deliverances, he was preparing us for it; but the utmost stretch of my faith never expected such a striking and palpable interposition of his power and goodness. Though every hour brings some new information respecting the ill-intents of our enemies towards us; although a powerful tyrant, with hundreds of people, has been busily employed making bullets, and preparing other instruments of destruction, with which to rise against us, during the last month; and though the enemy of God and man, the old adversary, in a thousand ways instigates "evil doers" to rise up against us; yet, with this additional, this striking, mercy before me, by the side of my companion in this holy war, truth against darkness, I will yield myself afresh to God, and to his work. I beg your thanks to be offered to the great Disposer of events for his goodness to us. We beg to give our united thanks to Mrs. Hoole, for the truly valuable parcel of articles which this vessel brought from her for Mrs. Annear. It seemed doubly valuable, inasmuch as it came at such a time, when such tokens of kindness are so comforting and of such relief. In this

case it afforded pleasure in the time of greatest suffering. We cannot speak too highly of the prompt and active kindness of Commander Yorke, of Her Majesty's ship "Albatross," in coming to our assistance, in answer to the "Statement," a copy of which I sent you by the "Jane." His coming was so well timed, too, that we were obliged to acknowledge the hand of God in it. will give you an extract from my journal about the time.

I

Sunday, August 31st.-The peaceful hours of this blessed day have been violated by misgivings and fears, and rumours of wars. A messenger has arrived here from Dahomy, the very name of which place strikes weakness through this people. One principal part of his message was, to rebuke the Chiefs for their continuing to withhold the tribute which their fathers had always forwarded to the King. He also brought up another old bone of contention. The King of Dahomy formerly had a person living in this town as his representative, or messenger. This person, it was said, had died, and information thereof had never been duly given, that another individual might be put in his place. was regarded as a great offence. further had to propose, that a person who was now on his way from Dahomy, should live here, and that this place should send another person to live in

No

that country. The purport of this message has greatly alarmed our Chiefs and the people; and a reference to those old grievances, they look upon as being nothing more than the beginning of hostilities, or to give some sort of a reason for their intended proceedings. person will be sent from this place, as they consider that to do so would only be furnishing the cruel Monarch with another victim for his gods, and an additional skull to stud the grinning walls of his palace.

The Port-Novians are also reported to be on their way hither; and, to finish the roll of bitter tidings for the day, Losoco has sent a peremptory message, demanding the immediate return of all the Lagos people who have fled hither. These are fearful elements at work, and I wonder not that the hearts of many around are quailing. God's way is in the whirlwind, and he rideth upon the

storm.

The materials which the sovereign Ruler of all things is now using to ac complish his purposes in this part, are certainly of an extraordinary character, and it requires great faith to sit resigned on tumult's busy wheels, and mark the moving of events. But never was any future event more certain, if adequate means be used, than the ultimate prevalency of peace and piety, in these convulsed and awfully degraded regions. Never till now did I see the full beauty of these words of the Prophet, "He that believeth shall not make haste." I feel a meaning in this, under our present circumstances, which I cannot describe. God will keep that man in perfect peace "whose mind is stayed on him."

"To him mine eye of faith I turn,

And through the fire pursue my way;
The fire forgets its power to burn,

The lambent flames around me play : I own his power, accept the sign, And shout to prove the Saviour mine." Sept. 1st.-Early this morning the men fetched our sea-canoe from the beach, as the Porto-Novians are close at hand. Within the last six days our premises have twice been broken into during the night. In the dead of last night we were suddenly awoke by the shouts of our watchmen: we thought the house was on fire, as the party in front of the piazza kept a torch burning; but, on running out, I found that two men had come silently into the yard, when they were discovered, and attacked by our people; but they succeeded in effecting their escape through a hole which

This

He

they had made in the fence. With what intent they came, we know not,-whether to rob, or set fire to the house. But God is our defender.

2d. The Dahomy messenger is still here our Chiefs will give him no definite answer.

The number of persons who have fled to this place from Lagos is very great; and not a man nor woman amongst them consents to comply with the command of the usurper Losoco. It is stated that he already has two thousand people in chains belonging to Aketoge. How long he will take to prepare himself for hostilities here, we know not. Addos, and a considerable part of the Porto-Novian Chiefs, have enlisted themselves in his service.

