schools I had a much larger congregation of natives than I have ever seen before, especially of females; and considering that their situation is so degraded, it is pleasing to find that they are not altogether shut out from hearing the Gospel. July 15, Sunday.-I visited two of the schools, and had a good congregation in both, but especially in the latter. The people need much inviting, but when collected they sit down, and in an orderly manner hear the whole of the discourse. My work now becomes easier to me, and I was glad to find that I was in general understood. July 22d, Sunday.-Besides my work to-day in the schools, I ventured to preach this evening in the Public Bazaar, under the Tamarind Tree, where BALDEUS, the Dutch Minister, first addressed the natives of this place. The magistrates, and most of those who are connected with the Court, attended. Their presence seemed to have a good effect. Considerably more than a hundred stood and heard the whole of what was said on "I am not ashamed of the gospel of CHRIST; for it is the power of GOD to salvation to every one that believeth." Several were very attentive, and especially one aged man, who frequently spoke his thoughts as I went on. The whole service was interesting, and at the conclusion a young man, much stronger in faith than I am, assured me that if we continued to go every Sunday night, many of the people would soon be converted." July 23d. I left the Bungaloe in the morning between five and six o'clock, to visit the Tannecarricurachy and Valvititory schools; the former distant about six miles, and the latter about four. I reached the farther place before eight o'clock, and after hearing the boys read, repeat their catechisms, &c., I breakfasted heartily upon bread and milk, and then read a sermon to about forty people, whom the School-master had collected together. Knowing the rooted aversion which some of the natives have, towards what they term a new religion, and the absolute indifference of others to any religion whatever, I am sometimes surprised at their apparent attention and feeling. Doubtless much of it may be attributed to something like respect for the character of an European, and to that curiosity which is gratified by hearing him attempt to communicate instruction in their own language. May it lead to something more! I arrived at the latter place about ten o'clock, and having examined the boys, addressed a large sompany of people, who, on being in vited by the master, assembled in the Rest-House. Though they were very attentive, what I said seemed to produce no effect at all. I sat in the Rest-House till two o'clock, when the heat began to be more tolerable, had many companions, and was much amused by the questions which were proposed to me. One requested an explanation of what I meant when I prayed, "Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us; " and on being told if any man had injured, or offended him, that he must forgive that man, before he could expect to obtain forgiveness, he seemed to think it a hard saying. Another pressed me much to tell him what was the reason, that the people of this country are black, whilst people born in Europe are all white; and another had been told that whilst it is day here, it is night in some other places, and therefore begged me to explain how this could be. I endeavoured as well as I could to satisfy them: but to conduct desultory conversations with such people, in a profitable manner, requires not only an extensive acquaintance with their language, but an intimate knowledge of the native character. July 24th. I heard from Brother CARVER, of the death of ABRAHAM, the first native School-master in Trincomalee, who was baptized the first day of the present year. "He died," says Brother CARVER, "professing his faith in the LORD JESUS CHRIST." I have had many interesting and affecting conversations with him, and doubt not but that he has joined the innumerable company of every nation, and kindred, and people, and tongue, who are before the throne of GOD. July 29th, Sunday.-While preaching in one of the schools I was often interrupted by an individual asking questions; such as, Where was Damascus ? Where was Jerusalem? Who was Paul? and What is a Pharisee? For some time I answered him, but was at length obliged to desire him to wait till I had concluded. This he did, adding, "I wish to understand what you say.' July 30th.-I set out from Point Pedro after dinner, and arrived in Jaffna about nine o'clock this evening. I have three objects in view in coming,-conversation with the Brethren on several important subjects,-improvement in Ta mul, by availing myself of the assistance of those who are farther advanced, -and to get my soul refreshed by intercourse with the Society. The Mission Family are all well, and very happy. July 31st.-Under the vigilant superintendance of Brother OSBORNE and CAPT. ANDERSON, the Chapel rises fast, and will, I think, be a neat and commodious place. The Cholera Morbus is raging dreadfully. Of late five or six have been carried off daily. I have heard of no Europeans being seized by it as yet. To walk on the Esplanade calls into exercise the most painful feel ings. The natives have erected a place something in the form of a Temple, where they repeatedly offer sacrifices. I saw three persons carried to the grave this evening, and was much affected with the case of a poor man following the remains of his son, a youth of thirteen, who, it seems, had learned to read and write the English language. He tore his hair and beat his breast in the most lamentable manner. On such occasions, they sorrow like those without hope. I afterwards attended the Class-meeting, a means of grace which I have learned to prize more highly, by being a few weeks destitute of it. August 2d.