POETRY. THE MEASURE.* "He comprehended the dust of the earth in a measure.” (Isai. xl.) GOD, the Creator, with a pulseless hand So saith his holy book. Shall we, then, who have issued from the dust, O, Holder of the balance, laughest thou? Still moisten'd with our tears! And teach us, O our Father, while we weep, With the dry dust of death! From "The Seraphim, and other Poems;" by Elizabeth B. Barrett. I believe that the word occurs in no other part of the Hebrew Scriptures.-E. B. B. MISSIONARY NOTICES, RELATING PRINCIPALLY TO THE FOREIGN MISSIONS CARRIED ON UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE METHODIST CONFERENCE. MISSIONS IN NEW-ZEALAND. THE peculiar circumstances of New-Zealand, arising from the collision between some portions of the natives and the British authorities, awaken deep anxiety in behalf of the prosperous and promising Missions, whose progress has been watched by the Committee, with the deepest solicitude, for upwards of twenty years. It is a satisfaction to reflect, that these Missions were strengthened by a good supply of zealous and able labourers, before the occurrence of the circumstances which we now lament. They will be remembered in earnest prayer by all who desire the establishment of the reign of the "Prince of Peace." The following letters contain the most recent intelligence from Mr. Lawry. NEW-ZEALAND.-Extract of a Letter from the Rev. Walter Lawry, I WRITE you the more frequently on account of the extraordinary circumstances into which this colony is brought by the total destruction of Kororarika, or Russell, by the natives. Very full accounts of this catastrophe were sent home direct by the ship "Matilda," which sailed on the 23d ult. Nothing very important has since transpired. H. M. S. "North Star" has just come in from the Bay of Islands, bringing up about eighty refugees, consisting of out-settlers and Mission families, but none belonging to us. Mr. Hobbs wrote to me on the 29th ult. from Hokianga, stating that all were quiet, but trembling, there. Tamate, the native Chief, had returned at the earnest request of the white people, that he and his men might be a sort of protection to them. He is come home somewhat ashamed of his people, who robbed at the Waimate those whom they went professedly to protect. Alas for those who have no better protection ! the natives are discussing; while the colonists are looking here and there for help, and full of apprehension of what may happen before the adequate succour can arrive from England. Mr. Hobbs says, in his letter of the 29th ult., "Our lives will very much depend on the measures which may be taken by the Governor, and his plans respecting the Bay of Islands. I think that if the Governor attempt to take Heke and Kawhiti without two or three thousand troops, he will be likely to find himself mistaken. The natives will not respect a small force; but if a large one come, it would prevent hundreds, if not thousands, from joining the rebels who are now undecided." We are endeavouring to comfort ourselves in the Lord, and to put our trust in him. Here all is bustle and warlike preparation, fortifying the infant town, training to arms, and many are going off to the neighbouring colonies: more would do so, had they the means, or were they at liberty. Almost all confidence is now lost in the professions of the northern natives. Indeed, very little is known of the effect which this entirely new class of circumstances may produce on the native mind generally. Our soldiers beaten and driven away; a whole town plundered, and much property falling into their hands; while the Government is perfectly powerless, and obliged to intrench itself for the present, without madly attempting to take the field against the rebels ;-these are new things in New-Zealand, which NEW-ZEALAND.-Extract of a Letter from the Same, dated Auckland, April 16th, 1845, I have named this to the Colonel Secretary, who will convey it to Government. He says that no movement will be made upon the rebels until we have the requisite means. The thrilling question is, Will the rebels (as they are called here) sit still? or, if we are invaded by them, can we defend ourselves? The answer to this may be read in many a pale face. I call my flock to imitate King Jehoshaphat, who said, under somewhat similar circumstances, "O our God, wilt thou not judge them? for we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do; but our eyes are upon thee." As almost all communication is cut off between this place and those tribes who have destroyed the town and settlements about Kororarika, very little is known of their proceedings, further than that they say they will do the same at Auckland as they have done at the Bay. Here all is preparation for defensive war. Of Thomas Walker and his war