But about ten o'clock he was taken worse; and at midnight, after giving several signals of victory, he beckoned to the family and friends present, to draw near and kiss him, and in the most affectionate manner, he pressed us to his lips: after which he said with a faltering voice, "Thank the Lord."-" Now Lord come, Amen." The next day, though in the agonies of death, he was perfectly sensible and recollected, and frequently joined his hands in prayers. During the whole time of his affliction, and particu larly when the pains of death were upon him, he manifested the warmest affection to all about him, but especially to his dear wife. Perceiving her to weep over his suffering body, he, with his own trembling hand, wiped away the tears from her eyes. About ten o'clock in the morning he exchanged mortality for eternal bliss. "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints." Your's affectionately, WILLIAM TOASE. Guernsey, Oct. 5th, 1819. Some months ago we received a letter from a person, who styles himself "A Candid Inquirer," suggesting some doubts of the accuracy of the statement given by Mr. John Brown, in a paragraph of his speech delivered at the Missionary Meeting held in the City-Road Chapel in May last, concerning the state of the negroe population in the Republican part of the island of St. Domingo; and putting a variety of questions respecting the information contained in that paragraph. We took the earliest opportunity of laying "Candid Inquirer's" letter before Mr. Brown, and have lately been favoured with the following reply to it, which we here insert. "TO THE EDITOR. "I thank you for transmitting me the letter signed "Candid Inquirer," to which I reply. At the commencement of the speech which has given rise to his inquiries, I explicitly stated, that my remarks were to be considered as applying only to the Republican part of the island of St. Domingo. Consequently, never entered into my mind to attempt to give a description of the state of the Catholic Church in general. And it is manifest, that all I designed was merely, by detailing a few facts which fell under my own observation, to shew the moral and religious situation of the Haytians, in the city and neighbourhood of Port au Prince. Of the correctness of my statements I myself am conscious, as far as I am capable of judging; and "Candid Inquirer" is at liberty to believe them or disbelieve them, as he may think proper. Doubtless he himself can best explain wherein he discovers such a resemblance between the religion and morals of the Haytians and those of Catholics in general, as leads him to give my words so wide an application, and to conclude that I spoke of the Catholic religion and Catholic morals in every part of the world. Should "Candid Inquirer" wish for farther information, if in his next communication he will favour me with his name, and place of residence, I shall be happy to correspond with him, either publickly or privately; and answer, as far as I am able, any question relative to my speech, which he shall think fit to propose. "I am, dear Sir, your's respectfully, "77, Hatton Garden, London, Sept. 14, 1819. To the Editor of the Methodist Magazine. J. BROWN." As I am inclined to think there are numerous instances of persons letting out Carriages for hire on the Lord's day, among whom may be found professors of serious religion, I humbly request your opinion how far they may be justified in so doing; more than one or two have come within my own observation, by those who not only profess religion, but whose moral and religious character is in every other respect unimpeachable. I hope, Sir, your observations on the subject may be the means of checking such conduct, which appears to license Sabbath-breaking, and is in itself an open violation of the law of God. London, August 30, 1819. DISCIPULUS. As it frequently happens, that a minister wants a gig, to convey him to the place where he has to preach and perform other parts of Divine service; and as it is sometimes expedient for a person to go to some distance to visit a sick friend, letting carriages out for hire cannot absolutely be prohibited. But when no reason of that kind occurs, it is an evil which ought to be checked as much as possible; for hiring carriages to go journeys of pleasure, or for worldly business, is doubtless a profanation of the Lord's day. MISSIONARY INTELLIGENCE. CEYLON. CALTURA. In following our excellent brethren who are labouring in the foreign work through the various scenes of their labours, those who love them for their work and their Master's sake, will neither refuse to share with them in the joys of their successes, nor to sympathize with them in the sorrows to which they are called, either by the peculiar circumstances of their condition, or in the ordinary changes and sufferings of this life. The exercises from which no place or sphere of action is exempt, and which might have been experienced by them had they remained in their own country, have often to Missionaries a peculiar bitterness, and require for them a peculiar support. Such is the loss of Christian friends, and such especially is the bereavement of a pious wife. This affliction our respected brother Fox has been called to sustain, and whilst the manner of Mrs. Fox's death gives additional proof of the reality of that religion she went forth so readily with her husband to make known to the heathen, and will be edifying to our readers to peruse; the circumstance will, we doubt not, give our afflicted brother an especial interest in the prayers of the friends of Missions, and of