FERNANDO PO.

THE correspondence below will not occasion much surprise to the friends of the Baptist Missionary Society. Since the formation of the mission in Fernando Po in 1841, the Spanish Government, apparently moved by the restless, intriguing Society of Jesus, has on three occasions attempted to interrupt and destroy it. Through the providence of God these designs have hitherto been thwarted; but at length there appears every probability of success. The increase of commerce in the Gulf of Guinea, and the opening of the Niger to European enterprise, have given increased importance to Fernando Po, holding as it does the key to the embouchure of the Niger, and the command of the entire coast of the gulf. The success of the gospel in the colony has been very considerable. Among a population of not more than a thousand people the members of the church number about 120 adult persons, while the entire colony is more or less in the habit of attending divine service in the mission chapel, and the children are receiving instruction in the mission schools. The Bible is in every house. Some progress has also been made in bringing the aborigines under the influence of the gospel; but the Jesuit fathers are as jealous of the missionary's labours among these rude children of the wilderness, as among the more instructed inhabitants of the town.

It has for some time past been in agitation among the people whether they should not withdraw to the mainland. Not only have they been kept in constant fear of the intrusion of Romish priests, and the interference with liberty of worship with which they are now threatened, but they have been exposed to many annoyances and much oppression in their occupations from the Spanish authorities, without the possibility of obtaining redress. Although one-half of the colony has a just claim to the protection of the British Crown it has been denied them. The colony was originally founded by the English Government, partly for trading purposes, and partly for the facilities the island presented for the repression of the slave trade on the neighbouring coast. Many Africans liberated from captured slave-ships by her Majesty's cruisers have settled there. Others, British subjects, came from the continent, and upwards of 200 individuals are the descendants of these settlers. But inasmuch as the Spanish Government affirms the island to be the property of Spain, by reason of a treaty with Portugal, the British Government is understood to have repudiated the claims of these colonists, forming full one-half of the population, to the protection they ask for their persons and property, against the persecution and injustice inflicted upon them by the Spanish authorities.

There can be no doubt that the main object of the "Armada" is the destruction of the mission. That the intolerance of the Jesuits will ruin the colony, is no check to the zeal of the priest-ridden government of Spain. We can scarcely desire that the people should remain in a place where conscience is denied its rights, and freedom to worship God is refused. It may be perfectly practicable to find on the opposite coast some safe refuge, favourable alike to commerce and to freedom, from whence the word of life may extend to the interior of Africa, into regions as yet untrodden by the heralds of salvation. The transference by the

missionaries of their labours to the mainland will be in full accordance with the directions of our Lord-" If they persecute you in one city, flee ye into another,”—while it will, under God's blessing, concentrate on the continent all the departments of missionary toil.

Of course, at present our information is not sufficient to determine the propriety of this or any other course. It may be that, as on former occasions, the invaders may retire: still we are bound to say that we have little hope of this on the present occasion. The last expedition failed and returned because its commandant did not possess sufficient powers Besides, only two priests came at that time. Now, Don Chacon possesses ample authority for every purpose, and is accompanied by so large a body of priests as to render unlikely a fourth ignominious retreat. We shall await with great anxiety the intelligence of another mail. Meanwhile we cannot but admire, and be grateful to God for, the calm, noble, and Christian attitude assumed by the missionaries and their flock. We must commit them to the care of God, not doubting but that he will make this event "work together for good," and give to our brethren and their charge the spirit of wisdom, a steadfast faith, and a firm hold on those great and precious promises, by which the Lord's people have been sustained and carried through the tribulations that in all ages they have been called to endure.

From the Rev. ALFRED SAKER, to the Secretaries of the
Baptist Missionary Society.

DEAR BRETHREN,

CLARENCE, FERNANDO PO,
May 29, 1858.

At last I have escaped from the toil of Cameroons, to visit these our distant brethren and the mountain tribes; repeated hindrances have occurred, but at length I am free for a few days. And now the providence of God appears conspicuous, as I am brought just in time to witness the descent of a Spanish "Armada."

I landed here on Friday, the 21st, and found the friends well. On the evening of Saturday, 22nd, the Spanish steam-vessel, " Balboa," came to anchor here, having on board six Jesuits, for the enlightenment of the colony. This vessel is commanded by Don Carlos Chacon, who is also the Governor-General of this and the neighbouring islands, and the commander of the Spanish squadron in the Gulf of Guinea. This force does now, or is to, consist of three other small steamers and one transport. Colonisation, enlightenment-or dispersion of the Missionary settlements-and the suppression of the slave trade, are its declared objects and duty.

