66

along some few miles of newly-made road, constructed by the neighbouring Chiefs expressly to facilitate the visits of the Missionaries to their villages. One of these Chiefs, Temórenga, on being asked, by Mr. Davis, what he had to say to me about the Good Word, replied significantly, Aye, that's what I wish to talk to him about tell him to look at my road!"the best proof he could give me of his anxiety for Religious Instruction. This Chief spoke with much affection of the Rev. S. Marsden, who was accompanied by him during his first tour in New Zealand, in 1814; which appears to have made a considerable impression on his mind.

:

In another direction, I fell in with the Chief Ripi, a Convert, baptized by the name of Broughton, who, with his people, we found engaged in cutting a road through a dense forest, to enable the Missionaries to get at a village beyond it, for the purpose of extending to them the same blessings which he and his people have now learnt to enjoy. I was struck with the dignified appearance of this man; and when contrasting his present employment with that in which he was a few years since constantly engaged with hostile tribes, I felt the power and the beauty of the simile he himself used, when reasoning with another Chief on the evil of his former courses, he said: The name and reputation which a Native acquires by war and bloodshed, is like the hoarfrost, which disappears as soon as the sun shines upon it; but when a man is brave in seeking the things of Jesus Christ, his name lives for ever." Such a contrast as this man's character now exhibits, to what it once was, is indeed calculated to fill the mind with gratitude and praise, and is worth a hundred arguments in support of Missionary labours. In his village he has regular Daily Prayers; and his example is calculated to do much good in the country.

66

I was present at a marriage in the Mission Church at Waimate; a ceremony which was deeply affecting, from the interest generally felt by Natives in this Christian Service, whenever solemnized: and at its conclusion, I gladly affixed my signature, as one of the witnesses, under that of the married couple, who, as in England, write their names in the Parish Register, with which each of the Mission Parishes in New Zealand is furnished. Publicity appears, among all nations not truly savage, to be thought a desirable thing in such ceremonies; and

to this are superadded, in the Service of our Church, vows which I had opportunities of knowing were felt to be binding on the consciences of these simple-minded people-vows which involve reciprocal duties, such as man and wife have never hitherto acknowledged in that heathen land. Our Matrimonial Service is, therefore, highly prized by them.

I quitted Waimate grateful for the many kind attentions I had received from the persons composing the Mission, taking with me a large quantity of native letters addressed to the Rev. W. Yate by his flock, giving evidence of their attachment and affection for their absent Pastor. He is indeed evidently beloved by them; and most deservedly so, from his affectionate and considerate disposition, and the zeal he has evinced in their service. That these barbarians, as they but yesterday were, should now be able thus to convey their feelings twelve hundred miles, is an affecting proof of the importance of the instruction that has been conveyed to them; and it furnishes also a satisfactory evidence that the Missionaries have not laboured there in vain.

- Kerikeri.

I reached Kerikeri, ten miles distant from Waimate, safely, having been kindly accompanied by the Rev. W. Williams of Paihía, and Mr. Clarke. Kerikerí, once the tragic scene of human sacrifices and barbarous superstitions, and that only a few years since, now exhibits the tranquillity and security of an English village. The little Church on the hill is well filled with attentive worshippers; and here the truths of the Gospel are declared, by those who have themselves tasted that the Lord is gracious. They have 20 Baptized Natives, of whom 12 are Adult Converts; and in their Schools they have 68 males and females under daily Christian Instruction.

-Tepuna.

(Formerly Rangihoua)-I must draw to a conclusion, by the brief notice I shall now take of the last Mission Station I visited in New Zealand, at Tepuna.

This Station was first established about two miles from its present site, at the village of Rangihoua; but on the buildings becoming dilapidated, it was removed to Tepuna. Here I found Mr. King, and his family, who are now nearly grown up. His co-adjutor, Mr. Shepherd, I did not see, as he was in the woods, cutting timber for the new Church now in progress of construction at this Station. Mr. King

was one of the first Missionaries in New Zealand.

