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AFRICAN INTELLIGENCE.

warmest acknowledgments for the favour. Of all periodicals I receive, I peruse none with greater interest, and the eventful times we live in greatly increase that interest; for everything seems to indicate that the "coming of the Lord draweth nigh," and every Shibboleth surely must soon give way to the all-important question, "Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou mo?"

While in Europe you have the war, we, here in Africa, have the pestilence; and I am sure you will sympathise with our infant Church here, and with the Church Missionary Society at home, under the severe affliction wherewith it has pleased God, a third time, to visit us, in the death of our beloved Bishop. Yes, Bishop Bowen than whom none seemed more suited both for the weighty post and the trying climate, our excellent and universally beloved and regretted Bishop Bowen-is no more; after hardly six days' illness, he fell a sacrifice to the scourge that has decimated our number (ie., all whites) twice over since February. It commenced just as the Bishop left us for the Yoruba country. While absent from us-and having the experience of two Bishops returning thence to us dead men-prayer was made for him without ceasing by the Church, and the warmest thanksgivings ascended for his safe return in April. He continued hearty and well till the 15th of May, when he ordained five priests and two deacons in St. George's (three Europeans and four natives). Intending to visit Europe in July, he commenced holding confirmations that week; and appointed those in my own district (the most southern) for the 2nd, 3rd, and 5th of this month. But on the 22nd of May he appeared for the last time in public, doing the work of God. On that morning he still walked in from Fourah Bay to his town residence (the distance being little more than a mile), and then preached his last sermon from Col. iii. 1, 2. All whom I heard speak of it say he preached as if he felt it was the last. He never saw Fourah Bay again. That same evening he lay down in fever upon the dying couch of his late beloved wife, and did not rise from it till borne away, after six days, to his last resting place, where his body awaits the last trump; while carly on the 28th of May his immortal spirit joined those of "just men made perfect" in heaven.

Instead of more detail, I will send you the African, which contains a brief account of his history and last days. Yet I cannot forbear to add, that he was eminently

VOL. XIII.AUGUST.

catholic in spirit. From occasional conversations with him I know that he pondered the thought seriously in his heart, and for a long time, whether it might not be brought about in this mission for Churchmen and Dissenters to join and merge all into one; not only to fraternise, which we do readily, and to which there is no obstacle; but so entirely to coalesce, as jointly to contribute and to uphold a native ministry, and thus to set European missionaries and our missionary society free from continuing to do this purely pastoral work; for unless the Home or Colonial Legislature make an annual grant, there is no prospect of an endowment, as any lands that might be given for the maintenance of the Church are altogether valueless here.

But our native converts' habit of weekly paying their "coppers" in "classes" is so regular and so uniform, both among us and the several sections of Dissenters (jointly about equal in numbers with us, or perhaps more), that the aggregate contributions would not fall far short of 1,000l. per annum, which would suffice for nearly a score of native pastors; while the places of public worship could be kept up by monthly congregational collections, as we have been doing for some time. Neither doctrine nor ceremonies interpose any obstacle to such a fusion into one body, for all-with the exception of perhaps a score of Baptists-highly approve and mostly use our prayerbook and liturgy; yet there are obstacles which I cannot now specify, but which God, in His own time, can easily remove if it please Him.

Christian morality-though not unnaturally so in a transition state-is yet sadly lacking, while religious susceptibility is a prominent trait in the negro character. The Fast-day last week (on the 8th) was remarkably well observed; churches and meetings all crowded. Nearly a dozen whites died since our beloved Bishop, averaging at least one on alternate days. Among them are three Romish priests (their bishop, too, is sick), and the wives of the two editors of the African, Rev. Messrs. Jones and Trotter; the former was my sister-in-law. Upwards of thirty whites out of at most 100 have died of the plague, and many hundreds of blacks from smallpox. May all "fall out to the furtherance of the Gospel," and many a Lydia's heart be opened to attend to the things by which God speaks on earth!-Gratefully yours,

F. BULTMANN.

BB

AFRICAN INTELLIGENCE.

