Relating principally to the FOREIGN MISSIONS carried on under the direction of the METHODIST CONFERENCE. WEST INDIAN MISSIONS. THE account of the late loss of our valuable and lamented Brethren in the West Indies, inserted in our Number for May, was necessarily brief and imperfect, both from the letters having been written immediately before the sailing of the packet, and from Mrs. Jones being then too little recovered to be able to give any particulars of the circumstances of this melancholy event. We have now received many particulars from Mr. Hyde, of Montserrat, who went over to Antigua after the news of the loss of the Mail-boat had reached him, and remained there until Mrs. Jones was sufficiently recovered to communicate the painful detail. The case is in some respects a much more affecting one than we had anticipated; a part of the Brethren were appointed to more lingering sufferings; but there is reason also to sing "of mercy," as well as " of judgment;"-and our friends will have the satisfaction to find, that those excellent men, whose loss is so deplored both at home and in the West Indies, exhibited in their dangers and sufferings, a calmness and resignation, and a zeal for the salvation of the seamen, their fellow-sufferers, worthy of their hopes as Christians, and of their character as Missionaries of Jesus Christ. Perhaps to give this testimony to the closing scene and final conduct of these servants of God, was among the reasons why, in the providence of God, Mrs. Jones was so singularly preserved. The impression produced in the Colonies where they were known has been very deep, and we doubt not but that the afflictive event will be overruled for the promotion of the spiritual benefit of the Societies. The following account is given by Mr. Hyde in the form of extracts from his Journal, in which form we think it best to preserve it, as it traces the circumstances in the order of their occurrence, and shows particularly that blessed and prepared frame of mind in which the Brethren were living, and the spirit in which they engaged in their ministerial duties during the time they were detained in Montserrat. The feeling with which the whole is entered in the Journal, we must also say, does much credit to the heart and character of Mr. Hyde. Extract of a Letter from Mr. Hyde, dated Montserrat, April 5th, 1826. By the last packet you received the distressing intelligence of the loss of our dear Brethren, White, Truscott, Hillier, Oke, and Jones, with Mrs. White, and three children, and Mrs. Truscott, and one child. Not knowing that any one had written to you, I endeavoured to send you a few lines, but so agitated and afflicted was 1 that I scarcely knew what I wrote. As soon, however, as I could become calm, I saw it to be my duty to hasten to Antigua. This duty, under the blessing of God, I performed without delay, and a most painful duty I will assure you it was. This circumstance, however, with that of the dear Brethren and Sisters having spent their last days with us, put me in possession of a variety of painfully interesting particulars connected with this most afflictive event, which no one else possesses. Knowing that you will wish to have all the information you can get, I send you, without loss of time, the following copious extracts from my Journal. Montserrat, February 23d. Thursday.-By the good providence of God, Missionary Notices. I and Mrs. Hyde again landed here, from the District-Meeting. We left St. Christopher's yesterday, about eleven o'clock in the forenoon, in company with the Brethren White, Hillier, Truscott, Jones, and Oke; Sisters White, Truscott, and Jones; Brother White's three children, and Brother Truscott's little son, with two servants. Upon the whole, we had as good a passage as we generally have in our District vessels; never desirable, and The sometimes scarcely tolerable. Brethren and their families landed, and rested with us about four hours. Brother Oke preached to a good congregation, from, "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all, Amen." 2 Cor. xiii. 14. It was a blessed season: one of our intelligent friends said, "that it was one of the best sermons he ever heard." A respectable coloured young woman was deeply affected under it, and is likely to be a seal to his ministry. We then affectionately took our leave of each other, and the Brethren sailed for Antigua. The District-Meeting was one of considerable importance, and of deep solemnity and profit. The Missionary Meetings were well attended, and the collections were good. The word preached was eagerly received by the people, and the large new chapel was often crowded. The Sacramental occasions were seasons of great refreshing, as were also the Band-Meetings. The death and funeral of our dear Brother Gilgrass much affected us, and served to solemnize a District-Meeting never to be forgotten. He had been upwards of twenty years in the work, and honourably, yea, blessedly died in it. He died surrounded by his weeping Brethren, and was the next day carried by eight of us to his grave. His life was one of devotedness to God, and his death was peace. Friday, 24th.