The

3d.-Hostilities have again commenced. The Porto-Novians approached to within about three miles of the town to-day, and captured several of our trading canoes. Information of this has just reached us, and great excitement, consequently, now prevails. Whether it is their intention to come and attack the town, as before, or only to cut off all trading communications, we know not: we conjecture the latter, as Losoco cannot yet be ready to take his part in the proceedings.

It is very painful to witness such preparations for war as are now being made; but it is not in my power to prevent them; nor would it perhaps be prudent for me to interfere. "The way of peace they have not known."

4th.-Being market-day, I have purchased a great quantity of corn, that our people may have something to fall back upon in the expected time of scarcity. I thank God my own personal supplies came in good time.

The Chiefs and people are greatly enraged at the insult offered yesterday by the Porto-Novians, and they are determined to be avenged. One of the persons whom they captured was a little boy, whose father is one of Wawu's principal men. They first shot him in the canoe; and then, coming up to him, they severed his head from the body, and cut open his bowels, while the heart was yet beating with warm blood.

5th. I have paid a visit to Wawu this evening. I am happy to find that he is at length beginning to see where his real interest lies, and seems determined to show his true colours. Of late he has apparently been endeavouring to deceive us, or blind our eyes; and has not manifested that interest in our wel. fare which we have all expected from

him. This has brought him into many troubles with some of the other Chiefs, whom, as well as Wawu, we have often censured for their deceit, and want of openness with us: and now they have openly charged him with treachery, in not doing his duty to us as an “English Chief;" and at a Council-Meeting yesterday, they unitedly bound it on him to make everything connected with our position amongst them known to us, or else they would supplant him, and do it themselves. This has roused him; and, from his candour and sincerity to me this evening, I think we shall find him a different man in future.

A messenger has come from Losoco to-day; but we shall not know the purport of his message until to-morrow. Wawu has just sent to request that I will call all the English people together in the morning: he has something to reveal to them. No doubt it relates to the above message.

6th. This morning we all met, according to appointment last evening, when Wawu told us, first, that Losoco had sent to them. His message was to assure them that he did not wish to have any more disturbance with this place; that, now he had captured Letidu, that was all he wanted and he begged that they would help him to make the country peaceful. He also sent them a great quantity of rum as a present, and requested again to have all the Lagos people sent back to him.

The answer given was simply, that he was to act just as he pleased: if he could make the country peaceful, that was very good. This answer was given, Wawu said, from a full conviction of Losoco's real intention. No man, woman, or child, in this town, believes any other than that he is only waiting to increase his strength, to come and destroy this place. Wawa further stated, that the Chiefs had all agreed that we were to select two persons from amongst the emigrants, who were in future to be present at all their private Council-Meetings; that we might thereby be made acquainted with all their secret consultations; but we suspect treachery in this. He also stated that the PortoNovians are now close at hand, and they were preparing their canoes to go out and meet them. Some had already proceeded to their station on the Lagoon, a short distance from the town.

Just after this "palaver" ended, a messenger from Chief Matong, in company with two or three of the head emigrants, came to me, and requested that I

to

would make known to all the English what he stated. After Losoco's messenger had delivered his general message to all the Chiefs yesterday, he went Chiefs Akra, Possu, and Jingi, and delivered in secret to them other information which his master had sent. He said that there were three vessels now lying at Lagos, and there was a Portuguese merchant who was willing to come here to reside, if they could only cause the English to leave. They were to come to us, and request us to go quietly away, stating that they were determined to have their old trade again established; but if the English were too heavy to be removed at present, they were to beg us to allow a Portuguese merchant to come, and he would send a vessel at any time to take slaves.

Since receiving this information in the morning, I have heard it from several other quarters; and there is no doubt as to its truth.

About three o'clock in the afternoon, information reached us that the Oshoes and Porto-Novians would in all probability pass before the town to-night, that, being on the Lagos side of us, they might cut off all trading communications with the towns on both sides, and be at hand to aid in carrying out Losoco's purposes. This news was a signal for such warlike preparations as we have never before witnessed. Messengers were at once started off to Aggido and Dally with ammunition, and with a request to get all the canoes immediately ready. The people here were at once on the look-out, and the fighting-men appointed to their stations.

