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have been but small. Some of the Natives plead as an excuse for their absence, that their corn is now nearly ripe, and hence they are obliged to remain in the fields to tend it, or the birds would materially diminish the fruits of their labour. Others, that their crops are ready, and therefore they must reap them. The men belonging to several of the neighbouring villages are spending the day in hunting elephants; a number having made their appearance not far from hence, early this morning. Their very souls are in such pursuits; and although they frequently return home seriously wounded by the animals they attack, the recollection of their pain is but momentary. Dushani and several of his counsellors attended service in the morning. Upon asking him, what he thought of his

people spending the Lord's Day in hunting, he replied, "It is a shame; but our teacher must bear in mind, that we are only Caffres yet; when the word gets into our hearts, we shall act as the English do."

30th. I visited some kraals at a distance, accompanied by my interpreter ; and obtained a tolerable congregation at one of them. Their ignorance is truly deplorable. Having exhorted one very old woman, to cry earnestly to God, lest she perish in her sins, she jestingly replied, "I am too old to pray." Another boasted, that she prayed every day. What for? "Cattle, and corn, and pumpkins." Some others appeared to make light of all I said. It requires that voice which wakes the dead, to move such souls.

MISSIONS IN WESTERN AFRICA.

Extract of a Letter from Mr. Piggott, dated Free-Town, Sierra-Leone, February 15th, 1826.

Ir the Committee intend enlarging their borders, there is much ground to be possessed, a most spacious field of labour, both in the Bullom and Timmanee countries, which are occupied by no one but the Prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience." Here is not only a large field of labour, but with pleasure I announce to you, mỳ dear sirs, that I think there never was, in the memory of man, a better opening for the spread of the Gospel amongst them; for since the arrival of our most excellent Governor, a very large tract of country has been ceded to the British government, so that now, under the protection of our own laws, we may have access to almost any part around us. Since I last wrote to you, I have been over to the Bullom shore, and I beg now to state the following particulars. It being evening when I arrived, I just paid my respects to the venerable old King George, who is now upwards of 109 years old, having the use of all his faculties and limbs, and generally enjoying a good state of health. He has been King upwards of twenty years, and was in England about twenty-four years ago. He received me kindly, and after I had mentioned the purport of my coming, he promised to hear my palaver in the morning, and that he would send for one of his sons, who was at a town some distance off, to be the interpreter, as he knew both English and Bullom very well. After waiting for some time in the morning for the

young man in vain, I inquired whether there was any one else; but for my own part, I could see the need of no one, as the King could understand and speak English very well However, according to his wish, we found a man, and after offering my present to the King, (which is always the first step towards hearing a palaver, and for which the King thanked me very kindly,) I began to make known the object of my coming, which was to know whether they were willing to receive religious instruction. The old man replied, "I like white man too much, and would be glad if some one would come, for that word lives in my heart; " that is, it was his earnest desire to have some one to teach them. I asked whether they would wish to have a School. The King, and the head men present, said, they would be glad to have a School in which to teach the children; for the King said, “I have plenty of children; I have sent some into the Maudingo country to be taught, and some I have given to white men in Free-Town;" but he said, “If I could have a School at Bullom, I would have them back and give them to you." I was truly sorry to hear some were sent into the Mandingo country to learn, because without doubt they will also learn its religion. The Mandingoes are strict Mahomedans, and it is through their Schools that they are become so numerous.

I asked how many children the late Mr. Nylander had when he was at

Bullom; he said, Thirty boys and eight girls, but he could give me as many as wanted. "Suppose," said the King, " you want ten, twenty, thirty, or more, I will give them to you, for I have plenty." But it was to be upon this condition, that we feed, clothe, and have them entirely under our care. "For if they live with their parents," said the King, "it will not be good; their parents will send them to work, so that they will but seldom come to school;" neither, unless we were to have them from their parents, would there be any probability of their leaving their superstitious ways. It was upon this condition Mr. Nylander had the boys. I have oftentimes heard that pious man lament, with tears in his eyes, that he ever left that place for Kissey. As for school-house, chapel, and ground for farm, the King said I might select what part I chose, and have as much ground as I wanted for cultivation, by first mentioning it to him and letting him see it, (and, as I suppose, making him a small present for it.) They could not, or would not, tell me the population of either town or country, owing to some superstitious notion amongst them, or being unwilling to suffer white men to become acquainted with their strength. I have since been informed by H. Savage, Esq., who is well acquainted with the country, that he supposes their population not above 7 or 800. And I should imagine there are not above 100 at the town where the King lives; but they informed me there were more than forty small towns around them, some of which, however, do not contain above seven or eight houses. With respect to the healthiness of the place, I have not conversed with one who does not consider it the most healthy of any part on the coast. I believe it to be the most so of any part I have seen or visited, especially at a place called Clarkson, where Mr. Nylander used to reside, about ten minutes' walk from the town: it is all level ground, and about forty or fifty yards above the surface of the water, just opposite to Free-Town Harbour, so that a person might stand at his door and have a full view of Free-Town, and of all the vessels in the harbour, and before they get to the Cape when coming in, as also when going up or coming down the river. When the bush is cut, (which has grown since Mr. N. left,) there is nothing to obstruct a free current of air both from sea and land. The place also abounds with fruits of various Kinds, and the soil appears very good.

