quiring greater proportionate strength; the races cannot blend, and it does not yet appear how, even with all the advantages of Christian teaching and secular education the race which suffers so many drawbacks can gain and maintain position and influence equal to that of the race which in nearly every respect occupies vantage ground.

The State and the Church are seeking the elevation of the colored man, and he responds promptly and well to these efforts. But what is it to be the outcome of these efforts? Is nothing more to be accomplished by them than to fit the colored man for offices, few of which he will occupy? Or for social equality, which will still be denied? One fact seems clear, whether we can or can not tell what the outcome is to be,-these efforts are right-right, because they are the performance of the duty which lies next to us. We may see in part, or we may not see at all what shall be on the morrow; but if we know what we ought to do to-day and do it, so far we are safe because so far we are right. But we can see some probable results of these efforts, in the near future. The colored man will constantly gain in self-respect as his manhood is developed, he will therefore more and more seek to improve his condition; and because the material and physical condition greatly effects the social and moral, he will seek a better home and more comfortable appointments-preachers and teachers will be drawn more and more from his own people,— larger interest will be felt and taken in the affairs of his neighorhood, State and country; and this interest will soon extend itself to the regions beyond. Thus, as from a state of barbarism he passed into a condition of tutelage, so from this will he pass by successive stages until he shall find that he has relations to the world, and shall begin to ask himself, What part am I to perform in the great drama of the nation?

When from his advanced position he shall begin to look out upon the world, feel that he has relations to it, and a work to do as well as others, what probably will be the conclusions he will reach? That his work is ever to remain in a secondary relation to a dominant race? Will it not rather be as he sees his people stretching out their hands and hears them cry, Come over and helpus-I will even go that I may lift their burdens, dispel their darkness, and by the light of the Cross lead them into the peace which Christ purchased for all, and at last to the heaven into which are to be gathered the saved out of every nation?

It is a coincidence that at the time when the slave was delivered from his bonds a deeper and more practical interest was taken in African exploration than had ever been known. Barth, Livingstone,

Stanley and others entered the unexplored, traced rivers to their source, contracted the space on the map hitherto allotted to deserts, uncovered untold treasures, and more than hinted at the incalculably great possibilities of the future. So it falls out that while the colored man of the United States is becoming prepared for his future, it may be that thorough exploration, exact information. and increased facilities of travel are preparing Africa for him and for the wonderful work he is there to do.

Hitherto, man has proposed, and an Infinite Ruler has disposed. If God intends the regeneration of Africa shall be accomplished by her sons and danghters who have been here prepared for the work, then He in His time will show that He can turn the hearts of the people, make a path in the sea, open a way for settlements, compel commerce and arts to aid His servants, and secure attentive ears and willing hearts to the messengers who carry the good tidings.

Meanwhile one thing is important, the white and colored people of the United States must faithfully perform the duty which God makes plain to-day. A second thing seems to me important-indeed, it is the conclusion for which the large introduction has been chiefly written:-The organization of Missionary Societies by the colored people should be undertaken without delay and encouraged by all proper means. The special object should be the evangelization of Africa. These people should carefully select men of their own color as Missionaries, send them across the sea and support them while this may be neccessary.

The effect will be 'to deepen interest in Africa, secure trustworthy information of the country and its resources, proper encouragement to emigrants, with all necessary directions for the guidance of any who may wish to gain a home, and aid in the erection of a New Africa upon the old. By-and-by, it may be, the heart of the people as one man may yearn for the old home. In this event-as there is always a way to do what ought to be done-there will be a way opened by which the people may enter their Canaan and possess the land. Other topics were in my mind which I thought to make a part of this letter; but both time and space have been fully taken by these few thoughts respecting the possible work of the colored man of America, and the best way to prepare him, and for him to prepare himself for it.

Are you, Mr. Editor, persuaded that the practical suggestion just made is probably the duty which now lies just before the colored people of the United States? If after consideration you should feel so persuaded, then I hope you will say so upon suitable occasions. Perhaps other editors may be induced to ponder the question and,

according to their convictions, either advocate the measure or show why so little importance should be attached to it.

Yours, &c.,

JOHN MERIDIES.

[We have for many years favored the colonization scheme, and shall hope to see it more strongly put before our people, and we think the plan of evangelizing Africa by Africans is the only really feasible scheme.-EDITOR Baltimore Episcopal Methodist.]

AFRICA TO BE REDEEMED BY AFRICANS.

