marked disregard of Christianity by our rulers. The Bible has been a forbidden book in every Government school, college, and university. Pleasing as this might be to the secular educationalists at home, it is repugnant to the mind eager to obey the Saviour's last and largest command. It is a contradiction that we cannot understand, and would fain see removed, that a Christian Government should take the utmost pains to preserve millions of its subjects in all their Heathen darkness, and exclude that truth which alone truly reveals the security of Governments and the welfare of the people. It seems to my mind a strange and startling fact, that our Indian rulers give tens of thousands annually to support Mohammedanism and Hinduism, to support feasts, and temples, and idols, and priests, that else must long since have gone to ruin; while they give not a penny, that I am aware of, directly for the conversion of the natives to Christianity. I dare not tell you my feelings as an Englishman on the subject; but, as a Missionary, I know it is my duty to pray that wiser counsels and plans may be suggested to our rulers. -Rev. John S. Banks, Bangalore, July 5th, 1857. SOUTH AFRICA. GREAT NAMAQUALAND. WE got to Khamiesberg on Monday, April 6th, and were happy to find all the family of Mr. Parsonson well. Wednesday, the 8th, Mr. Parsonson and I rode over to Norap, that I might be introduced to my people. On my arrival there, I was agreeably surprised to find that they had built two rooms for us. The walls consist of posts and reeds plastered inside with clay, and whitewashed also with clay. The doors and windows are made of Namaqua mats, and the roof is also covered with mats. This little act of kindness coming from the natives, united with the cordial manner in which they received me, produced feelings in my mind not soon to be forgotten. I preached in the evening, and was pleased to see so large an attendance. On Thursday we met the Society, and I was delighted to find so many united in church-fellowship, and evidently devoted to Christ. This is pleasing proof of the usefulness of our native agent, who has had the chief care of this Society for the last four years. On Friday we returned to Khamiesberg, where we spent the Sabbath, and enjoyed the privilege of worshipping in their beautiful new chapel, which is a lasting monument to the zeal of Mr. Bailie. Verily there must be a great difference in this place since the time when the venerable Barnabas Shaw commenced his labours here. We were much gratified with the number and attention of the people at the services, and especially felt our Divine Master near when commemorating the dying love of Jesus in the afternoon, where above one hundred met around the table of the Lord. On Tuesday, the 14th, we again set forward on our journey over very bad roads. The first part of the distance we were taken by the people of Khamiesberg; but early on Wednesday morning we arrived at the place where it was arranged for our own people to meet us, and take us to our station. Before we left the Khamiesberg people, we all united in prayer, when we were greatly impressed with the earnestness with which the people of Norap poured forth their gratitude to God for sending them a Minister, and prayed that the Divine blessing might attend his labours. We arrived here in safety on Wednesday afternoon, and my dear partner was as much pleased as I had been with the house so kindly provided for us; for we had expected that at first we should be obliged to live in our waggon, or at best that we should be accommodated with a Namaqua hut for a time: but we have an inhabitable dwelling; and when we remember that we are in all probability the first Mission family for whom the Namaquas built such a house, we are truly grateful. The circumstances of the people are at present very trying. In consequence of the drought last year, their harvest entirely failed, which deprived them of bread; and this year the season is unusually late, and the land very dry. By reason of this the sheep and goats are so poor, that it is with great difficulty we procure one to kill. And the oxen are so weak, that they will scarcely be able to work at carrying copper to the Bay, which is a new, but now their only, means of earning money. Of their religious character our impressions are highly favourable. I shall ever remember my first Sabbath among them. At the morning service deep feeling was manifested while I discoursed on closet-prayer, and great solemnity prevailed in the afternoon while I urged the people to prepare to meet their God. But the evening was a time of special grace. While one and another engaged in prayer, our heavenly Father was graciously present, and greatly blessed us. While retiring from the prayer-meeting, one of the members began to sing a Dutch hymn, all the congregation joining as they slowly left the chapel; and, forming a circle outside, they continued until they had sung several verses. The voice of praise falling on the still evening air, and reverberated from the surrounding mountains, was delightful, especially after such a day of spiritual gladness. Sunday, May 17th, was the day appointed for the administration of the Lord's Supper. In the morning I exhorted the people to wash in the Fountain opened for sin and for uncleanness, and very marked attention was paid to the word. About one P.M. we met to commemorate the dying love of Christ, when thirty-nine out of fifty-four members joined in that sacred ordinance, and we did truly "feast with Jesu's priests and kings." In the afternoon I proclaimed the "Lamb of God, who taketh away the