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belp for the want of a few dollars, to pay the necessary expences of a preacher? No, surely! God will move the hearts of those who now enjoy the benefits of the gospel, to contribute to the relief of the destitute inquirer after happiness.

While Mr. Moore was at St. Mary's, an officer's lady was converted, who, as he observes, "related to him and his pious friends the next morning, what comfort she had found in looking to Jesus for help in time of trouble."

The opening prospects of this city and territory are encouraging: the country is fast populating, and the work of God is prospering. But still there is much more to be done, than existing circumstances will admit of. There are thousands now groping in Papal superstition, and tens of thousands in Pagan Idolatry. In addition to these, thousands of our Protestant brethren and fellow-citizens, who have lately emigrated to this flourishing territory, are destitute of the means of grace, and must remain so, in a considerable degree, unless assisted by the Missionary Society. Many of them would cheerfully contribute to the support of the gospel if their pecuniary abilities would admit of it; but the most of them have not at present recovered from the usual embarrassment attending a new settlement; that is, they must buy, until they can raise for themselves.

But must they be deprived of spiritual as well as temporal privileges? God forbid! They are bone of our bone, and flesh of our flesh. Their fathers, their brothers, their neighbours and friends, are now enjoying the blessings of the gospel, in the eastern and southern states; and can they, in the midst of peace and plenty, enjoy the privileges of the sanctuary, and drink the sweet streams of religious comfort, and yet forget their brethren in the woods? Surely No! their kindred spirits have too often mingled together in the sweet accents of prayer and praise, not to care for the spiritual welfare of their distant friends. And I presume, that the only reason why this territory has not been more highly favoured with religious instruction, is because that its real situation has not been sufficiently made known.

We have now a circuit of four hundred miles in circumference, and could easily extend it a hundred or two more, if we had sufficient means and help. But these are not adequate to the demand. We have not received our necessary expences this year, notwithstanding our friends have done more, perhaps, than any other circuit in the Conference in proportion to their ablity.

Detroit, June 9th, 1823.

ALFRED BRUNSON.

AMERICAN COLONIZATION SOCIETY.

We have been requested, by an active Agent of this Society, to present to our readers an account of the objects and present prospects of this benevolent Institution. We know not that we can do this better than by publishing the remarks of our correspondent himself, accompanied with the last Report of the Board of Managers.

Extract of a Letter from the REV. WILLIAM M'KENNEY.

DEAR BRETHREN,

George-Town, D. C. August 13, 1823.

I should be much pleased if yon could take an early opportunity to notice in your Magazine, the importance of the American Colonization Society. Its object is unquestionably of vast interest and importance; "sufficient to warm the coldest heart and fill the amplest mind." It certainly merits the attention and aid of all religious and other periodical works in the United States. No friend to humanity, and the best interests of Africa's degraded and unfortunate children, both in the United States of America and at home, can fail to wish success to this benevolent institution. Religious communities especially, should take a deep and lively interest in promoting its success. Their zeal should carry them far beyond the reach of those calculations of difficulties, and perplexities, and impossibilities which some are wont to make. Their motto should always be, (it is of divine origin) all things are possible to him that believeth. The mercy breath

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ing God smiles approbation upon the plan. He in the inscrutable workings of his Providence has for years been preparing the way: and this day of the triumph of gospel principles, witnesses the interesting spectacles of nations, great and powerful, bending their united efforts to crush for ever, the nefarious, inhuman, and bloody traffic, which has for centuries been more destructive to the sons of Africa, than the pestilence that walketh in darkness, and the destruction that slayeth at noon day: But great and powerful as these efforts are, an auxiliary is required and that auxiliary must have its seat in Africa; for such has been the influence of the slave dealers over the native princes and children of Africa, that their attention has been diverted from the legitimate means of support to the unnatural practice of kidnapping and selling each other-That auxiliary is found in the British colony of Sierra Leone, and the American colony just planted. By the example and aid of the colonists their attention will soon be directed to agriculture and the Mechanic arts; a knowledge of these even in a small degree, will give them the means of a complete and ample support-wars among the natives will cease; peace and harmony will prevail: and Africa robbed and torn and lacerated as she has been, will put on her beautiful garments, and bud and blossom as the rose. Nor is this all-though to accomplish this object alone, every man possessing the spirit of a man, should feel himself bound by high obligations to make great and zealous exertions, even at the sacrifice of some small portion of his time and money. But how do these obligations increase in magnitude and force, when we look at the natural consequences growing out of this state of things?A consequence in itself outweighing the worth of the whole material world-viz. A knowledge, a correct and saving knowledge of the only true and living God. This their own sons could teach them-many of those already in the colony planted by the American Society know the way of salvation, and the joys of religion; and they will prepare the way for the white Missionary, who going among them laden with the blessings of the gospel of peace, would be received with open arms. The glad tidings of salvation to the sons of Ethiopia will sound on their mountains and through their vallies; their children and their children's children from generation to generation, will catch the blessed sound, and sing with a loud voice, the Lord he is our salvation, the Holy One of Israel, he is our Redeemer : Blessed, for ever blessed, be the sound of Jesus' name.

