[From the London Missionary Register, for July.] Sir George R. Collier's Testimony to the rapid improvement of the Colony of Liberated Negroes. From a "Second Annual Report upon the Settlements on the Coast of Africa." by Commodore Sir George R. Collier, recently laid before Parliament, we extract with great pleasure, the following testimony : "The Colony of Sierra Leone has been so differently represented, so much has been urged against its rising prosperity, and proposals said to have been made for its abandonment, that I consider myself, as an impartial person, the one, from whom opinion and remarks may be expected; and when I declare, that I shall not swerve in any degree from the plain and simple matter of fact, I trust I shall have full credit with their Lordships, for I can have no local interest to bias me in any way. The continued and increasing improvements of Freetown attracted my particular notice; and, added to my respect for the Governor, whose perseverance and indefatigable exertions, though almost unaided and unassisted in the great and laborious duties which he has to perform,had effected more than I had thought possible. For it is not merely to the improvements of Freetown, nor to the com. forts of the residents, that Governor Mac Carthy's mind is given; but likewise to the general increase of the Colony, by attending to the population from one extremity of this peninsula to the other, by protecting the untutored and ignorant African, and by giving the most patient consideration to his most minute grievances and wants. "In my former Report, I observed, that in public improvements, the persons under surveillance of the Law, might, 1 thought, be employed. I was glad to see these people engaged in clearing the ground in the immediate neighbourhood of Freetown, and in removing the grass and indigo from the streets of the town; a measure which if persevered in with care and attention, cannot fail to be highly beneficial to the general health of the community; for after a heavy fall of rain, and the sun striking on the ground with its vertical power, the vapours from the vegetable matter overrunning the streets "I cannot better mark the rapid vegetation of Sierra Leone, than by noticing the following circumstance. When at Sierra Leone in January 1819, in an unoccupied lot of ground in Freetown, where two or three small trees had just sprung up, (seedlings of the last year,) I was induced, from curiosity, to measure and mark them in a particular way. On my return this year, I observed the trees thus marked still standing; but their extraor dinary increase made me doubt my own correctness my initials on the bark, however, removed all doubt: they had grown up large trees, and were at least four times their former diameter. "Stone and brick buildings are now succeeding the wooden houses and crazy huts, of which in former days, Freetown was composed: and the improvement by bridges of stone, over the rough and craggy water courses which the torrents have formed, is very considerable. "A Reservoir is now forming for affording a more ready supply of water to men of war and shipping, without interrupting the demand for the town. This, as in my former Report I observed, was much wanted still, an additional conductor to this supply from the town must be prepared, if Freetown continues to increase as rapidly as it has done since I have had opportunities of making any observations upon it. : "The Defensive Works have been put into an excellent state and some of the houses for the accommodation of the various servants of the Colony are nearly completed; and not only with a marked attention to neatness, but to the personal comforts of individuals destined to occupy them. "The Church, though a work of great labor, is going on with spirit and perseverance; but some time must elapse ere it can be opened. The Barracks of the officers have been much improved; and a Commissariat-Store is constructing, which will shortly be finished. "The manner in which the Public Schools are here conducted reflects the greatest credit on those concerned in their prosperity; and the improvement made by the scholars proves the aptitude of the African, if moderate pains be taken to instruct him. "I have attended Places of Public Worship in every Quarter of the Globe, and I do most conscientiously declare, never did I witness the ceremonies of Religion more piously performed or more devoutly attended to, than in Sierra Leone." SOUTH SEAS. Extract from the First Report (a printed Circular) of the Mission at Huaheine, December, 1819. We rejoice to state, that the zeal of the members of the Huaheine Auxiliary Society has not abated; as a proof of which many have already paid in their subscriptions, although not due till next May. No doubt many among them subscribe from the influence of example, or a desire to gain the good opinion of their superiors; but with some, it is certainly otherwise; their missionary spirit springs from their attachment to the Word of God, and will, we trust, on that account continue, so long as they feel a love to the Savjour, or appreciate the blessings of his salvation. At Fare, the district where we reside, the preaching of the word has been regular ever since our arrival ; for several months past we have had the