The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1873-10-08
From the Missionary.
Letter from Rev. Edward Lane.
CAMpINAs, BRAZIL, July IA, 1873.

CASIPINAs, Brazil, July IA, 1873.
About year ago Mr. Morton and myself made
visit to Penha small village, eleven leagues
from Campinas, and lying in the midst of thicky
settled region. The citizens listened so readily to
the truth, that we have ever since wished to do
something more for them than could be accom-
pllshed by an occasional visit.
A few months since, finding one of the mem
bers OF the church DESTROYS to whatever talents
he had In mission work, we advised him to go to
this place. The man is mechanic, and our pur
pose was to have him seek employment at his trade,
so as to earn support and work for the Lord as
he had opportunity, living and laborlng IN the
community
Recently brother LeConte and myself made a
visit to the village. Leaving Campinas In the
morning, we reached Mogy Morim thirty-slx miles
distant, hoping to preach at night, but In this we
we're disappointed, not being able to rent room.
Next morning we called to see the vicar He re-
celved US courteousy. and during the conversation
told us he was about opening school tor girls.
Upon being urged to introduce the study OF the
Sacred Scriptures, he admitted the necessity for
1t, and gave US q small sum of money for the
purchase Of Testaments. Continuing our journey,
we arrived at Penha in time to preach on Friday,
Saturday, and three times on Sunday to good and
attentive congregations On Sabbath we walked
two miles into the country to preach in private
house at o'clock in the morning After the SER
vices We were invited at ii o'clock to breakfast,
and found on the table roast pig, chickens, rice,
and beans, but no bread-indeed we rarely see the
latter on our journeys. The believer who had
gone out from us, has only limited education
but is blessed with energy, prudence, and piety.
de had been successful In finding employment,
and abundant opportunities to speak for the Mas
ter in daily contact with the people, had also or
ganzed Sabbath School with seven pupils. The
pith and force with which his illustrations an
swer the objections made to the reception of the
teachings Of the missionaries was often striking.
| One of the most common charges Is, that we
teach false doctrines. To this he replied Sup
pose the emperor sends out two men to govern a
province-one comes with his instructions written
in language unknown to the speople saying 1t Is
dangerous to inform them. The other unfolds the
law by which ne is to be guided, making known
clearly his duties and those of the people judge
for yourselves which of the two is likely to prove
the honest, faithful man. Several persons told
us that, since hearing the gospel they had ceased
to worship images, or abandon the practice OF
some other sin. We left encouraged with the
hope that the life and labors OF one sincere Chris
tan, however humble among people sincerely
inauiring for the truth, might result In bringing
many to sit at the Saviour's feet. We made the
ride back to our homes over forty five miles IN
one day. Last Sabbath we had our usual monthly
communion. There were no additions to the
church. The congregation numbered about sew
enty, both morning and night. For some months
there have been several persons attending with
such regularity and listening SO respectfully, that
we trust the truth is making lasting impression
upon their hearts.