No. 1.]

[VOL. VIII.

State of the Ministry, and of the Schools. GIBRALTAR CHAPEL The Rev. John Raban (since returned to this country, see p. 247, Vol. 1836) had laboured to the extent of his strength at Freetown. He reports of the congregation:

The number attending Divine Service has been, on the whole, as formerly reported. On Sunday Morning the Chapel is crowded in the evening, most of the mothers being occupied in the care of their infants, and but few of the apprentices being allowed to attend a second time, the number is much smaller; and on the week evening few come, besides the more serious part of the congregation. There is, for the most part, a very pleasing attention to the Means of Grace; and I have often been refreshed by observing the marks of a devotional spirit. The Lord, I trust, condescends to be with us, and to make His Word sweet unto our taste.

Of the Candidates for Baptism, and the Communicants, Mr. Raban remarks

One has been added to the number reported last quarter; making the present number twenty-four. The whole, with but few exceptions, principally caused by sickness or other affliction, have been regular in their attendance on the Weekly Meetings held for their special benefit. A few of the Communicants also attend; and sometimes afford help to the others, in answering the questions which are frequently put, in order to ascertain how far they really comprehend what is spoken. I am again called to bear testimony to the usefulness of this plan, both to Minister and People. That they receive assistance from a simple exposition of Divine Truth, their grateful behaviour will not allow RECORD, Jan. 1837.]

me to doubt; and, if I do not much deceive myself, I, too, derive benefit from seeing the influence which the Truth has upon their minds. That they are, generally, slow in understanding, is true; but they seem to have a deep conviction of what they do understand; as I had lately occasion to observe, in going through the Ten Commandments. While questioning them respecting the Seventh -violated, alas! so awfully in this Colony-and reminding them that there might be a mental violation of it, as our Saviour declares in his Sermon on the Mount, the answer was given with much feeling : People that do not fear God do so;" clearly implying that they knew the spiritual nature of the Commandment, and the evil of a forbidden desire. One great obstacle to their advancement is, that so few can read. I am happy in having prevailed on several to attend the Sunday School; and hope the others will soon follow their example.

Of the state of the Sunday School he adds

Encouragement has sometimes been afforded by the attention paid to the questions put, and the remarks made, on a portion of Scripture, previously read by the upper classes; and it is earnestly hoped that the seed which is thus sown, though it may be concealed for a time, will, in many instances, spring up and bear fruit, at length, under the gentle but powerful influences from above, which drop upon the pastures of the wilderness, and make them a fruitful field.

FOURAH BAY-The value of the Christian Institution at this place continues to be manifest; while its trials are such as are to be expected from the tempers of the Youths admitted. The Rev. G. A. Kissling, who continues in charge of it, reports

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as follows, at the close of the quarter

Respecting the Christian Institution, I have to report a few particulars which will excite feelings of regret; while there are also other circumstances of a pleasing and encouraging nature, which call for humble praise.

Difficulties have been felt at the Institution in keeping its regulations in force; which may in a measure be ascribed to the admission of several boys, as reported last quarter. However commendable the conduct of scholars may be, under the immediate eye of their teacher, they too often follow evil habits and manners at home; which the boys recommended, bring with them, as may be expected. Evil is more easily communicated than good, particularly in a number so very small; and thus occasion has been given to painful occurrences at the Seminary. Two Initiatory Scholars have been detected in telling falsehoods; one of them under aggravating circumstances. When the sad consequences of the sin were pointed out to them from Scripture, shame and sorrow seemed to mark their faces; and, from their late conduct, I may express a hope that the evil is cured. Another of the same class has been rather careless and negligent, notwithstanding the attachment which he manifests to the Institution; and I have been under the necessity of telling him that he will be dismissed, unless he materially alters his behaviour.

Among some of the Students, also, I am

sorry to say, there has been foolish con

tention; which, I fear, proceeds from pride. Instead of being humbly grateful to the Lord for their instruction, they are prompted, by a corrupt heart, to think more highly of themselves than they ought; and this high-mindedness is often nourished by their ignorant relatives, who unduly esteem them on account of the advantages which they think the youths have over them. I have, for this reason, very seldom allowed the youths to visit their homes; and have also spoken to their friends on the subject, when coming here to see them. But I am fully aware that human precaution is not sufficient to check the evil propensities of the heart. My students need the regenerating influences of God's Holy Spirit-that precious gift, which I sincerely ask you to join me in supplicating for them.