pleasure of seeing our congregation considerably increased. Two of our number have itinerated every Sabbath (with few exceptions) to Maeva, Parea and Mahapu, three of the most populous districts in the Island. A congregation of three or four hundred usually assemble at each of these places. The number in the school at Fare is about five hundred, and one hundred in the Sabbath School; at Maeva three hundred adults and sixty children; at Mahapu two hundred fifty adults and fifty children. Their im provement in spelling, reading and knowledge of the catechism, have been encouraging. Considerable attention has also been paid to wring and arithmetic. At each of the above-mentioned places there is a Sabbath School, which we think calculated to produce much good among the children. We have been enabled to put another portion of the Word of God into the hands of the people; viz. an edition of two thousand copies of the Gospel, which we finished printing in October last; they were sought with avidity, and received with gratitude by all. The editions of elementary books have likewise been of essential service in the schools and remote districts. Several Tracts are ready for the press. We have baptized fifteen natives, who had been under preparatory instruction, and who were considered as proper subjects. Among them were of the Island. There are also several Mahine and Haut, the principal chiefs candidates now under instruction, whom we intend soon to baptize. We have observed with pleasure the improvement in the outward coodition of the people, and their progress in civilization. Several of them have finished very neat plastered dwelling houses, with doors and windows, and are boarding their bed-rooms; many others, on the same plan, are now building. They have also erected a very strong and capacious place of worship, ninety feet by sixty. It is plastered within and without, and the natives are sawing boards for the floor. Considerable progress has also beec made in cultivation, many acres around us are enclosed, and stocked with food of various kinds. Useful tools, pitsaws, &c. together with paper and writing utensils, are in great request among them. The females especially are much improved in their habits and appearance. When they procure a few yards of foreign cloth, it is not, as formerly, carelessly bound round their loins, but made up into a gown; which gives them a much more decent appearance. Our sisters, have, by every means in their power, contributed to their improvement; and continually, at their respective houses, instruct in needle-work as many as they can get to attend: several of whom have made very considerable proficiency. London Missionary Society. Departure of a Deputation and Missioneries to the South Seas. The directors have, for some time, had to the South Seas, who might assist, under it in contemplation to send a deputation a full knowledge of their views and wishthose Islands. es, in settling the new order of things in The Rev. Daniel Tyerman, of the Isle of Wight, and Geo. Bennett, Esq. of Sheffield, have undertaken this charge. They were dismissed to their labour, together with a missionary and several artisans, at a meeting in Spafield's chapel, on Thursday the 19th of April: and embarked at Gravesend on Saturday the 5th of May, on board the Tuscan Whaler; 18th, when they sailed with a fair wind. but were detained in the Downs till the The missionary, Mr. Jones, is appointed to Otaheite. The artisans are, Mr. Aruti tage, of Manchester, cotton manufacturer, and Mr. Blossom, of London, carpenter; they are both married, and Mr. Armitage has two children: their object is to promote industry among the natives. Verses, by M. Montgomery, addressed to G. Bennett, on his visit to the South Seas. Go, take the wings of morn, And fly beyond the utmost sea : Forsake thy father-land, Kindred, and friends, and pleasant home, Launch boldly on the surge; Thy path through flood and tempest urge Like Noah in the Ark: Then tread, like him, a new world's shore, Leave our Jerusalem, Go, where no Sabbath broke on them The Gospel-dawn awoke in smiles: Amidst that dawn, from far, Be thine expected presence shown, Tell them, His hovering rays The Sun of Righteousness, who brings Nor thou disdain to teach, To savage hordes, celestial truth; To infant tongues thy mother's speech; Ennobling arts to youth; Till warriors fling their arms aside, O'er bloodless fields the plough to guide. Train them, by patient toil, To rule the waves, subdue the ground, Thus, then, in peace depart; That will not let thee go: Though the wide world between Though day and night, with thee, be chang'd, Seasons revers'd, and clime estrang'd— Yet, one in soul; and one In faith, and hope, and purpose yet; Those from whose eyes his orb retires, When tropic gloom returns, Mark what new stars their vigils keep : How glares the Wolf, the Phoenix burns; And, on a stormless deep, The Ship of heaven--the patriarch's Dove; The emblem of redeeming love :* While these enchant thine eye, Those hours, those walks, are past! J.M. *The Constellation called Crux, or the Crosiers. Contemplated Reinforcement of the Mission to the Sandwich Islands. Beside the ordinary expenditures of the Board, during the year from Sept. 1, 1821, to Aug. 31, 1822, it seems