The Ohio star. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1830-1854, 1853-12-14

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ness and inactivity, while beyond the Atlantic
Hams descendants are slumberiDg in heathen
| degradation Has the mantle of Howard or a
Judson fallen on no American? Has commiser-
alton for theee injured people entered the heart of
no Philanthropist! Can the Missionary, who is
not terrified by the SHOWS of Siberia the fsvers of
the Birman Empire, nor the burning sands of the
deserts OF ARABIA, listen to the teachings of Him
who commanded his followers to go into all the
rorld and preach the gospel to erery creatu, and
then fear the attempt to plant the cross on Afrcs
shore, or proclaim to the brave warlike Ashantes
or the wild Busbmen of tho south the glories of
Redeemng Love.
| great work has been accomplished by the
Englsh and American governments on the west
ern coast, but the influence of these two colonies
will not extend through the whole continent or en-
| tighten every tribe. Numerous aud competent
missionaries must be sent, devoted to the service
of the King of kings. who visit every division
of this country and give to every the word of
live in all its purity and simplicity, and then will
| they learn to be free. When they shall have a
proper sense of their individual power and respon-
sibilty, and the great objects of life. their land
4
for other natives.
| The past wrongs of Africa can never be redress
ed. The t,oenty millions that have been torn from
home and kindred will never be returned Their
letters may not be broken, nor their tears wiped
away by us /; but the sighs and groans of the op-
pressed have ascended to the court of Heaven to
plead before that just God who is declared to be
mo respector of persons" and their wrongs have
called forth angels tears if angels ever weep.
Yet in respect to the present population justice
may be DONE While ne are engaged in attempts
to improve the condition of the African in our
country, and our laws prohibit their transportation
to the States, may we not in their own homes
elevate them above the reach of slavery? ~
| 1t is common remark that virtuous, eplight-
ened, religious people can never be enslaved.
| Then in no better manner can we promote the in
terest Of Africa's than by abrogang the laws,
customs and superstitions 80 hostile to christianity,
and instilling into their hearts the fruits of the
spirit, and thus shall have laid the foundation
of q great and happy nation. for it is only the
moral degradation of its inhabitants that has pre-
vented this continent from rising and claiming a
place with the nations of the world. Situated as
large extent of territory, fertile soils, varied
climate and navigabie rivers with its borders wash
ed by the pillows of and oceans, its elements
OF greatness are unsurpassed by those of any di
vision Of the globe.
The uncommon fertility of the soil and the spon-
taneous productions of Nature. are, perhaps, one
cause of the inactivity of the minds of these tribes
as they not compelled to great labor to supply
the demands of life, and it is necessity alnne that
calls forth the inventive powers. Yet are they
not slumberiag in entire mental apathy. The
finer feelings OF the heart are disclosed in their in
tense love of country, their passion for poetry
eloquence, and their discernment of natures beau
ties and the day is far distant when these be
nighted people who now "sitting in darkness.
and the region and shadow of death /" shall learr
the majesty of Redeeming Love. and become the
humble disciples of Jesus.
The prophecies and promises not fail. ant
r when the heather that to be given to Chris
for his Inheritance, and the utermost parts of tn,
o earth for possession, shall come under his sway
when all nations shall unite in singing prases thu
9 Lamb that slain, then shall the day of ligh
! and peace for Africa dawn.
: And in the holy enterprise of hastening thi
/, glorious time the favored children of America ar
permitted to be first and most active and will NO
the lovers of truth and justice, the friends of I'm
mannel, armed with the breast plate of righteous
l. ness, the shield of fath the helmet of salvatio
9 and the sword of the spirit, be prepared to pubs
,, in this neglected land the glad tidings of peace
b Through their labors with the favor of God
,, o. shall not Africs faied land
J, With news of grace be blest;
If Or shall not Ethiopia's land
g Enjoy the promised rest
May the day soon arrive when Africa will ful
IF nish beautiful habitations Of holiness; when th
IS evening song of liberty and joy shall resoun
" through its valleys and ne heard from the mour
If tain summit, when its rivers shall bear the hera't
% of the TO its interior to declare IL
10 joyful news Of salvation; and may each vessel th
visits its shores convey the followers of Jesus wit
s. the gospel of the Prince of Peace, until the da
r. break and the shadows flee away"