Missionaries. are no more. I was but ill prepared for this afflictive stroke, though I had had the most painful fears for some time; yet having succeeded before in raising her up, I trusted, aided by a milder clime, Providence would again graciously turn aside the stroke. The complaint which brought her to the grave was of a long standing, a consumption. Extract of a Letter from Mr. Fox, dated Point de Galle. It is with great difficulty I write to you my present quarterly communication, from the peculiar trials with which it has pleased the Lord to afflict me. I have now lost my most valuable earthly stay, counsellor and friend. My dear wife has been removed from me, and though once doubtful the race, she has gained the haven of rest before me. I could not murmur at this painful dispensation of him who cannot err; but I submitted with a broken heart. While she was with me I fainted under nothing, and scarcely any thing but her affliction filled my heart with sorrow. She lamented that she could personally do so little, compara. tively, in the great work: but she encouraged me in all my labours and difficulties, though she sometimes told me I was frustrating the end I designed, by attempting labours beyond my power to accomplish. Wherever the cause of God demanded my presence, she not only gave me up, but urged me to go,with only one caution, "Do not mistake murder for sacrifice." Indeed she was so associated with all my plans, that I find it yet too much for my feelings, to attempt to finish works begun while she was with me. There is how ever, one consolation that mingles itself with all my sorrows, I shall soon meet her again, in climes where death and parting VOL. XLII. NOVEMBER, 1819. She often repeated her favourite hymn, beginning with "Shrinking from the cold hand of death;" and so partial was she to that hymn, that she got an old hymn book bound and clasped with silver, because in that edition, the hymn was nabridged, and her favourite verse was there "Walk with me through the dreadful shade, And, certified that thou art mine, My spirit, calm and undismayed, Ishall into thy hands resign." On giving the ground of her hope, she repeated the lines, "Because thou didst for sinners die, Jesus in death remember me." Her complaint was variable, sometimes she was but little affected by her cough, her appetite remained, and she complained but little of a decrease of strength. In July, the lamented Sir William Coke, on his last journey, kindly called to see us, and on his departure she remarked * 5 II. how well he looked; observing that health, however, was no security against death. At this time her mind was quite calm and composed, and the adversary, who had fiercely assaulted her, was not permitted to afflict her soul. She was very urgent with me to send our dear little girl to England, considering this one of the worst places in the world to bring up girls, where an afflicted mother could not attend to them. I was not very willing to part with my children; but thinking it would lessen her anxiety I consented to it, when we had a good opportunity. Our dear little boy, she added, hope will ever be with his father, where he will be well educated, and brought up in the fear of the Lord. You will conceive how difficult it was to command my feelings under such conversations, which seemed like the language of one ready to die, and one for whom, had heaven permitted, I could gladly have given my life to save. She was particularly gratified with the Psalms, according to the version in the book of Common Prayer; these I read to her in the order they are appointed to be read in churches. We then occupied a wing of the government house, and at first the air appeared to be of great advantage. From J. Atkinson, Esq. and his most excellent lady, we received every comfort which could be found in the four quarters of the globe. Their kindness and attention to my dear Katharine, exceeds all that can be written, but it is written on my heart, and time cannot erase it. After a few weeks her cough was worse than before, and I was recommended from all quarters, to try another air. The sympathising affection of my brethren and friends, was a consolation to us under these trying circumstances. Having by the help of brother M'Kenny made due arrangements, we set out for Point de Galle, where we arrived without the usual inconveniences in travelling. For a fortnight she seemed to receive no advantage from the change; but afterwards symptoms were more favourable, and in the beginning of November I had little doubt of her recovery. As it was necessary for us to hold a District Meeting, I said to her, my dear, I will write to the brethren to meet at Galle, as it will make but little difference to them; at all events my presence is not particularly necessary at this meeting. She answered, no, you may leave me very safely, it is proper for you to go. I hesitated, and she wept, saying she was the cause of my neglecting a duty. As she continued to improve in health I at length set out; I was far from being well when I left Galle, and when I had been in Colombo three days, I was seized with so obstinate a bowel complaint, that I was given up. My brethren, with broken bearts, told me the doctor's opinion, which I heard unmoved, and my soul, within a few hours (apparently) of the eternal world, stood unmoved on the Rock of ages. My dear wife and little ones were on my heart, but I had centidence in him who said, "Leave thy fatherless children, and let thy widows trust in me." On my recovery I set out for Galle, filled with a thousand pleasing ideas of