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MILFORD.

REPORT OF CAPT. J. LEWIS.

Favoured by a gracious Providence I am once more at my scene of labour at home. I suppose you will expect me to give you some little sketch of how it fared with us among the mountains. I left home on the 7th of January, accompanied by the Rev. John Davies, when we proceeded on our old route through Fishguard, where we held our first meeting; then through Cardigan, Aberforth, New Quay, and Aberavon, to Aberystwith; in each of those places our success was pretty well on an average with former years; indeed, considering the intense severity of the weather, the meetings were as well attended as could reasonably be expected. At the latter place we spent three days, and found our good friends untiring in their efforts to promote our comfort, and the welfare of the cause in hand. On leaving Aberystwith for Aberdovy, our direct course would have been to cross the river Dovy, but we were prevented by a severe gale, which gave us a circuitous route of nearly thirty miles, and, in such weather, it was no small trial to Christian patience; indeed, never off Cape Horn did I feel the wind more distressingly cold; however, with a little extra effort, we got in just in time for our meeting. We were cheered and comforted by a fair attendance and kind treatment, and left the next morning with renewed spirits for our work, and reached Towyn in time for a morning meeting. It was but small, but we had fair promises for the future. Our next stage, Barmouth, produced something like disappointment. The auxiliary formed here last year had suffered things to remain rather in statu quo; but we must hope in the coming year our friends will bestir themselves, and give us a helping hand; they seem thoroughly kind-hearted, and are mostly connected with seafaring people. Our next stage was through Dyffryn to Harlech ; and in both places we met a few friends to the cause. At this point we were again obliged to lengthen our journey. Instead of crossing the Sands (a near cut) to Port Madoc, we had to round the head of the navigation, and in the midst of a heavy snowstorm. Every mile seemed two; however, through mercy, we arrived safely at Port Madoc, though thoroughly drenched, and stiff with cold. This was the terminus of our journey last year. Our meeting here was rather discouraging, as there was some mistake about the announcement; however, our subscription-list shows our visit was not in vain, and we hope for better things next year. It now became a question with us of some importance as to whether we should pursue our course upwards or return home, as my colleague had been travelling for some days with much indisposition of body, which, added to the intense severity of the season, not a little per plexed me; when suddenly slight indications of a thaw appeared, producing also a salutary effect upon his health, the question was at once decided; and, with renewed hope, we started for Pwllheli, which place we had heard good things of; nor were we ultimately disappointed, though I cannot forbear alluding to a rugged reception at first. The good people here had been imposed upon, some two years ago, by a person travelling for some seamen's society, and suspicion still rested upon their minds, till at our public meeting we were enabled, in Welsh and English, to establish a just claim on their benevolence; and our list of subscriptions, on a first visit, is certainly a respectable indication of their present feelings towards us. The worthy and influential individual who has kindly undertaken the office of treasurer, has espoused the cause very heartily, and rendered us every possible assistance in making our way with the public. Nevin was our next place, a little port on the coast. Our claim seemed very new to the good people here; yet not a few of them responded very cheerfully, to the best of their ability. Next, Caernarvon, twenty miles distant. Had to contend with very strong prejudices from the

before-mentioned unfortunate cause, but persevered in having a meeting, forming an auxiliary, &c. &c. Though our reception here was by no means very pleasant at first, it soon became quite so, by my falling in with parties who knew me in this neighbourhood. One instance of this kind appeared to be most providential. Whilst pressing the claims of the Society on some masters on the quay, who seemed very strongly imbued with the prevailing feeling, a Captain Levers, belonging to a Liverpool trader, stepping up at the time, in a good-natured manner, asked, "What is all this about?" Before I had time to reply, one of my debaters turned round anxiously to him, when saying, "Do you know this person?" "I should think I do," was his ready reply; "I have good cause to know him; and so a brother of mine would say, too, if he were here; as he had four men on board his ship greatly blessed during Bethel services lately, at Milford Haven." I need not tell you how grateful I felt at this timely recognition. The Lord leaves not his servants without witnesses, were the words impressed upon my mind. I shall in future have no difficulty in this neighbourhood, and our auxiliaries here have pledged themselves to do their best. From hence we proceeded to Bangor. Here we had the same thing to contend with, and through our being disappointed in holding a public meeting in consequence of an examination of the British School taking place at the time, we might have failed to remove the impression, but for the timely interference of the Rev. Mr. Phillips, who well knew my companion, Mr. Davies, and opened the way with the public. I afterwards fell in with captains of ships to whom I was known, and who gave me the right hand of fellowship; and two of these worthy men came forward and canvassed the town with us. Our former secretary at Port Madoc residing here now, rendered us good service. The amount of subscriptions in a short time looked very respectable in the collecting-book. In the afternoon, started for Holyhead by train, glad to have an opportunity of giving our useful little pony time for recruiting. On the Saturday evening, my colleague obtained for the Sunday the use of three pulpits, to advocate the claims of the Society, preparatory to our procuring subscriptions on the following day, as no collections were made; whilst I obtained the same favour from the English chapels. I should think our interest at Holyhead is likely to be an increasing one. Indeed, upon the whole, I am very sanguine as to our new northern friends. The subscriptions, though not large, must be considered as an earnest of better things to come.

