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7-2 CHANNEL i s l a n d s :
sive dinners, are occasionally given; and at particular
seasons, family dinners are universal: but there is not
as among the same class in England, a constant interchange
of civilities. It is, therefore, impossible that
large sums should be spent in Jersey; more especially,
when we consider the absence of all those artificial
claims on expenditure, which are constantly arising in
larger communities; together with the greater cheapness
of many of the necessaries, and of all the luxuries
of life.
The unsettled state of language in Jersey, must be
admitted to be a great obstacle to the refinements of
civilization. The use of a pure language as one
universal medium of communication, offers to the
moral and intellectual condition of a people, as great a
facility for improvement, as rail roads, and steam, offer
to commerce. But this medium, Jersey has not yet
the advantage of. The universal language is still a
barbarous dialect. French, though the language of
the court proceedings, and of the legislature, is not in
common use even among the upper ranks: nay, the
use of it, is even looked upon as affectation; and
although the English language be sufficiently comprehended
for the purposes of intercourse, and is most
usually spoken in the best mixed society, it is certainly
not understood by many, in its purity. The constant
use of a dialect, necessarily induces a distaste for any
other purer tongues. Their beauties are not, and
cannot be appreciated; and thus, an effectual barrier
is opposed to that refinement, which is the sure result
of the knowledge and appreciation of the productions
which belong to every perfected language. This
JERSEY. 73
disadvantage, however, is gradually disappearing; and
with another generation will probably be no longer
felt. Children are now universally taught English;
and amongst the young, there is an evident preference
of English. The constant intercourse of the tradespeople
with the English residents; and the considerable
sprinkling of English residents in Jersey society,
have also their effect; and it is not improbable, that
in twenty years more, English will be the language
of the legislature, the judicature, and the people.
I have as yet, said nothing of religious feeling and
profession in Jersey. Although there are but few
Catholics in the island, the diocese of Winchester
does not hold all the population in its embrace.
Methodists, Independents, and Baptists, comprehend
a large proportion of the inhabitants, especially, of
the lower classes, and of the country people; and the
divisions in the bosom of the church herself, are
scarcely less marked, than those which exist between
the different sects, and the church from which they
have separated.
The observance of the sabbath is strictly maintained
in Jersey; and the inhabitants generally, may
be designated, a church-going population. Evangelical
doctrines are here, as elsewhere, the most popular ;
and Calvinistic principles are on the advance. There
is a large and influential class of churchmen in Jersey,
whom many would sneeringly call saints,— but who,
in the exercise of practical piety, deserve rather, the
appellation of Christians.
The upper classes of Jersey, consist of those who
derive their incomes from land, or other property,—
E