The United Brethren's missionary intelligencer, and religious miscellany

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THE

UNITED BRETHREN’S

MISSIONARY INTELLIGENCER,

AND

Beltglotts iHIfucllanj? ;

CONTAINING THE MOST RECENT ACCOUNTS RELATING TO THE UNITED BRETHREN’S
MISSIONS AMONG THE HEATHEN ; WITH OTHER INTERESTING COM-
MUNICATIONS FROM THE RECORDS OF THAT CHURCH.

No. 10.] SECOND QUARTER, 1836. [Vol. Y.

(Translated from the French for the Missionary Intelligencer.)

I. A VISIT TO THE NORTH OF FRANCE IN THE AUTUMN OF 1833, BY
BROTHER JEAN MENTHA.

Being requested by the Elders’ Conference of the Brethren’s
Unity to visit our friends dispersed through the north of France,
I complied with their wish, relying upon Him who has said, “ My
grace is sufficient for thee ; for my strength is made perfect in
weakness.” I left Zeist, in Holland, October 7th, and arrived in
a few hours at Rotterdam, from whence I set out the next morn-
ing for Dunkirk. The passage was short, and on the 9th I found
myself on French soil.

Before entering upon the details of my journey, it would per-
haps be to the purpose, to insert some general observations upon
the state of religion in those countries through which I passed.
As it is impossible for the traveller himself, in so rapid a tour, to
collect sufficient data upon this subject, I had recourse to some
friends in order to obtain the most correct information. There
are in the north of France (as throughout nearly the whole of that
country) a multitude of Catholics, kept in bondage to superstition
and error, without the means of arriving at a knowledge of the
truth ; entire masses of people without religion, living in the most
open impiety, and “ without God and without hope in the world.”
Nevertheless, agreeably to what has been communicated to me,
and what I myself have observed, there is a religious movement
beginning to appear in these parts. It is slow, but it seems genu-
ine, and is calculated to rejoice those who love the advancement
of the Saviour’s kingdom. This movement is more or less per-
ceptible in certain districts, but the want of something better is
very generally felt. More than 360,000 copies of the Bible have
been distributed throughout France during the last three years,
of which a very large number were disseminated among the Ca-
tholics of the north. You may openly speak of the Gospel, and
in many places collect numerous auditories. In comparison with
the dense population of this country, the number of persons con-
verted to the Gospel, is as yet very small.

I return to my journal. Before I take leave of Dunkirk, I will
Vol. V.— 55

434

A VISIT TO THE NORTH OF FRANCE.

relate part of a conversation which I had with a captain of the
navy, whose profane language induced me to address a few serious
words to him on the state of his soul. This unhappy man, like
many others, replied, “ I cannot believe in the existence of a
Being, whom you call good, if he could create men in order to
render them so wretched afterward.” “ It is sin,” said I, “ which
causes the unhappiness of mankind: God can only desire the
well-being of his creatures, and in token of his love he sent his
Son into the world to save sinners. The word of God conducts
us to Christ, the fountain of salvation. If we despise Jesus and
his word, we have nothing to expect but eternal condemnation!”
“I do not fear death,” he replied, “for all ends with life; four
times did I suffer shipwreck, and four times was I destined to
be saved alive. Were it not for my family, I would not hesi-
tate to destroy myself.”

The immoral conversations which I overheard in various places,
served to confirm my opinion of the extreme demoralization which
1 had noticed when I first set foot upon French soil. My heart
sickened with sorrow. Without being determined upon any defi-
nite plan for my journey, the Lord directed my steps to L., where
I became acquainted with two clergymen converted to the Gospel,
and some other children of God. Recently settled in this city,
and united in heart and sentiment, these two friends labor hand
in hand for the propagation of the Gospel in this vast field, whither
their Master has sent them. Upon their arrival at L., they found
Protestantism paralyzed by the most reckless indifference, and
they sought to awaken both Protestants and Catholics by proclaim-
ing the vital doctrines of the Gospel, and preaching Christ cruci-
fied. Their zeal and their charity contributed to favor the aim
which they had in view. Prayer-meetings were soon held several
times a week, and the Lord deigned to bless the means used, to
the conversion of a number of souls.

Sunday, 13th of October, I assisted in the morning at a prayer
meeting composed of persons who profess to be converted. Spe-
cial blessings always rest upon such associations, when brotherly
love, joined to a genuine spirit of prayer, presides over them. I
afterward repaired to the Sunday school. The attendance was
thin, which must perhaps be attributed to the carelessness of
parents ignorant of the value of a religious education. I remarked
with pleasure the attention paid on the part of the pupils, some
of whom replied in a gratifying manner. School being over, there
was a very edifying sermon on Isaiah i. 18. The auditory was
composed of persons of all ranks ; and among the rest, there were
many Catholics present. Another sermon was delivered in the
afternoon.

For the last ten years, the department of the north, and more
particularly the neighborhood of L., has been successively visited
bv various Missionaries of the Continental Society. By hearing
the Gospel, many persons belonging to the two predominant con-
fessions, have been awakened from the sleep of death ; and almost

A VISIT TO THE NORTH OF FRANCE. 435

insensibly little churches have been formed in eleven different
communes. I accompanied Mr. M., one of the above pastors of
L., in several visits to these churches, and had the pleasure of
becoming acquainted with many very interesting Brethren. D., a
mason by trade, is a living testimony to the power of the Gospel.
Converted to the truth by the preaching which he had heard, he
sought at first the society of Protestants, hoping to find in them
brethren and friends in Christ. His surprise was the greater,
when he met with a direct opposition on their part to the precepts
of the Gospel, which he professed and sincerely believed. Though
still weak in his own Christian experience, he did not. suffer him-
self to be either intimidated or discouraged, and assisted by grace,
he became, in the hands of God, an instrument for the awakening
of many among them. Possessed of a good judgment and natural
talents, he was soon after his conversion employed as a colporteur ,
and acquitted himself faithfully of the commission.

The following anecdotes may perhaps not be entirely devoid of
interest. During the reign of Charles X., it was necessary in
order to sell the holy Scriptures, to be provided with a permit
from the prefect. With the intention of obtaining such a permit,
D. repaired to L., and presented himself at the prefect’s* office,
where he w'as overwhelmed with abuse and raillery by those there
employed, but to which he made no reply. Once in possession
of what he wanted, he began to plead the cause of religion with
so much warmth, and the Lord enabled him to carry conviction
to their minds with so much force, that he not only stopped the
mouths of the scoffers, but inspired them with such a respect for
the word of God, that before leaving the office he sold them several
Bibles. On another occasion, D. entered the house of a professor,
who had several scholars with him. The colporteur offered his
merchandise, and the doctor, by a learned dissertation on religion
and the doubts raised against the divine authority of the Bible,
tried to intimidate the bookseller; he was, however, far from at-
taining his point, for D., by convincing arguments in favor of the
Gospel, persuaded the pupils, who purchased some Bibles, and
afterward made their master believe that the bookseller was a
learned counsellor.

A poor Catholic, curious to know what took place in the meet-
ings of Christians, for this purpose, under cover of the night, ap-
proached the window of the place of assembly ; the things he
there heard struck him forcibly ; he repeated his stratagem ; his
neighbors and family perceived it, and ridiculed him ; but all their
mockery only served to deepen his conviction of the truth. He
could no longer resist the desire which he felt; he stole secretly
into the place of assembly, and posted himself behind a stove that
he might be the less noticed. In an humble posture he listened to
the simple reflections, which D. was making upon sin and its fatal
consequences, and upon the glorious redemption which Jesus
came to work out for them that believe. The truth penetrated his
soul. He imagined that all was intended for him, and he could

436

A VISIT TO THE NORTH OF FRANCE.

not conceive who should have been able to report to the speaker
all the minutest particulars of his sinful life. Sorrow and confu-
sion seized upon him to such a degree, that when the meeting
broke up, he was at first unable to utter a single word. The grace
of God had opened his heart, like that of Lydia, and he was brought
to submit to the Redeemer’s easy yoke.

On the 17th, I accompanied the pastor M. to R., one of the most
busy manufacturing towns of France. It was near eight o’clock
in the evening when we set out from T., still distant about a league
from the former place. The night was dark, the weather rainy,
and the road very bad ; but guided by a man and his two sons, we
soon reached R., where some fifteen persons were awaiting our
arrival. The pastor gave a short exhortation, and I was requested
to engage in prayer. Having spent but a few moments in the
midst of these laborers, (for they are all laborers that work in the
factories, and still belong to the Catholic Church,) I could not
judge of their religious state. All that I have been able to disco-
ver concerning them is, that they manifest a disposition favorable
to the Gospel. On the way, the guide gave me some account of
his conversion and past life. “I was chorister in the Catholic
Church, a zealous and bigoted Papist, when God, of his mercy, led
me to hear an evangelical sermon. From that time I was no
longer at rest. Separation from the Catholic Church became an
urgent duty, but it attracted so much the more notice, because the
priests made every effort to bring me back, as a stray sheep, to
the fold ; yet all in vain. From this moment the Lord permitted
me to serve him, although in great weakness, yet it is not the less
a mercy.”

Notwithstanding these and other encouraging facts which I
might multiply, it would be a mistake to conclude, that an evange-
lical ministry meets with neither difficulty nor opposition. Here,
as every where else, the enemy only yields inch by inch the ground
which he has had in his possession, and wherever the Gospel is
faithfully preached, it is a stumbling-block to some, and foolish-
ness to others, and to a very small number only it is the power of
God unto salvation. In the neighborhood of the factories particu-
larly, the Gospel encounters violent opposition. Full of gratitude
toward the Saviour, who had permitted me to behold several
monuments of his love and mercy, I left L. for A.

On the 20th, I set out for H., a village at a short distance from
that city, where there are sixty or eighty Protestants, several of
whom have been lately awakened from their sleep of death by the
preaching of the Gospel. I spent two days among them, and was
enabled to encourage them in following the footsteps of our com-
mon Redeemer. Accompanied by one of these dear brethren, I
started for A., and there paid several visits to persons who
were well disposed toward the truth. This city and the whole
department would offer a vast field for labor. There are in many
villages some hundreds of Protestants whose spiritual condition
is indeed deplorable.

A VISIT TO THE NORTH OF FRANCE.

437

On the 22d, I arrived at Amiens, a city which, to this day, seems
to offer no religious interest ; but which on the contrary, by its im-
posing and superb cathedral, serves as a bulwark for those who
hold truth in captivity ; but I hope the day will soon come when
the trumpet of the Gospel will be heard within its walls, and will
cause the intrenchments of the enemy to fall to the ground. On
the 28th, I arrived at V., where I passed several days in the Chris-
tian society of the pastors C. and T., from whom I received the most
affecting marks of brotherly love. I took advantage of my stay
to visit a goodly number of Protestant families of the neighbor-
ing churches, and I had much cause for rejoicing at the work
which the Saviour has commenced in the hearts of many of their
members. One general observation I made, that wherever there
are Protestants, the Catholics are difficult of access ; whilst in those
places inhabited exclusively by the latter, there is, in a considerable
number of instances, great eagerness to hear the Gospel.

On the 31st pastor T. and myself set out for C., (a town of the
department de 1’Oise,) ten leagues from A. It was All Saints’ Day,
which is still observed as a great festival. We passed through
several villages without scarcely meeting a single individual, the
inhabitants being at church, which prevented our distributing as
many tracts as we could have wished. Shivering with cold, and
worn out with fatigue, we reached the town toward evening, in a
storm of rain. Unfavorable weather having prevented me from visit-
ing the Catholic villages of the neighborhood, I was obliged to
confine myself to the Protestants of C., among whom I became
acquainted with some very interesting Brethren. It is in this town
that about three years ago Mr. T. fixed his head-quarters ; and
from hence he makes his Missionary excursions into the numerous
villages round about, where many persons seem well disposed
toward the Gospel. Upon the whole, his efforts have been pecu-
liarly blessed in latter years, especially among the Catholics,
several of whom have been savingly awakened. He has preached
in more than forty different places, without the priests having been
able to offer the least hindrance. At no time, perhaps, have the
Catholics shown so mt^ph of a disposition to hear the Gospel ; an
actual hunger and thirst after the word of life seems more and
more manifest among them.

The private visits which I paid in Christian families, have con-
vinced me that wherever the Gospel is heard and believed, it ex-
ercises a beneficial influence upon ail those that embrace it. The
moral condition of a very great number of the inhabitants of the
departments of the Somme and Oise, (or Picardy,) and particularly
around C., is most deplorable. But a great door is opened for the
Gospel, though as yet there are few converted souls. In order to
explain more fully the nature of the mission in these counties, I
must add to the very imperfect details which I have given, the
observations which a reverend friend of mine has permitted me
to extract from his journal.

438

A VISIT TO THE NORTH OF FRANCE.

“ Journal of 1 7th March , 1833.

“Although feeble and suffering, and the season rainy, I thought
it my duty to go to V., a village situated three short leagues to the
north-west of C., according to a promise which I had made some days
previous. I mounted a horse, accompanied by my friend Jacob.
He is a man whom not long ago you had to look for in taverns,
in the midst of revels and battles, in which he performed a con-
spicuous part. The extreme roughness of his character rendered
him the scourge of his wife. Since his conversion he is as remark-
able for his mildness, energy, and perseverance in doing all the
good in his power. Frequently after laboring the whole day, he
comes at evening to accompany me in my preaching excursions
to the neighboring villages. On Sunday, if the weather will at all
permit, he goes out alone, or accompanied by a friend, in order to
distribute religious tracts, and to make known the Gospel in the
country. If I want a travelling companion, he is always ready.
His frank, sincere, and energetic manner, contributes not a little
to divert my mind from the difficulties of the journey. Behold us,
then, on our way, clambering up the hills and descending into the
valleys that lie between C. and the villies to which we are bound.
We at length reach V. It is a large village, situated on a little
hill at the extremity of a plain. You can form no idea of the de-
graded condition, and the absence of all thoughts of religion, which
characterizes its inhabitants. Arrived, — some one forthwith an-
nounces my coming. The service commences, and the house is
filled with a numerous assembly. Frequently I perceive great
attention, and sometimes emotion in the countenances of many. A
stranger, a young female, particularly attracted my attention ; she
listened with interest and intelligence, and was too much affected
to weep. At the close of the service, when I distributed the
tracts, she approached me in order to request one, and I gave her,
Rose, or the last Night. I felt myself moved to pray for her with
fervor. May this female, whom I may probably never meet again
in this world, be brought captive under the yoke of Christ. A
poor man approached me, telling me, that had some time since
had an intention of procuring a Bible, if I would but sell him one :
every one told me that he was the poorest man in the place, and
that he meant to sell a piece of furniture to pay for it. He now
has a Bible. Another incident attracted general attention. An
old man of seventy-five, who has travelled a good deal, and who
has spent several years of his life in a convent, arose and said:

*■ Who will join me in organizing a church ? let him say so ! I offer
myself as reader to the little assembly.’ He too has a Bible, and
there are now five in the village. I have sent him various reli-
gious works, and given him the necessary directions on the man-
ner of worship.

“ From thence I set out for B., a large village a quarter of a league
from V. In this town there were at one time ten Protestant
families, who, driven about by the wind of impiety and worldliness,

A VISIT TO THE NORTH OF FRANCE.

