cally, for a class of men who at least have equal claims upon us with the perishing heathen abroad, and with the multitudes who are perishing at home. As an AUXILIARY to the BRITish and ForeIGN SAILORS' SOCIETY, the residents of ISLINGTON have reason to thank God and take courage. Since its formation, there has been contributed, in the aggregate, seven hundred and forty-three pounds, fifteen skillings, and eightpence, including £135. 15s. 3d. raised during the past year. Of this latter sum, £2. 15s. 6d. has been expended in incidentals; and the balance of one hundred and thirty-two pounds, nineteen shillings, and ninepence, has been paid over to the funds of the parent Society. Your committee are truly grateful that so much has been effected; and they would be far from uttering the language of complaint. Yet, making every allowance for the sums contributed in this locality to other objects, when they look at the number of places of worship of various denominations, with the great amount of christian privileges possessed by ISLINGTON, they would fain hope that much more will yet be speedily done, in this locality, for the cause of seamen. Your committee might produce many extracts from the publications of the parent Institution, exhibitory of the delightful progress of the work of God among sailors, and of the vast amount of spiritual destitution still existing; but they prefer directing the attention of their constituents to the publications themselves. The annual reports of the Society, the monthly Magazine, and a new periodical, entitled "The Child's Bethel Flag, or Star of Hope," not only report the proceedings of the institution and its auxiliaries, but contain also many articles of general intelligence, in connection with nautical affairs, calculated to impart both interest and instruction. With a view of supplying information, and of aiding the funds of the Society, your committee recommend the friends of seamen to circulate these publications as much as possible. It will there be seen what is done, and what yet remains to be done, before the abundance of the sea is converted to the divine Redeemer. We cannot possibly do without sailors. Sailors, of all the various classes of the human family, are most exposed to the greatest dangers and privations, both of a temporal and spiritual character. The eternal interests of sailors have been most shamefully neglected by the christian population of Britain and the world. These are FACTS that should command the serious attention of every reflective and benevolent mind. What have I done? What can I do? What ought I to do for sailors? These are QUESTIONS to be proposed to the conscience of every individual in this assembly. The British and Foreign Sailors' Society is no party institution. It breathes nothing of a sectarian spirit. Seamen know but little of churchman or dissenter, of Episcopalian, or Congregationalist, or Baptist, or Wesleyan; and the society aiming at their spiritual benefit is truly catholic in its constitution and proceedings. It asks for the assistance of the wise and good of every denomination, to benefit a class of men to whom all are under great obligations. The time is almost gone,-would it were for ever past!-when we may speak of sailors as fighting our battles; but not till time shall be no more, can we dispense with sailors in the world of trade and commerce. Men must and will be found to plough the waters of the ocean, and visit other climes than those in which they first drew their breath. Whilst the ocean is liable to be tossed with tempests, and rendered mountainous by storms, seamen must be exposed to dangers and to death, to a greater extent than those who dwell on shore. These men too, even under the most favourable circumstances, must always be deprived of many advantages enjoyed by landsmen. O let us all do what we can to bless them with the knowledge of that salvation which endureth unto eternal life. To all those who feel for the sailor, the committee of this auxiliary make their final appeal. Let not their heroism be recorded by the historian, or their value be appreciated by the merchant, whilst christians are neglecting their eternal welfare. To advance in the holy cause of their evangelization we have ample encouragement. Let there be an increased liberality, a greater amount of effort, with the spirit of fervent prayer, and the time will soon come, when seamen shall unite in praises to the King of kings, and themselves become missionaries to every part of the world. "Surely the isles shall wait for me, and the ships of Tarshish first, to bring thy sons from far, their silver and their gold with them, unto the name of the Lord thy God, and to the Holy One of Israel, because he hath glorified thee. A little one shall become a thousand, and a small one a strong nation: I the Lord will hasten it in his time." AGENTS REPORTS. First and Second Stations.-MR. GANNELL.-I desire, with feelings of sincere gratitude, to review and record the divine goodness, which, I trust, has attended my humble instrumentality amongst our seafaring brethren. The Bethel meetings in the upper pool, where I have been appointed to labour, have been of the most cheering and interesting character. Many of them have been Bethels indeed! The crowded cabin-the fixed attentionthe interested countenance—the spirit of prayer enjoyed-the voice of praise and thanksgiving-together with the evident tokens of the divine blessing -have all united to render the little endeared enclosure, the house of God, and the very gate of heaven!' So far as my own personal feelings are concerned, I can most conscientiously declare, that in no religious service, in which I have ever been engaged, have I experienced so much of the divine presence and assistance, as I have in these sacred and delightful exercises. Indeed it is no matter of surprise that it should be so; there is every thing in the scenes and services of such meetings, to render them' times of refreshing from the presence