taking letters to town about ten days ago, was carried into eternity while endeavouring to swim across; and still more recently, a wagon belonging to one of the traders, who was proceeding to the Caffre-market, was taken down the stream. But by the good providence of God, we all got over safe, and without the loss of a single article. Goodness and mercy attend our every step. To Him be all praise, whose "eyelids neither slumber nor sleep." 18th, Mount-Coke.-My wife and our little one are very unwell. I trust it is only in consequence of fatigue, and the excessively hot weather which we have had during the last week in that case, the salubrious air of our elevated station will, I hope, supersede medical aid. I rejoiced to find my sable charge all well. They manifested their joy by flocking around us, shaking hands, and making a most hearty shout; after which they returned to their buts in peace. Feb. 19th, Sabbath.-I enjoyed considerable liberty in explaining the nature and duties of the Lord's Day to my sable audience this morning. My hearers in the afternoon were not so numerous. 24th. How truly pitiable is the lot of age in uncivilized countries! A poor emaciated old man came many miles to-day, in order to tell me of his sorrows. One of his sons having been the object of spleen amongst his fellows, who appear to have long sought occasion against him, a circumstance occurred recently of which they determined to take advantage. He having no cattle, his aged parent was pitched upon as the object of plunder in his stead. A party of young Caffres pounced upon his little herd in the night, and swept away his all, consisting of six or seven oxen, and eleven milch cows. As he endeavoured to rescue his property, the savage miscreants fell upon him with sticks, and beat him most unmercifully. His head, breast, and chest, as well as other parts of his body, were cut in such a manner as to render it matter of astonishment that he is alive. He is left to repine over his grievance, without either justice to redress, or humanity to sympathise with him,-a neighbour ing chief having sanctioned the proceeding, and become sharer in the spoils! Such barbarity here passes off as a jest,-especially when cleverly managed, and well concealed. 26th, Sunday.--Having no bell wherewith to call the people together, we hung up a large saw; the sound of which when struck could not, however, be heard far. My congregations have been but small to-day. The interpreter tries me exceedingly. I shall feel extremely happy when able to dispense with such a lifeless, and frequently incorrect, medium of communication. 28th.-How numerous and how black are the horrors of Paganism! A wild dog (supposed to be mad) in passing through the country, as if proceeding to the mountains, about a fortnight ago, seized a child eight or ten years of age at one of the neighbouring kraals, and tore it in a shocking mauner. Taking for granted that it would die, the parents carried it to the forest, and there left it to its fate. A night and two days (one of which was cold and rainy) having elapsed, they went to see if the corpse of the little creature remained undevoured: when, chilling. to relate, they found the vital spark not quite extinct. It, however, only. just continued for a few moments, as if to bear additional testimony to the inhumanity of heathen customs. Nevertheless, the father answered my questions respecting this awful circumstance without any apparent concern.. March 6th.-I find that a notion, em-, barrassing to us, still prevails amongst the tribe, that our becoming resident in their country has been the moving cause of the unusually copious and constant showers which we have had during the last six months. This has put "gladness into their hearts," inasmuch as their corn is amazingly increased. Their crops, both of Guinea and Indian corn, as well as pumpkins, are certainly very rich and abundant. When at any time there has been hot weather for a week or two, and some probability of their gardens becoming too dry, the chiefs have sent repeated messages, requesting that we would pray that God might not stop the rain until their amazimba (corn) was ripe. The rain-makers, however, are not a little displeased at the people's ascribing the goodness of the season to the prayers of God's men," rather than to their incantations. 16th. A considerable number of natives having visited us this morning: I availed myself of the opportunity, and preached to them under a large tree, not far from our dwelling. 19th, Sunday.