439

became Catholics, or rather nothingarians. There is but one
female who is still attached to the Protestant faith ; and she has
lived from her infancy without a Bible, and without any religious
privileges. The only minister she ever heard is myself, and that
but once. Jacob upon our arrival sought out some acquaintances,
to inform them that there would be preaching. During this time,
I was in a corner of the house, plunged into the deepest dejection
of spirits. In the yard, some shameless young persons conducted in
the most indecent manner. I retired to the garden in the rain, but
I felt as though I could not pray. Jacob returned, many persons
collected, and I determined to begin the service. Whilst I was
thus occupied in preaching the Gospel to those who had assem-
bled, a multitude of people arrived with the authorities of that and
a neighboring village at their head. They came up in a laughing,
trifling manner, and, as they said, to rest themselves. When I
perceived this disposition, I stopped, and with calmness and author-
ity, invited them to be seated. Surprised, they obeyed ; perfect
silence reigned, and they all listened with the greatest attention.
When I had finished, several exclaimed, ‘ It was well ; I shall come
here again ! ’ I distributed religious tracts, and saw with pleasure
that nearly all could read. It was the first time I preached in
that village. Praising God in my heart, I mounted my horse to
return to C. About half way, in the midst of a wood, Jacob and
myself stopped to eat a little bread and meat, which he had carried
in a handkerchief. The rain which began to fall served us as
drink, to aid the digestion of our frugal repast. But soon torrents
descended from the black clouds over our heads. The darkness
of the night, together with that of the storm, was so dense that I
could scarcely see my horse’s head. At length, thanks to Divine
mercy, we arrived, though well soaked, at home, without having
met with a single accident.”

Having collected the information necessary to direct me in con-
tinuing my journey, I took leave of the pastor T., and accompa-
nied by some Brethren, set out for T. and St. M., villages situated
at a short distance from G. Three families in these two villages
were the first fruits of a religious revival in these districts. I
spent some days amongst them, and had cause to rejoice at the
profession they made, and which they honored by a conduct con-
formable to the Gospel. On leaving them, these friends accompa-
nied me part of the way. We clambered up the steep acclivity
of a hill, from the top of which you enjoy a lovely prospect of a
valley bordered with majestic trees, whose color betokened the fall-
ing of the leaf. Before us arose a crucifix, which seemed to recall
to our minds the subject upon which we had just conversed. “ If
we always had before the eye of faith,” said I, “ that standard
which is in sight, we should be enabled with the same joy we feel
at the present moment, to traverse the arid deserts of this world,
and to cross the tempestuous ocean of mortality.” Thus the Lord
prepared for me, in a country altogether Catholic, a time of re-
freshing in the midst of his children. I continued my route, dis-
tributing religious tracts to almost every individual I met. Passing

440

A VISIT TO THE NORTH OF FRANCE.

by P., I went to F., a village situated three leagues south-west from
A. It is quite a new field, but one that promises a happy result. A
revival has already commenced among the Catholics, and many
are truly converted to the Gospel. In order to illustrate the char-
acter of this revival, I will insert a few facts relative to the life
and conversion of the Garde Champetre of this place, who was
the first that was brought to the knowledge of the truth, by read-
ing the Bible and tracts. Serving as a soldier under Napoleon,
he was wounded at the battle of Waterloo, and was left lying on
the field of carnage. Under circumstances apparently so critical,
he felt the first drawings of Divine grace, yet without comprehend-
ing them at that time. Being without resources, after recovering
from his wound, which deprived him of the use of an arm, and not
knowing whither to turn his steps, he was providentially led into
Picardy, where he had no intention of settling. Necessity, never-
theless, obliged him to accept of the first situation that offered —
that of garde champetre. About four years since, a colporteur
passing through F., left there some tracts and a few copies of St.
Matthew’s Gospel. These works fell into the hands of D., (the
name of the Garde Champetre,) who read them with avidity. This
course of reading awakened in him a desire of possessing the
whole Bible. He obtained one from Paris, and read it over and
over again, but he did not find what he expected, for the obvious
reason, as he now says himself, because it was still a sealed book
to him. Discouraged and desponding, he neglected the perusal
of it, and sought peace and consolation in the Romish Church.
In his proselyting zeal, he tried to stir up his associates to more
ardor for the Church and its worship. When the great jubilee
was celebrated, D., encouraged by the priests, went from house to
house, soliciting the Catholics to go to confession. He went there
himself, but when he arrived at the parsonage, he only found the
maid servant of the curate, who said to him, “What! do you
come to confession ? Do you not know, that it is only to God
we must confess our sins, as he alone can pardon them ? Read
the Bible, and it will teach you these things.” In the mean time
the curate arrived. Thunderstruck at the last words of the ser-
vant, D. stood immoveable, stupified with shame and amazement.
The priest called him; his agitation increased, and he was unable
to speak. The confessor perceiving his embarrassment without
knowing the cause, encouraged, and after having conferred abso-
lution, dismissed him. His conscience was troubled. In this
state of mind he again took up his Bible, and now every word,
every line, shed a ray of light upon his soul, and he soon tasted
the comforts of the doctrine of salvation through Christ. Since
this occurrence, D. has left the Romish Church, and by the grace
of God, has become the instrument for awakening many in his vil-
lage, but also an object of hatred to the enemies of the Gospel. A
little church, consisting of from six to eight persons, has been
formed at F., and D., as being the most advanced, conducts their
worship.

I insert an extract from a letter addressed by D. to a pastor.

A VISIT TO THE NORTH OF FRANCE.

441

“ October , 1833.

“Reverend and Dear Brother, — The enemies of Jesus
Christ, disconcerted by the success of your preaching in this
commune , are now bestirring themselves, and making use of every
expedient to throw suspicion and contempt on the authority of
the Gospel and of its ministers. By their discourses and their
writings, they seek to stagger those who had taken some interest
in the preaching of the good word of God. Should they succeed
in leading some astray, we at least have the consolation of know-
ing that they cannot turn all, and the success which they seem to
obtain will only be temporary ; for God can easily remove all the
obstacles which oppose themselves to the advancement of his
kingdom. I am menaced with persecution. They threaten to de-
prive me of my place, and to prevent me from selling Bibles, and
from speaking of the Reformed religion. I replied with firmness,
that I was prepared for every thing the Lord might be pleased to
send ; that I knew in whom I had believed, and in whom I placed
all my confidence, and that, as to my office, I attached but a se-
condary importance to it ; that it had pleased God in his bounty
to give it me; and that should it be his will to take it from me, I
would still praise him and be thankful; yea, I would remain faithful
to him, for he is faithful, and will not forsake those that put their
trust in him. I ended with saying, that the enemies of Jesus and
of his Gospel might perhaps deprive me of my situation, but they
could never prevent me from making known the great compassion
of Christ toward poor sinners, and in particular toward me.
Your stay among us has been blessed by God ; let us pray that he
would strengthen us by his Holy Spirit. I, for one, have special
need to be strengthened ; I am very weak. Pray for me, that my
faith fail not. (Signed)

D.”

Many whom I had occasion to see at F., seemed to be well dis-
posed toward the Gospel, and testified their thankfulness for my
visit. The enemy is doing all in his power to oppose the work
of grace ; but here, as every where else, he will find himself dis-
appointed. In a village not far from F., I was invited to hold a
meeting. There were but a few persons who had manifested a
desire to hear me. But I had scarcely commenced, when a crowd
of workmen passing by entered the house where I was speaking.
They listened to me in the most profound silence, and with deep
interest. The meeting being over, I distributed all the tracts
which I had, to those who appeared most desirous of obtaining
them. Several said, “If there were such preaching in our
churches, we would go every Sunday ; but the masses which they
chant, we cannot comprehend.” I paid several private visits ;
and among the rest to a young teacher, who had been deposed on
account of having manifested some religious sentiments, and intro-
duced the New Testament into his school.

Vol. V.— 56

442

A VISIT TO THE NORTH OF FRANCE.

After an affectionate leave of my friends at F., I was accompa-
nied by D. till within sight of V. His zeal for the propagation
of the Gospel, his knowledge of Scripture, and above all, his love
for the Saviour, affected me deeply. I then visited four villages
in succession, inhabited by a number of Protestants. I remarked
with pleasure, that among the young persons of this confession,
there was an evident desire manifested for the truth ; some, being
convinced that they acted in opposition to the law of God in fre-
quenting worldly amusements, had renounced them, and seemed to
be engaged more than heretofore in the great business of salva-
tion. The elder Protestants content themselves more generally
with the externals of worship ; and are willing to believe that they
have done enough, when they have attended the services of the
sabbath. I nevertheless cherish the hope, that the Saviour will
deign to awaken this church from its sleep of death, and to vivify
it by the truth of his Holy Spirit. One of the greatest inconve-
niences of the Protestants, scattered among the Catholic villages,
is, that they have no other opportunity for the instruction of their
children, than the Catholic schools, which, in the country particu-
larly, are generally very indifferent.

Arrived at the close of my journey, it only remains for me to
record the praises of our dear Saviour, for the gracious assistance
and protection, which he has deigned to grant during this pilgrim-
age, and for the signal proofs of his mercy toward me, his unworthy
servant.

In my rapid passage through Belgium, I was unable to learn
any thing satisfactory as to the religious state of this country.
Indisposed from a severe cold, and fatigued by travelling, I com-
plied with the invitation of a friend at Elberfeld, and spent ten
days there, which were marked by the most touching tokens of
brotherly affection. I profited by this opportunity to visit the
religious establishments of the beautiful and interesting vale, call-
ed Wupperthal. This stay, while contributing to my restoration
to health, also served to strengthen me so much in the inner man,
that with a heart overflowing with gratitude, I once more set out
for Zeyst, where I arrived in safety and comfort, on the 19th of
December, 1833.

Note. — Toward the support of this important Mission, several individuals in the
city of New-York contribute annually, which is most gratefully acknowledged.
Donations to this object will be thankfully received and faithfully applied, by Mr.
Jacob Bininger, No. 141 Broadway, and by the Editor, No. 14 Dutch-street.— [Ed.
Miss. Intel.]

MEMOIR OF JOHN CONRAD KLEINSCHMIDT.

443

[From the “ Periodical Accounts,” &c.J

II. MEMOIR OF THE LIFE OF BROTHER JOHN CONRAD KLEIN-
SCHMIDT, LATE MISSIONARY IN GREENLAND.

(Concluded from page 391.)

“ Having at length arrived at the place appointed for me by my
Lord and Master, I felt like the sparrow which had found a
house, even the altars of the Lord of Hosts. At the same time, I
must confess, that the first appearance of this gloomy and desert
coast was frightful beyond all my previous conceptions. I thought,
‘Is it possible that I can live happily in such a country ? * I was
soon, however, convinced that this was possible ; yea, I must
acknowledge that the experience of my Saviour’s love made this
wilderness to me like the Garden of Eden ; so that I not unfre-
quently was led to think that no spot on the surface of the whole
earth had more attractions than my beloved Greenland. When I
considered that even this dreary land, and its poor inhabitants,
were not accounted too mean by the Lamb of God for the erec-
tion among them of the banner of his cross, all doubts and fears
vanished, and I felt myself thoroughly at home. The Lord was
pleased to bless my endeavors to acquire the uncouth language of
the Greenlanders, and before the close of the second year, I was
able to proclaim the love of Jesus to sinners, although with stam-
mering lips. In later years, I was frequently humbled by the
thought, that my discourses to the Greenlanders were attended
with less evident unction than in the earliest period of my minis-
try. At this season my whole mind was devoted to the study of
the language ; and to accelerate the acquisition of it, I was in the
habit of rising at half-past three o’clock in the morning. In my
hours of solitude, I delighted to sing Greenland hymns, and during
the first years of my abode in this country I composed and trans-
lated many verses, which, twenty years after, were introduced
into the collection printed for the use of our native congrega-
tions.

“ I have also to record, with gratitude to my heavenly Father,
many remarkable preservations of my life experienced during the
early period of my service. On one occasion, having gone out
to sea in company with one of my brethren, we were suddenly
surrounded by drift ice, and were in the greatest danger of being
crushed to pieces by the masses closing in upon us. Our lives
appeared for a time suspended, as it were, by a single thread, and
though we at length effected our escape to a small island, we were
detained there four weeks by the ice, which blocked it up on every
side, and had to suffer severely from want of proper food. When
our distress had nearly risen to its height, the ice began to sepa-
rate, and we succeeded in reaching the main land. We had still,
however, to spend a day and a night in climbing over steep and
rugged rocks before we could reach home. On another occasion,
having landed with my rowers upon an island, our boat was sud-

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MEMOIR OF

denly torn from its moorings, and carried out to sea by a gust of
wind. This accident occurring in a district which was seldom
visited, we must all have perished miserably upon this desert
shore, had we not providentially descried a Greenlander paddling
along in his kayak at a great distance. This man having observed
our signals of distress, hastened toward us, and having rescued
our boat from the imminent danger of being dashed to pieces
against the rocks, brought it to us. Another time, having been
occupied the whole day with cleaving wood on the shore of
the Fiorde, or bay, on leaving my position in the evening, I
observed that a large block of stone, which had been loosened
by the rain, had rolled down upon the place where I had been
standing, and scattered a portion of the fagots which I had pre-
pared.

“To the praise of my Saviour I am indeed constrained to de-
clare that the proofs of his mercy and faithfulness, which I con-
tinually experienced in the discharge both of my spiritual and
temporal duties, were alike unnumbered and unmerited ; and that
he has frequently sent me help, under circumstances of trial and
difficulty, peculiar to the missionary service in Greenland, at the
very moment when the aid and counsel of man appeared utterly
to fail. Of his power and willingness to deliver me, I have never
for a moment doubted ; but my own evil and inconstant heart
often impeded the operations of his grace, and occasioned me no
small distress.

“ In the year 1800, I was joined in marriage to Sister Anna
Maria Hammeleff. Our covenant and our conviction on this
important occasion were those expressed in the concluding lines
of a well known Lutheran hymn : —

‘ I ’ll cleave to Christ, my Saviour,

No object, small or great,

Nor height nor depth shall ever
Me from him separate.’

“My service at New-Herrnhut lasted thirteen years, and during
the greater portion of this period it was my lot to sow in tears.
For some time previous to my arrival, the Missionaries at that
station had been deeply concerned at the lukewarmness of the
majority of their congregation, and had been excited to fervent
prayer for a renewed visitation of grace. This the Lord was
pleased to vouchsafe in his own time; and in the joy and thank-
fulness hereby occasioned I was permitted to participate. In the
year 1806, we received a call to Lichtenfels, and removed thither
with our three children, all of whom are now living, and have the
favor to be employed in the Lord’s house ; our two daughters*
in the service of the Missions in Greenland and Jamaica, and our
son in that of a congregation in Germany. Two children who
were afterward born to us, it pleased our Saviour to take early to
himself. Our new situation was one of much trial and difficulty,
especially between the years 1807 and 1813, owing to the inter-

* The wives of the Brethren Ihrer and Renkewitz.

JOHN CONRAD KLEINSCHMIDT.

445

ruption of all intercourse between Copenhagen and Greenland.
How often during that period did our hearts bleed, when we saw
ourselves compelled to deal out morsels of bread to our poor
children so sparingly that their hunger remained unsatisfied, being
unable to listen to their entreaties even for a few additional
crumbs, owing to the extreme want to which we were exposed.
We ourselves were often obliged to eat fish three times a day;
indeed if the Lord had not been pleased to send unexpected relief
at the time when the prevailing famine had reached its height, our
health, to all human appearance, must have been irrecoverably
ruined. At the close of the labors of the day, I felt often so tired
and devoid of strength that I could scarcely stand upon my feet:
sleep also deserted me, and instead of rest and refreshment during
the night season, I was harassed by aching pains in all my limbs.

“ Scarcely was this season of trial passed, our wants having
been relieved by the arrival of a Danish vessel, when it pleased
our Saviour to take home to himself my dear wife, by means of
an illness of six weeks’ duration. This stroke was almost more
than I could bear, for it left me a solitary widower with five young
children; yet the Lord did not forsake me, even in this extremity.
He heard the prayers which I offered up in the bitterness of my
soul, at the grave of my departed wife, and, together with resig-
nation to his holy will, granted me the comfort and support which
I needed.

