Colonization Agents visit Africa.

slavery; but by his good conduct, faithfulness and persevering industry, in time obtained his freedom. Paul was poor in his early days; but was industrious and enterprising, by which traits, joined to much practical wisdom and sterling common sense, he at length arose to opulence. He was largely concerned in commerce; and in many voyages, to Russia, England, Africa, the West Indies, and Southern States, commanded his own ship. A man of the strictest integrity, modest and yet dignified in his manners, of a feeling and liberal heart, public spirited and versed in the business of the world, his acquaintance and friendship were valued by many who greatly honoured him, both in this country and in Europe. I remember seeing him often, in my youth. The last time, which I recollect seeing him was as he was passing through my native place, in his own private family carriage, drawn by beautiful white horses, with a coachman of his own complexion, on his way to attend a Yearly Meeting of the Society of Friends, of which I have said he was a worthy and highly respected member.

In 1818, the American Colonization Society appointed as agents, the Rev. Samuel John Mills, whose labours and prayers, in the short time that he lived, accomplished much for the glory of God, and laid the foundation for great results in the conversion of perishing heathen; and the Rev. Ebenezer Burgess, now Dr. Burgess, the excellent Pastor of one of the churches in New-England; and instructed them to proceed to the coast of Africa, by the way of England, to make the necessary inquiries for a suitable location of a colony.

'These gentlemen visited all the ports. from Sierra Leone to Sherbro, and acquired much valuable information. Mr. Mills, as you know, died on the passage from Africa, leav

Samuel John Mills.

ing the church to mourn the loss of one of the best and most useful of men.

'You recollect, probably, the just and eloquent tribute to the memory of this man of God, by the Rev. Mr. Bacon of New Haven. Mr. Bacon, you know; and know also that he is the ardent and faithful friend of Africa. I must, through respect to the memory of the sainted Mills, read to you an extract from Mr. Bacon's discourse. We will then postpone any further conversation until evening, when we will hope to resume the subject.'

"A young minister of the gospel once said to an intimate friend, My brother, you and I are little men, but before we die, our influence must be felt on the other side of the world.' Not many years after, a ship, returning from a distant quarter of the globe, paused on her passage across the deep. There stood on her deck a man of God, who wept over the dead body of his friend. He prayed, and the sailors wept with him. And they consigned that body to the ocean. It was the body of the man who, in the ardour of youthful benevolence, had aspired to extend his influence through the world. He died in youth; but he had redeemed his pledge; and at this hour, his influence is felt in Asia, in Africa, in the Islands of the sea, and in every corner of his native country.

"This was SAMUEL JOHN MILLS; and all who know his history, will say that I have exaggerated neither the grandeur of his aspirations, nor the result of his efforts. He traversed our land like a ministering spirit, silently, and yet effectually, from the hill country of the Pilgrims to the valley of the Missouri. He wandered on errands of benevolence from village to village, and from city to city, pleading now with the patriot for a country growing up to an immensity of power, and now with the christian, for a world.

Samuel John Mills.

lying in wickedness. He explored in person the desolations of the West, and in person he stirred up to enterprise and effort the churches of the East. He lived for India and Owhyhee, and died in the service of Africa. He went to heaven in his youth; but his works do follow him, like a long train of glory that still widens and brightens, and will widen and brighten for ever."

'Let me repeat,' said Caroline, as a supplement to the truly eloquent extract from Mr. Bacon's eulogium, the poetry of one whom I love to quote, and whose effusions you, Pa, and Henry, both love to hear, and then I will consent to adjourn; although, I confess, I shall long for the evening to come, to resume the subject, for I have become deeply interested.'

'I will hear you with pleasure, Caroline,' said her father.

6

Caroline remarked, They are the lines of Mrs. Sigourney, on reading the Biography of the

REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS.

"Oh Africk! raise thy voice and weep
For him who sought to heal thy wo,
Whose bones beneath the briny deep
Bleach where the pearl and coral glow.

Unfetter'd by the wiles of earth,

And girded for the race of heaven,
Even from his dedicated birth

To God and thee his soul was given.

In hermit cells of prayerful thought,
In meditation's holy sphere,

He nursed that sacred wish which sought
The darkness of a world to cheer.

Samuel John Mills.

Our western wilds where outcasts roam, Sad India's vales with blood defac'd, Blest Obookiah's sea-girt home

The ardour of his zeal embrac'd.

But thou, indebted clime, that drew

Through torrid seas his stranger sail, Whose tall cliffs heard his fond adieu,

Pour forth the wildest, bitterest wail."

Friends of Africa.

CONVERSATION XX.

Many circumstances at present seem to concur in brightening the prospects of the Society, and cherishing the hope that the time will come when the dreadful calamity which has so long afflicted our country, and filled so many with despair, will be gradually removed, and by means consistent with justice, peace, and the general satisfaction: thus giving to our country the full enjoyment of the blessings of liberty, and to the world the full benefit of its great example."-James Madison.

MR. L. remarked, at the opening of this conversation, 'It has occurred to me that, in mentioning the early friends of Africa, I ought not to have omitted mentioning more particularly the name of Anthony Benezet. His name will live, whilst virtue and benevolence are respected among men; and his earnestness in the cause of humanity will be remembered when the history of Africa's redemption shall be written. Benezet established a free school in Philadelphia for the education of coloured people, which is still in operation in Willing's alley, Philadelphia, and at which John Williams and Peter Harris, interesting youths from the native tribes of Bassa Cove, have been partially educated; the former of whom has returned to Africa, and the latter, an African prince, is now at Lafayette College, Easton, Pa., for the completion of his education. Benezet was always prompt to plead in the behalf of the coloured race, as, to their honour be it told, have ever been the respectable Society of Friends,