top of Leicester Mountain, over which we had to pass in our way to Regent's Town, I requested my bearers to stop, and rest themselves; and then took an opportunity of introducing a religious conversation. I think I may say, that the few minutes, during which we rested on the Mountain, were the happiest that I had then ever experienced; because I had never before had an opportunity of seeing the glorious effects wrought by the Gospel of Jesus on the hearts of our dear Black Brethren. I was much astonished to hear one of the men (called the Headman) address the other four in language truly Scriptural, and of godly simplicity; using the words of exhortation, and strongly urging the necessity of the blood of Jesus Christ to cleanse them from their sins. He spoke much of their depravity by nature, and of their weakness and insufficiency without Christ-while his little audience listened, with an attentive anxiety, to hear the truths of the Gospel from one of their countrymen. I was much affected at what he said; and was ready to exclaim, "Oh how powerful is the Word of God!" The power of Divine Grace, in humanizing and elevating the mind, has indeed been eminently displayed in these Christian Men: for Mr. Johnson assures us, that most of this very party, who were of the wild Ebo Nation, had, about two years before, in carrying Mrs. Johnson to Freetown, set down the lankeen in the woods, in spite of all her remonstrances, while they settled their quarrels in a fierce 'battle! pa Of their entrance into Regent's Town, Mr. Jesty says Just as we had reached the summit of the last mountain between Freetown and Regent's Town, the latter place presented itself to our view. As I walked down the mountain, pleased with the enchanting scene, I was in an instant lost in "wonder, love, and praise." Music of the sweetest kind, and possessing charms which I had never before experienced, burst upon my ears. It was moonlight; and all the houses being lighted up, I inquired of Br. Johnson from whence this sound proceeded. He pointed to the Church, which is situated at the side of a mountain, then opposite to us, on the other side of a brook that runs from the mountains between the Church and the principal part of the town, over which Br. Johnson has caused his people to erect a strong, handsome, stone bridge. The Church is a fine stone building. It was now lighted up, and the people were assembled in it, for Evening Prayer. The chain of mountains that sur rounds the town resounded with the echo of the praises of the Saviour. I hastened, with all possible speed, down the mountain and up the other, to enter the Church, where I found upward of 500 Black Faces prostrate at the Throne of Grace. I entered with Br. Johnson; and, soon after, Mrs. Jesty arrived. After the Service was over, above 200 of the Congregation surrounded us. They came in such crowds to shake hands with us, that we were obliged to give both hands at once. So rejoiced were they to see more Labourers from "Whiteman's Country," that, after we left the Church, and had entered Mr. the pressure in the Church were not Johnson's House, many, who from able to speak to and shake hands with us, entered the parlour, and would not leave until they had manifested their love to us by their affectionate looks and humble salutations. Of a Sunday spent at Regent'stown, Mr. Jesty, after speaking of six o'clock in the morning, thus an early meeting in the Church, at writes At ten o'clock, I saw a sight which at once astonished and delighted me. The bell at the Church rung for Divine Service; on which Mr. Johnson's well-regulated Schools of Boys and Girls walked, two and two, to the Church-the Girls extremely clean, and dressed entirely in white; in striking contrast with which were their black arms and faces-the Boys, equally clean, were dressed in white trowsers and scarlet jackets. The clothing of both Boys and Girls is supplied by Government. to hear the Word will appear from The eagerness of the inhabitants on the following Evening, Mr. Jesty thus writes their early attendance on the Means of Grace. It is true, there is a bell in the steeple of the Church: but it is of little use at Regent's Town; for the Church is generally filled, half an hour before the bell tolls. The greatest attention is paid during the Service. Indeed, I witnessed a Christian Congregation in a Heathen Land-a people fearing God and working righteousness. The tear of godly sorrow rolled down many a coloured cheek, and shewed the contrition of a heart that felt its own vileness. At three o'clock, in the afternoon, there was again a very full attendance: so that scarce an individual was to be seen throughout the town; so eager are they to hear the Word, and to feed on that living bread that came down from Heaven. The Service was over about half-past four o'clock. At six, we met