Imágenes de páginas
PDF
EPUB

increased in number, and are still in creasing.

This has been a laborious but profitable day. Our Sunday-School children in Sandy-Point have been rewarded to-day. No less than 204 were present.

23d. I rode home from Deep-Bay this morning. In the evening we held our Leaders Meeting, and I had the happiness of receiving on trial sixteen persons.

25th. I visited the people to-day; and in the evening rode to Deep-Bay; called on some sick persons and prayed with them, and then preached from Gen. xxii. 1, 3, to a very large congregation: I afterwards married a couple, and attended our Leaders' Meeting,

when we received eighteen persons on trial, among whom were three Sundayscholars. What hath God wrought in this place!

26th. I have established among our Leaders a weekly Prayer-Mecting at noou on Tuesday; and another among the Teachers of the Sunday-School on Thursday noon. I hope these means of grace will be profitable.

I attended the Teachers' PrayerMeeting to-day, and exhorted them to a variety of duties, pointing out the most acceptable methods of teaching the scholars, and endeavouring to impress on their minds the necessity of great personal piety.

Extract of a Letter from Messrs. Cox and Amory, duted Busseterre, Feb. 9, 1826.

OUR Missionary Anniversaries having been held in this island, we beg leave to report the result to you. We do this with much gratitude to Almighty God, whose blessing has been very graciously bestowed on us; and whose enlivening influence has excited, we hope, an increased compassion for the Heathen, and has elicited the special liberalities of our very numerous assemblies.

Sermons preparatory to the Meetings were preached by various Missionaries in the several chapels on the island, on Sunday the 5th inst., to large and attentive assemblies. The Anniversary of our Auxiliary Society was held in Wesley Chapel, in this town, on Monday evening, the 6th inst., the Honourable William Wharton Rawlins, Speaker of the House of Assembly, in the chair, who opened the Meeting with a very suitable address. Thomas Harper, Esq., Colonial Secretary, was on the platform, and delivered a very acceptable speech on the utility of our Missions in the West Indies. Several of the Missionaries also addressed the Meeting, in a very appropriate and impressive manner. On Tuesday evening the Anniversaries of the Old-Road and Cayon Branches were held; the Rev. Thomas Morgan in the Chair at the former place, and Charles Hodgson, Esq., in the latter.

On Wednesday evening we held the Anniversary at Sandy-Point, Johu Rawlins, Esq., in the Chair, who pronounced a very appropriate speech on the subject of Missions generally, and espe cially on the benefits which have resulted from our efforts in these islands. Several other gentlemen were on the platform, and assisted in the business of the evening.

The crowds which assembled at these Meetings were truly gratifying. Our large chapel in Basseterre was full of persons of all ranks in society; and at Old-Road, Sandy-Point, and Cayon, the chapels were crowded, and vast numbers were in the yard, unable to gain admission.

[ocr errors][merged small]

MISSIONS IN THE BRITISH AMERICAN COLONIES. NOVA SCOTIA.-Extract of a Leiter from Mr. Lusher, dated Liverpool, March 24th, 1926.

work at this' Station; and I wish I could say, that its enlargement and prosperity were equal to my wishes,' In

It becomes now my duty, for the information of the Committee, to give you some account of the state of the VOL. V. Third Series. AvGUST, 1826.

2 S

no part of British North America with which I am acquainted, excepting one or two of our Stations in Canada, have any remarkable revivals of religion taken place for some time among any of the different denominations. Throughout this province, it is the complaint of the Ministers and pious of different Churches, that a spirit of lukewarmness seems generally to prevail. This has been the complaint of the Missionaries at this Station, since the remarkable season that was experienced here about six years ago, when an extraordinary sensation was generally felt, and some genuine and permanent conversions took place; and I regret to say that much of that apathy and languor continue to prevail. I feel grateful, however, that, with respect to our own Society and congregation, in town, the prospect is less discouraging. There appears to be a growing attention to the duties and ordinances of religion, and a deepening of the work of grace in many hearts. The prayer-meetings, which during the winter have been held from house to honse among the friends, as well as in the chapel, have been the means, in an encouraging degree, of awakening the attention of the careless to eternal concerns, and of comforting and establishing believers. The divine presence has sometimes been powerfully felt among us; the hungry have been fed, the thirsty have been refreshed, and we have been led to exclaim with solemn joy and awe, "Lo, God is here, let us adore!" Liverpool has frequently been visited with me. morable out-pourings of the Holy Spirit, in years that are past, and it is hoped that in answer to prayer, we shall be again visited and revived.

