as hard and dry as a rock, and as cold as ice. May 1, 1837-I have been out all day with some Indians on the farm, endeavouring to teach one to hold the plough; but he generally looks so steadily on the motion of the coulter, as to forget that his hands are the guide. Sometimes he would press too heavily with them, and make the plough run over the ground; then move them from side to side, giving the plough in one place a large furrow, and at another none; so that in a short time you could not distinguish whether the hogs or the ploughman had been at work. However, he was neither discouraged by his ill success, nor displeased with himself for spoiling the ground; but held on, and appeared inflated with selfimportance; and now and then gave me to understand, that had he only known he could have done so well, he should have asked a little more wages. June 11-This evening we were favoured with a weighty shower of rain, that saturated the ground four inches in depth. Few can conceive the gratitude that was felt in many a bosom to God, for this refreshing shower. We have had no rain since September, and scarcely any snow during the winter; consequently every thing is parched, and no appearance of summer. Nothing can be more chilling than our present circumstances: our fields are just as when we sowed them, and our cattle come home lowing for want of grass: however, I hope that the present rain will materially change them. June 12-I rode to the Upper Fort. Bought some blankets for the Indian Children; and purchased a cart, to send to the plains for provisions for the Indian School. I purpose sending two carts on the first trip as we have no prospect of getting a crop from the ground, we shall be obliged to draw our supplies from other sources. When I reflect on the consumption of provisions in the Mission during the past year, I see no probability of its holding together. In June 1836 we had in store 600 bushels of wheat. The crop of 1836 failed only in part with me: we had 300 bushels of wheat, 150 of barley, and 200 of potatoes: we have now only 50 bushels remaining. It is obvious, therefore, that should a general famine come this year, which there is every appearance of, the Indian Settlement will be dispersed, unless Providence step forward with some unknown aid. July 19-I went to the Indian Settle- ment: attended school, and heard the children read. The elder ones were all absent. They have now great difficulty in getting food: our stock of wheat being nearly exhausted, we are not able to relieve them, when pressed: consequently, some have to angle, others to wander in the woods to kill pigeons, and some dig wild roots, for a subsistence. As long as we had provisions, we employed them in clearing ground, whenever they were on short allowance: this was a mutual be nefit, and kept them within the reach of instruction. We close the preceding Extracts by some passages, which exhibit General Views of the State of the Mission. Under date of July 29, 1837, Mr. Jones remarks I think our Protestants amount to little short of 2000 people, and they are scattered over an extent of thirty-five miles of country on each side of the river. There are four Churches, where Divine thus prevented from affording the Sunday Service is held every Sunday; and we are Schools the superintendence we used to do. We are now unable to visit our people in their houses, as we were wont ; and the consequence is, that, in many places, weeds spring up, which used to be nipped in the bud. Mr. Cockran has told me, that rather than see the grass growing up to the doors and windows, he will strive to give a Service at the principal Church as often as he can; but I know well that he is overworked as it is; and I am unwilling to throw an additional burden upon him, on account of my personal circumstances, and thus hasten the time of his inability to keep up his present duty. Our hands are perfectly full, and the regular duties press very heavily. Well or ill, we are compelled to stand up, as no assistance can be procured; and I can past season, I have often deeply sighed assure