cessation of the payment of the dividends. The Society thereby contracted a very considerable debt; but, from that time, it pleased the Lord to bless the undertaking. The cargoes from Labrador increased, so as to afford a sufficiency, not only for the payment of the expense of outfit, but for the gradual liquidation of the debt; and hitherto the average profits of the voyages have covered the charge of this mode of communication; sometimes even contributing towards defraying the expense of the Mission, which is very great, as every article of subsistence must be supplied to the Missionaries from this country. The intense cold and barren soil of Labrador will not admit of agriculture; and the food of the natives, which consists chiefly of blubber, and whale and seal's flesh, is destructive to an European constitution. The small supply of rein-deer flesh, hares, and moorgame, obtained by fire-arms, is not to be depended upon; though, when it can be procured, it is most acceptable, as a corrective to the constant use of salt provisions.

The Committee of the Society is considered as the managing body. By the Committee, a Treasurer and Ship's Husband are appointed. The latter is the acting Owner, and takes charge of the concerns of the ship; reporting, at times, to the Committee such things as require consideration and advice, and receiving from the Treasurer the sums requisite for outfit, repairs, and other charges. The Ship Account, however, is kept separate from that of the Mission; and a report made annually, or as may be required, by the Committee, of the state of the balance.

The sums which are received for the support of the Mission, by the Society for the Furtherance of the Gospel, are strictly applied to that sole purpose, and not to the support of the ship; which, we hope, by the blessing of God, will keep herself afloat, by the little trade carried on in her, and perhaps sometimes, by extraordinary success, even contribute towards defraying the expenses of the Mission, and help to pay off arrears on that score. but, though it has happened that she has done this in some years, yet, in general, the average profits of the trade go no farther than to keep up the annual commualcation by the vessel sent out. The trade is not carried en but as a secondary consideration. In each Settlement

there is a Store, supplied with articles, useful to the Esquimaux. They come, therefore, to the Settlements in their neighbourhood for what they want of European goods, and bring skins and oil in barter. By a mutual agreement, so much is given for one, and s much for another article, according to its value, and so as to satisfy the customer. But no brother goes out upon a trading expedition. For that, they have neither time nor inclination. What is thus procured is sent home, and sold by auction, as in other cases, or by pri

vate contract.

At present, neither the captain nor any of the crew are members of the Brethren's Church; but it has pleased God to give us a worthy man as Captain, long tried and approved for his skill and integrity; and also a Mate, who, after serving some time on board, and thus becoming acquainted with the Brethren, joined our Congregation. The crew consists partly of foreigners, Danes and Germans, who know the time of the ship's sailing; and, preferring that service, generally come of their own accord, and enlist into it. There has seldom been any uneasiness or disturbance among them. Even during the last war, when it became extremely difficult to procure sailors, a sufficient and well-disposed crew was always obtained for the navigation of this vessel; which, among many other mercies, we ascribe to the favour of God alone, who now, for 45 years, has protected, and not suffered our communication to be interrupted.

But there are REAL advantages obtained by keeping a vessel of your own, which would be worth the risk, if there were no absolute necessity for it, as in the case of Labrador. We now know exactly the time when it is most convenient for the communication to take place; and our Brethren abroad are sure that they will be supplied at a proper season of the year, without fear of disappointment by collateral engagements; which might occasion delay and perhaps a total failure, as to the arrival of what they expect if depending on a chance opportunity. Again the vessel which we built, is furnished not only with room for stowing goods, but with convenient accommodations for passengers, in which our Missionaries are as much at home as in their own dwelling; and are undisturbed by the intrusion of persons of

very different character and conduct, as they frequently must be, on board a vessel not their own. The regu larity of arrival at the Missionary Stations, so far as wind and weather will admit of it, is a consideration of vast importance to our Settlements in Labrador, and the comfort experienced by the Missionaries, in the sure hope of the ship's visiting them at the stated time, is an object well worthy of attention, as it enables them to proceed in their work without any distressing cares. And when they see it arrive, their joy is undescribable, and is well worth a year's purchase. Even the dogs in Labrador, by some peculiar instinct, have a presentiment of it; and, about the time the vessel may be expected, run up the hills, turn their noses sea ward, prick their ears, wag their tails, and stand all day on the look-out, till perhaps at an immense distance perceiving the ship's topsails rising above the waves, they give notice by howling, (for a Labrador Dog never barks), jumping, and every possible expression of de-' light, truly partaking in the general joy. Pardon this digression.