Capt. Jacob left New Zealand for New South Wales, in the schooner "Fortitude," on the 16th of February. He closes his Letter with the following cordial and highly satisfactory attestation to the good now effecting at this Mission of the Society:In concluding my brief notice of the New-Zealand Mission, I can only say, that I had not, previously to my visit there, seen any notice of the operations of that Mission for some time past, having been a traveller for the last year and a half;

and that since my return to New South Wales, I have carefully looked into the Missionary Reports of the place, and I am bound to say that they are any thing but exaggerations, so far as I have had opportunity of judging from personal inspection. Indeed, I may affirm, that in no one thing was I disappointed, and in most I was very agreeably surprised at what I saw of Missionary Labours in that most interesting country; and should my humble testimony be of any service you are perfectly at liberty to use it, in any way that may be calculated to benefit the good cause in which the Society is embarked.

Jamaica.

Proceedings at Salt Savanna.

In a Letter dated October 1833, Mr. William Stearn gives a brief account of his labours at Salt Savanna, from which we extract the following.

In reference to prevalent sins, Mr. Stearn relates the method in which it is endeavoured to take the greatest possible advantage of every improvement in public morals.

As more than half the Adults are married, we are trying the effect of shame. Ten or twelve young persons have, at different times, been expelled the Sunday School for immoral conduct; and I am happy to add, seven of them have since been married, and re-admitted.

Of the Services and Schools, Mr. Stearn reports :—

The average attendance on Divine Service on Sundays may be estimated at about 150 in the morning, and 120 in the afternoon; which is considered a large proportion.

There are 97 names on the SundaySchool list; average attendance for the quarter, 71.

Daily School, 54 on the list; average daily attendance, 49. In addition to these, 16 attend one forenoon in the week; average weekly attendance, 14; making the total on the list, 70, and the total average attendance, 63.

Ninety-eight married persons on the Estate, and two or three widows. Three or four persons think of marrying soon. Communicants, 14. One Candidate for Baptism rejected.

The Evening Service on Thursdays, which had been given up for some time, from debility, was resumed last week. About 100 persons attended; but I do not expect, we shall average more than 60 or 70.

We have had two Adult Baptisms during the quarter: several infants have also been baptized.

LEGUAN

British Euiana.

Brief Accounts from Mr. C. Carter. ISLAND-The following extract from a Letter from Mr. Charles Carter, dated December 31, 1832, has not yet appeared in our pages:

I have the whole of the Scholars on Sunday, with the exception of the lesser ones. There are between 60 and 70 who are now reading their Testaments very well, chiefly among the smaller ones; in a few of whom, I believe, a Work of Grace is going forward; but among the Adults, I, as yet, see very little, though I trust there is a little fruit even among these. It is our duty to go on in faith, though we should see little or even no fruit of our labour. We may take encouragement, and go on in comfort, from the husbandman, who sows his seed in

the earth, and waits patiently and in hope, though it does not spring up immediately. Oh! that I had only the same patience and hope, with faith in God! Our comfort and hope should be in God at all times; but how difficult the task, during the dark and wintry season, when little or nothing appears outwardly cheering. Still the promise is good-My word shall not return unto me void; but it shall accomplish that which I please, and prosper in the thing whereto I send it.

But though I speak thus perhaps from expecting great and immediate things, yet I must say that many little things outwardly contribute to encourage me in the work of the Lord. Some short time since I was sent for to visit a Negro Woman, near her end; who, though she had been a regular attendant on the Means of Grace for some time, had not found the one thing needful, which she was now very desirous of securing. I directed her to the Lamb of God, told her of His power and willingness to save, and prayed with her. The next day, which terminated her days on earth, I repeated my visit; and, after speaking to her of the love of God, and freeness of Christ's salvation to sinners, of which number she appeared sensible she was one, and praying with her, she seemed to be able to realize Christ as hers, and to receive comfort. She died soon after, I trust in peace. I interred the corpse the following day, being Sunday; and as she had been rather a respectable Negro, there were nearly 200 present at the funeral from different Estates. I endeavoured to improve the solemn occasion, by speaking to them from Job's prophecy of beholding his Redeemer in the flesh, on the necessity, as well as the privilege, of having a personal interest in the salvation of the Lord Jesus.

HOME

At a more recent date, July 3, 1833, Mr. Carter writes:

My labours are much the same now as formerly, with respect to School Teaching and the number of Scholars. Some are going on very attentively in divine things, and are evidencing that my labours among them are not in vain, by giving up their sins; and some, especially, by entering on the holy state of matrimony,

which has not been the case till of late.