“Having received permission to pay a visit to Europe, I set
out from Lichtenfels on the 35th of September, with my four
children, and the widow Sister Walther. The season being very
far advanced, our voyage proved both difficult and dangerous. On
the 20th, when we were off the promontory of Staatenhuk, a
place which afterward became so dear to me, we were overtaken
by a violent gale, accompanied by a thunder-storm. The lightning
struck our vessel, and threw down two sailors, one of whom was
killed upon the spot, but the other afterward recovered. The
scene of this catastrophe was immediately above the chamber in
which we were with our children. In the first moment of terror,
the captain exclaimed, ‘We are all lost ! ’ Under these awful
circumstances we were graciously supported ; an indescribable
feeling of the peace of God pervaded our hearts, and with cheerful
voices we united in singing a verse treating of our departure to
the Lord. Expecting, as we did, that every moment would be
our last, our surprise and thankfulness may be imagined, when
the captain shortly after came to tell us that the ship had sustained
no injury. Often have I since thought, O that it would please
the Lord to vouchsafe to me, at the close of my pilgrimage, a de-
gree of holy confidence and exultation, similar to that which I
then experienced ! Our subsequent voyage was marked by
continued tempests, and it was not till the 11th of November that
we cast anchor in Leith roads. During our sojourn of four weeks
at Leith, we enjoyed the most disinterested kindness and atten-
tion from many friends of the Redeemer in that place, and in
Edinburgh. These were especially called forth on occasion of

446

MEMOIR OF

the unexpected departure of my youngest daughter, which occurred
shortly after our arrival. Germany being at this time the scene
of extended military operations, I was directed not to attempt
to visit Saxony, but to spend the winter at our settlement of
Fulnec, in Yorkshire. Thither I accordingly travelled with my
surviving children, and was favored to enjoy a blessed season of
rest and spiritual refreshment. My brother Henry, in whose so-
ciety I had the pleasure of spending a few weeks, took with him
my two daughters, on his return to Gracefield, in Ireland, of which
congregation he was minister; my son remaining at Fulnec, for
education.

“In the month of April, 1813, I returned to Edinburgh, where
I was joined in holy matrimony, on the 3d of May, to Sister
Christina Petersen, of Christiansfeld, who had meanwhile arrived
there. During our abode of three weeks in the Scottish capital
we were introduced to many Christian friends, with whom we
had much conversation on the subject of the Brethren’s Missions.
We felt ourselves truly united in spirit with these dear children of
God and servants of Jesus Christ, and formed an intimate
friendship with several of their number, which has subsisted to
this day, and I am persuaded will be renewed before the throne of
the Lamb. I cannot reflect without humble thankfulness to God
on the important benefits which have resulted to our Missionary
cause, from the opportunities of making it better known, which
he was pleased in his gracious providence to afford to us.

“After taking an affectionate leave of our esteemed friends, we
set sail from Leith on the 24th of May, in a Danish vessel, bound
to North-Greenland, the captain of which had however been in-
duced by our friends in Edinburgh and Leith to engage to land us
at New-Herrnhut, or Lichtenfels; for the performance of which
service a sufficient pecuniary consideration was secured to him.
Notwithstanding this agreement, he was cruel enough to carry us
on to Disco Island, whence we were under the necessity of pro-
ceeding southward to Lichtenau, in an open boat, a distance of
more than nine hundred English miles. The only compensation
made to us for this disappointment was the opportunity thereby
afforded us of visiting our brethren and sisters at New-Herrnhut
and Lichtenfels, not to mention the privilege we enjoyed of scat-
tering the seed of the Gospel among the heathen inhabitants of
many a dreary island, and erecting an Ebenezer at the base of
many a rugged cliff. On our arrival at Lichtenau, we found
various circumstances calculated to try our faith and patience ;
one of my first official employments was to converse with twenty-
four Greenlanders, who were excluded from the privileges of the
Church, and the feelings hereby excited were more painful than
I can describe. Of the many Heathen residing in the neighbor-
hood of this settlement, not a single individual had for several
years been added to the Church of Christ ; but a time of refresh-
ing from the presence of the Lord was nigh at hand. In the
course of the two following years above a hundred heathen Green-
landers removed to us, and these were soon followed by others —

JOHN CONRAD KLEINSCHMIDT.

447

a circumstance which produced the most beneficial effect on the
spiritual state of the congregation.

“In conducting the temporal concerns intrusted to my manage-
ment, I was favored to experience the gracious support of the
Lord. Being the youngest Missionary at each of the three older
stations which I was successively called to serve, a large share
of the outward labor, inseparable from the Missionary calling in
Greenland, fell to my lot. Thus, for above thirty years, I under-
took the gathering and preparing for use the bushwood which is
found on the shores of the neighboring fiordes, a laborious occu-
pation, which generally lasted from eight to fourteen days.
Whenever, as was not unfrequently the case, I felt this employ-
ment press somewhat severely on my weakly constitution, the
reflection on the meritorious toils of my Redeemer cheered and
sustained me. To the strict diet to which I accustomed myself,
and the regular exercise which I took, I am disposed to ascribe,
under Providence, the preservation of my health and strength
during my long period of service.

“ During my visit in England and Scotland, the subject of a
complete translation of the New Testament into the Greenland
language had been frequently under discussion, and shortly after
my return to Greenland, the execution of this work was intrusted
to me. I took it in hand in the autumn of 1817, and completed it
in the summer of the following year. O how thankful did I feel
to my Lord and Saviour, that he had counted me worthy of this
favor ! As soon as the translation had been revised by the most
competent among my fellow-laborers, with the aid of several ap-
proved native assistants, I twice went carefully through the whole,
and then made a fair copy for the printer, which was finished in
the spring of 1821.

“ Shortly after I received a commission from the Elders’ Con-
ference of the Unity to undertake an exploring voyage to Staaten-
huk, the southern extremity of Greenland ; the object of which, as it
is well known, was to ascertain what facilities there might exist
for the establishment of a fourth station. The project was, in the
first instance, considered impracticable by the Mission Confer-
ence, and I endeavored to feel resigned to the conclusion which
they had conscientiously formed. I could not, however, get the
subject out of my mind ; and at length, after the loss of two nights’
rest, went to our venerable Father Beck, and told him candidly
the state of my mind, declaring to him that I felt a strong impulse,
and an entire readiness to venture upon the voyage which had
been proposed to me, in the name of the Lord. Hereupon I re-
ceived, to my great joy, the full consent of my colleagues, having
been previously assured of that of my wife and children.

“ On the 3d of July, 1821, 1 set out from Lichtenau, on the very
day on which, a hundred years before, the venerable apostle of the
Greenlanders, Hans Egede, had first set foot on the shores of this
country. Having already published a circumstantial account of
this expedition, I beg to refer the reader of this memoir to it for
all particulars. On the 18th of July I returned to Lichtenau in

448

MEMOIR OF

safety, to the great joy of my dear family, who had not failed,
morning and evening, to commend me in an especial manner to
the gracious leading and protection of the Lord.

“ On the 18th of October, in the same year, (1821,) the centen-
ary jubilee of the establishment of the Danish Mission in Green-
land was solemnly celebrated, in conformity with the directions
of a royal ordinance. This festival proved to our congregations a
season of peculiar grace, and by myself it will be always held in
grateful remembrance, on account of the help so mercifully dis-
pensed to me by my Lord and Master. The idea of having to
address the assembled multitude on the important subject of the
day, filled me with so much anxiety, that I felt as if I would gladly
have declined the task imposed on me ; but when the time came,
the Lord was pleased to put words into my mouth, filling my
heart with so lively a sense of his presence, and granting me so
largely to enjoy the aid of his Holy Spirit, that I was enabled to
testify with freedom of the wondrous works which he had been
pleased to perform in behalf of the Greenland nation, and the
flocks committed to our charge.

“ Having been appointed to undertake the establishment of a
new Missionary station near Staatenhuk, I received permission, in
the year 1823, to pay a previous visit to Europe, taking with me,
for education, my three children born at Lichtenau. We arrived
at Kleinwelke, by way of Christiansfeld, in the autumn of that
year, and after paying successive and very agreeable visits at
Herrnhut and other settlements, set out on our return by way of
Neudietendorf, in the beginning of the year 1824. Here we spent
a few weeks very pleasantly with our two eldest daughters, and
likewise paid a visit to my birthplace, Oberdorla, where I had
the favor to address a word of encouragement to a small company
of awakened souls, in connection with the Church of the Brethren.
On our arrival at Copenhagen, on the 28th of February, we found
the framework of our intended mission-house in readiness, and on
the 12th of March embarked for Greenland. After a tedious
voyage of nine weeks, the captain found himself under the neces-
sity, owing to the accumulation of drift-ice, of proceeding to Ball’s
River, whence we reached New-Herrnhut in safety on the 14th
of May. Hence, after a short sojourn with our brethren and sis-
ters, we prosecuted our voyage of eight hundred miles to the
southward in a Greenland-women’s boat, taking Lichtenfels and
Lichtenau in our way. On the 27th of July we landed at Nark-
samio, (near Staatenhuk,) afterward called Fredericksthal, and
having sung a hymn, commended ourselves and the poor
Heathen to the mercy and faithfulness of the Shepherd of Israel.
Our company consisted of the Brethren Baus and de Fries, beside
my wife and myself. The objects around us were the sea, the
sky, and the land studded with bare and rugged cliffs. O how
did our hearts beat when we beheld the first three boats, filled
with heathen Greenlanders, approaching the shore ; we hastened
to meet and welcome them, and to assure them of our love. ‘ Are

JOHN CONRAD KLEIN SCHMIDT.

449

you indeed come ? * they joyfully exclaimed. ‘ O that is thank-
worthy ! *

“Hereupon we pitched the tent we had brought with us, and
disposed within it our few articles of furniture, in the best manner
we were able. On the 6th of August we proceeded to lay the
foundation of our sod hut, the dimensions of which were twenty-
eight feet square. The erection of this temporary dwelling occu-
pied us every day, often till late at night, and having at length
proceeded with it so far as to furnish one side with windows, we
entered it on the 17th of October, with feelings of devout thank-
fulness to our gracious Lord. Two-thirds of this building were
appropriated as a place of worship, which was solemnly opened
for this purpose on the 2d of November. That was indeed a day
which the Lord had made, and which will long be held in grateful
remembrance. As we did not receive the needful materials for
the completion of our European dwelling-house till the 6th of
September, 1825, we were obliged to spend two years in the sod-
hut above described, after passing the twelve weeks immediately
subsequent to our arrival at Narksamio in our tent, exposed to
much suffering from cold, rain, and tempest. The various trials
and hardships we had to endure during this long interval of two
years and a quarter are best known to our Lord and Master. It
was indeed nothing short of a miracle of mercy that our health
was preserved to us throughout this period of severe probation.
My wife, being of a delicate habit, was on one occasion so far re-
duced that she had to keep her bed, in a state of entire helplessness,
being unable to move a limb. Under these trying circumstances,
I fell on my knees at her bedside, and earnestly besought the
Lord to have compassion upon us, for his own sake, and that of
the work committed to us ; nor did he reject our prayer. The
following morning, to the astonishment of all, she was able to rise
from her bed and resume her household occupations. Our hut
being destitute of a wooden floor, it followed, as a natural conse-
quence, that we had to suffer excessively from the cold in winter,
and the damp in summer: our clothes, suspended against the
earthen walls, became mouldy, and not unfrequently worms and
maggots fell from the roof on our beds, or into the dishes upon our
table. According to human judgment, our situation appeared in-
supportable, but the Lord knew how to cheer and to sustain his
feeble servants in their extremity. The work of his grace, which
he was pleased to commence and carry on through our imperfect
instrumentality, made ample amends to us for all our difficulties
and privations. As early as the 19th of December I had the favor
to baptize forty heathen Greenlanders, who had received power to
Relieve in Him ; and before we quitted our sod-hut, not less than
one hundred and ninety-five had been admitted into his visible
Church by holy baptism.

“ Our entrance into the newly-built mission-house, on the 28th
of September, 1826, was followed by divers outward trials, arising
in part from the unreasonable importunity of the neighboring
traders, who were anxious for the dispersion of our Greenland
Vol. V.— 57

450

MEMOIR OF JOHN CONRAD KLEINSCHMIDT.

converts along the coast. Nevertheless, the Lord would not
permit his own work to be seriously interrupted.

“ Often during the course of my lengthened service has the
thought occurred to my mind, that the experience I was continu-
ally favored to make of the Saviour’s love and pardoning grace,
was doubtless intended to teach me how I should demean myself
in my intercourse with the Greenlanders. An humbling view of
his own evil heart, and of the heart of Jesus burning with love to
sinners, and a feeling of tender compassion for the manifold weak-
nesses and defects of the souls committed to his charge, is altoge-
ther indispensable to a Missionary among the Heathen, if he is not
to lose his courage and confidence. Following the example of
his divine Master, it must be his object, not to break the bruised
reed, but to raise and strengthen it.

“ I am not less bound to extol the providential care of my Lord
as displayed in the preservation of my health during my long
sojourn in Greenland. Having entered the fortieth year of my
Missionary service, I am enabled to declare, that I have never
experienced an attack of illness which lasted one entire day ; for,
though occasionally indisposed with a cold, or other slight ailment
when I retired to rest at night, I was always better in the morning.
Nor did it once happen, during the period of three years which
followed the establishment of Fredericksthal, and during which I
was required to hold all the public and private discourses, that a
single service had to be omitted on my account.

“ Ah ! gracious Saviour, thou knowest that however unworthy
to enter into thy service, I have been supported and cheered by
thee, and enabled to bear my part in the burden and heat of the
day ! Yet, O Lord God ! merciful and gracious, and abundant in
goodness and truth, enter not, I beseech thee, into judgment with
thy servant ; but, for the sake of thy precious blood, spare me, and
requite me not according to my deserts. I am a child of wrath ;
thou art the God of all grace; I am full of infirmity; thou only
canst and wilt help in every time of need. I deserve to be a cast-
away ; but thou, by thy all-sufficient sacrifice, hast atoned for my
transgressions, and purchased my acceptance with a just and holy
God.”

The family of our late brother add the following : —

“ We can testify with truth that the lengthened service of our
beloved father in the vineyard of the Lord in Greenland has been
accompanied by an abundant blessing from on high. His un-
feigned love to the Saviour, and to the souls committed to his
charge, and the faithfulness with which he employed the varied
gifts bestowed upon him, render his memory dear to his fellow-
servants, and to the Greenland nation. To the members of his
family he ever approved himself a sympathizing friend and judi-
cious counsellor.

“ Having played the organ at the evening worship of the con-
gregation on the 11th of December, 1832, he was taken suddenly
ill with an inflammatory cold, attended with symptoms of pleurisy.
The pain was gradually relieved by the application of suitable

MISSIONARY ACCOUNTS FROM SOUTH AFRICA.

451

remedies, but the attendant weakness appeared sensibly to in-
crease. From the commencement to the close of his illness he
retained the full possession of all his faculties, testifying that he
was entirely disengaged from all earthly ties, and resigned to
whatever might be his Lord’s will concerning him. It was truly
edifying to be near the beloved patient, and to hear his expres-
sions of praise and thankfulness to the Lord for all the proofs of
the goodness, grace, and faithfulness, vouchsafed to him during
his long pilgrimage ; and to receive his earnest and affectionate
exhortations to increasing diligence and fidelity in the service of
our gracious Master.

