Entelligence.

metropolis, are occupying the country and the mines.

Geelong 40,000. Beside these two places the rest of the colony is destitute, and now that Thirdly. The want of unity, whether it society is settling down in various localities is considered as between the churches, or both at the gold fields and the out ports, we individual members. It is lacking in both have constant appeals for help, but these there is neither community of action, nor of appeals are made to us in vain! interest for the welfare of the cause of You will doubtless perceive by this time Christ among us as Baptists. This brings the object we have in addressing you. We us to consider, that the same worldly spirit have no agency organized as means under and influence operate upon new arrivals, the blessing of the Holy Spirit to supply as upon older residents. In addition to this, the bread of life to our spiritually destitute each individual has his own peculiar notions, fellow countrymen, or the strangers gaprejudices, and customs, which he brings thered out of every nation under the with him; and which it must be confessed heavens.

cannot be thrown aside easily, or with- We are, therefore, constrained to lay the out great effort. But what is most baneful case before you, hoping and praying that to the progress of our cause is the fact, the Great Head of the Church will send that many who have been associated with from among you some spiritual devoted you as Baptists, do, on their arrival here, and talented men to labour in the part of unite themselves with other denominations, the gospel field. Spiritual and devoted rather than assist to sustain the principles they must be, as many difficulties will have they once professed, or help to alter those to be overcome, and many seductions withthings that offend them. Much as we de- stood. As a people we are not individually plore this, we esteem it light in comparison wealthy, but as the recent crisis in com with a greater evil, that many on their mercial matters is passing away, its effects, arrival here, "walk no more with Jesus." we trust, will in a short time be effaced. It is with deep regret that we record the Yet we believe that even now where a serrecent painful bereavement which our de- vant of Jesus Christ is able to get a people nomination has sustained in the sudden to hear him, they will see that he does not death of the Rev. W. P. Scott, pastor of the lack in temporal things. church in Albert-street. God in his mys- We now propose to speak of ourselves. terious providence has been pleased to re- We are known as the first Baptist church, move our brother from his church below to or the church in Collier's-street. The situa that above, while we are left to mourn the tion of our chapel is central, and is in a loss of a zealous and devoted, though at the position that attracts the notice of stran same time unobtrusive minister of Jesus gers. It has been erected upwards of ten Christ; and the church over which he years, and was the first chapel of the depresided a judicious and attentive Pastor. nomination in Victoria, then known as Port On his sorrowing partner devolves the sole Philip. responsibility of seven children, most of them of tender years.

By the last census, the denomination was returned at 4727, which is, perhaps, under the real number, but of this we have no certainty; nor can we check the amount, as all our churches put together do not represent a moiety of the whole.

The church has now on her roll 120 members, of which esteem 80 as in actual membership, and of these about 50 is the weekly attendance. The congregation averages 200, but the whole languishes for want of a really efficient and devoted ministry. From the church has been formed a church at Brighton, about seven miles distant. One at Prahran, about two miles, and one at Emerald Hill, which is a suburb of the city. These places are chiefly supplied by brethren of our number.

There are five churches in Melbourne, three in suburban townships (which are properly speaking stations supplied by this church) one at Geelong, and about five stations besides. There are, since Mr. As a church we profess to hold the doc. Scott's death, four settled Pastors, three of trines of grace, endeavouring to avoid unwhich are in Melbourne, and one in Gee- warrantable inferences on the one hand, long The latter has been in the ministry for and universalism on the other. We desire some years, the others are brethren called to recognize the attributes and character of to preside in the churches in which they Jehovah, as he had been pleased to reveal labored. The above constitute, with a few himself in his word, as also what he has lay preachers in Melbourne, our whole declared respecting his designs and dealings strength, as far as means in our denomina- with the children of men. But we desire, tion are concerned, to operate upon a above all things, that the Gospel may be population of 350,000, of which Melbourne preached in its fullest extent to guilty sin and its suburbs has about 100,000, and ners, believing it to be "the power of God

