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PETTER AND GALPIN, BELLE SAUVAGE PRINTING WORKS, LUDGATE HILL, E.C.

METHODIST

NEW CONNEXION MISSIONS,

HOME, COLONIAL, AND FOREIGN; Employing SEVENTY-SEVEN MISSIONARIES IN PREACHING the GOSPEL of GOD.

NOTICE FOR DECEMBER, 1859.

TREASURER-M. FIRTH, Esq., Sheffield.

SECRETARY-Rev. J. STACEY, Western Bank, Sheffield.

Missionaries employed in Ireland, Canada, and the Mission Stations in England, 75; Local Preachers, 156; Members, 5958; Sabbath Schools, 109; Scholars, 4546; Teachers, 666; Chapels, 118.

[The SECRETARY had obtained reports,
which he hoped to publish in this Mis-
sionary Notice, from several of the
Home Stations; but he thought it
better to reserve their publication to
a future occasion, than to abridge more
than he has already done, the deeply
interesting communications from Mes-
sieurs Innocent and Hall. The Home
Stations' Reports are for the most part
very encouraging, as are also those from
Canada and Ireland. Never was there
so much to invite the confidence and
to challenge the liberality of the Con-
nexion, in respect to its Missionary
operations as there is at present.
Again therefore we say-let this in-
deed be our Society's motto-EXPECT
GREAT THINGS: ATTEMPT GREAT

THINGS. Gifts, labours, prayers,—
all are wanted. All attract blessing,
and all convey blessing.]

MISSION TO CHINA.

Off Dover, October 25th, 1859. Rev. and Dear Sir,-Through contrary winds we have been compelled to put back and anchor near Dover.

You will remember parting with us on Friday. It is as though the events of a life-time were crowded into the few short moments consumed in a leave. taking which must sever us for years, probably for life, from those who possess our highest esteem and love. The past flits before the mind with inconceivable

rapidity; its multifarious phases-its seasons of blessing and of sinning; its fluctuations of hope and fear; its holy desires; solemn resolves, and repeated failures-all appear distinctly imaged before one's inner vision at such a time, as so many attendants on the important scene, whose high responsibility it is to address to the conscience emphatic words of warning and admonition, and to invest it with a loftier consciousness of obligation-a more comprehensive purpose of devotion.

Our noble vessel started out on its long voyage very shortly after you left us. All went on as well as could be desired until Saturday afternoon. From that time to now we have made no progress. Opposing winds, and occasional heavy squalls, have made our condition a most unenviable one. Here

we are, desiring much and doing but little; most of our company prostrated by severe sickness, and all more or less squeamish. My dear wife has been sorely used. She has had uninterrupted sickness from Saturday to now, and while I write she lies in a state of utter exhaustion. My excellent colleague has had his share for the time, but is now looking up, as is also his beloved partner. The children suffer nothing, and I am thankful to say that hitherto I have quite escaped the fiery trial. You may be sure, however, that here boasting is quite excluded, for like nature's last penalty, I fear it must sooner or later Still I am have me as its victim.

vigorous by battling with the enemy; and if an increased relish for sea breezes, a constantly prepared appetite for my meals, and excellent digestive power, be reason at all for faintly expecting exemption from the dire calamity which his vanquishing stroke inflicts, I may after

all indulge the hope that I shall escape. Be that as it may, I shall not repine, even if I have to realize the worst he can do.

In other respects we are admirably situated. It is surprising how full of benefit a seemingly trifling incident often proves. I am led to this remark

by the fact that soon after we came on board my darling Newman caught the phrase "all right" from its frequent use by some of the men; so that now ever and anon is he preaching to me the doctrine it implies. "All right," or rather "All Yight" has become his motto, and right heartily does he proclaim it. While those around him are feeling all wrong, being racked with throbbing pains and awful fears, Newman sticks to it that "All's right." While captain and crew give way in patience before adverse winds and tides, declaring their labour in vain, and their strength spent for nought, Newman shouts most vociferously "All right." And after all the dear boy, unconsciously to himself, but witnesses for a good old doctrine which is explicitly taught in God's holy word, and which has received its illustration in the experience of his faithful people in every age. A doctrine which has, times innumerable, proved the support and joy of his father's heart, and enabled him to exult even in tribulations also. A doctrine which has incited him to leave country and kindred; to commit himself with his beloved ones to the mercy of the great deep, and to seek his future home amongst strangers and heathens,-the precious doctrine that "All things work together for good to them that love God." This truth affords me, in my present circumstances, abounding comfort and assures me that "All is right."

Our fellow-travellers are all that could be desired. The utmost cordiality prevails amongst us. We love as brethren, and our love to each other is intensified by the love we bear to the Lord Jesus, and the relation we sustain in common to his glorious cause. All appear actuated by the desire to make the best of each other's society, and to establish friendships which shall ever remain. The burden of our conversation hitherto has had reference to the great work before us. I believe we all feel that a grave responsibily rests upon us, and that nothing but the most unflagging zeal, prudence, study and prayer can enable us to meet it. Our hearts yearn over China. We covet for her stores of blessing. We are ambitious to be God's instruments in leading her benighted millions to the only source of good, even to the fulness of the blessings of the gospel of peace. And, O my dear sir, many and formidable as are the

difficulties in the way, I cannot declare to you how very powerful is the impression by which I am animated, that the Great Head of the Church designs much benefit for China through the little band of disciples with whom I am now happily associated. Already have we received favourable tokens while unitedly pleading at a Throne of Grace for China. God meets us graciously here, and our hearts rejoice in him.

