with hearty "Amens." The enemy, however, appears to give up this people with great reluctance; and while we have rejoiced for what God has done for some, in delivering them from his thraldom, we have to mourn over others who are still led captive by him at his will. We have had one painful case since our arrival in May last. A respectable female from Ngapuhi, who came to reside with us, had been guilty of pilfering our goods, and supplying her friends with what she had stolen, giving them to understand that what she gave them was payment for her work; and I had to put her out of the society. I fear that this circumstance has injured our cause here; but the discipline exercised, I hope, will have its desired effect.

Truly this people have been the slaves of sin and Satan. The account we have heard of what they did in the days of their ignorance, and when under the power of the enemy, is revolting to humanity; being without natural affection, and guilty of shedding each other's blood without remorse. They now shudder at the deeds of death they have perpetrated, and the change experienced they all ascribe to the influence of the Gospel. If a great deal of positive good is not done, a great deal of evil is prevented. In one of the settlements which I visited the other day, being formerly one of the principal fortifications of this people in the time of their wars, the residents related to me how numerous were its inhabitants which were swept away by their enemies; and but for the Gospel the remainder would all have been cut off, as so late as 1835 an exterminating party came upon them, but were repulsed, and disappointed in their expectations. Mothers who used to trample their children to death, when infants, to get rid of them, because they were troublesome, are now possessed of the love of God, and love their offspring. Men whose hands were against every man, and every man's against them, who used to kill and devour their enemies in war, are now walking in the fear of God, and in the comforts of the Holy Spirit; and love their neighbours as themselves, and all mankind for Christ's sake. Children who were ignorant and debased by the corrupt example of their parents, are now instructed and taught in schools, and can read fluently in the New-Testament Scriptures. In the wars referred to, which distracted this people, many have been torn from their homes and friends, and taken captive; but since the Gospel has VOL. III.FOURTH SERIES.

exerted its salutary influence, the Chiefs have given up their slaves, and they have returned to their kindred. I witnessed a very affecting scene the other day. Two brothers had been separated for years, and on the return of the elder they were overjoyed at meeting again. They were locked in each other's arms weeping, till each exceeded the captive exile restored, rejoicing that he was again on his native soil. Many have returned in this way to this tribe, (the Ngatiruanui,) which has been stripped and peeled perhaps more than any other tribe in the country.

We have a delightful view of Mount Egmont, or Haupapa, where we reside, which is a magnificent object. It is said to be nearly ten thousand feet high; and as summer advances, its white coat, which decks its sides so gracefully in winter, melts away. The rays of the rising and setting sun upon the snow, and upon the clouds which flit around it, produce the most beautiful colours, striking the beholder with admiration and delight. This very interesting mountain attracted my attention more than usual last Lord's day, while describing David's desire after holiness, in Psalm li., where he says, "Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; cleanse me, and I shall be whiter than snow." Nearly one hundred miles east is the perpetual snow-covered mountain called Tongariro, which soars much higher than its neighbour, Mount Egmont, and which is also a magnificent object. The natives have a tradition that this mountain and Haupapa were originally close to each other; but, having quarrelled, Haupapa was beaten by Tongariro, and moved off to its present position.

I have had two merciful deliverances from accident, and perhaps death, since I came to this Circuit; and attribute my safety to the watchful providence of God, who "all my steps attends." On one occasion I was riding at a quick pace, when the Mission horse suddenly started at some object in the road, and I fell with some violence to the ground, but was unhurt. Last week I was visiting the natives in their plantations, when the horse stumbled, with me on his back, into a pit which was slightly covered over; and I again escaped, and the horse also, to the surprise of the natives. Sometimes in travelling near the cliffs, which are very high, to visit the people, there appears but a step between me and death. The Lord has graciously visited me with the joys of his salvation since 4 Q

