during the 30 first years of their existence cannot be stated exactly, but in the 94 last years, it amounts to 2,500,000 rix dollars, or 12,750,000 frs.; making an average of 172,000 francs per year,

AFRICAN COLONIZATION.

The "Potomac Advocate," a useful and spirited journal recently established on the basis of the "Metropolitan," at Georgetown, D. C. thus announces the proposition to hold a Colonization meeting in that town on the 24th of July last:

The meeting this evening, is an adjourned meeting from the 4th of July just past— the day on which the ladies usually hold their anniversary--a day in our opinion highly appropriate to such purpose-for what can be more becoming a people so highly favored as we are, having spent the morning of the anniversary of our national independence in grateful reminiscence of the high privileges enjoyed by us, than devoting its latter hours in devising and effecting something toward the emancipation of other climes and other nations?-and where shall we turn our eyes with more propriety than to those shores, whose inhabitants are enchained with the galling fetters of ignorance, superstition and savage barbarism,-the benighted coasts of Africa? Her's is a cause, peculiarly, demanding at our hands our best efforts, and of our hearts the most ardent aspirations, that her dark places may be lightened by the sun of righteousness, and her enshrouded sons emancipated from the deadening influence of ignorance and error. As philanthropists we shall be cheered at the glad tidings of such intelligence reaching us in every breeze!-as christians we shall have discharged our duty, only, when we shall see the fruits of our efforts springing up throughout every region of that land of moral darknesswhilst as patriots we shall have the consolation to see only in her progress and civilization an opportunity of erasing from our national escutchion its only dark and blighting spot.

We would stimulate our fair country-women in the noble charity now engaging their attention. Their persevering efforts their bright example will deserve imitation, and will certainly win the gratitude of myriads. The cause in which they are engaged is the cause of their country-it is the cause of philanthropy-nay! more-it is the cause of their God-its object and end the conversion of a heathen nation.

The past exertions of the Colonization Society in behalf of Africa have not been in vain. Every returning day brings us, thence, “tidings of great joy”—the hearts of its people have been already gladdened-and not only does the light of the gospel appear in the narrow limits of the colonies planted on those shores, but its penetrating rays have pierced the very interior of Africa.

Cheered by the past-hoping for the future, we may fondly anticipate the day, when Africa, "who was once stricken and was not sick-and who was once beaten, and who felt it not," shall be regenerated and awake, and over her continent shall have extended light and peace from this our own happy land; her cause is attracting more and more the attention of our countrymen-and we truly hope the day is not distant, when we shall be "as one man" in purpose,-but as myriads in effecting. We would earnestly call upon our Northern brethren to unite with us in our efforts to advance a cause so interesting to our country, and so pregnant with good to the whole African race-the South are ready to do their part-and we venture to say, that, for every one hundred dollars, raised by our Northern friends, a colonist (and that colonist too from among the slaves,) will be afforded by the generous South.

From the American Herald

We are glad to learn that the cause of colonization continues to prosper, and that it is growing in favor in all sections of the Union. It is one of the noblest enterprises of the age; it is highly creditable to the state of public feeling, that its claims to general patronage and support should have been so earnestly recognized. We have no reference to Abolitionists, when we speak in these terms of commendation of this society, but we regard it simply as one of the most plausible means of bringing Africa once more into the circle of civilized nations, and de

stroying the slave trade on her coasts, by encircling them with a long line of Christian colonies. The American colonies have already attained to considerable importance on the African coast, by the extent of their possessions, their growing trade and increasing population. They are in possession of the best harbors, and most salubrious sites on the coast, and surrounded, as they are, by a fertile and extensive back country, we see nothing in prospect to retard their rapid advance to power and opulence.

With the human elements of christianity and knowledge, incorporated with their political constitutions, and closely interwoven with the habits and feelings of the people, we have every surety, that each step of their progress to general commercial and political importance, will be for the good of the human race, and as such we look upon their rising prosperity with feelings of the highest gratification.

