OCR Text |
Show 28 of slavery, when the soils of the island were in their most prolific state, nnd the slaves themselves, of a corresponding value ; but with those days of depression and alarm, which preceded the act of emancipation. All that I mean to assert is, that landed property, in the British colonies, hns touched the bottom, has found that bottom solid, has already risen considerably, and is now on a steady ascending march, towards the recovery of its highest value. One circumstance which greatly contributed to produce its depreciation, was the cry of interested persons who wished to run it down; and the demand for it, which has arisen among these very persons, is now restoring it to its rightful value. Remember the old g-entleman in Antigua, who is always complaining of the effects of freedom, and always buying land." p. 139. " 4th. The personal con, forts of the laboring population, under freedom, are multiplied tenfold." p. 140. " 5th. Lastly, the moral and religious improvement of this people, under freedom, is more than equal to the increase of their comforts. Under this head, there are three points, deserving, respectively, of a distinct place in our memories. First, the rapid increase, and vast extent of elementary and Christian education-schools for infants, young persons, and adults, multiplying in every direction. Secondly, the gradual, hut decided diminution of crime, amounting, in many country districts, almost to its extinction. Thirdly, the happy change of the 29 general, nnd almost universal, practice of co ncubinage, for the equally general adoption of marriage. "Concubinage," says Dr. Stewart in his letter to me, "the universal practice of the colored people, has wholly disappeared from amongst them. No young woman of color thinks of forming such connections now." \Vhat is more, the improved morality of the blacks, is reflecting itself on the white inhabitantseven the overseers are ceasing, one after another, from a sinful mode of life, and are forming reputable connections in marriage. But while these three points are confessed ly of high importance, there is a fourtlt which at once embraces, and outweighs, them all-1 mean the diffu sion of vital Christianity. I know that great apprehensions were entertained-es· pecially in this country-lest on the cessalion of slavery, the negroes should brenk away at once from their masters, and their ministers. But freedom has come, and while their masters have not been forsaken, their religious teachers have become dearer to them than ever. Under the banner of liberty, the churches and meeting-houses have been eularged and multiplied, the attendance has become regular and devout, the congregations have, in many cases, been more than doubled-above all, the conversion of souls (as we have reason to believe) has been going on to an extent never before known in these colonies. In a religious point of view, as I have before hinted, the wilderness, in many places, has indeed begun to 'blossom as the rose.' 'Instead 3* |