NEW-ZEALAND.

Extract of a Letter from the Rev. George Buttle, dated Waipa, July 4th, 1850,

I SHOULD be glad if I could send you an account of any extraordinary work of God in this Circuit: I will nevertheless rejoice, that we are still favoured with any signs of His presence among us. Notwithstanding our discouragements, (and they are many,) it is beyond doubt, that the Gospel has exerted, and is exerting, upon the people a powerful influence for good. In many important respects they are a different people from what they were some years ago; and the change which has taken place they willingly and unhesitatingly ascribe to the preaching of the Gospel among them. It has been the means of saving them from many of their native superstitions, customs, and practices, almost too horrible to write about, or mention, or even to think of; and now, while of late years other events have been occurring around them incident to a recent colonization, and they are being introduced into comparatively new circumstances, the same Gospel still ope rates to preserve them from many positive and deadly evils; evils by which numbers of their fellow-creatures of more civilised nations are led captive, and to which others fall the ready victims. In New-Zealand widely is the religion of Christ observed and practised in its external rites; but we may go farther, and say, there are those who, by the "Spirit," can "call Jesus, Lord," and know in whom they have believed. We can tell you, that it is in order that such disciples may be multiplied in number, that we pray, and work, and earnestly desire an interest in the prayers of all the friends of Missions in England.

We have had rather a large gathering of natives here in the neighbourhood of the station; some from Mokau, on the coast, others from different and distant places in the land. Varied, indeed, was the aspect which they presented, one of deep, deep wretchedness generally, with, here and there, a speck of comfortable and respectable clothing. But although many of them, judging from their looks, you might take to be almost starving, there was, as is too frequently the case on such occasions, a distressing waste of food. One of the Mokau party died, and was buried on the road. I saw another poor youth, apparently so far gone, that I should be much surprised if they got him home alive. In all probability, such a meeting, in old time, would have

meditated mischief for some one. These visiters, however, used the influence they possessed in endeavouring to adjust a dispute which had grown up between two parties resident here, about an awa tuna, a stream of water in which nets are placed to catch eels. They succeeded above my expectations. Taonui of Paripari, Ta Karei, (Waitara,) and other Chiefs of note, were among the guests entertained. Crying over departed relatives formed part of the business of their coming together; but giving and receiving presents was the more powerfully attractive part. The invitation was given by two Chiefs of this place, who some time ago embraced Christianity, and have been baptized; and one of whom, as the conclusion of the entertainment approached, informed his friends that they must regard this as his final hui maori, (or assembling according to native custom,) as from henceforth he wished to have done with this sort of thing. And pretty certain it is that these customs must eventually fall before the light of Divine truth. From the waste of food and time, as mentioned above, and other evils which naturally grow out of them, there is now a strong feeling in the minds of some of the best of our people, that they shall be entirely laid aside. Perhaps a little struggle will be required; but, finally, victory will declare on the side of the Gospel.

I have just returned from Pukemapau, Whakatumutumu, and other places, where I have been renewing the Society-tickets. At Whakatumutumu I was much satisfied with what I saw. Their very neat little chapel, with the exception of the door and windows, has been entirely their own workmanship, and does them great credit. Although the bulk of the people were at a distant village, the congregations were very encouraging; and while some of the important truths of our holy religion were being explained and enforced, they listened with marked and serious attention. The attendance at the classes was pleasing; and after the evening service I administered the Lord's Supper to nearly all the members of the church present at the village.

Kemp, the principal native Teacher here, is a fine man, firmly attached to our discipline, and one who looks well after his charge: hence the satisfactory state of things which we invariably find

on visiting them. And yet this man
himself told me, in a recent conversation
I had with him, what a monster he had
been in years gone by.
"Without na-
tural affection," most unceremoniously,
and free from the least relenting, he had
murdered his own children, putting them
into holes dug in the earth, placing large
stones over them, and so crushing them
to death. "The dark places of the
earth are full of the habitations of cru-
elty." By what power are these works
of the "old murderer" to be destroyed?
Kemp would say, "By the preaching of
the cross of Christ."

Some few months since, His Excellency Sir George Grey honoured us with

a visit.
In five minutes from the first
announcement of his approach by our
native servant, he was in the house; so
that we were clearly taken by surprise.
The party spent a Sabbath with us, Sir
George and his suite attending our na-
tive services; and the news of his ar-
rival having rapidly spread, the people
congregated in numbers. His politeness
and affability were strikingly observable,
and his kind notices of the poor New-
Zealanders secured for him their friendly
smiles. His Excellency spoke well of
the Society's operations in and about
Auckland, and in the highest terms of
the College for the Missionaries' chil
dren.

MISSIONS IN SOUTH AFRICA.

Extract of a Letter from the Rev. John Ayliff, dated Fort-Beaufort,
October 5th, 1850.

