VIII. WEST INDIES, 19, The accounts from Mr. Elliot at Tobago, are by no means encouraging: he appears almost to despair of success. 2017 Mr. Adam, who resides at Port of Spain in Trinidad, regularly preaches to a considerable number of persons of various colours, to se veral of whom he has the satisfac tion of believing that he has been made useful; their growth in knowledge and piety afford him much pleasure, and great encouragement in his work. He takes pains also in catechising the Negroes and their children, some of whom make rapid progress. Mr. Adam occasionally visits some estates on the coast, where he meets with encouragement. Mr Wray has removed from De merary to Berbice, where he labours assiduously. Here, of course, he had every thing to begin, and various obstacles to combat; but he has the pleasure of seeing his labours progressively useful. Both adults and children learn to read, and to repeat the catechism; some of the former come for instruction at their break fast and dinner times. The affectionate regard which the poor Negroes at Le Resouvenir, in Demerary, pay to the instructions of Mr. Wray was evinced by the most poignant grief on the occasion of his departure. The Directors have sent out other Missionaries to instruct them. A vast number of Negroes repair to George Town, in the same colony, to hear Mr. Davies; some from the distance of many miles: the chapel is crowded, and many listen at the doors and windows: more than a thousand attend on the Sunday morning. Hundreds of them apply, Sabbath after Sabbath, to obtain catechisms; and those who have learned the catechism themselves, are diligent in teaching it to others. When they meet a person who can read, they will say, Massa, I beg you to teach me a Httle." Mr. Davies says, Not! CHRIST. OBSENY. APR. fewer than five thousand Negroes learn the catechism, and attend in rotation. As a pleasing proof that these people prize the Gospel, they have established among themselves au Auxiliary Missionary Society, composed of People of Colour and of Slaves, whose names appear in last year's list of contributors, and whose subscriptions amounted to 1891.900 The Society has made to the Missions of the United Brethren a do nation of 2001., to alleviate their general distress, and to assist in the support of their Missions. [59 There are now in the Missionary Seminary at Gosport fifteen stu dents, of whom their fotor, the Rev. Mr. Bogue, reports very favourably. For two years past, those of the students who could speak French, have every Lord's-day visited the prisoners from France, either in the prisons of Forton and Porchester, or in the several prison-ships (fourteen in number) in the vicinity of Portsmouth, but chiefly in the latter: among these men they have preach ed the Gospel faithfully and affec tionately, and have distributed Bi bles and Testaments kindly provid ed by the British and Foreign Bible Society; together with Doddridge's Rise and Progress, Mr. Bogue's Es-1 say on the New Testament, French hymns, and tracts furnished by this Society; composed of both which'lit tle libraries have been formed, which have supplied a multitude of the prisoners both with entertainment and instruction. In one of the ships particularly, which contains about seven hundred men, a peculiar dest gree of serious attention was paid, several of whom requested that the Lord's Supper might be administer ed to them: to some of these, after; a strict examination, the ordinance was administered; and the consideration of citizens of two nations then at wer with each other, sining together as brothers at the table of the Prince of Peace, excited feelings of joy in every breast Att Forchester, the word of Gods hass 5 R been preached to a multitude of very attentive hearers. There is reason to believe that many of the prisoners have experienced a Divine change by the power of the Holy Spirit accompanying the word of Truth. Two or three have expressed a desire to become missionaries; and their applications are under careful consideration. Two ministers have paid repeated visits to the prison at Dartmoor, and have preached in French to a great number of the French prisoners, and in English to the American prisoners; many, especially of the latter, attended with great seriousness and affection, and there is reason to believe that the seed sown among both, will be productive of happy fruits. Encouraged by the liberality of the public, the Directors have lately commenced new missions to Java and the Isle of France, and have several more in contemplation to Surat, Malacca, and other parts of the East, besides making a large, addition to the number of missionaries in South Africa. They have also admitted into the Seminary a greater number of students than at any former period, and are ready to receive still more. united to the body, which had made the whole number of schools under their patronage and superintendence, 381; that in those 151 new schools, 22,370 children received their education, which, together with those who attended the old schools, formed an aggregate of 62,000 throughout England, under the protection of the National Society: that by their aid, 36 new schoolrooms had been erected in the course of the year, and 45 masters trained. in the central schools for the purpose of supplying these new establishments. It appeared also, that the Military Asylum at Chelsea, the Naval Asylum at Greenwich, the Royal Arsenal at Woolwich, and all the Regimental Schools, though not formally united to the National Society, are in strict conformity with it, both in principle and practice, and observe in every respect, the same regulations. His grace remarked, that through the unremit ting exertions of the Rev. Mr. Johnson, with the able assistance of Mrs. Rogers, the central school at Bald win's Gardens had arrived at so high a pitch of perfection, as to give. the utmost satisfaction to the distin guished characters who daily visited. it in great numbers: that her imperial highness the Grand Duchess of Oldenburgh, in particular, had ex-. pressed herself highly gratified by NATIONAL