-I was surprised and alarmed to day about eleven o'clock by a messenger running to my house, saying, "The schooner is coming back, Sir, the Missionary Schooner." I went off to her as soon as possible. The sea was very high, and it was long before I could get on board. I however hailed her, and received the very acceptable answer, "All is well." When I reached her the Brethren informed me, that there was heavy sea in the channel, -that they had had a bad night, with the wind right a-bead; and, that they were drifting down to Nevis, and saw no probability of reaching Antigua whilst the wind and sea continued as they were. Their wives and children had been very ill, and the Captain had given it as his opinion, that it would be more prudent to return than to proceed. I thanked God that they were safe, and gave them a welcome to every comfort that my house would afford. When on shore they all soon forgot their troubles. We united to thank God for mercifully preserving them, and to pray to Him that their stay among us might be blessed to the people. Throughout the day the weather continued increasingly unfavourable. In the evening Brother Hillier preached a very useful sermon to a good congregation, from " Fear not, little flock for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom:" Luke xii. 32. We all enjoyed it much, and it was quite a word in season. ; Saturday, 25th.-The weather is still boisterous: the night has been very we are all thankful stormy, and that the Brethren and Sisters were not exposed to it. This morning we had a solemn and delightful PrayerMeeting in the chapel. We went alse to see the Rector, and were kindly received. The day, however, has been one of anxiety to the Brethren; they are very wishful to reach their stations; but they see, as do all, that it would be imprudent for them now to attempt it, as the weather is worse. We are sorry for them and our dear people in Antigua; but it is a great privilege to our people here, and our hopes are great in reference to the coming Sabbath-day. Sunday, 26th.-Brother White in the forenoon preached to us a profitable sermon from 1 John v. 19: "And we know that we are of God." He afterwards, with Brother Hillier, administered to Brother Jones, Brother Oke, and myself, and to the Society, the sacrament of the Lord's Supper. It was a most We next attended solemn season. the school, and at three o'clock Brother Truscott preached to a large congregation in a very earnest manner. Brother Hillier preached at Little-Town. At night the chapel was crowded to hear Brother Jones, a man much beloved here. He gave us a most excellent sermon from 1 Sam. ii. 30: "Them that honour me I will honour." I know not when I have seen such marked attention under a sermon, and such hopeful indications of good being effected. Brother White, his Superintendent, observed to me afterwards, that it was the best sermon he had ever heard him preach. O thou most Holy Spirit, by whose inspiration the Holy Scriptures were written, accompany So it with thy demonstrative energy, for Jesus' skae, the word preached this day, and make it powerful to the salvation of all who have heard it. I omitted to state, that Brother Oke went a few miles into the country this evening, and preached on Symns's estate to a very large congregation. He appears to have been much blessed in the discharge of this duty to himself and to the people. His text was Psalm xxiii. Monday, 27th.-The wind and sea still continue unfavourable, and the Brethren are very uneasy at their long detention. Brother Oke at six o'clock this morning preached a solemn and useful sermon, from 1 Chron. xxix. 15: "For we are strangers before thee, and sojourners, as were all our fathers; our days on the earth are as a shadow, and there is none abiding." To illustrate his text he referred to the situation of his brethren and himself, "We are strangers," said he," and mere sojourners among you. We have been driven here by stress of weather; we shall soon be gone again, and perhaps you will see us no more for ever. is with the children of men generally. We are all strangers and sojourners in this world; we are hastening to an other; soon we shall leave all on earth, and be no more seen here for ever," &c. &c. About noon the Brethren met together in my study, to consult on what they should do. Our seafaring friends had given it as their most decided judgment that the Missionary schooner could not, in consequence of her various defects, beat up to Antigua for a number of days, if at all, so long as the wind and sea continued as they were. We sent for the Captain, and asked him candidly to tell us what he thought of his vessel. "Gentlemen," he replied, "it is an unpleasant thing for me to say any thing against my own vessel; but I do not think she will reach Antigua in less than four days, if this weather continue." To be four days longer from their charge quite alarmed them, and in the end they determined to go in the Maria, mail-boat, Captain Whitney, which left here this evening at sunset. She is a fine vessel, sails well, and it is to be hoped they will reach home to-morrow. The Mission-house was filled with people when it was known they were going. We sang the 536th hymn; the whole of it I felt to be very grateful to my feelings, but especially the words, "There we shall meet again, When all our toils are o'er, We next prayed with each other, and took an affectionate leave. May God in his abundant mercy give his angels charge over them. Wednesday, March 1st.-We have been much surprised to hear that the Brethren have not yet arrived in Antigua. What can be the cause of it we know not, only the weather has continued very unfavourable. What has heightened our astonishment is, that the schooner has arrived there; at this we are almost confounded, May the Lord graciously preserve them. Friday 3d. By another arrival from Antigua we have been much grieved to hear that the Mail-boat has not arrived or been heard of. The people are beginning to be very uneasy about her, but I cannot fear. The Lord bless them, and make them a blessing where. ever they are, aud kindly preserve and comfort the poor people in Antigua, who are suffering from their absence. Tuesday, 7th.