Since penning the last, we have passed through a terrible crisis. Towards evening, (Tuesday,) a fierce gale set in, and occasioned the utmost anxiety to all. Our vessel was tossed about as a thing of nought. The ocean swell was tremendous, and as it tumbled our habitation to and fro, it certainly seemed as though every moment would tear her creaking beams from their joints, and leave us all entombed in the watery gulph. Saddening cries of distress reached the acute ears of some of our company, and sent sore pangs to the heart. After a night of ceaseless toil and care, our worthy captain gave the cheering assurance that the danger had passed, but not before injury had been done to our barque. I know not the extent of the damage, but I believe it can be repaired on our way. Judge of our sensations when the intelligence reached us this morning, that, within a short distance from us, two vessels had been wrecked, and every soul on board both lost. How good is the Lord to usward! How ought we to praise and magnify his

name!

To increase our trouble we have now mutiny on board. Eight of the crew have positively given in, and declared their resolve to go back. The captain has signalled for aid from shore, and as soon as it is secured, the poor misguided men are to be handed over to justice. What will be the result it is hard to say. I am hoping they may yet see their error, and be allowed to continue with us, trusting that saving influences may be brought over their hearts. Would to God we might have the entire crew given us as an earnest of future success.

Amid all these things we enjoy the sweetest tranquility of spirit. We seem to be agreed that Newman's testimony is valid; and that some "needs be" exists for all these things. "All's right" is our creed, and we hold it with unfaltering confidence. The end, we are quite assured, will fully justify the way by which we are led.

I must now conclude this hastily written note. It is but little I am giving you. It is as much however, and as good as the motion of the vessel, the flickering of a dismal light, and other equally delightful circumstances will allow.

Suffer me, in closing, again to say how deeply I feel the exalted kindness you have so uniformly extended to me. Its many manifestations are eternally impressed on my heart. In the far distant sphere of labour to which I go, my thoughts will again and again revert to you; my spirit will be cheered by recollections of your regard, and in my labours, while seeking, first of all to do my Saviour's will, I shall ever be anxious to realize, as far as possible, your sound views and benevolent desires. Accept my sincere thanks, my beloved friend, and ever think of me as one never forgetting his duty to pray for you.

I am, ever yours devotedly,
W. N. HALL.

Rev. J. Stacey.

DOWNS.

(In the Ship, "Heroes of Alma.") October 25th, 1859.

My Dear Sir,-Here we are off Deal, laying at anchor, whilst a strong S. W. by S. wind prevails. We had a pleasant sail to this place on Saturday and Sunday, and anchored on Sunday night. The weather has not been at all agreeable on the whole, though we have some snatches of fine weather. Early on Monday morning we commenced sailing again, and ran as far as Folkestone, but the wind proved so adverse and suddenly turned into a terrific gale from the N. W., attended with hail and thunder, which drove us back again to the Downs last night, where we cast anchor, and remain here until more friendly winds visit us. It seems as though we were not to be torn from our native land, but weaned from it gradually; for here it is still in view and still near. It looks at us, and we look at it, and glad we are to see its fine old face, or a bit of it, though we cannot hold visible converse with the dear ones it contains. It seems rather provoking to be so near land and not be able to step ashore and lodge there instead of here until the wind is pleased to favour us; for after all, we land lubbers would rather have a steady footing than an unsteady one, and prefer a still bed, to a rocking one. We do not, however, prefer to grumble about the matter, but take it in good part, and think it well to learn how to live at sea while the land is before our eyes. It is certainly sealife made easy.

The dreadful sea-sickness has affected all the passengers more or less. Dear Brother Hall has been almost proof against it hitherto, but his poor wife suffers very much indeed; she has been unable to get out of bed for three days, and is quite prostrate. My dear wife has had a full-day's spell, and I a couple of days of queer feeling. I feel nearly

all right now; but suppose I must not boast lest this should prove only the beginning of sorrows.

We have most delightful company on board. The greatest unanimity of feeling prevails amongst us, and we shall by and bye, be able to appreciate more thoroughly each other's society. We have established a regular course of morning and evening worship, and I expect shall have Sabbath services on board. Last Sabbath we could only manage a prayer-meeting at night, as most of us were unwell. How different though from home Sabbaths. Still we feel the presence of Our Heavenly Master. All here pray and are zealously concerned for the salvation of the Chinese. We are anxious to be getting forward, and to be at our labour.

