before; nothing that I could do, by my efforts to appear perfectly at ease, squatting down at the same time among them, could remove their almost ludicrous expression of fear, until a dish of porridge was cooked. When they saw me partake of this without distrust, the act seemed to excite their confidence; but my lying down to sleep, in consequence of the fatigue of my long walk, seemed to have the full effect I desired, and they soon came round me in considerable numbers. There seemed to be something horrid in the appearance of these people; but the impression on my mind may probably be accounted for by the fact, that I saw as ornaments round their necks, pieces of gun locks, tin jugs, &c.; and one had a piece of sail cloth round his head, all of which I felt sure must have been taken from the wagon of the unfortunate trader. They, however, during the few days of my stay with them, treated me with kindness; and I had more than ordinary pleasure in telling these murderers, of the precious "blood which cleanseth from all sin." The Gospel preached to the perishing heathen. I bless God that He has conferred on one so worthless, the distinguished privilege and honour of being the first messenger of mercy that ever trode these regions; especially as this was the first occasion on which I had ventured to address extemporaneously, a number of Bechuanas in their own tongue. I felt more freedom than I had anticipated. But I have an immense amount of labour still before me, ere I can call myself a master of Sichuana. This journey discloses to me, that when I have acquired the Batlapi, there is another and perhaps more arduous task to be accomplished in the other dialects; but, by the divine assistance, I hope I shall be enabled to conquer. When I left the Bakaa, the Chief sent his son, with a number of his people, to see me safe part of the way to the Makalaka. I shall not, however, say anything more respecting the former until I get better acquainted with their actual condition. WEST INDIES. PROGRESS OF THE GOSPEL IN DEMERARA. THE attendance on the means of grace, at With the great facilities I possess for becoming acquainted with a people who lately groaned under the yoke of an oppressive and degrading bondage; who were sunk in all the grossness of ignorance, superstition, and vice; who were treated as brutes, and to a great extent imbruted, it cannot but be supposed that we see much to blame and much to excite our pity. Such is the fact. No other people, perhaps, so strongly need pastoral superintendence; yet perhaps among no other people is it so highly esteemed and thankfully acknow. ledged, or productive of so many happy results. Though I am not, I trust, blind to the serious deficiencies too frequently found among negro Christians, yet I can honestly say of the people of my own charge, that, taking them all in all, I regard them as being equal in their Christianity, to the best churches I have ever known in my native land. Our Sabbath-school is beginning to exhibit, in the most delightful manner, the happy results of past labours. Many of the former scholars have come forward and offered themselves as teachers. The organization and the efficiency of the school is already materially improved and is rapidly improving. The erection of a new chapel has been commenced, and considerable progress made. The foundation was laid in August last, and the workmen are now covering the roof. It is large, and will seat eleven hundred hearers; the plan is beautiful, and is generally admired. The poor people look forward with great delight to the day when it will be their privilege to worship in a large, airy, elegant edifice, instead of the long, low, uncomfortable, dilapidated building in which they now meet. The income at the station has during the past year exceeded very considerably that of any preceding year, amounting to between 9007. and 1000., notwithstanding the very serious interruption to industry occasioned by the introduction, on the part of the planters, of regulations offensive to the labourers. The increase of our funds has arisen in a great measure from the desire of the people to obtain a new and comfortable place of worship. During the past year, ten of our number have been removed by death-rather more than twice the number that died during the two preceding years. With one exception, however, all these were people advanced in life: seventy years old and upwards. These aged disciples have died in the faith of Jesus, and the hope of glory. In several instances, their simple, scriptural hope, expressed with all the artless simplicity of genuine feeling, and that too matured and purified by the near prospect of death and judgment, have proved peculiarly delightful and edifying to all who have witnessed it. ENCOURAGING INSTANCE OF CONVERSION IN JAMAICA. (From Rev. George Wilkinson, Kingston, Nov. 15, 1842.) ARDUOUS as is the work in which we are engaged, and numerous as are the obstacles which oppose our progress, I trust we are not labouring in vain. Several instances of usefulness have recently been brought under our notice, by which we have been greatly cheered. I think I may say, that I am acquainted with six cases in which the Gospel, as the Lord has enabled me to preach it, has proved "the power of God unto salvation ;" and the delightful change, manifest in the lives of those who profess to have been savingly impressed under my ministry, calls for devout gratitude to Him whose grace has been so strikingly displayed through an instrument so unworthy. I will give a short account of one person, concerning whom I think I may safely say, that if ever the Lord has made me the instrument of saving a soul from death, it has been in this instance: never have I witnessed a case in which the evidences of conversion were more decisive and pleasing. The person to whom I refer is a poor young woman, whose father is a Jew.