MISCELLANEOUS.-Aberdeen.-The accounts from this city are full of the deepest interest. A great work is going on, and many are the souls that have already been added to the church. The Lord seems, indeed, to be pouring out His Holy Spirit in answer to prayer; and many, both old and young, are daily awakened, convinced of sin, and enabled to rejoice in the Saviour. Such a spirit of prayer has never, we believe, been before seen in Aberdeen.

America. The Methodist Episcopal Church is receiving a large share of the fruits of the revival. An increase of nearly 200,000 members is reported for the last year.

Novel ordination.-At the late Indian Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, the venerable Bishop Early ordained twelve Indians, principally Chiefs of their tribes, to the Gospel ministry.

The Bible in the New-York schools. -This cause triumphed at the late election. A majority of the Board of Education chosen were pledged to this course. This question has excited deep interest within a few weeks, and on Sabbath before last this was the topic which occupied many pulpits in the city. It is

gratifying to learn that, out of 207 schools under the care of the Board of Education in New-York, from only 13 has the Bible been excluded. Very few parents, even of the Romanists, have expressed any desire for such a change.

Erzroom. The Armenian Bishop lately denounced the Missionary agents. After the usual Sunday-morning service at church, he said: "There is a set of vagabonds here from Arabkir, many of whom are declared Protestants, and all of whom are Protestants at heart......I have pledged myself that not a Protestant shall remain in this region, and I have commanded all under me to aid in crushing this sect. We are ready to shed our blood to accomplish this object."

Algiers. At Oran, in Algeria, 35 Spanish colonists, the majority being heads of families, have openly embraced the Reformed religion; and the Consistory of Algiers has taken measures by which they may have a regular service in their own language. Some of these converts have been menaced by their parents in Spain with being disinherited; but they have remained firm, and ready to sacrifice everything rather than their faith.

CHINA.

I GREATLY rejoice that there seems a prospect of your strengthening your young and important Mission to this mighty and interesting people. We are all ready for work: we never felt attached to our glorious calling as we do now. God has given us a few precious souls, over whom our hearts yearn with tender affection; He opens wide a door to the whole of this province, and inspires us with new faith in the presence and power of His Spirit; and who, that has ever felt the kindling of a Missionary zeal, would not envy our present prospects in Canton? -Rev. Josiah Cox, Canton, October 25th, 1858.

SOUTH AFRICA.

FORT-BEAUFORT.

DURING the year considerable changes have taken place by removals, &c. ; but we still have a net increase of ten members, our finances also being in a healthy

and improving condition. There has been no sudden advance, but steady, healthy progress; especially among the military and natives. During the last two quarters I have received twenty-two adults, mostly Fingoes, into the church by baptism; and the work is still going on favourably.

In the second battalion of the 45th Regiment, which has been stationed on this frontier for the last few years, a very gracious work of God has been going on; in which, I presume, not less than seventy soldiers have been converted to God, and become members of the Wesleyan church. We have at this time forty-five in this Circuit who are under my immediate pastoral care, and in whose spiritual welfare I am deeply interested. I have many times had to adore the rich grace of God as manifested in their conversion, and holding on in the path which leads to eternal life......

The appointment of additional Roman Catholic Chaplains to the army is regarded as an important addition to their power and influence. If this be so, why should

the Wesleyan be placed in a lower position? Nay, he ought at least to enjoy an equal ecclesiastical status with the Roman Catholic. I do not consider this to be even a Church-and-State question, concerning which some of the Dissenters might express themselves strongly. Rev. William C. Holden, Fort-Beaufort, October 11th, 1858.

BECHUAN A.

You will be glad to hear that, although we cannot report any large accession of numbers, or any unusual degree of prosperity, the state of this Circuit is far more encouraging at the present time than it was some months since. Our congregations are good, and very attentive to the word of God. We have upwards of thirty on trial for membership, over whom, although the work of grace in their hearts is only in its infancy, I rejoice, as being, I trust, an earnest of a more extended work. They have many temptations and many trials to endure; but I trust they will hold on their way. Some six months since I felt much discouraged; but since that time between thirty and forty, principally among the coloured and black races, have manifested a desire to flee from the wrath to come.

