to be capable of any appointment. "This hath GOD wrought." I trust to be able to prepare the way, at least, until that help may arrive from home, which has been earnestly requested for these stations. March 3. The heat of the atmosphere is very oppressive: it is quite an effort to get through the day,and do any thing to profit. I am exceedingly glad, while obliged to remain here, superintending the printing of my translation of the Psalms for the Bible Society, to hear encouraging accounts from my young colleague MR.SUTHERLAND. He says, "I am daily labouring hard at the native language, and endeavouring to get a few sermons forward. Translating now begins to grow quite familiar to me; I delight in the language, and can recur to it with pleasure when I am tired of almost every other employment." His aptitude for the acquisition of languages, I regard as an additional evidence that our dear young friend is truly called of God to the very important work of ministering to the heathen in this land. May he be faithful unto death! 6. I translated some hymns, and had a very pleasing note, relative to my translation of the Psalms, from the excellent Secretary of the Bible Society here; and also a most gratifying letter from my young colleague, accompanying a beautifully written Cingalese Sermon of his own translation, as a token of respect and affection. These pleasing little events served to support my mind under the fatigue of my work in the press, and a great degree of bodily weakness. 13. We had blessed news from the Interior. The people come together to hear the Word, and some begin to keep the Sabbath. 14. I heard a good account of one of our Schoolmasters lately deceased. The people, as usual,, pressed round him with heathen ceremonies, which, however, he absolutely refused, admonishing them to turn to the "only true and living GoD," and declaring, "he would not desert the religion of CHRIST, in which he had but lately been instructed, and had learned better things." He is the second teacher we have lost in the same school, of whom we have good hope. 20. I corrected the last sheet of the Psalms, and rejoice exceedingly to see this work brought to a close. Now I can go more unfettered into the Interior. This translation will, I trust, speak when I am dead; for as it will be read in the Portuguese churches, where the people resort, many will hear who cannot read the precious words of eternal life. The Word of GoD will not return unto him void, but will certainly accomplish the thing unto which he sends it. 24. I hear of the death of two officers, and the sickness of a third nearly unto death, with whom I dined at Kornegalle, about three months since, all then in far better health than myself. What a lesson on the uncertainty and brevity of life. 25. I cannot refuse extracting a few sentences from a letter I have just received from my indefatigable young colleague. He says, "In the evening I preached to a large congregation assembled in a bungaloe in the village of Amandaloo. I had the unspeakable honour and delight of making known the riches of a SAVIOUR's love to many who had never before heard his Name. An old man, upwards of eighty, told me that he had never heard a sermon before, and that he would now begin to pray to Goo morning and evening. I do not recollect having felt so happy in my life as while engaged in this blessed work." SOUTH AFRICA. We continue our Extracts from the Journal of Mr. Kay's journey from the Cape to the country of the Botschuanas. THE world being the Missionary's parish, his heart embraces East and West, North and South; and whereever there is an immortal soul, thou sands of miles are as nothing to tra vel,-numberless dangers as nothing to face,-multiplied privations as nothing to endure, if by any meas he may be instrumental in bringing that soul to a knowledge of its GoD, "whom to know is life eternal." We have now been in the wilderness more than three months, with no other house than a waggon,-sometimes without bread, the harvest through the whole country having failed,frequently without water, the season having been so extremely dry; nevertheless, the miserable and wretched state of the heathen makes me often forget my own necessities, in gratitude to GOD who cast my lot and gave me birth in a christian country, and not in a heathen land. The more I see of this benighted continent, the more I am stimulated to exert all my powers for its salvation. April 5. After experiencing much kindness and christian hospitality from the REV. A. FAURE, minister of the Dutch church at Graaf Reynet, we proceeded about two days journey to Zuur Place. Here we waited, till joined by a caravan, consisting of nineteen waggons, and betwixt two and three hundred people. These principally consisted of Griquas and Botchuanas, who had recently come down the country in order to trade with the colony at the annual fair, or general market, which is appointed