Concerning the more hopeful appearances among these Students, Mr. Kissling states the following:

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It affords encouragement to state, that, during the quarter, another student has been admitted to the Holy Communion: there being now three who enjoy the privilege of receiving the pledges of Christ's love for the strengthening of their faith in Him. May they grow in grace daily, and persevere unto the end! It has been equally pleasing to me to observe, as I have repeatedly, that some students are in the habit of admonishing their relations, who live at a distance from God, to consider the things which belong to their peace: a circumstance, among several others, which leads me to conclude, that, while they think of the spiritual welfare of those who are near and dear unto them, they will not be unmindful of their own. With regard to their studies and progress, let this general remark suffice-that I see no reason to complain. Their private hours are chiefly spent in reading the Scriptures, though other useful books are accessible to them. The Old Testament, and chiefly the Jewish History, has been explained to them in our evening devotions, by Mr. Raban; while I have endeavoured in the morning to make some practical observations on the Gospels. Let us earnestly pray that the Word may become the power of God unto the salvation of their souls.

KISSEY Of the state of the congregations at this Station Mr. Kissling gives the following very satisfactory report:—

It is gratifying to observe a gradual improvement in the people of this parish. The Communicants regularly attend the Means of Grace; nor has there been any charge of disorderly conduct brought before me during the quarter, with regard to any of them.

Many persons seriously inquire after the Truth as it is in Jesus. Some, being exposed to the scorn and laughter of their former companions, seem patiently to bear it; hoping only that the Lord may take them into His favour. It was a particularly gratifying sight, when husbands and wives applied together to be received into connexion with the Church; expressing their desire that they and their house might serve the Lord.

Mr. J. Warburton bears his testimony to the same effect: he remarks

The attendants on Divine Worship on Sunday Mornings continue to be as numerous and attentive as has been mentioned in former Reports. We give, as the average attendance, 800; but there are often as many as 900 present, including children and apprentices. Of the latter, I have pleasure in stating that many attend the House of God; though I fear that a still greater number are kept on their masters' farms, to watch the produce, on this sacred day of rest.

Fourteen have been added to the number of Communicants: ten of whom were baptized on Whit-Sunday last, by the Rev. G. A. Kissling, who had previously given them much instruction. It was very interesting to us, on this solemn occasion, to observe, that all these persons had Bibles and Prayer Books, and could use them. May they continue stedfast unto the end! It affords me much pleasure to state, that Mr. W. H. Croley, my associate at this Station, has taken another class of Candidates for Baptism under his care, which he meets once a week. Several persons of an interesting and hopeful character have been received as Candidates, during the quarter. May the Lord condescend to bless us, and we shall be blessed!

Some diminution had taken place in the attendance at the Sunday School; which is attributed by Mr. Kissling to the prevalence of the small-pox, which had been raging very destructively in the Colony.

WELLINGTON

-Mr. Kissling, who has been able to assist, in some degree, this Station also, reports of it

On Sundays I have performed Divine Service alternately in this parish and at Kissey; if not requested by one of the Brethren, in time of need, to officiate for him. The Congregation is much more regular and attentive than it had been formerly. About 110 Communicants attended the Lord's Table when I last administered that Holy Sacrament at the place. Ninety-six Candidates for Baptism have been taken under spiritual instruction by Mr. E. Collins.