-How to record the myterious, the overwhelming events of this day, I am at a loss to tell. My mind is almost distracted, and my heart broken. The Maria is lost! The Brethren White, Hillier, Truscott, Jones, and Oke, the Sisters White and Truscott, with their dear children, (four in number,) their two ser vants, the Captain, and all but two of the crew, are drowned! Sister Jones alone has escaped to tell us! Great God, what is thy design in this overwhelming affliction? It lays reason prostrate, and strikes even thy people dumb before thee. They were blessed men. They were engaged in thy work. Thou didst recently baptize them anew with the Holy Ghost, and they were hastening forward with renewed strength, to all human appearance, to be a greater blessing than ever to the churches; and yet at a stroke thou hast broken off their purposes, desolated our expectations, left upwards of 3000 people joined in church fellowship without a single spiritual pastor, and filled all our hearts with unutterable grief. O that we may have grace to be still, and know that thou art God;" God of love and mercy still! Early this morning a mail-boat appeared in sight. 1 hastened to the bay, and stood with deep anxiety waiting the return of a boat from her. At length it left her, but came slowly towards the shore. The people wondered at their tardiness, but, alas! the sad cause was soon developed. "Have the Mission. aries arrived?" was the eager inquiry. "No," was the distressing answer "the mail-boat is lost, and all on board have perished but one woman." I turned pale, trembled, and had nearly fainted, when it came to my recollection," Some one will hasten up to the Mission-house and inform Mrs. Hyde, and I fear the consequence in her situation." The thought of this set me in motion, and I reached home so much the picture of anguish, that my wife immediately saw what was the matter. We wept together; the whole house wept; people flocked in on every hand to mingle their tears with ours. One voice of lamentation spread itself throughout the house. They had spent their last days with us, preached their last sermons to us, poured out their last prayers for us, and by their holiness, zeal, usefulness, and friendship, endeared themselves unto us. Such distress, I believe, was never witnessed here before, and so much affection for the memory of strangers was never manifested. At night we had a Prayer Meeting in the chapel; but sighs and tears drowned the voice of prayer for a time, and the place was a perfect Bochim. Wednesday, 8th.-A day of deep distress. We think of nothing, we can talk of nothing, but our loss. "The ways of Zion do mourn; her priests sigh, her virgins are afflicted, and she is in bitterness: " ready almost to say with Jerusalem, "Behold and see if there be any sorrow like unto my sor'row, which is done unto me, wherewith the Lord hath afflicted me." O that her afflictions may truly humble her! Soon after I heard of the distressing event yesterday, I felt it to be my duty to go to Antigua. The bereaved condition of the Societies there, the dangerous situation of Sister Jones, if alive, (for that was doubtful,) the afflictive circumstances of Sister Hillier and her three fatherless children, all called on me, the nearest Missionary, and the one with whom the Brethren had spent their last days, to go over to afford help and comfort. By an arrival from St. Christopher's to-day, we learn that the body of Brother Truscott's son was picked up there and buried; that part of the wreck had also washed ashore on that island; and that the schooner which was to have taken the Missionaries from this island to Antigua, and had returned in safety, had been sent in search of the wreck, but was totally wrecked also on the back of Nevis ! Our distressed and affectionate people have hung the chapel in black at their own expense, and the Society and friends are going into mourning. Tonight I endeavoured to improve the subject to a large and distressed congregation. "They mourned with a great and very sore lamentation," and so did I. O that some who are now dead in trespasses and sins may hear the voice of the Son of God in this affliction and live! There is hope of this. Friday, 10th.-Antigua.-Yesterday morning early I took leave of my most affectionate people and family, and set out on one of the most afflictive errands I ever had. My heart was deeply stricken. The wind was against us, and the sea in the channel was very heavy. However, the captain declared it was the finest day he had seen at sea for six weeks. Every thing reminded me of my dear Brethren. I could not sleep at night; they were constantly before me in my imagination. As we approached the reefs on which they were wrecked, many melancholy reflections passed through my mind; but though I had pains I had no fears, and tears and prayers more than once greatly relieved me. I landed about seven o'clock this morning, many hours sooner than we expected when we left Montserrat. When I entered the house of the friend where I intended to remain, my feelings were so overpowered that I could say little or nothing. At length I was enabled to ask after Mrs. Jones. Thank God, I was informed that she was recovering. This relieved me much. Mrs. Hillier, I also found, endured her affliction in a very Christian-like manner. The Society were keeping the day as a day of fasting, humiliation, and prayer. About 11 o'clock I saw Mrs. Jones. It was a most painful duty. I was much affected, but restrained myself