-A pleasing stillness begins already to prevail amongst our people on the Lord's Day. If a stranger happens to come, and commence with any kind of clamorous harangue, (usual on other days,) some one or other is sure to check him immediately. One of the natives having brought a small sack of corn, and his wife some milk, hoping to get a few beads for them, slunk away in evident confusion upon being asked what they meant, seeing it was "God's day." They pleaded that they did not know it. Observing that very few attended preaching in the morning, I took my horse and rode to five of the neighbouring kraals, at one of which I obtained a tolerably good congregation. Several were engaged in spreading out their corn to dry. One old woman, however, promised that she would never do it again on "God's Day." 22d.-Hearing this morning that some kind of ceremony was about taking place at one of the kraals not far distant, I made a point of being present; in order, not only to acquire a knowledge of the superstitions of the people, but to avail myself of the opportunity, if practicable, of showing them the folly of these observances. The sickness of one of Dushani's principal warriors appears to have given rise to the ceremony; and its object was to ascertain who had bewitched him. Like most other savage tribes, they have no idea of attributing disorders, incident to human nature, WEST INDIAN MISSIONS. JAMAICA.-Extract of a Letter from Mr. Young, Spanish-Town, dated March 6, 1826. You will have heard before this reaches you, that I removed to this Circuit in January last by order of the District-Meeting. Although I am fully convinced of the utility of our itinerant plan, both at home and abroad, yet it was not without many painful feelings that I took my leave of Stony-Hill. Mauy considerations had endeared the place to me, which another Missionary cannot have, and may therefore never feel the same attachment to it which I have felt. Providence employed me as its humble instrument in commencing the Society, and in superintending it for two years. I preached the first Sermon, formed the first Class, and gave the first Ticket, at Stony-Hill. I also had the great pleasure of seeing in the Circuit, before I left it, twelve Leaders, and 565 Members, as well as our salutary rules in full operation. It is true that several of those on trial are, as yet, very ignorant, but they are of course reclaimed from immorality, and in general exceedingly willing to be taught. Others of the members are sincerely converted And to God, and can give a reason of the hope which is in them, as scripturally as any European Christian that I have met with. In the course of the last year, eight of our people were removed by death; and I believe they all died in the Lord. Seventeen were expelled for improper conduct, and nine removed to other Circuits. Twenty persons were baptized, and eighteen couples married. I will say nothing about Grateful-Hill, as Mr. Barry has written to you fully on the subject. 1 When I came to Spanish-Town, I found the Society in a very dead state, and the chapel thinly attended. would not, however, for a moment think of attributing this to my worthy predecessor; for a more indefatigable Missionary you have not in this Colony. I am happy, however, to inform you, that things begin to wear a more pleasing aspect, and God seems to be reviving his work; for at our last Leaders' Meeting, sixteen persons were admitted into the Society on trial; and the congregations have increased so much every week, that now the Chapel is quite too small to contain the people. At Old-Harbour, I have appointed two Leaders, and added four members to the Society. This little Society is indeed improving, and the prospect of more good being done is very gratifying. You will, no doubt, be glad to learn, that since I have come to this Circuit, a favourable opening has been effected at Passage-Fort, a village on the coast about six miles from town. I preach there once a week, and have formed a Society; and although the village is only small, it is an important place for preaching, being contiguous to several Pens, on which there are many Negroes. I now preach five times in the week, and travel forty miles; and as preaching forms only a small part of a Missionary's work, I find myself fully employed. Mrs. Young is not very well, nor yet myself, and one of our children has been severely afflicted since our removal to this place; but, I thank God, none of these things move us, being well assured that all things shall "work together for good to them that love God." MISSIONS IN THE BRITISH AMERICAN COLONIES. NEWFOUNDLAND.