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SUMATRA.

PEDANG........................

..N. M. Ward.

Mrs. Davies has also continued her school, | neighbourhood, though without much encourthough funds are much needed for its support. agement in conversion; for thirty years he Our brethren are greatly encouraged by the has laboured in this field as their first misdissolution of all connexion on the part of the ionary. Many thousand tracts have been government with Buddhism. The soldiers translated, printed, and distributed by him. are entirely withdrawn from the temples; and The New Testament has been translated into the idol property is no longer to remain in the Javanese; and last year, for the first time the custody of government agents. On the in the history of this people, a selection of other hand, some are busily engaged in per- evangelical hymns was translated and printed suading the people that our brethren are not for the use of the congregations. authorised teachers. In the midst of all, however, Mr. Davies has "very many instances of encouragement." Twenty-nine persons have been baptized in this district, and there are about fifty-four inquirers. In connexion with Colombo, there are thirteen stations where at least three services are held every week, fourteen where one service is held each week, and 103 villages, each of which has been visited twice every month; 153 copies of the scriptures have been distributed, and 9700 tracts in Tamil, English, Portuguese, and Singhalese. Special weekly meetings have also been held for the instruction of members and candidates; and the schools are examined by the missionary once a month. The total number of members at these stations, including Grand Pass, is 442, and of children 1025.

During the earlier part of the year, Mr. Lewis was engaged with the academy; but as the number of students had greatly diminished, he gave up part of his time to the station at Grand Pass, and recently the Committee have resolved, under the pressure of destitution in India, upon his removal to Calcutta, or some other station.

AFRICA.

Four Stations-Six Missionaries-Seven Teachers
-Eleven Female Missionaries and Teachers.

The last year has been one of peculiar trial to our brethren in Africa. Two of their number, Mr. Thompson and Mr. Sturgeon, have been removed by death. Four of the teachers from Jamaica have returned, and the health of all our friends has suffered very seriously from the climate. Indeed, it is feared that some of them may be compelled to leave Africa, either permanently or at least for a season. If this fear be fulfilled, two missionaries and two teachers will be all the foreign labourers engaged in this field.

Surely this is a cry of distress," says Mr. Clarke," which will arouse the churches to think of our state."

Part of the difficulties of our mission are to be ascribed to the conduct of the Spanish government. When the Committee purchased the houses and land in Fernando Po, five years ago, they were aware that though the Spaniards would recognize their title to the

KANDY.-Mr. Dawson and Mr. Allen have both laboured till recently at this station. There are also several interpreters and school-houses, and probably to the land, it was pos

masters.

sible that they might in the end prohibit all evangelical preaching. The Committee were not without hope that the English govern ment would purchase the island; and as the houses they obtained had cost originally at least five times the sum they gave for them, and might at any time be removed, they deemed it desirable to purchase them: and it is gratifying to know that our brethren in Africa are decidedly of opinion that even in the result we now deplore, the Society has saved, in consequence of this purchase, much more than the premises cost.

MATURA. After mature deliberation, Mr. Dawson resolved on removing for a time, at least, to this station. Matura contains a considerable population, and the district is important. The station was formed in 1841, and though it has not been visited since, the people under their native pastor have remained faithful, and the preaching of the gospel has not been unblessed. It is hoped that the results of Mr. Dawson's removal may justify the experiment, and prove highly beneficial to this important and destitute field. The contributions of the various auxiliary It was at the end of 1845, the Spanish missionary societies, we reckon, have amounted Consul-general arrived at Clarence, with induring the year to £302 19s. 8d. Thirty-structions to send off the missionaries, unless four have been baptized, about 150 additional scholars have been taught in the schools, which can contain 1185 children. The total number of members is 504.

JAVA.

SAMARANG......Gottlieb Bruckner.

urs of our aged friend Mr. Bruck-
continued at Samarang and the

they would consent to reside "in a private capacity only," and without preaching. With this condition they declined to comply; but as the Consul regarded their labours as of great benefit to the people, he ultimately expressed his willingness that the missionaries should have a year to effect the sale and removal of their property, during which time they might preach and continue their schools. Indeed, he expressed his wish that these schools might

not be closed at all, an arrangement which he would sanction, if our brethren would consent to give up the teaching of the bible! The only ground, indeed, of this proceeding is stated by the Consul to be, "that the constitution of Spain forbids the promulgation of protestantism."