-I spent the day with MR. KNIGHT, the Church Missionary, at Nallore. His station offers many advantages for the acquirement of Tamul: he has made a diligent use of them, and is very willing to afford all the assistance in his power to his brethren. August 3d.-1 left Jaffna at four o'clock in the afternoon, and reached Point Pedro at ten in the evening. are now assembled in Conference, and to-day thousands are crowding to hear their ministry. May the Great Head of the Church be with them! August 10th.-Part of the week I have been employed in superintending the covering of the Bungaloe with fresh ollas, that it may be tenable during the wet season. August 12th.After preaching in one of the schools this morning, I was told that the Modelier of the place was sick, and desired to see me. I waited upon him, and having made a few general remarks, I reminded him of the nearness of death, and the necessity of being prepared for a better world. He took what I said very lightly, and with a sort of jeer, told me, that perhaps I should die before he did. I assured him that I was sensible it might be the case; but that as he was now aged and infirm, he could not expect to live long. However, the reflection evidently gave him uneasiness; and as if he had brought himself to submit to it, only because it could not be avoided, he said, 'All men must die, therefore I cannot be exempt.' He seemed almost incapable of feeling a good impression, and, in reference to future things, was as dark and bewildered as the untutored savage. To such a man how weak are mere words, if not accompanied by the divine blessing! In the evening I preached again in the Bazaar, and had a considerable number of hearers: but they discover no disposition to come, except they are invited. I find it necessary first to get a few around me, and then employ them to call others. (To be continued.) MISSIONS IN SOUTHERN AFRICA. CAPE TOWN.-Extracts from the Journal of MR. BARNABAS SHAW. JULY 1st.-More people than usual attended our Sunday School, and we hope when our building shall be finished, they will increase. The English sermons which were preached by Brother H. and Brother B. were well calculated to be useful. The Heathen who attended after the English service were exhorted to come to the Gospel-feast, with an assurance that JESUS receiveth sinners. had been brought to desire me to visit her, and found that a little slave girl who lives in the same house, and attends our School, had read the Scriptures to her, and prayed with her-This led her to request her mistress to send for the Missionary to visit her. 14th. I asked that important question in Dutch, "Is there no balm in Gilead?" &c. I was called upon to pray with a female slave, who is exceedingly sick. As she had never been at any of our meetings, and knew nothing of the Gospel, I was desirous of knowing by what means she 19th. The heathen appeared attentive this evening while I spoke from "The night cometh when no man can work."-I also felt stirred up in my own mind to work while it is called to-day. 23d. I attended the Anniversary of the Bible Society. His Excellency SIR RUFANE DONKIN was in the chair; several respectable characters were present, and a few spoke in behalf of the Institution. 13th.-MR. SMITH, a Dutch Missionary, who has long laboured in the interior of Africa, preached this evening to our heathen congregation. 23d.-A store being hired for the English services, Brother H. preached there afternoon and evening, whilst I attended to the Dutch in our dwellinghouse. 29th. I received some Hymn-books by the Star: several presents of books and other articles from MRS. BRACKENBURY, of Raithby Hall, (Lincolnshire,) arrived by the same ship, as also some presents for School-children from friends unknown. 30th. Some of the Sunday-School children desired that they might be kept longer in the School: on being told that we were afraid of wearying them, they said they loved it too much to be soon weary. October 7th.-I attended the heathen School in the morning and afternoon, and preached in Dutch in the evening. Nov. 5th.-Some of our people arrived here from Namacqualand, with a waggon and oxen. They brought with them skins, ostrich feathers, &c., which they sold for about 150 Rix-dollars. 11th.-CHRIST, the sinner's refuge, was this evening pointed out to our heathen, and all were exhorted to flee to him as guilty and perishing. 18th.--At our Sunday-School this morning one of the little girls repeated all the answers in our Dutch Question Book. December 2d.-Several children received small presents for their regular attendance, and others for their diligence in learning-The example of NOAH, in fearing, believing, and obeying GOD, was pointed out as worthy of imitation. January 22, 1822.-Brother EDWARDS having strongly requested that either Brother HODGSON or myself would visit him at Lily Fountain, to assist him in the arrangement of affairs with the Namacquas, I left Cape Town this afternoon, in company with a gentleman of Clan-William. 23d. We were kindly entertained at the house of O. BERG, ESQ., formerly the Landdrost at Clan-William, and who now lives at the Twenty-four Rivers. 25th. I left my companion behind, he being poorly with riding in the hot sun. I bought another horse this afternoon, two being quite requisite to perform such a journey. 26th. I reached MR. Rossouw's before noon, and in consequence of being poorly, I halted at JAN BASON's for the night. The house was so hot that I could not bear to sleep in it, and during the night I found a much more agreeable lodging among the chaff by the threshing-floor. 