Children of Africa by James B. Baird

This is a book about children in Africa written for young people in the United Kingdom. Its intention as to inform them about how African children live in order to increase support for missionary work among them. My thanks to Redcliffe College for providing a copy of this book to scan. The 8 plates are reproduced in colour. This title is in the public domain.

James B. Baird, Children of Africa. London & Edinburgh: Oliphants, [1910]. Hbk. pp.95. [Click to download complete book in PDF]

Contents

1. Introductory
2. The Dark Continent
3. The Great Races of Africa
4. An African House
5. The African Child
6. An African Village
7. Games
8. Fairy Tales
9. Animal Stories
10. Finger Rhymes and Riddles
11. Food and Ornaments
12. The African’s Belief
13. The African in Sickness
14. Magic Medicine
15. The Dance and Musical Instruments
16. Hindrances to the Gospel
17. Methods of Mission Work

Introductory

“From Greenland’s icy mountains,
From India’s coral strand,
Where Africa’s sunny fountains
Roll down their golden sand,
From many an ancient river,
From many a palmy plain,
They call us to deliver
Their land from error’s chain.”

There is not one of you, my dear boys and girls, who does not know this oft-sung missionary hymn. But if there is, then of this I am sure, there is not one who knows it who does not love it, for it is one of the most beautiful of all our hymns. Since it was written many years ago by Bishop Heber, hundreds and hundreds of young voices have sung it; hundreds and hundreds are singing it to-day; and hundreds and hundreds will yet sing it. [Continue reading]