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ferating threats against us.

"Now we have them," cried they: "down with the Jesuits; down with the Momiers." Finding the door closed, they would have broken it open, but for the timely interference of the neighbours, who, at the expense of much insult, deterred them from their purpose. All this took place within ten yards of the Police-office, and a guard of gendarmes, without their making the least attempt to protect life or property.

The following days were days of much painful anxiety.

On the Monday, it was intended that an attack should take place on the houses of some of the Ministers of the Free Church, and it became advisable to adopt serious measures. Two or three of the Ministers immediately left the town, and others sat up all night in order to be able to remove their family in case of danger. On being applied to, the Préfet consented, after some hesitation, to afford protection to our brethren, and the gendarmes patroled the town all night, so that no attack took place.

On the Tuesday, we were informed that a list had been made of all the houses where it was thought meetings were held, and that they were to be strictly watched. Of course, our own residence, as well as our chapel, were duly inscribed; and it became evident that it was so; for ever since, men have been observed in our immediate neighbourhood keeping watch over our proceedings.

It was, of course, impossible for us to hold our usual Wednesday service in the chapel, or in our house; but it was thought that we might hold, at different houses and at different hours, two small meetings, to which our communicants only would be invited. Two lists were made out of the persons allowed to attend, and great secrecy and circumspection were enjoined. The first meeting was held in peace, and, I trust, with profit to our souls. The subject chosen for our meditations was the following comfortable declaration "The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open to their cry." This is the last meeting we have been able to hold, up to the present time. On our arrival at the appointed place for the second meeting, we found that our intentions had been discovered; and in order to prevent a disturbance, and avoid, if possible, a pretext for Government closing our chapel, we thought it prudent to retire.

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Decree of the Council of State, appeared. All meetings out of the National Church were prohibited; and those who would attempt to preside at any, were to be forthwith sent to their parish, and, if strangers, banished from the canton. The reasons assigned for these rigorous enactments, were the disturbances of which such meetings were the cause, and the necessity of tranquillity being restored, especially in the present state of Switzerland. As if it had been a difficult matter for the authorities to put to silence a mere handful of men who were at the head of all these persecutions!

This Decree, of course, only rendered our situation worse than it was on the

preceding Sunday. We might have met, notwithstanding the insults of the mob; but now, even one offence against the Decree was to be followed by banishment, and our flocks were to be deprived of all means of grace. To resist, at present at least, would have been imprudent and useless. My colleague and myself resolved, therefore, to visit from house to house, and to supply, by private intercourse, the lack of public means. We accordingly laid a plan by which every family in our congregation would be visited twice during the week, for the exposition of the Scriptures and prayer; and we also decided that the Sunday. school, which before met in the chapel, should be met in separate classes at the houses of the Teachers.

I shall not attempt to describe the painful impressions produced on our dear people by this almost unexpected blow. By the Decree, nearly six thousand persons in the canton were, and are still, of course, deprived of the public means of grace.

Since then, as I said before, we have held no meetings, and have encouraged our friends to spend their Sabbaths in family worship, private prayer, and social intercourse, until better days come. A few meetings have been held by Ministers of the Free Church, but in a very private way; for people suspected of going to a meeting are followed, in order, if possible, to discover the place of meeting; and the police, and even armed soldiers or gendarmes, have paraded the town to detect the meetings, and punish transgressors.

I have mentioned before that our house is closely watched. It was only on Friday last that two ladies, coming to pay us a visit, were followed by two spies, who entered into the garden in front of the house, and inquired what those ladies came here for. Indeed it was with diffi

On Friday, 26th, (November,) the

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culty that they were persuaded to retire, and mind their own affairs. But in many places in the canton excitement is very great indeed: in two cases, beside the one I mentioned before, musket-balls have been fired into houses known to be occupied by Christians: in one instance the musket burst, and the unfortunate man was himself badly wounded, and fell to the ground, confessing his murderous intentions, and asking an interest in the prayers of those whose lives he had sought. But the other case was truly painful: the ball struck a pious young woman, who was sitting at the window, and who died two hours afterwards, praying for her murderer. deed, the country is in an awful state of demoralization. To the formalism, which for some years served as a cloak for true religion, has succeeded open profaneness and infidelity, the result of socialism and radical principles. It is at first sight surprising that, although the Gospel appears to have been so faithfully preached in the Established Church for so many years, and by so many distinguished and Christian men, it has had so little hold on the consciences and the hearts of the people generally. The masses are not ignorant of, but hostile to, experimental religion.