In the country part of the Circuit, where, as you have been informed, there are many very destitute places, the people continue gladly to attend the preaching and ordinances, whenever I have an opportunity of visiting them, and which I gladly embrace as often as my duties in town will allow me. In no part of this province, or perhaps of British North America, are the labours of a Missionary more necessary than in this Circuit, from its extent, and destitute state with respect to religious ordinances.

I have just returned from attending Missionary Meetings in the Shelburne Circuit. They appeared to excite considerable interest. The subscriptions and collections amount to more than £40; in no previous year did they ever amount to more than £12. During the month of September last, I attended Missionary

Meetings in the Annapolis Circuit, and was much pleased by the liberal manner in which the friends came forward in aid of the funds, and by the interest they seemed to feel in the Missionary plan for the Christian instruc tion of the Heathen. I hope the Branch Societies in the other Circuits of the District will be equally or more abundantly productive.

In closing this letter, may I be permitted to record a remarkable instance of the providential care and goodness of the Almighty, in preserving me from injury and death while engaged in his work. A short time previous to the awful conflagration at Miramichi, (which though distant from us more than 200 miles, the smoke and asbes of it filled our atmosphere, and obscured the sun for three days,) the woods around us, owing to the long continuance of extremely hot and dry weather, were on fire in several places, and burning with great fury. On the south-west side of the town, the fire reached us within about a mile, while on the eastern side of the town and harbour, there were at least ten square miles of woods on fire at once. Having to attend an appointment at Mills Village, nine miles from town, two days after the fire had made its appearance in that direction, I set off, accompanied by a friend, and we sueceeded in making our way through the woods, which were then burning for about half a mile along the road, and reached the village in safety; not, however, without having been almost scorched and suffocated. Upon our return to town the same evening about ten o'clock, we were stopped in our progress by finding the principal bridge over which the road passes, in flames; and it being impossible for us to cross the river, we made the best of our way back again to the village, in order to take the lower road, which runs in a parallel direction with the other, and about four miles from it. Not expecting that during the afternoon the fire would have crossed the country that lies between the two roads, we were surprised, after travelling the lower road for about two miles, to see the fire a-head of us, and a large body of flame rapidly approaching the road on our right. I proposed to retreat immediately, while escape was possible, fearing lest, if we attempted to proceed and were not able, our retreat would be cut off by the body of the fire that, with frightful glare and a loud noise, was rushing towards the road from our right. My friend, however being

anxious to proceed, gallopped forward, and I soon lost sight of him in the smoke; but hearing him call, and encouraging me to proceed, I rode after him, and in a few minutes we found ourselves completely surrounded by the fire, and on a road in general not more than ten feet wide. Being ignorant of the extent of the fire before us, and knowing that our retreat was cut off, we were under the necessity of attempting to proceed. Tying our silk handkerchiefs over our mouths to prevent suffocation, and committing ourselves into the hands of HIM who is "mighty to save," we urged our horses forward, and rode about two miles through the smoke and fire. Our horses seemed aware of the danger as well as ourselves, and instead of starting or stopping as we feared they would, they bounded along the road with unusual speed. The brightening aspect of the moon, which as we rode through the smoke appeared like an orb of blood,

was a cheering intimation to us that we had reached the extremity of the burning woods, and in a few minutes we had the unspeakable happiness to find that we had got to windward of all the fire. From the top of a hill over which the road passed, we cast our eyes behind upon the woods through which we had passed, and which seemed to be in one terrific blaze. Here we congratulated each other upon our escape, and offered our united thanksgivings to our Almighty deliverer. Bless the Lord, O my soul." I desire also gratefully to acknowledge the goodness of God to myself and family, in the health we continue to enjoy, and the kindness we continue to experience from our dear people. I feel it to be my privilege daily to commit my all for time and eternity into His hands, "whose I am," and whom I desire to love with all my heart, and to serve with all my strength; to whom be glory and do minion for ever and ever. Amen.

IRISH MISSIONS.

Extract of a Letter from Mr. Edwards, dated Banagher, April 24th, 1826.

HAVING completed my second tour, which has been rather more circuitous than the mere line of the schools, I lose no time in laying before you some account of the result of my inquiries and observations with regard to our schools in particular, and the work of God in general.

