came to disturb me by making use of wicked | and unseemly expressions, and, thinking it best to withdraw, I left the place. 29th. Went to Purland Ghaut, and read a Hindi tract. A crowd assembling, I addressed them at some length on the depraved and ruined state of man, and of salvation by Jesus Christ. The people appeared to listen with attention, till a brahman came and disturbed the assembly by making use of obscene language, which I took no notice of, but went away. 30th. Went to Trilochun, and read a portion of scripture and spoke to a crowd of attentive people. A Mussulman coming up, asked me, "Who is Jesus Christ?" I replied, "The Son of God." To which he objected. I told him, "A voice came from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.' I need not give any more extracts at present. These are taken just as they occur, consecutively at the commencement of his journal. Ram, to whom he refers more than once, is one of the chief deities, or incarnations of deity, in the Hindoo system, the subject of one of their most popular religious poems, called the Ramayan, wherein it is declared that by repeating his name at death the vilest sinner will be saved, and get to heaven. He is reputed to have conquered the island of Ceylon at the head of an army of monkeys, &c. There is no species of wickedness almost, of which he is not said to have been guilty while on earth, consummating his career by suicide. Such is their own history of most of their gods. John Burringer's wife (who expects soon to become a mother), on her arrival here, renewed her application for admission into the church, and after several months' probation, her conduct appearing consistent with her profession of faith, and giving hopeful evidence of a change of heart, I had the pleasure of baptizing her on Monday evening, the 17th of May last. They at present occupy a rented house in a village midway between Mr. Smith's and my abode at Rajghat. On four mornings in the week he visits our different vernacular schools, and on Wednesdays and Fridays accompanies Mr. Smith and me to preaching stations in the city. In the afternoons he goes out, either alone or with me, to preach in the villages or at the ghauts near Rajghat. I must now conclude this, I fear, tiresomely long account of our native catechist, by expressing a hope that his kind but unknown patron will continue, as doubtless he has done hitherto, to be much mindful both of him and of Mr. Smith and myself, in his supplications to the God of grace, that we may all be kept from falling, or from growing weary and faint in our hitherto very fruitless labours, as far as man can see, and that more and more grace may be imparted to us all, and that the converting and sanctifying Spirit may be poured down upon the preachers and the hearers-whether heathen or Christian professors, so that our labours in the Lord may not prove ultimately in vain; that the church here may grow in numbers and in grace, to the glory of our Redeemer God in the salvation of many sinners. ΡΑΤΝΑ. From Mr. Beddy a letter has been received, dated August 1st. Adverting to some native agents at other stations, who have not proved themselves worthy of confidence, Mr. Beddy observes : Defection is always painful, deceit however is the native character, and in my humble opinion a more unwise measure never was put in practice than that of making a native pastor of a church, except very conditionally, and under strict European superintendence. True it is that every European has not got the tact for governing, and that many of them are easily imposed on, not being able to discriminate, and being tardy in discovering characters who, under a pretence of spiritualmindedness, cover a heart of great deceit fulness. Deceit is the ruling character of the natives, and being deficient of that noble quality, disinterestedness, they cannot appreciate its existence in foreigners. In asking a question a native never thinks of giving you an honest and direct answer, but tries to find out what kind of an answer will please you, and accordingly answers. There is nothing on the part of a missionary that requires more prudence than his intercourse with the natives, and nothing he requires to be more guarded in than an over sanguine state of mind relative to appearances around him. There is much, it is true, on first impressions to mislead, and our brethren on their first arrival in this country are too apt to be imposed on, and to allow appearances to have an undue influence on their youthful and buoyant spirits, which not unfrequently lead them to write what after a short residence here they would willingly unwrite; hence all new comers should refrain from expressing their opinions, at least till experience has shed its influence over them. some solitary exceptions. We lost five girls by death, and one ran away, which reduced our number in the Refuge to thirty-six. We have had an addition of two, and now number thirty-eight. Our missionary work is as usual. Indoor and outdoor preaching attended with the usual circumstances-general attention and respect for the truths delivered, but beyond this things remain as usual. The church has been reduced in number by some withdrawals, but not of a kind to render the matter at all grievous, but the reverse. Another of my sons, an interesting youth of about fifteen years of age, has declared himself on the Lord's side. He has been proposed to the church, and I hope soon to