 father: "Are you done?" "Yes." "Then who has the girl in charge?" 
 "You got um," replied he. "Very well, then," said Brother G.; "if my 
 medicine passes your own, it must do good, but you must go sit down first 
 until we see." The father went away, still repeating: "This thing you do 
 me is not good." 
 
 The faithfulness of the children, as well as the advantage of taking and 
 educating the boys and girls in the mission family, is evident from the fol- 
 lowing: Bentoo, or Dorcas, a girl who had been with Mrs. Gomer some 
 years, was recently sent for by her mother, an invalid, who earnestly wished 
 to see her daughter quickly, because she (the mother) was very sick. Mrs. 
 Gomer consented; but it was afterward found that the mother wished to 
 give her as wife to a man who had paid something for the girl (without 
 Dorcas's knowledge). Dorcas refused, saying she was a mission girl. The 
 wife of the man pleaded with the girl to consent to live with her husband. 
 The man got ugly and threatened, but Dorcas was firm, and said, "When 
 I am ready for one, I will marry my own husband," whereupon she picked 
 up her bundle and walked all the way to the mission. 
 
 Mr. Gomer, writing to me about this incident, added: "You must lay 
 special stress upon the importance of training up the mothers of the country 
 in mission families. Some say because girls can't work on a farm don't 
 take them in the mission, but that is not my decision." 
 
 I IX. ANIMALS, INSECTS, OYSTERS. 
 
 I might tell you about our African animals and insects, for there are many 
 peculiarities found among them. You would think it funny to see a sheep 
 without wool, and just so our children would think your sheep strano-e-look- 
 ing creatures. Then you never saw oysters grow on trees, but such sights 
 are common to our children, for they often gather lots of them ; yes, real 
 oysters. But I haven't time to explain all these things, and yet I must talk 
 about ants. You know these little insects are found in almost every coun- 
 
20 
 
 try, because Solomon, the wisest man of Bible history, calls the attention 
 of lazy folks to their industry. In Africa, where we have different species 
 of them, I have seen striking examples of their industry and perseverance. 
 Such hardships and discouragements as would seem to overcome us don't 
 at all daunt their courage or try their patience. We used to break down 
 their buildings, and it would be surprising how earnestly and steadily they 
 would work to repair the damage done them. In warm countries they are 
 very numerous, and of different species, some so small that you can barely 
 see them with the naked eye, and others may be larger, even three fourths 
 of an inch in length. These ants are all peculiar. The Drivers, that travel 
 in bands, and visit houses, and attack men and animals, would surprise 
 you by their movements. There is the line of march, where perftc: order 
 is observed; then, when the presence of an enemy is suspected, the 
 reconnoitering force is ordered out, and if you happen to be the suspected 
 party, you are soon made to feel that you must either fall back or fight. If 
 you insist upon it, orders are sent to headquarters, and the force marshalled 
 to battle. A leopard even can't stand before them. Our largest animals 
 fear them. Then, too, when they reach a house or place where they have 
 heard they may find food, immediately every soldier becomes a foraging 
 party. Roaches, centipedes, scorpions, rats, and all insects begin to run 
 for life. The best thing you can do, then, is to leave the house to them, 
 for as soon as they get what they want, or have gone through to see what 
 is in your building, the line of march is again formed, and off they go. 
 
 The most wonderful species of the ant is the white ant or Termites. We 
 in Africa call them bug-a-bugs. As the name Termites implies, they are 
 very destructive, and will destroy in a short time houses, fences, and 
 everything made of wood, even books and clothing, if they can get to 
 them. They must be watched closely. There are two kinds of biig-a- 
 bugs, — a small and a large one. You often see the houses of the small 
 kind rising from one to three feet in height, made of clay, something like 
 a column with a conical shaped roof. I think they add to this height 
 every year, so that the height depends upon their age. These are the 
 sacred ants that are worshiped by our people, because they believe spirits 
 exist in their houses. 
 
 The larger kind are more numerous. Their houses are built on a differ- 
 ent plan, being wide at the base and pointed at the top, sometimes looking 
 
21 
 
 very much like the pictures you see of the pyramids. They are good 
 architects, as the outside is adorned with dcmss and steeples of different 
 sizes and shapes. These hills or buildings run up as high as twelve to . 
 fifteen feet. The interior of these hills is wonderful in the ingenious 
 arrangement of halls and chambers, and passages of different sizes and 
 every imaginable shape. In these hills you meet different classes of 
 citizens. First, is the queen, who, when full-grown is about four inches in 
 length and one inch in diameter. In the center of the hill is a winding 
 passage leading to her apartments. I have been told that she is borne 
 through this passage into different parts of the palace during different 
 hours of the day. The queen herself lives in a small mud palace, with 
 scarcely room for her to turn in. I have never seen any door, but I 
 have noticed small holes which are for the workers who wait on her 
 majesty, as they have to go in and out to feed her, and possibly to carry 
 her orders to different parts of this huge dwelling. If a queen dies or is 
 removed the colony breaks up. Second, are the soldiers, one -half or 
 three -fourths of an inch long, — queer looking soldiers with large heads, 
 nearly half their whole length. They are brave and fierce, and can bring 
 blood every time they bite. I have fought them and have the utmost 
 respect for them. Third, are the workers, who build and repair this dwell- 
 ing and do the work necessary. They are about one - fourth to one -half 
 inch long. One curious thing about these ants and one, the philosophy of 
 which I can not explain now, is that in certain seasons they come out 
 with wings, great numbers of them, and fly about for some time, then 
 drop their wings at the trunk of a tree or stump. 
 
