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Relating principally to the FOREIGN MISSIONS carried on under

the direction of the METHODIST CONFERENCE.

CEYLON MISSION.

Extract of a Letter from MR. Fox, dated Colombo, Sept. 18, 1821.

THR lowest degree even of merely nominal Christianity would be a blessing to the people here. If I were to relate the murders and acts of barbarity that reach my ears, you would shudder. About three weeks ago, a woman, with the greatest sang-froid, killed the little child of her husband, which he had by a former wife, and cooked a part of it for his supper. I have heard of no less than five murders and three suicides in a few weeks; and who can suppose that Missionaries are not called to such a people?

Christian experience is the same wherever GOD manifests the power of his grace. I have heard in this country, both in the Singhalese and Portuguese languages, as artless and satisfactory statements of christian experience, as I have ever heard in the English language and we have seen the coloured face beaming with smiles, while the last audible sound, YEYSUS WAHANSEY, (JESUS,) passed the dying lips; JESUS, in every age and clime the same. I have not been in all lands; but, I believe, the Gospel of JESUS CHRIST is as much needed here as in any place. We have those who worship VISHNU, BUDHU, and several other beings, or things, called gods; we have thousands who worship the Devil, and a numerous host who worship nothing. Then, here are worshippers of the Sun, Mohammedans, and worshippers of the Virgin Mary.

From the worshippers of the Devil, some have joined themselves to the LORD, in a perpetual covenant. From the worship of BUDHU, many have been brought, and not a few of them are admitted to the presence of the LAMB. Among that holy train are some Hindoos. I have known one Mohammedan reclaimed. A Parsee, or worshipper of the Sun and Fire, a very moral man, about three years ago, gave up his charming little son to us. He wished him to be a

Christian; for he believed that his son would be kept from evil when he was dead, if left with good people. The boy is grown up; he is pious; and, I believe, experiences the saving power of religion. The father seemed to follow the light he got from this boy: last week he died, having admitted the truth as far as he saw it, and was very desirous to be baptized in the name of CHRIST, before he died. A poor Kandyan Priest came out of the interior about eighteen months ago. He attended the translating room, the meetings of which always begin with prayer; the poor Priest kneeled down, and though he could understand nothing, the prayer being in English, his heart was broken when he saw the translators kneel down to pray to GoD, thinking, as he said, "I have lived so many years, and never prayed in my life." He was seized by the small pox; and died a true brokenhearted penitent, a humble soul trusting in the merits of the Crucified: my heart felt for him as if I had lost a brother.

These are prizes worth gaining. Last Sabbath, after I had preached once in English, and once in Singhalese, a humble servant of our Master came into my room to talk about Minha grande SENHOR,-" My great LORD;"-and the communion was sweet. After much conversation, I took out a volume of MR. WESLEY'S Sermons, and read one of them to him in Portuguese. He did not sit, but stood; and frequently clasping his hands, and lifting them up, said, while the tears flowed from his eyes, O minha Senhor, istes tem doce palavras,-" O Sir, these are sweet words." If you had been here, you would have wept with us, but not from grief. O what a host shall we meet with in the day of the LORD, who, from the four winds of the heaven, will stand up to own the SAVIOUR; and he will not be ashamed to own them.

SOUTH SEA MISSIONS.

NEW SOUTH WALES.-Extracts from the Journal of MR. MANSFIELD, dated Sydney, January 31, 1822.

to excite exultation; but it is sufficient to impress the heart with deep gratitude to Almighty GoD, and to enliven it with 30

IN the Sydney Circuit the work of
GOD continues to prosper. That pros-
perity, it is true, is not so abundant as
VOL. I. Third Series. SEPTEMBER, 1922.

well-founded hopes of permanent and increasing good.