Some time since, in order to awaken sinners, who appeared to be dead in trespasses and sins, I adopted the plan of preaching from house to house, gathering together the worst and most depraved of the Hottentot and Kaffir races, and declaring to them the word of God. This has not been, I believe, without good effect. Many have assembled at such services who never could be induced to attend our chapels. Our native congregation, worshipping in the chapel, gives us also much pleasure; and I would fain hope that the increase we have lately had, in those on trial, is only the commencement of a good work. We hear and read of the great revival in America. I have from time to time read the accounts to our congregations, and many an earnest prayer has been offered up that God would also on us pour out of the Holy Spirit. I sometimes think we shall see a revival of God's work here. Our people, both Europeans and natives, are very attentive to the preaching of the word, and I feel in almost every service great liberty in delivering the message of salvation; and when I see the people drinking in the word of life, I feel as if some good were being effected. O that God would breathe on the dry bones in the valley of vision, and speedily revive His work in our midst !

We have, however, many hindrances; and the most powerful of all is the inveterate love of strong drink. This is prevalent among all classes here, but more especially among the Hottentot races. With them it is the great hindrance the stumbling-block — the barrier to their being saved. Since I came to this place, not many months since, I know not how many Hottentots have lost their lives through being intoxicated. I have seen drinking to a great extent in England, but never as I have seen it in South Africa. Some time since, in order, if possible, to stem the torrent of iniquity consequent on drunkenness, I called the natives together several times, and, after repeated explanations, and having the whole matter set before them, some seventy signed the pledge of total abstinence. I write within bounds when I say, that more than twothirds of the deaths which occur here are caused by brandy. The Hottentot race is fast disappearing, and must, I think, eventually become extinct, over-mastered and borne down by the fatality, which has pursued them for years, of giving themselves up to habits of intemperance. And to those who have furnished them with strong drink, and placed temptation in their way, there attaches a responsibility which it is dreadful to think of.

Our chapel for Europeans has become too small. All the pews are let, and we have a number of applications for sittings which we cannot meet. We are devising means for enlarging the place of worship, or for building another. I can perceive we shall have great difficulties in accomplishing this.

We have lately formed two additional classes, which, I trust, will be the means of doing much good. Once in the month, also, I preach a sermon expressly to the children and young persons. This is an extra service, and is usually well attended.

It is, seemingly, a matter for regret, that the towns of South Africa are so far apart. It renders itinerating a matter of considerable difficulty, especially in time of drought, when pasturage for horses is so very scanty. Burghersdorp, which I visit once a month, is distant about ninety miles; Hopetown, about one hundred and ten miles. I have received repeated invitations to hold service at this place, and shall go as soon as the condition of my horse will admit of it. It is often very difficult to get horses equal to travelling such long distances. There is a population of English, Dutch, and natives, without any resident Ministers. It is a place of some

importance, and will, I doubt not, well repay our labour. Saunah's Poort is about eighty-five miles distant from this. I have preached there several times, and have had large and attentive congregations. In various places I have preached in the houses of Dutch farmers.-Rev.

Richard Giddy, Colesberg, September 26th, 1858.

I WROTE to you not long since, more particularly in reference to this Circuit, and promised to write again to you concerning the affairs of our stations north of the Orange River. Some few months ago I undertook a journey, for the purpose of affording the brethren any counsel or advice which my long residence in that land might enable me to offer. This was rendered the more necessary, as it was likely that war would break out, and our stations be placed in circumstances of great peril. Indeed, before I left home, a report had reached Colesberg that Beersheba, a large and thriving station of the Paris Missionary Society, had been destroyed. This turned out to be true, and a most desolating war followed.

I crossed the Orange River, and slept the first night at the homestead of a Griqua. The next day I rode on to Philippolis, a station belonging to the London Missionary Society; was hospitably received by the excellent Missionary (a son of the late Dr. Philip, of Cape-Town) and his wife; and reached, the same evening, another Griqua encampment. Here I remained the night. The next morning I held a religious service in the open air, and rode forward to Saunah's Poort. This is a newly-formed settlement, and, could we occupy it, would be the centre of a thriving and populous district. I have been several times here, and have preached to deeply-attentive congregations. I was very kindly received on this, as on other occasions, by Mr. and Mrs. Dixon.

At Saunah's Poort the people have erected a handsome and substantial building, which serves the double purpose of preaching-room and public library. In this building I held service on the Sabbath. Returning from the morning service, we heard, to our consternation, that a number of natives had fallen on several homesteads, and had killed all the farmers and their families, carrying off property to a considerable amount. This afterwards turned out to be incorrect, as far as loss of life was concerned; but the farmers lost all, or

nearly all, of their sheep, cattle, horses, &c. One man, who in the morning was rich, having some two thousand sheep, cattle, horses, &c., found himself left in the evening with only one horse and one goat. Such is the uncertain character of earthly possessions, especially in the wildernesses of South Africa. In the evening I preached to a large and exceedingly attentive congregation assembled in the chapel. Never have I witnessed a deeper attention, and but seldom have I preached with more freedom, than on this evening.

