any means of tracing them, to have originated, or to have deposited their fruits, in Bambara or in Soldier Town. Bambara Town is, however, entitled to the credit of having made public discovery of some depôts of stolen goods; a credit to which Soldier Town is yet without a claim, having preferred the inviolability of that criminal attachment which but too generally induces Africans to do any thing rather than make discovery one of another.

The importance of instituting a settled system of religious instruction among these assemblages of crude or perverted Africans, is obvious and crying. It is favourable to the hopes and prospects of ample success in commensurate efforts for this object, that the people stand unmixed with others: they are not blended with the general population -communicating the corruption of their own barbarism; and receiving corrupt notions of Christianity, which might not afterward be easily eradicated, to make room for more correct notions.

The deduction of the inhabitants of these Villages, will account for the deficiency of the general attendance at Worship, in comparison with the number of inhabitants given in the last Census for Freetown.

Notwithstanding the length to which these observations have already extended, there is still a particular matter which cannot be left unnoticed. It is generally supposed, that a deadly and irreconcileable animosity subsists between the Nova Scotians and the Maroons; and almost every year, on the approach of Christmas, rumours of massacres mutually intended by these classes, are in common circulation; with some alarm, at times, to the timid, but without any attention from the reflecting and well-informed. Some trifling riots committed by very young men, principally of the Settlers, present the whole amount of actual mischief. But the object of this particular no

tice is, to mark, in a more special manner, the gradual and rapid extinction of that hostility, accomplished principally by the influence of religion. The resort of the superior persons of both classes to the Church and to the Methodist Chapel, has already been mentioned, as well as the happy effect of that concurrence.

It appears expedient to mention, also, the direct co-operation of the administrative justice of the Colony toward the extinction of this feud. Admonitions, having this tendency. addressed to offenders in particular instances, have produced evident and general effect. A more important change was made, in a recent instance, respecting the composition of Juries in the Civil Courts. A practice had formerly been instituted, of composing the pannel of one third Europeans, one third Maroons, and one third Settlers. This practice, in recent time, had not been strictly regarded; but reference was made to it, upon a particular case, in which the composition of the Jury was called in question: and, on consideration of the whole matter, it was thought a great benefit to the Colony, that the distinction formerly established had fallen into disuse, without having furnished any ground of complaint by the discontinuance. It was thought advisable, not to make the Administration of Justice instrumental to the revival of distinctions which were happily sinking into oblivion; and the Sheriff was directed to summon his Juries without regard to classes, only taking care that no class should be unrepresented. If any more specific formation should appear essential to the ends of justice, a proper order would be made in the special case, on motion in the Court. This declaration was received with much satisfaction by the principal persons of both classes, Maroons and Settlers, who were present in Court; and being frequently repeated in successive stages of the case which was long

litigated on motions for a new trial, the knowledge of it became universal in the Settlement, and was gratifying to all. The progress of the spirit of union has continued since that time without interruption.

The admonitions of the Judge have been applied, on this particular head, more usually in private and for purposes of pacification, when Husband or Wife applied for the interposition of his authority: but, in a general way, it has also been publicly noticed from the Bench. The breach of social relation, against which the efforts of the Bench have been, however, more especially directed, is Duelling at various times, and in numerous instances, this destructive propensity has appeared; but, in no instance, has the design been suffered to proceed to the extremity: the Magistrates, acting on the instructions given to them in the Charges at the Sessions, have always interposed in time to prevent the actual hostile meeting, although sometimes a minute or two more might have rendered their arrival too late.

The general cases to which allusion is here made, will be sufficient to shew the exigency for some concurring efforts between the Pulpit and the Bench, in order to correct the vices and mischiefs so frequently breaking forth among Europeans, as well as among Natives. Probably it may be expedient that this co-operation should be carried on without any formal connection, excepting in cases where the immediate prevalence of any vice or crime should call forth the monitory voices of both in the same instant.

