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Wesleyan Mission-House,
Bishopsgate-Street- Within,

London, June 16th, 1842.

EARTHQUAKE IN ST. DOMINGO, AND REPORTED DESTRUCTION OF CAPE-HAYTIEN.

OUR readers will have generally heard that a dreadful and destructive earthquake is reported to have occurred in St. Domingo, now commonly called Hayti: and they will naturally feel anxious concerning the safety of our excellent Missionaries who were stationed in that island. We shall feel it our duty to publish, at the earliest possible opportunity, any information we may receive, for the satisfaction of the relatives of our brethren and their families, and of our friends at large. Meantime, some hope may be indulged, that the calamity has not been so sweeping and destructive as has been stated in the American papers: although there is too much reason to conclude, that an earthquake of a very dreadful character has taken place.

By the following letter from Mr. Eacott, it will be seen, that a severe shock of an earthquake was felt at Turk's-Island, on the 7th of May. On the same day, it is stated, an earthquake was experienced in Louisiana, on the continent of America. Two shocks were also felt at Port-au-Prince, in Hayti, at the same time; and it is said that there is neither house nor wall in that city which has not been damaged in a greater or less degree. Cape-Haytien, however, has been the chief sufferer from this awful visitation. It is reported, that, on the 7th of May, about two-thirds of the town, with ten thousand of its inhabitants, were destroyed. The families that could escape fled to Fossette, whither the President of Hayti had directed succours to be forwarded for their relief.

It is added, that, after the earthquake, a fire broke out in the ruined city, (Cape-Haytien,) which on Monday, the 9th, destroyed the powdermagazine, and with it the miserable remnant of the inhabitants who had survived the earthquake. Should this report prove to be correct, we still hope that our excellent Missionary, Mr. Bird, with his family, may be found among those who made their escape to Fossette.

To Mr. Eacott's letter we append the two letters last received from Mr. Bird, and the latest Report of the state of the Mission and School, as forwarded by him in January. The Mission-family in Cape-Haytien consisted of Mr. and Mrs. Bird and their three children. They had changed their place of residence in the course of the past year.

May this most awful visitation lead the people of Hayti to begin, at length, to care for their spiritual and eternal interests! The general apathy of that people on the subject of religion, and their almost universal immorality, have long been continual subjects of sorrowful remark in the correspondence of the Missionaries with the Secretaries of the Society.

TURK'S-ISLAND.-Extract of a Letter from the Rev. James Eacott, dated GrandCay, Turk's-Island, May 1st, and May 14th, 1842. THE brethren at Hayti, though looking lean, are all in good health they labour hard, with, at present, but little apparent success. A few of the people

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among whom they live and labour seem to be infidels; a few females are perhaps conscientious devotees; but the people generally are perfectly indifferent. Nor

is it to be expected that they will feel concerned about their souls, while they are taught to believe that a few "good works" will merit the favour of God; or about their future safety, if an halfa-dollar mass will immediately help them out of purgatory. But though there is only a little visible success, the good leaven is working. At Cape-Haytien, the pious example and instructions of Mr. Bird, and of his active and diligent wife, are not lost on the inhabitants. They evidently are beginning to think, to compare Popery with Protestantism, and to speak of the superiority of the latter to the former. The hopes of all the other brethren seem to brighten; and, though some part of the island is in a state of great excitement, which may end in a civil war, yet I hope that they will not be obliged to leave their stations, and that good will be made to spring out of evil. Though I felt for them, they were more disposed to pity me, on our poor sand-bank. It is well that we all think our own Circuits the best the love of Christ and of souls more than reconciles us to our lot.

In this Circuit our cause is somewhat advancing. One proof of the spiritual improvement of our poor people at Turk's-Island is, I think, their liberality during the last year. They have raised in subscriptions, towards repairing the Mission-house, the support of the ministry, and the enlargement of the chapel now in hand, about £300 sterling. May they be still more "zealous of good works!"

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"If such a worm as I can spread

The common Saviour's praise, Jesus, support this tottering clay,

And lengthen out my days!"

This day week we were visited with an earthquake, which shook the whole island, stopped several clocks, set housebells on ringing, and caused many persons to run out of their houses, fearing they were falling. Some, though unconscious of any movement in the earth, swooned away; some were led to think that death was suddenly coming upon them, their feelings being so peculiar. I had gone to the chapel which we are enlarging, a wooden building, between four and five o'clock, and, sitting down by the side of the communion-table, I soon heard a noise above, as if several persons had been tripping about on the ceiling. Immediately the side shook on which I leaned. I rose, and felt a kind of nausea almost similar to sea-sickness. Walking towards the door, the men cried out, "What is the matter? How the chapel shakes!" I said, "It is an earthquake." Though it was a perfect calm, the glass-shades shook as if shaken by a violent wind. It was equally felt at Salt-Key, nine miles distant. It is said that the steamer, coming from Jamaica, felt it also. Thus in order to arouse our souls, the Lord shakes our ground. Our congregations were unusually large the next day, and deeply attentive. In the morning I took occasion to refer to the sin of the sons of Eliab, in refusing to come up to the tabernacle, and their punishment for thus provoking the Lord. (Num. xvi. 12.)

