congregations, and met the class: two new members were present. In the evening I took boat to Loxfirth, and was warmly received by James Hay, Esq., a very friendly and intelligent gentleman: he was often in company with Mr. Wesley, as long ago as the year 1768. I preached at six, and the next day travelled through the snow to Lerwick, seldom better pleased with a journey. I think, upon the whole, that Methodism was never in such a flourishing state in Shetland, nor our pros pects more cheering. I hope our kind friends in England will still send us help, that we may be able to maintain the ground we have, and to go on to possess what yet remains. I am satisfied, that there are but few places of the same size, in our missionary field, of greater importance than this. I heard from Mr. Lewis yesterday; a good work is going on. The dwellinghouse is just finished: it is a most ex cellent building; but as it is not sufficiently dry yet, I have taken our present lodging for another quarter. Yours very affectionately, SAMUEL DUNN. P. S. Your readers will perceive that here is a great and a gracious work; and who but those who have given their lives to the Lord, will go through all the dangers and miseries of these travels, in order to reach, gather, and feed those lost sheep of the house of Israel? Several friends, last year, besides our excellent friend Mr. Scott, have contributed to this work. I ask them, for God's sake, to continue their bounty. Our necessities at present are very great, and I am sure that their offerings to God on this behalf will highly please him who has loved them, and whom they serve. I am truly yours, ADAM CLARKE. CEYLON MISSION. Extract of a Letter from MR. STOUP, dated Galle, August 1, 1824. HAVING arrived at my station in safety and peace, with heartfelt gratitude do I recount the many mercies which the Lord has bestowed upon me since the period when I received your parting counsel and blessing; and I do not place among the least of them the gracious support and consolation which I experienced under that otherwise painful circumstance, the leaving my native shore. I am persuaded that no other motive would ever have induced me to take such a step, but that of "preaching among the heathen the unsearchable riches of Christ;" but with such a motive, far from feeling any thing like regret at the period to which I allude, I then rather exclaimed with wonder and self-abasement, "Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given!" Our passage, which occupied twenty weeks, from the time of our embarkation to that of our landing at Colombo, was rather a long one, yet many circumstances conspired to make it pleasant. We had remarkably fine weather, which enabled us to spend our time pleasantly and profitably; and our fellow passengers were very agreeable, which greatly mitigated the wearisomeness of so long a voyage. We had anticipated some little inconvenience and interruption of our comforts from having so many troops on board; but in this also we were agreeably disappointed, as it afforded us an opportunity, which we gladly embraced, of preach ing to them the gospel of Christ. The little meetings which we held amongst them, were in some measure a substitute for those abundant means of grace which we had left, with our country: they were often attended with the divine presence; and proved seasons of refreshing to our souls. It was truly gratifying to see soldiers and sailors uniting with us in singing our "great Redeemer's praise," and bowing the knee with silent reverence, while we addressed the throne of grace; or sitting in deep attention to hear the word of life expounded and enforced; and we are encouraged to hope, that the seed thus sown, though sown in weakness, will not perish, but that it will hereafter spring up and bring forth much fruit: however, we have the testimony of our consciences, that in "simplicity and godly sincerity we had our conversation" among them. On our arrival in this island we were received with the most cordial affection by our dear brethren, especially by brother and sister M'Kenny, with whom, after spending a few days, I pro ceeded to my appointment at Galle. On my journey to this place I had an opportunity of seeing a part of the labours of our brethren, and also of the fruits of them, which, I do assure you, were highly gratifying. I chiefly allude to the schools, which I visited, and which I found in the greatest order. I examined several of the scholars in reading, in which they acquitted themselves in a manner which far exceeded my expectations; they also repeated the catechisms, and the Lord's prayer, with great correctness. I was not less pleased with the masters than with the scholars most of them appeared to be very intelligent men, and well acquainted with the principles of the Christian religion, and some of them gave me a very consistent and Scriptural account of their experience. When I had thus, like Barnabas, "seen the grace of God, I was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they should cleave unto the Lord." Since my arrival at my station I have begun to apply myself to the languages. I never felt my weakness more than at present; but I know where my strength lieth: "Thou, oh Lord, art a shield for me, my glory, and the lifter up of my head." I entreat a continued interest in your prayers; assuring you of my increasing attachment and devotedness to that great and glorious work in which I am engaged. MISSION IN SOUTHERN AFRICA. Extract from the Journal of MR. EDWARDS. DEC. 1st, 1823.-We departed from Lily-Fountain with several of our Namacqua Hottentots, to commence a mission amongst the Corannas, on the eastern side of Africa. 5th.