her earthly course: for Mr. Bowley

writes on the 29th of that month

I was roused, at four o'clock in the morning, to attend on one of the Female Converts, under an attack of the cholera. She appeared to be too far gone for us to entertain much hope of her recovery. It seems that she was labouring under the attack the greater part of the night, without suspecting at all the nature of the disorder. Her husband, Matthew Runjeet, left her last evening to go to Christian's Village to look out for a residence. I administered medicine to her during the day, and she seemed to be in a more hopeful way.

He thus speaks of her end

In the evening of the next day a sudden change took place, and she became restless and roving during the night. On the 31st, about mid-day, she seemed quieted and calmed in her mind: under a sense of her approaching end, she entreated pardon, with her hands folded, of her husband and of all present, and cried for mercy at the hands of her Redeemer under whose shadow she had come, and resigned her soul to Him. Thus died Phooleea, who was admitted into the Church by baptism on the 9th instant. She was humble, modest, diligent, and consistent. Her death, as it respected herself, none could lament.

A NATIVE CHRISTIAN OF BANGALORE.

The Rev. W. Reeve, of the London Missionary Society, writes from Bangalore, in October 1828

A few weeks since, a Member of our Native Church was called to enter, we humbly hope, into that rest which remaineth to the people of God. During his affliction, which was severe and protracted, he manifested a deportment and temper consistent and exemplary: he was always anxious to listen to the voice of his teachers; and never appeared more happy than when he had some Christian Friend by his side conversing with him on the subjects which pertain to the kingdom of God.

Having asked him, on one occasion, on what his hopes were founded for eternity, he replied in the answer of Peter to the Saviour, Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life: and

added in the words of Paul, For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. In a season of great exhaustion of nature, and when suffering acute pain induced by a diseased liver, he dilated, with apparent. delight, on the cheering invitation,

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Referring to his distressing affliction, he said, "The Lord Jesus Christ endured scorn and reproach, and, at last, the shameful death of the Cross, for the salvation of sinners; and surely it becomes me to be patient under suffering!" When about to depart, he observed, that all fear and dread had been removed from his mind, and that he was willing to receive the message, The Master is come, and calleth for thee! His last moments were employed in praying for the grace to be brought at the revelation of Jesus Christ. He has left a widow, who is likewise a member, and very consistent in her conduct.

GOOROOPAH, OF BELLARY.

March last, from Bellary, gives the The same Missionary, writing, in following particulars of the death of an aged Native Christian :

The old weaver, Gooroopah, left this world, the week before last; and, as we have every reason to suppose, in reliance alone on the blood and righteousness of the Lord Jesus Christ, for salvation and eternal life. For some months, the outward man had been gradually decaying; having passed the age of threescore years and ten, and being greatly shaken two or three days prior to dissolution by a distressing asthma: but it was only that we had any certain indications of the near approach of death.

On entering his house, the Sabbath before his decease, he intimated to me. that it would be shortly necessary to prepare for him the house of clay, for he thought his Master was about to give him his dismissal.

Every time I visited him, I was much struck with his patience, calmness, composure, and resignation. On being asked, if it should appear the will of God to call him now from time into eternity, whether he was prepared for his great change, he replied, “I hope so. I am very anxious to go and see my Lord Jesus Christ; who loved me so much as to come into this world, and shed His blood for me on the Cross, that my sins might be pardoned." When, at another.

time, the question was asked, “Is your mind still fixed on the Saviour?" he answered, "Certainly, my Dear Teacher, it is: I am waiting for Him." When questioned as to the grounds of his hope, he said, "I expect to be saved only through the merits of Jesus Christ." When referring to the situation of his family after his removal, he observed, "If they continue to seek that Holy God who is on their side, they will have no occasion to be afraid." At another time he said, "I thank God my mind is happy. I have only another day to spend on earth: then I shall be released from all sicknesses and pains, and enter into that blessed place where all sorrows will be for ever done away." Shortly after this he departed.

During the seven years which have passed since his baptism, his conduct has been, as far as I can learn, quite unimpeachable. When not prevented by the infirmities of old age, he has been uniform and regular in his attendance on Public Ordinances, and in his performance of Domestic Worship. He could neither write nor read. At family prayer, one of his grandsons used to read the Scriptures; after which the venerable old man, in a simple and humble manner, would present appropriate petitions to the Throne of Grace.

