not far from 200 copies of different portions of the Bible are in constant use, in connexion with the Schools of this Station; and knowledge, as taking hold on Eternity, more important in its consequences than that of every other science, is daily extended to those who were perishing in ignorance and sin.

West Endies.

UNITED BRETHREN.

Barbadoes.

WE shall here give the details alluded to at p. 437, of the Destruction of the Brethren's Settlements, by a dreadful Hurricane. Br. John Taylor writes from Sharon, on the 18th of August

It is with feelings of extreme sorrow, but with a heart filled with gratitude to our Almighty Preserver, that I take up my pen to inform you of the dreadful Hurricane by which this Island was visited on the night between the 10th and 11th instant, and which has transformed the once beautiful Island of Barbadoes into a desert.

You will grieve to learn that the Church and School-room at SHARON are completely demolished; with all the offices, except one little room belonging to our domestic, Elizabeth, which is much shattered. Br. Morrish's two apartments are almost entirely unroofed: the portion of the Mission House, occupied by my dear Wife and myself, together with our Hall, are indeed still standing; but the walls are cracked throughout, and the wooden frame resting upon them shifted from its proper place: if we had not supported the building all round with beams from the ruined Church and School-room, it would probably have fallen by this time.

Yesterday, I went to MOUNT TABOR, where the sight of the House and Church, reduced to a mass of ruins, drew many tears from my eyes. Our dear Brother and Sister Zippel, with their little Son and Servants, experienced a most wonderful preservation of their lives: after moving from one part of the house to the other, while large fragments of timber and even of rock were falling around them, they were at length obliged to take refuge in the Hall, having only a space of about three yards square to stand in. One wall of this narrow place having given way, they remained for several

hours exposed to the heavy rain and wind, just as they came out of their beds: all their clothes and furniture were buried in the ruins; and they had nothing to put on till they could dig them out the next day, and dry them: their horse was killed, and most of their stock destroyed. Had it not pleased the Lord to save from the fury of the storm the walls of a small hut belonging to their Negro Servant, over which they have since been enabled to fix a roof, they would have been altogether shelterless.

We are truly thankful that our Diaries and Church-books are saved; but most of our books and other effects are completely spoiled, as the rain penetrated into almost every part of the house. Many Members of our Congregation have been killed; but as the Negro Assistants have not yet made their report, we do not know the exact number. Of the small flock at Mount Tabor, only one is known to have perished, namely Hannah Haynesfield, the first-fruits of the Mission at that place, who was lately appointed an Assistant. Our gracious Lord and Saviour supported, cheered, and strengthened us, during the past eventful week; and enabled us to direct those who fled to us for shelter-amounting to above fifty persons of all classesto Himself, as the only Refuge from the storm, and Covert from the tempest.

The following extract of a Letter from the Wife of Br. John Morrish, of Bristol, who arrived together in Barbadoes but a few months before, adds many affecting particulars:

How little do we know what a day may bring forth! Wednesday last (Aug. 10th), the sun shone brightly on this rich and highly cultivated Island, adorned with many an elegant mansion-the following morning, all was devastation and ruin. About 7 o'clock on Wednesday Evening, the sky assumed an unusual appearance; and it seems that those who understand this climate dreaded the coming evil. The wind continued to increase, and blew cold. My husband and myself retired to rest between 10 and 11 o'clock. About 12, the storm, blowing tremendously from the west, awoke us. Br. Taylor now came into our room; and Br. Morrish proIceeded with him to examine the doors and windows of the house, to ascertain that all was secure-this being a point of great importance; for if the hurricane