 Did I say oysters grew on trees? Well, I must explain. We have along 
 the sea shore vast tracts of muddy swamps, covered with groves of Man- 
 grove trees. These trees are peculiar in that some of their roots come 
 from the branches at the top and grow downward till they reach the 
 ground. Then a new tree makes a start. Sometimes these roots dip into 
 the water instead of in the mud, and on these limbs Httle oysters fasten 
 themselves and grow ; all we need to do is to cut off a limb and we have a 
 thick bunch of oysters. Is not ours a peculiar country ? There are ye^ 
 other wonderful things, but I have not time to mention them. 
 
 I X. FARMS. 
 
 The soil for the most part is productive, capable of yielding in abun- 
 dance rice, cassava, potatoes, cocoa, yams, corn, coffee, cotton, etc., yet 
 
22 
 
 farming is done to a limited extent. You nowhere see beautifully laid 
 off farms, such as greet the eye everywhere throughout your extensive 
 country. The greatest portion of the land is covered with a dense growth, 
 with extensive forests here and there. A new place is chosen and cleaned 
 off each year, while the farm of the present season must be left to grow 
 again into brush during three or four years before it is cleared again for 
 planting. 
 
 The implements used are a matchet or cutlass, ax and hoe ; these being 
 small and rudely made, can not do thorough work. It is no wonder that 
 the amount of food products realized is proportionately inadequate to meet 
 the average wants of the inhabitants. 
 
 To become an independent people, Africans must first learn to produce 
 more than they consume. Hence if you will benefit Africa, and bring 
 about those conditions necessary to make a people prosperous, train our 
 young people in the industrial branches. The African is not insensible to 
 personal comforts, and when properly instructed in agricultural and indus- 
 trial pursuits, he will desire to live as a converted and industrious being; 
 will have better farms, build better homes (for in civilized localities splendid 
 buildings have already been erected), and the battle will then have been 
 half fought; for Christianity can thrive better and take deeper root in a soil 
 so prepared. For the accomplishment of this purpose, better implements 
 must be introduced. 
 
 It has been said of Africans that " they are too lazy to work." You must 
 qualify this statement if you take into consideration the fact that a heathen 
 conditioti is one that spreads about it an influence which affects the whole 
 being, morally, spiritually, physically. You can never fully estimate the 
 energetic life of a people till you give them a favorable atmosphere. 
 Christianize Africa, educate her sons and daughters; in other words, set in 
 motion the hidden life; then (with due allowance for climatic effects) bring 
 youi\verdict. 
 
 One traA'eling through the country sees a good deal of idleness, it is 
 true. At the same time he sees most of the inhabitants at some employ- 
 ment. Some spin cotton, weave cloth with looms that are their own con- 
 struction, make mats, baskets, and various articles, sometimes displaying 
 remarkable taste and ingenuity ; or they are on farms, or gathering palm 
 nuts, extracting the oil, or breaking palm kernels for market. We must 
 
23 
 
 not forget that the ship loads of kernels, oil, and other products sent to 
 Europe every month, are first prepared by natives and brought to the 
 merchant for sale; sometimes brought in hampers, borne upon the back 
 of natives, who come from towns many miles in the interior. 
 
 You hear sometimes that ''African women do all the work on farms." 
 The inference must be that the men do nothing. Farm-work may, for 
 convenience, be divided into three stages. First, the " bush-cutting " stage, 
 when the land selected must be cleared of its dense growth and large trees. 
 It is the men who do this work. With thorns and vines, sharp blades to 
 wade through, often cutting into the skin, this may be considered the most 
 trying and dangerous stage of farm-work. The work of the women during 
 this stage is to provide and prepare food for the men in the "bush." After 
 the land has been burned over, and while the men are getting ready the 
 hoes for planting rice, the women plant the cassava. Children often help 
 in this work. The second, or "rice-planting" stage, is shared by men and 
 women, but the men are always in the majority ; the women found among 
 them are generally slaves. The women, after this, become wholly responsi 
 ble for keeping the weeds from growing among the rice, till harvest. This 
 is tedious work, involving much exposure to severe weather. The men, at 
 this time, are employed in repairing war-fences, building or repairing huts 
 or gathering the palm-nuts from the trees. Some do a good deal of fishing 
 or hunting, or the time is idled away. The third, or "rice-cutting" stage, 
 is shared by all, — men, women, and children. Neighbors sometimes lend 
 help to each other. With the exception of the tediousness of cutting each 
 stem separately, "rice-cutting" is the most pleasant work on the farm. It 
 means "little work and plenty to eat." 
 
 § XI. RELIGIONS AND INSTITUTIONS. 
 
 The religions are pagan and Mohammedan. The pagan has an idea of 
 God; he recognizes a supreme power. I have never found any tribe of 
 people who have not so much as an idea of God. The Sherbro man speaks 
 of Him as Hobahtokeh, the Mendi man calls him Ngewoh, or Ngewoh wah, 
 terms expressive of the Great One above. Being the essence of goodness 
 itself, and not disposed to harm his creatures, the pagan does not realize 
 any necessity to worship Him. The devil is supposed to possess supreme 
 power, also, and is concerned with the affairs of men, and his demands 
 are many, (to keep him at peace it must be done) sometimes requiring 
 
24 
 
 human sacrifices. These must be given, even though by the giving of them 
 
 the heart be made to bleed. The demon is capable of assuming various 
 
 forms, either of men or animals; and, whether derived from tradition as 
 
 connected with man's primeval history, I am unable to say, but it is strange 
 
 that the form that he is often supposed to assume is that of a serpent. 
 
