ing. The depression is general, and there are few persons who have not extensively suffered. Many of our own people have been brought into pecuniary difficulties, and in them the spirit of piety has been severely tested. And some, we fear, have sustained spiritual loss in connexion with temporal. Notwithstanding these painful events, however, we have cause for gratitude to the great Head of the church. Our congregations are increasingly large; the Gospel is preached with power; and although conversions are not so numerous as we earnestly desire, yet a few are turning to God, while cases of real backsliding are rare. We trust the chastisements of Heaven have in many instances been sanctified, teaching the sufferers the vanity of earthly good, its insufficiency to fill the capacity of the human mind, and the consequent necessity of seeking for and duly appreciating the "true riches." The salutary effects of the gracious revival with which this church was visited last year, are still apparent. It has improved in many the tone of piety. Our prayer-meetings have ever since been better attended. And whilst some who professed to be seeking salvation grew weary, others are soundly converted, and maintain their integrity. This revival has introduced into the church several interesting young people, who are already presenting indications of future usefulness. But we require a renewed outpouring of the Holy Spirit. O that He may descend upon us more abundantly, that our church may exhibit more richly the fruitfulness of a wellwatered garden! The new chapel is now in rapid progress, preparations are being made for putting on the roof. And the Trustees are making praiseworthy efforts for the completion of this building. It will be a noble edifice; and general gladness will undoubtedly be experienced when it is dedicated to the service of the Most High. The frequent arrival of emigrants increases our difficulties in the present chapel, as constant applications for sittings are being made that cannot be met. Besides, the wants of the Fingoe congregation render it necessary that the present English chapel should speedily be appropriated to their use. The natives of South Africa know something of the value of a comfortable house of prayer, however indifferent they are with regard to their own habitations; and I have no doubt that when Wesley Chapel is opened for them, it will immediately be filled. Our work connected with the country parts of this Circuit has recently been very laborious. We have taken on the Plan two or three places in the neighbourhood of the Bushman's River. The country through which we travel on these journeys is dreary and fatiguing in the extreme. Here we meet with a few solitary English families, with whom, and their native servants, we hold religious services; the population of such places being so scattered that it is quite impracticable to gather together large congregations. But during these visits we prove that God does not only bless the many, when collected in the large and beauteous temple, but also the few, who devoutly worship Him in the humble dwelling situated in the lonely wilderness. Yes; I have felt the presence of the Divine Comforter in the native but; and where He is, is heaven. The Mission schools here are prospering. The Anniversary of our SundaySchool Union was celebrated last month. It was, as on former occasions, a season of lively interest. Examinations were conducted in the English, Dutch, and Kaffir languages, which proved that the knowledge of divine truth is spreading in a very encouraging degree. My heart is filled with joy when from Sabbath to Sabbath I behold many, both young and old, in our schools learning the things of God, who were once surrounded with all the obscurity and degradation of Heathenism. Truly a great work has been effected in South Africa. And I often think with what grateful emotion our honoured Superintendent must survey the results of Missionary enterprise during the last thirty years. Our Tract Society is in efficient operation. This is an important branch of Christian instrumentality. Our Distributers are greatly encouraged though meeting from time to time with great spiritual destitution, yet the divine blessing attends their efforts. We have also a pious man, who has for many years been prominently connected with the Society, now employed in the capacity of a Town-Missionary. His labours among the sick are rendered effectual to the spiritual welfare of many. He is supported by the special contributions of the people. We have a weekly service among the military, which is well attended. There are about twenty soldiers meeting in class, some of whom were formerly stationed at Fort-Peddie, where they received their first religious impressions under the ministry of Mr. Dugmore. Extract of a Letter from the Rev. Charles Hillard, dated Anamabu, IT is with unfeigned thanks to God that I state that I have, for some time past, enjoyed a good flow of health; and I think that it should call forth the gratitude of every friend to Africa, that this Mission, which was once so fatal to the pioneers of our glorious work, should have been, for the space of three and a half years past, entirely exempted from those mournful events which, by their frequency, eminently characterized