Star.
London, England, 1827-02-07 00:00:00

DEMERARA.

RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION TO THE NEGRO
POPULATION.
?sere TIM INDIOWLIIII &MM.
'OROROZTOVeg. Dscassains s, MSS.
A Public Meeting of the inhabitants was held yester-
day, at the Colony House, pursuant to Advertisement,
with a view to extend " Religious Instruction generally,
and to the Negro Population in particular," throughout
the Colony. The meeting was numerously and respect.
ably attended.
The Right Rev. the Lord Bishop of the Diocese en-
tered the room precisely at twelve o'clock, introduced
by his Excellency Sir Benjamin D'Urban, and proceeded
to state the purpose for which the meeting was called.
His Lordship said, that his first object was to establish
through ut this United Colony District Societies, with a
view to furnish the people in general, and the Slaves in
particolar,with religious tracts,copies of the sacred Scrip-
tures, and of the Prayer-book of the Church of England,
and some cheap books, containing moral and religions in-
*traction. The repository would be in Georgetown, and
every subscriber would have access to it at all times, and
be at liberty to take books to the amount of his subscrip-
tion ; and his Lordship pledged himself that all the bias
introduced should have upon them the mark of the
Parent Society—that no book of evil tendency, or cal-
culated to disturb the peace of the Colony, would be
put in circulation by the Society—and that it would
be his Lordship's particular and anxious care, that the
pamphlets and tracts given to the Negroes, would be
such as the Proprietors could not possibly object to.
His Lordship then proceeded to state his second object,
viz. to submit to the meeting the propriety of adopting
a mode of moral and religious instruction among the
Slaves of this Colony, which his Lordship bad esta-
blished in other parts of his diocese, and which experience
proved to be most advantageous. The plan has Lord-
ship proposed was, that there should be one or two
Catechists in every parish ; that these Catechists visit
each estate successively, at such .an hour as may be
agreed upon by the Rector of the parish, and the pro-
prietor or manager of the estate; that they collect the
Negroes, young and old, teach the Creoles the Cate-
chism of the Church of England, and read to those a •
vanced in years such books as were enjoined by his
Lordship, together with portions of Scripture; and that
they instruct the young in the elements of reading. His
Lordship said, that this plan was now in operation is
all the other parts of his diocese, and.that it promised
to produce the most salutary effects on the character
and condition of the slave population. He hoped that
the Gentlemen present would feel no hesitation in,
adopting it, assuring them that their temporal interests,
would be advanced in proportion as their slaves became
religious, moral, and enlightened. His Lordship con-
cluded a long address, with a very eloquent and im-
pressive appeal to the Meeting, on the obligation which
lay on them, as Christians, to do all they can to give to
the poor the knowledge of that Book, which can smooth
adversity, and enhance prosperity—which can give
comfort and consolation amid the most trying ills of
life—which, by its hopes and promises, can cheer the
bed of death, and enable those who believe its contents
and practise its precepts, to face the last foe ,without
fear, and without dismay ; and which alone can make
the poor and the rich, the young and the old, the
learned and the ignorant, wise unto salvation.
Tne Hon. Jolla Carom. objected to week-day instruc-
tion altogether. He said that altogether apart from the
impracticableness of tl.e measure proposed, it was an
unwarrantable interference with private property.—
Every hour of labour was in fact a part of the proprie-
tor's property; and that, therefore, whatever went to
infringe on that labour, went so far to diminish the
value of their property. Tne Sabbath he thought was
the proper time, and the Church the proper place, for
imparting religious instruction. That day th* negroes
had already ; but he would decidedly object to the plan
of Catechists going to estates during the week.
The Rev. iENEAS GUNN then addressed his Lordship
thus : My Lord—l believe that it is now generally
admitted to be the soundest of all policy, to bring the
mighty mass of every country's population under
the controul of Gospel light and Gospel principle ;
to put the means of moral and religious instruction
within the reach of the poorest of the land ; and to obtain
the obedience of love and intelligence, rather than the
obedience HI fear and coca cion. I believe that this sound
and enlightened policy is daily gaining ground; teat
experience and observation have convinced men that the
Gospel of Cuassr has a direct tendency to establish and
perpetuate whatever can bless and adorn human society;
that even those who never view Religion, in reference
to its high purposes, on the scale of eternity, adMit its
principles to be most conducive to practical righteetss-
ness in the world ; and that there are few asiums more
Nenerally admitted, than the best way to make the poor
appy and industrious, is to mike them moral, telt-
, gioth, and inwlligent. It is. my Lord, a lovely sight to
the eye of the philanthropist, to behold a decent Church
lifting up its spire in every parish of the land, and,
on each weekly return of the hallowed day, to see the
people going up to the House of GOD, and joining toge-
. cher in the solemn services of Divine Worship, and fi ten-
ing to the voice of earnestness that is lifted up amongst
them; & thus the air of Heatheni.m which once pervaded
the land will be completely removed, and we exhibit, on
, the Sabbath, the external appearances of a Chi istiaii,ed
population. But come in c( ntact with all this—let the
reality, and not the appearance, be tried, and it 8,11 ti,en
be found, that though much of external Heathenism be
banished away, the heathe..ism of Ithi: heart is still us.-