unto salvation to every one that believeth," ted to these colonies. This course was and that it is addressed to all men as adopted by the Congregational Union, and reasonable and accountable beings, it being we have hoped would have been imitated a message of mercy which all may receive, by you. We state this, not to imply blame, and being within the compass of the lowest for it was as much our duty to communiintelligent capacity, we believe that its full cate with you, as it was yours to do so with proclamation, accompanied by the most us. earnest persuasion, is the first duty of the We are afraid that the compass of a letter church of Christ in the world. We are in is insufficient to convey to you the exact practice a close communion church. Our state of things in the colony, and therefore chief want is a talented and devoted ser- would suggest that a discreet, conscientious vant of God, as pastor, one who holding the and devoted man be sent out by you as truth in Christ is constrained by love to his messenger to ascertain the true state of the Master and the souls of sinners to set forth denomination in the colony. Could not the a full and free salvation to all who repent principal sections of the denomination, with and believe the Gospel. One who not only could build up the church, watching over it in the Lord, but also raise the cause in this city, so as to rally the scattered members of the denomination. To accomplish this, talent is required as well as piety, for most persons coming here have had the advantage of hearing the eminent men who fill your pulpits, or those of the Transatlantic States, and therefore seek for similar privileges here, but finding them not in their own denomination, go elsewhere.

We believe that this city presents a sphere of great usefulness to a really efficient man. And a position of great influence also, it being the centre or heart of the colony from whence the streams must flow, which shall yet convey on their life-bearing bosoms peace, and glad tidings of mercy throughout our land.

The chapel is commodious, and capable of enlargement, it will hold about 300 persons. Toit are attached vestries suitable for schoolrooms, all finished, and in good repair, free from debt or incumbrance.

you, co-operate in selecting a suitable person? In twelve months he could be back with you, after visiting all the Australian colonies, and we will undertake to provide £200. towards his travelling expenses.

We do not expect that what we have written will induce any considerable number of ministers to remove to this colony, but we think it will be desirable for any one who may contemplate such removal to know whether any ministers have sailed for Melbourne before him. This information can be obtained by application to the Editor of this Magazine, and to the Editor of the Baptist Magazine, to whom communications are requested to be made.

There is now room for three ministers, at least, in Melbourne, and its vicinity; and we are of opinion that if such were arriving now they would be adequately supported.

toria.

ROBERT KERR, Deacons.
JOHN COLLINS,

Committing our cause afresh unto the disposal and protection of the Great Head of the church, we invoke the continued blessing of our God to be upon you, and upon that land which He has so highly At present we are unable to offer a favored for his truth's sake. The grace of guarantee as to stipend, but we confidently our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. believe to a good and useful man, one suit- Signed on behalf of the first Baptist able to the cause which ought, with its church, Collier's-street, Melbourne, Vicadvantages, to be the first in the colony, not only in name, but in fact, there would be no difficulty in providing adequately for his support. It has been the fear of inducing Melbourne, April, 1856. any one to leave his native land, and at a venture to come among us an unknown people, as well as the probability of our being unable to receive him as our Pastor unknown and untried, that has been one great cause of our hesitation to make an appeal to you in years past, but now there is a wider scope, a larger population, so that if our position is occupied by another, or unsuitableness on either hand should be manifested, there is room, and to spare.

ST. HELENA.

ABOUT the year 1845, the present minister, then an entire stranger to the island, came there, and the hand of God was with him, guiding him and blessing his labours. A few people thirsting for the word of God, gathered round him: a few Christian men at the Cape guaranteed temporary support. Another cause of delay has been the ex- The accounts given in the Cape magazines pectation of some one being sent out by, or of Dr. Bertram's early residence and labours coming out from you, to look after the mem- are touching; and though opposed by a bers of your churches which have emigra-high church party there, and greatly ob