 The spirits of the dead are also appeased and their co-operation secured 
 
 by preparing food for them or offering sacrifices of fowls and animals. 
 
 This does not suffice ; charms and greegrees are procured to ward off evil 
 
 or sickness, or thwart the designs of enemies and witches. Recognize in 
 
 this effort, ye friends of humanity, the struggle to which man is doomed, 
 
 that even a heathen feels the presence and power of evil. In his struggles 
 
 an inventive mind is ever pointing out so7ne way of escape ; hence, 
 
 "The heathen, in his blindness, 
 Bows down to wood and stone." 
 
 From this labyrinthian darkness, who can escape unless directed by a 
 power more than human ? It is fearful to talk about the salvation of the 
 heathen without the Gospel. You in the land of Gospel light, may be 
 lulled to sleep under the sense of carnal security, not so with us, who 
 are in darkness. Our condition is not one of peace and safety, but of 
 despair. We are lost in a maze of superstitious notions. We have tried 
 the rivers, we have trusted greegrees, we have appealed to charms, and 
 have worshipped idols and devils. All have failed us ; we have no peace, 
 no hope. 
 
 The pagan occasionally speaks of retribution after death. Several years 
 ago, a warrior of an interior district, who had become noted for both his 
 exploits and deeds of extreme cruelty, died. Many fancied they saw 
 smoke or mist arise from the grave, and attributed this to the fact that 
 the wicked warrior was being punished for his cruelties. Again, it is not 
 unusual to hear pagans talk of a "clean road" after death. But, alas! 
 these are thoughts which only disquiet a soul, but afford no light to those 
 who " sit in the valley and shadow of death.'' 
 
 The Mohammedan recognizes only "One God," and Mohammet as the 
 true prophet. He despises the pagan because of his idols, and yet is 
 himself a manufacturer of charms or greegrees for which he claims super- 
 natural power. This religion wields a mighty influence in many parts of 
 Africa. In almost every town may be found one or more Mohammedan 
 
25 
 
 priests, who are sometimes looked upon as doctors and respected for the 
 power that they claim is vested in them. If a war campaign is to be set 
 in motion the priest must be employed to " cook the war ;" that, is to insure 
 the safety and success of the warriors, cause confusion in the ranks and 
 councils of the enemy by sending a curse upon them. Warriors have 
 been known to scale barricades, face the guns of the enemy (which are 
 not always in a condition to do much harm), because they wore about 
 them a charm especially prepared for the occasion. If their lives were 
 lost in battle, they either must have done contrary to the orders given with 
 the charms, or their time for death kad come. 
 
 This sect presents numerical strength, having representatives in almost 
 every tribe of Africa, some tribes being almost wholly Mohammedan in 
 faith or in sentiment. Where strong in numbers they erect mosques and 
 conduct schools, hence most of their priests are learned in the Arabic 
 language, which they read and write with ease. Among them are found 
 men who are conscientious in all they do, and who sometimes denounce 
 the practices of their unscrupulous brethren. The greater number are 
 polygamists, slave - masters and traders, and dealers in charms that they 
 for the most part know do not contain the efficacious influence attributed 
 to them. Feeling their superiority in point of letters they despise manual 
 labor as only fit for women and slaves, hence they do no work, but very 
 many travel from place to place and obtain their livelihood by trading 
 {often in human beings), doctoring, or by making charms or gregrees. 
 Sometimes noted Mohammedans are sent for from distant places to help 
 ckieftains who believe they can assist them. We must not underestimate 
 the work that the Church must do to overcome this influence, yet with the 
 dawn of light and truth and under the penetrating rays of the sun of 
 righteousness, Mohammedanism is beginning to realize that its sway so 
 long held is disputed by no mean power. Hence the complaints and 
 charges often alleged against the Christian missionary. The words of a 
 Mohammedan friend, "You done spoil the people," or words of similar 
 import, are an admission which only a sense of danger to their principles 
 has forced from them. The distribution or sale of Bibles and Testaments 
 ought to be encouraged, as a work of that kind may lead to grand results, 
 for most of our Mohammedans read a Bible with interest even if only 
 because it is printed in Arabic, a language to them sacred. 
 
26 
 
 ^ XII. MOHAMMEDAN DECEPTION. 
 
 During a short stay at an inland mission I was one evening invited to 
 witness a peace sacrifice. The Mohammedan priest who proposed the 
 sacrifice had previously intimated to the chief that there was no danger of 
 war coming to the town, but a few weeks after announced that " the books " 
 had revealed that war was possible, but might be prevented by an offering 
 of rice, cassava, fowls, etc., each village under the chief's influence con- 
 tributing. When the people assembled at the appointed place and the 
 articles brought were placed in a heap, the priest having charge of the 
 ceremonies uttered a few sentences, the chief and people with hands 
 stretched over the heap uttered the responses. During the ceremony I 
 inquired of a friend who stood near me, "What will they do with these 
 offerings?" "You will soon see, sir," was the reply. Then he explained 
 that it is customary for the people at a given signal to rush upon the 
 offering. "You will see plenty of fun for big and little people all tumble 
 together, as everybody must try to get something of this sacrifice." I did 
 not see this kind of fun, for the priest announced that the books further 
 revealed that only Mahommedans should eat this offering. This was a 
 surprise and a disappointment to the people, but not to the Mohammedans 
 who had previous knowledge of this revelation, (?) for one immediately 
 whispered to my friend, " I am glad for this, for we must soon starve if we 
 no been do this thing." 
 
