Frequent removals in the Stations are not called for; and, as they involve both loss and expenditure, they should only take place in those cases where the prosperity of the work demands the sacrifice. 29th. The way in which God is pleased to work in Feejee would hardly be thought of by a person at a distance, however much he might be inclined to speculate. Medicine and children are our chief forerunners in this work. The Gospel has been faithfully preached at Somosomo, year after year, without a single person believing a word of what was said; but the instruction of the children in our own schools succeeds in many instances in securing them; and when a cure is effected by the medicine of the Missionary, a favourable impression is made respecting the God of this benefactor, as being superior to their own gods; and they therefore lotu, or come under instruction. When these are saved by the faith of the Gospel, they go forth and preach, where no Missionary would be heard, and their story is "salvation by the faith of Jesus, and peace and joy in the Holy Ghost." These heralds are now scattered abroad in Feejee, where many are opening their eyes to see the truth; and when they lotu, a Missionary must go to them, either to reside, or as a visiter, whereby they become established in the faith, and excesses and errors are prevented. (To be continued.) MISSIONS IN INDIA. Extract of a Letter from the Rev. Joseph Roberts, dated Royapettah, Madras, October 13th, 1848. ON Sabbath last we opened our bungalow chapel on these premises for service in the Tamul language only. The place measures fifty-seven feet by thirty-seven and a half, and was all but full with very respectable natives. In the forenoon I read prayers and the Scriptures; after which the Rev. Peter Percival, of Jaffna, preached on Mark xvi. 15. In the evening, the Rev. Thomas Cryer, from Negapatam, preached by lamplight, on 1 Tim. ii. 4-6. I have never seen such large congregations in Madras, and never saw any better-behaved: though some were much inconvenienced in their accommodation for sitting. One form broke down from the number on it; and a chair with two occupants nearly shared the same fate. By the next Sabbath I hope to have a good supply of seats, so that we shall have no difficulty. Some prefer that natives should sit on the ground; but I think it better, on many accounts, to furnish them with benches; and in Madras nearly all classes who make any claim to respectability have their houses so furnished. We fully purpose, in future, to have two services every Sabbath, and one on a week-night; and we doubt not the blessing of God will be upon us. I wish much I could procure a bell; such an one as I had made by Mears of London, in 1833, for the Jaffna chapel: but for the present I must be content with a ghuni, (which is like a Chinese gong,) one of which I have had from the arsenal of Fort St. George. I shall deem myself highly honoured to be permitted to preach Christ more than ever to the Hindoos; and though we must give up at least one of our English services to enable us to devote more time to this great and truly legitimate field of Missionary labour, yet I am assured this will be acceptable to God and to his church. The application we made at our last District-Meeting for a Preacher from home, to take charge of the English work in Madras, must be urged; and until complied with, we shall be crippled in our efforts amongst the natives; for it is impossible that three men, one of whom has many official duties, can preach twenty-five sermons in English every month, and attend to the other calls of that department, and be able to give any reasonable share of strength to the Heathen. These cried, "Come over and help us ;" and here we are, right willing to do so, but we have not the ability to attend to them. That we shall eventually triumph, I never doubt; but we must not expect that to be done for us which we ought to do for ourselves; nor must we presume to blame God for the negligences of others. The simple truth is, there has been an unreasonable outcry about the want of success in India; whereas there has been ample reward for the labour bestowed, especially when it is taken into consideration with whom we have to do, and the means we have had at our disposal. The average time of a Missionary's labours is, I believe, in this country, not more than from eight to ten years; and amongst the men thus employed, how few gain a competent knowledge of the language, so as to preach with fluency and clearness the Gospel of Jesus Christ! Would that all God's people would join in ardent, constant, and believing prayers, that the Spirit may be poured out amongst us! for the fields are in this matter white unto the harvest, and all we want now is power from on high. We are waiting, as this thirsty land often waits, for the showers; and only let these descend, and this desert shall indeed