“ Early on the 21st, the farewell blessing was imparted to him
by his fellow-laborers, under a powerful sense of the presence
and peace of God our Saviour. The hour of his departure was,
however, not yet come: on the evening of the 22d, he was once
more favored to enjoy the holy communion, at the very time when
his beloved Greenland flock were likewise participating in this
heavenly repast. About three o’clock, the following morning,
the happy moment of his release arrived, and this faithful witness
of Jesus was permitted to enter into the joy of his Lord, in the
sixty-fifth year of his age, and the fortieth of his Missionary
labor.

“The discourse at his funeral was delivered from the following
[ext, which our late brother had himself selected for the purpose.

“‘Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this
grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the un-
searchable riches of Christ.’ Eph. iii. 8.”

[From the “ Periodical Accounts,” &c.]

III. SOUTH AFRICA.

I. EXTRACT FROM THE DIARY OF ENON, FOR THE YEAR 1833.

July. The wolves having committed many depredations among
the cattle belonging to our Hottentots, a party of our people set
out in pursuit of them : but though they saw a great many tracks,
they returned without meeting with any of these animals.

4th. Brother Halter returned from Algoa Bay and Uitenhage,
and brought letters and various publications from Germany and
England, which afforded us much delight. He also brought a
box, containing sundry articles of clothing, destined for the child-
ren and females of Enon and Shiloh ; and we take this oppor-
tunity of presenting our grateful acknowledgments to our unknown
English benefactors.

5th. We held a conference, at which the quarterly report of the
state of our congregation was made.

Ninety-nine communicants have been spoken with individually.
In many of them divine life is certainly manifest; but some ex-
hibit too little attention to the voice of the Holy Spirit. A

452

MISSIONARY ACCOUNTS

woman who had been readmitted to the privileges of the Church
said, “ When I first entered your church, I had eyes, but was
blind; ears, but understood nothing ; yet I have been educated
among you. Now, however, by the Lord’s mercy, I understand
all that is said, and can apply it to myself. I wish to become a
partaker of the holy communion ; but the Lord knows best what
is wanting in me, before I can receive that blessing.”

27th. Some of our number rode into the Johanna Kloof, where
there is a waterfall ; we found the land covered with an immense
number of locusts, which in flying make a noise like a drum. At
some distance there was a large herd of baboons, barking and
bellowing ; they eat the locusts, and remove large stones in search
of these and other insects.

August 13 tk. We celebrated this memorial-day of our Church
with blessing. In the afternoon we held a love-feast with our
communicants, and related to them what the Lord had done for
our spiritual forefathers, one hundred and six years ago, by the
consequences of which many thousands, both among Christians
and Heathen, had been brought to the knowledge of their Saviour.
Some Hottentots expressed their hopes that his work would in-
crease in this country ; and observed, that, though enemies existed,
they were not as bold as formerly. In the evening, we had a
blessed celebration of the Lord’s supper.

17th. A hundred and thirty children met to celebrate their fes-.
tival , they were all decently clothed, and their harmonious
singing of hymns was heard throughout the settlement.

22d. Elizabeth Yar departed this life ; she was very old, and
lived in a miserable hut ; but amidst all her affliction, possessed
the love of her Saviour in her heart.

We have lately had very cold weather, and even snow upon the
high mountains. The locusts have devoured almost all the grass ;
but now the locust-birds have made their appearance; they eat
the ‘locusts, leaving only the wings, with which the ground is
afterward covered.

Previous to the 7th of September, above a hundred of our peo-
ple came to speak with us ; forty of them came with their wives.
Their expressions of willingness to walk according to the word of
God, gave us much satisfaction. We encouraged them to train
up their children in the way in which they should go, to love each
other, and to approve themselves in all things as children of God.

September 1 Ith. The Rev. A. Smith, of Uitenhage, paid us a
friendly visit, and delivered an impressive discourse to our con-
gregation.

On Sunday, our neighbor, Mr. Scheeper , attended our morning
service, with eight of his family. From him part of our land was
purchased. Not many of our neighbors seem to be concerned for
their souls’ salvation.

16th. We had a special meeting of our Missionary family, at
which we covenanted anew to devote ourselves to the work of
the Lord ; confessing our faults and defects, and promising by his
grace to be more faithful and diligent in the charge committed to us.

FROM SOUTH AFRICA.

453

While the newspapers announce abundant rain in other districts,
we, who are five hundred English miles from the Cape, suffer from
continued and excessive drought. The water from the Zeekoegat
must be brought by hand into the ditch made for irrigation ; and
our people being unable to plant, their gardens look miserable.
Hitherto, however, the cattle have found sufficient provender.

October 2d. During the service, a very poisonous snake, called
Schaapstecker , was discovered under the benches.

In these days we spoke with all our new people, candidates for
baptism, and baptized ; in all sixty-eight persons. One said, “ I
cannot understand what our Saviour has done for me; I hear it,
and seem to believe, but forget it again.” In some, however, we
perceive true desire after divine grace, and of such several were
admitted to further privileges in the Church.

13th. Two young persons were baptized, and three received
into the congregation. They were commended to our Saviour in
fervent prayer.

Ninety of our communicants came to speak with us previous to
the holy communion. Many are much disturbed in their minds
by the loss they sustain by the present drought. We represented
to them, that it was no wonder that our heavenly Father withheld
his gifts, when they forgot to thank him for the many benefits they
enjoy, and to glorify him in word and deed. Several of them ex-
press themselves well on religious subjects ; but we wish to see
more of the life of God in their hearts.

November 2d. We were truly thankful for a plentiful rain,
which will render our grounds fruitful ; but the Witte Revier is
still without water. Our people expressed their gratitude for this
seasonable relief.

To-day tracks of a herd of elephants were found near the place.
Our people followed them, and a female elephant was killed. The
flesh was eaten, and the skin and bones sold for about three pounds
sterling.

16th. The atmosphere was like a furnace ; the heat again rose
to 111 degrees of Fahrenheit ; and on the 25th, with a north wind,
to 113 degrees. All the grass, plants, and the leaves on the trees
were burnt up.

December. Being desirous to establish an infant school, but
having no place for our schools except the church, we determined
to build a school-house. We commenced making bricks, which
the heat of the sun renders as hard as if they were burnt.

After a blessed celebration of the Christmas festival, we con-
cluded the year with sensations of gratitude to our Saviour, for
unnumbered proofs of his love, mercy, and faithful care for us.
As to externals, we have indeed at present a poor prospect, in
consequence of the frequent and long continued drought, and the
failure of all our garden crops. The internal state of our congre-
gation, we confess, is not the most encouraging. Many of our
people do not give proofs of that conversion of heart which might
be expected from persons who have been awakened, and are con-
tinually directed to seek salvation in Jesus.

454

MISSIONARY ACCOUNTS

In the year 1833, nineteen adults and sixteen children were
baptized ; thirteen persons admitted to the communion; twenty-
one obtained leave to live here; nine adults and two children
departed this life ; twenty-three persons left us.

The congregation at Enon consists of four hundred and forty-
five persons, of whom one hundred and thirty-eight are commu-
nicants.

We commend ourselves to the remembrance and prayers of all
our brethren, and sisters, and friends.

W. C. Genth,

Adam Halter,
Gottfried Hornig.

2. EXTRACTS OF LETTERS FROM BROTHER H. P. HALLBECK.

“ Gnadenthal, 17th September , 1834.

“My Dear Brother, — I left Gnadenthal on the 15th of
August, and after having spent a couple of days at the Leper In-
stitution, proceeded from that place straight to Groenekloof,
where I was busily engaged for nearly a week, in making various
arrangements connected with the congregation and schools. The
weather was rough, and the rivers swollen, yet I returned here
in safety on the 28th of August, my horse having brought me
swimming across one of the deepest rivers.

“ At Groenekloof the infant school, and also that of the girls —
the former attended by ninety, the latter by upward of forty
pupils — are in a tolerably prosperous condition. In the boys’
school I had the pleasure of seeing the number of scholars in-
crease from fourteen to thirty-eight. Brother Lehman appears to
enjoy better health than formerly. The rest of the Missionaries
and their children are well. The same blessing is, I am happy
to state, enjoyed by our whole party here at Gnadenthal, and also
by the brethren and sisters at Elim and Hemel-en-Aarde.

“ On many occasions we have of late perceived a very encour-
aging revival among the members of our numerous congregation,
particularly on the 13th of August and the 7th of September. On
the last mentioned day there was a greater concourse of hearers
in our church, both of our own people and of strangers, than I
have seen for a very long time, and great crowds were obliged to
encamp before the open doors of the sanctuary. On the 12th,
being the anniversary of the opening of our infant school, the
children, and nearly all the parents, met in the church, when the
former went through part of their exercises, to the great delight
of all present. The solemnity was concluded by distributing!the
articles sent to us some time ago by an honored friend, by which
all were highly rejoiced. Contrary to custom, the parents left the
church without saying a word ; but they soon made their appear-
ance in my room, and stated that they were so overpowered by
their feelings, on seeing what we do for their children, and wit-
nessing the kind interest felt for them by absent friends, that they

FROM SOUTH AFRICA.

455

were not able to utter a word, and they preferred coming one by
one to assure me of their gratitude, and to desire me to offer their
heartfelt thanks to their unknown benefactors, hoping that our
Saviour would hear their prayers, and bless me, and all the
teachers and friends of the infant school. The number of pupils
now amounts to one hundred and fifty, and more are admitted
from week to week. Since the beginning of this month we have
been busy building a large school-room, thirty-six feet by eighteen,
adjoining the former school ; and the Hottentots are so eager to
lend their gratuitous assistance, that we hope the building will be
finished without any very great expense to the Mission. The
stones are brought to the site of the building, and all the labor,
except that of the masons, is performed gratuitously ; the masons
also working one day every week without wages. Hence our
chief expense is for the victuals of the laborers, and such work
and materials as are not found on the spot. Not many years ago,
the Hottentots understood so little of the importance of education,
that it would have been very difficult indeed to secure their co-
operation ; now they vie with each other who shall be foremost
at the work. This too is a fruit of our infant school.

“Brother and Sister Teutsch spent a few days here on a visit,
and left us the day before yesterday. In Houtkloof, half way
between this and Elim, Brother Teutsch held divine service to a
crowded auditory, both in coming from and returning to Elim.
Twenty-four of the Hottentots living at Houtkloof have joined the
congregation at that place, and are preparing a large room for
divine service, as often as the Missionaries can attend. May our
Saviour make it a blessed gathering-place for his kingdom ! The
schools at Elim are flourishing, under the zealous care of the
Brethren Schopman and Luttring. Eighteen of the lepers at
Hemel-en-Aarde were lately advanced in the privileges of the
Church, of whom one was baptized last Sunday ; and Brother and
Sister Tietze wrote to me, that they had never had so much en-
couragement and edification, in speaking with the individuals of
their flock, as on the present occasion. My last letters from
Shiloh were written on the 12th of August, when the Missionaries
were well, and lived in undisturbed peace. They were, however,
not without their apprehensions, on account of the intrusions of
the Boors on the territory of the Tambookies. One Mambookie
had been baptized, and a Tambookie admitted to the holy com-
munion. The infant school at Enon will, I hope, be opened about
this time. The drought continues.”

“ 7 th October , 1834.

“ As regards the queries which you transmitted to me, on the
part of a well known British philanthropist, you are aware that
our knowledge, by personal observation, of the state of affairs be-
yond our colonial boundaries, is but limited ; yet I will proceed
to supply answers, as far as I am able. Traders and Missionaries
have traversed the countries beyond Qur boundary, as far as the

450

MISSIONARY ACCOUNTS

tropic, and the influence of this intercourse is probably felt a good
deal farther into the interior. The moral influence of the Mis-
sionaries is in exercise every where among the Bechuanas, Tam-
bookies, and Caffres ; but that of the government is confined
chiefly to the last-mentioned tribe, and a small portion of the
Tambookies. The number of Caffres is estimated at about one
hundred and twenty thousand souls, and is not considered to differ
much from that of the Tambookies ; the number of the Bechuanas
and of other small tribes on our northern boundary is, I believe,
unknown. By the intercourse with the European traders, a taste
for several European articles has been created among the natives,
and the wish to supply these new wants has probably, in some
instances, acted as an incitement to industry, and will no doubt
eventually have that effect ; but it has also given rise to robberies
and depredations as the common resource of our savage neigh-
bors for increasing their property. Witness the murders and
cruelties lately committed by the Corannas and others, and the
incessant robberies among the Caffres and Tambookies themselves.
On the other hand, the Missionaries have invariably approved
themselves as messengers of peace, and feuds and bloodshed have
been frequently prevented by their intervention, though they have
not as yet made such an impression as to produce any striking
change in the general conduct of the natives. Hardly a vice can
be named, that was not practised by our savage neighbors before
their intercourse with Europeans. Deceit, falsehood, dishonesty,
debaucheries, theft, murder, &c., appear to be the very rule of
their life. A chief once said, * If I were not allowed to tell lies .
how could Hive V and this question might with the same propriety
have been applied to any other vice or crime. The vice of drunk-
enness has, however, probably increased, since the intercourse
with Europeans, owing to the introduction of brandy, of which
savages are immoderately fond ; yet they intoxicate themselves
bv drinking a kind of honey beer, and smoking dacha , without
using European drugs. It is well known that we, Europeans,
have from time to time usurped the lands, and destroyed the means
of subsistence of our neighbors, and their numbers must, I should
think, of necessity have diminished, though I know of no data
whereby to determine to what amount. So much in answer to
the queries.

“ The building for enlarging our school has advanced nearly to
the beams. Brother and Sister Brauer are busy speaking with the
several classes of the congregation, who are not yet communicants ;
and I have just learned that it has been a means of great encour-
agement and edification to themselves.

“ About a fortnight ago, eight persons became candidates for
baptism, and four adults were baptized at Elim ; among the latter
were two of the people in the Houtkloof. Brother Tietze is suf-
fering from a serious attack of a liver complaint, with other con-
comitant evils. The spiritual state of his little flock is at present
very encouraging.

FROM SOUTH AFRICA.

457

FROM THE SAME TO BROTHER C. I. LA TROBE.

“ Gnadenthal , 8th October , 1834.

“ Elim is steadily on the increase, and is at present a much
larger place than Groenekloof was, when you saw it. The church
building will soon be resumed, and we hope finished in the course
of next year.

“ Half-wav between this and Elim, there is a place called Hout-
kloof, occupied by several Hottentot families, among whom a
striking awakening has of late taken place, and twenty-four of
their number now belong to the congregation at Elim. Here our
brethren occasionally visit and preach the Gospel, and have large
auditories, the inhabitants of the surrounding neighborhood being
glad of the opportunity of hearing the word of God. Several of
our Hottentots have of late become carriers of religious tracts and
hymn books. Being frequently sent out with knives by Brother
Brauer, they take with them a quantity of books, which are readily
purchased by the farmers ; so much so, that they never brought a
single copy back, but regretted that they had not enough to satisfy
inquirers and purchasers. H. P. Hallbeck.”

FROM BROTHER JOHN LEMMERTZ.

“ Groenekloof \ October 18.

“Dear Brother, — The members of our Mission-family at this
place continue by the Lord’s mercy, to enjoy good health, and to
live together in peace and brotherly harmony. Among the Hot-
tentots who compose our congregation, we should be glad to per-
ceive a greater hunger and thirst after righteousness, yet we can
declare with thankfulness to the Lord, that there are among them
many faithful souls, and that we continue to h^ve encouraging
proofs that the word of the Cross is not preached in vain. At the
close of the year 1833, the number of persons of all ages under
our care amounted to six hundred and seventy-eight, thirteen more
than at its commencement. Of this number two hundred and
twenty-two were communicants; seventy-three baptized adults;
two hundred and eighty-six baptized children; fifty-seven can-
didates for baptism ; eighty-four new people and unbaptized
children. Since the beginning of the present year, various
changes have taken place, by the departure of some, and the ad-
mission of others to the privileges of the Church. The 7th of
September, the memorial-day of the married people, was a season
of especial blessing to our flock ; on this occasion six adults were
baptized unto the death of Jesus. May they have grace to remain
faithful to their vows.

