here by my gracious God, filled my heart with gratitude; whilst, at the same time, I was deeply ashamed of my many neglects. After spend ing the night with a good friend, I hastened the following morning to Stutgardt, where I arrived about noon at the house of my parents, to our great and mutual joy. No words can express the pleasure that is felt by near and dear friends, when meeting again after a long and distant separation; and it is only to be conceived by those who expe rience it. O what will our feelings be when we meet above in our Heavenly Father's house! But the first moments of joy were scarcely over, when the child of my eldest brother was seized with convulsions to so violent a degree, that for some time his life was despaired of; and thus all our joy was at once turned into

sorrow.

What a fluctuating scene is hu. man life! how imperfect and unstable are its happiest hours! But the deep depravity of our nature seems to render it necessary that every cup of joy which is presented to us, should be mingled with a portion of gall. These impres sions came still more home to me by the complaint which had attacked me on the road, now turning to a jaundice. But I had reason to be very thankful that this disorder, which generally proves very obstinate, was, in my case, but mild, and soon removed. Being only confined to my room, I had the more leisure to enjoy the long-wished-for company of my dear parents, brothers, and sisters. At the same time, I could undisturbedly meditate on God's kind and gracious dealings with me; and, in secret prayer, de. vote myself anew to his service. This was a truly blessed and salu tay preparation for the scene of ac tivity which I was immediately to enter upon. I had scarcely recovered, when one invitation after another was sent me to preach, to hold private meetings for edifica tion, and to visit the sick.

It was evident that the Lord himself had opened a door, for he gave me great freedom of speech, and caused a visible blessing to rest

upon the preaching of his word. Multitudes flocked together; and I am well persuaded there were many among them who attended not merely out of curiosity, but in order to hear the word of God with seriousness and devotion; and who, in consequence of the benefit they received, rendered praises to God, and offered up prayers in my behalf. And if only a few strayed sheep have been led to Christ (which I have reason to hope was the case) or believers confirmed and built up in their most holy faith, I am amply recompenced.

The Duchy of Wirtemberg is still (God be praised!) richly bless ed with the gospel. Among the higher and lower clergy, there are many who are not ashamed of the gospel of Christ; some of whom are men of great talents and solid erudition. I will only mention the Rev. Dr. Sterr, formerly Professor of Divinity at the University of Tulingen, and now first chaplain to the court, as one of the most distinguished both for the extent of his knowledge and for his exemplary piety; for whom I entertain a par ticular veneration, as having been formerly my tutor.

And where there are able, upright, and zealous ministers, the Lord is generally pleased to give them souls to receive the truth in the love of it, and bring forth fruits to the glory of God. And indeed there are, throughout the duchy of Wirtemberg, hundreds and thousands of this description, who may truly be styled followers of the Lamb, adorning the doctrine of God their Saviour in all things. Some of these unite together in small societies; others walk more singly in the Christian path, without expressly joining any particular society, yet living in true Christian charity with them all. The greatest number of them is found amongst trades-people and peasantry; yet a few likewise in the superior classes, as among the officers of justice, and those belonging to the court; and in the army, among both officers and privates, some truly Christian characters are to be met with. Among the rest, I shall ever re

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member, with particular respect, Baron de Saakendorf, one of the principal ministers of the Elector of Wirtemberg, and now his ambassador at the Diet of Ratisbon. He is one of the most humble and de. voted followers of Christ, who is not ashamed to serve the meanest of his Christian brethren; whose love to mankind, and particularly to the household of faith, is unweariedly exerting itself in acts of benevolence, notwithstanding that he is frequently imposed upon by hypocrites. He is also a great friend and promoter of the Missionary cause; and had a principal hand in forming a Society, consisting of pious ministers and private Christians, for the furtherance of the Gospel among the Heathen, during my stay there. His brother, a coJonel in the army, is both a good soldier and a true Christian.

I spent many very blessed hours in fellowship with pious Christians in my native country, partly in their meetings for edification, and partly in private company; and often had a very sensible perception that the Lord was amongst us. Likewise, amongst the common peasants, I got acquainted with some in whom the Spirit of Christ dwells in truth, who have the unction of the Holy One; and who, by the wisdom which they have learnt in the school of Christ, are able to put to silence the philosophers of the present age. It afforded me particular satisfaction to find among the students of divinity, in the University of Tuclingen, some very pious and promising young men, notwithstanding that, in general, Socinian principles and corruption of manners gain, alas! too much ground at the University. Blessed be God that, among the professors of divinity, there are some who do their best to stem the torrent. During my stay at Stutgardt, I made frequent excursions to twenty er thirty towns and villages round about; and in all these places I had the pleasure to meet either with individuals or small societies of pious people. What am I, that God should count me worthy to number 211.

such exemplary Christians among my friends? Great is the gain to be derived from Christian conversa. tion, when we communicate to each other our views, feelings, and experience, rejoicing with those that rejoice, weeping with those that weep; and thus supporting and encouraging each other to press forward, amidst all difficulties, on our journey through this vale of

tears.

