be with thee, and through the rivers they shall not overflow thee," &c. One meeting was held on board the brig E-, Captain U, which vessel had been on shore in the course of the voyage, but was most fortunately saved from shipwreck. The captain and two of the crew, who were pious men, whilst engaged in prayer, were very ardent in their thanks to God for the recent mercies received at his hand. This was a time of much good to the souls of many present. On another occasion two young sailors who were present, and had lately been most providentially preserved from shipwreck, wept much, whilst I addressed them from those words, "Man giveth up the ghost, and where is he?" I held much conversation with them on the state of their minds during the storm; they both acknowledged they felt unprepared for death, but at present resolved, through strength divine, to live to God, and seek the salvation of their souls. One meeting has been held by me on the Fifth Station: this was held under peculiar circumstances, in consequence of the Agents appointed to this station on this night not being able to attend. I resolved on supplying for them at an earlier hour, viz. from six to seven P. M., and then repair to the vessel provided for me on the Sixth Station. The night was very stormy; and after I had held my first meeting on board the John and Jane, Fifth Station, I could by no means find out the ship appointed for me, viz. the Dryden, Ratcliff-cross tier: the storm having greatly increased, had blown out the light at the ship's mast-head. I felt this disappointment much, and so did those that were on board the vessel, who were waiting my arrival on board; they were not a few; nevertheless, as there were several praying captains and sailors on board, they held a profitable Prayer-meeting;-of this I was happy to be informed.

Visitation of Shipping, November." I have this past month enjoyed much pleasing and profitable conversation with captains, mates, and sailors. On those occasions I invariably met a hearty welcome; and I feel my own soul refreshed in this most important part of my duty. Four hundred and ten vessels on the river, and in the docks and canals, have been visited, and above 2,500 Tracts have been distributed, and 1,000 Tracts to those ships going on their voyages."

Loan Libraries.-Three Loan Libraries have been sent from the Sailors' Library to Rev. Mr. Upton, at Poplar.

Much attention has been paid to the visiting of foreign ships in the river and in the various docks, and the distribution of Tracts in their native languages, during the past month. Two Loan Libraries have been returned; one from the Emma, Captain Cowie, from St. Petersburgh, and the Peggy, Captain Slightholm. There have also been furnished one on board the Thomas Lawrie, for Sydney, the London, for Genoa, and the Frances Charlotte, for Botany Bay. Sixty-four volumes have also been presented to various sailors on board of colliers, and other vessels going coastwise; and about 4,500 Tracts have been distributed, together with about thirty back numbers of the PILOT.

Visitation of Shipping, December.-The stormy weather this month has much prevented my visiting the number of ships I have been accustomed to do, although I have been equally as much afloat; nevertheless, the conversation held on board ships with captains and their crews, have been, I trust, of a profitable nature. Scarcely a day passes but I have occasion to treat largely on the important subject of Temperance, which, I am happy to say, is progressing amongst captains, mates, and sailors. Three instances have taken place during the past month: a captain, mate, and carpenter, of different ships, who have withstood all arguments that could be brought forward for several months past, have at last yielded and become members of the Temperance Society; and, strange to say, those three persons were professors of religion, estimable characters, and praying men. At the close of the monthly Temperance meeting, which is held every third Monday in the month, those persons being present, came to me and said, "From what we have heard to-night, we are convinced of the propriety of joining the Temperance Society,' which they did. Another captain, with whom I was conversing a few days since on the subject of temperance, said before I left him, 'Sir, you have fully convinced me of the propriety of becoming a member of the Temperance Society; I shall take the earliest opportunity of joining the ranks.' the river I have boarded one hundred and ninety-five vessels; in the London, St. Katharine's Dock, and Regent and Surrey Canals, one hundred and one vessels, and distributed 2,500 tracts; many corn porters and coal-heavers have this month most thankfully received tracts. Greenwich, Deptford, and Limehouse, have been visited, but the day being very stormy, I was much prevented in my work."

On

Loan Libraries. December.-Three Loan Libraries have been supplied to ships going to New York, Constantinople, and Messina, together with suitable supplies of tracts; eighty-nine volumes of books have also been furnished to sailors in the coal and coasting trade. Three Loan Libraries have been returned: one furnished about fifteen months since to Captain Hoyt of the Oberlin, who is a staunch friend to the sailors' cause, has been returned from New York.

Temperance Meeting.-The Monthly meeting held on the third Monday of the past month, at the Sailors' Chapel, was well attended, and many captains, mates, and sailors, signed the Temperance declaration. May the Lord prosper this important work amongst all classes of the Society.

