I was leaving the place, that many of them did not frequent a place of worship at all, so that the Gospel had been brought to some who seldom, if ever, listened to its gladdening sound. On the 9th I went to Brightlingsea, where a sail-loft was kindly lent to us to hold our service. Every corner was filled with attentive hearers, and I was delighted to see so many blue jackets there, listening to the word with their usual attention. I announced that if any were desirous of helping the cause by becoming collectors, I would be glad to furnish them with books for that purpose. They soon got all I had, and wanted more. I hope that, through the blessing of God, these services were made useful to some who attended, and that some interest was excited in behalf of that cause which is seeking the present and eternal welfare of our sailors.

I have also attended to the visitation of ships in the docks, where I have conversed with men of different nations about the religion of Christ. On the 27th of July, in the London docks, I boarded 25 English, 7 Spanish, 1 Swedish, and 1 German vessel. It was pleasing to see how gladly the men received the tracts in their different languages. One Spaniard seemed anxious to possess more than his share. While I was giving tracts to his shipmates, he appeared a second time, and I gave him another, without seeming to notice the trick he was playing. He came a third time, but as I had not many Spanish tracts with me, I told him he must be content with the two he had got. As I was returning over the tier, one of the mates called me back. When I got on board, he beckoned me to go down into the cabin, where I found the captain most anxious to have a tract. Though a Spaniard, he understood French and Portuguese. He took one or two in each of those languages, and appeared very thankful for them. He asked me if I would take a glass of wine or brandy, and when I told him I had never drunk any for the last twelve years, he shrugged up his shoulders quite astonished. On the 29th, in St. Katharine's docks, I boarded 18 English, 9 Spanish, 1 Norwegian, and 3 Italian vessels. They all seemed much pleased with the tracts I gave them. On board of one Italian brig, as I was going about amongst the crew and giving them tracts, the captain came off the quarter-deck to me, and said, "Are you a Roman Catholic, or a Protestant?" I said, "A Protestant." "That is good," was the reply. I then gave him a tract, when he asked me for one for his wife, who was an English woman. invited me into the cabin, where I had a long conversation with him, his wife assisting us to understand each other. He said he had been a Roman Catholic, and the last Sabbath he had not attended chapel. He intended to be a Protestant. He said the Pope was a bad man; he had plenty of fine coaches and servants, and that the cardinals and priests lived in the greatest style, but that they had no care for the poor. They had blinded the people of Italy for many years, but now they had lost all confidence in them, and great numbers were Protestant in their hearts. He asked me what I thought of the Pope. I said, "I did not believe in him. I trusted in Christ alone for the salvation of my soul, and that neither the Pope nor priests could forgive sins, there being no other name given under heaven or amongst men whereby we can be saved but the name of Jesus." He said, "that is true; Jesus Christ is very good. The Pope is bad; he is a thief." He asked me to get him an Italian Bible, and charged me not to forget; and I was not long in supplying him. We meet with different receptions in our visits. One day I boarded a large American vessel, where both officers and men seemed determined to swear in a most awful manner at everything that was good. I told them it was neither wise nor brave to be a swearer, and that all would be accountable to God for their conduct at the day of judgment. I left tracts with those who would take them, but the generality seemed to be desirous of turning to ridicule all religion.

He

I have also paid many visits to the sailors' lodging-houses. I went into one on the 7th, where there were a great number of seamen. The master of

the house, in a trifling manner, began to say what bad men they all were. I simply preached Christ to them, and the master, receiving this unexpected reply, offered no other remark. On the 28th I had a long conversation with several. One of them had been drinking very hard, and seemed in a most wretched state. I endeavoured to persuade him to leave off so bad a habit. As I came away, one young man followed me. He said his friends were

chapel-going people, but that he was a disgrace to them, and that the conversation we had just had reminded him of former times; but, said he, "I could not talk to you three minutes without weeping."

I trust that the few words we are able to speak, from time to time, to our seamen will be attended by the blessing of God, and that the fruit of our labours may be seen after many days.

