GREAT PRINCIPLE OF CHRISTIANITY
_ON THE MOORS_.
(Mat. vii. 12.)

_Of the Propagation of Christianity in Africa.--Causes that prevent
it.--The Mode of promoting it is through a friendly and commercial
Intercourse with the Natives.--Exhortation to Great Britain to
attend to the Intercourse with Africa.--Danger of the French
colonizing Senegal, and supplanting us, and thereby depreciating
the Value of our West-India Islands._

That it is a Christian duty to attempt, by lenient measures, to
propagate the Christian religion among the Idolaters and Muhamedans
of Africa, I think cannot be doubted; but this propagation will not
spread to any considerable extent until, (in that country,) the
morals of Christians in general shall approach nearer than they
actually do to the standard of Christian perfection. It is,
however, most certain that there never was a more promising, or a
more favourable opportunity of subverting paganism in Africa, and
establishing Christianity on its ruins, than at this present
period; and I think the best method to effect this desirable
purpose is through the medium of commerce, which must, in that
continent, necessarily precede science and civilisation. It is well
225 known, by all men of penetration who have resided in Muhamedan
countries, that the principles of the religion of Muhamed are not
so repugnant to Christianity as many, nay, most persons have
imagined. Various causes, however, tend to increase the hostility
that exists between the two religions. First, it is augmented by
the fakeers, and by political men, who are ever active in bringing
to their aid superstition and enthusiasm, to increase the
hostility. Secondly, it is augmented by the very little intercourse
which they have with Christians, originating, for the most part, in
our ignorance of the Arabic language, an ignorance which has been
lamented by the emperor[164] Seedy Muhamed ben Abdallah himself.
Thirdly, the hostility of these two religions is augmented by a
very ancient tradition, that the country will be invaded by the
Christians, and converted to Christianity, that this event will
happen on a Friday (the Muhamedan sabbath), during the time that
they are at the (_silla dohor_) prayers at half past one