you, My dear Sir, that, during the for help, when, with trembling knees and a palpitating heart, I have climbed up the pulpit-stairs when bed was the only suitable place for me. Mr. Jones then points out the cheering side of the Mission. He observes With all humility, arising from a sense of many imperfections and short comings, which appear on a retrospect of the past fourteen years, I still think that the 2 Q cause has gained such ground as to afford us a title to call loudly for help. When I consider the small scale on which Religion and its Ordinances existed when I came here-how, in progress of time and events, the small one has become a thousand-how one Church has risen after the other-how one congregation after the other has been collected-how one School after the other has been organized-how obstacles have disappeared, and prejudices been removed, which operated to our disadvantage-and, once more, when I reflect on the bright testimony left behind by many now resting in the clods of the valley-I feel authorised, on behalf of the untutored Heathen Tribes-on behalf of the Half-breed community-and on the behalf of the expatriated Emigrant to call upon you, not to let us languish for want of help-not to let the fires be extinguished, which have been lighted in our sacred temples! When reflecting upon these things, I often am obliged to have recourse to this consideration-Supposing the Gospel had not been planted here, what would have been the moral aspect of things at Red River this day? Mr. Cockran writes in a similar strain of argument, and traces the benefits conferred by all the different Ministrations of the Church. Under date of Aug. 2, 1837, he remarks— It would be highly ungrateful, and even perfidious to God, not to bear testimony to the success which follows the preaching of the word of His grace. We are cheered every Lord's-Day Morning by seeing upward of 300 souls meet to confess their many sins to Almighty God, and to ask His pardon - to return Him thanks for His mercies-and to solicit His presence, His love, and Spirit, to accompany them through the part of the journey that may yet remain: and when we reflect, that it is not to hear some new thing-it is not in a fine morning, when the weather is tempting, that they assemble, but, at every season of the year, they wade their way, through mire and rain, snow and cold, to the House of God-whatever may be their failings, or however they may fall short of that grace which is desirable to make us perfect men in Christ Jesus, yet, when we perceive that their ears are fixed to the door-posts of the House of God, we are constrained to acknowledge them His servants, and that He finds some good thing in them. And those whom we see so regularly in the House am of God, are only the representatives of a larger seed who are at home; and who, though unable now to journey thither, have been formally dedicated to God, and are in covenant with Him; and are entitled to the benefit of our prayers, and to a share of the blessing. Thus the average attendance on Public Worship is not half the number that are deriving benefit from the preaching of the Gospel : they are the parents and adults of 111 Christian Families, who can be spared from home at a time: the total bearing the Christian Name is above 600. Again, about twelve times in a year I witness families thrown into affliction by the loss of their relatives, who would have had to mourn as those that have no hope, now comforted with the promises of the Gospel-comforted with the reflection, that their deceased friends have heard of the name of One, whose blood cleanseth from all sin. Besides the usual Service performed at the Church for the consolation of the relatives of the deceased, I am invited to the house; where a suitable portion of Scripture or Psalm is read and explained, a Hymn sung, and prayer offered up; so that, from time to time, I an eye-witness of the consolation which Religion affords to the afflicted. Nor are these the only advantages which they derive from it: they have the sympathy and support of their fellow-Christians