 § XIII. SOCIETIES. 
 
 Organized societies are found among the tribes throughout the West 
 coast. Among the Sherbros the Purroh is the most formidable institution. 
 Its laws are binding upon chieftains and people alike. Until within recent 
 years, the appearance of the Purroh messenger upon a scene of war be- 
 tween Sherbros, was to cause immediate cessation of hostilities, and an 
 amicable settlement of difficulties. This Purroh must not be confounded 
 with the various Purrohs (or unions) now found in sections of the country, 
 for these are organized to gain specific ends. Boys and men are eligible 
 to membership, and are sometimes forced into it. Their meeting place is 
 in the grove, and none but members or those seeking membership can 
 enter. Women, on pain of death, are forbidden to so much as look upon 
 or pry into their workings. There are cases when one woman in a large 
 district is admitted ; when this is done, it is for a special purpose. 
 
27 
 
 The Boondoo is a society for girls and women, but not as formidable as 
 the Purroh, nor are its penalties as severe. The Yassay holds an import- 
 ant place. The Thomah is open to males and females. There are other 
 local organizations. The most of these societies, like the Purroh, meet in 
 groves, where none but members are permitted to enter. It is not my 
 purpose to enlarge upon these societies, or to enter into their internal 
 workings, for I have never entered a grove during their session, hence 
 can not vouch for all I may have heard. It must be understood, however, 
 that as missionaries, we oppose every institution of a heathen origin, 
 whose workings are under cover of darkness. This fact is known to those 
 among whom we labor. I am sure, too, that they in a measure respect our 
 views. 
 
 A member of the Purroh and other societies was sick in one of our 
 towns, and was expected to die. He had refused every invitation to attend 
 religious services, hence at his death he could only look to his societies 
 for his last comfort. 
 
 One day, while I was seated in a veranda of our mission house, I was 
 startled by the sudden appearance of a man dressed in a garment covered 
 with human bones, with a cap of human skulls on his head. He had 
 learned of the serious illness of his brother, and had come to administer 
 the last rites, to make sure of his burial, so that his bones might afterward 
 be exhumed to be added to this horrible paraphernalia. 
 
 \ XIV. MISSIONARY EFFORTS. 
 
 It would be both profitable and interesting to trace the progress of the 
 missionary idea as a work of God through the Church, Jewish and 
 Christian, from its earliest establishment. But we must concede that the 
 missionary spirit found a new life and impulse in the command of Christ, 
 the great head of the Church: "Go ye therefore and teach all nations;" 
 that is, make disciples, or Christians, of them. This command made in 
 Galilee to a few chosen ones, resounded through every valley and along 
 every hillside of Judea, till the inhabitants, awakened to the truth that 
 "God is no respecter of persons," went forth to "teach the nations. " 
 
 This command set free Jewish minds from the restraints of national 
 prejudice, and forced them beyond their own domains, even across the 
 sea, with the commission of their Lord. The nations heard the Gospel, 
 and, arrested in their career, turned from their scenes of carnage and de- 
 
^8 
 
 struction to obey the mandate of heaven's king. If you in this land of 
 blessed privileges and Gospel light, enjoy the blessing of life, liberty and 
 happiness, it is because Christ's disciples, in obedience to these words of 
 the Master, preached the Gospel to your ancestors. This command will 
 not have lost its power or meaning to the Church till " the kingdoms of 
 this world have become the kingdom of our Lord and His Christ." 
 
 The Church is bending its energies to this end. It remains for each 
 individual to feel that he has a share in this work. It is my purpose in 
 addressing you upon this subject to awaken, if possible, increased in- 
 terest and confidence in foreign missionary work. I am aware that 
 there are methods of viewing this subject that have led to unfair and 
 uncharitable conclusions in regard to this work. Some, looking only at 
 the amount annually expended, have failed to see adequate results of these 
 expenditures, and have therefore concluded that the whole enterprise has 
 not proved a success. Others again have said that the amount sent abroad 
 might be turned to a better advantage in efforts to ameliorate the condition 
 and help those whom they call "heathens at home," — as if there is any 
 necessity to have heathens in a land flowing with streams from the wells of 
 salvation, where all who will may drink and live. Conclusions like these 
 are not worthy a Christian, and are not such as I would draw from the 
 teachings of Christ, who estimated the value of one soul to be worth more 
 than the world's wealth. Nor does God, if His revelations in His word are 
 true, limit this work to any particular place, people or time, or spare any 
 efforts or means for the salvation of the human race. Even if it necessi- 
 tated the gift of His only begotten Son, he resolved that "whosoever 
 believeth in Him might not perish, but have everlasting life," it being 
 nothing less than an eternal purpose that the Gospel of His kingdom be 
 preached among all the nationS before the end come.. There can be but 
 one method of viewing this subject, and no other is permissible; surely 
 not to the Christian, who is bound to look upon it as God does, and view 
 it in the same light. 
 
