Having occupied so much of your time already, I feel reluctant to trespass any further upon your patience; but the importance of the subject, suggested by the pressing necessities of the District, necessities that demand, at any cost, an immediate supply,-must plead my excuse, while I press upon the Committee one consideration more ;-and, if I mistake not, allusion was made to the same subject in the Minutes of the last Annual District-Meeting;-namely, that such is the desire of the labouring population for religious instruction, that they will rather attach themselves to any pretender, than be considered as Heathens; and yet thousands of them, who profess to be Christians, are still living openly in a state of concubinage. Had we anything like an adequate supply of local agency in the different Circuits, we should not be so pressing on the Committee, especially under present circumstances. This we have not as yet. We are not, however, without hope, that Jamaica will, ere long, not only supply a noble band of intelligent and efficient Local Preachers; but will consecrate her sons to the God of Missions, to be sent by Him, and with the consent of the churches, to the ends of the earth; and, if I am not mistaken, Savannah-la-Mar is likely to furnish a few such in due time. Now, what shall I say more? I come back again to my own Circuit, and again urge my appeal on behalf of my people. By the blessing of God, "the little one has become a thousand," and twenty-nine over there are three societies, and only myself and one Local Preacher, with an excellent young man whom I am endeavouring to press into the work as an occasional Exhorter. But I need not remind you, that, in our present trying circumstances, we are in danger of being premature in our choice, or rather in our appointments, having so little choice. However, the claim of this Circuit upon the kind and immediate attention of the Committee must be strengthened by the fact of its liberality, and the sacrifice it has now made as a connexional duty. I am sure the Committee will not lose sight of this circumstance, as it regards St. Ann's, West; and on behalf of the District generally, I beg to repeat the spiritstirring remark of my excellent brother Missionary, the Rev. James Atkins, which appears in the Report for 1841, and which is as true as it is touching: "It is not the climate only, but the excessive labour, that has made Jamaica such a grave of Missionaries." If the friends of the Mission-cause, therefore, wish us who are already in the field, and who are willing to remain, to struggle through a few more years of toil, the Lord permitting us, they will at once put it in your power (the will you have already) TO SEND US HELP, IMMEDIATE HELP, TO JAMAICA. The brethren may be here by the District-Meeting in January; at all events, one for St. Ann's, West. We shall gladly pay his passage. It may seem strange, that while the Committee attribute the present embarrassed state of the fund to the increase of evangelical labourers, as one reason, at least; we should be urging this very principle as really a necessary means of increasing our finances. The mystery will be removed, or explained, however, by the consideration, that we are here in very different circumstances to those Missions which are still, and must be, perhaps, for some time to come, subject to the "apostolic example of taking nothing of the Gentiles; "-several Circuits in this District having pledged themselves to maintain, free of all charge to the fund, one Missionary more than they already have. But we press at present especially for a supply to fill the places of the "honoured dead." You have the men who are already "baptized in the room of the dead;" and we entreat and beseech you, as you value the lives of the living, and the souls of the dying, that you send them out to our assistance by the first steamer that leaves your shores. THE following letter, addressed to the Committee, was found among the papers of the late Rev. William Redfern, and was dated BlackRiver, St. Elizabeth, Jamaica, June 15th, 1841. It is confirmatory of the general and oft-repeated statement, that much remains to be done for the freed population of Jamaica :— You will have learned from the District Minutes, that my appointment is changed from the Grand-Cayman, to the Black-River, Circuit. I find, on the south side of this island our work is much behind that in the north and east: in fact, there exists amongst the black and coloured population generally, a strong prejudice against us, in this parish; which feeling has kept many from coming to hear us at all. In no part of the island are the plain and heart-searching doctrines which we preach more required than here; but when declared in the usual