of the Lord.' How frequently have I, at such times and seasons, desired to have had those pre sent, who practically say,- What have I to do with sailors?' I look forward, with delightful anticipation to the coming period, when our services will be conducted on the deck of the vessels,-when our sphere of labour will be more enlarged,-when the breath of prayer and praise, and the accents of redeeming love, shall be wafted from vessel to vessel;-and thereby many, through the energy of the divine Spirit, be pricked in the heart, and led to cry,—'What must we do to be saved?' But while there is much to encourage and exhilirate, there is one circumstance which, to my mind, stamps these services with a peculiar solemnity,which I hope ever to feel and improve, -the great probability that the same agent may never address the same company a second time, and that their next meeting may be at the judgment seat of Christ. What a motive to fidelity, that we may be clear from the blood of souls, and not shun to declare the whole counsel of God. I feel it to be a pleasing duty, to bear testimony to the uniform kindness and attention of all the captains, masters, and mates, and the no less marked respect from all the ships' companies with which I have hitherto come in contact,-many of them enquiring when these services will be repeated; and expressing their desire, that, at least, they might have another before they left the port. From what I have already seen and felt I cherish the most delightful confidence, that brighter days are in reserve for our seafaring brethren, when the energies of the christian church will be aroused to a sense of their duty, and the prompt discharge of their debt of obligation to them to whom they owe so much; when the Spirit shall graciously and savingly move upon the face of the waters, and those fervent and believing prayers for the conversion of our seamen receive a rich and abundant answer. First Station. -MR. BENSON.-Notwithstanding the severity of the weather, and the deep domestic afflictions and bereavements through which I have passed, I have held fifty-one meetings afloat and on shore, most of which have been attended by a goodly number of seamen. Upon review, I find, that scarcely a meeting has been held, without the most devout attention having been paid, and the strongest expressions employed to show their sense of gratitude for the privileges they enjoy. A captain, on entering his vessel, bade me a hearty welcome, (which is no unusual thing) and, in the course of conversation, asked for a book in which he could find some satisfactory method of conducting worship on board his vessel, which was afterwards given to him. He was labouring under deep affliction of spirit, in consequence of the view he had of his own sinful character; the vessel being his own property, he said he was determined to conduct worship on board as often as convenient. Going on board a vessel one Saturday morning, a little before nine o'clock, I proceeded to the cabin, where I found the captain engaged in solemn prayer, with all the ship's company; although the vessel was close in the wharf, and the goods were lying to be shipped, and the men on the wharf waiting to load. What must be the influence of such an example! One satisfactory part of our labours lies in watching carefully the impressions which former services may have made on the mind; for though seamen may often go away, and we see their faces no more, it sometimes happens, in the course of divine providence, that we are brought into contact with them again, and then it is truly delightful to hear their sentiments. I have, during the past months, met with several, who have taken me by both hands, and said,-" It was a great mercy for me, that ever you visited our ship, and offered up prayer for poor sailors, and preached to us the gospel of Jesus Christ." In these instances I have felt great encouragement. But although there is much to encourage, there are some things which prove the necessity of yet continued labour. In proof of this, a captain admitted the flag, and ordered the usual preparations for the service; yet when I went on board, the inebriation of this very man prevented the holding of the service. With feelings of deep sorrow, and many expressions of regret, I retired. A CAPTAIN'S LETTER TO HIS PARENTS. Tuesday, July 28th, 18-. My dear Parents, As I wish to be in readiness to send, should any vessel be about sailing on my arrival, I shall adopt my usual custom, that is, begin—and, I may say, sometimes nearly finish, at sea. In the first place, let me inform you, we are this day entering on the Grand Bank of Newfoundland, after a tolerable passage thus far. I wrote you on sailing from Liverpool, 29th ult. The Bible is my delight. I read also a number of the tracts I bought at Liverpool, some of which I have distributed among the sailors. I have adopted a plan this voyage I never did before, though I thought of it some years ago; that is, to call the sailors aft in the cabin on sabbath-days, and read and explain the bible to them, as far as my poor weak capacity and understanding will admit. I also read sermons from Lavington and Trail, which I trust will be blessed both to them and myself. The boy I have the care of, reads the bible to me every evening before he reads his prayer. I thus interest myself, and endeavour to teach him also. I have him down to write in the log-book, which keeps his hand in, besides giving him an idea of the sea phrases and terms, and keeping a ship's reckoning all combined. I often ask him questions, as my sister used to ask me. I have reason to be thankful for such a sister, and bless God for her instructions. I begin to see more and more the vanity of all earthly pleasures. That was the staggering blow, when shipwrecked; but I have had so many calls, that I often wonder, while I adore, the long-suffering mercy of God-that his Spirit should still strive with me. I have this day recorded in a little book, a narrow escape