the early history of this Mission, and which cast a degree of gloom over the mind of Missionaries destined to Western Africa, who left their native land, doubtful of the issue of a few months; and were generally, if not invariably, regarded by their friends as going to their grave. But, thank God, these days of mourning seem to have passed away. Others have laboured, and died; and we have entered upon their labours. May we who are left behind receive grace to tread in the steps of those who counted not their lives dear unto themselves, so that they might finish their short but glorious course with joy, and whose memory, even now, is as ointment poured forth among those who shall be the crown of their rejoicing, and the first-fruits of an abundant harvest of precious souls! It is true, that some have, through ill health, been lately compelled to leave their posts of duty, and their places are not yet filled up; but then to have no new deaths, is a circumstance which calls aloud for our gratitude, and which may also be regarded as indicative of the will of God, that greater exertions should be made by the church of Christ to ameliorate the condition of the degraded and deeply-injured African race. The new mode of treating the seasoningfever is likely to save many valuable lives. It has been adopted in the English settlements along the coast during the past season, and they have had but two deaths, one of whom was not under the new system of treatment; and the death of the other may be satisfactorily traced up to other causes than the cli mate. During the early part of September, I visited every station connected with the Domonasi Circuit, for the twofold purpose of recruiting my health, which had for some time previously suffered a little, and also to examine the schools and societies; and as, with but one or two exceptions, I had never visited these places before, I may perhaps be excused in stating my views and feelings respecting them. But, Some of the societies were not very flourishing; and who can be surprised at this, situated as they are at from fifty to sixty miles from the coast, and at the same distance from any efficient pastoral oversight, and surrounded by everything which is calculated to draw off their attention from spiritual realities? They cannot be expected to possess those correct views and feelings, relative to Christian doctrines, duties, and experience, which we might reasonably look for in a more genial soil, and under more favourable circumstances. while we have to mourn over the backslidings of some, and the carelessness of others, we have, nevertheless, cause for thankfulness and encouragement in beholding the steadfastness of a few, and the anxiety of many others. Anxiety about spiritual things was manifested in many places, but in none so much as in the little town of Donkwah, where both old and young, Captains and people, appeared to be anxious to hear the great truths of the Gospel, and to enjoy its blessings. This feeling was especially evinced by the fact, that, when I entered the town, the inhabitants were making a "custom" for a deceased friend; but when they heard that I had taken my seat under the shed in which the school is kept, they left their heathen "custom," and came and listened to me, while conversing upon subjects connected with Christianity, from an hour and a half to two hours; and, from the deep interest which they manifested, the objections which they stated, and the questions which they proposed, I was led to be lieve that they had thought seriously about our holy religion. Shortly after the people had left, the Chiefs returned to inquire if they ought to resume the 'custom." This gave me an opportunity of explaining the Gospel as a system of moral influence; and this I did by taking one of the Chiefs by the hand, as though I intended to use great force in compelling him to do something. "Now," I said, "the Gospel is not like this: if you feel in your heart willing to abandon heathen customs, and determined to serve the true God, it is very good." At the same time, I told them that their own consciences would tell them that these foolish customs did no good, neither to the dead, nor to the living; but that they were often productive of much evil to the living, inasmuch as they drank much rum, and fired away much powder, so that the family of the deceased got so much in debt by these things, that they were frequently obliged to sell themselves and children into the hands of the creditors. They replied that it was very true, and expressed a wish to be freed from these expensive customs. There is something unusual in this spirit of anxiety, as it is experienced not only by the young, but also by the old and grey-headed, some of whom expressed their regret that they were not favoured in early life with the means of hearing and reading God's word. But these sheep in the wilderness have no shepherd: their only spiritual guide is a Schoolmaster, who told me that he is often awaked at three or four o'clock in the morning, in order to hold a prayer-meeting; and from the same cause has as often a difficulty to close his doors at night. But is there not great cause to fear that this precious seed will be choked by the various contrary influences by which it is surrounded, and rendered