No. 9.]

[VOL. VIII.

We shall, as usual, present our Readers with a view of the several Stations; adding further particulars, illustrative of the religious state of the Colony.

Fruits of the Christian Ministry, and
State of Education.

FREETOWN During part of the period under revision, the Rev. G. A. Kissling laboured here; and subsequently, the Rev. J. U. Graf. Mr. W. Young has charge of the schools. Mr. Kissling communicates the following interesting details concerning Religious Inquirers, and others; together with the preparation of Candidates for Baptism, and their admission to the Church by that sacred Ordinance.

Nov. 1, 1836-An Apprentice came this morning, to open his mind to me; he being anxious to be admitted into the Church. He seems to have a great love for the Truth; perseveres at the Sunday School, though his progress is slow; and, since January last, has regularly attended a weekly meeting for religious instruction. I asked him whether his master made any objection to his coming here, as it took up a portion of the time usually spent in his master's service: he answered, "When I first asked leave to come to Fourah Bay, my master allowed it; but afterward said it was all foolishness, and I should go no more. When I went again, he told me I must work one hour longer in the evening: this I did; and by and bye, he got tired, I think, and now says nothing more. learn the Word of God, and my master gives me no additional work." RECORD, Sept. 1837.]

I can

This

thing come unto thee." All of them list

ened with attention; and the woman has since joined the Candidates for the Lord's Supper, who receive religious instruction at my house.

Nov. 6-Preached from Colossians iii.

He

1, and administered the Lord's Supper to thirty-four Communicants. After the Service, I was called to a sick man who had occasionally attended the Chapel. appeared to be very ill. I spoke to him on the brevity of time, and the awfulness of entering eternity without pardon and forgiveness of sin. This apparently wrought on his feelings; for he said, "What shall I do? I have no power; I can do nothing." "Jesus Christ has all power, both in heaven and on earth: flee to Him, with a full assurance that He will not cast you out." Having, with some of his neighbours, called on the Lord to be gracious toward a penitent sinner, I left him; observing, that most likely I should not have another opportunity of seeing him in this world. The following morning I was informed that he had departed this life; that he earnestly called for mercy after I had left him; and that before his death he had expressed a joyful hope that Jesus would receive his soul to glory.-When I buried him, one of the Communicants, who had 2 E

been with him during his dying scene, said to me at the grave, "May my last

end be like his!"

:

Nov. 26, 1836-Examined the religious inquirers of Freetown, who come once a week to my house, to learn the things which belong to their peace; viz. 17 Candidates for Baptism, 15 Candidates for the Lord's Supper, and 6 Backsliders, who desire again to join their Christian Brethren. Some of the first two classes repeated the Lord's Prayer, the Creed, and the Ten Commandments, very correctly others were more backward; but the difficulty under which they laboured consisted rather in the pronunciation of the words, than in giving the meaning of them. The answers also which they gave, and the manner in which they spoke of God's love and mercy, in pardoning their sins, and granting them peace, indicated a gracious state of mind. I then told eight of the Candidates, who have been for a considerable time under instruction, that I intended to baptize them on the morrow : and having explained to them the baptismal vows, I asked them, whether they could make the responses with a good conscience? They answered, in a way that was highly gratifying, "Yes; by the help of God."

Nov. 27-We spent a blessed Lord's day. The little Chapel was filled with hearers; and several had to take their seats outside, for want of room within. After the Second Lesson, the eight Candidates who were to be baptized came forward, all dressed in white; and having taken their places with their sponsors, they sang, with the congregation, the following verse of one of Dr. Watts's hymns:

Thus we engage ourselves to thee,

And seal our cov'nant with the Lord:
Oh! may the great Eternal Three

In heav'n our solemn vows record!