way, in the preaching-house, few came to hear. I therefore resolved to preach in the open air: on several occasions I have done so, and some hundreds of persons attended, and listened with great attention. I believe good has been done in this way; and, although we have considerably enlarged the room in which we worship, yet, on Sunday evenings, it is so full as to render it very uncomfortable; being as hot as an oven. I regret to see the tone of morality so low in this vicinity. In the lower classes ignorance and vice are awful; and in the better informed, love of the world, and pleasure, and other sins, prevent them from thinking about the salvation of their souls. In the country our prospects are more encouraging than on the Bay. We have a large congregation near the SantaCruz mountains, which continues to increase; but here, also, we are straitened for room, many persons being obliged to stand on the outside. A piece of land has been given us, and a shed is to be erected upon it immediately, as we have not the means to build a chapel. If we had chapels in this parish, our cause would soon increase, and become important; but so long as we remain pent up in houses, we cannot expect to increase very much. Our enemies have taken advantage of this circumstance, to prejudice the minds of the poor ignorant people against us, by telling them, we have no foundation, as they term it, (meaning we have no chapels,) and shall very soon leave them again. This feeling has been strengthened by the circumstance of its being left for some months without a Preacher, in days gone by, when the Missionary had to leave on account of sickness. until we can erect chapels. In BlackRiver £100 sterling might be collected; and if we had the loan of about £200 sterling, a building might be put up. In the present state of things in the island, I see no prospect of getting such a loan; and if the Committee cannot help us, we shall be obliged to give up all thoughts of building for the present. There is a great deal of morass in this neighbourhood, which makes it, in the wet seasons, unhealthy. I have had two attacks of fever since the wet season commenced; but, by the blessing of God, I am recovered, and able to attend to my appointments. P.S. By the Rev. Isaac Whitehouse. Before this comes to hand you will have been informed of the unexpected and lamented death of the writer. As I suppose it was about the last thing he wrote, and as it gives his views of the state of this Circuit, I consider it right to forward it. It was found amongst some other papers in his study. It is more than probable, that the Chairman will have informed you of the circumstances under which I was induced to yield to his wish, that I should continue in the island until the ensuing District-Meeting; but upon this subject I shall write you fully before long. I came here a week ago, previous to bringing my family, &c. I have twice visited the country station, MountainSide, and trust that a good work is going on there; and there I intend to reside. I find our work very low here; and shall be thankful to Providence if my temporary appointment should tend, in any degree, to an improved state of things. Mr. Redfern appears to have been very much beloved by the people; and This feeling will never be removed, his last end was peaceful. RECENT MISCELLANEOUS INTELLIGENCE. PARIS. "Our Twenty-second Annual District-Meeting began on the 25th of March, and terminated on the 2d of April. We are happy to say, that we have enjoyed much harmony and peace; and are, we trust, preparing to return to our respective fields of labour with renewed determinations to Offer up our all to Him, To whom our more than all is due.' Thirteen brethren were present; and we have again had, as in past years, to rejoice and thank God that no inroad has been made upon our numbers by death. Our public services, during our stay in Paris, have been well attended; and have been seasons of refreshment to our own souls, and, we believe, to the congregations assembled with us. "The review which we have been called to make of the work in which we are employed, has excited in us lively feelings of gratitude and joy. By the reports of the brethren we find that at our last Quarterly-Mecting we had one thousand one hundred and eleven members in society; being an increase of one hundred and sixty-five on the numbers of last year, besides one hundred and thirteen on trial. And we hope that this increase in our numbers has not been unaccompanied by a proportionate deepening in many of the good work of God. "From different parts of this District, applications have been made for an increase of labourers. We have noticed a few of these which appeared to us the most urgent; and should have named others, if our apprehensions of your inability to accede to these recommendations in the present state of the funds had not restrained us."