"to compensate for the time, money, health, and life, which have been already expended." MR. MORGAN speaks hopefully as to the establishment of his health, and, we are happy to find, is not discouraged by the afflictions and difficulties which he has had to encounter. "Our prospects of effecting much at present are certainly not cheering, yet I think I can look through the cloud which at present surrounds us, and behold distant prospects of success.' WEST INDIA MISSIONS. ANTIGUA-Extract of a Letter from MR. HYDE, dated Parham, June 18, 1822. IN the Parham part of the island, GOD is still very gracious unto us. Our preaching places and prayer-meetings are crowded to excess. Indeed, so great is the spirit of hearing, that it is a very common thing to see almost as many on the outside as within. At seeing this on the estates, I am often astonished. When it is recollected that our places of worship are crowded with persons who have from day-break to sun-set been toiling hard in the fields beneath a tropical sun, it cannot but be evident that the work is of the HoLY SPIRIT. Nothing but a love of the word could induce them to forego the enjoyment of rest in their own huts. The gladness and simplicity with which these poor creatures receive the ingrafted word, which is able to make them wise unto salvation, are truly delightful, and abundantly encourage and repay those who labour amongst them. O what happiness have I felt, times without number, on my way home at night after visiting this affectionate, grateful, but long-neglected portion of the human family, encompassed by their blessings, and followed by their prayers. I have exulted at the idea of being to them a messenger of peace. The applicants for admission into our Society are numerous, and their testimonies generally satisfactory. Our increase at Parham last quarter was 181, and this quarter promises to exceed it. Since I last wrote to you, I have established a Missionary Prayer-Meeting the first Friday in every month. On these occasions I read, as at home, extracts from our Notices, and a few of the friends pray. It has surprised me to see what interest the negroes take in the spread of the Gospel of CHRIST, but especially in Africa. Since these meetings have commenced, they have begun to pray particularly for their relatives in Africa, and for the whole world. I always give them an opportunity of contributing a little on these occasions by having a box at the door. It has already yielded about two pounds, and will, I have no doubt, become more productive. We have no Branch Missionary Society here yet, but we think of having one before long. Several contribute to the Missionary Society in St. John's. MONTSERRAT.-In this recently-established Mission, we are happy to find that MR. JANION has obtained access to many of the estates, and has the prospect of a large scene of usefulness. Extract of a Letter from MR. JANION, dated August 1, 1822. I SHOULD have written sooner, but for the last six or eight weeks I have been afflicted with pain and oppression at my breast, which obliged me to lay aside the pen nearly altogether. Thank GOD, they have not been so serious as to interrupt my public labours, though at times performed with difficulty. The last week or two, through attention to diet and taking more exercise, with the blessing of GOD, I am much better. My wife and little daughter are enjoying good health.-I send some further extracts from my Journal: May 3d.-I rode to the North. Some of the Sunday-school children soon collected together. I catechised them, and was employed in teaching them to sing till preaching-time. The house was well filled with attentive hearers; while I preached from the great question, "What must I do to be saved ?" The following morning I rode over to BAZEY's estate, the proprietor of which, living on the property, had requested me to come and preach to his slaves. At twelve o'clock nearly all his slaves, amounting to seventy or eighty, were assembled in the hall. I preached concerning the day of judgment. Their attention was very great; and many of the negroes were particularly struck with the singing. I have been two or three times since at this estate; and the prospect of doing good to the poor slaves is encouraging. After preaching I catechise them, and they appear quite eager to learn. On my way home, I preached about sun-set to MR. BLAKE'S negroes, and some of his neighbours. May 5th, Sunday. This was a solemn and profitable day. In the morning I spoke from Ps. li. 17, describing the acceptable sacrifices of GOD," a broken spirit and contrite heart." Afterwards, in the administration of the LORD's Supper, the presence of the LORD was powerfully felt, quickening and refreshing our souls. 6th.