by Government to be held once a year upon the frontiers of the colony, for their. accommodation. As they were about to return, we availed ourselves of their company, that we might sow among them some seed of truth, and because we were unacquainted with the country, and travelling is not safe except in large parties, on account of the beasts of prey. Sunday 8. I felt much blessed while addressing my wilderness congregation from the 53d chapter of Isaiah. I took occasion from thence to explain to them, with as much plain.. ness as possible, our fallen state, the unparalleled love of CHRIST,and our backwardness to believe the blessed report. I preached to them again in the evening, through the medium of an interpreter, as before. They kindled a large fire, around which they assembled, sitting upon the grass, singing the praises of God, and listening to his word with considerable attention. What could cheer VOL. XLIV. DECEMBER, 1821. the mind, amidst the gloom of a desert, more than the view of such a group employed in such an exercise! Wednesday, 11. Last night we had a very strong frost, so that it was piercingly cold indeed. The clamour of different languages daily strikes our ears, the people being of six or seven different tribes. Thus I am surrounded with immortal souls, and my Mission is already begun. O that I may be faithful to the great charge! I felt delightful access to the throne of grace this evening, and my strength was abundantly renewed. Thursday, 12. About one, P.M., we decamped, put our oxen to the yoke, and began to proceed. We had not travelled far, before the rain began to descend in torrents, and beat through the canvas roofs of our four-wheeled cottages. About six o'clock, the thunder, which had rumbled at a distance for about three hours, came very near, making a dreadful roar indeed. seemed to be in convulsions for the space of two hours. The peals of thunder were the loudest I ever heard, and the flashes of lightning succeeded each other quick as thought, and kept the horizon in a continued blaze! But, blessed be GoD, faith hears that gladdening voice,— All nature "When lightnings flash, and funders roll, We had commenced our journey without dinner, and the storm prevented us from making tea, and cooking supper, as we had no kitchen but the open field. However, we retired pretty early to rest, which our LORD rendered sweet and refreshing. The LORD JEHOVAH is our strength and our song, he also is becoine our Salvation. Sunday, 15. This morning I preached to the people. A Hottentot took up his hat, left the congregation, and walked off into the fields, upon my saying, "Drunkards shall not enter into the kingdom of GoD." I have since been informed that he was intoxicated a few days ago, and now he felt the reproots of conscience. How uniform is the language of God's vicegerent in every breast throughout the world! My *52* mind was very much strengthened this evening in perusing the valuable Memoirs of BRAINERD. Thursday, 19. As we journeyed this afternoon, being now come within the boundaries of the Bosjeman's country, we met with two females of that tribe seated by the side of a small ditch, washing ants, thousands of which they had collected, After washing, they made a hearty meal of them, and appeared to consider them a great delicacy. Obtaining information that a considerable number of these savages were at a little distance, I took horse, and rode off from the waggons in search of them. I had not rode far before I saw smoke. Descending a small declivity, I observed eight or ten of their huts, made of reeds, in a circular form. I found a number of most miserable and wretched creatures. The beads and faces of the females were covered with grease and dirt, streaked with red. Pieces of iron or lead were suspended from their hair; round their wrists were rings made of the skin of an ox, as also round their ancles. As an upper robe, they wore a piece of sheepskin, with the wool on. They had two or three tortoise-shells bung round their necks, which they use as spoons when eating On asking one of the men if he knew any thing about God, he pointed to the heavens, as if he had some idea of his dwelling there. As I rode back to the waggons, I met two or three returning from one of their predatory excursious, but with their poisoned arrows sheathed. O for the time when these savages shall not only be civilized, but christianized, and enabled to sing the praises of our LORD and SAVIOUR. Saturday, 28. By the good providence of God, we arrived safe on the romantic banks of the Great or Orange River in Lat. 29° 40', Long. 24° 50. We had been preparing our minds for a long detention at this place, as we expected from reports which were circulated on the borders of the colony, that this unbridged stream would be utterly impassable, this being about the time when its banks overflow. We arrived when the setting sun was shedding his parting rays upon the