in any past years. The collections, in consequence of some of them having been postponed during my long illness, have been very numerous, but in every case they have exceeded those on previous occasions.-Again, my dear Sir, I feel humbly earnest in adoring and thanking and supplicating the Great Head of the Church.' BRISTOL.-This Station being as yet without a stated minister, the following report of the state of the cause has been furnished by the correspondent of the Trustees: "The report presented last year was one of a very encouraging nature, for it was then stated that peace reigned in our midst, and that everything around us, as a church and a Sabbath school, wore a very promising aspect; but the unlooked-for event of Mr. PEARSALL's retirement, in March last, could not fail to check progress and to exert a most unfavourable influence, financially, numerically, and spiritually; yet it is a fact deserving notice, and which calls for devout gratitude to God, that in our Sabbath school and City Mission Association no retrograde movement has taken place. The number of teachers is thirty-three, the same as last year-thirty-two of whom are members of our fellowship; one has withdrawn, but another friend has come forward, so that our ranks have not been thinned either by death, emigration, removals in providence, or by want of stability and perseverance on the part of our friends and companions in toil. The children are about 250, including the senior scholars. In the months of January and February, five young persons from our Bible classes were admitted into our church, and the sixth into a neighbouring church; and the seventh has become a teacher in one of our city schools. The missionary spirit amongst the children has produced nearly £10, being the largest sum yet collected. In 1851, we raised £4 4s. 2d. for the repair and outfit of the John Williams, and recently we have made a similar effort, and the sum collected will exceed £11. On Easter Monday, we invited our children to a tea meeting for the purpose of celebrating our Sunday School Jubilee, which was completed in June; and before we were aware of our esteemed pastor's withdrawal we contemplated a second jubilee service for our old scholars, but ultim ately in our altered position we resolved to postpone that meeting till the all, absorbing question of the pastorate was settled. The admissions to the church during the year have been twenty-two, but since March, we regret to add, that the applications for membership have been but few; yet still we have great reason to be grateful for divine prevention, in not permitting any great dininution of the church and congregation to occur.' BODMIN. Sermons on behalf of Africa were preached here on the 15th ult., in the Countess' Chapel, by the Rev. E. S. Hart, M.A. Great interest was manifested on the occasion. The leading friends of the chapel expressed a hope that the Society's claims would be annually advocated, and promised a Sabbath and collections next year if our brother from Saint Ives would again visit them. Upwards of £6 were collected. Praise the Lord. LONDON DISTRICT MEETING. A meeting of the London District was held at Sion chapel, Whitechapel, on Wednesday, the 28th May. The attendance both of ministers and managers was numerous. Arrangements for the approaching Conference were suggested for the consideration of the Executive Committee. In accordance with the wish of Mr. John Thomas, B. A., who has been labouring at Manningtree, Malvern, Sion chapel, Whitechapel, it was resolved unanimously:-"to recommend Mr. Thomas to the Conference for ordination." The Executive Committee were to be reminded of a former resolution to provide ordination certificates with the hope that they would be ready for use on the next occasion. Communications having been made through Mr. Hollis respecting_Ashby de la Zouch it was resolved:-"To erect a monument there to the memory of the Countess of Huntingdon, to be subscribed for throughout the Connexion, in sums not exceeding 1s. each," and further, "That measures be speedily adopted to secure a chapel to the Connexion in the town." A subscription was immediately commenced to which all present cheerfully contributed. Several places were named requiring | the attention of the Conference, when the Catholic spirit of the Connexion both as to polity and practical working seemed the only suitable one for these particular spheres of labour. It is proposed to hold the autumnal meeting of the District at Canterbury. A vote of thanks was passed to the friends of Sion chapel, for their kind reception and entertainment of the brethren, and wish sincerely expressed that the blessing of the Lord may attend the labours of Mr. Thomas in this interesting and important place. The Rev. G. Jones preached in the evening. ROCHDALE. ANNUAL MEETING OF THE SUNDAY SCHOOLS.-On Whit-Friday, May 16th, Rochdale presented at an early hour in the morning a scene of unusual admiration and excitement, this being the day appropriated in the town and neighbourhood to the assembling and recreation of Sunday school children. Large numbers of the youthful population might be seen wending their way to their respective places of instruction and worship; some with instrumental music and banners, others uttering forth in simple vocal strains their expressions of gladness. The scholars belonging to the Countess of Huntingdon's Connexion met at Saint Stephen's Church at eleven o'clock, when a short service was held, hymns sung, and an address delivered to them by their pastor, from Proverbs xx. 11.-" Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right." This service being closed, a procession was formed, (the children amounting in number to 930,) and all proceeded to Buckley Hall, the residence of William Schofield, Esq., who, with his accustomed liberality and kindness had offered his grounds for the accommodation and enjoyment of the children. On their way thither, they halted at the residence of one of the oldest friends of the schools, and sang that sweet hymn commencing My times of sorrow and of joy, &c.,' this hymn being known to have been a special favorite of one whose life (when numbered amongst the living) was devoted to the welfare of the young and the interests of Saint Stephen's generally. A young lady had at her own expense provided a thousand oranges which were then distributed, and the procession moved on to its final destination. Clouds which had hitherto obscured the sky, and filled many hearts with fear and trembling, now began to disperse, and it was indeed a glorious sight to see so many of our beloved young friends happy and joyful, and to hear the bursts of praise which at intervals ascended from their lips and hearts. Arrived at the place of entertainment, refreshments of various kinds were partaken of, and the children separated to spend a few hours in innocent recreation in the adjoining fields. A very handsome and abundant cold-collation was provided by Mr. W. Schofield, for the teachers of the schools, to which ample justice was done, and many expressions of gratitude to their esteemed host and his amiable partner were heard during this portion of the days festivities. In the evening, a tea party was held at the school at Shawclough, where a large number assembled. The Rev. E. C. Lewis presided, pieces were recited and sung by the children, and addresses delivered by Messrs. Swift, Stott, Elsden, Ayrton, and Taylor. It was found to be a very pleasant and profitable evening. Your correspondent is happy to state that the schools in the Connexion in this town are in a prosperous condition. Not merely are the numbers large, but the peace, and harmony and good-feeling which prevail are of the most encouraging character. A ministry of nearly eighteen years duration has of course witnessed many changes, removals by death and to a distance have been of frequent occurrence, but " instead of the fathers have come up the children;" and it is the happiness of the writer to look round upon his numerous youthful charge, and to know that during the long period of his residence among them, the harmony and good-feeling has been unbroken by a single misunderstanding, while he can regard all as his "hope, and joy, and crown of rejoicing." Not to himself, however, does the writer of this arrogate the existing state of prosperity at Saint Stephen's, rather let it be ascribed, under the divine blessing, to the patient, persevering and faithful efforts of his friends, many of whom tho' " poor in this world,' are nevertheless "rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which God hath promised to them that love him.” At Shawclough, during the past year, the school has been deprived of the valuable services of Mr. John Smith who for a long while had been unremitting in his labours in that locality, but we are happy to say that his place is ably supplied by our valued friend Mr. Samuel Stott, who much to the gratification of the friends there occupies the office of superintendent jointly with Mr. John Taylor. We thank God, and take courage. Contributions received in aid of the 1 10 1 0 9696 Rochdale, per Rev. E. C. Lewis 4 10 WORCESTER. The Committee of the Countess of Huntingdon's Missionary Society return their best thanks to those congregations and friends who so liberally contributed articles for the Bazaar, and to those ladies who so ably managed the same in the City of Worcester, during the past month. The supply was far beyond what was anticipated, and the sum realised quite equal to what was expected. A considerable quantity of the things still remain, which we anticipate will be disposed of in a neighbouring town during the ensuing summer. Boxes of articles from the following places were received, the value of which is stated, where an account was sent with them: £ Rochdale Cheltenham Tunbridge Wells Swansea s. d. 30 0 0 5 0 0 1 18 6 6 WESTERN AFRICA. Every intelligent christian, while he regrets, will not be surprised to hear, that often prevail among the African chiefs, the jealousy and petty quarrels which too should prove a hinderance to the spread of that gospel which proclaims peace and good will to man in every part of the earth. Satan, "the God of this world," "the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience," exercises his influence over the corrupt passions of darkness reigns, and thus presents an human nature, especially where heathen obstruction to the spread of the gospel of Christ, which is able to make men 66 wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus." it is a proof of the estimation in which It is gratifying, however, to find, and our African Missionaries are held among their countrymen, that they have been repeatedly appealed to in matters of dispute between contending parties; and that their efforts have been successful in preventing bloodshed, and promoting the blessings of peace. At RO-CONTER, Small Scarcies River, An instance of this kind occurred about two years ago, when our native Missionary was requested by two chiefs to accompany them to the town of another chief, with the view of putting