The Children and some of the Adults are advancing in their learning and Religious Knowledge quite satisfactorily;

while it is lamentable to see how the greater part of the older Adults turn their backs upon and despise the Means of Grace: they especially turn their backs on the Lord's Day, which they have been long in the habit of profaning to the worst of purposes. This, to my mind, is the most heart-breaking thing that I have to witness. When I speak to them about it, they make a thousand excuses, which would appear very plausible to a person who knew nothing to the contrary. I know they have no real the Means of Grace are walking in the excuse, and that those who really value enjoyment of the privileges of God's Word, of whom there are a happy few who embrace them: the rest I have to weep over before God. They thus prove a personal benefit to me, as they humble me, and drive me to a Throne of Grace more frequently.

We regret to say, that, in consequence of changes which have taken place at Leguan, Mr. Carter has subsequently been removed from his scene of labour; but another field of usefulness appeared to be opening before him on another Estate.

Departure of Missionaries. On the 3d instant, the Instructions of the Committee were delivered by the Clerical Secretary to the Rev. John Francis Müller, set apart for Smyrna, to the Rev. Messrs. William John Woodcock, and John Michael Lechler, proceeding to Madras; and to Mr. Ebenezer Collins, and Mr. Edward Gillespie, about to proceed to Sierra Leone. The Instructions having been acknowledged by the Missionaries, the Rev. J. Hambleton addressed to them a few words of counsel and encouragement; and they were commended

in prayer to the favour and protection of Almighty God, by the Rev. J. Fenn.

Mr. Müller left London for Dover, on the 15th instant, to proceed by way of the Continent to Smyrna.

Contributions to the Society's Funds.

Several interesting instances of Contributions to the Society's Funds have lately occurred, manifesting strong attachment to the Society, and deep concern for the advancement of the great work in which it is engaged. The munificent contribution of 1000l. was found at the Society's Bankers on the 11th instant. simply

66

as

deposited under the initials "J. M." The sum of 5007. has been remitted by a Clergyman who was formerly in Missionary connexion with the Society, a testimony of his gratitude, and of the interest which he continues to feel in the objects of the Institution." The humbler sum of 5s., a no less acceptable offering in His estimation who bestowed the emphatic commendation on the poor widow's mite, has been anonymously contributed toward increased Stations in the New-Zealand Mission." It was accompanied by the following remarks:

Although the inclosed individual Donation may appear a very humble effort toward so great an undertaking, yet, as it is given from an income of 70%. per annum, if every Subscriber would freely give a sum bearing the same proportion to the means of subsistence, there would, with the blessing of God, soon be a fund raised sufficient to enable the Established Church Missions to lengthen their cords, and strengthen their stakes, and enlarge the borders of their tents to receive thousands of the poor Heathen into the fold of Christ, and under the shelter of His pavilion.

A Clergyman, in the West, who has lately forwarded a Donation of 100%., remarks, in the Letter which advises of it:

I am advancing in my 92d year, and I feel a daily sinking under nervous paralysis; so that my days are just numbered out, my Lord is at the door! I have made my last Will and Testament above a year past, and have bequeathed the sum of 500l. to the Treasurer, for the time being, of the Church Missionary Society.

Thus does this aged Minister of the Sanctuary, in life and in death, consider the souls of the Heathen, by his contributions toward sending the Gospel to them.

It is not less pleasing to find, that one who died in a distant country which is the scene of Missionary Labour-in India, and one from whose profession we might not be very ready to look for Missionary Contributors- -a Serjeant in the 54th Foot, "bequeathed all, he died possessed of, to the Church Missionary Society." The amount which the Society is likely to derive from this Bequest is indeed inconsiderable, but it strongly marks the feeling by which it was dictated.

While we gratfully record these valuable Contributions to the Society's Funds, we would joyfully give glory to God, of whose only gift it cometh that His faith

ful people render unto Him true and laudable service."

Proposed Extension of the Society's Proceedings in the West Indies.