 But is it true that money sent or contributed to the foreign field has been 
 vainly expended? Let me call attention to the following, from The Mis- 
 sionary Review : 
 
 " Comparing this percentage of increase of communicants in all the 
 foreign missions (19.71) with the percentage of increase in Christendom 
 
29 
 
 (.57). •^he difference is startling. It must be considered that our data for 
 estimating this percentage in Christendom are far less complete than in 
 case of the foreign mission ; but with all proper allowance for this, the 
 difference is still remarkable ; and if we rightly understand its lessons, one 
 of them is that instead of limiting Christian efforts to Gospel-hardened 
 sinners in Christendom, Christ would have his last command obeyed — 
 would have the knowledge and offer of salvation by his atoning blood 
 speedily communicated to every individual of the race. This larger bless- 
 ing from God on missions among the heathen, resulting in so much larger 
 ingatherings of converts in heathendom than in Christendom, in proportion 
 to the men and money employed in the two fields, is a fact which deserves 
 the very serious and prayerful consideration of every believer, and es- 
 pecially of every young man entering the ministry." 
 
 The gain of one thousand converts in our mission during the past 
 year, and of two thousand in the last three years bears testimony to 
 the facts just quoted. These results have been attained at a great cost 
 in money and sacrifice of lives. It cost something before the Saxons 
 were won from their devotion to heathen deities and druidical sacrifices 
 to become worshipers of the God of heaven, and by the influence of a 
 Bible Christianity were made to become the dominant race of the world. 
 There are results of missionary work that figures and statistics can not 
 represent. The influence exerted upon a country by the mere presence 
 ot missionaries with the Bible; the vast number who, though not Chris- 
 tians or mentioned in reports, have been elevated by contact with mis- 
 sionaries ; the number of children who are annually gathered in schools; 
 the cultured men who hold positions of influence and power, and the 
 eftect of Christian literature upon communities where published, are mat- 
 ters which you can not gather from missionary reports. Then, too, you 
 must not forget to estimate the reflex influejice exerted upon the people 
 of Christendom, together with the contributions made by missionaries to 
 science, history, geography, and literature in general. Now, the poorest 
 field in heathen countries sheds an influence that you and I dare not 
 and can not estimate on this side of eternity. Dr. Thompson says he 
 never knew how much to appreciate missionary work till he saw that 
 work as done in places visited by himself and Dr. Hott during their travels 
 in the East. He mentioned especially the mission at Beyroot, Syria, where- 
 
30 
 
 was a splendid university sending out cultured men annuall«y, some of 
 whom not being Christians may never be mentioned in reports, who are 
 yet holding places of trust and honor. All this is in addition to the 
 Christian literature pubhshed in Arabic and in several dialects. I am 
 glad, however, that the views of men are changing regarding the condi- 
 tion and need of the heathen world and the relation of the Church to the 
 heathen, and that the old saying "Charity begins at home" has lost its 
 force. Men realize that duty may begin at home, but charity, heaven's 
 noblest and loveliest grace, expends herself abroad. 
 
 Africa has been for nearly a century the scene of earnest, faithful mis- 
 sionary work. There are many who have fallen as heroes in the conflict, 
 and many have returned broken down in health. A wonderful providence 
 has so guarded and preserved the lives of the missionaries of the Church of 
 the United Brethren in Christ that during the thirty years of its operation 
 in that land none have died in the field. All have had more or less severe 
 afflictions, one returned to die among friends. 
 
 Among the Boards or societies, besides the United Brethren in Christ, 
 actively represented on the West Coast are the Church Missionary Society, 
 Society for Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts, Wesleyan Metho- 
 dists, Lutherans, Baptists, Congregationalists, Episcopalians, and Presby- 
 terians. The work of Bishop Taylor, of the Methodist Church, should be 
 watched with great interest. It is certainly a stupendous undertaking. 
 The life and force that it must set in motion in the interior with what 
 has been and is being accomplished on the coast, will enable us to look 
 forward to the near fulfillment of Scripture when Ethiopia shall have 
 stretched forth her hands unto God. The United Brethren in Christ are 
 operating in five districts of the Sherbro country, Shaingay and Cock- 
 borough, Bompeh, Sherbro Isfand, Bargroo, and Impereh. These are 
 advantageous positions, not only bringing besides Sherbros, representa- 
 tives of other tribes under our immediate influence, but affording openings 
 for a steadier advance into the interior. It is worthy of notice that per- 
 sons from the interior tribes have already come in contact with our mis- 
 sionaries, and have heard from them the message of life. The wave 
 being set in motion must extend and widen farther each year. 
 
 Many obstacles present themselves to the Church on the coast. These 
 must be overcome before this glorious future is realized. But the gospel is 
 
31 
 
 equal to the task. It is the power of God unto salvation. You have seen 
 from the description given you the dark side of African life, yet if Paul's 
 description of the people of his day be true (Rom. I.), we have in Africa 
 the same condition. To doubt the power of the gospel to meet this condi- 
 tion is to question God's great love and truthfulness. Then again if the 
 past has any lesson in it as regards God's dealings with men and the 
 changes that his word has wrought among the nations of the earth, we 
 must believe that the same " Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon 
 him." " But how shall they call on him in whom they have not believed, 
 and how they believe in him of whom they have not heard, and how shall 
 they hear withoufa preacher ?" Religion is not indigenous to any particu- 
 lar country, nor is it especially adapted to any one climate. Wherever 
 found it is exotic. Yet men talk and express doubts of the Christianization 
 of Africa and Africans, as if certain nations have obtained from heaven a 
 patent right to this gospel of Christ. 
 