Such is the fact which past and present occurrences but too truly prove. Hence the importance, and, at the same time, the difficulty, of cultivating so stony and barren a field. At the risk of being tedious, allow me to state a fact which will illustrate what I say. Some time since a little girl, perhaps ten years old, called at the shop of a friend, and asked him in a tone of mocking, knowing him to be a pious man, to sell her a certain quantity (which she mentioned) of "the wrath of God" (de la colère de

Dieu). Poor child! Unhappy country! What we must expect as to the future, is only, of course, a matter of conjecture. Some think that the Decree being based upon an authorization (les pleins pouvoirs) granted by the Grand Council to the Council of State, which will expire on the 31st of December, the Decree will be, ipso facto, annulled, and that no attempt will be made to renew it, at least for the present. Others think that on the next meeting of the Grand Council, a law will be passed prohibiting, under still severer penalties, not only the meetings themselves, but even pastoral visits and Sunday-schools: while others say, that not only the Decree will not be revived after December, but that a certain degree of liberty will be granted; and they add, that an influential member of Government had declared himself in favour of it.

Such are the conflicting opinions upon our religious affairs. The fact is, we must wait, to know how things will turn. Who would have said two months ago, that at this moment meetings would be closed, and people in arms against us? It is true, that, although in a mitigated form, persecution has been the order of the day for the last two winters; but the horrors of war, and almost of famine, which stare us in the face, seemed to lead us to hope that these poor deluded men would stoop beneath the hand of God. We may therefore see strange things before the end comes. May the Lord, in mercy, interpose in behalf of his people! Meanwhile, I think it prudent to abstain from holding meetings; not that I fear expulsion for myself as a personal matter; but I am loath that Mr. Jaulmes and myself should be added to our two Wesleyan brethren, (Messrs. Cook and Ogier,) who have already been banished.

GIBRALTAR MISSION.

WE earnestly hope that the re-inforcement of this Mission, by the arrival, as announced in the following letter, of an additional Missionary, will, by God's blessing, be the means of reviving and extending the Spanish department of our work on this station,-an object of the greatest interest and importance.

Extract of a Letter from the Rev. Thomas Dove, dated December 2d, 1847.

I HAVE very great pleasure in saying, that our much-esteemed friends, Mr. and Mrs. Alton, safely reached Gibraltar on the evening of the 25th ultimo, after a pleasant voyage of about ten days, from

Southampton. Their appearance at this station has already produced, in the minds of our friends, the most delightful emotions.

Our society here, though small, has

become of late more united in heart, as well as in effort. We have, for several weeks past, had special prayermeetings, for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and for a revival of the work of God. Our congregations, in consequence, have increased: therefore I think we have room for encouragement as to the future. Our Spanish congregations, also, are becoming large and attentive. I much regret that our school-room, at which our Spanish congregation meet, is not more spacious, and better situated.

Our much-esteemed friend, Dr. James Thomson, one of the Agents employed by the British and Foreign Bible Society, has of late spent several days with us, at the Mission-house. He has been much gratified with the state of things, as regards both our English and Spanish

Mission. You may expect shortly to hear from him, in reference to our great work. He is now at Tangiers.

The present circumstances of this station demand our zeal, as well as our best judgment and prudence. The time is come when more vigorous attempts must be made, or we shall not maintain our ground. The emissaries of infidelity, and abettors of a false Christianity, are on the alert, and meet us in hostile array at every point. Here we witness the strongholds of Popery, which for ages has exerted an influence the most pernicious and deadly, and which doubtless is, in part, the cause of the present disturbed state of things in Spain, as well as other parts of Europe more or less under the domination and tyranny of the "Man of Sin." May the Lord succeed our united efforts with his blessing!

NEW-ZEALAND.

AFTER all the interruptions and perplexities connected with these Missions, the blessing of God continues to rest upon them. This is eminently "the Lord's doing." The excellent General Superintendent, it will be seen with pleasure, has sailed for the more distant parts of the Polynesian district, with the much-needed re-inforcement of Missionaries and stores, in the new Missionary ship, "John Wesley."