once gets entrance, it carries all before it. We now quitted our bed-room, and repaired to the Hall, which is in the centre of the building: it was well we did so; for, in a short time, our apartments were a mere wreck. At this time, the storm was raging with frightful fury from the north, forcing in the rain, which fell in torrents, at every crevice, till the floor of our Hall was covered. The Brethren having returned to us from a second attempt to secure the weaker parts of the building, we all knelt down, and Br. Taylor commended us in earnest prayer to the Lord, imploring Him, that, whether it was for life or for death, our minds might be kept stayed upon Him. Just then succeeded a portentous calm, which lasted about 15 minutes; the elements, as if exhausted by their late rage, sank into silence. Alas! it was but to collect fresh force, to renew the fearful work of destruction. Loud sobs and moans now attracted our attention; and, on opening the door, we found the White People and Negroes from an adjoining estate, half naked and drenched in rain: their dwellings had been entirely destroyed, and they had hardly escaped with their lives: we had just time to supply them with dry clothing, and to collect our own Negroes around us, whose huts had been blown down, when the tempest recommenced from the opposite point, with redoubled violence. How vain, how puny, seemed all the bars and contrivances of man at this moment! We heard our porch torne to pieces, and one huge object after the other driven with violence against the house; and the rain, streaming down, told us that the roof above must have given way. The Brethren hastily raised a sofa to the window, which seemed yielding; and then we of the Missionary Family clung to one another, as if we would enter Eternity together. It was an awful moment! Every eye was fixed on that side of the house against which the tempest beat with a fury that nothing appeared able to resist. In the expectation that the next instant it would fall upon us, flesh and blood shrunk from the thought of being crushed under the tottering building; but I shall ever look back with gratitude and wonder at the peace which kept my soul during this trying season. Hour after hour passed without bringing us one ray of hope. One of our poor people came knocking importunately at the window, imploring shelter for his

motherless baby as soon as we durst, we opened the door to them, and despatched one of the Negroes, with whom our Hall was filled, in search of a neighbouring Manager's Family. The Negro soon returned with them: the party consisted of seven, including a little child : the females were sadly cut and bruised, drenched with rain, and half-dead with cold and fatigue: one article of clothing after the other being torne from them by the wind, and themselves hurled from rock to rock, they at last took shelter under a trash heap, where they were in danger of being suffocated by the numbers that crowded about them: they had taken leave of each other, and commended themselves to God, expecting every moment to be launched into eternity: many and earnest were their exclamations of thanksgiving, when they found themselves under shelter: we removed their wet clothes, which was no easy task, on account of their sprains and bruises; rubbed them with spirits, and wrapped them in blankets. Br. Taylor then gave out the first verse of the Hymu, Commit thy every grievance, Unto his faithful hand, &c." which we sang. He then read the Texts of the Day prayed — and concluded with the last verse of the Hymn.

The storm having a little abated, the Brethren ventured out; but, oh! what dismay was painted on their countenances, when they returned with the intelligence, that our beloved Church and School-room were gone-the one a heap of ruins, the other carried floor and all into the gully below! A little after, I went out; but in vain should I attempt to convey to you a picture of the scene of desolation which presented itself. Immediately around, the sight was most distressing the negro-houses, stable, and other out-buildings destroyed; and sad havock made in all our apartments. But it is the Lord! therefore we are still. And indeed, while we sing of judgment, we would sing first, and loudly sing, of mercy. Oh, that I could tell you of all the goodness of our God to us, in this trying dispensation! In answer to our prayers, He preserved our house from utter destruction; while many, who the evening before were in affluence and luxury, were left shelterless, or obliged to take refuge in a negrohut, a cellar, or some hole in a rock. And could you see that part of our dwelling which is left, you would say that it was little short of a miracle that it did

not share the fate of our other premises. Under this shelter did our gracious Lord preserve to us every needful supply of food and raiment, nor did one of us receive the slightest injury. Surely the Lord dealt gently with us. What shall we render unto Him for all His mercies! We have already heard of twenty of our people who have lost their lives, but we expect to hear of yet further casualties. For the Divine Support vouchsafed to us at this trying season, we cannot be sufficiently grateful. The Brethren need it peculiarly; having to labour hard all day (no workmen being to be obtained), and to hold the Meetings at night, besides baptizing, visiting the sick, and caring for funerals on the different Plantations. Our School was in a flourishing state previous to this visitation: it was attended by about forty Boys, and a considerably larger number of Girls.