 Another obstacle, and one demanding the serious consideration of those 
 interested in the spread of Christianity, is the effedl of the rum traffic 
 among the people of the West Coast. Native wars would be less frequent, 
 social life improved, and many miseries mitigated, but for the terrible 
 effect of this cursed traffic* Added to this is the unprincipled lives of 
 some men from foreign countries who in those dark lands throw off the 
 restraints of civilized life; and yet such are the men who are often loudest 
 and most positive in their assertions that missionary work in heathen lands 
 " does not amount to much," and who will point their finger in ridicule to 
 the wrecks they have made and the powers they have blighted, and tell us 
 "That is an example of your missionary converts. You can not make 
 Christians of them," etc. 
 
 The results of missionary efforts and successes of the past ought to in- 
 spire confidence in every heart. Less than a century ago, missionary 
 labor was commenced in Sierra Leone, on the West coast. When we take 
 into consideration the condition of the people and the circumstances under 
 which these labors were commenced, the results appear almost marvelous. 
 
 * The firm of Messrs. Yates & Porterfield, of New York, who are carrying on an extensive 
 trade in Africa, not only do not engage in this traffic, but do not allow rum or liquors to be 
 shipped to Africa in their vessels.. This is a worthy example, befitting Christian gentlemen. 
 
 Since writing the above, I have seen the following in a recent periodical: " We are glad to 
 see that several of our prominent missionary societies, German, British, and American, are 
 earnestly petitioning their respective governments to adopt measures for effectually restrict- 
 ing the Importation and sale of liquors in Africa. We earnestly hope their petitions may 
 prevail. The wretchedness and woe caused in Africa by the importation of distilled liquors 
 are enough to bring the condemnation and curse of God on all who have engaged in this 
 debasing "crime, and on the nation and governments which have tolerated it.' 
 
82 
 
 When I left Africa fifteen years ago (1871), Freetown was the educational 
 center. There were but few institutions that professed to teach more than 
 the ordinary branches. On my return eight years after, great and rapid 
 growth and improvement was manifest. I found several institutions under 
 efficient native teachers, and the higher branches in English and the 
 classics taught. Many of Africa's sons and daughters were seen crowding, 
 into these temples of learning. 
 
 The progress of religion has kept pace with the march of education, for 
 as the young men became educated, the pulpits received better supplies. 
 Ministers before who were barely able to read the Scriptures, have been 
 replaced or improved by a talented ministry, men capable of interpreting 
 the word. Men like Bishop Crowther, Quaker, Moore, Williams, May, 
 Archdeacon Johnson, Pierce, Mark, and many others on the coast, can 
 grace with dignity the pulpits of any country in Christendom. 
 
 Bishop Cheetham, in an address a few years since, mentioned in high 
 terms the efficiency of the native ministry in Sierra Leone, and that 
 " African pastors are so well sustained by their people, that there is no 
 clerical poverty or destitution in Sierra Leone, as is to be feared prevails 
 to a considerable extent in England." "Any one visiting Sierra Leone," 
 he adds, "would find a land as thoroughly Christian as our own, whether 
 that would be saying much or little. He would find a land of schools 
 and chapels — a land of liberty and freedoin." Freetown has to-day its 
 barristers-at-law, its educated physicians, besides men in the various de- 
 partments of the colonial government. 
 
 What is true of Sierra Leone is largely true of other portions of Africa. 
 The various trades that have been acquired, the buildings constructed, all 
 show the susceptibility of Africans of a high state of culture and develop- 
 ment, morally, intellectually, physically. Sherbro, and particularly those 
 portions that have been under our influence, have shown a remarkable 
 change. Fifteen years ago, the question of giving up the Sherbro mission 
 was strenuously discussed, for there was but one station, and that was 
 faintly struggling for existence. Instead now of a single weak station, 
 there are about three hundred towns and villages visited by our mission- 
 aries, while nearly three thousand souls, once heathens, are believers in 
 the one true God, and His Son, Jesus Christ. Schools have been opened, 
 many have embraced the advantages afforded, and have shown themselves 
 
38t 
 
 worthy of a higher and better education. With the limited education given 
 them, some have been able to engage in business and trades, while a few 
 are employed as teachers. 
 
 ^ XV. PLANS AND METHODS. 
 
 Our plans and methods of work have given us an advantage that is even 
 acknowledged by leading men of sister denominations in Sierra Leone, 
 for our farm, mechanical and commercial industries, as well as the sound 
 training given our youths, are fully adapted to the wants of the country. 
 Besides, we have not been content with the work done in towns where our 
 stations are located, but our plan is to visit each town and village within a 
 certain area about each station, and there preach the word. In this way 
 large districts have come under our influence. 
 
 § XVI. A UNITED STATES OFFICER'S TESTIMONY. 
 
 Hon. Judson A. Lewis, United States Consul, resident at Sierra Leone, 
 West Africa, a gentleman of vast experience and knowledge of the people 
 on the coast, speaks in glowing terms of our work. After mentioning the 
 efficient services rendered the Church and missions by Bishop D. K. Flick- 
 inger by his thorough knowledge of the needs of the field, owing to the 
 Bishop's frequent visits to Africa, he adds : " Shaingay mission, which has 
 been under the charge for eleven years of Rev. Joseph Gomer and wife, 
 is a good and prosperous mission. Why ? Because it is managed on 
 business as well as religious principles. It is an industrial mission, where 
 the boys and girls and all connected with it are regularly taught to do all 
 kinds of work. The mission has a farm, and the boys do a certain number 
 of hours' work on the farm every day, while the girls are as regularly 
 taught to sew, to do house-work, patch-work, etc. The same boys and 
 girls also attend the school, where they are taught the common English 
 branches, and on Sunday their Sunday-school lessons. 
 
