from the north-west; and their appearance (although even they cannot refrain from intoxication) is such, that one who had never seen any but the miserable beings who stagger about our Atlantic towns, would hardly conceive that they belong to the same race. Most of them (females as well as males) are dressed in blue cloth pantaloons, with a blue robe or blanket thrown gracefully over the shoulders, and belted with a scarlet or party-coloured girdle around the waist. They wear hats with lace and feathers, and have a superior port, as if still conscious of some elevation of character. But these ill-fated nations will become extinct, notwithstanding the efforts of benevolent individuals, especially as manifested by the establishments formed in the south-western parts of the United States, to Christianize and civilize them; and a heavy reckoning rests on the heads. of the civilized communities in America, for their cruel treatment of the American aborigines.”— Ibid.

MINISTERIAL VISITATION.

In a distant town in New-England, a respectable and hopefully pious lady called on her minister. She took occasion to complain that he seldom visited her family, and that others made the same complaint. In short, she told him, she thought he might and ought to visit his people more. The good man made a short, meek reply, and begged her prayers that he might be more diligent and faithful.

The conversation then shifted; and the afternoon was spent pleasantly and profitably. The minister however related the following anecdote. A wealthy farmer in one of the middle states contracted with a poor labourer whom he had often hired, to do several day's work for him in a field equally distant from the poor man's house and his own, and considerably distant from each. The laborer was to commence his work at the rising of the sun, and expected of course that his meals would be sent to him according

to custom.

Towards the close of the day, the farmer visited his field, and found his labourer sitting and musing under a tree. He hastily reproved him for his idleness, and complained that he had not done half so much as be expected. The labourer informed him, that he had worked till very late in the morning, but no breakfast was sent. Being very faint, he went to a neighbour, and borrowed money, to procure a breakfast at the public house: He then laboured till late dinner time, and indeed till he was exhausted, and had been sitting an hour under the tree meditating what to do. He did not like to borrow again, till he paid what he now owed. He dared not call on strangers. At the tavern poor people could obtain no credit. And if he went home, he must take bread out of the mouths of his children. Besides, the farmer already owed

him on an old score, which he had already needed. The farmer recalled his complaint; paid his arrearages, and for several days in advance; said his own family must have forgotten to send his meals, which he really supposed had been sent; promised his family a quarter of veal; and acknowledged that the labourer is worthy of his hire. The laborer now fulfilled his duty punctually and joyfully; and the farmer continued to hire him, and to send his meals; and sometimes to pay him a little in advance to prevent his running into debt.

The good lady was pleased with the story; but did not dream of its application, till it recurred to her mind at a wakeful midnight hour. She awoke her husband, told him the story, and eagerly inquired if he had paid the minister for the year almost closed? Why, no, he believed not. The collector had not called. He did not know that the taxes were even assessed. Indeed, now he thought of it, the salary was not yet voted.-How then has he lived, and provided for his family, without means? He has no property, is in debt for his education, has a large family and expensive company. How does he live? Why, by borrowing money, I suppose, and getting credit. The lady saw at once that her minister must labour under very disheartening embarrassments, and no longer wondered that he could find no more time for visiting, being punctual in all other duties. She remarked to her husband, we do not treat our worthy minister so well as we do the men who labour in our field, and who in many cases are wicked men. We pay them punctually, often in advance; and always provide their meals in due season. But while our minister is labouring in the vineyard, we do not even give him his meals.

The next morning the husband repaired to his minister, paid him $20, and took an order on the treasurer. Nor did he fail to carry him also a quarter of a fatted calf, a good cheese and a few pounds of butter, as a present from his wife, who bade him thank her minister for his story, and recal her complaint. Her husband was an man of influence, and by their joint exertions they soon brought others to feel and to act with the same becoming promptness. The minister's salary has ever since been paid as fast as he has needed it; accompanied by many little presents, useful to him, and grateful expressions of the love and esteem of his people. He feels his obligations to a kind, generous, and punctual people. His people has considered their labourer worthy of his hire. He in return has been faithful and devoted all his time to their good. The Spirit from on high has been poured upon them; many sinners have been converted, and a declining church greatly enlarged. The minister's salary has been raised; and he is so far freed from his embarrassments, as not only to preach benevolence, but to set a good practical example of doing good.-Ch.

Mirror.

ANECDOTE OF MR. ROMAINE.

THE following circumstance is one instance among many, of the power of that gospel Mr. Romaine so delightfully preached. He was chosen rector of Blackfriars in 1764, but by the opposition of some who were unfriendly to the gospel, was kept out of the pulpit till early in the year 1766, when the Lord Chancellor, to the inexpressible joy of thousands, terminated the dispute in his favour. His election is said to have been principally owing to the influence of a publication. Mr. Romaine being informed of this circumstance, we are told, waited upon him to thank him for the zeal he had shewn on that occasion. "Indeed, Sir," he replied, "I am more indebted to you than you to me, for you have made my wife, who was one of the worst, the best woman in the world."