28th. After riding six hours in deep sand, I came to the Heere Lodgement, where I slept on the ground by the side of a Boor, who kindly offered me a part of his skin-blanket for a covering. 30th. I begun my journey long before day, in order that I might be able to cross the Karoo, (or desert,) by day-light. Before sun-set I lost my road, and was constrained, at the coming on of night, to lie down among the bushes, and wait the return of day. 31st. The rising sun, climbing the summits of the Eastern mountains, appeared peculiarly welcome to me, but not half so welcome as the pure refreshing water, which I reached, about eleven A. M., at the place of JAN KOTZEE.-At half past eight in the evening I found Brother EDWARDS and his flock surrounding their altar of prayer and praise within the walls of their temple. I will Sunday, Feb. 1st.-At six this morning the bell was rung for prayer, when a goodly company assembled and joined together in supplicating a throne of grace. Several were deeply affected during the service, and the season was truly refreshing. Here the words of the Prophet, say unto them which were not my people, Thou art my people: and they shall say, Thou art my GoD," have been clearly fulfilled. I felt it truly consoling to call to mind our entrance amongst them. At that time they knew nothing of christian Sabbaths; but they have now learned to “make a Sunday," and reverence the sacred day of rest.—Then they were without CHRIST, aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, having no hope, and without GOD in the world; but now in CHRIST JESUS they are made nigh, having become fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God."Then those rocks and those dales had ne ver heard the sound of prayer or praise ; but now 66 'joy and gladness are found therein, thanksgiving, and the voice of melody." "Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name be all the glory."-At the forenoon preaching the church was well filled with attentive hearers; in the afternoon a love-feast was held for the Society, when many spoke of the salvation of God. February 4th.-We had a general meeting with the people in reference to the temporal concerns of the station. Though the corn in Namacqualand, as in other parts of the Colony, has failed, yet the gardens are abundantly productive. I was also surprised to find the peachtrees which I planted with my own hand, in the second year of my being at Lily Fountain, so richly loaded with fruit, that they have not only enough for present use, but Sister EDWARDS was busily employed in drying them for winter. The figtrees have borne their part, and the vines have run up to the square of the church, and also bear fruit; but the climate is evidently too cold for them. The other fruit-trees, such as apples, pears, apricots, &c., require more time to bring forth fruit to perfection.-Sister EDWARDS has taught several of the Children to knit, and they were busy making nightcaps. From Brother ARCHBELL We have heard nothing of late; but it is reported in Little Namacqualand, that a Namacqua, who was bringing letters from the Brethren SCHMELEN and ARCHBELL, was seized by a Chief, who is much addicted to plunder, and who committed all the letters to the flames.-Brother W. SHAW, it would seem, is doing well both at Salem and Graham's Town.-Here, we are proceeding as well as we can, and I expect our school will be finished in six or eight weeks.-My journey to Namacqua-land was accomplished in twenty-four days. It took me ten in going up, six I remained there, and returned from Lilly Fountain to Cape Town in eight, resting one whole day on the road. DR. PHILIP has been up into the interior, and has visited Salem, Graham's Town, &c.-He speaks well of the labours of BrotherW.SHAW. He also thinks Graham's Town, and its vicinity, likely to become a promising field of usefulness.Graham's Town, and not Bathurst, is now to be the head of that district, and the residence of the Landdrost. I have only just time to add, that we have cause of abundant thankfulness that we are all well at Cape Town, and at Khamies Berg; and, as far as we know, so are all our brethren.-The LORD continues to bless us, and we trust that he will give us more abundantly to see the fruits of our labour amongst the heathen. Journal of MR. TRUSCOTT. WEST INDIA MISSIONS. TORTOLA.-Extracts from the FEB. 5th, 1822.-On the 30th of last month we left Dominica, to attend the District-Meeting at St. Kitt's, and were tossed about for the space of six days, by a high sea, and a contrary wind. We came to anchor in Basseterre Roads, about twelve o'clock last night. Our dear Brethren had been anxiously looking for us, for several days; we found them transacting the important business of our Missions in the spirit of love and peace. 6th. The divine blessing appears to rest on our dear brethren, both in their meetings for business, and in their public administrations; scarcely a sermon has been preached, but some good has been done; a special influence has been felt in all our meetings; many have been awakened to a sense of their dangerous condition, and some have entered into the full liberty of the Gospel of CHRIST JESUS. 7th. This evening I heard Brother WHITEHOUSE preach a funeral Sermon, occasioned by the death of our venerable father JOHNSTONE: may all the Missionaries in this District follow his bright example, and his great labour in the canse of the LORD JESUS. 15th.