WEST INDIAN MISSIONS. BARBADOES.-The Letter, from which the following is an Extract, was written previously to the communications from MR. SHREWSBURY, inserted in our last. It shows that this excellent Missionary was previously employed in making slaves sober, industrious, and honest, and not without some success. Extract of a Letter from MR. SHREWSBURY, dated July 3d, 1823. We have recently lost a few of our members by death. The end of one of them, who was a slave, is worthy of more than ordinary notice. SIMON RUDDER, before his conversion, was exceedingly ignorant, and much addicted to drunkenness. Being invited to attend the chapel by a member of the Society, he went; and the first sermon he heard made a deep impression on his mind, so that from that hour he sought the LORD with all his heart. At once he became a sober man: the very smell of strong drink became offensive to him, so that he could never afterwards be persuaded to use what he had so often before abused. He also entered the SundaySchool, and learned to read sufficiently well to make out any easy verse in the New Testament. In his sickness, I often found him with the New Testament in his hand, of which he used to say, "This is all my comfort;" and again, "I do assure you, Sir, when I read it, it does my heart good.' In the midst of severe pain, I never saw him impatient; in his long affliction, I never found him without the enjoyment of the peace of God, and a blessed hope of glory. His death at last was sudden. Being seized with ex cruciating pain about midnight, he sent for a member of Society who was near, and begged him to pray that "if it were the will of GOD, he might be taken to a better world." This being done, he soon afterwards peacefully expired. Thus died SIMON RUDDER; a slave, honest, sober, industrious, and "of good report " amongst the enemies, as well as the friends, of godliness. As a Methodist he had been an ornament to the Society upwards of ten years; and, in his sphere, he had been useful, for his leisure hours were employed in visiting and praying with the sick. One proof of the honesty of his principles is particularly pleasing. Having been long sick, he had contracted a few small debts; but he had more owing to him than was sufficient to cover them. He himself owed, altogether, about a guinea; but he said that "he could not die in peace, if any one should be a loser by him;" accordingly he got a friend to put down on paper the amount of what others were indebted to him, that his creditors after his death might receive what was due to them. When he related the circumstance to me, he added, “Now I can die satisfied." DEMERARA. The following Extract of a recent Letter from MR. MORTIER, dated George-Town, Dec. 15th, 1823, gives another instance of the good conduct of the negro-members belonging to our Society, in the late disturbance. In town and country, all is tranquil amongst the slaves. I believe their late dreadful attempt will teach them wisdom and obedience in future. There is one circumstance, which I do not know that I mentioned in any of the three let ters I have written since the revolt, viz. that a plantation, (Cuming's Lodge,) upon which we have twenty-three members of our Society, was on the borders of the scene of rebellion; and I am informed that not one of the negroes on that plantation joined the rebels, or gave them any countenance. This is pleasing to us, and it ought to be convincing to others. JAMAICA. We observe with pleasure, from the following Letter, that the spacious new Chapel, which has been for some time in a course of erection at Kingston, is at length opened, and that this additional accommodation for negro-instruction has been provided by the liberality of our friends in that city and neighbourhood. This spacious and expensive building has been erected without any claim whatever being made upon the Mission-Fund; the handsome local subscriptions which were obtained from almost all classes of persons, with scarcely any refusal, having met the greater part of the expense. Extract of a Letter from MR. YOUNG, dated Kingston, Jamaica, Dec. 22d, 1823. I AM happy in being able to inform Chapel, so long anticipated, was yesyou, that the opening of our new terday exultingly realized. The con gregation assembled on the occasion was large and respectable; there being present several Magistrates, and other persons of influence. The service was commenced in the morning at a quarter past ten o'clock, by singing, Lo, GoD is here, let us adore," &c. after which I read prayers. MR. HORNE then preached from Matt. xiii. 33, "The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened." In the afternoon, the Chapel was again crowded, when it fell to my let to officiate. I preached from Psalm cxxxii. 