Is abominable iniquity? We also, as well as himself, had been on the Gold-Coast. he, then, the only man of truthful conduct? Are righteous men grown so scarce among those who risk their lives in the defence and promulgation of our common Christianity? The Rev. J. Mycock, it is true, returned home a few days after the Missionary-party, which included "Omega" and myself, had landed at CapeCoast-Castle. But to "Omega's" charge respecting concubinage,-the gravest of the three, we could both have borne witness if it had been true, or near the truth. I, however, who went out with "Omega," under Mr. Freeman, in 1840, am able to say that the first charge is not true, the second is utterly groundless, the third is XI. LETTER OF THE To the Editors of the Watchman. Thetford, Nov. 11th, 1844. GENTLEMEN,-You are at liberty to insert, in your forthcoming paper, or reject, as seems meet to you, the following brief remarks on the letter of "Omega." On the return of Mr. Freeman, to the coast of Africa, with the implements intrusted to his care by the African AntiSlave-Trade Society, accompanied by "Omega," the lamented Mr. Thackwray, and others, I was on the station. I had also the pleasure of residing, for several weeks, in the same dwelling with Mr. Freeman and the rest of the Missionparty; and I distinctly remember that, almost immediately on his arrival, Mr. Freeman began to make arrangements for carrying out the benevolent intentions of Mr. Forster, and the Committee of the above Society. And I can further testify, that very few of the numerous visiters, who came from every part of that extensive station, to look once more on their beloved Teacher, and welcome his return among them, departed to their homes unacquainted with the fact, that, so soon as most false. When my attention was first drawn to this wicked and perfidious attack of "Omega" on the Rev. Mr. Freeman, his colleagues, and their Missions, I felt indignant, and resolved immediately to reply. But when I recollected that Mr. Freeman was himself now in England, I waited till he should have an opportunity of opposing truth to untruth. This he has now successfully done. I rejoice to see him more than victorious; and feel honoured to stand by his side, and support over him, as another witness, the banner of truth. REV. JOSIAH MYCOCK. was prudent for Mr. Thackwray to leave Cape-Coast Castle, he would proceed to Domonasi, for the twofold purposes of preaching Christ, and establishing a modelfarm. That he did go, "Omega" himself must know; and, with the early removal by death of that excellent Missionary, your readers are well acquainted. Touching Mr. Freeman's personal character, I can most cordially unite with the brethren Messrs. Brooking and Allen, in testifying, "That the interests of the Mission, and the comfort and welfare of his brethren, lay near his heart; and that, as far as has been possible, he has endeavoured to give satisfaction to all those over whom he has been placed." I remain, Gentlemen, JOSIAH MYCOCK. P.S. It was not until your paper of Wednesday last came to hand, that I was aware of the nature of the charges preferred by "Omega" against Mr. Freeman, or I would have replied earlier. That such This collection of letters may well be deemed invaluable. a number of highly-respectable individuals-all, except the Missionaries, unconnected with our own religious communion, and who, from their various professions and pursuits, have been led to contemplate Africa under a diversity of aspects-should spontaneously combine to bear their decided and unequivocal testimony to the beneficial effects of the Society's Missions in Guinea, and to the worth and integrity of Mr. Freeman, under whose general superintendence those Missions have been placed, is cause of devout thankfulness to Almighty God, who can so overrule the most untoward events, as to make even the wrath of man to praise Him. V. THE preceding documents have occupied more than our ordinary space; but we should deem the present Number of the "Notices" very incomplete, if we did not add two letters which have been recently received. The first of these letters is from the Rev. Samuel Annear, our Missionary at Badagry, which contains a full and gratifying account of the state and prospects of that important Mission, and a forcible appeal in favour of Abokuta, whose King, Sodaka, offers to prepare a house for the Missionary, if one may only be sent to instruct himself and his people. The second letter possesses peculiar interest, from the fact that a well-trained native ministry is, in the order of means, the hope of Africa. The perusal of Mr. Wharton's letter, from St. Vincent's, cannot fail to call forth from our friends the warm expressions of their gratitude, that the great Head of the church is beginning to raise up in the West Indies well-qualified coloured Missionaries, burning with ardour to go and labour in their fatherland. I hope Extract of a Letter from the Rev. S. Annear, dated Badagry, August 23d, 1844. As a vessel is just on the eve of leaving this place for England, I avail myself of the opportunity thus offered, to furnish you with a few particulars respecting our Mission in this part of the world; being assured of the interest which you always feel in the great Mission-cause. my last communication (per "Deslandes") reached you in safety. Since my forwarding that, nothing of very great importance has taken place. In consequence of repeated attacks of sickness, up to that time, I had not been able to perform the services in the chapel with any degree of regularity; but since then, my health becoming considerably better, I have generally been sufficiently well, and have felt great delight in the performance of this sacred and pleasurable duty. And my health is now so established, that I calculate on being able to extend my labours, and to devote myself more fully to the great object which has called me hither. not be neglected. This appears to be the only way in which the "good tidings" can