ALGIERS.

66 EVANGELICAL CHRISTENDOM"-EUROPEAN POPULATION-STATE OF PROTESTANTISM-PROVINCE OF CONSTANTINA—THE CONSTANTINA CIRCLE.

Constantina, Algeria, July 12, 1859. Reverend Sir,-Since the beginning of the year 1858, I have regularly, and free of charge, received Evangelical Christendom. Any line written by a Christian man would always be received and read in this land of desolation, with the eagerness of a Sahara wanderer at the sight of a "Ghedir" or tank. But your valuable monthly publication, breathing sentiments of peace and concord, reproducing facts and transactions of vital interest, and bringing to the recollection names of men well known for their genuine zeal and deep experience in the Redeemer's cause, refreshes the mind and edifies the soul. Need I assure you that my thankfulness on receiving this periodical is as sincere, and my prayers for the prosperity of the cause it advocates are as fervent, as those of my worthy fellow-labourers in Syria, Jamaica, or Canada, who have already expressed my feelings?

I sincerely welcomed your general request to send to you occasionally a letter of intelligence respecting Christ's kingdom; and it would not be truthful if I said I have nothing to communicate, as I fear French Africa is, with many, a terra incognita. The duties of my calling, the peculiar and difficult sphere of my labours, apart from domestic trials, made me to this moment remain a silent reader of Evangelical Christendom. Even now I can only give a hasty and imperfect account of the state of Protestantism in this country. Before surveying the Protestant community of Constantina, with which I am best acquainted, let me glance

over

THE EUROPEAN POPULATION IN ALGERIA.

Besides 2,470,000 of mixed African races and Jews, there are throughout Algeria 170,000 Europeans, viz., French, Germans, Spaniards, Italians, and Maltese. This nomenclature would lead one to suppose that Algeria was a Roman Catholic country, and the presence of so many Romish churches and priests corroborate this supposition. Yet I think there is no exaggeration when I affirm that in spite of that conglomeration of nationalities which bear the stamp of Rome, and in spite of the swarms of priests and monks who, like a devouring insect, plague the land, Rome has, perhaps, less sympathy here than in the least Romish countries. It is not of rare occurrence that

a Papist (at least a so-called all his life), when on his death-bed, leaves to his surviving friends the order of being buried by a Protestant pastor, or, in case of absence, by a policeman rather than by a priest ! In Batna, a town south of Constantina, the latter lately happened twice in one fortnight. But it is not sympathy that Rome is much anxious for, just as faith is not the principal ingredient of her Church's creed. She is therefore content to open her religious establishments for the refuse of the fair sex of Europe and the garrison, to have herein their mutual rendezvous, provided, however, the former listen to the masses, and the revenue of which be sufficient to provide for the sacerdotal vestments, the decorations of the altar, as also to defray, in some measure, the expenditure of her propaganda. Papist agents are, here too, zealous and often successful in their works of darkness. Buying Arab or German illegitimate children, and even the parents of the latter nation, is the department in which they expend most of their time and labours Their success, however, is but ephemeral. The Germans are soon lost sight of by their spiritual purchasers through their constant changing of locality and condition in life, and the native child, when old enough to escape, seeks for refuge to the first Mussulman he can find, by whom he is claimed as his "nephew," and with the assistance of the police, brought back into the Mosque. The Romish Church has thus been propagating her errors, in the French portion of North Africa, for the last thirty years, without winning one individual of the African races. One initiated in the worship of the Mosque will not be startled at this statement. The follower of the Koran considers the ceremonies of the Romish Church Idolatry, and the adoration of saints Polytheism. The last words stated to have been uttered by Abd-elKhader before his capture, were: "My children, beware of the worship of a woman, and of becoming slaves of women."

THE STATE OF PROTESTANTISM.