peculiarly desirable that a second mission should be fitted out for the Sandwich Islands. Should this be done, on a proper scale, it must cost a large sum of money. But the Committee are persuaded, that the Christian public, (on whose liberality they continually depend for the means of defraying all the ordinary expenses,) will not permit so interesting a design to be hindered for the want of funds. It has therefore been resolved, that, with the favor of Providence, a large reinforcement shall be sent to the mission at the Sandwich Islands, in the course of next summer, or fall. The family will probably consist of two ordained misionaries, two physicians, a farmer, two carpenters, (who can also work at ship-building,) a cabinet-maker, a blacksmith, and two or three schoolmasters; most of them in the married state. Several youths, natives of those islands, now at the Foreign Mission School, will return, at the same time to their countrymen. The whole number of persons, to be embarked in this enterprize, will probably not be less than thirty. To obtain suitable means of conveyance for so many ;to provide for their comfort on their passage, and after their arrival, and to furnish them the means of usefulness among the natives,-will require considerable expenditures; and additional supplies will be necessary for the Missionaries now at the Islands. It has been a subject of deep regret with the Committee, that they were not able to send at least two or three assistants to this mission, in the course of the past season. But it was impracticable, as no suitable passage could be obtained. Should the same difficulty remain, the object is of sufficient importance to warrant the chartering of a vessel, for the sole purpose of carrying the missionaries; and it is apprehended that this can be done, if necessary, without greatly increasing the expense. The Committee would prefer, however, that the family should go as passengers, in some ship about to visit the Pacific. The friends of missions will perceive, that there is need of continued exertions. The spirit of genuine benevolence needs to be kept in full activity, and the work of enlightening the dark nations to be prosecuted with increasing vigor.-Mis. Herald. RELIGION AMONG SLAVES. From the London Methodist Magazine. ANTIGUA-Extracts from Mr. Hyde's Journal, dated Parham, May 7, 1821. Feb. 15, 1821. I have been preaching at Betty's Hope, an estate belonging to Sir C. Codrington. The people were deeply attentive. The manager behaved with great politeness when I called upon him, wishing me great encouragement, and good success. He told me that Mr. Baxter used to preach on the estate, and several of the first Missionaries; and added, "Most of the slaves on this estate are in your Society, I believe; and I am happy to say they are very exemplary. “A very great change," he observed, "has taken place in their conduct since they began to think for themselves, and to act from religious principle. We scarcely ever use the whip now," said he, "not once a quarter. It is not needful!" This is cause for gratitude, and encouragement to labour in this good work. March 9. Went this evening on Cas major's estate; and as I had not been there before, I went first to see the manager, who received me with great kindness, and bore an excellent testimony to the effects of religion amongst his people, the greater part of whom are members of our Society. He observed, "The sound of the whip is rarely heard on the estate, and we have very few offences. Of course they get a little out of the way at times, but I do not think there is a better gang of negroes in the country." Then you think, said I, crimes have considerably decreased among them? "I am sure of it," he replied, "We need only look at the old journals on the estate, and compare them with the present ones, which I and my lady were doing not long ago, when we discovered amongst other things, that the number of six a week, but now such a thing rarely run-a-ways generally amounted to five or occurs. In fact, we have had but one instance since I have been on the estate, which is about five years, and that was a foolish little girl who did not know what she was doing." I, of course was much pleased, and went with additional spirit to visit the sick, and preach to the people on the nature, necessity, importance, and blessedness of regeneration. I then gave tickets, and settled two disputes; one between an adult negro and his aunt. He, it appears, from some offence, had lately passed by her without speaking, but “his heart tell him dat no right before God;" and with tears running down his cheeks, he confessed his unhappiness, and wished to be made friends. I called for his aunt,talked to both,-they shook hands, and departed perfectly at peace. The other case was a negro young man, who had quarrelled with the young woman he had engaged to marry, and was now resolved, leave her. I told him he must not; and although the banns had been published, to gave him and her suitable advice. He, however, seemed determined not to comply with what I had stated to be right. At last I said, "Well then, you must now take your own way." At this he started; and in a moment replied, "No, Mama, no! me no take my own way. My way no good: me take yours." April 1. Preached