“ We have now a flourishing infant school, of which I have the
favor to take charge; it is frequented by about one hundred
children ; last Thursday I counted one hundred and four. My
little scholars afiord me much pleasure, by their simplicity and
desire for instruction, and our Saviour is pleased to put an evident
blessingupon my feeble endeavors to serve these lambs of his flock.
Vol. V.— 58

458

MISSIONARY ACCOUNTS

It is quite a treat to me to visit the families living in our place ; as
I approach the houses, I am almost sure to hear the children sing-
ing hymns they have learned at school. On entering, they run to
take my hand, and when I leave, often follow me from one street
of the settlement to the other. While I am in the midst of them,

I almost feel as if I were a child again, though I have passed my
fiftieth year. Some of these children are not above two years
old. Eight have already begun to read, and seventeen are learn-
ing to spell. We regret we have not a larger school-room, for
hitherto we have been obliged to make use of the vestry of our
church. In time we may perhaps be enabled to build one.

“The following incident, which occurred in the course of last
week, will, I think, prove interesting to you. One night, I was
roused from my sleep (as is not unfrequently the case) by a mes-
senger, who came to inform me, that a sick member of the congre-
gation desired to be visited. On reaching the patient’s dwelling,
I was surprised to find a large company of relatives and friends
assembled around her bed, all of whom seemed deeply affected by
what she had been saying to them, and the substance of which she
afterward repeated in my presence. She first made an humble
confession of her sins, and her unfaithfulness to her baptismal
vows, acknowledging with tears that she had often offended
against her Saviour, and grieved his Holy Spirit ; but adding, that
it was now her earnest prayer to him, that he would pardon all her
transgressions, grant her the assurance of his favor, and clothe her
in the robe of his spotless righteousness, wherein alone she could
venture to appear in the presence of God. All present wept, and
were astonished to hear a person who ordinarily had little or
nothing to say on religious subjects, express herself with so much
clearness and fervency of spirit, in reference to her past life, pre-
sent feelings, and future hopes.

John Lemmertz.”“
[From the “Periodical Accounts,” &c ]

IV. WEST INDIES.

1. JAMAICA.

EXTRACT OF LETTERS FROM BROTHER JACOB ZORN.

“ Spring-Vale , October ‘Hist, 1834.

“Dear Brother, — The general prospects of the Mission in this
island are as pleasing as when I last wrote to you. Every where
the congregations are numerous and attentive, and the word of
the Lord does not return to him void, but prospers in the thing
whereto it is sent. A number of preaching places might be un-
dertaken, if our strength would admit of it. Brother Collis has
begun to instruct the negroes on some settlements, on Hector’s
River, in the centre of the island ; and other doors of usefulness
sre wide open.

FROM THE WEST INDIES.

459

“Our own chapel at New-Fulnec is regularly filled ; indeed we
have repeatedly been obliged to make the children, after their Sun-
dayschool and meeting, leave the chapel for theadults. More bench-
es are required, and we begin to speak of a gallery. The men from
Y. S. Estate appear desirous after the word of life, and now attend
in considerable numbers; and for this and every other encourage-
ment, we bless the Lord. If another brother were living with me,
I should immediately occupy four or five outposts, but my time
has been so much taken up, that I have made advances to but one
of them. Nothing, I am persuaded, would tend to produce a more
beneficial effect on the minds and temper of the negroes than the
residence of more Missionaries among them ; and ought we not
to assist, to the utmost of our power, in thus rendering fully ef-
fective the benevolent measure of emancipation ?

“ November 18th.

“ Our new dwelling has so far advanced as to have two rooms
habitable, and we are gradually removing our effects and ourselves
thither. You will no doubt rejoice with us at the anticipation of
our entering a healthier house, and drawing nearer to the portion
of our congregation which most stands in need of ‘ line upon line,
and precept upon precept.’

“With regard to the preaching places on Mr. Skaife’s land, and
in Mile-Gully, we certainly do look forward to their ultimately
becoming stations; but as we are entirely dependent on you
for men and means, we cannot regard them as such without your
permission. In Mile-Gully, especially, where upward of one
hundred are already members of the Church, it would be very
desirable to form a separate congregation, as soon as you think
circumstances will justify such a measure.

“ Our Missionary prospects continue most encouraging. The
people seem more alive to the blessings of religion, and the influ-
ence of civilization than before ; the chapels are crowded, and the
sabbath schools have received a fresh impulse. Do send us help
if possible.

“ New-Fulnec , December 30£/i, 1834.

“ In a religions point of view, the change in the condition of
the negroes, effected during the important year now closing, con-
tinues to operate beneficially. The churches and chapels are still
crowded with attentive hearers, of whom our places of worship
have their due share. All our people have conducted themselves
properly under this great change, and have often expressed their
thankfulness to the British nation for the boon conferred on
them.

“ In the beginning of this month, Mr. Skaife having made over
the land, by signing the deed of conveyance, and given his sub-
scription of one hundred pounds toward a chapel, we proceeded
to lay the foundation-stone, in the presence of some of the inhabit-
ants of the district. We hope to erect the building, plain and
thatched, for five hundred pounds currency, one-half of which we
shall obtain here.

460

MISSIONARY ACCOUNTS

“On Friday, December the 5th, we set apart New-Bethlehem
Chapel for the service of the Lord, and consecrated it to his
honor. Brother Collis preached an impressive sermon, and the
other services were likewise of distinguished blessing. The col-
lection and the sale of some fancy articles, on the preceding days,
produced about fifty pounds currency.

“ In Mile-Gully an excellent spirit pervades the negroes of our
flock; they are determined to build themselves a chapel, and
every other Saturday, from fifty to one hundred attend, and en-
gage in clearing the land, building a limekiln, &c. But as it is
only one day in a fortnight they can spare, it would take a long
time for them to complete it alone, and we must come to their
assistance. O that some of our friends could witness their eager-
ness for the bread of life, and also the state of the building in
which they at present assemble ! In a shower of rain, the Mis-
sionary has stood with an umbrella held over his head to screen
him from the droppings of the leaky roof; and in fine weather,
the shade of some large trees has been the shelter for the wor-
shippers. After Brother Davis’ arrival, Brother Collis will devote
much of his attention to that flock, who are so anxious for a
Missionary, and are from fifteen to twenty miles from our other
chapels. About three hundred have entered their names in our
books ; shall we not soon be permitted to form them into a dis-
tinct congregation? A house is offered, at least for a time, and
Brother Collis, whose ministry is blessed in that neighborhood,
hopes to be able to obtain some pecuniary assistance.

“ Brother Renkewitz has found it absolutely necessary to under-
take the enlargement of his chapel, by the addition of a wing,
thirty feet by fourteen, which will be paid for by the sale of a
horse reared at New-Eden, and with the help of some donations
of timber, shingles, &c. That this measure is required, you will
admit., when you hear that the population of the Bogue and three
adjoining estates alone is nearly twelve hundred, and the chapel
will not hold more than four hundred persons.

“At New-Carmel a gallery is required ; hitherto there has been
double service in the chapel and school-room ; the expense will be
defrayed in that neighborhood.

“At Beaufort Brother Pfeiffer is anxious to begin his chapel;
his congregation are working with their hands, and aiding with
their mites, and his subscription amounts already to two hundred
and fifty pounds. Will not our worthy and esteemed friends in
your happy country be able to lend a little assistance toward these
buildings? for though they are required immediately, we must
proceed slowly, till we see how the Lord will help us.

“ In spiritual life, we trust we see an increase among our peo-
ple, though their minds have been so long darkened, and their
hearts so long deadened by sin, that we cannot expect more than
‘ a day of small things.’ The Spirit of the Lord alone can perform
the mighty work, and he can change the lion into the lamb.

“ We celebrated a quiet Christmas festival, and rejoiced in Jf.sus
our Immanuel. The numbers that attended at New-Fulnec. were

FROM THE WEST INDIES.

461

not so great as formerly, but greater attention to the word of life
prevailed than is usual at this season of feasting and merriment.
On Sunday, the 28th, the chapel was too small for the crowds of
hearers, many of whom remained without.

Jacob Zorn.”

EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM BROTHER JOHN COLLIS.

“ Fairfield , December 31st, 1834.

“Dear Brother, — At the close of the most eventful year in
the annals of the British West Indies, we hasten to slate the effects
produced by the important change which it has witnessed* upon
the scene of our Missionary labors. What influence the great
measure of emancipation may finally exert upon the political and
commercial prosperity of Jamaica, we do not pretend to determine ;
though as British subjects we consider it our duty, in passing, to
bear our testimony to the general good conduct of the negroes in
this neighborhood, and their eager desire to work for a proper
remuneration, during the time now allotted to them ; but we con-
fine ourselves, as Missionaries, to our own immediate department,
and with grateful feelings record the beneficial effect it has had
upon the state of this congregation. You are aware that at the
time of martial law, the number of our hearers, and even of our
congregation, was seriously diminished; and this state of things
continued, more or less, up to the commencement of the present
year. Since the 1st of August, the scene has completely changed.
For some time previously, indeed, our congregations had been
gradually increasing, so that even on what the negroes termed
empty Sunday , (every other sabbath, when they were necessitated
to labor in their own provision ground,) the church was comfort-
ably filled. That day, however, presented a scene totally new
and unexpected. We had given out that services would then be
held, but were quite uncertain whether any people would attend.
At an early hour, however, the negroes began to assemble, and
long before the time of worship, our pasture roads presented the
appearance of two continuous streams rolling into and augmenting
the solid mass of human beings crowding our yard and premises.
The church could not contain one-half, probably not one-third of
the multitude. While one of us, therefore, officiated within its
walls, the other addressed the people outside, and'in the second
services exchanged stations. We have good reason to believe
that this was a day of real blessing. The negroes frequently ex-
pressed their thankfulness to God for the benefit conferred upon
them, and promised good conduct on their part in their new civil
condition. The Sunday immediately following the first of August
presented a similar spectacle; this state of excitement we did not
dare to imagine would continue. Contrary, however, to our ex-
pectations, we are happy to state at the close of the year, that,
with the exception of two sabbaths, we have invariably had two
congregations ; and when one of us has been necessarily absent,
preaching in other directions, we have been thankful for the ser-

462

MISSIONARY ACCOUNTS

vices of a worthy Christian gentleman and magistrate, who has
kindly consented on such occasions to read a sermon to the people
outside.

“ This great desire for instruction, we rejoice to state, is not
confined to our neighborhood, as in every direction we hear of
crowded and attentive auditories. Our new pulpit and chapel
are of nature’s own construction, and will not trench upon the
funds of the society. In the adjoining pasture is a semicircle of
rocks, from whose interstices rise several fig-trees. On the ground,
and beneath the broad shade of their luxuriant foliage, sit men,
women, and children, while the minister occupies a projection of
one of the rocks, about three or four feet above their heads.
This pulpit, this chapel, this congregation, the overflowing of an
already crowded assembly, we feel more happy in occupying and
addressing, than if installed in the highest places of the most noble
edifices of our own native country. In connection with the eager
desire of the negroes to hear the word of God, we may also men-
tion their anxiety to learn to read. The Sunday school now
numbers some hundreds, and between the services frequently may
be seen groups of adults collected together, and imparting mutual
instruction. The noble grant of the Bible Society will, we hope,
tend to quicken this desire, and within some few years, we trust,
few will be found in this island who will not be able to consult
for themselves the word of life.

“ During the course of the present year, wre have been favored
to assist at the opening of the chapel at New-Bethlehem, and at the
laying of the foundation-stone of another in the savannah, where,
in addition to a handsome donation of one hundred pounds, the
Hon. Mr. Skaife has presented us with four hundred and sixty-
nine acres of land. In Mile-Gully, too, an interior and mountain-
ous district, and which has lately been supplied every fortnight
from New-Eden, or this place, we have made preparations for the
erection of a third. The spirit displayed by the negroes in that
quarter is most praiseworthy. On the very first day, Saturday,
October the 4th, proposed for clearing the thick forest land, on
w-hich wTe intend to build, no less than one hundred and twenty-
six able-bodied persons volunteered their gratuitous services.
Brother Renkewitz, w?hose turn it wTas for the sabbath duties,
directed their operations. The mingled sensations arising in his
mind from the exhibition of so much zeal, from the sublime effect
of the mountain echoes produced in every direction by the crash-
ing of huge timbers, and the joyful shouts of the people; the
extraordinary beauty and magnificence of the scenery laid open,
on the first clearing of the land, momentarily enhanced at every
renewed attack on the depths of the forest; and the anticipation
that on that spot would be erected a temple of Jehovah, where
many of the descendants of those w'ho were at that moment so
nobly exerting themselves wTould be taught the way of salvation,
and made heirs of eternal life — he describes as quite overpower-
ing, so that he ranks that day as one of the happiest of his life.
Since then, up to the very end of the year, we have regularly had,

FROM THE WEST INDIES.

463

on every alternate Saturday, between fifty and one hundred
negroes at work, who, of their own accord, and without any
remuneration, are engaged in building a large limekiln, and making
preparations for the erection of the church.

“ The circumstance of one of our sisters (Sister Walker) un-
dertaking so long a voyage, and leaving her friends in England, to
superintend the education of young people here, deserves remark.
She is exceedingly assiduous and useful, and has as many scholars
under her direction as the buildings of the Refuge will admit.
Among the inmates of that institution, we with pleasure refer to
two young girls, placed here by the direction of the Countess of
Mulgrave ; they are natives of Africa, and had been destined for
slavery in Cuba. The vessel, however, in which they were pro-
ceeding was wrecked off the coast near Kingston, and all the
inmates brought on shore. Out of the whole group, these two
and a young boy had been selected by the governor, and taken
to his residence in Spanish-Town, while the remainder were ap-
prenticed, by his lordship’s direction, to different masters in the
country. On the departure of his Excellency and the Countess,
the girls were sent to the Refuge for education, while the boy
accompanied them to England. Their amiable dispositions,
pleasing manners, and wonderfully providential leading, render
them objects of interest to ourselves and every Christian visiter.

“ The numbers of this congregation at the end of 1834 are as
follows : — six hundred and nine communicants ; one hundred and
four candidates for communion ; one hundred and twenty bap-
tized adults ; two hundred and twenty-three candidates for baptism ;
five hundred and seventy-five new people, or catechumens, (com-
prising, however, seventy persons excluded from the higher
classes ;) baptized children (under twelve) five hundred and
twelve. Total two thousand one hundred and forty-three.”

FROM BROTHER P. RICKSECKER.

“ Fairfield , October 7 th, 1S34.

“Dear Brother, — Ever since the 1st of August, our church,
which is capable of accommodating about 700 hearers, has
been completely filled on each returning Lord’s day ; and we have
been likewise called to address a company of several hundred
negroes in the open air, under the shade of some fig and mango
trees. Last Sunday, the 5th instant, a heavy rain dispersed our
congregation outside, and we had to give shelter to about five
hundred persons in our dwelling and negro houses, and in the
already crowded church. I believe we shall be obliged to erect
some kind of shed, for a temporary place of worship.

“ The desire of the negroes to learn to read, connected with
their constant and crowded attendance on the worship of God, is
truly encouraging, and we count it an honor, altogether unde-
served by us, to stand among such vast multitudes, and proclaim
the year of jubilee, the accepted time, the day of salvation. Could
our brethren and sisters, and friends at home, see these crowds of

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MISSIONARY ACCOUNTS

people hastening to the courts of the Lord, many from ten, and
some even from twenty miles’ distance, it might in some cases
raise a blush of shame on the cheek ; hut I am also assured that
it would excite a determination in others gladly to spend their
strength and life in gathering in the harvest promised to Jesus
as a reward for the travail of his soul. O that the Spirit of God
may be poured out upon the Brethren’s Church, as in times of
old, so that not only one here and one there may answer the call,
‘Here am I, send me;’ but that great maybe the company of
those who stand ready to cultivate Immanuel’s land !