The weather has been more favourable during this, than my former visitation; and the tranquillity, which then generally prevailed, continues to the present time. The kindness also of the Preachers, and the friends in general, remains unabated; but the improvement which was then taking place in the circumstances of the people, from an increasing demand for the produce and manufactures of this country, has, I am sorry to say, met with a check from the late failures which have occurred in England: however, we hope this will be only of short duration; and whilst we are happy in having to say that we are favoured by a kind Providence with a fine and early sowing season, whereby we hope in due time to enjoy the kindly fruits of the earth, we are also enabled to assert, that an increasing desire after that word is manifesting itself, whereby we trust many will reap fruit unto life eternal.

At present we have twenty schools, in which there are 1479 scholars, being

an increase of 159 children since my last report. In their general appearance, I am happy to say, they exhibit an increasing degree of order, stability, and efficiency. Many of the children are more cleanly in their persons, more orderly in their manners, and much improved in their morals. In the reading and writing departments considerable improvement, and in arithmetic some advancement have been made; but in spelling many of the children excel.

In some of the schools, considerable portions of the Scriptures have been committed to memory; and catechetical instruction has been attended to; in some instances as far as it was practicable. And I am persuaded it will be as gratifying to the Committee, as it was surprising to me, in the latter part of my tour, to find, on inquiry, (and I took some pains to know the truth of it,) that nearly all the children above infancy, could repeat the Lord's Prayer; and were accustomed every night, and a considerable majority of them every morning, to pray: that is, to say the Lord's Prayer, or the Lord's Prayer and the Creed, by themselves, or to be taught or heard by their parents. During the present year, a few additional Sunday-Schools have been commenced; and we purpose to increase the number, and extend, as far as we can, this sphere of Christian

benevolence and charity, whereby so mauy and most important benefits have been conferred upon society.

Since the Committee thought proper to intrust me with the care of their schools, three have been removed, and from various causes; and whilst with the greatest reluctance and sorrow, we have been compelled to relinquish any post which we had once occupied, we have to observe, from a comparison of the different returns made, the aggregate number of children in those now commenced, (though opposition continues to be made to their attendance at two of them,) nearly equals the highest number ever rendered of those which have been given up, whilst the circumstances of the masters are much improved; the facilities afforded them, for the accomplishment of the immediate objects of the Society, are greatly increased; and the opportunities for general usefulness, which present them selves, are more numerous and promising. Other openings are now presenting themselves with similar advantages, and of equal promise; and which we might immediately embrace, but this can only be at present done, in consequence of events, the occurrence of which we cannot but deprecate; that is, the failure of Schools already instituted, and the abandonment of places which we at present occupy. I feel pleasure in stating, that whilst the Masters, generally, have conducted themselves to my satisfaction, I know of no instance wherein their conduct has not met the approbation of the parents of the children; obtained the good opinion of those respectable individuals who have patronized our Schools; and secured the respect generally, of the inhabitants, Roman Catholic and Protestant, in the neighbourhood in which they live.

As the schools are in immediate con

nexion with the Missions in Ireland, upon the present occasion it may not be deemed irrelevant, or an intrusion, to notice also, that in visiting the Schools, I have had occasion to touch upon or pass through I think the whole of the Mission Stations; have conversed with most of the Missionaries; and have had other opportunities of learning the state of their work; and I am happy in being able to say, that whilst in them all a work is commenced, which, like the leaven, is silent in its operations, yet, with the blessing of God, must be progressive in its influence, and beneficial in its results. In some of the Missions we are favoured with more visible tokens of the divine presence and power; and if the opening of new doors for the preaching of that "Gospel which is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth," the "conversion of sinners from the error of their way," the formation of Societies for the purpose of Christian communion, a request for schools professedly of a religious character, and the erection and fitting up of buildings for the propagation of the doctrine which is according to godliness, be any proofs of it, we can say, and I trust we shall be enabled to continue to say, "that God is with us."

And when I consider the general tranquillity we enjoy; the degree of plenty which pervades the land; the progress which the cause of truth is making; the increasing desire after the word of God, which is taking place; the pious, philanthropic, and successful exertions making by various religious and benevolent Societies and individuals; the extraordinary, arduous, and self-denying labours of "many running to and fro," in the exercise of their ministry, I have the most pleasing anticipations.

