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from missionary exertions, sufficient to his servant from a scene of opposition, justify the great expenditure of life profanity and vice, to that state where and property which has been made the wicked cease from troubling and Taking the Bible for our guide, the the weary are at rest.

Mr Compeer implied decision of our Saviour, Matt. was then sent out; he resided in xvi. 25, will teach us that one soul is Kingston, a large city now containof more value than a whole world; ing above forty thousand inhabitants. and if this estimate be adınitted as cor- He obtained permission to preach, and rect, it would not be difficult to show, began to collect some of the people, that all the expenditure falls infinitely who professed themselves Baptists, short of the benefit effected. But it amongst whom he labored for some is not my intention to argue the utility time. But the mission can hardly be of missions from any abstract princi- said to have been established, till after ples,—that is unnecessary in the pres. the arrival of Mr Coultart, who was ent day. As an evidence of their util- sent out in the early part of 1817. ity, and an encouragement for contin- Soon after he arrived, Mr Compeer ued exertion, I would state what has left Jamaica for this country, and Mr come under my own observation, and Coultart, having visited several parts with which, I have been intimately of the island, settled in Kingston. His connected. In making the statement, preaching was blessed, and the set I do it not by way of boasting, or to time to favor Zion seemed to be at attach any self-importance to the in- hand. But God's ways are not as our struments employed; but merely to ways. Mr Coultart was soon called to record the divine goodness, towards a experience a heavy trial, in the loss of poor and despised race of people, whom a most excellent wife, who appeared many would disdain to set with the in every way calculated to be an helpdogs of their fock.

mate in the great work. His own The island of Jamaica, situated in health was also much impaired, by a eighteen degrees north latitude, four severe attack of fever, which compelled thousand miles from England, and ly. him to return to England for a season. ing about an equal distance of ninety Two others were sent out, Messrs miles west of St Domingo, and south Kitchen and Godden. The former of Cuba, contains between three and was appointed to officiate in Kingston, four hundred thousand slaves. A- during Mr Coultart's absence; but mongst these, and the free people of died previous to his return. The latcolor, the Wesleyan Methodists have ter, who labored some time in Spanish labored for many years with laudable town, has also entered into his rest. zeal, and encouraging success.

After Mr Coultart's return to the islSome thirty years ago, a person of and, his labors were abundantly blesscolor of the Baptist persuasion, wented to the slaves, and free people of from this country to the island, and oc- color. The doctrines of the cross becasionally conversed with the people ing faithfully and affectionately exhibon the subject of religion. After some ited from Sabbath to Sabbath, time, he assumed the character of a pleased to accompany them with the minister--collected a considerable num- powerful influences of his Holy Spirit; ber of followers; and though there was so that great numbers were added to a great deal of superstition amongst the church by baptism, who had given them, some appeared, evidently, to be pleasing evidence of a change of heart. the subjects of divine grace. They were The congregation greatly increased, unconnected with any missionary so- and a place of worship was erected, ciety, and not allowed, legally, to as- capable of containing between two semble for religious worship.

and three thousand persons, which is The Baptist Missionary Society of now generally full on the Sabbath. England, sent out their first inissiona- Various parts of the island were visitry in 1815, a Mr Rowe, who settled in ed by Mr. Coultart, and other missionaFalmouth, a town on the north side of ries; and on the spiritual necessities the island. He was enabled to effect of the people, and their desire to relittle towards commencing a mission, ceive religious instruction, being partly on account of his ill health, represented to the Society in England, and partly froin the violent opposi- great interest was excited, and the tion then made in that part of the rol Committee have since devoted a conony, to religious instruction. After a siderable portion of their funds to the short period of service, it pleased the Jamaica Mission; of the present state great Head of the church, to remove of which, you will have correct ac

God was

count, in the following brief view. I creased. It is now in a flourishing have previously given a statement, state-lhe chapel was enlarged during somewhat of this kind for one of your the past year, and in June last the religious papers, and beg to observe, number of inembers was 163. that wherein this may differ from that, V. ANNOTTA Bay. James Flood. it is in consequence of intelligence re- In this neighborhood a church was cently received from the scene of our collected by the labors of our late labors.

missionary Mr Phillips. Mr Flood is

continuing to labor with great success, STATIONS AND MISSIONARIES.