During the past two months I have held 25 services afloat, attendance 375; and 13 on shore. I have paid 888 visits to vessels, and 345 to sailors' lodging-houses. I have sold 172 English Bibles and Testaments, and 1 Italian Bible, and distributed 2591 English, and 271 foreign tracts, aud 31 Captain Allen's Magazines.

MR. H. V. BAILEY'S REPORT.

My journal for the past month furnishes me with but little material for a report. I have embraced every opportunity (as far as my health and strength have permitted) to carry out the great object of our mission. But my services, with one or two exceptions, have been of a general character. However, the seed has been sown, and though it may not be till after many days, yet I trust it will at length bring forth fruit to the praise of God.

One service I would refer to for a moment. One morning, in visiting the Upper Pool, on board of a Sunderland vessel, I met with two pious captains. After conversing some time about the work of God amongst our seamen, one of the captains said to me, "I think, brother, it would be well if you could let us have a fellowship meeting on board now and then. Of late we have had several men attend our services, who, I believe, are under deep serious impressions; and I think if we, who have been brought out of darkness into the light and liberty of the Gospel, had an opportunity of speaking our Christian experience before them, it might prove to them encouraging." I accordingly held such a service that evening, on board of the H--, of S. It was commenced with singing, reading a portion of Scripture, and prayer. I then gave a short address; after which, a captain gave out a verse of a hymn, and offered prayer. Then, in succession, seven, including masters and men, gave, in a plain, clear, and scriptural manner, an account of their conversion to God. In their statements might be observed a diversity, but at the same time a delightful agreement. Some of them had been arrested in their course of sin and folly, and at once led by the Holy Spirit to the feet of Jesus. Others had groaned under the burden of a guilty conscience for months. But all could say, with the man in the Gospel, "One thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see." A deep religious feeling pervaded the meeting-tears of joy and sorrow freely flowed. Before the close of the service, six seamen engaged in prayer. The men left the cabin (as it appeared) to repair to their different vessels. But when I went upon deck, I found they had formed themselves into a little group, and were singing that sweet verse of one of our hymns:—

"Then let our songs abound,

And every tear be dry;

We're marching through Immanuel's ground,

To fairer worlds on high."

During the month I have held twelve services afloat, attended by 173 seamen; out of whom forty-seven engaged in prayer; also five services ashore. Paid 359 visits to vessels, eighty-six to seamen's lodging-houses and four visits to sick seamen. Sold thirty-four Bibles and forty-one Testaments; distributed fifty-four of Captain Allen's Magazines, and 1,215 tracts

REV. C. VON BULOW'S REPORT.

(FOREIGN SEAMEN.)