touched—that there it lies in all its original strength,and
with every one of its original attributes unmitigated and
unalleviated—that it binds down its poor votaries in this
land, with as heavy a chain as ever it threw over their
forefathers, in the darkest regions of Africa—that its
darkest cloud envelopes the understanding, its super-
'titian degrades the mind, and its deep and desperat,
wickedness poisons and pollutes the springs of action
—and that all this mighty and latent evil is corn
pletely unassailable by the Messenger of Heaven,
becau.e the ear of the people is shut against the mean-
ing of his words, and consequently the heart against the
import of his messages. And it is t, him a sad and
withering reflection, that after he has toiled among
them to ver► weariness, that after he has spent his
strength and energies, he has all the while been spend•
ing his labour for that which does not profit—that his
people are perishing for lack of that knowledge which
he is trying to teach, but cannot communicate to them,
and that, after he has preached CHRIST crucified as the
foundation of a sinner's hope, and imputed righteous.
ness as the plea of acceptance, and all the other doc-
trines connected with the scheme of recovery, he finds, on
examination, that he has not succeeded in sending one
idea to the understanding, or in making one impre.sion
on the heart. And, however little the world may sym-
pathise with him, this is to him a sad and crushiag re-
flection. And so shall it continue to be, till another
system than that now in operation be adopted.—
Churches may be built in every district and parish in the
land—thousands may be expended in constructing the
external apparatus of a Church Establishment—able,
zealous, and conscientious Ministers may be sent to la-
bour on this moral wilderness, but it is not till
the schools be established, and become objects of de-
cided clerical attention,shahl the evil of which I complain,
be effectually removed; not till then shall ignorance
and superstition be grasped within their strong holds ;
not till then can the Minister hope to handle with suc-

cess the weapons of argument, remonstrance, and per-
suasion, and ply the conscience of his people with the
tremendous threatening of a broken law, and the winning
overtures of love and mercy."
Mr. Hu.z.movsa, for the sake of brevity, begged to read from a
paper a few observations, which went to say, that one day having
been appointed by Divine authority for religious ditties, was enough.
That au notice had bees taken of the benighted Indians, who were
worthy of, and demanded, a portion of the sympathy and instruction
so liberally dealt out, but circumscribed, to the Negroes.
In the course of discussion on various points connected
with the Bishop's proposals, it was urged by Captain
Warren, to his Lordship's especial notice, that he was
unaware of the peculiar constitution of society in this
Colony; that, in the other pate of his diocese, he had
only to do with a population that bad always been
under an episcopal jurisdiction; but the case was differ ent
here, where the population was divided into classes pro-
fessing the Roman Catholic, the Presbyterian,Wesleyan,
Church of England, and other persuasions—the Church
of England being chiefly resident in and about George.
town. That he (Captain W.) represented proprietors of
various creeds, and he would encourage the instruction,
of the Negroes of the different plantations he repro 1
sented, in the forms of worship professed bi their pro-
prietors, and tolerated by law ; but that it was most
important and essential to the well-being of this Colony,
that weifonaily of instruction should prevail in the
manner, time, and place of conveying instruction to the
slay* population. That it would not do for one pro-
,pta ptietor to have a Catechist upon his estate, whilst the
neighbouring proprietor had none, because- such a mode
of Instruction was contr;ry to the religious faith and
ctice of the master. That nothing but onifonssity
could do good, which uniformity should consist in every 1
estate encouraging the attendance of its slave popula-
tion at the place of worship on the Sabbath day alone,
of whatever form that worship might be. That, in
order to obviate objections, and to combine the co-
operation of all forms in an uniform endeavour to in-
struct the slave population in Christian duties, he would
move the following Resolution :
" That this Meeting is fully impressed with the indimendble
necessity of adopting an uniform system ti imparting. Religious In.
stroction to the Slave Population, in as far sa regards the manner.
time, and place, by encouraging the attendance of their Negroes,
at their respective Places of Worship on the Sabbath Say, fur the
purpose of the superintendence at their Religious duties and Chris-
tian Instruction by the Ministers of their respective congregations;
and for these Christian purposes, this Meeting, in the name of the
Proprietors, cheerfully pledge themselves to aid and assist, by all
careful moons, the Ministers of Religion."
This Resolution having been read and seconded, was
banded to the Bishop at his request,when he objected to
the terms" uniform," and " as far as regards the manner,
time, and place," and refused to put it.
Mr. Cao.st. then drew out the following Resolution:

