In his private intercourse with the friends, he earnestly pressed them to seek a greater conformity to the will of GoD, especially to expect to be cleansed from all sin, and to "be filled with the Spirit." The last evening which I spent with him was at the house of one of our friends. I had to preach at a place a little distant. While I was away, he conducted and took a very active part in a conversation on the employment and blessedness of the inhabitants of heaven; one of the party, a female, who has some talent for singing, sung a hymu, or part of one. He was no singer, and said to her, "Ah! Sarah, when I get to heaven I shall sing as loud as you." 66 How unsearchable are the ways of the MOST HIGH! How mysterious are his dispensations! Our Brother had succeeded in establishing a Mission in a Colony that had long refused to receive a Wesleyan Missionary. His prudence secured him the confidence of all. His piety was universally approved, and his humility and zeal commanded the affection of all who knew him. He collected together, in his new station, about 130 or 140 from the world, and united them in the bonds of christian fellowship. He had erected a Chapel, and preached in it a few times; when his Master said, "It is enough; Well done, good and faithful servant! Come up hither." The Society is left without a Preacher, and, as I understand, without even a Class-Leader. But grace triumphs, and we rejoice that, in these circumstances, we can say, "The best of all is, God is with us.' And GoD was with him. He was attended in his last moments by those who had been converted to God by his ministry. Such a death is glorious, and invites those, to whom a dispensation of the Gospel is committed, go forth to distant climes, thus to triumph, and thus to die. 10 If I may be allowed to speak of myself, I may say, that such dispensations have this effect upon me.Through the grace of God given unto me, I feel that I have daily intimate communion with God. I am enabled to live in the spirit of sacrifice; and while I this live, I have a blessed assurance that the sacrifice is accepted; and I go forth "To spend, and to be spent, for them Who have not yet their SAVIOUR known." I am now called away, so that I have only time to add, that, at present, we are well. GoD is with us, and the pleasure of the LORD prospers in our hands. ANGUILLA.-Extract of a Letter from MR. DACE, dated St. Bartholomew's, July 1, 1821. I HAVE recently returned from a visit to Anguilla. Though the Chapel there is not yet finished, it is so far advanced, that we were enabled to open it, on the 10th ult. By nine o'clock the Chapel was well filled, and by ten a great number were standing without. It was with much difficulty that I could force my way to the pulpit, and that our friendly Governor reached his pew. I preached from Ps. xxvi. 8, and was very graciously assisted. Our Lessons and Hymns were appropriate; the people sang well; and I believe the whole of the service was interesting to all. After sermon I gave them a short and brief account of our doctrine and discipline; and I am led to understand, that this was a means of rectifying many wrong notions, and also of removing some prejudices. Our collection was nearly 227.; and had the abilities of the people been equal to their generous disposition, I verily believe we should have had as many Johannas as pounds. Anguilla has been in a very deplorable state, from the time the French took the Island, and burnt their Churches, until the year 1815, when our Missionaries were invited, (a period of about twenty years.) With the single exception of MR. HODGE, who was wonderfully raised up about the year 1813, they have had no Clergyman, no Minister, no Teacher of any kind whatever. No wonder (to borrow the phrase of the Governor himself) that they all ran wild! We are doing well in St. Bartholomew's. Our people are much alive to GoD, and the Word is made a savour of life unto life. Our Congregations are large and attentive. Our School also prospers. The Bible and Testament-Class have lately gone through WATTS's Songs in tasks, and also his Catechisms, &c. and are now going through St. Matthew's Gospel. DEMERARA.—Extract of a Letter from MR. AMES, dated Mahaica, July 13, 1821.—[N. B. Mahaica is a station but recently occupied.] ON March 1, we landed in the colony of Demerara. Here we met with christian joy, our beloved friends in the LORD, MR. and MRS. BELLAMY. My appointment to this station was altogether unexpected on both sides; but we are well satisfied that it is in the order of divine Providence. May I never be dissatisfied with this or that station, but be willing to go wherever the divine goodness shall appoint. 13. I waited on his Excellency, the Governor. After my credentials had been inspected, and a few questions asked, a licence was readily granted me to pursue my Missionary labour. I then presented to His Excellency a copy of my Instructions. We have since obtained permission to open Sunday-Schools. 