African Colonization by the Free Colored People of the United States, an Indispensable Auxiliary to African Missions. A Lecture

by David Christy

"African Colonization by the Free Colored People of the United States, an Indispensable Auxiliary to African Missions" by David Christy is a historical account written in the mid-19th century. The text focuses on the efforts and implications of the American Colonization Society, particularly regarding the establishment of colonies in Africa and their relationship to Christian missions. It explores topics such as the conditions of freed and enslaved peoples in the United States and the challenges and successes of missionary work in Liberia. The opening portion of the work sets the stage for an in-depth examination of African missions, specifically addressing misconceptions about the role of colonization as a barrier to evangelism. Christy outlines the historical context of the American Colonization Society and highlights the figures and events instrumental in establishing Liberia as a mission field. The text reflects on the significant challenges faced by early missionaries, including the resilience of heathen customs, societal norms such as polygamy, and external socio-political factors that impacted the spread of Christianity. Christy’s narrative establishes a foundation for understanding the intertwined destinies of African colonization and missionary work, emphasizing the moral and spiritual urgency of the mission's goals as they seek to transform both the colonized land and its people.