The first step has been to assume the Governorship of this colony, displacing him who has without authority assumed and exercised the office of Governor to the great detriment of the people.

The next work has been to declare us all Catholics, and to announce the intention of forbidding all Protestant worship.

We have waited in expectation of a proclamation to this effect, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and till Thursday, when in a heavy rain the bell announces a meeting. A few assembled in Mr. Lynslager's house, and the proclamation was read. Copy enclosed.

As I would not expose myself to such a storm, Mr. Diboll brought me the procla mation, and having read it, I addressed the friends assembled in our house, and rejoiced with them that I had been brought here in time to comfort and strengthen them in this trial.

As soon as I could, I penned the enclosed No. 1, and after having it faithfully copied, I carried it and read it to the newly-appointed Lieutenant-Governor. By him it was forwarded to Don Chacon the next day, Friday. An answer was sent me (copy enclosed), and at 12 I called the friends together, to hear my letter No. 1 and its answer. The result of that meeting was the unanimous adoption of No. 2, then read and by them signed.

At this stage I thought it desirable to make known to the Consul the course we

were pursuing. He approved of it, and since then I have handed him copies of all our correspondence. No. 2 being truly copied, I presented and read it to the Lieutenant-Governor; and after some delay, it was forwarded to the Governor-General. I fear I shall not be able to enclose a copy of the answer to this last letter. The secretary has read to me the answer as received by the Lieutenant-Governor, but the closing mail will possibly prevent its being copied in time to be sent to me. We have, as you will perceive, requested 'the smallest favour possible, and in terms the most courteous; the answer in plain English is, I cannot, I will not grant it. Do not ask me again.

Truly, brethren, we will not ask him again. Still I must write once more. as the answer comes, I will convene a meeting to consult and advise.

As soon

And now, dear brethren, the time of action in a decisive manner is come. I came here to make my final examination of the state of these buildings, which are scarcely safe abodes. Repeated repairs and expenses have wearied me, and I have prepared a long statement and exposition of their present state, needed renewals and expenses, together with the insecurity of our position, &c., and have left it with you to command me to do, or not to do. This long looked-for invasion (the stoppage to our half-built chapel, now evidently the work of Lynslager alone), and the general insecurity of our property, has deterred me from doing what ought to be done, till at last, to defer it longer, will be to have all fall in ruin, and hence the prepared statement. But now the Spanish Authority has decided my paper is not needed, there is no difficulty that is not already settled. The house must be rematted now at once, and then preserved as best we may for future use or sale as you shall think best, under the daily altering circumstances of the mission.

Now as to the future, Jesus shall be our guide. There are a few general ideas, which I can put on paper. Pray for us that we may be directed aright. Cameroons is ours -a fine station, an open door to the interior of the land. Bimbia is ours-room enough for a town, and large trade. But a port is wanted, where there can be British protection, British capital and laws. A depôt for coals for the navy, a safe harbour for our merchant vessels, a free port for the commerce of these rivers, and a refuge for the oppressed and the slave; these are all essential points to be secured, and I think are all attainable, if the British Government can be so far interested as to put their hands to the work. The Consul will, I hope, steadily pursue this object; in nearly all we are in accord. Then there are matters specially missionary; these will have our careful attention. There is now no idea of remaining here; the long endured oppressions, the expected threats of banishment, and the general decay of all business, had determined many to leave even before this; now our course must be first to provide a home for all if possible, where freedom to worship God must be the first requirement; and then, next, for employment, and if possible prosperity.

In two or three days' time I shall go with the Consul, exploring the mountain land opposite, with its rocky shores, bays, and islands; thence, if possible, to Cameroons. But these things, and much more, must be governed by circumstances; and will be noted in our next communication.

One thing now is needed, and must be had-a small schooner of twenty to forty tons, for transport and supplies to a township, wherever we locate. This will be essential immediately-and for use, essential use, till the mail shall drop its anchor in our new bay. I fear it must come from Europe, but I will visit our rivers first and see if anything can be bought. I propose paying for this by shares, the money to be paid half on delivery, the other half in six months. Three-fourths of the shares can be taken by our people, if not all: one of whom may be chosen a manager to act in concert with me; and for the Mission, I will have at least one share.

