Missions and Commerce. BY THE REV. J. SPENCER HILL. Ir will be universally admitted that the natural resources of Africa are great, and that, if fully developed, they would be of immense advantage to mankind generally. In many parts of that wonderful continent the soil is so productive that the people can subsist on what grows spontaneously, or is raised by most superficial cultivation. We give a few sentences rom a much-valued book on "African Travels and Researches." "The country adjacent to its banks (the Leeba) is extremely fine and fertile, with, here and there, patches of forest or clumps of magnificent trees. The villagers, through whose gardens we passed, continue to sow and reap all the year round. . . . My companions, who have a good idea of the different qualities of soils, expressed the greatest admiration of the agricultural capabilities of the whole of Londa, and here they were loud in their praises of the pasturage. They have an accurate idea of the variety of grasses best adapted for different kinds of stock, and lament because here there are no cows to feed off the rich green crop, which at this time imparts special beauty to the landscape. . . . The cultivated land is as nothing compared with what might be brought under the plough. There are flowing streams in abundance which, were it necessary, could be turned to the purpose of irrigation with but little labour. Miles of fruitful country are now lying absolutely waste, for there is not even game to eat off the fine pasturage, and to recline under the evergreen shady groves which we are ever passing in our progress." Dr. Livingstone, whose words we have just quoted, tells us that such commodities as oil and cotton are not produced in greater quantity because the people have no market for those which now spring up almost spontaneously around them; that it is common for Africans to cut down cotton-trees as a nuisance, in order to cultivate such things as beans and potatoes for their sustenance; and that it is his impression that in Africa cotton is perennial, having seen some plants of it alive in winter, though in America it is deciduous. In addition to what might be made of the soil in Africa by husbandry, we may mention its mineral wealth. In Western Africa there are copper mines which would remunerate any enterprising company disposed to embark in that trade; while in Eastern Africa coal has been discovered, the proprietorship of which might be obtained on cheap terms, and the working of it effected by native industry for almost nothing, the wages of free labourers for such kind of employment being two yards of unbleached calico per day. We leave African gold and diamonds to readers of ancient books and modern newspapers, to speak of that which is of more utility than either—viz., iron—an abundance of which may be found in Africa, and of such quality that an Enfield rifle has been manufactured at Birmingham of a sample brought to this country. But there is another side of this question which strengthens our case. The African peopleone hundred millions in number-are most destitute with respect to the conveniences, and even necessaries, of civilized life. Hence an extensive market might be opened for commodities which civilized nations could supply. It is true that in their present semi-barbarous state Africans can subsist on the plainest food, and seem content with the scantiest clothing and rudest domestic utensils and furniture; but if commercial arrangements with them could be opened the work of improvement in the meantime being pushed forward-the demand for our manufactures and merchandise would become large indeed. The great thing, then, is to open up the interior of this immense continent to trade, which, thanks to Divine Providence and to humane Christian enterprise, is being done. The following extract, not altogether unfamiliar to some of our readers, yet so good as to justify repetition, is from a letter by Sir A. E. Kennedy, Governor of our West African possessions. It refers to Mr. Winwood Reade's journey to the interior of Africa in order to open a road from Sierra Leone to the Niger. "It is a matter of great commercial importance to this settlement," says he, "to have a road open to the Niger, in the Sangara country; and Mr. Reade has nearly accomplished this, having reached as far as Falaba; and, if he gets no further, I have made arrangements this very day with the son of a chief, who will guarantee the safety of any one I may send next dry season." Sir A. E. Kennedy, after stating that he himself came to the coast in the first commercial mail—a steamer called the Forerunner-and that now four first-class steamers are running out and home every month laden with cargo, adds: “I see no limit to the development of trade on this coast, if we can extend our influence and maintain peace in the interior." Hence the need of Christian Missions; for, if our influence is to be extended in Africa, it must be, not merely by sensible and hardy explorers, by active and honourable merchants, by considerate and humane Government officials, but chiefly by men who fear God and who love the souls of their black fellow-creatures; and if peace is to be maintained in the interior of a country where Paganism is wide-spread and Mohammedanism is imperious, where barbarism prevails and even cannibalism exists, it must be, not by any mere secular influences, however good or great, but primarily by the all-conquering Gospel of Christ. The weapons of our warfare must be, not carnal, but mighty through God, if we are ever effectually to storm the strongholds of African sin and misery. Are we, then, to discourage commercial enterprise in Africa? By no means. The most enlightened Christian missionaries have