-the Fly made all sail from us at twelve at night received a signal to lay too, and drifted down the Channel. Lord's-day, the 25th, most of us were very sick. Being detained off Falmouth, we put letters on shore. Exchanging the Fly sloop for a frigate, we sailed again, and soon lost sight of land. We continued very sick till the 28th, when we were enabled to resume our studies. We could not sail so fast as we could wish, having in the fleet some heavy sailers, so that we could only carry our top-sails. On the 30th, parting with our convoy, in lat. 44. 51. after giving the usual signal, we hoisted all sail, and were soon out of sight of the fleet. A prayer-meeting was held on this occasion, and we more earnestly than ever gave ourselves up to the service and protection of God. On Lord's-day, Oct. 2d, the ordinance of the Lord's Supper was administered, and his word preached, which pro ed a sweet and precious cordial to us at this time, being situated on the mighty waters, and nothing to be seen but sea and sky. Oct. 6th, saw the Island of Madeira, the first land we had seen since we left England. The land is very high, and partly covered with clouds, and exhibits a beautiful prospect. On the 7th, we had heavy showers of rain, which confined us between decks. On the 8th, saw Palma, one of the Canaries, at a distance; and, on the 10th, crossed the tropic of Cancer. A strange sail now came in sight; but after she had manoeuvred with us for some time, and perceived that we displayed no signs of fear, she hauled her wind, and ran away. On the 12th, observed a solemnity of fasting and prayer. The 13th, saw one of the Cape de Verd Islands, Sal or Salt Island, a very barren and uninhabited spot-could not observe a shrub on it. In the afternoon saw Bona Vista, and some ships in the harbour. The 14th, sailed under the east-side of Mayo, and perceived four vessels in the port; as soon as we lost sight of this island we saw St. Jago, and about two o'clock cast anchor in Port Praya Bay. An American vessel, which lay there, promised to convey letters; but, as we did not place much confidence in their promises, very few letters were sent: This island lays in 1.6 degrees north latitude, and is very hot. The 15th, went on shorethe surf on the beach was great; the water very bad. We obtained hogs and poultry, but they were remarkably poor; we likewise procured cocoa-nuts, bannanas, plantains, oranges, lemons, and dates, in exchange for old clothes. Dr. Gillham paid the Governor, who was ill, a visit, and was kindly entertained. Having completed our water, we sailed again the same day. The 18th, spoke the Jack, Park, of Liverpool, a guinea-man, bound to the coast of Africa, for slaves; the first ship we spoke at sea. The 19th, some water-spouts, at a distance, exhibited an awful and wonderful scene. The 20th, we experienced sudden squalls, accompanied with rain, but not very violent; and, on the 22d, there was a dead calm all day. Several sharks playing round the ship, I caught one, with a hook and line, about five feet long, and another was caught a little larger. The 29th we crossed the Equinoctial Line, in 30° west long. On the 31st, saw the Island of Ferdinand Noronka, on the coast of South America. It appeared like a church and steeple, at the distance of nine or ten leagues. Nov. 2d, we saw several Portuguese men of war, called so by seamen, round the ship, and caught some in a bucket; they are pretty pink-coloured bladders, in the shape of a very curious shell, and sail as a ship on the water. Nov. 6, the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper was administered, and we had great reason to bless our God for providing a spiritual table for us in this little ark. Nov. 7, we met together at four o'clock, corresponding with your time at half past six, to unite in prayer with our dear friends in England, it being the first Monday in the month. Nov. 10th, saw land from the top-mast-head; it was the coast of South-America. Sailed very swiftly, at the rate of eight or nine knots, and the ship had very little motion. The 11th, saw Cape Frio, and altered our course more to the westward; but as we could not reach Rio in time, we plyed off and on to spend the night, On the 12th, at day-break, stood in for the shore; spoke a boat, but none on board could talk English. The land we now saw formed a different prospect to any we had yet seen: The summits of the mountains were hid in the clouds, and the hills near the shore covered to the top with fruit-trees. We passed by several islands, which were neatly covered with verdure. The harbour of Rio de Janeiro, which we now saw, formed a most beautiful prospect. There were

