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WEST INDIES.

General Chronicle.

A WEEK AT CHAPELTON, IN JAMAICA. MR. EDITOR,-I have thought that a brief sketch of a week which I passed at the above station, in company with all the missionaries of the London Missionary Society, at the close of my late tour in the west, might not be unacceptable to your numerous readers, nor, I hope, altogether unprofitable. It afforded me the opportunity of enjoying intercourse with "brethren dwelling together in unity," and of observing within so brief a space numerous incidents of an instructive and encouraging character, both as to the improving condition of the people generally, and the gratifying aspect of some of the churches of Jamaica in particular.

After passing a very delightful Sunday in the congregation at Four Paths, and its out-station, Brixton Hill, under the active pastoral oversight of the Rev. W. G. Barrett, witnessing the energy, affection, and liberality of that people, the hopeful state of their growing intelligence, and the pleasing indications of their piety, I set off on the Monday, 6th March, for Chapelton, in the parish of Clarendon. Some portions of the road led amidst rich and beautiful scenery, and presented to view, within a small distance, some of the magnificent mountain scenery of this splendid island. It was impossible to pass without vivid enjoyment among the rich and varied vegetation of the landscape, where abounded the sugar-cane and bamboo, sweet and bitter orange, limes, acacias, mangoes, pimentos, mahogany, and logwood, with every now and then the fantastic cactus arresting notice by the road side, and the beautiful" Pride of Barbadoes" riveting the attention of the traveller.

The missionary under whose hospitable

VOL. XXI.

roof I was to take up my abode and meet the brethren, resides at "Mount Providence," an elevated spot, commanding an extensive prospect, distant rather more than two miles from Chapelton. On his premises a valuable school for young children is sustained by the benevolence of some private friends; a promising man of colour is the teacher. Mount Providence is a location of much interest. A considerable number of negroes (now, more properly called the peasantry, or labouring population,) were desirous of obtaining allotments of land on which they might build their cottages, cultivate their gardens, and breathe their freedom. An unwillingness existed among some of the proprietors to dispose of land for that purpose, partly from the desire to retain them on the estates in the "Negro walks," in the cottages allotted to them during slavery, where their services might be always within reach, and partly from an ungenerous suspicion, that if settled on allotments of their own, where they would rear produce for their families, they would be too idle to work on estates. Under these circumstances, the missionary purchased a large piece of unoccupied land, divided it into small and convenient shares, which were taken by an industrious and sober class of people, and this now constitutes one of the free and flourishing settlements of Jamaica. Happily, many of these are springing up (as they are also in British Guiana,) where may be seen a cheerful and active population, the little ones as free and as merry as those in Old England, and though perhaps less clothed, are better fed, than thousands in the mother country. As there are not less than thirty estates in the neighbourhood, the people can easily obtain employment.

On the Tuesday morning we all felt the

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slight shock of an earthquake at half-past three. I accompanied Mr. Jones to Salem chapel, Chapelton, for so they have desig. nated their new place of worship, and long may they realize all the "peace" its name imports. It is a good, plain, substantial, stone building. capable of accommodating, without galleries, six hundred people. The walls, though not marble, are yet limestone found in the immediate neighbourhood, and though not fit to bear comparison with Solomon's Temple, it is yet "lined with cedar;" for this is the cheap and durable wood furnished most readily for pews, &c., on the spot. The interior of the chapel is not yet finished. The outlay has been already great, and the more so from the "unprincipled failure" of a house in Jamaica, where monies had been deposited that had been advanced towards the building. Hence the "finishing" of the interior is postponed till further means are forthcoming. Pulpit there is not, but the ingenuity of the missionary provides, as a substitute, a platform, on which a seraphine and music-stand are placed. Fond of music himself, he leads the singing of the people by the seraphine; and that part of the service being closed, the instrument is shut up, the music-stand supplied with the Bible, and the arrangement is complete.

There is an excellent school-room under the chapel, superintended by a very intelligent and valuable agent of the society, Mr. James Milne, brother to Mr. Wm. Milne at Four Paths, both from a good missionary quarter, Huntley.

The London Missionary Society has eleven missionaries in Jamaica. It was pleasant to find, that without any serious inconvenience or difficulty, all could be accommodated under the roof at Mount Providence. From Wednesday till Saturday, we were all engaged in mutual conversation and arrangements and prayer connected with the interests of the mission, reviewing the past, and digesting plans for the future. One feeling was predominant, that of humble thankfulness to God, who had crowned the Society's labours in the island with so many tokens of his favour. In less than nine years from the commencement of the mission, six thousand people were regularly brought under the means of grace, including seven hundred who have become members of the churches, and of the sincerity of whose piety, scarcely more doubt could be entertained than would be as to churches of equal numbers, by their pastors in England. Nearly eighteen hundred children are taught in the mission schools. Several good places of worship are already built, and others are in progress, adapted to the state of the people. The congregations are contributing liberally towards the support of their minis

ters, or the building of the chapels. When the latter are completed, there is little doubt of the competency of the people to pay their own expenses by voluntary efforts. Yet so expensive is it for Europeans to reside in the West Indies, and so little capable are they of much walking, that the income of the resident missionaries or pastors must be liberal. Hence it is obvious that small congregations cannot sustain their own ministers. The resources would be too limited. Congregations must be large; in this case, however, they are spread over a large extent of country, and from this arises the difficulty of pastoral superintendence, and the necessity of well-qualified assistants. To this point, it is most obvious to me, that the missionaries of all denominations must direct their most serious attention.