again; and although many had to come from a considerable distance and up a tremendous hill, I did not perceive any decrease of number, or any weariness in their frequent attendance on the Means of Grace. We left the Church about eight lo'clock, and returned to Mr. Johnson's house, which is close by the Church. While at supper, I heard singing; and on walking into the piazza, found that about twenty of the School Girls were assembled under it. One of the elder Girls gave out the Hymn, in an impressive manner, while a younger Girl held a lamp. After we had supped, the Girls, in a very respectful and humble way, sent up to Mr. Johnson, to know if he would allow them to come up stairs into his sitting-room, to sing a parting Hymn. On their entering the room, Mr. Johnson gave out a Hymn; and, in a few minutes, I think we had at least 120 Boys and Girls in the room and piazza. They sang three Hymns; and after a few suitable words from Mr. Johnson, they departed, pleased with the favour granted them. Thus was our last Sabbath spent at Regent's Town. Never did I pass such a day, in my dear Native Country. Never did I witness such a Congregation, in a professing Christian Land; nor ever beheld such apparent sincerity and brotherly love. Of the Monthly Meeting, held Mr. Johnson and myself entered the names of Subscribers, and received their mites; and I cannot but notice, that, in one minute after Mr. Johnson and myself were ready to resurrounded by several hundred of humceive the money and names, we were ble friends to Missionary Exertions, crying, as it were with one voice, "Massa, take my money"-" Massa, Massa, take mine"-" Eight coppers one moon." It was indeed a pleasing sight, to behold a people-once led captive at the will of Satan, devoted to gross superstition and folly, embracing their gregrees and trusting in them før defence, and once expending all the money that they could spare in the purchase of these false gods-now conquered by the love and power of Him, that taketh away the sin of the world; and now with cheerful and renewed hearts giving of their little substance to aid those means, which, by the blessing of God, will communicate the privileges of the Go-` spel to their countrymen also. From these few poor, and once injured and despised Africans, we collected, that Evening, about 21. 78. Oh my countrymen, fellow-Christians in highly-favoured England, you who have multiplied and daily-renewed comforts and blessings, Go, and do likewise! Of the manner of closing this day, Mr. Jesty says After we left the Church, the Children of the two Schools retired to their School-Houses, and the rest of the Congregation to their respective homes. But that love, which cometh from above and worketh by love, has taken such possession of the hearts of this people, that they delight to be continually speaking one to another in psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs; and to sing with grace in their hearts to the Lord. The School-Houses are situated behind Mr. Johnson's, on a higher part of the hill. The School-Girls assembled in a row before their SchoolHouse, with three or four lamps dispersed through the line. Their eldest Teacher gave out the hymn, and they were singing delightfully, "How beauteous are their feet While the Girls were singing this Hymn, the Boys had climbed a little higher up the hill; when one of their Teachers gave out the Hymn "Come ye sinners, poor and wretched !" It was a beautiful moonlight night, so that the Children could be seen from all parts of the town; while the lofty mountains resounded with the echo of their voices. I was walking up and down in the piazza, listening to them, and anticipating that time when all Kings shall fall down before the Redeemer and all nations shall serve Him, when I saw, at the foot of the bill, some Men and Women coming toward the Children. Men joined the Boys, and the Women joined the Girls. The The Boys and Girls had now sung several Hymns; and, after a few minutes' cessation, began again. I was thinking of our Christian Friends in England; and said to Mr. Johnson, "Could all the friends of Missionary Exertions but witness this scene, they would be more and more zealous for the universal diffusion of the Gospel of a Crucified Saviour;" when I looked round me and saw numbers of the inhabitants, Men and Women, coming in every direction. They joined respectively the Boys and Girls, and sung for some time; when the Boys and Girls retired to their SchoolHouses, and the Men and Women retired to their homes in peace. This is a great work, and it is marvellous in our eyes. But it is the Lord; and to Him be all the glory! Mr Jesty adds We rose, next morning, between five and six o'clock, and attended Morning Prayer at the Church. After the Service was over, a few more came forward, and begged us to take their coppers, to