struction was implicated in the rebellion."

"The insurrection, it should seem, manifested itself first at Mahaica, the district to the eastward of that in which Mr. Smith resides. Its appearance on Le Ressouvenir estate, where Mr. Smith resides, was on Monday, the 18th of August, in consequence of an order to take into custody two slaves belonging to an adjoining plantation, whom the Negroes of Le Ressouvenir, as the prisoners had to pass over it, rose to rescue. Mr. Smith was at home. He successfully used his endeavours, on perceiving the tumult, to rescue the manager from the Negroes, and continued his exertions to induce them to return to their duty, till he himself was driven off with violence, and with a weapon held to his body, from the estate.

"Mr. Smith was taken into custody on the evening of the 21st of August, and all his papers seized. He is kept a prisoner in the Colony House, and has, since the 24th of August, had a guard stationed over him. Mrs. Smith is not detained as a prisoner, but does not avail herself of her liberty, lest, on leaving her husband, she might be refused access to him again. After the 22d of August Mr. Elliot had no communication with him. Mr. Smith was, on Monday, the 13th of October, brought to trial before a Court Martial, the legality of which pro. ceeding is greatly doubted in this country. The public papers have stated four charges as forming the indictment against him; but of their accuracy the Directors are not enabled to judge. They trust, that, under the direction of Divine Providence, he has been able to prove himself guiltless of them all.

"It is not, however, to be concealed, that he will have had much to contend with from the violence of public prejudice in the colony,

Martial law appears to have been prolonged for the sole purpose of legalizing the trial of this Missionary by a court-martial,

and, it is to be feared, from the false assertions of some of the unhappy Negroes, whom the hope of favour towards themselves may have led to bring against him things that he knew not.' Indeed, the Directors are informed, upon authority on which they can rely, that some of the condemned Negroes, finding the hope of life taken away, had in the most solemn manner declared that they had been induced so to act, and that others, on being questioned whether they had not been incited to rebellion by Mr. Smith, had, in the strongest terms which their broken language could supply, denied the imputation. It is stated by the writer of one letter, that he often heard charges circulated against the Missionaries, as if spoken by the Negroes at the time of their execution, which he knew (for he was a near spectator) that they never had uttered.

"The issue of Mr. Smith's trial is not yet known in England."

We mean not now to enter into the general subject of the Demerara insurrection; our present purpose being merely to rescue the character of the Missionaries from the load of obloquy which has been cast upon it, and incidentally to illustrate the general state of feeling which prevails, at least among some of our colonists, and especially their blind disregard of every consideration of truth and justice, and even of prudence, which may stand opposed to the violence of their passions and prejudices.

The following recent transaction in the island of Barbadoes speaks volumes on this subject.

It will be recollected, that the tumult which took place in the island of Barbadoes, in 1816, was as confidently attributed to the machinations of Methodist Missionaries, as have been the more recent disturbances in the colony of Demerara. On inquiry, however, it was discovered that there was not at the time, nor had there been for about two years, a single Methodist Missionary in the island of Barbadoes. A mission had been attempted there;

but it had met with so little success, and with so much discouragement from the planters, that it was at length withdrawn. The mission was subsequently renewed, under the care of a Mr. Shrewsbury, whose character is represented as highly respectable; but he was reported to have transmitted to the Society at home statements highly injurious to the moral character of the White population. This charge, however, was evidently nothing more than a flimsy pretence for the outrage of which he became the object. It was fully disproved at the time by Mr. Shrewsbury. His letter has since been published by his constituents, and it certainly affords no ground whatever for those feelings of resentment which appear to have actuated the Barbadoes population. The nature of the outrage will be best understood from the following handbill issued on the occasion:"Great and signal Triumph over, Methodism, and total Destruction of the Chapel!!

"Bridge Town, Oct. 21. "The inhabitants of this island are respectfully informed, that, in consequence of the unmerited and unprovoked attacks which have repeatedly been made upon the community by the Methodist Missionaries (otherwise known as agents to the villainous African Society), a party of respectable gentlemen formed the resolution of closing the Methodist concern altogether. With this view, they commenced their labours on Sunday evening, and they have the greatest satisfaction in announcing, that, by twelve o'clock last night, they effected the total destruction of the chapel.

"To this information they have to add, that the Missionary made his escape yesterday afternoon, in a small vessel, for St. Vincent; thereby avoiding that expression of the public feeling towards him personally, which he had so richly deserved.

"It is hoped, that, as this information will be circulated through

out the different islands and colonies, all persons who consider themselves true lovers of religion will follow the laudable example of the Barbadians, in putting an end to Methodism and Methodist Chapels throughout the West Indies."

This outrageous proceeding, which, though it occupied two nights, met with no interruption whatever from the local authorities, was followed on the succeeding day by a proclamation from the Governor, to the following effect :

"BARBADOes.