-Rev. William Toase, Paris, April 3d, 1841. The PORT-ELIZABETH, ALGOA-BAY. "The cause of God is in an encouraging state in this Circuit. The place we now occupy is well filled; on Sunday evenings it is crowded nearly to suffocation with attentive hearers, who seem anxious to profit by the preached word. new chapel is in a state of forwardness. I hope the contractors will have it completed at the time appointed, that is, at the end of February. It is a substantial stone building; and for its neatness it will be quite an ornament to the town. Though it is only fifty feet by thirty feet, inside measurement, with an end-gallery, and everything very plain, yet, including the purchase of ground, &c., it will cost about £1,300 sterling. This may ap pear a large sum for so small a building, and so it is; but building at this place is more expensive than at any other perhaps in South Africa. I hope you will try to do something towards its erection. We have in this Circuit five preachingplaces. Uitenhage, which is abont twenty miles from this, is a good-sized town; but being alone, without even a Local Preacher, I cannot give to that place more than one sermon a week. My regular work is to preach seven times, and to ride between fifty and sixty miles every week; besides attending class and prayer meetings. "Altogether, our prospects are very cheering. It is true, we cannot boast of a large society; yet that is increasing. Some remarkable conversions have taken place; and several persons are living in the enjoyment of a high degree of religious peace and comfort. Much, very much, preparatory work is required in this place it has been notorious for wickedness of every description, among all classes. "Our Sunday-school is very encouraging. We have about eighty children, whose attendance and progress are very cheering. "Tract-Society. We have just commenced the circulation of tracts amongst the inhabitants of this place; the whole of the town being divided into districts." -Rev. John Edwards, Port-Elizabeth, South-Africa. POSTSCRIPT. Wesleyan Mission-House, Bishopsgate-Street-Within, London, December 15th, 1841. DEPARTURE OF THE REV. JOHN BROWN FOR ST. KITT'S. ON Monday, the 6th of December, the Rev. John Brown embarked by the "Ludlow" for Antigua and St. Kitt's. We commend him to the affectionate remembrance of our friends, who do not omit, we trust, in their public and private devotions, habitually to pray for all those who, in travelling by sea and by land, in the cause of Christ, may be exposed to any peculiar hardship or peril. FINANCIAL AFFAIRS OF THE SOCIETY, AND CLOSE OF THE ACCOUNTS FOR 1841. The attention of our readers is respectfully directed to the two articles published on the cover of the "Missionary Notices;" namely, the "Inquiries to be proposed at an early and special Meeting of each Branch Wesleyan Missionary Society;" and, the notice to Local Treasurers and Secretaries, on the subject of the close of the accounts for the year 1841, and on the early remittance of any remaining balance which ought to be acknowledged in the next Report. A SUMMARY VIEW OF THE MISSIONS OF THE WESLEYAN-METHODIST MISSIONARY SOCIETY. EUROPE AND MEDITERRANEAN. IRELAND.-19 principal Stations; 23 Missionaries; 4 Scripture Readers; 37 daily Schools, conducted by salaried Teachers; in which, and in the Sunday-schools connected with the Missions, there are upwards of 4,800 children. Some of the Missionaries and Teachers afford instruction to the native Irish in their own language. STOCKHOLM, in Sweden.-1 Station; 1 Missionary, who preaches in Swedish and in English. A number of native Swedes and others are under his pastoral care. WINNENDEN, in Germany.-1 principal Station; 1 Missionary Agent, who is assisted by upwards of 33 coadjutors: he visits more than 30 different towns and villages. There are upwards of 700 members in Society. FRANCE.-9 principal Stations, having connected with them many large towns and extensive districts; 20 Missionaries: 3 of the Missionaries minister chiefly in the English language; the remainder, almost exclusively in French. Number in Society, 1,111; in the Schools, 1,258. SPAIN. 1 principal Station; 2 Missionaries; 2 salaried and other Teachers; 110 members of Society; in the English and Spanish Schools, 214. MALTA.-1 Missionary; 75 members of Society; in the School, 65 children. ASIA. CONTINENTAL INDIA.-10 principal Stations, each embracing an extensive district; 18 Missionaries; 2 Assistant Missionaries; and 23 salaried Teachers. The Gospel is preached in English, Tamul, Canarese, and Portuguese; and religious instruction has occasionally been given in Teloogoo. In Society, 447 members; in the Schools, 1,823 children, chiefly native Hindoos. CEYLON.