for her sake, and I asked no questions about the painful occasion of our meeting. I prayed with her and left her to the gracious care of God and the kind friends around her. I then went to the Prayer-meeting in the chapel, and was pleased with the spirit of the people, and with a few remarks made by Mr. Garling, who, with Mr. Barnes, has conducted the services in the cha pel since the death of the Mission. aries. From the chapel I went to see Mrs. Hillier, at English Harbour, a distance of about twelve miles. I found her in tears, surrounded by her children. When I entered the house she got up, raised her hands, and exclaimed, "O Mr. Hyde, what means all this?" The children laid hold of me, kissed me, and one of them said, it seemed as if his father had come again. It was a most touching scene. The Lord, however, mercifully strengthened her, and I was enabled to speak comfortably to her. Her mind was greatly relieved by my visit. I prayed with her, and then went up to our kind friends, Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert, where I spent a few comfortable hours, and enjoyed one of the best night's rest that I have had since my dear Brethren rested in Christ. The Lord be praised for all his mercy to me, and to the dear widows of his servants now with him. Saturday, 11th. In the evening I visited Sister Jones, and found her much better. She is at the house of Joshua Kentish, Esq., the gentleman who most humanely delivered her from her perilous situation, and who with his kind lady strive day and night to do every thing in their power to restore and comfort her. Never was greater kindness shown to a stranger. May the Lord graciously reward them! Sunday, 12th. I this day improved, in St. John's, the great affliction wherewith the Lord has afflicted us, A more solemn and affecting scene I never witnessed. The chapel and people were almost entirely clothed in mourning. In the forenoon I preached from the third chapter and first six verses of the Wisdom of Solomon: "But the souls of the righteous are in the hands of God, and there shall no torment touch them; in the sight of the unwise they seemed to die, and their departure is taken for misery, and their going from us to be utter destruction; but they are in peace. For though they be punished in the sight of men, yet is their hope full of immortality, and having been a little chastised, they shall be greatly rewarded: for God proved them, and found them worthy for himself. As gold in the furnace hath he tried them, and received them as a burnt offering." After some remarks suited to the occasion, I observed, Notwithstanding our text is taken from the Apocrypha, it is full of truth; truth supported by well-authenticated passages of revelation; truth explanatory and consoling in the situation in which we are found. Here we are taught the following very acceptable and important particulars :1. The high estimation in which God holds the souls of the righteous, and the special care he takes of them, "The souls of the righteous are in the hands of God, and there shall no torment touch them." That notwithstanding this especial care of God for the souls of the righteous, the same event, viz., death, befalls their bodies, as the bodies of other men, and that the occasion of their death has often no marked difference. 11. The false way of reasoning into which the unwise are prone to fall, when they witness such apparent indistinction: verses 2 and 3. And, finally, the design of God in such a dis pensation as that over which we mourn, is here stated in such a way as to confound the reasonings of unbelief, to justify the ways of God with man, and to comfort and strengthen us who now grieve over that great loss which we have sustained, in the death of so many righteous persons who lived for us, and who died so mysteriously: verses 4, 5, and 6. Having considered the various parts of the text in their application to our dear departed Brethren and their families, and our imaginations having had a glimpse of their glorious ascent to heaven from the altar of their Redeemer's merits as a "burnt sacrifice, an offering of a sweet savour unto the Lord,' we proceeded to consider some of the probable ends which God designed should be accomplished through this affliction. Among others were the following: 1. To humble the people of Antigua generally, and the Methodist Society particularly. 2. To cause us who survive to preach more fully like dying men to dying men. 3. To confound our reasoning and to strengthen our faith. 4. To lead all who sat under the ministry of his now glorified servants to think more seriously of what they have heard, and to practise the same. 5. To endear heaven to us the more, and to weaken our earthly affections. 6. To teach us to glory less in man, and more in God; and to display the power, the wisdom, and glory of the Great Head of the church in raising up others to stand in their places. 7. To awaken a more active spirit of prayer throughout the church for Missionaries and their work, and to excite a more lively interest generally in the blessed Missionary cause. 8. Perhaps to save the souls of the Captain and sailors, &c. &c. These probable designs of the Almighty in this affliction having occupied our at tention for some time, it was observed, in conclusion, Let us pray to God that he would make this dispensation plain to us, and cause it to answer all his designs of wisdom and goodness. And whilst we thus pray, let us he willing to do our part; let us endure the rod in a Christian spirit, and humbly kiss the hand of Him who uses it; yea, with the devout Poet let us say, |