“ We have lately renewed a Sunday school here, which is held
in the church, and at present attended by between two and three
hundred scholars. Our esteemed friend and neighbor Mr. T. takes
an active part in it, and has also occasionally read prayers and a
sermon to the hundreds of negroes who could not find entrance in
the church, or when one of the Missionaries was preaching in
Mile-Gully. We have received a valuable present of books for a
library, from the Religious Tract Society, for which we desire to
return our cordial thanks ; also a very neat clock for the Refuge,
from some unknown benefactor. My health is much improved
by our removal hither, though I often feel the effects of a weak-
ened frame. I wish I could give an equally good report of my
dear partner ; however, I trust that the Lord may yet renew her
strength, and sustain her under the burden of cares connected
with her official duties.”

FROM BROTHER JOHN SCHOLEFIELD.

“ New-Carmel , December , 1834.

“ Dear Brother, — You are aw’are that we have a building at
this place, part of which is appropriated to purposes of education,
and which was erected some years ago, chiefly at the expense of
members and friends of the New-Carmel congregation ; it is
forty-two feet long and. twenty-two broad. Our Sunday school,
which is held in this building, continues to be well attended. We
have beside an evening school, frequented by thirty-seven pupils,
not attached to the Ladies’ Education Society. Woodland’s
school-room, four miles east of New-Carmel, which we built some
years ago, has 42 day scholars, the teacher being paid by the
Ladies’ Society. Cruse school, also supported by that institution,
has upward of 60 children; all these schools are regularly visited
by me, or else the children come to Carmel every Tuesday to be
catechized, and to receive religious instruction. The school at
Hopeton, which is entirely managed and supported by Mr. and
Mrs. Scott, contains about 100 children. There is likewise a
gentleman in our neighborhood, who is kind enough to teach
reading, writing, and arithmetic, to as many as choose to go to
him, free of all expense, and who has about 40 scholars. Besides
this, my evenings are generally employed in giving instruction to
all who come ; and the members of our Church at Hopeton, en-
couraged by Mr. and Mrs. Scott, do the same, for the benefit of

FROM THE WEST INDIES.

465

the neighboring negroes. By these means, not fewer than 300
children receive daily instruction, within live miles of New-Carmel,
not to mention the adults who are enjoying the same privilege.
I may also mention, that the school at or near Springfield, eight
miles to the eastward of us, is carried on under the superintend-
ence of Brother Zorn ; and at Hampstead, four miles to the south-
ward of us, another school is in contemplation ; also one at
Parker’s-Bay, about eight miles to the south-west of New-Carmel.

“Pray continue to use your interest in behalf of our schools.
I am now endeavoring to establish several new ones, where in-
struction seems much needed. How great is the change which
has been already wrought, since the Ladies’ Negro Education
Society was first formed. At that time, no regular schools existed,
to the best of my knowledge, in Jamaica. The school at Hope-
ton, since so flourishing, had only 15 children, and not one of our
own stations, then only three in number, had a Sunday school
attached to it.

“ We are going to erect galleries in our chapel, for the accom-
modation of about 400 additional hearers, and hope to defray the
expense connected with this work, chiefly by contributions from
our own congregation. How much we regret the inadequacy of
our present Missionary force to the occupation of the various
spheres of usefulness now opening to us ! ”

2. ANTIGUA.

EXTRACTS FROM THE DIARY OF GRACEHILL, FOR THE YEAR 1834.

t

January 10 th. The manager on Bodkin’s estate sent us word
that the old communicant sister, Mary Ann, who had been for
twenty years a faithful nurse in the family, was very ill, and re-
quested to be visited by a Missionary. Brother Mohne found her
extremely weak, but in an edifying state of heart. She said that
nothing but the mercy and merits of Jesus Christ yielded her
comfort; and added, “I am a great sinner, to whom much has
been forgiven : O that I could love him much ; but like Mary
Magdalen, I will lie at his feet with tears of compunction, till he
calls me to eternal rest.”

12th. An old communicant, Magdalen, died suddenly. She was
preparing supper, when her husband was alarmed by not hearing
her moving in the house, and going into the kitchen, he found her
dead upon the floor. She was baptized in April, 1795, at St.
John’s, and shortly after became a communicant member of this
congregation. We were comforted in the belief, that she had
found mercy, as for a long time she had walked worthy of the
Gospel.

19th. One hundred and ninety-three communicants were present
at the Lord’s supper. Two persons were partakers for the first
time, and 15 were present as candidates.

21st. Brother Brunner visited the assistant, Joseph, on John-
son’s estate ; he found him very ailing, and commended him in

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MISSIONARY ACCOUNTS

prayer to the Lord's mercy. The old man, who has been for
twenty-six years one of our most useful assistants, was so much
affected, that he could scarcely speak for weeping.

February 11 tk. None of us could attend the Conference, held
at St. John’s. Brother Mohne was so seriously ill, that we had
some doubts of his recovery.

16th. Two hundred and fifty-eight communicants partook of
the Lord’s supper.

March 1 Ith. We had for a longtime been anxiously concerned
about the dangerous state of Sister Brunner’s health ; and on this
day we had the grief to see her taken from us. For the last
month, the physicians had given little hopes of her recovery ; and
lately, she had suffered much from asthma. To-day, she had
a violent paroxysm of that complaint, and perceiving that she was
near her end, we assembled round her bed, and Brother Brunner,
in an affecting prayer, commended her departing spirit to her God
and Saviour. She now rests from all her labors with him, whom
she served in humility here below, and her memory remains dear
to us, and our negro congregation. She was only 46 years old.
We can bear witness to her faithfulness and diligence as a hand-
maid of the Lord.

18th. Brother Brunner's state of health became so precarious,
that the doctor advised him to abstain from ministerial duty. An
arrangement was made, by which he could retire for the present
to Newfield.

27th. Brother Mohne went to English-Harbor, to visit the old
and infirm, whom he met twice in the school-house of the Wes-
leyan Mission. Several not belonging to the congregation were
present, and very attentive to the reading of the history of the
Passion-week. Brother Mohne spoke upon the words, “ I thirst”
and offered up a fervent prayer.

28th. Being Good Friday, our chapel was quite, filled with at-
tentive hearers.

30th. We read the history of our Lord’s resurrection in the
chapel, and both the public service and the afternoon meetings
were attended by a large company.

April 6th. Fifty brethren and sisters, who had attained to
church privileges since Easter last year, met at a love-feast, and
renewed their vows of faithfulness to the Lord.

May 27th. Brother Mohne visited an old blind negro in Fal-
mouth. He rejoiced to perceive, that, by the mercy of the Lord,
the patient was awakened to a sense of his lost condition, and had
turned to the Lord for mercy. In his youth, he had led a disso-
lute life, being addicted to liquor; he now confessed his sins, and
continually prayed, that he might be delivered from the guilt and
punishment of them, and be admitted to the presence of our Sa-
viour. He earnestly requested to be baptized, and, as Brother
Mohne found him truly penitent, he administered that sacrament
to him in presence of about thirty persons, who surrounded his
bed. The presence of God was felt during this transaction ; and

FROM THE WEST INDIES.

467

some time after the poor man departed, wo- trust, as a reconciled
sinner.

June 20 th. Brother Mohne went to Richmond estate, and ad-
ministered the holy communion to some old and infirm members
of the congregation. Among them, he found a communicant
sister confined entirely to her bed, and in great pain, but a pattern
of patience. Knowing on whom she believed, she eagerly waited
for His coming, when, as she said, she should be in that place
where tears and sighing would eternally cease, and be permitted
to behold and praise that Friend whom her soul inexpressively
loved.

23d. Brother Mohne was, in the same way, engaged on Stony-
Hill estate. About fifty persons assembled, and requested that a
discourse might be delivered to them.

J. J. Schick, Ch. R. Mohne.

EXTRACTS FROM THE DIARY OF NEWFIELD, FOR 1834.

February 12 th. Brother Muntzer visited, on Lyon’s estate, the
old communicant sister, Dinah, who for several weeks has been
confined to her bed. She said, “ I have to suffer much pain in
my body, yet my Saviour supports me. Though I am a great
sinner before him, yet I feel his pardoning love in my heart, and
I am quite resigned to his wilL” When asked if she wished a
hymn to be sung, she answered, “ Oh yes, I want to sing: ‘Let
me dwell in Golgotha: weep and love my life away,’ &c.”

16th. At speaking with the new people, candidates for baptism,
and excluded, many of the latter begged us earnestly, that we
would restore them to the enjoyment of church privileges. We
advised them to turn with uprightness of heart, and, as truly re-
penting sinners, to our Saviour, to seek his pardon, and also grace
to enable them to lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth
so easily beset them ; and, when this was done, we would joyfully
comply with their wish.

March 9 th. After the usual meetings, was the funeral of the
above-mentioned Sister Dinah. She was received into the con-
gregation in 1821, and admitted to the holy communion the fol-
lowing year. She approved herself a faithful follower of the
Lord, and a worthy member of his Church ; and, in every con-
versation, dwelt with clearness on the interest she enjoyed in the
merits of her Saviour.

20th. Brother Muntzer visited the aged Sister Sarah on Gobles’
estate. She is now so debilitated, as scarcely to be able to leave
her hut, yet her faith is strong, and she had a great desire to de-
part, and to be with Christ. On Brother Muntzer’s leaving her,
she exclaimed, with a loud voice and uplifted hands, The holy
Trinity bless thee and thine house, and all who love the Lord
Jesus.”

28th. Good Friday. During all the meetings great stillness
and solemnity prevailed, and many were melted in tears, during
the reading of the history of our Saviour’s bitter death on the

468

MISSIONARY ACCOUNTS

cross. On Easter Sunday, the church could not contain the mul-
titude who came to celebrate the Lord’s resurrection ; and, we
may truly say, that, throughout the whole of this solemn and
important season, we felt our Saviour’s presence and peace.

On the 6th of April , those brethren and sisters, who had ad-
vanced in church privileges during the past year, 25 in number,
met at a love-feast, when we admonished them faithfully to follow
their call of grace, make their calling and election sure, and listen
to the voice of the Shepherd and Bishop of souls. All were very
attentive, and their countenances beamed with gratitude for the
great privileges our Saviour had bestowed upon them.

16th. Brother Miintzer visited several sick persons at Lynch’s
and Burnthorn’s. At the latter place he found two of our sisters
in a pitiable state. One has been a sufferer many years, from
erysipelas. She said, “My pains are very great; I have not a
moment’s rest, yet I am resigned to my dear Saviour’s will. He
has seen good to afflict me in this way, but, were he to deal with
me according to my sins, I should deserve much more. I have
this confidence, that he will support me in all trials, even till my
last hour.” (

17th. We spoke this week with the new people and excluded,
and about 90 attended, for the most part of the latter class. They
all expressed a desire to be restored to their privileges.

28th. This week we spoke with 45 of our widows, previous to
their memorial-day. These conversations are truly edifying to
us; they generally turn upon the same topic, viz. their entire de-
pendence upon our Lord and Saviour, and their earnest prayers
that he would prepare them for his coming, or their being called
home to him.

The celebration of this festival, which we consider one of the
most interesting of our annual solemnities, took place on the 4th
of May. To see so many faithful souls, who serve God like Anna
of old, assemble together, and, amidst many tears, testify of the
warmth of their love to their Saviour, is truly affecting, the more
so, as they, for the most part, prove the reality of their professions
by the consistency of their lives.

On the 25th, early in the morning, we had a visit from the aged
Sister Salome Gobles, who had been prevented from attending
church, in consequence of having one of her toes eaten off by the
rats. She wTas quite rejoiced to be enabled to come to church
once more, as she said, to hear the word of life. In the course of
conversation, we spoke of the emancipation of the negroes as
being near at hand, and asked her what she intended to do when
free. Immediately she turned round, saying, “For the freedom
of our bodies we ought to be thankful to the Lord, and all our
kind friends and well-wishers ; but what will it avail, if the Son
of God has not made us free from the power of sin and Satan?”
These expressions she repeated several times with firmness and
emphasis ; and as they are in perfect consistency with her con-
duct, we could not but rejoice for the grace of God, which is
revealed in the heart of this old and faithful believer.

FROM THE WEST INDIES.

409

On the 27tb, Brother and Sister Mttntzer went to Gobles, where
we met several of our old communicant sisters, who were truly
thankful to hear the words of eternal life. It is gratifying, on our
visit to the estates, to see, in a few minutes after our arrival, the
halt, the lame, the blind, coming in all directions — some even on
their hands and feet — to meet us, and to receive a few words of
consolation ; and we trust they go, as directed, to the Father of
mercies, and God of all comfort.

June 10 th. Brother and Sister Miintzer visited two of our com-
municants, Jacob and Amelia. The former has been blind about
twenty years, but has a healthy wife, who cares faithfully for him.
We are often gratified to see how constantly and carefully she
leads him to church, for which he is very thankful, as he values
the means of grace.

22d. During the meeting, a messenger came, to announce the
departure of the above-mentioned Jacob Sweets, by apoplexy.
Since we have known him, we can give him this testimony, that
he walked as an humble follower of our Saviour, and that his
church privileges, especially the holy communion, which he re-
garded as the greatest blessing in this life, were truly precious to
him. When prevented by sickness from waiting upon the Lord
in his ordinances, he often wept; but of his bodily distress we
never heard him utter a complaint : on the contrary, he was con-
tinually blessing and praising the Lord for the manifold mercies,
which he enjoyed in his trying situation.

J. G. & Catharine Muntzer.

EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM BROTHER B. HARVEY.

“St. John's , December 2d, 1834.

“Dear Brother, — Tt will, I am sure, be interesting to you to
know how the emancipated people here demean themselves, after
a trial of four months’ unrestricted freedom ; and I am therefore
happy in being able to express my conscientious opinion, that
they continue to improve in character, as an orderly and industri-
ous people. I do not mean to speak of the negroes of any parti-
cular place, but of their general conduct and appearance about the
country. Some hard masters, and some bad servants, must be
expected ; but the laws will, in time, correct both the one and the
other.

“ With respect to our own people, I believe I may say, that, in
all our places here, they attend the meetings of the Church more
numerously than ever, and that many are now in frequent attend-
ance, who could very seldom appear among us while held in
slavery. Day schools have also been opened, and are well attend-
ed at Gracehill and Cedar-Hall, in addition to those before estab-
lished at St. John’s, Gracebay, and Newfield.

“Our school at St. John’s is attended by about 200 scholars
daily, and promises well. I only regret that either myself or some
other Missionary cannot as yet be set apart for the education of
the 1714 children attached to this congregation.

470

MISSIONARY ACCOUNTS

FROM BROTHER C. H. ZELLNER.

“ Cedar-Hall , December 13 th, 1834.

