died on board the ship 'Antipodes,' bound for China. "No chaplain has yet been obtained for Hankow; so that Mr. John and myself still continue to preach to the English-speaking inhabitants. "I need not enter now into our future plans; only, my spirit often longs to be free from distractions, and I am far too easily distracted, from preaching to the Chinese 'the unsearchable riches of Christ.'" SOUTH AFRICA. In the CAPE OF GOOD HOPE DISTRICT, Mr. Edward Edwards, after nearly half a century of uninterrupted labour on foreign stations, retires with the cordial love of his brethren; and the Committee have to regret the unexpected decease of the wife of the Rev. John Priestley. There is a small increase in the total number of members in the District One chapel is in course of erection, and another has been pre. sented to the Society. THE GRAHAM'S-TOWN DISTRICT has sustained a loss in the unexpected removal of Mr. Garner, who laboured for twenty-eight years in South Africa without intermission, and was a faithful and successful Missionary. The attention of the District was seriously directed to the importance of training a native ministry, for which it is bel eved valuable material may be found in the District. The returns show a net increase of ninety-seven members. In the QUEEN'S-TOWN DISTRICT, however, notwithstanding that thirty six adults have been baptized during the year, there is a decrease of sixty-one members. Increased attention has been paid to some of the older stations of the Society. Morley is now the name of a new station about fourteen miles from the old one, but more favourably situated. Butterworth includes the great place of the Chief Kreli, and at Buntingville, recently vacant, a Missionary will now be stationed. At Shawbury, it is proposed to enlarge the chapel, so as to accommodate about six hundred persons; so that on the whole the pros. pects of the next year are considered encouraging. A large edition of the Holy Scriptures in the Kaffir language, prepared by the Rev. J. W. Appleyard, has been printed by the British and Foreign Bible Society, and supplied to the several Stations in South Africa. From the BECHUANA DISTRICT the occupation of two new stations is earnestly recommended. Rumours of wars and the agitated state of the country have injured the work; but the total number of members on trial is three hundred and eleven,-a considerable increase on the number reported last year. The population of Durban, in the NATAL DISTRICT, has so greatly increased as to render the appointment of an additional Missionary imperatively necessary. The English chapel at Pie. termaritzberg has been enlarged by the erection of a gallery. The Indaleni Circuit has been visited by the Chairman, who reports that he was much pleased with the day-school. Many of the children," he says, "read English and Kaffir with equal facility." At Verulam the industrial school has been enlarged at the cost of the Government, and the new chapel has been completed and opened. It is expected that the entire cost of £1,425 will have been defrayed in twelve months' time. At the place to which the Chief Faku has removed, and at which he is now settled, a new Mission-house and chapel have been built. Nearly one half of the cost has been raised on the spot, and the balance has been presented to the Society by Mr. Jenkins, its faithful and laborious Missionary. WESTERN AFRICA. In the GAMBIA DISTRICT the returns show an increase of forty-seven members, with one hundred and thirty-four on trial for membership. After nearly thirty years' labour in the West Indies, Mr. Tregaskis has been appointed to the general superintendency of the Gambia and Sierra-Leone Districts, and proceeded to his new appointment in November last. Three new chapels are in progress in the Sierra-Leone District, but appear to require help from the Committee in order to their completion. Upwards of £80 have been subscribed and paid in aid of the Jubilee fund. The numbers in Society, however, exhibit a decrease, attributable in part to removals. In the GOLD-COAST DISTRICT serious losses have been sustained by the death of Mr. Edward Bickersteth, a valued native minister, and more recently by the deccase of Mr. Cuthbert, shortly after his arrival at Lagos. The Mission has been further weakened by the return of Mr. Gardiner, owing to the failure of his health, and of Mr. Taylor, and Mr. Sharp, whose term of service has expired. Their places have been supplied by the appointment of Messrs. Robinson and Richmond, who have been sent out during the year, and by the return of Mr. William West, who has accepted a second appointment to Cape Coast. Since his arrival, the annual Missionary meeting has been held. It was attended by the Governor of the Colony, and by the native Chief or King. John Aggery, now King of Cape Coast, was in early life a heathen. Having learned to read and to value the Bible, he with two or three young friends waited on Captain Potter, of Bristol, to inquire how they could have a Missionary sent to instruct