"Oodoville, March 24, 1824. "MY DEAR BRETHREN, "You will have learned, probably be. fore the arrival of this, something of the great goodness of God to us, in granting us a time of refreshing from his presence. Perhaps some particulars may be interesting to you. There was nothing very special either in the state of things around us, or in our own hearts,* until the 18th of January, when the influences of the Holy Spirit were peculiarly manifest at Tillipally. Brother W. near the close of the morning service, observing some boys affected, appointed a second meeting for them in the afternoon, and afterwards a third at evening, in the course of which he was much encouraged; and the next day sent for help, as he was not very well. I went up at evening, (Monday 19th,) and found there were seven or eight under conviction, and a number more serious. Most of them were boys of the boarding school. They were in meeting when I arrived about candlelighting, and the Spirit of God seemed evidently present with them. During two days that I staid, there was increasing evidence that God was indeed in the midst of that school. Some without were also affected, and in the course of the week, all the members of the school, (about 40 in number,) the servants, and two or three schoolmasters, were more or less shaken. The work continued (and we hope still continues,) until most of the larger boys, and two girls, became hope. ful subjects of divine grace. "I returned home from Tillipally somewhat impressed with the importance of looking for a similar blessing .at Oodoville; and blessed be the Lord God, he did not pass us by, for our sins. The following Sabbath I had but just begun my sermon, when a very unusual feeling came over me, and I seemed to realize that the Spirit, like a gust of wind, had filled the place. Every countenance before me gathered paleness, and for a time I could not proceed for weeping. Some were much affected, and tears began to flow from those unused to weep. The impression continued through the other meetings of the day at noon and afternoon; and at evening I found that a number of the girls in the female central school here were under conviction. In It might be said, that there was a special season of fasting, humiliation, and prayer observed the latter part of December, and that it was a time of uncommon enjoyment. quiry meetings followed, and the Lord graciously carried on the work, until no one remained wholly unaffected in the school, and two or three others were hopefully born into the kingdom. One of these is a schoolmaster, and another a servant. After this beginning at Oodoville, nothing very special occurred until February 2d, the day of the monthly prayer meeting, a day ever to be remembered. Most of the brethren in the district, J. N. Mooyaart, Esq. and some others, assembled at Batticotta. The promising appearances around us gave new feeling and new hope to those who were assembled to wait on the Lord; and though the former part of the day was spent much as usual, in relating whatever of particular interest had occurred at our different stations, yet a new spirit prevailed, and we had scarcely assembled in the afternoon, and sung a hymn, when the brother who was leading in prayer was so much overcome with a sense of the divine presence, that he could not proceed, nor for a long time rise from his knees, being without strength. The same influence was felt by all, and the whole afternoon was spent in prayer, interrupted only by a few pas sages read from the scriptures, and by singing and weeping. The Spirit seemed to make 'intercession with groanings that could not be uttered.' The next morning was set apart as a season of special prayer, and was a precious time. The Lord hearkened and heard. The next Sabbath was a new day in Manepy. It was a communion season, and an adult man was baptized and admitted to the church. The serious lads from Tillipally, and the girls from Oodoville, were there; also Mr. W. and myself. During the sermon and ordinances, the Holy Spirit was present; and when, in the afternoon, the children and youth in the boarding-school there, and those from the other stations came together, it was an affecting scene. Many were in tears. Many were ready to urge and exhort others to flee from the wrath to come, and more than 30 professed their desire to forsake all for Christ. The meetings at evening and the next morning were also solemn, and the Lord has carried on the work. In the school, consisting of about 45 boys, (many of whom are young,) nearly half that number profess themselves to be the Lord's.