At MOUNT TABOR, the Church and Mission House are a heap of ruins. On the first apprehension of danger, Br. and Sr. Zippel hurried from their bedroom to the Hall, to secure it; but finding their utmost efforts ineffectual, Sr. Zippel returned for their little Son: she had only time to take him in her arms, and rush out of the chamber, when the wall came tumbling about her heels, and the whole was precipitated into the kitchen below. They now thought of taking refuge in the Church; and had opened

the door for this purpose, when a loud crack warned them of their danger, and the next moment the whole building fell in with a tremendous crash, throwing down one side of the Hall, into which they had retreated, and which was contiguous to the Church. They were now completely exposed to the violence of the rain and tempest; which raged with such fury, that, for several hours, they could not hear one another call; but kept groping among the rubbish, each fearing lest the other might be buried underneath it. Sr. Zippel, unable any longer to hold the child in her arms, fastened him to her body by a shawl, to prevent his being torne from her by the wind. You may imagine their joy and thankfulness, when the dawn of morning discovered to them that all were safe. In this Hall, surprising to relate, nearly thirty Negroes (chiefly from Haynesfield) had taken refuge, and not one of them received any bodily hurt. Having to dig among the rubbish for every necessary of life, and to build a temporary shelter, Br. and Sr. Zippel were for some days very badly off; yet our merciful Lord has preserved them in health, and strengthened them for the performance of their several duties. They joined us here last Saturday, for conference, and for the celebration of the Holy Communion; when we felt greatly cheered by the perception of our Lord's presence among us.

Brit. & For. Bible Soc.- Mr. James Thomson, who travelled extensively in South America as the Society's Agent, is about to proceed in that character to the West Indies. If circumstances shall allow of it, he is to revisit some parts of the scene of his former labours, and to endeavour to break up new ground in Spanish America.

Church Miss. Soc.-The Rev. C. L. F. Haensel (see p. 295) embarked at Gravesend, on board the "St. Andrew," Captain Tate, on the 8th of September, on his return to Sierra Leone, and set sail on the following day-On the 7th of October the Instructions of the Committee were delivered to the Rev. John Raban and the Rev. W. K. Betts, on their return to Sierra Leone; to Mr. John Rogers, on his proceeding thither as a Catechist; and to the Rev. W. Watson and Mrs. Watson, on their proceeding to New South Wales: the Rev. Č. Smalley addressed a few words of counsel and encouragement to them; and the Ven. Archdeacon Grace commended them in prayer to the favour and protection of Almighty God. Mr. and Mrs. Watson embarked at Gravesend, on the 13th, on board the "Sir William Wallace," Captain Carter, and

Entelligence.

Mr.

sailed from the Downs on the 19th. Watson has been set apart for the Mission to the Aborigines of New Holland: our Readers have been already apprised (see pp. 118120) that this Mission was undertaken at the instance of His Majesty's Government, and that the expense is to be defrayed by an Annual Grant out of the Colonial Revenues of New South-Wales-The Rev. G. T. Bärenbruck, of Mayaveram, has been obliged to return to Europe for the recovery of his health: he had resided, with that view, for some time, at the Nilgherry Hills; but that resource having failed, his return became unavoidable. He was accompanied by Mrs. Bärenbruck, whose health is also impaired, and by three Children; having left the eldest Son in India, to be educated in the Society's School on the Nilgherry Hills. They embarked from Tranquebar, on board a Danish vessel, the "Alexander," Captain Bate, on the 10th of May, landed at Dover on the 6th instant, and reached London on the 11th. Mr. Bärenbruck was resident nearly thirteen years in India, where he zealously and faithfully devoted himself to his Missionary labours. His health was somewhat benefitted by the voyage; but is in so impaired and

delicate a state, that it was deemed advisable, by his Medical Attendants, that he should spend the winter in a more genial climate than that of England. He has therefore proceeded to the Continent, with the view of taking up his residence, for the present, at Bâsle.

King's College-The Rev. William Otter, M.A. has been appointed Principal of the College.

Scottish Miss. Soc.-Mr. and Mrs. Blyth, with their only surviving child, have been obliged, from ill health, to return home for a season, from his Station in Jamaica.

Sunday-School Jubilee-About 16002. was contributed on occasion of the Jubilee, &c. up to nearly the end of September.

United Brethren-The Brethren Thomsen and Voigt, having obtained leave to retire (see p. 345) from the service of the Mission in South Africa, in consequence of ill health and increasing infirmity, embarked at Table Bay, in the beginning of March, with their Wives, and a company of ten Children of dif ferent Missionaries, whom they were commissioned to bring to Europe for their education. After spending a few days in London, where they arrived on the 8th of June, they proceeded, by way of Altona, to their respective places of destination in Germany and Denmark.

CONTINENT.

