that "lack of service" which he hoped to have otherwise rendered, not only will the severity of the trial be greatly alleviated, but throughout his future days it will prove a source of high and joyous satisfaction.

Though the manner in which he has accomplished his object will of course be variously estimated, he can most conscientiously affirm, that in all his statements he has at least endeavoured to be scrupulously correct, and to give a faithful representation of Jamaica as it was, and Jamaica as it is. Having been a resident on the island since the year 1823, he has had extended opportunities of acquainting himself with it. And though, with regard to its past history, and present commercial condition, as well as some other particulars, he has been compelled to avail himself of the labours of the historian, yet the greater portion is the result of his own observation and experience. He cannot but indulge the hope that the facts narrated, illustrative of the fervent piety, growing intelligence, and rapidly improving temporal circumstances of those who but a few years since not only tasted the "wormwood and the gall" of slavery, but who, with regard to their spiritual condition, were sitting in darkness and in the shadow of death," will strengthen the hands and encourage the hearts of those Christian philanthropists to whose benevolent and unceasing efforts the mighty change is, under God, to be attributed. Nor does he feel willing to

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repress the delightful anticipation that by these pages feelings may be awakened which shall ultimately contribute to hasten the arrival of the period when not only shall the blighting curse of slavery pass away from every land, but when "the knowledge of the Lord shall cover the earth, as the waters cover the

It may possibly be thought by some that too many anecdotes have been introduced, as well as too liberal a use made of the peculiarities of the negro dialect. If any apology is required, the author begs to state that he has been governed in this particular not so much by his own predilections and tastes as by the advice of valued friends, who judged that such a method of illustrating the various topics to which attention is directed would be more likely than any other to interest and benefit a large class of his readers an object at which he considered himself bound to aim.

It will not escape observation that prominence has been given to the moral and religious condition of the black and coloured population, and to the encouraging results of missionary efforts among them.

To preserve the fidelity of an historical record, the author has necessarily reverted to circumstances of a painful as well as a pleasing character; and if in so doing he has reflected upon what he regards as existing evils, it has been from a consciousness of duty,

as it is by such representations that manners and customs are reformed. Most truly can he affirm that he cherishes no improper feeling towards the higher classes of the inhabitants of Jamaica; on the contrary, it is the most sincere desire of his heart that her governors, senators, judges, and magistrates may be men eminent for piety and equity-that the higher classes of her population, as well as her peasantry, may be truly good, industrious, and happy-that she, as a country, may excel in all that is great, and noble, and distinguished-that she may ever remain connected with Britain, not only politically, but by ties of the warmest affection and holiest sympathies, cemented by the most sacred bonds that can hold society together.

As a matter of necessity, the writer is more intimately acquainted with the progress of his own denomination than with that of any other, and consequently has given to it a more full and circumstantial account. Had it been practicable, it would have afforded him the sincerest pleasure to have embodied in his work a comprehensive statement of the successes and encouragements of those honoured brethren of other denominations whose labours have been signally owned and blessed. It is a deficiency which he sincerely regrets. But having left the island without any intention of becoming an author, and, perhaps, with a too confident expectation of being engaged in more active

service during his sojourn in his native land, he did not avail himself of those sources of information which would have been open to him, had he formed the resolution of writing at an earlier period; and since thus engaged he has been prevented by a variety of circumstances from obtaining that correct statistical information which was requisite to enable him to fulfil his first intention. To these causes alone is the omission to be attributed. Far from him be that attachment to a party which would lead him to regard with feelings of jealousy or indifference the labours of those whom, though under another name, he regards as brethren, and honours as the servants of Christ. He can truly say, "Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity;" and ardently does he long for the arrival of the day which is destined to witness that delightful union of soul and effort which constituted the burden of his prayer who is "head over all things to the church." "That they all may be one, as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us; that the world may believe that thou hast sent me."*

Proposals for the establishment of a college on liberal and comprehensive principles, but designed especially for the education of the descendants of Africa in the higher branches of learning and science,

John xvii. 21.

will be found as an Appendix, to which the particular attention of the reader is invited.

The volume being already increased far beyond its originally intended size, in addition to the impossibility of obtaining all the statistics necessary for the purpose, the author has not added the sketch of missionary stations announced in the Prospectus. omission, however, he flatters himself will not be regarded as important, inasmuch as it may easily be supplied by individual reference to the publications of each Society.

The

As a Christian missionary, whose life has been spent, not in learned seclusion, but in the duties and incessant labours of his office, the author makes no pretensions to literary excellence. His aim has been to produce a work which might be interesting and useful, even without those embellishments of diction which, though ever pleasing, are not always necessary. As it is, he commends his volume to the attention of the churches and the blessing of Almighty God, as an humble contribution to the glory of Him in whose work he desires "to spend and be spent," and who, in the days of his flesh, graciously condescended to accept the services of her who " did what she could."

LONDON, SEPTEMBER, 1843.