Deep silence and serious attention prevailed while the Service was read; and I rather feared lest the solemnity should lead to strange excitement, to which the Africans are very liable: all, however, went on in perfect order. We felt, I trust, God's gracious nearness, solemnizing our minds for His worship, and preparing the hearers for the reception of His Holy Word. I preached from Hebrews iii. 14; and the Congregation closed the Service with a loud expression of what we might call “ heart-felt Amen."

a

Mr. Graf adds the following view of this flock, which was subsequently

As regards this Place of Worship, in which Divine Service is held twice on Sunday, and once in the week, I can say, that I have been pleased with the regular attendance of the people on the SundayMorning Service; when the Chapel is not only full, but a good number of children, with their mothers, sit outside. The same, however, cannot be said of their attendance in the week, and on Sunday evenings. One of those whom I had to bury, was a member of our Chapel: he had been a backslider for some time, but was re-admitted upon better conduct. I saw him a few days before his death, suffering very much. From the short conversation which I had with him, he seemed to consider his illness as a means by which God was graciously pleased to lead him to seek Him more earnestly, and to be more anxious about the salvation of his soul. From the little which I saw of this man, I can hope that he has been received into the assembly of those who have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb.

As for those persons who come to my house to receive religious instruction, I have reason to hope that the greater part are sincere inquirers after the way of salvation. I also believe that most of those who apply to be added to the Church of Christ by baptism, do it from pure motives; of which their eagerness to be instructed, and their perseverance in receiving instruction before they are admitted, are satisfactory proofs. On the other hand, I am sorry to state that there are some circumstances which are not so encourag

ing. One of our Communicants has been living, for many years, in continual disputes with his wife, she being a candidate; and has even given a scandalous example, in the open street, to the surrounding heathen: and, what renders the case still more serious, they are backward to confess the evil of their ways.

Mr. Young reports of the Schools as follows, Dec. 24, 1836 :

I received my instructions to open a Day School in Freetown little more than two weeks before the holidays, which are usually given in the Schools of the Mission, commenced. I therefore thought it

desirable to canvass the district of Gibraltar Town, in which I am stationed, in order to ascertain, in some measure, the number of children able to come to school; and also to make my intentions better known to the people, who expressed their satisfaction. I have no doubt that Gibraltar Chapel contains more children than I found in its immediate neighbourhood; but, as I have had a few applicants from other parts of Freetown, it is probable that I shall soon have as many scholars as will fill the Chapel. There are many Mahomedans lodging in the immediate neighbourhood of the Chapel; but they have no school, though they endeavour to bring over the people to their superstitious religion, by distributing passages of the Korân, which they continually carry about

them.

Mr. Young adds subsequently, in his Journal::

Jan. 2, 1837-This morning, at nine o'clock, I opened a Day School in Gibraltar Town, Freetown. Previous notice had been given to the inhabitants of this district, that the school would be opened on the first Monday in January; and the news had spread far and wide in this populous town. Immediately after the bell had been rung, it was a cheering sight to see parents, with their children, hastening to the Chapel from all quarters; and in a few minutes the Chapel was crowded to excess, the people rushing into it. It was impossible to command order, until I refused to admit their children, and begged them to go out. I then admitted 114 children into the school. Many of the people said, Thank God! Thank you, master! We give our children to you, to do with them as you like."

66

Jan. 3-Many persons were waiting at the Chapel this morning, with their children. I admitted 30, in addition to the 114 yesterday. I then selected Monitors, and appointed them to classes; though they are deficient, even in the first rudiments of learning. The school is divided into thirteen classes.

Jan. 8: Lord's Day-Opened a Sunday School, for female adults and apprentices.

Only 24 persons came for instruction. We commenced with singing a few verses of a hymn, and prayed that the Lord would make His work to prosper in our hands.

Jan. 12-The Monitors of the school were present this morning at prayers

with my family. I made some practical remarks on a few verses of the Word of God; and afterward instructed them in Bible History, Geography, and Arithmetic.

March 7-The boys' chief delight is Arithmetic. Reading the Scriptures appears to be a very dull exercise to them; and when they are catechized on the portion of Scripture which they have just read, in order to explain the doctrines and precepts of the Bible, their mouths are shut. Many of my scholars have never attended any means of instruction, since they were at the Colonial Boys' School, when it was relinquished by the Society in 1835.

