A Cry and a Response. 49

told Charles Ryan, our messenger, that in such a case I
should consider them already provided for, and would not
disturb such plans. Then he retraced his steps some fifty-
five miles to the nearest of the three villages from which the
appeal was made. He had found the most distant village
permanently deserted, as it appeared from the quite empty
and dismantled houses. At the nearest a few old people
remained, the whole able-bodied section of the community
having gone off to their hunting. In this village there was
great joy at ‘the prospect of having a missionary. The chief
was away, but the letter I had written was explained and left
behind for him. He may not return for months, and then
may find a difficulty in meeting with a literate person to
write for him his reply.

“In the meantime I am looking for a suitable missionary
to break ground there in the autumn. The present prospect
is the inviting of the Indians of the two nearest villages
and the building up a much smaller work than would have
been likely had I been sooner in the field. That all who
sought the blessing of the Gospel will now be brought under
its saving influence must be a source of gladness to those
hearts that have yearned for their salvation.

“You now see how the matter stands. If it be asked
whether it is prudent to lay out money on the rescue of so
small a community, only perhaps between 100 and 150 souls,
I would reply by asking what would be thought of the
Government if, hearing of so many starving to death, they
did not succour them promptly? Souls appeal to Christians
because Jesus died for them. I know no grander or more
apostolic missionary than Bishop French. Would he not
gladly lay down his life to win an Arab for Christ? What
would he not do or dare to win a hundred? Let but a man
be vent by the Holy Ghost, and I shall expect to see these
remnants of once powerful tribes united in the bonds of the
Gospel.

* I may not exactly tell you how the reading of Mr. Fenn’s
telegram affected me. It rebuked me

it rejoiced me.
F

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ta Seo:

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Soci aoe

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