When I attended the Anniversary Meeting of the Church-of-England Missionary Society, which I did. with sincere participation in its interests, I listened with attention to the proposition relative to your having a vessel at your disposal and command. As the proposal was carried, as it were, by acclamation, there was no opportunity, nor indeed any necessity, for reference to the experience of others, and to matter-of-fact, in defence of such a measure. You might otherwise have quoted the experience of the Brethren, who, with al their poverty and inability to undertake any thing great, yet were so well assured of the convenience and advantage attending it, that even, when not driven to it by absolute necessity, as in Labrador, they for several years maintained, as I have already stated, a ship for the use of their Colonists and Missionaries.

It is not the intention of your Society, I conceive, to carry on trade on your own account, which circumstances compel us to do in Labrador, but merely to secure the important advantages of regular and commodious intercourse with your Settlements. In that respect, I think, you will have an advantage; for trade is always connected with more or less risk, from a variety.

of circumstances not necessary to be detailed, and yet, in my opinion, not so much to be dreaded, but that, if the vessel could not otherwise be kept afloat, it ought to be adopted, rather than part with the many advantages gained by having your own ship.

As to the Captain, I should not doubt of your finding one whose heart would feel engaged in the concern, and who would faithfully perform his duty as unto the Lord; and, as to the crew, you will generally find that saying, Qualis Rex, tulis grex, to be true at sea as well as on shore.

I like the name which you have given to your vesselthe WILLIAM WILBERFORCE;" a name above all the magnificent names given to our wooden bulwarks, and which will engage the affections and the prayers of all the African World, now and in future ages, for her safety and preservation.

By such a vessel, you may, also, every now and then, by a member of your Committee, hold a visitation in your different stations; and, in short, make her destinations subservient to the attainment of every beneficial purpose: whereas if you have to depend upon the usual accidental conveyances from place to place, instead of fixing so many weeks or months for a visit to your Missions, you may be kept in uncertainties, connected with a prodigious waste of time, for perhaps a whole year. Your means are ample; and, while you disinterestedly devote them to the promotion of the cause and kingdom of our Blessed Redeemer, He will go with you, protect and bless you, and cause you to rejoice, as we do, in most singular and manifest proofs of His favour and protection. Even at Lloyd's the protection afforded to our little brig for so many years, in a most dangerous navigation along the rocky coast of Labrador, is considered and appreciated; and any one engaged in insuring her, thinks it a very safe speculation.

I have thus stated the mode, by which our annual intercourse with our Settlements in Labrador is maintain ed; and will detain you no longer, than to express that sincere and cordial participation in the success of the labours of your Honoured Society, which I may say is felt by all my Brethren of our Church, as well as by myself: praying, that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified, by both your and our endeavours to make it known among the Heathen; and that we may

rejoice together, in our several stations, at the Victory which He will grant His servants to gain over all the powers of darkness, yet reigning in so many parts of the earth, by the Divine Power of the Word of the Cross, preached in humility and in dependance upon the Almighty Aid of His Holy Spirit.

With sincerest esteem and affection,

I remain ever, Dear Sir,

Your most faithful and affectionate Servant,
(Signed)
C. I. LATROBE.

Dr. Buchanan's Sentiments on Missionary Ships. This subject was not new to the Church Missionary Society. Five years since, at its Tenth Anniversary, the Preacher of that year, the great Buchanan, enlarged on this topic before the Society in the following impressive manner:

The time seems to have arrived, when more effectual measures ought to be adopted for the promulgation of Christianity, than have hitherto been employed. It appears to be now expedient for us, to open a more direct and regular communication with our Missionaries in foreign countries. It is not enough that there be ample contributions at home, and that we meet in large assein blies to hear and to approve; but there must be greater personal activity, and a more frequent intercourse with the converts and their instructors abroad.

LET SHIPS BE PREPARED TO CARRY THE GLAD TIDINGS OF THE GOSPEL TO REMOTE NATIONS.

The auspicious circumstances of the present time and the blessing that hath hitherto evidently attended the labours of the general body of Missionaries, seem to justify the adoption of these means. There is nothing new in the proposal, if it be not, that it is new to us. You have seen with what facility the Romish Church can open a communication with distant nations, by ships of war and commerce. You see with what facility commercial men at home can open a communication with remote regions, at a very small expense, sometimes merely on speculation; and, if they do not suceeed in one country, they go to another. The children