MISSIONARY.

SIERRA LEONE, Western Africa.-Our esteemed friend, Mr. T. Nicholson of Lydney, Gloucestershire, having felt much interest on behalf of the baptists residing in this free republic of Africans, lately forwarded for their use a valuable package of books, tracts, &c.; the receipt of which is acknowledged in a note from Mr. Thomson, minister of the first baptist church in Sierra Leone, dated June 26. Mr. T. says:"We beg thankfully to acknowledge the receipt of your kind letter, accompanied with the box of books, yourself and the good friends were pleased to send us. Both the members of the church, and children of the day and sabbath-schools have received these books with unspeakable delight. I have now the pleasure to enclose herewith the schoolmaster's report as received from him; and I have reason to believe, that much good will be the result of both schools, under the blessing of our Heavenly Father. I also give you some brief, but correct information of our church affairs, as time will not permit me to draw up formal report. There are at present 26 male members, and 42 female members. We have, for the first time, been privileged with the visit of one of our English baptist missionaries, Rev. Mr. Dible, on his to Fernando Po. We thought it a fine opportunity of communicating our desires to him, and accordingly did so. He has promised to write you, or to write to the Baptist Missionary Society through you, making known our desires as to a baptist missionary coming over to Sierra Leone, for the purpose of spreading the cause. He will no doubt write you fully on the subject, as to the state of our little society-its povertyits prospects and desires; and I think if the society should find a man to come over, great good might be done. We acknow. ledge our inefficiency to carry on the work under our present circumstances-together with the confined knowledge of the word of God which we have. We desire to have further instruction; and, although we have no desire to become gentlemen ministers of Christ, yet we would heartily wish to be useful servants in his cause-spending our days and talents as shall seem fit in his wisdom to direct-and that we might be able to say to our little flock, "We have not shunned to declare unto you the whole counsel of God." Pray for us pray for the baptist churches here-pray for Africaand may the God of love and mercy, whose ears are ever open to the prayers of his saints, give you your desires, and permit us to be spared to see a missionary from you to us; to see the cause revive and prosper, and finally to meet in the kingdom of

Heaven. Please give the best wishes and thanks of the church united with ours to Mr. Winks, as well as to the other friends."

The schoolmaster, Mr. Philip J. Leigh, at the request of Mr. Thomson, furnishes the following report of the schools:-"As you have requested me to give you a report relative to the state of the schools under my immediate care, for the information of the christian friends in England, I beg to state as follows. This school was opened on the 10th of October, 1853, with six boys and six girls. Up to the 16th of December, there was an increase of thirty-one girls and thirty-four boys on the list.-Daily attendants, fifty. But I am happy to state, that within a period of nine months from its establishment, the number of the children increased to sixty-nine boys and seventysix girls.-Total on the list, 145. Out of this number, thirty boys and twenty-eight girls are reading the Holy Scriptures; eighteen boys and girls writing on copy books; sixty-four boys and girls are writing on slates: nine girls are marking samplers; thirty-six are learning needlework, under the care of Sarah Smith, the schoolmistress. Fourteen of the senior girls are learning grammar and arithmetic; some of them are very promising. I trust that, by God's grace, within a few years you will, if spared, be able to see the fruits of what you have thus sown, through the blessing of God. The first division of boys are under my immediate care and teaching; they are studying Allen's grammar, Chambers' geographical primer, arithmetic, music, Bible history, &c. The second division under the care of the senior monitor, are studying grammar for beginners, arithmetical tables, numeration, and arithmetic. I beg to state that the school is in a prosperous condition; there are many promising boys and girls,— only for want of sufficient books, such as Holy Bibles, atlas, map of the world, and other useful and necessary books, keeps us from going forward. But I trust by God's blessing, when it shall please him to send us aid, we shall be able to do better. The Sunday school is also improving; we have at present 100 children with a few adults, who attend regularly every Sunday at two o'clock till four, p.m. There are many of the children who appear (from experience I speak) to be very serious respecting their soul's salvation. I am glad to mention, that among the number, a boy of the age of 16 years was converted, and he is now a full member in the other baptist church, and is doing his best to encourage his school-mates. I really believe that within a few years, we shall have many more, for I make it my business to address them every Sunday afternoon, from half-past three o'c ock to four, pointing them to the

Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world; and my prayer shall always be, Lord hasten that happy period when this poor and despised church in Sierra Leone shall spread and become a great one, so that those who are against us may admire and exclaim, "the Lord he is God, and there is none like him in all the earth." As for myself I am resolved to labour and spend the talents which God has given me to do his work; although my salary at present is very small, seeing that I have a wife with three children. But I am contented with it, knowing that godliness with contentment is great gain. I expect nothing great here, but much hereafter, provided I endure to the end."

GENERAL BAPTIST MISSIONS.-Destructive Fire at Berhampore.-Mrs. Wilkinson, in a letter to Mrs. Buckley, dated April 27, says: "I am sure you will be greatly grieved at the sad intelligence I have this month to communicate. Within the last few days we have had to experience the loss of our house and nearly all it contained by fire; the destruction did not end there, I grieve to say our chapel and four or five native christians' houses have also been consumed. The fire originated in the lines of the 18th regiment, that had been built at the back of our mission premises. At the time when this spot was chosen by the sepoys, as a location for their families, (some 700 persons or more) we saw the danger, and used means to prevent the land being granted to them; remonstrance was made both to the officers commanding the regiment and to the collector of the district, but the only advantage gained by the appeals made to the authorities was that the location was placed a few yards more distant from our houses than was at first intended; but alas! alas! our worst fears have been more than real. ized. You know how furious and how hot the winds are here at this season, and the bamboos, ceiling cloths, and thatch of our houses are almost as combustible as gunpowder. The hot wind had for some days been more terrific, and blew in a direct line from the houses of the families to our mission premises. The fire broke out at noon; Mr. Wilkinson perceived it, and said, "O dear, there is fire again in those lines, and the wind is so high I fear we are in danger." He ran out to give orders to the man who was on the top of the houses with water, when the alarm was given that our thatch had caught. The flames spread with most furious rapidity. Literally ran over the thatch with the rapidity of lightning, and in a few minutes the house was enveloped in flames, so that it would have been death to enter. I am sure I do not know how Mr. Wilkinson did it, but he seemed to have unusual nerve at the mo

In a few

ment. He tumbled his heavy "bedup," or desk out at the window, which contained our available rupees, and many valuable papers, belonging to our church and mission affairs, but his manuscripts were not there and were all consumed. A small chest of drawers of my own was got out, half a camp table, a chair or two, and a writing table. Somebody snatched off some of the bed clothes and pillows, and a few articles of clothing which happened to be lying about, but our beds, furniture, books, drawers, trunks, clothes of every description, with our household furniture, were consumed. The brass and metal things in the houses were literally reduced to a cinder. You can have no idea of the awful scene. minutes it was known all over that the Padre's house" was on fire, and people rushed from all quarters to our assistance, but it would have been death to enter the house. The girls' premises escaped, and our outhouses. Through mercy no lives were lost except a few animals in the christian village. The loss to our dear people we hope soon to. repair, but the loss of our chapel, house, and all our property we feel to be very heavy. The residents here have manifested great sympathy for us. One lady in the midst of the fire brought her conveyance to take me from the awful scene, another kind friend took in our brother and sister Bailey. We were in great fear that their house would also take fire from its nearness to ours. Mr. Wilkinson did not even save a change of clothes, but with true English feeling the residents kindly supplied our present necessities.

We understand that subscriptions and collections are about to be made in this country, to repair the losses sustained by this fire; for no hope is entertained that the Indian Government will do anything to repair the mischief. Robert Pegg, Esq., Derby, is the Treasurer of the Society.