On Monday I left, pursuing my way towards the Lesuto; and, some time after sunset, reached a homestead of a South African farmer. In the morning I recommenced my journey, and before mid-day found myself at Bethany, a Mission-station of the Berlin Missionary Society. Here I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Wurus and the other brethren on the station. They have been labouring many years zealously among a tribe of Korannas, an unsteady and wandering people. There is, however, now a large number of Baralongs, with whom they have better prospects of success. I remained here only a few hours, and rode on to the residence of Mr. Holmes, where I was very kindly received, and remained the night. Going forward, the next day, I observed with pain the effects of war in deserted homesteads, and the alarm and insecurity so prevalent throughout the country. In the evening I reached an encampment of Boers. I found all in a state of great anxiety as to the result of the war. Here I was requested to hold service; to which, of course, I consented. There was a goodly gathering of Dutch-African farmers and their families. The next morning, just as I was about to leave, the disastrous intelligence reached the camp that seventeen of their men had fallen in battle.

I reached our station, Thaba 'Nchu, about mid-day. Here, as you are aware, there is a very large population. Several thousands of Baralongs are gathered together, and living close to the Missionary. Mr. Ludorf has more to do than he or any other man can attend to efficiently. We ought to have two Missionaries on this station; but we have only two Missionaries north of the Orange River. One station after another has been given up for want of Missionaries, or the means of supporting them. Only last year we had to leave Imparane vacant, although the Chief Malapo, with a large body of people, was anxious for

us to remain. One of the brethren says, "It is a great pity that we should have deserted such a fine field for Missionary operations as Imparane. The population is increasing; several new villages have been formed in the neighbourhood; and the people are as desirous as ever to have a Missionary. Malapo said to me, Alas, my sons are growing up like phulofolo,'-wild beasts. Poor Lesuto, at least that part west of the Caledon, seems doomed to be left to the tender mercies of Heathenism."—Ibid., October 5th, 1858.

NATAL.

ACCORDING to the arrangements of the last District-Meeting, I have twice visited D'Urban, to assist Mr. Gaskin in his labours there. The new chapel is a very neat and commodious building, and (though, of course, not filled at present) is well attended. I should think the largest congregation in the town assembles there from Sabbath to Sabbath to hear the word of God. One feature in the religious condition of D'Urban has always gratified me; and that is the friendliness which generally prevails among different bodies of Christians. The Congregationalists, in particular, have shown a most catholic spirit toward us, which has been reciprocated with equal heartiness. In a distant country like this, and in the presence of Heathen masses, strifes, and envyings, and jealousies among Christian churches cannot be otherwise than disastrous.

During my last D'Urban visit, I went to preach at Verulam, which I had not seen for nearly two years. The English congregation continues good; and the little chapel is filled with attentive hearers. There is also a Sunday-school, with which I was much pleased. But what interested me most of all was, to see the large number of black faces on the Sunday afternoon.

I must now say a few words respecting Pietermaritzburg. Qur numbers during the year have been lessened by removals. We have also to lament the loss of one of the most useful men in the Society, who had not long been appointed Leader. Yet have we reason to rejoice; for he has left behind a good testimony. He has gone to his rest, but his works do follow him. Notwithstanding these drawbacks, I hope we shall be little, if any, less in number than we were last year. But this can scarcely be called a satisfactory state of things; and I feel humbled and confounded before God, when I think of the little I have done to save souls; of

the little success that has attended my ministrations. If all we can do is just to keep up our numbers, how is the world to be converted at this rate?

The new chapel is steadily progressing. The building makes a fine appearance. I heartily wish it were ready for opening; for the old chapel is almost stifling in the hot weather, and is far too small.

Hitherto we have had reason to be thankful for the unanimity which has attended us in this enterprise. May it continue, till the topstone shall be laid! I believe we are now doing a work for which future generations of Methodists in this Colony will have cause to bless God.-Rev. Frederick Mason, Pietermaritzburg, September 30th, 1858.

WESTERN AFRICA.

SIERRA-LEONE.