“You have doubtless received detailed accounts of the manner
in which the great and eventful change from slavery to immediate
freedom was commemorated among us here, from abler hands
than mine; but, though rather late in my communication, it may
not be uninteresting to you to have a few particulars from Cedar-
Hall, relative to this important subject. On that memorable day,
long before six o’clock, A. M., the avenues to our church, as well
as the building itself, were crowded with our people, flocking in
haste to the opening service. Shortly after, they repaired a
second time to the Lord’s house, in such numbers, that the church,
hall, and school-room, were all filled, multitudes standing without,
and evincing great eagerness to hear, while joy and gladness were
depicted on every countenance. In the church and in the school-
room, the Brethren Newby and Zetsche were engaged in preach-
ing to the multitude, while I was similarly engaged, under the
shade of some fine trees, through the branches of which the sun
shone brilliantly, and added to the glad feelings which filled the
hearts of both preacher and hearers. All listened with devout at-
tention, and appeared sometimes quite overpowered by their
emotions. Though quite hoarse with the exertion necessary to
make myself heard by the multitude assembled, the Lord strength-
ened me to address our own people from the Psalmist’s words :
Ps. ciii. 10. The following day we held a love-feast with our
members, who came so long before the appointed time, that
Brother Zetsche addressed them in the church, while I preached
in the school-room ;*at the love-feast, 30 native Africans were pre-
sent. The expressions of the negroes on the occasion were truly
affecting ; one said, ‘ Massa, we could never have believed that such
a thing could or would take place — it is like a dream ; ’ another
said, ‘ I can scarcely believe it, that I am free, it is too much for
me;’ a third, ‘ The Lord hath done something very great for us,
we are not good enough for it; ’ another declared, ‘ The merciful
Lord looked down from heaven upon me poor slave, me no able
to thank him for he great goodness.’ The generality have be-
haved themselves in a quiet and peaceable way ever since ; indeed,
in this respect, they have exceeded our expectations.

“Before the 1st of August, we announced our intention of
commencing a regular day-school, from half-past ten A. M. to
three o’clock P. M. every day but Saturday. This seemed to give
general satisfaction, and the school is now regularly attended by
about 130 children ; 200 having entered their names on our books.
They are in general very diligent, and we are already cheered by
the progress they have made.

“ Our Christmas and new-year celebrations were truly blessed,
and our church has been crowded with eager auditors ; the third
holyday was particularly distinguished by the Lord’s presence
among the children, 400 of whom came together to sing hosannas

FROM THE WEST INDIES.

471

to the Saviour’s name. We have already distributed a great num-
ber of the New Testaments sent out by our kind friends of
the British and Foreign Bible Society. The receivers send
many cordial thanks, and promise to make good use of them.

3. ST. KITTS.

EXTRACTS FROM THE DIARY OF BASSETERRE, FOR THE YEAR 1833.

July 7th. The Rev. Mr. Thompson, agent of the British and
Foreign Bible Society, paid us a visit, with his lady, and attended
our services. In the evening of the following day, a meeting was
held in our church, in order to form an association, in connection
with the auxiliary society established last year. The church was
crowded to excess.

19th. The following is a copy of a note which Brother Bigler
received from a young man, who, during the prevalence of the
awful earthquake, became the subject of divine grace. He was
among the number of the many, who applied for admission into
our Church at that eventful season ; he called upon Brother Bigler
in evident concern for his salvation, and was encouraged to repeat
his visits, as often as he felt disposed. He gladly availed himself
of this invitation, and it soon became manifest, that a work of
grace had commenced, and was proceeding in his heart: —

“ My Dear Sir, — I have been directed by the Spirit of my Lord
and Saviour to address these few lines to you, as you are the only
person to whom I feel freedom to apply, to direct me in the way
of salvation, purchased for me by the blood of Jesus. I have
been much oppressed in my mind for the past week, and have at
the same time a great dread on me, just the same as if some per-
son was coming to frighten me ; and, if sitting by myself, I feel
a greater fear. But praise be to the name of the Lord Jesus, the
moment that I feel that fear, I only sigh in my heart to my dying
Saviour, and the fear is immediately gone. It is now I know that
my Saviour loves me, and he will save me. I was trying while
at my work to sing the tune of that hymn,

‘ What, my soul, shall bow thee down 'l ’ &c.

The moment I tried, I felt as if there was something lifting my
heart and my soul from my body. My Saviour’s grace I feel, his
love I know ; what care I for any thing more ? I cannot spare
any longer time to wrrite to you, my hour is expired which is
allowed me. I will try if I can come up and see you when I
break off work. I have sent back that beautiful book which has
brought me to the knowledge of my Saviour : I will thank you to
lend me some other one.”

August 3d. This evening we finished speaking with our com-
municants, to the number of 501. Among this number, we are
pleased to find many, in whose hearts the work of grace has com-
menced, and others in whom that work is making encouraging
progress. We are often edified with the simple expressions of
faith and confidence, which drop from the lips of our people.

472

MISSIONARY ACCOUNTS

The same evening, 188 assembled at our Lord’s table, and on the
following day 293 ; previous to which, 9 persons were confirmed.

18th, was our adult prayer-day, when, notwithstanding the
oppressive heat, the meetings were well attended, and, we doubt
pot, blessed to many. After the public discourse, Brother Bigler
baptized an adult ; and in the class for candidates which followed,
12 were added to their number; 8 were afterward received into the
congregation, and 9 readmitted.

19th. Brother Bigler rode into the country this morning, to
visit the sick. On Millikin’s estate, an aged communicant brother
lay in the last agonies of death ; in his younger years he had been
the slave of ungovernable passions, but subsequently, under the
influence of the blessed Gospel, his rough temper had been soft-
ened and brought into subjection. Brought up in the religion of
Mahomed, he long retained a kind of veneration for that false
prophet, and had still in his possession some ancient MSS. of
hymns and prayers, in the Arabic character. Although 85 years
of age, his faculties, till within the last 48 hours, remained un-
impaired, and that of memory was surprisingly strong; he not
only recollected the most prominent features in the history of his
life, but even its minuter details. Among the rest, he related the
following story of his capture, at the age of 14. His father, a
man of great wealth and influence in the Foolah nation, placed
him at school, with two of his neighbor’s sons. One morning,
three white men came to the school, as if to inspect it; they ap-
peared much pleased, and after holding a private conference
with the teacher for half an hour, they took leave of him, leaving
a present of some cloth and money. About three o’clock P. M.
he and two other boys were sent into the forest for sticks, and
while engaged in cutting them, the same three white men rushed
out upon them, carried them to a boat, and thence to a ship which
lay at some distance from the shore. In 1825 he was received
into the congregation, and in 1829 partook of the holy commu-
nion. As he seemed very near his end, Brother Bigler, after
singing a few verses, commended his departing spirit into the
hands of the Lord God of truth, who had redeemed him ; and
on the following day he breathed his last in a peaceful manner.

September 6th. This morning, between the hours of one and
five, four slight shocks of an earthquake were felt, each shock at-
tended with a sprinkling of rain.

29th. An interesting and encouraging incident came to Brother
Bigler’s knowledge this day. About a year ago, while speaking
with the new people, a young woman requested to have her name
put upon our list, stating as the reason for the request, that she
was a great sinner, but now sincerely desired to turn to the Lord.
Brother Bigler spoke earnestly to her on the subject, and while so
doing, was frequently interrupted by her cries and sobs. From
this time, she was a regular attendant at church and speaking, but
continued to groan under the burden of sin, till about six weeks
ago, under a sermon on Prov. xxviii. 13, “ He that covereth his
sins shall not prosper, but whoso confesseth them shall have

FROM THE WEST INDIES.

473

mercy,” she was effectually convinced, that her case was such as
that described under the first clause of the text. In consequence,
she came to Brother Bigler the next morning, and with many
tears, confessed that hitherto she had sought to cover her sins,
but could do so no longer; upon which she ingenuously confessed,
that she had been seduced from the path of rectitude two years
before, and had always endeavored to hide this from us. “ O my
dear minister,” she exclaimed, “ forgive me, and pray for me ;
pray that the Lord may have mercy on me, a poor wretched sin-
ner!” She was encouraged to go with confidence to Jesus
Christ, who came to call not the righteous, but sinners to
repentance. Last Friday night, while Brother Bigler was ad-
dressing the congregation from the words, “ By His stripes we
are healed,” the Spirit of God so powerfully applied the subject
to her heart, that she could no longer refrain ; but faintly cried
out, as she fell from her seat, “Yes, my Saviour, I have pierced
thee ! ” This morning she came with tears of joy and gratitude,
to tell us what the Lord had done for her soul. “He has for-
given me, has pardoned all poor Mary’s wickedness : last night
his good Spirit told me, ‘ Mary, you belong to your Saviour now.’
Oh help me to praise my dear Redeemer ! ” O may our Lord and
Saviour preserve her from falling again into sin !

October 21 st. His Excellency the Governor, sent us a proclama-
tion, relative to the abolition of slavery, accompanied by a circular,
containing an earnest request to give that document all possible
publicity ; and on the 27th a large concourse of people assembled
at our chapel, more from curiosity to learn the contents of the
king’s proclamation, than to hear the word of the King eternal.
After the sermon, Brother Bigler held a public meeting, and at the
commencement, read the proclamation, which was heard with re-
spectful and serious attention,- very gratifying to us.

28th. Brother Bigler was particularly requested to call and visit
a sick person in town, not belonging to our Church. She sent to
inform him, that she would not have dared to beg this favor, had
she not three nights successively dreamed of him. Brother Bigler
accordingly went, and found her in a deep decline, and perfectly
sensible of her approaching dissolution. Satan was, however,
permitted to disturb her peace, and she would sometimes wake
out of a disturbed slumber, and fancy she heard the evil one say
to her, “ No hope, no hope ! ” and this made her very wretched.
After speaking affectionately to her, and directing her to Him who
was tempted in all points, that he might succor them that are
tempted, the Missionary sung a few verses ; but in the middle of
the first verse she interrupted him, with the exclamation, “ Oh,
Sir, that is what I dreamt you sung for me — the same I heard in
my dream ! ” She was commended to the Lord in fervent prayer.

November 18 th. Brother Bigler visited several sick persons on
Mardenboro’ estate, and had an interesting interview with an old
and apparently hardened watchman. He has been in some con-
nection with our Church since 1825 ; but for the last two years
has never come to church : when spoken to on the subject, he
Vol. V.— 60

474

MISSIONARY ACCOUNTS

would point to his tattered clothes, and say, “ Massa, how I going
to do ? I can ’t come in dis fashion ; ” but to-day he came to me
in the sick-room, and, evidently self-condemned, said as he ap-
proached, “ Ah, massa, I have a bad heart \ I can’t do God’s work,
no — I can’t ; all the pray I pray, it don’t help nothing, ’t all at all.”
Brother Bigler spoke earnestly to him, and recommended him to
fly to Jesus Christ with all his sins, and seek from him a new
heart : then he would be able to do God’s work. Many of the
sick seemed much affected at this visit.

• 28th. The young manalluded to in a former part of this journal,
came to speak with Brother Bigler; and from his simple and earnest
address, it was truly delightful to observe how the Lord continues
the work of grace in his heart. Among other things, he mentioned
how a robbery, which had taken place a few days before in Basse-
terre, affected him. He said he still trembled, while he thought
how near he himself had been to the same crime, since one of the
thieves had been an associate of his, with whom he had once gone
great lengths in all manner of vice. “ But now,” he added, and
his eyes filled with tears as he spoke, “see what my Saviour has
done for me. I am as a brand plucked from the burning.”

December 25th. Our church was better attended this morning
than usual, and in the evening was quite full ; and we trust that
the great doctrine of the incarnation was blessed to many.

The 27th was an interesting day for our school. At half-past
eleven o’clock, Brother Bigler commenced an examination of the
children, of whom about 400 were present; and we were much
pleased with the progress that some had made during the past
year. The examination continued till four o’clock P. M., when
it was thought needful to postpone the remaining nine classes, till
the following Sunday.

During the love-feast, the children sung, with cheerful hearts
and voices, the hymns which had been printed specially for their
use ; and they were greatly pleased with their little reward-books,
cards, &c.

29th. This morning our church was found too small to contain
the multitude that came to worship. At eleven o’clock A. M.,
Brother Bigler preached ; and after the sermon, Brother Kochte
addressed those who were not able before to get into the church.
Brother Bigler then continued the children’s examination, much
to our satisfaction, and closed with a fervent prayer in behalf of
teachers and pupils. We can truly say, that this Christmas fes-
tival has been a blessed season to many souls.

At the close of this year, we observe, that, since the 1st of
January, 1833, 6 adults and 60 children have been baptized; 46
received into the congregation, and 27 readmitted ; 44 have be-
come communicants ; 48 adults and 9 children have departed this
life ; 49 have been excluded.

At present, our numbers are as follows : — Communicants, 718;
baptized, not yet communicants, 455 ; baptized children under 12
years, 740 ; candidates for baptism, 178; new people, 650 ; return-
ed excluded, 110. Total, 2851.

C. F. Kochte, David Bigler.

FROM THE WEST INDIES.

475

EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM BROTHER D. BIGLER.

“ Basseterre , October Gtk , 1834.

“ Dear Brother, — Since the 1st of August, we have had an ac-
cession of not fewer than 100 scholars ; and wTe are now preparing
to recommence our Monday evening school, and to establish noon
and night schools, on several estates in our neighborhood. This
is unquestionably the most efficient means of improving the minds
of the children, and I am happy to say, that the object has been
warmly taken up by the friends of religion in this island, and that
an association has been formed, for the instruction of the laboring
population.

“ A few weeks ago, I paid a visit to Bethel, in order to make
myself thoroughly acquainted with the inward and outward cir-
cumstances of that station. I assisted in the establishment of a
Sunday school, the regulation of the Sunday and weekly services,
and in other arrangements, which we hope will tend to the advance-
ment of the promising work at this place. There seems little doubt
that a congregation, and a pretty numerous one, may, by the
Lord’s blessing, be gathered, if we build a proper church. A
very pleasing feature in the character of the negroes in this part
of the island, is, their desire to hear God’s word, and to enjoy the
benefit of regular worship. They are extremely ignorant, and
may truly be said to be perishing for lack of knowledge. I
preached to them on a Sunday morning, and the house was filled,
although they knew nothing previously of the coming of a stranger.
At the conclusion of the services of the day, they came, and sim-
ply, but cordially, thanked me for the good words I had spoken.
Satisfied as to the prospect of gathering a congregation, I next
turned my attention to the extreme inconvenience, nay, positive
unhealthiness of the present building, which serves, as you are
aware, both for a dwelling-house and church. Our present idea
is, to convert the whole into a church, for which we think there
are the needful facilities, as well as sufficient materials ; and to
erect a smaller but more commodious frame-work house, for the
residence of the Missionary.

“By the Lord’s mercy, order has been restored throughout the
island, and we are encouraged to believe, that the occurrences
which have taken place within the limits of our own flock, how-
ever painful at the time, have made a salutary impression on the
minds and hearts of many, and will be followed by beneficial re-
sults. D. Bigler.”

FROM BROTHER HENRY SIMON.

“ Bethesda , November 6th, 1834.

“Dear Brother, — You will be interested to hear, that we
commenced an infant school at this place, in January last. It was
opened with about a dozen free children; but, since the 1st of
August, their number has increased to 54, and is increasing ra-
pidly from week to week, so that in all probability, it will amount
to more than 100 before the close of the year. The manage-

470

MISSIONARY ACCOUNTS

ment of the school has devolved almost entirely upon Sister
Simon, with a little occasional assistance from myself. I likewise
superintend two day schools ; the one of about 50 scholars, on
Matthew’s estate, the other on White’s, of nearly the same num-
ber. But our infant school gives us most satisfaction ; some of
the children, who eight months ago did not know a single letter,
are now able to read lessons in the school books with fluency.
A little girl, only two years and nine months old, has since the 1st
of August not only learned her letters, but even to spell words of
two or three syllables, to repeat her morning and evening prayers,
and many scripture texts and verses of hymns. The parents seem
to be much pleased with the attention we pay their children, of
whom all under six years of age are absolutely free, and have no
one to take care of them while their parents are at work. About
5 of the girls are taught needle-work.

“Our Sundav and evening schools are attended by from 100 to
150 children.”

4. BARB A DOES.

EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM BROTHER JOHN TAYLOR.

“ Bridgetown , November 4, 1834.