THE cause of God continues to proceed with steadiness and success in this Circuit, especially amongst the natives. In consequence of the great depression in trade, about two-thirds of our English members and congregation have removed from this Circuit; and, therefore, there is a great reduction in this class of our members and hearers. These have moved into different, and in many instances to distant, parts of the interior, northward, but carry with them, we trust, the savour of the Gospel of Christ. Thus from the frequent changes which are taking place, the knowledge of Christ is spreading. Our great regret is, that we are not able, for the want of means, to provide for the spiritual wants of these people.

The result of the Government arrangement in forming native settlements on the frontier is, that we have a wide door opened for usefulness amongst this people. Had I more strength, (which, I am compelled to say, is beginning to fail,) we might do a great deal more; though I am thankful for the aid I obtain from Mr. James Verity, who continues steadily to superintend the Sabbath-school department of the natives: to which I might add that of Mrs. Verity, who, from her knowledge of the Kaffir language, renders the cause of God great assistance as a ClassLeader. During the past six months I have admitted into the church of Christ by baptism forty-nine adult natives.

At the commencement of our labours in this Circuit, our native members numbered twelve, and six on trial.

Now I find, at the close of my renewal of tickets, we have one hundred full members, and thirty on trial. For this we "thank God, and take courage.'

Among the many encouraging circumstances connected with your Missions in this country, is the fact of a monthly paper in the Kaffir language, edited by Mr. Appleyard, and printed at the Mission-press, King William's Town. This paper is being read with great interest. Some interesting papers written by natives appear from time to time. To the cause of Missions are the natives of Kaffraria indebted for letters, and for that which is better, the Gospel of Christ.

Kaffirland is in a state of tranquillity. In the present arrangement of Sir H. Smith's government, provision is being made for the promotion of Christianity amongst the native tribes. His government is mild, just, and firm. The carrying out of his plans for improving the general condition of so many different tribes, having views and interests so diverse, is no ordinary task. If he be spared to complete his plans, he will be the greatest benefactor Africa ever had; and to that Government which supports him will belong the honour of civilising the natives of this part of South-Eastern Africa, in the working of plans so broad and extensive. There are some instances of dissatisfaction; but whilst the Government shows its power to punish evil-doers, it is always ready to administer justice.

I have never known a state of things so encouraging. My most ardent desire

and wish is, that nothing may be allowed to obstruct the present system of government, nor to cause the withdrawal of Sir H. Smith. Not only is the effect of his government a blessing to the tribes of Kaffraria themselves, but also to the frontier districts of the Colony; for since

Sir H. Smith has been at the head of our affairs, the losses of the border-farmers are not worth mentioning. So that, what I have said of Kaffraria, I may say of the frontier district; namely, that everything is in a state of perfect tranquillity.

MISSIONS IN WESTERN AFRICA.

SIERRA LEONE.

Extract of a Letter from the Rev. Thomas Raston, dated Free-Town,
November 5th, 1850.

NINE years have rolled over my head since I first left my native land for what was called the "white man's grave." Changes of vast importance have, during that period, taken place. Sierra-Leone then, and now, presents very different aspects. But especially in religion is the most marked difference. The great and rapid increase of Christian knowledge seems more than ever to mark out Sierra-Leone as the nucleus from whence the Gospel shall go forth to the interior. The decided advancement of religion in the Colony furnishes us with increasing stimulus to labour. Our beloved Societies are increasing in knowledge, and in the love of our Lord Jesus Christ: a deeper tone of piety prevails, and a better and more experimental knowledge of the great doctrines of justification by faith, and entire holiness, is exhibited in their daily walk and conversation. In the Free-Town Circuit our congregations are large, respectable, and intelligent; and while believers are growing in grace, the Lord is daily adding to His church. All the glory be His own!

poor, crazy, rotten, wood-chapels are falling about our heads. Dear Sirs, what are we to do with our thousands, whom the Lord has given as seals to our ministry? We are in a fearful predicament. Our village Societies cannot build their own chapels; and yet chapels they must have, if our character and work are to be sustained. And what part of the small allowance made to this Mission can we devote to building purposes? I believe that never, in the history of this Mission, was our Society so popular, our chapels so well attended, or the work of God so progressive. I feel jealous lest we should lose our standing for want of funds. The gold and the silver are the Lord's. O that He would direct their course to Sierra-Leone!

We have commenced the enlargement of Bathurst-street chapel. The addition is to be occupied entirely with pews, and the whole work will be done without the aid of the parent Society.

The pews in Zion chapel are now all let, and we expect the necessity of having new ones erected. These are new features, and will tend to promote the stability of our congregations.

The trust-deed for Gibraltar chapel is signed, so that the chapel is secured for ever. An enlargement is contemplated, which is greatly needed.

WEST-INDIAN MISSIONS.

HONDURAS-BAY.

