ficial effects, like rays from a luminous body, would issue from it in all directions. The wretched slaves would soon become sensible of the mitigated rigours of the bondage under which they groan. Especially would there take place an alteration of their state with respect to the facilities of mental improvement, and religious instruction. The persons, however, who make assertions of the improved spirit of the colonists, will have at least the prudence to recede from these tests of the truth of their statement; as investigations on this subject are ill adapted, they are aware, to do service to their cause. An ordinary acquaintance with human nature, may be suffi cient to convince any, that, as private interest is the ground of the attachment to slavery, those who regard it as the source of their profit, will never voluntarily allow it to decline. The power of vital religion and, in some instances, even the natural sentiments of morality have raised individuals above the most unfavourable circumstances, who therefore have readily sacrificed their private gains to the sentiments of justice, or the commands of revelation. Such instances may still be expected, That a large body of men should simultaneously concur in taking such a step, unless by means of the prevalence of religious principles among them, as it is an event which no history records, so it would be folly to expect that it should hereafter occur. The magicians of old brought their books to the pile, and relinquished a lucrative imposture; and the reception of the gospel which caused them to do so would, in this case, be followed by similar effects. Such an event, however, though within the divine power to accomplish, is far too improbable to be allowed to enter into human calculation. The active opposition hitherto uniformly made by the planters, is the usual effect of their circumstances, and will, no doubt, continue to be evinced. The defence of the system will be their great concern. They will palliate its enormities in their representation. They will accommodate their tactics to the position of the warfare. They will labour for the entire preservation of the system. Instead of the abhorrence of it which its wickedness deserves, they will contem

plate its removal as the greatest calamity which they are able to dread. Credulous anticipations, that slavery will expire of its own accord; that its conductors will spontaneonsly relax in the rigours of oppression, as involving the expectation that private interest will cease to be with the mass of mankind, the most cogent motive of which they are sensible, are no less characterized by folly, than the indulgence of them would be fatal to this great cause.

We trust our readers will not fail to avail themselves of the recently aug. mented aids for acquiring and diffusing information of the actual state of the system. Few labourers in this cause merit more thanks than those whose investigation has enabled them to give full and precise information, and derived from the highest sources, in point of authority, respecting the various aspects of the condition in which the miserable slavepopulation is placed. The perusal of their works, is a duty which all, capable of exerting an influence in this cause, (and who is there not included in such a statement) owe to themselves, to the community, to the unhappy victims of oppression, whose true situation so great pains have been taken wickedly to misrepresent. The effect of their acting on this suggestion we are at no loss to anticipate. It is indeed difficult to say, whether they will most have their wonder raised at the uublushing impudence of the assertions made on this subject, and of which they will see the falsehood demonstrated; or, their pity moved at a condition which, after all the dreadful portraits which have been given of it, is still at every fresh view found to afford hitherto unnoticed proofs of degradation and wretchedness. It may justly be thought, that a state must be bad which even its advocates, instead of a denial of its wretchedness, would think of defending, by saying, there are other states more deplorable; but even this kind of defence is shewn to be untenable. Among all the forms of slavery which exist, or which history describes the modern system, is still found exhibiting a bad pre-eminence; no other admits maxims equally cruel, or so fully denies to its objects all the claims of hamanity.

Were the cause of emancipation

one which instead of resting on selfevident principles of justice, must be judged of by the character of its chief promoters, it would still have strong claims on our support. No individuals have attained a more established reputation for a distinguished parity of moral conduct, both in public and private life. It is with unspeakable pleasure we add, that not a few of them have the reputation of most decided piety. Obloquy has endeavoured to assail them; but the public has known how to appreciate the attempts, and has well understood the motives of those who wished to defame. There are no persons to be found in whose hands the planters themselves might with greater safety leave their interests, assured of their receiving all practicable attention. It is not in an enterprise of malevolence these persons have engaged; were such their motives, they might well, so far as our West India territories are concerned, deem their labour superfluous. Were it a fiend-like batred of the species by which they are actuated, in those wretched abodes of oppression, they might find wherewith to satiate their malevolence. But the spirit of their enterprise is of a quite opposite nature, they desire that, if possible, none should suffer; that any class of persons, any individual, should be injured, would be regarded by them, as detracting from their triumph.