The peculiar character and circumstances of the people at this Sta

tion are well described in the following remarks of the Catechist stationed here, Mr. Ebenezer Collins. He observes

We have a large class of Candidates for Baptism; principally women. I am extremely sorry yet to have cause for complaining of their slow progress in Christian Knowledge. It is discouraging to witness, from time to time, their apparent apathy, while under instruction. A stranger would say, that it betrayed a spirit of carelessness and indifference; but I should be very unwilling to attribute their slow progress in Christian Knowledge to a want of disposition to learn; or their seeming apathy, while under instruction, to an indifference to their souls' best interests. The cause which I have been led to assign, when before speaking on this subject, is their ignorance of the English language. On the occasion of our Meeting, I teach them from Watts's First Catechism; on which I question them in the most familiar manner I am able; but I can seldom draw from many of them a single reply to my queries, and obtain no more than a vacant stare. I know not that instruction can be couched in more simple language than I endeavour to use; since I adopt the same plain and familiar expressions which I should use, in speaking to the children of our Infant School. A very serious impediment to the general adoption of the English language by the people of this village, is occasioned by the custom which they have of forming themselves into companies, according to their respective nations. It is known, that the Black Population of Sierra Leone consists, for the most part, of Africans of various nations, brought from time to time to the Colony; and it appears that each nation possesses a language peculiar to itself. The late Mrs. Kilham published specimens of thirty different languages, as spoken by the inhabitants of Sierra Leone. We might have expected, from the circumstance of there being such a diversity of tongues in the Colony, that the Liberated Africans, for their mutual benefit, would have seen the propriety of the case, an acquaintance with the Encultivating, much more generally than is glish language. At this village, particularly, the people cannot be brought to forget their native tongue, and to communicate their ideas in our language;

although I am constantly pressing upon those who come statedly for instruction the absolute necessity, if they really wish to benefit under the Means of Grace, of cultivating a knowledge of English; since the Word of God is spoken to them in that language. A few days ago, while endeavouring to press this duty upon a company of women, one of them replied, "Yes, Massa, good, very good; but me cannot forget my father."

Mr. Collins further notices the prevalence of intemperate habits at this Station:—

One fruitful source of evil, and which tends much to foster vice, arises out of the custom of the Africans generally at the death of any of their number. Immediately a death takes place, most of the people near at hand, and particularly those who are of the same nation with the deceased, meet at his house; where, not content with accompanying his remains to the grave, they consider it a sacred duty, which they owe to his memory, to remain certain days after his burial. On these occasions, spirituous liquors are introduced, and superstitious ceremonies practised. It is obvious, that such customs must tend greatly to encourage idleness, and to confirm the frequenters of such places in habits of intemperance. I am pleased to find, that the more intelligent of our Communicants see the evil of such customs, and entirely set their faces against them, contenting themselves with following the corpse to the grave; but there is ground for fearing that some, seeing no evil attending such practices, visit these houses, and partake, I fear, in the heathenish ceremonies performed on such occasions.

GLOUCESTER and LEICESTER-The Rev. C. F. Schlenker reports concerning these Stations:

Divine Service has been regularly performed here, though I was often prevented by sickness from performing it myself. In such cases, my dear Brethren, the Rev. Messrs. Kissling and Schön, assisted me. The attendance of the people is very pleasing on Sunday Morning, and also in the Evening; and their deportment and attention very encouraging. I should be glad to be able to say the same of the Services on Weekdays, on Thursday Evenings, and at the Missionary Prayer Meetings. One chief reason that these Services are so thinly

attended is, I hear, that at this time they sow and plant, so that the people are in their farms; yet I think this is not a sufficient reason for neglecting Divine Service once a week.

One of the Communicants, whose conduct had been rather suspicious, has caused much pain, by breaking the Seventh Commandment. The evidence against him was very clear, but, notwithstanding, he denied it; and when I excluded him, he manifested not the least sorrow or repentance: but before he left my room, he asked me, Is this all ?" May the Lord have mercy upon his poor soul, and lead him to see from whence

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he has fallen! The conduct of the other Communicants has, so far as I know, been consistent with their profession as Christians.

Service was held at Leicester once a week by M. T. Harding, for those who are not able to attend at Gloucester; and for the same purpose the school is kept up. Though a case sometimes occurs which might tend to make us tired of our great work, yet we have every labour is not in vain in the Lord. reason joyfully to go on, seeing that our

Of the Day Schools at both these Stations, Mr. Schlenker reports favourably. Of that at Gloucester, he particularly notices, in addition to their knowledge of reading and of the Holy Scriptures—

ing is satisfactory: those who are most The progress of the scholars in cipheradvanced in it are at the Rule of Profit and Loss. The progress they make in singing is also pleasing: they are able to sing a great many tunes in different voices. The general conduct of the scholars is satisfactory. The girls receive instruction in needle-work from the Native Schoolmistresses.