Ffa

several

several well-fortified islands in the midst, and on the main land we saw a beautiful aqueduct, containing, as we supposed, about fifty arches, extending across a valley between two mountains. Here we observed the marks of their superstition, the cross, erected on the top of the hills, and in the forts. The harbourmaster came on board, and piloted us to the place where we were to anchor; where we were strictly watched and guarded by soldiers in a large boat night and day. Lord's-day, the 13th, we expected to be interrupted in our worship, but they behaved very quietly, and the 14th some gentlemen came on board, and examined the ship's log-book and other papers, sent the first and second mate on shore, and soon after the Captain, where they were strictly examined; we however obtained leave to go on shore, but not without a guard. We expect to leave this place on Saturday next.

And now I beg to remark how kind the providence of God has been to us? We have passed through the torrid zone, and have hardly known what the acorching rays of the sun are; we have sailed above five thousand miles, and have not known what bad weather or illness is in any degree, sea-sickness excepted; we have not known the want of any thing outwardly, and we have had the peace of God, I trust, reigning among us, &c. &c.

Brother Harris, whom I trust the Lord hath made of one heart and one mind with me, in a particular manner desires to be remembered to you, with Brothers Puckeys, and others; present our love and respects to your family, to Mr. and Mrs. Shrubsole, Mr. and Mrs. Leggett,and all our dear friends, with our sincere thanks for all past favours. Sir, you will greatly oblige me to send to my sister, and give my love to her and her family, and tell them I make mention of them daily in my prayers. I know not how to express my thankfulness to Mr. Godfrey for his particular kindness to me. But to conclude, I am astonished and struck with wonder when I look at times past and times present, to see how conspicuous has been the hand of God with me, and for me, the most ungrateful of all his creatures!

"O! if his worth the nations knew,

"Sure the whole earth would love him too!"

I am, Sir, your servant in the Gospel of Christ Jesus,

W.CROOK.

TO THE REV. MR. WILDBORE, FALMOUTH. "REV. AND DEAR SIR, "Rio de Janeiro, November 16, 1796. "WE arrived in this harbour after a passage of seven weeks and one day; a distance of near 5000 miles from England. Glory be to God that the winds and waves have been propitious, speedily wafting us towards our destined haven !

"We reached St. Jago the very day three weeks that we left Spithead. I went a shore, and wandered a little way into the country; being delighted and refreshed with pleasant prospects, and fragrant smelling flowers, which nature had scattered abroad in divers spots, like so many plantations. I wandered still a little farther, until I came to some fine trees, the fruit of which was like gold, the boughs were bending with the weight thereof, and it was sweet to my taste: However I observed several spots where the scorching rays of the sun had burned up every tender blade of grass, so that they looked like a black barren heath. Now I could not help sighing at the thought of my native island; that island so highly favoured of the most high God, where the pleasant spices of the church of Christ do flourish, and which were more pleasant to me than all the fine hille and vales of Jago.

"In my way I met a poor aged woman, bearing a pitcher of water on her head-she seemed surprised at seeing me, and I was equally surprised at seeing her, but nothing passed between us; a little further on I found three lads, quite naked, at a well drawing water, accompanied by a poor old man, who accosted me in broken English, desiring an old garment for his son who was destitute of clothing. I gave him a pair of drawers, and he then desired me to follow him; at length we arrived at his little hut, where I found an aged wife and five chil

dren:

ren: Every thing was very clean around, and they gave me some rum and water by way of refreshment; I gave them a knife, a scissars, and some buttons, with which they were highly pleased, and expressed great thankfulness, I asked the old man whether he knew any thing of Christ? he looked serious, and putting his hands before his eyes shewed me in what manner he worshipped Christ, as taught by the Romish Priest.-O my God! when shall the veil be taken from their eyes, and those blind leaders of the blind be enlightened in the knowledge of the truth as it is in Jesus?

