troubles, but checked himself by adding, 'Not my will, but Thine be done,' 'For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.' Life or death, he said, was one to him, and that if he could by the lifting of a handkerchief secure longer life, he would not do it, and he knew it to be the Lord's will. On the Thursday he asked whether the usual prayermeeting of the female members had been held, adding, he feared his illness may have interrupted it. On being told that it been held, he seemed satisfied. Towards evening the fever seemed abated. The doctor desired that we should try and get him to take something; his appetite seemed quite gone. The doctor now thought more favourably of the symptoms. He was constantly pouring out his heart to his Heavenly Father, in ejaculatory prayer. Thinking he was dozing, I bent over him to ascertain. He immediately said, 'My dear child, Susannah, we must be prepared for the great day of the Lord.' As

I made no reply, he asked me whether I understood. I said, 'Yes.' On Saturday morning, as we joined in family worship by singing one of his favourite hymns and tunes, we heard his now weak and faltering tongue join in the song in the prospect of soon joining in that of Moses and the Lamb in glory. When the doctor came he thought the fever greatly subsided, and he was able to take some refreshment; but at eight o'clock at night it returned with greater power. Then we saw his strength failing him. He wished to speak, and his heart was evidently full; but we could not distinctly make out what he said.

"In the evening Mr. Green, our elder, came to sit by him. He whispered, 'My staff. We thought he was asking for his walking-stick. He said, however, Not this staff." Then we perceived that he was repeating the 4th verse of the 23rd Psalm:

Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me.' He exclaimed Salvation! O, salvation!'

We asked him if he wished to have a hymn on that subject, either in Dutch or English, sung. But he seemed not able to recal the hymn to mind. In the evening he said to Hannah it was the Dutch hymn, beginning The hope of salvation procured for us by Jesus.' During the night he seemed full of the subject of redemption, and in his musings would exclaim, Salvation, wonderful plan!' He gradually sank. When the doctor came he gave him something to revive and strengthen him.

"About eleven o'clock on Sabbath morning Mr. Green went to chapel to preside at a prayer-meeting, at which his case was to be made matter of prayer. John said that the people were praying for him, and asked whether he felt the nearness of his God and Saviour, and whether He was still precious to him. Yes,' he replied, it is all well.' He asked whether he should repeat to him his favourite hymn of Watts, 'When I can read my title clear,' &c. ; he bowed his head in assent, and repeated himself the two last lines of the first verse with strong emphasis. When I came to him and took his hand, he pressed mine. I asked him if he knew us; he said Yes, why not, my child?' On one occasion, after he had been dozing for some time, he said on awaking, 'My dear children, I have been in a happy society, and a glorious mansion. Nothing but glory, glory! When my brother Joseph came, I was told he seemed very glad of it, though he could say nothing to him. After this he did not seem to be sensible of anything going on about him. His breathing gradually became fainter, and in the evening, about six o'clock, he breathed his last. Inside and outside the house was filled with his weeping and mourning people. Such is a short account of the last illness and death of our sainted parent. Let us be followers of them who through faith and patience have inherited the promises."

A Working Missionary and his Difficulties. I do not write now with the feelings with which I penned my last statement, nor have I so dismal a catalogue of calamities to record. Yet I do not feel elated by a review of the three months past, and several solemn warnings have been addressed to us. Drunkenness is the prevailing sin of the place, and a few weeks since a man went home intoxicated, and it is said by accident he set fire to a newspaper, and this to something else, which so terrified his poor wife, that she was literally frightened to death, leaving behind a numerous family. Her husband was afterwards in great distress of mind. I will only name one other case of this kind. In my last report is a sentence commencing "A young person to whom I referred." believe on the day after the occurrence just named, a brother of this young person was drowned in the river: he was a mere boy.

Death has visited our congregation, and a few days since, the oldest man attending the chapel and a seat-holder, after a very short illness, departed this life. In other cases, families have been bereaved. In one, it was a mother; she had been spared to see most of her family grow up, and on her sick-bed she was comforted by their affectionate and assiduous attentions. Her state of mind at last rapidly became such as cheered all who witnessed it. Calm, sustained, and intelligent, was her confidence in the Lord Jesus, and earnest her expectation and desire to enter into his glory. She fell asleep, and we could not sorrow as those who have no hope. Among the cases of illness which I have visited, some have given me much pleasure, and I hope it will be found, in time to come, that impressions received and more entire consecration made, were real and permanent.

