Page:Africa's redemption.djvu/26

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24
AFRICA'S REDEMPTION.

the country the impression made upon the native mind, has been decided. Prince Balla was a special envoy, sent by a native king to make observations in America. The proposition made to him by the king, is reported in these words: "Balla, 'spose you go to 'merica. You got my eyes, you got my mout, you got my ears. You see, you 'peak, you hear for me. What you see, I see: what you 'peak, I 'peak: what you hear, I hear. Den if all these things we hear be true, we all be 'mericans, have 'merica book, be good like dem."

Liberia is exerting upon Africa an influence somewhat similar to that exerted by this country on Europe, yet much greater in proportion, and vast good is done by special missionary effort. There are a large number of native children in the schools, where they commonly evince quickness of mind and a desire to learn. Already a large number of natives have learned to speak the English language, are regular attendants upon church, and many of them are hopeful converts to the Christian religion. The rights of citizenship are extended to all native Africans residing within the limits of the Republic, as soon as they manifest sufficient interest and intelligence; and already several of them are justices of the peace. And it is a very interesting fact, that the entire Baptist mission is under the exclusive direction of native converts. There are always native boys anxious to be taken into Liberian families as servants, in order that they may have an opportunity of acquiring an English education. A