Extract of a Letter from the Rev. Walter Lawry, dated Auckland,

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April 30th, 1847.

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WE all feel our hearts full of gratitude to God and to yourselves for sending us the "John Wesley," and so many valuable helpers in the Lord's vineyard; and our old and well-tried friend, Captain Buck, also. The Captain of the "Triton," and the Mate, (Messrs. Lilewall and Dockery,) still serve in the "Triton; they have served us well and faithfully; and both have found the way to the kingdom on board the Missionary vessel. We thank you and our many friends for such articles of apparel, hardware, and other things as have been sent out. Had you all seen a little girl who had entered my premises almost nude, just when I was opening one of the cases, and over whose shoulders I slipped on a new frock; had you seen how the brown child was astonished, and delighted, and improved by this sudden and unexpected change in her circumstances, it would have been the richest payment that benevolence could receive. The girl's name was Mary and her friends love prayer and the holy Scriptures.

The "Triton 39

is sold for a good

price; for, reckoning at a moderate value the articles which we retain of that vessel, her net proceeds, after doing good service to our Mission cause for nine years, or nearly so, among the coral reefs of the South-Sea Islands, will amount to one thousand pounds. Things are brisk in New-Zealand, and every secular interest thrives, especially that of shipping.

An old friend, writing from Sydney, says, "I cannot allow this opportunity to pass by without my offering a hearty congratulation on your receiving so accomplished a servant as the good brig 'John Wesley,' and still more on your accession of living labourers in your extensive field. And it is not an accession of numbers only,-a finer set of young men in point of talent, piety, and zeal, I firmly believe, were never landed either upon your shores or ours. They would do credit to any church. They (at least, such of them as I have heard) would shine in any pulpit. May you be blessed in them, and may they be a blessing to tens of thousands!"

But I pray you to set your hearts upon

a young mn for Wanganui, and one for Waikato. I am obliged to strengthen our force at the Institution for training our Christian young men. His Excellency Governor Grey was there a few days ago, and urged our applying more power in that direction; and when told that we could only lay out funds as we received them, he said no more for the time, but quickly after sent us and our families an invitation to dine with him and his Lady, and then said, "I have made up my mind to subscribe ten shillings weekly to your Institution, and

shall also try to have one near it for mechanical purposes, where your young men can be assisted in the useful arts."

A master on the training system we must have, if you can send him out to us. We are starting to build a new chapel in Auckland, seventy feet by fifty feet, and are collecting money in full earnest for the same. About £480 are promised; but the completion will require a vigorous effort in this infant, but rapidly rising, colony. The Governor has given handsomely. I sail for the islands in about twenty days.

Extract of a Letter from the Rev. Thomas Buddle, dated Auckland,
July 5th, 1847.

I WROTE you, via China, a fortnight ago; but the "Castor," now sailing direct for England, presents too good an opportunity to be neglected.

I informed you in my last of the sailing of the "John Wesley; " she left here on the 29th of May we have not heard of her since, but have no doubt she is safely prosecuting her voyage among the islands of the sea. She had fair winds and fine weather for several days after she left New-Zealand, which would take her into the trade-winds: so we concluded that her passage to the Friendly Isles would be short. The General Superintendent went by her to visit the islands, and expected to be absent about six months.

Through the mediation of Tamati Walker and Tewherow hero, Te Rauparaha has been liberated: they have brought him to Auckland. I preached to him and his friends yesterday: the old warrior listened attentively, but gave no signs of much concern about spiritual matters, though he seemed pleased that I had visited him, and wished me to do so again, which I promised. Rawiri Puahá is with him. The war at Wanganui is not yet ended. We are all quiet in this neighbourhood, so far as the natives are concerned; and likely to remain so, providing the same line of policy be pursued towards them as Governor Grey has hitherto acted upon.

