portions of holy Scripture, particularly the fol- Feb. 6th.-At Budleigh-Salterton, in the Exeter Circuit, the Rev. William Gilpin, aged seventy. He was born at Whitehaven, Cumberland, and came into the Wesleyan itinerancy in the year 1799. He laboured with acceptance and usefulness until the year 1833, when, through complicated infirmities, he was obliged to retire from the regular work of the ministry. The state of stupor into which he sank, some time previous to his decease, prevented him from giving utterance to any sentiments relative to his spiritual condition. J. S. Feb. 12th.-At Lymm, in the Warrington Circuit, aged fifty-six years, Mrs. Ann Pearson. On January 11th, only thirty-two days before, aged eighteen years, her second daughter, Mary Ann Pearson, died, very happy in the Lord. A short time before her death, she said to her mother, "You will soon follow me to heaven." About eleven years ago, Mrs. Pearson was brought to the saving knowledge of the truth; and from that time, to the end of her days, she maintained a uniformly consistent character as a follower of Christ, adorning the doctrines of God her Saviour in all things. Sixteen years ago her husband died, when the important charge of his business, and the care of six children, devolved upon her. From this time she has been a "widow indeed," trusting in the Lord, acknowledging him in all her ways; and he directed her paths. She endured a long and painful affliction with great patience, and entire resignation to the will of her heavenly Father; and died, happy in God, much respected by all who knew her. Her death will be an incalculable loss to her children. May they all follow her as she followed Christ! S. W. Feb. 15th.-At Rye, Mr. William Chatterton, aged seventy-two; for many years a Class- Feb. 16th.-In Bermondsey-street, Southwark, Mrs. Mary Denham, in the sixty-third year of her age. When she was about seven years old she was deprived of her mother; and, to use her own words," was a poor little friendless girl; but the Lord took her up." In her youthful days the Holy Spirit graciously operated upon her heart, and she always loved to speak of his dealings with her soul. Being providentially led to the old Methodist chapel, in Crosby-row, she joined herself to the Wesleyan society there, about forty years ago; and continued, through her remaining life, a faithful and consistent member. During the seventeen years that she was a widow, her troubles were numerous; but the Lord directed, supported, and provided for her and her family. Of the care of God she was always deeply sensible; and was frequently heard to say, with admiring gratitude, "He has proved himself to be indeed the Husband of the widow, and the Father of the fatherless." For about three months before her departure, her sufferings were very great; but never did a murmur fall from her lips. She was so affected by her mercies, and so confident of the wisdom, goodness, and power of God, that she was fully resigned to his will. While she was thankfully resting on the atonement, and patiently waiting till her Lord should come, he mercifully relieved her from all her sorrows, and took her to him. self. W. C. POETRY. THE POWER OF SIN. BY THE REV. CHARLES WESLEY, A. M. How long, thou awful God, how long Shall I this conflict have? Why am I thus, if thou art strong, No end of this intestine war, And fix itself in me. The unbelief that holds me still, Or change the bias of my will, Or force my heart to love. Throughout my fallen soul I find That I should change the carnal mind, As soon a hellish fiend, accurst, His chains of massy darkness burst, Relating principally to the FOREIGN MISSIONS carried on under the direction of the METHODIST CONFERENCE. MISSIONS IN AUSTRALASIA AND POLYNESIA. NEW SOUTH WALES. WINDSOR AND RICHMOND.-Extract of a Letter from the Rev. Frederick Lewis, dated Windsor, June 21st, 1841. Our IT is with much pleasure that I attempt, at the close of another quarter, to furnish you with a few particulars respecting the work of the Lord in this Circuit. You will rejoice to learn, that the Lord has, in a very pleasing manner, been reviving his work among us. Missionary Meetings, as I informed you in my last, were the most interesting, perhaps, in every point of view, that the Circuit has ever known. Our congre gations, in every part of the field intrusted to our care, are very good; while, in each of the respective places in which we have been engaged in preaching the word, we have been favoured with instances of decided and satisfactory conversion to God. By the removal of the regiment which was for merly stationed at Windsor, which took place a few months ago, our congregation in this town sustained a very heavy loss; as many of the officers, as well as the soldiers, were in the habit of attending, several of whom had taken pews in the chapel. I am, however, happy to inform you, that most of the pews have been