How could they go to Ceylon, to Burmah, or to Hindostan, with the cry of their _country's heathen_ ringing their ears! How could they tear themselves away from famished millions kneeling at their feet in chains and begging for the bread of life, and roam afar to China or the South Sea Islands! Increasing numbers filed with a missionary spirit felt that their obligations were at home, and they were resolved that if they could not carry the gospel _forthwith_ to the slaves, they would labor for the overthrow of that system which made it a crime punishable with death to preach salvation to the poor.

In conclusion, the hope was expressed that the people of Antigua--so highly favored with freedom, education, and religion, would never forget that in the nation whence we came, there were _two millions and a half of heathen_, who, instead of bread, received stones and scorpions; instead of the Bible, bolts and bars; instead of the gospel, chains and scourgings; instead of the hope of salvation thick darkness and despair.

They were entreated to remember that in the gloomy dungeon, from which they had lately escaped there were deeper and more dismal cells, _yet filled_ with millions of their countrymen.

The state of feeling produced by this reference to slavery, was such as might be anticipated in an audience, a portion of which were once slaves, and still remembered freshly the horrors of their late condition.
The meeting was concluded after a sitting of more than four hours.

The attendance in the evening was larger than on any former occasion.