The great religious institutions of our country, which have raised it to its proud preeminence among the nations of the earth, are, like the members of a family, united by common interests, and bound together by mutual sympathy. The prosperity of one should be the occasion of joy to another, whilst the ultimate designs of all are being carried forward to their successful accomplishment, as each is achieving its high purpose of raising our fallen humanity from its misery and guilt. In this holy brotherhood the Sailors' Society claims a place, and with the labors and successes of each member of this great family, desires to cherish cordial sympathy. In missionary operations amongst the heathen, our Committee must ever feel especial interest, whilst, from the influence which seamen must exert upon the inhabitants of all the sea ports of the world, the directors of those societies are deeply concerned in the vigorous prosecution of our labours, and their successful results. In a family it is desirable not only that a spirit of cordial affection should actually exist, but that there should frequently be a free expression of that feeling,-a manifestation of the affection which binds together its members in a generous sympathy. It is pleasant sometimes to see the golden chain which joins them in one happy brotherhood. With a view to carry out more effectually the direct objects of our Society, as well as to promote this spirit of unity and love, our Committee has recently requested a conference with the Directors of the London Missionary Society, on the " subject of their countenance and aid in promoting the evangelization of seamen." The following extract from a memorial, forwarded to the Directors, will explain the reasons which induced the Committee to take this step. C 34 CONFERENCE WITH THE LONDON MISSIONARY SOCIETY. The unhappy influence of British and American Sailors on all the stations accessible to them, has been the subject of frequent and sorrowful complaint. It is, however, worthy the consideration of the friends of Missions, that the extension of our Colonies, and the consequent increase of our commerce, must necessarily lead to the widening influence of British sailors. In the ports of China, of India, of the South Pacific, and of other nations, an impression unfavourable to the great object of Christian Missions has already been made by their unholy conduct. In the South Seas, especially, the effect of British example have been more fully and extensively felt. There our seamen have come into more immediate contact with Missions, and with but few exceptions have, by their licentious habits, wrought incalculable mischief amongst the native population. If such then have been, in former years, the consequences of the visits of sailors to these stations, and if, in still greater numbers, they will henceforth proceed thither, does not the prevention of these evils become, with the directors of all our Missionary Societies, a question of serious and urgent interest? And is not the conversion of seamen to God the only effectual way of accomplishing this important end? There is, therefore, a close connection between the two societies. Our failure will, to some extent, be yours. Our success yours. Every unconverted sailor is, wherever he goes, a moral pestilence. Every pious seaman a Christian missionary. It is thought by our Directors, that in a conference, they could suggest some plans by which you might assist them in promoting the great object of the evangelisation of these men, and thus not only prevent the evils deplored, but aid in preparing an agency, which shall further your own blessed design of bringing the whole world to the knowledge of Christ. With the request contained in this communication, the Directors of that Society cordially and promptly complied. The conference was accordingly held at Blomfield Street, on Wednesday, February 12th, at which various suggestions were made on the means by which that Society might promote the best interests of our seamen. It afforded our deputation pleasure to learn, that instructions were invariably given to the missionaries to seek the spiritual good of the sailors belonging to the vessels in which they sailed to their distant spheres of labor; and that a supply of bibles, books, and tracts, was furnished them for the use of these men. Several points of minor importance came up for consideration; but the subject which chiefly engaged attention, was the desirableness of forming efficient local associations in all the principal seaports at which the missionaries of that Society are stationed, whether in the South Seas, Africa, the West Indies, China, India, or elsewhere. The honored brethren engaged in missionary work could not, of course, be expected to devote much time to the work of preaching to seamen; but it was considered that, possibly, associations might be formed, or an agent engaged, by whom, under the superintendance and direction of the missionary, these objects might be attained. Could such arrangements be made, our committee would, to the full extent of their ability, contribute towards the expense incurred in carrying them out. With these views entire concurrence was expressed, and the secretaries have kindly engaged to furnish our committee with the names of all the missionaries located at seaports, and have promised to forward to them any communications which may be deemed desirable, strengthened by their own instructions upon the subject. That efforts have been made by our missionaries in the South Seas, and elsewhere, we readily and gratefully admit; at the same time, it is of importance that a more systematic plan should be adopted which shall enable the Society to meet the sailor everywhere, to bring into contact with his conscience the great truths of the gospel. The kindness with which the Missionary Society has met our wishes with respect to the conference, and the readiness expressed to carry out every practicable suggestion for the benefit of sailors, demand our grateful acknowledgments, and earnestly do we hope that through the co-operation of the missionaries of that great society, many of the sons of the ocean on far distant shores may be brought to a saving knowledge of Christ, and become a blessing to the nations he may visit. It is the intention of the committee respectfully to solicit the cooperation of the other great Missionary Institutions in carrying forward this important work, that soon the abundance of the sea may be converted to God. MISSIONARY SHIPS. The employment of Missionary ships engaged exclusively in visiting the stations, conveying missionaries, and supplying the necessary stores, is a new feature in the operations of our societies. From the extension of the plans, it has, however, become almost necessary to their efficiency and success. With the destination of the "John Williams," and the objects contemplated by the Directors of the London Missionary