Poplar and Blackwall.-Rev. J. Upton reports, "The dreadful weather has rendered the services very dangerous. On one gloomy blowing night we left Blackwall in a wherry, and after a considerable effort, such was the violence of the wind and the roughness of the water, that we were obliged to land at the nearest place of safety, and abandon all idea of reaching the ship. Still we have had but little interruption. Two new Bethel ships have been obtained; and when a disappointment occurs, we are still at liberty to meet in the Boarding-houses: this we did on Tuesday last. On board the two new ships the crews were very attentive."

Visitation of Shipping." I have now to beg a larger supply of Tracts, some Bibles, and some Loan Libraries. I enclose vouchers for various Libraries, signed_by_the chief officers many of these are on the way to the East and West Indies. Twelve ships have been liberally supplied with Tracts since the last Report, besides the Tracts given after each service on board the colliers."

Boarding Houses." These continue to be visited as usual, but with no remarkable appearances. Intemperance is our deadly enemy, and the deadly enemy of our poor deluded sailors. Yet one circumstance deserves mention the Missionary-box, which was requested months ago to receive the forfeits of any sailors who should be guilty of swearing, is just come back; it contains the sum of 3s. 10d., which will be paid to our Missionary Auxiliary. I have sent a box in return from the Sailors' Society, as the person who keeps the house sig

nified that the sailors would prefer it. Because of swearing, the sea mourneth!

"I have only to add, that the afternoon service on the Lord's day is continued as usual. We have been able of late to supply it without troubling the Society, but the attendance is very uncertain; and I think, generally speaking, there are more seafaring persons present morning and evening. It is truly affecting to think how few will leave the Boarding-houses to attend the House of God.

"A deep interest is felt in the congregation for the sailors' cause: this is evinced by the numbers of the PILOT taken in, by contributions to the Society's collecting boxes, and most of all, by the fervent prayers presented at the Prayer-meeting for sailors on the third Monday evening in every month. Greatly do I rejoice to hear that the Agents of the Society have agreed to set apart an evening every month for united prayer. All who are actually engaged in the work are well aware how much this is needed. I have many

North Shields.-Rev. J. Bilson writes, blessed privileges of witnessing the mercy of God to sailors. I have visited the ships and given away tracts to a great extent, and in all the ships I have been kindly received both by masters and men. On one vessel I was asked for Bibles; I obtained one from the Bible Society herę, of which I am one of the Committee, and sold it to the sailor who wanted it. In the same ship I conversed with a young man, who told me he had never read the Bible in his life; he was from Ireland, and a Papist: he told me, in the presence of the mate, that this was general in Ireland. After much persuasion he permitted me to read the 3d chapter in John. On board the M-cutter, I preached, November 15, and if ever I was happy in preaching to my fellow-men, it was that night. God indeed was there, and the tears flowed down their manly cheeks. Some of them afterwards went with me to the Bethel Prayer Meeting, and three or four of them engaged in prayer. My soul is compassionating the cause of sailors, for their ways truly say in most parts here, man careth for our souls." Oh, that on their behalf God would rouse the church."

"No

St. Mary's, Scilly Isles.-Rev. Mr. Rogers writes, "The weather has been so extremely boisterous that little com

I

munication has taken place between the islands for some weeks past; and no shipping have entered the harbour. trust the hoisting of the Bethel Flags will prove a blessing, as many sailors are induced to attend the house of God, who would otherwise be sinfully employed.

Not a week closes but I have an opportunity of speaking to sailors on the great subject of salvation. In my last letter I mentioned having sent a parcel of books and tracts on board H. M. S. S- ; her short stay, and the state of the weather, prevented a personal visit. A member of my church having obtained a passage in her to Plymouth, I thought it proper to embrace the opportunity of sending some of your books and tracts on board, and I accompanied my parcel with a note to the commanding officer, requesting permission for the bearer to distribute them amongst his ship's company. 1 shortly after had the parcel returned, through the pilot, with a note from the commanding officer, of which the following is a copy:

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presents his compliments to the Rev. C. Rogers, and is sorry he cannot comply with his request, as there is an order against distributing tracts, excepting those sent to H. M. S. by the Rev. Dr. Cole, the Naval Chaplain."

be correct, it

If this statement of Lieutenant is to no purpose to visit or send religious books on H.M.S. as they will be rejected. I must add, that I am both sorry and surprised at the petty jealousy and intolerance which would confine the means of doing good to the small circle, and positively disallow all the attempts to ameliorate the moral condition of poor perishing seamen. When will our Legislators acquire the wisdom and justice to do unto all men, both in civil and religious matters, as they would have done unto themselves?

Navigation Class.-Apprentices and sailors wishing to obtain knowledge in this science, are requested to attend at the vestry of the Sailors' Chapel, 17, Dean Street, on Friday evenings, from five to seven, where Captain Prynn is to be found in attendance. Instruction gratuitous.