which it was proved that another priest (Mr. Harold) bore a
conspicuous part, upholding and encouraging the designs of those
who entertained schemes inimical to the existing government, and
subversive of the welfare of the colony.

Some of the Missionary Society preach at the out-settlements,
frequently on a Sunday, with various success; and it is much to
be lamented, that in the selection of these men, who are sent out
to enlighten and instruct the ignorant, greater attention is not
paid to their qualifications; and the abuses which are practised
under the cloak of religion, in these remote parts of the world,
call loudly for a close investigation, and a total reformation of
the system. That there are amongst these Missionaries men of
strict fidelity, whose hearts are engaged in the task they have
undertaken, and whose conduct has justly gained them the esteem
and veneration of all classes, is a fact which no dispassionate
observer can deny; but it is also equally notorious, that there
are too many of an opposite description, who practise every vice,
and do the most serious injury to that sacred cause to which they
have been delegated, and have engaged to support. If greater
pains were taken in the choice of servants, the Missionary
institution might tend to the more rapid promotion of the
knowledge of religion; but the work will be retarded while
improper instruments are used. A Missionary, of irreproachable
character, was unhappily murdered a few years since, by some
persons whom he had served, and who adopted this new and inhuman
method of repaying the obligation which had been conferred upon
him.

The natives are in general very superstitious, and entertain
some singular notions respecting their deceased friends and
countrymen, of which very ample accounts are given in
Lieutenant-Governor Collins's interesting publication. Their
funeral ceremonies are extremely impressive, and every mark of
respect, which suggests itself to their untaught minds, is paid
to the body of the deceased. A barbarous custom, however,
prevails, which is sanctioned by their rude ideas of
religion:--When a mother dies, while giving suck to an infant,
the living babe is uniformly thrown into the grave of the parent,
and the father having cast a stone upon it, the earth is cast
into the pit, and thus the innocent offspring is immolated to an
erroneous and superstitious prejudice.

Amongst the convicts the influence of superstition is les