Their highest notion of God was that he was a _little above_ their owner.

He mentioned, by way of illustration, that the slaves of a certain large proprietor used to have this saying, "Massa only want he little finger to touch God!" that is, _their master was lower than God only by the length of his little finger_.

But now the religious and moral condition of the people was fast improving.
3.

A great change in the use of _rum_ had been effected on the estates under his management since emancipation.

He formerly, in accordance with the prevalent custom, gave his people a weekly allowance of rum, and this was regarded as essential to their health and effectiveness.