to the large concourse of people, of all ranks, then assembled. To his Lordship, the EARL of HUNTINGDON, we are highly indebted for his condescension upon the occasion, and the interest produced in favour of our undertaking. The land upon which we are building is in an excellent situation, and sufficiently extensive to allow the erection of a dwelling-house, besides the chapel. Our subscriptions have surpassed our most sanguine expectations. We have upwards of £300 upon our new list, which is headed with the name of the EARL of HUNTINGDON, and followed by the most respectable names in the community; with about £300 in cash, raised by a former application to the public. FROM THE DOMINICA GAZETTE. The first stone of the Wesleyan Chapel at Roseau was laid the 23d of October, 1822. His Excellency the Governor and suite, LADY SELINA HASTINGS, with several ladies, attended also by the Chief Justice, with some Officers of the 5th Regiment, and Royal Artillery, and a Bumber of the inhabitants, were present. As his Lordship approached the spot, the children of the Sunday-School sang a verse of a hymn. venient situation, the REV. MR. CATTS The company being placed in a congave out an appropriate hymn, which was chaunted by the congregation. When ended, his Lordship proceeded HOLY TRINITY. MR. CATTS then preto lay the stone in the name of the sented his Lordship with a copper-plate, requesting him to deposit it in the foundation-stone. The REV. MR. HARRISON then, standing upon the stone, concluded the ceremony by offering up a prayer, extempore, to ALMIGHTY GOD. This prayer was extremely pathetic and suitable, and seemed to interest his Lordship and the numerous ladies and gentlemen present. The copper-plate, resting upon the first stone, was engraven as follows: BETHESDA CHAPEL. lency the Right Hon. HANS FRANCIS, This first stone was laid by his ExcelEARL of HUNTINGDON, Governor and Commander-in-Chief of the Island of and Ordinary of the same, the 23d day Dominica, Chancellor, Vice-Admiral, of October, A. D. 1822. "Glory to GoD in the Highest!" ST. VINCENT'S.-Extract of a Letter from MR. NELSON, dated Prince's Town, THIS Circuit is certainly a most interesting and important one, whether it be regarded as the scene of former success, or as the field of present missionary toil. In the first view of it, I often reflect with peculiar pleasure, that many are now in the land of rest and peace and joy, the glorious fruit of the labours of those who were in this department of the vineyard before me, and that many are the living witnesses of the truth and power of the divine word preached by them. Here, indeed, "the word of the LORD has had free course, and been glorified." At present, it may be said with truth, that thousands in this island are living under the powerful influence of the Gospel, in the enjoy ment of its blessings, and in hope of eternal glory, and these the most degraded of our species. Such are the blessed effects of this delightful “labour of love!" Our congregations are large, generally crowded, and they are deeply serious and attentive. When I am preaching, my heart sometimes overflows to see the people so eagerly listening to the word of God; and I am constrained to ex claim, "How amiable are thy taber- a goodly We have two or three Sunday-schools on the island; but being unable to attend to them ourselves, without neglecting the Societies, and having fow active intelligent persons to superintend them, they are not in that state of order and efficiency which is desirable. We, however, give them what attention we possibly can, and we are thankful that, little as this is, it is not altogether labour in vain. Besides these Sundayschools, we have a goodly number of catechumens at each of our preachingplaces, whom we regularly instruct in the great first principles of our holy religion. Some of these, I confess, manifest a stupidity I never met with before. Yet patient perseverance sub- be in vain in the LORD." There are one or two openings, into a Missionary might advance which with considerable prospects of success, both in this island and the neighbouring one of Beckway; but we want help, and earnestly hope we shall soon receive some in the arrival of Missionaries. "The harvest" here is eminently" great, but the labourers are few." The LORD thrust them forth into his harvest ! TORTOLA-Extract of a Letter from MR. TRUSCorr, dated Road-Town, Tortola, on this You will rejoice with us station when you hear, that the Great Head of the Church condescends to own the efforts of his servants, in the awakening and the conversion of immortal souls. During the last quarter, we have had abundant cause to rejoice in the peace and harmony which have existed among us, and in the addition of 100 members to the Society, many of whom, we have reason to believe, have given their hearts to GOD. Many of the old members of Society afford us the greatest satisfaction, in consequence of their extheir attachment to GoD's cause, emplary conduct, and their constant and ardent pursuit after that holiness, without which no man shall see the LORD. Some