He was convinced of the equity and wisdom of the Divine dispensations though his health was always delicate, and often much im paired, he evidenced great resignation, and would commonly, when speaking of his indisposition, refer to the goodness of God, his own unworthiness, and the kindness of his friends. He regarded the operations of the Divine hand, in the course of public events, in the oc. currences of the neighbourhood, in the variations of the seasons, and in his own afflictions and comforts, with admiration and praise. Nor could he have ever enjoyed that steady tranquillity and patience by which he was distinguished, bad, he not believed that the Judge of all the earth will do right; and that infinite wisdom, goodness, and truth, were engaged on his behalf.

5. I would mention Christian benevolence and zeal, as striking ornaments of his character.

Various were the actions by which he evidenced that these were his principles. In addition to regular contributions to many of our benevolent institutions, he frequently bought small books, which he gave to his neighbours and acquaintance. He encouraged young men of promising talent and piety, by inviting them to his house, by the loan of books, and by his instructive conversation. He wrote occasionally in

periodical publications, and published a small pamphlet for the use of Sunday-schools, which, on perusal, will convince the reader of his benevolent concern for mankind. But it was especially in encouraging missionary exertions that his soul felt all the fervour of compassion for immortal souls, and concern for the Divine honour. He had been familiar, from childhood, with the narratives of the Moravian Mission. He was personally acquainted with individuals, who had had devoted themselves to Missionary labours; and some of his relatives and friends were among the first promoters of a Missionary Society, which has been, through a Divine blessing, an instrument of great good to the Heathen: to this Society, he, by will, left a great proportion of his property. Various other institutions, which he had been accustomed to support during life, were also partakers of his small estate. He abhorred an

uncandid, illiberal spirit, amongst the disciples of Jesus Christ-rejoiced in the prosperity of all Christians-and. anticipated, with sacred joy, that period when the whole earth shall be filled with the divine glory.

It may be satisfactory to the reader to know, that in person he was tall and slender-his dress was of the same cast with that which he had been accustomed to wear in his early years, (for he changed not with the changing times)-his countenance was very intelligent, and expressive of the peace and benevolence of his mind-his manners to strangers were reserved, but very modest and unassuming: he would have been esteemed by many a man of few words; but if the right use of speech be our guide, few men said more. His habits were punctual, quiet, and orderly, and his life retired.

And now, dear reader, what im

pression has this character made upon you? Here is one of that cloud of witnesses with which you are encompassed. Does not a voice call upon you to "go and do likewise." But, remember, your own strength will never be adequate to the work. You are a sinner, and the subject of depravity. You must be born again, have a new heart given to you, and a right spirit put within you, before you will serve God in sincerity. If you follow my dear friend's example, you will acknowledge what you do to be your duty, and yet ascribe all you have and are, as a Christian, to the grace of God, and the merits of the Redeemer.

W. F.

ON SLAVERY.

rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you. Behold the hire of the labourers which have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth; and the cries of them which have reaped, are entered into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth. Ye have condemned and killed the just, and he doth not resist you."

The sun rises in the morning, but it is only to enlighten their path to the field of labour; he shines in an almost vertical direction, but they are, nevertheless, doomed to toil beneath his burning rays; he sinks beneath the western horizon, and they are allowed only a part of the time he is absent, to recruit their exhausted strength; he rises again, and the sound of the horn, and the smacking of the whip proclaim, that they too must rise, and again repair to the scenes of labour, and fulfil

SIRS,

and "

Notwithstanding all the "orders" recommendations" that have been sent out to the West Indies, by his Majesty's ministers, Slavery still exists (with only one exception) in its most appalling form; and notwithstanding all that has been said, and all that has been written in its extenuation and defence, it still remains an indefensible and cruel system, at which the heart sickens, and humanity revolts; and by characterizing it as one of the most crying sins of the times, we shall not greatly err. We can read of the barbarous yoke-the galling fetterthe lacerating whip, and, often too, with apathetic feelings, but we can not see the unavailing tears that furrow their sable cheeks, nor hear the despairing groans they produce. Their language, however, if rightly interpreted, would doubtless bear some affinity to that recorded by the apostle James, "Go to now, ye

exorable task-masters. The Sabbath returns, but no day of rest returns to thousands of them; for although JEHOVAH has said, "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work. But the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God; in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy man-servant, nor thy maid-servant, nor thy cattle, nor the stranger that is within thy gates." The patrons of this diabolical system say, they shall work, or starve; they shall not " call the Sabbath a delight," nor "the holy of the Lord honourable."