with Heke, nothing is yet known, further than that a few shots were fired, and two men killed; but that Thomas consented to be still for a time at the earnest request of the white people, especially the Missionaries. There now remains no doubt whatever that the Popish Priests have had their hand in this native movement. But they are not men to be easily convicted, and they feel that they are strongly backed by their 66 grand nation." They deny that they are Antichrist; but their deeds are worthy of the great apostasy. I am sure we shall have an interest in your prayers; and God is our Sun and Shield. The colonists are moving off to Sydney and elsewhere, as fast as ships are found to carry them. Out-settlers are not safe, as the natives (that is, the bad ones among them) come and plunder them with impunity, shooting their cattle, and riding away their horses. They root up their young fruit-trees, and set fire to their houses. These things they have done in the Bay of Islands; and it is said that the Popish natives are foremost in these atrocities. Up to this date, I have not heard that any of our people have disgraced themselves, or any of the Mission-stations been injured. How trying it is to the friends and supporters of Christian Missions, that as soon as they succeed in taming the savage by the spread of Christian truth, in comes colonization, and in comes Popery! How deep is this mystery of divine Providence, that the boar out of the wood should be permitted to root ap His newly-cultivated and flourishing vineyard! It is with difficulty that I have been able to dissuade persons from attempting to colonize the Feejeean and Tonga isles. They reason very much as Lot did: "And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered everywhere, even as the garden of the Lord, like the land of Egypt as thou comest out of Zoar." But Lot did not so well consider what kind of neighbours he should have. "But the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the Lord exceedingly." What a lesson to emigrants, who keep their eye on the grass of the plains, and forget the moral infec tion of Sodom, does the case and catastrophe of Lot afford! A rapid fortune was the golden expectation, while the loss of all was the result. Persons of whom I should have thought better and wiser things, continually apply to me for a passage in the Missionary vessel, that they may settle and be quiet in the distant isles of the Pacific Ocean. Of course, my answer in every case is the same: "The vessel is set apart for Mission purposes exclusively; and if it were otherwise, I should strongly advise you, both for your own sake, and for the sake of the natives, to lay aside all thought of settling among them until you can be sure of protection and a maintenance." MISSIONS IN GUINEA AND THE SLAVE-COAST. THE deep interest which has been felt for the Missions in Guinea will be fully sustained by the letters we now subjoin. The letter of Mr. Chapman corroborates the fact, that the operations of the Mission have made a favourable impression on many of the inhabitants of the kingdom of Ashanti, and of other parts of the interior of Guinea; and, at the same time, establish the necessity of an increased number of Missionaries, if the work is to be carried on vigorously, and without injury arising from frequent interruptions. Mr. Martin's letter, from Akralı, illustrates the absurd superstitions of the Heathen, and the happy progress of the influence of Christian truth. The circumstances of Mr. Annear at Badagry, amidst the contentions of warlike and unprincipled factions of men, who have been inured to all kinds of vice and iniquity, cannot fail to excite the liveliest sympathy on behalf of himself and his self-denying coadjutors. ASHANTI.-Extract of a Letter from the Rev. George Chapman, dated Kumasi, March 31st, 1845. IN consequence of a severe attack of sickness, I have been compelled to defer writing until the present time. My strength has been greatly reduced; but, through divine mercy, I have every reason to hope that I shall speedily be able again to enter upon the duties of my high and holy office. : My last communication was addressed from the coast, where I remained until the latter end of February, being, during the great part of the time, under the care of a medical gentleman. While there, I was able to preach but seldom my spirit was, however, greatly refreshed by witnessing the steady progress of the work of God, and the visible improvement of the societies since I left them to proceed into the interior. Great, indeed, is the change which is steadily and surely advancing; and certain are the signs in dicative of the triumphant reign of Jesus our Redeemer. In company with Messrs. Brooking and Martin, I visited Akrah for the purpose of holding a