the first book, I introduced our second book for children; it contains the Ten Commandments, the LORD's Prayer, a morning and evening hymn, &c. This school is entirely composed of Dhera children, that class of Hindoos who eat carrion. All the other Hindoos abhor them, and they always live in districts by themselves. It is the duty of a missionary, I conceive, to teach the people that all castes are on a level in the sight of GOD; yet in the present state of the people, it is absolutely impossible to mix these people with the children of other castes. We must either teach them in separate schools, or allow them to remain ignorant. The children of all other castes unite together in the schools. Feb. 6th.-Visited the first and third Native Schools. In the first are 55 children, and in the third 45; making, in the three schools together, 150 children. They may be said to be Christian Schools entirely, as every thing of a heathen and superstitious nature has been gradually excluded. PENANG.-The Cruelty of Idolaters, exemplified in the conduct of the Chinese; extracted from the Journal of MR. MEDHURST, when he resided in Penang. JAN. 7, 1821.--Walking out, I called at the house of a man, who was engraving an idol; and, on looking round, I perceived his house to be full of the works of his own hands. I could not help feeling a holy indignation at such affronts on the Divine Majesty, to suppose him to be like unto wood and stone, graven by art and man's device! I spoke to him on the folly of trusting to the works of his own hands, but I found him to be nearly as ignorant as the idols he was making. "They that make them are like unto them." He was unable to give any consistent excuse for his folly, but acknowledged that he was a mere imitator of others, and was making the idols for his own gain. Murder of Female Infants by the Chinese. Jan. 18th. A man came for medicine to-day, with whom I conversed awhile privately. I asked him how long he had left China, and whether he ever thought upon his family there. He said he frequently thought on them, and intended next year to return and visit them, for he had three sons, and one daughter, who was married. "I had another daughter," he added, "but I did not bring her up." "Not bring her up, (said 1,) what did you then do with her? "I smothered her; (said he :) this year also I heard by letter that an other daughter was born; I sent word to have that smothered also, but the mother has preserved it alive." I was shocked at this speech, and still more at the horrid indifference with which he uttered it. "What, (said I,) murder your own children? Do you not shudder at such an act?" "Ono, (said he,) it is a very common thing in China; we put the female children out of the way, to save the trouble of bringing them up; some people have smothered five or six daughters." My horror was increased by his continued indifference, and the lightness with which such crimes are perpetrated in China with impunity, which must be the case, when they are related, without fear of detection, as the common occurrences of life. I felt I had a murderer by my side, who must without repentance inevitably perish. I told him plainly that he had committed a most dreadful sin, and that he was in danger of eternal wrath. Though I said this with the greatest seriousness and earnestness, at first he only laughed, and it was some time before he would acknowledge that he had done wrong: however, afterwards he seemed to feel a little concerned, and I hope affected. What an awful view does this present of the "Celestial Empire," loaded with crime, deluged with blood, and ripe for destruction! UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.-We have the pleasure to make the following extracts from "The Third Annual Report of the Missionary Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church," which we have just received. THE establishment of this Society, forms a new era in the history of Methodism. Through its influence, the latent energies of many an individual are called into action, and directed to the accomplishment of the grand designs of redemption, namely, the universal diffusion of gospel-truth and holiness. In perfect accordance with the pri mary intention of this Society, the Superintendents of our Church have availed themselves of the pecuniary aid thus afforded them, to send the light of evangelical truth among the scattered popnlation of the exterior parts of our country, as well as among the aborigines of our wilderness. And the information which is here presented, will evince that success has attended the efforts of our Missionaries. Never, indeed, since the first settlement of our country, has a more effectual door been opened to the natives of our soil, than at the present period; and it is matter of no small exultation, that the exertions of the christian community are becoming proportionate to the demands of the destitute; and that the Supreme Head of the Church is raising up and qualifying men to enter the fields of Missionary labour, with that spirit and intrepidity which promise a complete triumph to Christianity. At the session of the last Genesce Conference,two Missionaries, the REV.FITCH REED, and KENETH M. K. SMITH, were appointed to the new settlements in Upper Canada. In mentioning this Province, we cannot but recollect, with gratitude to GOD, the progress which the Gospel has made in that region, where, previous to the visits of the Methodist Preachers, the people were generally destitute of Gospelordinances; but where, through the persevering and indefatigable labours of these heralds of salvation, thousands have been drawn to the standard of Immanuel; many of whom are now lending their aid, both by their prayers and money, to extend the borders of His kingdom. And now, through the medium of the Missionary Society, the poorest and most destitute neighbourhoods are likely to be favoured with the transforming