FOURAH BAY-The quarter ending Christmas 1836, Mr. Kissling writes:

The Christian Institution has been conducted, during the last three months, in much the same manner as reported in former quarters. No alteration has been made in the regular plan of instruction. The number of youths has been increased to 14 one of them gave much trouble at the commencement of the quarter, but has improved of late; the others have behaved much to my satisfaction. The Rev. J. U. Graf has been appointed to labour at this Station: and I rejoice to say, that, after his short attack of illness, he may be considered to be safe from the fever, to which Europeans are commonly subject after their arrival in the Colony.

Mr. Graf adds, March 25, 1837 :

It is pleasing to see that our youths are making satisfactory progress, every one according to his capacities; some go on slowly, both in understanding and working; while others have more talents, and are sharper in their understanding; but all are working assiduously, and with pleasure: their conduct gives me general satisfaction, and I cannot but entertain good hopes with respect to the future usefulness of most of them. Their number has been increased to 19, which is the present number. During the quarter, two have left our roof, after a residence of several years under it.

KISSEY-This Station has been also under the charge, successively, of Mr. Kissling and Mr. Graf: Mr. J. Warburton likewise continuing here. Of his ministerial labours, and of the evidences of a work of grace among

the people, Mr. Kissling thus reports, in his Journal:

Nov. 18, 1836-Went to Kissey this morning, as several Candidates for Baptism were to be promoted to other classes. The first class, consisting of 12 Candidates for Baptism, and 8 Backsliders, come to Fourah Bay every Monday, when the Gospel according to St. Luke is read and practically explained. 141 other candidates are divided into three classes, learning the Lord's Prayer, Creed, and Ten Commandments. Some of them also read with Mr. or Mrs. Warburton. Thus there are 153 religious inquirers gradually made acquainted with the truths of our holy Religion, while new applicants are still coming forward to join them.

Nov. 20-I this day administered the Lord's Supper to 102 Communicants, at Kissey; among whom there was one backslider, who was formerly exceedingly careless as to the concerns of his soul; but being now laid on a bed of affliction, he feels, in a measure, what it is to leave the world in such a wretched state of mind. He sent his wife, a short time ago, requesting me to visit him. A considerable change was now observable in him. He said that he felt himself to be a great sinner, and that there was nothing good in him: he did not care about the things of the world, nor did he think that he should ever get well again. He prayed that Christ would cleanse his heart, and receive him to Himself. The portions of Scripture which were read seemed to comfort him; and he was glad when I said that we should engage in prayer. After several other visits, which were very satisfactory, I mentioned the Holy Sacrament to him; and he replied, "That is what I desire." At its administration, he took the sacred elements with eagerness; and, lifting up his hand, said, "My heart is there." About ten days afterward it pleased the Lord to make an end of his sufferings on earth; and, we may hope, to take his soul to Himself.

Nov. 25-Thirteen persons of Kissey, who were admitted to the Lord's Table last Trinity Sunday, have hitherto come to me on Friday Mornings, to read the Bible, and to have it explained; but having been rather irregular of late in their attendance, I told them, that, as we had gone through a considerable part of the New Testament, I should no longer request them to come. To this they replied, "We are ignorant people, and wish

to learn the Bible: please, Master, teach us! we will come."

Dec. 19 Several backsliders from admitted; saying, that they were very Kissey came to-day and applied to be resorry for their past misconduct. A man, with his wife, observed, “This makes five years that I and my wife have been in the Backsliders' class; will you be kind enough to allow us to come to your class at Fourah Bay? We are very much sorry for the sins which we have committed against the Lord our God: we hope we shall never do so any more."

To the preceding account, Mr. Graf briefly adds, March 25, 1837—

Concerning this large parish I can say but very little; my more immediate labours having only been directed to it since the departure of the Rev. G. A. Kissling. When I have held Divine Service at St. Patrick's Church, I have been pleased with the general attention paid to God's Ordi

nance.