 " Now, the working part of the mission is all-important, and renders it 
 largely self-supporting. Too much importance can not be attached to the 
 labor department, for this renders them fit to do something in their own 
 country and among their own people ; what they learn under these cir- 
 cumstances they can not and will not forget, and should the mission be 
 broken up and removed to-morrow, all the useful lessons that these boys 
 and girls have learned by hard work, they will not readily forget.'' 
 3 
 
u 
 
 ' XVII. COLONIZATION, 
 
 The work of a missionary, especially in a country like Africa, is both to 
 civilize and to Christianize the people. We have seen that our success is 
 based largely upon our combined religious, business, and industrial enter- 
 prises. But only a comparatively few can be brought under the direct 
 influence of our schools. By far the greater number are beyond this 
 influence and must be reached in some other way. I can conceive of no 
 plan that would prove so effective as that of planting Christian colonies in 
 various portions of the country, so that the masses as well as those under 
 our instruction may be benefited by this contact with men and women 
 from civilized or Christian countries. More can be learned from this 
 object lesson, as to the order of a Christian home or family life and various 
 methods of doing business, than from any instructions given by simply 
 telling how this and that thing is done in civilized countries. The advan- 
 tage to the country and people arising from this plan is next to having 
 young men taken to this country or to Europe. 
 
 I object to colonization based upon the Liberian plan, as by it pro- 
 miscuous classes were forced upon Africa, some being indigent and 
 worthless, and not only a disgrace to America but a hindrance to true 
 progress. What benefit could you hope to be derived from a people who 
 were in many particulars inferior of the native African ? Many have been 
 the laughing stock of the natives. There are notable exceptions, it is true, 
 but the present condition of Liberia shows what she has gained from this 
 class of her citizens. 
 
 Send Christian men and their families, men of worth and principle, men 
 of different trades and callings, — help them to settle in favorable localities 
 and they would soon eff'ect a change. 
 
 The exceeding unhealthfulness of the climate is often urged. While this 
 is true, let me here state that the death rate among foreigners has decreased 
 since men have learned that they can not live debauched and reckless 
 lives with impunity ; and then, too, let us remember that America was not 
 opened and settled without a terrible mortality among the first settlers. 
 
 To live in Africa you must have good homes in the most favorable 
 localities, and great care as to mode of living and food must be main- 
 tained. Merchants and others are willing to risk Africa for money, — has 
 not Christ any among his own who are willing to risk it in his name to 
 gain precious souls? 
 
35 
 
 2 XVIII. MORE WORK FOR CHRIST. 
 
 These successes of the past are incentives to make the future grander in 
 results and victories, and we should make use of and profit even by our 
 failures and mistakes, so as to put into operation the best plans and make 
 use of the most effective agencies to accomplish this end. 
 
 The heathen world is open to us. God in a most remarkable manner 
 has opened the "world" to the preaching of the gospel. This he has 
 done in China, Japan, Africa, and other places hitherto closed to a Chris- 
 tian missionary. This is doubtless due to the prayers of the Church as 
 also to a fulfillment of God's promises, " I will give thee the heathen for 
 thine inheritance," etc. Have we faith to follow in the path pointed to us ? 
 God has fulfilled many of his promises; will the Church, true to its God, 
 consecrate its talent, its influence, and wealth? Could the tenth part of 
 the wealth of the Church be consecrated to his cause it would not be long 
 before the heathen world would have heard the gospel. I may be pardoned 
 if I quote from a recent sermon delivered by Rev. Z. Warner, D. D., the 
 missionary secretary : 
 
 "The papers say we spend $125,000,000 for dress each year. If this be 
 true, then $25,000,000 are spent by Christians. We spend $25,000,000 for 
 kid gloves. Of this amount $5,000,000 are spent by American • church 
 people; $5,000,000 are spent for ostrich feathers, or $1,000,000 by Chris- 
 tians; $80,000,000 for tobacco, and of this amount more than $15,000,000 
 are spent by those who pray for the conversion of the world ; $180,000,000 
 are spent in travel abroad by 60,000 Americans, and Christians spend their 
 share. Add to this $900,000,000 for strong drink, and church people spend 
 some of this, and you can see where much of this money goes. There is 
 given to education $95,000,000, to Christian missions $5,000,000, and to 
 the support of the church at home, $50,000,000. 
 
 If the annual income of the American church is $10,000,000,000, then 
 there should be given to God $100,000,000 annually: This would give to 
 the home work $75,000,000, and to foreign missions $25,000,000." 
 
 The souls to be won for Christ are many and precious. If heathens 
 were not already conscious of their condition we might afford to move 
 slowly, but the fact is the heathen not only is conscious of his need, not 
 only feels that his objects of trust have failed him, but having learned of a 
 God and a religion that saves, turns to the Church, and asks to be per- 
 mitted to know something of that God. 
 
m 
 
 Who will dare deny him the "Words of Life?" It is true that not all 
 Africans have been awakened to this degree of consciousness, but as long 
 as man has in him a soul, whose source is God, there must come a time 
 when that soul must be conscious of its relation to God. This is true of 
 individuals, — it is true of nations. This cry now heard upon Africa's 
 shores is the echo of a universal wail, " Give us the time God or we must 
 make a god for ourselves." 
 