I might add, the members of our Society in the southern and western and middle states, should have their attention particularly called to this great and glorious enterprize. The religion we profess, and the discipline of our church, equally bind us to do all the good we can, both to the souls and bodies of our fellow-creatures. In aiding the funds of this Society, we give a home and country to the hundreds of our free coloured people, who are (some of them) not only willing, but anxious to go. They in their turn would prepare a place comfortable and large, for the reception of our slaves, many of whom would be liberated to-morrow, if the colony was prepared to receive them. This sentiment is not confined to the members of our church-others, and distinguished men too, have laboured in this holy cause from its commencement, and now look forward with joy to the period, which it is hoped is rapidly approaching, when the colony will be in a situation to receive their slaves, as free men. Shall we as a body of professing Christians, whose ministers have been and still are zealously engaged, with others, in carrying forward the Redeemer's cause in daily triumph, in the United States of America, the West Indies, the East Indies, and other places; be behind in this great work of benevolence and labour of love? No-The genius of our religion, the spirit of our discipline forbids it. All that our people want, to call them forth to zealous exertions in this cause, is a general knowledge of the facts connected with this noble institution. It is under this conviction that I sincerely. hope you will in your next number (if the matter for it is not already arranged) give your readers such views as will place the subject before them in all its importance.

The Board of Managers, I may add, have determined, if possible, to despatch three ships with colonists this fall. The only difficulty will be in getting necessary funds; for as I before observed, there are many free coloured people anxiously waiting an opportunity to join their brethren who are now in Africa, laying the foundation of the future glory and happiness of that vast continent.

I am, Dear Brethren,
Yours affectionately,

WILLIAM M'KENNIT

REPORT OF THE BOARD OF MANAGERS.

The Board of Managers of the American Colonization Society, urged by the most powerful motives of religion and humanity, appeal to a generous public in behalf of their great design.

Six years have elapsed since the institution of their Society; and, though want of funds has prevented very vigorous and extensive exertions, though sad occurrences have obstructed its operations, it has advanced; gathered strength in its progress: been instructed by misfortune; and, aided by Heaven, has demonstrated the practicableness of its plans, and confirmed the hope, early entertained, that its efforts, if well sustained, would be succeeded by splendid and sublime results. Whether these efforts shall be thus sustained, it remains with this enlightened community to decide.

The territory purchased in Africa, appears to have been judiciously selected, and, it is believed, combines a greater number of advantages for a colonial establishment, than any other situation on the Coast. Elevated, and open to the sea, with a harbour to be easily rendered excellent; fertile, and well watered; intersected by the Montserado River, extending several hundred miles into the interior; bordered by tribes, comparatively, mild in character; it promises to the settlers every facility for the attainment of their objects.

The number now at the Colony, including the sixty who recently took passage in the Brig Oswego, probably amounts to one hundred and ninety. The African tribes in that neighbourhood are neither ferocious nor brave; and the recent contest, in which their combined forces (amounting at one time to fifteen hundred) attempted to exterminate our Colony, nobly defended by its thirty men, proves any thing rather than difficulty of maintaining a stand against their power.

It proves, indeed, that the natives of Africa, like most uncivilized men, are treacherous; that, incited by the slave traders and the hope of plunder, they will not hesitate to murder the defenceless, and that a colony, if it survives at all, must live not by their favour, but by its own strength. It proves that our settlement, commenced at the expense of so much time, and money, and suffering, may perish-but only through neglect. And shall this Colony be abandoned?