At this time last year, that balm of life-Hope, was kept buoyant in the mind of the philanthropist, by the assurance from his Majesty's ministers, that measures should be adopted, by which the state of the slave population in our West Indian colonies should be ameliorated, and they thus be put in possession of a

part of those rights, so long, and so unjustly withheld from them. The friends of abolition fondly anticipated the time when this pledge would be redeemed, and that its redemption would, instead of annihilating their hopes, have gone far towards the consummation of their wishes. But, alas! that movement was a retrograde one; and the chains of slavery are now, humanly speaking, as firmly riveted as for ages that are past. It is true, the discussion of the question has been productive of good, and we ought to feel thankful to the God of all grace, for what he has inclined them to do; it has elicited much important information, and brought to light some of the "hidden things of darkness;" and we should carnestly pray, that they may not be prevented from acting out their humane intentions, by the menacing attitude of those whose province it is, not to dictate, but to obey; for confident we are that,

"This band of senators, whose suffrage sways

Britannia's realms; whom either Ind obeys;

Who right the injured, and reward the

brave,

Could stretch their arm, and prove their

power to save!"

dian produce, more especially sugar, only substituting that imported from the East; and it is intimated, that if but one-tenth part of the population of this kingdom would adopt the recommendation, slavery, with its concomitant evils, would soon cease to exist. The reasoning of the author appeared to my mind conclusive, and the means well adapted to secure the end; I have therefore set about the work, and in order to convince others that I was in earnest, have left off the use of refined sugar myself, (which, I believe, is invariably made from West Indian produce) and have prevailed on two other persons to do likewise, by which, at the lowest computation, a consumption of between sixty and seventy pounds will be annually saved; and where it is difficult to dispense with the article altogether, I have determined to substitute East India in its stead, still purposing to employ all the influence I possess to induce others to do the same.

For after all, why should we ask the legislature to do that which is within our own power to accomplish? when a more easy and a more speedy remedy is at hand; and by the late disappointment of our expectations, does not Providence seem to say, have ye done all that is in your own power to do? take, now, the work into your own hands, and soon the sons and daughters of Africa must be free. Sugar can be considered in no other light than a luxury; and when it is recollected, that that from the West, is the purchase of freedom, groans, and blood, it can no longer be a question whether it is the duty of Christians to abstain from its use, since by not doing this they become "partakers of other men's sins." Hitherto we have only

blamed and protested, yet joined in the plan, We have shared in the plunder, but pitied the man."

66

scene had arrested the attention of "one" who considered them his "neighbours," who should have looked around him for help, saying, no time is to be lost, another gust of wind, and their shattered bark sinks; another wave, and they are no more! come with me, and let us stretch forth the hand of pity for their deliverance." They go; Providence favours the attempt, and the almost exhausted sufferers are brought safe to land. Who, I ask, would have given the former" one," credit for either sincerity or humanity, and what would have been his feelings on witnessing such a noble exhibition of both, triumphing over his cowardice and indifference?

Let none then be betrayed into this delusion, for had we been called "to do some great thing," could we refuse? and how much more this, which subjects us to no danger, calls for no sacrifice, incurs no expense, produces no inconvenience, is not attended with any difficulty. Let none who call themselves Christians, patronize any longer a system so nefarious, but show that they at least consider the negroe race in reality, as "bone of their bone, and flesh of their flesh," seeing God hath made of "one blood all that dwell on the face of the earth." And when our prayers are answered, and our poor endeavours crowned with success, things may revert to their accustomed channel; for it should be borne in mind, that recourse is had to this expedient, not from choice, but necessity; that we bear no ill-will to the planters; our hostility is aimed against the brutalizing system they abet; a system that has annihilated all the best feelings of their nature, steeled their minds against the claims of justice, and rendered their hearts impervious to the calls of charity. And if they continue to load those who take an active part in this labour of love, with opprobrium, as

heretofore, let them not return, "railing for railing, but contrariwise, blessing," in imitation of Him, who, "when he was reviled, threatened not," knowing that his "witness was in heaven, and his record on high."

And whilst we are anxious that the slaves may be delivered from temporal thraldom, let us use every means in our power to rescue their souls from spiritual bondage; that they may no longer be held in captivity by Satan, but introduced into the "glorious liberty of the children of God;" and rejoice in that "liberty wherewith Christ makes his people free." "Save now, we beseech thee, O Lord; O Lord, we beseech thee, send now prosperity." Salisbury, Dec. 10, 1824.

G. S.

An Address to the Dissenting Ministers and Churches in London, on the Moral Condition of that vast Metropolis; and on some means which may be taken towards ameliorating it.

BELOVED BRETHREN AND FRIENDS,

THE efforts which are made in the present day, to advance the kingdom of Christ, are truly grateful to the pious mind. When we reflect on the aggressive inroads which have taken place on the territories of Satan, it must produce exultation and joy. The scriptures have been translated into various languages, and circulated into almost all parts of the world. Heathen nations have been explored with a view to their spiritual benefit; and missionaries have gone to publish among them the unsearchable riches of Christ. Our dark villages have been visited, and enlightened by the salvation of God. Our children have been instructed, and thousands and tens of thousands, who were violating the Sabbath, and