"Whereas it has been represented to me, that a riotous assembly collected at the Wesleyan chapel on Sunday night the 19th, and Monday night the 20th inst., and proceeded to demolish the building, which they completely destroyed. And whereas, if such an outrageous violation of all law and order be suffered to pass unpunished, no man will be safe either in person or property; since, when the very ends of civil association are thus defeated, the people, finding the laws too feeble to afford them protection, must court the favour of the mob and remain entirely at their mercy. In such a state of things, the laws are only a scourge to the weak. And whereas, in a society constituted as this is, the very worst consequences are to be apprehended from such evil example,

"I do therefore, by and with the advice of his Majesty's Council, hereby offer a reward of 100l. to. any person or persons who will give such information as will lead to the conviction of any person or persons concerned in the aforesaid riotous proceedings.

"Given under my hand and seal at arms, at Government House, this 22d day of October, 1823, and in the 4th year of his Majesty's reign.

"God save the King! "By his Excellency's command,

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WM. HUSBANDS, Dep. Sec." With equal promptitude there appeared a counter proclamation from

“Bridge Town, Barbadoes, Oct. 23. "Whereas a proclamation having appeared in The Barbadian newspaper of yesterday, issued by order of his Excellency the Governor, offering a reward of one hundred pounds for the conviction of any person or persons concerned in the said-to-be riotous proceedings of the 19th and 20th instant; public notice is hereby given to such person or persons who may feel inclined, either from pecuniary temptation or vindictive feeling, that should they attempt to come forward to injure, in any shape, any individual, they shall receive that punishment which their crimes will justly deserve. They are to understand, that to impeach is not to convict; and that the reward offered will only be given upon conviction, which cannot be effected whilst the people are firm to themselves.

"And whereas it may appear to those persons who are unacquainted with the circumstances which occasioned the said proclamation, that the demolition of the chapel was effected by the rabble of this community, in order to create anarchy, riot, and insubordination, to trample upon the laws of the country, and subvert good order; it is considered an imperative duty to repel the charge, and to state,-Firstly, That the majority of the persons assembled were of the first respectability, and were supported by the concurrence of nine-tenths of the community. Secondly, That their motives were patriotic and loyal; namely, to eradicate from this soil the germ of Methodism, which was spreading its baneful influence over a certain class, and which ultimately would have injured both Church and State. WITH THIS VIEW the chapel was demolished, and the villainous preacher who headed it, and belied us, was compelled by a speedy flight to remove himself from the island.

"With a fixed determination, therefore, to put an end to Methodism in this island, all Methodist Preachers are warned not to approach these shores; as, if they do, it will be at their own peril.

"God save the King and the People."

We hear much of rebellion and insurrection; but if this be not rebellion, it would be difficult to say what is. But we must be brief, reserving ourselves for other opportunities of commenting on this precious document. It is impossible, however, not to remark on the previous determination, which it is declared that the population of Barbadoes have adopted, to prevent, at all hazards, the due course of law. What can be meant by the statement, that "conviction" (although the crime is acknowledged by themselves, and therefore must be proveable,) "cannot be effected whilst the people are firm to themselves,” if it be not that juries, sworn to deliver a true verdict, would, if necessary to secure the impunity of the offenders, deliver a false verdict? We do not comprehend the English language, if the words do not plainly and obviously convey this meaning. But let the effect of such a spirit as this, in a whole community, be contemplated for one moment, as it respects the various questions now at issue with the colonies. Are abuses to be inquired into and punished; what hope of detection, what chance of punishment, even in cases the most flagrant ?-Is an obnoxious individual to be hunted down; what possibility of escape? Consider, for example, the case of a person suspected of having communicated any fact connected with the state of slavery, to those who aim at mitigating its severities. Suppose some false charge to be preferred against him, before a jury of men acting under the feelings which dictated the above placard. Would it be at all more likely, that the purest innocence would escape condemnation in this case, than

that the plainest evidence of guilt would prevent a verdict of acquittal in the other? How tremendous then are the perils which any individual must incur, who, being a member of such a community, should even be suspected of breathing a single syllable which should expose the evils of the prevailing system! And have we not, in this very proceeding, the means. afforded us of solving many of those calumnious charges which are directed against every individual, who, having been an eye-witness of the scenes he describes, but no longer living among them, dares to make known to the public facts unfavourable to the West Indian system? Should he continue to live in the West Indies, the process would probably be much more summary :— witness Mr. Shrewsbury.

The concluding part of the last cited paper is most important, especially as coming from an island in which, as we may hereafter shew, the religious instruction of the slaves has been lamentably neglected: but we defer this part of the subject till another opportunity.

Tothe Editorofthe Christian Observer.

