hands of our Missionaries, I reached the country of the Bassutos, where the Paris Missionary Society has its valuable missions, which have been established there now some fifteen years. God has been pleased to accomplish much by their instrumentality. They have a remarkably intelligent chieftain, of the name of Moshesh, to whose friendship and excellent qualities Sir Harry Smith, Governor of the Cape, has not failed to bear on many occasions ample testimony. It cannot be said that he has embraced the Gospel, however strong may at times be his convictions as to its truth and moral superiority. I visited all the principal stations of the Paris Society in that country, and rejoice in being able to bear my testimony to the devotedness of the Missionaries, and, under God, the success of their Missions. I esteemed it a privilege to enjoy this interview with them; and I think it was not without encouragement to them, to receive the fraternal visit of a member of another, though kindred Society. Our interview, though somewhat brief, was pleasant; and the Sabbaths I spent among them I shall long remember as among my choicest in South Africa. I can scarcely think that the veriest unbeliever in France, or the most ill-natured in any country, could visit the Bassuto country, know what the people were, and see what they now are, without confessing that there is something more in Christian Missions than he had dreamed of in his too self-complacent philosophy. And if Christians too would go and visit some of these scenes, I could promise them large interest of enjoyment and profit for their outlay of capital; and on their return, our Committees and Boards and platforms would have able advocates, intelligent advisers, and munificent contributors. I wish I could tempt some to make the experiment.

After this I proceeded through a fine new country, and crossed a lofty mountain range, that of the Mathluti, or Drakenburg, that separates between the old colony of the Cape and the new colony of Natal,-the rich and well-watered land of Natal,-whither so many of our countrymen have lately emigrated, where some have met with disappointment, as in all new colonies, where many are happily settled already, and where many men will, I am persuaded, be happily settled, and find that "the diligent hand maketh rich." The secret of their success as colonists will be found in their own enterprise and industry, combined with reasonable expectations; and the secret of the prosperity of the colony, as such, will be found, I think, in the liberality of its treatment by the imperial and local governments. A selfish policy, or a crooked policy, will be fatal to the interests of all parties. Let us hope that light is rising on these subjects, on all parties interested in these decisions, and our colonies, like daughters, will rise up and call us blessed.

From Port Natal I proceeded to Table Bay,—a little excursion along the coast, of 800 miles. At Cape Town, having welcomed the Rev. W. Thompson to the pastoral office there, and helped him to office as the Society's agent, having been able to carry out the Society's wishes, I believe, in regard to new arrangements as affecting their venerable and honoured friend, Dr. Philip, my mission to South Africa terminated. I took leave of friends, said farewell to the majestic and beautiful scenery of the Cape, and sailed away for Port Louis, in the island of Mauritius, specially with the view of inquiring into the state of our Malagasy friends residing there, and the state of things in the island of Madagascar.

It was with mournful feelings that I received, on my arrival, the information of the death of one of the refugees who had visited us some years since in this country, and who was much beloved by all who knew him-David Ratsarahomba. He had entered into his rest, and been conveyed to his long home just before my

arrival in the island. There are many natives of Madagascar in Mauritius. Many of these were formerly slaves; they are now free labourers. Of course they are not young, for the introduction of slaves has long ceased. But very many of them have come under the religious instruction of our missionaries in the island, and are members of the church under their care. I can assure you it was with no small pleasure that I found myself again among so many of the natives of Madagascar, and again proclaiming among them, in their own tongue, the message of eternal mercy, and this listened to with great attention. I had many services among them during my brief sojourn, and indulge some hope that it was not in vain. I have preached but once since my return to England; but it seems to me, I know not why, very formal and very flat, preaching in English, compared with that of addressing the natives of Madagascar in their own impressive and mellifluous language.