Whilst heresy and superstition can, notwithstanding the most vehement efforts, and the most sanguine expectations, and all the means priestly craftiness could devise, boast of no progress, the Gospel has not had its vistory. But how is a victory ever possible

AFRICAN INTELLIGENCE.

without a battle preceding it? or success one church, consistory, and two pastors, without effort? or, in scriptural words, there is also, in the village Jelly Ibrahim, "How can they believe in Him of whom ten kilometres south of the town, a Prothey have not heard, or how shall they hear testant "orphelinage," with some 120 to without a preacher?" 130 inmates of both sexes, and an income of 50,000 francs.

Since the attack on the Primitive Church by the Saracens, the light of the Gospel has never reflected on the burning sands of Africa; and if this country cannot at this age, like the third century, afford the zeal of a Tertullian, the abilities of a Cyprian, and the eloquence of Lactantius, Christ is the same yesterday, and to-day, and for ever. . It is therefore much to be lamented that the land which was once illumined with the Gospel light, famous for the great number of its proselytes, learned fathers, and noble martyrs, should, when again accessible to Christianity, at a moment when Mohammedanism, the bitterest fiend of her childrens' spiritual and eternal interests, is expiring, and when the most sanguine hope of Mohammed's most ardent disciples is vanishing and disappearing, be left at the mercy of a bigoted priesthood and a morbid indifferentism. Moreover, whilst no attempts are being made for the enlightening of the millions of the Mussulman races, the effort for the maintenance of Christianity among the Protestants being so deficient that it can hardly keep them from apostatising. This is a chapter which makes one hesitate to touch upon. It may incur indignation; it is very unpleasant to hear one's faults told by his neighbour; and if a congregation or a nation be more sensitive than an individual, it is also less forbearing. But shall we gain hoodwinking from seeing the frailties in the Church, because of passing considerations? Are we not, ere we expose her diseased part, which is spreading by degrees, and creeping into the very heart, with the prophet to inquire: "Is there no balm in Gilead? is there no physician there?" Our noticing it may, perhaps, under God, be the means of supplying the defect of zeal and transforming the lukewarmness into a life-giving heat. God grant it.

Knowing the provinces of Algiers and Oran, from mere visiting, permit me just to state that there are Evangelical churches and pastors in Algiers, Douïra, and Blida, Oran and Mostaganem. The zeal of M. Dürr, the German, and second pastor of Algiers, and that of Pastor Pera, who takes so much interest in the conversion of the Spaniards, must be known to many friends of the kingdom of Christ, so that I need not enter into particulars. In Algiers, besides

THE PROVINCE OF CONSTANTINA

comprises Bona, Batna, Bi kra, Tougia, Ijedjelly, Guelma, Philippeville, and Setif, besides several smaller localities. Of these Bona and Guelma are enjoying the presence of pastors, faithfully discharging their pastoral functions. Philippeville, with an important congregation and a large church, has been, and is still, very unfortunate in the choice of its pastor. Aïn-Arnot, to which Bougia, Ijedjelly, Setif, Bonhira, and Missoord are annexed, has for its pastor one whose absence is much desired, and would no doubt do more indirect good than his presence! The elegant, sacred, little edifice of Aïn-Arnot-which is, in fact, the finest Protestant church of Algeria-has no pulpit, not a chair to sit on, not to speak of an organ, and is rarely opened, for want of an able and faithful pastor? Thanks to M. Albarello, an Italian gentleman, who, having with his wife and children, parents and all, forsaken the heresies of Papism, and embraced the truth as it is in Jesus, and in consequence of persecution settled in Missoord as a colonist, finds time and delights in supplying the spiritual wants of the Swiss colonists! Otherwise, the sound of the Gospel might never have echoed through that immense parish.