-Praised be the name of my GOD, he has brought us in safety to this new station, and I am determined to lay ayself out more than ever, for the promotion of his holy cause. I gave an exhortation this morning at day-light, in "I return the Instructions to the Wesleyan Missionaries,' which you kindly left me for my perusal. I have received peculiar gratification in reading them they appear to me to have been dictated by Gentlemen who felt most powerfully impressed with a wish not only to make the Mission respectable and useful, but who were anxious to 'put to silence the ignorance of foolish men.' While you and your Brethren continue to act under these Instructions, your good can be spoken evil of by those only who are determined, so far as is in their power, to oppose the blessed Gospel. Alas! such are to be found in all places. I most sincerely wish you all success in your endeavours to call sinners to repentance." 24th, Sunday.-Brother GILGRASS went off early this morning for Jose Van Dykes; I remained to preach at West End; at ten, A. M., I rode to the Chapel, and preached to a good congregation from Philip. iv. 19. After preaching, I examined the Class-papers, and met the Leaders, rode back to AppleBay, and waited the return of Brother GILGRASS. At five, P. M., he came, and we rode home by the north side of the island; the prospect from the high hills over which we came is truly grand, especially at the hour when we crossed them, i. e. sun-set. We reached Road Town about seven, P. M., just as Brother FELVUS began to preach. March 1st.-This morning I and my Brethren met together; we spent some time in profitable conversation and prayer, &c. This evening I met some of the Sunday-school children. I catechised them, and taught them to sing. Afterwards I attended our monthly Missionary prayer-meeting; there was a large congregation; they heard the different extracts from the Notices read, with much plsasure. I hope that this people, who are so much indebted to Missionary exertions, will soon be induced to do something handsome for the millions of perishing heathen. 2d. This morning at day-light, I attended the chapel, gave an exhortation, and superintended the school till eight o'clock; the children read well, but the school wants considerable regulation. This evening I met the Bands. The more I become acquainted with this people, the more I admire their good sense, sound experience, and christian simplicity: many of them have drank largely of that stream which flows from the Rock of our Salvation. Their affection for those who have had the rule over them is great; many of them recollect, with tears of gratitude, the pious admonitions, and fatherly counsel, of the venerable GEORGE JOHNSTONE. Some among them are the fruit of his apos tolic labours. 3d, Sunday. This morning I rode to East End, and preached to a good congregation, from James iv. 8. After preaching I catechised the children. On the way home, I met several companies of negroes, with whom I conversed. Several people came to our house this evening, to join with us in family prayer. 4th.-I felt much pleased this morning by hearing an old negro woman describe the first visit of DR. ČOKE and MR. HAMMET to this island. She said, "Massa, dem no want for come in here, dem want for go to Santa Cruz, but de LORD send dem here, de strong wind make dem come in here; O what wickedness be here at dat time; dem get one house, and dem preach on the weekey day, and on de Sunday; and me, and plenty dem negar, go hearey dem, and de vord sink down in my heart, and me tank GoD, me love and serve him ever since." 10th, Sunday. This morning before breakfast, I gave tickets to several of the Classes; and at ten read prayers and preached to a large congregation, from Col. i. 19, 20. After preaching, I gave the sacrament of the LORD'S-supper to a great company of communicants; the presence of the LORD was graciously felt; while at the sacrament many received much good. This evening I preached to a large congregation, with much pleasure, from Num. x. 29. 22d. This evening I attended a prayer-meeting at the north end of the town. This meeting had been established for several years, but was greatly neglected. When I went into the house, I found one person who had come. I saw a great number of negroes and others sitting in an idle manner in the neighbourhood; I went out among them, and took several of them by the hand, and said, Come with me, we are going to have a prayer-meeting in yonder house. Some said, "Stop, Sir, I am dirty; I will go and change my things, and then I will come:" I said, "No: GOD will hear your prayers out of dirty clothes." So we soon had the house filled, and thronged on the outside. But the best of all was, that GOD was with us. I gave an exhortation, and two prayed. 24th, Sunday.-This morning I and Brother FELVUS rode together to West End; we had a pleasant ride; our conversation tended to editication; we spent a few minutes together in singing and in prayer, among the bushes, for the blessing of GoD on our labour through the day. I then went forward to the Bay, but finding that the people at Jose Van Dykes had not sent a boat for me, I was obliged to hire a sailing boat. We rode home on the south side of the island; we had to cross the bed of a river, over which there had been a bridge, but the force of the water had carried it away, and left a precipice of several feet, over which my horse plunged, and in the fall threw me forward on his neck, and it was with great difficulty that I recovered myself. Brother FELVUS, seeing my situation, had time to stop his horse and dismount; we examined the place, and when we saw the danger to which we had been exposed, we could not but praise GOD aloud for his care over us; for it was quite dark, but neither the horse nor his rider received any material hurt. 31st, Sunday.-I preached to the largest congregation, this forenoon, that I have seen since I have been in the island. |