be made to reach them all. The attention which many of the heathen natives pay is very cheering. My heart has often been the seat of delightful emotions while beholding the athletic warrior from the encampment, with his destructive "warhatchet" over his shoulder, kneeling in the presence of God with the congregation. We often have persons present from the far-distant towns of the interior. O that they may soon become worshippers of the true God, "in spirit and in truth!" During the last two months I have perceived a gradual increase in our congregations. We have sometimes as many as a hundred and fifty persons to hear the preached word, one-third of whom are Heathens from the town; the other part being composed of emigrants from SierraLeone, and our own labourers and canoemen from Cape-Coast. As our congregation thus consists of persons belonging to three different nations, but few of whom know any language except their own, it requires a peculiar arrangement in the mode of preaching in order to meet their expectations, and "appoint to each a portion of meat in due season." The plan which I have adopted is, to have the Sunday-morning sermon interpreted into the Popo language: this meets the wants of the natives of the town. In the afternoon I preach in English, and on Wednesday evenings the service is conducted in the Fanti language, that our own people may About a month since I baptized an aged native, who has been a probationer of our society from its commencement, to whom, in accordance with his wish, I gave the name of Simeon. Preparatory to this public initiation into the church, I privately examined him, when the answers which he gave to the questions put to him respecting his religious experience, were most clear and satisfactory. Up to the time of the introduction of Christianity into this place, he was a rigid Mahometan; but he no sooner heard of the name of Jesus, and that he, and not Mahomet, claimed his obedience, than the light of the Holy Ghost broke in upon his understanding; and although he tried to shake off the misgiving and uneasiness which were fastened on his mind, he was compelled to yield to his convictions; which were fearfully heightened by a remarkable dream which he had, in which he was threatened with immediate destruction, if he did not go to the Mission-chapel, and ask direction of God's Missionary. He held out no longer, but followed the leadings of the Spirit, and was admitted as a probationer into our society, of which he has ever since been a worthy ornament. In the conversion of this aged follower of the "false Prophet," how strikingly does the divinity of Christianity appear, and what abundant proof does it afford of the almighty agency of the Holy Ghost! May his powerful influence, "like mighty winds, or torrents fierce," sweep over this truly degraded land, and subjugate its teeming myriads to the mild sway of the Messiah! Last Sunday I baptized Simeon's wife, who has also for some time been a consistent probationer of our Society. Her country name was Banjoho; but the Christian name which she has received is Hannah. These are our first-fruits in this place. May God add to the number daily! Many of our old members who have come from Sierra-Leone have removed to Abokuta, where they are in anxious and joyful anticipation of my coming amongst them to reside. Having been appointed to that part of the District, and having also received from you, before my departure, instructions to proceed thither as soon as possible; on my arrival here, my first object was to make King Sodaka aware of your intentions towards him and his country; and to inform him that I was only remaining here until the rains should terminate, to come up with my wife and reside with him. This information highly gratified him and the thousands around him; and the delighted Monarch has since been sending messenger after messenger, and letter after letter, stating that his country is open to me; that he himself will find a house for me to reside in when I come, until I can build one for myself; and that when I intend leaving the Coast, I have only to let him know, and he will send troops all the way down to escort me up. Indeed, every thing in his power to assist us, he has pledged himself to do, if I will only live in his country and preach the Gospel; and since my arrival here, I have been acting with constant reference to my removal thither. Judge then of my disappointment last week, on receiving an official letter from the Chairman of the District, in which was the following paragraph :-" You should defer your journey to Abokuta, as nothing can be done there for the next two years. At all events you must not, under any circumstances, as yet commence operations there." This paragraph, I doubt not, gave equal pain to the writer and myself. Here was a complete suspending of all the benevolent arrangements which the Committee at home had made, and upon which a propitious Providence has been shining with increasing brightness; and a shutting of the Gospel door against tens of thousands of precious immortal souls, who were only awaiting the introduction of the good news of the glorious Gospel, to receive it, for at least two years!! What multitudes of them will, long ere that, have passed into eternity! What havoc will the fierce monster have But I must forbear. Our friends at home have done much; but, could they behold the prospects which are continually presenting themselves before my eyes, they would, I am sure, do more, far more. If Abokuta, with its thousands, go without the Gospel two years longer, let every Christian in England remember that it is not on account of an indisposition on their part to receive it. It is not because of their want of solicitude to have it, and urgent application for it; nor is it on account of any conviction on the minds of those who are best able to judge, that they are not prepared or fit to receive it; but solely for the want of more Christian denial, and Christian liberality, in