“ Dear Brother,— On the 27th ult. I came hither from Sha-
ron, to direct the laborers and masons. We have rented a small
house and kitchen, in which we live ; it is only a few yards from
the spot where we are to build our chapel. Brethren Klose and
Zippel were here yesterday, when we marked out the ground.
There are two wells of water on the land, which, though too hard
for drinking, will save much expense in the building. Next
Thursday, the 6th inst., God willing, we intend laying the founda-
tion-stone ; the situation is pleasant, in the south-east part of the
town, about 60 feet behind the Roebuck-street, with an entrance
15 feet wide. It will be the only church or chapel in this quar-
ter, which is very populous. We have got a most desirable
situation in the town, distant from other places of worship, cool
and airy, and where, if the Lord bless his word, thousands of
souls may be brought from darkness to light. It will admit of a
small burial-ground which we intend to lay out.

“ Since we came hither, we have distributed a great many
tracts, and lent the bound tracts to read. Every day our little
room is besieged by boys and girls, and adults, whom we willingly
supply, and when they have read one tract, they come for another.
They have requested us to keep evening meetings, which we
intend to do as soon as possible.

“ Brother Klose assists me in the inspection of the work, besides
caring for the congregation at Sharon. The whooping-cough and
measles have proved fatal to many, both in town and country; 42
children under 12 years of age, have, in this year, been interred
in our new burial-ground at Sharon. In consequence of the pre-
valence of this epidemic, our infant school is at present very
thinly attended. Brother Zippel has begun one at Mount-Tabor.

“ I trust the Lord will incline the hearts of our friends in this

FROM THE WEST INDIES.

477

island, to enable us to complete what we have begun here, in his
name. We were much encouraged by the daily word and doc-
trinal text for the 27th ult. At our morning devotions in this
little cabin, we were quite overcome with a feeling of our Saviour’s
presence, and we earnestly entreated him to make this place a
light to the many souls around.

“ Bridgetown , November 25 th, 1834.

“ In my last, I informed you that we had made a beginning of
a chapel here in Bridgetown ; we have now got two door-cases in,
and have 7 masons at work;’ on Saturday last, we had 13. Six
masons and 27 laborers belonging to our congregation at Sharon,
gave us a day last Saturday, and on the preceding Saturday, 24
came ; some who cannot work themselves, send provisions for
the others. Many of our friends, both in town and country, have
subscribed either money, building materials, or labor.

“ Our chapel is 50 feet by 30, and we hope to be able to raise
the walls so high as to admit of a gallery. Our friends tell us it
is too small ; but we say, our means are small, and if it should
please the Lord to bless the preaching of his word in this place,
our successors may build a larger chapel, and convert this into a
dwelling-house for two Missionary couples. Indeed we hope,
this will one day be the principal settlement in the island. On
Saturday evening, I go home to Sharon, to assist Brother Klose
in keeping the usual meetings, and generally return on Monday
morning.

“ Sharon , January 2 d, 1835.

“ We lately called on our worthy governor, when he gave us
10Z. currency toward our new chapel in town.

“ In the course of the year 1834, there were baptized at Sharon
149 adults, and 103 children; 38 persons were received or re-
admitted into fellowship; 47 admitted to the holy communion.
Departed this life, 66 adults and children, and 24 were excluded.
Forty-three couples were married.

“ The congregation consists of 321 communicants; 382 bap-
tized adults ; 325 baptized children ; in all, 1,028 ; to which, if
there be added, 318 candidates for baptism ; 296 new people; and
45 excluded, or suspended from fellowship ; the whole number of
souls under our care, will amount to 1687.

“At Mount-Tabor, 10 adults and 11 children were baptized ; 6
persons received into the congregation ; 8 departed ; 9 were ex-
cluded. The congregation consists of 105 adult members, of
whom 41 are communicants ; 45 baptized children ; candidates
for baptism or reception, 55 ; new people, 50. Total 285.”

5. TOBAGO.

EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM BROTHER JAMES THOMAS LIGHT.

“ Montgomery , November 25th, 1834.

“ My Dear Brother, — I long to hear from you, whether
there are any hopes that our worthy Christian friends, who have
done so much to further our labors in Tobago, will continue their

478

CORRESPONDENCE OF THE EDITOR.

wonted liberal assistance, and by so doing, enable us in the first
place to enlarge our chapel, and then to build a school-house.
The heat of our little chapel is really such as to endanger our
health. And though we cannot expect much from the generation
that now is, yet I trust that nothing, however discouraging, will
induce us to abate our labor of love in behalf either of the parents
or their children.

“ We visit Indian-Walk estate monthly, and Brother Coates
visits Runnemede, an estate about two miles further up the mount-
ains ; we are also desirous to be helpful on Woodland's estate,
as well as Buccoo and Mount-Irvine.

“ December 30th, 1834.

“Most of us have been brought very low by sickness, during
the year, and appearances have, at times, been very discouraging.
But the throne of grace being very nigh, we found there a refuge
and a hiding-place.

“At the close of the year, we would notice the following parti-
culars respecting our congregation : — 23 adults have been baptized
and received ; 10 children have been baptized ; 12 persons have
departed this life, and 7 have been disowned ; 9 have become
communicants, and 8 are at present candidates ; 15 have been
added to the class of catechumens, and 2 of this class disowned.
Three couples have been married.

“Our little flock numbers as follows: — communicants, 28;
candidates, 14; baptized adults, 104; baptized children, including
those at Indian-Walk, 163; candidates for baptism, 70. Total, 379.

“ There are upward of 300 names entered in the lists as candi-
dates and hopeful new-comers ; many of them are, however, un-
known to us, so that we do not venture to give more than 70 as
the present number.”

6. DANISH ISLANDS.

A letter from Brother Bonhof of Friedensfeld, in St. Croix*
dated Sept. 30th, 1834, states, that a violent storm, by which that
island, and several of those adjacent, were visited on the 21st
inst., passed over without doing any serious injury to any of our
settlements, for which instance of the Divine protection, our bre-
thren and sisters felt truly thankful. The place of worship for
the aged and infirm members of the congregation at New-Herrn-
hut, residing in the town of St. Thomas, which was burned down
in the conflagration of December 31st, 1832, has been rebuilt, to
the great joy of those for whose benefit it is intended. The
Missionaries in all these islands were favored to enjoy a pretty
good state of health.

V. CORRESPONDENCE OF THE EDITOR.

Extract of a letter from Brother Jacob Bininger , a member of the United Bre-
thren's Congregation at New - York , now in the Island of Jamaica.

“ New-Fulnec , December 22, 1835.

“Among the innumerable tokens of my Saviour’s goodness to
me of late, his directing my steps hither I place among the chief.

MISSIONARY STATIONS.

479

Could you only, my dear brother, yourself be a witness to the
scenes and events about us ! What a Missionary’s life and labors
were, I never before had a conception of— they are incessant, in
season and out of season, in fair and tempestuous weather, by day
and by night, ever continued and never finished. The poor ne-
groes, of all ages, and both sexes, as an hour becomes their own,
hasten with eager step to his door, conscious that it is ever open,
and himself ever ready to impart instruction or administer com-
fort. Thus, at almost all hours of the day, but particularly from
4 o’clock, P. M., when their labor ceases, until 10 at night, groups
of these precious souls are seen bending their way over cliff and
dale to the mission premises. No distance, or weather, or dark-
ness of the night, deters ; neither precipitous roads, covered with
sharp flinty stone and rock, which must often pierce their feet, (for
they have no shoes,) can repress their desire to gain a word of in-
struction. When they break up and retire, particularly now,
when the children meet to practise anthems for Christmas, they
make vocal the mountains and valleys with the praises of their Re-
deemer’s love. It is truly affecting. O ! that our dear congre-
gation, every member, all who love Zion, could see and witness
these wonderful doings of the Lord ! How would their warmest
emotions be excited ! how the anxious wish thrill through every
fibre of their heart to do something in this glorious cause ! And
more, far more so, when they further learned that hundreds, per-
haps thousands, panting to participate in these blessings, are. pre-
vented for want of something wherewith to cover themselves. My
fellow-members and brethren in the Lord Jesus, pity these poor
outcasts for whom Christ died ! Thirty or forty cents will buy
a decent cover or shirt, and enable them to attend, and hear, and
learn to read the word of life. My dear brother, the wants of this
people cry to Heaven. Could they be rung in the ears of your
rich luxurious city ! O ! that some appeal at least could be made
that would reach the case and respond to the cries and necessities
of the occasion ! ”

Note. — Donations for the above object — of providing clothing for the destitute
negroes, — will be thankfully received and faithfully applied, if left with the Editor,
No. 14 Dutch-street, New-York.

VI. 3Lfst of tljc j33tsstonari> Stations of t&e SJm'tcti 3Sretl;ron ;

Of the Missionaries employed in them ; and the number of Converts belonging to
each, toward the close of the year 1835.

N. B. — In this catalogue, the figures within parentheses refer to the year in which the mis-
sion or station was established ; m. denotes that the Missionaries are married ; w. widowers ; s.
single or unmarried; cong. the congregation, including baptized children and catechumens. The
numbers are derived from the latest returns to which the compiler has had access. In the enu-
meration of the Missionaries the wives are included.

* GREENLAND.— 1733.

New- Herrnhut (1733.) — m. Brn. Lehman, Ulbricht; a. Brn. Herbricht, Richter ; cong.

368. Lichtenfels (1758.)— m. Brn. Eberle, Mehlhose; s. Br. Caspar Kogel; cong. 371,

Lichtenau (1774.) — m. Brn. Tietzen, J. Kogel, Bans; cong. G71. Frederieksthal

(1824.) — m. Br. Muller; s. Brn. Lund, Asboe ; cong. 408 ; Br. and Sr. lhrer on a visit in

Europe. Total — 23 Missionaries, and 1820 Greenland converts, including about 840

communicants.

480

MISSIONARY STATIONS.

LABRADOR— 1/70

Nain (1770.) — m. Bin. Lundberg, Henn, Beck; 5. Br. Albrecht; cong. 248. Okkak

(1776.) — m. Brn. Stiirman, Kbrner, Knaus; s. Br. Erdman; cong. 343. Hopedale

(1782.)— in. Brn. Meisner, Glitscb, Hertzberg; cong. 155. Hebron (1830.) — m. Brn. Mor-

hardt, Mentzel ; s. Brn. Freytag, Krutli ; cong. 125 ; Br. and Sr. Stock, and s. Br. Frit-

sche, on a visit in Emope. Total — 29 Missionaries, and 871 Esquimaux converts, of

whom about 336 communicants.

NORTH AMERICAN INDIANS.— 1734.

Among the Delaware Indians in Upper Canada, New-Fairfield (1792.) — m. Brn. Luck-
cnbach, Miksch, Vogler ; cong. 247. Among the Cherokees in Georgia (1801.) — m. Br.

Clauder ; cong. 113. Total — 8 Missionaries, and 360 Indian converts, of whom about 85

communicants.

WEST INDIES.

Danish Islands. — 1732.

In St. Thomas. New-Herrnhut (1732.) — m. Brn. Sybrecht, Damus, Eder; cong.

955. Niesky (1753.) — m. Brn. Wied, Freytag, Kleint ; cong. 1119. St. Croix.

Friedensthal (1751.) — m. Brn. Miiller, Bdnhof, Schick; cong. 2032.- Friedensberg

(1771.) — m. Brn. Sparmeyer, Planner; cong. 2142. Friedensfeld (1805.) — m. Brn.

Slaude, Popp ; cong. 2461. In St. Jan. Bethany (1754.) — m. Brn. Blitt, Roster ; cong

547.- Emmaus (1782.) — m. Bru. Schmitz, Meyer; cong. 971. Total— 7 settlements,

31 Missionaries, 10,227 negroes, of whom 4Q09 communicants.

Jamaica. — 1754.

New-Eden (1816.) — m. Br. Kochte; cong. 1589. Invin-Hill (1815.) — m. Br. Robbins;

cong. 509. Fairfield (1823.) — m. Brn. Ricksecker, Renkewitz ; cong. 2143. New-

Carmel (1827.) — m. Brn. Collis, Pfeiffer; cong. 1472. New-Bethlehem (1833.) — m. Br.

Hainan; cong. 432. New-Fulnec (1830.) — m. Brn. Zorn, Davies; cong. 733. Mile

Gully — m. Br. John Scholefield. Total — 7 settlements, 20 Missionaries, 7182 negroes,

including New-Beaufort and Mesopotamia, of whom about 1453 communicants.

Antigua. — 1756.

St. John’s (1761.) — m. Brn. Harvey, Tliraen, Morrish, Zetsche ; cong. 6974 Grace-

hill (1773.) — m. Brn. Bayne, Bigler; cong. 2311. Gracebay (1797.) — m. Br. Moline ;

cong. 1110. Newfield (1817.) — m. Br. Miintzer; cong. 1169. Cedar-Hall (1822.) —

m. Br. Zellner ; w. Br. Newby ; cong. 2272. On their passage thither — m. Brn. Hartwig

and Miller. Total — 5 settlements, 23 Missionaries, 13,836 converts, of whom about 5113

communicants.

St. Kitts, — 1775.

Basseterre (1777.) — m. Brn. Schick, A. Scholefield; cong. 2834. Bethesda (1819.) —

m. Br. Simon ; cong. 1804. Bethel (1832.) — m. Br. Seitz ; cong. 350. Total — 3 set-

tlements, 8 Missionaries, 4988 converts, including 1205 communicants.

Barbadoes. — 1765.

Sharon(1767.) — m. Brn. Taylor, Klose, Oerter; cong. 1687. Mount-Tabor (1825.) —

m. Br. Zippel ; cong. 283. Total — 2 settlements, 8 Missionaries, 1970 converts, of whom

362 communicants.

Tobago. — 1790 (renewed 1827.)

Montgomery (1827.) — m. Brn. Light, Coates. 1 settlement, 4 Missionaries; cong.

380. 28 communicants.

Demerara. 1835.

Plant. Anna Regina — m. Br. Coleman. 2 Missionaries.

Surinam. — 1735.

Paramaribo (1767.) — m. Brn. Passavant, Schmidt, Treu, Jacobs, Dohnnan ; cong.

3191, besides 280 living on plantations. Plant. Charlottenburg — m. Brn. Yoight, Hart-

man. Total — 2 settlements, 14 Missionaries, 3471 converts, including about 1240 com-

municants.

SOUTH AFRICA.— 1736 (renewed 1792.)

Gnadenthal (1792.) — m. Brn. Hallbeck, Stein, Nauhaus, Brauer, Sonderman ; to. Sr.

Kohrhammer; cong. 1383. Groenekloof (1808.) — m. Brn. Clemens, Lemmertz, Lehman,

Meyer ; cong. 668. Hemel-en- Aarde (1823.) — m. Br. Tietze; cong. 79. Elim (1824.)

— ni. Brn. Teutsch, Luttring, Schopman ; cong. 231. Enon (1818.) — m. Brn. Gentb,

Halter, Stolz ; to. Sr. Hornig ; cong. 443. Shiloh (1828.)— m. Brn. Fritsch, Hoffman;

s. Br. Bonatz; cong. 371. — Br. De Fries and wife, and s. Sr. Miller, on their passage.

Total — 6 stations, 42 Missionaries, 3175 converts of the Hottentot, Caffre, Tambookie, and
other native tribes, among whom are 1107 communicants.

General Summary. — 44 stations, 215 Missionaries, and 48,280 converts, of whom
about 15,768 are communicants. Of these 2691 are Greenlanders and Esquimaux, 360
Indians, 42,084 negroes and persons of color, and 3175 Hottentots, and other natives of
South Africa.

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United Brethren's Missionary

Princeton Theological Seminary-Speer Library

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