On the Friday evening we had a public missionary meeting held in the chapel. It was well attended, and great interest was awakened; the effects, it may be confidently hoped, will long continue. We drank tea in the large school-room under the chapel, quite reminding us of customs on similar occasions in our own land. It is cheering to see so much of what is useful and excellent in our home institutions, so rapidly transplanted to colonial soil, and flourishing amidst a people who so lately were slaves, and so far from all such freedom and delight.

The following Sunday was a day of deep interest. After an early prayer-meeting, held in the school-room on the premises, we all proceeded from Mount Providence to Chapelton. Large schools were in attendance. Some of our number addressed them. Others of us attended the setting apart of seven deacons. The Rev. Mr. Vine and myself addressed them on the occasion, others of the brethren commended them to God in prayer. The congregation for the public service was largely attended; it added much to the interest and solemnity of the occasion, that all our missionaries were present, and some of their families. I preached from Paul's language, "The love of Christ constraineth us," and afterwards administered the Lord's supper to the members of the church and my missionary brethren. It was a season long to be remembered. We all felt that God was in the midst of us, and confiding in his grace, we cherished the resolution to go forward in his service, rejoicing that we were permitted to behold sinners converted to the Saviour, and believers grow. ing in grace, and in the knowledge of Him that loved them, and gave himself for them.

It was evening by the time we reached home. Family worship was largely attended by many of the villagers residing in the neighbourhood. We retired to rest, and early the next morning were on our way to our respective destinations, my brethren to

resume their fields of labour; and I, after passing a few more days in Kingston, to proceed to England, which I have been permitted to reach in safety, in answer to the prayers of many, and grateful, I hope, for the good I have seen, and the mercies with which I have been crowned.

I am, yours, most faithfully, J. J. FREEMAN. Walthamstow, 29th May, 1843.

JOURNAL OF THE REV. W. MILNE,
Missionary to China;

SENT TO HIS BROTHER, THE REV. R. G. MILNE.
Tinghae, Oct. 1st, 1842.

On Sunday, Sept. 4th, official news was brought from head-quarters, by two steamers, one bound for Hongkong, and the other for Aden. I was not then able to write, for I was labouring under diarrhoea; but I had the inexpressible pleasure of receiving some letters by them; one from Mr. Morrison, another from Mr. Tom, &c. The former has been the fac-totum up at Nanking, and has been of essential service. All I cannot now tell you; but he has been the most prominent man in drawing up the treaty, (i. e. in Chinese,) and other papers, as he ought to be. Sir Henry makes him his right-hand

man.

After giving a hasty sketch of the treaty, he adds:

These are the principal points; but there are others, all of very great importance to the world, e. g., including the American and the French governments in the treaty. The French commander, ship Erigone, then in the Yangtze-Kiang, signed the treaty with Sir Henry. What a happy feature this! Surely it will unite the three great nations more than ever.

I am sure, my dear brother, you will be delighted with the accompanying syllabus of the great treaty, the greatest that has been concluded for many ages, the most momentous event, perhaps, that has occurred since the birth of our Saviour! It is before the discovery of America, for look at the access thus opened to the church of Christ to so many myriads of people of such a character. I have not time to dwell on the points in Sir Henry's circular; but it is full of matter for reflection, admiration, gratitude.

May we not then congratulate ourselves that we live in such times? May we not congratulate England on the honour conferred upon her of bringing about such an issue? May we not congratulate the natives of China on the benefits, vast and varied, which are likely to accrue from the wise policy which their officers have at last adopted? May we not congratulate the

whole human family, on the admission into its brotherhood of a multitude, which is as the sand by the sea-shore, or as the stars in the firmament, for number? May we not congratulate the church of Christ on the wide, the many openings now made for her "good soldiers," to enter and occupy the empire in the name of the "Prince of the kings of the earth?" May we not bless the Mediator of the new covenant, who is crowned with the glory and honour, and sways the sceptre of love and mercy, that he has so far overturned-overturned, and made a path plain and smooth for the advance of His kingdom of righteousness and peace? "O sing unto the Lord a new song, for he hath done marvellous things; his right hand and his holy arm hath gotten him the victory!"

But, my brother, Protestant churches are not at present equal to meet the heavy responsibilities incurred by such a glorious event. The servants of the Romish church are on the alert-the servants of mammon are awake-the men of the world will flock "as doves to the windows" to China, and crowd the highways to wealth and honour; but how few are those who "hold fast the form of sound words" received from the Lord and his apostles! how small the number of those who are appointed to the service of the glorious gospel! and bow trifling the prospect that others shall hasten out "to the help of the Lord-the help of the Lord against the mighty!"