As to our Brother Diboll, I shall want him here among the people while I am running about. He may possibly visit the natives more; eventually, he must move. Should it be essential, I shall have Mr. Pinnock here as an agent, while Mr. Diboll may begin a work in the continent, but all seems uncertain. The Lord our God will make a plain path for us, and we shall, I hope, cheerfully obey. I am exceedingly thankful that I came here just in time to aid our friends. The services, Friday and Saturday night, of the following Sabbath and Monday evening, were so mercifully dictated to us by the Lord, as to be strengthening, increasingly so till at last the services were closed. They were hours long to be remembered, and have left a fragrance behind that is still sweet. Every heart seems joyful and resigned to the Lord's will.

But the mail closes. Please read the letters to my wife, for particulars which I cannot re-write. Kindly remember us in your prayers. And with affectionate regards to the Committee, yours, as always,

ALFRED SAKER.

From the Rev. JOSEPH DIBOLL to the Secretaries.

MY DEAR Brethren,

CLARENCE, FERNANDO PO,
May 26, 1858.

It is our consolation that "the Lord reigneth," and that "he is a very present help in time of need," a "God nigh at hand as well as far off." Friday, the 21st.-Mr. Saker came to us. We had been looking for him a month. He has done well to come now. In this we see the hand of Providence. Saturday, the 22nd.-A Spanish manof-war came into the cove, having on board a Governor, priests, &c. &c. We instantly called our people together for prayer, and truly we found it good to wait upon the Lord. Brother Saker exhorted the people, using as his motto, "Stand still and know that I am God." The principal services of Lord's day were taken by him also. In the evening we had an extra prayer-meeting with nearly a full house. There is much anxiety among the people, and many are breathing the inquiry, "What are we going to do?" Our answer is, "Pray and wait." Governor Lynslager sent for Mr. Saker and entreated that nothing should be said in our services that would be offensive to the Spaniards. On Monday he called on me and said that he was superseded-that our meeting for that evening would be our last! Tornadoes, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, prevented the proclamation being read. We made the best use of our time: had the people together every evening. Thursday, 27th.-Proclamation has been read in the ex-Governor's house, as it rained heavily with thunder and lightning. The religion of the colony is said to be Roman Catholic, and no other religion is to be tolerated. After the reading I obtained permission to inquire how long they would allow us the use of our religious privileges, and was told that our meetings for worship were ended from that hour. I afterwards had an interview with the new Governor in a private room, who would only consent to my having one more meeting with the people, and that meeting must be that evening. The document which had just been read was put into my hands (copy of which I enclose). Mr. Saker immediately wrote to the Governor, but the nature of the communication and the answer he received, you will learn from himself. What our future course may be is best known to Him who said, "The hairs of your head are all numbered."

The desire of my heart is to be with the natives in the mountain. For the present I shall entirely follow the directions of Mr. Saker, and shall do the best I can to assist him in carrying out his plans, whatever those plans may be.

Correspondence is still going on with the Governor. The people are petitioning among them. There is much sorrow and some weeping.

29th.-Up to this time there appears no chance of our being tolerated. It was declared last night that the first man that breaks the law (in matters of religion) shall be punished. But we are MOVING ABOUT, though with much caution.

I rejoice to say that I and my daughter are in good health, and not without hope that the Lord will guide us through all this difficulty in such a manner as shall redound to his own glory.

One o'clock. In answer to petition from the principal inhabitants of the colony, we learn that the new law of "no toleration" cannot be suspended. From the first I have been threatened with banishment if I infringe the law.

I am, dear Brethren,

Yours in Christian affection,

JOSEPH DIBOLL.

PROCLAMATION.

Don CARLOS CHACON, Knight of the Military Order of San Hermenegildo, Captain of Frigate in the Spanish Navy, Commander of Her Catholic Majesty's Squadron in the Islands of Fernando Po, Annobon, and Corisco, Governor-General of all the said Islands, &c., makes known to all,

1. The religion of this colony is that of the Roman Catholic Church, as the only one in the kingdom of Spain, with the exclusion of any other; and no other religious professions tolerated or allowed, but that made by the missionaries of the aforesaid Catholic religion.

2. Those who profess any other religion which be not the Catholic, should confine their worship within their own private houses or families, and limit it to the members thereof.

3. Mr. Lynslager is appointed Lieutenant-Governor in this colony until the resolution of her Majesty the Queen of Spain.