Mountfield. 173 Sleep in the grave is hallowed, and our rest Calmly we lie upon our Father's breast; In death's abode. And ever, through the night, We wait the morning's light, Gloriously bright, Bursting in splendour from the flaming sky, To the loud trumpet-blast Of Resurrection nigh! Earth all ablaze, and hell aghast, And Christ, cloud-throned, descending from on high ! O rapturous waking, when from death set free! Thou, Thou, my God, art nigh; and "I am still with Thee." BENJAMIN GOUGH. WESLEYAN MISSIONARY SOCIETY. SOUTH AFRICA. SUNDAY, the 19th instant, was my last itinerating day. Jakob, iny interpreter, started with me after breakfast to visit some of the outside kraals. The first we came to was a cluster of about fifty Fingoe huts, where we found some twenty men assembled together in a small enclosure made of bushes. We sat down with them, and requested them to call together all the people of the place, which they did; the male part of the community coming inside the enclosure, while the females all sat down outside; it being one of the heathen customs that the women are not allowed to enter the place where the men usually assemble. I commenced a conversation, by asking them if they knew what day it was. They all replied that it was the Sabbath, and therefore they did not go out to work in their fields. I told them it was not sufficient to abstain from their usual work; they must serve God, by attending His house, and worshipping Him. I found that most of them had heard the preaching of the word at one time or other, and several of them had attended Divine service regularly, when working for the white people in the colonial towns. They complained, however, that the word did not remain in their hearts. I explained to them that "the wicked one" "catcheth it away," using the parable of the seed sown by the wayside, in illustration. They all assented in their usual expressive way, that what I said was the truth. This conversation lasted about an hour, closing with a description of the last judgment, when they must all give an account to God, and the reading of a few appropriate verses from Matt. xxv. Their chief was sick; so I went to visit him. I found that he had had a painful disease on him ever since the war of Hintza; and that he had tried all the remedies of Kaffir, Fingoe, and Basuto doctors to no purpose. I told him I thought I could cure him, and requested him to send to the Mission House for medicine, which he promised to do. If I am successful in this case, under God's blessing, the report of it will spread to all the heathens in this part of the country, and will be very influential for good. Leaving this kraal we rode on to another, about two miles distant. On the way, we overtook an old Fingoe woman, carrying a load of fuel on her head. We asked her why she did this on the Sabbath. She replied, “I am not a person,"-meaning that she was now so old as to be of no account, and that it was no use trying to teach her other ways than she had been accustomed to. We reasoned with her, and passed on. Arriving at the second large kraal, we took the saddles off our horses, and the chief sent to call his people together. They assembled, and I discoursed to them on prayer. One old, withered, heathen man, I should think at least seventy years old, said that he prayed. I asked him what he prayed for; and he replied, that he prayed for his daily life, for sleep, and that he might be spared to old age. "But," I said, you are already old." "No," he answered, “I have not lost my teeth yet; I pray that I may live till they fall out." This led me on to speak of the troubles incident to the present life, and that heaven was to be desired, as the only place where true happiness could be found; that little children, if called away in infancy, go to heaven, not having sinned; but that we, who are all great sinners, have need to repent, and believe in the Son of God, who came from heaven, and died for us; that we must keep God's holy laws, and live in prayer, as a preparation for heaven, &c. The people were very attentive, and, I trust, interested. After the service, I told the chief that I was very much disappointed that he had called only the men together; that this was the second time he had done so, when I had visited his place; and that if he still held the heathen custom of excluding the women from the men's enclosure, the service must in future be held outside, and all the women must be present. He promised that it should be so. We mounted our horses, intending to visit another kraal on our way home; but found that the shadows were lengthening so, that our time was gone. We therefore took the nearest way back to the station, praying that the seed of the kingdom which we had sown might be watered from on high. from this, at which we hold services regularly every Sabbath, having a Local preacher resident on the spot, we have had much encouragement lately. A class has been formed, which now num. bers ten members on trial; and nearly every week one or more are added. It is