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The Annual Report is now in the press, and will be ready for distribution in a few days.

The thanks of the Committee are returned to Messrs. E. and J. Hemming, of Astwood, for a package of needles for distribution by Mr. Knibb; to Mrs. Fernie, Tottenham ; Mrs. Stanley, Wokingham; and Mr. Wm. Foster, Hebden Bridge, for books and magazines.

A box of fancy articles for Mrs. Phillippo has been received from the Misses Rust, of Greenwich; another from Ladies at Guilsborough, by the Rev. James Clark, for Mr. Burchell; and another from Alice Horne, near St. Peter's, for the Jamaica Schools.

Mrs. Dexter, of Stewart Town, desires us to acknowledge the receipt of a box of useful and fancy articles, from kind friends at Ashford; and Mr. Hutchins, of Savanna la Mar, for similar favours from Ladies at Ipswich, and at Badcox Lane, Frome.

We regret to announce that the health of our beloved brother, the Rev. W. H. Pearce, has suffered so greatly from his recent exertions, restricted as they have been, that he is strictly enjoined by his physicians entire abstinence from all engagements whatever. This is inserted, not merely for the information of those friends who, unaware of his weak state, may wish to be visited by him, but also to prevent disappointment on the part of his correspondents, it heing necessary that he should abstain from writing, as well as from oral inter

course.

ERRATUM-In our last report, the collection at Sutton-upon-Trent, page 49, was, by an error of the printer, stated to be four shillings, instead of four pounds.

J. Haddon, Printer, Castle Street, Finsbury.

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PACALTSDORP STATION, SOUTH AFRICA.

PACALTSDORP, of which a representation is given on the preceding page, is situated in the district of George, in the colony of the Cape of Good Hope; being distant, in an easterly direction, about 300 miles from Cape Town, and three from the town of George. It stands on an elevated site, in the midst of a large and beautiful plain, near Mossel Bay, and commands a view of George. The settlement is enclosed by a strong fence, erected by the Hottentots belonging to the Institution, the number of whom, according to the latest returns, is about 828.

The large building in the centre of the drawing is the Mission Chapel; close to which, on the right, stands the adult Sabbath-school. At a short distance in the same direction is the entrance-gate of the Institution. Beyond this, on the extreme right, the village of George presents itself; in the rear of which are the Cradock Mountains. The large building next but one to the chapel, on the left, and the other which forms the last of the range in that direction, are the dwelling-houses of the Missionary and the schoolmaster, and the building between these, adjoining the former, is the Infant-school. The smaller erections in the same line are chiefly the out-offices of the Mission; and the remainder, together with those scattered in various directions over the enclosed space, are the houses of the native inhabitants.

The Mission at this place originated in a visit to the spot by Messrs. Read and Wimmer, a short time before that of the Rev. Mr. Campbell, in 1813. They remained there for a while, preaching the Gospel to the inhabitants, both bond and free, who listened to them with apparently deep interest, and earnestly entreated that a Missionary might be sent to reside among them. When Mr. Campbell afterwards visited the settlement, the people repeated their request; and in February, 1813, Mr. Charles Pacalt was appointed to the Station.

The efforts of Mr. Pacalt to promote the important object of his mission, and to advance the people in civilisation, were of an energetic and useful character; and he had the satisfaction to witness much good effected through his instrumentality. In a comparatively short period, his congregation amounted to between 200 and 300; being composed partly of the people of the Institution, partly of inhabitants of the town of George, and partly of persons in the service of the neighbouring farmers. The number of communicants was about forty. A day-school was established, consisting of about sixty scholars, who, with a number of adults, and the rest of the children of the Institution, also received catechetical instruction on the Sabbath.

On the 26th of November, 1816, it pleased Divine Providence to remove Mr. Pacalt by death, in the midst of his usefulness, and the Institution was shortly afterwards placed under the care of the Rev. J. G. Messer, whose labours in connexion with it were abundantly blessed; the attendance on public worship increased to about 300, the number of communicants to 46, and the school to 70. Shortly after his arrival, he commenced a Sabbath-school, chiefly for the religious instruction of those who could attend on no other day; and the poor slaves and others flocked from all quarters to avail themselves of the means of instruction; even those "who for many years," Mr. Messer said, "had appeared to possess hearts as hard as a stone, came and bowed their knees at the feet of Jesus."

In January, 1822, the Rev. William Anderson succeeded Mr. Messer in the charge of the Station, at which he still continues to labour with fidelity and zeal. The preceding statements convey a general view of the more prominent

* Formerly called Hooge Kraal.

features of the Institution from the period of its formation, in 1813, to the year 1834. Since the latter period, though not unimpeded by difficulties, it has been on the whole steadily and decidedly progressive. The annexed particulars comprise an account of its circumstances and progress in the past year; during which it has been largely favoured by the Divine Lord of Missions, in nearly all its departments.

Among the younger members of the native congregation there has been a pleasing revival of religion, and the meetings for prayer and mutual edification are marked with unusual seriousness and interest. The Bible-class, conducted by Mr. Anderson's daughters, is found highly beneficial. In November last, several of the young persons belonging to this class, of whose growth in religious knowledge and personal piety our venerable brother speaks in highly gratifying terms, were preparing for baptism. The Temperance Society, commenced in 1831, continues to operate in the most salutary manner.