power of the Gospel of the SON⚫ of GOD. By this means the bounds of his kingdom will be limited only by the extent of the settlements; and dwellinghouses and meeting-houses shall rise up together. That this anticipation is not imaginary, but founded upon facts already ascertained, the following extract of a communication from the REV. FITCH REED, one of the Missionaries, will fully demonstrate. "The last of August, we passed into the new settlements about thirty miles from this place; and made it our first object to ascertain the state of the country, the wants and dispositions of the people, and to what places we might, with the best prospect of success, direct our attention. We found the inhabitants in general composed of English, Scotch, and Irish, with a few American families, possessing different habits and inclinations, and consequently differently disposed as it respects religion. But they received us kindly, and generally expressed a desire to have the Gospel preached among them. To extend our labours to all those places where this desire was manifested, it was necessary to travel over a large extent of country, frequently without any open roads, and sometimes without even the mark of the axe upon trees to guide us from one settlement to another. To travel with horses was found impracticable; both from the state of the roads, and the want of accommodation for our beasts. "I found it necessary to return to my station in this place, before I could visit all those townships which were considered proper missionary ground; nor have I been able since to travel so extensively as I could wish, from the important duties connected with my charge in town. Brother SMITH has generally remained in the woods, while, as often as possible, I have gone to his assistance. He has performed his tours altogether on foot, directing his course by a small pocket-compass, where there was no path, and sometimes travelling from four to ten miles without meeting with the footsteps of man, or a house to shelter him from the storm. "Although the people had generally expressed a wish to have preaching, yet at first but few attended; four or five on week-days, and not many on the Sabbath. Contending with difficulties common to new settlers, and anxious to render themselves comfortable in worldly circumstances, so much did the cares of life engross their attention, that it was difficult to engage their minds in the duties of religion. In numerous instances, the Sabbath was not regarded as holy to the LORD, but devoted to worldly purposes; and many who were once living witnesses of the power of godliness, had become lax in religious duties, and seemed to have lost, in a great measure, their spiritual enjoyments. "But glory and praise be to GOD, the Scene is changed. An astonishing alteration in the manners of the people soon became visible; not in one or a few places only, but generally where the Gospel was preached. Where formerly our congregations were very small, houses are now crowded with listening multitudes, anxious to hear the word of salvation; and their inquiry is not so much, What shall we eat, and what shall we drink?' but in many instances, What shall I do to be saved?' The gathering crowds upon the Sabbath, and the multitudes which frequently press to the house of worship in the evenings, witness the solicitude of their minds by their serious attention, and often by tears and cries of penitence. To see them in every direction coming from the woods, with lighted torches, has often filled us with a pleasing solemnity, and led us to reflect upon the importance of those realities, which have excited this deep interest in their minds. We have had the pleasure of witnessing not only the tears, but, in some instances, the joyful conversion of penitents. In the townships of Esquesing and Chinquacousy, the LORD has favoured us with a revival; and a number have been brought from darkness to light,' and made free from the law of sin and death. They are principally young people. The work still appears to be progressing, and our meetings are crowned with the gracious presence of our GOD. "The country is new, having been settled but little more than two years. In each of the townships of Esquesing and Chinquacousy, there are about one hundred and fifty families; and emigrants are constantly moving into these and other townships adjoining. I would wish to suggest to our Missionary Committee the necessity of persevering efforts in regard to this mission; as I think we have reason to be encouraged from the success of our first endeavours." After following the flight of our Missionaries through the wilds of Canada, and witnessing the triumphs of truth in the hearts of its inhabitants, we will turn our attention to some of the Indian Tribes who dwell in the skirts of our own States and territories. In surveying this field of Missionary labour, we shall have abundant cause of thankfulness for the blessed result of the recent exertions among our brethren of the forest. At the last Ohio Conference, the REV. JAMES B. FINLEY was appointed Missionary to the Wyandott Indians, with directions, if possible, to establish schools for the instruction of Indian youth, as well as to convey to them the knowledge of the truth as it is in JESUS. Our last Report mentioned, that a Missionary, the REV. WILLIAM CAPERS, had been appointed to travel through the bounds of the South Carolina Conference, to collect funds for the benefit of the Indians. It was also made his duty to visit some of the Indian tribes, with a view to establish schools, and to introduce the Gospel among them; and his communications show that this undertaking, though attended with many difficulties, has been as successful as could have been reasonably anticipated. A letter from BISHOP GEORGE aunounces the appointment of a Missionary to the Floridas, with instructions to visit Pensacola, Mobile, Blakely, and as many of the