-To-day, I spent several hours in visiting the people from house to house. At night we had our Missionary Prayer-Meeting; a large congregation attended, and much feeling was excited whilst I read various extracts from our Notices, particularly those in the February Notices on the savage state and barbarous practices of the New Zealanders. I bless GOD, with many others, for Missionary Prayer-Meetings! 12th. At the invitation of a coloured man of respectability, I preached in his house this evening, (as I had done before and since in others, principally to set up or recommend family religion;) nearly all of that class of the community in the town were present: I spoke with freedom from Ps. cxxvii. 1, 2, "Except the LORD build the house," &c. I hope it was not in vain. 16th. Being requested, I visited a sick Gentleman, manager of an estate, three or four miles from town. Another manager, his overseer, and several of the slaves, assembled in the sick man's chamber; I spent a profitable hour with them, and returned. On my way back I had an opportunity of speaking (it being noon-time) to thirty or forty negroes belonging to three different estates, about the salvation of their souls: I felt a present blessedness in thus sowing beside all waters. May the fruit be found after many days. 18th. I visited the north, and turned to the right, eight or nine miles from home, in order to see a white lady, who had been sick nearly four years; she told me she had borne her affliction patiently for three years, but that she was now quite weary of life. "I do not know," (she exclaimed,) "why I am treated so cruelly." I read to her the account of the Paralytic lying beside the Pool of Bethesda, who had been afflicted thirty-eight years. By that narrative, and other things I said, she seemed to be much impressed, and, after prayer, she requested I would call again. About a fortnight afterwards, she exchanged worlds, and I am not without hope concerning her. At noon I came to MR. DOWDY's estate: near one hundred, small and great, of his slaves, were soon assembled, and I observed with pleasure their seriousness and attention. On my way home, I called at the Road estate, where several of the slaves came in and joined us in singing, reading, and prayermeeting. The manager frequently attends the chapel in town, though three or four miles distant. 23d. After preaching to MR. BLAKE'S negroes, I baptized an African negro. I rode through the estate, and then to a little settlement called Two Rivers; seven or eight women, ten or twelve children, and one man, assembled to hear me sing and pray, six of the children have since attended the SundaySchool in town. I visited two more estates that afternoon and evening, exhorting twelve or fifteen at one, and preaching to about twenty-five at the other. I reached home, praising GOD for these open doors. 26th. Whitsunday.- I preached at six in the chapel. In the forenoon I went to church, and the rereceived the LORD'S Supper and a blessing. In the afternoon I attended the School from two till four, and at night I preached to a deeplyaffected congregation. TORTOLA.-Extract of a Letter from MESSRS. GILGRASS, TRUSCOTT, and FELVUS, April 26, 1822. dated Road Town, We report to you the state of our Mission in Tortola and the Virgin Islands, for the last quarter. Road Town. Here we have abundant cause to render unfeigned thanks to our Divine Master, for the prospects of extensive good which now appear in this place. These prospects arise from a spirit of hearing, the stability of a great part of our Society, and their firm attachment to the Gospel. They are supported, also, by that union of affection and effort which exists among ourselves, and with the worthy and laborious Minister of the Established Church in this island, the REV. MR. CHADERTON, who is an example to all Ministers of extensive and persevering labours for the benefit of the souls of men. Many have been received on trial; a few we have been obliged to put away for improper conduct; but our members, in general, are growing in grace and in the knowledge of CHRIST JESUS. Our school in Road Town bids fair to do much good. West-End.-Our Society here increases in number, and we have good reason to believe that they are ma turing in the love and practice of holiness. East-End-Here we have been favoured with some evidences of God's presence and blessing; and we hope, by proper attention, that the work will attain greater prosperity. Peter's Island. Our Society here is small, but we have admitted a few on trial, and the congregation increases. Jose Van Dykes.-In this place our congregations are large, our Society is increasing in number, and many, we have reason to believe, are pressing Spanish Town-We have once more We have received an invitation to visit Anagada, which we hope to attend very soon. DOMINICA.