The last interview we had with you, and other dear friends, on board the ship before leaving Gravesend will long be remembered. Oh! how solemn and interesting that scene of prayer. How manifest was the presence of God-and truly it was good to be there; I hope to carry the savour of that meeting with me to China. Most certainly I shall feel something of the confidence and comfort it occasioned all along. calmness of mind I feel is, I am sure, along with the comfort of my wife and colleague, to a great extent, in answer to the prayers of our dear friends in England.

The

Saturday, October 29th, 1859.

We have had some dreadful weather since I wrote the foregoing; Tuesday night was terrific, and might have been fatal to us. Yesterday again, we had a terrible day; were driven back to the Downs, after a day's sailing for the third time. Here we are again off Deal; we may sail again to night, as the wind is rather favourable. The Captain has gone ashore with the eight rebellious sailors; soon as he returns I suppose we shall sail. We have to put into Portsmouth, to obtain a fresh crew, and we should be glad to receive a cammunication from you when we are there.

Excuse my closing this hastily. Poor Mrs. Hall, I am sorry to say, is seriously ill of erysipelas in the face. The Doctor is attending her.

In kindest regards to Mrs. S., your family, and all friends, in which my wife and the Halls unite.

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tacking got further than we have been before, but, in the evening, another tremendous gale came on, and, after battling with it for several hours, we were obliged to put the ship before it, and be driven back. We anchored here about three o'clock this morning, thankful that we were safe. It is in vain for me to attempt to describe the terrors of those nine hours which we spent in the gale. The heavens were blackness itself. The sea rose in huge mountain masses before, behind, and on either side of us. The ship lurched, plunged, tossed, and rolled fearfully. The water was almost constantly breaking over us, so that the deck was like a disturbed lake. The poor sailors worked hard, though they seemed at their wit's end. Three men were nearly washed away, while the passengers spent the time of their sojourn. ing in their berths in fear."

66

We were really apprehensive of danger, but God graciously comforted us in prayer. The voyage so far has been of great spiritual benefit to me. It seems to have challenged my faith to the utmost, by bringing death so near; and how sweet it has been to feel myself in the hands of a loving Father, and be conscious that, whether living or dying, I was His. In this feeling my dear wife has participated; and, in the midst of the storm, we have enjoyed a spiritual quiet arising from faith in our blessed Saviour, and entire resignation to the will of our God. I will not say that we have not been open to the rebuke given by Jesus to his disciples in the ship on the lake, "Why are ye so fearful? how is it ye have no faith?" We have deserved the rebuke; it has been silently administered, but, I think also, it has been effectual, God grant that our faith may no more fail us.

Well, my dear Sir, poor Mrs. Hall, I am sorry to say, will be obliged to come ashore and remain behind. Her sickness has been so severe, and her strength is so entirely gone, that the doctor considers it will be unsafe for her to proceed. Moreover, she labours under a deep conviction that she cannot live out the voyage, and that it will be best for her to remain a couple of years behind with the children, then leave them, and come out to her husband. All on board consent that, under the circumstances, this will be the best plan. If she were to proceed and die on the voyage, what could Mr. Hall do with the children?

We find it necessary also to lessen our domestic care and trouble, by leaving behind our eldest boy. This is the hardest trial to me and my wife that we have met with in connexion with this undertaking. Prayer for us I know is

made, that we may be Divinely directed and supported.

We are now sailing again from the Downs, so I cannot send this ashore.

Mr. and Mrs. Hall with Mrs. I. unite in most affectionate regards to you and yours.

Yours most affectionately,
JOHN INNOCENT.

Rev. J. Stacey.

PORTSMOUTH.

Nov. 4th, 1859.

My ever dear Sir.-It is with unutterable feelings that I attempt my second letter to you since leaving home. Little did I think when last assuring you of my implicit and consolatory confidence in God's providential regard, that I should so soon have that confidence tested beyond all that I had ever conceived. Such, however, is the fact. Many and painful as are the trials through which I have passed, I have encountered nothing so distressing as the event to which I have now to call your attention. My heart has bled with anguish_under its weight, and, at this moment, I am so acutely realizing the bitterness of the dispensation as to be almost incapable of anything like a coherent statement of the case. Still I feel I owe an explanation to you, my beloved friend, to the members of our missionary committee, and to the Connexion at large. As a matter of justice to my poor wife, and in vindication of my personal conduct, I am also bound to furnish you, without delay, such an explanation of my position as I am able. This I will at once endeavour to do.

I think I stated in my last that my dear wife was fearfully prostrated by sickness. From that time to the present we have been passing through most terrible experience. Such gales have swept over the Channel as have not been known for twenty years. In fact it has been a continuous storm, bringing destruction to many a noble vessel, and death to numbers of gallant mariners. Day after day have we received intelligence of such disastrous results, while the reports have received sad confirmation in the dismasted ships, with diminished crews, which have slowly and mournfully passed us, and in the pieces of floating wreck which have occasionally strewed our path. While never for one moment anticipating our own ruin I must say that we have appeared to be all but ruined. We have been dashed to and fro at times with awful fury. In these circumstances, my dear wife was brought to the lowest state of weakness, and then erysipelas of the most virulent kind attacked her, extending over the whole of her face, and

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