before their minds the awfulness and certainty of death, is a point which I have not yet been able to ascertain. August 17, 1836-Unkind treatment of wives by their husbands is still one of the remains of rudeness and barbarity among the people to whom our labours are directed; and the following instance of cruelty is related, to excite compassion for them. A man of Wellington beat his wife, for no other reason than because his breakfast was not ready in time, last Sunday Morning, in so brutal a manner, that the consequences would have been fatal, had he not been stopped. The poor woman was carried to another house by her neighbours, to hide her from his fury.

The Communicants have again been reduced in number. Some were negligent in their attendance on the Means of Grace; some have fallen into open sin, confessing it without any apparent feeling of remorse; some were reproved and warned for minor inconsistencies; and some, I fear, do not walk altogether as it becometh the Gospel of Jesus Christ, though no particular charge has been brought against them.

The characteristics of many of the people in this village seem to be pride

and indolence; and these never fail to become the fruitful parents of cruelty and vice. May the Lord have mercy on them; and teach them His ways, which are, peace, righteousness, and holiness of life!

That there should be instances of grievous sins among a large population destitute of a spiritual pastor, however painful the fact must be, cannot be matter of surprise. The laborious charge resting on the Catechist, Mr. Collins, is thus described by him :

From among the 3400 inhabitants who compose this village, 754 have been brought more immediately under instruction. This number consists of 116 Communicants, 115 Candidates for Baptism, 300 Sunday Scholars, and 223 Day Scholars-98 Boys, and 125 Girls.

The Communicants and Candidates are divided into nine classes, and they come constantly under special instruction. The Sunday School, composed principally of Liberated African Apprentices, is improving. Of the 300 on the list, 54 are reading the Testament, 50 the

Primer, 90 Sheet Lessons, and 106 are learning the Alphabet. The average attendance, during the quarter, has been 185. Of the 223 Colony-born Children in our Day School, 47 read the Scriptures, 22 the Parables and Miracles of the Lord, 16 the Child's First Book, and 73 are learning the Alphabet; 12 of the elder boys write in copy-books, and cipher; and 50 of the younger boys and girls write on slates. Thirty girls are taught needle-work; and 12 of the most forward are marking samplers. The average attendance at the Day School, during the quarter, has been 158.

The character of the mixed population of an African Village, and the difficulty of bringing them into an harmonious spirit of co-operation, is well represented in the following account by Mr. Collins :—

August 24-I received a note from the Manager of Wellington, informing me that he had assembled the principal men of the village, for the purpose of holding

palaver" about the church fence, and requesting my presence on the occasion. Feeling much interested in the measure, I willingly attended the meeting. It appears that the mighty burden of keeping the fence in repair falls upon the whole body of the 3400 inhabitants. Had the task devolved upon any one person, or class of persons, in the village, there would, perhaps, have been little difficulty in getting it done; but who is equal to the task of arousing such an immense body of people to their duty, in this particular? The object of the present meeting was to try what could be done. The village, as before observed, consists of a variety of people of different nations; each nation Where possessing a peculiar dialect. the number of any separate nation is considerable, they form themselves into distinct bodies or companies, according to their respective languages, and live alone; and they usually term the district which they inhabit, their town, which they name after their nation. Thus Wellington, though classed as a village only, possesses, according to the usages of the people, the singular anomaly of containing many towns within its precincts; and we have, within the compass of one village, Aku Town, Ebo Town, Calabar Town, Congo Town, &c. &c. Each of these districts is inhabited by these several tribes, and has its Head

man; and these were assembled on the present occasion. The most influential people in the village are the discharged African Soldiers, who were first located there; who also sent their representatives to the Meeting; and whose good wishes it seemed desirable to conciliate, ere any steps should be taken toward the accomplishment of our object. These men, out of deference to their long standing in the village, were first consulted as to the propriety of getting the fence repaired: they all expressed their conviction of the necessity of the measure, but unfortunately were for putting off the work till the rains were over. With this arrangement, however, the Manager was not satisfied; and turning to the Liberated Africans, he asked them what they said. They replied, that they were willing to commence. a deal of talking, and the soldiers still showing a disposition to procrastinate, we addressed the Liberated Africans, who term themselves King's Boys; telling them, if they would begin, and cut their share of the posts, and bring them to the spot, we were sure the Soldiers would soon bring theirs also. Such a stimulus, the Old Soldiers, to their credit, could not resist; and they promised forthwith to do their duty; being unwilling to allow the "King's Men" to be wanting in their duty, while the “ King's Boys" appeared to be alive to theirs.

with their little-ones: only a few, however, were exempted. Those whose claims, not appearing sufficiently urgent, were rejected, left apparently satisfied, promising to do what they could toward raising the mite required.

