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s for the Colony of Liberia are; alter making all que ority of the blacks, just as fair as were the daring nite settlers upon the continent of North America. as of Columbus, Cabot, Raleigh, Hudson Winthrop, emed visionary? Suppose our Puritan, Protestant, h, Swedish ancestors, had been of such timid temld have been deterred by the dissuasions of the Our glorious empire would have still been a wilders great experiment which we are making to demonan for self-government, would have been to this day th our own proud example, therefore, before us, we courage this noble attempt to reconquer degraded ble vassalage by the light which her own liberated them from this free country. The day may come ve another rock of Plymouth, and Timbuctoo the -when Africa, the land of the moor, of the desert, ve its oases peopled by the sovereign States; and the of education and of republican institutions shall exins from the gates of Hercules to the mouth of the

TTER FROM A COLONIST.

ctober, 1833, (African Repository, Vol. 9, p. 250,) from Hanson Leiper, a respectable Colonist, to a vn, D. C. He has since addressed to the same genated "Edina, Grand Bassa, 11th May, 1834," from voured with the following extract:

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orm you that I am well at present, and hope these few lines
received your letter with great delight, which afforded me
most come to the conclusion to come over in twelve months
ot lost the spirit of farming and 'agriculture; though a few
n exploring the interior of this country. I have travelled
x in the interior, and in all the course of my travels, I have
benevolent. Camwood can be bought very plentifully, pro-
xs and fine goats may be purchased also plentifully in that
ave made several discoveries of metal, which I consider valu-
have sent you in this letter. I, myself, agree with you
e greatest things we can turn our attention to, either in the
hough we in Africa, being somewhat in a diminutive state,
agricultural and commercial business. It has been about two
we have drawn our forty-eight acres of land on the south-
, and I must acknowledge, that I have never seen finer land
else as yet, than that contained in our survey; which myself,

01

Of the Committee to whom was referred the subject of the Religious Instructi ed population, of the Synod of South Carolina and Georgia, at its late Sessi S. C.-Published by order of Synod.

(CONCLUDED FROM p. 207.)

4. Another benefit is, we shall promote our own morality and religion. The influence of the negroes upon the moral and religious interests of destructive in the extreme. We cannot go into special detail. It is und make our appeal to universal experience. We are chained to a putrid car and destroys us. We have a millstone hanging about the neck of our soc deep in the sea of vice. Our children are corrupting from their infancy, vent it. Many an anxious parent, like the missionary in foreign lands, children could be brought up beyond the reach of the corrupting influen heathen. Nor is this influence confined to mere childhood. If that were tremendous. But it follows us into youth, into manhood, and into old age And when we come directly in contact with their depravity in the mana then come temptations and provocations and trials that unsearchable grad able us endure. In all our intercourse with them, we are undergoing a p lectual and moral deterioration, and it requires almost superhuman effor high standing either for intelligence or piety.

The effort to evangelize them, will tend directly to increase and to encou of grace in our own souls. This is the testimony of those who have made Consequently, the Church will take a higher stand for piety, and realize th that waters shall be watered also himself." And as God crowns our labors the negroes will become more modest, more elevated in intelligence and youth will be defended from contamination, and our riper years from over As the one class rises, so will the other;-the two are so intimately assoc rise or fall together-to benefit servants, evangelize the masters-to bene evangelize the servants.

5. Much unpleasant discipline will be saved to the Churches.

The offences of colored communicants against Christian character and are very numerous, and frequently heinous. The discipline is difficult, unpleasant. Excommunications are of continued occurrence, and are usu time, followed by applications for re-admission; for with them, to die un excommunication, is eternal ruin itself. There never will be a better state the negroes are better instructed in religion.

6. The last benefit we shall mention is, one that we convey to servants, in It is the salvation of their souls.

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The great object for which we would communicate religious instructio souls may be saved. To this all other objects should be subordinate; and God will bless our instructions according to our desire. Strengthened by willing to sow in tears, for we shall reap in joy. Let us be willing to ind bearing precious seed, for we shall come again with rejoicing, bearin If the rest of Heaven is sweet to any human being, it is to the poor. heering hopes of a blessed immortality are necessary to any human being, ustain him in his pilgrimage below, they are necessary to the poor Afri re mine saith the Lord; and his glory may be advanced as much in the oul of an African servant, as in the salvation of the soul of any other man According to the Providence and word of God, it is our duty to impart th ervants; and the duty is to us both privilege and interest; but to this pres een neglected. And why neglected? Have we any excuse to offer, tha ept? We tremble when we affirm, that the guilt of this neglect to perfor nd important duty, falls unrelieved upon the Southern Church; for we b In present not one excuse that will bear the test of candid examination.

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o through members of our own families, or pious or willing lified to teach? What may we not do through the employvote their whole time to the negroes? But missionaries must ? Very true. But the expense borre by a neighborhood of on each; while the peace of mind and the benefits resulting ty, would counterbalance that expense. We know, however, and men are hard to be moved to any good purpose touching ites is not adequately supported. There are very many great gion, who highly appreciate the privileges of the Gospel, and on of perishing men; but who seem to think, that the instrurequire little or no pecuniary support; in a word, contrary to that ministers should preach for nothing and find themselves. fficient numbers be procured? We answer they can. And briefly this. In the first place, Pray ye the Lord of the harrth laborers into his vineyard. And in the second-Associate ork in good earnest, and employ all who present themselves; than can be supplied, call for more missionaries, and they will way to have our wants supplied, is to let them be known. inity meets with little success amongst them?