during their trials. Their neighbours assemble, to relieve them when watching the sick-bed, and are ready to assist freely, in all the preparations for the funeral. This is not the case with the Heathen. I have, more than once, had to give an Indian, wedded to his old customs, a few shillings to hire one or two of his brethren to help him to dig a grave to inter the remains; and frequently we have to bury their dead at our own expense. Again, as often as an infant comes into the world, I am gratified to witness the alacrity with which the parent discharges the first obligation to the new member of his family: long before the mother is able to go abroad, and often before she has risen from her bed, which is only a few days after the birth, in this country, the father comes and gives me an invitation to baptize his stranger. I of course go; and often witness a truly conscientious principle in the parents, to act up to the vows which they take upon them for their infant, and also their other children. Again, we are encouraged, as often as we assemble to commemorate the death of Christ. We behold a solemnity in every countenance, on these occasions, which marks that the heart is deeply impressed with the honour which Christ has conferred upon us, and also the need that we daily have of His mercy and grace: and when the Sacred Elements are ad ministered, the involuntary sighs that burst forth, convince us that many are praying to God for the everlasting happiness of their immortal souls. When we cast our eyes over the visible members of Christ, who have met to acknowledge our common Lord, and behold the little one become a hundred-our Communicants at the Rapids and Indian Settlement are 107; 3 died within the last year-our minds are refreshed with the remembrance of the love, goodness, and faithfulness of God, in providing for us a Saviour, whose power and grace are sufficient to save us from our sins, and bring us to heaven. On the injurious and depressing influence of residence among the Heathen, Mr.Cockran speaks feelingly: Let me tell you plainly, My Brother, that we cannot live among Heathens withthing is so carnal in a heathen land, that out being deadened by them. Every it is most difficult to preserve your spiritual feelings. When the conjurer is at work with his drum and rattle, and you at your prayers, he makes a greater noise, draws more attention, and has a greater audience. I have often had to begin Public Worship, at the Indian Settlement, under such inauspicious circumstances: and I assure you it is not an easy matter to preserve the mind in a serious frame, or derive benefit from the Ordinance. However, thanks be to God! these things have passed away, and the Lord's Day is now as solemnly observed as ever I saw it by any parish in England. HOME PROCEEDINGS. PROCEEDINGS OF ASSOCIATIONS. Buckinghamshire - Sermons by Rev. W. Rogers; at Lavendon, Coll. 14. 18. 31.; at Brayfield, Coll 21. 38.; by Rev. T. Fry, at Lavendon, Coll 31. 10s. 81. Cheshire - Oct. 15: Two Sermons by Rev. J. Johnson; at Witton, Morn., Coll. 9. 28. 51.; Aftern. Coll. 61. 53. 61.- Oct. 22: Sermons by Rev. J. Johnson; at Runcorn, Coll. 71. 138. 8d.; at Hatton, Coll. 61. 8.61.; by Rev. J Brindle, at Aston, Coll. 44.13s.; by Rev. S. Bagnall, at Thelwall, Coll. 41. 78. 7d.Oct. 23 Meeting at Runcorn, T. Greenhall, Esq., Chn., Coll. 71. 118. 8d.- Oct. 24: Meeting at Northwich, Rev. D. Vawdrey, Chn., Coll. 10. 118. 61. Devonshire - - Dec 17: Sermons at Torquay, by Rey, H F. Lyte; Morn., Coll. 17 13.; Even., Coll. 31.08.21.; Aftn., by Rev. J. Ritchie, Coll 97. 14. 31. ; by Rev. W. J. Smithwick, at Tor, Coll. 6l. 108.71979 1 Dec. 18: Meetings at Torquay, Rev. J. Ritchie, Chn., Colls. 171, 38. 4d. Durham-Dec. 13: Meeting at Heighington, Rev. W. Beckett, Chn., Coll. 91. 6. 2d. ; formation of Association-Dec. 14: Meeting at Shildon, Rev. J. Mannistry, Chn., Coll. 31. 15s.; formation of Association. Essex-Aug. 27: Sermon by Rev. G. Harrison, at Horndon-on-the-Hill, Coll. 34, 38. 91.-Sept. 10: Sermon by Rev. C. J. Yorke, at White Roothing, Coll. 31.78.