EDUCATION SOCIETY, the accuracy with which the childTHE National Society for the Edu- ren answered the various questions cation of the Poor in the Prin put to them. In conclusion, his ciples of the Established Church grace observed, that he wished to held their anniversary meeting at be fully and distinctly understood, Sion College, on June 2. The Arch- that the schools patronized by this bishops of Canterbury and York, Society were what they pretended were many bishops, noblemen, and other to be National Schools, schools subscribers, attended. After the open to the whole nation, to the Report of the proceedings of the children of Dissenters, as well as of Society during the last year had Churchmen; that all were admissibeen read, the Archbishop of Canble, without any reference to their terbury addressed the meeting, and sect or denomination. All that was congratulated them upon the vast required of the children was a conprogress which the efforts of the formity to the rules of the school, National Society had made in every as nothing less than this could be part of England. It appeared by admitted without the production of the Report, that since their last an-much distraction and confusion. niversary, 151 schools had been Sir Thomas Acland stated, that Hogsbybod nocq eill 398 bos sang on asw ed 107) very soft af ossie - BAE NET 93: sɔidw estiub Event 1814.] Relig. Intell. Society for the he could bear the most ample testi mony to the exertion of the Society in every part of England; that its efforts were not confined to the metropolis alone, but were extended to the remotest corners of the king dom; that wherever its influence was felt, its effects were visible, not only among the children, but also among the parents; and that a new moral atmosphere appeared to have, been created in every spot to which its exertions had been directed. He concluded with moving the thanks of the meeting to the General Committee, for the unwearied zeal which they had shewn in forwarding the views and promoting the interests of the Society. Relief of poor pious Clergymen. 839 plicated concerns of the Society had imposed upon him. Expressions of gratitude were also given to Dro Latham, jun. and Mr. Henry Earle, for the professional assistance they had given to the children of the central school, It appeared from the Treasurer's report, that, in consequence of the numerous calls upon the funds of the Society, for their aid in erectings school-rooms, &c., a considerable di minution of their capital stock had taken place. The Committee, how ever, trust, that the generosity_of the English Nation will not suffer their exertions to be cramped in thes diffusion of the blessings of a reli-s gious and moral education, in which the prosperity of the country is so deeply involved. PIOUS CLERGYMEN. The Archbishop of Canterbury, after having spoken in the highest terms of the advantages derived by the female part of the school in Baldwin's Gardens from the kind SOCIETY FOR THE RELIEF OF POOR and assiduous attention of ladies who had undertaken the office of visitors, was persuaded that the meeting would feel their best thanks to be due to those ladies for the pains which they bad taken in the improvement of the children, not only in reading and writing, but also in their needle-work. THE sum distributed by this Society, in the year 1813, was 17051. The following extracts of letters from the objects of its bounty, will ena ble our readers to form some estis < mate of the claims of this institution on their benevolence Lord Kenyon, in consideration of 1. "I shall not attempt, nor is it the very great obligation which the possible for me, to set before you Society was under to the Archbi- but a small portion of our suffershop of Canterbury, who, amidst the ings, or of the degree of support arduous duties of his exalted station, we received under them. It hath bad bestowed the most unremitting pleased God to deprive us suddenly aftention to the welfare of this insti- of our eldest son in the pride of tution, proposed that the most cordial life, when he was within five days and respectful thanks of this Society of twenty-three years old, and in should be presented to his grace. full health, without any previous The thanks of the meeting were indisposition, and reckoned clever in also given to Joshua Watson, Esq. his profession as a surgeon. the Treasurer, as a tribute of their wrote to me immediately upon the gratitude, not only for his zealous melancholy occasion. It had such and unwearied exertions in their in- an effect upon our nature, that, like terests, but for the great sacrifices, David and his men at their returne both of time and money, which he to Zicklag, we wept till we could had made to their welfare.-A vote weep no more, and, through mercy, of thanks was passed to the Rev. found a degree of relief from oured Mr. Walmsley, the Secretary, who grief and sorrow, where he did, inds had gratuitously undertaken, and the Lord our God. I would have... most faithfully executed, the labo- gone and seen his poor body deporious duties which the vast and com-sited in the grave, (for he was not 質 each other seven miles, the other three; so that I have twenty miles of very bad road to travel every Sunday, for which I receive 401. a year in money, and I have the parsonage-house and garden, and about ten acres of pasture and meadow. land, valued 197. a year, which, to gether with the surplice fees, make "My wife was put to bed of her twelfth child on the 25th day of November last, and has been so very ill ever since that she has not been able to assist herself at any time yet. My wife's long confinement, and her not being able to superintend the family as usual, together with doctors and others to attend her, has greatly distressed me at present; but, through the tender mercy of a good God, there is now some hopes of her recovery; she is a little better for some days past, and begins to walk about the room herself." buried for a week), but I had neither money nor clothes fit for the journey. Our daughter begged of us to take the children, and the servants