freeness of his salvation; or is directly levelled at the sinfulness, vanity, and destructive effects of idolatry. The truth of our statements is often distinctly acknowledged, and we frequently see the proud Brahman wince under the scourge of free and open discussion. Thus are we trying to plant the "true Cross" in this idolatrous wilderness; and our trust is in Him who alone can prosper our handy-work. I write this at a rest-house on the road from Trichinopoly to Tanjore. Mr. Little and I have been to pay our quarterly visit to the little society at the former place. We have had hard work, and are returning home, weary in body, but cheered and refreshed in mind. Thank God, the last quarter has been both successful and peaceful. We reached Trichinopoly on the evening of last Friday, (the 28th ultimo,) and, as we had previously arranged, we preached twice each day; namely, on Saturday, Sunday, Monday, and Wednesday. On Tuesday we had the Missionary prayer-meeting; and at that, as well as all the other services, the chapel was well filled. Many of the members now enjoy the peace and joy of faith, and a goodly company are seeking earnestly for the same blessing. When we took leave of them, it was indeed cheering and affecting to see how much they were attached to us: in some instances the starting tear, and the hearty squeeze of the hand, were all the farewell that could be uttered. We had previously sent on our ponies, and each had provided himself with a country-cart: as the moon arose at ten o'clock, we spread our blankets on some straw in the bottoms of the carts, and lay down upon our jolting beds for the night. At daybreak this morning, we overtook our ponies, and rode on to this place. You will be glad to hear that Mr. Little is diligently pursuing his Tamul studies, in which he is making good progress. If it please God to spare him, I trust he will become a valuable labourer in this part of our Master's vineyard. VOYAGE OF MR. GILLINGS FROM SUEZ TO CEYLON. CEYLON.-Extract of a Letter from the Rev. James Gillings, dated Point-de-Galle, July 24th, 1844. ves As the "Bentinck" is expected at Galle to-day, on her way to Suez I take this opportunity of addressing a few lines to you, to inform you that, by the good providence of God, I have safely arrived in Ceylon. We waited a few miles below Suez for His Excellency the Governor-General, who came on board the "Hindostan" with his son and Major Wood, about ten on Saturday morning, June 29th. A salute of nineteen guns was fired from Suez, and the sailors manned the yards of our sel. We then set sail, and in a few hours passed the place where it has been supposed, from the locality, and the names given by the Arabs to the mountains and capes on each side, that the Israelites went through the Red Sea on dry ground. The sea here is full twenty fathoms deep, and, I should suppose, as many miles across. On the western or Egyptian side, there is a long and lofty ridge of steep and rugged mountains; next to which is a wide opening or bay, which answers to Pihahiroth in Scripture; and then follows another chain of mountains; so that, with the Egyptians behind, and the mountains on each side, all chance of retreat was cut off, and nothing but a miraculous interposition of divine power could have effected the deliverance of the chosen seed. On the opposite side is a promontory called "Moses's Cape," and farther down are "Pharaoh's Springs;" all apparently identifying the place as the scene of the astonishing miracles recorded in holy Scripture. I could not but view the whole of the surrounding locality with feelings of the deepest interest and liveliest gratitude. I felt my confidence strengthened in that gracious God who is "the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever," ," "a very present help in every time of trouble." About seven P. M. we passed the coast in a line with Mount Sinai and Horeb, the tops of which appeared in the dim distance. On Sunday, at half-past ten, we had divine service in the saloon. After read. ing prayers, I delivered a short address on the nature and necessity of the new birth. The Governor-General and his suite, and most of the officers, passengers, and English sailors, were present. The heat was too oppressive to have an evening service. During the greater part of the week the thermometer rose to between 90° and 93° in the shade, and we had scarcely a breath of wind. The sea was perfectly smooth. On Wednesday at three P. M. we passed the Island of Zebel-Deer, and the Zebayer Islands seven. On Tuesday morning we came in sight of the cocoa-nut trees along the coast of Ceylon; and, after taking leave of my fellow-passengers, many of whom had shown me great kindness, and from all of whom I had received every mark of respect, I landed at Galle about ten o'clock A. M., and instantly went with my luggage to Mr. Bridgnell's, who received me in the kindest manner possible, and provided every accommodation necessary for my comfort. In the afternoon he showed me the Mission-school connected with the chapel; and the decent appearance and orderly conduct of the children afforded me great pleasure. Next day we visited a native school, where Singhalese alone is taught. I was gratified with a specimen of native writing on the palmyra-leaf, and could not but wonder at the clearness and rapidity with which the letters were