at Celte, when walking toward the edge of the quay, to go into the boat. I providentially felt the edge with my stick, which I happened to have that evening in my hand, long before I had any thoughts of it, and just in time to save myself from falling over. The boat also was stopped by a rope, so that I could not have had the least assistance from her, if I had fallen. It was about ten o'clock-very dark-and no person with me, or near at hand. The fact is, I was deceived by the shadow of a high wall, which, through the transparency of the water, reflected a kind of line, or mark, differing from the other part, and which I took for the edge of the quay. Oh! what a good and pleasant thing it is to be thankful. I see what man is by nature, and what he may be by grace. It is my earnest prayer that we may all be made partakers of that glory which shall be revealed hereafter. I am certain, that all resolves to resist Satan, and lead a new life, are nothing without resolving to engage the Lord on our side. I hope I have now resolved on so doing; but how often do I find hard struggles within; trying every method, by evil imaginations and suggestions, to stagger my confidence and my hope; but as soon as I find that, I summon up my guard to my assistance: "Be not hasty to be angry,"—"Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth," "Let not my heart be inclined to evil, but do thou, in mercy, defend me as with a shield,"-"Look unto me, and be ye saved,"-"Resist the devil, and he shall flee from you." With such like, though many more crowd on my mind, at times, I, through grace, repel some of the darts of the wicked one. I find that, by having the sailors on sabbath-days, to hear me read the Bible and expound, it is a great instrument toward pulling down the strong-hold of Satan in me. I am, as it were, compelled to be cautious of my very words, as well as every thing else, that I might not appear to be a hypocrite, and so wound the cause I so arduously, on sabbath-days, endeavour to promote. Utterance is generally given me at those seasons. Before assembling, 1 retire to my berth, and humbly beg a blessing on my intended duty and weak endeavours, that I may be directed throughout by Him, whose is the wisdom, and the power, and the glory. I search generally before, for what I consider most suitable; but, after all, am often at a loss. The way I began was to speak to them of the creation; the fall; the flood; an account of sin; what men are by nature, possessing souls immortal, etc. I then described what punishments God had denounced against impenitent sinners, pointing out some examples; the blessing that will attend a sincere waiting on the Lord; pleading what Christ hath done; and imploring an interest in his blood, as the only means of our escaping the wrath of God. The sermon, last sunday, was from Traill, on Heb. iv. 16, "Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy," etc. I point out, as much as posssble, the importance of being found in the book of life. I hear not an oath from any of them, neither do I recollect having heard one since leaving the land. They frequently, at spare times, take their tracts, for I often hear them reading. I step down below, because I won't disturb them. The carpenter is a very serious young man. I have two Scotchmen, likewise, on board-both very serious. 1, at times, feel quite ashamed of myself, after uttering a hasty word, if they are not so quick, nor do exactly as I would like; feeling that I, who profess to be their tutor, should have more command over my passions. My heart, I know, is very hard and flinty; but I trust the time will shortly come, when it will be changed for a heart of flesh. As I walk the deck, I pray earnestly to live more to the glory of God; that the life which he hath spared and delivered, in the day of trouble, may be more and more devoted to his praise; that I may be taught of him to keep his statutes, that his word may be a light unto my path, and a lamp unto my feet, preserving me from every evil way. Nothing, my dear parents, do 1 more earnestly pray for, than for your everlasting welfare; and also for my sister, and brother, and the family which God hath graciously given them; that we may be a chosen people, with whom he delighteth to dwell, and give us his 66 peace, which passeth knowledge." Verily, "Wisdom's ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace." I am quite cheerful and gay at the thoughts which sometimes possess my breast, and desire to "rejoice in the Lord alway." Young says, "It's impious to be sad." "Stand up my soul, shake off thy fears, And gird the gospel armour on." Watts's 77th hymn, second book, is a favourite of mine. Lord, it is of thy mercies I am not consumed; and even thy great mercy extends to the planting holy fear in my heart, and giving me the love of thy most holy name. What a mercy the word of truth is not utterly taken out of my mouth "When, Satan's blind slave, How often have I made that word a jest, to help off a shattered story! Often have I been the leader of mischief; and having naturally a good constitution, I cared or feared for nothing. My share of abilities were put to a bad use. I cannot but think, that that alarming dream I had, when in the 'Bideford,' of Bristol, from America, was in mercy to me. I think I can never forget it, while life and intellect shall last. I have written it down, that time, or prejudice, may not make any deviation therein. Four grand contests I had with the enemy of mankind, ere I triumphed over him. You probably thought lightly of it, at the time on my telling the dream. I had, some time ere that, led a very romantic (and what the world calls) "jolly life, and a good fellow." "Break, sovereign grace, O break the charm, I am, at present, deprived of the privileges of the sanctuary; but "blessed are they that dwell in thy house; they go from strength to strength. For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand," But I trust the Lord is my shepherd; 1 |