the people hear, as for eternity, and I. KINGSTON. James Coultart, many under his ministry have been Joshua Tinson, William Knibb. In led to ask the way to Zion. The this city there are two churches con- church consists of above 300 members, taining about 3,900 members; there and Mr F. has been erecting a place of were many more, but they have been worship, during the past year, to acdismissed from Kingston, to join commodate the increasing congregachurches at other stations, more con- tion. veniently situated for their attendance. VI. Montego Bay. Thomas BurAnd this accounts for the difference in chell. The work of God has prospernumbers between this statement, and ed very greatly in this populous wn. that published by our Society some Great numbers flock to hear the word, time ago; in which, the number of and a spacious place of worship was members is stated at 4,000. These opened for their accommodation, a little churches continue to enjoy the divine before I left the colony. In this place, blessing; considerable numbers have there was no Baptist church till 1824, been added since I left the island; and and now the number of members is one family consisting of five or six in- about 800. The chapel continues teresting, intelligent persons of color, crowded on the Sabbath. were baptized by Mr C. at the same VII. CROOKED SPRING. A contime; most or all of whom were first gregation of colored people has existed led to serious inquiry about their souls, here for many years, formerly under from reading a traci, left at their house the pastoral care of a man of color; by one of our missionaries. We have but now supplied from Montego Bay a large school at this station, on the and Falmouth. Crooked Spring, is Lancasterian system; but this will be the naine of a property belonging to noticed under the article of Schools. a family which has greatly aided our

II. SPANISH Town. James Phil- mission in that part of the island. lippo. Mr P. has labored with suc- VIII. MOUNT CHARLES. Edward cess at this station ; the church has Baylis. A station in the interior, greatly increased under his ministry, about fifteen miles from Kingston. A and a large chapel has been recently place of worship has been fitted up, built to accommodate the numerous and many are anxious to hear the word congregation. The number of mem- of life. The church was placed under bers is now above 500, and the pros- the pastoral care of Mr Baylis, in pects of usefulness still encouraging. 1827. Since which, several additions

III. OLD HARBOUR. The church have been made, and at our last ashere consisted of about fifty members sociation, the number of members was when I left, and was considered in con- 136. Mr B. visits once a fortnight, nexion with the church before mention- another station, about seven miles ed, and supplied from Spanish Town, further in the interior, where his labeing about 14 miles distant. Some bors have been rendered useful. other places in the vicinity of Spanish IX. FALMOUTH. James Mann. Town are occasionally visited by Mr A large and populous town, fourteen Phillippo, where the people are anxious miles from Montego Bay. A church for religious instruction.

was formed here in 1827. In June, IV. Port ROYAL. William 1828, it consisted of about seventy Knibb. Port Royal is the ancient members. This was where our first capital of the Island, about seven miles missionary resided; considerable opfrom Kingston by water. A church position is still manifested by some, in was formed here between two and this part of the island. three years ago, of members from Mr X. RIDGLAND.

No missionary C's. church in Kingston, and placed had arrived for this station, on my leavunder the pastoral care of Mr Knibb,, ing the colony; but one was expected. since which it has considerably in- Premises had been obtained on very

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DAY SOHOOLS.

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advantageous terms to the society, in list; in our day schools they are very the midst of many thousand negroes. regular in their attendance. They are occasionally supplied from Thus I have endeavored, in comFalmouth and Montego Bay.

pliance with your request, to give XI. Port MARIA. Joseph Burton. you as correct a statement as possible This is a new station, on which Mr of our mission in Jamaica, and remain, Burton entered during the past year. dear brethren, your obedient servant, At this place there were some nem

JOSHUA TINSON. bers of our Society, who had long desired a missionary. The prospects of

REVIVALS. usefulness are pleasing; but a letter I received a few days ago, informed me Extract of a Letter to the Publishers, that Mr Burton was dangerously ill. from the Pastor of the Baptist Should his life be spared, he promises

Church at New Bedford. to be a very useful missionary.

Feb. 3, 1829. The number of our churches in the

• We have happy meetings here. island, is eleven-of members in all

The great God is in the midst of our the churches, about six thousandof congregation, and many souls have missionaries, nine. Sixteen have been been brought to the acknowledgment engaged in the mission. Six are dead, of the truth, and to the fellowship of and one has relinquished his connex- the saints. Sabbath last, I baptized 12; ion with the Society.

there are many more yet to go forward, and daily new converts are multiplied.

Great is the Lord, and let the people KINGSTON. A school was menced here in 1823, on the Lancas

praise him.'

A letter of the 13th Feb. states, terian system, in a very small room,

that the good work progresses in a which has since been relinquished for

most encouraging manner, that six a new one, erected chiefly by the ex

Sabbath school pupils have entertained traordinary exertions of the poor slaves,

a hope, and rising of 20 candidates had and free people of color. There were in June last, 311 children in the school,

presented themselves for baptism. 186 boys, and 125 girls; 47 had been dismissed to their trades, during the Many of our friends have read with past year, capable of reading the word great pleasure the ‘ Force of Truth, at of God, and writing creditably; nearly Halifax,' in which was detailed the 400 have been taught to read the Scrip- means by which the Lord established tures, who entered in the alphabet a Baptist Church, which now occupies class. A second school house is now a neat house of worship, erected for an built at this station, in order to admit Episcopal church. A letter just rea greater number of scholars, and to ceived by the Publishers from a friend avoid the inconveniences arising from in Halifax, gives the gratitying inforhaving so great a number of both sexes mation, that they are still favored with in one school. The children are daily the smiles of the Saviour. He remarks, instructed in reading, writing, and * How much has the great Head of the arithmetic; the girls are also taught Church done to gladden our hearts; our needle-work, by Mrs Knibb, wife of prospects are bright and cheering; vithe superintendant.

tal godliness is spreading on the right Spanish Town. At this station, hand and on the left. Let us pray for there is also a day school, for the poor the extension of truth, and, according children, on the same system as the to our strength, work while it is called one before mentioned. The number to-day, and when the night comes, we of scholars I am not possession of; it shall lie down to rest.' contained some time ago about 130. SABBATH SCHOOLS.