Religious and Missionary Intelligence.

WESLEYAN MISSIONS.

South Sea Missions.-THE Missionary at the FRIENDLY Islands, Mr. Lawet, gives an encouraging account of his reception by the Chief of Tonga Island, PALAU, who " appeared very anxious," says Mr. LAWRY, "for us to establish ourselves with him, and no think of going to any other island or place”—“ I am much pleased with the conduct of PALAU, and two other Chiefs, his relations. I hope our way is beginning to open, by divine Providence, for the standard of the cross at this place, the residence of PALAU, the soil of which is rich, and the country beautiful."

Southern Africa.-A Letter from Mr. W. SHAW, dated Salem, March 29, 1823, says, "We are making some small progress on this circuit, chiefly in matters preparatory, and in securing a foundation for a permanent work in Albany." After noticing the opening of a place for divine worship, he observes, "For my own part, I cannot describe what I felt while setting in the pulpit, and beholding before me Europeans and Africans in a mixed group,-formerly so rare a sight in this colony-hearing them tell, each in his own tongue, the wonderful dealings of God towards them; and this in a Chapel which had cost me no common pains and perplexity in erecting, owing to a variety of circumstances, which I could neither foresee nor controul."

Western Africa-SIERRA LEONE has recently been deprived of one of its Missionaries, by the death of Mr. LANE. This afflicting event is mentioned in a Letter from Mr. Huddlestone, dated, Free-Town, April 20, 1823.

St. Domingo. The following extract of a Letter from Mr. RECOIR to Mr. BROWS will shew the state of religion at this place:

"I cannot express the pleasure I had in receiving, April 8th, your letter dated December 1st, 1822. Had I received thousands of dollars, I should not have felt so much satisfaction. Some days before receiving it I had been praying that I might bear from you, and know whether you were dead or alive. It appears

E

that the Lord was preparing me for the blessing he was about to give me, so that before my mouth was shut my hands were full. O, blessed be the name of the LORD my GOD for ever, Amen! I am very grateful, and thank you a thousand times for the trouble you have taken in writing to me. It is not to me alone you have caused joy, but to many others also, on hearing of you, and receiving the advice you have given. By the grace of our LORD JESUS CHRIST I have obtained the victory over the weakness and sin that was in me, and my expectation in CHRIST alone has not perished. I declare it to his praise and glory, that I am no longer under the power of sin, but of grace, and act no longer according to the Alesh, fulfilling its dead works, but by the grace obtained I crucify, and labour daily to crucify, the body of sin in my flesh, not fulfilling the evil dispositions of my heart, but living in CHRIST a new life, forgetting old things, advancing more and more towards the prize of my heavenly calling, which is in JESUS CHRIST. "The arm of the LORD has been with us of late, and is with us this day. The LORD has helped us, and we have made our assemblies as public as we can. Since the month of January our assemblies began to be public. Such as were so disposed met together; their hands feeble, and knees stiffened, from being so long bowed down. The demon of persecution could not long bear our reunion without efforts to destroy it; but GoD, who watches over his own, has still preserved us to the glory of his name. Being ill, I requested ST. DENIS to read the word of God to the congregation; and it appears that Almighty GoD designed to leave me on my bed, that I might not be taken with the others. I waited till after the hour when prayer should have been over, but saw no one. That instant my little boy came running as fast as he could, saying, "we were assembled, the guard came to take us, and I escaped to let you know it." I was immediately inspired with courage. I rose, called together my mother, grand-mother, &c., and read several passages of Scripture to comfort them, and prepare them for the persecution that was coming upon us. I hid my books, letters, &c. and expected they would come to take us. This was the 7th of February. I would not run into prison of my own accord, but having waited and finding nothing was said to us, I went to see my brethren and sisters. I found there were thirty-two, and ST. DENIS preparing to write to the President, which he did, and I carried this letter to his Excellency, by which we requested him to cause us to be judged and punished if we were found guilty by the law. When I arrived under the piazza of the palace, I asked an officer on duty if I could see the President, who answered, Yes. I entered the hall, where I found the President seated, and surrounded by a circle, as well of officers as civilians. After saluting them, I presented the letter to the President, who asked me from whence it came. I replied, "From the Methodists who are in prison." His good humour was immediately changed. "Methodists," said he, "I did not know that." Colonel VICTOR, who was present, thinking perhaps that through fear I would wish to conceal myself, addressed himself to the President, saying, "President, this is a Methodist," as if the President did not know it. Immediately the President replied, "You are fanatics." "Pardon me, President, we are not." "Why, you have changed your religion.” "If I have changed my religion, President, it is the Government which has made me do it." "How is that?" said he, "It was the late President who sent for the Missionaries. I heard the letter read, and saw the late President's signature: this is what I can tell you." "Enough, enough," said he, "I will send an answer." I went to the prison and waited till it was late; but hearing nothing, and being ili of the fever, I returned to my mother's. The next day orders were given for the brethren and sisters to appear before the Chief Judge. A dollar was demanded of each on leaving prison, and they were conducted by a single serjeant. On their arrival the Chief Judge forbade them, in the name of the President, to assemble together again. "No one can hinder you from worshipping Gon as you please; but let every one abide at home, for as often as you are found assembled you shall be put in prison; and if you unhappily persist, I have received orders to disperse you every where." Several wished to reply, but he refused to listen, saying, "It is not from me; it is not my fault; these orders are given me." All our brethren and sisters, went out, animated with a holy zeal, determining not to abandon their assemblies. The next day we were assembled. After an exhortation, we sung a hymn, which being finished, we kneeled down to pray a shower of stones came as if they would have demolished the house, and have stoned us like STEPHEN. With one accord, we commended ourselves to our faithful Creator, aud continued in prayer till they had ceased. On Friday in the same week MRS. AUGUSTINE of

