the old lady entered into a long account of her sorrows and trials, such as her bodily ailments, which are many, and sufferings from hunger, which must often be severe. As I at, I felt the wind blowing upon my neck, and, turning round, I saw large crevices in the walls of the hut, and the star-lit sky visible through many parts of the roof. When I referred to this dilapidated condition, she said she could not now work, and the only little girl she had was lazy and would not. She then compared her house to her own feeble body, which was fast sinking into decay. Still she did not speak of her trials in the manner common to many old people who put not their trust in God; for more than once she interrupted herself to say, "Morimo o molimo," “God is good," and once, as she referred to her worn-out body, she put her hand to her heart and said, "Ah, but my spirit !?" while a brighter expression was visible in her countenance, even by that unsteady light from the sticks. Everything inside the hut hadia poverty-stricken and desolate appearance, and yet I found great pleasure in sitting there, for the eagerness with which she listened to my simple words about divine things, and the hearty manner in which she assented to the truths relating to God's providence, and the necessity for trusting in Him, showed that, with all her poverty and trials, this feeble old woman was rich in faith and blessed with a bright hope of a glorious immortality.ai odidideodw domu ni se "eusqutisia lo muswad.

But perhaps you wonder how it could be that one who had been a queen, and whose son is still a chief, should be so poor and uncared for; and I have told you this in order that you may think of it and learn something of the state

of the people among whom the missionaries labour in this far-off land of South Africa. I have told you this that you may know how many must be their difficulties among & people who can thus allow a mother to spend the last few days of old age in poverty and distress, and that you may be prompted to pray more earnestly for the missionaries in their work. And I have also told you of Mahuto in her old age, that you may see that the Gospel of Jesus Christ has power over the hearts of all people; for she was once a despiser of that Gospel, and an enemy of those who came to tell of it, but now loves the truths of God's word; and though, as she told me, she can only creep, not walk, she loves to find her way to God's house and listen to His word. As you hear of this, my dear young friends, let your hearts be encouraged in efforts to send the Gospel to the heathen, and learn to love that Saviour more dearly, whose dying love has made it possible for this poor old woman, who was once honoured, but is now forsaken, to be an heir to an inheritance that is incorruptible and undefiled and that fadeth not away. Lekatlong, MARCH, 1867.

OUR BEAUTIFUL SHIP, THE "JOHN WILLIAMS.” Ir is with deep regret we inform our young friends that a letter has been received from Mrs. Chalmers, who, with her husband, was proceeding as a missionary to Rarotonga, announcing the total wreck of our noble ship, the "John Williams," on the great coral reef off Savage Island, on the 8th January last. We are happy to say that no lives were lost, but a large quantity of stores for the missionaries on the various islands were completely spoiled. We hope to receive further details in time for the next number.

A WEST INDIAN'S FIRST VISIT TO LONDON.

BY THE REV A. LINDO, OF JAMAICA.

HO in the Colonies does not wish to visit this

great city, and who would not be filled with wonder when he gets here? What crowds of people in every street, especially in the great thoroughfares! Surely all London must be abroad to-day. But no; day after day there is a similar moving mass of human beings. How quickly they hurry along the paved sideways! each seems to say "Yours in haste." This is so unlike the sauntering gait of the West Indians, who have yet to learn that “time is money." What a number of conveyances going hither and thither-omnibuses, Hansom cabs, and waggons, so numerous that one must “look alive” and be very quick in crossing the streets. What substantial buildings of immense size-shops, warehouses, public halls, chapels and churches; and these extending everywhere on each side of the streets, which seem numberless! How sooty the appearance of the houses, from the quantity of smoke which curls above the countless chimneys! How changeable the weather-now sunshine, now gloom; now hot, now cold; so different to the uniformly bright days of the tropics, which, though hot, are yet tempered by the cool refreshing sea breeze! Then, here are the railways, a perfect network of them, the engines puffing and blowing all day long, and a good portion of the night too; and the trains running some overhead and some underground. Here are also boats steaming up and down the river Thames, conveying

numerous passengers. Here are people of every clime, colour, and country. What a world in miniature is this London! My young readers, have you ever paid a visit to this great city? If not, I am sure, when you do, your wonder will be as great as that of a West Indian, and you will be constrained to say, as he did, "Behold, the half was not told me!"

No one can see the great places in this metropolis—its cathedrals, its museums, its parks, its libraries, its thou sand and one objects of interest-without being pleased and profited. Very few can witness the growth of its Christian benevolence, its charitable institutions, its home and foreign missions, its efforts in various ways to overtake and overcome physical and moral wretchedness, without feeling devout gratitude to God. What a power for good are the Sunday-schools of London, with their devoted superin tendents and staff of self-denying teachers, all putting forth sanctified efforts to benefit and bless the young I

have addressed a few of these schools, and have been very of their have pleased with the attendance, attention, and intelligence of the scholars. I have told them of what God is doing for the black and coloured children of Jamaica; and I hope shortly to return to my native land, stimulated in my work of preaching to my countrymen and instructing their children by what I have seen and heard in this land of so many happy memories and hallowed associations.

(N.B.-Our West Indian friend promises a few more sketches concerning his experience in England.)

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FACTS ABOUT CROCODILES.

poor women were washing their garments at the edge of a a river in Western Africa: One of the company, seeing a large crocodile in the river approaching them, pointed to it with her finger, and said "Bambah a naktah," (Crocodile is coming.) It was a common sight, and she resumed her work without any apprehension of danger, until the monster snapped her leg, and she fell on his back, crying, "I am gone! I am gone!" The animal dragged her under water to the opposite bank of the river, and there devoured her.