In his last will Washington ordered the emancipation of his slaves; so also did John Randolph. Patrick Henry declared, that the principle of slavery is "as repugnant to humanity, as it is inconsistent with the Bible, and destructive to liberty." Mr. Jefferson said in his Notes on Virginia, in reference to the holding of slaves, "I tremble for my country, when I remember, that God is just!" If the leading minds of the South should adopt the sentiments of these illustrious Virginians, it will next be their proper business to devise and execute the best method for giving to their slaves the blessings of freedom. _Sonnet 27._ Dr. Cotton Mather of Boston, published in Boston 141 years ago a new Version of the Psalms from the Hebrew into English blank verse,――so called from the absence of rhyme,――the measure of the lines being adapted to the music in vogue. Melancthon said of the Psalms, "It is the most elegant work extant in the world." Jewell wrote to Peter Martyr in 1560, that 6,000 people sung the Psalms together at St. Paul's Cross in London. The following is his version of the 23d Psalm: "1. My shepherd is the Eternal God; I shall not be in (any) want: 2. In pastures of a tender grass He (ever) makes me to lie down: To waters of tranquillities He gently carries me (along.) 3. My _feeble and my wandering_ soul He (kindly) does fetch back again; In the plain paths of righteousness He does lead (and guide) me along. Because of the regard He has (Ever) unto his glorious name. 4. Yea when I shall walk in the vale Of the dark (dismal) shade of Death, I'll of no evil be afraid, Because thou (ever) art with me. Thy rod and thy staff, these are what Yield (constant) comfort unto me. 5. A table thou dost furnish out Richly (for me) before my face. 'Tis in view of mine enemies; (And then) my head thou dost anoint With fatt'ning and perfuming oil; My cup it (ever) overflows. 6. Most certainly the thing that is Good, with (most kind) benignity, This all the days, that I do live, Shall (still and ever) follow me; Yea I shall dwell and Sabbatize Even to (unknown) length of days, _Lodg'd_ in the house which does belong To him who's the Eternal God."