aid the cause of Missions. We collected, on this occasion, upward of fifteen shillings; which, with the collection made the evening before, amounted to more than three pounds. Mr. Johnson has a Missionary Meeting and Sermon once a month, on which occasions he generally collects three pounds. Do not these poor people hold forth a bright example to all Christians! I have now given you a faithful but imperfect picture of the state of Regent's Town. The Lord has certainly blessed, in a peculiar manner, the labours of Mr. Johnson. The people love him, as their Father; and reverence him, as their Spiritual Guide: Should a dispute arise among any of them, they come to him to settle their palaver, and they abide by his decision. He seems, in every respect, suited for these people-unwearied in his exertions, and an ex cellent example to all his Brethren. We shall close this narrative with the further testimony and the pathetic entreaties of that Christian Woman, in whose heart was kindled a zealous flame of love to her Saviour and to the souls of men, but whose labours and sufferings on earth were so soon exchanged for the Rest of Heaven. Mrs. Jesty thus concludes her Letter to her Sister The love which these people manifest among themselves, and toward their Minister and all faithful Missionaries; their anxiety and the fervency of their prayers that the Gospel may be made known through all nations-these things are worthy the admiration of all Christians. It may almost be said of the inhabitants of Regent's Town, that they dwell in love; and that they live a life of prayer and praise to Him, who loved them, and gave himself for them: for, beside their meetings for prayer every morning and evening, the hearts of many of them seem to be full of the love of Christ the whole day; and when they are merry, they sing Psalms such vocal music resounds from all parts of the town. A dispute is sel dom known among them. They have every one of them cast off his gregree, and nearly all of them are become worshippers of the Blessed Je sus. A few years since, all the inhabitants of this place had never heard the Name of Jesus: they went about naked; and were, in every respect, like the savage tribes-but now, Oh what a happy change! they are all decently dressed; and it is the most heart-cheering sight, to see them flock together in crowds to the House of Prayer. Mr. Johnson has been made an in .strument of incalculable good to this : people. Under his Ministry, 116 persons have become Communicants, and 110 are Candidates for Baptism and the Lord's Supper: these will be received as Members of the Church of Christ on Easter Sunday. He is very particular in his examination of the people, before they are admitted to the Lord's Table. It may, indeed, be said, that numbers are added to the Church daily; for Mr. Johnson has frequently five or six of a day come to his house, to talk of the state of their souls, who appear to be very sincere. During the few days that we have been here, upward of fifty persons have been to tell Mr. Johnson of their troubles, which they confess in affecting terms:-"My bad heart trouble me me no sleep all night-me no peace me know me very wicked: but God good too much-me tank God for what he done for my soul; me want love Jesus more-me want to go to Jesus-me know noting else but de "blood of Jesus can wash away my sin." Such complaints as those, from these lost sheep of Israel, are incessantly brought before their worthy Pastor; who, with affection, directs them to the great Comforter, and advises them to embrace that Gospel which is the power of God unto salvation, O my Dear Sister, is not this encouraging to all Christian Friends in England, to be doubly zealous and active in their Missionary Exertions? Let me entreat you all, to be unwearied in your efforts and prayers, that all Africa may become as Regent's Town. This is the fruit of the Gospel! O send forth the Gospel, and more faithful Labourers into the vineyard of the Lord! Let me again beg of you, my dear Sister, to not to faint. Let the interests of Christ's Kingdom be ever uppermost in your heart. Here is yet a wide field for labour. May the happy effect of the Gospel be felt by all benighted Africa, and to God shall the glory be given for ever! pray, and Boys' School-House burnt down. The School-Houses at Regent's Town, being built of wood, were exposed to much danger from fire. That of the Boys was burnt down a short time before Mr. Johnson left. The Girls' School also caught fire, and received considerable injury; and Mr. Johnson's house was in danger. The wind was very boisterous, at the breaking out of the fire; but became, in an in stant, so calm, that the flames ascended perpendicularly. Nearly 100 Boys were asleep in the roof and had all to come down one small ladder; but every one was mercifully