KILLALOE MISSION.Extract of a Letter from Mr. Guard, dated May 30th, 1826.

We have both discouragements on this Mission, and some encouragements. We have long rides and small congregations, and at the hazard of our lives we have visited some parts of the Mission. In more than one or two instances I have narrowly escaped drowning, but "hitherto the Lord hath helped me."

You will be glad to hear that our school in Tarbut is doing well, although

the Priest has drawn off nearly all the Papist children: he warned them from the altar not to send their children to our School, for we taught them damnable doctrines. "If," said he," you cannot afford to educate your children, better let them go to heaven with one eye, than having two eyes to go down to hell." The master is greatly beloved by the children and their parents.

and

1. Died at Douglas, Isle of Man, October 1st, 1825, Mrs. Eunice Quiggin, in the thirty-third year of her age. Her mind was early impressed with the necessity of personal religion; and when lifting up her streaming eyes to heaven, as she expressed herself, she found the "pearl of great price," the knowledge of salvation by the remission of sin. She joined the Methodist Society in her fifteenth year, was an active Teacher in the Sunday-School, and had the charge of a Class of children, who were brought under deep concern for their salvation, principally through her instrumentality. She was also appointed the Leader of a Class of young females, which was continued for several years with increasing prosperity. The sick and the dying claimed her special attention; and as opportunity offered, she was regular in her attendance upon the abodes of disease and death; administering to the afflicted the consolations of religion, by directing them to the Saviour, who gave his life a ransom for all; and in this work of charity and mercy she was happily successful. She possessed a sympathetic and benevolent mind, took great delight in doing good to others. She could easily enter into another's joy and woe, and rejoice with them that rejoiced, and weep with those that wept. Under the influence of the same Christian feeling, she was always tender of the character of an absent person, and would often lament the conduct of some professors of religion, who were in the habit of speaking evil of those who were not present to answer for themselves: an evil of the most destructive tendency, not only to the persons censured, but also to those who are guilty of so great a siu. She was an active and successful Collector for our Foreign Missions; and her last act of mercy upon earth, was that of going about to collect some money for one of the poor of Christ's flock, which she paid in small weekly sums to the person who was the object of her benevolence. On the 24th of September she was severely attacked by disease, which in seven days terminated her useful life. On the morning of the day on which she died, she appeared much better, and hope was entertained that she would recover; but this cheering prospect was soon obscured, and the sun of promise which now, for a short time, shone from under a cloud, in a few hours set for ever. Mrs. Quiggin was aware of her situation, and talked freely and with much composure of her funeral.

She desired her two children to be brought to her, on whom she invoked God's blessing. She kissed them; and when taking leave of the youngest, prayed that God would save her by his grace. Some of her last words were,

"See there my Lord upon the tree; 1 hear, I feel he died for me." "Praised be God; Glory be to God:" and in answer to the question, Whether she was in much pain? her reply was, "I feel none: this bed was never so soft as now; it is to me as a bed of roses." She attempted to sing a verse of one of our hymns on heaven, but could only utter two lines; and having struggled a few moments with death, she arose into eternal life. She had been eighteen years a zealous and useful member of the Methodist Society.

JAMES ANDERSON.

2. Died, at Skipton, Oct. 2d, Mrs. Jane Baynes. She was born of very respectable parents, at Embsay-Kirk, near Skipton in Craven, in the year 1739. Her father died when she was very young, and left her to the care of her mother, who was strictly moral in her outward conduct, and a regular attendant upon the services of the Established Church. Her daughter became as exemplary for morality as her mother, and as uniform in attending religious ordinances, while at the same time she was a stranger to the power of religion. In the year 1786, she came, with her mother, to reside in Skipton. About that time the Methodist Preachers were invited to this place by a member of the Society, who had providentially been led to take up his abode there. They accepted the invitation, and Miss Baynes became a regular hearer; and in 1787, she joined the Society, of which she continued a consistent member for thirty-eight years. At that period Methodism was low in the esteem of many in Skipton; the Society was very small; they had no chapel; only an inconvenient and disagreeable room for public worship; and the disapprobation of her friends and relatives, occasioned by the step she had taken, made her cross very heavy. She had, however, made up her mind on this important subject; remembering the words of her Lord, "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross." It is greatly to be regretted, that some time previous to Mrs.Baynes's decease, she destroyed her papers, which contained notices of her reli

« AnteriorContinuar »