the professed followers of Christ. What! and will the highly-favoured Christians of England, who have it so undeniably in their power, allow those souls, for whom the Redeemer shed his precious blood, to perish through their love to this world's goods? They cannot; they will not. God has evidently opened this door, and they dare not shut it. Let them but behold the brightening and inviting prospect, and they will come forward. Here then is a large town, the metropolis of a vast and powerful country, which town alone contains fifty thousand precious souls. Here it presents itself in a beseeching attitude, begging the presence of a Missionary to reside with them. Yea, and the powerful Monarch of this vast country places himself at the head of the entreating crowd, and is the first to send forth the cry, "Come over and help us." This cry, coming from the very midst of the moral ruins of an extensive country stretching into the vast interior of Africa, can but meet with a response in the philanthropic soul of every British Christian. O God, stretch out thy hand. Maintain thy cause. Suffer not a worldly spirit to obstruct the flow of thy mercy to the Gentiles. Thou hast promised thy Son the "Heathen for an inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for his possession." When shall the "Fetishes" and charms of wicked men, and the temples of devils, be destroyed, and places for the worship of the true God stud this vast, vast country? When shall its swarthy tribes universally acknowledge the "Prince of Peace," and the song of "Hosanna to God" rise from the lips of the countless thousands of the dark interior, and one vast stream of glory stretch from continent to continent? Thank God, the day will come. Christ must conquer and if one people will not be faithful to the means of carrying out his redeeming purposes, which he has imparted to them, he will call another to the dignified and responsible work, and withdraw the light of his countenance from the former; for the truth must spread. "My word shall not return to me void," saith the Lord. Sure we are that there is no evil in the most degraded heathen country, which the Gospel is not able to remove. No permanent obstacle can be anticipated from this source. Deeply fallen and greatly darkened by their practices the Heathen are; but the "Lamb of God" has fathomed the lowest depths of divine displeasure, and being now "exalted at the right hand of God," his Spirit and his Gospel are sent forth to accomplish his benevolent purposes, and to finish and beautify the spiritual temple of which he is the "chief corner-stone." And this great work they shall effect by enlightening and elevating the benighted tribes of men, and bringing the great truths of revelation so vividly and powerfully before mankind universally, as to lead them by millions to the hallowed cross. "For I, if I be lifted up, will draw all men unto me." And thus shall the "top stone be brought forth with shouting." Mr. Freeman, I doubt not, is with you long ere this. He will give you all necessary information respecting the other parts of this District. You have also heard of the death of our late brother Greaves. His departure from the field, so soon after that of Mr. Watkins, and the temporary absence of our Chairman, must render the work very laborious for the brethren at Cape-Coast. A mere statement of these facts will, I am sure, be quite enough to lead you to send out a fresh supply of labourers as soon as it is in your power. And what is to be done in this way for poor Badagry and Abokuta ? After what I have already stated, I need not tell you how much the services of another Missionary are required. I leave it with you and the Christian public at home. May the just demands of this injured people be fully met! It is with gratitude to the great Disposer of events, that I inform you of the health of my beloved wife, who has experienced scarcely any sickness since our arrival at this place. The Chiefs continue to be very friendly with me, and appear to manifest the greatest interest in my welfare. There have been recently many "palavers" between them and the Chiefs of the surrounding country, most of which have originated in the practice of the slavetrade, which continues to be carried on to a very great extent. We doubt not that there are many in this town who secretly engage in it, although all the Chiefs are professedly opposed to it. I have lately had to investigate several cases respecting this subject. The terms on which the people of this place live with those of the surrounding towns, will appear from the following short extract from my journal, dated July 27th:"During the whole of the past night triumph and exultation prevailed in all parts of the town, in consequence of an occurrence which took place two or three days ago. The Porto-Novians and the people of this place being sworn enemies, whenever an opportunity offers they fail not to do all the injury to each other in their power; and not more than a month ago, a party of the former town stole thirty men, natives of this place, from a little town on the Lagoon, whither they had gone to trade. The kinsfolk of those men have not had an opportunity of avenging themselves of this insult until within the past week, when a company of them laid wait for an individual who was appointed by the Porto-Novians to prowl around in the bush, as near Badagry as possible, to capture any child or defence less person who might be so unfortunate as to fall in his way; and succeeded in capturing him, when they immediately beheaded him on the spot. The avenging party continued their expedition until they met with another company, when they succeeded in capturing two more, with whom they returned, and who are now their prisoners in the town. How they will be disposed of, I know not. Death, or being sold into slavery, seems the only outlet to prisoners of this description in this country." In the above instance we see the manstealer stolen, and he