The Board believe it impossible that their earliest friends, who have watched all the movements of their Society with the deepest concern; implored for it the favour of God; rejoiced to see it living, amidst misfortunes, and acquiring confidence in its march; will refuse their aid at this crisis, when the question is, shall all past exertion be lost, through present inactivity, or shall an immediate and powerful effort render permanent the foundations of a work, which, completed, shall prove an honour to our country, an incalculable advantage to Africa, a magnificent contribution to the light, freedom, and happiness of the world?

That the resources and strength of the Colony should be immediately augmented, appears to the Board indispensable; and most earnestly do they solicit their countrymen to furnish the means of performing it. The Colonists, increased to double their present number, supplied with implements of husbandry, and (for a few months) with the means of subsistence, will, it is believed, never afterwards require pecuniary aid; but, perfectly secure from hostile violence, may engage, with a moral certainty of success, in the peaceful and profitable employments of life. The immediate object of the Board, then, is to give stability to their esta blishment in Africa, and it is in behalf of that establishment that they make their appeal.

It is their determination, should the charities of the public equal their expectations, to send several vessels to the African coast in the ensuing Fall, and to adopt and execute, without delay, such other measures as may contribute to the strength and prosperity of the Colony.

What mind, susceptible of benevolent feeling, or even of common sympathy, can reflect, without pain, upon the dangers, privations and warfare, endured for many months past by the little band at Cape Montserado? Widely separated from the civilized world; surrounded by barbarous foes; suffering the untried influence of a tropical climate; destitute of the comforts, of the necessities of life; in the daily expectation of death; no defence but their courage, no protection but God, they have stood with unbroken energy, and deserve for their conduct high commendation and a cherished regard.

The Board have not heard, with insensibility, of the trials of these men, nor wanted the disposition to relieve them. They have not possessed the means,

But, though retarded in their efforts by the destitution of funds, they have recent ly rejoiced in the departure of the brig Oswego, well supplied with arms, ammunition, and provisions, and having on board a reinforcement of more than sixty colonists.

The Board are happy to state, that, since the foregoing part of this Address was written, communications have been received from Africa, of a highly interesting and encouraging character. Health and harmony now prevail in the Colony; hostilities with the Natives have terminated. The children who were taken captive on the 11th of November, have been voluntarily restored, and the settlement is greatly improved. The condition of the Colony, previous to the arrival of the Cyane upon the coast, though rendered more tolerable by the exertions of the Agent and people, assisted by an officer and several sailors from an English vessel, was, indeed, distressing; and the noble services of Captain Spence and his generous crew, cannot be too highly appreciated. This officer, when informed of the sufferings of the Colony, immediately repaired to Sierra Leone; fitted for sea the schooner Augusta, belonging to the United States, and, to the great joy of the Colonists, arrived at Montserado on the 27th of March, where he offered to the Colony every aid in his power. Captain Spence, though the cruize of the Cyane had been already protracted, in an unhealthy climate, resolved, without hesitation, to remain so long on the coast as should be necessary to prepare the Colony for the approaching rains, and to strengthen it against any future attacks. He completed a suitable house for the Agent, and erected a tower of strong mason work, which, it is believed, will prove a safe defence against the barbarians. Having nearly accomplished his design, the benevolent and efficient exertions of this officer were interrupted by the sickness of his crew, increased, no doubt, by their exertions under the burning sun of that climate; and he was compelled to leave the Colony on the 21st of April. Several extracts from the letter of the Agent of the Society will be found in the Appendix. "It is too obvious," he remarks in one of them, "to require repetition, that, what your Colony now wants, is a strong reinforcement of orderly and efficient emigrants."

Having exhausted their resources, the Board can look for the power of future exertion only to the liberality of a great humane and Christian nation. They appeal to the several auxiliary institutions, and to all their friends, with confidence for they have experienced, even in times of deep discouragement, their vigorous exertion. They appeal to their countrymen in general with high hopes, because the possibility of effecting their design is no longer problematical, while its benevolence and its greatness admit of no question. The obstacles deemed insurmountable have been overcome--the things thought impossible have been accomplished. Standing on an eminence which, it was said, they could not reach, the Board see before them an extensive prospect, fair as the morning spread upon the mountains-the land of promise to degraded thousands-the rich inheritance which God has given to tribes who have drunk deep of the waters of affliction, laboured and wept in a land of strangers. Shall they not maintain their station, or rather shall they not advance and possess the land?

