Vermont telegraph. [volume] (Brandon [Vt.]) 1828-1843, 1839-09-04

mir. Alvan Stewart said, We need no
testimony, sir, ia confirmation Of the truth 2
Of yourword. Mr.. Scoble bowed.l
/ will state another fact going TO snow 8
thatthe blacks can exhibit liberality also,
and how they are affected by acts OF kind
ness. The most splendid building in
Georcetown. Demarara, is the Congre-
galional meeting house, which is large
enough to contain and seat TWO thousand |
nersons. The congregation worshipping |
il il consists almost entirely Of negroes
who come from various plantations in the |
neighborhood. There are but very few
whites who attend it. About five years
ago the old house was found too small for
the congregation and the question being
presented whether it should be enlarged
or It's place supplied by new building,
II was decided TO have new church to
cost fortythousand guilders, which is equal
10 twenty-five hundred pounds sterling.-.
OF This amount, by far the greatest part
has been raised by the black worshippers
from extra labor performed out OF hours
besides which they suppIyatheir minister
with all he needs. And il is delightful TO
observe the spirit in which all this is done.
One of the liberated blacks lately came TO
the missionary's house and put into his
hands bag which on opening it was
found TO Contain seventeen dollars; the
missionary asked, "what is this for ~
The black man shuff1ed about from one
foot to the other and made no reply. AT
last the missionary said who is this
from Z" " Massa, me bring 'em TO YOU"
Yes. but who from2'' why, massa
link me keep dem seventeen dollars while
house of God in debt ?" | state this little
incident as characteristic OF the generosi-
~ Of an emancipated negro. And it may
be stated as fair specimen of their char
acler IN general. II is now refreshing and
delightful to spend Sabbath al one of the
missionary stations. The early morning
is usually occupied by them in prayeI
and praise, in their own habitations a
eight o'clock they assemble and the mis-
sionary makes them an address; at min,
the house of worship is crowded with au
dltors; they are formed into classes an,
taught the truths of the gospel; bot
adults and children are thus instructed. =
This exercise continues till half pas
ten, when public worship is commence
and continues till half past twelve-b,
they do not still leave the house of God
they are formed into four large classes an
catechised until three o'clock; they ma
then be seen moving slowly homeward
their plantations, at the distance of tire
five, seven, ten, and some even fiftee
miles. Nor are they neglected at the
homes these distant plantations are cal
dinmissionary terms out-stations, and gel
tlemen are sent again 10 teach them ther
until the evening closes as the dawn b
gan. Thus the Sabbath is spent fro
week 10 week; and more quiet, decor
orderly and peaceful community is
where to be seen.
It is fact perfectly we'll known al
will not be disputed that since the era
emancipation the negroes dress better TIL
they ever did before. Instead of the coar
osnaburg fabrics and negro cloths form,
ly worn, they now appearin good bros
cloth coat /; the women too are decen,
arrayed the old slave clothing has be
thrown away, together with the viii
and chains, for they do not like even
see any thing that reminds them of tn,
former state of bondage.
The demand for hats, shoes stockin
and other similar articles of apparel b
become immense; the once barefoot
slave will notnow appear atchurch with'
both shoes and stockings. During ih
slavery such thing was not only unu'
nj bot on many estates positively forb
den. Emancipation has increased also
on astonishing degree the desire for. co
Portable food and furniture. The CO
meal and salt fish of the oldregime is
giving place to pork and beef, and mutt
Y and bread The negro now tastes tn,
things almost for the first time--he lii
the change, and labors to obtain them.
The amount of religious instruction
kept pace with the improvement in otl
respects. In Barbados the number
The clergy is thlty-one, and am sorry
Htate thatthey have not yet, under tn
care, more than seven thousand out of
population Of thirty or thirty-one the
sand. An ecclesiastical establishment. |
not always been found the best means
the general propagation Of the Gospt
In some of our colonies it rather stands
the way of it. In the country schools
Barbados there are twelve hundred eli
dren, and in schools in the towns five hi
dred more; these are all under the c;
OF the established church. The Mora
ans there have five thousand worshippi
with them; the Wesleyans have L
thousand. In Trinidad they are chic
Roman Catholics, and the white popu
ton consists Of the very refuse of
French colonies; but what is called
Mieo charity has begun to establ
schools among them. As you possil