grace, and clearer demonstrations of his presence and love. In simplicity of heart let us follow our Lord, copy his example, walk as he walked, follow his steps of active charity, breathe his calm and loving mind, die like him to all earthly good, and hasten to the end of our course. "The time is short." O let us fill it with all the fruits and acts of Christian love and zeal; that our last moments may be peace; and that through the meritorious passion of our Divine Saviour, we may be accounted worthy to renew our fellowship in his unsuffering kingdom; and be eternally one with Christ, as he is one with the Father. Signed in behalf and by order of the Conference, JONATHAN CROWTHER, President. BRISTOL, Aug. 7, 1819. SUNDAY SCHOOL UNION. The Annual Meeting of the Teachers and Friends of Sunday Schools was held at the City of London Tavern, on Wednesday morning the 12th of May, 1819. Joseph Butterworth, Esq. in the chair. An Abstract of the Report was read by W. F. Lloyd, one of the Secretaries, which gave the following summary of the operations of this institution. Return of numbers forwarded to the Sunday School Union, in May, 1819. Schools. Teachers. Scholars. But it is presumed, that were the number of scholars ascertained in other parts of this country where no unions are yet established, the above statement would be doubled. With these Societies a friendly intercourse and correspondence is maintained, and various measures have been adopted to give unity and efficiency to the plan of Sunday School instruction throughout the kingdom. To those who may not be acquainted with the moral and religious state of vast numbers of towns and villages throughout our native land, the fact may appear surprising, that since Sunday School Unions have been in active operation, such scenes of ignorance and depravity have been discovered as have made the visitors almost imagine that they were exploring the moral state of Africa, rather than that of highly favoured England. By means of these societies, many villages and towns have been visited where ignorance and sin have hitherto held undisputed dominion, and in these stations Sunday Schools have been formed, and are now diffusing their benefits to a great extent. The Union is anxious to extend its influence to Foreign Parts, and though little has yet been done, it will afford satisfaction to their friends to know that Sunday Schools have been formed in France, Holland, Calcutta, Ceylon, New South Wales, West India Islands; and by the impulse received from papers and books conveyed from this Union in London, similar institutions have been very extensively established in the United States of America, Canada, Newfoundland, and other parts. This Union has hitherto prosecuted its designs chiefly by means of active personal labour, but from the great and enlarging scale of its operations, an increase of pecuniary assistance is absolutely necessary to continue and extend its usefulness. A very important measure has recently been adopted for the general benefit of Sunday Schools, by the establishment of the Depôt, at 44, Newgate-street, for the sale of suitable and approved Sunday School publications at reduced prices, which must necessarily require a considerable sum of money to keep a sufficient stock, that no disappointment may be experienced on Schools requiring supplies. 4N* VOL. XLII. SEPTEMBER, 1819. Some of the advantages contemplated by the Committee are the furnishing Sunday Schools with lists and prices of such books, &c. as they may be constantly in the habit of using the supplying Sunday School Unions, and through them the Sunday Schools, with the needful books, &c. at the lowest possible prices-the selection of suitable books, read and approved by the Committee, to the exclusion of those that are objectionable*-the saving of time and trouble, by the whole order being completed at one place, and immediately despatched to its destination-the establishment of a centre of communication, of influence, and of information for the metropolisthe country at large-and, if possible, for the whole world—this has long been considered as a desideratum for Sunday Schools; and by such a plan, the expenses of these institutions wil be considerably diminished, and the sums contributed to them become adequate to more extensive usefulness. The Committee of this Union have voted, during the past year, £113 12s. by which seasonable assistance several New Sunday Schools have been established, chiefly in the metropolis, for the present limited state of the funds precludes grants from being made to open New Sunday Schools in many towns and villages in the country, which are yet destitute of these useful establishments. The various reports forwarded to the Committee of this Union, present an account of several New Sunday Schools, opened during the past year. The meeting was addressed by the Rev. Alexander Fletcher, Rev Dr. Smith, Rev. Samuel Hillyard, Mr. Wm. Wardlaw, jun. Rev. Joseph Taylor, Dr. Zeuckerbecker, Rev. Thomas Wood, Rev. George Marsden, Rev. Jabez Bunting, Mr. J. A. Coombs, Mr. Wm. Jones, Mr. W. F. Lloyd. The meeting was very numerously attended, and all persons departed with the appearance of having been highly gratified and delighted. It is hoped that this is not the only effect that will be produced by a meeting so important and interesting; but that all persons who were present, will return with fresh energy to their engagements in the