The intelligent Editor of the Pulaski (Oswego county, N. Y.) Advocate, after citing from an address of the Rev. Dr. Fisk, (see Afr. Rep. vol. 13, p. 213, 214,) a passage contrasting the results of Abolition and Colonization, says,

It presents a strong contrast between the results of Colonization and Abolition, and is exceedingly happy in its comparisons of the success of Christianity and Colonization. Abolitionists have thought proper to abuse without stint, the scheme of African Colonization, yet despite the virulence with which it is opposed, it is still growing in popular favor, and is entering upon a large field of usefulness. Emancipations for the purpose of colonizing in Africa are becoming quite frequent in the South, and together with liberty, ample provision for emigration and settlement is given to the slave. When the difficulty of gaining a solid foot-hold upon the African shore is passed and the colonies become firmly established, we may expect that emigration from this country will rapidly increase their numbers and prosperity. The free coloured man will prefer the society of his brethren in the land of his fathers, where he will not feel the prejudice and natural distinction which must ever weigh down his race where a white population predominates, and the slave will be transported by the hand of charity. The FOUR THOUSAND alrea dy colonized are a nucleus about which will gather a great people. As Dr. Fisk, in another part of the same address, observes, the time is not long distant when the world shall hail "The United States of Africa." The establishment of a religious, an enlightened and a free people within her limits, will be an event of incalculable benefit to that vast continent, and none, under these circumstances, can but wish success to the Society that is working to that end.

[From the New Hampshire Observer, August 18.]

A late Emancipator contains a description of the condition of the coloured popula tion of Delaware. The number of slaves in that state is about 3000: the free coloured population is about 16,000. But the condition of the free is nearly as bad as that of the slaves.-They are borne down and kept in ignorance and have little or no stimulus to exertion. They are not allowed to vote; nor even to come near a place of voting on the day of election.

This description is one of the strongest confirmations of the expediency and policy of Colonization; or of having the coloured population in separate communities; it is a practical illustration of what will be the condition of the blacks for ages to come, in what are now slave states, even if emancipation takes place. We do not say this, from any prejudice against them; but such being their condition, we are confident that the best way to elevate them is to place them in sepa rate communities. We care not where it is, whether in this country or another; but that they should be thus separated is proved to us by all that we have seen upon the subject. Such is our deliberate opinion upon every accession of light upon the subject. If Africa is the place for them, let them go there; if the territory of our own country is best, let that be the spot.

We are aware that this opinion will be hooted by some; but we have no fear but time will prove the correctness of our opinion and we say these things with the kindest intentions to the blacks; and because we seek their highest good and their speediest elevation. And we are confident that those who oppose this sentiment are mistaken and do not actually, though they may intentionally seek to do them the greatest possible good.

EPISCOPAL MISSION TO AFRICA.

The following is the portion of the Annual Report of the Board of Foreign Missions of the Protestant Episcopal Church, just published, of their mission to Africa.

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The Committee believe that the claims of Africa are at length receiving general attention and awakening a deep interest in the Church at large. This Mission has been most favorably received by our Church, both at the north and south. The Missionary Agent in the latter section, often travelled day after day, without expense, compensation being often refused at the inns, and not unfrequently something given in addition. In one such instance, where two individuals had been kindly received as inmates for a week, nothing would be received. At length too, Missionaries from the south have offered, and others it is understood are already in heart given to the work. Thus after waiting, apparently in vain, for fifteen years, a few months have witnessed the departure of three educated Missionaries, under the most promising auspices, for the shores of Western Africa. Funds, too, have been freely given, and the large expenses at the outset have been more than met. "I am," says the Rt. Rev. Bishop Bowen, decidedly in favor of the African Mission. I see the practicable good it may do, and it will have the benefit, I hope, of the one-fourth for Foreign Missions, which the Missionary Association of my parish so appropriates, for two or three years at least. Propositions have been made to the Committee for the establishment, in due time, of a High School, in connection with the Mission. The Rt. Rev. Bishop Meade has appropriated to this object, when needed, one thousand dollars, placed in his hands for the benefit of Africa; and from another source, encouragement has been received that twice that amount will be forthcoming, at an early date, for the same object. Such a school your Committee view as indispensable in the progress and permanent growth of our missions in that country. Missionaries may be sent to introduce the means of grace, to educate and superintend, but there must be the means of enlightening the mind simultaneously in operation, imbued alike with a Christian spirit. The laborious ministry of the Gospel among the millions of Western Africa, will come most efficiently hereafter, from native teachers. Inured to the climate, and understanding the native character and manner of life, while introduced by some progress in education and the means of grace into a new world of piety and mind, and taught as we believe, (if faithful on our parts) there will be, by the holy Spirit, numbers who shall go forth in the name of the Lord, to preach the unsearchable riches of Christ. May that Spirit bless the means which, under the patient oversight of the Missionary, we now seek to introduce.