13-16, "For the LORD hath chosen Zion; he hath desired it for his habitation. This is my rest for ever: here will I dwell, for I have desired it. I will abundantly bless her provision : I will satisfy her poor with bread. I will also clothe her priests with salvation and her saints shall shout aloud for joy." The greatest order was preserved during both services, notwithstanding the concourse of people; and the joy which beamed in the countenances of our members during the day was no doubt the true index of their feelings. The influence of GoD was powerfully felt among us, and the season will be long remembered by many, as a time of refreshing from the presence of the LORD. The collection for the day amounted to £80. The building is eighty-three fect by seventy-nine, and forty-two feet in the elevation; and is very substantial, being built with brick, and other materials of the very best quality. It will comfortably seat about 2000 persons, and is very light and cool. MISCELLANEOUS. VILLAGE MISSIONARY SOCIETIES. WE insert the following Extract from the last Report of the Nottingham Auxiliary Missionary Society; and solicit for it the attention of the Preachers, and the Officers of our Missionary Branch-Societies. It opens a plan, of easy execution, for exciting the Missionary spirit in every part of a Circuit; and thus tends at once to benefit the people in their best interests, and to increase the contributions to the Fund. “ THE Committee are happy to report that the contributions in almost all the Circuits in this District have increased; but they are convinced that much more might be raised, especially by the formation of Juvenile and Village Societies; -both which have been formed in the Nottingham Circuit with considerable success. Of the Nottingham Juvenile Society some account was given in the Report of last year,-and of the VillageSocieties, which begin to be formed in other Circuits also, some account may not improperly be given now. At the meeting of the Committee in March last, it was resolved that Societies should be formed in every place where there was a Chapel, to accomplish which, arrangements were instantly made. Our friends in the different Villages were consulted as to the most eligible times for holding meetings, and the Circuit was divided into three parts, to each of which a Secretary was appointed. It is his business to draw up resolutions,-get about twenty posting-bills printed for each place, and fill up the same number of small Circulars, which state the object of the meeting, and the list of Missionary Stations, Missionaries, Members, &c., for the purpose of inviting the respectable inhabitants not generally attending our Chapel. A week previous to the meeting, these are despatched, and the posting-bills fixed upon the neighbouring Chapels, and in other conspicuous places. The Sunday before the meeting, a Missionary Sermon is preached, and a public collection made; and on the appointed day the Managers endeavour to arrive in time to arrange the Speakers,-take down the names of Officers to be announced to the Meeting, and make every other necessary preparation. A little after six o'clock the Minister commences with singing and prayer,—some person is requested to take the Chair, and the Speakers, as successively called on by him, address the Meeting, not usually exceeding twenty or twentyfive minutes each. The meeting is generally concluded by nine o'clock. The resolutions are four;-the first on the state of the Heathen world,—the second on the success of the Wesleyan Missions, the third on the necessity of Divine Influence,-and the fourth on the appointment of Officers. One of the Nottingham Secretaries sends out the Monthly Notices, Quarterly Papers, &c., along with the Magazines, every month to the Village Secretaries, who hand them to the Collectors for distribution; and shortly afterwards Missionary Prayermeetings are commonly held, at which extracts are read. All the places have subscriptions, generally weekly ones, from a farthing to a penny and upwards. In this manner have been held in the Nottingham Circuit this spring Thirteen Missionary Meetings. The major part of them have been numerously attended,the statements and anecdotes heard with deep attention,-and new subjects for reflection and gratitude opened to our country friends, the fruits of which, we believe, are both seen and felt. Three years ago the country parts of the Nottingham Circuit produced £25,-last year, when Village Societies began to be more generally formed, £64,-and, this where we have a Society of sixty-three, year, nearly £140. In one small village, all, with the exception of one family, quite in humble life, there are upwards of fifty weekly subscribers of one penny, year. Another of larger size, with fortyand £15 have been raised during the last six members, and all poor in this world's goods, produced upwards of £16 in ten been accompanied with much Divine Inmonths. The meetings have generally been made a special blessing to many fluence, and have, it is confidently hoped, who have attended them." EXTRACTS FROM THE PUBLICATIONS OF OTHER MIS- large fields. A spirit of order, industry, farms, and have comfortable houses and with that part of the nation which has and improvement, appears to prevail embraced Christianity; and this constitutes a full half of the whole population. here on the practicability of civilizing I do not pretend to offer any opinion the Indians under the present arrangespent a considerable portion of my life ments of the Government :-but, having in managing this description of people, of success here is greater than I have I am free to declare, that the prospect is ably and faithfully conducted,—and ever before witnessed,-that this mission has the strongest claims upon the counChurch, as well as the Christian Public tenance and support of the Methodist at large. MISSIONS OF THE AMERICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. WYANDOT MISSION.