whose work it was to lie in wait for others, himself captured. How distressing it is to the enlightened mind to be in the midst of a people who are thus glorying in human plunder, and triumphing over the capture of a fellowcreature; and yet, at the same time, how delightful that the true God has established his cause in such a place, and that the lamp of revelation is permitted to scatter its light amid the shades of such dense darkness! I bless God that I am here. We have several times been threatened with invasion from the above people. Indeed Sodaka, and those under his authority, seem to be the only people whose hands are not against Badagry. Our situation here is very critical: there being no reign. ing King, and the Chiefs being so jealous of one another's influence and power, that I find it very difficult so to act as to keep on terms of friendship with all; an object highly desirable. The school, I am happy to say, is improving, and had I materials, (books, slates, copy-books, &c.,) I might extend its borders considerably, as all the Chiefs are disposed to let me have their children to be educated. My dear wife desires me to beg you to forward the parcel which you kindly promised for the girls' school, by the first opportunity, as she can do but comparatively little without it. As the vessel is about leaving, I must draw to a conclusion. May the great Head of the church grant that the claims of this people, and the prospects which present themselves, may so impress the minds of the public at home, as to lead them to determine that no more time shall be lost (much less two years) in sending them what they so much require, and so justly demand. If a Missionary is not sent almost immediately to Abokuta, the resi dence of any brother in Badagry will be uncomfortable and hazardous in the extreme. The Akus are evidently our only real and powerful friends in this part, the people in Badagry being more or less sinister in all their dealings towards us. And I have already put off the King again and again; and how to act towards him, and our own members in that part now, I know not, as the heathen people particularly will doubtless conclude that I have hitherto been deceiving them. I leave the case with you and the friends of Missions at home. Those who perish at Abokuta now, without being favoured with the Gospel, will do so with the desire heaving their breasts to hear the glad tidings. My dear wife joins me in kind regards to you. both beg that in your prayers you will think of us in this dark corner of the earth. Extract of a Letter from the Rev. Henry Wharton, dated Biabou, St. Vincent's, September 25th, 1844. FOR some time past it has been strongly impressed upon my mind to address you on a subject which immediately concerns my own peace of mind, and the Missionary work in which I am engaged. I have therefore thought the present a fit opportu nity for conveying to you a full, free, and unreserved expression of my views and feelings in simplicity and godly sincerity. In doing so, I will endeavour to lay before you something of my history and experience, both past and present, that you may be the better able to judge in the important matter which I now submit for your decision. I am a native of the island of Grenada, and a person of colour. At an early age I was sent to a boarding-school in Scotland for the purpose of education, where I remained for about six years. At the termination of that period, I again embarked for my native land, where I arrived in safety after a perilous voyage. Shortly after my arrival in Grenada I engaged in mercantile pursuits, living three years in one situation, and five in another. It was while I was thus employed that it pleased the Almighty, in unerring wisdom, to chasten me with the rod of affliction; and although the affliction was but slight, it was nevertheless an instrument adopted by an all-wise Providence in turning my steps from the ways of sin and death, to the paths of peace and true holiness. Shortly after I had regained my health, duty called me to the house of a mercantile gentleman who had in his employ a Local Preacher of the Wesleyan society. Having transacted my business, and coming away, he accompanied me to the door, and congratulated me on my recovery from illness, saying, he had frequently seen me We at the Wesleyan chapel, and begged that I would approach nearer by connecting myself with him in church-fellowship, &c. I promised to consider of it, and left him with feelings not to be described: his words fastened upon my mind "as a nail in a sure place." For several weeks I suffered dreadful distress of mind, my spirit was harassed by day and troubled by night. I felt continually as though an invisible being accompanied me wherever I went, awaiting my decision; and that if I had rejected the invitation given, my eternal destiny would be sealed. After many resolves and re-resolves, Nicodemus-like, I visited my pious friend "by night," and conversed with him on the troubled state of my mind, desiring him to propose me as a member of the Wesleyan society. I attended class-meeting the following week. Shortly after I became a Teacher in the Sunday-school, and filled successively the offices of Treasurer and Secretary of the same. Through unbelief, I sought the blessing of pardon longer than was necessary. I, however, obtained a clear sense of my acceptance in the Beloved, at a class-meeting, on Monday evening, February 24th, 1840. I was appointed to the office of a Leader the following week, and engaged in my calling with much fear and trembling." In July, 1841, I was appointed as a Local Preacher by the Rev. W. Moister, the Superintendent of the Circuit. About this time it was powerfully impressed upon my mind that the Lord had still greater work for me to do in his vineyard: I therefore applied closely to the study of such books as I was directed to. Just at this very crisis, my providential path being thrown open, I humbly offered myself as a candidate for |