Page:A Chapter on Slavery.djvu/105

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THE REPUBLIC OR LIBERIA.
91

the blessed work of winning souls to God.’ — It would seem from the Minutes, that the number of ministers of their denomination in the colony, in 1835, was twelve, and the number of communicants upwards of 200. The Report also speaks of the appointment of a ‘Missionary for the interior of Africa, to carry the light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ into the dark regions of this benighted land.’ The appointment, it is stated, seems to be regarded by the members of the Conference with the warmest approbation; and one good result already discovered from it is the awakening of a missionary spirit among the preachers. Several are ready to say, ‘Here we are, send us. We covet the privilege of carrying the Gospel to the heathen tribes.’ The Report concludes:‘ If we are to judge from the appearance of the fields around us, which are already white unto harvest, we should conclude that "the set time to favor Zion has come," yea, that "now is the accepted time, now is the day of salvation." Men and brethren, help! O help to disenthral poor Africa from the hellish grasp of the enemy of all righteousness! Help to promote the moral and religious prosperity of this infant colony, destined as it is to be rendered "a savor of life unto life" to this benighted continent.’"[1]

In a number of the Liberia Herald, a newspaper published at Monrovia, is an interesting account of the formation of a body of native Africans, thirty-six in number, into a Christian church. The 'article, as quoted by Mr. Freeman, reads as follows: —

"On Sunday, the 7th inst., thirty-six native Afri-

  1. Plea for Africa, Conversation XXIV.