It was now time to think of retracing our steps homeward. We left per train, in the evening, to be ready for a long journey on the following day. On our route downward, we had to contemplate several instances of the awful uncertainty of life. The landlady of the Dovey, whom we left in good health as we passed upward, was being carried to the silent tomb as we entered the town. The son of the respected vicar, and friend to our cause, was called to an early but happy rest; and a worthy captain, who was at our meeting, was also before our return numbered with the silent dead. How loudly do these events say to each of us, "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might," &c.

As we continued our downward course, we called on those friends we had omitted on the way up; to all of whom we would heartily tender our Christian regards and thanks, for their kind hospitalities and continued support of the good cause in which we are engaged.

Under the gracious superintendence and care of our heavenly Father, we were again permitted to enter our beloved homes, after an absence of thirtyone days, during which time, I humbly hope that all that was said and done for the cause we advocated, He may condescend to crown with an abundant blessing, and that at all times we may feelingly say, "Not unto us, not unto us, but to thy name be all the praise."

THE GOVERNMENT MERCHANT SERVICE BILLS.

A new era dawns upon British seamen. They are destined ere long to occupy that status in society, from which, by their own voluntary degradation and the general indifference to raise them, they have been long excluded. Henceforth, it will be their own fault if they stand not in one of the most commanding positions. With opportunities for self-culture, observation, and intercourse with other countries, possessed by few of any other class of the community, they ought to be, and speedily, we hope, will be, distinguished by whatever is skilful in profession, vigorous in intellect, honourable in morals, and fervent in religion. Not that legislation will in itself produce these effects, any more than it will induce in others a taste for music or an aptitude to acquire languages. Still, legislation may legitimately seek to remove whatever civil impediments prevent social improvement: such we apprehend will be the result of the Bills recently introduced into the House of Commons by the Right Hon. Henry Labouchere, President of the Board of Trade. With one of these Bills-that relating to the tonnage of vessels-we do not trouble ourselves or our readers; with the other two, the “Mercantile Marine," and the "Merchant Seamen's Fund' Bills, we propose now to deal.

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The "Mercantile Marine" is a wisely conceived, and an admirably drawn Bill. It is free from technical jargon, and, taken as a whole, must produce mighty national results. It comprehends masters and mates, as well as seamen. The professional skill of the former it seeks to improve by grant, from the Trinity Board, of first, second, and third-class certificates, "according to the skill, merit, conduct, and general qualifications of the applicants." These certificates may be suspended or cancelled, "if the Board of Trade shall have reason to apprehend that any such master or mate is grossly incompetent, or habitually drunken, or of tyrannical habits.”

To help masters and mates to obtain these certificates the Society will henceforth devote itself. It will do this by means of that "nautical instruction," which forms a part of its enlarged plan of operations. The "College of Navigation and Practical Science" will here be found of high importance. Why should not a religious Institution, designed to improve "the intellectual" condition of seamen, have associated with its operations such an apparatus? Oxford, Cambridge, and the various Dissenting Colleges are established for the purpose of giving professional training to theologians; and we see no reason why Christian philanthropists should not enlarge their sphere of usefulness, by providing the means by which professional knowledge may be acquired by seamen.

Another important provision in this Bill relates to "Official LogBooks," to be kept on board ship-which, in respect of foreign-going vessels, are to be delivered to the comptroller or collector of the Customs at the port where the ship arrives. These log-books may turn out most valuable records. The want of such books for general reference has long been deplored by scientific nautical men. If accuAPRIL.

H

rately kept, they will frequently help inquirers in their attempts to elucidate many of the phenomena of the sea.

Those invaluable institutions, "Sailors' Homes," this Bill declares it to be "expedient to encourage." For this purpose it provides that the Board of Trade may appoint a person connected with any such "Home" to be a shipping master, or the office may be constituted a shipping office for the purposes of the Act; in which case, the fees payable for the business done shall be, in whole or part, appropriated to the use of the "Home."