them. Captain Potter advised them to write to the Wesleyan Missionary Society; and the result was the appointment of Mr. Dunwell, and the commencement of the Cape-Coast Mission. In consequence of forsaking the fetish of his country, John was cut off from the succession to the Chieftainship, and he and his companions were publicly flogged. But the influence of the Mission has produced a change. After thirty years' profession of Christianity, he is now elected Chief or King, and took occasion on the anniversary publicly to acknowledge his sense of obligation to the Mission, and to declare that his object should henceforth be to promote the educational and spiritual improvement of the people. Amidst many trials the work goes on, and there is a small increase in the number of members of Society. THE WEST INDIES. The review of the Society's affairs in the several Districts into which the West Indies are divided, has given rise in the mind of the Committee to deep and almost unmixed regret. Many causes of discouragement exist. In some of the islands great and general distress, occasioned by continuous drought, has most seriously interfered with the attendance of the people on the means of grace, or has led to emigration in search of employment and food. In others the negligence and immorality of the people have proved most distressing to their ministers; and in others, personal or family affliction has seriously . enfeebled the staff of ministers. One has been removed to a better world, and four or five are under the necessity of returning home. These causes, in combination with others, cast a gloom over the aspect of affairs; and it is not surprising to be informed that a considerable decrease of members is reported from most of the Districts. There are, however, still many green spots in the wilderness, which repay the toil of the cultivator. In some places it is believed that the worst is past, and that better times are at hand; an anticipa tion which the committee sincerely hope may prove to be well founded. In reference to the island of San Domingo, it may be observed that the retirement of the Spanish forces will, it is hoped, reopen the way for the return of the Missionary, and that, in his absence, the little flock do not forsake the assembling of themselves together. THE IRISH AND AFFILIATED CONFERENCES. IRELAND. The Secretary writes :-"Emigration still continues to thin our ranks, and, consequently, to deprive us of the means of recruiting them. To hold our cutposts without a local agency is impossible, and the persons best suited to serve the cause of God in this capacity are the least likely to remain. The great wonder is, from the removal to America and Australia of our most promising young men from year to year, that our numerical loss is not much greater. Were it rot that the Lord graciously owns the labours of the Missionaries, and gives to the Societies, thinly scattered over a wide area, 'times of refreshing from His presence,' the itinerancy in the remote Districts of the west and south must have been long since abandoned." He adds, however, that " notwithstanding the numerous hindrances, arising from the religious and political condition of this country, our numbers have not, of late years, declined at all in proportion to the decrease of the population. If we extend our observation back two or three years, there is marked progress." FRANCE. The Report transmitted by Mr. Hocart contains many highly interesting particulars concerning the labours, trials, and successes of the brethren in France and Switzerland. These will be given at length in the Report, and will, it is hoped, receive the attention to which they are entitled. On a general review he thinks it right to specify the state of the French work in Paris as a cause of particular gratification and encouragement; and also the growing disposition of the Societies generally, to make diligent efforts both on behalf of chapel-building and the support of their own ministry. The small staff of French ministers has been further reduced by the death of Mr. Louis Martin, who died, greatly regretted, in the month of January last. Several other faithful supporters of the work have also, Mr. Hocart states, been removed to a better world: still the cause in Switzerland continues in a good and hopeful condition. CANADA AND EASTERN BRITISH AMERICA, NEWFOUNDLAND, &c. The last published Report of the Canada Missionary Society states that the 177 Missions and 250 agents are larger numbers than were ever previously reported; and that there is a yearly increase of Missions, agents, congregations, Societies, schools, and places of worship. The Missions to destitute settlers employ 188 Missionaries; those to the Indians, 23 Missionaries; those to the French and Germans, 8 Missionaries. Of the Missions on the Pacific the Committee's only regret is that their seanty funds prevent an adequate supply of Missionaries. AUSTRALASIA AND POLYNESIA. The returns made to the recent Australasian Conference exhibit a total of 17,691 