sin of the world;" and I feel confident that the word was not preached in vain. It was with difficulty the prayer-meeting in the evening was closed, so greatly did the Spirit of glory and of God rest upon the people. In consequence of the drought, and the distress arising therefrom, I thought it would be well to seek help from God by prayer, and therefore requested the people to meet for that purpose every morning. They very readily entered into the arrangement; and in our various meetings for this special purpose so much of the bliss-inspiring presence of God has been enjoyed, that praise has frequently been offered instead of prayer. On one of these occasions, Kardenaal used a particularly striking phrase. He thanked God that He had given us "the well, the fountain, and the vessel with which to draw." Gloomy as appearances now are, we feel our confidence strengthened; and when we think of the earnestness of the prayers and praises offered on those occasions, we look forward to better days. Nay, we trust the time is not far distant when He who heard our prayers shall accept our praises, which shall ascend before His throne; first from our humble place of worship, (the miserable shed, full of snakes, and other venomous reptiles, which Mr. Moister mentions in his letter published in the Report,) and then from a more suitable house of prayer.-Rev. Matthew Godman, Norap, May 23d, 1857. WESTERN AFRICA. CAPE-COAST. WE publish below the first communication received from the writer, who has been employed as an Assistant Missionary for some years. His artless narrative of the Lord's dealings with him and by him supplies an encouraging instance of the spread of "Christianity in earnest." ALTHOUGH I have never had the pleasure of writing you directly before, on account of some groundless fears which I had, lest I should use some expressions which will not sound very well; yet I now deeply feel my folly for not writing a line or two, which, I doubt not, will be welcome by you. I have ever had a mind to address you when I read the reports of other Missionaries, and especially when several revivals took place in the different parts of the Cape-Coast and Anamabu Districts in the year 1855; and you might have heard many cheering facts from me about the conversion of the most part of the brethren at Abakrampa, &c., where I was then stationed, had it not been these unjust fears. I trust you will endeavour to cancel them, that I may have boldness to write. I am very much gratified on this occasion to relate to you my religious experience; but before I do so, I shall bring to your notice the following remarks:About twelve years of my age my father, who was then the Chief of British Akra, gave me to a European gentleman who was at the time a Commandant of the same spot, in the year 1832, as a servant, to wait upon him there (my own native place). I lived with him for some time; and then, leaving Akra, he brought me with him to Anamabu, where he came to trade. Here we were for many years, when one of my fellow-servants, being willing and anxious to learn to read and write, taught me with the little he knew. This was the rise of my learning. Now as this dear friend of mine, who is now a zealous Local Preacher at Anamabu, could not teach me any further than what he has kindly taught, I often took my book in my cloth whenever I was sent out; and if I happened to see any one whom I know that could read, if proper, I scrupled not to let him show me a word or two; and by this means I began to read my Bible a little. All this time I knew nothing about my soul's salvation, although I used to go to church; but I did not understand what was said, as there was no interpretation given: but, I thank God, the time came when I began to hear the Wesleyan Preachers. Then I became very earnest to hear them; and for some time I was informed that there was something called class-meeting. Here I was ashamed to go, because I was told that I must tell all my faults. After some time, being persuaded by a friend, who is now gone for his reward, I made an attempt to visit the place on Thursday night at seven o'clock; and while I was there, I was much alarmed when hearing my friends telling their feelings and receiving various advices from the Leader. At last I was asked the reason of my coming to the meeting; and the little I knew I did say; and suitable advices were given to me, and that I should continue to attend. This I did for about three months, and I became a member of the Wesleyan-Methodist Society. This was about the year 1837. In this Society I determined to live and die. Now in the year 1842 I was put into the Institution, which was established at Akra first, under the management of the late Rev. S. A. Shipman, by our muchbeloved Minister, the Rev. Thomas B. Freeman, the General Superintendent. There I became more restless and earnest about my soul's salvation; and on the 19th of March, 1845, having returned with some conviction from the field, where several of my fellow-students had been praying in the afternoon, it happened that your worthy Minister, the Rev. John Martin, who is now with you, selected a most suitable text which brought about my salvation. I heard the word with eagerness; and, O, the text shall be ever remembered. It was this: "Therefore with joy ye shall draw water out of the wells of salvation." I felt that evening as if there were something for me in the meeting. When the meeting was over, I left the place with deeper conviction than ever, determined to seek the Lord. I came to my apartment under the Mission-premises; I lay down upon my bed, and meditated