West Africa and Its Needs.
By D. C. Babcock
THE territory known as West Africa lies between the Gulf of Guinea on the south, and the Sahara Desert on the north, the Atlantic on the west, and Lake Chad on the east. It has now been occupied as a mission field for more than a hundred years by several missionary societies, and, sad to say, comparatively little has been accomplished. We can not, however, lay the blame to these organizations wholly, for this field has many difficulties to encounter. It is widely known as the "white man's grave." Many, indeed, have laid down their lives for the Master's cause, and the different home societies have spent thousands of dollars to support the cause in this land of darkness. The numerous languages, or dialects, rather, is another great difficulty to encounter. There are scores of tribes and each has its own tongue. War and strife are continually experienced among the different tribes, and slavery of the worst type is carried on. Cannibalism exists among some of the tribes to some extent, and that not far from some of the mission stations. There seems to be a determined opposition to Christianity and the introduction of the English language among them. But with all these difficulties to encounter, are we to give up the work of the Lord in this field? Are not the enumerated difficulties greater reasons for more energetic efforts to be put forth on the part of every true lover of God's cause than have been seen in the past? We believe that we are upon the very verge of eternity, and that this generation will see the finishing of the work of the Lord in the earth—a mighty work to be accomplished, and only a little time in which to do it. We believe the message, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature," comprehends West Africa, even with all its difficulties. We need men of strong physical ability, and who are acquainted with the Lord, to help us in planting mission stations in this field of darkness. We need means to support these laborers and build up these stations, and we can only appeal to those that love to see the Gospel carried to those lying in darkness to lend a helping hand. We are glad that one advanced step has been taken in this field, in the building of a suitable mission home in Freetown, Sierra Leone, where our workers can take rest, and build up when attacked by the West African fever. This has given us renewed courage, and we look forward with bright hopes for the work of the Lord in this dark land.