at our very doors, they seem to have a peculiar
claim on our compassion. In the midst of a highly refined state of
society, they are but little removed from savage life. In this happy
country, where the light of Christianity shines with its purest lustre,
they are still strangers to its cheering influence. I have not heard
even of any efforts which have been made either by individuals or
societies for their improvement." "Fraternicus," writing to the same
Journal, vol. vii., and in the same year, says:--"It is painful to
reflect how many thousands of these unhappy creatures have, since the
light of Christianity has shone on this island, gone into eternity
ignorant of the ways of salvation;" and goes on to say that, "there is an
awful responsibility attached to this neglect," and recommends the
appointment of missionaries to the work; and finishes his appeal as
follows:--"Christians of various denominations, perhaps may, through the
divine providence, be the means of exciting effectual attention to the
spiritual wants of this deplorable set of beings; and the same
benevolence which induced you to exert your talents and influence on
behalf of the oppressed negroes may again be successfully employed in
ameliorating the condition of a numerous class of our fellow-creatures."
"H." wrote to the _Christian Observer_, and said he hoped "to see the day
when the nation, which has at length done justice to the poor negroes,
will be equally zealous to do their duty in this instance," and he
offered to subscribe "twenty pounds per annum towards so good an object."
"Minimus," another writer to the same paper, with reference to missionary
enterprise, says:--"The soil which it is proposed to cultivate is
remarkably barren and unpropitious; of course, a plentiful harvest must
not be soon expected;" and finishes his letter by saying, "Let us arise
and build; let us begin; there is no fear of progress and help." "H.," a
clergyman, writes again and says:--"Surely, when our charity is flowing
in so wide a channel, conveying the blessings of the Gospel to the most
distant quarters of the globe, we shall not hesitate to water this one
barren and neglected field in our own land. My attention was drawn to
the state of this miserable class of human beings by the letter of
'Fraternicus,' and looking upon it as a reproach to our country;" and
ends his letter with a short prayer, as follows: "It is my earnest prayer
to God that this may not be