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saving knowledge of the truth by the instrumentality of the Wesleyan ministry. Appointed by the last Conference to the island of Nevis, he laboured there zealously and usefully during a few months; when he was removed, after a short affliction, to a better world. He died October 3d, 1843.

He was of

5. SAMUEL SYMONS. studious habits, possessed deep piety, and was zealous and indefatigable in his Master's service. His end was peaceful and happy. Only a few minutes before he breathed his last, he requested his affectionate colleague to send his dying love to his father and mother, and tell them that he did not regret that he had gone to Western Africa. He died at Macarthy's Island, River Gambia, January 12th, 1844, in the third year of his probation, and the thirtieth year of his age.

6. BENJAMIN WATKIN; at the Gold-Coast, Western Africa, in the twenty-seventh year of his age. His talents and general fitness for the Missionary work gave much promise of usefulness; but his labours were terminated by a fatal disease in a few months after his arrival. He died in great peace, February 7th, 1844.

RECENT DEATHS.

JUNE 13th, 1844.-At Woodhouse, near Leeds, Mary, the beloved wife of the Rev. John Poole, aged sixty-three. Her conversion, which took place in the year 1800, was of a very decided character. She was made exceedingly happy; the Holy Spirit clearly testifying that she was a child of God. Shortly afterwards she was entirely sanctified; and, fully devoting herself to the Lord, was rendered very useful, especially in visiting the sick. In this good work she continued to delight, so long as she was able to attend to it. She was a faithful and industrious wife. The even tenor of her life was spent in sweet fellowship with God, and the practice of every duty. Her last affliction was very severe. For many weeks she was confined to her bed, and towards the close her recollection frequently failed her; but it was remarkable that, notwithstanding these aberrations of mind, she was perfectly rational and collected on religious subjects. She frequently quoted the following lines from our Hymn-Book :

"In death, as life, be thou my Guide, And save me,-who for me hast died."

As her end approached, she was not able to speak; but a little before her departure she said, "I am happy;" and thus her suffering life finished in everlasting rest. J. P.

June 19th.-The Rev. William Jenkins, aged eighty-one. He was one of the few surviving

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June 28th.-At Leeds, Jane, relict of the late Rev. Robert Pickering. When sixteen years of age she joined the society, of which she continued a consistent member to her death, maintaining a settled trust in the merits of her Redeemer. She faithfully and affectionately fulfilled the important offices of wife and mother. For many years her health had been declining; nevertheless she continued with unremitting diligence to discharge the duties devolving upon her. Her last affliction was painful and protracted; yet a murmur never escaped her lips. Her friends, when sympathizing with her, often adverted to her sufferings: she invariably interrupted them by saying, "It is all right!" The fear of death was entirely removed, so that she conversed with the greatest composure about her dissolution. On the Sabbath previous to her death she was in a most rapturous state. Her happy spirit appeared quite on the verge of heaven; the veil which divides the invisible world from this, seemed to be drawn aside. To one who inquired respecting the state of her health she replied, "I am going to heaven! I am an unprofitable servant, but I know I shall arrive there!" When the closing scene drew near, one of her medical attendants inquired, "Are you happy?" She immediately waved her hand, and pointed upwards. Articulation failed. Her last words were, "Pray, pray;" soon after which she fell asleep in Jesus, aged fifty-two.

W. K.

June 30th.-At Helston, Cornwall, of hemorrhage from the lungs, George James Beard, son of the Rev. G. Beard, aged twenty-two. He was for some time Master of the Mathematical Academy of that town. In his last illness he was favoured with delightful manifestations of the divine presence; and, but a few hours before his departure, lifted his hand above his head, and said, in a tone of triumph, "I am going home; I am going to Jesus, the poor sinner's Friend." His last words were, "Christ is precious; all precious!" He was the companion of his father amid the toils of Missionary labour in the West Indies; and by his death his parents have lost a most dutiful, affectionate, and pious son. G. B.

July 17th.-At Dublin, Mrs. Ann Croggon, mother of the Rev. W. O. Croggon, at the advanced age of ninety. She had been a member of the Baptist church for more than seventy years; and, during that time, adorned the Gospel of her Saviour by her walk and conversation. As she advanced towards the end of her course, her prospect of heaven became brighter and brighter; and when taken ill, a short time before

her death, she said, "I am ready, I am willing; waiting, waiting." At length she calmly passed from time into eternity. W. O. C.