‘. That this Meeting pledges itself, and as far as it can, the other
inhabitants of the Colony. to encourage the atteodaoce of the slaves'
at Church on Sunday, for the purpose of hearing Divine Service,
and being instructed is the principles of the Christian Religion."
The Bishop refused to have this resolution put—say.
ing, it did not signify—for that two or three were
sufficient to form the Braacei Societies proposed:"—that
he was truly sorry to Meet with such opposition; that
he thought he had been addressing a largn audience of
the Church of England. Whereupon Captain Warren
observed, that he" was afraid his Lordship would find
upon the present occasion, that he had but a very small
congregation." Re-adverting to the Resolutions which
had been proposed, but had been refused by his Lord-
ship, Captain Warren said he would consent to leave out
the words objected to--in short,he might mould it as be
pleased; but his Lordship declined altogether, declaring
that nothing would do but the establishment upon the
instant of the branches proposed by bins, which it was
his duty as a Christian Bishop to press.
Mr. BRAN pressed on his Lordship's notice the very
short period this Colony had been under his Lordship's
jurisdiction—that he was conscious that the Colonists
had every disposition to further his Lordship's views, in
imparting Religious Instruction to their Slaves—but
that the notice had been so short, and his Lordship's
departure so early, that they really had not time to
consider his proposals. _ _

Mr. Rause and fir. Rosa severally made remarks unfavourable
to the adoption of any Societies whatever, and rtscued the Proprie-
tors from any charge of not wishing to encourage a discreet dissemi-
nation of the prindples of Christianity amongst their Negroes.

. .
Some observations were then made by several Gentle.
men, respecting the option the Lord Bishop commenced
with, and the no choice now left to thern—when the
Lieutenant Governor seeming to suggest the propriety
of retiring.—His Excellency left the room with the
Lord Bishop, who requested the Ediscoodians to follow
him :—whereupon the Meeting immediately called Cap-
tain Warren to the Chair—which having been taken by

that Gentleman, a Committee was appointed to draw up
cestain se.olutions, in Accordance to the purpose for
which this Meeting had been called.
Wansusisv, Dec. 13.--We understand that the Committee ap-
pointed on the ith inst. to frame a document icomded on the general
sense of the Meeting with respect to its object, and to the proposals of
the Lord lii.bopof the Barbados.% Diocese, met as Nionday, the 11th
is►t. accosting to adjoursaseut 1 sod having beta joined by several

other proprietors end repreoentatlves of setatesoe.. -
(Captain W ln the Chair), after deliberating upon
and most respectful Way of recording the sense of this east
on the very important matters brought forward, cans, to the,
resolution of causing to be drawn up a respectful liernncial of
prietors and Representatives of Estates, to his Excellency the us.
tenant Govermor, expressive of the views and whhes of the aAsh
generally relative to the purpose of the Meeting, and Cut '
of the Lord Disler,.

THE EVENING STAR.

LONDON.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 1827.
SCOCK EXCHANGE, TWELVE UCI ocK.

This is the third day we have been without any arrivals a ems,
sequence, and, therefore, reports have been abundantly sappy
this looming, such as Lord Lrroaroor. retiring from ogee; sad
that a Loan will be required. 'These reports have had the 4,601
effect on the Consul market, and calmed a decline mace yeoerday
of full one per Cent. Consols, which left off yesterday at ill I
(or the Account, opened this morning at the same price; hat ans
after, some heavy sales ware made by brokers of the gm
when the market receded to WI 1, at which price they Do".
main, with a very heavy market.

Jo the Foreign market nothing io doing at present, *mum
American Securities are not suite so good as yesterday.