We

fluence of the circumstances of this people upon their religious d be, not that the Gospel meets with little success, but that it 1, for their circumstances are in the last degree unfavorable to We do not, however, make proper allowances in our expectaour patience and benevolence. Having reduced them to ignoruty confirmed them in vice, we now quarrel with their stupidire not made intelligent and pious in a few days, we are ready n; the field must be abandoned as an unprofitable one. ritably. We expect more of them than of ourselves, or any ould evangelize servants, must let patience have her perfect work. very ill grace from us to speak of the little success of the GosThat little success is our condemnation; for what great efforts ld expect great success? Where we bestow no labor, we must

Tear of contradiction, that the Gospel meets with as much sucs amongst any other unlettered heathen in the world, proper alhould be encouraged, therefore, to put forth vigorous efforts in gns of mercy towards them. When the soul is at stake, we and trouble in saving it. To overthrow the excuse at once, with no success at all, it would be no reason why we should instruction of the negroes. For if we certainly determine have already done) we should do it. The success of that inbut to God; nor are we to limit his sovereignty in granting or by particular time. We are to labor in faith, and labor on.y Christian should and must take of the subject.

believe, in brief cons

e peculiar and great difficulties hard to be overcome?
ignorance, indifference, and in some instances, the opposition
ds-of missionaries-of systems of instruction-the stupidity
and confinement to oral instruction entirely? We ask, will
hat might be mentioned, be removed by being let alone? Are
eration for their removal? Will they ever be fewer in number
time?

The firs

isin end of

In reply

contend, th

Our prin

every enterprise of benevolence, and if we wait in our efforts ies are removed, we shall never commence. Times are sud. in the world if Christians can do good without encountering y and firmness of their purposes. Shall we cower and retire means. We are to encounter them patiently, kindly, persen God. He calls us to the duty. The work is His. In His

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smaller they become, until when in the strength of the Lord we encounter them, they vanish out of sight. But, of whose creation are these difficulties? Certainly not of the poor negroes? In themselves considered, we meet with no difficulties but such as arise from the natural enmity of the heart to truth. The difficulties lie at our door, and it is unjust that they should be made innocent sufferers. We thrust ourselves and our arrangements between them and eternal life and then make excuse, that there are difficulties in the way!

We have no excuses. The reason of our neglect of duty, is our ignorance on the one hand, and our indisposition on the other. As the true light now begins to shine, we cannot retain either the one or the other, without convicting ourselves of heinous sin.

There are some objections to the religious instruction of the negroes, originating, as we believe, in misconceptions of the subject. We feel it our duty to give these objections a brief consideration.

The first is, If we suffer our negroes to be religiously instructed, the tendency, yea the certain end of it, will be emancipation.

In reply, we remark, that we separate entirely their moral and their civil condition; and contend, that the one may be attended to, without interfering with the other.

Our principle is that laid down by the Holy and Just One-"Render unto Cæsar the things which are Cæsar's; and unto God the things which are God's:" And Christ and his Apostles are our example. Did they deem it proper to preach the Gospel to servants? They did. Did they, in discharge of this duty, interfere with their civil condition? They did not.—They expressed no opinion whatever on their civil condition, if we except that which appears in one of the epistles to the Corinthian Church. There the Apostle Paul considers a state of freedom preferable to one of servitude and advises slaves, if they can lawfully obtain their freedom, to do it, but not otherwise. May we not follow in the footsteps of the Saviour and his Apostles? Yea, and without proceeding as far as did the Apostle Paul? We maintain, that in a judicious religious instruction, there will be no necessary interference with their civil condition. The religious teacher must step out of his way for the purpose. This we know from our own experience.

But why will the end of religious instruction be emancipation? Do not the majority, perhaps of our citizens who make this objection, consider slavery sanctioned by the Bible? Do they sincerely believe it? If they do, why then do they hesitate to have the Bible, the whole Bible, and nothing but the Bible, preached to their servants? But do they believe the contrary? Then our answer is but a word: Shall thousands, and even millions of immortal minds be sacrificed at the shrine of cupidity? Which ought to prevail for the good of mankind, for the glory of our country, for the prosperity of the cause of God,principle or interest? Right or wrong? Let the enlightened conscience of the philanthropist, of the patriot, and of the Christian, return the answer.

The tendency feared in the objection, is a moral one only, which we cannot possibly avoid, do what we may. It is folly to contend against God. Christianity is ultimately to prevail on the earth, and in due course of time, will reach our gervants. And should the particular end, spoken of in the objection, come by the preaching of the Gospel, happy are we in believing, that it could not come in a more gradual, in an easier nor in a safer way. It will be the work of the Almighty, the effect of the Divine principles of his word, which, in their operation, while they impel the master to the end, will restrain the servant from all acts of precipitate violence to attain it. And thus may the glory of the removal of the evil be laid at the foot of the cross.