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We

school was formed. They were zealously instructed by MR. THOMAS HYNDES, one of our Class-Leaders, who first commenced the good work while they were stationed at Grose-Farm, three miles out of town, whither this useful Brother went every LORD'S-day morning, with a perseverance which does him the highest credit. The work was, however, more than his individual efforts could fully accomplish, and two or three others volunteered their assistance; the Teachers' Meeting likewise voted him the services of some of their own number, who alternately devoted their labours to that truly missionary employ. Their exertions have, however, been re

tleman of high office in the Government, who has himself entered on the laborious work, and instructs the youths according to the national system. If the good be done, it is of small consequence by whom. We will rejoice in the prosperity ourselves or others.-The School at of the cause, whether the agents be Botany Bay is conducted by two persons who were members of our Society in Yorkshire, and who appear well qualified for the office.

There are nearly

twenty boys who receive instruction
from them. The total number of scholars
clusive of the Barracks) is 180.
now in the Sydney Union (of course ex-

I have for some time, with the Leaders and Exhorters, been carnestly looking and praying for a revival of the work of GOD. We have heard glorious tidings from our native land, concerning the Pentecostal visitations of the HOLY SPIRIT; and with the intelligence, we have caught a portion of the hallowed flame. At our late District Meeting, this was made the subject of long and serious conversation. Great had been the ingathering of souls in the land of our fathers;-powerful and rapid had been the workings of the SPIRIT on "the hearts of the disobedient" there, ing them to the wisdom of the just:"cently superseded by the zeal of a genand why should not a preached Gospel be equally victorious among us? turned to the Minutes of Conference, and found that this great success had resulted from the diligent use of scriptural means. We mutually engaged to tread in the steps of our Seniors in the Ministry, so far as our local peculiarities would allow. My soul has been abundantly blessed in striving to follow them in the great work, as they followed CHRIST. I endeavoured, in dependence upon GOD, to be more plain and pointed in my sermons,-to explain more clearly, and to enforce more zealously, those great fundamental doctrines in which our glory and our usefulness are centred, -justification by faith alone, the present witness of the SPIRIT, and the sanctification of body, soul, and spirit. stated to our people what was going I forward among their Christian Brethren in Great Britain; and exhorted them to follow hard after GOD, that they too might receive and dispense the same spiritual blessings. And I do think the seed of the Word has fallen into some good and honest hearts, and is springing up, with promise of much fruitfulness. The congregations are increasingly large and respectable; the numbers in Society are gradually augmenting; the PrayerMeetings are well attended, and are frequently, in an eminent sense, "times of refreshing from the presence of the LORD;" and our Sunday-Schools receive accessions of both teachers and scholars. In the Sydney Circuit alone we have four Sabbath-Schools, which we denominate "The Wesleyan Sydney Sunday-School Union." The first is held in Prince Street Chapel; the second in Macquarie Street Chapel; the third in one of the Prisoners' Barracks; and the fourth at a cloth manufactory at Botany Bay. At the Barracks are upwards of a hundred convict boys, many of whom could not read at all before the

Here lies the foundation-stone of our liveliest hopes. These interesting youths

are,

Often do I fancy,

we trust, not only acquiring a ing for future usefulness. They are the knowledge of the divine will, but formnursery of our Zion, trained up" in the nurture and admonition of the LORD," and in the doctrine and discipline of the Christian Church. while looking upon them in the house of Class-Leader, there of a zealous Local GOD, that I see here the embryo of a useful Preacher, and there again of a faithful Missionary, who will carry the tidings of salvation to some of the adjacent islands. Nor are scholars. Many of the teachers are our hopes confined to the young persons, who among the taught, and who bid fair to were formerly be hereafter useful in a more important and extensive sphere.