of these, with regard to their in the temporal circumstances, are greatest want and poverty, not having, on some occasions, food to eat, nor a home of their own to shelter them from the heat of the sun, or from the storm and rain; yet they consider themselves rich, in having the love of GoD shed abroad in their hearts, and, with joy and tears of gratitude, often look forward to the period when they shall be admitted to the enjoyment of those pure mansions, which CHRIST is preparing for his faithful people. Our congregations, both in town and country, continue large, and sometimes very respectable. Our love-feasts, bandmeetings, &c., are, in an especial manner, owned of GOD. Our schools are, on the whole, doing well; but we much need a greater number of teachers, and a larger supply of books for the small children. Though we have had these causes of joy, we have had also many causes of sorrow and grief. Although the inhabitants of this small island are so highly favoured with an evangelical ministry in the Established Church, and a variety of means are employed in order to effect a change of character, yet the tide of iniquity rolls along with mighty force. Hence it requires our utmost exertion and vigilance, in order to prevent those over whom we are placed from being carried away by its impetuosity. However, we are not in despair; we rely on the promises of GOD, and the omnipotence of divine love. We know that these are equal to the accomplishment of all things, even the subjugation of the most untoward human wills, and the captivation of the most stubborn hearts; and we hope to see this power yet more abundantly exerted in the salvation of thousands, in this land of wickedness. ANTIGUA-Extract of aLetter from MESSRS. WHITEHOUSE, BROWN, PENNOCK, and HYDE, dated St. John's, October 28, 1822. THE Society in St. John's and its neighbourhood, we may still report, is in a good state. Fifty persons, in the quarter ending last June, joined themselves to us, and thirty-six in the quarter which has just expired. The work here is assuming an aspect of stability, highly gratifying to all who love Zion; and the steadiness of the members will have a good effect upon the rising generation, who also are giving themselves to Gop and to his people. With delight, we observed in several of the classes a clearer appre hension of the truths of Christianity, and a deepening of the work of GoD in their souls. In Parham and its environs, there still continues a blessed spirit of hearing, nor does the word spoken fall to the ground, or return void, but accomplishes the purpose for which it is sent, by "turning the hearts of the disobedient to the wisdom of the just." We have sometimes felt a momentary discouragement, because the effect does not appear so extensive as in the last year. Perhaps, this is intended as a trial of our faith, and our persevering zeal for the salvation of precious souls. la English Harbour and its environs, the work of GOD wears a pleasing aspect. It is evident, from the late increase in our congregations, that there is an increasing thirst after divine knowledge; and not only so, but many have of late renounced the world, with its affections and lusts, embarked in the cause of our great REDEEMER, and now adorn their professions by an upright life. Our old members are likewise growing in grace, and in the knowledge of GOD our SAVIOUR. Our Missionary labours are uninterrupted, with the exception of two instances; one person, the proprietor of two estates, having forbidden us, by a note from his manager, to visit his properties. At our June Quarterly Meeting, we considered the wants of the island, as to preaching on the LORD's Day. There are sixteen places where congregations might be assembled, each of which is encompassed by a population that may reasonably be expected to afford a congregation of at least 150; some of them from 300 to 400. In these sixteen places, we include the chapel at Parham, where, at present, there is no preaching on the Sunday evening. One of these places has, since then, been visited by Brother PENNOCK, on Friday evenings. The congregation is about 150, and the prospect very encouraging. Another of them is not yet visited on the week-day, or, indeed, at any time, though pressing invitations have been sent, both to Brother Waitehouse and Brother PENNOCK; but our hands are so full, that we have not yet been able to comply with their request. The population is large, and exceedingly dark. BABAMAS.