52 
SHERBRO MISSION. 
Bidding farewell to friends and home and 
native country they started on their long journey 
on the 8th of Kovemberj 1870. They were ac- 
companied to New York by Mr. Flickinger. 
After a few days spent in preparation they took 
passage for Africa via Liverpool. This route, 
though farther and more costly, is much more 
easily and speedily traversed than by direct sail- 
ing from New York to Freetown. They landed 
in Freetown the 11th day of January, 1871, and 
in a few days, accompanied by Mr. Burton of the 
Mendi Mission, they went to Shaingay. Mr. Bur- 
ton introduced them to the king, who received 
them Avith expressions of hearty congratulation. 
Mr. Gomer was greatly encouraged by these 
omens of interest and faith on the part of the 
people. He believed it to be the period for the 
success of this mission. In his opinion the sal- 
vation of that part of Ethiopia drew nigh, and 
he set himself to improve the rising tide. He 
held meetings regularly at the mission-house; he 
re-organized the Sabbath-school, and being invited 
by the king, held frequent meetings in the barra, 
or court-house of the town. These meetings were 
most always attended by the king and most of 
the members of his numerous family. The king 
was very old and feeble, and sometimes he was 
not able to walk, and he would have his servants 
./ 
carry him to the barra. 