A general connection between Justice and Religion must be felt by every one to be matter of propriety, as well as of duty; and, in this feeling, it was proposed to the Rev. W. Garnon to preach a Sermon at each General Sessions, after the manner of the Assize Sermons in England. Mr. Garnon, on consideration of the proposal, expressed his hearty concur rence. The design had been pre

viously mentioned

to Governor

MacCarthy, who gave his ready approbation. A kind of procession was, at the same time, contemplated. An indisposition, which deprived the Chief Justice of the use of his feet for a considerable time, delayed the arrangement; which was afterward further postponed, in consequence of the sickness and death of Mr. Garnon. It was subsequently mentioned to the Rev. J. Collier, but not brought to any maturity, when he was removed from us by death. It has since been repeatedly thought of by the Chief Justice, with whom the proposal originated. Some difficulties have been suggested in regard to a procession; and any immediate transmutation of the Court House to a Church, and then again to a Court House, appeared rather repugnant. Some dissatisfaction may be excited, moreover, by taking the people away from their business an additional day, if they would give their attendance; and if they would not, the thing would be to no purpose. It seems to be the best plan at present, or at least the best immediately practicable until a better can be devised, that an appropriate Sermon should be preached on the Sunday preceding every Session; and that the Chief Justice, and all others concerned in the Administration of Justice, should attend in their places, as nearly as circumstances will admit, in the manner and order in which they sit in Court. This would have a beneficial effect, by the association, as well as by the influence of the Discourse, notwithstanding the absence of the parade of a procession. It is hoped that a commencement may be made at the next opportunity: but the two next Sessions are unfortunately subject to the influence of the Rains; and if the particular day should be rainy, no attendance, or next to none, can be expected. The practice may at least be pursued, when Providence will permit the employment of it with circumstances favourable to the hope of beneficial effect.

In this passage, the Apostle Paul relates the resignation, and happiness, and the spiritual benefits, which, through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the help of the Holy Spirit, who are one with God, he had obtained.

In this place let us observe, that, on whatever person the mercy of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the grace of the Holy Spirit descends, how greatly his nature becomes changed!

And now, being a new creature, he is bold in the work of the Lord Jesus Christ, and attains the three degrees of evidence, arising from learning, and from ocular demonstration, and from inward conviction. In any other system of religion, not a shadow of spirituality is to be found, but only carnality; and the professors of every other religion, placing great confidence in their external works and following the example of each other, go on in the broad way which leads to Hell, and walk not in the narrow way which leads to Heaven.

Let us attend to the former history of the Apostle Paul, who was also called Saul. When, in his natural state, he professed the Jewish Religion, how he laboured in persecuting the Christians! as in this age, men of other religions hate them; and, if they find opportunity, are not backward to injure them, and do not fail to reproach, and revile, and backbite them. For such, Christians, pray, "O Lord, forgive my persecutors, and backbiters, and change their hearts!"

Paul, at the time of Stephen's Martyrdom, kept the clothes of the witnesses; yet, breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, and desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus; and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: and he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?

In this place let us attend to the secret dealings of God. Our Lord Jesus Christ, in choosing one from among his enemies, made it manifest to all people, that it is the will of their Lord, that they should lay aside their rebellion and enmity, and not ill-treat and entertain hatred and illwill toward those who believe in His Name; for to persecute them, is to displease that Lord.

And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest. It is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. And he, trembling and astonished, said, Lord,what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man. And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus. And he was three days

without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.

And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him -said the Lord in a vision, Ananias, and he said, Behold, I am here, Lord. And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Strait, and inquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus; for behold, he prayeth; and hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him that he might receive his sight. Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name. But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake. And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and pulling his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales; and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.

Now this history deserves serious attention. Consider how St. Paul at first walked according to the flesh; and, afterward, by being spiritually ingrafted into Christ, how he obtained such spiritual grace as is exhibited from the 16th to the 20th verse, as I read in the Text.

I will proceed to set forth, in order, the spiritual instruction contained in each verse.

Whosoever wishes to understand the excellence of this religion let him know, that, in the beginning, God, who is just and merciful, created Adam with understanding, and holiness, and knowledge of God; and placed him in the Garden of Eden, and forbad him to eat of the fruit of

the Tree of Knowledge of good and evil. By the deceiving of Satan, Eve, the wife of Adam, eat of that fruit herself, and gave also unto Adam to eat. On account of this disobedience, the wrath of God fell upon Adam and his posterity, his nature became sinful, and his descendants became subject to the pains of death; and that holiness, and understanding, and knowledge of God in which he was created, on account of his sin departed from him, and all his posterity became as fruitless wild trees.