Brit. & For. Bible Soc.-A Correspondent in the South of France writes, in a very recent communication:

Scarcely ever was there a more propitious period, than that which is now offered to the friends of the Gospel, for rallying round the Cross multitudes of souls; who, from being hitherto sunk either in Unbelief or Superstition, are now beginning to feel the necessity of Religion. Everywhere, in these parts, people are agitated, and are determined to examine for themselves. Numerous families are anxious to obtain the Scriptures.

SOUTH AFRICA.

London Miss. Soc. - The Rev. J. J. Freeman, who had removed with his family from Mauritius (p. 15) to the Cape, writes, in May, that he was about to return to Madagascar, accompanied by Mr. Theophilus Atkinson, who had been stationed (p. 10) near Bethelsdorp. Highly encouraging communications had reached him from Madagascar; and his return was urged, not only by the Members of the Mission, but by the Queen, the Chief Officers of the Government, and the Teachers in the Schools.

MEDITERRANEAN.

American Board-The Rev. Eli Smith and the Rev. H. G. O. Dwight arrived at Constantinople on the 25th of May, from their long and difficult Exploratory Journey among the Armenians of the Caucasian Regions: more than 14 months had been spent in this Journey, as they set out from Constantinople on the 14th of March 1830: see p. 21 of our last Survey, where they were stated to have been at Tiflis in the beginning of August of that year. By way of Shusha, Erivan, and Echmiazin, they proceeded from that place to Tebriz: on the 8th of April last they left Tebriz, and returned by way of Erzeroum and Trebisond.

INDIA BEYOND THE GANGES.

The Durpun of the 13th of February states

The inhabitants of Malacca, who carry on all their domestic affairs by means of Slaves, have voluntarily come forward and determined, at the close of twelve years, to liberato all their Slaves. On the 31st of December 1841, there will not be a single slave in the settlement at Malacca.

INDIA WITHIN THE GANGES.

London Miss. Soc.-The Society has recently suffered severe loss in the death of several faithful Labourers. The Rev. John Adam, of Calcutta, died on the 21st of April; the Rev. Robert Jennings, of Chittore, on the 1st of June; Mrs. Smith, wife of the Rev. John Smith, of Madras, on the 15th of that month; and Mrs. Gutzlaff, wife of the Rev. C. Gutzlaff, at Bankok, in Siam. Mr. Christie, who had arrived (p. 207) a few months before in India, and had removed with Mr. Adam to Kidderpore, thus speaks of his departed friend: "I was particularly struck with Mr. Adam's deep-toned piety and extensive knowledge of the Word of God; his unwearied diligence and perseverance; his superiority to the feeling of discouragement; his ability for exciting and conducting deliberate discussion with the Natives, in reference to Religion; his power of making every thing bend to his great work; and the spirit of faith and prayer in which he went about every engagement.". Of Mr. Jennings, a Lady who attended his about an hour-and-a-half before he died, he dying bed says, that his end was peace: offered up fervent prayer for the prosperity of the Mission-for himself as a sinner-for his wife and child-and for all their relatives and friends: "I never saw a man," this Lady adds, "more universally loved and respected." Mrs. Gutzlaff, better known in England as Miss Newell, had accomplished much by patient assiduity, during her short residence with her husband at Bankokco-operating with him, in the study of the various languages of the East, in relieving and nursing the sick and infirm, and especially in teaching two of the Priests of Buddhu the great Truths of Christianity: her last labour was spent on a Cochin-Chinese Vocabulary, which she had compiled as far as the word "Retirement."

Hindoo Laws of Inheritance - We have before us a very important Pamphlet, lately published at Calcutta, entitled " Observations on the Hindoo and Mahomedan Laws of Inheritance, as affecting the Converts to Christianity in India." This document is intended to give a clear view of the difficulties which, on the present system, prevent thousands from even examining the claims of the Gospel to their attention. It has been carefully drawn up, submitted to the critical examination of a number of Gentlemen hold

ing high official stations in Calcutta and throughout Bengal, and is sanctioned and recommended by the signatures of NINETEEN Missionaries of various communions in that province. "We trust," to adopt the words of the Baptist Missionary Committee, "that efficient measures will be taken to draw the attention of our Legislature to the subject, previous to the renewal of the East-India Charter; and that the time will soon arrive, when the subjects of the British Government