The Committee would here allude with thankfulness, to Almighty God, to the evidence of a growing interest in favor of Africa, now discerned not only in our own church, but throughout the Christian public in England and America. Already, at six different points, for a thousand miles along West Africa, from the Gambia to Cape Coast Castle, and at two points more interior, Christian missions are taking root. It is believed that independently of what is doing elsewhere, there are in this section of the continent, at least twenty-five white Missionaries, with their families and other laborers, many of whom have endured the climate for several years. The work is better understood, and native laborers are in training. Hundreds of natives are professed disciples of Christ: six or seven hundred of whom are under the care of the Church Missionary Society, whose weekly congregations average three thousand. There is thus much encouragement to believe that God is now preparing his people as instruments for accomplishing his promise to Africa. Her sons are degraded, and grossly superstitious, but they have been injured and neglected by the Christian world. Yet, though it be through much tribulation, there are those who even from thence are to enter the kingdom

of God. "Yes, Christians of America," says Dr. Savage, from his station on Afric's shores, "you owe Africa a debt which can never be paid till you have carried the word of God into every family within her borders. Freely ye have received, freely give."

It is a matter of much encouragement, that during a year of great commercial difficulties, the income for Foreign Missions has not decreased, while from the ordinary sources during the last two months, it has been nearly double that of the previous average rate.

Other missionaries, however, we may trust will go forth the coming year, several having intimated their intention of offering themselves after their approaching ordination. Many others, we may hope, as yet unknown to the Church, are beginning to respond to the call of millions in foreign lands, either wholly ignorant of a Saviour, or having grossly perverted his ways. These millions need the saving power of the Cross, and their wants will be heard. With such a call, shall the Church merely continue its past rate of contribution, until her Missions, yearly increasing in extent, must feel the embarrassment? Of our eight hundred and fifty parishes, only about one-fourth (221) have contributed to Foreign Missions during the year. Sixteen States, where our church is established, having more than one-fourth of our entire ministry, have contributed less than fifteen hundred dollars. The Committee would now, in much confidence, and relying upon a more extensive co-operation, appeal through the board, early and earnestly to the parish ministers, in the hope that a higher standard of Christian benevolence may every where be assumed. The two Committees, jointly, have resolved that in humble reliance upon Divine grace, and trusting in the liberality of the Church, they are ready to support any number of missionaries that may offer for the great field, suitably qualified for missionary duty. It is a subject of individual Christian self-inquiry-should the number of laborers be now largely and rapidly increased, in the kind providence of God, is there a sufficient preparation of heart to send them forth? Your Committee believe there would be no want of funds.

WESTERN AFRICA.

WESLEYAN MISSIONARY SOCIETY.

The Rev. R. Macbrair has communicated to the Committee of the Bible Society, by whom Arabic Bibles had been intrusted to him for distribution, some notices of the

Acceptableness of the Arabic Scriptures to the Mandingoes.

I doubt not that it will be interesting to you to receive some information concerning the distribution of the Arabic Scriptures in Western Africa. A judicious distribution of these Scriptures among the Mahomedans, is calculated to be of essential benefit in preparing their minds for the reception of the truth as it is in Jesus.