members in the colonies, with 3,006 on trial; and in the Mission stations, of 24,951 members, with 5,359 on trial; showing a total increase of 2,630 in the colonies, and 317 on the Mission stations. Of the large number of members reported as on trial, by far the greater part are in Fiji, where the total number of members is 14,380, and of probationers, 4,412. The contributions of the year 1864 are estimated at £10,560, and the expenditure £16,183, leaving a deficiency to be paid by the Committee in London of £5,623. at A vote of thanks was also passed to the Committee for the generous manner in which they have hitherto supplied the deficiencies. About £20,000 appear to have been supplied to a Jubilee fund, which will not be reckoned among the contributions raised in this country. A revised edition of the Holy Scriptures in the Fiji language, prepared under the direction of Mr. Lyth, has been printed by the British and Foreign Bible Society, and shipped for distribution in Fiji. Also five thousand copies of the Tonga New Testament. The payment for these valuable works will be remitted from the Islands in due course to the Treasurers of the British and Foreign Bible Society. CONCLUSION. The review of the last year does not present many peculiar circumstances. The Committee have endeavoured to carry on steadily and regularly the great work intrusted to them, and are glad to hope that they have been able, by the blessing of God, to do something towards the great and paramount object of all such institutions,-the diffusion of the among the sons of men. knowledge of Christ and Ilis salvation Several hun dreds of heathen have this year assumed the profession of Christianity. With many of them there is good reason to believe that this profession is based upon an experimental and saving knowledge of Christ; with others it may be, as among ourselves, traceable to lower, and perhaps unworthy, causes: but, even when unworthily made and feebly sus to come. tained, the profession of Christianity is an immense advance upon heathenism, and a step to still further good in time If, when Christ was preached from unworthy motives," in pretence," and "out of strife," an apos:le could find cause of rejoicing because he knew that faith might come by hearing, how much more may we rejoice in the spread of Christian knowledge over a surface so much more ample than that which constituted the field of his labours! And if the manifold imperfections of the first converts to Christianity were not allowed to check the joys and thanksgivings of apostles, why should the feebleness and occasional mistakes of Native Christians be permitted to interfere with ours? The sentiment cannot be less applicable nor less just in London than in Rome,-in regard to Hindus than in regard to Greeks," Every way Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice." If no very marked incidents calling for careful recital have occurred in the several Missions, still, the steady prosecution of the original design with which the Society was formed must be regarded as affording a subject for sincere thanksgiving. The removal of obstacles, the multiplication of agents, the solicitations to occupy new places, are now matters of such regular occurrence as scarcely to call for special report; yet they all constitute important items in the catalogue of Missionary success, and include the answers to many prayers, and the recompense of much solicitude, in various places both at home and abroad. This continuous prosecution of the Society's work involves, too, it should be remembered, an ever-growing ex penditure. The necessary provision for families, as they are multiplied in every part of the world; the relief of those labourers who become disabled by sickness or infirmity; and the supply of vacancies, are standing causes of expenditure which operate everywhere, and quite independently of those peculiar circumstances which from time to time arise to direct attention to specific localities. This year the casualties which have rendered relief necessary, and will thus occasion both present and permanent expense, are probably somewhat in excess of the average both in number and amount; but, as they are inseparable from the growth and progress of the work, no Society can reasonably expect to be exempt from them. The Committee are relieved in their anxieties arising from these circumstances by the hope of assistance from the Jubilee Fund, which, when completely raised and apportioned, will, it is expected, operate most beneficially in setting free for the general purposes of the Society much that is now absorbed in the constantly recurring charges for disabled labourers and others, aud for interest on borrowed capital. The Committee, while grate. fully acknowledging the large sums already paid in, hope that during the next year the best endeavours of their friends will be addressed to the completion of this noble effort. In thus reviewing the past, and preparing for the future, the question naturally arises in every thoughtful mind as to the character of the object which calls forth so much of liberality and claims so much of labour. Is it a chimera or a reality?