- Oct. 22: Sermons by Rev. G. Bryan, at Leigh, Colls. 3. Oct. 29: Sermons; by Rev. Dr. Robinson, at Billericay, Coll. 51. 10%.; by Rev. W. Nind and Rev. H. B. S. Harris, at Shenfield, Colls. 8. 18.; by Rev. H. B. S. Harris and Rev. W. Nind, at Great Warley, Colls. 81.10s.-Nov. 12: Sermons by Rev. G. Bryan, at Rayleigh, moiety of Coll. 37. 69. Lancashire-Nov. 19: Sermons by Rev. J. Johnson; at Warrington, Coll. 138. 14s. 9d.; at Grappen. hall, Coll. 41. 6s. 81.; at Lachford, Coll. 7. 11s.Nov. 20: Sermon by Rev. Slyman, at Sankey, Coll. 21. 59. Lincolnshire - Sept. 17: Two Sermons by Rev. J. Bagge, at Kirton Lindsey, Colls. 41. 28. 61.-Dec. 6: Sermon by Rev. C. Hodgson, at St. Peter's, Eastgate, Lincoln, Coll. 147. 108.-Dec. 7: Meeting at Spilsby, Rev. T. Hollway, Chn., Coll. 26. 10s.; formation of Association. Shropshire - Oct. 15: Sermons; Two by Rev. A. Burn, at Kynnersley, Colls. 51. 158. 61.; by Rev. G. L. Yate, at Wombridge, Coll. 21. 4s. 61.; by Rev. C. Campbell, at Donnington Wood, Coll. 27. 18.- Oct. 16: Meeting at Wrockwardine Wood, Rev. G. L. Yate, Chn., Coll. 2. 138. - Oct. 17: Meeting at Wrockwardine, Rev. G. L. Yate, Chn., Coll. 71. 98. Surrey - Dec. 1: Meeting at Peckham, H. Kemble, Esq., M.P., Chn., Coll. 65; formation of Peckham and East-Dulwich Association.-Dec. 3: Two Sermons by Rev. J. H. Woodward, at Rotherhithe, Colls. 13. 28. 31.- Dec. 5: Meeting at Rotherhithe, Rev. E. Blick, Chn., Coll. 41. 15s. 4d. Yorkshire - July 9: Sermons at Wetherby; by Rev. C. Smith, Colls. 11. 48. 51.; by Rev. G. H. Woodhouse, Coll. 17. 128. 1d.-July 11: Meeting at Wetherby, Rev. W. Raby, Chn., Coll. 21. 13s. 31. Dec. 10: Sermons by Rev. C. Hodgson; at Bedale, Coll. 231. 78.; at Burniston, Coll. 67 4s. 4d. West-Africa Mission-Mr. E. Collins left Sierra Leone, in consequence of ill health, on the 1st of October, on board the "Lord Wellington," Capt. Tate; landed at Dover on the 29th of November; and reached London on the day following. South-Africa Mission-By a Letter from the Rev. F. Owen, dated Berea, Port Natal, August 29, 1837, we learn that he, with Mrs. and Miss Owen, safely arrived at that place in the beginning of August. On the 19th of that month he visited Nobamba, the capital of Dingarn, by whom he was favourably received, and arrangements were made for his being stationed there (p. 215). North-India Mission-The Rev. J. J. Hæberlin left Calcutta, in consequence of failure of health, on the 27th of June, on board the "Francis Smith," Capt. Edmonds; and arrived in London on the 8th instant. South-India Mission-A Letter from the Rev. J. Tucker, dated September 9th, 1837, brings the painful tidings of the death of Mrs. Norton, wife of the Rev. T. Norton. Mrs. Norton died on the 25th of August last, after a short illness. Tucker remarks Mr. The loss of Mrs. Norton will be severely felt in the Allepie Mission, as well as by her afflicted husband. In the Mission she was a help-meet to her husband, entering into all his plans, and partaking of his joys and sorrows; but it was especially in her Female School that her usefulness was most eminently seen. I cannot but regard it as a chastisement from our Heavenly Father that usefulness, in the midst of her labours. He has taken away an instrument of so much Australasia Mission-Letters from New South Wales, dated August 1837, inform us of the safe arrival of the Rev. S. Marsden, at Parramatta, from his visit to New Zealand (p. 240). By Despatches from New Zealand, dated July 1837, we have received the satisfactory intelligence, that peace has been made between the hostile parties in the Bay of Islands, and that the different Tribes were returning to their respective Districts (p. 259). A....... 217, 223, 226 Barfoot, rev. J.....141 52 117 Bowley, rev. W. 131-32 C.A. 120,280 .165 .214 ..... 196 .280 12 8 A. B... 64 215 Applegate, Mrs, 18, 215 Auriol, rev. E. .194, 239 B. 72 99 .134 .260 Barker, T. R., esq..238 Bowman, rev. J....258 Caddell, rev. H....213 164, 193 Burgess, rev. J. 165 70 ....259 95, 149, 264 14 Campbell, col. Carew, rev. T.. quess... .114, 258 164, 165 Cleaver, rev. W... 93 258 Codrington, Mr R..240 |