"I could not tarry longer with this poor family, on account of my orders to be on board; and therefore wished them well, and departed, "The next day we sailed, and reached Rio in four weeks, We had one passenger to this place, an officer of the army; he always joined us in the worship of God, and was much pleased to hear of Jesus Christ.-Soon after we had cast anchor, five of the brethren and myself went on shore. The town is large and pleasant; it contains several churches, crosses, and convents; the inhabitants were very civil, though they are very superstitious. We saw a company of slaves going to the market, and the poor creatures appeared cheerful; however I could not forbear to cast an eye of pity on them, and lift up my poor soul to God on their behalf. After taking some refreshment we returned to the ship,” &c. &c.

"We expect to sail in a few days; and, if the wind proves favourable, we hope to reach the destined Isles in about eight or ten weeks. May the Lord grant us a prosperous voyage !" &c. &c.-

"From, Dear Sir, your's in the Lord,

"JOHN COCK."

It appears that Mrs. Eyre has been the greatest sufferer by sea-sickness; having experienced it most of the voyage. But the pleasantness of their passage and the blessing of health have been remarkably enjoyed, and gratefully acknowledged, by all. Mr. Robson, speaking on these subjects, in his letter to the Rev. Mr. Waugh, says, "only seven weeks, you will perceive, have elapsed, between our weighing from St. Helens and our anchoring in this place; a distance of five thousand miles, in the running of which we have experienced no trying gale, or scarcely an opposing breeze, insomuch that, throughout the whole passage, we have neither been obliged to stay or wear the Duff; and the sea hath not at any time been more agitated, than that I should have thought myself safe on it in the long-boat.

"Favourable weather, as well as friendly winds, hath, without all peradventure, contributed much to the preservation of health, in general, amongst us; for though we have sailed over 74 degrees difference of latitude, and have now brought the sun to the northward of us, in his meridian altitude, such hath been the surprising temperature of the air, from showers and other natural causes, that as yet we have not been more incommoded with heat than what is frequently felt in London and its environs in the summer months."

The hottest weather they experienced was while they were at St. Jago and the two following days, and then the Thermometer was only 77°, and on crossing the Equator it was only 75°. So wonderfully kind has our blessed Lord been to his dear servants.

Mr. Hassel writes to his friends at Coventry, "This day (Nov. 2) my son was put in breeches. You may be sure he is well, for he went up and down the ladder, from between decks, which is six or seven feet high, without help. We dined with the Captain to-day, which we have all done in rotation ever since we have been on board.

"I have been very sea-sick at times; of any other sickness I have had none. I may say the same of my wife, and my son Thomas; as for Otoo [that is, his little infant, he has not had an hour's illness since we have been on board.-We have had such a voyage as was, perhaps, never known. One of our sailors, who has crossed the line nine times, says, he never knew the like before. So that, in answer to prayer, the winds and waves have been propitious to us."

Speaking

: Speaking of the love and harmony which prevail, he says, "I have the pleas sure to inform you, that as a body we live and walk in love and peace; all longing to spread abroad the Gospel of Christ. We are all well in body, and enjoy peace of mind.”

Mr. Buchanan, in his letter to the Rev. Mr. Jerment, thus expresses himself, "We have now performed a voyage of five thousand miles without experiencing any of those hardships which have befallen others, and which I really expected. Though we have passed through the hottest part of the globe, the extremity of heat has been so mitigated, by cooling breezes and rains, that I have often felt it warmer in London; which has conduced much to the preservation of our health. And though my sea-sickness has rendered my voyage very uncomfortable at times, yet I trust I may say, upon good grounds, it is good for me to be here. I by no means wish to change my situation for any other in the world, but am willing to spend, and be spent, in the service in which I am engaged."

