journal, the organ of the Virginia Baptists, was conspicuous for its many brilliant editions; and as for the subsequent writings of Prof. Jones, we know that not one upon the staff contributed more to The Companion's high reputation than he.
In 1883 he was elected corresponding secretary of the Baptist Foreign Mission Convention of the United States, and by virtue of this position he edits the organ of the Convention, known as African Missions.
To deviate a little from his journalistic career, we wish to call the reader's attention to what The Religious Herald, organ of the white Baptists of Virginia, said about him when elected to this responsible position:
"Prof. Jones is one of the most gifted colored men in America. Besides being a Professor in Richmond Theological Seminary, he is corresponding secretary of the Baptist Foreign Mission Convention. He has the ear and heart of his people, and fills with distinction the high position to which his brethren, North and South, have called him."
Now let us return to Prof. Jones' journalistic life, inasmuch as this work should especially inform the reader upon that. Though The Companion suspended publication, Prof. Jones continued his labors as a writer. He is known over the country for possessing a quick and ready pen. He once held a newspaper controversy with the learned Roman Catholic Bishop Keane of Richmond, Va., which created widespread interest. Dr. Cathcart, in the Baptist Encyclopedia, speaks of the controversy thus: "Prof. Jones is an efficient teacher and a forcible writer. In 1878, he held a controversy with Bishop Keane, in which, according to the decision of many of the most competent judges, the bishop was worsted." If we said no more, this Afro-American's ability as a writer must be fully demonstrated. As a "pusher of the pen," he never fails to elicit the interest of all.
Our subject, in writing the Introductory Sketch of Rev. A.