at Parham. Fitteen persons were afterwards admitted on trial. Two unbaptised were of the num ber. One of them was brought away when he was but a child; the other had reached manhood. I asked the latter during his examination, if ever he heard any thing of Mahomet in his own country? to which he answered, "Yes, Massa." Did you ever pray to him?"Yes." I asked him why he now prayed to Jesus instead of Mahomet? Why he loved him more, and why he wished now to serve Jesus, and to come amongst God's people? He replied, "Why Massa, because me believe that Jesus be God !" April 2. On my way home this evening, from St. John's, a gentleman related to me the following instance of God's care for his people, and of the disposals of his sovereign will for their good, when every trace of his operations appears lost: A female domestic slave, in a very respectable situation, some years ago, was awakened under the ministry of a Methodist Missionary. She fell into deep distress,-tore off her necklaces, rings and other gaudy decorations, and with all her soul forsook her sins, calling for mercy in the name of the Lord Jesus. She sought God with all her heart; and ever faithful to his promise, he was found of her. Her manner of life was now altered, and, to the carnal mind gave offence; hatred, ridicule, and suffering became her portion. On one occasion she was charged with the crime of having a certain key in her pocket, (with which she had always been entrusted,) at the chapel when it was wanted, and was immediately put down and flogged for it. It was the first time the whip had been put upon her. It wounded her soul; she felt it keenly, and grieved over it; her daughter participating in her sorrow. They were now charged with a spirit of rebellion for daring to grieve, and the mother was doomed to the field. The gang, struck with astonishment at seeing her brought there, rested upon their hoes to gaze at her. This was immediately called a signal for rebellion; and a certain person rode off, full gallop, to town, to inform the proprietor, who immediately sent out an order for the two rebels, (the poor mother and daughter,) to be sent to town in heavy chains. The order was executed, and they were sent from the Island to Santa Cruz, and sold. The afflicted mother had not been there long, before she was falsely charged with some other offence; but God was with her. Her language appears to have been, "Though thou slay me, yet will I trust in thee." God's grace was sufficient for her; and in due time he appeared in her behalf. The charge was proved false. Her conduct secured the love of her new mistress; and at length the Lord disposed the heart of her mistress to make her and her daughter free. She has now returned in credit to the place from which she was exiled: Vol. 3.-No. XII. 83 she is happy in the love of God, and comfortable in her circumstances. The blessing of the Lord seems to rest upon the family. Blessed are the people whose God is the Lord. April 3. Gave tickets this afternoon to the invalids on a neighbouring estate. I was much struck with the expressions of gratitude for mercies received, and still enjoyed from God, which flowed in abundance from a poor leprous negro woman, who, whilst she lifted up her hands, with her eyes and heart towards heaven, exhibited little more than stumps, her fingers having been slowly eaten off by this shocking disorder. Preached in the evening at Sion-Hill to a full congregation, and married seventeen couples. Had the following little anecdote related to me on my way home :-The attorney of a large estate, one day asked a pious slave "what religion he followed?"" "The Methodists," was the answer. "I am sorry for that," said the attorney; "I had much rather you had been of some other." Sir," said the slave, "I have been taught much good by going amongst the Methodists." "Why, what have you been taught?" became the inquiry. "I have been taught, Sir," he replied, "to be sober,-to be honest,―to be industrious,-to love God and Man." "Well, well," said the Attorney, "go on, William, go on; you know the best." GREAT INDIAN COUNCIL. A general Council was held at the Seneca Reservation in September last, relating to the contention between the Christian and Pagan parties. The following is a brief outline of two of the speeches delivered on the occasion, given in a letter from Mr. Hyde, of Buffalo, to a gentleman in N. York letter in the Post-Office, 1 break the seal September 27.-As I have not lodged my to give you some account of the Council now sitting in the Indian Village near Buffalo. It is said, that there are nearly 400 Indians present. The subject of the Christian religion has been, and still is, debated with much warmth.I will sketch a faint outline of two speeches made yesterday and the day before, that you may see a little how they reason on both sides. The day before yesterday, Strong of Cattaraugus, made a speech of several hours, abounding with ingenuity and eloquence, and containing a narrative of many facts. Among other things he endeav oured to show, that the white men, from the time of their first settlement in this country, had been pursuing a course inim ical to the Indians, and tending to their ruin. He contended, that all the pretended plans for their benefit were only cov |