be read. Hymns adapted to the state might be read or sung in the assembly; also other subjects read, which are written in clear and simple language. I do not find any language so easy for the people to understand, and yet comprehending so much. In recollecting this I am reminded of Montgomery's description of prayer: 'Prayer is the simplest form of speech Prayer the sublimest strains that reach "Sierra-Leone is far from being such a region of peace and order as I have enjoyed in Tottenham, in Yorkshire, or even nearer London; but we cannot, in a missionary station, expect that. Still I cannot but long for some society with whom I could freely communicate many passing thoughts, and consult how far we can rightly allow or check such and such things. O! that the heart's communion were kept more fully open toward Him who has said by His servant,' If any lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not.' "6th. My friend A. W. came yesterday to see me, on her way to Regent, on her return from Kent, to which extreme point of the peninsula she had been with her husband. They saw on their way a number of little villages, formed by the Africans when freed from their bond to government. So many of these were without schools that their compassion was excited, and they wished that in addition to what the Church Missionary Society do for the colony, that the Wesleyans and Friends would send out further agents. The people of Kent rejoiced to see them, hoping they were come to remain with them. The want of schools for their children is what most distresses these poor people. J. and A. Weeks wished that some plan of circulating schools, as in the East Indies, could be here introduced. The plan there is, for a teacher to pitch his tent, for a month or so, collect a school, and then leave it under such agency as can be obtained; then visit another village, and proceed in like manner, till he has made his circuit. This colony does assuredly want further help, and more should be done both in the way of preparing teachers, and opening and superintending schools. The Africans are very far from being prepared to take this important and difficult station into their own management; and much as there may be to struggle with, European Christians should still be willing to come for the help of the people. Difficult as it may have been to help them effectually, and many as may have been the imperfections of agents employed, I still feel disposed highly to estimate any real Christian labour that has been bestowed, and to long for more labourers into this vineyard, so important as it is to poor Africa. "It is difficult here to prevent the neglect of property devoted to public service. Here is, too, very little idea of the waste of time occasioned by want of punctuality in persons bringing articles for sale, and others calling for payments. Native teachers also require so much oversight, and are so apt to forget what should be remembered, that altogether the time and attention is by these minor matters drawn from the full pursuit of what would be of general advantage, such as the writing of lessons, and the preparing of translations. These cares sometimes distract the mind, and hinder that renovation which we hope to gain in serious reading and retirement. Thou seest, O my God, the danger I am in of suffering surrounding difficulties to call off my mind, and hinder its access to Thee, and thus I may become shorn of the strength which is needful for the arduous duties of this station. I feel that I have many privileges and blessings for which I ought gratefully to thank Thee; only let the way be open and plain before me, and let me know Thy will, and look for strength to Thee to enable me to walk in Thy Divine requirings. "7th. It may be seasonable for me at present to dwell alone as to European society, and the beloved association of Christians with whom I have been wont to communicate. My many engagements require much attention; still, when I have enjoyed, as to-day, the company of a dear Christian friend of my own native land, and watched her departure, and returned to a habitation comparatively solitary, my heart feels it, and sinks for a time: yet I am thankful that it is only in a state of sojournment that I am thus alone, and that a beloved relative, if I am favoured with a home in England, will then gladly make a part of my family, and would even here have been willing to accompany me, had that been judged expedient, but on my own account I could not have consented to it. I love occasional solitude, and should, in any situation, be glad to be alone a part of every day; yet I love cultivated Christian society, and dearly enjoy the interchange of thought and feeling of which we are thus permitted to partake. O, may all our best desires of enjoyment lead to the Fountain of life and love, and to the humble and grateful adoration of our Heavenly Father and Friend. "10th. I seem not to fear either this climate, or the dangers of the deep, if only I may know what is required of me. How sweet is the assurance that we are not left to ourselves! Earnestly do I long to see this establishment conducted on Christian principles, and in that feeling of love and good-will to all around that will be most effectual to real improvement. It will require great watchfulness to keep to principles, to teach and justly reprove when needful, but not to reflect and reproach, and at the same time to give some responsibility to each, and instruct each how to use it. Would it not be well to put the younger children under the care of an elder one as to washing, &c., not to do it for them, but to see it done. My young people are at present very deficient in even remembering what they have to do, without immediate and present direction. I want them to improve in this, to think more, and not depend on perpetual oversight and direction from any one. "I have been favoured with a little strength to keep quiet and undisturbed, when circumstances were not what could be wished, and temptation to complain to my young people presented. A waiting for a more suitable season to lead them into better ways is, I believe, my present duty, as well as to watch against both temper and negligence, and to endeavour, by Christian example, to help them. My mind is watching to act consistently, and, through everlasting goodness, is favoured with rest and peace, yet is far from being disposed to overlook any wrong thing, but only desiring to counteract what is wrong steadily and patiently. Often in my former engagement in Yorkshire, I had to maintain for some of my teachers a silent exercise of mind, and to endeavour to counteract and indirectly instruct, rather than to separate from them by outward complaints; and this has been followed by some success, although I sensibly feel that my deficiencies as to Christian exercise and religious travail of spirit for them has been great and needed forgiveness from Him who poured out His soul unto death.' The degree of good there appeared in my dear helpers, set me I fear too much at rest, and I sought not their spiritual advancement as I ought to have done. Their growth in grace, as well as their increase in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, should have been my daily petition. Still I have to acknowledge the mercy that has followed them, so that my hope is consoling concerning them all, and with regard to some most comforting. Thanks be unto God for this great and inestimable favour. "My path seems so plain before me just to stay in Africa till I see a clear call to England, that my mind is now at liberty, in the prospect of endeavouring without loss of time diligently to pursue my way as a pilgrim, without anxiety as to the season in which my labours may close for the present, or how long they may be continued. I do not feel that in an African climate, such as this, the state of the atmosphere precludes mental labour. All must depend on the Divine ordering |