blossom and fructify to the glory of the Lord. MISSIONS IN SOUTHERN AFRICA. WITH feelings of thankfulness we communicate the intelligence contained in the following Letter. We had felt considerable anxiety for Mr. Shaw, as we were aware that in his visitation of the distant Stations he would probably be thrown in the way of the insurgent Boors. He has, however, been happily preserved, and has reached his family in safety, after an absence of five months. It is additional cause of gratitude that, in consequence of the subsequent defeat of the Boors by Sir Harry Smith, the Governor, the Bechuana Missionaries are rescued from those circumstances of peril to which Mr. Shaw refers. One topic, however, in the Letter, furnishes cause of deep and painful interest. Owing to the state of the Society's funds, the number of additional Missionaries requisite to supply the vacancies occasioned by sickness and other causes, could not be sent, and, as a consequence, some of the interesting Missions which had been suspended during the war, cannot be restored, now that the return of peace furnishes even increased facilities for prosecuting the Mission-work in Kaffraria. And will our friends quietly consent that the fruits of so many years of toil and privation shall thus be entirely thrown away? Extract of a Letter from the Rev. William Shaw, daled Graham's-Town, August 22d, 1848. WITH gratitude to Almighty God for his preserving care during my recent long visitation-tour, I have the satisfaction to write these few lines to apprize you of my safe return to this place, a few days ago. I cannot at present enter into details respecting my journey through the Bechuana country, Natal, and Kaffraria. I was exactly five months absent, having met with considerable detention at different points on my route, in consequence of very severe weather, snow on the Kwahlambu mountains, over which my journey led me, the overflowing of rivers, &c. In the "Graham's-Town Journal," which is transmitted herewith, you will see a rapid sketch of the country which I and my companions traversed, and a reference to various circumstances which are at present of considerable local interest. In my last letter to you from the Bechuana country, I apprized you that a revolt of the Dutch emigrant-farmers in that part against the British Government was on the point of breaking out; many predicted that some of these farmers would turn me back, or make me a prisoner; but I received nothing but civility from them, and even was permitted to reason with many of them as to their folly in attempting to subvert British supremacy, and bring on a civil war, which must involve all classes in great trouble, and bring ruin upon themselves. It appears that matters were not quite ripe for the revolt while I was there, although that period had been fixed for its commencement; since I left Natal, however, it has commenced; and one Andreas Pretorius, a leader in the rebellion against the British at Natal a few years ago, is now in arms at the head of a strong force of Boors over the Orange River; and he asserts a sort of sovereignty on behalf of the Dutch emigrants over the country between the Orange River, and the sources of the Vaal River; a large territory, in which are included the whole of the lands belonging to the native tribes under the Chiefs Moshesh, Moroko, Sikonyela, Baatje, Kok, and others. As they have already driven away three British Magistrates, and a small body of troops, Sir H. Smith is gone with a strong force to subdue this rebellion; and we are daily expecting news of a collision, should the Boors have the temerity to abide an attack from the troops. I am now greatly concerned for our brethren in the Bechuana District. You are aware that at my desire Mr. Cameron accompanied me and Mr. Impey to Natal. After holding our special District-Meeting at Pietermauritzberg, I and Mr. Impey proceeded through Kaffraria to Graham'sTown, and Mr. Cameron returned to the Bechuana country. fear, however, before he reached home, he would fall in with some of the hostile Boors; and I am waiting with great anxiety to hear from him and the brethren. I fear they and their Chiefs and people will for a time be placed in great difficulties. In these Missions we have perhaps more than an average share of personal fatigue and danger to undergo; but we are abundantly rewarded by the manifold tokens of the divine favour and blessing which rest upon almost all our Stations. Nearly without an exception, all the Stations which I have visited are prospering abundantly; many of the Heathen are turned to the Lord, and, if it please the Lord to scatter the men that delight in war, we have a prospect of most extensive usefulness in almost every portion of the wide field which we occupy. Your letters on the subject of our expenditure have reached me. As, how I was ever, so large a portion of the year has A full report of our