religious instruction of the young, and that the true spirit of exertion and union, strengthened by the bond of Christian love, will be found more eminently to prevail among the friends of the rising generation. All future communications are requested to be directed to the Secretaries, at the Sunday School Union Depôt, 44, Newgate-street, London. The Committee have often regretted to observe the very exceptionable hooks which are circulated in Sunday Schools, through a want of care in selecting them. MISSIONARY INTELLIGENCE. CEYLON. We are happy to state the safe arrival of Brother and Sister Harvard, with two children, and one of Mr.Fox's children from Ceylon. Before Mr. Harvard left the island the re-establishment of his health,which had sunk under his great and important labours, was despaired of, both by his medical attendants and his brethren. The voyage, however, appears to have been singularly beneficial to him. His statements as to the present prospects of the Mission are highly satisfactory. Extract of a Letter from Mr. SQUANCE, dated Point de Galle, (to which place he had paid a temporary visit from Jaffna, on account of his health,) Feb. 6, 1819. June 19, 1818. Visited the school at sation with one, who is considered by the Vannarpannay, two miles from Jaffna. natives as a very learned man; but his Sixty-four boys were present; the total profound ignorance of God, and of all number in the school is ninety-two, Divine things, excited my tenderest pity, twenty-four of whom are the children of and led me earnestly to pray that God Mahommedans, and the rest Hindoos. would send out his light and truth. After The progress which many of them have giving directions to the schoolmaster, we made in learning, afforded me much gia- proceeded to Chavicherry, six miles furtification. ther. The church here is one of the largest in the province, and would hold about two thousand people, but is going rapidly to ruins. I gave directions to fit up one end of it, for a school and a preaching place. While we are thus recruiting the demolished churches, may God assist us to raise spiritual buildings, July 22d. At five this morning I set out into the country, accompanied by Christian David, to establish a few native schools. On our arrival at Navacully (five miles) we found a few people assembled. Christian David gave them an exhortation; after which I had a conver such as the powers of darkness will never be able to overthrow. 23d Christian David gave au exhortation to a few natives who were assembled. His manner of teaching by question and answer is very interesting, and admirably adapted to keep up the people's attention. If at any time they are unable to answer, he puts the question in a different form, and by this means they are sure to understand all he says. As we were returning to Jaffna in the evening we met thousands of people going to Klaby, to a Roman Catholic festival, which is annually observed in commemoration of Major Jacobus, who was an officer in the Portuguese army at the time they possessed the island. He was canonized in consequence of having been slain in battle by the Moormen. People come to this festival from all quarters for two hundred miles round; bringing with them offerings of fruit, young trees, money, &c. to a very great amount. Drunkenness, debauchery, and wickedness of every kind, constitute the worship paid to this imaginary saint. 30th. Preached in Portuguese. The people seemed to drink in the word of life with eagerness. May it be as seed sown in good ground! Aug. 2. It is very gratifying to see how much our congregations increase. I have never seen so many at the preaching, both morning and evening, as to-day. The spirit of hearing is, I trust, the presage of some greater blessing. "Faith cometh by hearing." The sacrament in the evening was a season not to be forgetten. 6th. Went to Vannarpannay. The school here presents a most promising prospect. The boys are regular in their attendance. and attentive to their books. They discover great abilities for learning, and many of them manifest a disposition to receive Divine truth. Their parents, unhappily, are their greatest enemies, as they compel them constantly to attend the heathen temples; and when at home, to read to them their heathen books, which are full of obscenity. Brother Osborne preached in Portuguese in the evening The congregation was attentive and serious, with the exception of a few near the door, who amused themselves in talking and laughing; an irreverence I never before witnessed in any native or Portuguese congregation. 21st. I have been busily employed for some days in preparing for the press a Tamul grammar, which, I hope, will lessen the difficulties attending the study of the language. I have undertaken this work with a view to assist future missionaries. Should it in any degree answer my design, I shall be abundantly compensated. 26th. Rode to Puttoor. Was much pleased here with the school, which, since the last time I came, has increased from 12 to 45 boys. A small congregation assembled, to whom I gave a few words of exhortation. Returned to Jaffna in the evening, rather unwell. 