We must however come to a close. A suggestion has recently often been made by those who have long contemplated all relating to slavery, of a peculiarly serious import-it is that, without emancipation, there is even danger that the slave trade might return. The very mention of such a possibility may well strike the mind

with indescribable horror. In the removal of that infernal traffic, it is the boast of our country to have taken the lead; nor exists there in the firmament of British glory, another brighter light, or of more benign influence. In that great transaction, the country was seen performing an act of national justice, and setting an example to the nations of Europe, and of the world. Other nations received her example, and trod in her steps. If in some of these there are afflictive signs of a disposition to return to this dreadful traffic, our pre

sent conduct, as a nation, is certainly ill adapted to repress such a tendency. To qualify conduct, to be an example whether in an individual, or a nation, consistency is above all things necessary, a quality, which we certainly shall not exhibit, while with one hand we are seen averting bondage from the innocent-with the other, rivetting the chains of those who, already though equally innocent, are enslaved. That these cases differ only incidentally, and in all important principles are identical, every one perceives. We wish not to urge a point, on which we confess ourselves to speak on authority, rather than on judgment. Whether the measure of emancipation include in its effects this additional blessing of averting the return of the slave trade, which, as a beast of prey is rendered voracions by abstinence, would return with increased horrors, we are not able to judge: without this its object is sufficiently important. The deliverance of seven hundred thousand human beings, from the degraded condition of slavery, and a deliverance of their oppressors, from a condition scarcely less pitiable, is an object sufficiently great. In this cause, let none refuse his aid; but with becoming earnestness, and fixed perseverance, let each one exert himself, assured, that whatever opposition be made, the cause of righteousness will in the end prevail.

A VERY pretty little reward book for the children of our Sunday-schools; well fitted to inspire and to cherish that abhorrence of the slave-trade, which every Christian ought to feel and to promote. And, if the childreu read it to their parents, they will convey instruction of the most interesting kind concerning the way of salvation, and the true character of those who walk in it. Many a white man will hear it, and blush, and receive reproof.

We would, however, respectfully suggest to Aunt Sarah, that if she meets with such a Christian Negro again, it will be far better to give precisely what he says, in his own words, and in his own way, and then subjoin her own reflections. We are jealous of these little tales founded on fact-not knowing how far they are soand we think an intelligent child should be encouraged, in every instance, to ask, ' is it true?'

A Key to the Bible, containing an Epitome of every Book in the Old and New Testament. By Question and Answer, adapted to Children and Youth. By T. Timpson. Offor. THIS is a little work of considerable merit, which will be very acceptable to the teachers of Sunday-schools. And, indeed, parents, when teaching their own children, may with advantage use it. It is characterized by the simplicity which is of inestimable value in all elementary books; and it breathes every

where a sweet savour of Christ.

A short extract will shew the writer's

manner.

Question 31. "What is most remarkable and worthy to be remembered in the book of Genesis?

Seven things; of which, no book besides can inform us truly.

32. Repeat those things.

1. The creation of all things in heaven and earth.

2. The falling of our first parents from innocence and happiness by sinning against God.

3. The promise of a Saviour.

4. The great age to which men lived in the first ages of the world.

5. The drowning of the world for the wickedness of men.

6. The confusion of languages. 7. The calling of Abraham, and the separation of his family, to preserve true religion till Christ came."

In the 39 books of the Old Testament, there are 929 chapters-in the 27 books of the New Testament, 260 chapters. (Mr. Timpson has put down three hundred.) In general, however, there is a great regard to accuracy, and we earnestly hope this cheap little tract will be often reprinted, with improvements.

The Christian Remembrancer. By Ambrose Serle, Esq. Author of Hora Solitaria, The Church of God, &c. With an Introductory Essay. By Thomas Chalmers, D.D. Whittaker, 12mo.

MR. Serle was one of the friends of the

late philanthropic John Thornton. This book was first published by the author in 1786, and met with a warm reception, most deservedly, from the Christian world. Dr. Chalmers strongly recommends it. And, in his essay, he has given us a fine specimen of his wonderful power of amplification, by expatiating through five. and-twenty pages, on a single thought derived from 1 Cor. xv. 2. By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have be lieved in vain.'

We give one extract from this 'Remembrancer,' which was not more necessary taken from p. 257, where he is writing ‘on the marriages of real Christians.'

in Mr. Serle's time, than it is now. It is

"It is the voice of reason and religion, that piety must not be yoked with profaneness, nor the true believer with an infidel. When persons have broken through this rule, they have always done it to their own sad cost; as abundance of examples can testify.