an end to a war which had continued for upwards of six years previously. On their arrival at the place of their destination, and in the 12 0 0 presence of the Missionary, the warriors laid down their arms and submitted to his advice. Subsequently a general assembly of the people took place, and after mutual explanations on the part of the chiefs as to the causes of their disputes, the contending parties became reconciled. They shook hands with each other, and both shed tears on account of the losses they had sustained in their conflicts. The 0 0 18 Missionary then addressed the multitude | Lord had not brought me here I could from Gen. i. 27, pointing out the wicked- not come. White man no come for ness of warring one against another, in- nothing here: he tell us about Jesus, and asmuch as all men were made by one Jesus know every sinner. He willing to God, and in his own image. The people save them, but no one can come to him, rejoiced on account of the restoration of God must draw him. Oh! I thank the peace. A liberal present was made to Lord Jesus Christ for what he done for the Missionary, by which thanks were me. Christ says:-'Let your light expressed to him for his friendly inter- shine before men.' Consider, does your position in the matter, and he returned light shine? Again he says:- Let not home thankful for the success which had your heart be troubled: ye believe in attended his efforts and for having had God, believe also in me.' In my an opportunity of preaching the gospel of Father's house are many mansions. salvation to so great a number of persons. Those mansions are for the people of At the early part of this year also, Bey God. I thank the Lord that he brought Ingar, another chief, visited the same Missionary here. I know Missionary Missionary and solicited his assistance by can't save me; but that word he tell me asking him to accompany him into the can. You pray for Missionary, that very interior of the country for the purpose of good thing. He come to you: he leave endeavouring to settle a dispute between his brother, mother, and father, to come the chief Satan Lahia and the Limber tell you Jesus Christ came to save sinners. people. In this attempt he has not been You must give your coppers too. Supso successful as on the former occasion in pose you have one copper, or one shilling; reconciling the opposing parties, yet, it no say you not got plenty, what little is hoped he may, ere long, be the means you have, give that.' of accomplishing that most desirable object. The fact, however, of his interference having been solicited in the affair is an evidence of the degree of influence he possesses among his countrymen. May the time soon come when, in every part of the earth, men shall learn war no more, but shall seek to extend the king dom of the Prince of peace throughout the whole world. AN AFRICAN'S MISSIONARY ADDRESS. COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON'S MISSIONARY Sermons on behalf of this society were preached on the 8th ult., at Redruth, by the Rev. E. S. Hart, M.A., of Saint TO THE EDITOR OF THE HARBINGER. May I beg the favour of your inserting the following Errata, to the Review of the Rivulet, published in your last number. I am, Sir, Yours faithfully, THE WRITER OF THE REVIEW. "My dear brothers and sisters.-I stand here before the congregation, not by my will but by the will of God. I thank the Lord Jesus Christ for his mercy in bringing me to this country to hear the gospel. When I first went to the meeting, I did not know what I went for. One evening when I live in my house, Missionary come to me, and he talk to me about my soul; and what he tell me that night I no forget till this time. I thank the Lord Jesus Christ that he show me my sinful state. That time I live in my country, I think I very good; but I see now suppose I been die that time, I go down to everlasting condemnation. When I live in my country, fight come; they Column 2, line 8, for sing read song catch me; and when I live in ship, I sick too much. But God know what was good for me. I see plenty people jump into the water, and I want to do the same, but God no let me; he prevented me, and brought me here. If the Column I, line 2, for in read on 27, between and and we insert are 39, for nurse read Muse ,, 40, for in read on 47, for man read Muse 39 22, for words read woods ,, 24, for man read Muse 33, for clean read dear 51, for plan read place. Column 3, in the 4th verse of the hymn, in two places, for him read none Column 4, 6th line from foot of page for cockle of read cackle over, for second read secondly Poetry. THE BIBLE. Hail, Book of Truth! thou Word of God? Thou precious boon to man! What can afford light, solace, joy, As thy rich treasures can ? Light to direct me on my way, Midst dangers all around: Till Heaven's bliss is found. Joy, that results from sin forgiven- But ah, this Book of Truth does not My soul's whole love obtain; Its earnest thoughts, its liveliest powers, Oft fix on what is vain. I look within-and find Desires unhallow'd, earthly, low, And these becloud the mind. The will-corrupt, perverse, and proud, Withstands the Heavenly light: Precludes the solace, blights the joy, And mars the soul's delight. Can aught subdue this stubborn will? Bring down its high-blown pride? Bring me to sit at Jesu's feet, And humbly there abide ? Blest Saviour, 'tis Thy grace alone Can pure desires instil. Oh, Blessed Saviour, grant this grace, Then will my glad employ Be in Thy Word, thence shall I draw Light, Solace, Heavenly Joy. Bath. Contributions. N -S. |