-But a more remarkable visitation was still to be experienced. This was at Ponditeripo. There had been some previous attention; and on the 12th Feb. when brother and sister Scudder were absent, there was a great shaking. The boys had gone to their room, and were about to lie down to sleep, when one of them, Whelpley, a member of the church, was excited to exhort them most earnestly to flee from the wrath to come. They were roused, and could not sleep. By little companies they went out into the garden to pray; and the voice of supplication was soon heard in every quarter, waxing louder and louder, each one or each company praying and weeping as though all alone, while more than 30 were thus engaged in a small garden. The cry was,What shall I do to be saved?" and, "Lord, send thy Spirit.' In about an hour from the time it began, Dr. Scudder came home, and after waiting some time for the excitement to subside, rung the bell for the boys to come in. They came with their tears streaming down their cheeks, and their hearts almost bursting, inquiring, What shall we do to be saved? The next day I saw them. They seemed in earnest for salvation. More than 20 have already obtained a hope, and the Lord is still there. "Still there had been no uncommon attention in the central school at Batticotta, in which our feelings were much interested. Prayer was made, and had been made, almost without ceasing for that school; and in two or three instances, some little circles assembled for this purpose, experienced very sensible tokens of the divine influence, and con tinued in supplications a great part of the night. At length, on the Sabbath follow. ing the peculiar excitement at Ponditeripo, there was marked evidence of the influence of the Holy Spirit at Batticotta: the week preceding, some of the serious lads from Tillipally visited the school, and exhorted the youth in it with very good effect. The Tuesday following, most of the brethren and sisters were there, and at evening we had a very solemn meeting. About ten of the youths expressed a determination to forsake all for Christ, and there was scarcely one in the school altogether unmoved. The good work is still, we trust, going on there. The day but one following, was our quarterly meeting and communion, and such a day as we never had before. The sermon was from the text, Bring ye all the tithes into my storehouse,' &c. Since then an awakening has commenced in Jaffna, where we have all been, and attended meetings more or less. Prospects there are still very encouraging. We had the last week a most reviving season of prayer there, in the house of J. N. Mooyaart, Esq. who had called together all his Christian friends to take leave of them, he being about to remove to the southern part of the island. It was a season of strong feeling, and most earnest supplication, with thanksgiving; for the Lord hath VOL. III.-Ch. Adv. done great things for us, whereof we are M. WINSLOW." "P.S. The number at our different stations who have hopefully experienced a change is about 80; but many are young, and may fall away. Pray for them." AFRICA. In the progress of missions in Asia and America, it may be natural for us Americans to take a deeper interest than we feel for the success of those in the other quarters of the globe; because the missions in Asia and America are in part sent out from our own country. But all souls are equally precious; and the heathen of all countries are, in promise, equally given to the Saviour. Of the African missions, except that at Sierra Leone, we have not lately seen any account republished in the United States. We perceive, however, by the Missionary Chronicle of the London Missionary Society, published with the Evangelical Magazine, that the missions of that Society in South Africa are carried on with vigour and with considerable success. We have for some time indulged the pleasing conjecturewe give it for nothing more-that it will eventually appear that the enslaving of the Africans by Britain, and by those of her colonies which are now the United States, will be overruled, in the providence of God, to be chiefly instrumental in spreading the gospel over the continent of Africa-that from the western coast, missionaries may go forth from Sierra Leone and from Liberia, into the interior of that large section of the globe, and perhaps be met by those who began at the Cape of Good Hope-But we check our speculations. We have not room at present to pursue them, S and if we had, it may be better to restrain than to indulge them. The following letter, taken from the Missionary Chronicle of last December, shows that the South African missionary operations are prosecuted with zeal, and are extending far to the north-not less we think than 500 miles from the Cape of Good Hope. BECHUANA COUNTRY. Interesting Journey of Mr. R. Hamilton, Missionary at Lattakoo, in quest of the invading Hordes of Mantatees Savages, in a Letter to Dr. Phillip. New Lattakoo, April 12, 1824. Rev. Sir, I hope you have received the letter which I sent from Griqua Town, informing you of the approach of the Mantatees. On my return to Lattakoo, I informed Mateebe of the success of my mission to the Griquas, soliciting assistance from them, in case Lattakoo should be threatened with an attack by that strange invading nation. I urged him to call a general meeting of his people, to consider what was proper to be done for their defence, and pointed out the necessity of sending persons into the interior to obtain information of the movements of the invaders; but all my entreaties were una yailing till the 19th of February, when a Peetso or general meeting assembled. A long time was taken up by the speakers in urging the necessity of holding fast the missionaries, who were represented to be the preservers of their city. I entreated them to send out spies to obtain information. This was referred by Mateebe to a Borolong chief for his opinion, who declined giving it. Feb. 29th. I went on a visit to the Maclaroos, who live lower down the Krooman river; I remained there six days, visiting the towns and preaching the gos pel. Few attended, and even these heard with much indifference. On returning to Lattakoo, I found that no intelligence had been received concerning the Mantatees, nor had they sent any one to the interior to obtain any. March 6th. A man arrived from the north, who informed us that Makkabba, King of Melita, united with two other nations, had attacked and routed the invaders, after fighting three days; but as no dependance could be placed on this account, I determined to take a journey higher up the country, to ascertain the true state of things. 