20. I came to Mahaica. This I have found, hitherto, a healthy situation. We have here a commodious little Chapel. When I came, I found the number in Society to be 139. These had been for several weeks without a guide, and were greatly delighted when one made his appearance. We have now in Society 147, and between 30 and 40 on trial. Many came to be baptized. More than a thousand have been baptized in the short space since the establishment of our Mission in this place. More than eight hundred of these are adults, with whom we find it necessary to spend much of our time, and to use great plainness of speech. And here we have encouragement in our labour. One owner tells us that his negroes are much better since they have been instructed; and, another says, he has not a bad negro on his estate. Most of this Gentleman's negroes are members of Society. We are also assured that the plain preaching of the Word among them becomes a death-blow to Obeism, or negro-witchcraft, and to other superstitions which are not only ruinous to the slave, but very hurtful to the proprietor. April 29. We held our Love-feast, which was the second ever held in this place, and the first by me. Ample testimony was borne to the blessed influence of religion on the mind, and to its good effects upon the life. The members of the Society sincerely blessed God for his unspeakable goodness, in bringing them into his marvellous light, and in sending his Ministers for that purpose. By their fruits we know them. They have torsaken vices to which they were addicted before their conversion, and they lead exemplary lives, conformably to the doctrines of the Gospel of our blessed SAVIOUR. They are a people of prayer. I have repeatedly asked them, when meeting the different classes, if they prayed at home, and how many times a day. The answer was, generally, "Three times; in a morning, before the driver's whip goes, at noon, and at night.” July 1. I administered the Sacrament of the LORD'S-Supper for the first time. But this was only to a few of the best instructed of them. As they had never seen the ordinance administered, I enlarged on its nature and obligation, and pointed out the qualifications for a worthy participation of it, showing them that it was the will and command of our LORD, that all true believers should "do this in remembrance" of his dying love; and, that it was necessary for each to examine his own heart, and wholly dedicate himself to the service of GoD. The effect which it had upon them was truly affecting. Many wept much, and earnestly prayed they might be altogether fitted to partake of so great a privilege. I have commenced catechising the young people, regularly, every Sunday morning after preaching, and with this they are greatly delighted. Indeed both old and young appear greatly interested in this service, and few will go away till I have done. Prejudice is evidently on the decline, and our prospects are encouraging. ST. CHRISTOPHER's.-Extracts from MR. MORGAN's Journal. MARCH 10, 1821. (Saturday.) Last evening we had our first Missionary Prayer-Meeting. The congregation was large. I read part of the Missionary Notices for January; and Brother Brown, from Nevis, gave an exhortation. May the united prayers and exertions of all true Christians be answered in the overthrow of Heathenism in all its parts and in all its vast dominions, that the Heathen may become the SAVIOUR'S heritage, and all flesh behold his glory. In meeting the Bands this evening, my heart was deeply affected while hearing one and another express their gratitude for the Gospel, and their feelings of pity for those nations who are not visited with the light of heavenly truth. las-town, eight miles from Basseterre, and preached in the forenoon with much liberty. The deep attention which the hearers paid, and the tears they shed, gave me to hope that the word was both understood and felt. I renewed tickets, and received several on trial. I called at MATTHEWS's estate, and gave the Sacrament to a negro man, who has been sick for several months. He witnessed a good confession, and spoke very feelingly of the goodness of GOD during his affliction, the patience he was enabled to exercise, and the prospect he had of being with his LORD. 11. (Lord's-day.) Brother BROWN, from Nevis, preached in Basseterre both morning and evening. I read Prayers, renewed Tickets, &c. At four o'clock we opened our SundaySchool with solemn prayer, and then proceeded to examine and take down the names of such children as brought their parents or friends as vouchers for their regular attendance. We do rejoice in this beginning, and pray that GOD would prosper the work of our hands. Sixty-seven were received. After preaching in the evening, we met the Society, to whom Brother GRIMSHAW, just arrived from Cayon, delivered an exhortation on the importance of family religion. 18. (Lord's-day.) I rode to Nicho April 1. (Lord's-day.) MR. FELvus being here on his way to Tortola, supplied my appointment at Old Road, which gave me an opportunity of hearing Mr. GRIMSHAW in town: he preached two good sermons. We had a precious season at the Sacrament: most of the communicants were much affected; they were enabled to discern the LORD'S body, and to feed upon him by faith with thanksgiving. I baptized ten children, married a couple, and buried two corpses in the Chapel-ground. The School was opened at four o'clock with the voice of praise and thanksgiving. I am happy to find that a considerable degree of interest is already excited in favour of our infant institution. The children attend on Wednesday mornings from six till nearly eight; and on Friday morn ings at the same hour, to be catechized, when upwards of forty children in the Testament-Class, who have engaged to get by heart the Gospel by St. John, repeat what they have learned during the week. 8. (Lord's-day.) I preached twice in Basseterre, and attended the School, which affords very encouraging prospects. We have 170 scholars. Our congregations, both morning and evening, were large; and had we a larger Chapel, many more would attend. 10. (Tuesday.) I went to bury a corpse on DALE'S Estate, five miles from town. I found three members of our Society, who, through age and sickness, had been prevented from attending the Chapel for a length of time. They were overjoyed at seeing one of their Massas. We sang, and prayed, and wept together. Many on this estate are grown weary in well-doing. They promised to set out afresh for the kingdom: GOD grant they may. I returned to town in the afternoon, and in the evening joined Brother GRIMSHAW in holding service at Palmetto Point. The Chapel was well attended, considering the great and constant labour of the negrocs in taking off the crop. 12. (Thurs.) Twelve were admitted on trial, and we might have examined several others, had there been time, who were deferred till next week. Eleven out of the twelve are free, a very singular circumstance, such as I never remember to have seen before, and hardly expect to witness the like again. One was there who, till of late, we little expected, and gave great satisfaction as to a work of grace upon his heart. 