Surrounded with blessings, as I was, I could not forbear taking notice of many scenes of human misery. Many cases of outward and inward distresses, many instances of family afflictions presented them. selves to my view. In Stutgardt İ visited a poor woman, who, for twelve years past, had been afflicted with blindness; yet (blessed be God!) not destitute of spiritual light. I likewise met with num bers of the people of God, labouring under the infirmities of age and various diseases; many of whom, however, could triumph in the lan guage of the apostle, "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ" The children of God are not exempt from a variety of severe trials and perplexities; but if they really love God, then all things must work together for their good.

Having been encouraged from vaa rious quarters, during my stay in my native country, respectfully to present myself to my most gracious Sovereign and his illustrious Con sort, a Royal Princess of the Britannic House, I was graciously receiv ed by them, and honoured with let ters for her majesty the Queen. On this occasion I was deeply impressed with sentiments of the most un feigned respect towards my most gracious Sovereign, and felt myself constrained to offer up my humble prayers and supplications in his be half. Princes are placed in a most difficult situation; they need an abundant measure of divine wisdom and grace, being exposed to num berless temptations and dangers; for which reason the word of God so very earnestly enjoins to their sub jects the duty of constant and ter. vent prayer on their behalf.

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The Journals of the Missionaries at Otaheite, from Oct. 1, 1802, to April 11, 1803, were brought to England by the Unicorn, and happily pre served by a Mr. Newton, the super. cargo and part owner, notwithstanding the ship was captured by the French in her way home. The Missionaries having attained the language, frequently preach to the natives, not only statedly on the Lord's Day at Matavai, their place of residence, but Messrs. Jefferson and Scott have made a month's tour, in October and November 1802, through a large part of the island, preaching several times a-day to the people they could collect. In some places, few could be induced to attend; in others, a considerable number.

Messrs. Bicknell and Wilson took a journey round Eimeo for a month, commencing Dec. 23, 1802, and preached to many souls.

The whole number of adult per. sons who heard our brethren in the former tour, was about 3,700. For the greater part, they heard with much indifference, and even some mocked; but a few were attentive and inquisitive. In the latter journey round Eimeo, the attention of the natives was more serious. They have not yet perceived any positive fruits of their labours in the conversion of the Heathen; but they have sown in hope; and, we trust, will reap with joy.

The havoc made by disease and war has been deplorably great; some parts of the island are almost depopulated; and, from the most accurate judgment they could form, the whole number of remaining in habitants does not exceed six or seven thousand at most.

A few days after the arrival of the above official papers, fresh intelligence of a later date was communicated to the Directors by Captain M'Lennan, of the ship Dart, just arrived, and which

left Otaheite September 2, 1803. While he was there, an event of great importance took place. Pemaxre, the principal chief, who had been feasting in Attarahoo, in order to consolidate his authority in that quarter, was about to pay a visit to the ship, when he was observed suddenly to drop his paddle, and sink down into the canoe. It appears that he was seized with an apoplectic fit, and expired in half

an hour.

The Missionaries having lost their principal protector, began to be alarmed for their safety; but on assurances received from Edea, that whatever changes might happen in the government, they should be se cure, they resolved to continue in the island, and persevere in their labours. The Captain left them all well. But we must refer, for the curious and interesting particulars of these events, to No. x1. of the Transactions of the Missionary So. ciety, which is in the press, and will be published in a few days.

DR. VANDERKEMP.

A Letter has been received by the Directors from Dr. Vander. kemp, dated Feb. 29, 1803; from which it appears, that the Mission at Bethel's Village goes on well; that the gospel spreads more and more among the poor Hottentots; and that the progress of the scholars in reading, writing, and religi ous knowledge, is equally astonishing. The Missionary spirit which animates the new converts to pro fess the name of Christ whenever they have opportunity, is remarkably great, and will appear very extraordinary to all who know. their natural languor, stupidity, and aversion from every kind of mental or bodily exercise. A particular account will be also given in the above No. XI. of the Transactions.

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"Our brethen left Copenhagen on the 20th of April. From Elsineur they wrote us word, that the Lord has again been pleased to exercise their faith at the first setting out of their long voyage. Their shiphappening to lie at anchor about three English miles from the shore, they were obliged to join it in a boat; but when they had made about three parts of their way, the boat became leaky; and such a quantity of water rushed in, that, all of a sudden, they found themselves immersed almost to the middle. But Mr. Voss having, happily, a tin vessel with him, they made use of it to bail out the water as fast as they could. By this means they kept themselves up till their ship's boat came to their assistance, and safely carried them on board. Mr. and Mrs. Voss, however, caught a severe cold."

Extract of a Letter from a Missionary on the Coast of Malabar.

