ter. back into port would occasion an additional expense, as well as a great loss of time; and we should, after all, have to perform our voyage in the depth of win. We pursued our way, for several days, in our disabled state. But I felt my mind pretty well composed. I reflected, God has always preserved the missionaries; should I be the first lost, it must be for some wise end. I can die but once, and it cannot be in a better cause. The upper works of the ship not being good our accommodations were not so agreeable as might have been wished for. We slept on the floor a great part of the voyage; we had plenty of provisions, and plenty of wine and porter, to the last: as I drunk none of the latter, I was furnished with a little of the other, every day. The captain was a man addicted to swearing, but never took offence at my reproving him. He was very kind to us; said he loved the parson and his wife, he believed they were honest, plain people. We had divine service on Sundays, when the weather would permit. We had a young gentleman and his wife on board, who had been educated for the ministry, and was coming out to this colony to keep a school, till he should be of age to take orders. I proposed to him to read the service established by law, and I would give a lecture extenipore, and conclude with prayer, with which he cheerfully complied; which we made a standing rule all the voyage. We made land on Sunday morning at day-break, but had to beat about all day, the wind being contrary, and stood off to sea at night for our own safety. We made the land again soon after day, got a pilot on board and stood for the harbour; when the pilot-boat returned from our ship for the shore, I heard our captain say to the men, "Tell the people, when you get ashore, that I have got a Methodist parson on board, who has come to save their souls from going to hell." On my asking what he was saying, he replied, "I have told them the truth." When we had come to anchor I began to feel a little uneasy, having no letter of introduction-did not know the name of any person; there was no inn to which we could go, and the cause of Methodism is so obscure that several gentlemen who came on board could neither tell where Mr. Wilson lived, nor whether he was in the colony; one of the passengers said we should be welcome to go to her house; the captain said we should be welcome to stay on board as long as we liked, and fare as he fared. I was informed that a gentleman on the quarter-deck was inquiring for Re, which I I supposed to be Mr. Wilson, but soon found it was not. He asked me if I had come to succeed Mr. Wilson; on my answering in the affirmative, he squeezed me by the hand and bade me welcome; took us ashore in his boat, and conducted us to his hospitable house, which was not far distant. When we arrived we went down upon our knees, praised God for his goodness manifested in our preservation, and implored his blessing in our future la bours. It was a refreshing season. preached in their little chapel that evening, to a small congregation, chiefly black and coloured people, from Rom. v. 1. The next morning we got a sail-boat to take us to Hamilton, 14 miles, to Mr. Wilson, where we found his wife, two pious sergeants, and some other serious friends. Mr. Wilson had just received the Minutes, and was observing to the friends that we should arrive in about two months. We were kindly received. I found Mr.W. in a very poor state of health, and proposed to him to rest awhile, but he was quite unwilling. His constitution is much emaciated. He is an excellent man, and much respected here by those who know him. His wife is a native of this colony, of a respectable family, and very pious, and draws an annuity of about 100% sterling. Mr. Higgs, who is circuit-steward, and the only local preacher, says, there is the greatest appearance of persecution that ever he saw; and as it is an unprovoked ene he considers it a good omen. The cause is God's, and I feel determined to lay myself ont to the utmost of my strength and ability to promote the salvation of souls. We have a few truly pious souls, three neat chapels, and a good mission-house, which, however, wants & little furniture. We have three Sonday-Schools. With every sentiment of respect, WEST INDIES. Extract of a Letter from Messrs. SMITH, JONES, BELLAMY, and MADDOCK, to the COMMITTEE. Antigua, Jan. 1818. WE presume you will be glad to hear from us, though we are so unworthy of your regard. We left the Downs on the 2d of December; and on the 5th we were under the necessity of putting into Falmouth harbour; however, on the 6th, we weighed, and again set sail. On Sunday afternoon, the wind became contrary; and at midnight, on the same evening, a tremendous heavy gale same en from the westward, so that the ship was only able to carry a very little sail: the sea ran mountains high, and there was very little hope of saving the ship; however, we knew whom to apply to one who was able to turn the storm into a calm in a moment; nor could we be too easy under the persuasion that all was safe in his hands: we prayed mightily to God for help, and he who answereth prayer was pleased to pour into our hearts the joy of his salvation, and reconcile us to a watery grave. On Monday morning the wind changed to the north-west, and it blew still stronger: the heavy waves, rolling over the deck, not only endangered the lives of the sailors, but it was with much difficulty that we saved our boats from being washed