10th. I collected a small party, consisting of two Hottentots, a wandering Griqua, a Boshuana, and a boy. Having had not advanced far, when I was seized 19th. Our guide, like many who become guides of others, knew not the way himself, and led us nearly north, instead of north-east; so that after travelling the whole day, exposed to the scorching rays of the sun, he brought us in the evening to a place called Resas, where there was not water sufficient for the oxen. We intended to rest here during the Sabbath, but were obliged to proceed farther in search of water, which having found, we rested in obedience to the command of heaven. 25th. After a long day's journey, we came to a Borolong town in the evening. Found about 500 men in the public enclosure, and in a short time saw the principal chief and a party, come to hear what news I had brought. I told him that I had heard of the approach of the Mantatees, but could obtain no certain information where they were, and had come to inquire of him. He said there were some nations coming, but whence they were he knew not, but heard that they had conquered six nations, or towns; had eaten up all the produce of the ground; that at present they were engaged with a town not far from the Marootzee, whence he supposed they would pass Makkabba, and come directly to his town; but added, whether they will come to Lattakoo or not was uncertain, as they are much afraid of the white people's muskets. He said, much of their fighting was by throwing stones. 26th. A man came from Kurreechane with the intelligence that the men of war in that town had marched out to meet the enemy. I asked the chief if he wished for missionaries, and if he would remove the town higher up the Molopo river, where there was much water. He replied that he wished for missionaries with all his heart, but that higher up the river belonged to the Marootzee; and here was much good land. I went to view it, and found the Molopo about a mile from that part of the town where my wagon stood. I found the banks of the river only enclosed deep stagnated pools, so that missionaries could do nothing here in culti vation. To-day a Borolong came from Makkabba, King of the Wanketzens, who said that Makkabba had heard a report that the white people were coming on a commando to take his cattle. A chief, who is friendly to Makkabba, told me that some Wanketzens were in the town, and were going away on the morrow. I requested to see them, but this was refused. I sent a message of peace, desiring them to assure Makkabba that, if he did not make commandoes against the white people, that he need not fear them, and that when I got beads I should come and see him. Three men from the Boqueen country, which lies twelve days' journey north of Makkabba's, were here, by whom I sent a message to Housey, their chief, to be kind to any white men who might be travelling among them. The nation beyond them, they said, lived on the banks of a fresh water lake, the other side of which could not be seen. In the afternoon, by the consent and in the presence of the chief, and about a thousand heathen, who assembled by his orders, I preached from John iii. 16. The greatest decorum was observed during the time of worship. 27th. Sabbath. In a land where no Sabbath is known, before morning service, the chief presented me with an ox for food, and gave orders for the people to assemble, when a great concourse attended, and I was invited to take my stand near the chief. After worship, the chief desired to see the Bible laid on the ground before him, which attracted their admiration for a long time. In the afternoon I went to the division of the town, which was under a chief named Kunsey, when I preached on the birth of Christ. The head chief sent to desire me to come and tell him and his people once more the good news before I left them. The people came in great numbers, and continued to do so till worship was almost ended. The subject was Christ's raising Lazarus. After worship, the chief asked again for the Bible, which was laid on the ground and gazed at for a considerable time. The chief sent us milk and water-melons every day. This town is situated about three days' journey from a town which Mr. Campbell visited. It consists of about twenty divisions, or districts; the houses are small and neat, and so separated, that, should one be on fire, the flames would not be able to reach the next. The great town of the Wanketzens is only about two days' journey north of it. I would have visited Makkabba had I had beads, which is the only present valued by an African