[Translated from the German.] "On the 20th of Sept. 1793, I set out on my journey for Tanschaur, in company with the worthy Mr. -Schwartz. The Prince of Tanschaur, the adopted son of the late King Tuletchi (whom he, by the express desire of government, had brought to Madras) accompanied us, with his retinue on horseback, for some miles. On the evening of the same day we reached Tirupalur, a great Heathen place, with two temples, esteemed very holy by the Pagan priests. Here Mr. Schwartz had occasion to speak with many bramins, and other people (to whom he was already known) a word in due season. In an animated and energetic speech, he shewed them the absurdity and corrupted state of the Heathen religion; and their blindness in comparison with the light of Christianity, as a clear, pure, and rational system, and a Convincing and powerful doctrine.

I saw, with amazement, how

willingly these poor creatures heard this powerful instruction.

"It must be allowed, that to keep awake the attention of these people, a perfect knowledge of the language, which Mr. Schwartz possesses in a very great degree, is required. He spoke a long time to the multitude standing; and tho' I did not understand the whole discourse in the Malabar tongue, yet I remarked, in the very eyes and whole deportment of this numerous assembly, that, to the several questions proposed to them, they more than once answered, "Yes, it is true, it is right, it should be so." The night soon came on, and Mr. Schwartz moved, as if he would depart; "O, by no means!” cried the people: we wish to hear you longer. Come," said they, down here; you are tired of standing."-We readily complied; and sat down on the steps of a stone stair-case, near which there stood a great waggon, in which, on festival days, their idols are drawn.

sit

Mr. Schwartz continued preaching for about half an hour longer. The people, on their departure, thanked us for the pains we had taken on their account. We asked these people afterwards, Why they did not embrace so excellent a doctrine, which they themselves could neither contradict, nor allow to be any otherwise than good; but the answer was always this: "Yes, that we would do, was it not for the world and the belly: the world would hate, deride, and despise us; nay, even your own people, who call themselves Christians, would and the belly must be mock us:supported; you priests cannot maintain us! and you are not to be blamed for it: your government will not provide for us.”

than any other nation in this part of the world. They do not murder, nor steal; and are very seldom at war. Their language is pleasant, and without the claps of the tongue among the Hottentots: they do not worship idols, but acknowledge one Supreme Being: they circumcise their children: they cultivate the ground; and sow a sort of corn, pumpkins, beans, &c.: they trade with other nations in iron, brass, ivory, cattle, and skins: they are governed by kings. The name of the Prince where I am labouring, is Mallahabang. They make their own instruments and tools, such as knives, axes, &c. Wild beasts abound here, such as elephants, buffaloes, rhinoceroses, and gnoes, with others not mentioned in the natural histories. Once in two or three weeks I ride round to the different kraals in my neighbourhood, to preach the gospel to them by means of an interpreter. To those who live nearer to me, about 150 in number, I preach every Sabbath.

A few Corannas who live with me, I instruct every day. I labour under great difficulties, and my si tuation has been very trying for three years past; but have reason to glory in tribulations."

From the Minutes of the Phila delphia Baptist Association, assembled Oct. 4-6, 1803, at Cohansey, in New Jersey, we learn, That the number of Members then in their several churches (thirtyfour in all) amounted to 2898; of whom 340 had been received in the course of the year. The Associa tion laments the death of the Rev. Joshua Jones, of Montgomery, who had been a preacher more than fifty years; and of the Rev. Thomas Ustick, of Philadelphia, who had laboured thirty years in the Lord's vineyard. The Circular Letter is on the subject of the Work of the Holy Spirit. A new edition of the Bible, now publishing at Phila delphia, is also recommended by the Association to their Societies.

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Hoxton Academy.

TUESDAY, June 26, was held the Anniversary Meeting of the Subscribers and Friends, at the hapel belonging to the Academy, which has recently been considerably enlarged. Four of the students were engaged as follows: Mr. Fletcher began with prayer; Mr. Arrow preached, on the Connexion between Sin and Misery; Mr. Payne, on Justification and Sanctification; Mr. S. Sleigh, on Holiness and Happiness. The Rev. S. Palmer, of Hackney; and the Rev. A. Waugh, of Well Street, some days before, examined the students respecting their progress in the Latin, Greek, and Hebrew languages. The former intended to

have made the Report, had he not been unexpectedly detained in the country. Mr. Waugh spoke highly of the assiduity of the Tutors, and the application and improvement of the young men. After he had concluded with an exhortation and prayer, Mr. Shrubsole mentioned the steps the Committee had taken, relative to two of the students receiving exhibitions, from the late Dr. Williams's trustees, for the purpose of completing their studies at the university of Glasgow; which was approved by the Subscribers; and will, therefore, be carried into effect, as a measure calculated to produce many important advantages.

This institution, in the course of the present year, has sent out eight