Page:The Black Prince (John Naimbanna).djvu/3

 THE

A TRUE STORY.

N Africa, the country where the negroes live, and from which slaves are taken, there was a king who was not a Christian, but who was a better man (to their shame be it spoken) than many who call themselves Christians. Though he could neither read nor write, he had good sense enough to grieve for the misery and ignorance of his poor countrymen and he Was desirous of doing them good if he but knew how.

At length a number of English gentlemen, who had at heart the same thing formed themselves into a company for the purpose of putting a stop to the trade in slaves, and spreading in Africa the blessings of the gospel.

Their plan was to form a settlement in the river Sierra Leone, where the above mentioned king lived, and they accordingly sent over an agent to talk with the king and to procure his consent.

The good old king was very glad when he heard of their intentions; he easily saw that such a settlement would produce great benefit to his country; he therefore became a staunch friend of the company, and also of the Settlement, which was soon after formed, and he continued so to the day of his death.