Many of those who most regularly neglect the means of grace have or had pious fathers

or mothers; have been scholars or teachers in Sunday-school, perhaps both; have been regular attendants previously at some place of worship; and some weak, even professed disciples of the Lord Jesus. But now thev have erred and they do err from the Lord's ways, like lost sheep. Not a few of these are of difficult access, and are slow to confess; but in other cases it is not so. The most extraordinary thing about it, perhaps, is, that such persons should continue to make themselves unhappy by voluntarily abstaining from the very course which they know and feel to be right. To such an extent is this carried, that in one place the proportion of attendants upon the worship of God is certainly not above one in thirty. In the factories the men get linked together, they are each other's teachers of politics, philosophy, and religion; they follow each others example, and fulfil each others desires. The consequences are what may be expected: their political creed is unsound, and as they seldom attempt to use philosophy, except in connection with religion, their philosophicoreligious creed is eminently Anti-religious. Every religious man "a saint," and "a hypocrite," and every religious teacher is a "priest" and a "hireling."

Now how are these to be reached? When they leave work they go home to wash and refresh themselves. We cannot see them then, and we cannot during the daytime. As we cannot follow them to the workshop or factory, we cannot follow them to the public-house or other resort where the evenings are spent. On Sunday they will not come to our places of worship, and we cannot follow them, as they loiter about till the afternoon. Nor then when they are "dressed," can we go after them where they go. What can be done? These men, many of them endowed with fine natural qualities, do not live at home. They go home to eat, dress, and sleep; this is all. We do not often meet with them, but with their wives. Our only hope is to leave a tract, which, in all probability, will not be read. Till we can reach the men, little will be done. I have listened to many sad stories from the wives and neighbours proving that this is just the point. Perhaps you say, How do false teachers, as the Mormons, get access to the persons referred to? In this way; Mormonism is a system which is epidemic among the people, the working classes in particular, and they take it of one another by contagion, literally; and this the more readily, because it anathematizes all other systems, and is by no means inexorable in its demands for spiritual mindednsss. A man may be a Mormon and a bad man, just as he may be a Romanist and a bad man. But let our principles once get among them in the right hands, and, through God's blessing, we shall win our way. Pardon my dwelling so long on this point; its importance and its difficulty must be my apology.

Our attendance at the Sunday-schools continues good, but our supply of teachers is short. The attendance at the chapel is certainly better than it was during the summer months. The re-action, in the very middle of which I was when I wrote last quarter, is

over now, and a few fresh subscribers and other little incidents are gratefully referred to as tokens for good. The place has been, and is, a burden from which many would have, ere now, made their escape. I will not enumerate my grievances. I know who "pleased not himself," and of another who "became all things to all men;" and while I pray for the self-denial of the Master, I trust to have the zeal of the disciple.

If you know what I used to do, I trust you know what I am doing now. If any doubts arise, I trust you will come and see. The course of lectures announced on the card has been chosen from deep conviction of its suitability. The three prevailing forms of error here belong either to Infidelity, to Mormonism, or to Romanism, and I am endeavouring to do good by taking these errors as classified in the list, and after a brief and popular statement and refutation of them, propounding and enforcing the opposite truths. It is, of course, for the truths' sake, that this series has been commenced, and although a difficult and delicate task, I trust it will lead to good.

I am glad to know that the room which the Mormons held is closed, and they have now no place of meeting in my district. A shop also, where their publications were sold, has discontinued the sale, as I learned on application.

I

It is here as it ever has been; men stand and wait till they see, as they suppose, the end of the struggle, and then rush in with the conquerors and share the victory. trust the victory will be gained, and I can cheerfully allow the parties referred to, to do as they desire. For me, if I can vindicate the honour of my insulted Lord, if I can be the instrument in leading poor sinners to the Saviour and salvation, and if comfort and edify the weary, feeble, and doubting pilgrim to Canaan's city, it will be enough. But if I die without attaining this, still to have lived to seek it will be enough. And all the glory shall redound to sovereign grace.

can

A Rural Missionary amidst Puseyite Delusions.