July 24th.-At York, in the twenty-eighth year of her age, Eliza, the beloved wife of the Rev. George Roebuck, Wesleyan Minister. Her parents were intelligent, active, and useful members of the Wesleyan society; and Eliza had the privilege of a superior education, combining literary with religious instruction. Under a sermon preached by the venerable Joseph Sutcliffe she was enabled to give her heart fully to the Lord, and from that time she lived as the covenanted servant of Christ. Hers was an enlightened piety; the Bible was her daily companion; its history, its poetry, its glorious doctrines, and its great and precious promises, furnished her with inexhaustible sources of literary enjoyment, but chiefly of spiritual consolation. During a long and painful affliction she was graciously supported; and never did the writer of this notice see the majesty of truth, the calmness of faith, and the power of the Gospel more fully displayed. So long as she was able, she testified of the Saviour's love, and then departed to be with Christ, which is far better.

G. R.

July 26th.-At the house of her son-in-law, the Rev. Abraham E. Farrar, in Liverpool, aged

eighty, Ann, relict of the late Mr. Adam Storey, of Leeds. She had been connected with the Wesleyan society for upwards of fifty-five years. Her powers of mind, which were exceedingly vigorous, were retained to the last; and for seve ral months previous to her removal, her Christian graces had evidently improved. Her last expressions referred to the preciousness of the Saviour. A. E. F.

July 27th.-At Bowden-Downs, near Manchester, Hester Ann, the beloved wife of the Rev. John Randerson, aged thirty-six years. Though possessed of a good constitution, she was not able to endure the intense heat of Jamaica, where Providence had cast her lot as the wife of a Missionary; and she returned to her native land, greatly enfeebled. During a lingering illness, she experienced, that the promises of supporting grace made to the afflicted, were "yea and amen" in Christ Jesus. Some of her last expressions were, "The atonement! the atonement !

'In my hands no price I bring, Simply to thy cross I cling.'"

An interesting and profitable memoir of her history and character might be published; but it was nearly her last request, that no attempt of that kind should be made. J. R.

POETRY.

ENDURING JOY.*
HABAKKUK iii. 18.

THIS heart hath rapturous feelings known,

From sunny things of earth; But aye, like music's sweetest tone, They perish'd in their birth. Methought there ever came with such

A voice, a mystic breath, Like fragrance from too rude a touch, Telling the floweret's death.

Joy, from the height to which I rose,

So quickly changed to fears,
That not the lark, with pinions close,
More swiftly disappears.

But I have found a joy that lives :
Yet not from things of earth:
It is a viewless hand that gives;
And 'tis of heavenly birth.

Sweeter than music from the lyre,
Or perfumes from the flower,
It rises like the lark, but higher
Than he has strength to tower.

And often, too, it soars above;
But thence again it bends
Its course to earth: on wings of love
It rises and descends.

O, rather He, from whom doth spring
All love, all joy, all good;
Who gives the lark his buoyant wing,
And man his "angels' food ;"—

He is its giver, author, source:
O for a seraph's hymn,
To tell to all with winning force,
What joy is found in Him!

* From " Songs from the Parsonage."

Relating principally to the FOREIGN MISSIONS carried on under the Direction of the METHODIST Conference.

MISSIONS IN ASHANTI AND THE GOLD-COAST.

As we announced in the "Notices" for August, this Mission has again been afflicted. The name of Mr. Watkins has been added to the list of those noble Missionaries who have "fallen in the high places of the field," for the evangelization of Western Africa. And yet his fellow-labourers who are left behind are not discouraged on the contrary, they are greatly comforted by the degree of success they have witnessed, and by the near prospect of still greater prosperity. Mr. Chapman's proceedings in Kumasi, and his visit to the Queen of Jabin, are remarkable signs of the times for interior Africa. The Report of the Institution at Akrah, and of the female school, by Mr. Greeves, is very encouraging; as is also Mr. Allen's Report of DixCove, and Mr. Brooking's of Anamabu. We commend these communications, and the very important Missions to which they relate, to the prayerful attention of our friends.

DESTRUCTION OF A FETISH. VISIT TO THE QUEEN. KINGDOM OF ASHANTI.-Extract of a Letter from the Rev. George Chapman, dated Kumasi, March 24th, 1844.

WITH feelings of deep and lively gra titude I write to you, thankful that, in a land where so many are suddenly called to their great reward, my own health has been mercifully preserved. I regard it as no small mercy, that, during the past five months, I have not had a day's sick ness, nor have been hindered, from this cause, in the discharge of my duty. To God be all the praise!