Society, in sending her to the South Seas, most of our readers are familiar. It affords us pleasure to report that another vessel has sailed in the service of the Missionary cause, and that that ship has, like the "John Williams," been numbered amongst our Bethel ships. The "Dove," a beautiful little vessel of 70 tons burden, purchased by the Baptist Missionary Society, has recently sailed for Fernando Po, and the coast of Africa, where she is to perform the same service for that society, that the "John Williams" is to render to its kindred institution in the South Seas. Prior to her sailing, a public religious service was held on board to associate her as a Bethel ship, with the British and Foreign Sailors' Society, and to commend her officers and crew to the protection and favor of the God of the seas. The company, too numerous to be accommodated in the cabin, was compelled, notwithstanding the season of the year, to assemble on deck, and there, with feelings of deep and holy interest, united in singing the hymn so often used in dedicating our Bethel ships, to the service of God. This ship we consecrate to Thee, Thou God of providence and grace; Lord speed the vessel on its course, All whom we here commend to Thee. A Bethel flag, previously given to the Society by the ladies belonging to the Rev. W. Leach's church, Robert Street, was presented to the captain, by Mr. Hooper, one of the Directors of our Society, and suitable addresses were delivered by the Rev. Dr. Cox, and the Rev. H. S. Seaborn. The devotional services were conducted by the Rev. J. Russell, of Greenwich, the Rev. J. Angus, and the Rev. C. J. Hyatt. May the united prayers of the people of God be answered in the preservation of her crew, and the success of her mission. It was at first intended by the committee of the Missionary Society, to equip a steamer for the service. They were, however, compelled to alter their plans, and have therefore sent out a sailing vessel of small tonnage, but of beautiful construction. The following extracts, from the Missionary Herald, will explain the views of the committee in reference to her. The necessity for such a vessel as the Committee have ordered, may be judged of from the following remarks, drawn up by our brother, Mr. Clarke. I. It is an unnecessary exposure of life to go to any distant part of the island of Fernando Po, in a small canoe, or in an open boat. Tornadoes are very common; frequently, when a strong sea breeze sets in, the sea is too rough for such craft, and the danger from exposure in them to sun and rain, is always great. Four towns can be reached from Clarence by land: these contain about 1200 inhabitants. All the others must be journeyed to by sea, so that in order to visit from 15,000 to 20,000 aborigines, we must have the means of going by water to the different landing places. II. There are no regular traders from Fernando Po to the continent. Vessels calling at Fernando Po on their way to the rivers, are few in number, and uncertain as to time. In most of these it would be unsuitable for missionaries to go, on account of the common practice of many African traders. In the first voyage to the continent, made by Dr. Prince and myself, we ventured to cross to the River Cameroons in a small boat. We were exposed to the sun and rain, and to a sea almost too high for our little vessel. Fever followed as a consequence, and we believed, that for us to think of a repetition of such a voyage, would be nothing short of tempting God. The Doctor next went in a schooner. The captain was constantly in a state of intoxication; the vessel was not sea-worthy; and in her next voyage was wrecked, when several of the crew were drowned, and the rest were exposed to savage men, near the mouth of the New Calebar. III. Missionaries should be placed in Fernando Po for "acclimating ;" and when accustomed to the climate of Africa, some should be sent to Cameroons, Bimbia, Bonny, and Calebar. The coast near the Amboises, and the Rio del Rey, should be explored, as the land is high, the country populous and easy of access from the island. Missionaries placed at the different stations should be visited frequently with supplies; a sea voyage and a change should be practicable, when ill health requires them; and advice from brother missionaries, it should be possible to obtain. A regular communication is, I think, absolutely necessary for the comfort of the missionaries, and for the speedy and permanent success of the mission. To supply this a steam boat of about fifty tons would be required; and by means of this, at all seasons we could visit the different stations, impart aid by advice and encouragement, and remove a sick or unsuccessful missionary. The expense of such a vessel, both original and permanent, would, I believe, be amply repaid by the great facilities it would give for the spread of the gospel in Africa. Fuel would be obtained at the cost of cutting it. The engineer should, if possible, be also a missionary. IV. Missionaries on first visiting a place, should not be compelled to apply for lodging on board a ship, the captain of which may have rendered himself obnoxious to the people on shore by his extortion or cruelty. V. Missionaries should not be landed from a canoe or boat, at a town, and cast upon the king, or head man, for shelter and food. Such was our situation more than once. We had not a small boat or canoe in which to land. We stood in our boat until a captain took pity upon us, and came with his small boat, and took us on shore. were, A steam-boat with moderate accommodation, would afford a sleeping place at first visits; our clothing and articles for barter would be more secure on board our own vessel; and in every point of view this means of conveyance would be economical and useful. Suitable sailing vessels at Fernando Po there are not any, and if there the frequent calms would make them nearly useless. The idea of a large boat impelled by oars is altogether out of the question. The boat in which we went to Cameroons and Bimbia was of fifteen tons, and had oars, but they were comparative useless, and indeed the hands could scarcely be prevailed upon to use them. The amount of labour of this kind is too great for a hot climate, and the difficulty of obtaining labourers to pull at such oars is always very great. The shelter in such a boat would be of no value, and it would be useless as a place to sleep in by night at the towns we might visit. All these considerations combine to show that a large boat impelled by oars is quite unsuitable for the work we contemplate in Africa. To withhold this means would be to shut up missionaries in Fernando Po, or to desert those who might occasionally obtain a passage to the main land. I could hope for no considerable success, unless the means of communication be afforded, and the various stations we hope to establish, be regularly visited, and watched over with devotedness, tenderness, and care. |