-Extract of a Letter from Mr. Haigh, dated Harbour-Grace, July 10, 1826. THE means of grace among us have been both instructive and profitable, especially the Sacraments and our Class-meetings. These we have found to be refreshing seasons from the presence of the Lord, and we trust that the profiting of many has appeared unto all. Our Prayer-meetings have generally been crowded to excess, and have been carried on in the spirit of interceding grace; and often has the divine power been manifested among us. I should feel happy if I could report more extensively and satisfactorily with regard to our success as to those who are without: but on the whole, though we have many discouragements, we have encouragements also; for though our labour is not so successful as we could wish, yet it is not altogether in vain in the Lord. We have seen fruit, and this encourages us to look for more, in dependance upon Him who has said, "So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth, it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I send it." As it respects the Schools, it is not so needful that I enlarge, as the Reports have been forwarded: I can however bear testimony both as to the Day and Sunday Schools, that they are in a growing state of prosperity; and the Sunday-School, especially begins to assume a very interesting character, and is likely to be very useful. During the past year, the children have made considerable progress both in learning and in committing to memory our Catechisms. At a late examination they gave great satisfaction. IRISH MISSIONS. ERRIS MISSION.-Extract of a Letter from Mr. Cornwall, dated April 13, 1826. I HAVE, with gratitude to God, discovered increasing good in the course of the last quarter in some places on my Mission Station. It is encouraging, in a country in such a state of comparative moral darkness, to behold an increasing attention, not only in Protestant hearers, but also in Romanists, who, by prayers and tears, in some places, show their attention to the word of God, notwithstanding the great opposition they in general must come through to hear. The few Societies which I have been enabled to form are in a state of progressive forwardness. There is in most of the members a manifest increase of light and life. I sometimes see the good effects of visiting the sick; and find that some of those who, when in health, would be very inattentive to the concerns of their souls, become attentive to what is spoken to them when brought low by affliction, By such circumstances the Lord has encouraged me in many surrounding hinderances and difficulties too numerous to be mentioned. My earnest desire is to be useful in his hand. I am much encouraged by considering (what I much desire) that I have an interest in the prayers of his people. DOMESTIC INTELLIGENCE. ANNIVERSARIES OF AUXILIARY AND BRANCH SOCIETIES. Feb. 17th. Bandon Branch of the Hibernian Wesleyan Missionary Society: the Rev. Thomas Edwards in the Chair. Speakers, the Rev. Messrs. Stewart, Matthews, Lanktree, jun., Tobias, Richey; and Mr. T. Beamish. March 20th. Halifax District Auxiliary: Mr. A. G. Suter in the Chair. Preachers, the Rev. Richard Watson, and Robert Newstead; other Speakers, the Rev. Dr. Townley, the Rev. Messrs. Parsons, (Independent,) Bowers, Davis, Sumner; and Mr. William Dawson. Collections, including Missionary Boxes, £150. April 11th. Sunderland Branch: Robert Middleton, Esq., in the Chair. Preachers, the Rev. Messrs. Isaac, White, and Lessey; other Speakers, the Rev. Messrs. Hannab, Burgess, and Dann. Collections, including Missionary Boxes, £111. 11's. 10d. April 13th. South-Shields Branch, Sunderland Circuit: Christopher Wawn, Esq., in the Chair. Preachers, the Rev. Messrs. Lessey, Isaac, and Sheriff; other Speakers, the Rev. Messrs. Storry, Hannah, White, Mollard, Dunn. Collections, £33. 