July 4-Met a woman who had long kept a spirit-shop, opposite the church; but which I was glad to see she had closed lately. Hoping that the woman had given up selling ardent spirits from a good motive, I told her I was glad to see that she did not sell rum now; when she replied, to my great disappointment, That her licence had expired; and that she was now sitting down to blow a bit, until she could catch a few coppers to buy a new licence with."

A few passages from Mr. Collins's Journal are added, relative principally to the Schools. The closing Extract painfully exhibits the inclination of some of the Natives toward intemperance:

June 27, 1836-This morning we commenced the new system in our school, by making the children, with some few exceptions, pay a halfpenny each, weekly, toward their instruction. I frankly own, that I fear it may be the cause of my losing many of my little flock.

June 28-I am glad to find that many of the children, who absented themselves from school yesterday because they had to pay, came to-day and brought their half-pence.

June 29-The Rev. Messrs. Raban and Schön came to Wellington to-day, for the purpose of inquiring into the cases of those parents who wished to be exempted from paying for their children's instruction. Several women attended

GLOUCESTER, LEICESTER, AND REThe Rev. C. F. Schlenker has, during the quarter, had the principal charge of these Stations. The following passages from his Journal describe his labours, and the results of them :

July 5-Met the candidates selected for baptism, as well as the other class, consisting of backsliders, and applicants for admission to the Lord's Supper. The former cause me real joy in meeting them, as they are attentive, and endeavour to answer my questions. Most of them are able to read the Bible; which is not the case with the other class. In the

afternoon, I met the Monitors. A woman, baptism, because I was not quite satisfied

whom I had not selected for the next

with her answers, came to-day, and entreated me very earnestly to add her name to the number. I told her the reason why I had not put her name down; when she said, "Oh Massa, do; Massa, do;" and begged me to put questions to her, and she would try to answer them: this I did, and she was able to answer some of them. As she was always attentive at the meetings, and is, as far as I have observed, of a sincere mind, I added her name to the rest; and now the whole number amounts to ten.

July 18 - It rained almost all the day. I was informed that the children in the school stood in the water, and that perhaps it would be better to let them go home. I accordingly went to the school, to see how it was; when I found that those children who were near the door stood in the water, because the door was left open

and the rain came in; but this could have been easily avoided, by removing them more into the middle of the room, which

I immediately arranged. I now asked

the children which they liked best-to stop there, or to go home? They all answered, Stop here." They would not have found a much better place in their cottages.

July 19, 1836-Met the candidates as usual, this morning. Soon afterward, a young person came to me, very much cast down; and told me, that she felt very sorry, day and night, about her sins, and that her heart had told her several times to go to the master. "I feel great sinner before God," she observed. I asked her whether she had not yet prayed to Jesus for the pardon of her sins on account of His sufferings and death upon the cross. She said, "No." I now showed her, that God had already been very merciful in showing her that she was a great sinner, and I advised her to pray to Jesus for further mercies; and told her, that she need not be afraid of not being able to pray in an exact form; and that prayer was alone acceptable to God, and was answered by Him, when it came from the heart. The simplest words, expressing her sorrow for her sins, and her desire for His mercy, were pleasing to Him. I gave her some suitable Tracts to read, and told her to come again.

July 31 Kept service at Gloucester in the morning, and had a numerous and attentive congregation. After the Second Lesson, I baptized the ten candidates before mentioned, with whom I spent much time last week.

The congregation appeared to take great interest in the performance of this holy rite; and the communicants themselves were

greatly moved. May the Lord keep these souls by His grace! May He watch over and preserve them from the Wickedone, and from a seducing world; and not suffer them to be plucked out of His hand!