In connexion with the schools, there has been an ample measure of encouragement. The Infant-school, under the care of one of Mr. Anderson's daughters, wears a delightfully promising aspect, and attracts the attention of all who visit the Station. The number of children taught in this school amounts to 160. On the Sabbath they are also instructed in the Scriptures; and the gratifying fact is stated, that many of these children on returning to their homes are in the habit of communicating to their parents the lessons of Divine truth which they receive. The day-school has declined in number, in consequence of several of the most advanced scholars having entered, with the advantage of the education afforded them, on various occupations to obtain a livelihood. This diminution is not a subject for regret, but for congratulation, as it is hereby shown that the school is fulfilling one of its chief ends.

At the close of the year the Mission Church consisted of 69 members. The congregation had increased to 400, and the Sabbath-school to 130.

We cannot conclude the present communication without observing, that Pacaltsdorp is among the Stations in South Africa, in connexion with which Divine love and mercy have been most conspicuously manifested. Many of the Hottentots at this Station are living evidences of what the grace of our Lord can effect. Those who were afar off have been made nigh; the power of his Cross and the influences and operation of his Spirit have been wonderfully unfolded. He has encouraged his servants to labour while it is called to-day, by giving them to see that their labour has not been in vain; and what has been thus accomplished may well be regarded as an invitation to others to enter into the field, that through their united instrumentality the period may be hastened when Ethiopia, throughout her vast extent, shall be converted unto God and rejoice in possessing the riches of his great salvation.

MISSION TO THE NAVIGATORS ISLANDS.

(Continued from p. 71.)
SAVAII.

MR. HARDIE commenced his labours at Savaii, in June, 1836, and was joined there by his colleague, Mr. Macdonald, at the close of the ensuing March, or beginning of April. During his stay at Rarotonga, Mr. Macdonald had been mercifully restored to health, and, when he arrived at his Station, had the prospect of being able to pursue his labours without interruption. He was accompanied by his wife and child. Mr. Hardie writes, under date 7th of April last. He had experienced the kindest treatment from the chiefs and people, and their endeavours to make him and Mrs. Hardie comfortable in their new residence had

been unceasing. Mr. Hardie omitted no opportunity of testifying his sense of their friendly attentions, and the most perfect good-will had thus been cemented between them. In company with Mr. Buzacott, to whose effective aid and fraternal affection he and the other brethren bear grateful testimony, Mr. Hardie made a tour of observation through the island, and was every where received with the most cordial frankness and hospitality. At several places he stationed native teachers, to whom the people evinced a kindly spirit, and willingly consented to receive instruction. from them. In Savaii, as in the other islands, the prevalence of ophthalmic and scorbutic disorders had considerably arrested the attention of the brethren; the applications of the people for medicine had been eager and incessant; and although a temporary and partial diversion of labour was thus occasioned, yet the alleviation of physical suffering which the Missionaries had been able to effect greatly augmented their moral influence. After noticing these circumstances, Mr. Hardie mentions the formation and encouraging progress of a school containing 100 children, at Sapapalii, and then adverts to his hopes and efforts in reference to the direct communication of the Gospel.

'I am happy," he observes, "in being able to state that I am now able to impart to the people the knowledge of salvation by Jesus Christ, though my acquaintance with the language is, and for some time must be, imperfect. My earliest attempt at preaching was on the first Sabbath in September; and I have since continued to instruct the people, more or less, every Lord's-day and during the week, in the truths of the Gospel. For several months I have statedly preached two or three times every Sabbath, and once on the Wednesday, besides holding a meeting with the steady people on the Friday. After the services on the Sabbath, I make a rule of questioning the people on the sermon, and it gives me much satisfaction to state, that they generally repeat the text and divisions of the sermon and all its leading points very correctly."

Having on one occasion specially invited such of the people as were seriously impressed to meet him for religious conversation, Mr. Hardie supplies the following pleasing statement of the results

At the time appointed there came twelve men, with whom I conversed separately at considerable length. I found their knowledge of the plan of salvation, though limited, sufficiently clear. The truth seemed evidently to have taken hold of their minds. Being satisfied from my knowledge of their character and conduct, and believing that they sincerely trusted in Jesus, and were willing to renounce every thing incompatible with his service, I told them that it was the will of Christ that all who believed in him should be baptised, and formed into societies for the observance of his worship, and the advancement of his glory. They said it was very good, and that it was their desire to do whatever was the will of Jesus. Accordingly, on Sabbath the 26th of March, I baptised twelve of them, and eleven of their children. Previous to baptising them,

and in presence of the people, I asked them a series of questions, in the simplest manner I could adopt, respecting the duties inculcated by the word of God. The answers which they gave were very satisfactory. Deep interest was manifested by the people, and several of those about to be baptised were melted to tears. The whole service was deeply interesting and impressive. In the afternoon a church was formed, consisting of eleven Samoans, the native teachers, and ourselves. It was to us a time of much interest and spiritual enjoyment. We felt deeply humbled before God on account of our unprofitableness, and melted by his great goodness. Pray for us, that the blessing of God may rest upon all our endeavours to do good to this ignorant and degraded but interesting people.

TUTUILA

THE effects of the first introduction of the Gospel to this island have been already noticed. These, it is hoped, will, through the Divine blessing, be fully developed and matured by the labours of the brethren, Murray and Barnden, who are now stationed here. The measure of encouragement which they have received is not less decided than that which has been experienced by the brethren at the other

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