-Extract of a Letter from MR. RUTLEDGE, dated New Providence, October 8, 1822. In this town, Nassau, New Providence, we have a steady work, and have reason to believe that many who are not members of our Society hear the word preached to the edification, and, we hope, the salvation of their souls. Many of our old members show all the fruits of righteousness in their lives, and some of the new members promise fair to be very useful. The deaths that have taken place in our Society, for nearly two years past, have been, in general, happy, and some of them triumphant. Brother WILSON spent ten weeks on the Harbour-Island Circuit this year, during which time I had the superintendence of the TownCircuit. I bless GOD, I could say he was with me, and I felt the additional care to be my delight. There is a very pleasing change at the eastward of this town, by the preaching at our East Chapel. One of our Leaders there lately told me, that formerly he could scarcely go out of his door about his ordinary business without being hooted at, mocked, and persecuted; but now, said he, "Blessed be GoD, those very people, even some of the worst of them, seek my company, in order to receive some religious information, and are glad to show me kindness. They now attend the East Chapel, and I have reason to believe that they feel the importance of the truths they hear." In this town, I am happy to say, some of our young gentlemen are coming boldly forward to exhort their neighbours and friends to flee from the wrath to come. MISSIONS IN THE BRITISH AMERICAN COLONIES. NEWFOUNDLAND.-Extract of a Letter from MR. WALSH, dated July 30, 1822. SINCE I wrote to you last, we have held our District-Meeting, when I was appointed to labour in the Bonavista Circuit. I arrived at my station on Wednesday, June 19th, and opened my mission on the following Sabbath. Bonavista is twenty-four leagues to the northward of St. John's; situated on the north side of the bay. It is the most level part of the country I have seen; so much so that we can walk or ride from the Harbour to the Cape, (about four miles,) with great facility, and without ascending a hill, which is a rare thing in Newfoundland. During the short time I have been here, I have often felt my soul refreshed when conversing with the members of society in private, meeting them in their classes, and delivering to them the word of life from the pulpit. Our school has a very promising appearrance. It is conducted on the same plan as those in London. I regularly attend it, to superintend the arrangements, and encourage the teachers. There is one circumstance which I cannot forbear to mention. This is the shameful practice of Sabbath-breaking. 56 Though the Gospel has been preached in this Harbour for a considerable time, yet still it is no uncommon thing to see many of those who call themselves Protestants and churchmen, spreading their fish, making their hay, and in various other ways profaning the day of the LORD. But this certainly is not surprising when we consider that the merchants, to whom the common people look for example, open their shops, load their vessels, and transact other branches of their business, on that sacred day. Small as this community is, the words of Nehemiah (xiii. 16,) are too applicable,-"There dwelt men of Tyre also therein, which brought fish, and all manner of ware, and sold on the Sabbath unto the children of Judah, and in Jerusalem." And, considering the failure of the fishery, and the present distress in the country, we may ask, (ver. 18,) "Did not your fathers thus, and did not our God bring all this evil upon us, and upon this city? yet ye bring more wrath upon Israel by profaning the Sabbath." I will close this letter by giving you the substance of a conversation which I had with an Indian woman, while on a visit to brother HICKSON in Trinity. The wigwam in which she and her family were, was about a quarter of a mile in the woods. It was made of bark, of a conical form, and about twenty feet in The fire was in the circumference. middle of the wigwam, and the top left open, which served for a chimney; and it was only near the centre that we could stand upright. As there were no seats, we sat down on the ground. There were two women, one girl, and two boys. They were of the tribe of Micmacks from the island of Cape Breton. They have been in different parts of Newfoundland for a considerable time, and subsist partly by mendicity, and partly by making small trinkets which people They are of a purchase of them. Mulatto colour; their clothes in some respects resemble those worn by the English, except their caps, which, like their wigwam, are in the form of a sugarloaf. Finding them free to converse, I began as follows:--Of what tribe are you?"We be Micmack tribe, from Cape Breton." Are there many of your "O yes, great tribe in Cape Breton ? many; me suppose three or four hunDo your people live together in dred." the woods in Cape Breton? "0, we live in town with merchants." Do you live in wigwams in Cape Breton ? "Yes, but not like dis; dis no good wigwam, we better in Cape Breton, and here be merchant's house, and dere be wigwam." Have you any head-man or chief among you? "O yes, we have chief in Cape Breton." What kind of laws have you? "O we very good laws." But suppose one of your tribe should kill another, what punishment would your chief inflict upon the offender? "O, we never kill one another, we only kill Esquimaux." But suppose one of you should get into a passion and kill one of your own tribe, what would your chief then do to him?"O kill If one of your tribe steal from him." another, what would your chief do to "Take something from him." him? Have you any Priest in Cape Breton ? "O yes, we have Priest in Cape Breton; twenty years ago our chief send to Quebec for Priest, and Bishop said, You build chapel, and me send you Priest, so we build chapel, and den we get Priest." Did you ever learn from your Priest, that you are a fallen guilty creature, and must be pardoned through the blood of JESUS CHRIST before you can enter heaven? "Dat very good me hear of JESUS CHRIST." But did you ever hear that you must be pardoned through him? On this and several such-like questions, she manifested her want of information. We, therefore, took an opportunity of explaining these things to them, prayed with them, and then returned home. While engaged in the above conversation, several times I thought on the subject which I understood the Committee have in contemplation, namely, to send a Missionary to Labrador, and was led to wish that I might be appointed to that station; but I would not choose for myself, or run before I am sent. CANADA.-Extract of a Letter from MR. HICK, dated Stanstead, Oct. 3, 1822. importance of serving GOD, and determined to seek him while he may be found. I HAVE at length the satisfaction to inform you, that the LORD has begun to pour out of his SPIRIT on this part of his vineyard, so that in the space of five weeks eight persons have been brought into the enjoyment of christian liberty, and several others appear to be impressed with a conviction of the vast For several months I laboured under very considerable discouragement: the people were kind,—the congregations good, and apparently attentive,but, alas! religion, in its spirit and practice, was attended to but by a few However, since the day appointed by the District-Meeting for fasting and special prayer for the revival of religion, the case has been altered; the few who did profess to know the LORD, have been quickened,-the congregations have appeared to listen with different feelings, and the result has been what I stated above. MONTHLY ABSTRACT OF RECENT INTELLIGENCE. Letters have been received, during the last month, from the following Missionaries : INDIA. From MR. LYNCH, Madras, announcing that, on account of MR. CLOSE's severe and continued indisposition, it was thought necessary that he should leave India; and that MR. MOWATT will take MR. CLOSE's place at Negapatam: From MR. OSBORNE, Jaffna, in which he states the general prosperity of the work: From MR. CARVER, Trincomalee: From MR. Fox, Columbo, giving an account of the progress of the Mission-Schools in the wethern part of the island. SOUTH SEA MISSIONS.-From MESSRS. HORTON, TURNER, and WHITE, stating the safe arrival of the two latter at Van Diemen's Land, and the progress of the Mission at that station. SOUTH AFRICA.-From MESSRS. SHAW, WILLIAM SHAW, KAY, and EDWARDS. MR. BROADBENT was recovering from his severe sickness, and the rest of the Brethren, with their families, were well. WEST INDIES.-From MESSRS. MORGAN, St. Kitt's; FELVUS, Tortola; WHITEHOUSE, Antigua; RAYNER, St. Vincent's; SHREWSBURY, Barbadoes; HORNE, YOUNG, and TURTLE, Jamaica, stating the progress of the new Chapel in Kingston, and the extension of their labours into some new places; and RUTLEDGE, New Providence, giving an encouraging account of the work in the Bahama Islands. CANADA. From MESSRS. BOOTH and Du PUTRON, the latter of whom mentions a revival of religion at Burtonville. NEWFOUNDLAND.-From MESSRS. PECKAVANT, Harbour-Grace; and WILSON, Conception Bay. FRANCE. From MESSRS. COOKE and CROGGAN, who state, that the prospects of usefulness in the South of France are still very encouraging. GIBRALTAR.-From MR. CROSCOMBE, who reports that a good work was going on among the soldiers of the Garrison. EXTRACTS FROM THE PUBLICATIONS OF OTHER LONDON MISSIONARY SOCIETY. SURAT.-Extract of a Letter from MR. FYVIE, to the Secretary, dated March 1, 1822. FEB. 4th.-I was much gratified this morning by a visit of the Native who has for some years been very active in giving away Tracts, in assisting in the schools, and in speaking to his countrymen about religion. He requested a supply of Gujuratee New Testaments and Tracts, as he intended to visit several of the villages at a considerable distance from Surat. With pleasure I complied with his request; and pray that the Lord may be with him in his journey. When taking leave, he said, "I go as a pioneer, and you must follow; and I trust you will see that my labours have not been in vain." Glad should I have been to have accompanied him; but I cannot leave the work in Surat a single day, unless compelled to do it, until I receive assistance from England. I may here observe that the Gujuratee Testament is divided into eight parts; and since it has been printed, about 1,000 parts have been given away by us among the people in this city, and in the villages around. About 10,000 Gujuratee Tracts have been given away since the press began to work. Feb. 5th.-I visited the second Native School. The whole number of children in this school is 50.-I was much pleased with the progress they had made, and I heard them repeat the lessons in our first book. Finding them perfect in |