Our prospects still continue such as to warrant the expectation, that, at a period not distant, the efforts made for the conversion of the Ashantis will be crowned with great success. This, however, will not be the case without much opposition on the part of some, and patient, prudent perseverance on the part of those whose duty it may be to labour in Kumasi.

Our congregations continue to increase; on the Sabbath afternoon especially, many attend to hear the word of life. The attention with which they listen is truly encouraging; while, on some occasions, the tearful eye gives evidence, that, in a greater or less degree, the heart is made to feel the mighty influence of the ever-blessed Gospel. In addition to those I mentioned in my last, a respectable Chief (Adu Osai) has be gun to meet in class. He attends with great regularity the means of grace, and is, I trust, sincerely and humbly seeking VOL. XXIII. Third Series.

salvation. The two young men to whom I referred, still give pleasing evidence of a strong desire to know more fully those great truths by which they may be saved. The sincerity of one of them was manifested a few days ago, in his committing to the flames his fetish,that fetish in which he from his childhood had trusted. This was done under circumstances of some interest. The companions of the youth, hearing what was about to take place, assembled to witness the destruction of the first fetish destroyed in Kumasi from conscientious motives. Every thing being in readi ness, two or three large drums were brought out; and as the god hung sus pended over the waiting flames, one of the party, in imitation of the signal given by the King's death-drum, struck his drum to the well-known sound, "Cut him down! cut him down! cut him down!" The flames instantly received the long-adored image; while, at the moment of its fall, another drum answered the first, and loudly responded, "Down!" So perish all the false gods of Ashanti! This, I believe, is the first instance of the kind which has taken place in Ashanti, and augurs well for him who has given so noble an example.

In addition to the few who have joined themselves with us, many respectable SEPTEMBER, 1844. 3 I

and influential persons in the town entertain the conviction that Christianity will effectually accomplish its great design; and eventually, surmounting all opposition, become the religion of the land. Again and again have I heard this opinion expressed. But a few days ago, at the close of a custom held at Bantama, a respectable old Chief called upon me. He stated, in confidence, that, while at Bantama, much had been said by the King and others respecting the object of the Mission; and that, after much conversation on this subject, they gave it as their decided opinion that our motive and object is really good, and that it will be to their interest and benefit to give every encouragement. The old man continued, "Much more was said; but I may not tell you now. Wait a little, and do not be discouraged. am old and grey-headed; but I hope to live to see you successful."

I

During the past month, I have visited Jabin, my object being to preach the Gospel there also. Previous to leaving

Kumasi, the King sent a messenger, to inform Sarvi, the Queen, that I was about to visit her. The venerable old lady was much pleased to find that herself and her people were not forgotten by us. As a proof of good-will and friendly feeling, she assembled all her people, to the number of from nine to twelve thousand, and insisted upon giving me a public reception. On the morning after my arrival I called upon the Queen, for the purpose of stating the object of my visit, and also to request permission to preach to her people. This was readily granted; and at three P.M. I preached beneath the branches of a beautiful banyan, to about fourteen hundred persons, most of whom listened with deep attention to the great truths of the Gospel. On the day but one following, I again preached in the same place, and again on the morning and afternoon of the Sabbath. On each occasion there were from six to eight hundred persons present. My intention being to leave Jabin for Kumasi early on the Monday morning, I had at the close of the Sabbathafternoon service just announced this to the people, when a messenger arrived from Sarvi, stating that Sarvi greatly regretted her inability to attend the services held during the past few days; but that if I would consent to remain until the following day, she with her attendants and Chiefs would assemble to hear the word of the great God. Though anxious to return to Kumasi, I could not but comply with such a request,

and accordingly remained the day fol lowing, on the afternoon of which I preached from Rom. v. 6-8, "For when ye were yet without strength," &c., to a large and attentive congrega tion. The questions proposed by many were such as plainly evinced that they not only heard the word, but that a desire had been created in them more fully to understand its saving power. During my stay here, I experienced every kindness; not a day passing without an abun dant supply of food, &c., being sent in for myself and people.

Upon leaving the town, the people urgently requested a speedy revisit. "The word you speak to us is good: let us hear it again," was the argument used by them. "We have not heard these things before: we believe you speak the truth, and we wish for instruction. Come to us again; but come soon!" These and many similar expressions fell from the lips of these poor benighted people. Never did I feel more fully resolved "to spend and be spent" for those who as yet know not the Saviour; but, amidst tens of thousands, may it not be said, "What am I among so many ?"