understood their work too well to do anything of the kind. "The promotion of commerce," says Dr. Livingstone, "ought to be specially attended to, as this, more speedily than anything else, demolishes that sense of isolation which heathenism engenders, and makes the tribes feel mutually dependent on, and mutually beneficial to, each other." He informs us that the missionaries at Kuruman obtained permission from the Government for a trader to reside at the station, that considerable business resulted from this arrangement, and that the trader himself at length retired with a competency. He also expresses extreme desire to promote the preparation of the raw materials of European manufactures in Africa, as a means, not only of putting down the Slave-trade, but of introducing the negro family into the body corporate of nations, no one member of which can suffer without others suffering with it. What is the practical lesson to be derived from this paper? That African Missions are deserving of the thoughtful interest and liberal support of men of commerce, since Missions and Commerce are, in an important sense, so closely allied to each other. May God dispose the hearts of trading people generally, and of merchant princes, to replenish with special donations the treasury' of our African Missions! The Book of Common Prayer, REVISED ACCORDING TO THE USE OF THE FREE CHURCH OF ENGLAND. WE were not a little gratified to read in the Cheltenham Express of May 13, the following testimony, from General Johnson, to our revised Book of Common Prayer : "I had the good fortune to meet with and examine the Book of Common Prayer of the Free Church of England. It is, to my mind, a model of Liturgical Church Service, conservative of the beauties and excellences of the Church Service, and destructive, I hope, of the priestism which not only disfigures it, but which renders it a reproach to Evangelical religion, and an offence to the people. In saying a model, I mean merely in reference to those people and churches professing Episcopacy and holding to fixed forms of prayer. For myself, I would choose liberty of prayer, or, if a form, I would have less repetition of the same prayer, less ejaculation of the self-same words. But as the forms of the English Church Service are familiar to the English mind from earliest childhood, and are associated with much that is pious and beautiful in the domestic home, I would not presume to suppose that my sense of the appropriate or my predilections should in any way influence others. Far otherwise; so far otherwise, I N member at Lady Huntingdon's Church, Birdport-street, Worcester, and was highly esteemed by his fellow-citizens as an upright and consistent man. Many of our readers, especially among the ministers who have supplied the pulpit at this church, will remember our departed friend, and the deep interest he took in the prosperity of the congregation. The event was improved to a large and attentive assembly by the Rev. T. Dodd, who selected his text from Acts xxi., 16: "An old disciple." After referring to this appellation, as given to an early convert at Jerusalem, where St. Paul was hospitably entertained, the meaning of the expression was explained by showing that a disciple of Christ is one who regards His instructions, imbibes His spirit, and obeys his commands. Old disciples are somewhat rare characters, but such are truly blessed, for the hoary head is a crown of glory when found in the way of righteousness. This text (said the preacher) emphatically describes the character of our departed friend. In early life he seems to have been attracted to this church by the singing, and soon became a regular attendant, where not only the psalmody, but the preaching of the Gospel, deeply interested him, and was the means of leading him to a saving knowledge of Christ. He soon became identified with this place of worship, and was admitted a communicant in the year 1808. From that time to the present he was one of the most regular in his attendance, not only on the Sunday, but also at the week-day services. A dull Sabbath morning, or even a wet day, were not sufficient to keep him from the house of God; but he seemed to enter into the very spirit of the Psalmist, who said, "Lord, I have loved the habitation of thy house, and the place where thine honour dwelleth;" and how often was the friendly voice of admonition addressed to those who were needlessly absent from Divine service. Though actively engaged in former years in a large manufacturing business, yet we find him zealously employed as a Sunday-school teacher, a visitor of the sick and dying; and on the Sabbath would frequently walk to some neighbouring village for the purpose of reading a good Gospel sermon to the poor and the ignorant. Having been led to feel something of the value of religion himself, he was anxious that others might enjoy the same blessing. He delighted in the good old doctrines of the Gospel, which have ever distinguished the pulpits of the Countess of Huntingdon; and these were as marrow and fatness to his soul. When he had completed the jubile of his attendance at this church, he desired to record the event in some befitting manner, and presented the large and elegantlystained windows, which are placed on either side of the organ. In the temporal as well as the spiritual welfare of this place he took a lively interest, and for many years was one of the trustees, and liberally contributed to its various institutions. But the time drew nigh that Israel must die, and we need scarcely ask how such an old disciple died. He who had served God in his day and generation was not left without Divine consolation in the prospect of his departure. The last time I saw him (says