-Extract of a Letter from MR. CATTS, dated June 24, 1822. SINCE I wrote last, our Governor, the EARL of HUNTINGDON, has arrived. Soon after his arrival, MR. HARRISON came to town, for the purpose of waiting upon him. The Hon. Chief Justice GLOSTER was so kind as to accompany us to Government-House, for the purpose of presenting us to his Lordship; but it happened to be too late to see him that day. Last week, MR. HARRISON came up again, which gave us an opportunity of going together. His Lordship received us in the most favourable manner, and kindly promised to do every thing in his power to assist us in the prosecution of our Mission. Our prospects of late have brightened in some degree. An alteration for the better has taken place on some of the estates in the neighbourhood of St. Joseph's. Since we have procured a small boat, we have been enabled to visit Prince Rupert's once a month, and at much less expense than we could before. The work there appears to be going on well. The congregation is usually good, though the surrounding country is thinly inhabited. The residence of a Missionary there is very desirable; but there is no probability The French preaching, owing chiefly MISSIONS IN THE BRITISH AMERICAN COLONIES. NOVA SCOTIA.-Extract of a Letter from MR. TEMPLE, dated Liverpool, July 26, 1822. THIS circuit is extensive and laborious. devotion of the hearers. We have here In Liverpool the congregation increases, a Sunday School, whose numbers are and on a Sabbath-morning it is truly en- increasing. I am now endeavouring to couraging to witness the attendance and arrange a plan for the weekly catechising of our children. The main obstruction is, that I have to be so much out of town. The other places which form the Liverpool circuit are straggling villages, which but for our labours would be very destitute of religious instruction. They are generally situated along the coast, in the harbours and coves. The plan of labour for this circuit requires that the preacher should preach upwards of 250 sermons, and travel more than a thousand miles, in about eleven months, in addition to meeting classes, leading prayermeetings, catechising children, &c. &c. This does not discourage me. love to be employed, and although I have had my trials in the work, I feel thankful to the LORD that I ever engaged in it. EUROPEAN MISSIONS. GIBRALTAR-Extract of a Letter from MR. CROSCOMBE, dated Gibraltar, NEARLY twelve months have elapsed since my arrival on this station, in the review of which I see abundant cause for gratitude and humility. Never has a year of my life been distinguished by so many mercies, both spiritual and temporal, as the present; and consequently never was I more loudly called to holiness of heart and life, to unremitting exertions in the cause of CHRIST, and to a deep and sympathetic feeling for the thousands of my fellow sinners who are perishing around me in sin and ignorance. In these particulars I feel I come short of what I ought to be; but my prayer is, that GOD would sanctify my manifold mercies to his own glory, and my future usefulness. It is my happiness to inform you, that such has been the almost uninterrupted health I have enjoyed during my residence in this garrison, that I have not been compelled to omit a single appointment through bodily indisposition, since my arrival. I consider this an especial act of divine goodness both to myself and the mission; for there are but four stations where the labours rest so entirely on the Missionary. Perhaps in no year, since the erection of our chapel here, has there been so great a spirit of hearing as in the last. This is not only apparent from the numbers who have attended, both of the military and civilians, but in the deep seriousness which they have manifested while sitting under the word. The result has proved, that, in many happy instances, they have not been "forgetful hearers, but doers of the word," in sincerity and truth. Fifty members have been admitted into our Society in the year. Nor has the blessing of GOD been con I fined to the sanctuary of his own house. It has extended to the prison and the hospitals. The two young men I mentioned in my last letter, as under sentence of death, have been reprieved; but I am happy to inform you that they gave the most indubitable proof of a real change up to the time of their leaving this garrison for transportation. I have lately had the happiness to witness two remarkable conversions in one of the hospitals in this garrison. One of the persons alluded to has recovered, and I am happy to say, she gives the most incontestable proof of a deep and genuine change of heart, by a holy, humble, and consistent life. The other lingers in a kind of suspense between life and death, but she is very happy in the saving knowledge of CHRIST. Upon the whole I have the fullest reason to believe that the cause of religion is on the increase at Gibraltar. The Garrison-Chaplain is very attentive to every part of his duty. His Excellency the Governor has, by proclamation, corrected some of the abuses of the LORD's day; and some of the military Commanders exert their influence to induce their men to attend divine worship. We still hold our meetings, on the Sabbath afternoon, on board of ship; and, considering the many impediments in the way, we are thankful that so much has been effected. An unusual number of Tracts and of copies of the Scriptures have lately been distributed in different languages, especially in the Spanish. Our prayers accompany them, that God may bless his own word to the salvation of those who read them. MISCELLANEOUS. AFRICAN SUPERSTITIONS.