structed by the chaplains, who were indig- soon surrounded by a number of persons, nant at any attempt made to awaken the among whom I saw some young folk whom poor, and up to this time, neglected island- I had employed on a former visit; to these ers and others, Dr. Bertram's efforts were I gave some pieces of tobacco, and to some crowned with signal power and success. poor women who were standing by, I did He is now the beloved pastor of a poor, but the same, and Thanks to the Great One,' interesting people, and considering the few-Thanks to the high and mighty One,' were ness of the residents, a flourishing church, uttered by a dozen voices at once. I saw I consisting of 200 members. had gained my point, left the king, and moved off, followed by as motley a group as ever the sun shone upon. A few pieces of tobacco yet remaining, coming to the place where I wanted work to be done, I stopped, and tried to hire them for the next day; they all at once cried out 'to-day, tomorrow we shall be at farm.’

The majority of the people are members of the middle and humbler classes; to their honour we record it-they support their pastor, and meet the expenses incidental to the various evangelistic operations carried on in the island, according to their ability. In addition to the neat little building at James Town, the Baptist church meeting "I sent for shovels and hoes, &c., pulled there is anxious to erect one in the country, off my coat, and went to work in true Eng. at one of the hill stations, Knollcombes. lish order, and about twenty natives with The ground for a chapel and grave-yard is me. In about four hours we accomplished secured already, and the people actively wonders. But, oh! the scene at pay time employed in raising the money-the ex- beggars description. To six young women pense of erection is estimated at £500.

WESTERN AFRICA.

I gave a narrow wrapper each. These were soon appropriated, and away they ran in their new dress, to join the dance, where they became the subjects of general admiration. By this time the king and his nobles FERNANDO PO.-Mr. Diboll writes: "I had retired for conversation; I followed went up the mountain, was immediately them--the subject of converse was a grave informed of the death of a woman near our one. The late king had been dead about house; a girl was employed to dig the three moons, and some of his widows were grave with a pointed stick; my two ser- forming acquaintance with other men. vants dug the grave, a mat from my bed- They inquired if some of these persons room floor enveloped the body, which was might not have been implicated in poisonafterwards tied to a small bamboo hurdle, ing the late king, by witchery or by other and conveyed to the grave, and I performed means. I told them, that that arose out of a kind of burial service, with three natives the state of society among them; that a and my own servants at the grave. I am man could love only one woman, and he glad to interfere in these matters in order would cleave to her; all the others would to secure the body being well covered. be comparatively widows while their hus"I was next informed that a law had bands yet lived. They said this was good been put, that no persons were to go any- truth, thanked me for my "sayings," and where or do anything, on the next day, as there ended the palaver. I then spoke to it was to be a high day among them; I was them of what I had seen on the playsorry, as I wanted to do a great deal of ground. The skin of a very long snake, work, and wanted them to help me. Early fastened to a long pole, and set up for all in the morning guns were fired, and the the people to look at, and to touch, women people were shrieking and hallooing all over lifting up their little children to make them the village; this was done to frighten away see it, and if possible to touch it. I gave sickness and death. About sunrise the them the history of the serpent in the wil horns were sounding, and the people were derness, and preached to them from, 'As everywhere calling on the spirits of their Moses lifted up the serpent, &c.' To all fathers to be with them that day, and to this they listened with grave attention. I help them to be happy. cannot but hope the time will soon come I hastened to the ground, met the king when Divine truth shall be brought home and his chiefs, and had some converse with to the heart. In the place where we were them about my work, and the school. They then sitting lay a sick man (I suppose a heard me well, but were full of the work chief); he was suffering greatly; I told before them. Dancing commenced about them if they would feed him, I would cure six o'clock. Before going unto the "Gate" him, but in his case, my medicines would I had cut a number of leaves of tobacco in be of no use without nourishing food. They two, and filled my pocket with them. delibrated and declined; if they were too While I was talking with the king, I was kind to him in sickness, he would love them

too much after death, and would want them | to be his companions in the other world, and they do not want to die yet!