Current prices: Old Spanish 121 i, Mexican 66 1, cAs.
bkn 561 1, Chillan 36 56, Peruvian 32 54, Portuguese 74, 1,1„.„.
ssl$1 1, Danish GO 1, Greek 16 1, Exchequer Mils 34 31, ---"
CITY, TWO O'CLOCK.
The fluctuation in the Cosset Market this morning hat bin his
WI
to $ll.—A good deal of beano has been done in the eadi,
pert of the morning, but at present there is little or nothing eat.
The various reports which were put into circulation in the prtei,,,
pen of the day, does not gain the least credit. Camels wall,
opera up to the present time at 61 to 1 for the Account.
The Foreign Market remains steady, with little doing.
It is reported that the Flambee measure will come on n: lbw
dine weeks there will not be either a Leas or Fending.
PRICK OP STOCKS AT FOUR O'CLOCK.
S per Cert. Red. 82 1h 81%
3 per Cent. Cons. 813/1 80% 811 81
31 per Cent. Red. 88% % 311
, 4 per Cent. New 97 96% 44
4 per Cent. 1826. 9773's %
L Ann. 19 7.16 34 34
India Bonds 54 52
South Sea Stock 8834
U,OOO Excheq. Isti,s SO Si
0500 ditto 10 SI
Ow and I:200 ditto 30 Si
. Cuts. tor Account 811,E 80% 811,{g 81
FOREIGN FUNDS, TWO O'CLOCK.
Brasillan Boods,sp Ct. 621 3 Mez.l'esd., 5 per 0.55
Do. Acct. 621 Do. Bd%osss. 6 p Ct. 631 141
roionshlas )fonds. 6 p Ct. Do. Acc. 66 51
Bkto 8d5,1624, 36/ 6 & Portuguese Bds. 5p C 76
le. Acts 361 if 61 it Russ. lids. 1642. p Sae II
Danish Roads, 3 p Ct. 601 60 1 Span. Bonds 3 p Ct. 121 1
Greek Muds, 5 p Ct. Ditto Acct. IS&
Do. Bonds, 1/25, s p C. 16 Dkto Bonds 1823, 5 p C 71
BRITISH AND FOREIGN SHARKS, TWO O'CLOCK.
/MA at. PA
Paseo Peruvisn 100 SO 6 31 6
Potosi La Pas k Perim. Asia 50 5 al 15
Tlaipulahua 400 150 490

In the absence this day of all foreign intelligence,
Stocklobbers were occupied at an early hour, as will
be seen from our City Article, in getting up a variety
of rumours. Baffled in their hopes of ►eeing a %%-
opinion, with its long train of concomitant
on the Continent—some of these ingenious persons

now trying to create, by way of diversion, a little
at hoixe. A partial change of Ministt y, and a loan, ewe
the prevailing rumours; and the confidence with which
they were circulated was measured by their absurdity
as usual. It is scarcely necessary to add, that they
are wholly undeserving of credit.
Parliament re-assembli morrow; and the
,which has taken place in the affairs of Portugal,
last met, is so honourable to the British character, and
so complimentary to the Councils of the country -
wore of energy and foresight, that it will add, r
to the confidence which previously existed in
Houses, towards the Ministers of the Crown, and

become the means of expediting the important

of tke Session. When the two Houses concurred

unanimously in the message from the Clown,

applauded with so much rapture the opinion expressed
by Ministers, that it was a point of honour as well as ,
good faith, to comply with the demands of so ancient and
faithful an Ally, they were carried away by a generous
sympathy— a noble enthasiasm --a burst of patriotic feel
ing, and not by the suggestions of a calculating policy.
They knew that the cause,in which the Country viasabnii;
to be embarked, was a good one, and left the issue to Pao•
swamies. As the prompt, zealous, and masterly man•
nor in which that glorious vote has been acted upon by
the Ministers of the Crown, has effectually prevented all
the risks that might have otherwise ensued, it is not
difficult to imagine the feelings of unmixed satisfaction,
under which Parliament will meet again. This good trfc.
per, as we said before,w ill promote a slispassionate con. •
deration of the momentous questions that await the deft•
sion of the Legislature,and in which,at least one of them,
the public take ar. unusual interest. In the interval oldie
adjournment, a very marked improvement has also
taken place in our domestic situation. Trade has
recovered from its late severe depression; and there is
every reason to hope that the recovery will biprogres-
sive. Public credit also has been in a great measure
restored to its former healthy state, whilst the excellen:
measures that were adopted, in the last Session, for the
regulation of the currency, may be said to avert all fears
of relapse. This will be an honest theme of congratulation
on the part of Ministers,whilst it will afford a triumphant
reply to those who charged them with having rashly, su-
perficially,and unnecessarily,tampered with the monetary
system of the country. These, however, are nut the
only improvements, which have taken place, and are
still in full operation, and of which at would be pre•
sumption to fix the limits. In the revenue, a chanhe
for the better has strewn itself, of the most decided
character; and, as it had begun to evince itself, before
any perceptitle improvement to,k place in such branches
of trade as suffered most, during the lA:e extiaor.iinary
crisis, we are not tuo in anticipating

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at evils, arise
persons as • 1
little alarm
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e with which 4
rir absurdity f
Id, that they
a
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:ugal, since it a
laracter, and 4
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dd, no doubt,
ited in both 1
wn, and this 4
tent business
concurred so
Clown, and
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on expressed
as well as of
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patriotic feel.
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try was about •
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and there is
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torpier molts. We never despaired, ourselves, of
,be nati9nal resources, and can therefore, with the
score propriety and freedom, now congratulate the
country, upon the marked improvement they have Wet.
undergone, as well as upon the g•eat accr•si.•n of
strength and considereion we hove acquii ed abr,,ad.