I cannot but regret being so little acquainted with the people themselves, and with their customs and behaviour in common life. The more people are ignorant, and unable to apply the principles of Christianity to their family circumstances, the more they ought to be looked after and directed, and be shown the right way. This, however, is impossible, without a thorough acquaintance with the individuals, and their general way of living. As for those who come from Kissey to be instructed in my house, I cannot but be highly satisfied with their regular attendance, and with the evident delight which they feel in hearing the blessed truths of the Gospel; though it requires study, to find out those words and ways of speaking which are suited to their capacities.

Mr. Warburton thus speaks of the state of Kissey, March 1837 :

The Public Services of the House of God are as much frequented as formerly, and appear to be attended with the Divine Blessing. The average attendance has been 800 on Sunday Mornings; and 400 on Sunday and Thursday Evenings.

The average attendance of the Sunday School has been, in the morning, 396, and in the afternoon 300: the number on the list is 450. Several persons belonging to it have applied to be taken under Religious Instruction, and have been received as Candidates for Baptism. The improvement of the Scholars, generally, is satisfactory.

Oct. 1, 1836 - One of my Helpers came to tell me, that he had visited a part of the village where the people did not attend the House of God. He said, that he had exhorted them to do so; and that, as they were willing to provide a lamp and oil, he desired to commence a weekly meeting, for prayer and reading the Scriptures, with such as were willing to attend. I encouraged his desire; but told him to consider, whether he could continue it with regularity, as he had one meeting already to attend to. He answered, "I will give myself to prayer, that I may not wear out." On express

ing my wish that he would never neglect taking his Bible with him, as his guide, he exclaimed, "What can I do without my Bible?"

Mr. H. Townsend, recently arrived out in the Colony, had been placed in this Station: he remarks

March 12, 1837: Lord's Day — Attended Sunday School; which, I am glad to say, I have been enabled to do regularly. I am also glad to say that there is as much progress made by the scholars as I could have expected: great diligence is to be seen in every class. The men of the Alphabet classes learn the letters much faster than I should have supposed.

WELLINGTON-Mr. Ebenezer Collins, in charge of this Station, has suffered much in his health, and was unable, consequently, to make his communication so full as usual. We select the few passages following. Having spoken of the illness of one of his most hopeful little scholars, he relates

Sept. 23, 1836-This morning we buried the little boy, who died last evening. A large number of persons attended his funeral. On our way to the burial-ground, the children sang one of Watts's Divine Songs,

He

ceased child was about nine years of age, and appeared to be very promising. read the Scriptures; and his general behaviour was good. On my calling to see him while ill, I found his Bible and Prayer-Book by his side. While in health, he was generally to be seen neatly dressed in the Sunday School, making himself useful as a Teacher. Being so young, he had no fixed post; but as our adult Teachers are irregular in their attendance, we are always glad to enlist the services of any of the intelligent day-scholars, in their absence. Often, while observing this little fellow with a large class of adults, teaching them Watts's First Catechism, and while witnessing the eagerness with which his aged pupils appeared to catch the words as they came from his youthful lips, and the spirit with which they responded to the same, and seeing at the same time the harmony and good whole company, and remembering the feeling that apppeared to pervade the

state of barbarism from which these people have been brought-has that beautiful prophecy in Isaiah xi. 6. occurred to my mind-A little child shall lead them.

We add another characteristic passage: :

Oct. 16: Lord's Day-Two hundred and forty present in the Sunday School. It is truly gratifying to witness the per

severance of the married women in this school; some of whom have been full

eighteen months battering away, with the most perfect good humour, at those formidable barriers to science, A, B, C, without having subdued them. Others among them have just mastered them; and now, having opened the door of knowledge, are beginning to reap the fruit of their labours, and to receive the full reward of their

diligence. The perseverance of these women is the more praiseworthy, remem

bering the toil and fatigue which they undergo during the week, in visiting the markets, and attending to the domestic affairs of their families. In the neighbourhood of the markets of Sierra Leone, we do not meet, as in England, the man and his wife mutually bearing their little stock for sale; but the wife, for the most part, alone, with a heavy load upon her head, and with an infant, it may be, at her back; while the husband, should he perchance accompany her, which is not customary, may be seen walking emptyhanded, or bearing the child in his arms.