re-let, to parties who are much more likely to prove a steady congregation than those who have left us; and that or attendance, especially on the Sabbath-evening, is very good. We have been favoured with several additions to the Windsor class during the quarter; and with two very satisfactory conversions to God, one of which has taken place in the father of a numerous and interesting family,-a man who, a few months ago, was as ignorant of spiritual things as the veriest Heathen in the country, but now enjoys, in no small degree, the comforts of the Holy Ghost; while, influenced by his example, several of his neighbours have begun to attend our chapel, and as many as three of his own family have begun to meet with us in class. Richmond, at the present period, is highly encouraging, in respect to our prospects of usefulness. Our old chapel has, for some time, been too small to contain, with anything like comfort, the congregation; and, as the natural result, the people have begun to say, "Give us more room." We have, therefore, resolved on the erection of a new chapel, with all convenient speed. For this purpose, a subscription-list has been opened; and it is no more than justice to the inhabitants of this beautiful little town to say, that they have responded, in a most liberal manner, to the appeal that has been made to them. NEW-ZEALAND. LETTERS, recently received, convey the gratifying intelligence that our Missionaries are successfully prosecuting their important work in these islands, notwithstanding the opposition of the Popish emissaries, and the difficulties arising out of the colonization-movements which are every where taking place. A greater number of Missionaries is needed to meet the spiritual wants of the natives. The Rev. James Wallis mentions one pressing case. He says, "Between Ngamotu and Wanganui, a Missionary is much needed, and might be very usefully employed, if he were stationed about midway between the two places. The population is about TWO THOUSAND, most of whom have embraced Christianity, and are considered as a part of Mr. Creed's charge; but, VOL. XXI. Third Series. MARCH, 1842. T in consequence of the distance being so great, and Ngamotu requiring so much attention, he is not able to visit the settlements often.' We hope soon to state further particulars. We are anxiously expecting the official Reports of the Rev. John Waterhouse. MISSIONS IN SOUTHERN AFRICA. THE CAPE OF GOOD HOPE DISTRICT. THE following communication from the Rev. Richard Haddy conveys encouraging intelligence of the prospects of the Wynberg station, and of the formation of a native society at the Diepe-River. WYNBERG.-Extract of a Letter from the Rev. Richard Haddy, dated Wynberg, September 17th, 1841. THE Lord greatly favoured us at our last Missionary Anniversary. His presence was most delightfully felt. The contributions were considerably above those of the preceding year; so much so, as to present to the Connexion at large an example of endeavour to pay off at once the existing debt of the Parent Society. After the ordinary business of the Meeting, some time was spent in prayer; and never shall I forget the happy hour. The attention of all present seemed to be supernaturally arrested; and a sensation, unfelt and unknown before, was very generally experienced by the congregation. The Preachers themselves partook largely of the sacred influence, which was powerfully felt during the District-Meeting, held immediately afterwards; and it imparted a hallowed and heavenly character to their intercourse with, and prayers for, each other, and for the prosperity of the Lord's work universally. Such was the Meeting and its immediate consequences. Several months have passed away since, and many happy seasons have been experienced; but, with grief it must be added, that the precious visitation has not been duly improved, so as to realize an increase to the society, or much progress in the religious experience of the old members. Nevertheless we do not despair. We are anxiously, and I hope believ ingly, looking to heaven for another and a more effectual visitation. Favourable symptoms are visible. A number of pious gentlemen from India, not, however, belonging to our body, are forming themselves into little bands of pleaders at the throne of grace, for the promised effusion of the Divine Spirit on the churches and on the world. In this Christian work, we can happily fraternize. Sectarianism cannot exist before the throne of grace, where all bow their knees in prayerful homage "C unto the care. Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named." But, besides this, we have actually gathered into the fold of Christ a little company of devoted souls at the Diepe-River, two miles distant from this village. Preaching was established at that place before Mr. B. Shaw returned to England; but it was not until after our last Missionary Meeting here, that any fruit of our labours was manifest. Then the Lord began to work powerfully, and five or six sound conversions took place in quick succession. In a very short time others followed, and we have now thirty persons meeting in class, enjoying Christian fellowship and pastoral About half this number are accredited members, and the remainder are yet on trial. A remarkable alteration has taken place in the whole neighbourhood: those who formerly disregarded, and profanely desecrated, the Lord's day, now esteem it "the best of all the seven." An interesting day-school has been kept for some time, by one of the converted females, of respectable Dutch connexions: the Teacher has most zealously and prayerfully laboured to imbue the minds of the children with the sanctifying principles of divine truth; and her efforts are manifestly blessed and owned of the Lord. On one occasion, while she was pleading with them and for them at the throne of grace, a very powerful effusion of heavenly influence descended upon several of the children; and, in great distress of conscience, they cried aloud, "What must we do to be saved ?" I am happy to add, that the work is progressing. When it first commenced, being alone, without an experienced Class-Leader, or any Assistant, I thought we should utterly fail for want of such agents; but God has rebuked my fears, and is raising up some suitable helpers. THE ALBANY AND KAFFRARIA DISTRICT. By the blessing of Almighty God on the unwearied labours of our excellent brethren, the Missions in this important District appear to be making a manifest and very pleasing progress, in the great work of evangelizing and civilizing the various tribes among which they are located. From the intelligence which they have forwarded we select the following letters, which we commend to the careful perusal of our friends. They all furnish gratifying instances of the happy effects of Christianity upon the temporal circumstances and habits of its converts, as well as on their spiritual condition; and several of them afford additional evidence of the beneficial influence exerted by Missionaries in preventing or arresting those hostile collisions of the native Chiefs and tribes with each other, which, as Mr. Palmer's journal affectingly states, have so fearfully desolated large villages and districts of country, once well-peopled, but now almost uninhabited and dreary wastes. The account given by Mr. Palmer of the happy death of Mary Thomas, and by Mr. Impey of the steadfast piety and Christian usefulness of Kama, the native Chief and Preacher, and the anecdote of the correct reasoning of one of the catechumens on the freeness of God's love in the gift of his Son, are passages which will not escape the attention of our pious readers. Nor will they fail to mark with sympathy and approbation, the great labours and privations to which the African Missionaries cheerfully submit, while, by their honoured instrumentality, the Gospel of salvation is gradually making its way into the wilderness of Heathenism, and laying the foundation for incalculable blessings and benefits. The letters of Mr. Pearse describe the newly-formed station of Beecham-Wood, in Kaffraria, its incipient success, and hopeful progress; and include a brief, but emphatic and affecting, statement of the wretched and awful condition of the unevangelized and unconverted Heathen by whom he is surrounded. To these particular points we have deemed it right to direct attention; but the whole of these communications are full of instruction and interest. Extract of a Letter from the Rev. Horatio Pearse, dated Beecham-Wood, SHORTLY after the close of our Annual District-Meeting, I brought Mrs. Pearse and our infant child hither. We had then no doors, and only one window, in our cottage. Beside many other annoyances, the dogs, despite of my efforts to keep them out at night, would enter our humble dwelling; yet Mrs. Pearse and the infant, thank God, sustained no physical injury. Our privations, especially in the formation of this Missionstation, have been many; but as we had counted the cost, they have had no discouraging effect upon our minds; indeed, we rejoice when in any way we are counted worthy to suffer for His name's sake. We have been graciously dealt with by the Lord, with respect to health; and the favourable locality of the sta tion, by the blessing of God, contributes thereto. You have been made acquainted with the wishes of the District-Meeting, that this station should be called BeechamWood, as a mark of respect to Mr. Beecham. The appendage of " Wood," whilst it improves the title, is characteristic of its situation. To the south-west there is a forest, several miles in extent; and to the east there is another yet larger; besides these, the surrounding country abounds in woods, not to mention some smaller ones within the limits of the station. The site is about five miles from the coast, on an eminence