After descending about forty feet down the bank, we came to a very excellent well of fresh water, four or five feet deep, and always overflowing; and notwithstanding it is now overhung with weeds, I found the water to be very good and clear. Near to the place are two very good brooks, from whence most of the people in the town get their supply of water. Of all the situations I have seen in Africa, for pleasantness, retirement, and healthiness, I have seen none to equal this, in my estimation, although I would observe, the landing is bad, and sometimes dangerous, in consequence of a very heavy surf, unless we land about two miles and a half higher up the river. I inquired of the King, if he was willing the people should attend divine worship. He smiled, and said, Yes, that lived in his heart; although, he said, he could not make them come, he should be glad if they would. I was informed by the late Mr. Nylander, that the King himself very frequently attended. I think, my dear sirs, that at Bullom there is a good opening, and that it would add to the health of the Missionaries, providing three Missionaries were sent, so that they could alternately spend a month

or

two at Bullom. There is always work sufficient for two at Free-Town.

I shall now proceed to a few particulars respecting the Circuit, and first with respect to the Maroon chapel, which has taken up a great deal of my time, and has been a great burden on my mind. A little after the death of Brother Harte, I began to urge the friends to get it finished, but was informed by Mr. Gabbedon, one of the principal trustees, that nothing more could be done till an old debt of £93, which was due to him for the slates and copper on the roof, was paid; he said they had had several meetings, but the friends had done nothing towards it. This greatly surprised and grieved me, as I knew money affairs were always attended with great difficulties: however, I called a trustee-meeting, proposed to pay the shares in small sunis, and undertook to collect it myself; and I am happy to say, that, during the year, not only has the debt been discharged, but more than that sum again has been collected and spent upon the chapel. It is true I had many a journey, and was oftentimes much exposed to the sun: but, I am not sorry. I am well paid with the consciousness of having done the best I could for them; together with the satisfaction of preaching in as good and neat a chapel as I ever

wish to preach in; and what is more pleasing still to my mind, baving about as many more hearers as I had when the chapel was in an unfinished state. The chapel has pews on each side and in the centre, made after one pattern, and the stone-work is plastered both inside and out. The plastering work was done as follows; after getting a sufficient quantity of morter inade, we begged a day or two's work of most of the masons in town; no one we asked denied us, although but few of them were members of our Society, and most of them members of no Society whatever. The first day about six men came to work, the next eight or nine, so that in two or three days the chapel was plastered and whitewashed, without costing a shilling for labour. Our memhers also were labourers. The sisters remained at home to cook for the men, and their children were employed in fetching water, &c. It used to rejoice me to see them all come forward so willingly, and work with such cheerfulness, to finish the house of God.

Concerning Portuguese-Town, we have tried our uttermost to get the chapel finished, but find we try in vain, unless we receive help from home. When I mentioned to the headman of the town, (who is a Mahomedan,) that I wanted to finish the chapel, he promised to call all the people together to see if they would help. Nearly all the people at this place are Mahomedans, with the exception of our Society. At the time ap pointed we all met in the headman's yard; and when I mentioned that I wanted

to finish the chapel, and that the headman had called them together to know what they would give towards helping, they replied, they were very glad; it might be good for them, they could not tell; if not, it might to their children. As a proof of their willingness to have the place finished, every one gave his mite towards it. That, with other money, which I have collected from the members, who are all poor, and from a few friends in Free-Town, with the value of a few materials, such as wood, &c., amounts to twenty-five pounds. This we are spending, and would the Committee be so kind as to assist us with about twenty or twenty-five pounds, we should be able to finish it, and should then have another substantial and comfortable stone building to worship God in. I know of no people that deserve greater encouragement than the people at Portuguese-Town: they are attentive to the word, loving towards each other, particularly kind and affectionate towards their Minister; in a word, they are a truly pious people. When they pray, they never forget the good people in England, who sent them the good word of God, and Ministers to teach them. I meet their Class on a Sunday morning at six, and can say, I do not remember to have had an unprofitable season amongst them. When they mention the love of Christ towards them, and the wickedness of their own hearts, tears flow in abundance down their black faces, while sometimes they are So overpowered as not to be able to utter a single word,

WEST INDIAN MISSIONS.