ered us her house to meet in, on condition that we would not sing. We met on the Sunday following. After a discourse which I delivered, I said, “My brethren and sisters, I take your opinion; judge, is it proper that we should sing a hymn to Gor, or not? I will not do it of myself, for I do not wish to expose you in any thing.” Madame AUGUSTINE trembling said, with several others, “It is right we should sing a hymn to the LORD: sing, Brother." Then we sang, and we continued to do so. Almighty God is with us; blessed be his name. Amen. Some have been turned aside, but I need not represent to you the conduct of those weak ones, who have been under the power of fear three years. What courage is necessary on such occasions! He who has not for his sole end the glory of God, cannot continue without sin; he is exposed as AARON was, to make a golden calf to satisfy the inconstancy of the inconstant. I thank God that he has given me courage to go from house to house to converse with the people on Gon's word.

"We have succeeded, by the grace of God, in re-establishing the classes. There are now six, consisting some of thirteen, and others of fourteen members. There is an assembly on Sunday morning. Two classes meet during the day, two on Monday, and two on Thursday: and I propose, according as I have begun, to visit each once a fortnight, to help them to continue in the LORD. We have assemblies also on Sunday, Tuesday, and Friday evenings. Stones are sometimes thrown; and some strangers attend now and then. On Saturday, our brethren and sisters come down from the mountains, to be present at the Sunday worship, and return on Monday very early; and it is in this poor people that we see JESUS CHRIST in the greatest fulness. We continue our assemblies in the bouse of MRS. AUGUSTINE.

"Lately the LORD has put a thought into my mind, and, after consulting two or three of my brethren, we have decided on collecting for building a house, which shall be dedicated to the LORD for his people to meet in. All our brethren and sisters are glad at the undertaking. And we have already made three collections. The collection is made once a fortnight: all of good-will give what they can. I believe the LORD will finish this work for the glory of his name. We cannot, at present, teach the Catechism to children, because MRS. AUGUSTINE's is a familyhouse; and we must, apparently, make the collection a long time before we have sufficient to purchase ground and materials, or a house already built. Our collection is very small, for we are all poor in this world; but the LORD will provide. No one would let a house to us: and rents are high, and our means small. o LORD, help us for thy glory! O GOD, grant us pastors to feed us. O good Shepherd, send thy servants to collect thy sheep, that they may be of one fold.

"Salute for me all the saints, and especially the pastors. Let them take courage, and seek the dispersed of the house of Israel, and the poor among the Gentiles, and bring them to the good Shepherd, who is the door of the fold."

Dominica.-The following extract of a Letter from Mr. Carrs, dated May 27, 1823, shews that religion is still prospering in that Island :—

"Ir affords me pleasure to state that our new chapel was opened on LORD's day, the 11th inst. To us it was an occasion of no small interest; and, I believe, our friends in general partook in our joy. The RIGHT HON. the EARL of HusTINGDON, with his usual zeal and condescension, did us the honour of attending the forenoon-service. His Lordship was accompanied by his daughter, LADY SELINA HASTINGS, and several most respectable Ladies and Gentlemen, amongst whom were the Chief Judge, the HoN. A. GLOSTER, and the Attorney-General the HON. W. BLANE. The time was solemn as well as joyful, and, I trust, will be remembered with good effect. In the group of worshippers, I could not but observe the negroes, whose sable faces, washed with the tears of gratitude, formed a striking contrast, to those countenances whose sparkling eyes expressed unfeigned delight. The building seems to afford general satisfaction. The services of the day were conducted by Brother HARRISON and myself. I preached in the forenoon from 1 Kings viii. 27. Brother HARRISON preached in the evening an appropriate sermon from the latter part of Exod. xx. 24. The collection amounted to £60 currency, which makes the contributions towards the chapel, in all, nearly £1000 currency, about half of the whole cost of erection and purchase of land. The congregation, since the opening, has been good, and promises to continue so, especially on Sabbath evenings. The pews not being quite finished, are not yet rented, but I believe the applications will be very numerous.