sinners, encouraging the penitent, devising and superintending plans for the conversion of the young, sheltering the persecuted, warning the careless, and endeavoring to reclaim the backslider-laboring alinost night and day, and that of ten with a perseverance and courage under adverse circumstances, which at once evinces the purity of her motives and the integrity of her heart."

All this may be true in a single instance, without exciting surprise, but it is thus added:

"Instances of similar self-devotion are so common, that it is difficult to make a selection!!"

"The influence of pious servants in this respect, (the conversion of their masters and mistresses,) among the higher and middling classes of society in Jamaica, will never be known until the resurrection of the just. Finding their inspiration in their theme, it may be said of the

devoted people, that' daily in the temple and in every house they cease not to teach and preach Jesus Christ."-p. 148.

"Not in word only, but in deed and in truth do they constitute one family; they are all the children of God by faith.' Bound closely to each other by mutual knowledge, intercourse and love, 'there is neither male nor female, there is neither bond nor free, but all are one in Christ Jesus.'"-p. 159.

"It has been previously stated that the churches of Jamaica are distinguished by a spirit of frequent, fervent, and persevering prayer. Like the first Christians, 'they continue with one accord in prayer and supplication,' while their numerously attended meetings for this purpose, the deep and intense feeling which pervades them, the impassioned earnestness with which they pour forth their desires unto God, sufficiently attest, not only the ardor, but the sincerity of their devotions." -p. 161.

After all this array of strong as sertion to the apostolic purity and spirituality of the Jamaica churches, (and to what other churches in christendom will these passages apply?) will it be credited that Mr. Phillippo has inscribed on the 101st page of his work, the following ?

"Of all the particulars in which perhaps the least improvement is perceptible, is that of a conscientious regard to truth and honesty in their commercial transactions. In spite of the utmost efforts to hold up these vices as injurious to society, and hateful to God, it can not be denied that they are yet very prevalent.

Multitudes regard it as their duty to resort to almost any artifice by which their gains may be increased. In negotiating with a negro for an article he exhibits for sale, a person may at any time offer him less than one third of his demand without incurring his displeasure."

This passage is truthful, and not at all wonderful in a nation of emancipated slaves just emerging from the degradations of their prisonhouse; but it is penned in reference to a community of spiritual minded, self-denying, humble Christians, and we are constrained to ask, How can these things be? Can with each other? Can we speak of these statements possibly consist dishonest Christians, deceitful Christians, covetous Christians, lying tions in terms; yet we are told that Christians?-they are contradicin a community, three in five of whose adult population are converted souls, lying, deceit, dishonesty, covetousness, are habitually, and well nigh universally indulged.

It may be thought the people do not appreciate the relations they violate, and are therefore ignorant of the sinfulness of these debasing vices. Not so according to Mr. "In Phillippo. He distinctly says, spite of the utmost efforts to hold up these vices as injurious to society and hateful to God, it can not be denied that they are still very prevalent"- -so that efforts, strenuous efforts have been made to enlighten them on these points.

Besides which, the representations of their general intelligence entirely forbid such a supposition. We will quote a few passages, though with deference to our author's authority, we feel constrained to say, we are entirely ignorant of the facts represented by their general scope.

"The most untutored of those who have enjoyed the advantages of Christian instruction, for any length of time, have a correct, if not an extensive knowledge of the great and essential doctrines of the Gospel of the proper Deity of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit-the depravity of hu man nature-the plan of salvation, and

the necessity of divine influence to regenerate the heart."-p. 115.

"Thousands of them are not at all in

ferior to many of the whites, either in sound sense, or general information. In a word, the black skin, and the woolly hair, constitute the only difference which now exists between multitudes of the emancipated peasantry of Jamaica, and the tradesmen and agriculturists of Eng. agriculturists of Eng land."-p. 79.

"In no respect do these, (the working classes and higher orders of the blacks,) now differ from the middling and lower classes of tradesmen and others in England. Their eyes have long been open to the sin and disgrace of concubinage, and marriage among them has become common. As in every other community, some may live together un happily, or violate the sacred compact, but with the great majority it is far other wise. None can be better husbands, bet ter wives, more affectionate parents, or better members of civil society."-p. 62.

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Any imputation of ignorance of the mechanic arts and manufactures now

cast upon the black population of Jamaica, would only excite the ridicule or contempt of those who are personally acquainted with them. There are now to be found amongst the black population throughout the country, comprehending individuals of each tribe, operatives, mechanics, and masons, carpenters, coopers, blacksmiths, sailors, pilots; and it may be added, from their knowledge of the properties of medicinal herbs, and their skill in applying them to different disorders, veterinary surgeons, and medical men.

Whilst in the towns are also shoemakers, cabinet makers, carvers and gilders, watchmakers, jewelers, &c. &c., who manifest as much skill, and perform their work with as much accuracy and taste, as workmen of the same description in England.'