16s. 7d. May 4th. Barton Brunch: William Lowthorpe, Esq., in the Chair. Preachers, the Rev. Messrs. Atherton and Beaumont; other Speakers, the Rev. Messrs. Eckersley, Nicholson, and Winterbottom, (Independent Minister.) May 8th. Northampton District Auxiliary: the Rev. William Towers in the Chair. Preachers, the Rev. Messrs. Reynolds, Hill, and Fox; who with the Rev. W. Gray, (Baptist,) and several other Ministers, addressed the Meeting. Collections, Lol. 6s. 3d. May 14th. Birmingham District Auxiliary: Joseph Butterworth, Esq., in the Chair. Preachers, the Rev. Joseph Entwisle, President of the Conference, the Rev. Dr. Clarke, the Rev. Messrs. Reece, Watson, Lomas, Kelk, Mason, and Close; other Speakers, the Rev. Messrs. James, (Independent Minister,) Morgan, (Baptist Minister,) White, and Morgan. Collections, upwards of £206. May 15th. Bridlington Branch: the Rev. Dr. Townley in the Chair: who, with the Rev. Messrs. Lessey, Gostick, and Beaumont, preached on the occasion, and addressed the public Meeting. Collections, £38. May 17th. Bedford Branch: Thomas Marriott, Esq., in the Chair. Speakers, the Rev. Messrs. M'Nicoll, James, Anderson, Brook, Fish, Hilliard and Master, (Independent Ministers,) and others. Collections, £30. May 17th. Pool Branch: Chairman, the Rev. William Toase, who also preached on the ocersion. Speakers, the Rev. Messrs. Willis, Andrews, Shoveller, (Baptist Minister,) Gick, Bradnack, Hawtrey, and others. Collections, £28. May 17th. Ashby-de-la-Zouch Branch: the Rev. William Aver in the Chair. Preachers, the Rev. Messrs. R. Wood, and R. Melson; other Speakers, the Rev. Messrs. Reynolds, Hanwell, J. Smith, J. Taylor, Walsh, and Graham. Collections, £33. May 18th. Haddington Branch: the Rev. William Sibbard, D. D. of the established Church of Scotland in the Chair. Speakers, the Rev. Messrs. Atherton, Ward, Dunning, M'Lean; and Mr. M'Cullagh. May 19th. Epworth Branch: Mr. John Hibberd in the Chair. Preachers, the Rev. Messrs. R. Newton, Fielding, and Hutton; other Speakers, the Rev. J. Beaumont, and Messrs. Angus and Hibberd, jun. Collections, £22. 11s. 3d. May 19th. Swaffham Branch: Mr. Samuel Crusha in the Chair. Preachers, the Rev. Thomas Rowe, and Peter M'Owan; other Speakers, the Rev. Messrs. Stevenson, Jackson, Meadmore, and Messrs. Richardson, and Scott. Collections, £11. 5s. May 21st. Leicester Branch: the Rev. William Aver in the Chair. Preachers, the Rev. A. E. Farrar and Smith; other Speakers, the Rev. Messrs. Doncaster, sen., Hanwell, Simmonite, Fowler, Taylor, Walsh, and Stephenson. Collections, £49. 4s. 3d. May 22d. Kington Branch: the Rev. Joseph Entwisle, President of the Conference, in the Chair. Preacher, the Rev. James Buckley; other Speakers, the Rev. Messrs. Hayes, Walters and Blackmore, (Baptists,) Haines, Pearson, Davies; and Messrs. Howells and Skarratt. ColJections, including Missionary Boxes, £26. May 238. Edinburgh District Auxiliary: John Campbell, jun, Esq., in the Chair. Speakers, the Rev. Dr. Ross, (of the Scottish Missionary Society, lately returned from Astracan,) the Rev. Messrs, Ward, Davis, Innes, (Baptist Minister,) Atherton, Craig, A. M. (of the Scottish Episcopal Church,) Grindrod, Bewley, and J. Ward, jun. May 26th. Hungerford Branch: Chairman, the Rev. John Gaulter, who also preached on the occasion. Speakers, the Rev. Messrs. Worth, Webb, Frost, (Independent Minister,) Jewett, Tabraham, Radford, and Jackson. Collections, £12. May 30th. Glasgow Branch: James Sword, Esq., in the Chair. Speakers, the Rev. Messrs. Smyth, A. M., (of the established Church of Scotland,) Atherton, Ward, Marsland, Hodson, Nowell; and Messrs. Wilde and Morris. May 30th. Witney Branch: Thomas Marriott in the Chair. Preacher, the Rev. John Gaulter; other Speakers, the Rev. Messrs. Morley, White, Powell, Tabraham, Hillings, (Independent Minister,) and others. Collections, £24. May 30th. Wolverhampton Branch: the Rev. Joseph Entwisle, President of the Conference, in the Chair. Preacher, the Rev. Titus Close; other Speakers, the Rev. Messrs. Sutcliffe, Smith, Lord, Hunt, Rosser, James, Ranson, Chettle, Morgan, Heaton, Roaf, (Independent Minister,) and others. Collections, upwards of £40. May 31st. Dundee Branch: Mr. John Sanderson in the Chair. Speakers, the Rev. Messrs. Grindrod, Bacon, Wilson, Davis, Dickenson, Stewart, (of the Old Relief Church,) and Mr. Robb. June 2d. Guernsey District Auxiliary: the Rev. Robert Smith in the Chair. Preachers, the Rev. Messrs. Smith, Baker, and Robin; other Speakers, the Rev. Messrs. J. Newton, Fish, Catts, Hodge, (Independent Minister,) and Lear. Collections, nearly £10 more than last year. June 3d. Guernsey French Branch: the Rev. James Catts in the Chair. June 5th. Aberdeen District Auxiliary: the Rev. John Shipman, in the Chair. Speakers, the Rev. Messrs. Wilson, Hart, Grindrod, Smedley, Gilmore, (Baptist,) Bacon, Moxon, Forsyth, and Hocken. June 8th. Sleaford Branch: Benjamin Thorold, Esq., in the Chair. Preachers, the Rev. Messrs. Clarkson, Hanwell, and Stephenson; other Speakers, the Rev. Messrs. Fawcett, Rylatt, Gutteridge, jun., and Wilkinson, Collections, £19. 