In conclusion, may not the Board be permitted to ask-How shall this great nation, so favoured, free, and happy, which God has delivered by his own right arm and exalted as a light and example to the world, exhibit, in an equal manner the strength of its gratitude, the consistency of its principles, the purity of its justice, or the power of its benevolence, as by engaging at once, and with energy, in an enterprize which, while it relieves our country from an immense evil, shall extend the empire of liberty and truth, terminate the worst of traffics, res cue from present and future ruin a miserable race, and confer upon them, their descendants, and upon the unenlightened population of a mighty continent, knowledge, civilization, dignity, all the blessings and hopes of a Christian people? J. MASON, W. JONES,

F. S. KEY,

E. B. CALDWELL,
JAMES LAURIE,

Acting Committee.

N. B. It is hoped that such auxiliary institutions as may have funds in their possession, and such benevolent individuals as may wish to aid the cause of Colonization, will transmit their donations immediately to RICHard Smith, Esq. Washington, Treasurer of the Society.

ANNIVERSARY OF THE WESLEYAN METHODIST MISSIONARY SOCIETY, HELD AT THE CITY-ROAD CHAPEL, ON MONDAY MAY 5.

JOSEPH BUTTERWORTH, ESQ. M. P. IN THE CHAIR.

The REV. DR. ADAM CLARKE, President of the Conference, opened the Meeting with prayer, immediately after which the Chair was taken. The Chapel was crowded by persons who, having been admitted by tickets as Members of the Institution, appeared to take the most lively interest in the proceedings of the day, of which the following is a sketch.

The CHAIRMAN congratulated his Christian friends on the return of that Anniversary, which was so calculated to awaken gratitude to God, for all his mercies to themselves, their families, and the country. This surely was matter of thankfulness and joy; especially in relation to that great cause which they were associated to promote. GoD had exalted this nation to extraordinary power and influence, that it might enrich the world by disseminating the Gospel. The Spirit had also been poured out in connexion with the benevolent exertions of British Christians. By means of that Society, and of other kindred Institutions, the most blessed effects had been produced. During the last year there had been a great increase in the funds of the Society; but more had been done than the mere contribution of money. God had raised up men, who were well qualified to carry on his work; and many souls had been converted from the error of their way, by the successful labours of his servants. Not only were the places of those supplied whom God had removed from this world to their eternal reward, but considerable additions had been made to our religious Societies in different places. Thus God was carrying on his work; and they had much reason to think, that the coming year would be more abundant than the past. Yet their success did not come up to their wishes, nor to the necessity of their fellow-creatures. Various places were calling for help, and their exertions were limited only by their pecuniary means. He would not attempt to enter into the detail of the Report they were met to hear, nor of those Resolutions which were intended to be adopted, for the carrying on of this important undertaking.

An abstract of the Report was then read by the REV. RICHARD WATSON, assisted by the REV. JABEZ BUNTING. It contained a brief account of the state of the work of God at the different stations occupied by the Society's Missionaries, (whose number is upwards of One Hundred and Fifty, exclusive of Native Cate. chists and School-Masters,) and of its income and expenditure during the past year. The number of persons in religious Society, under the pastoral care of the Missionaries, is 30,587. The sums remitted to the General Treasurers, in the course of the past year, amount to £31,748. 9s. 11d.; and £26,032. 1s. 9d. have been expended during the same period, in the support and enlargement of the work of God, agreeeably to the general Rules of the Society. A considerable portion of the last year's Debt has been paid off; but there is still a balance due to the Treasurers to the amount of £2702. 12s. 3d.

The Report stated, that in the course of the past year a new Mission had been commenced to the Friendly Islands in the South Sea; and that the Committee contemplate the appointment of two Missionaries to Jerusalem, with as little delay as possible.

The First Resolution,-" That the Report now read be adopted, and printed under the direction of the Committee,' -was moved by the REV. JOSEPH HUGHES, M. A., one of the Secretaries of the British and Foreign Bible Society, who spoke as follows:-"That it is both proper and important to encourage Missionary Institutions, may, at this period of their progress, and after our attention has been drawn to such a satisfactory and interesting Report, be assumed as a position which needs no further establishment. If, however, it were still thought requisite to re-state the arguments and the motives which bear on this solemn, this delightful subject, one might, in the performance of a task se easy, observe, That we are born and bound to do good; that the good contemplated by Missionary Institutions is of the most exalted kind, and endures for ever; that, while prosecuting their objects, we imitate the Apostles, obey the Lord of the Apostles, and move in the train of inspired promises; that a fearfully

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