prince. The young son of the chief asked me why white men did not come and live with them as well as with Mateebe. I promised to write to my friends, and expressed a hope that some would be sent to teach them. A smith's bellows, anvil, carpenter's tools, and good marksmen for shooting game should be attached to such a mission. They seem to think that if white people were among them with a few muskets, the wandering tribes would be afraid to attack them. I have never witnessed in Africa any thing like what I have seen here. When I was standing amid the heathen multitude, preaching the Great Salvation, and saw the lanes of the town thronged with crowds coming to hear the word of God, I was ready to adopt the words of Jesus at Jacob's well, "Lift up your eyes and behold the fields are already white to the harvest;" but where are the labourers, the holy men of God in Britain, who have given themselves, soul and body, to Christ? The princes of Ethiopia are crying, like the man of Macedonia, "COME OVER AND HELP US!" Let the cry reverberate from east to west, and from north to south-let it reach England, and it shall not be heard in vain, for some will come over "to the help of the Lord, to the help of the Lord against the mighty." I was only two days in this town, on account of the approach of the invaders. I left it with regret, and with a promise soon to return. After preaching to the wandering tribes on the road, I reached home on the 8th of April, and found all well, and letters awaiting me from brother Moffat, with good news of missionaries being come to assist us in this part of Africa. I must now conclude, as the bearer is waiting. I am, Rev. Sir, (Signed) ROBERT HAMILTON. DEMERARA. cular from the Directors of the LonIt appears from the following Cir don Missionary Society, that the martyrdom of the Rev. John Smyth, in the British colony of Demerara, has not deterred or discouraged the Society from sending another missionary to that colony. MISSIONARY FOR DEMERARA. The Board of Directors have lately trans. mitted to the Directors resident in the country the following Circular. London, Mission-House, Austin Friars, November 11th, 1824. Rev. and Dear Sir,-The Directors having resolved (D. V.) to send out a missionary to the Colony of Demerara to occupy the place of worship, late Mr. Elliot'e (who does not return thither) are anxions to find a suitable preacher as soon as possible; and are willing to accept the services of such an one for a limited time, even for two or three years. The minister should be a married man, of 30 years of age, or more, a person of undoubted piety and zeal; one who knows some thing of the world, and who has obtained the character of a prudent man; firm in the pursuit of his purposes, but kind and conciliating in his manner, and one who, whilst he "condescends to men of low estate," is capable of associating, when The Treasurer of the Trustees of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church acknowledges the receipt of the following sums for their Theological Seminary at Princeton, N.J. during the month of February last, viz. Of General John Steele, in full of his subscription for the Philadelphia Sy nod's Professorship Of Rev. Robert W. James, for the Southern Professorship, viz. From Mr. Alexander M'Rae From Mr. Robert Frierson, sen. in full of his subscription on Rev. From Rev. R. W. James, on his own behalf -$500 00 - $28 00 5.00 62 00 100 00 Of Rev. John Joyce, per Alexander Henry, Esq. in full of his subscription for the same Professorship Of Rev. John Cousar, per Rev. Thomas C. Henry, D. D. for the same Pro- Dr. R. Muldrow, of Salem, his 2d and 3d instalments Mr. Benjamin Pendergrass, of do. $100 00 10 00 165 00 Mr. Samuel S. Montgomery, of do. 5 00 145 00 And Mrs. Hester M'Fadden's subscription to the Camden and Salem 100 00 500 00 Of Mrs. Mary Smelt, per Rev. William Moderwell, the last instalment, in full for the endowment of the Augusta Scholarship Of Rev. James Williamson, per Mr. M'Runglet Williamson, collected by the "Education Society of Silver Spring, Pennsylvania," for the Senior Class of 1820 Scholarship 20 00 Total $1530 00 Diew of Publick Affairs. EUROPE. GREAT BRITAIN.-The latest accounts from Britain are of the date of the 17th Jan They were brought to New York by the Romney ship of war, in which came passengers five British commissioners; who, we understand, are to proceed northward by fand, to co-operate in the enterprise in which Captain Parry is embarked, for the discovery of a north-west passage to the Pacific ocean. Captain Franklin, who was at the head of a former expedition, and who we had understood was to conduct the one now on foot, did not arrive in the Romney. This vessel, as soon as the commissioners were landed, proceeded directly to Bermuda-we presume with a view to join and co-operate with the frigate Egeria, in company with which she left Plymouth, and on board of which were commissioners for Colombia and Mexico. In mentioning the second prorogation of the British parliament, in our January number, we hinted a suspicion that Mr. Canning and his colleagues were not willing to meet parliament without having acknowledged the independence of the South American States, or taken decisive measures for that purpose. Whether this were the |