As soon as the plans of His Majesty's Government, relative to the West Indies, Session, the Committee opened a Comwere stated in Parliament, in the last munication with the Right Hon. E. G. S. Stanley, the Secretary of State for the Colonies, with a view to the extension of the Society's operations in that quarter; and a Memorial was subsequently addressed to His Grace the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Lord Bishop of London, and Mr. Stanley, on the subject. The Primate, in his reply, suggested that Bishops of Jamaica and Barbadoes, and Memorials should be addressed to the at the same time offered his services in endeavouring to bring about such an arrangement as might enable the Society to attain its object, in conformity to the principles of our Church, and with the countenance and co-operation of the Local Ecclesiastical Authorities. In consequence of this communication, Memorials to those Prelates were drawn up by the Committee, and forwarded to the Archbishop, for transmission to the West Indies, agreeably to His Grace's suggestion. Knowing how deep an interest is taken by the Members of the Society in the spiritual welfare of the Slave Population of the British Colonies, now guished civil privileges which we ourselves about to be put in possession of the distinenjoy, the Committee deem it advisable to communicate to them the above information on this deeply-important subject.

PROCEEDINGS OF ASSOCIATIONS.

Lancashire-Jan. 10: Two Meetings at Bolton, Bp. of Chester, Chn., formation of " Bolton Association;" the Lord Bishop and the Earl of Bradford, Patrons; Rev. J. Slade, Vicar, Pres.; Rev. W. Thistlethwaite, Treas.; Rev. H. C. Boutflower and Rev. A. Hadfield, Secs.; Morn. and Even. Colls. 13 18. 6d.

Middlesex-Dec. 22: Sermons at Wheler Chapel, Morn. by Rev. M. Cooper, Coll. 11. 18. 2d.; Even. by Rev. Dr. Doran, Coli. 67. 188.-Jan. 19: Sermons at Trinity Church, Cloudesley Square, Morn. by Rev. J. Fenn, Coll. 31. 118. 8d.; Even. by Rev. Dr. Doran, Coll. 167. 3s 8d.; at St. Barnabas', King Square, Morn. by Rev. W.Thompson, Coll. 16.18.2d.; Even. by Rev. J. Hambleton, Coll. 97. 3s. 7d.-Jan. 21: Meeting at St. Barnabas', King Square, Rev. W. Thompson, Chn., Coll. 91. 48. 9d.

NORTH WALES-Jan. 13: Meeting at Holywell, Rev. J. Jones, Chn., Coll. about 281.-Jan. 14: Meeting at Denbigh, J. Heaton, Esq., Chn., Coll. 24. 128. 2d.-Jan.15: Meeting at Whitford, Coll. 21.158.

West-Africa Mission-Despatches have been received from this Mission, including the Reports to the September Quarterly Meeting; but as there is no

Letter with them, direct from the Mission, we are unable to give any account of the state of health in the Colony.

Mediterranean Mission - The Rev.

J.A.Jetter paid a visit to Syra in November last, at the desire of theCommittee, to observe the proceedings at the Pædagogion during the Rev. F. Hildner's absence.He writes from Smyrna, Dec. 3, that he returned to his Station on the 1st of that month, and that Mrs. Jetter, himself, and family, were pretty well.

Mr. Hildner arrived at Corfu, on his way to Syra, on the 12th of December; and on the 21st was waiting an opportunity to proceed thither.

By a Letter from the Rev. W. Krusé, dated Caïro, Oct. 30, 1833, it appears that Mr. Isenberg had safely returned from Syria.

North-India Mission A Letter from the Rev. J. C. G. Knorpp, dated Benares, July 10,1833, informs us that he finds that the country agrees with his constitution. Friends at Calcutta and Burdwan were all pretty well, except the Rev. J. T. Linke, who was, however, recovering.

South-India Mission-We have heard, from good authority, of the safe arrival of the " Lady McNaughton" at Madras, on

the 25th of August. (See pp. 81 and 263, Vol. for 1833.) Particulars have not yet reached us.

Western-India Mission-Mrs. Farrar, in a Letter dated Nassuck, April 20, 1833, gives rather an encouraging account of their proceedings at the new Station. Archdeacon Carr writes, on the 30th of August, that the Rev. W. and Mrs. Mitchell lost their youngest child, a little boy, on the 16th of that month.

Ceylon Mission-Despatches have been received from Ceylon to the 30th of August. Those of the Missionaries who were able to attend at Cotta were holding their accustomed Annual Meeting, in the same spirit of harmony by which it has hitherto been characterized. Our friends were well, excepting the Rev. T. Browning and Mrs. Knight.

West-Indies Mission-We have heard from Mr. T. Youd up to the 1st of October: he was then prosecuting his labours under encouragement; and was, we believe, in good health.