The closing of the year suggests a brief review of our labour, the full result of which may not appear at present; but, doubtless, will influence future generations. At present many difficulties stand in the way; at every step we are met by High Church influence, which is powerful in agricultural districts. To enumerate the various modes of opposition is not our present purpose, but only to show that, when other means fail them, they occasionally have recourse to argument, if such it may be called. Take an example: the clergyman, in distributing his Christmas favours, called at the house where a very poor but pious woman resides, who attends the village chapel, not to bestow any favour upon her; but, as some of the household attends the Church, he had some clothing for them. He remonstrated with the poor woman for being a Dissenter, dwelling much on the importance of being a member of the Church, and the efficacy of baptism as administered by her ministers.

The poor woman replied, she did not see that persons baptized at Church were better than others; that many of them lived very wicked lives. He admitted the latter to be true; but, in order to convince her that they would be saved, he said, "Now, suppose I was a king's son, but chose to leave my father's house, and go into a foreign land, and there live very wickedly, still I should be a king's son; my wickedness would not alter my relationship; I should be brought home at last as the king's son." Thus he sought to prove to her that, however wicked the lives of those who had been baptized at the Church, it could not alter the relationship entered upon at baptism; they would still remain "members of Christ, and inheritors of the kingdom of heaven." They would be saved at last.

In this way such men seck to bolster up the dogma of sacerdotal influence in our villages. It is with them a vital point, and it may suit immoral Churchmen; but it would not go down with the poor woman, who knew that "the grace of God that bringeth salvation teacheth us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lust, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world." Against such opponents we have kept our ground through another year. Our attendance on the Sabbath, upon the whole, has been good. Even during the last three months, with heavy rains and many roads impassable, the attendance has often surprised us. Some additions have been made to those in Church fellowship, and others give evidence of good received. The work of education in our day and Sunday-schools is progressing; whilst upwards of 300 numbers of religious periodicals have been sold, and others in addition given away. And last, though not of least importance, the diffusion of general information by lectures on various subjects has been promoted in the school-room; these are needed in rural districts, to enlarge and elevate the minds of the people, the narrowness of which often make pulpit labour difficult. Such is our mode of action; we do not despair of success. Although with us it is the seed time, the harvest will follow; may it be abundant! Our dependence is on the Lord of the harvest.

COLONIAL MISSIONARY SOCIETY.

AUSTRALIA.

THE Committee are endeavouring to prosecute their work with the energy which the providential circumstances by which they are surrounded demand. They have just despatched a beloved brother, the Rev. J. Harsant, late pastor of the Church at Bassingbourn, to Port Elizabeth, an important town in the Western District of the Cape of Good Hope. They have also added St. John's, Newfoundland, to the number of stations aided by the Society's funds. Both

of these Churches are most important and deeply interesting. It would be a high gratification to the Committee, if the liberality of the British Churches enabled them to take possession of all the Colonies of the Empire. In many of these Congregational

ministers might be advantageously placed. Men could be found who, whilst they would specially labour for the spiritual welfare of their own countrymen, would essentially promote the efforts made for the conversion of the heathen around them.

But the anxieties of the Committee are specially excited by the truly wonderful events which have occurred in the Australias. The discovery of gold in those regions has attracted thither thousands of our countrymen. It has been estimated that very little short of 100,000 persons have left our shores for those regions during the past year. Amongst these many are found who were our fellow-worshippers in this their fatherland. For this vast new Australian popu. lation no adequate means of spiritual oversight have been provided. Indeed, before the recent important change in the condition of those colonies, the labourers were few compared with the whitening harvest which presented itself on every hand. What, then, will be the state of things under this unparalleled augmentation of the number of inhabitants? Under these circumstances the Committee are prepared to send out a dozen, at least, of well-qualified ministers to occupy those stations where the population may be most likely to be concentrated. All they require to carry out this design is an adequate income to meet the outlay necessarily involved in their voyage and outfit, and their support, wholly or in part, for a period of three or four years. Is it too much to ask and expect this from the British Churches? Are there not wealth and zeal enough to accomplish it, and that without delay? Shall we be outdone by others, especially by the Romanists, who are sending forth numbers of agents, including bishops, priests, and sisters of mercy, with all the paraphernalia of their superstition? The Committee rejoice that a commencement has been made. They have received a number of promises of special subscriptions for four or five years, together with a list of donations, varying from £5 to £100. The friends in the colonies are also raising contributions for the same object. The two congregations at Sydney, under the pastoral care of the Rev. Dr. Ross and the Rev. Joseph Beazley, recently remitted the sum of £300 to assist in sending out immediately two brethren for that colony; pledging themselves, at the same time, to contribute a moiety of the sum necessary for their support for three years. The Committee hope to send, within a month from this time (January 17th), three approved Ministers, two to Sydney, and one to Western Australia, and are ready to engage others so soon as the amount contributed will justify them in doing so. With the Churches of this land-with the wealthy members of such Churches especially, it rests whether the present providential crisis for the spread of the Gospel, in connection with our distinctive principles, shall be improved or not. The Committee are prepared to avail themselves of this most inviting and favourable opportunity. Ministers adapted for the mission can be obtained; shall, then, this appeal,-can it be, in vain ?