PROBABLY you will remember that I was employed for the Society, in the capacity of a Schoolmaster and Local Preacher, nearly twenty years ago, in this station. Great change has, indeed, taken place in the moral and spiritual condition of the people; but there still exists a great amount of evil. At the time above-mentioned, the condition of the people, in morals and religion, was very low the inhabitants composed entirely of liberated Africans and discharged soldiers. The Society was in its infancy, having then begun only five or six years previous. The people were unenlightened, being nearly all illiterate; the members of Society were only but few, the chapel common, being built of wattles, and thatched roof. Now it is encouraging to see, though not as we could wish, the improved state of things, and particularly in religion. The people are now more civilized, their children educated both in the Church and Wesleyan schools, the Society larger, the chapel substantial, beautiful, and commodious, built of stone and covered with shingles, situated in the most prominent part of the town; the congregation regular, serious, and attentive; and many of my former scholars, I am happy to find, are intelligent and useful members of the Society. This Mission then extended only to Hastings, seven miles easterly from this station; but now it has become a Circuit, the most extended in the whole District, embracing, in order, Wellington, Calaba-Town, AllenTown, Hastings, Kosso-Town, Waterloo, Benguema, Samuel's-Town, MiddleTown, and Cole's-Town, each of which

has a chapel or preaching-place. Wellington and Hastings contain the largest Societies, and the most interesting congregation, in the Circuit.

One of the existing evils is the wicked practice of a system of idolatry, known in the Colony among the natives by the name of bondoo; which some years ago was introduced, but not openly, into the Colony by the Sherbro people, from the neighbouring tribes. In the early part of this year, two of the chief women of the bondoo, from the main-land, came across the river, and established their idolatry and superstitions in the neighbourhood of Wellington and Hastings, and gave it out to be a system of purification, and a remedy against bodily disease. Deluded with this notion, some ungodly women of these two places gave up themselves to undergo the operation and confinement of two or three months in the bush; after which, public exhibition are made of the scholars, who, with the exception of a bit of cloth, of two or three inches wide and one yard long, are in a perfect state of nudity, with numerous strings of plaited beads on the neck and waist, wrist, arms, and ankles, with one or two small belts attached to the beads on the ankles; the whole body been daubed with grease, palm-oil, &c. This exhibition is made in a long procession, with singing, drumming, and dancing in the streets, in order to attract not only the attention, but to seduce and compel such girls and young women that might come on their way. Against this Heathen custom I have publicly lifted up my voice, and called the attention of the Society to the heinousness of the sin of idolatry, and the baneful influence of this spreading evil, which engenders disobedience of the young females to their parents and husbands, and to the law of Christ.

It is stated that after anyone is received into the superstitious premises they cannot be got out again by any person without the expiration of two or three months in their exercise of singing and dancing. Moreover, to terrify the people, no one, they say, can be taken out without sustaining injuries. Several applications have been made to me, and I have, with success, rescued and restored the parties to their relatives. The following ease of one is painfully interesting:-David Spinn, a young man of intelligence, one of the principal Teachers of our Sabbathschool here, came to the Mission-house a short time ago on Sunday afternoon, with two or three of his companions, greatly perplexed in mind, and could hardly

contain himself. He burst out at once by saying, "Sir, I come to you, I come to you: what shall I do? My wife troubles me exceedingly. I have been looking out for her since after the public service this morning; but I could not find her. I thought she had gone to the chapel, or to her mother's: but I have just learned, to my grief and astonishment, that she had gone for three months' confinement at bondoo. O Sir, what shall I do? Such act I have never before witnessed, nor expect from one who is my wife, and never will be my wife again if not return to-day. O do, Sir, for the sake of my poor little baby; do, O do, Sir, assist me ! Do get my wife back for me! Serving me thus, I would not trouble you to get her back if not for my poor baby's sake." After hearing this pitiful case, my bowels yearned for the child. I wrote at once, first for the constable, who, not being at home, then to the bondoo-woman herself, requested to send the man's wife without delay, or stand responsible for the life of the suckling-child. Having received my note, the woman was immediately brought to me, whom I reprimanded for her brutal act, and let her go with her husband, advising him to be kind and gentle to her.

This young man has since begun to seek the Lord, and about four or five weeks since has found peace with God through Jesus Christ.

Personal application being frequently made to me, and having no authority to compel the people to leave the place with their idolatry and superstition, I now resort to the best and surest way by making it in general a matter of prayer in private and public. Some time after, the house of the chief bondoo-woman was consumed by fire; and, shortly after, the woman died also. The other woman continued with earnestness to make public exhibition of her pupils, and seduced her own sex, especially the young women of the towns. About three months ago, according to arrangement, I took with me several of our Leaders and members of our Society to the Agent,--the principal abettor of the bondoo-people,-in whose house we had a solemn prayer-meeting and exhortation for an hour; and left him and his wife deeply convinced of their sins, and resolved to cease to do evil and learn to do well. In two or three weeks after, the man came to the Mission-house, and said he is greatly troubled in mind since we have been to his place. He wished me to give him a Bible, which he re