Throughout all the interview our brethren, of course, declined to recognize any right upon the part of the Spanish authorities to prohibit, or grace in tolerating, the preaching of the gospel. They acknowledged that while they lived under Spanish law, they must be ready to obey it, or to suffer its penalties: and that for one of these alternatives they were prepared.

In all the communications which the Committee have had with the Spanish authorities, they have contented themselves with explain ing the object of their mission. The recognition of their title to the property they have claimed, not as Christians, or as a missionary society, but as British subjects having purchased property in a Spanish colony and this claim they have presented through the medium of the British government. To do less than this, their regard for the interest of the Society, and their brethren, forbade. To do more, and ask from the Spanish or English crown aid or patronage, as Christians, was forbidden by their principles.

Since Mr. Sturgeon's death, Dr. Prince has been invited to take the pastorate of the church temporarily; and seven persons have been baptized. Some of the members have removed to Bimbia; and nearly all are prepared to leave the island, if measures are taken to close the chapel, and prevent their worship. The total number of members is about eighty.

While these painful events were transpiring at Clarence, the providence of God was opening other doors at Rimbia and Cameroons. The former station is now the residence of most of our brethren, and as it is comparatively healthy, and surrounded by many important villages and districts-140 in all-it is the most eligible site that could be obtained. Several houses have been erected, and our brethren are auxious to build a chapel. Schools have also been commenced; and Mr Merrick has advanced in the translation of the New Testament into the Isubu tongue, as far as the end of Mark. One native from Cape Lopez has been baptized. The total number of members being twenty-three. An anti-slavery society has also been formed. Mr. Clarke and Mr. Merrick are co-pastors of the church.

During the last fifteen months, Mr. and Mrs. Saker have been labouring amid many changes at Cameroons. A school has been begun, and premises erected. Mr. Saker has also made some progress in the Dewalla language, and has made a first and second class-book for the use of the young.

"When I remember," writes Mr. Sturgeon, "that twelve months since I did not understand anything about the language, that we had no house at Cameroons to contain us beyond the single room, that during the time we had been absent on account of health (not less than two months), that while at labour often afflicted and hindered in a variety of ways, but that now we can look upon things as before stated, and know that we have a substantial storehouse for boxes, barrels, and provisions, which has occupied me one month this year, and that now we are in health, better health than when we commenced the year, surely I ought to be grateful! If we cease to speak of His mercy, the stones and trees around would reprove us. May our hearts be ever alive to his mercy, and that mercy assist us to go on with our work, till we shall rejoice over sinners converted to God. This is the result for which we hope and pray, and it will be with unspeakable pleasure that we inform you of such success; but we need your prayers, and the prayers of all our friends."

"On a review of our mission history," writes Mr. Clarke, "I think there is ground to hope that the day of success is not far distant. Look we at the men employed-we will all admit, with grief, our unworthiness; but, with the painful exceptions from Jamaica, all are heartily engaged to promote the work of God. Our imperfections, in knowledge and grace, which have led to occasional disunion, are seen and lamented, and at the school of experience we learn daily lessons of wisdom and circumspection-of mutual forbearance and sympathy.

"If we look at the amount of labour bestowed, in regular and casual visits to many places, at stated residences and frequented stations, in schools, in regular instruction of the natives, in example before them, and the steady profession made to them, in the scriptures read and explained, prayer offered in their own tongue on their behalf, addresses and regular discourses in the native language, argument with them without the aid of an interpreter; all is as seed sown. We gently pull up some weeds, and seek to destroy all; and look on each clear spot, yea, among the grass and noxious herbs, to see if no wheat is yet appearing to allow us to hope for a speedy harvest. If we consider the change made in the minds of the heathen, it will also encourage us to hope and to trust in the Lord.

"Slave-dealing is now unknown between Africans and Europeans at those places where we have stations. We dare speak outright against slavery itself, and can tell King Wil liam that we will pay his slaves to the full to themselves, and himself nothing, if he allows them to work for us. He allows them not. withstanding; and now for any particular work to do for himself they dare ask him for payment."