I BEG leave to inform your correspondent "Bibliographicus," that the copy he describes, of Tyndal's first edition of the New Testament, is in the library of the Institution at Bristol for educating Ministers of the Baptist Denomination, and forms a part of a very valuable collection of early editions of the Scriptures, which belonged to Dr. Andrew Gifford, formerly sub-librarian of the British Museum. It is in a state of fine preservation, and contains portraits of the Earl of Oxford, and John Murray his lordship's collector, besides the following account of the book in Mr. Ames's hand-writing. In transcribing the passage, Ames's orthography, &c. are strictly preserved.

CHRIST. OBSERV. No. 265.

"This singular English translation of the New Testament appears perfect to a person understanding printing, although it bears no date, which many books about that time wanted, also the subject at that time so dangerous to meddle with. Recourse may be had to history to know the person who, the time when, and the place where it was done. First, the person is generally supposed to be William Tindal, from many writers, and his own other writings, as his Pentateuche, or Fivé Books of Moses, printed 1530 at different presses: see Fox's book of his Acts and Monuments, for the burning of it, pp. 549 and 990 of his Book of Martyres, and also in my History of English Printing, p. 490. And be sure observe the last paragraph to the reader in this same book. This edition was thought to be so effectually destroyed, that till late no one was found, until Harley E. of Oxford, a great lover of scarce books, employed one John Murray, a person of the same tast, who by accident found this. The E. was so rejoiced at it that he forthwith settled an annuity on him so long as he lived of twenty pounds a year which was paid him to his decease (which was in 1748)."

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Myself, among others, having heard the story of such an edition of the N. T. when I was about my History of Printing I went among the most noted libraries, and met with this in the Harlean library, but never saw another.

"The place where printed is generally supposed to be Antwerpe, where persons in those days had the press and greater liberties than in their own countries. When Lord Oxford's books were sold to Thomas Osborne for 13,000l., this book among the rest went with them to him, and was represented by his catalogue-maker as some Dutch edition of the N. T.; see his catalogue, vol. i. p. 25, No. 420, anno 1743. The manner in which this book is done shew it very early, as the illuminating of the great or E

initial letters early used in the finest of our old MSS., when they had a set of men called Illuminators for such purposes. Besides, the marginal notes being done with the pen, which were afterward printed, show it prior to others that were printed with them the person who did it shew a fine free hand, scarce now to be exceeded.

"These considerations put together, incline me to subscribe to this being the first printed edition of the English New Testament.

"J. AMES."

Dr. Gifford adds:"And what puts it out of all doubt, that it is prior to all other editions, are his own words in the 2nd page of his address: To the Reder. Them that are lerned Christenly I beseche that the rudeness of the worke nowe at the fyrste tyme offende them not.

"A. GIFFORD. Sept. 11, 1776." There is also a memorandum by the person who sold it to Dr. Gifford, which is as follows:-" N. B. This choice book was purchased at Mr. Langford's sale, on the 13th May, 1760, by me John White; and on the 13th day of May, 1776, I sold it to the Rev. Dr. Gifford for twenty guineas, which was the price at first paid for it by the late Lord Oxford. JNO. WHITE."

I shall feel pleasure in transmitting a copy of Tyndal's address, referred to by Dr. Gifford, if you think its insertion would gratify your readers. J. E. R.

Tothe Editorofthe Christian Observer.

I HAVE several times remarked in your pages observations, from your self and your correspondents, upon the injurious effects of the publication of secular notices in the course of Divine worship, especially on the day of sacred repose from all worldly speculations. It is not, however, generally known, even by the clergy themselves, to how many points these official publications ex

tend. The reading of the Act of 19th Geo. II. against profane swearing was wisely repealed last sessions; not however, I fear, so much on the ground of the impropriety of the practice, as because the clergy were exposed to vexatious fines for an omission which had become in fact, by common consent, almost universal. I cannot but think that the reading of this particular Act was much fitter to be retained in Divine worship than that of some of the following, which are wholly secular, and an irreverent intrusion of the details of common business into the temple and the service of God. The following are Acts of Parliament, and other matters temporal, required to be published in churches. There may possibly be some others which have escaped research.

The Act of Uniformity of the 5th and 6th Edward VI. is required to be read in the church by the minister once every year.

The Act of the 12th Ann, ii. c. 18, concerning ships in distress, is to be read in the church four times a year in all sea-port towns, and on the coast, immediately after the prayers and before the sermon.

The Act for the observation of the 5th of November is to be read by the minister on that day after the morning prayer or preaching.

The Act for the commemoration of King Charles the Second's restoration, is to be read after the Nicene Creed, on the Lord's day next before the 29th of May yearly.

By the 17th Geo. II. c. 3, the churchwardens and overseers of the poor shall cause public notice to be given in the church, for every rate for relief of the poor allowed by the justices of the peace, the next Sunday after such allowance; and no rate shall be reputed sufficient to be collected, till after such notice given. (Sec. 1.)

By the yearly land-tax acts, and by the acts for laying duties upon houses and windows, the collectors respectively shall, within ten days.