A TRIP TO MISSOURI.—In my recent short trip to Missouri, I learned much as to the state of the cause; and what I learned left my spirit sad. In that large State, where we once had so fine a foothold, decline lies like a mildew on the work of the past. Our churches now are not what they once were. Then they were united, prosperous, and full of vitality. All this can not be said of them now. Many of them are nobly struggling to regain their former high position; but their progress is slow. Two deeply felt wants inter­fere with their benevolent wishes. First, the want of money; and, second, the want of preachers. The latter want they profoundly feel. It positively pained me hear them mourn over the absence of the preachers they once so tenderly loved, and who are with them no more. “Brother Lard, is there no chance to get you all to come back?” was the one question which had stereo­typed itself on every lip. I hung my head low, when I heard that question, so full of heart and sadness; for the answer was not on my tongue. Countless times during my short stay, did I hear the names of Bro. Hopson, Bro. Wilkes, Bro. McGarvey, and Bro. Haley. Not once did I hear inquiry made for a new man. Their old preachers they wanted back. But the great difficulty is, that their old preachers have not in themselves the means to live; and the brethren in Missouri have it not to give them. My prayer is, that God may yet bring to pass the desire of his children there. A better day may yet dawn on them. [31]

[Volume V: January, 1868]

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