"So far from being now ignorant of civil polity and of the use of civil institutions, it is questionable whether any people in the world, placed in the same circumstances, possess an equally correct acquaintance with these subjects."-p. 78.

It is quite evident from these passages, that Mr. Phillippo regards their knowledge of moral and social relations, of the useful arts, and of civil polity, as of a very respectable order.

The most cursory reader can not fail to observe how frequently the comparison is instituted between the Jamaica and the primitive churches.

In the same manner the laboring classes of England are selected as

the standard of comparison, for the intellectual, social, domestic, and general physical condition of the peasantry. It has never been our lot to visit that remarkable and honored isle, but we are certainly unprepared to believe that Mr. Phillippo appreciates the real position of the great mass of the working classes, either there or here.

We feel a sincere interest in every thing that affects the freedom of Jamaica. Our sympathies, our labors, our prayers, are devoted to their improvement and happiness; and we think ourselves disposed to look with a favorable eye upon their progress in the great moral and social reformation and transformation, in the midst of which they are; yet we can recognize the germs, and the germs only, of the things so pure and beautiful, to which Mr. Phillippo's vivid imagination has given vigorous life and abundant fruit.

Mr. Phillippo has recently returned to Jamaica. His reception has been most distressing, and we would gladly throw a veil over some of the circumstances attending it, did they not afford a sad and emphatic comment upon his work. The events to which we refer, have in part appeared in the island prints, and will form the basis of legal proceedings in the higher courts.

In very many places, and not without elation, he has referred to the purity, the piety, and the zeal of the church in Spanish Town, of which for many years he has been the pastor. The very large majority of the leaders, the members, and inquirers of that church, have left his ministry, and many of them denounce him in most gross and cruel terms.

The rupture was occasioned by their unwillingness to allow Mr. Phillippo to resume the pastoral charge, and appropriate to himself the avails of the church at Spanish Town, of 3,000 members, in connection with the church at Passage

Fort, six miles distant, of 1,000 members, exclusive of inquirers; and confine two colleague pastors to two comparatively small country churches. The disaffected party, constituting the bulk of the church and congregation, attempted to obtain possession of the chapel premises, which Mr. Phillippo refused to surrender; and a most unseemly disturbance ensued, which was finally quelled by the interference of the city authorities, who hold the premises till the claims of the parties are legally decided.

It is a most painful duty, thus to review the work of a man who has spent so many years in the missionary field, surrounded, it is true, with all the comforts and many of the luxuries of life, yet severed from many of the dearest objects of earthly affection. But there are higher obligations than those of courtesy, and they demand, however ungrateful the task to those who perform it, that its loose inaccura. cies and gross exaggerations be exposed, before the reaction which they must inevitably invite, shall overwhelm the friends of the slave with calamities of which they were unsuspecting, and for which they were unprepared.

Emancipation is come. The agony of suspense is over; and dogged is that man, be his views

EJudson

what they may, who can not truly say, many things that were dark are now clear.' Seven years have rolled away, and order, quiet, harmony, reign in our borders to a degree altogether unprecedented in the history of the island. There have been many things to regret; many to condemn; yet in view of all the facts, we feel quite justified in saying, all that could have been hoped, more than could have been reasonably anticipated, has been realized. in the deportment and improvement of the laboring classes.

The peasantry of Jamaica have been hereditary slaves; they were ignorant, debased, degraded, to a degree which those unacquainted with the influences of slavery, can neither appreciate nor conceive. Slavery is extinct; but many of its vices are still rife, and its virus will corrupt the blood of its victims, when the prattler at our knee shall lay his hoary head in the grave. Had Mr. Phillippo, wrapt in prophetic vision, pronounced his work "Jamaica at the dawn of the twentieth century," the excellent men who have labored for her freedom, might joyfully gather up their mantles, and exclaim, like Simeon, "Now lettest Thou thy servants depart in peace, for our eyes have seen thy salvation."

WE have referred to these Reports, not so much with a view to any examination of their pages, as to express our conviction of the iden

*The Nineteenth Annual Report of the American Home Missionary Society, presented by the Executive Committee at the anniversary meeting, May 7th, 1845. The first Report of the Society for the promotion of Collegiate and Theological

Education at the West.

tity of the objects for which these societies were called into being. The American Home Missionary Society, does indeed, through the medium of its auxiliaries, extend its benefactions to the aid of feeble churches in the eastern states, but its operations in this field is rather an incidental service than part of its primary object. At least it is in