Mr. Gillham, the Surgeon, writing to his much-beloved Pastor, and spiritual Father, the Rev. Rowland Hill, says, "The Mighty God has wafted us more. than five thousand miles, with brisk and pleasant gales, in seven weeks and one day, accompanied with every temporal and spiritual blessing, exceeding the most sanguine expectations. The Captain, whose conduct to usward proves that the image of bis Master is imprinted on his heart, fitting him for his vocation, joins with us in soliciting an interest in, and continuance of your prayers."

These pleasing and interesting particulars are confirmed by the concurrent testimony of all the letters received, and particularly by that of Captain Wilson to the Directors, which details all the important circumstances of the voyage, but is too long to be here inserted. We shall therefore conclude with an extract from a letter of Mr. Nobbs to Mr. Benjamin Callen, which, we trust, will afford the friends of the Institution much satisfaction: "Our devotional exercises are, family prayer in the morning, between decks, at half past six; public prayer, on deck, at half past seven; public prayer in the evening at half past five; and family prayer at half past seven. We have preaching twice on Sabbath days, and a conference in the afternoon, when each brother delivers his sentiments on some text of Scripture; beginning and ending with prayer and praise. We have also preaching on Wednesdays and Fridays. We have a prayer-meeting on the first Monday of every month, and take care to proportionate our time to that of London.

"I beg leave to transmit to you the following hymn, which we often sing:

Those persons who are desirous to send letters to Captain Wilson, or any of the Officers or sailors on board the Duff, to meet them at China, are requested to forward them to Joseph Hardcastle, Esq. Duck's-foot-lane, as early as possible.

By Order of the Directors,

April 19, 1797.

W.SHRUBSOLE, Sec.

AMERICA.

THOSE readers who recollect the different accounts, in Vol. I. and II. of this Magazine, concerning a great revival of the power and practice of religion in the town of Plymouth, in America, under the instrumentality of the Rev. Dr. Robbins, will no doubt be pleased to learn something of the state of the work of God among them at this time. The following short extract from a letter, written by that gentleman to a correspondent in England, will satisfy them in this particular:

North America, Plymouth, October 7, 1796, "The state of religion in this place, I am sorry to say, is very different from what it was two or three years ago. You have read, that after Abraham had been favoured with a season of most delightful communion with his God, it is added, And God went up from Abraham!' So it will be till the saints get to heaven. Then there will be no withdrawment: No interruption for ever! Happy effects however remain. Christians love, and speak often one to another: And I doubt not the Lord hears them. They are favoured with a spirit of prayer. I lately had an account from a brother in a distant part of this State, that God is visiting several towns in that quarter, with the influences of his Holy Spirit. It is a matter of thankfulness, that the Lord is in one place and another, gathering in the outcasts of Israel. He will accomplish all his promises in due time. I read in public, at our Quarterly Concert this week, an extract of your last letter, respecting the Missionary Society, the meeting in London, &c.; it gladdened the hearts of many, and added fervour to their prayers. "Your's, &c.

"CHANDLER ROBBINS,"

ORDINATION.

APRIL 4. The Rev. Jonathan Evans, at Foleshill, near Coventry.Mr. Hewit, of Bedworth, prayed, and read a suitable portion of Scripture ; Mr. Brewer, of Birmingham, gave an account of the nature of a Christian church; Mr. Moody, of Warwick, prayed the ordination prayer; Mr. Bur der, of Coventry, delivered the charge from a Cor. i. 12.; Mr. Little, of Birmingham, preached to the people from Rev. ii. 29.; and Mr. Saunders, of Coventry, concluded the whole by prayer. The service of the day, we are informed, is, by the earnest desire of the church, to be published.

OBITUARY.

MARGARET GRÆME.

Glasgow, March 10, 1797.

MR. EDITOR, NE of your young readers, Margaret Græme, died at Glasgow, on the 2d of Jan. 1797, aged thirteen years and two months; a girl of the most amiable manners and kind dispositions that could occupy or fill the human

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breast.