Page:A pilgrimage to my motherland.djvu/82

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TO MY MOTHERLAND.
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little book that no less than 500 of them left Sierra Leone for their country.

Simultaneously with these occurrences, the people of the Brazils and of Cuba, Egbas, Torubas, and other Aku tribes who had obtained freedom, began to return. From all sources there are now scattered throughout the country, but chiefly at Lagos and Abbeokuta, over five thousand of these people, semi-civilized generally, but in some instances highly cultivated, being engaged as teachers, catechists, clergymen, and merchants. Industrious, enterprising, and carrying with them, one here and another there, a knowledge of some of the useful arts, they have doubtless been the means of inaugurating a mighty work, which, now that it has accomplished its utmost, must be continued in a higher form by the more civilized of the same race, who for a thousand reasons, are best adapted to its successful prosecution.

The hand of God is in the work, and although many discouragements and impediments might intercept the path of you who would labor for such an end, there is nothing to fear. Persevere, persevere, and the Power, which has already been a safeguard through so many dangers will aid your efforts to the end.

    Tucker has never been to Africa herself, yet her statements are perfectly reliable, as they come from the best sources.

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