128 
MISSIONARY LIFE 
them where they would be liable to be burned to 
death by piecemeal for the supposed crime of 
witchcraft, and exposed to a thousand such cruel- 
ties, and without security of life, or rights of any 
kind, from one hour to another, for the wealth 
of America? 
We are largely indebted to the influence of the 
gospel for progress in the arts and sciences, for 
mechanical and agricultural enterprise, for the dis- 
covery of the power of steam, electricit}^, hydros- 
tatics, and their application to a thousand useful ob- 
jects. How wonderfully labor is lessened by their 
use, and how they add to the convenience and 
comfort of the people of enlightened countries, 
only those can fully appreciate who have resided 
among heathens. We are indebted to the same 
cause for all the refinements of society. The 
gospel develops and ennobles the nature of man, 
and greatly elevates even those who do not adopt 
it as a rule of action, but still enjoy its light and 
influence. 
The influence of the gospel in our midst 
greatly adds to our wealth as a nation. Why is it 
that land in some localities in this country is worth 
from one to two hundred dollars per acre,- while 
plenty of just as good land, and naturally as well 
located, in Africa is not worth a dime per acre? 
And why is it that a day’s labor in this country 