CHRISTIAN EFFORTS FOR TURKEY.—A public breakfast meeting, open to all the friends of missions, was held in Queenstreet Hall, Edinburgh, on Tuesday, July 25th. The special object was to receive the Rev. Cuthbert Young, Secretary of an association recently formed in London, under the patronage of Lord Shaftesbury, Mr. Kinnaird, and others, to aid the American Missionaries who have long laboured in Western Asia, and are now meeting with great encouragement. Dr. Grevill presided, and a lively interest was excited. After devotional exercises, in which the Rev. John Blackburn of London, took part, the Chairman introduced the object. Mr. Young then proceeded to give

an outline of the important operations of the American missionaries, and the remarkable success attending their labours. The Rev. Dr. Candlish, the Rev. Dr. Andrew Thomson, and the Rev. Dr. Alexander, afterwards addressed the meeting. Dr. Thomson said what might come out of the present war, favourable to the extension of the Gospel in the East, it was impossible to predict. But if it should open up the way for missionaries to the Mohammedan population, it would only be another illustration of that striking sentence of Foster, that "God often sows the seeds of the Gospel in the furrows that have been raised by the ploughshare of war." Most certainly, if Great Britain should succeed in bringing this war to a triumphant close, and in this way of placing Turkey under heavy obligations to us, we must have something to say to her. Dr. Thomson then proceeded to dwell on the fact, that the Syrian mind was not like that of some countries of the East, in a state of exhaustion or torpor. There was vigour and a spirit of inquiry about them, and, like their soil, they only need cultivation-the cultivation which the Bible and the schoolmaster would give them-in order to the production of wide and blessed results. The experience of the American Mission had proved this already, and would prove it every year on a more extensive scale. He quite concurred in the opinion, that our duty was by the formation of an auxiliary society to assist the American Board, rather than to institute a new agency; and if such a movement helped to increase and strengthen the bonds of union between the two great Protestant countries, it would be one of those indirect benefits which are so often found to arise out of direct efforts for the good of men. A general desire was felt for another visit from Mr. Young, at a season more favourable for a public meeting, when an auxiliary association for Edinburgh may be formed. In the meantime, a large provisional committee has been appointed to receive contributions, and make arrangements.

OPEN-AIR PREACHING. In Norwich, open-air preaching is successfully prosecuted. We learn from the Norfolk News, that the audiences are very numerous and orderly. In that city there is a Christian Union on a comprehensive basis, the objects of which are:-first, out-door preaching; second, meetings, and special services on Sunday and week evenings; third, the distribution of tracts, visitation, and Bible classes for senior Sunday scholars and other adults; and generally, the adoption of such means for extending the knowledge of the Gospel as experience and zeal may from time to time dictate. The union have issued an address to their fellow-citizens

requesting their support. It is signed by the Rev. G. Gould. The following is an extract from the appeal:-No sectarian basis has been laid down, and no sectarian teaching will be used by its members. Christian men of all denominations have joined it already, or may join it upon this one condition-that they do not teach their ecclesiastical opinions, but the Gospel. The purpose of this union is not to win men to any sect or party, but to Jesus Christ. It is needful, therefore, that all the teaching which is used should refer to Him. To know Him, will be to love Him; and when men love Him, they will grow like Him. It is hoped, therefore, that this wellmeant effort will secure the co-operation of all good men, and be the means of diffusing through the city and its neighbourhood the fulness of the blessing of the Gospel of Christ.

The respected pastor of the Congrega tional Church, Thame, the Rev. J. Elrick, A.M., preached in the open-air on Sunday afternoon, July 16th, in one of the crowded bye-lanes of the town, to a large number of persons, who, from their appearance, have no sympathy with "temples made with hands." The decorum of the assembly was striking; thus showing that this neglected class can appreciate benovolent efforts made for their spiritual welfare. The rev. gentleman announced his intention to continue these services; and urged the populace to attend some place of worship, and not to consider these services as a substitute.

On Sunday morning last (says the Reading Mercury) the Rev. F. Trench, incumbent of St. John's Church, announced to his congregation that it was his intention to commence open-air preaching, believing that such practice would be productive of much good, and in no way detrimental to the Established Church. Accordingly, after divine service in the afternoon, the rev. gentleman repaired to an open space in the vicinity of the church, and proceeded to address a considerable assemblage of or derly and attentive hearers; at the close stating that he proposed to resume his ministration at the same time on the following Sunday. By this means it is hoped that, of the many who habitually absent themselves from public worship on the Sabbath, some may be brought within reach of the sound of the Gospel.

