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they were in earnest for the salvation of their souls. Many pleasing instances of apparent good have occurred at the meetings held by me this past month; one circumstance I cannot but notice. Captain Hudson, who lately lost his vessel in the dreadful storm of the 13th of November, on the sands near Yarmouth Roads, and who, together with his ship's crew, wers saved in their boat, has now mercifully a new ship, named the Hartlepool. Captain Hudson, who is a pious and zealous man, and engaged wherever he goes in publishing the glad tidings of salvation to sailors and others, for the first time had a public meeting held on board his new ship; on this occasion I had two Bethel Flags hoisted, one at the main-topgallant mast head, the other at the fore-top-gallant mast head. It being on a Wednesday evening, and having to attend the Committee at the Society's office, I left early, as the vessel lay off Bell Wharf Stairs. On my arrival on board, at 7 P. M. precisely, I was thus accosted by the mate of the ship, who stood by the cabin door. Sir, I am glad you are come, but the cabin and steerage are full, and the service has commenced; there are great numbers of sailors gone forward in the forecastle, there not being room here for them." At this several sailors, seeing me, said, "Come, come, Sir, and hold a service with us in the forecastle." Finding there was no room to get into the cabin, and that there were three pious captains, viz. Captain Hudson, Captain Wright, and Captain Pearson to conduct the service in the cabin, &c. I went into the forecastle, which was very large, where I met about forty-two sailors. I spent about two hours amongst them in prayer and praise, during which time I think thirteen engaged in ardent, earnest, wrestling prayer. It was truly a Bethel to be long remembered.

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The meeting being ended in the cabin, my kind friends the captains, together with a few praying sailors, came forward to assist me. We continued instant in prayer, and speaking to the sailors on the things relative to their salvation, until 10 o'clock; when I felt much exhausted and fatigued, and left them still earnestly engaged in prayer, which I understood on the following day, by the pious captains, was continued by the sailors until midnight. Never did I witness such a scene as this. Such earnest prayers! such sighs and groans and tears! I felt quite overwhelmed with a sacred sense of the Divine Presence, and was led to say, 'Of a truth, God is here.' I

doubt not there was joy amongst the angels in heaven on that night, as well as in the hearts of many who were present.

"Thus was this new ship, the Hartlepool, dedicated to the service of God. Would to God this was the case with every new ship, and that they were commanded by such men as Captain H."

Visitation of Shipping.-"The state of the weather and indisposition have prevented this part of my labours from being so extensive as heretofore: yet I thank God I have been so mercifully preserved during the dark nights, and the inclemency of the weather; and wish, on a retrospect of the past year, with unfeigned gratitude to the Father of all mercies, to raise my Ebenezer, and say, 'Hitherto hath the Lord helped me!'

"About 250 vessels in the river, and 65 in the various docks and canals, have been visited; about 1,700 Tracts distributed; and, from the conversations I have had this past month with captains of vessels, sailors, and others, I am more than ever convinced that much good is doing amongst them. The work of grace appears to be spreading abroad; and I am happy to observe it is not confined to one port or part alone: but converse with sailors from what part of the kingdom I may, I am happy to be informed the work of God is going on amongst them in the North, in the South, in the East, and in the West. Amongst our Welsh sailors, I am happy to say much good appears to be doing. Also the vessels coming from the islands of Guernsey and Jersey scarcely ever refuse the Bethel Flag; and many pious men are now found coming from thence.

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"I pray to enter on the labours of this new year with prayers for the Divine assistance, and renewed zeal and diligence, that, whilst souls are perishing around, 1 may, by strength divine, be enabled to sound the alarm, and point some poor wanderers to the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sins of the world.""

Loan Libraries.—Two Loan Libraries have been sent on board ships bound to Barbadoes and Hobart's Town, and Van Dieman's Land; together with Tracts and back numbers of the PILOT. Two Loan Libraries have been returned, with donations from the captains and crew, and thanks for the use of the books.

Sailors' Chapel.- The attendance at this place of wor

ship continues as in past months: the number of sailors varies but little. On the fourth Sabbath of last month, three sermons were preached—that in the morning by the Rev. J. Vautin, afternoon by Rev. T. Moore, in the evening by Rev. J. Chapman-on behalf of the Sailors' Female Orphan Asylum, Prescott Street. In the afternoon, Captain Prynn provided tea for the orphans, who were all seated in one room, and presented a very interesting scene whilst they sang their hymns, &c. Many captains of vessels were present, who also, with the superintendant and some of the committee and teachers, took tea at Captain Prynn's. Many captains, mates, sailors, and others, received collecting-books, to collect for these orphans. A deep interest appeared to be manifested on behalf of these dear orphan children, whose clean, healthy, neat appearance struck the attention of those who saw them.