quite delightful to go and preach there. The chief, though still a polygamist, was mainly instrumental in getting the services established at his place and himself proposes to build a school-house for us. One of his wives is among the number of our catechumens. Some months ago, on one of my itinerating Sabbaths, as I was returning homewards, I came to a Fingoe kraal, at which I had not before preached. There still being a little time left, I got the chief to assemble his people. To my surprise, both women and men came together in the same enclosure, contrary to their usual custom, as above referred to. One woman only remained outside, her father-in-law being within; and, according to heathen usage, a woman may not sit in the same place as her husband's father, nor even mention his name. I held a short service with them, and then pursued my way home, the chief wishing that I would visit them often in like manner. Subsequently to this, his daughter began to pray. She was a girl of about fifteen years of age. In order to obtain seclusion, she repaired to a place among the rocks, and there offered her peti tions to "Him that seeth in secret." Her movements were observed by some young men, who, not willing that their chief's daughter should become a Christian, went and taunted her, and tried to turn her from her purpose by ridicule. She laid her complaint before her father, heathen though he was, who brought the matter before the chief of an adjacent kraal for adjudication. chief, (not a Christian,) decided against the young men, imposing on them a fine of two sheep. They paid the fine, under protest, and made an appeal against the decision to one of the sta tion chiefs. He not only confirmed the sentence, but increased the fine by the sum of £1. This also was paid under protest, and the whole case submitted to the civil superintendent of the native At another kraal, about ten miles reserve, in hope that he would reverse He was The chief just referred to recently expressed to one of our Local preachers his desire to have a young man from the station to reside at his kraal, for the purpose of teaching him and his people to read and sing. He was intending to send a messenger to me with a request that I would send him one. asked if he really meant what he said, and earnestly desired to learn. He replied in the affirmative. "Then," the Local brother said, "the Missionary will comply with your request; but you will be expected to support the young man. Are you prepared to do that?" "O no!" he never contemplated anything of that sort. He would say no more about it. Such is the state of thousands, just emerging from heathenism in this country. This Abram, as he is now called, is a Mojudi mar, belonging to a tribe who live far in the interior. Some two years ago, he left his people in company with others, to come down to this colony, with a view of earning money to pur. chase a gun, and then returning. At the farthest Mission-station in Basuto Land, he heard what to him was strange news, namely, that there is a God. His mind was filled with wonderment. And as be pursued his journey, he failed not to ask for further information from the Christian natives at Plaatberg, and the other Mission-stations through which he passed. At length he reached Wittebergen, still inquiring; his mind now no longer intent upon the acquisition of a gun, but desiring, above all things, to attain the knowledge of the only true God. He was kindly received by our members here, and was soon introduced to me. He expressed his determination to go no further, but to remain and settle here, where he might be instructed in the things that make for his peace. He was immediately received into one of the classes on trial, and became a most earnest seeker of salvation. Frequently, when I met the class for tickets, his emotion was so great that he was unable to speak. On one occasion, he said he could not help weeping to think that he, who had until recently not known of the existence of a God, was now numbered among His children. At the baptismal service, I observed that he tried his utmost to keep down the tumult in his breast; but when I came to read that part where the command of Jesus is cited, "Go ye, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost," he was compelled to give vent to his feelings, and burst ont in sobs and tears. He is married to a respectable widow, an old member of the Society here. Another of the newly-baptized ones is a Mosuto young man, who had long been on trial for membership. A few months ago he was married to a pious young Fingoe woman, and immediately on commencing house-keeping, set up a family altar. So earnest was he in prayer, that his voice could be heard by many of the neighbours around. This good commencement of his married life was the more to be admired, as it involved the exercise of considerable moral courage; his father, living in the adjoining house, being still a heathen. He has gone on well to the present time, and is now received into full communion under the name