During the year the Dove has been employed, as usual, in visiting the different stations, and the greater part of her expense has been met by the contributions of the young. These have fallen short a little of the amount raised last year, but there is yet time to supply the deficiency.

The expense of the mission to Africa has amounted during the year to a larger sum than the Committee had expected. Upwards of twenty families have been supported; and heavy expense has been incurred in removing the houses to Bimbia, and erecting them there.

66

the annual meeting. In the meantime, the Committee have much pleasure in stating that the deputation was every where met with cordiality, and that it received the written assurance of the pastors in Jamaica, that the visit had removed misapprehensions, relieved pecuniary embarrassments, and proved an extensive blessing to their flocks.

It is but just to add, that all the expenses incurred by the visit of their brethren, and an additional sum of about £2000 to aid stations absolutely requiring relief, have been guaran teed by one of the treasurers of the Society, and that no part of the funds of the Society will be devoted to this object. The contribu tions of the churches in Jamaica to the Society, given at missionary meetings, convened at each station to meet the deputation, have amounted to upwards of £260. They describe this gift as an expression of their hope that such visits from this country may be again and again renewed.

"It is evident," says Mr. Clarke, in reply to the letter of the Committee urging the utmost economy, our income does not increase with our labours. We must, it would seem, stand at one line of action, without the immediate means to go forward. I can only mourn over this circular. What is £1000 per annum to the increased operatious of the Society? In our present state, what are we In the numerical results of the last year to do? I see only one thing at present for there is something to discourage, though there me to do, to cease building, to store up the are signs of revival and improvement. In wood until your funds will allow us to go on, churches superintended by twenty ministers, and begin no new station that involves ex- the total number of members is 22,994; and pense. I can pay off all my workmen, and of inquirers, 2985. The total number of starecommend my brethren to do the same. Itions is about seventy-five, of ministers thirty, hoped an appeal would have been made as soon as our trials were known, and I hope so still. If I am disappointed, I shall regret that through necessity our labours are curtailed, and our spirits are pressed down in this land of trials, which must be felt to be understood. From twenty to thirty families to support, besides common labourers, land to purchase, &c., &c., will easily show you that in a wild land like the continent of Africa the sum on which we live is comparatively small."

WEST INDIES.

JAMAICA.

The friends of the Society will probably expect their attention to be called somewhat pointedly to Jamaica. The churches in that island have not indeed received any aid from the Society during the year, nor can their condition be made by the Committee the ground of any public appeal. But in those churches the Committee feel a deep interest. The Society planted them and sustained them, and is still prayerfully observant of their patience and faith. English Christians share in these feelings, and their sympathy cannot fuil to be welcome to our brethren.

After many efforts to secure a deputation to Jamaica, the Committee have, during the year, at length obtained one. Beloved brethren have gone forth in the name of the Committee, and have visited the churches. Their report on various topics of business has already been laid before the Committee, and some general information it is expected will be supplied at

and of members about 30,000. The additions by baptism during the year have amounted to about 600.

The number of schools is thirty-five, and of scholars 3016. At Sunday-schools there is an attendance of not less than 10,000 persons.

The Committee hope to be enabled in future years to report more frequently, in the periodical publications of the Society, on the state of the churches in Jamaica; it is only necessary to remember that such reports are not intended to excite groundless expectations on the part of their brethren abroad, or to become the ground of appeal to their friends at home. They are intended rather to create sympathy, and to secure for brethren whose position, apart from all financial considerations, is very trying, our remembrance and prayers.

The Institution at Calabar, whose tutor is supported by the Committee, has been carried on during the year amid some discouragement. It is now in a more promising condition than it has ever been, and the Committee trust that a race of men may be trained there eminently qualified to meet the wants of Jamaica. In answer to Mr. Tinson's appeal, several friends have contributed towards the support of the students during the year.

II. BAHAMA ISLANDS.
Fifteen Stations, and about Thirty Sub-stations-
Three Missionaries-Fourteen Teachers and
Preachers-One hundred unpaid Teachers and
Helpers.