by the grant of £300,-resolving, that the whole thus advanced shall be considered as a loan to the Circuit, to be repaid by the proceeds of an Auxiliary Missionary Society which shall be rendered as productive as possible; and that the Committee be respectfully requested to send two more Ministers to South Australia, whose support shall be guaranteed, &c. As, however, it is desirable, and indeed necessary, that more ministerial aid should be obtained immediately, a Resolution was passed unanimously," That the Rev. the General Superintendent be earnestly and respectfully requested to send another young Minister to this Circuit, his passage from Sydney, and support here, being guaranteed by this Meeting." This Resolution, I have, of course, forwarded to Mr. Boyce; and hope that before this reaches you, the providence of God will enable him to supply this Circuit with another man. The Circuit is so extensive, (one hundred and thirty miles long,) and there are so many places becoming important, that we must have more Ministers. Now is the time to take possession of the new places; and I am sure, if we can but obtain two more Ministers, we shall soon have a glorious cause in South Australia. Ministerial influence is absolutely necessary.

This Circuit ought to be divided into three; namely, Adelaide, Willungu, and the North-Mines Circuits.

Were

this done, and Adelaide supplied with two Ministers, each of the other Circuits having one, we could work the country splendidly for a few years, when I have reason to think another sub-division

must take place. I think I told you that at present the grant from the Government (£224 annually) is to be devoted to affording assistance in the erection of chapels and school-houses. It will be valuable for this during another year or two; for we want several more than we now have. We opened one new chapel last quarter; three good stone chapels are now being built, and three others must be commenced this quarter. Mr. Longbottom is still very unwell, and, I fear, not likely to be otherwise.

I am favoured with Mr. Boyce's correspondence, which is very valuable and encouraging. I trust the Lord will long preserve him to devise plans of usefulness, and guide their execution. If you can but place men at his disposal, you may rely on a great extension of the good work in these colonies. I feel the great responsibility attached to my present position; but feel also that my "sufficiency is of God." I see a great deal to humble me, and much to encourage. I look back over my past ministerial course with much thankfulness, as well as self-abasement; and, in reference to the future, say, I trust, with sincerity,

"Be they many or few, my days are His due, And they all are devoted to Him."

Nov. 23d, 1846.-Mr. John Ware, of Aldersgate-street, London, coach-builder. He was enabled, by the grace of God, to maintain a consistent profession of religion for upwards of thirty years, and had held the office of ClassLeader in the City-road Circuit, since 1820. During a long and painful illness, he was graciously supported. His views of divine truth were clear; he had a joyous assurance of his personal interest in the Redeemer's merits, often testifying, "I know, I feel, I am on the Rock; and had a lively hope of heaven. During a long life he "walked with God;" and in his death it might be said of him, that "he was not, for God took him." T. V.

Dec. 22d.-At Macclesfield, aged seventy-six, Ann Warren, who had adorned her Christian profession as a Wesleyan Methodist for upwards of fifty years. She was the step-mother of five children, whom she brought up in the fear of the Lord from childhood. Three of these have

finished their course with joy; and the other two are consistent religious characters. Her own and only son was a constant source of grief and solicitude to her when he grew to manhood; but she never ceased to pray for, and faithfully to admonish, him. She was in all the relationships of life, an exemplary Christian, a faithful reprover of sin, diligent in all the means of grace, and a lover of the word of God and prayer. She endured much affliction with patience; when Death drew near, she contemplated his approach without fear. She knew that to die was gain. When informed of the happy death of her old friend, David Birtles, she raised her hand, and exclaimed with all her strength, "Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly!" In a few days, she entered with holy joy into the immediate presence of her Lord. T. H.

Jan. 8th, 1847.-At Hobart-Town, Van Diemen's Land, Mrs. Ann Gill, aged seventy-two years, relict of the late Lieutenant Gill, R.N.