baptize him, if such be the will of the Lord. We have just signed a petition intended to be presented to the imperial parliament of Great Britain on behalf of the dissenter's marriages in this country, which now for the first time have been called in question, as to their validity. Its result, I suppose, cannot be in any way doubted. That this country should have been overlooked when the law decreed justice to the crown colonies on this subject seems strange. It is with grief and deep regret I am compelled to acknowledge the little there is here to write about of a stirring kind. The people appear to be literally dead. No concern for salvation, no convictions of sin; and this is not only the state of the natives, but of the Europeans. Nothing is more common than to hear an English gentleman in this station, state that the chaplain preaches popery, that he prays for the dead, and so on, and yet with all the indifference of those dead in trespasses and sins, the attendance is carried on on such a ministry. The spell-bound influence under which the people of the establishment are is most astonishing. The heartlessness and indifference with which they own the state of things can only be accounted for by the fearful state of ignorance in which even the educated classes are. Some few years ago we had a chaplain in this station given to intemperance. On a visit from the bishop the latter found himself called on before the congregation to disgrace the chaplain; for such it was indeed, having publicly reprimanded him. A day or two after a gentleman of the civil service a judge-called on me, to whom I mentioned the circumstance, remarked how shocking it was to witness such a scene, I have just read in the Anti-Slavery Resympathizing with the poor man, to which my porter, 1st June, your speech. Depend on it, friend calmly and indifferently replied that there has been no kind of good done for this the fellow was incorrigible. I said, "then country by the boasted law that has been he ought not to be your spiritual guide, for passed. It affects not the question of slavery. what can be expected to result from a man's A single slave has not been liberated. There labours, if such they can be called, who is not a respectable Hindoo or Mohammedan is thus publicly disgraced." Now what in India without his female, if not male are we to expect under a system that tolerates such and such proceedings, and such and such ministers ? "You will not come to me," was the Saviour's reproof during his labour of love. Alas, how fearfully true this state of things continues to the present day. Our Refuge is, as usual, an auxiliary that certainly cheers us sometimes, from the hope that our labour here is not in vain. have received our last reports, &c. funds are as low as possible, and I am not without fears as to support, unless our friends in England make strenuous exertions. Here the name baptist paralyzes every attempt to interest those who do not belong to us, with You Our slaves. It is true, if one runs away the law will not compel him or her to return, but slaves have not the means, if the law did protect them, to go to law. Besides, where is the publicity of the law that was passed for the emancipation of slaves? Into what house or remote village, or even city, has it entered? Who has proclaimed it? The houses of the better class of the inhabitants are as inaccessible as one of the baron's castles were in the feudal times in Scotland. Children are bought and sold all over India with perfect impunity. The Lord bless and prosper every attempt made to glorify him! AFRICA. FERNANDO PO. Mr. Merrick writes thus from Clarence, July 28th: Accompanied by Mrs. Merrick and my dear child, I left Bimbia on Saturday the 17th inst., in Mr. Lynslager's cutter, and after a disagreeable passage, owing to calms, contrary wind, and heavy swells, with a great deal of sea-sickness, we reached Clarence in safety on Lord's day afternoon about half-past five. Leaving Mrs. Merrick at Dr. Prince's house, I went to chapel, and was in time to commemorate with the little church here the dying love of our divine Redeemer. We will be long remembered. You are doubtless have come over for change of air, and I am aware that Miss Vitou keeps the day-school. thankful to say that the change has already An infant school is also kept in the forenoon proved highly beneficial. We are all under by two female members of the church. BeDr. Prince's treatment, and are getting better. sides the day-school, Miss Vitou instructs Mrs. Merrick has for several months past several classes during the week, and is, I suffered from small and painful boils about hope, doing much good. Among her classes the body, and our little Rosanna, though not is one for "mothers," at which they receive a sufferer from it, has for several months had instruction respecting the training and educa an enlarged spleen. I must not omit to tion of their children, a thing of the very last inform you of Mr. Lynslager's uniform kind- importance, and which should not be neglected ness since the departure of the Dove, in in any Christian church, especially where bringing over various things for us. In mothers are untutored and uninformed. I do coming over this time he gave up his whole hope we shall not be disturbed by the cabin a very comfortable one-to me, and Spaniards. It seems a thousand pities that notwithstanding most urgent remonstrances the poor people should be scattered, and to