least, the statistics of labour, with their good results to the eye of the Christian public; and more especially, too, as the sphere of labour occupied by this society is not so much within public notice as many of our more local institutions. It therefore appears to me impossible that a proper estimate can be taken of the use of this society, but by the dint of presenting our reports.

With pleasure, therefore, I shall collect from my journal-since the more I labour in word and doctrine among sailors, the more convinced am I that finally they will become the most effective missionaries. In foreign regions as well as round our own coast, their warm hearts, their spontaneous movements, their growing zeal, their holy fidelity, their unflinching intrepidity, together with their various and extensive correspondences open to us the prospect that, at some future period, our labours will be the great instrumentality, through them and honoured of God, in the evangelization of the world. These remarks have not been the effect of visionary speculation, or mere ideal notions, but have arisen from correspondences with the very men who are now positively carrying them out.

On entering a cabin one evening, about the 24th of January last, I found only an individual there, I addressed him as captain, supposing him to have been the captain of the vessel I was then on board of, but he replied I am not the captain, sir. I sat down, when he commenced a conversation about our Bethel meetings, at the same time wondering no one had been on board his vessel with the same object. On finding him willing to engage in such a service, I then replied, you can take the flag, sir, and I will be on board to-morrow evening; when he said, I have a flag of my own that I always hoist in every part of the world wherever I go; when he proceeded to relate to me how he was first convinced of his sin by the reproofs of a

pious mate, when he was uttering oaths in no small numbers; and what convictions continually followed him; what were his expectations, and how his mind became relieved: and now for seventeen years he had been in the practice of visiting foreign parts, where, on entering, he invariably summoned others to Christian worship, by hoisting the Bethel flag at the mast-head. The natives and inhabitants being on all occasions invited to observe or join in the solemnities of such service, to which invitation many have responded by their attendance-he (the captain) conducted the service when none else could be obtained. Nor is this a solitary instance of these indefatigable efforts;

several have come under my own notice, where captains carrying the emblem of Christian worship hoist it in heathen seas, and in heathen ports. What are we not to expect? and why should we not expect that wise, good, and prudent seamen should be honoured of the Lord in the carrying forward his purposes of mercy? What meaneth the prediction, The abundance of the sea shall be converted to the use of the church, in carrying on the great work of mercy which she contemplates ? When shall she arise and shine in her proper splendour?

Another instance came under my notice. On going on board of the vessel R. of G., the captain came up the companion and said, sir, we were disappointed the other evening through some mistake, but I did not like to be so disappointed. The mate of the ship, on board which the service was to have been held, was in a state of inebriation, so I collected the men and we had a cabin full; and as well as I could I conducted the service. Ah! sir, said he, a year or so ago, I should have kicked you and the Bethel flag overboard; but now, blessed be God, I am a poor, penitent, praying sinner, and every thing I can do to save poor sailors I will do. I shall always be glad to see you on board when

I come to London. You have been on board once before, and I very well remember the service; it was a good one, and very profitable to me at that time.

On going on board several Scotch vessels, the captains have received me in the most gentlemanly manner; having made the most ceremonious preparations for the worship of God. Generally

speaking these men are accustomed to public worship; but as a captain observed, was it not for the Bethel meetings, seldom from home would any think of going to church or chapel. When interogated on this question, he replied, I cannot tell, unless it be from this, it would be considered in Scotland a great breach if a man did not attend his church. Thus, then, such operations as Bethel meetings must have some good influence in keeping up a respect for public worship among men who are far from their native land, and their own divine institutions. In conversation with another captain, favourable to the cause of religion, but himself not a decidedly religious man, he said that in a few years there had been a decided moral change in the character of sailors; some, he said, had become religious men, and great numbers had become tetotalers, and thereby were much reformed in their habits. Thus there appears to exist a

moral influence by the preaching of the gospel among seamen.

We are glad to hear of good being done; and regret when we hear of the existence of evil.

Being called to hold a service on board, enquiring the number of hands, the captain informed me he had none but himself and a boy, stating, my mate and crew were all wrong through drunkenness and fighting. I was obliged to discharge the whole. Our work, then, is not done, thought I, there are yet wicked sailors. To them the gospel must be preached. This drunken, fighting crew may be scattered in different vessels, where we may meet on Bethel occasions, and meet the very men to admonish them, not knowing them but as sinners in general. From this very drunken, fighting crew may arise, some trophy of divine mercy. His ways are not as our ways, nor his thoughts as our thoughts. I feel I am bound to expect the blessing of God attendant upon his own means of grace. Novel as our chapels are; scattered as our congregations may be; and truly difficult as our work is; yet, let us proceed, nothing doubting; in the morning sowing, in the evening withholding not the watering, knowing not what shall prosper; but hoping that God may bless and establish the work of our hands.