formed, Next morning I examined the children at the Mission-school on Scripture-history and other subjects: many of their answers were highly creditable. at five. They all bear marks of volcanic in the evening we had service again at eruption, rising as they do in confused heaps in the midst of the sea. On Thursday, at seven A. M., we had a distant view of the harbour of Mocha. The coast for some distance is studded with numerous small islands; and we also saw large shoals of fishes playing in the water, and preying upon each other. Several bonitos, porpoises, flying-fish, a shark, and a sword-fish, attracted our attention. At night the constellation of the Southern Cross was visible. We anchored at Aden at ten P. M., and went on shore next morning, as the vessel was taking in coals, more than thirty-six tons of which were consumed every day. The bungalow at which we stayed reminded me of what I had read and heard of India. It contained a large room, with a verandah before and behind, and a room for beds on each side, the whole covered with matting, which sheltered us from the rays of the sun. In the afternoon I ascended the Lion-Rock, as it is called, (from its resemblance in shape to a prostrate lion,) situate a short distance from the coast. Oysters, crabs, and other shell-fish, abound in these parts. The whole of the mountains lining the coast of Aden present the strongest marks of the action of fire they are rugged, barren, and black in their appearance. On Saturday I rode to the Turkish Wall, near which is an English encampment: about twelve we returned to the "Hindostan," and, after another salute had been fired from the brig "Tigris," again weighed anchor. On Sunday we had service in the morning; but in consequence of seasickness on the previous day in the sea of Aden, which was rough, I was not able to conduct it. Prayers were read by the Surgeon on board. On Monday we passed Cape-Guardafoi, and entered the monsoon which blows from the south-west, and in June, July, and August especially, is exceedingly violent in these seas. The waves dashed over the decks, and carried away one of the ports, rushing into the cabins with great fury. The wind split our fore-top-sail, and fore-sail, and broke our jib-stay. Most of us were confined to our cabins with sickness, except the old sailors. From Monday till Saturday, July 12th, I was not able to walk on deck without assistance. On Sunday, however, I was able to conduct divine worship. I read prayers, and preached from 1 Tim. i. 15: On Sunday, at the earnest request of Mr. Bridgnell, I preached two Missionary sermons to the English congregation at the Mission-chapel. The attendance each time was good, and the collections amounted to upwards of £7. Yesterday evening my soul was much refreshed by attending the English class-meeting, a privilege of which I had for some time been deprived. My heart glowed with gratitude to that God who had preserved me in safety during a voyage of more than six thousand miles, and had brought me to the scene of my labours in the service of the great Lord of the harvest. Mr. and Mrs. Bridgnell have been in the deepest affliction. Since the loss of their beloved daughter, Mrs. Bridgnell has been brought nigh to the gates of death; so that the visit of one who endeavoured in some feeble measure to sympathize with them, and afford them consolation, was welcomed with feelings with which a stranger to such circumstances cannot intermeddle. I shall take the mail either to-morrow or Friday, that I may reach Jaffna as soon as possible. know you will be anxious that I should commence my labours; and in that feeling, allow me to say, I participate, although the extreme kindness of Mr. and Mrs. Bridgnell has left me nothing to wish for here. I LABOURS OF A CATECHIST. MERCIFUL DELIVERANCE FROM DANGER. CEYLON.-Extract of a Letter from the Rev. Andrew Kessen, A. B., I LATELY spent a Sabbath in a village called Kehelhenawa, or "the shade of the plantain-tree." There I met a few sincere Christians, and was cheered by the intercourse. The place is ten miles interiorward from Caltura, and rather difficult of access: it is a most interesting spot, and delightful to the eye of pious contemplation. The members are not numerous, it is true; but from what I saw, and from the monthly returns of our Catechist there, I believe they are steady, and exceedingly well disposed. The Catechist has been at great pains in forming them into a church, and they are literally a "church in the house;" for he has set apart an end-room of his own dwelling, where he regularly ministers. I bless God for such a Catechist as Don Peter. Were it not intrusive, I would respectfully solicit for him a small token of your regard in the shape of a copy of Wesley's Sermons, Journal, or Life. It may be interesting to give you an extract from his monthly returns:— "I held a prayer-meeting at the house of Madduma Appoo, and exhorted Dingy and Thomas Appoohamy to renounce devilism and embrace Christ. Thomas said, Ever since you begun to exhort us, we have performed no devil-dance, nor for two years presented the customary offerings to the false gods. We cultivate our fruits, pound flour, and prepare food from the new paddy, and never see the devil, moroto yaka, coming to destroy us. I believe that Jesus Christ is the only Saviour of the world. Budha did nothing to save us