of Josiah. A third, and the last of whom any particular notice need be given, is a Fingoe woman, called by the heathen name Noyesi. She had been about eighteen months on probation, and had approved herself to all a sincere, humble seeker of salvation. She has had some difficulties to contend with, her husband being a thorough heathen at heart, though he is occasionally to be seen in our congregations. After the baptismal service, I reasoned with him, endeavouring to persuade him to cast in his lot with us, or at least to take good heed not to hinder his wife. This woman took the name Emily, in memory of her Missionary's dear, departed first-born. May all these converts, over whom we greatly rejoice, have grace to be faithful to the vows they have taken upon them! -Rev. Arthur Brigg, Wittebergen, June 30th, 1864. FRIENDLY ISLANDS. I AM glad to say that the reviving influences of the Holy Spirit continue to be felt among us. In the December quarter we had an increase of eighty-four fully accredited members, and upwards of a hundred and fifty on trial. We have therefore cause to rejoice. But we do so with trembling,-sin abounds on every hand, and the enemy is using every means to turn some from the simplicity of the Gospel. He leaves nothing untried, but goeth about indeed as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. The superior of the French Mission has been staying in Vavau for some time, and they have again commenced their systematic Sabbath-breaking. The Papists assemble on the afternoon of the Lord's Day to sing songs, and play different games. This is not permitted by the law, but they have it done on the Catholic-Mission premises, as a part of their religion, to keep them (the people) out of mischief. Such conduct reveals more fully the character of the Papacy, and does not answer the real purpose for which it has been established. Some few carnal, half-enlightened ones are allured by these godless means of making converts to their system; but they are in general the worst of the worst, and they simply connect themselves with the Papist cause to accomplish their own bad purposes. The priests need not expect to convert the Tonguese by such means while we have a living Church. I will just copy you an outline of a conversation which took place, a short time ago, between one of the priests and a Local preacher in this town. After the usual Tongan salutation, the "Father" asked Daniel if he would go and look at their chapel, (which he described as for spiritual purposes,) to which he consented. This, of course, was decorated in Popish style, though perhaps more profusely than is general in more civilized lands. The priest, with solemn looks and in the most devotional manner, described first one and then another painting, and at last, com. ing to one representing Christ bearing the cross, he said, "We look on this, and by that means the love of God is produced in our hearts." "Indeed," said Daniel, "but we do not do so." "What then?" inquired the priest. To which Daniel replied, "We go and hear the Gospel preached, the Spirit applies it to our souls-produces repentance in us-we believe in Jesus-and God for His sake pardons our sins-and regenerates our souls, and by this means the love of God is originated in our hearts. We love Him, because He first loved us." 66 Regenerate your souls!" exclaimed the priest," you are quite mistaken on that point." Daniel very calmly said, "Then do you not believe in regeneration? Does not Christ say, Ye must be born again?'" To this his would be teacher answered by referring to the Popish doctrine of baptismal regeneration. "But come into my house," said he; “I have got your text, and will explain it to you." So bringing out our New Testament, (they have none of their own.) he turned to John iii. 5, and read, "Except a man be born of water," &c. "Now," said he, “you see regeneration is produced by baptism;" to which Daniel with much simplicity replied, "But read on a little," which he did (verses 5 and 6). Daniel then said to him, "What is the meaning of the last verse you have read? "That which is born of the Spirit is spirit."" The priest was confounded, and, after a few moments, said, "Why, perhaps you are right;" sitting for some time without speaking, and as if an arrow from the Almighty had pierced his soul. Daniel addressed him thus, "I wonder at you: you come as a teacher of God's truth to these islands; but it is as Christ said to Nicodemus, 'Art thou a master in Israel, and knowest not these things?'" At this the unregenerated, uncommissioned, consciencestricken priest (so called) was aroused, and expressed displeasure at such an application of truth being made to himself. Daniel, after apologizing, returned home, leaving the reverend father to reflect on one of the most important doctrines of our most holy faith, after having been reproved by a simple but Divinely-enlightened Tongan Wesleyan Local preacher, for his basely substituting the outward and visible sign for that inward spiritual grace, without which no man can enter into the kingdom of God. I have transcribed this to show that, notwithstanding the attractions there may be to the carnal mind, yet while the propagators of such abominations as the games conducted here have to contend with native Christians like Daniel, there is little prospect of much success attending their efforts. -Rev. F. Frith, Vavau, February 20th, 1864. THE amount of contributions and remittances announced on the Cover of the Notices this month is £9,753. 