"At night, the dance was still going on, and all the children were on the playground; I took a small bell in my hand, and went ringing it round the different companies of dancers, and crying, 'School! school!' till I was surrounded by a company of youngsters, when I moved off still ringing, and crying 'School!' The house was more than filled, and I sat down to teach and to be taught.

"The following day I preach at Tullylin, to eighteen or twenty, to some of whom I lend books. It is eight miles from Ballina. Foxborough is also about eight miles from town. I generally have fifteen or sixteen to hear, and sometimes the Lord has greatly blessed us.

"Newtown White is about six miles off; there I visit three or four families, and preach to sixteen or twenty people. It was an ungodly place, but I hope there is a little improvement.

"Crossmolina is eight miles from this. I "The next day, after prayer and sup- preach there to from twelve to twenty, and plication, we set up the timbers of the Mr. and Mrs. Phillips carry on their little place of worship of which I spoke to you school; the children are all Roman Cathoin a former communication. On the Thurs-lics.

Mr. Willett says:-"On the Lord's-day I preach at twelve and six o'clock in Curragh. Between the services I hold a Bible class; this is very regularly attended. by the young people in the village, and, as a result, one of the females of this valuable nursery was baptized in February last, and was received into the church.

day I took fever, and was obliged to hasten "I go occasionally to three other places, home, and have this time passed through varying from two to three miles off. I the severest fever I have yet endured. My travel about 128 miles a month." dear wife was down at the same time, and for several days we could not see each other. By a good Providence three ships of war were in the cove, and from them we received efficient medical aid. To Mr. Coleraine, surgeon of the Minx, we are under peculiar obligations. Had the mail been here at her time, I could not have written; as it is, I do it but indifferently, yet we are thankful that we are both at our respective duties: all thanks to Him from whom all good proceeds."

Irish.

DO OUR MISSIONARIES ENGAGE IN

ITINERANT LABOURS?

"The distance from Ballina to Curragh is thirteen miles. Frequently I stay all night, and return home on the Monday; but when I visit the sub-stations, I proceed from Curragh to Skreen on the Monday; fourteen miles, where I meet about twelve persons in the house of our hospitable friend Mr. W. Coulter, stay all night, and the next morning walk to Carnagera, a distance of eight miles, and preach to a few people gathered together at twelve o'clock; MR. ECCLES says:-"Before I strike my after this I take a car to Sligo, seven miles; colours, there will not be a nook I can reach immediately on arriving there, go on board in the north, that shall not have echoed to the steamer for Drumahair, proceed along the an honest testimony to the truth." Mr. waters of Lough Gill, where we have Hamilton writes:-"Three days in the nature's enchanting and romantic scenery week I visit from house to house. I read in miniature, for about six miles' sail; at and expound, and pray in every house I six o'clock arrive at the quay; then an hour's visit. I visit from five to seven families in smart walking brings me to the house of the day, and sometimes ten. The people our kind friend Mr. Robert Gillmor. Here that I visit are chiefly church of England, I have a good congregation of respectable Wesleyans, and Baptists, and some Presby-people, waiting to hear all things that are terians, and Roman Catholics. In some commanded-a congregation that would do parts of the town when I am seen going any minister's heart and soul good, and to a house, a few people follow me, who several have I seen deeply affected under wish to be present at our little meetings. the word. The next day, I proceed to "I go to the country about two days in Rock Mount, where I preach in the house the week. One of my preaching stations is of Mr. R. Galbraith; a very good attendwidow M'Kinly's, about seven (English) ance, and a very intelligent people, and remiles from town. From nine to twelve markably kind to the ministers of the usually attend, who are earnest, praying gospel. This is the extreme point of my people. One or two Roman Catholics come itinerant labours. These two places are in in occasionally. A little farther on, I visit the county of Leitrim, and nearly fifty miles a Scotch family, eight or nine in number, from Ballina. The next morning I again where I lecture and pray. turn my face toward the county of Sligo,

VOL. XIII.NO. CLII.

T