-Commenced travelling across a barren desert, without population, or any traces of the effects produced by the industrious hand of man. Having taken a little rest, we arose and found ourselves near a few native huts, the habitations of a few people belonging to the missionary station at Pella. This afternoon I spoke a few words in the name of the Lord. 12th-This morning a poor female servant met with her death, in consequence of having received a severe blow from her mistress, with a yokeskie, upon the back part of her neck, which dislocated it, and the poor girl instantly expired. How very little is human life thought of by the inhabitants of these dreary regions. 16th. We halted in a barren wilderness, where no water could be obtained for our poor cattle. About sunrise we set out in hope of soon finding the banks of the Great Orange river, and partaking of its refreshing streams. This forenoon we arrived at the river, and halted for a few hours. In the afternoon we arrived at a small village of bastard Hottentots, and in the evening held divine service. I endeavoured to explain a portion of the word of God to nearly fifty souls. May the Great Head of the church water the seed sown by me, his unworthy servant, in the wilderness. 17th. The cracking of the whip brought a goodly company of natives together, amongst whom was the son of Flerimous. I spoke from Matt. xii, 43: a suitable subject for those who had forsaken the right way. From this people we obtained the loan of two span of oxen, to assist us for two stages. The Lord is good to us in the wilderness. Thermometer 94. Jan. 3d, 1824. We arrived at Hardcastle, one of the outposts belonging to the missionary station at Griqua. The place is called Hardcastle, in memory of the late very excellent Treasurer of the London Missionary Society. We found some pious people here, who invited me to spend the sabbath with them. 5th. We arrived at Griqua-town, a missionary station belonging to the London Missionary Society. Here we were kindly received by the missionaries, viz., Messrs. Sass and Helm, and also by our old friend Mr. Mellvile, the government agent. From this gentleman we received many acts of disinterested kindness, during the time we had lodgings at his house at Capetown; and the attention of this affectionate family towards us, at Griqua, will not soon be forgotten. At Griqua we saw a mixture of different nations: here are Griquas, Boschuanas, Corannas, Bushmen, and Mantatees. The latter were recently taken in battle. 18th.-Being exceedingly anxious to get to my destination, and also desirous of communicating the mind of the superintendent, as well as my own, to brother Hodgson, in order to prepare him to leave Maquasse for Cape-town, we proceeded on our journey. Messrs. Helm and Sass gave us a good supply of the produce of their gardens, for which we felt extremely thankful. 27th. This evening we arrived at a large Coranna village, where we saw an immense number of cattle; and these seem to be all the people care about. They are perfectly ignorant of useful arts, and are much inferior, in point of civilization, to the Boschuanas. Feb. 1st.-We arrived at a large Coranna village, which we had been long seeking. You will observe that this people are not stationary, but travel from place to place: and they indulge themselves in the most filthy habits, such as making powder of cowdung, and wearing it upon their heads; hence they are a complete nuisance. This afternoon our wagons were surrounded by the natives; every thing they saw seemed to strike them with surprise: some of them said that our wagon was the workmanship of God, and not of man. This afternoon I talked much with the Coranna chies, in reference to our settling among them: he could not, however, give me a decided answer, in consequence of other aged Corannas not being present. Although this chief seemed rather backward to come to a decision, I made a proposition to him, of leaving my assistant, (Hendrick,) to remain amongst his people during my visit to the brethren at Maquasse. To this he agreed; and Hendrick being perfectly willing, it was settled that he should remain, and also one of the young men whom I had brought from KhamiesBerg. March 23d.-Hendrick, my assistant, and several natives, and myself, crossed the Yellow river, in order to examine some springs which had been recommended to us. We returned back without having found one sufficiently strong. 29th. We arrived at Moos, where we design settling. We are about three days' journey to the westward of Maquasse, and about nine days to the eastward of Griqua-stadt; a missionary settlement of the London society. 31st. With the assistance of a few Boschuanas, I dug out the foundation of a dwelling-house. OBITUARY. MEMOIR OF THE REV. PHILIP DIXON. PHILIP DIXON was born in New Castle county, in the state of Delaware. He was licensed to preach in the spring of 1821. In 1822 he made application to the annual conference, to be employed in the service of the church, as an itinerant minister, and his application being received by the conference, he was appointed to Rock Run circuit. In 1823 he was appointed to Caroline: in 1824 to Dover, where he ended his labours. He was a man of very slender constitution, but diligent, laborious, and indefatigable in his labours. And in all the stations in which he was appointed to labour, he was useful, and very acceptable among the people. He will long live in the recollection and affections of those among whom he laboured. In August he was taken with the dysentery, and lay ill at the house of doctor Bates about two weeks. where he had the best medical aid, and was thought to be convalescent, and was advised by his physicians to remove his situation, for the benefit of his health, by short stages, though still under the influence of disease. He reached the house of Abraham Egbert, at Christiana, where his disease increased, which, in a few days, closed his sufferings and life. We have no doubt he died in peace, and rests from his labours, and his works follow him. He was a man of deep piety and devotion; and his life was a comment upon the doctrines which he preached." Our brother Dixon was a man of extraordinary natural abilities, of close application, and deep research. It may be truly said he was an able minister of the New Testament. He promised great usefulness to the from his sufferings in the church milichurch; but, unerring Wisdom, often tant, to the enjoyments of the church inscrutable to man, has called him triumphant. MEMOIR OF MRS. MARY DANDO. DIED, April 18, 1825, MRS. MARY DANDO. She was born December 30, 1752, in Dursly, county of Gloucester, England. Her parents, from whom she received a pious education, were members of the society of Whitfieldian Methodists. Her father's house was a home for the ministers of that denomination, and from their pious conversation she was much benefited. At the age of sixteen she joined that society and gave evidence of a true conversion to God. power, such as prayer, meditation, reading, and conversing with thous Christian friends who occasionally called to see her. The holy Scriptures she read daily, and often accompanied her reading of them with Wesley's, Clarke's, Benson's, and Coke's com mentaries. She delighted also in reading the religious intelligence, and other matters published in the Wesleyan and Methodist Magazines. She took a special interest in all the public institutions, such as missionary, tract, and sabbath school societies, which have for their object the melioration of mankind, recommending them to the attention of her friends, and contributing as far as her means would permit to their support. On Thursday, the 12th of April last, she was taken ill, and in a few days afterwards she took her departure for a better world. The following is from a female friend, and as it will give as full an account of her, especially during the close of her days, as any within the writer's reach, if is inserted at length. In 1783 she emigrated to this country, and settled, in company with some of her relations with whom she came over, in the village of Brooklyn, LongIsland, and connected herself with a Calvinistic church in that place. Not long after her settlement here she heard Methodist preaching, was convinced of the truth of their doctrine, and in 1786 she joined their society. After her removal to this city, NewYork, she attended the numerous means of grace as enjoyed among the Methodists, and, among others, the preaching at 5 o'clock in the morning, Though never married, she charged herself with the care of orphan children, whom she took under her care, performed the duties of a mother as far as she could, while she took the oversight of the household of her nephew, Mr. Stephen Dando. In this depart ment of her duty, she economized to the best advantage; but her piety was conspicuous on all occasions. Those children which were entrusted to her "I called to see her on Sunday, care, she endeavoured to train up in April 10, when she began speaking of the fear of the Lord, as well as to pre- the death of Mrs. Carpenter, and said, pare them to become useful and indus-She did not think she should long trious housekeepers. For about fourteen years before her death, she was deprived of the use of the public means of grace, by bodily afflictions. She was extremely corpulent, and much afflicted with the asthma and rheumatism, so much so, that she was scarcely able to walk without help. While thus deprived of the privilege of assembling with those "who keep holy day," she was diligent in the use of those private means of spiritual improvement, which were within her I have, for many years, proved Mrs. Dando to be my most valuable Christian friend on earth. I have witnessed her patience in afflictions, and the power of divine grace, which enabled her to rejoice in them, with a bright prospect of being soon delivered from them. I have often been blessed in her company, and shall never forget her good advice and her prayers. survive her.' I observed, the only so that nothing seems to move me.' I informed her I had lately been reading Mr. Peronet, and reminded her of his depth of piety: she answered, 'Yet no more than is our privilege to enjoy. I have had nearly the same feelings, and felt such a sense of the presence of God, that I have not words to express.' I told her I believed the Lord had spared her for wise purposes, and to complete in her his work of grace. She said, 'I do see it so-what a fulness in the promises! Oh, let us be in earnest! The time is short.' Then speaking of some little trials, she said, 'Let it all pass, these things do not move me; I soon shall be with the Lord.” "Calling again the next sabbath April 17, I found her approaching near her end. She at first did not know me. I felt persuaded this would be the last time, for which reason I took my children to see her. Observing them, she said, Who are all these? I answered, I have brought them to see you; do you know me? Yes.' How do you find yourself? Very bad.' Do you feel Jesus precious to your soul? Yes, yes! Do you feel happy? Yes, I do: happy! happy! I saw it was with much difficulty she could speak. Our united souls then felt what, I trust, we shall hereafter realize." POETRY. For the Methodist Magazine. ON THE DEATH OF MRS. CATHERINE ANN WILSON, OF NEW-YORK. “Night dews full not more gently to the ground." Once more I strike the trembling string, And softly touch my plaintive harp; A sad and mournful song I sing, That wakes to grief the feeling heart. Catherine! 't is thou who claims the tear, Which moistens friendship's weeping eye: To see thee stretch'd upon that bier, Occasions now the deep fetch'd sigh. Scarce enter'd on life's happy morn, The little pledges thou hast left, But Jesus! sweet consoling word, Nor shall thy children want a friend, And from earth's tempting snares them screen. His own soft hand sustain'd thy head. Sweetly thy gentle spirit fled, MARY MISSIONARY HYMN. At evening time it shall be light."-Zech. xiv, 7. The evening of the world is near! The clouds that long the sun obscured The heathen sees this heavenly light, Hurls his old idol from his sight, Pour out thy Spirit, Lord of all! Then shall each stubborn demon fail Ho, ye that labour for the Lord, |