We have a station in Mauritius called Moka, intended to be a village for the Malagasy. There our deceased friend Rafaravavy resided. There we have a new chapel building, which will accommodate about 200 persons: it is of stone. The expense of all building in the Mauritius is enormous. This little chapel will cost nearly £1000; the amount is principally raised in the island. All are contributing very generously towards it, but they want help; and we are proposing that the collection of this evening shall be devoted to that object. Allow me to say, I feel the value and importance of the object. It is a chapel for the stated ministry of the Gospel among the natives of Madagascar and their families resident in Mauritius. Mr. Le Brun, jun. has been their pastor, and is still, though aided, I expect, now by his younger brother. The services are in French, for the most part, as best understood by all the younger people born in the island; but services are also held by native teachers, and some of these are conducted in the native language, for the sake of the older people, to whom, though the French is tolerably familiar, the mother-tongue is most sweet.

I made all the efforts I could to visit Madagascar itself, or its coast at Tamatave, during my sojourn in those parts; for, though I knew the country was not open to any Christian effort, I thought I might obtain an interview with some of the native Christians on the coast, and at any rate ascertain something true and definite as to their actual condition in the country. All my efforts were vain. No ships were proceeding there; and when, at length, just before I left Mauritius, a slight modification took place in relation to commerce, and some two or three vessels were on the point of sailing, and I applied for a passage, I found that most peremptory restrictions were imposed upon the agents and captains by the parties concerned in the monopoly, forbidding any passengers whatever to be taken on board. Some information has subsequently arrived in this country, to the effect that several native Christians had been put to death, and that very many men would have suffered that penalty but for the decided interference of the young prince, to whom they fled for refuge, and who, at the risk of his own life, extended protection to them.

I cannot well quit my brief notice of the Mauritius, without alluding to one fact that gives it, I think, a strong claim on the efforts of our Society, and of British Protestant Christians generally, I mean the strong hold that Romanism has on the island. There are a Bishop and nine clergymen of the Roman Catholic Church, paid by the Government £2500 per annum. An Anglican Bishop has been lately appointed, and there are a few English clergymen in the island. I am jealous, not only for Mauritius, but for Madagascar, as likely to be acted on

through Mauritius. I have seen enough to constrain me to say, and to say urgently, Let us aim to strengthen our Evangelical Protestant Missions there. And (may I add?) I have seen enough to constrain me to say, and to say it emphatically and distinctly, in this crisis of our country's history, May God in mercy preserve sound and vital Protestantism in our land!

I now directed my steps towards home. Nearly two years had expired since I left England; the time, filled up with important engagements, had rapidly rolled by, but I longed to reach again the bosom of my family, and the numerous friends, and scenes, and duties I had left in England. But I was not quite prepared for another three months' voyage over the "deep blue ocean." I preferred another route, and for many reasons adopted it. I sailed from Mauritius, amidst many farewell salutations and kind wishes, and many earnest prayers, too, for the Christians of this land. I reached Ceylon, and remained a few days there, rejoicing in having the opportunity of some pleasant intercourse with the Deputation lately sent out to India by the Baptist Missionary Society. From thence I proceeded by a steam-vessel to Suez, and then by the usual conveyance of the Egyptian Government for the overland route, to Cairo-that ancient, remarkable, and thoroughly Oriental city-from whence I could visit still more ancient sites and scenes, the land of the Pharaohs, and tombs and Pyramids, and to which land so much of ancient Scripture History belongs. This, though replete with interest, could satisfy no reasonable man or officer of a Missionary Society. Palestine was at hand, and Judæa had attractions for me I could not resist, and which, in fact, I did not attempt to resist. I set out for Jerusalem, and visited many a site of permanent interest there, and not the least, the Bethany just beyond the Mount of Olives, of which we read, "He led them out as far as Bethany, lifted up his hand and blessed them," and charged them "to go into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature."

I passed through Samaria and Galilee, stood by the Lake of Tiberias, and having gone through the parts about Cæsarea Philippi, I came to Damascus, where Paul, the great Missionary to the Gentile world, received sight from Ananias and a purer light from Heaven. Then travelling, still homeward, I crossed the goodly Mount Lebanon, and, taking ship at Beyrout, came down to Alexandria; and from thence, touching at Malta and Gibraltar, I landed at Southampton, and am now permitted, in God's good providence, to find myself surrounded by so many whom I love, and amidst scenes I have been familiar with from my youth upwards.