We express ourselves thus freely, because we are called upon to meet an objection, which, if it prevails, will be ruinous to the prosperity of our country, and the best interests of vast multitudes of souls.

Come what may, as Christians, we have no alternative. If we are to obey God our Saviour, we must preach the Gospel to servants; and as we have already said, so say we again -Let us and all our interests fall into the hands of God.

If we suffer our negroes to be religiously instructed, the way will be opened for men from abroad to enter in, and inculcate doctrines subversive of our interest and safety.

The field of labor is one of no ordinary difficulty; and it is the dictate of prudence, to look into the character and qualifications of those who enter it. On this point we wish to be distinctly understood. They should be Southern men-men entitled to this appellation, either those who have been born and reared in the South, or those who have identified themselves with the South, familiarly acquainted with the structure of society, and having all their interests here. Can objections be urged against such men? Is it probable that they will ruin themselves, their families and their interests ?

The very spirit which prompts the objection, refutes it? For, how is it possible, when such a wary vigilance is manifested, for individuals, strangers in the community, to come in, have access to the negroes, and sow the seeds of discontent and revolt? It is impossible. They cannot come unless we permit them.

The most effectual method to preclude the introduction of such persons, is for us to take the religious instruction of the negroes into our own hands, and to superintend it ourselves. We shall then know, who their teachers are, and what they are taught,

3. The religious instruction of the negroes, will lead to insubordination.

248

RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION OF THE NEGROES.

[October,

They will assume an equality with the master, neglect their work, and resist discipline. This might be the effect of injudicious instruction-of instruction that did not recognize their condition in society, and inculcate the duties appropriate to it. But let us “rightly divide the word, and the evil apprehended at once vanishes. What saith the Scripture? Ministers are commanded to "exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things: not answering again: not purloining, but showing all good fidelity: that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things." Again:"Servants be obedient unto them that are your masters, according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness, as unto Christ; not with eye-service as men-pleasers, but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; with good will doing service as to the Lord and not to men; knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free." The passage in Colossians, is similar. We bring forward two more. "Servants be subject to your masters with all fear: not only to the good and gentle but also to the froward. For this is thankworthy if a man, for conscience toward God endure grief suffering wrongfully. For what glory is it, if when you be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? But if when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God."

"Let as many servants as are under the yoke, count their own masters worthy of all honor, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed: And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort."

Such are the commands to servants, as comprehensive of their duties as any master could desire. We even see the Apostle Paul using his influence to secure obedience to these commands in a particular instance. The "unprofitable" Onesimus he restores to his master, though he had escaped from him to the distance of several hundred miles.He restores him a "brother beloved." His letter to Philemon for beauty and excellency is above all praise.

We now ask, will the authority of masters be weakened by instructions of this sort?-No, never. That authority is strengthened by considerations drawn from eternity. If insubordination ensues, it will be the fault of the master, and not of the instruction. The master is the master still. Religious instruction, while it softens down the severity of discipline, by elevating the moral principles of master and servant, does not supercede the necessity of it. Otherwise, men would be made perfect in this life. Our view is, that religious instruction should be accompanied with a proper and efficient discipline.— Should the master relax his discipline, whether he gives religious instruction or not, his servants will become disorderly and unprofitable. We desire the sentiments now expressed to be pondered and adopted by all who wish well to the cause of religion among servants. What parent considers the religious instruction of his children, as having a tendency to make them more wicked and disorderly? Or, what judicious parent will relax his discipline, because he gives religious instruction? Will not the very fact of giving that instruction, prompt him to perfect and maintain discipline? We are to act towards our servants, on the same principles that we act towards our children.

Will they not, however, embrace the seasons of religious worship, for originating and executing plans of insubordination ?

We answer, by no means, if the religious teacher is faithful in his supervision of his charge, and is assisted in the public meetings by the planters, for whose servants he labors. The presence of white men in their religious assemblies, precludes such a thing. Wherever such plans have been originated in religious meetings, it was because the white community was unfaithful to the negroes, and to themselves: They should have been present in those meetings. To leave the negroes to themselves in their religious affairs, is placing them in the way of temptation.

But why are men so tenacious of religious assemblies? Are not the negroes privileged by some to assemble for feasting and merriment, for particular kinds of labor, and at places of trade? We hear of no objections against such assemblies. If we are competent to the management of the latter, we certainly are of the former.

4. The religious instruction of the negroes will do no good; it will only make them worse men and worse hypocrites.

What is the Gospel? Is it not the grace of God that bringeth salvation;-teaching us that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously and godly in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works?" This is the Gospel.-These are the things which we are to teach and exhort. And is it under such teaching and exhortation, that men will increase in crime and hypocrisy?— Why should the Gospel produce an effect upon negroes contrary to that which it is designed to produce, and which it actually produces on all other men, and on some whose condition is worse than theirs?

From what people did we, with all our piety and morality and intelligence spring? From a people, we were about to say, once as degraded as negroes. And what has lifted

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