IN WESTERN AFRICA. 
155 
missionary, or it may be by the death of the two 
who last labored in their midst. At all events, 
they showed a greater willingness to listen to the 
preaching of the gospel and a higher appreciation 
of its benefits than ever before. In a few months 
Mr. Caulker, the chief of the country, and head- 
man of Shengay, requested that meetings be held 
regulary in his town as well as at the mission- 
house, which — owing to the destruction of our 
first chapel by bug-a-bugs — was now the only place 
on our premises in which to hold them. He at- 
tended them himself when held in Shengay, even 
while so feeble as to have to be carried to the 
place ; and instead of forbidding his people, espe- 
cially slaves, from being present, as he once did, he 
now advised, and sometimes required them to at- 
tend the meetings and the Sabbath-school. The 
result was, large numbers were present to hear Mr. 
Gomer preach, and to witness all the exercises at 
Bible-class and prayer-meeting. Mr. Caulker him- 
self became a sincere inquirer after truth, and in 
due time an earnest penitent, as well as Christian ; 
and he, with a number of others, publicly renounc- 
ed heathenism and professed faith in Christ. Some 
went back to the world, but not a larger per cent 
than is usual under similar circumstances in 
America. The chief only lived a few months 
after his conversion, he being quite old. He died 