The labours of our brethren in the Bahamas

have been continued without any further interruption than has been caused by Mr. Littlewood's illness. He was compelled to leave his station at Turks' Island, and to spend some time at Nassau. Finding that his health was not improved, he took a voyage to New York, and it is hoped that he has now resumed his labours. Mr. Rycroft has, in the meantime, taken charge of the stations at Turks' Island, &c., and it is probable that he will continue to labour there, Mr. Littlewood residing at Nassau, and visiting the out-islands. At Nassau the addition to the churches have not been quite so numerous as in previous years; but in other respects, the church seems to be in a healthy state. Mr. Capern speaks with especial pleasure of the consistent and devoted labours of the native teachers, in connection with his station. The total number of persons baptized at Nassau and the out islands, not including Turks' Island, is 201, and the total number of members, in all the islands, 271; an increase of about 200 members. The day-scholars are in all 750, and the Sunday-scholars 1601. The sums raised by the churches are encouraging indications of their healthy and vigorous state. The sum of £355 19s. 4d. has been contributed by the people towards the repairing of premises and incidental expenses, and £52 for the Auxiliary Missionary Society.

During the greater part of the year Mr. Rycroft has devoted himself to the out-islands, where he has had the pleasure of baptizing 147 converts. The dangerous navigation of the seas in which these islands lie, and the insecurity and discomfort of the vessels that sail on them, make this work one of much self-denial. He has had his reward, however, in the attachment of the people, and in the baptism of 147 converts. Eleven islands have been regularly visited, containing fortyfive stations. His Excellency the Governor, and the Surveyor general, have both taken occasion to notice the devotedness of our brethren to the religious and moral improve ment of the people, and the marked success of their labours.

TRINIDAD

Four Stations-Four Sub-stations-Two Mission

aries-Six Teachers.

The Society have two groups of stations in Trinidad. One group in and around Port of Spain, the other about twenty miles to the south, in and around the Savanna Grande. At Port of Spain the labours of the Society were begun in 1843. They then purchased the Mico School-an excellent house, of stone, the partitions and flooring of cedar.

Since 1843 two small chapels of wood have been built near Port of Spain; one at Dry River, a destitute quarter of the town. Here

Mr. Eastman teaches a school, and has about ninety scholars. This school is very well managed, and does him much credit. The chapel is on freehold ground (large enough to allow of a residence being added), and cost about £100, of which the Society has given £50. Friends on the spot have raised the rest.

The other chapel is at Cocorite, about three miles from Port of Spain, close to the sea, and in the midst of a considerable population. The place is just finished, at a cost of £65. The friends here will probably contribute about £30, and our brethren will provide for the rest out of the grant allowed by the Society for Trinidad.

In Port of Spain there are two schools; one on the mission premises, with about thirty children, and the other at Garcia's Barracks, a destitute district, with thirty-six children. The labours of Mr. Law in these stations are very abundant. Every Sunday he preaches at Dry River at six, at Cocorite at half-past eight, in the mission chapel at eleven, at Dry River at three, and again in the mission chapel at seven in the evening. The first four evenings of the week are similarly occupied, and the day in school visiting and other labours. The number of members under his care is now fifteen, several having gone to America.

At Indian Walk, The Mission, and Montserrat, Mr. Cowen has been labouring with much self-denial for the last twelve months. These stations are about twenty miles south of Port of Spain, and are four in all, each several miles distant from the other. In this district we have two chapels, and two preaching stations. At Montserrat (about twelve miles from San Fernando) Mr. Cowen has obtained a gift of land from the people, has cleared it, and with their help erected a chapel of cedar, with a missionary's residence, that is, a small room and shed for cooking attached to it. It is worth about £100, and he needs about £20 or £30 to pay for nails and such other things as the people cannot supply.

Twelve miles distant is Indian Walk, a considerable settlement of Americans, many of whom were slaves in the southern states, and carried off by the British in the American

war. man,

Mr. Hamilton, an intelligent black is engaged as a preacher and teacher. Under his care the people have built a very neat cedar chapel, at a cost of more than £100, and are about placing it in trust for the Society. The whole settlement is in the midst of the bush, and contains some hundreds of people, most of whom are favourably disposed to our views. Mr. Hamilton teaches his school in the chapel, and has (during the wet season) about fifteen children. He also preaches on Sunday, and in the week at a neighbouring station. Mr. Cowen visits all these stations, and a fourth near "The Mission," as often as the weather will allow.