That fine steamer, the "Medina," was wrecked on the northern end of this island, on Wednesday night last. One member of our society, who came out in her, has called upon us.

CAPE-HAYTIEN, HAYTI.—Extract of a Letter from the Rev. Mark B. Bird, dated Cape-Haytien, Hayti, April 9th, 1842.

OUR District-Meeting commenced on the 7th instant, and was closed on the following day. All, I am happy to say, was most harmonious; and although we have not to rejoice in abounding prosperity, we have at least to be thankful that our general prospects throughout the

Extract of a Letter from the Same, dated

PORT-AU-PRINCE, I am informed, is still in a state of excitement, and many fears are entertained as to the result;

District are improving; and we hope the time is not far distant when even benighted Hayti shall "comprehend the light that shines so clear."

The brethren, I am happy to say, are all in health.

Cape-Haytien, Hayti, April 19th, 1842.

but I do not think there is much reason to fear that the agitation will extend far beyond the capital.

Since my last, nothing remarkable has occurred with regard to the work of God. On Sunday last our congregations were better than usual, both at the French

and English services; and I am now almost ready to hope for good days at Cape-Haytien.

THE DISTRICT-REPORT OF THE HAYTÍ MISSION, DATED
JANUARY, 1842.

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PORT-AU-PRINCE. The last counts from this Circuit, with regard to the general work of God, are of an encouraging nature. The Missionary there is extending his sphere of labour, in the neighbourhood of the capital, and has commenced preaching in the streets of this populous city. A new chapel is also in progress; and with regard to Sunday and other schools, there is no reason to believe that they have at all decreased. On the whole, it is evident that the good cause is gaining ground in this part of the island, and we only want more Missionaries, to avail ourselves of the openings which now present themselves in this Circuit.

We have, indeed, to mourn over the death of our beloved sister Hartwell, who, having won the esteem and affection of many in the capital, was bidding fair to be made very useful. But we bow to unerring wisdom. Her end was peace.

CAPE-HAYTIEN.-In this Circuit there is indeed but little to encourage; but still there is no ground for despair. In the city of Cape-Haytien, Protestantism is doubtless extending its influence; and there is no question but that if many yielded to their own convictions, they would cast away their idols, and begin to serve the living God. In the neighbourhood of the Cape, our ministry is ⚫ listened to; and in one place, called Gonaives, we have hitherto been favoured with numerous and attentive congregations. But among a people under the enchantment of Popery, it can be easily

imagined that our difficulties are neither few nor small. In God alone is our trust and hope; and we know that his truth shall ultimately prevail.

PORT-AU-PLAAT.-In this Circuit our English society is tolerably healthy, and our Sunday-school is kept up.

As it respects the native work, much cannot at present be said. Every effort, however, is made amongst the Spanish people. Services are regularly held amongst them; and they very gladly receive the tracts which are given to them in their own language.

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SAMANA. The general state of things in this Circuit is encouraging. The American emigrants are rousing themselves, and have lately, in one part of the Circuit, erected a small chapel. Amongst the natives our hearts have been delighted, by the cheering fact, that one Roman Catholic has openly abandoned the errors and absurdities of Popery, and has united himself to our society. This individual, although not properly a Haytien, is a citizen of this republic, and was a thorough Roman Catholic. He is an intelligent man; and, understanding English, Spanish, and French, it is hoped he may become a useful member of our society.

JEREMIE. It is truly gratifying to report, with regard to this new Circuit, that our prospects are of a most encou raging kind. Our Missionary at this place is already favoured with pretty numerous congregations; and there is some reason to hope that a French society will be formed there before long.

DEPARTURE OF MR. AND MRS. CRYER FOR INDIA.

THE REV. Thomas Cryer, who two years ago returned from India for the recovery of his health, re-embarked for Madras, with Mrs. Cryer, by the "General Kyd," on the 7th of June. This ship carries a considerable number of troops to India, and it should be an object of desire

and prayer, that the presence and example of a Christian Missionary among them may prove advantageous to their best interests.

ARRIVAL OF MR. PICKAVANT IN NEWFOUNDLAND.

We are happy to announce the safe arrival of Mr. Pickavant and his family in Newfoundland, after encountering considerable peril. When they had accomplished one-half of their voyage, they fell in with a continent of ice, and were surrounded by ice-islands, so as to be placed in imminent danger. In order to escape this hazardous locality, they were under the necessity of sailing far south, which greatly protracted their voyage. They at length arrived in safety, on the 9th of May, and were most kindly welcomed by their friends.

It is to the kindness and liberality of "Messrs. Job, Brothers," of Liverpool, that the Society is indebted for granting a free passage to Newfoundland, to Mr. Pickavant and his family, and not to" Messrs. Jones," as erroneously stated in a former Number.

DEBT OF THE SOCIETY, ON ACCOUNT OF THE THREE YEARS ENDING DEC. 31sT, 1840.