15. (Lord's-day.) I preached at Nicholas Town and Cayon, and was much blessed in my work. Surely the seed that is sown by the unworthiest of his servants, will not fall by the way-side, and be picked up by the enemy of souls. May some of it, at least, fall into good ground, and bring forth a hundred-fold. 20. (Good-Friday.) I preached in Basseterre both forenoon and evening, and was much assisted in dispensing the Word of Life. The congrega tions were both large and attentive. 22. (Easter-day.) I preached at Sandy-Point both inorning and evening, and at Half-Way-Tree in the afternoon. 24. (Tuesday.) It appears that the congregations throughout the Island have been very large during the late Festival. 27. (Friday.) Having catechised the children of our Sunday-School this morning, I told them that we were about building a new chapel, and asked them what they were disposed to do in furthering the good work. I said, I have thought, my children, were you to bring a stone on Wednesday mornings, and another on Friday, when you come to Chapel, you would render us considerable assistance; and should the LORD spare you to see the Chape erected, it will afford you much pleasure, I have no doubt, to reflect that you supplied part of the materials. From the great attention paid to my recommendation, and the smile that cheered the countenances of most present, I was led to calculate that our young charge will present a large offering of stones towards a building for the LORD of Hosts. I trust, when the LORD shall number up the people, that it will be said of many of them, that they were born of GoD within its walls. May 3. (Thursday.) The Committee of our Sunday-School met for the first time this forenoon, when the School-Minutes were read, and other matters attended to. The School affords great encouragement. May we labour on at his command, who, in the days of his flesh, took children in his arms, and blessed them. I find that my request to the children on Friday last, in favour of our intended new chapel, has been attended to beyond my expectations. Both boys and girls have been very active, and the number of stones they have collected in so short a time, is a subject of wonder to every one. To see the children, from five years old and upwards, loaded with stones from differ ent parts of the town, is truly pleas ing, and leads us to pray that all our little labourers may become living stones, and be built up for an habitation of GOD through the SPIRIT. 13. (Lord's-day.) I preached at Nicholas Town in the morning. The congregation was much larger than it was on any former occasion, The people were very attentive, and, I trust, a blessing attended the Word spoken. I preached in the evening JAMAICA.-Extract of a Letter from The pre on M'DoWELL'S Estate. MR. BINNING, dated Spanish-Town, August 13, 1821. I HAVE circulated copies of the last General Report among some of the first Gentlemen in this neighbourhood, by whom it has been read with satisfaction. Our congregations having much increased, it has been found necessary to make further improvements in the Chapel. In doing this, we have endeavoured to make the very best of the space occupied thereby, by cutting the benches narrower, and placing them as close to each other as possible, also fixing new ones in the aisles wherever it could be done. But still we are pressed for room, and an enlargemeut of the Chapel itself has become absolutely necessary. Our Society here are regular in their attendance at the Established Church, at least once every Sabbath-day, and scarcely ever fail to communicate, when the Sacrament is administered. Indeed, they are by far the majority on these occasions. My work, blessed be GOD, is my delight, and I daily feel myself bound to do something more for him, who hath blessed me all my life with signal mercies. When I look back upon the wretchedness and wrath from which he has delivered me, and consider the danger of those who are sitting in the region and shadow of death, wandering over desert wastes, "And neither food nor feeder have, Nor fold, nor place of refuge near,” I feel carried out towards them with bowels of pity, and would fain spend and be spent for their salvation. BERMUDA.-Extract of a Letter from MR. DUNBAR, dated Hamilton, OUR Missionary Anniversary was appointed for the 27th of March, but the day was most unfavourable, and it was judged most proper to postpone the meeting for a fortnight. On that day we were unexpectedly favoured with the presence and help of three Missionaries, who put in here in distress on their way for New Brunswick. The REV. DUNCAN DUNBAR, and the REV. JOSIAH WEST, Baptist Ministers; and the REV. JOHN GRAY, a Presbyterian Minister. They landed here on Monday the 2d of April, and attended the Missionary Prayer-meeting in MR. CRASSE's Meeting-house. I was also present. They all attended, and took an active part at our Missionary meeting. MR. DUNBAR preached to us two excellent sermons from Gen. xlix. 10; the It is with much pleasure that I can say, the work of God is still going on well among us here, more particularly at Hamilton. We have not only an increase in the Society, but many true and saving conversions, and that amongst the Whites especially. I meet the White Children once a week, and we have a Sunday-School for the Coloured Children, in which are upwards of fifty. |