extensively leavened with the Gospel than any other of the same extent in the world, and it is supposed that one in six of the population there are members of the visible church. In Jamaica, with an area as large as Massachusetts, and a population as large as Connecticut and Rhode Island, three in five of the adult population, or two in five of the whole population are Christians!

Much time and pains are devoted to the presumptive evidences of the purity of Jamaica Christianity-of the spread of which Mr. Phillippo

says:

Com

It recalls to our remembrance the events of apostolic times, when superstition burnt her books on the altar of truth, when the idols of the heathen fell, and the throne of satan trembled. pletely verified was the prediction—' a people whom I have not known shall serve me; so soon as they hear of me, they shall obey me, and the strangers shall submit themselves unto me.'

We must be content to select only a few from the many passages we had marked with exclamation points.

"Some are seated in the house of God an hour or more before the service commences, and on the morning of the Subbath almost all are in their places before the minister enters the pulpit. Like Cornelius to Peter, they seem to say, 'Now, therefore, we are all here present before God to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.' The services of God's house are evidently their delight-times of refreshing from the presence of the Lord.' Pleasure beams in every eye, and animates every countenance. Their behavior is serious, suited to the place and the occasion; whilst usually their attention is remarkable, occasionally expressed by responses, and other signs of interest and approval. In hundreds of instances some of these poor creatures have traveled fifty miles to enjoy the advantages of a single Sabbath.". -p. 137.

Such journeys are made, perhaps once in a quarter, to change the ticket, and in its progress the pilgrim passes by some eight or ten chapels of other denominations, but instead of going to them when not attending his own chapel," he

66

spends perhaps ten Sabbaths in the quarter, in his own hut, or at his neighbors'.

their happiness with the cause of God. "They identify both their interest and The performance of their religious duties is their meat and drink. With regard that they take pleasure in her stones, to Zion it may be almost literally said, and favor the dust thereof.'"-p. 137.

"Next to the salvation of his own soul, a really converted man is anxious for the salvation of the souls of others. This anxiety is manifested in an extraordinary degree by the churches of Jamaica. It is evidenced by the whole tenor of their conduct. Their feelings are strong, and they can not but speak of the things they have seen and heard.'"-p. 143.

To these evidences of genuine piety may be added another, without which the former would be but of little avail. They dedicate themselves to God, in body, soul, and spirit, and unite their efforts with their contributions and prayers. Among some of the denominations, and probably in a greater or less degree among all, it is thus with inquirers and catechumens, as well as members. negro convert can not but tell of "how great things the Lord hath done for him."

A

"The Jamaica churches in general are individual of which they are composed, essentially missionary churches, and each regards it as a sacred duty to do something to promote the glory of God in the salvation of his fellow men. Every one especially aims at the conversion of those with whom he is connected-his relatives, his friends, his children, his servants. Male and female, young and old, rich and poor, are thus employed. They are not only all at work, but it might almost be said, always at work-not only every day, but almost every hour of the day. The work of God is their employment, not their recreation. And whatsoever their hands find to do, they do it with their might,' taking advantage of every favorable occurrence that presents itself. Whether in the market, in the house, or in the public road, they seldom neglect an opportunity of speaking a word for God, and this they do with cheerfulness, and without hesitation or apology."-pp. 145,

6.

On page 147, Mr. Phillippo thus describes a member of his church in Spanish Town :

"Though scarcely possessing sufficient means for her support, she has devoted the last twenty years of her life almost wholly to the work of God. It is her meat and drink. From day to day, and from year to year, is she found inviting

"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 resurrec tion 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 ar dor, but the sincerity of their devotions." -p. 161.

After all this array of strong assertion 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 eman. cipated 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 these statements possibly consist with each other? Can we speak of dishonest Christians, deceitful Christians, covetous Christians, lying Christians?-they are contradictions in terms; yet we are told that in 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. Phillippo. He distinctly says, "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 still very prevalent" -so that efforts, strenuous ef forts 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 human 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. 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 unhappily, or violate the sacred compact, but with the great majority it is far otherwise. None can be better husbands, bet ter wives, more affectionate parents, or better members of civil society."-p. 62. "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 dis orders, veterinary surgeons, and mediWhilst 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."

cal men.

"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 glad. ly 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 inaccuracies 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

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 say. ing, 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 liv. ing 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