Jabin is not the only important town near Kumasi to which we may now carry the message of mercy. A general desire prevails among the people all around to be visited by a Missionary. When this can be accomplished, mighty results must follow. In the capital, a strong restraint is felt by all who desire to forsake the customs of their forefathers. This would not be the case in any of the provincial towns, a far greater degree of liberty being experienced at a distance from the seat of government. When

the time shall come, (and the Almighty grant it may not be far distant!) when two Missionaries shall be employed in Kumasi, a wide and important field may be cultivated. Within a day's journey, or even less, are many large and populous towns, to most of which we might, even now, have access, and where the Gospel might be preached without the least opposition. To some of these I have been often invited; but such has been the nature of my duties in Kumasi, that though I would most gladly have visited these places, where unbroken darkness reigns, I have not been able to do so; and the people, while asking, "What is it the Missionary teaches?" are left to perish for lack of knowledge. O, land of my birth, Christian England! shall these things continue?

The statements made respecting the

greater healthiness of the climate, as we penetrate further into the interior, are certainly founded on truth. This is not

only the opinion of Europeans who have occasionally journeyed to some distance from the Coast, but the natives themselves uniformly acknowledge the same thing. It is common even for the Ashantis to complain of the sickness to which they are subject when visiting the Coast; but the contrary is the case when they journey inland. This, to every friend of Missions, cannot but be a cheering fact, as warranting the hope, that, in the prosecution of the great work of Africa's salvation, there will not be that fearful sacrifice of life which the brief but sad history of Missions on the Coast presents. I may be permitted to refer to my own case in confirmation of the above. I left a bed of sickness to commence my journey here; for near fourteen weeks I had not been able to preach more than once; and such was the state of extreme weakness to which I was reduced, that during the first two

days of my journey I was unable to walk even a few steps to relieve my hammock-men. I had occasional sickness during the first two months after my arrival at Kumasi; but this was not matter of surprise, considering circumstances. The rains fell almost daily with great violence; and such was the unfinished state of the Mission-house at that time, that, more than once, while stretched upon a sick bed, I was compelled to protect myself by my umbrella. But, under circumstances certainly not favourable, my strength returned; and, during the past five months, I have enjoyed as good health, or nearly so, as that with which I was favoured when in England.

I long to see the saving power of God more fully displayed among his people. There is "the promise of a shower." A ready assent is given to the truths of the Gospel; but this is not sufficient when eternal life depends upon the reception of Jesus Christ as the only Saviour.

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GOLD-COAST.-Extract of a Letter from the Rev. Timothy T. Greeves,
dated British Akra, May 10th, 1844.

I AM happy to acquaint you with my safe arrival at this station. You will, I doubt not, have received the painful intelligence that our very excellent brother Watkins, who occupied this station, is no more in this world. I had the pleasure of being acquainted with him for a few weeks during the sittings of the District-Meeting; and I can assure you that I cannot speak too highly of him. The church of Christ in this land has sustained a great loss by his removal from this field of labour. The society and Institution of young men were left without a Pastor, and were called to mourn over him, who had often instructed and comforted them in the great and sublime truths of the Gospel; but they tell me that their hearts were cheered, and they were led to wipe away their tears of sorrow for joy, by a letter which they received from Mr. Freeman, informing them that I was going down to supply the place; and I am thankful to God that I was here, ready to go and fill up the gap which death had made. The language of my heart was, "Here am I: Lord, send me."

age might be of great service to me, as I was only just recovering from the fever.

On February 18th, while I was preparing to preach, I was suddenly apprized that the "Roderick Dhu" would sail at four P. M. for Akrah. I packed up my things, and at the time appointed went to the beach, accompanied by Mr. Freeman, went on board, arrived here on the 22d, at four o'clock, P. M.; and by the society and young men of the Institution I was received with great joy. I was not able to enter upon my duties until the second Sunday after my arrival, on account of a little indisposition.

On March 3d, at six A. M., I read prayers, and preached from 2 Cor. iv. 5, "For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake." In the afternoon at three o'clock P. M., I again preached from 1 Cor. xi. 26, "For as often as ye eat this bread and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord's death till he come; and in the evening I administered the sacrament of the Lord's supper to the members of the society. Thus did I spend my first Sabbath at this place. It was a day which I shall never forget as long as I live. God was with us in a very remarkable manner, and did indeed manifest himself to us in the

I was now waiting for an opportunity to go down by sea, as Mr. Freeman thought that it would be much better for me than going by land; and that the voy

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