all that he did was to save himself." "I visited five families, and read the Scriptures with them. A Budhist named Babarris spoke thus: 'I shall listen to what you say: but I cannot renounce devilism that which is customary to do, we must do. We are accustomed to make offerings to Katragama Deviyo, Patinee Deviyo, Dewol Yaka, Keerty Bandara: if we fail to do this, they will bring powerful sickness upon us, and destroy our cattle."" All Don Peter's returns are exceed. ingly copious and interesting; and I could give you sheets of conversations and visits. On visiting his people, I was received with great affection; and I consider the work among them to be sincere and well-grounded. It is a duty to record my thankfulness to Almighty God for journeying mercies on the occasion of that visit. A friend from Colombo ac companied me; and as a part of the journey could be performed by water, we prepared a small canoe, (a hollow trunk with an outrigger attached,) and set sail. On rounding a bend of the river, the wind suddenly shifted, the mast fell, and, in a few seconds, my friend was immersed in the current, and the canoe upset. It was a moment of extreme peril: the flood occasioned by the change of the monsoon had not subsided; and the current was running very rapidly. One of the coolies plunged into the stream to help my companion, while the other cooly and myself got outside the canoe, and endeavoured to right it. By the aid of a gracious Providence, we reached land, and not a hair of our heads was injured. I have frequently been in perils by land and by water; but on this occasion I was within a few seconds of the eternal world; and when the canoe upset, there appeared no hope of safety. Here, then, may I erect an Ebenezer to God, and again consecrate my service to his cause! I have before me monthly returns from my excellent Assistants and Catechists. I am happy to inform you that they have devoted themselves, in body, soul, and strength, to the Redeemer, and these documents show full proof of their diligence. MISSIONS IN NEW-ZEALAND. ARRIVAL OF THE REV. WALTER LAWRY IN NEW-ZEALAND. THE safe arrival of Mr. Lawry in New-Zealand, and the prospects which now present themselves to the Mission, and to the natives of that important colony, under the paternal government of Captain Fitzroy, are causes of devout thankfulness to Almighty God. NEW-ZEALAND.-Extract of a Letter from the Rev. Walter Lawry, By God's mercy, we arrived here in safety and health on the 21st of March, having been nearly six months from London; but thirty-two days were spent in New South Wales. Here we found a few friends glad enough to see us they had partly built a chapel, and a society of fourteen persons had been formed under the care of Mr. Buller, of Kaipara. Mr. Buttle was supplying the congregation. There is a tribe of natives not many miles distant, nearly a hundred of whom have been baptized; but they have no Preacher, save one named Jabez Bunting, their Chief. He is certainly by far the finest and most intelligent man I have yet seen among the aborigines. I suppose the natives consider him in the same light; for a great feast is now preparing to be given by one large tribe to another, all under the direction of two persons, of whom Jabez is one. Among the delicacies already prepared are a thousand sharks, hung up a few weeks in the sun! The English who pass by the place, keep well to windward. I have so far received great kindness from His Excellency Governor Fitzroy, and from all the respectable inhabitants of the place. As the colony is at present in a very depressed state, for want of money, there is no cheer on the countenances of those who merely came hither to make a rapid fortune; but the rest are healthy and happy almost to a man. hope New-Zealand will one day become great, although for the present there is little doing, and many are in want and penury. But the productions of the soil are truly astonishing. I So far, all that I hear and see of our Missions is satisfactory: they are in good repute everywhere. There are indeed those who sow bad seed; but in due time God shall destroy the "man of sin." Our purpose is to preach the Gospel of the kingdom with all zeal and love to those who will hear: "and the shower shall come down in its season; there shall be showers of blessing." On my arrival here, I found that an unfinished house had been taken for us, at the rate of fifty-two pounds a year. It is admirably suited to our purposes; and as the Governor has given me for the Mission a fine large adjoining allotment, I purchased the premises. I grieve that the affairs of my family will not justify my saying to you, what my heart would say; namely, that the place shall cost the Mission nothing. In Auckland, our English congregation is very good, and the greatest harmony prevails on religious subjects. It is my intention to seize the first opportunity to form an Auxiliary Missionary Society. Money is scarce, the natives are covetous and poor, and many of the colonists are sadly depressed; but the Lord liveth, and his cause will live, and we intend to sow in hope, and to "sow beside all waters." The Governor has given to the Mission a fine water-frontage piece of land for the "Triton" stores and other purposes. The "Triton" would sail in a few days after we left Sydney; and I trust she will return safely hither in nine or ten months, after visiting nine-and-twenty ports in the Friendly Isles and Feejee. I bless God for all his mercy to me and my family. We are all well, busy, and happy. Our thoughts of you are always with pure affection, and we shall hope to hear from you with all due speed. DISTRIBUTION AND SALE OF NEW TESTAMENTS AT WAIKOWAITI. NEW-ZEALAND.