Heaven grant that it never may. In such detestation is the daily use of ardent spirits held, that two of the towns have already prohibited its sale, or rather confined it to the apothecaries’ shops. In Monrovia it is still viewed as an article of traffic and merchandise, but it is destined there to share the same fate. The Temperance Society is in full operation, and will soon root it out. The Sabbath is rigidly observed and respected: but few cases of disorder occur, and they are confined to the baser sorts, a few of which infest Liberia. Religion and all its institutions are greatly respected; in fact, a decided majority are religionists, and by their pious demeanor are exerting a very salutary influence, not only upon the emigrants, but also upon the natives, among whom a door is opened for the propagation of Christianity." Mr. Wilson, addressing himself to the colored people in the United States, concludes by saying, "If you desire liberty, surely Liberia holds out great and distinguished inducements. Hem you can never be free; but there, living under the administration of the laws enacted by yourselves, you may enjoy that freedom, which in the very. nature of things you cannot experience in this country: —
"Liberia, happy land! thy shore
Entices with a thousand charms;
And calls — his wanted thraldom o’er —
Her ancient exile to her arms.
"Come hither, son of Afric, come;
And o’er the wide and weltering sea,
Behold thy lost and lovely home,
That fondly waits to welcome thee."[1]
In regard to the state of education in Liberia, — we
- ↑ Plea for africa, Conversation XXIV.
