These societies obtain their funds by laying a tax of one shilling per month on every member above eighteen years of age, and of six pence per month on all members under that age and above twelve, which is the minimum of membership.  The aged members are required to pay no more than the sum last mentioned.

The first society of this kind was established in St. John’s by the present rector, in 1829.  Subsequently the Moravians and Wesleyans formed similar societies among their own people.  Independent of the pecuniary assistance which these societies bestow, they encourage in a variety of ways the good order of the community.  For example, no one is allowed to receive assistance who is “disabled by drunkenness, debauchery, or disorderly living;” also, “if any member of the society, male or female, is guilty of adultery or fornication, the offending member shall be suspended for so long a time as the members shall see fit, and shall lose all claim on the society for any benefit during the suspension, and shall not be readmitted until clear and satisfactory evidence is given of penitence.”  Furthermore, “If any member of the society shall be expelled from the church to which he or she belongs, or shall commit any offence punishable by a magistrate, that member forfeits his membership in the society.”  Again, the society directly encourages marriage, by “making a present of a young pig to every child born in wedlock, and according as their funds will admit of it, giving rewards to those married persons living faithfully, or single persons living virtuously, who take a pride in keeping their houses neat and tidy, and their gardens flourishing.”

These societies have been more than doubled, both in the number of members and in the annual receipts, since emancipation.

Of the societies connected with the established church, the rector of St. John’s thus speaks:  “At the beginning of 1834 there were eleven societies, embracing 1602 members.  At the beginning of 1835 they numbered 4197; and in 1836 there were 4560 members,” almost quadrupled in two years!

The societies connected with the Moravian church, have more than doubled, both in members and funds, since emancipation.  The funds now amount to $10,000 per year.

The Wesleyans have four Friendly societies.  The largest society, which contained six hundred and fifty members, was organized in the month of August, 1834.  The last year it had expended L700 currency, and had then in its treasury L600 currency.

Now, be it remembered that the Friendly societies exist solely among the freed negroes, and that the moneys are raised exclusively among them. Among whom?  A people who are said to be so proverbially improvident, that to emancipate them, would be to abandon them to beggary, nakedness, and starvation;—­a people who “cannot take care of themselves;” who “will not work when freed from the fear of the lash;” who “would squander the earnings of the day in debaucheries at night;” who “would never provide for to-morrow for the wants of a family, or for the infirmities of old age.”  Yea, among negroes these things are done; and that, too, where the wages are but one shilling per day—­less than sufficient, one would reasonably suppose, to provide daily food.