adjoining settlements as possible. It would be an easy matter to swell this Report with interesting accounts of the proceedings and success of other So cieties, all of which are directing their attention to the attainment of the same grand consummation, namely, the salvation of the world. But it is unnecessary to enter into minute details. We would just observe, however, in passing, that the West-India and South-Sea Islands are receiving His law who died to redeem them. The vast tribes of East Indians are witnessing the rising beams of the Sun of Righteousness. The hills and valleys of Palestine, once the theatre of such grand events, are echoing with the voice of divine mercy. The depressed sons of Africa are stretching out their hands to GOD. And the tribes of savage men, on our own continent, are beginning to listen to the sound of "salvation in JESUS's name;" while the poorest and most destitute parts of our own scattered population, are reached by the feet of the zealous Missionary. O Brethren! with an object of such magnitude before us, who can remain unmoved? Let the arm that will not be stretched out in support of such a cause, forget its cunning. The voice of GOD calls, Arise. The time to favour Zion, even the set time, is now come. A halo of glory already surrounds the head of the intrepid Missionary who is successfully elevating the cross of CHRIST among the savage tribes of men. And he loudly calls for more to come over to his help. It is now only about three years since this Society commenced its operations. Combining so large a field of labour, and comprehending in its plans so large a circle, as the whole of the Methodist Conferences in the United States, it was but reasonable to expect that its progress would be slow: but it has been sure. Time and patient perSeverance are necessary to set so many wheels in motion; to communicate life and vigour to each, and so to direct the movements of the whole, as to produce a simultaneous and harmonious co-operation. Eut, blessed be the God of Missions! the GOD of WESLEY and WHITE. FIELD, those eminent Missionaries of the old world, who inspired them with sufficient energy to set the mighty machine in motion;-of ASBURY and ČOKE, who gave it such an impulse in the new world ;—blessed be his Holy Name for ever, that he hath so far given success to the experiment. Already the impulse is felt more or less strongly from the centre to the circumference of our Connexion. The mustard-seed, first sown about three years since, has taken deep root, has extended its branches, and many are reposing under their shadow. Young branches are shooting forth in various directions, and instead of exhausting the strength of the parentstock, are daily adding to its growth and stability. As you have already heard, the beathen tribes of our wilderness are partaking of its fruits. The time indeed is not far distant when every man who shall have engaged in this godlike enterprise, will esteem it as the happiest period of his existence, the highest honour ever conferred upon him, when he embarked in the cause of Missions. The loiterers, those who have looked on with cold indifference, and, with envious eye, have waited the doubtful result, will stand abashed, filled with confusion at their own supineness; and will, if their zeal for GoD be not quite extinguished, petition the privilege to redeem their lost time, by being permitted, at last, to participate in the grand work of conquering the world by the power of truth. By Order of the Board, N. BANGS, Third Vice-President. DOMESTIC INTELLIGENCE. ANNIVERSARIES OF BRANCH MISSIONARY SOCIETIES, &c.—Those of Brighton, Lewes, Groombridge, and Eastbourne, have been lately held. The Collections, as usual, were very liberal.The Anniversary of the Knaresborough Circuit Society was held, Nov. 14. Meetings had been previously held at Whixley, Torkwith, Wetherby, and Keswick, all in that Circuit. The sums raised in the year amount to £166.-The Juvenile Society of WoodhouseGrove School, consisting of the sons of Methodist Preachers, held its Seventh Annual Meeting on November 27th. Since its establishment, it has contributed 100 to the Missionary Fund.--The first Anniversary of the Juvenile Society at Liverpool was held November 29th ; the REV. DR. CLARKE in the Chair. The Collection was £58. The receipts of the year have been £170. DEPARTURE OF MISSIONARIES.-The following Missionaries, &c., sailed from Bristol, December 13th: viz. MR. and MRS. FLETCHER, for St. Vincent's; Ma, and MRS. MURRAY, for Grenada; and MR. STEPHENSON for Tobago. CONTRIBUTIONS.-The amount of sums received by the General Treasurers, since the Account published last month, is £3250. 6s. 6d. Among these, the following are reported: viz. MR. DEAKIN, Birmingham, £ 100: Legacy of MR. A. TIMMINS, of Dudley, by MR. B. LEADBETTER, Executor, £100: J. B. WILSON, ESQ., Clapham, £50: THOMAS FOWELL BUXTON, Eng., M. P., £ 10. 108.: THOMAS FARMER, Esq., London, 10. 10s.: A Young Man of industrious habits, £5: C. M'KINNON, Esq., Kensington, £5: Rev. H. MOORE, Bristol, £ 10. 108. : J. BURGESS, Esq., of Worsley, in the Salford (Manchester) Circuit, £70. OBITUARY. 