ISLINGTON OPEN-AIR SERVICES.-A series of out-door services, which were commenced last summer, have been resumed by the members of Union Chapel, assisted by & few friends from other churches, and have proved highly encouraging. Two stations are regularly occupied every Lord's-day evening, one in Highbury-vale, the other by the side of the Caledonian-road, near the

BRITISH EXPORTS TO THE UNITED STATES are yet increasing in amount, as may be seen by the following:

1851. 1852. 1853. 14,362,976 16,567,737 23,653,427. Iron, and wrought iron goods, form the chief item-£5,379,753.

MACKEREL.-During the season this year, in three months, six millions of fish-3000 tons weight, and valued at £30,000-were sent by rails from Yarmouth to London.

QUAILS.-A dealer in Clerkenwell, has received 17,000 live quails from Alexandria and Naples.

THUNDER STORMS, during the past summer, have in several instances been attended with fatal effects.-A surgeon, of Alfreton, was killed by the electric fluid when riding in his gig; his little son, who sat by his side, escaped.—A flock of thirty-one sheep, which had sought shelter under an oak near Honiton, were killed.-The lightning struck a small national school near Ipswich, in which the master was then hearing a class of boys. They were all struck down; three boys were killed, and the school was burned down.

THE NEW SALE OF BEER ACT further restricts the hours of sale on the sabbath; but publicans are already defying the law. JOSEPH HUME.-This veteran Reformer has been presented with a fine portrait of himself. Lord John Russell addressed Mrs. H. on presenting it. It will be placed in the London University.

PETITIONS OF THE SESSION.-1,438, with 245,006 signatures, for closing public-houses and beer-shops on the sabbath; and 749, with 160,336, for the entire prohibition of all sales on that day, as in Scotland. Against church-rates, petitions containing 82,966 signatures, and 10,597 for Sir W. Clay's bill. One petition for church-rates was presented with six signatures. For opening the Universities, 416, with 28,779 signatures.

NUMBER OF SLAVES IN THE WORLD.The African institute at Paris-an association for the diffusion of civilization and Christian light in Africa - - has recently issued a circular which shows that the number of blacks held in slavery in different countries, is seven and a half millions; of which 3,095,000 are in the United States, 3,250,000 in Brazil, 900,000 in the Spanish Colonies, 85,000 in Holland Colonies, 140,000 in the Republics of Central America, and 30,000 in European establishments in Africa.

THE ENGLISH STATUTE BOOK from the 9th of Henry III. contains 16,579 public, 9,285 local, and 14,268 private acts of parliament.

MANUFACTURE OF PAPER.-It is now coufidently affirmed, that paper adapted for book-work, has been manufactured from straw in the United States.

THE SUPPLY OF THE NAVY in the Baltic requires 80 oxen every day, valued at £1600. OATHS.-The new "Common Law Procedure Act" empowers magistrates to dispense with oaths from conscientious persons.

THE NEBRASKA REGION.-We rejoice to hear that the anti-slavery party are arranging for settling 20,000 free negroes in this new territory, in order to neutralize the attempts of the slavery party to make it a slave region.

LONDON.-It appears, from the census, that not half the adult population were born in London.

BAPTIST.

SUPPLEMENTARY.

DERBY.-We have received a copy of a note addressed to the Derby Reporter on 'Open-air Religious Services," in which reference is made to the first building occupied as a chapel by the General Baptists in Derby, which is now "on sale." We allow that it is highly desirable to retain the place, but it ought to be stated that an attempt was made to gather a congregation, after its former occupants removed to the noble and spacious building in Mary's Gate, but that attempt was not successful. We should certainly rejoice if some well-concerted plan could be arranged for supplying the place by the ministers of the midland district; for certainly, in such a rapidly increasing place as Derby, there is sufficient range for the gathering of another congregation. We give a copy of the note.-"It is stated in a paragraph which appears in the Reporter of the 21st, that several of the clergymen at Birmingham have commenced preaching in the open air. We hope this apostolic practice will be more generally adopted in our large towns by ministers of every section of the Christian church. The divine bless-,