Nine o'clock P. M. Wawu has just this minute left me. He came to make me acquainted with their arrangements, which are these:The bank of the La goon, on the opposite side, is lined with people in the jungle, from about half a mile above the town, to the same distance below. These men took their station about an hour since, being all armed, and ready for action. The canoes are all distributed at equal distances at the wharfs, on this side; those who are to man them either sitting in them, or lying quietly on the ground beside them, with their instruments of death already charged. Their intended plan of opera. tion is this: the persons in ambush furthest up on the other bank, are to remain perfectly silent until the last canoe of the foe has passed: at that moment, when the main part of the fleet, it is supposed, will be just in front of the town, they are to fire, which is to be the signal for all

to commence. The moment the firing thus begins on the other bank, the canoes are to go forth and attack the ene my on the water, and thus meet them on both sides.

This is Saturday evening, "the preparation of the Sabbath; and thus are we situated! Preparation for war is being made on all sides; every person around us either armed, or arming himself; and as the silent midnight hour closes in, when nature sleeps, and all should be peaceful as death, our people are surrounding the premises bearing the weapons of war, while we lie down for a few moments to seek repose. know not what the night may reveal: great silence prevails through the town; nothing scarcely floats on the breeze, but the occasional sounds of Fetish music in the different idol-shrines around us; and even this seems more suppressed than usual.

We

The partner of my joys and sorrows, who is now verging on the time of nature's trouble, has just retired. May the Lord preserve her! He has brought us through many conflicts and dangers in this place together; but the elements which now lour over us seem more threatening than any former. These are mysterious dispensations. (cheering thought!) “As thy days, so shall thy strength be." I believe it, O Lord, and will "stand still" and see thy "salvation."

But,

Little did I think, when enjoying the raptures of my "first love," (so called,) and feasting on the overwhelming manifestations of the divine glory, and div ing into heavenly converse with God, while living in the circle of my pious friends for the first few years after my conversion,-little did I think then that the great Head of the church was thereby preparing and qualifying me to fill the honourable and truly dignified position which I now occupy, in thus suffering in his cause, and bearing testimony to his truth in this dark region. But, on the contrary, sometimes, when on the mount of transfiguration, holding sweet converse with the Saviour, I have thought that my work was done, even before it was begun, and that God was just going to take me to heaven. But now are my eyes opened to his de. sign, and the way in which he has brought me; and, O how do I admire his wisdom and goodness! "The way of the Lord is" indeed "perfect." I bless his name that I am where I am, and that I am what I am! Though myself and our little cause seem threat,

ened with destruction, yet a clear sense that God has sent me here, and that he is my portion, a conviction that this is the path of duty, is all I need: I feel that I would not change my lot for any other. It is now when a reference to first principles has its full weight, and forms a source of true solid comfort. This is a part of the redemption field, and I am called by the Holy Ghost to bear the standard of the cross, and proclaim salvation through faith in Christ. Here I am! By what means I came here, or by whom appointed, it matters not the rightful Owner of the world has sent me, and the atoning Lamb has been here in his groans, his suffering, his blood, his death, before me; and in his intercessions at the right hand of God, this part of the purchase of his blood is not forgotten; Badagry, with all its crimes, is remembered. And, while the blessed Saviour thus prays for this people, shall I give them up as hopeless and beyond recovery? While he prepares a spiritual feast for those objects of his suffering, shall I not stand and appoint unto each "his portion of meat in due season ?" "My people shall be willing in the day of his power." There is a day of "power" coming, a time of extraordinary effusion of the Spirit, a pentecost, a Wesley age, a weight of divine influence. A brighter era is at hand; and I believe these very convulsions are but its prelude; the morning draweth nigh; hence, for a short time, the darkness increases. But the great Orb, even the "Sun of Righteousness," shall soon arise, and by an influence, though not irresistible, he shall draw the eyes of the people from their "vain idols" to himself; and, adoring the glories of his face, they shall be changed into the same image," from glory to glory, as by the Spirit of the Lord!" Then shall the "people" be "willing;" and, as Noah's dove, they shall return to the ark of their salvation, each bearing the "olive branch of peace," and together beating their "swords into ploughshares," and learning "war no more!" Then shall these temples of devils be demolished; then shall witchcraft and superstition give way to the simplicity of the Gospel! Then shall the unhallowed music of the Fetish, and the unmeaning cries of its deluded worshippers, be drowned and lost in those of, "God be merciful to me a sinner!" and the soul-reviving accents, "Abba, Father!" "My Lord and my God!" O that, while angels hover over and say of the returning sinner here, "Be

hold, he prayeth!" it may be my portion to point the wrestling Jacob to the exalted Lamb. Then should I indeed feel more than paid for all my sufferings and conflicts.