1. DIED at Halifax, Yorkshire, May 16, 1822, MR. JOHN FOURNESS, aged fifty-seven. (See Recent Deaths in our Number for June, 1822.) His father was a pious man of Calvinistic sentiments; and one who, like the venerable Patriarch of old, "commanded his children and his household after him, that they should keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment." Of this, the good effect was seen in the conduct of his son, who, being brought up" in the nurture and admonition of the LORD," shunned those temptations to vice to which the period of youth is most exposed. Up to the age of thirteen years he remained under the parental roof; and then was bound as an apprentice to the late MR. RICHARD EMMET, of this place, an event for which he expressed his gratitude to ALMIGHTY GOD to his dying day. The transition of a youth from his home to another person's habitation and care, is an important crisis of his life, and must be pregnant with important results. On parents in general, but on religious parents especially, a very serious responsibility at this period devolves; and care should be taken, not only that the place selected is eligible in a secular point of view, but that it is one in which due attention will be paid to the morals of their children. This advantage was happily secured for the late MR. FOURNESS during his apprenticeship; for MR. EMMETT was, for many years, a pillar and an ornament of the Methodist Society in this town, and his piety developed itself in a lively concern for the spiritual welfare of all committed to his care. The religious instructions given to MR. F., by his pious master, were accompanied by the divine blessing; as appears from the following circumstance, which shall be related in his own words :-" I well remember," says he, "after my recovery from a severe illness, being one Sunday reading with my master in private, as was his custom. Deep conviction seized my soul. I saw and felt that I was a sinner, both by nature and practice. As soon as we had done, I retired; and, with many prayers and tears, I poured out my soul before the LORD, promising him to repent, and forsake every evil way." But, alas! this "goodness' was but "as the early dew, and the morning cloud." During the eighteen months which followed, he wandered still farther from GOD, and sought happiness in the vain amusements of the world. But they were to him as broken cisterns that can hold no water; and during every step he took in the paths of sin, he found that the way of transgressors is hard." Referring to this portion of his life, he remarks: "I was truly miserable; and could find no rest for my soul, in the vanities of the world; for I felt that I was constantly grieving the HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD, and, as it were, crucifying afresh the LORD JESUS CHRIST, and putting him to open shame. LORD, it is of thy mercy, and because thy compassion fails not, that thou hast not given me up to a hard and reprobate mind."-The serious impressions which he thus, for a short time, resisted, were again revived and strengthened by his perusal of that invaluable little book, "ALLEIN'S Alarm to the Unconverted." Re-visited by the grace of GoD, he received it not "in vain, but presented himself to GOD a living sacrifice,holy and acceptable." As an essential step toward this end, he sought fellowship with the visible Church of CHRIST, and in March, 1781, (being then sixteen years of age,) he was admitted a member of the Methodist Society by the late MR. MATHER, whose public ministry and private exhortations were made a great blessing to him. But it was not till the 25th of May, 1782, that he obtained the knowledge of salvation through the remission of sins. He refers to that interesting period of his life in the following terms: This morning, when I awoke, my mind was much burdened. After I had been at work for an hour or two, this thought passed my mind, What is faith?' I saw that this was the grace which I wanted, to make me happy, and I cried, LORD, give me faith! The LORD answered my prayer. In a moment my burden was gone. My heart was filled with love to GOD and man, and I could rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory. With the Poet I sung, 'My God is reconcil'd, His pardoning voice I hear, a I can no longer fear, With confidence I now draw nigh, And Father, Abba Father, cry. From the commencement of his religious course, our deceased friend wrote regular diary of his christian experience; but his family and friends have to regret, that, a little prior to his death, he destroyed nearly the whole of what he had written. But his record is on high, and those who knew him, need not any documentary evidence to convince them that he was found faithful. He was living "Epistle of CHRIST, known and read of all men." He was not given to change in his religious principles and attachments, but stood "as a pillar in GOD's temple, to go out no more." In the cause of CHRIST he was zealously affected; and in every exertion, made among us for its extension, he cheerfully took his part of labour, never manifesting that jealousy of the activity of younger members of the Society, which some old persons occasionally betray, and which has, in various places, retarded the progress of the good work of GOD. His language uniformly was, "We must soon leave this world; and these young men are the persons to whom we naturally look as our successors. I am, therefore, glad to see them exert themselves in the cause of CHRIST."-But to ascertain the strength and sincerity of a man's religious principles, we must witness their operation in domestic life; and the christian character of MR. FOURNESS may confidently be submitted to that more rigid but equitable test. His profession was ornamented by his consistency at home, as well as abroad. He was a faithful husband, an affectionate parent, a kind master, and a sincere friend. His character is not held up as being faultless; but "e'en his failings lean'd to virtue's side."-The removal of a man so pious and useful is deeply deplored by all his surviving Brethren; while the suddenness of its manner affords another example of the uncertainty of human life, and admonishes us to be also ready." It was on Sunday the 12th of May last, that MR FOURNESS was seized with the fatal distemper, which hurried him from this to an invisible world; and such was the rapidity of its progress, that on the Thursday evening following he expired. During his illness, he seems to have had a strong presentiment of its fatal issue, to which he frequently alluded with great christian fortitude and triumph. Having, a few hours before his decease, set his house in order, by the final ar |