As regards the work of God in Auckland, we have great cause to be encouraged. Our European chapel, which we enlarged about eighteen months ago, is again too strait for us, and we have commenced a brick building of larger

dimensions, towards which we have raised already upwards of £500 in promises, and cash actually received. The foundation-stone was laid the day before the "Wesley" sailed, by our respected General Superintendent; after which we held a social tea-meeting, and laid our plans for raising the ways and means. I hope it will be nearly ready for opening on the return of the "Wesley." We have had a very delightful work among the young people of our congregation and Sabbath-school. Several of the teachers were made partakers of saving grace, and went to their work in the school full of love and zeal; the scholars caught the influence, and the general routine of teaching had to be suspended and give place to prayer, when several of the children were able to testify of the grace and mercy of God. The influence of this has been felt by the church generally, and the members have been quickened, and several added. We are looking and labouring for greater things: our congregations are excellent, and would be still larger, had we more accommodation. Mr. Kirk is here assisting me till the General Superintendent returns: he is a pious, zealous young man, and an acceptable Preacher.

The Native Institution is in active operation: the young men generally give us great satisfaction: they retain their piety, and increase in the knowledge and love of God. If you could hear some of them speak and pray, you would say that your Missionaries have "run in vain, neither laboured in vain." I beg a continued interest in your prayers.

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Extract of a Letter from the Rev. Henry H. Lawry, dated Auckland,
July 6th, 1847.

ON the 15th ultimo I wrote you, viá Hong-Kong, to acquaint you with the departure of my father, and the newlyarrived band of Missionaries, in the "John Wesley," on the 29th of May. They had fine weather and favourable prospects at starting. Since that period, all things here have been going on in their regular course. We have had our usual quantum of excitement, and of the rumours of various kinds, to be expected in the present infant state of such a colony; but, by the good hand of our God upon us for good, we are preserved from desolation, and war and bloodshed are kept at a distance from us. May God grant wisdom to our rulers, and crown with success the efforts which are being made for the restoration and permanent establishment of peace! His blessing rests upon his church in this place. The word is quick and powerful, the congregations numerous and attentive, and many are earnestly striving to make their "calling and election sure.'

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Since my father left, the greater part of my time has been occupied with the Institution, and other parts of the native work. This was my father's direction, and is my own choice; and moreover is, I think, approved and blessed by the great Lord of the harvest. His smile rests upon our Institution. The young men are growing in grace, and increas ing in knowledge. Their minds are expanding to receive and seek instruction, much beyond my expectation; and their ready zeal in the cause of Christ has often afforded me encouragement.

In the native work I feel an unabated interest, and an increasing measure of power from on high. The better I understand their language, the more light I obtain on the necessity and blessedness of the Missionary work; and so much the more ardently does my zeal burn for the extension of the Redeemer's kingdom, and the deepening of his work in the hearts of these perishing thousands. The Lord is laying their souls on my conscience, and making me mourn my inefficiency in his service. But he helps me to pray and believe for an increase of his Spirit's influences, to render me a vessel meet for the Master's use, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed.

The Sabbath is generally my happiest day, when my hours are all fully occu pied with preaching or conducting schools. The Sabbath before last I spent among my own people, at Ihu Matao; and it was to me a blessed day. I saw the travail of the Redeemer's soul, and was glad.

In the English work I do not feel quite so happy; but I hope for the Almighty's blessing in this respect likewise.

I am driven later to-day with this than I like, by the death of Jabez Bunting's [native convert] eldest son, John Beecham, a very fine lad. The parents are of considerable rank, and are converted to God. They bear the bereavement nobly; but I mourn over the flower of the tribe swiftly passing away. O pray the Lord of the harvest to hasten his work, and cut it short in righteousness! We are all in good health and spirits.

SOUTHERN AFRICA.

OUR accounts both from the Cape and Albany Districts, of which a few specimens are subjoined, are on the whole encouraging. Those more recently received from the borders of Kaffraria appear to justify the hope that the war, which has so fearfully deranged our Missionary labours, was likely to be concluded, and that the Gospel will have "free course."

CAPE OF GOOD HOPE.-Extract of a Letter from the Rev. Richard Ridgill, dated Cape-Town, July 31st, 1847.

IN a sphere of labour resembling, in many respects, an English Circuit, a Missionary has nothing particularly novel or striking to record. Few temptations happen to him but such as are common to his brethren in the fatherland, who know full well, from personal experience, the alternations of encourage

ment and despondency, of languor and revival, to which a Preacher of the Gospel is subject. It is pleasing to a junior Missionary to reflect, that many brethren "rejoice with him rejoicing, and weep with him weeping;" while many fathers "have remembrance of him in their prayers."

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