14s, 3d, June 8th. Burnley Branch: the Rev. William M'Kitrick in the Chair. Preachers, the Rev. R. Newton, and J. Everett: other Speakers, the Rev. Messrs. Ward, Pilter, Harris, Bird, Thompson, Asten, (Baptist Minister,) Eastwood; and Messrs. Pollard and Fishwick. Collections, £44. 2s. June 9th. Bedale Branch: the Rev. A. B. Seckerson in the Chair. Preachers, the Rev. Messrs. Storry, Bromley, and Hannah; other Speakers, the Rev. Messrs. White and Brailsford. Collections, £25. 6s. June 20th. Burslem Branch: E. Wood, Esq., in the Chair. Preachers, the Rev. Messrs. Agar and Fox; other Speakers, the Rev. Messrs. Hill, Simpson, White, Conder, (Independent Minister;) and Mr. Bailey. June 26th. Lincoln District Auxiliary: Benjamin Thorold, Esq., in the Chair. Preachers, the Rev. Messrs. Hannah and Anderson; other Speakers, the Rev. Messrs. Brown, Byron, and White. Collections, £61. 14s. 2d. July 5th. Holywell Branch: William Williamson, Esq., in the Chair. Preachers, the Rev. J. Hughes, in Welsh, and W. Clegg, in English: other Speakers, (in Welsh and English alternately,) the Rev. Messrs. Morgan, Jones, (Independent Minister,) Roberts, (Baptist Minister,) W. Davies, J. Williams; and Messrs. B. Edwards and Henry. July 10th. Lowestoft Branch: Lieut. Whatling, R.N., in the Chair. Preachers, the Rev. Messrs. Osborne and Welborne; other Speakers, the Rev. Messrs. Saunders, Watmough, Hope, Gilpin, Sloper, (Independent Minister,) Kaye; and Messrs. Warnes and Dixon. Collections, £18. 16s. 3d. CONTRIBUTIONS. The amount of Contributions received by the General Treasurers of the Wesleyan-Methodist Missionary Society, since the 15th of July, is, £4727, 17s. 6d. Among these are the following items: Ladies' Society for promoting Education among Negroes In part of Legacy from the late Mr. Praull, of Windsor, Nova- 855 4 8 Part of the Annual Income of the late Miss Houstoun's Estate 500 0 0 OBITUARY. (Extracted from the Minutes of the late Conference.) TWENTY-FOUR Preachers have departed this life since the Conference in 1825; viz. I. In Great Britain, the sixteen following: enticing words of man's wisdom," it was most signally owned of God in the conversion of sinners from the error of their way, in almost every Circuit where he laboured. He suffered much in his last affliction; but his end was peace. "In age and feebleness extreme," he gloried in the meritorious sacrifice and atonement of his God and Saviour; and, "Only Jesus!" were the last words he was heard to articulate. 1. JONATHAN BROWN, who was born near Stanhope, in Weardale, about the year 1750, and died in Hull, August 2d, 1825. In the seventeenth year of his age, he was convinced of sin; but it was not until he had sought the Lord for nearly five years, that he obtained the knowledge of God's pardoning mercy. In the year 1778, he was employed by the Rev. John Wesley, as an Itinerant Preacher in his Connexion; and he continued to labour in the field of ministerial usefulness, in various Circuits, both in England and Ireland, for thirty-eight years, when the infirmities of age constrained him to desist from travelling. His disposition was even; his manners were unassuming; and his words few. He cultivated a deeply devotional spirit; and served God with fastings and prayers, night and day. Divine simplicity, habitual seriousness, pathetic exhortation, and powerful appeals to the consciences of his hearers, with fervent prayers for their salvation, were the most distinguishing features of his character as a Minister; and to win souls to Christ was his only object. Although his preaching was not adorned "with the VOL. V. Third Series. SEPTEMBER, 1826. 2. GEORGE MOWAT. He was a na tive of Aberdeen, was converted to God in his youth, and happily displayed, to the end of his course, the dignity and excellence of the Christian character. He entered on the work of an Itinerant Methodist Minister in the year 1770; and in that work he laboured faithfully and diligently for thirty-three years. In 1803, he was obliged, through growing infirmities, to retire from the service he so much loved. He resided, as a Supernumerary, first at Louth, then at Kingswood, and afterwards at Bristol; at which latter place he finished his earthly course, in great peace, August 15th, 1825, aged ninety years. The distinguishing features of his cha racter were, integrity, simplicity, bumility, thankfulness, benevolence, and eminent personal holiness. He was remarkably diligent in visiting the sick, He was mighty in the Scriptures; the truths of which he treasured up in his 22 |