surface of the water; the sweep of the deep and rapid current rendered the scene peculiarly impressive and delighful to those who had been travelling near twelve weeks in a wilderness without trees, and in a desert without streams! Some of the people endeavoured to swim over, but unanimously concluded that the current was too strong to pass, and would bear the waggons away, with all they contained, if drawn in. We were likewise informed that seven bodies were found near this place a few days ago. We therefore sat down in expectation of remaining for several days, if not weeks, till the waters abated, the Sunday, 29. I collected the people together for divine service this morning, and we were comfortably screened from the scorching rays of the sun under the spreading boughs of a large Camel-Thorn, which stands close to the river. I endeavoured to lead their minds to that "river the streams whereof make glad the city of GOD." There being a kraal of Corannas situate on the opposite side, I gave my waggon-driver a trifle to swim across, and invite them to come over to us, and we would endeavour to tell them some "good news of glad tidings." A few came over, to whom preached the Word of Life. O that it may be like bread cast upon waters, which may be seen many days hence! Soon after we had concluded service, we beheld a number of the natives swimming across the river, and driving oxen before then, which were large, strong, and apparently accustomed to the water. When they landed, they drove them up to us, saying, "These oxen are for you." “Froin whence came they ?” “From our Captain, who heard that a Missionary was at the River, and he sent us with those bullocks to help you over, as they are used to swim "This onexpected and unasked assistance, in a land like this, and from people like these, was indeed singular, and constrained us to acknowledge with de vout thankfulness the provident hand of JEHOVAH. Monday, 30. The messengers bay ing remained with us during the night, we considered it our duty to throw aside all timidity, and make the attempt to cross, trusting in hian who bath said, "When thou goest through the waters, they shall not overflow thee." About 11, A. M., we launched forth into the stream with one or two more waggons, while several of the natives on horseback rode on the leeside, to prevent the poor oxen from being driven down by the current. Amidst the shoutings of our conductors, and after many fearful plunges, we got through without any material accident, though not without considerable hazard. occasion. We talked of CHRIST, and the conversion of the heathen. At 10, A.M., we set off for Griqua Town, where we arrived all well, after having travelled betwixt nine and ten hours, during the principal part of which time the sun shone with a most oppressive and sickening influence. Saturday, 5. I experienced much indisposition yesterday and to-day; but by the blessing of GOD, I am a little better. Preached this evening from Luke viii. 11—15, on the parable of the seed; as it is now the ploughing season at this place, the subject I selected as being appropriate. A goodly number of the heathen attended. I endeavoured to address them with all plainness of speech. Monday 7. I felt my mind much strengthened from the consideration that this is the day when our friends at home meet for the purpose of pleading our glorious cause,-the cause of Missions. In meeting those at the throne of grace, who are earnestly praying for the prosperity of Zion, I felt much comforted; never theless I could not help winging my flight for a few moments to those distant places where multitudes are doubtless assembled to join in this heavenly exercise. But how would it have enhanced their interests, could those assemblies have heard the poor heathen at this place, in their Missionary Prayer-Meeting this even Thanks be to GOD, we now have Missionaries on the eastern, as well as on the western side of this vast and populous continent. May 1 We yoked our oxen last night and travelled nearly three hours, commencing at sun-set. As there was no moon, we deemed it prudent to take up our lodgings for the night at the first convenient place we cane to. Seeing a large fire before us, we made up to it, and there had the inexpressible pleasure of meeting Mr. MOFFAT, a Missionary of the London Society, from Griqua Town. Having heard of our coming, he had yoked his oxen, and set off to meet us, bringing with him bread, milk, and fruit, which MRS. MOFFAT had kindly prepared for our use till we arrived at the house. O the pleasure of being. praising God for sending the holding an European countenance in this distant land! It is utterly inconceivable by us while at home. The night being cold and frosty, we kept up our fire, and conversed till the morning was far advanced, and you will judge what formed the pleasing topics of our conversation on such an gospel to them, and praying in their broken