REGENT-In the midst of much bodily indisposition and domestic trial, the Rev. J. F. Schön has been enabled to continue his Ministerial

Labours. He writes, concerning the state of the Congregations and Communicants

The Congregations have been always encouraging, particularly on Sunday Mornings; when there were often as many present as the Church could contain, and their conduct during Service was, on the whole, becoming.

One feature, which I observed in some of the most consistent of the Communicants, strikes me as deserving some notice here. They feel the necessity of showing, in a public manner, that they have renounced Heathenism, with all its customs and in all its branches. They are therefore anxious to form a society, the members of which shall pledge themselves to assist each other on occasion of the death of one of their number; but at the same time to give up all heathenish practices; as, for instance, keeping wake in large companies at the house of mourning, and drinking spirituous liquors :practices, which too often prove occasions to sin. They requested me to use my influence in establishing it, and to draw up some regulations; which I gladly did. Hitherto, it has had to struggle with much opposition, as was the case some years ago at Gloucester; but I have no doubt we shall succeed, and that it will prove the means of much good.

Concerning the difficulty which some of the Natives feel in learning to read, and the Scriptural knowledge which they may nevertheless acquire, Mr. Schön has the following pertinent remarks:

Many of the Candidates for Baptism give up the hope of ever being able to read the Word of God: it was interesting to hear them bringing their excuses forward. One assured me that he had tried very hard, for three years, to learn the Alphabet, but had not succeeded. A woman said: "Master, the time I come to this country, my head too big it too hard to learn two things one time: -meaning, to learn to speak and to read English. A third told me that he had bought books preparatory to the time when he should be able to read, but that that time never came; and that his son made use of the books. Others replied, that they could hear the Word of God and think on it, though they could not read. And I am convinced, that however desirable it may be, in general, that an ability to read the Word of God should be a requisite of Candidates for Baptism, it cannot yet be insisted upon among the Liberated Africans. We must believe, what many advanced, that they could repent and believe, and love the Lord, though they could not read His Word. I was agreeably surprised when they related parts of Scripture History, and

some of the Parables of our Saviour, to me. I asked one, whether he had ever heard the Parable of the Ten Virgins, and whether he could relate it. He instantly began, and related the whole in a manner at which I could not help smiling. Speaking of the oil, he always used the word palm-oil. "The foolish virgins filled their lamps with palm-oil, but that was not enough; it was soon burned out; and the wise virgins took, besides their filled lamps, also a calabash full of palm-oil.” In allusion to the words, They all slumbered and slept, he observed, "The wise sit down and shake head little bit, but they no lie down the foolish, however, laid down and slept, as if they had not to expect the bridegroom." I asked him, at the end of his long story, "What did the Saviour mean to teach us by this Parable?" To which he replied, "To get ready in time; because we do not know at what time death or our Lord may come."

BATHURST and CHARLOTTE-Mr. Schön remarks, concerning Bathurst: I took up my abode at Bathurst at the commencement of this quarter. The whole tone of the people is different from what I was accustomed to see at Gloucester. There I never heard a drum beat, nor saw the people join in a heathenish feast; and whenever any thing occurred of which I could not approve, they would listen to me: but at Bathurst this is not the case. They are a very independent people. The members of the Church, however, particularly the Communicants, cannot be blamed with this fault. They show attachment to the Missionaries and to the Society. I have observed in the Candidates and Religious Inquirers much of the same spirit which possesses the people in general. When they were requested to wait for half an hour before I could meet them, or when I was obliged, to my regret, to send them away, they would express their dissatisfaction to me in plain words. It has also grieved me, to hear them attach blame to one or another of my predecessors. They often ascribe the cause of their not being yet admitted to the Church to wrong opinions entertained of them, or to the want of proper attention being paid to them. O, that they might learn to find fault with themselves; and that we had more of the mind which was in Christ Jesus-more of His humility and of His patience!