preserved.. Substantial School-Houses of stone, 70 feet by 23, were preparing. State of Regent's Town since Mr. Johni son left. Mr. Cates and Mr. Morgan were appointed, as has been stated, to take charge of Regent's Town, during Mr. Johnson's absence in his voyage to this country. Mr. Cates's death, in the latter part of July, deprived the people of the labour of that devoted and expe rienced Christian. In May, Mr. Morgan writes re specting the people→→→ There still goes on here a great in quiry after the way of Salvation. We closely examined several Candidates lately. One was admitted, in whom the evidences of true religion appeared very satisfactory. The house was nearly full of those who desired to belong to the Church of Christ; but they were dismissed for that season. Surely our Saviour is gathering his sons from afar, and his daughters from the ends of the earth. Circumstances are daily occurring, which prove the force of the truths of the Gospel. 3 I was sent for last month to visit a Communicant, who was very ill. He said he thought he should die; but he desired to see me first. On my in quiring his reason, he replied "For several months before my dear Minister left, my heart tell me dat ting what he tell about Lord Jesus no be true, because nobody (meaning no one beside Mr. Johnson) tell me dis ting. But when you come, you talk all same fashion, dat first time: and den God open my eyes. Now, I tink, suppose you and Mr. Johnson tell us one ting about Lord Jesus, den I sure dat de Lord teach you, and den I sure all be true." He was much dis tressed, lest this unbelief should not be forgiven. 66 you In returning, one day, from some duties which had detained me in a distant part of the town, I had much reason given me to bless God for a striking manifestation of the power of his truth. A man was resting himself, who, I observed, was suffering under much bodily affliction. Among a variety of questions which I put to him, I asked how long it was since he had done any work. "I no work," said he, since I come dis country."-66 "Who gives you rice then?" King, Massa." "You know," said I, bave got one heart." "He live here, Massa!" pointing to his side. "Well,” said I, "what work your heart do, all that time your body rest?" He laughed. I explained to him the deceitfulness of his heart; and told him what must become of him, if Christ did not take away his evil heart, and give him a new heart. The poor fellow was agitated; and, moving quite close to me, said, Massa, all dat what you tell me live in my heart be true too much, but who tell you all dat?" He has since been to us, inquiring what he must do to go to Christ, and how he can make his heart run away from evil. In a Letter of July the 7th, Mr. Morgan writes Inquiries concerning the way to heaven are very numerous. Many come to complain of the anguish of their hearts. The house is completely filled with those who are desirous of being examined for Baptism. Mr. Cates and myself have admitted but three. Many of them, I think, do indeed believe that Christ came into the world to save sinners; but do not as yet feel themselves to be, without Him, lost and perishing sinners. Oppressed with the gloomy feel. ings which often accompany the Labourer under these trials in the disheartening season of the Rains, Mr. Morgan, on retiring one day to his chamber, that he might, by secret communion with the Unseen Saviour, gather strength and consolation, when he reached the stairs he saw a man and woman sitting in much apparent distress. Supposing that they had some quarrel to settle, he said, "I will have no palaver so late at night. Go home." The poor woman, bursting into tears, replied-" No, Massa! but I want tell you, my heart go soon to fire, suppose I no come talk with you." Appointment of Two Native Teachers. We have had occasion, several times, to mention the names of William Tamba and William Davis, two of the Liberated Negroes at Regent's Town. These two Natives (as was stated at p. 375 of the Number for September) have been taken into the service of the Society, as Teachers of their Couptrymen. At a Meeting of the Missionaries, held on the 25th of January, at Freetown, Mr. Johnson stated that they had given most satisfactory proofs of their conversion to Christianity from the Heathen Ignorance in which they had before lived; and that they had long cherished a desire to visit their respective countries, in order to make known to their friends the glad tidings which they had themselves heard, and what it had pleased God to do for them. Both appeared to possess abilities, likely, with the blessing of God, to render them useful. William Tamba, who had accompanied himself and Mr. Cates in their excursion round the Colony, had conducted himself entirely to their satisfaction. William Tamba being called in, the following examination took place: |