"Some have ventured upon this transgression from mere carnal motives, pretending, at least, to hope, that they might be the instruments of bringing the other side to God. Many instances, indeed, occur where both parties have married before they knew the grace of God. and have afterwards been called by it; but the example, perhaps, is not easily to be found, where a believer, acting directly against the rule of God, for temporal ends, hath been blessed with the spiritual advantage of a partner's conversion, but on the contrary, hath been vexed with trouble and mortification to the end of life. It may be expected, that God will be faithful to his own word, and that they who wilfully violate his order, cannot do it with confidence in his blessing.

"When the marriage-contract is made graciously, and with grace, there is every reason to hope for success. The less water of earth, and the more wine of heaven, there may be at the feast, so much the better."

LITERARY INTELLIGENCE.

Just Published.

Progress of Dissent.-Observations on the most remarkable and amusing Passages of that Article in the last Number of the Quarterly Review. By a Non. Con. Price 18. 6d.

Life of the Rev. Philip Henry, A. M. By the Rev. Matthew Henry, V. D. M. Enlarged with important Additions, Notes, &c. By J. B. Williams, F. A. S. Price 14s.

Considerations addressed to the Eclectic Reviewer, in Defence of those who maintain that Baptism should precede Communion: occasioned by his Address "To Correspondents," in the Eclectic Review for December, 1824. By Joseph Kinghorn. Offor. Pp. 37.

The Dawn of the Reformation: or, The Lollards. "And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the Great is fallen, is fallen! And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people." St. John.-Handsomely printed in one Volume 18mo. with a beautiful Portrait of John Wickliffe, the Reformer. Price. 3s. 6d.

The Persecuted Family: a Narrative of the Sufferings endured by the Presbyterians in Scotland, during the Reign of Charles II. By the Author of "Helen of the Glen." 18mo. 2s. with a fine Engraving.

In the Press.

A Manual for Church Members, by Dr. Newman of Stepney.

Sermons, Expositions, and Addresses at the Holy Communion; by the late Rev. Alexander Waugh, A.M. Minister of the Scots Church in Miles's-lane, London. A short Memoir of the Author will be prefixed. 1 Vol. 8vo.

Dr. P. M. Latham has in the Press an Account of the Disease lately prevalent at the General Penitentiary, 8vo.

Mr.Ivimey intends to complete his "History of the English Baptists," in FOUR VOLUMES three of which are already published. The fourth Volume, continuing the History to the End of the Reign of George III. will be put to Press, so soon as the Author has obtained a sufficient Number of Subscribers, to secure him from pecuniary Risk. Subscribers' Names will be received by the Author, or the Publisher of the Magazine. Price to Subscribers, 12s.; Svo. Pp. 600.

IMPOLICY OF SLAVERY.

In an admirable paper, published by the Anti-slavery Society, whose office is at 18, Aldermanbury, the impolicy of this horrid traffic is fully demonstrated: a view of the subject, which will probably produce a stronger effect on the nerves of those who trade in the bodies and souls of men than either its inhumanity or impiety.

In order to counteract, and, ultimately, to remove, the evils of slavery in the West India Colonies, it is proposed to encourage the growth of sugar by free labour in the East Indies, and in every other part of the world favourable to its produce:-they say,

"Let us look at the map of the world. We know that sugar can be produced for about thirty degrees on each side of the equator; we know, also, that an acre of good land, in those climates, will produce as many pounds of sugar as our land does of wheat; and that, if it were

not for duties and bounties, sugar might be supplied in great plenty at a very cheap rate. Who then can sufficiently condemn a policy, which holds in chains of bondage 700,000 of our fellow beings; and for the very sake of maintaining this oppressive and wicked system, confines us to a few little colonies for our supply of one of the most valuable and important of all foreign productions! Who can sufficiently condemn a policy, which, for the sake of furnishing to these poor, miserable beings, the few things with which their masters may choose to supply them, restricts and sacrifices an unforced and beneficial commerce, with tens, nay, hundreds of millions in Asia, Africa, and America, whose unrestrained choice would range through the almost indefinitely varied field of our manufacturing inventions!"

We have been favoured with the use of the wood-block, engraved for illustrating this subject, according to Mercator's Projection.

Amounting to £1,500,000, or £2,000,000 annually.