A letter to Dr Bolles, the CorresAt most of the stations there are Sab- ponding Secretary, from a friend in Albath schools, both for children and exandria, D. C. Jan. 6, 1829, states, “It adults, and many at an advanced period will please you to learn that the Lord of life have learned to read the Scrip- has not left himself without witnesses ures. There are eight or nine schools; among us. Since March last, we have the number of scholars in these vary, received by baptism upwards of forty so that I cannot give you a correct persons, nearly all white people.'

I Account of Moneys in our next Number.

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The following narrative needs no comment. All must perceive the unfavorable circumstances which had surrounded the little sufferer,—a child just rescued from the darkness of heathenism. And all who have any compassion in their hearts, will be thankful for what has already been done to aid our Missionaries in their efforts to instruct Burman children, and for the opportunities that are still presented of co-operating, devoutly and liberally, in this blessed work of benevolence.

AN ACCOUNT OF MEH SHWAY-EE, A BURMAN

SEVEN YEARS.

SLAVE GIRL, AGED

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Op Meu Suway-ee's parents and relatives we have no certain information. In the year 1827, she was a slave at Amherst, British Martaban, in the hands of a cruel master, who, for several months, treated her with the utmost barbarity, in consequence of which, one of her arms was broken, and her body covered with

When her arm was partially cured, he satiated his cruelty by inflicting upon her a peculiar kind of torture by fire, which cannot, for reasons of delicacy, be described, but which, beside the exquisite agony of infliction, is calculated to ensure a return of torment every few hours, until death comes to the relief of the wretched sufferer. The incessant cries of poor Meh Shway-ee, which no beating could suppress, at length excited in her master's mind, apprehensions of discovery; upon which he closely confined her in a secret room, and gave it out, that she was dangerously ill, and near death. Information, however, reached the Missionaries then living in Amherst, and with a great deal of difficulty, sometimes persuading, and sometimes threatening, they succeeded in rescuing the little victim from the hands of her tormentor. She April, 1829.

16

was brought to the mission-house, pale and emaciated by pain and starvation; her cries, at intervals, for several days and nights, were most distressing; but her wounds being carefully dressed, and her strength recruited by nourishing food, she was, at length, so far recovered, as to be placed in the native female school.

When this affair became known to government, her master was thrown into prison, where after waiting trial, for several months, he was condemned to a further confinement of four years in irons, and hard labor on the public works. This dreary prospect subdued his spirits; he contrived to procure arsenic, unknown to his keepers; and one night, after suffering much, under the operation of the poison, his soul was summoned before the tribunal of his final Judge.

After Meh Shway-ee joined the school, she enjoyed pretty good health for about six months; but being weakly and delicate, was not very closely confined to study, so that she had learnt but little more than the alphabet, the easier parts of the catechism, and a short prayer for children, when she was taken ill with a complaint in her chest, which finally terminated her life.

The following pages contain an account of the state of her mind, during her last illness at Maulaming, extracted from the minutes occasionally taken by Mrs Wade, who had charge of the school, and who is styled her mistress.

February 3rd, 1828. To-day, Meh Shway-ee having been declining for some time, was examined by a European surgeon, who said that the complaint in her chest was of long standing, occasioned probably by the cruel treatment she formerly received ; that there was very little hope of her recovery; and that he could only prescribe medicines which would give temporary relief. We could not help feeling a strong desire, that her former sufferings, subsequent deliverance, and present illness, might be sanctified to prepare her for a happy eternity. At this time, she had acquired some knowledge of the eternal God, and of the sin of worshipping idols. She had also some idea of the fallen, sinful state of man, of the way of salvation by Jesus Christ, of the happiness of heaven, and the misery of hell. But she had suffered such constant pain, during her illness, that she had seldom been able to converse, or even to say her little prayer. To-day, however, being more comfortable, she was asked several questions on religious subjects, which she answered with much propriety; and we agreed to make her case the subject of particular prayer.

Feb. 4. She was now removed to her mistress' room, that she might have opportunities of receiving religious instruction, during the intervals of pain. On being asked to-day, whether she thought she should recover, she replied, " I don't know, Ma-ma.* It sometimes seems to me that this hard pain can never be removed. I am afraid I shall die; but I want very much to get well.” Where would you go if you should die? • Good people," she replied,

* A term equivalent to Mistress or Madam, pronounced Mah-mah, with the accent on the first syllable.

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