present day, if ministers in a neighbourhood would often meet together, and spend days in fasting and fervent prayer among themselves, earnestly seeking for those extraordinary supplies of Divine grace from heaven that we need at this day; and also, if, on their occasional visits one to another, instead of spending away their time in sitting and smoking, and in diverting or worldly, unprofitable conversation, telling news, and making their remarks on this and the other trifling subject, they would spend their time in praying together, and singing praises, and religious conference. How much do many of the common people shame many of us that are in the work of the ministry, in these respects? Surely we do not behave ourselves so much like Christian ministers, and the disciples and ambassadors of Christ, as we ought to do. And while we condemn zealous persons for their doing so much at censuring ministers at this day, it ought not to be without deep reflections upon, and great condemnation of ourselves; for, indeed, we do very much to provoke censoriousness, and lay a great temptation before others to the sin of judging; and if we can prove that those that are guilty of it do transgress the scripture rule, yet our indignation should be chiefly against ourselves.

"Ministers at this day, in a special manner, should act as fellow-helpers in their great work. It should be seen that they are animated, and engaged, and exert themselves with one heart and soul, and with united strength, to promote the present glorious revival of religion; and to that end should often meet together, and act in concert. And if it were a common thing in the country for ministers to join in public exercises, and second one another in their preaching, I believe it would be of great service. I mean that ministers having consulted one another as to the subjects of their discourses, before they go to the house of God, should there speak two or three of them going, in short discourses, as seconding each other, and carnestly enforcing each other's warnings and counsels. Only such an appearance of united zeal in ministers would have a great tendency to awaken attention, and much to impress and animate the hearers, as has been found by experience in some parts of the country.

"Ministers should carefully avoid weakening one another's hands; and therefore everything should be avoided by which their interest with their people might be diminished, or their union with them bro

ken. On the contrary, if ministers have not forfeited their acceptance in that character, in the visible church, by their doctrine or behaviour, their brethren in the ministry ought studiously to endeavour to heighten the esteem and affection of their people towards them, that they may have no temptation to repent their admitting other ministers to come and preach in their pulpits.

"Two things that are exceeding needful in ministers, as they would do any great matters to advance the kingdom of Christ, are zeal and resolution. The influence and power of these things to bring to pass great effects, is greater than can well be imagined. A man of but an ordinary capacity will do more with them than one of ten times the parts and learning without them more may be done with them in a few days, or at least weeks, than can be done without them in many years. Those that are possessed of these qualities commonly carry the day, in almost all affairs. Most of the great things that have been done in the world of mankind, the great revolutions that have been accomplished in the kingdoms and empires of the earth, have been chiefly owing to these things. The very sight or appearance of a thoroughly engaged spirit, together with fearless courage and unyielding resolution, in any person that has undertaken the managing any affair amongst mankind, goes a great way towards accomplishing the effect aimed at. It is evident that the appearance of these things in Alexander, did three times as much towards his conquering the world as all the blows that he struck. And how much were the great things that Oliver Cromwell did, owing to these things! And the great things that Mr. Whitfield has done everywhere, as he ran through the British dominions, (so far as they are owing to means,) are very much owing to the appearance of these things, which he is eminently possessed of. When the people see these things apparently in a person, and to a great degree, it awes them, and has a commanding influence upon their minds; it seems to them that they must yield; they naturally fall before them, without standing to contest or dispute the matter; they are conquered, as it were, by surprise. But while we are cold and heartless, and only go on in a dull manner, in an old formal round, we shall never do any great matters. Our attempts, the appearance of such coldness and irresolution, will not so much as make persons think of yielding; they