THE general list of the numerous and liberal donations, by which more than one-half of this debt was virtually extinguished at our late Anniversary, (see our June Number, page 527,) will be prepared and circulated as early as possible. It will include, we are happy to state, several sums, of considerable aggregate amount, received since the Meeting of May 2d. We earnestly commend to our friends at home and abroad the zealous prosecution of the good work so auspiciously. commenced, with a view to its speedy completion. Any further donations from individuals, or from Circuits, which may be intended for this specific object, should be addressed direct to "the Treasurers and Secretaries at the Wesleyan Mission-House, London," and not mixed up with remittances for the current year, and for the general fund; but sent distinctly and separately" towards the reduction of the debt."

Contributions to the Wesleyan Missionary Society, received by the General Treasurers, since our last announcement, up to the 15th of June, 1842.

Moneys received at the Mission-IIouse.

Legacy of Mrs. Mary Priault, Haverfordwest; Joseph Potter,
Esq., Executor

£. s. d.

.£50 0 0 Less duty 4.9 9

...

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Legacy of Miss Mary Anne Brown, Hornsea; £40; less duty
Swedish Missionary Society

Ditto for the Island of St. Bartholomew and the Feejees
A further Thank-offering from Mr. George Atkinson, Hull..
Mrs. Rollstone; part residue of the late Mrs. Wheaton's
Estate, Dudley; by the Rev. Thomas Bersey.

25

12 5

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A further Thank-offering from Mr. Samuel Cotton, Hull
Messrs. Devitt and Moore, Donation

Legacy of Mrs. Walker, Chipping-Norton; Mrs. M. Walker,
Messrs. Tilsley and Taylor, Executrix and Executors
A Friend, by T. Jerram, Esq., Cheltenham; for the Feejee
Native-Institution

A Vow to the Most High; by a Wesleyan
Collected by Mr. John Jefferson, Colbeck; for the Malta
Mission....

A Friend to Wesleyan Missions, Liverpool; by the Rev. Dr.
Beaumont..

The Missionary Cause preferred to a Breakfast after Stock-
taking, by the Wesleyan Members of a Commercial
Establishment at Lincoln; by the Rev. W. Davenport...

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N.B. The Amount and Details of recent Remittances from District Auxiliary Societies will be found on the Cover of the Missionary Notices.

NAMES AND ADDRESSES OF THE TREASURERS OF THE
DISTRICT AUXILIARY MISSIONARY SOCIETIES.

ABERDEEN, Mr. John Smith, Post-Office, Aberdeen. BATH, John Michael Shum, Esq., Bath. BEDFORD AND NORTHAMPTON, Mr. William Biggs, Bromham, near Bedford, and Mr. John Bliss, Northampton. BIRMINGHAM AND SHREWSBURY, Mr. Francis Heeley, Birmingham. BRISTOL, James Wood, Esq., Bristol. CARLISLE, Mr. William Wilson, Retreat, Whitehaven, and Mr. E. James, Carlisle. CORNWALL, Joseph Carne, Esq., Penzance. DEVONPORT, Thomas Gardner, Esq., Plymouth, and Mr. William Vosper, Devonport. EDINBURGH, Mr. Thomas Thomson, Amlwch Pottery, Glasgow. EXETER, Mr. J. C. Sercombe, Exeter. GUERNSEY, James Mac Culloch and John Rougier, Esqrs., Guernsey. HALIFAX AND BRADFORD, Alexander G. Suter, Esq., Halifax. HULL, James Henwood, Esq., Bank, Hull. ISLE OF MAN, Mr. John Wilson, Douglas. KENT, William Crockford, Esq., St. Margaret's Bank, Rochester. LEEDS, John Burton, Esq., Leeds. LINCOLN, Henry Holland, Esq., Raithby, near Spilsby. LIVERPOOL, Thomas Sands, Esq., Liverpool. LONDON, John Josiah Buttress, Esq., Steward-Street, Spitalfields. MACCLESFIELD, Joshua Thorley, Esq., Macclesfield. MANCHESTER AND BOLTON, James Heald, Esq., District-Bank, Manchester, and Peter Rothwell, Esq., Sunning-Hill, Bolton. NORWICH AND LYNN, Mr. Jeremiah Cozens, Norwich, and Mr. J. Burch, Lynn. NOTTINGHAM AND DERBY, Mr. John Shelton, Nottingham, and Mr. William Turner, Derby. NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE, Ralph Wilson, Esq., Greystreet, Newcastle-upon-Tyne. OXFORD, Thomas Bush, Esq., Lambourne. PORTSMOUTH, Messrs. John Cowdrey and John Keet, Portsmouth. SHEFFIELD, Thomas B. Holy, Esq., Norton-House, near Sheffield. SHETLAND, Rev. William Webb, Lerwick. FIRST SOUTH WALES, George Bagnall, Esq., Carmarthen. NORTH WALES, R. M. Preece, Esq., Carnarvon. WHITBY AND DARLINGTON, John Wilson, Esq., Whitby, and Thomas Walker, Esq., Stockton-upon-Tees. YORK, Joseph Agar, Esq., Micklegate, York.

LONDON-PRINTED BY JAMES NICHOLS, HOXTON-SQUARE.

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