upon what I have heard; and now and then I got up upon my knees, and prayed that the Lord may reveal His Holy Spirit unto me. Now as I was lying down, (0 for a tongue to express that blessed change I then felt!) I was all at once overwhelmed with the influences of God's Holy Spirit, and I fell down upon my knees with prayers and loud cries. I felt "the arrows of the Almighty" were "within me," and the "terrors of God" did "set themselves in array against me." His hand did 66 press me sore." But, thanks be to God, He did not leave me there, but He delivered me, and gave me "beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for" my soul. I was enabled that same night to "draw water out of the wells of salvation," and to declare before my fellow-students what the Lord has done for my soul. My conversion excited many of them to seek the Lord; and in a short time they also found peace with God. I am grateful to say, I have not cast away my shield: I am still in the enjoyment of God's favour. This is my religious experience; and I trust my Master whom I serve will aid me to hold on to the end. I am happy to write that the present aspect of the good work of God in this Circuit is most encouraging. The present number of full and accredited church-members is 460, and that of the on-trial members is 45, altogether amounting to 505. Comparing with the last number sent home, we have an increase of 82 both on trial and full members; for which we thank God, and take courage. : The attendance on Divine worship is cheering our chapel is crowded, and the people ask, "When will the new chapel be commenced?" In fact, since I took my station here, I have heard several individuals complaining of the closeness of the chapel. O, let the friends of Africa who do study her interest arise and help her! We are quite sensible of the great things they have done for her; but yet, I am impressed to say, there is greater to be done. "Spare not; lengthen the cords" of Zion, "and strengthen her stakes." I am much pained to say, we have in the Circuit two places, Appam and Nakwa, where we have no means to send Teachers. The members in these stations are very anxious to have Teachers among them; and what shall we do? You will find that the Lord, who will never forsake His people that trust in Him, is doing great wonders among us, from this very fact: Many of our friends who went away from us about twelve years ago, and built their own chapels and established their own schools, have now returned and joined themselves with us. One of their head Preachers, who is now with us, and is very attentive to the means of grace, is now a kind supporter of our church. He has kindly promised to give us £9 a year, exclusive of the I am glad to inform you that both schools at Anamabu are doing well. But, on the other hand, I am sorry to say, on account of the straitness of the famine under which we are labouring, the attendance of the children in the out-stations has been few; for their friends are in the habit of taking them with them, or sending them into the interior, in search of food; of which we do not blame the parents at this pressing time. But we trust, by the aid of the Almighty Father, that the present state of things will soon be over. I beg an interest in your prayers, with my best regards to you all.-Rev. James A. Solomon, Anamabu, June 25th, 1857. WEST INDIES. HAYTI I HAVE just returned from a ten days' journey from the coast, and have been much pleased with the reception given to myself, and to the Gospel which I preach. July 22d. I left home, in company with a brother, on a journey of evangelization. We started early on horseback, the usual mode of travelling in Hayti. After riding for about five hours through the beautiful and fertile plain Du Nord, we reached Limbé, a considerable village, or "bourg," as those are called which are not towns. Having letters of introductien, we were most hospitably entertained at the house of one of the authorities. Having called upon the Duc de Plaisance, who commands this division, and informed him of my intention of preaching in the evening, he very kindly gave us the use of the Imperial school, where I preached to a numerous and attentive audience, he himself being present. 23d. We rode this morning to a smaller village, distant about ten miles from Limbe, where we were well received by a respectable man, afflicted for the last few years with blindness. Here we found several who are thoroughly sick of Popery, and its Priests' dissolute conduct. We had interesting conversations with them; and in the evening I preached, also in the school, from John iii. 16. 24th. Starting at break of day, we reached the next place, a small town called 959 Le Borgue, distant about sixteen miles from Port Margot, the village where we remained yesterday. We experienced the same kind reception from the Director of the Imperial school, as we had already had since starting. The afternoon was ushered in with real West Indian showers, which laid the whole place under water. The town is built on a neck of land, surrounded on all sides but one by water; and these heavy rains kept the people in their houses, and prevented me from preaching in the evening. In 25th. We were up before sunrise, having about thirty miles to perform, to reach the next village, St. Louis du Nord. Hitherto the road had been sufficiently level; but now we came to the region of mountains. Up their steep sides we therefore began to climb. many places, as indeed in all the mountainous parts of this country, the road is only as wide as a sheep-path in our native country, with precipices of some hundred feet, whose sides have no defence whatever. Our horses were sure-footed, and we journeyed safely, under the care and protection of our gracious Lord. There is something attractive in mountain-travelling in this lovely island. The fatigue is greater than in the plains; but the air pure and exhilarating, the prospect is grand and ever-varying, presenting landscapes, which, if faithfully rendered on canvas, would seem creations of a vivid imagination, and not representations of nature. How glorious are the Lord's works! how common place and poor are man's mightiest achievements in art, beside our Father's putting forth of beauty and splendour! And this mighty God is ours!