* For some time past, she has attended our place of worship; and, at the beginning of the present year, she heard a sermon, addressed by me to young people, from this text, "My son, give me thine heart," which produced a deep impression on her mind. Shortly afterwards, she was taken alarmingly ill with scarlet fever, then prevailing to a fearful extent and by which multitudes were carried to their graves. At this period she expressed a wish to see me, and accordingly I visited her frequently, and found her in a deeply interesting state of mind. Her feelings and fears seemed evidently those of a truly awakened sinner; and she expressed herself very desirous of yielding her heart entirely to Christ. Nor did her impressions of the importance and value of a personal interest in the Saviour wear away when she was restored to health. As soon as she was able, she began regularly to attend our religious services; she was observed to listen with marked attention to the word, and she immediately commenced learning to read: she also joined Mrs. W.'s class of female inquirers, among whom she has always been one of the most hopeful characters. From the time of her recovery,-her earnestness in seeking salvation, her desire for religious instruction, the spirit of determination she has manifested in not following the sinful example of other members of her family, and her whole experience and deportment, have confirmed us in the opinion that she is a new creature in Christ Jesus." A few days ago she came, of her own accord, to converse with me, as she said, "about her soul." She then described the Lord's gracious dealings in bringing her to a delightful state of peace and joy, such as she had never before experienced: she expressed herself overwhelmed with a sense of the divine mercy in plucking her as a brand from the burning; her affection toward the Saviour seemed to glow with all the ardour of a "first love," and she was "filled with comfort." At the same time she appeared very humble, expressed very lowly views of herself, and seemed deeply conscious of her continual need of the grace of Christ to keep her from falling. Such was the effect of the interview on my own mind that I could not help feeling at the time, that, if I know anything of the Bible and anything of christian experience, this young woman is a child of God. I am sure the friends of missions will glorify God on her behalf, and unite with us in the prayer, that instances of usefulness, like that I have mentioned, may be multiplied a hundred-fold; that the word of the Lord may "run and be glorified" among us; and that soon "the little one may become a thousand, and the small one a strong nation." "The descendants of Abraham are very numerous in this city, amounting to some thousands." APPLICATION FOR SCHOOL MATERIALS, &c., FROM TAHITI. THE Directors strongly commend the following appeal, from Mr. Buchanan, of the Tahitian Mission, to the generous consideration of those friends who may have it in their power to assist, by the means suggested, the important objects which it brings under notice. As a considerable portion of my time is to be devoted to the training of native teachers, I would suggest, that the friends of education in England be solicited to contribute to the means of enabling me to accomplish this object. This they cannot do unless our wants are made known to them. I would, therefore, feel obliged on behalf of my pupils, if information could be conveyed to them of the names of the articles which would be most serviceable for the purpose contemplated. I may first mention, that the natives, being ignorant of the advantages to be derived from education, are unwilling to build school rooms without remuneration: besides, there are many articles necessary for building which they do not possess; especially strong nails, hammers, axes, adzes, socket chisels, and carpenters' tools generally; trowels, paints, paint-oil and brushes, hinges, screws, &c. For the interior, we require infant-school prints, slates and pencils, writing books, quills, leadpencils, ink, &c. We have next the more important persons to provide for; namely, those who are to become teachers in these schools. In many libraries, nurseries, and lumber-rooms in England, numerous articles could probably be found, that have been thrown aside as useless; but such things would be invaluable to me for this class of pupils ;-such as maps, charts, globes, large botanical, surgical, anatomical, astronomical, and other plates. Philosophical instruments; as the air-pump, electrifying machine, microscope, telescope, kaleidoscope, camera obscura, working solar system, compass, quadrant, barometer, thermometer, mathematical instruments, chemical apparatus, working and other toys, to illustrate the mechanical powers, or any of the arts or sciences, or exhibiting the forms of animals, &c.; models, magic lanterns, magnetic apparatus, and the like. A few articles would be acceptable, also, for the use of the girls; as needles, sewing and marking cottons, canvas for marking, remnants of prints and tapes. The Directors would be happy to take charge of any articles