-12 principal Stations; 8 in the south, and 4 in the north of the island: 7 Missionaries, 13 Assistant Missionaries, and 136 salaried Catechists and Teachers. A printing-press is established at Colombo. The word of God is ministered in English, Singhalese, Tamul, and Portuguese. The Pali and Dutch languages have also been used to convey instruction. In Society, 869 members; in the Schools, 5,424. AUSTRALASIA AND POLYNESIA. NEW SOUTH WALES AND AUSTRALIA-FELIX.-7 principal Stations; 9 Missionaries; 46 gratuitous Teachers. In Society, 430; in the Schools, 753. SOUTH AUSTRALIA: ADELAIDE.-1 principal Station; 1 Missionary; 25 gratuitous Teachers; 160 members in Society; 360 scholars. WESTERN AUSTRALIA: SWAN-RIVER.-1 principal Station; 1 Missionary; 1 salaried Teacher; members in Society, 50; children in the Schools, 30. VAN-DIEMEN'S LAND.-5 principal Stations; 8 Missionaries; 115 gratuitous Teachers; in Society, 591; in the Schools, 913. NEW ZEALAND.-11 principal Stations; 14 Missionaries; 16 salaried Teachers. A printing-press is in full and useful operation. 1,565 members of Society; 500 under school-instruction, The Gospel is preached in English, and in the language of New-Zealand. FRIENDLY ISLES AND NEIGHBOURING GROUPS.-6 principal Stations; 8 Missionaries; 352 Catechists, &c., and 1,223 gratuitous Teachers. The Gospel is preached in the native languages; the Scriptures are in the course of translation, and are printed at the Society's printing-press on the islands. In Society, 8,366; in the Schools, 8,217. FEEJEE ISLANDS.-5 principal Stations; 6 Missionaries; 59 gratuitous Teachers; 514 in Society; 720 in the Schools. Various portions of the Scriptures have been translated, and printed at the press on the Mission. AFRICA. SOUTHERN AFRICA. CAPE OF COOD HOPE AND NAMACQUALAND.-6 principal Stations; 6 Missionaries, who preach in English, Dutch, and Namacqua; 7 salaried and 49 gratuitous Teachers; in Society, 413; in the Schools, 1,307. ALBANY AND KAFFRARIA, &c.—18 principal Stations; 20 Missionaries; 19 salaried and 123 gratuitous Teachers; one printing-press. The Gospel is preached in English, Dutch, and Kaffer; translations of the Scriptures, Catechisms, &c., into the Kaffer language have been effected. In Society, 1,007; in the Schools, 3,081. BECHUANA.-11 Stations; 9 Missionaries; 10 salaried and 18 gratuitous Teachers. In Society, 443; in the Schools, 735. The Missionaries use the Sichuana and Dutch languages: several translations have been effected in the Sichuana, and many elementary books have been printed at the Mission-press. WESTERN AFRICA. SIERRA-LEONE.-3 Missionaries; 42 Catechists; 22 salaried Teachers; 2,077 members in Society; in the Schools, 1,561. THE RIVER GAMBIA.-4 principal Stations; 3 Missionaries, and 2 Assist ant Missionaries. The languages used are the English, Jolloof, and Mandingo. In Society, 600; in the Schools, 271. GOLD-COAST AND ASHANTEE.-7 Missionaries; 5 salaried Teachers; 650 members of Society; in the Schools, 310. AMERICA. WEST INDIES. ANTIGUA.-5 Missionaries; 153 Exhorters, Leaders, &c.; 6 salaried and 177 gratuitous Teachers; in Society, 2,776; in the Schools, 3,066 children and adults. DOMINICA.-2 Missionaries; 50 Exhorters, Leaders, &c.; 1 salaried and 37 gratuitous Teachers; in Society, 1,019; in the Schools, 750 children and adults. MONTSERRAT.-2 Missionaries; 27 Exhorters, Leaders, &c.; 39 gratuitous and 1 salaried Teachers; in Society, 572; in the Schools, 700 children and adults. NEVIS.-3 Missionaries; 56 Exhorters, Leaders, &c.; I salaried and 53 gratuitous Teachers; in Society, 1,632; in the Schools, 1,071 children and adults. ST. CHRISTOPHER'S.-4 Missionaries; 114 Exhorters, Leaders, &c.; a salaried Teacher, and 83 gratuitous ones; in Society, 3,413; in the Schools, 1,711 children and adults. ST. EUSTATIUS.-(Dutch.) 1 Missionary; 20 Exhorters, Leaders, &c. ; 16 gratuitous Teachers; in Society, 531; in the Schools, 148. ST. BARTHOLOMEW's.-(Swedish.) 1 Missionary; 10 Exhorters, Leaders, &c.; in Society, 114; in the Schools, 98. ST. MARTIN'S. (French and Dutch.) 1 Missionary; 16 Exhorters, Leaders, &c.; and 13 gratuitous Teachers; in Society, 401; in the Schools, 188. ANGUILLA.-16 Exhorters, Leaders, &c.; in Society, 296; in the Schools, 239. TORTOLA AND THE VIRGIN-ISLANDS.-2 Missionaries; 63 Exhorters, Leaders, &c.; 35 gratuitous Teachers; in Society, 1,794; in the Schools, 359 children. BERMUDA.-2 Missionaries; 3 Exhorters, Leaders, &c.; 55 gratuitous Teachers; in Society, 467; in the Schools, 530. ST. VINCENT'S.-2 principal Stations; 7 Missionaries; 229 Exhorters, Leaders, &c.; 69 gratuitous Teachers; 6,388 members of Society; in the Schools, 1,101. |