Surely the intelligence carried to the land of our fathers by the present mail will rouse the adherents of the "ancient city" to every good word and work.

If missionary societies are failing for want of support, can the rich and wealthy professors belonging to the churches withhold their contributions? Is there not in this providential movement a call loud and strong-"Who then is willing to consecrate his service this day unto the Lord?" The churches have desired long, and prayed much, that China might be opened, and Protestants have entreated that it might be their honour, their privilege, to rear a holy and a glorious temple in these vast dominions. Their prayer is heard, and the Lord himself has prepared the materials for this glorious superstructure. Everything is ready on the part of the King himself, and He now makes the appeal to those who profess allegiance and devotion to His service. And "who then is willing to consecrate his service this day unto the Lord?" To resist the appeal will be disastrous. Or, if missionary societies have their coffers well supplied, let them not forget the interests of this immense empire. Surely they cannot resist the voice that now demands justice to the spiritual wants of China. It is the voice of God. Hitherto it cannot be questioned that China

has been neglected. Her claims have not been attended to; and now, to open the eyes of missionary societies to their mistake, stations possessed of the highest advantages are thrown open, while they have not a single missionary to spare for more than one or two of them. Does not this show, that if due foresight had been exer. cised, we might now have had at least two at liberty for each of the ports to be occupied? As it is, few of those who are in the field, or who may be given up to one or other of the new openings, are as yet fit to enter with proper effect upon their duties.

Again, if missionary societies are at length alive to a sense of their responsible relations to this empire, and if the churches of Christ have placed at their command those pecuniary means, which are necessary to carry out their sacred intentions, there are but few to offer their personal services to the work of evangelization, should not the passing events stir up inquiry in the minds of those who are entering on the sacred ministry? Should they not search and see if they ought not to devote themselves to the evangelization of China? The inquiry is solemn and delicate. It must rest with every man, and must be conducted between God and himself.

My dear brother, I labour under peculiar and oppressive feelings; but they are such as, I have no doubt, you and every one who look for the redemption of this people, and of the world, will sympathize in. O let each of us retire to the spot, consecrated by the presence of the Highest, and, shut up from the view of profane eyes, there humble every man his own heart before God! Let us seek that this event of Divine Providence be sanctified to our hearts. Let us desire that it may revive pure religion in ourselves; increase our longings after the diffusion of it throughout the world; and stimulate us to every effort for its promotion! Oh! while God is moving for us and before us, shall we not follow Him?-who will sit still?-who will be the sloth or the sluggard ?-who will look back? It cannot -it must not be. Our sun has arisen, and the morning-watchmen cry aloud,-" Arise, shine, for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee!" What a blessing would surely rest on the opening of China, if the announcement of this peace lead the members of your church, and of all churches to private prayer, and personal consecration to the service of the Redeemer; and if it should lead every church by itself, and the churches of every department or every district, in union, to public thanksgiving, humiliation, prayer, and resolution, that they will do something special at the

present crisis, for the advancement of Christ's kingdom in this land of darkness!

My dear brother, use your influence with your own charge to induce a right spirit at the present time, and turn this remarkable event to some good account. If your own heart be suitably impressed with its importance, you will be more successful in arousing your people's minds; and if your church move in a right spirit, you may carry other churches in your neighbourhood along with you, in the grand crusade about to open in this new and wide field. If you can write to other ministers, do so without delay; and if you think any remarks of mine may be of service, use them as your judgment may dictate. Spare no means desirable or available at this juncture; and the peace of God rest upon you, my brother.

By a line in the former part of this communication, you will learn that I have not been very well. The attack was of short duration, but left me weak for a few days. However, within the last week I have revived under the cool refreshing temperature which is now creeping in from the north.

I am thankful to feel myself advancing in the colloquial of this place, and to find that I am gaining a hold of the affections and confidence of the people. May the God of all grace sanctify me, and make me a blessing to them. I have good opportunity for distributing tracts, have daily service in my own cottage open to all that please, and on the Lord's day have a few who come to me. I have daily opportunities of commending the grace that is in Christ Jesus to my frequent visitors, and also to those I visit; and I am well received and listened to. I am looking out for orphan boys, the best nucleus for a theological academy; but I wait for instructions from the directors respecting our future movements. The winter is coming. I trust I shall have strength given me to improve it and myself, in acquiring the colloquial more fully, and in communicating the message of mercy to those around me. I am desirous of supplying every house in the city with a Testament or a tract, and of giving every one I can a statement orally or in writing of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I told you in my last of having given up the English service in the city; I have now opened a Bethel in the harbour, and have been greatly encouraged in my ministrations. To-night I was called to witness a sad spectacle. It was that of a young officer near his end; alas! I feel in doubt; and left the vessel in thoughtful suspense, most seriously deprecating that any of my relatives should die in such a state. How awful to prepare for a meeting with God, when it is getting

late!

(To be concluded in our next.)

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