The "Merchant Seamen's Fund" Bill is designed to remedy the many glaring anomalies of the present system. The "Fund" is acknowledged to be insolvent. The appropriation of monies is confessed to be inadequate, uncertain, arbitrary, and inequitable. We, however, greatly doubt if any practical benefit will result from the proposed altered mode of management. The sailor will still be not sufficiently represented, and his interests not adequately guarded by the mere substitution of masters in the merchant service on the Trinity Board. Professedly they are already there; but the "Fund," even with an addition annually made of £30,000 from the general taxation of the country, and an augmented monthly payment from every master, mate, and seaman, will, ere long, we apprehend, be again placed in an unfavourable aspect, because in an unequal action. Should the remedial measures proposed prove beneficial, we shall heartily rejoice.

In measures so important, and involving such a variety of complicated interests, different estimates will of course be formed as to their intrinsic merits. The intention of the Government we believe to have been pure, patriotic, and praiseworthy. We, however, felt it due to the brave men whose social improvement this Society seeks to promote, to submit to the attention of Mr. Labouchere several points which might still further tend to their professional and general welfare. To the propositions thus made, the following answer has been sent:

"Board of Trade, March 13, 1850.

"SIR,-I am directed by Mr. Labouchere to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 25th ult., and to return you his thanks for the suggestions which you have proposed, and which he desires me to assure you shall receive every attention.

"J. S. BARING."

"I have the honour to be, Sir, your obedient servant, "Rev. Edw. Muscutt." One fact must never be overlooked. It is this: the character of seamen must be elevated, ere their condition can be improved. Laws, how numerous soever, or how stringent soever they may be, will prove powerless for this purpose. Happily, the Christian philanthropist has within his reach means which the statesman can never successfully employ. Christianity can accomplish that which mere legislation will never achieve. Religion, conveyed by men "whose hearts God has touched," will be able to commend such motives of action, and such incentives to improvement, as will render all the external appliances of moral elevation illustrative of the untold power of piety to enlarge the intellect and improve the position, as well as sanctify the heart of its recipients.

Obituary.

BRIEF MEMOIR OF CAPTAIN J. CLARK, R.N.

As a warmly interested friend to every movement for the religious welfare and general improvement of seamen, we regret to have to record the death of Captain John Clark, R.N. After a long and painful illness, he died, at his residence at Tottenham, the 3rd February, 1850, in the 72nd year of his age. Captain Clark was a brother of the Rev. Clark, late Independent minister at Ponder's End. He entered the navy, as a midshipman, when very young; but, though surrounded by all the unfavorable influences of the naval service, his mind was early brought under those religious convictions which, for years before his retirement on half-pay, enabled him consistently to testify for Christ. He was chiefly attached to the Wesleyan system, but, having strong objections to some of the proceedings of the Conference, during the greater part of the last fifteen or sixteen years, he had associated, almost entirely, with other denominations of evangelical Christians, Bigotry, even in its most refined form, was no part of his character. He loved good men, whatever they might be called; hated hollowness and pretence of every description, and was remarkably firm and unwavering in his friendships. For sailors, in particular, his daily prayers were most fervently offered, and nothing afforded him more cheerful solace, in the most painful of his latter days, than to hear that the work of moral and religious improvement was progressing amongst them. As an illustration of the pervading anxiety of his heart to aid and sanction whatever seemed to him likely to improve their condition, he became, during the last ten or twelve years of his life, an entire abstainer from all intoxicating beverages. He had been in the constant use of these until above sixty years of age, but the conviction that intemperance was a prevailing curse among seamen, was a strong reason for inducing him to abandon them; and it is satisfactory to know, that he considered himself amply rewarded, by an improvement in his own health, for the sacrifice he made. Such, indeed, was the general character of Captain Clark, that those who knew him best loved him most; and, having finished the voyage of this life, we doubt not he is safe in the haven of a glorious and an eternal rest.

B.

The Bethel Pulpit.

"GOD'S PROPRIETARY OF THE OCEAN."

A Sermon preached in the American Church, Havre, France, November 18th, 1849, by Rev. E. E. ADAMS, M.A.

"The sea is His, and He made it."-Psalm xcv. 5.

Were you to take a Concordance, and turn to the word "sea," you would be surprised to find it so often mentioned in the Bible. It is sometimes used in a figurative manner, as an emblem of human strife and tumult, but more frequently, in simple narrative, as the scene of divine wonders, or of the teachings and journeyings of the Son of God. We have all an interest in the sea. Some of us are separated by it from home and kindred, and must cross its broad surface to be with them again. Others are thinking of sons and brothers, of husbands and fathers, who have left them for the ocean, to roam on its bosom, or sink into its depths; whilst others of us still have made the sea their home, and are familiar with its waves and storms, its

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