Nothing could more plainly show the corrupting influences of slavery, upon all within its reach, than this spectacle of a noble, religious institution, prostituted to the vile work of defending oppression, and, in the zeal of its advocacy, blasphemously degrading the Savior into a self-made slave!

The receipts of the Antigua Branch Society have greatly increased since emancipation.  From receipts for the year 1836, in each of the British islands, it appears that the contributions from Antigua and Bermuda, the only two islands which adopted entire emancipation, are about double those from any other two islands.

MISSIONARY ASSOCIATIONS.

These associations are connected with the Wesleyan mission, and have been in existence since 1820.  Their object is to raise funds for the parent society in England.  Although it has been in existence for several years, yet it was mostly confined to the whites and free people of color, during slavery.  The calling together assemblies of rural negroes, and addressing them on the subject of missions, and soliciting contributions in aid of the cause, is a new feature in the missionary operations to which nothing but freedom could give birth.

TEMPERANCE SOCIETIES.

The first temperance society in Antigua was formed at the beginning of 1836.  We give an extract from the first annual report:  “Temperance societies have been formed in each town, and on many of the estates.  A large number of persons who once used spirituous liquors moderately, have entirely relinquished the use.  Some who were once intemperate have been reclaimed, and in some instances an adoption of the principles of the temperance society, has been followed by the pursuit and enjoyment of vital religion.  Domestic peace and quietness have superseded discord and strife, and a very general sense of astonishment at the gross delusion which these drinks have long produced on the human species is manifest.”

“The numbers on the various books of the society amount to about 1700.  One pleasing feature in their history, is the very small number of those who have violated their pledge.”

“On several estates, the usual allowance of spirits has been discontinued, and sugar or molasses substituted.”

The temperance society in Antigua may be specially regarded as a result of emancipation.  It is one of the guardian angels which hastened to the island as soon as the demon of slavery was cast out.

FRIENDLY SOCIETIES.

The friendly societies are designed exclusively for the benefit of the negro population.  The general object is thus stated in the constitution of one of these societies:  “The object of this society is to assist in the purchase of articles of mourning for the dead; to give relief in cases of unlooked for distress; to help those who through age or infirmities are incapable of helping themselves by marketing, or working their grounds; to encourage sobriety and industry, and to check disorderly and immoral conduct."