-After twenty miles of such riding, we again reached the plains, and the remaining ten miles were safely accomplished. Though it was market-day, I was able to preach in the evening from John iii. 16. The congregation was but small, though composed of the most intelligent persons in the place. We are rest26th. The Lord's day. ing, and allowing our animals to enjoy the Lord's bounty in the establishment I disfor them also of a weekly rest. tributed a few tracts, and preached at about ten A. M. In the evening I had much the same congregation as yesterday. Subjects for the day: morning, 2 Cor. vi. 17, 18; evening, Rom. vi. 23. was the day of the Empress's fête, and dancing was kept up during the day. The usual way of keeping these national holidays is by the firing of cannon, the saying of high mass, and the free permitting of African dances till the next day. This Can religion be pure when allied to superstitions and rites which shock all modesty and good feeling? Well, such is Popery in this country. The dances I speak of are not mere amusement, but essential parts of a system of worship paid to the deities of their African forefathers. The Lord pity this poor people, and open their hearts to receive His everlasting Gospel! 27th. We arrived at Port-de-Paix, ten miles from the last-named place. Here we were most kindly welcomed and treated by a blind Christian and his wife, members of the Baptist persuasion. There was for a time an American Baptist Mission here. There are four or five members, whose only means of hearing the word are the stray visits such as I am now making. I preached in the evening from 2 Cor. vi. 17, 18. 28th. We started on our return home. I spent the day at St. Louis, and preached in the evening from John vi. 27, a subject peculiarly applicable to this money-loving, world-honouring people. 29th. We arrived during the day at the Borgue. The weather was fine, and the mountains looked more beautiful than ever. The sun shone down with July heat and splendour; but we were kept from being injured by the intense glow of his beams. This evening the number of people assembled to hear the word was more than the school-house could contain. There must have been upwards of one hundred, to whom, amidst much attention, I preached the fulness and freeness of the Gospel, from John iii. 16. 30th. We reached Port-Margot. I spent the day in conversations about the truth, and preached in the evening from Matt. vii. 21. The congregation, including the Commandant of the place, was very attentive, whilst I endeavoured to explain and apply that important declaration of our Lord. 31st. During the morning we arrived at Limbé. In the evening I had almost the whole population of the place for a congregation: subject, Matt. vii. 21. They listened with attention and eagerness, and gave signs of having clearly understood me. August 1st.-I reached home after ten days' absence, and found all well, thanks to our gracious Protector and Friend. This journey has convinced me that Hayti offers as fine a field of usefulness as any in the world. I could not but observe with thankfulness, 1. The eagerness of the people to hear the word. 2. Their hatred to priestcraft and priestly abominations. 3. The open doors everywhere presented to the preaching of the Gospel. The authorities everywhere favoured us, and in no instance did I ask permission to preach. I announced my intention of doing so, and that was enough, 4. Everywhere was I entreated to come again soon. The north of Hayti is more promising than the south; and if we only had two additional men, all these places, and many more, might be regularly visited, and incalculable good would be the result. Remember us and our work in Hayti, and send us help, ere, perhaps, the door close, and opportunities of doing good be diminished.-Rev. Charles H. Bishop, Cape-Haytien, August 6th, 1857. DEMERARA, I FORWARD you herewith a copy of two documents received from the Acting Government Secretary of this colony. You will at once perceive the amount of grant made towards our contemplated Training College. The total vote is 2,000 dollars; but this is inclusive of the 600 dollars we have previously received, from year to year, for our Teachers' training at Antigua. The Government has thus voted all that the petition asked for; namely, 1,000 dollars towards the building-fund, and 1,000 annually. The 600 dollars is voted as an old item, and is therefore available as heretofore for payment to the Antigua College. The "new item" is available as soon as buildings are secured. I had an interview with the Governor this week. He made inquiry as to what was doing towards the establishment of the College, and seemed anxious that the project should not be delayed.—Rev. David Barley, George-Town, June 24th, 1857. THE amount of contributions and remittances announced on the Cover of the Notices this month is £2,106, 7s. 8d. LONDON: PRINTED BY JAMES NICHOLS, HOXTON-SQUARE. |