—the day-dream of excited imagination, or a solemn and well grounded hope? In strict logic these questions resolve themselves into another concerning the truth of Christianity, which it would be an insult to the supporters of this Society to discuss. But if Christianity is not a mere wave on the restless ocean of human thou/ht, -if Jesus of Nazareth is indeed Prophet, Priest, and King of inen, then the work of making Him known. of asserting His claims, and building up His cause, is the highest, noblest, most incumbent duty of His people. Nor, if His Spirit lives in them, can they rest while He remains u known and dishonoured. Nor, if His word may be trusted, can they labour in vain. There shall be one flock and one Shepherd. The Prince of this world shall be cast out. "And I, if 1 be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto ME." (To be continued.) THE amount of contributions and remittances announced on the Cover of the Notices this month is £5,733. 5s. 6d. THE following extracts from soldiers' letters from India and the Mauritius, to the Rev. S. Patterson, will be read with interest; and they show the need of extending our care to these men when on Foreign or Colonial service. From Private J. H., 45th Regiment, who learned to read and write at the Wesleyan Reading-room, Curragh Camp, Ireland. Neemuch, February 1st, 1865.-Sir,-You must excuse me for not writing before, as I did not know your direction. I hope you are well, as I am. Thank God for His goodness to us..... We landed in Bombay on the 2d of November, left it on the 23d of that month, and marched up the country. Sir, I am sorry to tell you that there is no Methodist chapel here, so I go to the Church of England. But I am happy to tell you that I have kept from drinking, and I mean to continue Please to give my kind love to all your family. I oftentimes sing, to do so. From Colour-Sergeant G., 1st Battalion 11th Regiment.-Bengal, Fyzabad, February 2d, 1865.- On the march, wherever we stopped for the night, those who are striving to serve the Lord went out in the dark under the trees and held their prayer-meetings. While passing through Lucknow, we got our baby baptized by the Wesleyan minister there. In different places where we halted for a time, we met a few warmhearted Christians, endeavouring to hold on amidst much opposition. We feel the loss of our own church and minister keenly. Our men ask, "Why are not Some of our able ministers sent out?" Poor fellows, they don't know the difficulties. Here we cling to each other, and hold our meetings in a reading room allowed for that purpose. From Mrs. G.-Fyzabad, February 24, 1865. of our men attend. Some have come right out on the Lord's side. I do believe they will prosper, for the Spirit of God is working among them; and the devil is busy too, on his side. There well, temporally and spiritually.. A Temperance Society has been established. Forty members have joined. Every night a prayer-meeting is held. Some of the artillery and a good many VOL. XI.-FIFTH SERIES, are weekly dancing parties, and theatres going on, patronized by the priest and others. We got an invitation to attend, but candidly refused. It would do you good to go into our meeting-room and hear the outpouring of heart and voice to the throne of God. . . We are going to have a tea-meeting next week. Mauritius, February 7th, 1865. It We arrived here on the 2d of December, 1864. We should have been a fortnight sooner, only the steamer broke down, and we made little way for nearly three weeks. was a great mercy that it was not worse. How much we have to be thankful for to a kind Providence, yet how ungrateful we are.. There is no Wesleyan chapel here; no one you can speak to about religion. Sunday and week-day it is all the same, and it seems so sad to be living among such people; nothing cared for, but this wicked world. O that God would give us all grace, so that we would let our light shine wherever we are! I feel a greater desire than ever to be the Lord's; still there seems something drawing me back to the world. May God strengthen me and enable me to grow in grace. Kindest remembrance to all friends. May God bless you all. In a note, Mr. Patterson says the 84th Regiment has just gone to Malta. There are, at least, eighty of our Wesleyan men in that corps, and there is neither Wesleyan chapel nor minister at Malta. The following extract is from a letter of a corporal of Marines in Japan to the Rev. C. H. Kelly :: H.M. Ship "Conqueror," Yokohama, January 31st, 1865.-I take the liberty to write to you, by the wish of some of my messmates and shipmates that used to attend your chapel at Chatham on Sundays, when off duty. I assure you that your name is constantly mentioned, and especially on Sundays, as our chaplain has been invalided home through dysentery. Our captain performs Divine service. How we went through the engagement at Simonosake, you will 2 0 |