The feeling of hesitation, with regard to Candidates for Baptism who are not able to read, is one of frequent occurrence in this Colony ; although, if newly-imported Liberated Negroes be excepted, such cases are now rarer than formerly. Mr. Schlenker appears to have found it requisite to mingle considerateness and firmness, in his mode of treating this

difficulty. Inability to read, under their peculiar circumstances, does not necessarily prove a candidate to be without piety; but indifference about learning to read the Bible may render the sincerity of his religious professions questionable. Mr. Schlenker reports—

August 9-Met 98 candidates of Re gent this morning; and, afterward, 48 of Gloucester. I intend to make a selection for baptism. What I much regret, is, that, of these 98 candidates, only three are able to read the Bible; and in the others, I do not perceive a great desire to learn it: I therefore strongly urged them to go to Sunday School; and informed them, that I should take much notice of those who were able to read. A woman observed, It cannot be done with violence." I replied, "I never desired it in such a way; and if you give me such another answer, I shall take your name from the list." Others excused themselves, by saying that they were too old to learn; but I told them, that there were many examples of persons, who, though old, still had learned to read the Word of God, because they had a sincere desire to do it. I always find a great difference in answering the questions between those who can read, and those who cannot.

A kind and brotherly spirit appears to prevail among those under Mr. Schlenker's charge: he adds, concerning them—

Divine Service has been kept up at both Stations, Regent and Gloucester; the Lord having granted me health and strength for His work. I must say, that both congregations are endeavouring to walk worthy of the Gospel; and to glorify the Lord, who called them out of darkness into light. The communicants at Gloucester, especially, cause me much joy, by their brotherly love, their willingness to support their poor and sick brethren, and to make any sacrifice that is required; and by their regular attendance on the Means of Grace. They have formed among themselves a Company, called the "Christian Company," every member of which contributes something weekly: the amount is fixed according to their means: their fund is at present about 31., out of which seven poor persons of the congregation are supported;

June 26, 1836: Lord's Day-I felt peculiarly delighted, that I could remain at Bathurst and perform the Services of the day, and attend to the Sunday School. The congregation was very encouraging in the morning about 600 were present, and paid much apparent attention to the Word.

August 14-A woman came on my piazza, early this morning, crying out lamentably, White man! White man! my child! my child is dead!" She related to my servant, that her child's clothes had caught fire, and burnt on her body. When I came out, the woman appeared to be almost out of her senses; but concluding, from her answers, that the child was not much injured, I gave her some linseed-oil; and would have directed her how to use it, but she ran off as soon as it was put into her hand. I have often observed of heathens, that, when they are in distress, they come to me in full confidence; and while they would charge their neighbours with witchcraft, and ascribe their diseases to something which they had received from others to eat, they will take any thing I give them, without fear.

August 19-Met the Candidates for Baptism in the morning; and spent an hour chiefly in examining two persons.

You have been to class-meeting a long time, and expressed a wish some time ago to be baptized: tell me, now, what caused you to do so ?" I am sick too much many years, and I never can get any rest."-"Are you unwell in body?" "Yes, Sir; pain all over."-"And because you are sick, you come to class: do you think that will heal you?" "My sickness shows me every day that I must die. I do not expect the sickness will be any better; and when I think of my

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sins, and of God's judgment, I wish to make my peace with God, and prepare myself for heaven."-" Do you believe that Christ will receive you?" Yes, I believe that He died for my sins." Sir; And does this belief, that Christ died for your sins, comfort you in your sickness? "Yes it makes my heart glad." "-"Are you not afraid to die? "6 No. Sometimes I have been troubled; but since I know Christ and the Gospel, I am not afraid to die." To the other:

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How do you know that "Because I

you belong to Christ ?" pray to God."-"Do you pray, indeed? and when do you pray?" "Whenever I come to church, every day."-" Do you pray only when you come to church ?" "And in my house I pray too, every morning and evening, with my family." -"I hope you do not tell me that you hold Family Worship, unless it is true ?" God knows that I do not tell a lie."What do you pray for ?" "To Jesus Christ, to save me from sins."-" For nothing else?" "Yes, for the Father, and for the Holy Ghost."-"You mean to say, you pray to the Father, and to the Holy Ghost: can you pray for God?" -He could not understand me: I turned, therefore, to the other, with the same question; who answered, "Me can pray for the King, for the Governor, for the Minister, for the Schoolmasters and the Schools, but me cannot pray for God: God no want nothing." After I had made it plain, I asked again, “Do you pray for any thing else ?" Yes, for forgiveness of my sins." When you pray in your house, how do you conduct it ?" "We all kneel down." "Do you read Scripture before you pray?” "No: I can read Primer. Do you read Primer before prayers? "No, I no read nothing: I can try to make words (pray loud), and all the family can hear."