My labours have been continued, during the past month, according to the general course, visiting the foreign ships in all the different docks, and at Deptford, as well as the foreign seamen on board the Dreadnought. I have made 408 visits on board ship, distributing tracts and circulars, inviting the men to the appointed services, exhorting and admonishing them as opportunities have occurred. On such occasions, I have sometimes had communications made to me, which evidently proved that they entered into the matter. Thus, one Norwegian told me he had lately been dismissed from a Norwegian frigate, which had been last year stationed in Denmark-that they had visited many towns and harbours, and had always attended the churches on the Sundays-but that very few of the inhabitants ever went to church, except on the New Year's Day, and at Easter and Christmas. A Sleswick mate said that the German ministers in the southern parts had preached open rebellion from their pulpits-and that, at the time of the actual warfare, even all forms of Divine service were abandoned. This was also told me on another vessel. On a Pomeranian ship, in the South Canal, the men said:-"Ah, we sailors are such reckless fellows, that we like better to go up to London to amuse ourselves, than going to church!" I asked them if they thought that they would be able to rejoice in the world to come, that they had been thus employed during the time when they ought to attend to the things that concern their eternal welfare? Four of them attended on the following Sunday, and were very attentive, and tarried by me for some time after the others had left, remarking on the things they had heard. I have on several occasions had opportunity to set forth the truth in the cabin, where captains and mates, and the wives of the captains have been present. One captain, after hearing me awhile, said, "Some say that there is no such being as the devil, but that man's conscience was his devil." I explained, and then said, "How can sweet and bitter water issue from the same fountain? God is the fountain from which all good flows-and the fountain of all evil is the devil." A German captain, however, deplored that there was so little attention paid to religion, and that the people were now raving mad. I could not, however, find out if he held religion to be more than a useful bridle; or, as some other had expressed himself to me, but a most necessary police. On speaking to a Spanish captain, he said the Bible was not good for Spaniards. I told him it was the revealed Word of God to all nations, and therefore including the Spaniards; and I read part of the 1st chapter of St. John, and gave him a tract, "The Doctrine of the Cross," and thus we agreed, there was but one God and Saviour to all men, and that it was by his holy word that we were instructed about it. I have also met with several persons who acknowledged themselves infidels; and I have had to answer and argue, much against my desire. All that they have to say is like smoke; you cannot take hold of it. One, at the conclusion, was obliged to acknowledge that if it was the truth which I followed, I would also have the benefit of it-but he would, according to that truth, be lost and perish; and then I challenged him to point out to me any peril in following it, or any benefit to be derived from his infidel principles? The emigrants have only arrived in small numbers. I have made twelve visits to them and the exiled Poles, Hungarians, German and foreign sailors, inviting them to attend at the Thursday service in the Sailors' Church. Twice, a small number of emigrants and a few German exiles have attended, and seemed much impressed, thanking me when I gave them tracts, after the service, and desiring me to remember them at the mercy-seat. I also have given a young German exile a New Testament, who had attended regularly for some time, whenever there was service. On

X

one occasion, having invited the emigrants to the service, and waited in vain, I again went to their lodging-house. I found some twenty, and said, As you will not come to me, I must come to you. I wish to give you some tracts, that you may have to read on the voyage." I commenced with a Jewish family, father, son, and daughter; they would not at first receive the tracts; but after I had set before them the great type of the Messiah, the King of Salem, Priest of the Most High, and explained, they each received a tract. I then gave them all tracts, and addressed them for about ten minutes, commending them to Him who is able to save to the uttermost. One bought a New Testament. I have thus, this month, had two services for the emigrants in the Sailors' Church, and seven at Blackwall, for the seamen. The number of the hearers have been 103.

To the Dreadnought I have made five visits, and continued to instruct, exhort, and admonish the poor sufferers of many nations, giving them Bibles or New Testaments and tracts to read. Some I found that could not read; among whom was a young Frenchman, to whom I endeavoured to set forth the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and thus admonished him to endeavour to learn to read, as he was yet young, that he might be able to read about that great salvation. A Portuguese, who was seemingly very ill, also told me that he could not read. I therefore endeavoured to set forth to him the mercy of God in Christ Jesus; and he thanked me, and said he had understood me well. Some Spaniards could read, but wanted no Bibles, but books to amuse them. I found that one, after sometime remaining alone, came and asked me for a Bible and some tracts. Two men acknowledged their forgetfulness of God, and the things that belong to their eternal peace, seemingly in a repenting spirit. Two who had been a long time on board, were rejoicing in the good things they had received, and expressed themselves very thankful.

Finally, I have sold seventeen Bibles, sixty-eight New Testaments, and thirty-three parts of Scripture, and distributed 3419 tracts.

PROVINCIAL OPERATIONS.

FALMOUTH.

REPORT OF MR. J. TROTTER.

I am happy to state, that, in the midst of much anxiety and many fears, the sailor's cause continues in a healthy and vigorous condition. The Great Head of the Church is pleased still to grant us tokens of his approbation, and often to visit us with refreshing seasons from his presence.

