The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1873-11-19
From the Missionary.
A Letter from Rev. william LeConte.

CAMpINAs, BRAZIL, August 18th, '73.
The unusually early arrival of the mail
this month enables US to acknowledge the re-
ceipt of several papers besides the Missionary,
which of late has been arriving pretty regu'
larly about week before it was expected.
During this past month there has been no
journeying or preaching out of our regular
routine in Campinas The only thing of any
interest that has occurred here, is the de-
velopment of opposition TO Mr.. Morton s
school not public opposition, but silent
moral one that is quite sensible. This only
proves that the influence of the institution is
beginning to be seriously apprehended by
the spirits that oppose it.
When the last mail left for the United
States, Mr.. Lane and had not returned
from attendance on Presbytery; you have,
therefore, not received any account of that
meeting yet, Mr.. Morton was not able to
attend, on account OF his engagements here.
The meeting was very interesting in some
particulars. Two native CONVERTS man
aud his wife-were baptized, who had made
journey of two days and half on horse
back to meet the Presbytery. The man had
made the same journey the year before, but
having been misinformed, missed the time,
and had to return without having met the
brethren. This time he came with Mr..
Emerson. He had never heard sermon.
A little over a year ago he into posses
sion of Bible, read it diligently, and ap-
piled himself to imparting the light to others
as fast as he received it. lie would visit Mr..
Emerson frequently, seeking such explana-
tions as he couldg get in his own language,
still gathering his neighbOrs around him-as
many as would hear him, and telling them
all he knew. Of course he was not allowed
to do all this without opposition. His zeal
exposed him to good deal of petty persecu-
ton. But he was not to be discouraged. He
seemed to have taken in fully the promise of
the Saviour, that whoever sacrifices every
thing in this world for his sake shall have a
hundred-fold more now in this present time,
and in the world to come eternal life. The
brotherhood of believers seemed to touch his
heart. Several times in the course of conver
sation he would revert to the subject His
wife was less positive character, apparently
suffering herself to be led by him.
After Presbytery, Mr.. Lane preached to a
congregation of Brazilians, which met him in
the house of one Of our countryman. The
following Sunday he also preached to the
Brazilians in st. Barbara. The interest of
the Brazilians in that neighborhood has in
creased of late.
A few days ago Mr.. Lane had visit from
a member of the Campinas church who is
now residing in Penha, little village about
sixty miles from here He brought the
pleasant intelligence that there were in that
place about ten persons who were de8irou8 Of
protesting their faith. The seed was first
dropped in that little village about a year age
by Mr.. Morton and Mr.. Chamberlain. The
colporteur was subsequently sent with Bibles
and tracts. This member of the Campinas
church, being man of prudence as we'll a;
of zeal and sound knowledge of the Scrip.
lures, was then posted out there as Bible
reader; and the work was prospered. Mr.
Lane and 1 took journey out there about
the end of June, and found a number of per.
sons who were eager for instruction. One
interesting case was that of lady pretty
well advanced in age, surrounded by very
numerous household, who had borrowed s.