public Missionary Meeting there, being the first which had been held at that place. The service was an interesting one: a divine influence rested upon the assembly, and many felt it good to be there. The collection on the occasion was liberal, exceeding in amount £30 sterling. On my return from Akrah I suffered much from a violent seizure, the consequence of which was a hinderance of some considerable time in my return to Kumasi. So many severe attacks of sickness had reduced my strength, and utterly unfitted me for the journey: I could not, however, remain on the coast while the thousands of Ashantis were perishing for lack of knowledge, and without an individual to point them to the Lamb of God: accordingly, on the 26th of February I left the coast, and commenced my arduous journey. A kind Providence smiled upon me; and, though detained a day or two on the path by illness, I reached my destination in eleven days, having borne the toils of the journey far better than I had reason to anticipate. At one of the large towns where I spent the night, I was forcibly reminded of our great want of labourers in this extensive part of the vineyard, and of the fact that God is preparing the people for himself. At the time to which I refer, I was then at a distance of at least eighty miles from the coast, and at a place where I believe a sermon has never yet been preached. The Chief of the town, a fine intelligent man of about forty, came to my lodgings in great distress, inquiring what he must do to be saved. He had on one or two occasions visited Annamabu, and had there heard of the Saviour; and, though several years had elapsed, he still remembered the subject of the Preacher's address, and pondered this in his heart. When I saw the man enter the place where I was, I concluded that, as usual, he came from motives of curiosity: but no, another and more important subject occupied his mind; he came, to use his own expression, not to "hear the news of the day, but that I, a Missionary, might teach him the will of God," and "instruct him as to what he must do in order to secure his favour and finally to gain eternal life." I told him of the love of God as displayed in the gift of his Son, and of the infinite willingness of that God to save all who in sincerity call upon him. He heard with an attention which told how deeply he felt on this all-important subject, and, from the remarks made by him, evidently understood. I left him early on the following day; and, though the bright beams of the sun had not yet dispersed the morning cloud, he was in attendance to return his thanks, and to give me his parting blessing. O, it is grievous that such persons should be left to grope their way unaided through the dense mazes of hea then gloom. Would that the pleadings of these who perish in darkness more effectually reached the ears of British Christians! I was received in Kumasi with much kindness by many: several of the Chiefs, together with the King, visited me to "bid me welcome." I was surprised, however, to find the town comparatively deserted, the greater part of the inhabitants being away. The cause of this, I found, is the great scarcity of provisions in and about Kumasi, and their consequent inability to obtain subsistence in the town. As yet, I have not been able fully to enter upon my work, but have commenced a course of pastoral visiting, which, I trust, will be attended with good. My plan is to visit the various Chiefs at their respective homes; and, as they are invariably attended by a considerable number of domestics, slaves, and others, to introduce scriptural conversation, and thus lead their minds to a consideration of divine things. The people are generally attentive hearers in these conversations; and I am not without hope that the seed thus sown will ultimately spring up and bear fruit. Our infant cause is suffering greatly for want of a suitable place in which to meet for public worship. The temporary chapel erected at the time of Mr. Freeman's last visit, has been destroyed by one of those furious tornadoes which sometimes spread desolation around; and as I did not at the time feel myself at liberty to incur further expense by erecting another temporary building, we are under the necessity of meeting for worship, either in the open air, or in one of the rooms of the Mission-house. This is not only far too small, but the people do not attend in a private dwelling with that freedom with which they attend a house known to be erected for themselves alone. I trust something will be done speedily. This is a hinderance which should not be suffered to exist. You will kindly pardon the brevity of this communication, my health having prevented me from visiting the people, or taking other means to obtain informa tion, since my return to Kumasi. BRITISH AKRAH.