Forty years ago she was deeply convinced of sin, and obtained reconciliation with God through faith in the sacrificial blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. Having given her heart to God, she sought communion with his people, and accordingly joined the Wesleyan church. Soon after she was brought to the enjoyment of inward religion, her faith was put to a severe test; for the distressing intelligence was conveyed to her, that her beloved husband, who had left home on a voyage of discovery, was no longer an inhabitant of earth, and she was left to the loneliness of widowhood. Having a family of three children, all in comparative infancy, she removed her residence from Norwich to London, where for many years she continued to adorn her Christian profession by a close and uniform walk with God and in endeavouring to train her children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. About a year and half since she settled in Van Diemen's Land; and, bringing with her most respectable testimonials as to Christian character, from the Rev. Joseph Sutcliffe, and the Rev. Thomas Jackson, she was most cordially received among the people whose denominational distinction she had so long and so honourably borne. On the first Sabbath of the present year, she joined in the covenant and sacramental services with deep solemnity of soul. It was her last service with the church militant; for in five days she was called to unite in the higher services of the church triumphant. She endured her short but severe affliction with uncomplaining submission. Some of her last expressions were: "All is peace, 11 is peace. No fear, no fear."

J. A. M.

Feb. 5th.-At Brad-street, in the Fifth London Circuit, William Steere Panchen, aged thirty-one. When he was about twenty years of age, he became the subject of strong religious impressions; but he did not immediately yield to them. At length, on hearing of the death of a brother, he became resolved to seek the Lord with all his heart, and he soon experienced the pardoning mercy of God. Having obtained the blessing of forgiveness, he began to meet in class at Broadwall, and received his note of admittance in December, 1839, from the Rev. John Davis; and although he was despised and persecuted by some of his relatives on account of joining the Wesleyan society, yet he "chose rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season." Having united himself to God's people, he was diligent in his attendance on the means of grace, and he felt it his delight to labour, according to his ability, in the vineyard of the Lord. He suffered much from domestic affliction. His last visitation was protracted and severe; but he bore it with Christian resignation and fortitude. He was never heard to murmur: he suffered as a Christian. To his friends who visited him he gave the most satisfactory evidence of his interest in the Beloved. As he had in life maintained a consistent course, so in death he was enabled to witness a good confession. The Lord's supper was administered to him - while on the bed of languishing, when he found his Saviour both present and precious. A short time before his death he turned to his wife, and

inquired if she were happy. She replied, “İ am." "So am I," said the dying man. He then asked the nurse the same question, to which she replied in the affirmative. "What a mercy," said he, "we are all happy!" He continued praising God, and saying, "I am going to glory." After giving utterance to these expressions, he slept a few minutes, and again said, "Happy, happy, happy:" and without a struggle or a groan, he sweetly fell asleep in Jesus.

J. L. S.

Feb. 27th.-At Hobart-Town, Van Diemen's Land, Mrs. Elizabeth Chapman, aged seventyseven. In early life she was soundly converted to God, and was admitted to the society by Mr. Wesley, in Old West-street chapel, London, in 1785. She sat under the powerful and edifying ministry of that eminent man whenever he was in the metropolis, during the last five or six years of his life. In the year 1823, she, with her husband and children, emigrated to Van Diemen's Land, where, for a number of years her active and benevolent efforts to do good among the sick and poor, were made extensively useful. About nine years ago, she became subject to a distressing malady, which confined her to bed to the last hour of her life. Through her long affliction, her mind was graciously sustained, and her confidence in Christ remained unshaken. A few days before her death she was asked whether she still fully depended upon the atonement of Christ for final acceptance with God? Her reply, made with great effort, was,

"This all my hope, and all my plea,

For me the Saviour died; "

and then she peacefully passed away to the "rest which remaineth for the people of God."

March 22d.-At Maidstone, aged sixty-four, Hannah, the wife of Mr. Henry Hopkins, in the full triumph of faith. Mrs. Hopkins was the daughter of Mr. Samuel Sankey, a respectable farmer at Harbledown near Canterbury. Her parents were members of the Church of England, and, as far as their knowledge extended, brought up their children in the fear of God. She was deprived of her mother by death when only eight years of age; an event which made a deep and serious impression on her mind. The religious feelings then produced never lost their hold on her heart. At the age of sixteen she joined a small society in Lady Huntingdon's Connexion, amongst whom she obtained clearer views of the nature of personal religion. Becoming earnest in seeking the salvation of her soul, she incurred the displeasure of her family, and subjected herself to persecution.