The minutes of the Spring Hill Baptist Association of Alabama indicate a progressive spirit, and intellectual growth among its members. The Association has a report on the subject of education, followed by a resolution, "that each minister, in order to preach the Gospel, must be well educated." On the subject of African Missions the report says:

"There is no subject that interests the Africo-American more than the Foreign Mission work. The Foreign Mission work in Africa is especially the work of the colored Christians of America. Over two hundred years ago we were brought here in chains, as bondmen. Above two hundred years we groaned and wept under our sore affliction. God heard us, and in process of time the Infinite God spoke to the raging billows of slavery, saying—Thus far shalt thou go and no farther. In 1865 the terrible chain of thraldom was severed by the Omniscient God, by which five millions of precious souls were liberated. We are not to remain merely freedmen and citizens of America, but Christians and soldiers of the Cross. For us to remain dormant, and leave it for God to use other means and others as agents in the evangelization of Africa, is to be, in every manner possible, criminal and wholly recreant to the most sacred trusts committed to our care. God always redeems a people by members of the people to be redeemed. When God would emancipate the Jews, Moses is selected— a member of the Jews. And all through history, sacred or profane, this truth stands out most prominently. Ethiopia will never stretch forth her hands to God until Ethiopians shall have been used as agents. Africa is to be redeemed through the instrumentality of Africans."

From the Christian Standard.

LETTER FROM BREWERVILLE.

The following is an extract of a letter from Rev. James O. Hayes of Brewerville :

April 17th, we had a grand pic-nic, composed of the Sunday schools and congregations of the four churches of Brewerville and visitors from adjoining settlements. The pic-nic was given by the Zion Grove Baptist Sunday school, of which the writer is superintendent. On our banners were inscribed the following mottoes: 1. We solemnly promise, by the help of God, to abstain from the use of intoxicating liquors as a beverage. 2. Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. 3. Search the Scriptures. 4. The people that walked in darkness have seen great light. 5. Look on the fields, they are white to the harvest. 6. They that seek me early shall find me.

The procession was formed at the Baptist church, and proceeded to the pic-nic ground which was 70 rods east of the town, where the day was pleasantly spent. Rev. J. W. Blacklidge delivered an excellent address on Sunday school work. Before the address the children sang: "We are gathering from far and near," &c., led by Mrs Barboza, principal of the Girls' school.

At the conclusion of Mr. Blacklidge's address the children sang : "We are rising as a people," &c., after which dinner was announced. The following are some of the articles of food: rice, potatoes, pork, (both fresh and cured) mutton, kid, poultry, pies, cakes, lemonade, etc.

At 5 o'clock p. m. the procession was formed and returned to the church, where the superintendent delivered a short address, commending the people for the good order which prevailed during the day.

One week ago we gave an exhibition, which it is said, was the best ever given in Brewerville. This can be best accounted for when you remember that Shaw University is the Alma Mater of the superintendent.

Thirteen years ago to-day Brewerville' was first settled. Persons said to me yesterday: "Bro. Hayes, to-day looks more like civilization than any day we have seen since we came to this country.” “I feel myself more at home than ever before." "Undoubtedly God sent you to Brewerville." Perhaps it will be interesting to you to know that the lands upon which we had our meeting yesterday are shaded by large plum trees, nearly the size of the American oak, and

This

more shady, The fruit is about the size of a turkey egg. ground was once a slave market, where hundreds of our ancestors were brought, ( groups of from twenty-five to fifty, chained together,) and sold to the Spaniards, whose vessels lay in the mouth of the St. Paul river, in which they were borne to other shores and sold to speculators.

Now, instead of this state of affairs, which caused weeping and lamentation on the part of heathen parents to see their dear ones. torn from their bosoms, the merry laugh of the children of Christian parents is heard through the old slave market ground.

I remain yours in Christ,

JAMES O. HAYES.

WINNING AN EMPIRE.

Among the notable movements of the time is the material and religious progress going on in Africa. That vast region, still far behind the rest of the world, is advancing rapidly into the light. Diplomacy, science, exploration and commerce on the one hand, and colonization and missionary influence on the other, are opening the Continent and establishing the Gospel of Peace. No portion of the earth will make in the last quarter of this century more progress than Africa.

GOVERNMENTAL.

Africa is the scene at present of armed expeditions and treaties with native tribes, similar to those which marked the first settlement of America. England, France, Portugal, Germany and Italy are pushing forward to obtain titles to the country.

England has "annexed" some forty miles of coast line territory to her colony of Sierra Leone, taking it from the feeble Republic of Liberia, assumes control in Basuto land, has appointed Capt. Foot, R. N. consul, in the Nyassa country and adjoining lake districts, and is making her strong arm felt in other portions of the Continent.

France continues encroachments in Madagascar, and is forcing its way on the Senegal and toward the headwaters of the Niger. It has taken King Tofa, of Porto Novo, under its protection, threatens to "annex" the coast from the Gaboon to the Congo-some two hundred and fifty miles-is extending its possessions inland on the Gaboon, and claims the commerce of the Ogove, and through the latter

NOTE.-For many of the facts in this article the writer is indebted to the CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE of New York, MISSIONARY HERALD of Boston, FOREIGN MISSIONARY Of New York, AFRICAN TIMES of London, and L'AFRIQUE EXPLORE of Geneva.