The illness of Mrs, Cowen, and the uncertainty of her return to Trinidad (the fear expressed in the last report having been realized) has induced Mr. Cowen to propose re-visiting this country, and it is hoped that his presence may have the effect of calling special attention to the claims of this important and destitute island.

During the four years that have elapsed mittee have been anxiously looking for a since this station was begun, five chapels and successor, and at length they have been guided school houses have been obtained. Four to the choice of Mr. Webley, who landed at schools have been established, and now con- Jacmel at the commencement of this year. tain 180 children. Four churches have also He enters upon his work under very peculiar been formed. During the year, nineteen circumstances. "So deep is the impression," persons have been baptized, and the churches writes Mr. Birrell, "which Mr. Francies' consist of seventy-six members. character and premature death have made on the people, that it is difficult to say whether more has not been accomplished by his removal in preparing the field for future labourers than might have been realized by his life. He was borne to his early grave by young men employed in various mercantile situations in the town, whom he had attached to his instructions and to his person, and to whom he During the year several of the followers of looked as the future instructors of their Dr. Kalley have been compelled to leave countrymen. Wherever I have gone I hear Madeira, and have settled in Trinidad. Their the language of the warmest affection for his poverty and their faithfulness gave them a memory, and of earnest desire for another strong claim upon the sympathy of our preacher." brethren, and Mr. Law has allowed several of them to occupy part of the mission pre. mises at Port of Spain. Having found it necessary to afford them relief, any donations towards this object will be very acceptable. He has already, out of his own scanty salary, given more than he can afford.

HAITI.
JACMEL.

Mr. and Mrs. Webley, Miss Harris, Mrs. Francies.

The commencement of this mission, like that of most of our missions, has been clouded. Of the two missionaries sent out fifteen months ago, one, with his family, returned in ill health. The remaining one, a labourer of peculiar qualifications, with a good knowledge of the language, intimate acquaintance with the negro character, and singular versatility of talent, over-stimulated to labour by the opening fields of usefulness, in the course of eight months sank under yellow fever, and left his widow and the female teacher alone on the field.

In the absence of any missionary, the lady who came out as a teacher, with great firmness, although with considerable expense of personal feeling, has continued the public services, both on the Lord's day and on the week-day evenings, not without success.

Some are waiting to be baptized; and the prospects of the female boarding-school under Miss Harris's care are very encouraging. For the sake of about £100 per annum for the first year or two, I feel persuaded (says Mr. Birrell) that friends at home will not permit this lady and her assistant, a coloured female teacher from Jamaica, well trained in the British system, to fail in their enterprise, to which they have given themselves, I may say, after having witnessed their privations, in the spirit of martyrs.

Both Mr. Abbott and Mr. Birrell, who have recently visited Haiti, speak most favour. ably of the location our brethren have chosen, and of the importance and prospects of this mission.

AMERICA.

HONDURAS-BELIZE,

Missionaries......

Mr. and Mrs. Kingdon,
Mr. and Mrs. Buttfield.

Two Native Teachers.
Sub-stations......... Tilleton, Bakers.

The Committee regret that they are not able to give at present a very satisfactory account of their station at Belize. Early last year they were constrained, by various painful considerations, to dissolve their connexion with Mr. Henderson, who had requested the Committee either to withdraw their sanction from the other brethren there, or to accept his resignation, and enable him to remove to America. They adopted the latter alternative, and signified their willingness to aid his removal. He then resolved to remain at Belize, and has broken up and divided the church.

Mr. Kingdon has baptized three persons during the year, and has made considerable progress in Mayu and Spanish. He and Mr. Buttfield labour with much assiduity both at Belize and in the neighbourhood of that settle

ment.

CANADA.

Twelve Stations-Twelve Ministers, educated or aided-About 650 members.

The diversified labours of the Society in Canada have been continued throughout the year without interruption. The tutor of the college at Montreal has been supported by the Society, and nineteen students have been educated in it during the year. Our brethren Since the death of Mr. Francies, the Com-have felt great difficulty, owing to a heavy

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