unfruitful, from the want of direct and constant pastoral oversight and moral culture, which, with our present means, it is impossible to give? I met the members on trial, amounting to twenty-one, and exhorted them to cleave to the Lord. The schools, with but one exception, appear to be prosperous; the children in general exhibit a remarkable aptitude for learning; and their acquaintance with our excellent Catechisms surprised and pleased me very much. And since what I have seen, I must say, that I should almost feel sorry to see the centralizing school system, recommended some time since, too rigidly adopted; for, if we can but supply these schools with efficient and pious Teachers, they would become so many centres, whence would be diffused Christian influence and instruction, which would in some degree enlighten and beautify this moral wilderness, and which would go far in preparing it for more extensive cultivation, until it should be as fruitful as the garden of the Lord. We have recently held our Missionary Meetings. But the one at Anamabu was not so well attended by the members as it should have been: hence we did not realize £60 currency. But as I have since spoken very publicly to our people about it, I hope they are disposed to do a little more. The African is a great money-lover; and it requires no small amount of divine grace to overcome this propensity of his nature. There are some noble exceptions to this; but the bulk of the people seem to have very vague and imperfect views of their duty to the church and the world. The Meeting at Cape-Coast was the best that I have attended in this country; the particulars of which you will, of course, receive from an official source, together with the proposal of other important arrangements, which will, I hope and believe, tend to the advancement of the work of God upon the Coast. Our cause at Anamabu seems to make a little progress: the boys' school is very well attended. Our congregations are large, and upon the increase; and we have recently received a few members on trial. But as it is so near the end of the year, when you will expect from me a full report, I need not, perhaps, say any more at present. MISSIONS IN THE WEST INDIES. DEMERARA. THERE is one portion of the following Letter from British Guiana, which seems to call for a few introductory sentences, in order to direct to it the special attention of our friends. We refer to the case of "SAMUEL JOHNSON," (—we wish that Mr Bickford had given us his original Cingalese name,-) a poor Coolie from Ceylon, who was one of the "Hired Labourers "brought some years ago from the East, to supply the alleged deficiency of Labourers in our West Indian Colonies. The whole scheme of that novel Emigration was regarded by benevolent and Christian men with great suspicion and alarm. We believe it has not answered the expectations even of those who advocated it. But evil is sometimes overruled, by a gracious and almighty Providence, for ultimate good. In this case, at least, it has been so. The whole narrative is interesting and instructive. Extract of a Letter from the Rev. James Bickford, dated George-Town, I AGAIN take up my pen to address you, in the hope that the contents of my communication may be acceptable and interesting to yourselves and to the Committee. Last Monday week we held our September Quarterly-Meeting for this Circuit. We met under a feeling of deep concern, lest a deficiency of the former quarter of nearly £180 sterling should be still lying on our hands, without the hope of being able to cover it in our winding up at the end of the year. During the quarter we made a special effort among our congregations in aid of the Circuit funds, and held four teameetings, the profits of which were to be appropriated to the same object. The result of our efforts in these directions has been £114. 19s. 11d., leaving still a deficiency of £89. 8s. 3d., which we must endeavour now to cover by renewed efforts in the way of tea-meetings, and by application to the members of the church and congregation. However, although financially "perplexed, we are not in despair; cast down, we are not destroyed." Our consolation and triumph are, "The best of all is, God is with us.' In reference to our congregations in George-Town, I am happy to say that, notwithstanding the excessively wet weather during the first seven nonths of the year, and the general sickness which prevailed after the setting in of the dry season, they have continued good and steady. A number of respectable persons, who in former days were altogether beyond the reach of our influ ence, have become pew-holders, and are now regularly hearing God's word from our pulpits. I have felt it my duty to pray much to God for the conversion of persons of intelligence and respectability; and I am thankful that in this matter, as well as in others, the Lord heareth prayer. The blessing will surely come; and persons qualified in the best sense will be raised up to conserve the principles, and to extend the salutary influence, of spiritual and vital religion to nations yet unborn. Our hearts have been much gladdened by a recent application from an East Indian for admission into our church by baptism. He is a native of Trincomalee, and came here along with hundreds of his countrymen, foolishly