-Extract of a Letter from JOHN JOHNSTON, ESQ., Agent for Indian Affairs, to BISHOP M'KENDREE, dated Upper-Sandusky, Aug. 23d, 1823. SIR, I have just closed a visit of several days, in attending to the state of the Indians at this place, and have had frequent opportunities of examining the progress and condition of the School and Mission, under the management of the REV. JAMES B. FINLEY. The buildings and improvements of the establishment are substantial and extensive; and do this gentleman great credit. The farm is under excellent fence, and in fine order; comprising about one hundred and forty acres, in pasture, corn, and vegetables. There are about fifty acres in corn, which, from present appearances, will yield three thousand bushels. It is by much the finest crop I have seen this year; it has been well worked, and is clear of grass and weeds. There are twelve acres in potatoes, cabbages, turnips, and garden. Sixty children belong to the school, of which number fifty-one are Indians. children are boarded and lodged at the These Mission-House. They are orderly and attentive; comprising every class, from the alphabet to readers in the Bible. I am told by the Teacher, that they are apt in learning, and that he is entirely satisfied with the progress they have made. They attend with the family regularly to the duties of religion. The Meeting-House, on the sabbath, is numerously and devoutly attended. A better congregation in behaviour I have not beheld; and I believe there can be no doubt, that there are very many persons, of both sexes, in the Wyandot nation, who have experienced the saving effects of the Gospel upon their minds. Many of the Indians are now settling on this nation in council, to present to the I am authorized and requested, by members of the Church, their thanks for Conference, and through them, to the them by the Mission-Family, in their the aid and assistance rendered unto spiritual and temporal affairs. personal observation, together with the From opinion of the sub-agent and interpreters, I am induced to request, that the Conference will be pleased to continue MR. FINLEY and family in the superinLet it not be believed, that I make this tendence of the School and Mission. request from any partiality, favour, or affection. It arises from a conviction of his qualifications for the duty. I am, &c. &c. JOHN JOHNSTON, Extract of a Letter from MR. G. R. JONES, dated West-Union, Ohio, Sept. 18th, 1823. AT our late Ohio Annual Conference, held in Urbanna, there were several of the Red, and one or two of the Coloured Brethren present, from the Wyandot Mission at Upper Sandusky. Several interviews took place between our General Superintendents and them, during the sitting of the Conference, at BISHOP M KENDREE's room, at one of which I was present part of the time. A few friends were invited to be present at the interview. As breaking bread together has been a token of hospitality and friendship among most nations, refreshment was prepared by the family, and at a suitable time they were waited on with it. BISHOP M KENDREE, without any previous arrangement or design, appears to have been made a kind of Master of the Ceremonies; he was waited on first. The sagacity of the Red Brethren was quite observable; they kept their eye on him, and conformed in every particular. JONATHAN, a man of colour, (who has served the Mission from the beginning as an interpreter, and who, while engaged in this work, became convinced of sin, and happily converted to Gon,) was one of the company; he modestly declined partaking with them, but being pressingly solicited by BISHOP M'KENDREE, yielded. After the repast was over, the Red Brethren joined in singing several hymns in their own tongue; during which a number in the house, within hearing, crowded into the room, until there might have been as many as forty present. MONONQUE (a Chief) rose, and, approaching BISHOP M'KENDREE respectfully, held out the hand of friendship, which was cordially received, and a warm embrace took place; this appears to have taken off all restraint. BETWEEN-THE-LOGS (another Chief) followed his example, and they proceeded round to all the room, while sighs and tears witnessed the feelings of most who were present; but they were sighs of gratitude and astonishment, and tears of joy. The spirit of hostile foes in the field of battle was lost in the spirit of harmony and christian love, which appeared to fill the room. I have witnessed few scenes which carried stronger conviction to my heart of the truth and excellency of the religion of the meek and humble JESUS. A worthy gentleman, high in office, was present at the interview. It seems he had imbibed an opinion which is perhaps prevalent among politicians, that it is impracticable to christianise the aborigines of our country. He was placed in a part of the room farthest from the door. When the Chiefs approached him, all his unbelief appears to have given way; his arms were open to give the friendly embrace, while the flowing tear bore witness to a reciprocity of feeling. He was heard to exclaim a day or two afterwards, "I am fully converted." At the close of the singing by the Red Brethren, BISHOP ROBERTS made a few appropriate remarks, and we all joined him in singing; at the close of which, from the fulness of his heart, he offered up a fervent prayer. We again joined in singing, and one of the Chiefs (BETWEEN-THE-LOGS) being called on, prayed in a very feeling manner, while every heart appeared to respond the hearty Amen! The meeting was then drawn to a close. DOMESTIC INTELLIGENCE. DEPARTURE OF MISSIONARIES. MR. and MRS. JENKINS, MR. and MRS. WHITEHOUSE, and MR. ALLAN, sailed from Bristol, on the 1st ultimo, in the Ship Jamaica, CAPTAIN GAY, for the island of Jamaica. MESSRS. BRIDGENELL and STour sailed on the 12th ultimo, from Gravesend, in the Ship Thames, CAPTAIN LITSON, for Ceylon. MESSRS. W. PIGGOTT and HART sailed on the 13th ultimo, from Gravesend, in the Ship Crisis, CAPTAIN DEAN, for Sierra-Leone. CONTRIBUTIONS. The Total Amount of Contributions to the Wesleyan-Methodist Missionary Society, received by the General Treasurers, since the 15th of January, is £729. 