February 1st. In my last, I presented will now say something of our Auxiliary to you a sketch of our Sunday-Schools; I Missionary Society. I much lament that press is so limited, and so full of public the Report is not yet printed. The colonial work, that it is difficult to get any thing published.-The Collectors assiduously persevere in their honourable work, and The young ladies, especially, evince a meet with most encouraging success.

zeal which powerfully reminds me of the female exertions among you. They have imbibed the missionary spirit, which animates them in their toilsome and self-denying work. At the first meeting of the Ladies' Committee, the amount of the contributions gathered by the diligent hands of their collectors, was no less than twenty-four pounds, thirteen shillings, and threepence! The male collectors produced, at the same time, seven pounds, nineteen shillings, and sirpence; making a total collected in Sydney, during one quarter, of £32.12s.9d. This is surely creditable to our young friends, to the Committees, and to the Colony.

We last week held the Anniversaries of Paramatta and Liverpool. The REV. JOHN WILLIAMS, one of the London Missionaries from the Society Islands, spoke at great length, and with much feeling, of the cruel and bloody practices of those idolatrous tribes, before their conversion to Christianity. Indeed, the barbarities of that people seem to have been much more dark and horrid than is generally known. Like those of the nations of idolatry in general, their habitations were "the habitations of cruelty." Human sacrifices were commonly offered; and their immolations were accompanied by deeds of torture, at the relation of which the soul shudders. The tenderness of infancy, and the decrepitude of age, fell alike the unpitied victims of their sanguinary gods. But from this dark picture, MR. W. turned to their present Gospel-day. What a contrast! Now, their idols are totally abolished,-chapels are erected,-and spiritual churches are founded.

I beg to present a few more extracts from my Journal.

November 5.-Our Missionary PrayerMeeting was well attended, and was a lively, profitable season. MR. LEIGH related some affecting particulars of our neighbours, the New Zealanders. He expressed his delight at seeing so many present, and at finding so good a work going forward on behalf of the Missionary cause.

18th.-A laborious but a happy Sabbath. I preached four times. After evening service we had a heavenly LoveFeast, the best, I believe, that was ever experienced in New South Wales. I could scarcely help fancying myself in England, so lively were the people, so clear their experience, and so powerfully was the presence of GOD felt. Brother LEIGH conducted the Love-Feast, and gave much sound spiritual advice. May the savour of this blessed meeting continue in our souls many days.

December 1st.-I rode this evening to Castlereagh, about thirty-five miles from Sydney. The shades of night overtook me, while riding through the woods. I knew not where I was, or whither to direct my course; but, trusting to the instinct of my horse, I reached the house of good MR. LEES at eight o'clock. The horse fell with me in the woods, and threw me a considerable distance down a hill. But the watchful eye of our Heavenly Guardian was upon me, and I arose perfectly unhurt.

2d. I arose with the sun; at six we sung and prayed with the family, and then breakfasted, and proceeded to the Sunday-School. There is something romantic in the approach to the little Chapel. We have first to sail over a stream, and then to walk through the corn-fields, which, at this season, are covered with plenty. Before you, the fruitful fields are bounded by deep umbrageous forests, and those again by the blue mountains, whose rugged and solemn brows stretch away on either hand beyond the trace of the eye. In the midst of this interesting scene stands the humble temple of our GOD, inviting our steps to its peaceful seclusion, and our hearts to adore the MAKER OF ALL. I sat in the pulpit, watching the progress of instruction among the little immortals, who were collected within the sacred enclosure. At ten the congregation was assembled, and I preached from "This man receiveth sinners." I then proceeded to Enue Plains, about five miles farther, where is a large estate cultivated by Government, and a little village, containing, I should think, more than 200 prisoners and others. We assembled in a large room, capable of holding three or four hundred; and greater liberty in preaching the Word of Life I believe I never felt. Their attention was very pleasing. Brother CARVOSSO's ministry has evidently been made useful to these poor men. I thence proceeded to Windsor, where I preached in the evening to a serious congregation,

4th. I rode this evening to Wilberforce, a rural village, between three and four miles from Windsor. The road runs chiefly along the banks of the Hawkesbury, through corn-fields ripe for the sickle. The congregation was small, but the room (the public school-room) exceedingly comfortable, and well adapted to the purpose of a chapel.

