African Colonization by the Free Colored People of the United States, an Indispensable Auxiliary to African Missions.: A LectureChristy, David
History
African Colonization by the Free Colored People of the United States, an Indispensable Auxiliary to African Missions.: A Lecture
Christy, David
African Americans -- Colonization -- Africa; Missions -- Africa
On the 2d of September, King Akitoye died suddenly, and his son, Dosumu,
was elected in his stead. How far he may be able or willing to resist
the renewal of the slave-trade remains to be seen. The missionaries, at
the latest advices, were greatly discouraged, being worn down with
fatigue and anxiety, and almost shut out from the hope of planting the
Gospel in Lagos, as it has been done in Abbeokuta.
These important movements show how the English Colonies are operating as
agencies in extending civilization and the Gospel in Africa; and how the
Providence of God is overruling the wicked actions of men for the
advancement of the kingdom of Christ.
But while we present these cheering evidences of the success of the
missions in this field, we would call attention to an important
difference in the results here and in Liberia. Sierra Leone and Liberia
were founded with similar objects in view: the removal of a class of
persons unhappily situated, the improvement of their condition, the
civilization of Africa, and the suppression of the slave-trade. In both
cases the colonies were founded in the midst of barbarous tribes; and
with men but recently escaped or liberated from the bonds of slavery.
Sierra Leone received her emigrants nearly all at once; while Liberia
was more than ten years in obtaining an equal number. With the exception
of the few survivors of the London expedition, the settlers in both
colonies had the same early training, under the slavery of Virginia,
Maryland, and the Carolinas. Up to 1800, the emigrants to Sierra Leone
had been enlightened men, mostly from the same region which,
subsequently, supplied to Liberia her citizens. From that period, the
population of Sierra Leone has been increased, not by additions of
civilized men,[38] but first by the Maroons, and afterward by natives
introduced by the English cruizers; until, at present, _sixty-six years_
from the founding of the colony, it includes 45,000 people, reckoned
subjects of Great Britain. With the exception of a few recaptured slaves
landed in Liberia, by American cruizers, its population, each succeeding
year from the first, has received accessions of civilized men, who have
won the confidence of the surrounding tribes, added them to their
communities, instructed them in the arts of civilization, allowed them
the benefits of their schools, and a participation in civil affairs;
until, at present, _thirty-three years_ after the commencement of the
colony, it includes 80,000 people, recognized citizens of the Republic.
Now, mark the difference: in 66 years, Sierra Leone, aided by a large
naval squadron, has grown into a British Colony of 45,000 subjects;
while, in 33 years, or half the time, Liberia, with an influx of only
1,044 recaptured Africans, has become a Republic of 80,000 citizens.[39]
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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