would suffice to break the thickest skull. Throughout the island there was probably not a person inside a house, through dread of being buried alive. Hundreds sought refuge in the numerous small caverns that were accessible. Had this terrible visitation occurred in the night-time, many lives must have been lost, to say nothing of the impossibility of saving their little property. As it was, every canoe (valuable property in the eyes of a native) was removed to a place of safety ere the hurricane had reached its height. As I now write, twenty-four canoes are inside the mission premises, as a temporary shelter, until their owners can find time to look after them.

The chapel at Tamarua, the repairs of which were just completed (it was about to be reopened), is nearly demolished. The walls are seriously cracked; the rafters and thatching are entirely destroyed..

The number of houses blown down is 268, only three of which are stone.saraiboe sy rikthans a mond

But there is abundant reason for thankfulness in the fact that no life has been lost on shore. The island is completely desolated as I never before saw it. There is scarcely a green leaf left; the appearance is as if the island had been scorched up by fire.

I have been much gratified by the spirit manifested by our poor people under this heavy visitation. I have not heard a grumbling word, but many of thankfulness that it was no worse. They have most cheerfully set about the renovation of their own dwellings. I now hear the sound LEơMA DÍA MILA JA of work in all directions.

This morning we had a meeting of deacons and principal

church members to consult about the repairs of our chapel here. Without any pressing on my part, they unanimously agreed that, after one more week for putting up shelter for their families, they would repair the house of God. I hear from the teacher at Tamarua that the people there have made a similar resolve respecting their chapel.

So that I trust before long the walls of our Zion will again resound with the praises of God.

Our own dwelling leaks in all directions; and I fear that, after the thatch has been collected for the two unroofed chapels, there will be none left, as the thatch trees are greatly injured, and the leaves (which we want) are split to shreds by the wind.

On Wednesday morning, instead of our usual service, we held a prayer meeting. I spoke a few words from the verse, "God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved." On the following Sabbath morning I preached in our school. house from the words, "My grace is sufficient for thee." It was fortunate that the Sabbath was fine, as the sky was visible through the roof over my head. Next morning it was repaired, so that we have now a dry place in which to worship God.

W. WYATT GILL.

POSTSCRIPT.

N.B.—The Editor heartily thanks his kind contributors at home and abroad, and begs more crumbs for his numerous and hungry little family.

4

ÉHE Master has come over Jordan,"
Said Hannah, the mother, one day;

"He is healing the people, who throng him,
With a touch of His finger, they say;
And now I shall carry the children,
Little Rachel and Samuel and John;

I shall carry the baby, Esther,
For the Lord to look upon."

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The father looked at her kindly,

But he shook his head and smiled;

Now, who but a doting mother
Would think of a thing so wild?

If the children were tortured by demons,

Or dying of fever, 'twere well;

Or had they the taint of the leper,

Like many in Israel

No. 8.-AUG. 1, 1867.

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