Then God, of His own infinite mercy, appointed such a way for the forgiveness of mankind, that justice and mercy might both be established. He sent hisSon into the world; born, by the power of the Holy Ghost, of the Virgin Mary, from the family of Abraham and David, in the likeness of man-Himself both God and Man, that He might fulfil all the works of the Law; the fulfilment of which, by sinful men, as it ought wholly to be done, could not be accomplished: and that whosoever by the power of the Holy Ghost (who is one with God), should believe in Him, should receive a new birth, and experience a change of nature: as when they ingraft into a wild tree, then the taste of that fruit, and the appearance, and colour, and smell become different; so whosoever from the heart believes on the Lord Jesus Christ becomes a partaker of the grace of the Holy Spirit, then his nature becomes changed: and again, through the Second Heavenly Adam, he obtains that understanding, holiness, and knowledge of God, which was taken from the First Adam on account of his sinning.

Whoever has attained the rank of being a Christian, and through the Lord Jesus Christ has obtained communion with God and the grace of the Holy Spirit is upon him, it is as if a spiritual nature were ingrafted into him; and, by degrees, spiritual fruit appears in him: so that, for instance, if in his state of error he had T

no desire to hear the Word of God, henceforward he desires to hear it, and in his heart a divine taste is created; or, if he was formerly averse to walk according to the will of God, henceforward he is happy in walking according to the Divine Will, and it becomes his utmost happiness to perform such things as are according to the will of God, and all fleshly lusts, which war against the soul, he continues to resist.

And such a person has such peace and happiness of mind, as if one had found a field containing hidden treasure, and had sold all his goods and bought that field: such a person considers the holy Gospel that field, for he considers the spiritual treasures of his salvation hidden in the Gospel; and he has, as it were, found a pearl of great price, and, having sold all his wealth, bought that pearl: considering the Lord Jesus Christ that pearl of infinite value, he gives Him a place in his heart; and, by the grace of the Holy Ghost (who is one with God), separates himself from every evil work, and evil thought, and all evil company: the way to heaven, and of true forgiveness, so opens unto him, that he cares not for any one's good or evil report; but if any curses him he blesses in return, and whoever speaks evil of him he prays for them. And this cheerfulness of mind he has obtained by believing on the Lord Jesus Christ: for, through faith only in that Lord, he was counted righteous; and his sins the Lord Jesus Christ hath taken away; and His righteousness, is imputed to him: through His righteousness he can boldly stand before the Judgment Seat of God; and he glo. ries in His intercession who is both God and Man, and knows, that, al-, though he himself is a sinner, his Intercessor is free from sin, unspotted, and without fault, with God his Advocate, who is Himself the Son of Cod. It is, therefore, better for men of all religions, that they should reflect and seek after such an Intercessor, as through faith only in Him their sins can be forgiven.

A certain Poet has well observed"A Spiritual Guide ought to be a polisher, who can wipe off in a twinkling the rust of many births." Beside the Lord Jesus Christ, no such has ever come into the world, nor will come; and a sinner cannot save a sinner, nor a thief deliver a thief: our Lord Jesus Christ has said, that if the blind lead the blind, both will fall into the ditch.

The state of a Christian who has believed from the heart on the Lord Jesus Christ, is as if a person had become a debtor and had no means of paying; and if he had a friend, of wealth and great possessions, that helpless debtor would hope that his friend would not leave him as a prisoner in the hands of his creditor: he would apply to his friend; and his friend, according to his request, would himself pay the debt and procure his release. In this manner, our Lord. Jesus Christ deals with those who know themselves to be God's debtors, and find no one in all the world to stand their friend with God: depending upon His promise-as He has said, "Come to me all ye that are heavy laden, that I may ease your load". they turn to the Lord Jesus Christ with all their heart, and He forgives their debt, viz: their sins, and bestows on them the gifts of the Holy Spirit ; and, being filled with the Holy Spirit and experiencing a change of nature, they live in a spiritual manner, and there is no condemnation against them: their carnal nature passes away; and the fruits of the Spirit-love, joy, peace, patience and gentleness, charity and good temper, and faith, and humility, and temperance-appear in their conversation: and, from their countenance, it may be discovered that they are wholly taken up with Christ, and have crucified the flesh with its affections and lusts; and it is manifest to every observer, that these are the people who shall be saved.

When I observe the ignorance of every Mussulman and Hindoo, I feel constrained to repeat the following verse-"Be a Christian, if you would