198. 7d. HOME-MISSIONARY CORRESPONDENCE. 1. LONDON. Radnor-Street. The Journal of the Rev. John S. Simon, ending November 30th, 1864, shows the prevalence, in some parts of the district, of that London wretchedness which has been so frequently described as to be now painfully familiar to the Christian public. Here, as elsewhere, there is a fearful neglect of public worship, and this by not a few who were in past times members of Christian congregations and churches. In this neighbourhood, too, there is a large leaven of infidelity, acting with ruinous effect upon its willing victims. The Mission is in the midst of the City-road Circuit, which contains within its boundaries about 320,000 people; whilst Leeds and Bradford, united, have only 313,000. If Methodism in London is to provide for the people as they are provided forin the two Yorkshire towns named, it would have to build twenty more chapels within the boundaries of this one Cirruit! Mission-services are regularly conducted in the Radnor-street schoolbuildings, and also in a room in another part of the district. These are well attended by the people for whose special benefit they have been instituted; and instances of conversion have occurred, of an encouraging character. A mothers' meeting, superintended by ladies, has been established; and a class for the instruction of young men has been formed. Both these movements appear to be successful. Of the sick cases visited much distressing information is given; but there is good reason to hope that some of the suffering and the dying have penitentially embraced God's offer of mercy through Christ, and have been saved. In this district, besides the labours of Mr. Simon, those of a city-missionary (a Wesleyan) are afforded; and his work has also been successfully prosecuted. 2. BETHNAL-GREEN.- This Mission, commenced at the last Conference, contributes to meet the necessities of a district of the metropolis, but too well known, in which some of the most fearful London wretchedness is found, and inquests on the wasted remains of persons starved to death have been alas! not unknown. But the district also includes a new neighbourhood, skirting Victoria Park, in which large numbers of respectable houses have been recently built and occupied, and many similar houses are now being built. We have had to conVOL. XI.-FIFTH SERIES. tend with the great disadvantage of not being able to secure a suitable place for public worship. This was the case with the now newly formed and successful Circuit of Bow and PlaistowMarsh; and the difficulty will, doubtless, be overcome in like manner, if we patiently persevere in working for God as opportunity may be given. A The Journal of the Rev. N. R. Penny gives, among others, the following instances of poverty and woe:- October 31st, 1864.-Visited some of the lowest parts of Bethnal-Green, and found in one room, about fourteen feet square, three families herding together. young man, twenty-one years of age; a young woman, a year or two junior; children, from four to fourteen; and their parents; all crowded in this one apartment. "What can we do," said one of the poor men, "when I can earn only sevenpence a day?" A friend observed, that in one of these streets he found, on an average, every second woman he met had either a black eye or a bruised face! In one room there were found a corpse with its coffin, a woman in labour, and another inmate severely ill of fever! November 6th.-Commenced a classmeeting in my own house, and had an encouraging and profitable season. Some days after, began a class for young persons on a Saturday afternoon, in the same place, and was glad to have eighteen present. December 30th.-For three or four days I have been confined to my room with low fever; induced, as my medical attendant declares, by visiting rooms poisoned with infectious disease. 3. CHERTSEY.-From the Journal of the Rev. W. G. Pascoe.-In this parish there are about 4,000 inhabitants. Accommodation for public worship is provided by the Episcopalians for seven hundred, by the Congregationalists for two hundred, by the Baptists for about two hundred, and our new chapel provides three hundred and fifty sittings. Except in Lent, when there is a special service at the church, ours is the only week-day service held in the town. Neglect of public worship is prevalent. September 25th, 1864.-Conversed with groups of men, and distributed tracts in the fair, which was held here to-day. The tracts were thankfully received by some, laughed at by others, and by a few indignantly refused. N |