Extract of a Letter from Mr. Felvus, dated St. Bartholomew's, June 28th, 1826.

IN March we were visited by a very alarming epidemic, which has been very general throughout these islands, as well as in America; and which has carried many in this island to the grave. In the Society much affliction and distress have been felt, and seven of the members have been removed to a better world, five of whom met in Band.

The first that died was Jenny Gumbs, a free black. She had been a member of the Methodist Society for fifteen years, during which time she had adorned her profession by an upright life, and while her health was good, she was constant in her attendance on the public worship of God, and sincere in her attachment to all the

duties and privileges of the Christian religiou. She was recommended by Brother Whitehouse, I found her sick and poor, but very happy in the love of God. I visited her often, and though she lay from morning until night without any assistance except what was rendered by those friends who called upon her to pray, converse, or sympathize with her, I never visited her without feeling my heart warmed by her holy conversation and the clear testimony she possessed of the witness of the Spirit. Her language frequently was, I am happy in the love of my heavenly Father, His Spirit bears witness with mine, that I am a child of God." One time I met her in a most trying and uncomfortable state for want

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of proper attendance, and began to apply to her those consolations which are best suited to the state of the suffering Christian. "O Sir," she replied, "my Saviour does not leave me comfortless. He visits me in my affliction. He knows my state, and my consolation is, that am just as he would have me to be, both in body and soul." She spoke to the last with confidence and clearness of the mercy of God, and expired in the triumph of faith on March 20th, 1826.

Molly Duncker was the second: she was also a free black woman. She had been in the Society about ten years, and such was the circumspect manner in which she walked before the world, that all that knew her, clearly saw in her life and conversation the sterling marks of genuine religion. Her light was not a mere taper, that blazed for a moment, and then went out, but it was constant and uniform, ever reflecting the light of truth on all around, and showing the blessedness of those doctrines which she had heard, and the power of which had made her free from the guilt and dominion of sin. She lay long on a bed of sickness, in a consumption, but always manifested the

greatest resignation to the will of God. When the epidemic came, it soon car ried her off. She died happy in God, on the 13th of April, 1826.

Lenah Roberts was the third. She also was a free black woman. She had been in Society five years, and in the whole of her conduct proved that she was not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the word, seeking the kingdom of God with great earnestness, and giving up all for the kingdom of heaven's sake. Her end was peace: May, 1826.

Catherine Longmaid, the fourth, a free black, was much respected by all classes. She had been in Society twenty years, and had sought the Lord with her whole heart. Her last sickness was short, and being deprived of the use of reason by the fever, she said but little as to her prospects of eternity. She died on the 5th of May.

The last three that died were men; Adam Martin, Billy Connor, and Barabbas Richardson. They died happy in God. The latter had been a vile profligate; but was indeed a brand plucked out of the fire.

We have begun an adult School, which promises much good; there are already eighty scholars in it.

Extract from the Journal of Mr. Wilkinson, dated Belize, Honduras,
June 13th, 1826.

In my last I stated that I was prevented from going to visit the people up the River Belize, in consequence of the great flood which then prevailed.

Since that period I have been favoured with an opportunity of travelling a hundred and fifty miles up the River, and preaching to three hundred people. The particulars of my journey I beg leave to transmit to you in the following extracts from my Journal.

February 27th, 1826.-Having spent eleven weeks in Belize, preaching every Sabbath and every Wednesday evening, attending a Prayer-meeting every Friday, and catechising thirty people every Tuesday evening, I left that town, accompanied by John Armstrong, Esq.About six o'clock in the evening we reached a place called Orange-Grove, twenty-four miles up the river, where we took up our lodgings for the night. At eight o'clock, all the people on the bank assembled together, in Mr.Smith's house. I then read a portion of the Word of God, offered up prayer and thanksgivings, and retired.

28th. I set out at six o'clock this morning. About twelve, I passed a large fall of water, where we were obliged to

walk, as the men had to drag the boat along. About seven, we reached a place called Moodian-landing, belonging to W. B. Tooth, Esq., where we remained all night.