Mr. Dodd), I inquired if he felt all was well for eternity. He replied, "that point was settled upwards of sixty years ago," and then repeated the well-known verse : Sweet fields beyond the swelling flood To his family and friends he expressed his firm and unshaken confidence in a covenant God, and all fear of death seemed literally taken away. His warmest gratitude was expressed to those who ministered to his necessities, and it was a great source of comfort to him to have by his bedside at the time of his death his only daughter and his son, the Rev. G. Jones, of Tunbridge Wells. All could bear testimony to the fact that death had no terrors to him, for he felt that Christ had taken away its sting. He had often expressed a wish that he might die on the Sabbath, and when the congregation were assembled together for worship; and so it came to pass, for the cathedral bell had just ceased tolling for the morning service when his spirit gently passed away, and, like a shock of corn fully ripe, he was gathered into the heavenly garner. "Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord: yea, saith the spirit, that they may rest from their labours; their works do follow them." Doubtless, our departed friend was subject to some peculiarities; and who is not? He was not perfect; and who is? But surely it i worthy of being recorded that where a m and was best known he had maintained for upwards of fourscore years an unblemished character and a stainless reputation. Religion made him good, Providence made him useful, and God has taken him to Himself. "Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his." Servant of God, well done; Rest in thy Master's joy. NASH, MARGARET JANE, the beloved wife of Mr. Thomas Whyte Nash, of Denmark-grove, Barnsbury, died on January 22, aged 45 years. For many years she was a consistent member of the Church at Spa-fields. Her deep and prayerful anxiety for the salvation of her children testified to her having herself taken refuge in the ark-Christ Jesus. May not one of them be found wanting when she shall "arise in His likeness." "Her end was peace." WALDEN, HENRY EDWARD.-Mr. Henry Edward Walden died March 11th, 1871, in the 56th year of his age, after a few days' painful illness. His end was eminently peace. Though cut down suddenly in the vigour of active life, he had "set his house in order ;" and though he had expressed a desire to live a few years longer, that he might see his younger children to a more advanced age, yet it did not trouble him when he found that the summons was come. He said, "I am quite ready to die;" and gave necessary directions with unruffled calmness. He was fully conscious to the last, and one of his last acts was to desire his daughter to sing the Doxology, who, not being able sufficiently to control her emotions to do so, played the tune that he desired, while he accompanied with a clear and happy voice. From his earliest boyhood he had expressed a strong desire to devote his life to the ministry; but his father dying when he was nine years of age, it devolved on him to carry on his mother's business, which he did for many years; and even after his second marriage he was in the habit of going to her house one day in the week to make out her bills, &c. Of course his mother in early life could not spare him, and his cherished wish was kept in abeyance. His devoted affection to his mother made his own wishes secondary and subordinate. In him was exemplified the truth that "the boy is the father of the man." The devoted son made the exemplary and affectionate husband and father. He was born in the parish of St. Sepulchre, and lived there until his death. In early life he attended the ministry of Dr Dillon, minister of the Church at Spitalfields, of which Church he was a member, ever evincing a strong attachment to the Establishment. For twelve years he gratuitously filled the office of organist at St. Jude's Church, Gray's-innroad, attending three services on the Sunday, and that on Wednesday evening. Speaking of this engagement, he afterwards said, he "did not go to play the organ only, but to praise God." Praise seemed to be the special language of his heart. His delight was in sacred psalmody. Music was his element, and he sometimes indulged in poetry. He had an exquisite organ built after his own design, which still stands in his dining-room. He was never fond of business, though he had two excellent ones; and somewhat late in life, so much was his heart still set upon the ministry, he proposed to Mrs. W. that he should give up business and enter the Church. This proposition was not encouraged. He yet entered King's College with some view to its ultimate accomplishment, where he continued his studies for about two years, but he never entered regularly on the ministry, and his preaching never went further than that of his more juvenile days in workhouses, &c. He appears only to have required to be known to secure respect and esteem, as the numerous letters of condolence to his bereaved wife and family abundantly testify, and express the warmest appreciation of his personal, relative, and social worth. His widow, now left the guardian and beloved mother of his numerous] family, is the niece of Mr. Noyes, formerly of Bath, and daughter of Mr. Leonard Noyes, formerly one of the managers of Spa-fields Chapel, where, with her mother and sisters, she attended in early childhood, and now, with a part of her family, worships at that place. WHITEHEAD, R. R.-It is with deep regret that we announce the unexpected death of R. R. Whitehead, Esq., of Amberley Court, near Stroud, Gloucestershire, and Saddleworth, Yorkshire. He had been more or less subject to asthmatic affection for many years, but never, we be |