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August 30-Met a class of candidates early this morning. To one I said, 'How long have you been in this Colony ?" "Since Governor M'Carthy's time."-Were you put to school at that time?" Yes, Sir, at this placeI learned to read the Bible in Bathurst School."-"What Missionary was here?" 'Mr. Gerber was at Upper Bathurst."

-"Were you not baptized, as a schoolboy?" "No, I had no desire then." "Did you go to church soon after you came to Bathurst? and do you recollect any thing of what you heard?" "I was

The

afraid when I heard the organ: I trembled; and all the boys ran out of church." But what made you afraid?" 'All the boys feared: we talked to each other; we were afraid we should all die that night." I asked the others whether they were afraid too, and all answered in the affirmative. One told me, that when he first saw the Minister in his white garment, he wanted to hide himself under the bench.-" Do you never hear such things in your own country ?" "No."-" What religion had you, before you came to this Colony?" Gospel is not known in my country." But do you not know something of God?" Yes. Suppose a man do something bad, we say, 'God can punish you: and suppose a man do good, we say, 'God can reward you.' You mean, that God will send trouble and sickness on a bad man; and give plenty to a good one?" Yes; but not only this: we mean, God can punish you after death, or reward you after death."'Then you believe, in your country, that the soul can never die? "Yes, Sir; all men believe that." From what I have been able to collect from the various tribes of Africans in this Colony, there are none who do not believe in the immortality of the soul.

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HASTINGS-John Attarra, the Native Catechist labouring at this Station, relates

Thanks be to the Lord our God, that He has not despised nor abhorred the low estate of His servants! We hope and trust He has been with us during the quarter, and has graciously helped us to perform our several duties. During this quarter, the Lord has cheered and encouraged our hearts; and caused many to attend church, who never used to attend. I have also heard of some who are now attending our chapel, that they had for several years been devoting themselves to the service of idols or devils, whom they had ignorantly worshipped, and placed their dependence upon for help and safety. But now we hope it will please the Lord to make them, like the Prodigal Son, to see how they have wasted many opportunities of attending to the one thing needful.

A few remaining selections from the Journals of the Missionaries will further illustrate the character of the RECORD, April 1837.]

people of this Colony, and the progress of the Gospel among them. The Extracts already given under the head of each Station have done this in part the following passages enter more fully into the subject.

Cases of some Religious Inquirers, and of some Backsliders.

Mr. Kissling, in the course of his ministrations at Kissey, writes thus—

May 16, 1836-I had some conversation with the Candidates for Baptism, previously to their being admitted to that Holy Ordinance. One said, that he had been brought to this Colony, as a recaptured slave, about nineteen years ago; and had learned to read in the Society's Evening School. Twelve months ago, he said, he felt a desire to join the Church he was a sinner, and felt sorry because of it: he prayed against the corruptions of his heart; but he was sure, also, that the blood of the Son of God could cleanse him. Both he and his wife were baptized on Whit-Sunday last. Another, who had been a Candidate for Baptism above five years, thus spoke of himself:-" After the death of my Teacher," the late Rev. G. R. Nyländer, I ran about from place to place, doing such things as are not good. Sometimes I attended meetings on Sundays; but I did not consider what I was doing. By and bye I felt something in my heart, which made me go oftener to church, and then I looked upon myself as unworthy to come to God's people. I have prayed that God would forgive my sins, and have felt comfort afterward; but evil is still in my heart. Sometimes, when I come from my farm, and have nothing to eat, I get angry and quarrel with my wife; and then I cannot sleep but when my wife and I kneel down and pray to God, peace comes again into our hearts, and the devil is forced to go away."

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him-when conversing with me on the His wife, who joined the Church with death of her only child-observed, feel wicked thoughts in my heart; but I them, and receive my soul also. It was hope Christ will make me free from very hard for me when I lost my child; but now I thank God, through Jesus Christ, who gave the child, and took it away again.'

May 19-I was much pleased with the

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