the contrary, slept in a small, uncomfortable berth which his captain usually occupies. I shall, if spared, return to Bimbia in our own little cutter, and leave Mrs. Merrick and child to come over on the return of Mr. Lynslager's cutter. The little Zion here is, I think, prospering. It is like a cheering oasis in this moral desert, and earnestly do I hope that they will long be permitted to enjoy undisturbed the blessings and privileges which they seem so highly to prize. A great deal of my time has been taken up since my arrival here in conversing with the members of the church, inquirers, backsliders, &c. On sabbath afternoon I preached to a large and attentive congregation from Matt. v. 14-16. Dr. Prince preached in the morning, and attended the school in the forenoon, but was so poorly in the afternoon that he could not come out. We had a most delightful meeting with the dear children yesterday afternoon, and I do hope that the sacred and solemn truths which they heard driven from a place which they have so long was my I heard from "Isubu" (Bimbia) last Lord's day morning. Brother Newbegin, who, with his other duties, supplies in my absence my lack of service, says, "We had a fine day, sabbath (the 19th inst.). Had several Isubus in the morning, and to school. I was present throughout all the services. Mr. Trusty assisted, and Harry' interpreter. I taught the children a stanza, commencing, Ya na Jizos enebi 'nebi,' Come to Jesus now, and they took the tune well, and will soon know it."" "All are well this time, myself a little out of sorts, but not much worse than medicine will overcome, but I take it as another warning." worked with brother Clarke. WEST INDIES. JAMAICA. DEATH OF MR. T. W. KNIBB. We learn with great regret that Mr. Thomas Wilson Knibb, nephew of the late pastor of the church at Falmouth, after a very short illness died at Kingston, where he was visiting, on the 25th of September. Our young friend, who was born at Kingston in March, 1824, a few weeks before the death of his father, was brought to this country by his mother the same year, who suffered much on the voyage, and died soon after her arrival. From her he inherited a feeble constitution, which interfered with his education, and prevented his reception into a public institution in which his friends were anxious to place him. Before his uncle William left this country in 1834, when the emancipation bill had been carried, he was very anxious to make some arrangement for his orphan relative,' and in compliance with his wishes, Mr. Groser, then pastor at Maidstone, took charge of the youth, who continued at Maidstone till the close of 1839, when he left this country for Jamaica. He was soon employed in the work of tuition, under the superintendence of his uncle ; and more recently, under the same guidance, he preached, and' exerted himself in congenial modes of usefulness. Respecting the termination of his course, very few particulars have reached us. Captain Milbourne, writing from Kingston, says, "He was suddenly called to his rest after a short illness of three days. I was with him a few minutes before he fell asleep, intending to return again after breakfast; but alas! ere I had finished, a messenger arrived at brother Wood's to apprise us of his death. The last words he was heard to utter were, 'Peace of mind! Peace of mind!"" The following paragraph, which we find in the Falmouth Post, is, we apprehend, quite correct; though, to prevent the misconstruction of one phrase it is necessary to say that he was not married. It was, however, a friendship which was intended to issue in marriage, we believe, that led him to Kingston. We have to record this day, the death of a young gentleman who resided for some time in Falmouth, and who was esteemed and respected by all who had the pleasure of his acquaintance. Mr. Knibb, the son of the first individual of that name who came to this colony as a baptist missionary, was not celebrated for any political conduct, but was a mild and unassuming Christian, striving to do good among his fellow creatures whenever an opportunity presented itself. He was remark- ! CALABAR. Our readers will be sorry to learn that Mr. Tinson and his family have been visited with affliction. He says, writing on the 6th of September: For a month, myself and wife have been prostrated with fever she is still in bed, but convalescent. We are both extremely weak, but the doctor says we must get away from home for a few days-that change is absolutely necessary- and as he is peremptory in his commands, I suppose we must try and obey. What has increased the trial, we have had two servants, and a student, very ill at the same time. Our beloved child has been mercifully spared, and her services have been invaluable. She has managed both households, and been up night and day with the sick. But why should I trouble you with these things? BAHAMAS. TURKS ISLAND. Mr. Rycroft, writing from Grand Cay, July 30th, gives a general account of the state of affairs in several islands which he had recently visited. On our arrival, six months ago, on these islands, we were sorry not to find our interest so prosperous as we could have desired. The absence of a resident missionary for a long time on account of sickness had militated in every way against the cause. We have therefore thus far been employed in seeking to 'restore all things to a healthy state, and to some extent have, blessed be God, succeeded. Our