Today a Northern Baptist missionary in France writes a letter to the American Baptist Home Missionary Society, referencing the war between the American states:
First of all, will you allow me to say to you again how much your “life-and-death struggle” interests us. Yes, we remember that you are fighting the battle of freedom for the human race and for all time. Our sympathies, and those of all true men in our country, have long been with you; but especially since the sublime proclamation of your worthy President, giving liberty to our colored brethren. If you could hear the fervent prayers offered by all our brethren on this side the Atlantic at the throne of the Heavenly Grace at every one of our meetings, for the complete and speedy, triumph of your noble cause,—surely it would encourage all our beloved brethren in the United Stales. Encourage you? Yes, encourage you, notwithstanding your temporary disaster. Remember that Christ must reign, and that with Him every just cause like yours must triumph.
Gratitude and Confidence.
I cannot tell you how deeply we have been affected by the kindness of the Committee towards us, notwithstanding your public distress. Please present to the brethren our cordial thanks and fraternal salutations.
And we also would take courage, because our work in this country, or rather the Lord’s work, cannot, we are sure, be abandoned. Satan, it is true, opposes us, and sometimes does us harm. But though the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, we know they are mighty through God to the pulling down of the strong holds of the enemy. With this armor we wish to be clothed, and to fight still the good fight of faith. May Jehovah be our strength, and Christ our life.
Source: “Letter from Mister L____, Interest in the American Struggle,” in American Baptist Missionary Magazine, Vol. 43, Boston: Missionary Rooms, 1863, p. 320 (link)
