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548 UNCLE TOM'S CABIN; OR
have more than the rights of common men ; — we have the claim of an injured race for reparation. But, then, / do not want it I want a country, a nation, of my own. I think that the African race has peculiarities, yet to be unfolded in the light of civilization and Christianity, which, if not the same with those of the Anglo-Saxon, may prove to be, morally, of even a higher type.
" To the Anglo-Saxon race has been intrusted the destinies of the world, during its pioneer period of struggle and conflict. To that mission its stern, inflexible, energetic elements were well adapted ; but, as a Christian, I look for another era to arise. On its borders I trust we stand ; and the throes that now convulse the nations are, to my hope, but the birth-pangs of an hour of universal peace and brotherhood.
" I trust that the development of Africa is to be essentially a Christian one. If not a dominant and commanding race, they are, at least, an affectionate, magnanimous, and forgiving one. Having been called in the furnace of injustice and oppression, they have need to bind closer to their hearts that sublime doctrine of love and forgiveness, through which alone they are to conquer, which it is to be their mission to spread over the continent of Africa.
" In myself, I confess, I am feeble for this, — full half the blood in my veins is the hot and hasty Saxon ; but I have an eloquent preacher of the gospel ever by my side, in the person of my beautiful wife. When I wander, her gentler spirit ever restores me, and keeps before my eyes the Christian calling and mission of our race. As a Christian patriot, as a teacher of Christianity, I go to my country,—my chosen, my glorious Africa! — and to her, in my heart, I sometimes apply those splendid words of prophecy : ' Whereas thou hast been forsaken and hated, so that no man went through thee ; / will make thee an eternal excellence, a joy of many generations !'
" You will call me an enthusiast : you will tell me that I have not well considered what I am undertaking. But I have considered, and counted the cost. I go to Liberia, not as to an Elysium of romance, but as to a Jield of ivork. I expect to work with both hands, — to work hard; to work against all sorts of difficulties and discouragements ; and to work till I die. This is what I go for ; and in this I am quite sure I shall not be disappointed.
"Whatever you may think of my determination, do not |
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