Extract of a Letter from the Rev. Herbert W. Haime, dated Charibb-Town, April 20th, 1850.

My mind at present is principally fixed upon Charibb-Town, a place yearly increasing in numbers, and containing about fifteen hundred inhabitants, nearly all destitute of the least spark of religion. I thought they were bad enough when I went down merely to visit them; but upon becoming a resi

dent I am more than ever convinced of their prevailing immorality, and really heathenish darkness. Vice of every species, drunkenness, dishonesty, idolatry, &c., degrades them generally; but where the kingdom of God appears, their character takes a superior order, and they become zealous and devoted servants of God. But,

WEST INDIES.

alas, how few, out of the hundreds, have any knowledge of God! Even up to this time, they worship the devil under the To Marfen they title of Marfen. cause their children to be dedicated; to him they dance and pray; in honour of him, and to appease his wrath, they have their feasts, where their god is supposed to preside:-that he does practically preside there, no one doubts. Under the influence of drink they become enraged as though possessed; and, with actions that are frantic, they strive to procure the devil's favour by beating their heads, and injuring their bodies, till they fall, one by one, as though lifeless; and thus they rest satisfied that all is right. Such a yoke is heavy, and such a burden is Do we not need the prayers intolerable. of the children of God, that these poor Charibbs may be brought into the knowledge of the truth as it is in Christ?

The first marriage for seven years amongst the Charibbs was solemnized on the 13th of February last in CharibbTown. I hope that many will follow their example, and thus break down a

great barrier to the spread of the Gos-
member of our
pel. The woman, I am happy to say,
has since become a
Society, and a humble seeker after
salvation.

Charibb-Town is divided into four

parts;

namely, Man-of-War-Town,
Stann or Stern Creek, (where the Mis-
sion-premises are situate,) Falmouth-
Town, and Scotch-Town; each of which
demands a portion of the Missionary's
labours, and, if attended to, is sufficient
to take up a great portion of his time.
This would be attended with beneficial,
with saving, results, to the increasing
of the congregation, and of the number
of our members; but, as one of them
observed, "No sooner is the bush cut
down than it is left, and the consequence
is that it is left to grow again." Our
congregation in the morning is good;
but in the evening Spanish custom pre-
vails, and we have not more than twenty
or thirty. Still it is my determination
to continue working for God till He
shall have poured out His Holy Spirit
from on high.

ST. DOMINGO.

Extract of a Letter from the Rev. William Towler, dated Samana,
Dominican Republic, May 8th, 1850.

As I spent but a short time in Samana
last year, I thought it my duty to give
a few months to the station in the
present year, and have come with my
I have
family here for that purpose.
visited many of the people of this town
and neighbourhood at their houses, and
invited them to assist in our services,
and have begun preaching in French
or Spanish on Sunday afternoons and
We have also a
Tuesday evenings.
Sabbath-school for them in the country,
in a settlement of people of French ex-

traction, conducted by a young man of
our church, who understands the Creole
or patois of the people; and who, after
school on each Sunday afternoon, reads
I
the Scriptures in French, then gives
the sense, and exhorts in Creole.
have commenced a Bible and catechu-
men class here, as in Puerto Plata; and
have also formed a Juvenile Missionary
Society in both stations, employing about
thirty young people as Collectors, on the
Harrow.
plan recommended by Mr. Blake, of

JAMAICA.

Extract of a Letter from the Rev. Samuel Burrell, dated Kingston,
October 11th, 1850.

You have so often heard of Jamaica's
prostrate condition, of the poverty of our
people, and the falling off in our numbers
and finances, that it is not pleasing still
At the
to tell the same tale of woe.
same time I am persuaded, if our state
was fully understood by British Chris-
tians, they would, with increased libe-
rality, sustain your Missions in this part
know that for many
of the world.
years this island has been blest with
labourers sent out and supported by your
funds; but surely the results have been

most satisfactory and glorious. If we
remember what Jamaica was when Wes-
leyan Missionaries first landed on its
So
shores, and first unfurled the banner of
the Cross, and then look at it now, we
must thank God, and take courage.
great a change brought about in so short
a period is perhaps without a parallel;
and the labours of your Missionaries
have largely contributed to make this
island what it is. How many thousands
of its inhabitants, by their instrumental-
ity, have been prepared for the bliss of

MISSIONS IN BRITISH NORTH AMERICA.

NEWFOUNDLAND.

Extract of a Letter from the Rev. John S. Addy, dated Port-de-Grave,
March 22d, 1850.

I AM happy to say we have got our chapel whitewashed, painted, and otherwise improved, without incurring any debt. We are, however, under great obligation for this to R. Prowse, Esq., of St. John's, a gentleman who some years back resided here, and who still feels an attachment to the little sanctuary in which he formerly worshipped. He very generously made us a present of the materials for the painting, &c.,