special DistrictMeeting at Natal will be forwarded to you. As the Kei river was impassable for waggons, I left my waggon, and in it all my papers, at that river. I got some Kaffir swimmers to drag us through that torrent, and, having caused our horses to swim through, Mr. Impey and I proceeded on horseback, one hundred and fifty miles, through British Kaffraria to Graham's-Town. MISSIONS IN WESTERN AFRICA. THE following Letter alludes to an affecting breach which death has made in the Mission-family at SIERRA LEONE. Mr. Raston's Letter, containing some particulars respecting the painful event, has been subsequently received. Our friends will be reminded, by this visitation, of the necessity for prayer, that it would please Almighty God to spare useful lives. Mr. Lewis's Letter, and the one immediately succeeding, from Mr. Meadows, afford a pleasing picture of faithful and devoted Missionaries, whose hearts are in their work. SIERRA-LEONE.-Extract of a Letter from the Rev. John Lewis, I DOUBT not that you have already heard from Mr. Raston of the serious loss we have sustained in the death of our dear brother Purslow, and of my removal to the Institution in consequence. I must confess, however, though I desire in all things to submit to the will of God and the decision of my brethren, that it was not without much pain that I left my beloved flock at York. I was endeavouring to lay myself out for the glory of God; I was labouring joyfully and heartily; I had just become acquainted with the manners and customs of the people, and knew how to 99 meet their case in my preaching; I was just hoping to see a revival of God's work break out among them;-when I was suddenly recalled to the Institution. I believe "all things to work together for good; but I cannot lay aside all anxiety with reference to York. We have, at present, no Missionary at York: there is no immediate prospect of one going there; indeed, we have no one to go. My Superintendent says I must remain in charge of the Institution. On the other hand, I feel convinced our cause in York cannot be maintained without a resident Missionary. What is to be done? York weighs heavily upon my heart. I would do anything, or submit to anything, if York could only be supplied with a Missionary. It is the most interesting Circuit in the Mission. I pray earnestly that you might have the means to send us at least one more Missionary; and I cannot for one moment think that God will leave his people in that place without a Minister. My departure from York was exceedingly interesting, but very affecting to my own mind. Very many of our members met in the chapel at four o'clock A. M., to pray for me; and about seven o'clock, when I set out, they accompa nied me, in silence and sorrow, about two miles on my way; when, coming to a river, they halted, and sang, in a subdued and melancholy tone, "Here we suffer grief and pain," &c.; after which I bade them farewell; and, while I was fording the river, they prayed that God would go with me to Freetown, and bless my labours there; but no sooner had I reached the opposite shore, than they burst into tears; and their cries sounded in my ears until a turn of the sand-beach concealed me from their sight. I am very happy to inform you, that our cause is prospering here. I am very much delighted with the great improvement in our congregations in Freetown. The people seem more devoted and more earnest than formerly, and I believe they are growing in grace, and in the know. ledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Mr. Hart still goes on well; he has not been sick yet. He seems to be a good subject for Africa; and there is every reason to believe he will pass through his seasoning well. GAMBIA.-Extract of a Letter from the Rev. George Meadows, dated St. Mary's, October 12th, 1848. THE Vessel which brings this will also bring the yearly Report for Macarthy's and the Report for the last quarter for this place. I should have sent the entire year's Report, but thought is unnecessary, as Mr. Parsonson took with him the account for the first three quarters of the year. The amount of Mission-subscriptions is not at all satisfactory to my mind; but I have done my best, (I was going to say,)—at least, I have exerted myself much, without being able to accomplish what I wanted. The people here have not been taught to give, or else they are very slow in learning what is their duty and privilege. But the amount would have been more, had it not been for the absence from the island of several gentlemen who are accustomed to contribute; when they return, however, I will wait upon them, and forward the account have died; and the death of one, the pious, zealous Colonial Chaplain, Dr. Griffith, whose mortal remains I had to commit to the grave last week,-I deeply regret. Holy men are few here; and the loss of their prayers, example, and labours is more severely felt than