Dear Mother, Home and Friends:—I feel that I must grasp the first opportunity to write you concerning our voyage across the sea and our safe arrival in Africa. After thirty-five days at sea, of which I shall write later, we arrived at Grand Cape Mt., W. C. Africa, February 7, 1887. The bark "Cardena," in which we sailed, cast anchor February 7th, about three miles off land. We were then carried in a boat, which was rowed by four men, to Cape Mt. Landing. The boat came within forty or fifty feet of land.
One by one we were carried ashore in the strong arms of the naked heathen. Rev. H. McKinney was first to greet us, after which the natives came one by one to bid us welcome. * * * After spending some time at the Episcopal mission, they left for their own special field some way off across the lake (Bendoo Mission).
Looking downwards we could see the bottom of the lake all covered with rocks. Mr. and Mrs. Topp began to sing "Let us build on a rock," and as we were nearing our last landing we all bravely sang "Hold the fort, for I am coming." Nearer and nearer we came to the shore, the last verse rang out loud and strong:
"Fierce and long the battle rages,
But our help is near;
Onward comes our Great Commander,
Cheer, my comrades, cheer."
And as the chorus died away and was lost upon the breezes we stepped upon the field "whereunto we are called."
As the day wore on evening came, and with it came family worship. In the little sitting-room we met in company with about fourteen natives, most of whom were naked; some had on their cloth. They sat on chairs, sofas, and the floor. As the organ poured forth the beautiful melody, "There is a fountain filled with blood," we sang it as we never sang before. * * * Some day you may see me when you looketh not for me. * * * Come over and help us dispel the darkness.Yours in Africa,Lucy A. Cole.
Rev. D. N. Vassar, D. D., who has very recently returned from a visit to the Vey Mission as Commissioner of the Baptist Foreign Mission Convention of the United States, published the following account of Mrs. Cole and her work:
