ment will no doubt be much advanced by the new founts of Canarese type which Mr. Sanderson took with him, on his recent departure from this country. Two years ago, it was stated Mr. Hardey had brought to England a petition for the establishment of a school in the city of Mysore, signed in nine languages, and by three thousand three hundred people; that, to meet the wishes of these numerous petitioners for the establishment of a good English school, £400 were required; and that if one-half of this sum was raised in England, the remainder would be raised in Mysore. The special subscription originated at Leeds, in 1853, soon reached the needed sum of £200. Mr. Hardey had the satisfaction of taking with him on his return other presents adapted to assist in the establishment of the school. He then proceeded to take the means to raise the sum which he had pledged himself to obtain in Mysore; and the record of the meeting held for that purpose, with a brief report of the speeches delivered, forms a document so truly remarkable as to deserve preservation in the Report. It is probable that a similar spectacle was never before witnessed. The union of Hindoos and Mohammedans with Christians in the endeavour to establish a Christian school in which the word of God should be in daily use, and enter into the stated course of instruction, is a sign of the times of most encouraging import "the Lord's doing, and marvellous in our eyes."

The very liberal response made to the proposal of a special fund for CHINA has emboldened the Committee to double the number of its agents in Canton. They have considered the importance of being in readiness to take advantage of those favourable circumstances which may be expected shortly to occur, and the length of time which must elapse in every case before the language is mastered, and resolved to comply with the earnest solicitations of the brethren already there. Accordingly, Messrs. Hutton, Preston, and Smith were appointed at the last Conference to Canton; and, after having been solemnly ordained to the work in the City-road chapel, they embarked in February last. Prior to their departure they received such preliminary instruction in the language as could be obtained in this country, and which may, it is hoped, much facilitate their entrance on their duties when they arrive at their destination.......... Of the operations of the brethren at Canton there is as yet but little to report. Mr.

Piercy continues to hold public services three times a week, at which there is an average attendance of more than forty persons. Messrs. Beach and Cox are diligently labouring to acquire the language of the people, so as to be able to converse freely with them. A useful set of tracts has been obtained, and the distribution of the million Testaments has been commenced. More than twenty streets have been visited, and a copy left at every accessible dwelling or shop. The very unsettled state of public affairs, however, interferes much with the progress of the work; and our brethren have great need of our prayers that in the midst of perils their lives may be preserved, and their minds sustained.

With respect to the Missions in SOUTHERN AFRICA:Mr. Moister informs the Committee that a series of special services, held in Cape Town during the summer, had been followed by very cheering results in the conversion of sinners, and the recovery of several who had wandered from the right way. The public and private means of grace were well attended, and there were prospects of good in the future. Mr. Samuel Hardey, who was stated in the last Report to have been detained at the Mauritius by the state of his health, arrived at Cape-Town in the summer, and, by the blessing of God, greatly recruited his strength during his sojourn there, so as to be able to render valuable assistance to the brethren of the Circuit. He embarked for his new Station in Western Australia on the 10th of January last.

The congregations at Graham's-Town, in the ALBANY and KAFFRARIA District, have been steadily on the increase for some time past, and there has been most gratifying attention to the adminis tration of the word. The more private means of grace have often been marked by a solemn and delightful feeling; and, making due allowances for the changes that are continually taking place in such a community, the work of God has made a steady progress. The Kaffir congregation and Society have decreased in number in consequence of the removal of the people to the new Border Settlements. The Dutch congregation continues good. At Salem a considerable improvement has taken place in the colonial congregation, which is said to comprise all the families residing in the place, with scarcely an exception. At Bathurst the chapel has been repaired and considerably improved, and a good feeling exists in the minds of the people. The Fort.

90

Beaufort Circuit was at the beginning of the year much reduced in number by the formation of the Fingoe Settlement, about six miles distant; but a gracious revival has, in part, made up the loss which was thus occasioned. At the new settlement of Heald-Town a large and substantial chapel, capable of containing from six to seven hundred persons, is in a state of great forwardness. The new settlers, who are mostly Fingoe Kaffirs, continue to possess the entire confidence of the Government and the colonists in the immediate neighbourhood; and though it has been found necessary to put away several who have become immoral in their conduct, those who remain have given cause of devout gratitude. The Sabbath congregation, generally amounting to four hundred persons, including the Sunday-school, is attentive; and there are fourteen young married persons under instruction, with a view to their employment in some useful capacity in connexion with the Mission. The latest information is that the newlyappointed Governor has recently visited and inspected the settlement, and the Committee hope for much benefit from his intelligent and philanthropic attention to the concerns of the native races under his authority. The D'Urban Circuit has been blessed with a gracious outpouring of the Holy Spirit, as the result of which, seventy-six adults have been admitted to baptism; and although vacancies have been created by the removal of some, and the exclusion of others, who "did run well," but have been “hindered," there remains a net increase of fiftyour members. The English congregation increases, and great attention is paid to the word preached.

Mr. Gladwin arrived in safety at Mount Coke, (British Kaffraria,) and has found much encouragement in resuming his labours. He states that the chapel is too small for the regular congregations, that the devotional meetings of the people are well attended and fervent, and, with one or two exceptions during the year, their conversation has been "as becometh the Gospel of Christ." The Watson Institution having been enlarged, and two trained masters having been sent out from the Normal Training Institution at Westminster during the last year, it is hoped that that important establishment will in future be conducted with still greater efficiency, and that a larger supply of Native Teachers and Preachers may be provided. The printing establishment, which is also located at Mount Coke, has been conducted dur

June & July,

ing the year with little, if any, interruption. Its chief occupation has been a new and revised edition of two thousand copies of the Kaffir New Testament. King William's-Town has suffered from various causes; but the work of God advances notwithstanding. The Society's venerable Missionary, Mr. Shepstone, has forwarded an interesting statement respecting his Station at Kamastone, in the course of which he says: “ The circumstances of this Circuit throughout the year have been of a very satisfactory nature. The services of God's house have been well and regularly attended. A marked attention has been paid to the preaching of the Gospel; and while there has been a powerful influence checking moral depravity, as also counteracting Heathen customs, in consequence of the voluntary interposition of some of the subordinate Chieftains, there has been at the same time a stronger influence operating within narrower limits, which gives us much satisfaction. We have added to the church by baptism during the year twenty-one adults; several children belonging to the members of Society have also been baptized. We have four congregations during the week; but it is only within the last few months that we have been able to complete our arrangements for all these, since Government has been making some changes in the location of these people, by which they are brought more within the range of our influence. By our present arrangements, we have from six to seven hundred attendants on Divine worship, weekly."

The Clarkebury Station, (Kafraria Proper,) situated on the border, between the Tembu and Gcaleka tribes, now in a state of mutual hostility, has been preserved from injury, even when its immediate neighbourhood has been the scene of conflict; and still more, under such trying circumstances our people have continued steadfast in their profession. The Station at Morley is reported to have suffered in various ways; but at Buntingville the congrega. tions are very large, so that many have to remain outside the chapel.

In reference to the Stations in the Bechuana Country, the Committee have had many solicitudes, arising out of the altered political circumstances of the country. But they are happy to know that hitherto their fears have been disappointed; and though, shortly after the last Anniversary the announcement was made that British protection had been entirely withdrawn, the authorities

of the Orange Free State have not only not interfered with the Missionary, but have assured him that he may prosecute his work of evangelization in peace. The Missionary has been removed from Bloem Fontein, in consequence of the removal of a large portion of the English inhabitants on the abandonment of the sovereignty by the British Government. The small Society in Tauane's Tribe still keep together under the care of the Native Teacher, who continues to hold public services with the people in the absence of a Missionary, and maintains his Christian character and zeal for the Gospel. At Colesberg, a native congregation is collecting; and the English congregation, though it does not increase, is making a praiseworthy and successful effort to pay off the chapel debt. The state of the work at Plaatberg is very encouraging.

In the Port Natal and Amazulu District, the D'Urban Circuit has been prosperous. The English congregation and Society in the town are larger than at any former period; the chapel has been enlarged by the erection of a school-room which opens into it, and the expense of the enlargement defrayed. At Berca a temporary chapel has been erected without debt, and a small Society formed.

The Report of the Pieter-Mauritz-berg Circuit bears the same encouraging character. The Kwangubeni Circuit has not prospered this year, principally, it is believed, for the lack of a resident Missionary, whem, however, the Committee have not had the means of sending. To Mr. Jenkins, at Palmerton, the past year has been one of great labour and anxiety, but not of much visible success.

From the Reports of the several Circuits in WESTERN AFRICA, it was apparent that the same blessing which has so remarkably attended the Society's labours is still vouchsafed; and were the means at the disposal of the Committee more abundant, a still greater extension of the work of God might be confidently anticipated; but under present circum. stances no additional expenditure can be prudently undertaken. The following particulars are supplied :-The Freetown Circuit now contains twelve Stations, or Societies, with 3,619 members. Of these nearly 1,200 are connected with Buxton Chapel, which was opened with solemn rejoicings in March, 1854. At Aberdeen, the chapel, though the largest in that Circuit, and always inconveniently crowded, will by no means contain the hearers, and many worship outside. At

Wilberforce an enlargement has become necessary, and at Congo Town the poor fishermen have made strenuous efforts to complete their new chapel commenced last year. At Murray Town [there are five public services in the week, all well attended. At New Town the chapel is always filled, and "the prayer-meetings are delightful." At Lumley the Sunday services are well attended. At Hastings the chapel is generally crowded, and on the Lord's-day many are obliged to sit outside. No less than sixty persons profess to have obtained peace with God during the year. At Allen Town, after a period of deadness, the last six months have exhibited a wonderful improvement. The chapel will no longer contain the congregations. The York Circuit affords no exception to the happy state of things already described. The increase to the Society is thirty-three, and the Missionary efforts of the people have been increased; a good index to the character of their piety... The Educational departments of this Mission are generally in a satisfactory state. The Sunday and day schools are largely attended; though, in some instances, the want of suitable Teachers, and in others the spirit of proselytism, interferes with their progress, yet the returns exhibit a total of nearly 3,000 children under daily instruction. The Native Training Institution has sent out two Teachers during the year, and has nine still under instruction. Mr. Reay states that "their progress has far exceeded bis expectations." The Committee pay a brief tribute to the memory of a distinguished fellow-labourer. Eminently qualified by his general philological learning, and by his acquaintance with the languages of Africa, for the bishopric of Sierra-Leone, the late Dr. Vidal possessed also those higher qualifications of humbleness, gentleness of mind, meekness, and catholic love, which, "in the sight of God, are of great price." His loss is deplored not only by members of the Episcopal communion, but by all who had the happiness of his acquaint

ance.

The Missions on the Gambia, the Gold Coast, Ashanti, &c., presented a mixed result; but there was a decided prominence of encouragement. Among the memorable events of the past year, is the holding of a Missionary Meeting at Abbeokuta and at Lagos. At the former place the contributions were computed to amount to about £25; at the latter, the British Consul occupied the chair, and nearly all the merchants of

who expressed his gratification at the introduction of Christianity among his people, and his good wishes for its success, which he testified not only in word, but in deed-subscribing £5 to the Society's funds. The collection at the Meeting reached the noble sum of £65, and further contributions were expected. Last year it was stated that there was an opening for the commencement of a Mission in the territories of the King of Dahomi. By the great goodness of God, operations have actually been commenced. Mr. Freeman, in company with Mr. Wharton, visited the King last year, and obtained his consent as to the establishment of a Station at Whydah, with equal rights for the Missionary to those of the Portuguese and other residents in the town, and unrestricted liberty to the people to attend the services.

After adverting to the Stations in the WEST INDIES, reference was made to the British Provinces in North America, as follows:-The Districts of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick and Newfoundland are about to be formed into a distinct Connexion, with a Conference affiliated to our own. And it affords the Committee much pleasure to be able to announce, that at their request the Rev. Dr. Beecham has kindly undertaken to visit these important Missions, with a view to make the necessary arrangements involved in this change of their relation to the parent community. They anticipate very valuable results from the undertaking; and they trust that all the friends of the Society will unite their supplications for its success, as well as for the preservation and safe return of their excellent Secretary.

The Missions which have relation to other Conferences, and are carried on under their immediate direction, were then briefly alluded to. The accounts of the IRISH Mission were gratifying, particularly with respect to the schools.

.A delightful Report had been furnished by the President of the FRENCH Conference, of which the following is a summary :-The past year has been one of some embarrassment, arising from the adverse action of the local authorities, and of considerable prosperity arising from the visitations of Divine grace, which have increased our numbers and infused new spiritual life into our Societies. We have entered with encouraging prospects on a new

sent an agent into a principal town in Brittany, where we have been often invited, and for the occupation of which, one of our friends has made a donation of £40. We are happy to add that the proper authorization for public worship has been obtained from the Prefect without difficulty. We have likewise extended our labours in the South. A new feature in the Upper Alps is found in the remarkable openings among the Roman Catholic populations, in valleys where all the Protestant population had been exterminated with fire and sword, in the reign of Louis XIV.........The Com

mittee had the satisfaction of announcing that the first Session of the AusTRALASIAN Conference was held January 18th, under the Presidency of their most able and faithful brother, who had been so worthily designated to the office by the British Conference, the Rev. W. B. Boyce. Full Reports and Minutes of its proceedings have not yet reached this country; but all that has been communicated is of a satisfactory character, and goes to encourage the hope of favourable results which has been cherished from the beginning of the

movement.

On the review of the year, the Committee feel that the circumstance which first calls for remark is the very encouraging state of the Society's finances. Remembering that the past year has been a year of war, and that the usual effects of war have been felt in increased taxation, diminished trade, and high prices, it would not have been surprising if the home receipts had been considerably diminished. But, instead of such diminution, they are favoured to report an increase, both in Great Britain and Ireland, in fact, the largest domestic income which has been received for several years past.

The prosperity of the past year is the more remarkable when viewed in relation to that afflictive event which was announced at the last Anniversary Meeting. The last year is the first since its formation in which the Society has not had the advantage of the labours of that great man, whose gifts and endowments were so unreservedly placed at its service, and who probably pleaded its cause more frequently, and with greater pecuniary success, than any of his contemporaries. Prudent in counsel, warm in affection, unwearied in r, powerful in persuasion, Dr. N as justly regarded a

one of the pillars of the Society, and most appropriately finished his long course of public service by presiding at a Missionary Meeting.

Almost as soon as the last Anniversary was concluded, the Committee sent a deputation to attend his remains to their last resting-place, where they were deposited on May 4th, 1854. On May 3d, 1814, just forty years before, the waves closed over all that was mortal of another distinguished advocate and friend of Christian Missions, the Rev. Dr. Coke. Disimilar in almost every respect, these great men resembled each other in this, that the personal agency of each was, in his day, among the most important means of sustaining and extending Missionary operations. The forty years which elapsed between the demise of one and the other, affords a period sufficiently long to mark the progress, and test the success, of that work to which each was so ardently attached. At the beginning of that period, the Missionary enterprise was not merely scorned by the world, but misunderstood and doubted of by many of the churches. Now, its principles are every where admitted the judgment and the conscience of Christendom are on our side. Then (to speak more particularly of ourselves) the Conference could hardly be persuaded to consent to Dr. Coke's proposition; and he had to entreat, with tears, permission to depart for India. Now it sees, with joy, the self-consecration of Ministers to this work, and has cheerfully placed at its service some of its most honoured members. Then the supplies were obtained principally by an annual collection, and by the indefatigable diligence of Dr. Coke, who, accompanied by a friend, was accustomed to beg from town to town and door to door the small sum annually expended. Now an organization exists throughout the kingdom, adapted to all localities, and capable of being worked even more beneficially and extensively than it is. Then the proceeds of long and tiresome begging joined to the regular annual collection, were not a thousand pounds in excess of the sum now raised by the children and youth of our congregations. In 1814, the whole of the foreign work was comprised in British North America and the West Indies, Gibraltar and Sierra-Leone. The language of the British Islands alone was used, unless by the Missionaries to the French prisoners. In the interval more than sixteen languages have become necessary, and are now in constant

use by the Missionaries. These signs of progress we may enumerate; but who shall register the souls born from above in forty years, or by what numeration shall we express the amount of enjoyment created and diffused by attempts to do good upon the largest scale, and (in the best sense of those much-abused words) to confer the greatest happiness upon the greatest number? The comparison need be carried no further; but it convincingly shows how gracious have been the dealings of God with the Society, how He has cared for His own work, and carried it on, even while He has removed those who seemed most servicable if not necessary to its progress.

The PRESIDENT OF THE CONFERENCE, having been called upon by the Chairman, moved the following Resolution :

"That the Report, an abstract of which has now been read, be adopted and printed; and that this Meeting considers that the success which continues to attend the Wesleyan and other Evangelical and Protestant Missionary Societies, calls for gratitude to Almighty God, without whose sanction and blessing the wisest arrangements and the most zealous endeavours would be altogether vain." The Rev. Gentleman said :-As I have been travelling with our excellent Secretary from continent to continent, and from island to island, the question has suggested itself to my mind,-What is the class of emotions which every Christian ought to feel in listening to such details as these? Is the circumstance that God has thus honoured us in promoting his great work, one which should excite boasting and self-gratulation? Should it not rather awaken in every mind the deepest self-abasement? When David had collected together the things of gold and silver for the erection of a temple which his eyes were never to see, he said to God, "What am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer, so willingly, after this sort? All things come of Thee, and of Thine own have we given Thee." And I feel, Mr. Chairman, that it is with similar feelings, with deep self-abasement before God, mingled with holy joy and thanksgiving, that we ought to contemplate that great and glorious work which God has honoured us to carry on in the world. (Hear.) I need not remind my Christian friends around me, that all our labours and sacrifices in this great work are utterly valueless without the blessing of the Holy Ghost. Every thing great, every thing good, in this