ANDRIS, OF BERBICE.

Andris was a Slave belonging to the British Crown, and laboured under the severe affliction of leprosy. The Rev. John Wray, of the London Missionary Society, writes on the 13th of June

I knew Andris when he was young and healthy, and an able boat-builder. He learned to read, and was baptized; but he has been confined for some years by this loathsome disease. The Lord, however, has been gracious to him, and has enlightened his mind in the knowledge of Himself. In speaking to him on the state of his soul, he said, "Yes, Massa, God is my strength and my salvation: He help me to lie down and to rise up. My pain is great; but that is nothing. I hope when I close my eyes, I shall be happy in heaven: I am wicked,

but I trust in Jesus Christ."

The following extracts from Mr. Wray's communications will shew the manner in which this afflicted Christian escaped from the scene of his trials.

66

June 29, 1829-I found him lying in his hammock with his Testament by him. I said, “Well, Andris, how are you?” "Oh, Massa, pain-the pain is too much for me"-"I hope you pray to God to help you." Yes, Massa, I pray when the pain is not too much"-"Do you' read your Bible?" "Yes, Massa; but these two or three days I have not been able to see so well." He now took up the Bible and read the Twenty-fifth Psalm with feeling, and said, “I bless God for the promises of the Bible. He has promised to receive every sinner, who returns to Him by repentance. He is my strength and my salvation. Formerly I sinned against Him, but now I have turned to Him."

Aug. 17-He was very ill, and sent to call me. I found them dressing his sores. The sight was truly affecting: he was literally full of sores from the crown of his head to the soles of his feet: there was no soundness in him. I asked him, "Do you think you trust in God for salvation and happiness?" He replied to the following effect: "Oh yes, Massa, I have no one else to trust in. I am a poor sinner"-"Do you think you shall go to heaven at death?" "Oh yes, Massa"-"What makes you think so ?" "Because I trust in my Saviour. I am a poor sinner; but He has promised to save all who repent. It is true, I used to go to Chapel before I was so ill; but then I was wild: but God's Word, which I read, has been very useful to me." He spake much of the goodness of God, and of the benefit which he had received from reading the Bible. I read the Sixth Psalm: when I had finished it, he observed, "I have read all that." speaking of the Manager, he said, "He is a good man to me: he gives me every thing I want."

In

Aug. 22-I found him very ill, hardly able to speak. I was, however, delighted with what he did say. He spake to the following effect: "I am a poor miserable sinner, but I trust in Jesus Christ: He is my doctor and my strength: I come to Him, and He will receive me to His kingdom. The Bible says, 'Thou shalt

not covet: thou shalt not bear false witrel: all these things I have done. I ness: thou shalt not be angry nor quarhave done many things that I ought not to have done: but God will forgive me for His mercy's sake. He will put an end to my sufferings. I used to go to Chapel and read my Bible, but I have

sinned. Since I have been sick, I have understood many things in my Bible which I did not understand then. I cannot read my Bible now; but when the pain is not too much for me, I pray in my heart." I asked him if he felt happy: he replied, "Oh yes, Massa: I have great pain in my body, but I feel too much pleasure in my heart;" meaning that he was very happy. He said he was full of sores and pains, yet he was happy in his soul. He spake with great confidence of going to heaven at death; but his confidence was entirely founded on the death and sufferings of Christ.

Aug. 23, 1829-This afternoon I was called to see him again: they did not think he would live through the night. I said, 66 Andris, I hope your heart is fixed on Jesus Christ.' "Oh yes, Massa". Do you think you shall be happy after death?" "Oh yes"-"What makes you think so?" Because I trust

66

66

in my Saviour. I am a sinner; but al my sins are pardoned. I wait for my glorious Lord: day and night I trust in Him. I cannot read my Bible now, but I pray with my whole heart"-" Do you believe the Bible?" "Oh yes, Massa, I believe the Bible: it will lead us to heaven; and it will teach us not to swear, not to sin: it is true from the beginning to the end. I love the Bible, and I love God my Lord: I wait upon Him: I am not afraid to die." I asked him what I should pray for. He replied, That God would look down in pity upon me, and not turn His face away from me.'

66

United Kingdom.

BRITISH & FOREIGN bible socIETY.