To my brethren of the Missionary Society, and its friends generally, I would say, Take encouragement. I bring glad tidings. The great work to which we are committed has many tokens of Divine approval. I have seen men of many kindreds, tribes, and tongues sitting down together in the kingdom of God:Europeans of many lands; Americans; the native tribes of Africa-Hottentots, Caffres, Bechuanas, Corannas, Griquas, Zoolus; and then Malagasy and natives of Mauritius, and Cingalese, and men of Egypt and Syria, equally partakers of that grace which brings salvation to all, whether Jews or Gentiles, bond or free, civilised or savage. We are debtors to all; and to us is entrusted the great enterprise of helping to make known "God's way upon earth, and his saving health among all the nations. Let the people praise thee, O God; yea, let all the people praise thee!" Amen and amen.

After singing, the Rev. JOHN ALEXANDER, of Norwich, offered up a prayer of thanksgiving, and the meeting separated.

SACRAMENTAL OFFERING TO THE NECESSITOUS WIDOWS AND CHILDREN OF DECEASED MISSIONARIES. IN presenting the subjoined list of contributions in aid of the Fund for the relief of the Widows and Orphans of Deceased Missionaries, the Directors offer their best thanks to the pastors, officers, and members of the various churches, who have so kindly responded to the Appeal.

In reply to the solitary objection that has been urged in a few instances against the appropriation of a part of the sacramental collection to this object, lest it should operate to the prejudice of the poorer members of the churches, the Directors deem it sufficient to observe, that the objection was fully met and provided for, by the terms of their Address, published in the January number of the Missionary Chronicle, and they have the gratifying conviction that the amount now presented, in aid of the Widows' and Orphans' Fund, consists, with a few exceptions only, of moneys raised "over and above the ordinary sacramental collection."

The appended lists comprise the amounts received during the months of January and February; but the Directors have reason to expect that some of the churches, which from local circumstances have been hitherto prevented from manifesting their sympathy in the object, will be prepared to forward their contributions during the present month; and which shall be duly acknowledged on a future occasion.

It will be seen, on a reference to the subjoined lists, that the Churches which have responded to the Appeal amount to two hundred and ninety; and that the aggregate of their contributions, including donations from several liberal individuals, is £1387 15s. 3d.

The Directors feel much pleasure in giving the subjoined extracts from several of the communications received from their friends, Pastors and Deacons, on the subject of the Appeal, as affording proof of the very cordial feelings with which it has been answered, and of the encouragement held out of renewed effort, as occasion may arise, in future years.

"I SINCERELY rejoice that so simple and easy a plan has been thought of to meet this most important object, and earnestly hope that the response will be so prompt and abundant, as to meet the necessities of the case without again burdening the ordinary funds of the Society.

"It affords me great pleasure that the claims of the Widows and Orphans have been at length acknowledged by our Church. And though this is, I believe, the first contribution we have made to this interesting object, I trust it will not be the last.

"One of our valued deacons, who has sent the enclosed order, says,' Do tell Dr. T. to keep this annual collection for the Widows of our dear missionaries before the churches, and let us hear something about it at our Annual Meeting.' The pastor adds, 'I hope

the churches generally have collected for this most affecting object; I believe it has done and will do my people spiritual good. Their hearts have been enlarged by it.'"

"Your appeal on behalf of the Widows and Orphans of our Missionaries was laid before the church here, on the evening of Thursday last, and was most cordially heard. It gives me great pleasure to be enabled to send you a post-office order for the above most benevolent object. We are glad that you made the appeal; for in such ways we are taught our duty to the widow and the fatherless, and have an opportunity to pray for them; I trust your appeal will be universally attended to, and that on the first Sabbath of future years, when the church of Christ meet to remember a Saviour's love, and to show