to look after them, which we have done; and here they are, and likely to be, we do not know how long. The oldest of the four is not six; they are fine healthy children. This has made a considerable addi-641. a year; and my own small-intion to our family unavoidably: we dependence amounts to 70%. a-year, cannot see them want; they are our making together 1341. per annum; own flesh and blood. I might en- and I am obliged to keep a horse, large, but I desist. I am still cu- and my taxes are 241. rate of the same churches of where my blessed Master suffers not even me, who am the most unworthy of all his servants, to labour in vain. The place is reformed throughout, and many have set up family-prayer already in their houses and it is become, of one of the e worst, one of the most religious places in this part of the country, which is a great comfort to us in the midst of all our trials. My salary is the same as usual: it clears about 301. a year: we rent a little land worth 241 a year, on rack rent, of which we make no profit, only it is necessary in a country situation; and t the house and garden we live This is all we have that we can call our own to support ourselves and family, besides what our merciful God sends us by the hands of benevolent friends, his happy instruments in ministering to the necessity of his servants, that labour in the Gospel. Our debt is about $24: it was a great deal more, but we were enabled to pay part of it by the benevolence of a friend. I live in want of many necessary articles myself, and so does my dear wife and children, to avoid debt and being troublesome to others, as much as possible, but it is out of our Power.sbs escuma) 10 15% I am now in the 56th year of my age, my present curacy is a very laborions one, having three churches to serve every Sunday, and there is double duty at the one during the summer half year two of the churches are distant from 3. "The total stated income I receive from the church is 654. per annum; 204, of which is at the option of a gentlemen, who has an We have ten estate in children, of whom two boys are at Christ's hospital; three or four of the elder girls are ready and anxious for situations, but our utmost efforts have failed hitherto to get them suitable ones. There are ge nerally forty children in the Sundayschool, superintended by myself and others. It gives me much pleasure to add, that these poor children make great progress; most of them can read the Bible decently, and rehearse the Church Catechism very well every Sunday, together with an explanation thereupon. They are thus brought under the means of instruction, and are taught to worship their Creator in the days of their youth. 4411 About three months ago I was attacked with a bilious fever; mest to that succeeded a violent pleurisy; and, to add to the above affliction, I bursted one of the tendons over my right kidney, and was for a long time unable to move out of my bed, or to attend "and edify the souls committed to my charge. My poor wife is lately put to bed of the ninth schild: seven out of the above number are now living, supported and maintained by me. Owing to the debility and frail nature of her constitution, I was obliged to have a man-midwife to put her to bed, who was obliged to attend her for a whole month, and the little infant, which is continually unwell. The rest of my little family have had violent ulcerated sore-throats, which are very prevalent in this country. In consequence of my small income, the increase of my family, the exorbitant price of provisions, with other disastrous events, and between the doctor's and other bills, I am wmuch in debt; and have no way to extricate myself in my present situation, without the aid and kind compassion of those benevolent Christians, who will one day be amply repaid for feeding the hungry and clothing the naked. My salary is the same as usual, 36 guineas, being from two small perpe¿tual curacies." which I desire to return my most 7. "I was indeed very hard pressed. I have had thirteen children. My whole income (deducting taxes) is not quite 801. per annum. Of my children, five are with me, and six are not. This charitable donation relieves me from many a burden; and though some must still remain, I pray God to cast down every desire and imagination of my heart, incompatible with the means which his wisdom (and I am sure I may truly add his mercy) hath appointed me. 8. "Sir, you must conceive, that many hard struggles, many severe encounters, in worldly affairs, must have befallen the father of eleven children, with the scantysalary ofonly 631. per annum, and considering the unprecedented high price every article of maintenance has been for 5.This morning I received your's years past. I have a son, whom I safe, with a bank post bill of should like to put into Christ's hosinclosed. Were I to attempt to pital, if I could have interest to express the grateful feelings of my place him there; but my situation dear wife and myself on the happy is in a retired country, secluded occasion, language would fail. In- from the great and affluent, who are deed, we both, and our six dear able to serve a person in the supelittle ones, feel the return of com- rior lines of life. Being myself in fort and happiness, through your the decline of life, it is natural to goodness, and the worthy Society to look for a small independent compe which you belong. I hope I sin- tency at this period, when the consin-tency cerely say for this, Bless the Lord,stitution faulters, and the frame gets O my soul, and all that is within languid but all this I leave to the me bless his holy name. He Disposer of temporal affairs, who that caters for the sparrow, and best knows what will, and what will feeds the young ravens that call not, prove blessings to us. With upon him, has also provided for grateful thanks for the favour beme, his unworthy servant, stowed, I wish the Christian caus your Society is engaged in," may prosper and flourish.” 6. "I received your letter, dated the 5th of this inst., containing a bank post bill, value for ** gaMy low circumstances force |