-Extracts from the Journal of the Rev. James Watkin, dated Waikowaiti. SEPTEMBER 16th, 1843.-This week I have been gladdened by the arrival of the long-looked for, ardently, anxiously wished-for case of Testaments; for which I give thanks to God in the first place, and then to that truly Christian association, the British and Foreign Bible Society. The arrival caused great joy in our city. The anxiety for books is intense: some I have given, more I have sold; but as my people are very poor, and have little besides potatoes and fire wood to offer, my Circuit will make but * for it myself." She went, but soon returned with a perforated half-crown, which she had long prized and worn as an ear-pendant, and which, I dare say, four times its value in money would hardly have tempted her to part with. Already I have had applicants from seven, ten, and thirty miles' distance; and the cry, "Let me have a book! let me have a book!" has almost stunned me, and seriously annoyed my poor sick wife. Some who had one, wanted to purchase a second as a reserve, when the one in use shall have become old or illegible. "Let me have one for my wife, my sister, my brother, my girl, my boy," as the case might be, has often been urged. Some who cannot read have applied; and upon my intimating that a book in such cases would be of little use, I am met with the reply, "We will learn, we will learn;" and I believe they will. Never did such a precious case reach this place before. Cases of muskets have arrived; and casks and cases of an article equally, if not so immediately, fatal in its result have been brought; cases of clothing, useful and necessary, have reached; but this, this is the good thing, the better, the best, thing, that any ship has yet, or can possibly bring them, the word of life. On Wednesday my English service was better attended; on Thursday my native one pretty well; this evening I have held an interesting conversation upon Scripture facts, characters, and doctrines. Later in the evening, I examined some candidates for baptism, to whom, God willing, I shall to-morrow administer that rite. Thankful am I to record the arrival of a few Magazines, and other periodicals. 18th. I had good congregations yes. terday, of both races, for this place. In the morning I baptized nine persons. May they have grace to be faithful! We want two more Missionaries for this coast, and then the New-Zealanders might be properly attended to; one at Port-Levy, another at Ruapuke: but how are they to be afforded? I never wished to be rich but with a desire to send the Gospel to the Heathen; but I am poor; all I can do is to pray, "Send forth more labourers into thy vineyard." POLYNESIAN MISSIONS.-TONGATABOO. PROGRESS OF THE MISSION IN TONGA. OPENING OF A NEW CHAPEL AT HIHIFO. POPISH AGGRESSIONS. Extracts from the Journal of the Rev. Matthew Wilson, dated Hihifo, Tongataboo. APRIL 18th, 1843.-I preached at Teekiu, and gave society-tickets to two small classes. The people at this place contributed more than any other in the Circuit, considering their number. At Matahau I preached and gave tickets to two small classes. Here they also did well in contributing, and are prospering in their souls. After this I went up to Houma, and preached, and gave tickets to two classes. I arrived at Nukunuku just after sunset. Mrs. Wilson was sitting in the Chief's house, with a large number of native children round her, teaching them to sing. 21st. Tuitoga, a heathen Chief from the Mua Fortress, has paid us a visit at Hihifo, with about one hundred of his people. He is the greatest personage in all Tonga: the King may be considered as his acting man, having the power to rule; while he lives retired, and adored by the people. No one can leave his presence without first kneeling and touching the soles of his feet; then they are at liberty to withdraw: several persons did this when he was at our house. The language addressed to him is altogether different from that addressed to any other person. This is my first op portunity of conversing with him, and perhaps it will be the last : hence I have tried to improve it by preaching Christ to him. July 11th. The great Tuitoga came to Hihifo to see the opening of the chapel. He supped with us; and God enabled me to speak respectfully, affec tionately, and faithfully, to him concerning the salvation of his immortal soul. May the Lord seal instruction on his heart! 13th. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas, with Mr. Miller and King Josiah Tubou, breakfasted with us this morning; and at half-past nine the bell was struck for divine worship, when Mr. Thomas preached an appropriate sermon from Isaiah xxv. 6, to a very large concourse of people, some hundreds of whom were from the heathen forts. After this, thirty-one adults and a number of children were baptized, many of whom have been brought over from Heathenism dur ing the last year. The chapel is seventy-eight feet by forty, and is the most elegant building ever erected in the Tonga Islands. King |