Our Bethel at Falmouth continues to be well attended, and the majority of the congregation are sons of the ocean with their families. Only last Sabbath there were upwards of fifty seamen present, some of whom remained on shore, in our reading-room, until the evening service. At one of our prayer meetings, a short while ago, an old sailor while praying said :-"I thank God for the lifts I get to the better land in the Bethel on Falmouth Quay." At another of our prayer meetings, a Welsh captain, with gushing tears, said:"Thank God for Bethel meetings, for it was through Bethel meetings I was led to my Saviour." I might mention the case of a Dutch captain also, who I trust was benefited at our Bethel. It appears he was standing upon the quay while we were conducting service, and hearing what he called shanting (singing), was induced to attend. We were improving the death of a sailor on that occasion, and our place was much crowded, so much so that the captain had to stand during the whole of the service. He seemed much interested, and the truth pierced his soul. As soon as we concluded, he hastened on board his vessel to think and pray about what he had heard,

and to write down as much of the sermon as he could remember. The following day I was afloat among the vessels, and as soon as the captain saw me, I was asked on board his vessel; of course, I went, and spent about an hour with him and his mate. I found that during the service of the previous evening he had been deeply impressed his mate also was a deep inquirer after truth. I endeavoured to instruct them in the way of God more perfectly, and was surprised to find that this foreign captain had nearly the whole of my discourse written in his own tongue; and, thinking it would be of service to his family, he was going to send it home to Holland in a letter, with his earnest prayer that it might have the same effect on the minds of his friends at home as it had produced upon his own. an English Bible in the name of our Society, and commending him and his After presenting him with crew to the protection of God, I left the vessel, "being confident of this very thing, that he who had begun a good work in him will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ."

We held a sailors' fellowship meeting not long since in the Bethel, when several seamen stated their Christian experience, referring to the benefits they had received from the adoption of sound temperance principles.

An interesting service has been held on board an emigrant vessel laying in this harbour; the spacious cabin (the use of which was kindly granted by the captain) was crowded with attentive hearers. After my address two or three engaged in prayer. I left several tracts and magazines for the use of the people on board.

A short while ago I had the happiness of being with a Christian sailor during his last hour in this world. It was a solemn time-an hour I shall not soon forget. And what made his case more interesting to me was, that he attributed his conversion to the instrumentality of our Bethel. As soon as our place was opened for worship, he became a regular hearer, and was brought to repentance. It pleased God soon after this to afflict him. I visited him often during his illness, and pointed him to Christ; he believed in the Saviour, and "received the end of his faith, even the salvation of his soul." His outward man was rapidly decaying, but his inward man increased in spiritual vigour day by day. He often expressed his thankfulness that he had not been hurried into eternity in a storm; and fervently prayed for the salvation of his old shipmates. But now the hour of his departure had arrived; he felt it himself, but was calm and peaceful. I read to him a portion of the Word of God and a hymn, and prayed; after which, I heard him say, "Precious Jesus, receive my spirit." These were the last words he uttered in this world, for in a few minutes his spirit was received into the haven of the skies.

I continue to visit the vessels afloat at every opportunity, distributing tracts, &c., and dropping a word or two to the men about their souls. I have also preached upon the quay in the open air several times, when great numbers have heard the word of life.

We have been visited lately by our respected Secretary, Mr. Fieldwick, who held meetings and preached sermons in several places in the county on behalf of sailors. I am quite sure the sermons he preached and speeches he delivered will be productive of no little good.

The following is a-summary of our operations since my last report :-Services have been held at Falmouth, Durgon, Deveron, Penryn, Hayle, Penzance, and St. Ives. Altogether, 105 services have been held; 351 visits paid to vessels; 2,647 English, 460 foreign, 50 Welsh tracts, and 150 old magazines, have been distributed; 1 Portuguese, 1 Spanish, and 3 English Bibles have been sold; and 62 visits have been paid to the sick and dying. While Mr. Fieldwick was in the county, public meetings and preaching services were held at Penzance, Hayle, Tuckingmill, Cambourn, Redruth, Flushing, Falmouth, St. Mawes, Truro, and Scilly.

Our best thanks to Captain A. Wilkins, of South Shields, for the box of