on behalf of Mr. Buchanan, which may be sent, in answer to his appeal, to the care of the Rev. John Arundel, Home Secretary, Mission-house, Blomfield-street, Finsbury, whence they would forward them by the earliest suitable conveyance to Tahiti. JUVENILE MISSIONARY MEETINGS. THE Directors have great pleasure in stating, that they have been enabled to make arrangements for the following simultaneous meetings of Sabbath-schools and Juvenile Associations, connected with the London Missionary Society, to be held on Tuesday, the 18th of April; at each of which two addresses will be delivered by the Ministers named below: Dr. MORISON. Central District, Finsbury Chapel.. {Rev. JOHN CURWEN. Northern District, Spafields Chapel { Southern District, Surrey Chapel.. Eastern District, Sion Chapel ..... Western District, Craven Chapel.. { { Rev. A. FLETCHER. Rev. THOMAS ARCHER. Rev. SAMUEL MARTIN. Rev. Dr. CAMPBELL. Rev. WILLIAM BUYERS. It is proposed that each meeting commence at eleven o'clock precisely, and close at one. ARRIVAL OF MR. GORDON AT MADRAS. ON Wednesday, December 28, the Rev. J. W. Gordon, arrived in safety at Madras, by the ship John Line, Capt. Brodie, on his way to Vizagapatam, the station at which he formerly laboured. ARRIVAL OF MR. BARRETT AT JAMAICA. ON Saturday, January 21, the Rev. W. G. Barrett, with Mrs. Barrett and child, and Miss Meads, arrived safely in the ship Amity Hall, Capt. Ford, at Kingston, Jamaica, and proceeded thence on the following Monday to the station at Four Paths. ARRIVAL OF MR. R. Mc ON Saturday, Jan. 21, the Rev. Alexander Mc Kellar arrived in safety, by the ship Georgiana, Capt. Hunter, at New Amster Miss Meads was subsequently united in marriage by the Rev. J. J. Freeman, (theu in Jamaica, as a Deputation from the Society,) to Rev. F. W. Wheeler, to whom she was engaged before Mr. W. left England. KELLAR IN BERBICE. dam, and proceeded thence to Brunswick Chapel, the station to which he has been appointed. ARRIVAL OF MR. HAY FROM INDIA. ON Saturday, March 19, the Rev. John Hay, of Vizagapatam, arrived on a visit to his native country, by the overland route, at Southampton, and reached London on the following Monday. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS. THE thanks of the Directors are respectfully presented to the following, viz. : For Rev. R. Moffat. To the Maberly Sabbathschool Teachers, for a parcel of dresses; to Miss Hilditch, Wrexham, for a valuable box of books; to the Juvenile Missionary Society, in Rev. S. S. England's congregation, Royston, for a box of useful articles; to Mrs. R. H. Taylor and friends, Edgbaston, for a large parcel of useful articles; to the United Missionary Working Society connected with Norley-street, and Batter-street Chapels, Plymouth, for a box of clothing; to Mrs. Pritchard, Deal, for a parcel of pincushions; to friends at Henley-on-Thames, per Rev. J. Rowland, for a box of useful articles; to the young Ladies of Mount-street Chapel, Devonport, per Rev. J. Pyer, for a box of clothing, and other useful articles; to Mrs. Webster, Braughing, for a parcel of useful articles; to Mr. Wells, Grangemouth, for a box of sundries; to Mr. Toomer, Newbury, for a parcel of cutlery; to A. G. Z., for a parcel of useful articles. For Rev W Inglis-To a few friends at Galawater, Edinburghshire, for a box of clothing; to the Misses Duncan and Mrs. A. Thompson, Edinburgh, for a box of clothes; to Ladies connected with Dr. Ripper's church, Potterow, Edinburgh, for a parcel of clothes. For Rev. W. Ashton.-To Mrs. Glendenning, Huddersfield, for a parcel of useful articles, the produce of a working society of children. For Rev. W. Ross.-To Mrs. Corbishley, Macclesfield, for a box of clothing, &c. For Rev. J. Read-To Mr. Toomer, Newbury, for a box of cutlery, &c.; to J. S. Bristol, for a box of clothing, &c. For Rev. D. Livingston.-To friends in Hamilton and Cambusland, per Mr. N. Livingston, for a box of clothing, &c. For Rev. R. B. Taylor.-To Frederick Smith, Esq., and family, for a box of working materials; to Ladies at Marlborough Chapel, per Mrs. Mathews, for a box of clothing. For Rev. G. Pritchard.-To a friend to Missions, for a parcel of books; to a few females at Newcastle-under-Line, for a box of wearing apparel. For the South Seas -To Mrs. J. Wilson, Nottingham, for a box of dresses, books, &c. For Mrs. Porter's Orphan School, Vizagapatam.To the Ladies of the Rev. J. Fletcher's congregation, Hanley, for a box of useful articles. For Mrs. Mault.-To Mr. Saddington, for a box of lace thread. For Mrs. Cox's Schools, Trevandrum. --To the young Ladies belonging to the Rev. J. Hyatt's congregation, Gloucester, for a box of clothing. For Rev. B. Rice.-To the young Ladies of Holywell Mount Chapel, for a parcel of fancy articles. For the Calcutta Library. - To Mrs. Ellis and friends, connected with King-street Chapel, Portsea, for a parcel of books. For Rev. J. Abbs-To Rev. J. Dryden and friends, Norwich, for a box of clothing, books, &c. For Rev. J. Vine.-To the Sunday-school children at Faversham, per Rev. H. J. Rook, for a box of clothing, &c. To Mr. W. T. Flanders, for a parcel of books; to Miss Lane, for a parcel of frocks and books; to Mr. J. S. Ansen, for 30 vols. of Evangelical Magazine; to a friend to virtue and religion; to Mrs. Parris, Shipborne; to Mr. Spuddon; to Messrs. M. and S. Metcalfe; and to H. Rutt, Esq., for numbers of the Evangelical, Congregational, and other Magazines. MISSIONARY CONTRIBUTIONS, From the 1st to the 28th of February, 1843, inclusive. |