-Extract of a Letter from the Rev. John Martin, dated Akrah, July 7th, 1845, SINCE I last wrote, on March 10th, we have been favoured in this place with many tokens of the divine presence and blessing. God has poured out his Spirit upon us, and the members have been encouraged to lay hold on Christ as their Saviour. Frequently has the cry, "Lord, have mercy on me!" gone up before God, joined with the song of thanksgiving for pardoning love. A holy concern is wrought in the minds of many of our people for the salvation of their countrymen: they are often found in the streets, exhorting them to cast away their idols, and turn to God. A short time since, we were visited by a celebrated wonder-working Fetishman, who succeeded for a time in drawing after him almost all the Heathens in the town. I had no fear for any of our members, not even for a school-boy; but my heart was stirred within me, to see this fellow practising his tricks with the avowed purpose of keeping men from the knowledge of the Most High. I went among the crowd, told them I was the Missionary of the great God, and denounced the Fetishman as a deceiver, and his miracles as juggling tricks, challenging him to work one publicly before us all. He manifested an extreme indisposition to have any dealings with me; said he was weary, hungry, there were too many people present, &c. I appealed to the multitude, whether these excuses were not proofs of his consciousness that he was a cheat. Many loudly ridiculed him. At length, overcome by the entreaties of his friends, and the sneers of others, he brought forth his instruments, a horse's tail and a rude hand-bell. I desired to examine him before he commenced; to which he objected. Having shaken his horse-tail and rung his bell in order to call Fetish, he turned his back on the people, acted like a man drawing in the end of a rope; then turning himself about, he produced a lump of chalk, which he pretended Fetish had sent from above. How ridiculous! Yet so besotted are these people, that many regarded it as a signal triumph of their religion. I tried to point out the cheat; but so great was the confusion, some crying one thing, some another, that I could not make my voice heard. The next Sabbath afternoon, after the service in the chapel, I took my stand near the Fetishman's residence, and addressed the people from 2 Peter i. 16, when I contrasted the miracles of Christ with those of this man. The people were led to examine his doings for themselves the consequence is, he has left the town in disgrace; many of his warmest partisans are ashamed, and God our Saviour has, in this respect, triumphed over the idols of the Heathen. Jesus, ride on prosperously! "Gird thy sword upon thy thigh, and bow the whole world to thy sway." THE SLAVE-COAST. IMMINENT PERILS OF THE MISSIONARY DURING WARS. BADAGRY.-Extract of a Letter from the Rev. Samuel Annear, dated Badagry, June 1st, 1845. THE "Medora," which arrived here yesterday, is just about to sail for England; and never did it afford me greater pleasure and relief to write to you than at the present critical and trying time. I beg that you will pardon my sending such copious extracts from my journal as I herewith forward. My sole object is to make you, as far as I am able, fully acquainted with the civil and religious state of this place and people. Our situation, you will perceive, has been of the most critical and painful character; and I have often been necessitated to do things which, under almost any other conceivable circumstances, I should not have felt myself justified in doing. No one who has not for some time dwelt here can possibly form an idea of the real state of affairs. I have endeavoured to detail them as they are, in my different communications to you; but you will be happy to see that in the midst of all the convulsions which surround us, our cause still exists, and to some extent prospers. God still resides among his own. Our school is a very promising branch of our work; and if the threatening cloud which, it is feared, is gathering over us should not break,—if war should not again invade our town and country, and scatter our little flock,-we hope speedy and permanent good will result therefrom. Since my last entry in my journal, all our Chiefs (save Wawu) have proceeded to Lagos, where they are sitting in council, with the respective Chiefs of Porto-Novo, Addo, and Lagos. What their object is, is concealed from the English. There are two messengers, also, from Abokuta, closely watching all their movements; and if the conclusion of their consultations is not favourable to the continuance of the English in the land, he reports that the Akus intend clearing the country of all hostile parties from Porto-Novo to Lagos. They are for this purpose hold |