Page:Cole (1885) The Hope of Sherbro's Future Greatness.pdf/15

—11— was carried on with Herculean might on gigantic shoulder of this the man of God, insomuch that the United Brethren Church in Africa is known among us as Gomer’s mission. The radical change and the improvements during the thirteen years of his labors and ministration reminds one very vividly of Oberlin, the pastor of Ban de la Roche, his untiring effort, his humble and unassuming character, his anxiety to see every one around him engaged, his own example, like St. Paul, of working with his own hands. This man’s great exertions, with those of the missionaries now in the field, and Mrs. M. Mair, late of Rotufunk Station, lifted Sherbro to a new and higher scale of progression. The success of these missionaries induced the American Missionary Society two years ago to transfer to them their stations for a term of years, and the Freedmen Missions Aid Society in England is now, through the United Brethren Church, stretching out its hand to the rescue of the perishing sons and daughters of Africa.

Decency is also one of the characteristic changes which have taken place. Years ago the Sherbroes wore nothing on their persons but a totranger, and many were to be found in a state of entire nudity. But to-day, instead of the totranger, we find among the male a desire for the white man’s trousers and baltic shirts pervading the whole country, whilst the females would pay anything for fine wrappers, and English shawls to cover their shoulders. I do not mean to advance this as the case in every town, but at Shaingay there could not be found at present as much as four young females with totrangers fastened to a girdle of beads (or Mayemgba), which, as hitherto, make up the principal dressing of a maiden.

Another improvement is the steamer John Brown. It affords an extensive view of European civilization. On the day of her arrival, a young man from Manoh coming from the mission was asked whether the mail-boat arrived