seeing my dear wife; but a few hours before I could reach, she had, without a sigh, entered into the rest that remains for the people of God. When the breathless messenger met me with the news, I was overwhelmed with sorrow that could not relieve itself by tears, and I came only to see the remains of all that was dear to me, on whose countenance death had fixed the most placid smile. I looked on my little ones, and wept; but for them perhaps I had murmured to be brought back from the grave, when to live was to be separated from her I loved. She did not apprehend herself to be so near death till the day before, and then, in giving an account of her hope to her affectionate friend Mrs. Griffiths, she repeated two lines of her favourite hymn, "Because thou didst for sinners die, O may I labour more diligently in that cause, which, above all others she loved, till the great Head of the church shall say, well done, good and faithful servant, enter and share with thy partner, the joy of your Lord. I am grateful for the sympathies of my brethren, and the kinduess of my numer. ous friends. The Rev. Mr. Mayor and his kind partnertook my little girl to their own house some weeks before my Katharine died; and sister M'Kenny has kindly and voluntarily taken charge of my little boy. My little Katharine will return to Europe under charge of brother Harvard, and thus my dear little girl, if all be well. will twice have crossed the Atlantic and Indian oceans, before she will have completed the third year of her age. I can scarcely support myself under the prospect of losing my little girl, though I know the Lord will take care of her, and she will never want a friend. A few months ago I was surrounded by my little family, a happier family lived not; now I am stripped, and left alone; but it is "Good when he gives, supremely good, Are blessings in disguise." I am happy to say that my station prospers greatly, under the indefatigable labours of Mr. Anthoniez; the congregations greatly increase, and the schools are in a very prosperous state. On these I shall not enlarge, as the particular details will be found in our school report, now in the press. We have had by us for some time, a journal of Mr. NEWSTEAD's, from the time of his arrival, to April, 1818. As it contains many particulars which will interest our readers, we shall give extracts from it as our limits will allow. From the Journal of ROBERT NEWSTEAD, from the period of landing in Ceylon. tastic attitudes. But description fails, it cannot be described so as to convey an adequate idea of the scene. My mind was wholly absorbed in reflecting on the degraded state of the poor creatures, and on the unmeaning glare,and senseless pomp before me, contrasted with the beautiful simplicity of the religion of Jesus. I silently adored the Lord that I was born in a Christian land, and implored that his light might visit these people. But, I could not help thinking, how little pros. pect, humanly speaking, there appeared of their conversion, from all the empty show, so calculated to attract ignorant and heathen minds, to a religion, which, though pre-eminently glorious, presents nothing alluring to the senses, and whose chief glories are out of sight, except indeed, the beauties of a holy life, which they cannot appreciate. But Jesus reigns, and to him all power belongs; "He can, out of these stones, raise up children unto Abraham." April 25, 1817. Brother Erskine came to the ship, and accompanied us on shore (Point de Galle,) where we found brother and sister M'Kenny, who received us joyfully and affectionately. We have here a most delightful station; the house is very large and convenient, having within it a very neat chapel 60 feet long, which in the evening was partly filled, while brother Fox preached. My heart was much affected at being present in public worship on Asiatic ground, and it was peculiarly sweet to my soul to hear them sing, "For ever here my rest shall be," &c. April 27. Our first Sabbath in Ceylon; we attended the church. Mr. Glennie, (the Colonial chaplain) being now here, our brethren do not supply officially as heretofore, but service is performed in the Mission-house in English and Portuguese, where many attend. My soul was very sweetly led out while I prayed with the English congregation. I long to be made useful in any way. At night we witnessed a Mahomedan ceremony, which caused my heart to sigh deeply for the ignorance and blindness of that deludedpeo ple. It was uncommonly splendid in their way; a long procession formed of various grotesque figures, the most prominent of which was a priest, fantastically dressed with a very long white beard, preceded an immense machine formed of great and small pagodas, tinselled and illuminated all over, and constantly turning about; a great number of tom toms followed, with an immense drum, or something like it, making a hideous noise: the whole was lighted up by hundreds of fire balls suspended on sticks on men's shoulders; two or three men were twisting large canes or bamboos on fire at both ends, with astonishing rapidity and dexterity. A number of fire works were let off at intervals, and the whole attended by, I suppose thousands of men, women, and children, making a dreadful noise, and twisting themselves into all sorts of fan 28. Brother Osborne and I walked into the bazar; much wished we could talk to the people; but at present we can only pray for them, as thousands are doing in England. 