Page:Life in the Old World - Vol. I.djvu/189

Rh grade, accustomed to a more delicate mode of life, can seldom long stand the hardships which they have to endure, and the relinquishment of all the conveniences of life. M. Josenhaus believes that women would be of great service in missionary labor, especially for the women and children, and in the education of youth. But they ought, in that case, to be sent out in little companies, of from four to six, under a superintendent.

The period of instruction, in the Missionary Institute, is usually five or six years. Mr. Josenhaus was now occupied with the formation of an alphabet which should serve for the instruction of all races of heathen and savage people. The impression which my intercourse with him produced upon my mind, was peculiar and profound. I never before felt myself so tumble, and so insignificant. I felt ready to weep because I was no longer young, and could not enter upon this path, under the guidance of this man! Otherwise, I would have done it. God did not will that it should be so!

Six young men were now ready to go hence, to the deathly coast of Africa. Three of these go as missionaries proper, the other three as their assistants. Their portmanteaus were packed; their knapsacks buckled; every thing was ready, and on this day they were to set out. They seemed thoroughly equipped, both soul and body. One of them, a young man of thirty, struck me by the deep earnestness, and at the same time the cheerfulness, of his expression. To him might have been applied the words of