commanding an interesting view of the surrounding mountains and country; but the view of the coast, stretching from east to south for a distance of fifty miles, especially contributes to the beauty of the scenery. We often see vessels passing, homeward-bound, which calls forth associations both pleasing and painful. The land in the neighbourhood is good for pasturage. You will see, in the map of South Africa, published by the Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge, the rivers Kogha (Qora) and the Bashee. Between these are the Shixini and the Nqabara. On the high land above the former is our station, and it is within seven miles of the latter. On the map is sketched another river, to which no name is attached; so that whether the Shixini or the Nqabara be meant, I am unable to state. These rivers are about the size of the Qora, and twenty miles from the Bashee. There is a large population in the neighbourhood, to which we carry the word of life, both on the Sabbath and week-day. Our congregation continues much as usual. I believe we should have had a cheering increase, were it not for the hostile feeling existing between the two clans residing contiguously to the station. Thus the wily serpent endeavours to hold his prey in the "valley and shadow of death." I am now endeavouring, by prudent measures, to prevent a war between them. It has cost me much anxiety; but, if I can succeed, we shall thank God, and take courage. The occurrences of every successive week serve to show me more fully the awful depth of depravity in which this people are sunk. O, if temporal wretchedness, if heathen darkness, if the violation of the laws of our common humanity, if civil anarchy and misrule, if defiance to the laws of heaven, if national barbarism, if bloodshed and crime and woe and death, should excite our deepest sympathy, then these exist here in an awful degree. In my itinerating excursions, I have met with an encouraging reception; and you will be glad to know, that this very important duty is my delight: my soul is most alive when most engaged in this holy exercise. My bowels melt with compassion for those "who have not yet my Saviour known." The numerous demands on my time in the formation of the station have, however, prevented me from undertaking that daily and extensive itinerancy to which my heart is so much attached; yet, I may humbly say, I have done what I could. When at home, I have wrought hard about our buildings, and have embraced every opportunity of visiting the native kraals or villages in the neighbourhood, to publish the Gospel of Christ. But as the chief part of our station-work is now done, at least that which calls for my presence and aid, I am now, God willing, about at once to enter the wide field before us. My labours will be chiefly exerted on that portion of the country lying between the Qora and the Bashee. You will see that this will demand all my time and strength. My Catechist, during the week, is fully employed about station-work: on the Sabbath we alternately itinerate. We are about to commence a day-school. We have just opened our temporary chapel, which is thirty-two and a half feet long by sixteen wide, and thatched with grass. The walls are formed of strong wattling,, plastered with mud. It is a very neat chapel of the sort, and will serve us for a considerable time; and, when it may cease to be employed for preaching purposes, it will be well adapted for a school-room. The entire cost of the building is only £7. Previous to the erection of it, we had only a large hut, constructed on the principle of a native house or hut; which was only preferable to assembling in the open air, exposed to the rays of an African sun. It had two openings in the sides, which admitted some light and air. During the warm weather, we have been almost suffocated with heat; and at every change, we have suffered from currents of air, &c. I have often been made unwell thereby. Here, however, the King of kings and Lord of lords has often condescended to meet and bless us. Here a few sinners have been convinced of their sins, and have turned unto the Lord. Of this place, when he cometh to number up his people, it shall be said, "This and that man was born there." The Captain and his people pay us all the respect we could expect. He attends on the Sabbath occasionally, his residence being about six miles distant; but his frequent absence from home is one reason why he does not come regularly. Some of his wives appear to take plea sure in assembling with us. We are visited by a great number of natives, drawn hither by curiosity. They often manifest astonishment at our operations; and they remind me of the islanders of the South Seas, to whom reference is made in the volume published by the recently-martyred Williams. I must close my communication for the present. It is late, and, God willing, I shall leave home early to-morrow morning. |