and simple strain, that all the world might hear the "joyful sound,” We are about to proceed to-morrow, if all is well, to the city of Lattakoo, which is six days' journey hence, in company with MR. and MRS. MOFFAT. Population now increases every mile. WEST INDIES. ANTIGUA. We have lately received from our excellent friend MRS. GILBERT, of English Harbour, in this island, the following account of the Conversion of a Mahomedan Negro, which we doubt not will be read with interest, both as it shows the deep prejudices against the religion of CHRIST implanted in the heart by Mahomedan delusion, and displays the power of the grace of CHRIST in effectually subduing them. A man belonging to the King, who is a blessed instance of the power of is Office-Messenger to MR. GILBERT, grace. He is a native of Senegal, and was a bigotted Mahomedan. In his capacity of Office-Messenger, I often saw him, and took an opportunity of inquiring whether he felt concerned for his salvation. To my sorrow I found him, as it were, bound by a triple chain to the service of MAHOMET, and well instructed in the Koran. He can read and write Arabic. I gave him a Spelling-Book, and put him in the way of learning to read English; but this he was careless about, lest he should be ensnared into the Christian Religion. One day I devoted some time to conversing with him, and as he attended the chapel, more out of compliment to us than any thing else, I asked him, "Now that you hear the Gospel preached, what is there in the religion of MAHOMET, which you consider superior to the religion of JESUS CHRIST?" He said, that "the first island he went to, after he was taken from his own country, was Barbadoes; and that he was told that the people were Christians, but that he never saw so much wickedness in his whole life. They said they worshipped GOD; but they worshipped nothing and nobody, and he concluded that his religion was the best. He afterwards went to one of the French Colonies, and there certainly was more appearance of religion; but then they cursed and swore, and got drunk, and he concluded that his religion was the best; as in his own family (at least) he saw no drunkenness, neither heard cursing or swearing. After this he was brought to English Harbour, and there he saw a few who appeared to worship God, but some of them were not good people." I asked him if, in his own country, there were not good and bad Mahomedans. He said, "O yes, he had a brother that was a grief to his father, who was a good man." He said, "The Christian Religion was very good, and he was pleased to hear so much about MOOSES (MOSES) and ABRAHUM, (ABRAHAM;) but there were some things in his religion so good and so sweet, that he could not bear the idea of giving them up." I hegged him to tell me what they He said, that "his religion taught him, that as soon as he died, MOSES would conduct him across a were. 66 river, which would wash away all his sins, and cleanse him from all pollution; that heaven was on the opposite side of the river, and when they had reached the opposite side, MoosES would present him to JABRIULE, (GABRIEL,) and JABRIULE would place him in ABRAHUM's bosom; and then be should never more know pain, or sorrow, or death." I took the Bible in my hand, and said, "This is my Koran, and I find that death is sometimes compared to passing a river; but the Bible never teaches us that any river, however pure, or any conductor, however holy, can take away our sins." 1 then read to him the 1st Epistle of John, i. 7, and some other passages pointing to the Atonement, and said, that, with respect to the blessedness held out to him in Mahomedanism, the religion of JESUS promised that, and much more. I then read Revelation xxi. 4, vii. 17, and said, that many of the promises in his religion had been borrowed from the Christian's book. He seemed amazed, but still contended for the superiority of his religion. He said, "Christians did not feel for the poor so much as Mahomedans did; that once a week all those that had cattle and sheep sent a certain quantity to a place ap pointed, where the beasts were killed and distributed to the poor, and the poor were collected together by the sounding of trumpets." I told him that the religion of JESUS was remarkable for inculcating the greatest kindness and attention to the poor, and read several passages of Scrip ture with respect to the manner of showing mercy to the poor, which his religion and mine differed widely. I said our GoD was the Searcher of hearts, and those who worship him and obey his commands, did it to please him, and not to make a vain shew before men; that the people in English Harbour who cared for the poor, did not sound trumpets, but that the work was done, and GOD knew it, though he did not. He made no reply. then offered him an Arabic Bible, f he would read it. He rather declined it. However, as Lieutenant LUGGER, of the Royal Artillery, was so kind a 1 |