expecting to find an El-Dorado in the mud-plains and swamps of British Guiana. He is a young man of much intelligence, writes an excellent hand, and appears to have much facility in translating the Scriptures from English into Tamul, for the benefit of the Coolies. He chose for his name at his baptism Samuel Johnson; and I sincerely hope he may find in his youth that peace of mind, and freedom from the fear of death, which the great lexicographer and moralist did not experience until a dying hour. A few days after his baptism he wrote me a pleasing letter, thanking me for the spiritual instructions he had already received; and applying to be further advised as to the course of studies he should follow, in order that both his mind and heart might make progress in doctrinal knowledge and religious good. It afforded me much gratification to put into his hands the "Book of books," accompanied by a few elementary theological works; and I have strong confidence as to his rapid advancement in the truth, and steadfastness in his Christian profession. Since his baptism, a Priest of the Romish Church has been teasing him. He was informed by the impostor, that "if he wished to be saved, he must pray to the Apostles Peter, Paul," &c. to which absurdity and wickedness he meekly replied, "We did not read anything in God's word about praying to them." Some of his unhappy countrymen, having heard of his baptism, sought to him for information concerning the Christian Scriptures and religion; and with most grateful readiness did he comply with their request. There appears, therefore, a probability, that, under Providence, a gracious work may yet be effected in the souls of some of these wretched emigrants from India; and that the conversion of Samuel Johnson may not only furnish the instrument, but be the pledge, of their regeneration, and consequent physical and moral improvement. Since this interesting case came under my cognizance, I have been led to attach more importance than previously to our East India Mission. Samuel Johnson was taught to read and write at a Mission-school in India; but he would not look into the Christian's Bible. The Missionary used often to remonstrate with him; frequently were the tears seen chasing each other down his face; and fervent were the prayers offered to Heaven on behalf of the refractory lad; but no pleasing effects were witnessed. Missionary may be gone to his reward; but this person, once so obstinate and wicked, is now "meek as a Lamb," and is endeavouring to be a genuine disciple of the Missionary's Lord. What an encouragement does this case furnish to The our devoted Missionaries in India to "labour on at God's command;" sustained by the prayers and sympathies of our directors, and by the liberal donations of the friends of Missions in our native and beloved country! Whatever consequences may result to the Mission funds in England from the wicked conduct of certain agitators, and whatever may be the feelings of the subscribers by reason of the base attacks made upon the Executive of our Missionary departments, one thing is certain, that confidence is not withdrawn from the General Secretaries and Committee of our Mission in these parts. This week I have had another application from the Trustees of the Cumberland chapel, to take over, fully and permanently, by legal transfer, the entire premises for the purposes of the Wesleyan Missionary Society. There is an encumbrance of about 300 dollars, which would have to be met, and then this property, which cost nearly 5,000 dollars, would be the property of the Society, and the congregation would be brought under, as far as our means would permit, the influence of our ministry. As my letter has unwittingly run to so great a length, I must reserve the particulars of this renewed application, and our duty in respect to it, for the next mail. The large supply of Reports and other valuable books and papers, kindly sent by Mr. Hoole, have come duly to hand. My time has been much occupied to-day in sending the Reports, &c., to the friends of our Missions, who have been for some time eagerly expecting them. Such supplies do not lie upon our hands, neither do they rot upon our shelves: we gratefully receive them, and promptly put them into circulation. We are, thank God, tolerably well and happy. We entreat a continued interest in your prayers. HAYTI. Extract of a Letter from the Rev. Mark B. Bird, dated Port-au-Prince, I AM thankful to say that we still are in health, and enjoy a tolerable degree of encouragement in our Master's work. It is truly gratifying to be able to say, that every Station in the French part of the District is more or less prospering, and our hopes becoming more and more satisfactory. At the Cape our indefatigable brother, Mr. Hartwell, has opened a new chapel, of which, doubtless, he has sent you an account. Truly of that place we may emphatically say, "What has God wrought!" At Gonaïves, where we have been toiling apparently in vain for a long time past, we now begin to see some small signs of prosperity. At Cayes, where Satan has fearfully raged during the late troubles, the Gospel is beginning to show forth its saving power; a small society of two or three having been formed there, with the hope of still greater success. At |