congregations are looking up; light and conviction is working in the minds of hearers, while others are prepared to follow the Master You will be pleased to know that our dear Bottle Creek. children forget not the claims of the heathen in other parts of the globe, to the extent of their power. Each Lord's day they give Accompanied by our native teacher and cheerfully for the diffusion of the knowledge three kind friends, who undertook to manage of our blessed Saviour, and our church holds the boat-an open one, we entered on the its regular monthly prayer-meeting to seek mighty deep, and made our way to the settlethe blessing of God on the various efforts ments which are scattered over this long which are put forth for the evangelization of island. We passed in safety through the our lapsed world. But we not only pray on breakers into smooth water, and after an this occasion, but we give also, that the king-hour's sailing up a creek, were kindly weldom of our Lord may spread and gather comed by our people at Bottle Creek. Here strength. At our prayer-meetings for the we spent some time with pleasure to ourselves, mission we always have on the reading-desk our missionary-box, and while the last hymn is singing, our friends rise one after the other to drop in as the Lord hath prospered them. Salt Cay. Thus far I have spoken of Grand Cay. In reference to Salt Cay, an island ten miles distant, I can only say that things are not so happy and flourishing as we long to see them. This may in part be accounted for, and may be attributed to the defection of a principal leader, excluded previous to the departure hence of brother Littlewood. We are pray ing, hoping, and labouring for better timesfor more stability and spirituality to distinguish those who profess Christ. While, however, we sorrow over defections, we rejoice in the stedfastness and devotedness of those who have not defiled their garments, but have kept in the narrow way, looking to Jesus and conformed to his authority. Here we have a tolerable congregation, and several inquirers whom I hope soon to baptize. An efficient native teacher is needed for this place, but he could only be supported at great expense, all provision being imported to these islands under a double duty, and at times very scarce und demanding high prices. Caicos. On my tour through the churches on the Caicos many things were met with of a cheering character, and many which for some time will occupy my thoughts and efforts. At Lorimore's the chapel proved too small for the congregation, in consequence of which, after baptizing several dear friends in Christ, we held our meetings in the open air. Thus too we administered the Lord's supper, and held our missionary meeting. On iny return to the station from the other parts of the island, the foundation stone was laid for an enlargement of the chapel, which, when finished, will measure in length forty-five feet, and in width thirty-five. A good and neat mission house had just been completed for the use of the native teacher stationed here, which we could but look on with gladness, as accommodation in this wild country is not of the nost desirable cast. As in Ireland, so here, Mr. Pig not unfrequently is a welcome visitor. and, it is hoped, with profit to our people. The ordinances were delivered and a missionary meeting supported to the extent of the people's ability. Leaving here, we arrived on the Saturday evening at Kew, and at once settled to hold a meeting that night by way of preparation for the Lord's day. On the Lord's day we held four services, the last of which was our missionary meeting, when several dear friends addressed the meeting, after which our friends did what they could towards aiding our object. The word of (iod was listened to with great attention, and here there appeared to be a willingness to conform to its dictates. For our stay the labours were abun lant; may they not be in vain. Wieldings. On the Monday morning we were on our way to the creek where we had left our boat, four miles distant, accompanied by several friends and one of our leaders, who desired to go with us that he might gather, as he said, experience. After any thing but a pleasant sail we arrived at Wieldings, the last settlement on the Caicos, and found that the cause of our Lord had been degenerating for a long time past. Church meeting was held, affairs talked over, discipline exercised, inquirers examined, advice imparted, baptism administered, bread broken, missionary meeting held, two friends married, and children prayed for. After this our friends had-some of them at least-long questions to ask, many things to hear, and at midnight a long journey home. The visit did good, and it is hoped that the discipline enforced will work its appropriate result. As we have no chapel at this station, a friend kindly offered ground to build on, and the little church proffered their willing aid to build a house for God. Early on the Tuesday morning we were on our way for Lorimore, but the first tack we made carried overboard our mast. In consequence of the wind being high, and ahead, I had to walk miles along the shore, while our friends kindly towed the boat along with great cheerfulness, notwithstanding the severe labour of their occupation. As the day wore away we obtained a Cay for a few hours, and toward the sunset we landed on a Cay, lit our fire, roasted potatoes, and quenched our thirst at a neighbouring spring. Having thus |