away. On Tuesday morning the gale abated; and on the 24th we got into the Trade Winds. In regard to our health, we have much cause to be thankful to God, for he has highly favoured us in this respect; we have felt very little inconvenience from what is called the sea-sickness, with the exception of sister Bellamy, who has been very ill ever since we left the Downs, and continued so till we arrived at Antigua: as soon as we landed she began to get better; and although her afflictions were great, she manifested much patience under them, and I believe they have been sanctified for our good. We shall not easily forget the conduct, the kindness, and the attention of captain Smale, during the voyage. We had prayers every morning and evening, and on the Sabbath we had public service twice a day, when the weather permitted. We landed at Antigua on the 11th of January, and were kindly received by bro ther Woolley and his colleagues. The New Chapel was opened on Christmas day; brother Wilson and his wife arrived here on the 12th; he appears something better than he has been. I am happy to inform you that we are all well. Extract of a Letter from Mr. CATTS, at St. Domingo, to Mr. TOASE, Guernsey, dated Port au Prince, January 12, 1818. It will give you much pleasure to hear that the Lord of late has blessed our labours with success. We have formed a elass, and some of those who meet can set to their seal that God is true, and many more are under deep conviction, and earnestly inquiring what they must do to be saved. How powerful is the hand of God! Who but He could have done what we behold this day! Sabbath-breakers, fornicators, and adulteVOL XLI. MAy, 1818. rers have renounced their iniquities, and are seeking the favour of God, whose laws they had so grossly violated. Whilst I am writing these words, there is a man seated before me, (an officer in the church of Rome) who, a few months ago, kept two women; but the grace of God has influenced his heart, and has made it manifest in his life. The Lord has also brought to the knowledge of himself a young man, who promises to be a pillar in the church of God. Before he heard the word of God, he was fond of plea sure, and entirely devoted to the vanities of the world. About the time we began to preach in this town, he heard of us, and curiosity brought him to hear preaching. He stood at the window, but was soon weary, and went away. The next night he came again, and he felt the word fastened as a nail in a sure place. Since that period, he has carefully and profitably read the Bible, insomuch that he is become a mighty advocate for the truth of God; and though in the midst of persecution, we trust he walks unspotted in the world. He is a black man, and speaks the French tolerably well, having had an education. We are happy to say, that our congregations in the capital are large and attentive. They fill the houses where we preach, and many stand on the pavement without. We have been itinerating through the town, and have preached in almost every part of it. Mr. Brown has lately visited several of the towns and villages in the Republic, some of which contain a numerous population. In these he preached to listening multitudes, whilst frequently the big tear, which rolled down their sable cheeks, marked the feeling of their souls. Haste, happy day, when these sons of Adam shall be free from the slavery of sin, and the chains of ignorance and superstition! I am going to set out for the same places in the course of a few days, if all be well; if it please God to bless and preserve me, I shall send you a circumstantial account of my tour. The fields are ripe unto harvest in this country. In general, the people are not very bigotted; they are lovers of liberty, and are advocates for liberty of conscience. The priests they have amongst them are quite unqualified to give them religious instruction, as they are mostly Spaniards, who are unac quainted with the French language. Mr. B. has intimated to the Committee that we have need of some more help. The best time for Europeans to come here is from October to May; they then have the coolest * 3 D * part of the year. We have great cause to be thankful to God for the health we enjoy. I am quite well, and have been so for several months past, except a little cold, which might have happened in the finest climate in the world. Our congregation is making great progress here in singing and responsing to the prayers, &c. We have desired Mr. Blanshard to send us hymn-books, magazines, &c. in French. We also want a few copies of Dr. Doddridge's Rise and Progress in French, catechisms, &c. If you can possibly send these from Guernsey yourself, we should esteem it a great favour; and we beg that the expence may not be a hinderance, as the prosperity of our labours will, no doubt, be much affected thereby. I have been busily and pleasantly employed during the Christmas holy days. On Christmas-day, we had preaching at half past four in the morning, at ten in the forenoon, and at seven in the evening, It was a day of great joy to my soul. I beheld with delight crowds coming to prostrate themselves at the Saviour's feet. The people on that day were in general cleanly and decently clothed. Our labours are increasing, and our prospects brightning. Yet see, more and more, the propriety of exclaiming, "Who is sufficient for these things?" The more I view myself and the work of God, the more I feel my deficiency. I want more talent, more piety, more