My own particular labors prevented me from paying so much attention to the Mahomedans as I could have wished; yet I was always pleased to mark the avidity with which they received any portion of the Arabic Bible. While this is an interesting circumstance in itself, it is still more so when viewed in connection with the fact, that I never heard these people mention the Eastern dogma of the adulteration of the Sacred Text. Whenever I quoted the Bible to them, it was ACKNOWLEDGED TO BE THE WORD OF GOD.

Before giving away any of these volumes I always first proved the ability of the applicants to read them, at least partially; except in the instance of the King of Catabar and one of the chief Native Traders, to whom I gave two of your handsomely bound Bibles-a munificent present in their eyes. His Majesty promised to get one of the priests to read it to him; and the other told me, that when he went into the interior, crowds would come to look on the Bible.

Hearing, on one occasion, that a party of religious Natives, from an inland kingdom, had come to the coast, I paid them a visit. I was received with great respect, as a "Fodey," (learned priest;) when I thought that it would be a good opportunity for sending some copies of the Scriptures into the interior. But when these were produced, I could scarcely prevent a scramble from taking place: and

when a few had been distributed (together with one for their Chief,) a senior priest gravely pronounced that I had merited heaven by my good works. I replied that I was a guilty sinner, and only hoped for heaven through the atonement of the Saviour; an answer which produced no little surprise, and elicited further explanation.

To several of the principal "Fodeys" I had the pleasure of presenting the Sacred Volume, and of reading portions along with them. Of one of the inferior priests, a young man of amiable character, I had great hopes that he was not far from the kingdom of God. I gave him a copy of the Gospels, which he used to come and hear read and expounded. He soon got quite unsettled in his Mahomedan belief, and was like one seeking rest and finding none. Often have I seen the tears start in his eyes while talking to him about Jesus. On one occasion he came and said-" Well, tell me, is Mahomedanism false? I want my mind set at rest." On another-" Well, what must I do to be saved? How can I love God? How can I obtain pardon of my sins?" He acknowledged the insufficiency of the Mussulman tenets to save the soul from sin; but it was a hard struggle to give up all his boasted good works, and come as a little child to Jesus for mercy.

One of the most learned, intelligent, and upright of the native priests was able to REPEAT several chapters of St. Matthew, and could refer to them with great precision. The great stumbling-block in this man's way was his latitudinarian principle that all religions came from God, and that every creed which taught men to pray was good. He acknowledged that Jesus is the only Messiah, but denied that he is the Son of God; quoting that passage of the Koran, which says, that it is ridiculous to suppose that God has a son. But, on reading with him some portions of the Acts of the Apostles, the third chapter of St. John, the first of Hebrews, &c., he gave up this point in deference to the Word of God. Having on one occasion thrown down the Korân (to which he had been referring) in a hasty manner, he reproved me: remarking, that it contained the name of God: but, on my taking up the Bible and kissing it, he said, that notwithstanding all my railing against Mahomedanism, I must be a good man, and that if I would only acknowledge Mahomet to be a prophet, the Mandingoes would make much of me. I may here repeat what I have before mentioned, that "There is no danger of one leaf of a holy book, especially if it contain the name of God, being wilfully destroyed by the Native Mahomedans, as they would shrink from this with greater horror than they would from committing murder.

EDUCATION IN AFRICA.

Various plans for the promotion of education in Africa have been recently devised. The importance of the subject is felt as deeply at least by the American Colonization Society, as by any other friends of social improvement. Besides its general interest to all philanthropists, it is especially endeared to the members of that Society, as a primary element of the prosperity of their great enterprise. All within their means has been done, and more has been attempted, to place education at Liberia on a suitable establishment; and to that object, all funds confided to the Managers for advancing it, are scrupulously devoted. Should they be sustained by the Christian public, their operations will be conducted under far more favorable auspices than can be expected from separate efforts, which must necessarily be often conflicting with each other.

In our June number, one of these efforts-the plan of the "American Society for the Promotion of Education in Africa"-appeared. We therefore deem it proper to republish, from the Colonization Herald, the following letter in opposition to it:

DEAR SIR: In the African Repository for June, I observed a copy of a circular letter, published by the Secretary of the "American Society for the Promotion of Education in Africa."