many would suppose. I have suffered much myself from intermittent fever, and other causes; so that, Sunday after Sunday, the Local Preachers have had to supply my place; and I cannot expect anything else than increased ill health, as I find, by the "Stations," which arrived by the "Emily" yesterday, that I am appointed to Macarthy's Island, a place more unsuitable than this to me. But, blessed be God, I am neither anxious to live, nor afraid to die; and when I succeed my beloved brother Lean, it will be with the assurance that, if called to lay down my life where he fell, the re-union of our kindred spirits will immediately take place, in that blessed world where the inhabitants no more say, "I am sick." I complain not; knowing that it is not the place of Jonah, nor a more faithful Prophet than he, to complain when the gourd of his native land, its healthy cli mate, its unscorching sky, is no longer enjoyed. Returning to the subject that I was referring to, the state of the society here, I must say, that there are many indications of the Lord's being with us. Many have been added to us; nearly twenty young people are on trial; a new class is formed, and there must be one or two more soon; the congregations are overflowing, and there are applications for sittings, but we have not one to let. Something must be done soon,-as soon as Mr. Badger comes, or else we must turn away those who are demanding life, impatient for the skies." And I know that our congregation will be increased, for a while at least, through the death of the Chaplain. His Excellency the Governor told me, the other day, that he should attend our chapel whilst in town; and the friendly feeling which I have lately discovered to exist in others towards us, convinces me that more gentlemen will attend the preaching here. May it reach their hearts! Awful will it be if they resist the truth, and stand at last in painful contrast with, yea, condemned by, Heathens who have more greatly improved their lesser privileges. The tea-meeting which we held took most admirably well: the school-room was full; and all had a good supply of currant-cake and tea at a shilling currency per ticket; and the profitableness of it, and the general satisfaction which it gave, will warrant our holding another, perhaps, before I leave for Macarthy's. I think it my duty to inform you, that the vestry of the chapel is in very bad condition. I have had to prop up the roof during the rains, and am of opinion that Mr. Badger must have a new roof put to it. Though there is much more that could be communicated respecting the Mission, I will not any longer trespass upon your time. MISSIONS IN THE WEST INDIES. THE following account of the exertions made to repair the damage which the Mission-Chapels had experienced by the late desolating storm in Tobago, will be read with interest. TOBAGO.-Extract of a Letter from the Rev. Francis Whitehead, I TAKE the liberty of again forwarding a few lines to you. The last time I wrote to the Committee, I addressed my letter to you; and while I trust I may be permitted to remind you of the fact without offence, I would fain hope that your kind and powerful influence will be exerted on behalf of our suffering cause in this island. You will, I am sure, excuse me for again referring to the difficulties, the peculiar and manifold difficulties, under which I was called to take charge of this Circuit. I found the Town-Chapel unroofed, four Chapels and the Mount St. George Mission-House in ruins, and one of our second principal Chapels much injured. Added to these difficulties, I found my colleague, Mr. Brown, laid up with fever; and, since the period of my arrival in the island, he has not been able to preach more than four times in town, and about ten in the country. I have, therefore, had all the weight of ministerial duty devolving upon me, besides the care and anxiety of the Chapel-affairs. That I have been able to bear up in body and mind under such a pressure of trial, can only be ascribed to a gracious supporting Providence. The anxious days of labour, and sleepless hours of night, I have spent since I came to this Circuit, are known only to God and myself. I do not complain: I cannot, dare not complain. I am still willing, as I was ten years since, when I entered upon the Missionary work, "to spend, and to be spent," in the glorious cause with which I am identified. You will naturally feel desirous to learn what has been done, and what is still doing, for the restoration of our cause in Tobago. I will therefore state, as briefly as I can, our present position. I. THE STATE OF OUR CHAPELS. First, The Scarborough Chapel has been thoroughly repaired; and great praise is due to A. Melville, Esq., our Circuit and Chapel Steward, for his exertions to accomplish this object. Secondly,-Mount St. George's Chapel and Mission-house have been rebuilt, but they are not yet finished. |