29. We breakfasted with brother Erskine,who resides where the native school is kept, in a house belonging to the Guard Modeliar, whose sons are taught there. It is a lovely situation,quite embowered in a cocoa-nut grove, in a long valley between two very high hills, which are covered to the top with trees and jungle; it at once affords deep retirement and a pure air, and is well adapted for study. The native school here is in a good state, many of the lads read and write English well. May 1. Last night there was a dread. ful thunder-storm; such amazing peals of thunder I never heard; being between sleeping and waking it quite terrified me; it seemed so near, that I thought it would rend the rocks on either side, and bury the house; the lightning gleamed through the tiles, (for there are no ceilings here,) and made the room light as the day. I do not know how an infidel would be affected in such storms, but they generally refer me to that day, when a more awful tempest will rage, and lead me afresh to examine what are my evidences for eternal life! and blessed be God, I feel a grateful confidence in him, who rides on the whirlwind, and directs the storm." To-day we visited Mrs. Gibson, a lady whose example is a pattern to the world; were there a few such in every place, there would be less occasion for the labours of Christian Missionaries. This lady patronizes, superintends, and in a great measure supports a large school of learning and industry, on an excellent plan: it receives both sexes, who are instructed in the useful branches of English education, boarded, cloathed, and taught useful trades. The children are trained up in the excellent principles of Christian morality, regularly attend the church, and morning and evening prayers, &c. No wonder then that the establishment prospers, and it will no doubt produce many excellent members of society, and it is to be hoped, some true servants of God. At this excellent lady's own request, we regularly attend to give the children Christian instruction. Their appearance at church is most interesting, and the whole well-conducted concern proves the possibility of "training up children in the way they should go," in any land where proper steps are taken, and judiciously pursued. 3. Was introduced to the principal judge here, (H. R. Sneyd, Esq.) who is a most amiable and excellent gentleman, and a real friend to the cause of Christianity and Missions. His counsel and assistance is, I am informed, kindly given on every occasion. The mode of washing here is not a little curious, viz. dashing the linen on a large stone on the bank of a river! however, they make them beautifully white, though, of course, they are not long in wearing out, 5. It is almost astonishing to hear of the many virtues and uses of the cocoa nut tree; it furnishes the natives with houses, bed, food, and fire! The Modelier informs me, that they gather the fruit at least four times in the year, but that the trees always have young fruit upon them, so that they bear all the year round. It is said, that there is a kind of controversy between this and the other side of the island concerning which tree, the cocoa nut or the palmyra, (which chiefly grows on the other part of the Island) is the most productive, and they number up the articles which the differ ent trees produce in support of their claims. Among the productions of the cocoa nut tree, and what is made from it, are numbered the fruit, toddy, arrack, vinegar, a kind of sugar, cables, olas for roofs, &c. besides the timber, which is not very good in this the palmyra has a decided superiority. Although there is no doubt but the uncommon plenty which these trees produce, is one source of the indolence of the natives; every thing they really want, thus growing to their hands; yet the wisdom and goodness of Divine Providence is much displayed in this tree running to an immense height, 60 or 70 feet generally, and upwards; and having no foliage on the trunk, it does not prevent the free circulation of the air; yet the great tuft of uncommoa large leaves (or rather branches) at the top, forms a perfect screen from the 10tense heat of the sun; indeed, an open umbrella is no unapt representation of the form of this tree when one stands under it. The nuts which haug in ponderous clusters round the very top, are always filled with delicious water, than which we can hardly conceive any thing more grateful in a tropical clime; and they are so very plentiful, that I believe, two may sometimes be had for about a farthing. The natives of this country are gene rally very well looking; some faces are very expressive, and even beautiful; I have seen some of the finest countenances under dark shades, here, that I ever be held; their manners are in general very harmless, simple, and obliging; many of them are excellent mechanics and artificers. 8. We had a conversation with a Budhist priest, who came to the house richly dressed in a yellow satin robe, soon after my arrival." I felt those words very forcibly, "Cast thy bread upon the waters, and it shall appear after many days." Yes, I see that the progress of the gospel here will probably be very slow; yet the foundation must be laid, and it must be laid in faith, watered with prayer, and waited for with patience; but Jesus will assuredly give the increase to every well-meant effort for his glory. O Lord, give me the spirit of thy work! 9. The custom of bringing presents, &c. here, seems in a degree to illustrate the Scriptures, by showing the usages of former times. Mr. Erskine gave me an anecdote this morning of the modeller, which is very characteristic of the customs of the country. On one occasion, when Mr. E. had been out visiting schools, |