March 1st. We commenced our journey at six o'clock this morning. About twelve, we breakfasted on the side of a bank. At three, we passed another large fall of water and at six this evening we landed at an excellent camp, to take up our lodgings for the night. I read over the third chapter of St. John's Gospel, offered up prayer to the God of all our mercies, and afterwards had a comfortable night's rest beneath a large tree.

2d, Thursday. At five this morning we proceeded on our journey, and reached a place called Meditation at six in the evening. This place belongs to Marshal Bennett, Esq., the chief magistrate of Belize. Here are thirty people employed in cutting mahogany. At eight they all assembled together, to hear the word of God, a duty that never was attended to before on this part of the Continent. After singing and prayer, I preached from 1 Cor. v. 17: "Therefore if any man be in

Christ, he is a new creature," &c. May the word of God prove the savour of life unto life to all their souls.

3d, Friday. I set out at six this morning, and at half past five in the evening reached Mr. Wood's bank, where there are twenty-seven men employed. At eight o'clock they came together; and while I endeavoured to show them their transgressions, and exhorted them to "seek the Lord while he might be found," &c., they were very attentive.

4th, Saturday.-At six this morning we left Mr. Wood's bank, and about five in the evening finished our journey, by reaching Mr. Armstrong's settle ment. At eight o'clock Mr. A.'s people met together, and while I exhorted them to repent, and believe the Gospel," the minds of some were seriously impressed.

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5th, Sunday. I preached this morning in Mr. A.'s house, from 1 Cor. vi. 20, to thirty people; and in the evening from Titus iii. 5. To spend a Sabbath in the worship of God, is a new thing with the people in this country.

6th.-I awoke this morning with gratitude to God for his goodness and mercy in preserving me to show forth his praises. The country here is very healthy, as the land is much higher In taking a short than at Belize. walk, I met with a Spaniard, who had just arrived at this place with fifty-one head of cattle and eight horses. I presented him with a copy of the book of Common Prayer, in the Spanish language, and a hundred and seventy Homily Tracts, which he promised to distribute among his countrymen,at Peten, a town situated in the interior, about 260 miles west of Belize, and containing 500 inhabitants.

7th.-Early this morning I left Mr. A. and proceeded to Dr. Bowen's bank. After riding eight miles through the bush, and over many dirty glens, I reached the place in perfect safety. I preached in the evening to about forty people.

8th. I left Dr. Bowen's bank at half past five this morning. After riding through the bush thirteen miles, I reached another settlement, belonging to W. Gentle, Esq., who kindly entertained me at his house. All the people assembled together at seven o'clock; and while I explained the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the people paid the strictest attention.

9th.-1 set out after breakfast to a bank nine miles further up the river, where G. A. Usher, Esq., has between thirty and forty men employed in cutting mahogany. After the men were

returned from their labour, they were
glad to be favoured with an opportunity
of hearing the word of God.

10th. I crossed the river, and after
riding the distance of six miles, I ar
rived at a small place, where John
Wright, Esq., has about twenty men
employed. After the labours of the
day, they willingly assembled together
to hear the Gospel preached.

11th. After riding six miles along the top of a mountain, and crossing another branch of the river, I reached another settlement belonging to J. Wright, Esq. I preached in the evening to more than forty persons.

12th, Sunday. I spent the day at this place, as there are two gangs of people a short distance from us; and I had sent to acquaint them of my intention to preach here both morning and evening. I had a large congregation in the morning; and after explaining the 13th verse in the eleventh of St. Luke, they left the house with their minds seriously impressed; many expressing a strong desire for me to remain with them.

I preached in the evening, to upwards of fifty, among whom were six Roman Catholics.

From what I have already witnessed, of the disposition of the few people who have come under my notice at Belize, and in this country, which is in the province of Mexico, I am fully persuaded, (notwithstanding the wickedness which long has reigned, and still reigns in various forms,) if faithful labourers were placed in this field,men who can say with the Apostle "None of these things move me," &c., their labours would be rendered successful.

13th.-I set out this morning for Belize; and on the way called at Convention-Town; and preached on Thursday evening, to a house full of attentive hearers.

17th, Friday. I reached Belize at five this evening in perfect safety.

19th, Sunday. We held a Prayermeeting this morning at seven o'clock; and in the evening I preached to an attentive congregation.

21st, Tuesday. I met the Class this evening, which I formed previous to going up the river. My mind was animated to find that they still manifest a strong desire to flee from the wrath to come, and are earnestly seeking the salvation of God. The Class consists of thirty members, who yet remain on trial. Two of them have entered into the glorious liberty of the sons of God, and can adopt the language of the Apostle, "Therefore be

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