28th. As I was riding out this morning, my ears were assailed by an unusual noise of tom-toms, and shouting. On approaching the Hindus temple, I saw thousands and tens of thousands of devotees, assembled in all directions to pay their adoration to their wooden gods. In a few moments I was so completely hemmed in by the immense concourse of people, as to be unable to move. I was struck with horror, and had I not been some time in the country, should have expected every moment to be murdered. It was the greatest multitude I ever saw assembled. It struck me at the same time there were one hundred thousand, but at the very least there were eighty thousand! Their images, the objects of their adoration, were placed on an immense car, built of wood; on which were carved the grossest figures, calculated to call into exercise all the unholy feelings of corrupt nature. The car was drawn round the temple about the distance of a quarter of a mile, and at least 500 people rolled after it, many of whom appeared almost dead with the exertion. The sight deeply affected my heart, and who could forbear weeping? I could not. O, ye highly favoured inhabitants of England, let the deplorable condition of the heathen excite your tenderest pity. Send us out more missionaries, and send up thousands of prayers to the God of heaven for success in their labours. Thousands of perishing heathens will then bless you in the day of God! 30th. Went again to Vannarpannay. Catechized the children, and heard them read the third chapter of St. John, which expounded, and concluded with prayer. Eighty-four boys were present, and a few adults. I should entertain great hopes of the children were they not compelled by their parents to attend the heathen temples. But under all our discouragements, the wise man's advice keeps us from sinking," In the morning sow thy seed," &c. Oct. 7th. Early in the morning I left Jaffna to proceed to Point Pedro. Arrived at Puttoor by eight o'clock. Here I remained till the evening. The school at this place gives me more satisfaction than all we have besides. The regular attendance of the children, and their delight in learning, is very gratifying. Out of sixty-four boys, there is seldom more than three or four absent. You will perceive by our Minutes, that we have agreed to send a printing-press to Jaffna. This will, I have no doubt, answer many important ends. We are providentially furnished with very exten sive premises, so that we shall have no need to make additional purchases. We have the most comfortable missionary establishment at Jaffna of any I ever saw, and we got the whole estate for one fourth of its value. But our borders are enlarging, and we want more help. NEWFOUNDLAND. The following letter from St. John's, acknowledges the liberality of our friends in England in the aid afforded to the society there for the re-building of their chapel, destroyed by fire. We deeply regret to find that St. John's has again been visited by the calamity of a dreadful fire, in which several of the members of our society have suffered. the fellowship of love. For all the happiness we enjoy, and which our future prospects appear to promise us, we are indebted, under the bounteous Author of all good, to you. Indeed, brethren, you have done well that you did communicate with us in our affliction. We trust your benevolent deed will ascend before the throne of the Most High," as an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, and well pleasing to God." May our God supply all your needs, according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus! St. John's, Newfoundland, 27th July, 1819. REV. AND DEAR BRETHREN, At the last District Meeting, held at St. John's, we were informed of the extent of the contributions among our friends in England, towards re-building the chapels in this country which have unfortunately been destroyed by fire. Compelled by the strongest emotions of gratitude, a necessity laid upon us to express the high sense we entertain of this signal instance of Christian benevolence, which you have been made the channel of communicating to us from the churches in the mother country. But we are at a loss for words to convey our acknowledgments. Unknown to you in person, and unconnected by the endearing ties of social acquaintance, we had no claim upon your generosity, except from those cementing bonds of Christian love, which, we trust, unite us together as members of the mystical body of our living Hend. The afflictions of our church in temporal concerns have indeed been unusually multiplied. After the destruction of our newly-erected chapel in the year 1816, the purchase of an eligible spot of ground to re-build it, and the successive destructive fires which deprived our most wealthy friends of their means of assisting us, our infant cause appeared to languish, and our hopes were faint, but, through your active benevolence, our fears have been dispersed, and our church raised from its ashes. We are now enabled to worship God in a comfortable and commodious chapel, situated in a part of the town every way convenient, and secure from any future accidents of fire. Near the chapel we are erecting a house for the residence of the preacher, which we expect he will be able to inhabit the approaching winter; our congregations are numerous and attentive, and our society, though narrow in its limits, is united in You will be grieved to receive the information that this unhappy town has been again visited by a calamitous fire. About one o'clock, on Monday morning, (the 19th,) after a Sabbath spent by a few in the services of the sanctuary and the exercises of devotion, but by far the greatest part of the community in worldly festivity or daring profanity, we had