this light we view its present extended effort-an effort which contemplates, as its ultimate purpose, the bringing of the new states of the West under the power of the Gospel. The best means for the accomplishment of such an object, is not matter for conjecture nor idle speculation. The experiment has been too often tried, and with too complete success, to leave room for doubt as to the propriety of the measures to be pursued. The Gospel must first be carried by the living preacher, its truths must be enforced by the melody of the human voice-by the expressive glance of the human eye, made to flash and glow by the fires that are burning within. All the varied circumstances of life must be made available to gain a hold upon the heart-the scenes of affliction-the hour of bereavement-the mingled influences of joy and sorrow-the day of prosperity and the day of adversity-must each in turn be seized upon and used as the fulcrum by means of which the power of the Gospel is to be applied. This can be done only by one conversant with the scenes as they pass, and ready to be made all things to all men, that he may by all means save some. You may sow the good seed as you will, and in such measure as you please, if it be not preceded, at least accompanied, by the living preacher, it is like scattering wheat in the deep recesses of the unenclosed forest; there is no sunshine to warm it into life, or if it perchance spring up, the wild beasts tread it under foot. We care not with how free a hand the publications of the American Tract Society and the American Bible Society are scattered among the population of the western states. However freely, we say, "God speed" the effort; and yet we are free to say, that we have no hope of any great good from such efforts, any farther than they are accompanied and sustained

by the labors of a permanent ministry. We would as soon send the sower of the seed far in advance of him who shall break up the fallow ground. We would distribute good books therefore as the best auxiliaries of the living preacher, and auxiliaries of the greater importance when the minister of Christ has but a feeble church, or no church at all, to which he may look for coöperation. We have expressed our hearty concurrence in the largest efforts of this kind, because we have confidence that the wealth and liberality of the churches are equal to the entire work of furnishing the means for evangelizing the West, and doing it in the most thorough and intellectual manner. Did we doubt this, we might feel disposed to put in our plea for a somewhat different apportionment of the funds given, and the labor devoted to the accomplishment of this great object. We repeat that our chief hope, we might almost say, our only hope, of bringing the West under the power of the Gospel, in any such sense as New England is brought under its power, is in the establishment and maintenance of permanent institutions, of the same character substantially, as the kindred institutions of the eastern states. In a word, the West, to be truly and permanently benefitted by the promulgation of divine truth, must have its stated ministry intelligent,stable devout possessed of the largest liberality, and abounding in every good work; its colleges and theological seminaries well officered, and amply endowed; its academies and common schools, its churches and its libraries all established, substantially after the Puritan model, and liberally sustained. Whatever tends most directly to secure these objects will conduce in the highest degree to the developement of sound morals, and the promotion of a cultivated and enduring piety, whose influence shall be felt in all the relations of life, and its

good effects be manifest in all the aspects of society.

The relative importance of the western states in making up the future balance of power in our national confederacy, the prospective millions that are to inhabit those fertile plains, and the strife of parties to gain the ascendency in the anticipated moral conflict, have been so often before the public eye, and in so many and so varied shapes as topics for discussion, that we feel persuaded there is a desire, nay, to a considerable extent, an anxiety on the part of the eastern churches to discharge their duty in this matter, whatever may be the sacrifice. The conviction has been rapidly deepening for the last few years, that our free institutions can be maintained only by a population made intelligent, on the basis of the Gospel. The skill of the artist, the capital of the tradesman and manufacturer, and the toil of the husbandman, no less than the stock of the banker, are all thrown into the arena, as prizes to be won or lost in every political contest. It is the fashion of the day to make, or seem to make every interest in wealth, in morals, and in religion hang on the issues of each contested election. If it be maintained by any that these are false issues, it does not affect the argument inasmuch as there are is sues, equally vital, destined ultimately to cover the whole ground, even if those alledged were shown to be false. We think, therefore, that the time has arrived when the whole field of western evangelization should be thoroughly canvassed, and the question be more fully and more intelligently settled, What are the best means for imparting to the growing population of our western states the intelligence, religion, and general character, that shall make their influence upon our national destiny salutary and conserv. ative? Our character as "New Englanders" will be a sufficient in

dication of the standard we wish to place before our readers in attempting an answer to this question. We wish to know the best means for making the western states, as one after another they spring into maturity, a reorganization of society after the New England model.

Such a work as the one before us can not be accomplished in a moment. Nor will it be the result of transient or spasmodic efforts. There are difficulties to be overcome, and obstacles to be surmounted, that can be fully appreciated only by those who have struggled against them, and seen their magnitude; and which will yield only to patient labor. We have already intimated that what is done efficiently must be done under the eye of the living preacher. He may call in the cooperation of all the aids he can command, but they must act under his eye, and with his countenance. But the support of men who shall give themselves wholly to the work of the ministry, with not only the duties that are direct, but those that are incidental to the pastoral office in a new state of society, must come in no inconsiderable measure from abroad. We do not claim exact and reliable statistics on which to found the opinion, but we make no hesitation in saying, that there are not fifty Congregational or Presbyterian churches in the western states, that are not indebted for their existence and early support, to some organization for promoting home missions. When we speak of the western minister, therefore, we speak with scarce. ly an exception of the home missionary.

Let us take the life of such a laborer as he enters the wide field be. fore us, and see how he is to accomplish his task, and what are the dif ficulties which he must encounter.

Among those by no means the least formidable, we may notice the great diversity in the materials