Greenwich and Deptford have been visited twice during this month. Tracts and back numbers of the PILOT have been distributed, and most thankfully received. A Greenwich pensioner came to me, and said, Sir, you cannot come inside the gates to distribute Tracts, but you know how to do it. Go round, and may God bless you. I trust," said he, "I know something of the work of grace in my heart. I hope I am a Christian in the best sense of the word. It is many years ago I was led to seek for salvation in Christ." I gave him a few Tracts for circulation, for which he expressed great thankfulness. There are many amongst those old men at Greenwich Hospital who appear to be truly born again.

I have preached once at the Commercial Dock Chapel, and once at the Female Penitent Asylum, Hackney Road, this month.

"In

Poplar and Blackwall. Rev. J. Upton reports, presenting my monthly report, I beg in the first place to acknowledge the supply of Tracts and Bibles granted by the Committee. I hope the supply of reward-books for the day-school will follow in due time.

"The services on board have not been without interruption from the dreadful state of the weather; but I trust there is reason to believe, that the meetings held have not been without profit. I have been much interested in the case of a shipwrecked sailor, who came to our chapel to return thanks for his preservation, and who is very constant in his attendance, both on Lord's days and weekly

evenings. His wife, who is in deep affliction, I have visited; and her case is now attended to by our benevolent Society. I have great hopes concerning this man.

"A dear youth, whose father was a valued member of our Church, has been cast away. His mother is a member still. Feeling peculiarly interested in him on various accounts, I requested a brief account of what had occurred. He gave me the following statement.

"The barque Harriott, from Quebec, arrived with much difficulty in the Downs. She came to an anchorage on the 24th December; and on the 25th the Pilot gave orders to let her go from her anchor. She was then driven back to Dover beach: the boat was'lowered down; and I stepped off the deck into it with nine more, when she immediately plunged under, and then was blown near the shore. The Deal men exerted themselves on our behalf: they threw us some ropes, and brought us near the shore; but being myself the last in the boat, I stepped on the beach, and grasped a gentleman's cloak, when he immediately dragged me to the shore. Fourteen were left on the wreck. Of these, five were drowned, and the rest were washed on the shore. The vessel parted in three, and much of the cargo was washed on shore.'

"Will it be too much to ask of the pious readers of the PILOT, that this child of many prayers, thus wonderfully preserved, may be favoured with an interest in their supplications at the throne of the Heavenly Grace.

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"It may not be improper to add, that I was lately called upon by the wife of a sailor, with an earnest request that I would write to her husband at the Nore, which I did. He had not long left Poplar, and it will be perceived was present when I attempted the improvement of the awful shipwrecks a short time ago. In a letter to his wife, from which I was permitted to make an extract, says, We could not proceed on our voyage on account of the late gale; but we are now in a fair way. time of the gale, my thoughts were fixed on that Saviour who holds the winds in his fist. I thought of the beautiful passage our dear minister read, "THERE IS SORROW ON THE SEA." I hope you will keep it in mind Never miss attending the house of God; and, oh! may it be a great comfort to your hungry and thirsty soul. It is with difficulty I am able to withstand the temptations of Satan from day to day; but, blessed be God, when I think of that dear Redeemer, and how he was tempted by Satan,

I feel fresh strength. Satan is as busy on board ship as on the land; but prayer can keep him at a distance. Thank God that he has given me power to resist all. . . . . I am happy to say, that yesterday was a good Sunday to my soul. Both myself and the passengers I mentioned were distributing Tracts to the ship's crew. I am in great hopes that much good will be done on the voyage.'

"In a letter subsequently received, he says, 'Dear E., there was persecution in the ship; but now Satan is turned out, and the lovely Lamb of God is taking his seat amongst our sailors. The pious passenger has become a companion of mine. We have many sweet hours together, discoursing about the things of God. Remember me to Mr. my best friend."

"I could greatly increase these extracts, but fear it would improperly lengthen my report."

Ramsgate.-The Secretary at Ramsgate writes, in January, “A gentleman interested in the welfare of sailors, and particularly active in distributing Bibles and Testaments among them, is desirous of circulating, at his own expense, the following publications." [Then follows an order for about 160 choice works.] The Secretary adds,

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I am happy to state, that our Branch Society to the British and Foreign Sailors' Society is progressing. The Reading Room is open every day. A regular service is held every Friday evening, with occasional services when any shipping are in harbour. A great number of Tracts have been distributed among vessels of nearly all the European nations, and received with eagerness and delight.”

LITERARY NOTICE OF PRIZE ESSAY ON THE CONDITION OF SAILORS.

BRITANNIA, OR HOPE FOR SAILORS. By the Rev. J. Harris, author of "Mammon," &c.-This work, dedicated to the King, will be ready for publication on Wednesday, the 15th February. Price 4s., or 4s. 6d. boards.

BRITAIN'S GLORY IN THE EVANGELIZATION OF SAILORS. By Rev. T. Timpson, author of "The Companion to the Bible," &c.; Secretary to the British and Foreign Sailors' Society. - This work, dedicated to the King, will be published on Wednesday, February 15. Price 2s. 6d., or 3s. boards.

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