to witness another dreadful conflagration, which, in a very short time, consumed nearly all that remained of the Old Town; involving in the general ruin all our principal friends, some of whom had suffered by the former fires, and are now deprived of their habitations, and the chief part of their property. On which account, all that temporal support to the church which might have been expected from their liberality, must be suspended for the present. By the newspaperwhich we forward with this letter, you will be more particularly informed of the extent of this melancholy event. We trust we are too well acquainted with the truth of the Gospel, to think it strange concerning this (literally) fiery trial, as though some strange thing had happened unto us;" for we know that the tears of tribulation often bedew the path which leads the redeemed of the Lord to the kingdom of heaven. Our prayer is, that we may "suffer as Christians," and "glorify the Lord in the midst of the fires," and that we may imbibe the spirit of the resigned prophet, and adopt his devout language on this occasion; "Although the fig-tree shall not blossom, &c. yet we will rejoice in the Lord, we will joy in the God of our salvation." That the Lord may richly endow you with every temporal and spiritual blessing, is the fervent prayer of, Rev. and Dear Brethren, Your servants in the bonds of Jesus, WILLIAM FREEMAN, To the Committee of the NOVA SCOTIA. Stewards. Extract of a Letter from Mr. BUSBY, dated Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia, January 21, 1819. SOME time having elapsed since I last wrote to you, a sense of duty and affection again urge me to the pleasing task. Although I have not to detail matters of such extensive moment as you are accustomed to receive from other quarters of your widely-extended Missionary field, yet, I have the happiness to relate, that by your liberality, and the goodness of God, the gospel is preached in this barren clime, societies are raised, thousands of precious souls are regularly convened to worship God, and with profound attention and respect, listen to the reviving sounds of eternal truth. Many are convinced, some are converted, and a goodly number enjoy that long hidden, but now explained mystery, "Christ in them the hope of glory;" amongst whom are some useful characters for holding prayer-meetings, giving exhortations, and a few who oc casionally preach the unsearchable riches of Christ. In September last a general meeting was held in this circuit, at which between two and three thousand persons were supposed to be present; three hundred carriages were counted upon the ground. A more gracious outpouring of the Spirit of God I never witnessed; careless persons became interested, prejudices were conquered, and sinners sat with silent awe. The meeting lasted three days, it was held in a Baptist Cha pel, (being the most central) upon the shore of the Annapolis River, upon which boat loads of people came from a great distance. Four Missionaries, two local preachers, and one Baptist preacher were present. While Divine service was held in the chapel, which contains about a thousand people, preaching, singing and prayer, were conducted in a large square, in front of the chapel; the preachers took their stand in a waggon, situated in the centre of the square. The extent and scattered state of the population in this country, is the cause of great fatigue and long journies to the Missionaries. During the last fortnight, I have travelled in the course of my mission near two hundred miles, preached fourteen times, and visited many families. O may the gracious Lord multiply the sower's seed, and cause it to bring forth! Our field for labour and usefulness is daily enlarging in this country, but our means of supply are yet no way adequate to the requests of the people. In the interior, about twenty miles back from the Annapolis river, are settled about a hundred families of disbanded soldiers, without any one to preach to them or care for their souls. I have visited them once, preached to them, and given them some New Testaments; they earnestly solicited a continuance of our attention, and made some proposals to build a chapel; I advised them to erect it to answer likewise the purpose of a school-house. Your Missionaries in these northern regions, are much exposed to storms and colds during the winter seasons, which are about five months in the year. In the month of December, 1816, while at Murray Harbour, Prince Edward's Island, I commenced a tour to the eastward, with one of our pious friends, (Mr. Sulavan) for a guide, it being my first journey in that direction. After being absent some days, a violent snow storm set in, which made us anxious to return. One evening, while at a friend's house, a party of Indians came in, who informed us that they had come through the woods from Murray river, a short way, and if we took their path, it would take us through early next day, and the Indians whom they had been to see would put us over to the harbour. Accordingly we set out early next morning, snowing all day, which rendered it difficult to keep the path; about three o'clock we came to a river; here our path ended, and which way to steer we knew not, for the tide had overflowed the ice upon the river; and having tried to go round it, but finding so many fallen trees, and the snow so light and deep, we were obliged to desist; and now having only a small biscuit |