FROM Mr. Dudley's communications we collect some facts, which illustrate, very forcibly, the

Great Efficiency of Ladies' Associations.

Hull-In consequence of the Divine Blessing on the measures adopted last year for improving the organization of this old and important Auxiliary and its dependencies, a considerable increase has been experienced, both in the Receipts and Issues. The amount received this year is 8701., being 3401. more than in the year preceding; while the number of Bibles and Testaments distributed is 2286, being an excess of more than 300 over the issues of the last year. The increase, in both respects, is mainly attributable to the Ladies' Associations, whose Reports afford very satisfactory evidence of the moral benefits derived from the Institution.

Beverley-During a period of 15 years, the average annual income of the Beverley Auxiliary, from all sources, scarcely exceeded 50%.; and, during the latter half of this time, was reduced to about 301, while the number of Bibles and Testaments annually distributed seldom exceeded 100: but, during the last two years, more than 4501. have been received, nearly 1000 copies distributed,

and 1200 subscribers obtained; while the Ladies' Association has not only left the entire funds of the Auxiliary free for the general object, but has already voted nearly 1007. to the Parent Society.

Bridlington-During a period of 15 years, preceding 1826, the average income of the Auxiliary did not exceed 417. In that year, 43 Bibles and Testaments were distributed; and the Committee, in their Annual Report,expressed their "full persuasion, that not an additional sixpence could be procured of yearly income," and their belief "that all within their reach were supplied with the Scriptures." Within less than three years from that time, 1358 Bibles and Testaments have been distributed at the cost prices-more than 9301. have been collected-and nearly 2000 persons have enrolled their names as Subscribers; being an average proportion of 1 to every 6 of the entire population. While such facts as these demonstrate the necessity of Bible Associations, on a regular and systematic plan, in order to investigate and supply the local wants of our country, they should encourage the Committees of other Auxiliary and Branch Societies to adopt the same measures for the attainment of the same end. Individual Labourers in Scripture Circulation.

Mr. Dudley mentions an instance

of individual exertions well worthy of imitation.

A benevolent Lady, residing in the vicinity of Louth, adopts a mode of distribution which may afford an useful suggestion to others, where the plan of Bible Associations has not been carried into effect. She has engaged a poor, but truly pious man, formerly a sailor; and, having furnished him with a suitable basket, employs him in carrying about Bibles and Testaments to the destitute Villages and Hamlets within thirty miles of her residence, and selling them at the cost prices; though she gives him a limited discretion, in this respect. He sells many copies to waggoners, and others on the roads. Within the last

four years, he has disposed of 410 copies in this manner. Being nearly blind, he was unable to obtain the means of subsistence by labour, and must have become dependent on his parish had he not been thus employed. The Lady pays him a shilling a-day, besides his expenses, which average about sixpence a-day.

WESLEYAN MISSIONARY SOCIETY.

THE Committee have circulated the following

Urgent Appeal for Increased Support. The remarkable openings in various parts of the Heathen World for the establishment of New Missions, and the -affecting appeals for an increase of Labourers in the vast harvest before us, having induced the Committee to extend their operations-though without other sanction for their support than the confidence which they have in the God of Missions, and in the liberality of His people; they have addressed the following Circular to the active Officers of the Missionary Societies, in the hope that their hands will continue to be increasingly strengthened in this good work.

DEAR BRETHREN-We have thought it necessary, at this period of the year, respectfully and earnestly to solicit your attention to the present extended state of our Missions, and the necessity of the most vigorous efforts to prevent their being cramped and injured by any falling-off in the amount of the Subscriptions and Collections. Perhaps, in the present state of public affairs and the general depression of trade, it is not allowed us to indulge the hope, that the amount of our whole receipts should be much increased during the present year;

although we are happy to find indications of growing prosperity in many of the Societies. In some places there will, in all probability, be a defalcation, owing to the pressure of the times; not (thank God!) from any enervation of that noble zeal and honourable liberality which have already distinguished them. On this account we have thought it advisable to suggest to our Brethren in the Ministry, and to you, the leading Officers of the several Societies, on whose influence and exertions their prosperity mainly depends, the necessity of keeping up the Societies already formed in as great a degree of efficiency as possible— that nothing may be lost but what a stern necessity may reluctantly abstract from this hallowed and urgent work; and that the spirit of this branch of the Cause of our Redeemer committed to our charge may be preserved in full activity, both for present necessity, and for better and more productive times.