 I call to mind an incident in missionary experience. An itinerant of 
 our mission, while spending a night in one of the towns of his district, was 
 awakened late in the night by the sound of foot-steps and noise about the 
 door of his hut. His first thoughts were, "this must be a war party." But 
 his fears were quieted when he heard a voice call " Soo-kool-massa! soo- 
 kool-massa!'^ (school-master). Upon going out he found a goodly number 
 of persons about the door, who were come to hear "God palaver." They 
 had heard in their heathen village from two of their citizens, that a "God 
 man" had talked "God palaver" in a town not far from them. These 
 two men attempted to tell what they had heard, but their poor efforts only 
 increased the desire to hear the word. This was the cause of their nocturnal 
 visit. Who could resist this mute but eloquent appeal ? 
 
 Ah, Christian friends, many such appeals have come to us that we could 
 not heed. We have been pained to hear calls for the Gospel that we 
 could not supply, for we have been compelled to limit our efforts to certain 
 bounds. I do not know where God wants us to limit our work, and I have 
 been alarmed when I have passed by places that needed the Gospel, for I 
 somehow felt that God must call somebody to account for not giving it. 
 
 "We are not responsible for every heathen that dies, for all won't be 
 saved, anyhow." You are not sure about that. If I was passing by a 
 body of water, and should see some one drowning, and should throw in 
 ropes or sticks or anything to help that drowning man, even if I did not 
 succeed, and I saw him go from me and sink in the water, I say to you, 
 though I may never forget the look of agony on that dying face, I should 
 feel better because I had done something to save him. On the other hand, 
 not all the melodies chanted by the heavenly choir could still the thunders 
 of an accusing conscience, had I passed by without an effort to save him. 
 Let me ask you, with the heathen world perishing in its sin against God, 
 and the Master calling, can you, unawakened to their cries and deaf to His 
 commands, yet feel that you have the enjoyment of Christ's love ? 
 
37 
 
 " Let none hear you idly saying. 
 
 There is nothing I can do, 
 While the souls of men are dying, 
 
 And the Master calls for you. 
 Take the task He gives you, gladly,— 
 
 Let His work your pleasure be; 
 Answer quickly when He calleth: 
 
 'Here am I; send me! send mel'" 
 
 In conclusion, let me urge you to take up as a battle-cry, "Sherbro for 
 Christ ! " God has led the Church into that territory, and we are there to 
 stay. But to occupy that vast territory will require men and money. You 
 supply the money, and God will raise the men. Fortunately for us, there 
 are young men and women in Africa who are ready to enter the field if 
 you give them the necessary preparation for the work. The training school 
 to be opened shortly in Africa, has so much in its favor, and the advan- 
 tages to be derived from it are so apparent, that I need not take the time 
 to present them. But I want your boys and girls in the Sunday-school to 
 set this school in motion. If we can get any fifty of you to give each five 
 cents a month for three years, we could use that amount to educate a boy 
 or girl in the school. 
 
 Many of you see the necessity for occupying the field, and yet you do not 
 see how you can go, or give up your children to the work. This plan 
 shows you how you can stay at home and yet serve the Master in heathen 
 Africa. Let your contributions of books, clothing and money prove your 
 interest in the salvation of the heathen and the extension of the Redeemer's 
 kingdom. 
 
mission life in africa, 
 
 Likenesses of Missionaries and Officers, 
 
 — AND — 
 
 Many African Curiosities. 
 
 -^- 
 
 This Book hris been prepared with care, and can not fail to 
 be entertaining and useful to all who have the cause of missions 
 at heart. It is especiall}' useful to United Brethren niinisteis. 
 
 It also contains a review of the United Brethren missionary 
 work down to the General Conference of 1885. 
 
 It contains 440 pages octavo, and is mechanically well ex- 
 ecuted. Retail price, $1,00. Good discount to the trade. 
 
 It contains also a portrait of all our African Missionaries 
 and Missionary Officers. 
 
 Send orders to 
 
 Rev. Wm. McKee. 
 Or, Rev. W. J. Shuey, Dayton. Ohio. 
 
MISSIONARY CARDS AND BOXES. 
 
 We keep on hand for gratuitous distribution for Unitec\ 
 Brethren itinerants and others interested in mission-work a sup- 
 ply of cards, both for subscriptions and for cash collections by J 
 the children. They are both convenient and useful. 
 Send orders to 
 
 Kev. Wm. McKee, Dayton, Ohio. 
 
 LIFE MEMBERSAND LIFE DIRECTORS. 
 
 The payment of $50.00 at one time, or in two annual jDay. 
 nients, to any department of our mission-work, entitles the do- 
 nor to a Certificate of Life Directorship in the society ; and th( 
 pfiyment of $10.00 at one time, or in two annual pa3anents, tc 
 any department of our mission-work, entitles tlie donor to 
 Certificate of Life Membershi}). 
 
 Rev. Z. Warnei{, Cor. Secretary, 
 
 Davton, OtiioI 
 
 MAP OF WEST AFRICA. 
 
 A few copies of tliis map ready mounted and suitable for th^ 
 study and the Sunday-school, are still on sale at the rnite(| 
 Brethren Mission Rooms. The map shows the situation of Fn 
 town, Shaingay, Bonthe, Avery, Rotofunk, and other missio 
 stations, and the country and ocean round about. Price, 
 cents, post-paid. Send orders to 
 
 Ri \. Wm. McKee, Dayton, 01ii<J. 
 
PHOTOMOUNT 
 
 PAMPHLET BINDER 
 
 <^ 
 
 Manufactured by 
 
 GAYLORD BROS. Inc. 
 
 Syracuse, N. Y. 
 
 Stockton, Calif.