zeal, and more experience. Yet with all these I am persuaded, a Paul may plant and an Apollos water in vain, unless God give the in crease. precepts. And, in general, our prospects are of an encouraging and a pleasing nature. The season that has recently closed, during which the negro population enjoy relaxation from labour, was, upon the whole, a most profitable time. Huge multitudes assembled at the chapels, in different parts of the island, to hear those truths which, on former occasions, had produced stuch salutary effects : and, as our love-feasts were held during this recess, hundreds were ready to testify the power of divine grace in changing the heart, in renewing the soul. When such interesting scenes are witnessed, we are led to ask with the greatest astonishment, What hath God wrought? In the course of the last year, several of our people were called to pass through deep waters of affliction. But, though these dispensations were at once gloomy and distressing, yet ample support was afforded by the God of all grace. In extreme pain of body, inward tranquillity was enjoyed; and when they were destitute of all earthly good, and had not wherewith to supply their returning wants, in Christ they possessed all things. Others, in the course of God's inscrutable Providence, have been called to pass through the regions of the shadow of death. At this awful crisis, the God of Jacob was their support and their joy. And they are now placed beyond the reach of pain, temptation, and trouble. One soul saved is a sufficient compensation for all the expense and labour bestowed upon the Mission. And, if one soul compensates for all, what sensations ought to be ex From Messrs. RABy, Shrewsbury, and cited when we reflect upon the vast mul HILLIER, to the CoMMITTEE. Tortola, Jan. 10, 1818. Very dear and respected Brethren, IT has been a source of considerable consolation to our minds, in being able to lay before you, at different times, such statements of the Societies under our charge, as have led you, no doubt, to conclude that our exertions in this momentous work have not been altogether in vain. And we are happy now, when the year is closed, to signify that we have no cause whatever to retract any thing which we have imparted. Our people, in general, are actuated by a sincere desire to please God; and, by their outward deportment, convince all that they have not believed in vain. The different congregations pay considerable attention to that gospel which is the power of God unto salvation to every one who gives credence to its doctrines, and reveres its titudes, who, by the preaching of the gospel in these foreign lands, have been called from darkness into light;-have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb; and are made kings and priests unto God. But not only have vast mul titudes been brought safe to the promised land, but hundreds more are walking in the way consecrated by the Prince of peace, and whose exit, we hope, will not only be easy, but also triumphant. By the returns that were made last year, and those which are to be made at the approaching District Meeting, you will perceive that our Societies in Tortola and the Virgin Islands are much more stable than they were a few years ago. The beneficial effects of discipline are now enjoyed; and, if we are careful to enforce this, in the spirit of meekness, we have every reason to conclude that true and genuine piety will continue to increase, and our people arrive at that respectability to which they have, for a be done. We feel it a duty incumbent upon us to remind the Committee, that, with the blessing of God, and the exertions of an affectionate people, we have been enabled to meet all our expenses without drawing upon the Mission Fund. But as our property in town will, in the course of the present year, have to undergo considerable repairs, we are afraid that necessity will compel us to have recourse to these means for assistance. To prevent this, no labour will be spared on our part: and we have confidence that no exertions will be wanting on the part of our people. But should we be incapable of accomplishing what is absolutely necessary to be done, we shall then, and only then, lay our cause at your feet, and solicit that aid at your hands you have been ever willing to impart. We are now about to make preparations for the District Meeting which is to be held in Antigua, in the first week of Feb ruary next; and from the partial knowledge we have of the Missionaries labour ing in the different islands, we expect a very profitable season. Of the arrival of those apppointed by the last Conference we have as yet heard nothing. We shall be giad to receive a letter from you as soon as convenient, and will thank you for that advice you may deem expedient. Extract of a letter from Mr. TOASE to Mr. SOME time I mentioned an open- On his first arrival, our brother preached in an upper room, which I had occupied a few weeks before, and it soon became o crowded that he was prevailed upon by his hearers to take a larger place. He did so, and the congregation increased accordingly, and two persons, a man and his wife, were awakened, and began to seek the salvation of their souls in good earnest In the course of two or three weeks this second preaching place be came too small, and a larger still was. found indispensably necessary. In this state of things a large warehouse was taken which will contain four or five hundred people. Mr. Ollivier, who has