7th. This morning I rode to Paramatta with my Brethren, MESSRS. LEIGH, LAWRY,CARVOSSO, and WALKER, to present our Address to his Excellency SIR T. BRISBANE. We were most kindly received by his Excellency, who

entered into a free and interesting conversation on the utility of Christian Missions. The sacred cause has in him an enlightened and a zealous friend.

11th.-Brother LEIGH and I waited this morning upon their Excellencies Governor MACQUARIE and Governor BRISBANE, of whom Brother L. took leave, being on the eve of proceeding to New Zealand. SIR THOMAS expressed himself deeply interested in the New Zealand Mission; and presented MR. LEIGH with a plenteous supply of seeds, and other articles. I this evening preached to "the poor, the maimed, and the blind," in the Benevolent Asylum, a large and handsome building, humanely erected for charitable purposes by Governor MACQUARIE.

12th. We had a solemn and a delightful time this evening in Macquarie Street Chapel. All the Brethren were together, and Brother LEIGH preached his farewell sermon, to a numerous and affected auditory. We afterwards partook of the LORD's Supper, and felt much of the presence and the power of GOD. Brother L.'s text was Philip. i. 27. His parting counsel was truly spiritual, and will, I trust, be lastingly useful to those who beard it.

15th. I spent the evening with Mr. and MRS. LEIGH, who have just received very painful tidings from New Zealand. War is raging among the natives with dreadful fury. Brother and Sister L. are kept from fear by the grace of GoD; and are still determined, by his help, to enter among these savage hordes, and offer to them the salvation of the Gospel. May the GOD of Missions be their guide, and their defence from the fury of men!

28th. I met all the Classes for the renewal of tickets. The work of Gov seems deepening in their souls. We joined in fervent prayer for a general revival of religion.

31st.-At four o'clock this morning we accompanied our dear Brother and Sister LEIGH to their ship, where we took our leave. A favourable breeze springing up, they were soon carried from the harbour, and entered on the mighty ocean. May they have a prosperous voyage by the will of God!--We to-day held our District-Meeting, and closed the year at a very profitable watch-night. A much larger congra gation attended than was ever before seen at such a time in New South Wales.

NEW ZEALAND.-The reference to the state of these islanders in MR. MANSFIELD'S Journal will prepare our readers for the following Letters from MR. LEIGH. The circumstances in which he is placed give him a special claim upon the earnest prayers of the Friends of Missions, both for his personal protection from the violence of savage men, and for the success of his labours. The wretched state of the inhabitants presents a deeply-affecting picture of the effects of human corruption, and of the necessity of the Gospel. In no place are its pacific influences more pathetically invoked by the groans and sufferings of the victims of barbarous cruelty and infuriate passions; and in no part of the earth will its triumphs, as the Gospel of peace and salvation, be more strongly marked, or appeal with more powerful and delightful effect to the feelings of our common humanity. For difficulties and dangers, in such a Mission, our minds must be prepared; but the relations which follow will give the case of these heathen a deeper interest in our pity and our zeal; and the prayers and contributions of our friends will, we doubt not, ultimately receive an abundant reward, in the moral changes which our divine religion will there effect. Even in New Zealand, the promise shall be fulfilled, "They shall not hurt nor destroy."

Extracts of Letters from MR. LEIGH, dated New Zealand, Feb. 25 and 27, 1822.

THE Father of all mercies, and GoD of all grace, has conducted me and my dear wife in peace and safety to this distant part of the world; for which, and for innumerable mercies, we join in ascribing praise to GOD.

On the 1st of January, 1822, we sailed in the brig Active, from Sydney, and in three weeks we landed in New Zealand. We found the settlers, and Missionaries who belong to the Church Missionary Establishment, all well. The REV. S.