THE CONSTANTINA CIRCLE,

comprising Aïn-Beida, Tebessa, Batna, and Biskra, fares even worse than the latter. The number of Protestants in these localities is small indeed. This town, for instance, counts no more than 300 French Protestants, besides the Germans. But as the Government is generous enough to provide this handful of Reformed Christians with a church, and a liberal stipend for a pastor, why should the consistories or directories not be so liberal to send out a man capable and willing to meet the requirements of the congregation to keep its children from visiting the schools of the nuns and "pères ignorantius," and from joining the Romish processions in public-and by his conversation and evangelically faithful preaching restrain the parents from embracing Romanism? But how can Christianity prosper, when its minister is the first in robbing its Author of His glory, by denying His being the Son of God and co-equal with

BRIEF NOTICES OF BOOKS.

among Romanists is absorption into the ranks of the latter."

I feel grieved to have to send to you so trifling an account of the North African Evangelical Church; were I, however, to detail it, the picture would have been more gloomy and disheartening. May the Lord have mercy on this land, hasten the coming of Jesus' kingdom here, and fill the whole earth with His glory!

the Father? How can any one expect any
extension of the Redeemer's kingdom, when
the would-be teachers of the Word of God
think that the Book of Life is "too offensive
to offer it to young people in this century
of progress!!" Besides the church and the
pastor, there is neither a school nor any
institution of any kind to further Evangelical
Christianity in Constantina. How truly
has a Christian editor lately remarked:
"While the tendency of a Romish colony
is extension, that of a Protestant colony yours in Christ,
i

I am, reverend and dear Sir, most truly
J. B. GINSBURG.

Brief Notices of Books.

The Life of Jabez Bunting, D.D., with Notices of Contemporary Persons and Events. By his Son, THOMAS PERCIVAL BUNTING. Vol. I. London: Longmen and Co. Pp. 438. We shall not hesitate to say that the few sentences of which this "brief notice" will consist will be written with a partial hand. Dr. Bunting was no stranger to us, and we cannot write as we might have written if he had been. In the love we bore to his person, and the estimate we had formed of his character, he occupied a place which we would not willingly accord except to those whom we deem worthy to be reckoned among the wisest and the best of men. With the earlier period of his life we were indeed unacquainted, but we were quite sure that the morning of a day of which the setting sun was so radiant, and shed around it, in such rich colours, the blended hues of Christian grace and manly wisdom and virtue, must have been "a morning without clouds." And such it was. From his very infancy, Piety marked him for her own. His biographer speaks of "the sweet religiousness of his childhood;" and at the age of fifteen, he had not only experienced the great regenerating change, but openly avowed his faith in a formal connexiou with the Wesleyan Church. Five years later, he received a "call to the ministry," and from that time he rose rapidly in public estimation, and in the acquire ment of the high position and extensive influence to which he ultimately attained in his own body. This first volume of his life-the only one at present published-does not bring the narrative down to a later date than 1811, and, of course, therefore, leaves the greater, and no doubt the more important, portion to be written. But the biographer has done enough to show his perfect competency to the task which filial duty has imposed upon him. The principal incidents of the memoir have thus far been selected with judgment, while the style in which the work is written is at once classical and elegant; it is more, for there runs through it a vein of pleasant, racy observation, and of Attic wit, which enliven and lend to it a charm and attractiveness in which biographies are often found wanting. The notices of contemporaries give an addisional interest to the volume, and are sketched with obvious discrimination, and, in many cases, with masterly skill. We find no fault with its predominant Wesleyanism, for we

never value a man the less, but rather the more.
for holding with tenacity his own conscientious
views, and on all fair occasions exhibiting his pre-
ference for them; if only he will, at the same time,
let it be seen that he respects the judgment of his
fellow-Christians who differ from him, and loves
them sincerely notwithstanding the difference. And
this charity, we are happy to say, it is everywhere
apparent Mr. Bunting both honours and displays.
He is entitled to our warmest thanks for what he
has done, and we shall welcome with the utmost
cordiality the remaining portion of his work.
Bible History, in connexion with the General His-
tory of the World. With Notices of Scripture
Localities and Sketches of Social and Religious
Life. By the Rev. W. G. BLAIKIE, A.M. Lon-
don: Nelson and Sons. Pp. 470.