19s. Among the items are found the following : for Jerusalem Mission, (Donation) £. s. d. Gibraltar Auxiliary Society, by J. PYNE, ESQ., and LIEUT. BAILEY 31 2 8 1. DIED, Aug. 19th, 1823, at Mollion, near Helston, in Cornwall, in the eightyfirst year of his age, MR. JOSEPH TROMAS. He received his first religious impressions at an early age. The LORD drew him to himself by the cords of love; and he was soon enabled to believe on CHRIST with his heart unto righteousness, and experienced the renewing power of divine grace. The blessing thus received he retained. Leaving the first principles of the doctrine of CHRIST he went on to perfection; keeping a conscience void of offence toward GoD and man. His subsequent conduct in the various relations of life furnished demonstrable evidence that he had been with JESUS. At this early period of Methodism, its friends were every where vilified and persecuted. But having "counted the cost" before he began to build, he went on through evil and good report, cleaving to the LORD with full purpose of heart. Happily, it was not with him, as it has been with many, who, after having outrode the storm of persecution, have afterwards been shipwrecked in the calm. Often has he been heard to express his thankfulness for the great alteration which had taken place among the lower orders of the people in the neighbourhood, which he ascribed to the blessing of GoD on the preaching of the Gospel. Nor was he insensible of the privilege of being protected in our religious exercises from the violence of infuriated mobs, by the civil power; and he manifested his gratitude to GOD, and to the Government under which he lived, by his obedience to both. He was a member of the Methodist Society about sixty years, during fifty of which he officiated as a Local Preacher, except when prevented by affliction. And for soundness of doctrine, plainness of speech, and gravity of deportment, he was exceeded by few. His sermons were judiciously arranged, and usually exhibited the most important doctrines of the Gospel; and he was heard with pleasure and profit by persons of judgment and piety. To the places of his appointment he conscientiously attended; not suffering storms, rain, or a slight indisposition, to hinder him. Although many of the places lay at a considerable distance, and he had often to pass over bleak and dreary wastes in his journey, the congregations never anticipated a disappointment when MR. THOMAS was planned for them. In his domestic relations he exhibited a pattern of prudence and piety; recommending religion by the order, regularity, and diligence dis played in its several departments. His conjugal affection and kindness could not easily be surpassed. He and his wife made one common cause in all their concerns: what was the interest of one was the interest of both. They lived together forty-five years; the whole of which time was spent in harmony and peace. As a father, his conduct was mild, gentle, and endearing. He ruled, indeed, and kept up his authority; but it was with wisdom and love. He studied both the spiritual and temporal interest of his children; and had the satisfaction to see them adhering to his counsel, and walking in the fear of the LORD. About twentyseven years ago, one of his daughters met her death in what is called an accidental manner; which circumstance so shocked his affectionate mind, as for some time to deprive him of the use of his reason. For the space of six or seven months he was incapable of attending to religious duties; but the spirituality of his mind was manifested during this mental aberration, by his frequent allusions to divine things. As a master he was loved and reverenced by his servants; who could not fail to discover the interest which he took in their welfare. He was careful to teach them to read the Holy Scriptures, and prayed with, and for them,-that they might not only know, but obey the truth; and he had the satisfaction to see most of them consecrating their services to the LORD, ere they left his hospitable roof. He ruled in the fear of the LORD. "The servant faithfully discrect he scarce distinguished from a child." Yet he was careful not to " mar them by familiar love." He was a friend to many, but an enemy to none, and a promoter of peace and goodwill amongst men. He was charitable, but not ostentatious. He gave liberally for the support and spread of the Gospel both at home and abroad; and he pitied and assisted many of the poor in temporal things, especially the poor of CHRIST'S flock. As a Class-Leader, his counsels and advices were always judicious. His own religious experience was sound and scriptural: for many years he was enabled to love the LORD with his whole heart.-About seven years ago, he was again afflicted in his mind, and continued in that state till he terminated his mortal career. Previous to this attack he appeared to be more lively in his spirit, and to enjoy closer communion with GOD, than usual; and as he entered into the affliction in a peaceful and blessed state of mind, so the same peace was exhibited through the remainder of his |