-At Grand Bassa, in Western Africa, says MR. EPURAIM BACON, THE people all live in little villages, or clusters of cottages; in each of which is a Headman, who has a plurality of wives. If a native have but one wife, it is because he is very poor. The Headman owns all the people in his town. The inhabitants of each town cultivate in common. The men seldom labour, except in fishing a little, and hunting the females and small boys cultivate the land; and the men trade, and direct those who are under them. The King, when in General Palaver, was clad in his robes, which covered his whole body; he had on, also, an elegant cap at other times, he wore a drabcoloured broad-cloth great coat, with a number of capes. His Headmen were partially clad; some with blue cloth round-abouts, with military or naval buttons: they wore no shirts: many of them had belts of beads, which contained one or more pounds each. These people are very kind, but are in a dreadful state of heathenish darkness, depending upon their Greegrees and Devil-worship. A town is not complete which has not a palaver-house and a Devil-house. The Devil-house has a small post standing near it, six or eight feet high, with a strip of white muslin, about threefourths of a yard in length, and two or three inches wide, tied round the top. There they daily offer sacrifice, and dedicate a part of their food to the Devil. They profess to believe that there is a good and merciful Deity, who can and will do them good and not evil; but that the Devil is all powerful, and that it is necessary to appease his wrath. Every town has its peculiar Devil. In one of the towns, while W. DAVIS read the twentieth chapter of Exodus, and spoke to the people on the state of their souls, they were very attentive; their reply to him, after he had ceased speaking, was,-" Very well. We hear you. All very good what you say. think 'bout it. We no sabby White Man fash,-we sabby greegree." We All the people wear greegrees, or charms. Some of these are brass rings, which they wear round their ancles and wrists. One is a feather, tied with a string round the neck. What they consider most valuable, is the horn of a goat or a sheep, which the "Dibbleman," as they call him, prepares by filling it with a kind of glutinous substance, intermixed with pulverized charcoal or black sand. Some wear a little ball of clay, tied up in a piece of white muslin. The body of KING JOHN, who has been dead four moons, is not yet buried. He is laid in state in a palaver-house, dressed in a fine robe, with a pair of new English boots on the feet: a brisk fire is kept burning in the room. His grave is dug it is about eight fect square for the purpose of admitting the body and the form on which it lies; together with bullocks, goats, sheep, tobacco, and pipes, as sacrifices! O LORD, when shall these superstitions cease! NEW ZEALAND.-The following account of the Deification of a dead Chief, is from the Journal of the REV. SAMUEL MARSDEN. We now took our leave of Shunghee's family, and went to see the Atua, the lamentations still continuing. On our arrival, we found a dead Chief seated in great state. His hair was dressed according to their custom, and ornamented with feathers, and a garland of green leaves. His countenance was bright and clear, having been recently anointed with oil; and retained its natural colour. Whether there was a body or not, we could not tell; for the mats covered the whole up to the chin. He had the appearance of a living man, sitting upright in his chair. I had seen one, some time before, whose head was dressed in a similar way; and the body had been preserved and dried as well as the head. This Chief was a young man when he died, apparently about thirty years old. His mother, wife, and children, were seated before him; and the skulls and bones of his family and ancestors were placed in a row on his left hand. I inquired where he died, and was told that he was killed in battle beyond the river Thames, some months ago. This Chief was called the Atua, of whom we had heard so much the preceding day. The New Zealanders appear to entertain an idea that the Deity resides in the head of a Chief; as they always pay the most sacred veneration |