been at Beuville and Perier during the last five months, has lately made a visit "Cherbourg, Jan. 26, 1818. "MY DEAR BROther, "I arrived in this town last Thurs day morning; in the evening I preached in a large warehouse to hundreds of attentive hearers. Yesterday morning, (Sunday) brother Coutanche preached to a good congregation; and at six o'clock in the evening I preached again, and I think if we had had the Guernsey Ebenezer Chapel it would have been full. Nearly the whole of the congregation were standing, and so close to each other that they were as it were one solid lump, besides hundreds (as I was told,) who were at the door. Having got their attention fixed, the word had its free course, and I trust was made a blessing to some. Indeed one would have said the field is white for harvest. "But the Sous-Prefet has caused brother Coutanche and myself to appear before him this morning, and has told us that we could not be allowed to preach in so public a manner; and he advised us not to preach in the large place again. He read to us a law which forbids a number of persons, exceeding twenty, meeting together without permission, and he advised us to make him a request in writ ing for liberty to preach, that he might present it to higher authority. The answer, we fear, will confine us to the Protestants. The Sous-Prefet appears to be very civil; but we have reason to believe the priests have roared in his ears. They are so grieved, that they represent us in the pulpit as wolves in sheep's clothing. believe them, and are more opposed to But so far as I learn, our hearers do not them than before. There is indeed a great stir about us in the town, and we for the salvation of his soul for some "Your's, &c. "AMICE OLLIVIER." In the environs of Caën the congregations are good, and one or two have been awakened lately. I hope to take * 2 D2* 1 "Roscoff, March 21, 1818. "TEN days ago the Eliza, a ship of Bristol, bound to Jamaica, with several passengers, was wrecked about fourteen iniles to the westward of this port, and to my surprize I found, on my arrival on the spot, that, as the Captain informed me, a Mr. James Fowler, and a Mr. Wm. Goy, both Methodist Missionaries, were of the number of his passengers: Mr. Fowler bound to Nevis, and Mr. Goy to Dominica. Conceive my anxiety for the ap. proach of morning to seek them. At daybreak I repaired to the strand, and found them sheltered on board of a chasse marée, without a person to speak to, and not a dry thread about them, shivering as leaves on the trees, but firm in Him who had so mightily preserved them. In beholding the distance from the vessel to the strand, the very high surf, wind, mountainous sea, and rocky entrance, we are led to declare that the Lord is all-powerful, allmighty. To hear the narrative of their escape is truly edifying. Mr. Fowler has only saved a change of clothes for him. self, and none whatever for his amiable wife. We have escorted them to this town, and Mr. Fowler has preached in the assembly room, to a crowded congregation of English families who reside here. After sermon we held a classmeeting, and we all were as a garden receiving rain after a long drought. The public meeting was quiet and atten tive, and the people_much edified." In great haste, I remain, my dear brother, your's, affectionately, W. TOASE. Messrs. FOWLER and Goy write as follows: France, Pluescot, March 14, 1818. REV. AND DEAR FATHERS AND Brethren, We are sorry that we are now under the painful necessity of giving you an account of our late perilous and dis astrous voyage, though, in consequence of the discomposure of mind we experience, through our late distresses, and present daily trouble, hurry, and anxiety, we feel ourselves incompetent to the task. O how little did we think, when we left our native country, that we should so soon return, and still less under the circumstances in which we are now returning! But the ways of God, though always merciful and kind, are often mysterious and strange, leaving us room for the exercise of patience and faith; teaching us in all our ways to acknowledge hin, under the pleasing impression that what we "know not now we shall know hereafter." We set sail from Kingroad, Feb. II, hoping soon to reach the place of our destination, and enter upon that im portant work which had the uppermost seat in our sanguine minds; but that God, whose we are, and whom we serve, and under whose command are the winds and waves, saw otherwise; and, after having suffered us to be tossed by the unpropi tious waves and adverse gales, for three weeks and six days, has brought us to this place, monuments indeed of his spar ing mercy: but our vessel is a wreck, and it and cargo are now literally washing on shore by picces. After stating several occurrences at sea, they proceed : Sister Fowler was never above two of three times from her bed the whole month; and indeed this was not surpris ing, as the ship pitched and rolled dreadfully almost all the time. One blessing experienced by brother Goy was nearly a total exemption from the usual illness felt by new sea adventurers. For, though he was considerably weakened and debilitated by the continued violence which the ship endured, and the uncomfortableness of our situation at different periods, he had never above one night's sickness, so that he was enabled, in defiance of the motion, to perform Divine service, which was very acceptably and kindly received by Captain Lewis and several of the passengers. |