It has been often found that renewed regularity in meeting the different Committees the influential and encouraging presence, counsel, and exhortations of the Ministers and the Official Members

supplying the places of the Collectors, who have, from removals and other circumstances, ceased to fill that important department, by New Collectors-the institution of new canvasses in the old districts, where of course many new residents from time to time appear-and an occasional recommendation to the Congregations of zeal and liberality in this work, in a few words dropped from the pulpit by the Preachers of the Circuit-have all been effectual means of fanning the sacred flame; and of quickening langour, whenever it has occurred, into a cheerful and successful activity.

Wherever, from any circumstances, irregularity or inattention may have appeared, or, which is more frequently the case, where a degree of discouragement has prevailed, we take the liberty to commend, in a special manner, the concerns of the Society with which you are officially connected, to your affectionate care and oversight; feeling, as we do, that every exertion will, in the present state of things, be found. necessary to keep up the Missionary Income, and to prevent those painful results which would follow from any considerable falling-off.

This the more excites the anxieties of the Committee, because of the necessity which they have felt laid upon them

to listen to several calls for an enlarge. ment of the work in different quarters; calls so EXTRAORDINARY, SO PRESSING,

and, as they have deliberately concluded, SO PROVIDENTIAL, that they could not, without OFFENDING GOD, resist them. This has been especially the case as to the Tonga Islands; where the people are eagerly running to every vessel which touches their shores, to know whether Missionaries have arrived; and where, in one of the Islands, they have already erected a Chapel, in expectation that the help for which they sigh could not long be delayed. The calls from the yet unvisited parts of Southern Africa, a large portion of which God has manifestly given into our hands, are almost equally affecting; while the enlargement of the work on old Stations, and the deaths or returns of disabled Missionaries, create a constant and increasing pressure on our funds.

But so clearly is the finger of God in this success, and these extraordinary circumstances are so unequivocally the beckoning of His hand to enlarged exertions and more glorious triumphs, that, although the Committee feel anxiety, they do not despair of the full supply of the necessary means to maintain the ground already won from the Powers of Darkness, and to extend the triumphs of Redeeming Mercy. Let us, Dear Brethren, thank God, and take courage: and let us excite anew the sacred fire in our bosoms, by musing on the works of His hands. His arm is abroad upon the nations-an arm now no longer shrowded, but made bare in the sight of all. Let us then be co-workers with God, gladly contributing our aid AT HOME to aid the triumphs of His grace ABROAD: and with all these efforts, let us pray, with all prayer and supplication, for all saints, and for all our Missionaries, that utterance may be given to them, that they may open their mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the Gospel.

carried the account to Midsummer. A comparison of the following view with that summary will shew the changes which took place in the period from Midsummer to Michaelmas of last year.

Freetown.

Mr. Betts has continued his MINISTERIAL duties both at St. George's Church and at the Jail, though with little encouragement. The average attendance of Europeans at St.George's has not exceeded 4 persons; but few of the coloured population have attended; and sometimes the whole adult part of the Congregation has not exceeded 12 or 14 persons: the attendance of the School Children has been proportionally small. The

number of Communicants has been 7. The dilapidated state of the Church, which admits the rain, to the great inconvenience of the Congregation, in a great measure accounts for the smallness of the attendance. Of his Congregation at the Jail, Mr. Betts writes

I have generally found the prisoners attentive; and I would rejoice, that though it is not my province to open the prison to them that are bound, yet that I may proclaim spiritual liberty to the cap tive, and the acceptable year of the Lord.

Mr. Wilhelm, who, as well as several of his Congregation, has suffered from fever, has been enabled, with some interruptions, to continue his services at Gibraltar Chapel, where there has generally been a good attendance when the rains did not prevent: the number of Communicants is 8. After noticing a trial which he had met with in the misconduct of one of his flock, Mr. Wilhelm mentions the following case of another, an aged Christian, whose conduct, during an attack of sickness, filled him with joy: of this indivi dual, Mr. Wilhelm writes

The grace of our Saviour appears to have wrought in this poor African such a simple resignation to the will of the Lord-such child-like confidence in His mercy and goodness-such gratitude for every relief and comfort experienced such faith in the atonement and righte

I