MARSDEN had given me a letter of introduction to MR. W. HALL. After I had delivered the letter, I learned that MR. MARSDEN had kindly requested MR. HALL and his Brethren to advise me, and to afford me all the assistance in their power, which I found them very willing to do.

Before I left New South Wales, I had heard that the New Zealanders were at war among themselves; and so I found it on my arrival. When SHUNGEE returned from England to Sydney, on his way to New Zealand, he met with several of his countrymen. SHUNGEE informed them, that I, and several of my Brethren, were appointed for New Zealand; with which they were much pleased, and agreed that we should reside at Mercury Bay, near the River Thames.

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Soon after SHUNGEE had arrived, he was informed, that in his absence one of his relations had been slain by some of his friends at Mercury Bay, and the River Thames. This report was too true. SHUNGEE immediately declared war against the people, although they were relations. The Chief who belonged to Mercury Bay, and with whom SHUNGEE had sailed from New South Wales to New Zealand, earnestly desired reconciliation, but in vain. Nothing but war could satisfy SHUNGEE. He soon collected three thousand fighting men, and commenced his march. The battle was dreadful, and many fell on both sides; but SHUNGEE proved victorious, and returned to the Bay of Islands in great triumph.

After my arrival in New Zealand, I learned that SHUNGEE and his party slew one thousand men, three hundred of whom they roasted, and eat, before they left the field of battle. SHUNGEE killed the Chief abovementioned; after which he cut off his head, poured the blood into his hands, and drank it. This account I had from SHUNGEE and WHYCATOA, who related it with the greatest satisfaction.

In war, the New Zealanders give no quarter to the men, and take all the women and children prisoners. These they divide among themselves, according to the number of men killed. The slaves are conducted to the villages of those who have taken them captive, and are compelled to labour for their owners, and are sometimes used in the most afflicting manner, being frequently killed and eaten, as an act of revenge.

SHUNGEE and his party have killed more than twenty slaves since their return from war, most of whom they have roasted and eaten.

When the slaves meet together they often weep for hours, lamenting the loss of their friends, and their own captivity. Before they separate, they cut themselves on the face, breast, and arms, until they are covered with blood. Such scenes are very afflicting to a European beholder, but they have no such effect on the New Zealanders.

Since my arrival in New Zealand, I have conversed with SHUNGEE and several other Chiefs on the subject of my residence among them. SHUNGEE observes, that it will not be safe for me to proceed to Mercury Bay, or to any place near it for the present, as he intends to kill all the people at that place and the River Thames: he recommends a place called Ho-do-do, near the North Cape.

SHUNGEE and his friends are at war again. Since I landed here, not less than one thousand fighting men have left the Bay for the River Thames, and not less than two thousand more are near us, who are preparing to march in a few days to the same place. SHUNGEE is at the head of this party, and will go with them to battle.

The Chiefs of Ho-do-do having heard of my arrival, and the wish of SHUNGEE that I should reside among them, came to the Bay of Islands, and are now with me. They say it will be "very good" for me to live with them after the war is over.-Four other Chiefs are also come, requesting me to reside among them. Indeed there is not a tribe in New Zealand who would not rejoice in having a Missionary with them. I cannot say they desire this from a pure desire to be instructed in the truth of the Gospel, for they have no knowledge of its worth at present. Nevertheless, I believe the LORD intends that this noble race of people should soon know the things which belong to their peace.

The great obstacle to the spread of the Gospel here, is the great delight the people take in war. They never forgive an offence without satisfaction; and as offences frequently arise among them,

wars ensue.

Our encouragements to attempt the introduction of the Gospel among the numerous tribes in New Zealand are, however, not a few.

Their houses are near each other. A village contains from one to two hundred dwellings, and in every village a Missionary may have one, two, or three congregations, as he may judge best for convenience and instruction.

The New Zealanders are willing to have their children instructed to read any book we may think best, or, as they say, To crack hear the Book-a-Book-a. I have

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