THE design of this volume is excellent and its
execution appears to be skilful and judicious. It is
written in an easy and fluent manner, and dis-
covers more than ordinary ability and tact in con-
densation. Valuable aid is afforded by it in the
study of the Sacred History, by the lights which
are derived from contemporaneous secular history;
and the researches of modern times, with their
marvellous results, are laid under contribution
to enrich the pages of the author. We could
scarcely point to a better compendium or one
which may be used with more advantage.
Restoration and Revival; or, Times of Refreshing.
By the Rev. J. G. SMALL. London: Hamilton
and Co. Pp. 281.

THE subject of which this little volume treats is one of deep interest at the present time, when in different parts of the world, and in different parts of our own country, these "times of refreshing' are enjoyed. The author was called to preach st the opening of the Free Church Synod of Angas and Mearns, and what he delivered as a discourse on that occasion is here expanded into a book. The Synod attach their recommendation to it from a high appreciation of the fine sentiments which it contains, and of the elevated style in which those sentiments are embodied." It will, we trust, be read extensively, and its publication tend to the increasing spirituality and quickening of the Church of God.

66

Evangelical Alliance.

THE EXERCISE OF BROTHERLY LOVE.

BY THE REV. JOHN ANGELL JAMES.

[OUR venerable friend, whose name stands at the head of this paper, has been occupying many of the evening hours of his long and useful life in reviewing the condition of our British Churches. He writes on the subject with a special view to his own denomination, yet wishes it to be understood that what he has written applies also, in his judgment, to other bodies of Christians; "and therefore what I shall advance (he says) may be considered as my opinion of the condition of the Christian world at large." Perhaps few men have had better opportunities for observation, or have used them with more advantage; while his great age, his large experience, and his expansive and generous candour would lead us to believe that his deliberately formed opinions on such a subject make a near approximation to the truth. In the pamphlet which he has just issued from the press, entitled THE SPIRITUAL STATE OF OUR CHURCHES, he treats of their excellences, their faults, and their defects; and many valuable counsels and admonitions, as well as a calm and judicious appreciation of facts, will be found under each of these divisions of the subject. This is not the place for an analysis of the work; but intending to give one short extract especially suited to our own pages, we could not but prefix our humble commendation of it, and the expression of our devout and fervent prayer that this, probably, last effort of the pen of our beloved and revered friend and coadjutor in the formation of the Evangelical Alliance, may be rendered a rich blessing to the British Churches.-ED.]

"It need scarcely be remarked that it is God's design His Church should exhibit to a selfish, alienated, and envious world, characterised as Scripture as hateful and hating one another, the perfect contrast to this, in a holy loving brotherhood, the home of charity, the very dwelling-place of all the kindly feelings of our nature-a true Agapemone. It was His purpose that the hearts of His people should be so knit together, that wherever and whensoever, and among whomsoever a company of believers should be found, observing and admiring spectators should involuntarily bear this testimony, 'See how these Christians love one another!' The world never since the fall had seen such a sight as this; and it has been told it is now to be seen in the Church of Christ; but, alas! how dimly and diminutively in our day. It ought ever to be seen, the unmistakable characteristic of every body of professors, as their identifying badge, their distinctive mark. How much there is in our religion to produce it! God is love. Christ is incarnate love. The law is love. The Gospel is love. Heaven is love. If Christ loved us with such intense wonderful love, how great ought to be our love to one another! How those ought to love one another, all of whom Christ loves with such marvellous affection! How intent was He to make us understand and feel this! 'This is my commandment,' said He, 'that ye love one another.' He has singled out this from other precepts, and emphatically marked it as His special law. He has made it the mark of discipleship-' Hereby shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye love one another.' In prospect of the cross this was upon His mind, and in His wondrous prayer He supplicated that His people might be one, i.e. one in affection, as He was in the Father and the Father in Him, that the world might know that the Father had sent Him. Oh, this ought to convince the mind and touch the heart of every Christian-brotherly love was designed to be the evidence of Christ's Divine mission. Yes, and if this grace shone out from the

VOL. XIII.-SEPTEMBER.

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