Not

Sunday, 7th.-O Lord, how inscrutable are thy ways! How much above our thoughts! I remained up until after midnight last night, when, all continuing peaceful, I lay down to rest, not without the expectation of being roused by the noise of war; but the silent hours passed, and the sun had just risen on the sacred day, when, sitting up in bed, I saw an English ship of war gliding into our roadstead. I could not help thinking at the moment that the special interposition of God had brought her, so opportune was her visit. doubting that she had come to our assistance, in answer to the "Statement" which had been forwarded, and deeming it of the greatest importance that I should myself see the Commander, and give him further information respecting our situation, though it was the hallowed day of rest, I was prevailed upon to go off to her. The sea was not good; but a propitious Providence brought us through the surf in safety, though I got wet to the skin at the outset. On getting on board, I found her to be Her Majesty's brig "Albatross," Commander Yorke, and all the officers on board received me with the greatest kindness. The Commander told me that he had received our report from the "Ranger;" and, being the senior officer on the station, he had come to see what assistance he could render us. I told him of the expected attack on the town, and a few other circumstances of a threatening character, and suggested that his presence on shore, and that of two or three of the officers on board, and a declaration from him to the Chiefs personally, that we are Her Majesty's subjects, though in Badagry, and he had come to protect us; and that whoever molested us unlawfully, would be called to an account for it by himself,-that such a statement would be of great benefit, and would for the time, perhaps, until more active measures be taken, deter our enemies from carrying out their evil purposes toward us. He at once coincided with my views, and kindly consented to accompany me. Having, therefore, remained on board an hour or two, the Commander, the first Lieutenant, (Mr. Rivers,) and the ship's Doctor, (Mr. Kinnear,) descended with me into the canoe, and were borne in safety to the shore. The greatest excitement

imaginable prevailed throughout the town on our crossing the Lagoon, and landing in the Mission-yard. The ominous silence of the night, which it was thought would only be broken by the noise of battle, was chased away by the congratulating shouts of the crowds that thronged our premises. But though this was the case with the many, some there were who manifested evident symptoms of sorrow, being "one" with our enemies in their hearts.

We were joined at dinner by our friends of the Church Missionary Society, and have spent a happy day, though not such a Sabbath as I would like always to spend.

The Commander and Doctor went on board again toward the evening, leaving Lieutenant Rivers behind, who has just retired to his room under our humble roof. I must confess, my feelings are rather different to-night from what they were last night. But why should they be? God is always the same, and is ever with us. But we still our bodies feel."

The Commander has promised to land again to-morrow morning, for the purpose of visiting the Chiefs. He is anxious to do everything in his power to aid and protect us.

8th. This morning, before breakfast, Lieutenant Rivers and myself rode out into the town, and paid a visit to Wawu, Akrah, and Possu. He had no idea that the town was so large and populous. About ten o'clock, the Commander, accompanied by Mr. Belam, the sailing-master, again visited us. During the forenoon, the latter took a sketch of our house and premises, the appearance of which far surpassed everything which they expected to see at Badagry. Early in the morning we had sent our messengers to the Chiefs, informing them that at ten o'clock the gentlemen from the ship, the Queen's representative more particularly, would like to see them, when they all consented to come. They also assured us the same on our visit a few minutes after the messengers had left them. But they never intended to do so, Wawu and Mobi excepted. having sent messenger after messenger, and waited until one o'clock, we thought it proper to adopt another method, and determined on visiting them ourselves in their own houses. We first proceeded to Akrah's residence at the other end of the town, and fell suddenly upon him. We found him lying down, without having made the slightest preparation to come to us. The Com

Hence,

mander was greatly annoyed, as we all were, at his deceitful and disrespectful conduct. Having taken our seats under the branches of a large tree in the yard, Commander Yorke proceeded to tell him his object in visiting him. He had heard that certain parties in the country were preparing to annoy the English residents, and that some of the Chiefs in the town were disaffected toward them; and he had come to make known to all whom it concerned, that if we were molested, he would forthwith proceed to punish the parties causing it; and he further stated, that, if the Chiefs in Badagry injured us while we were living peaceably amongst them, he would bring the other vessels on the coast under his command, in front of the town, and would burn and destroy all the houses, and capture their persons, if possible, and take them with him to sea. This excited great consternation in the old Chief, and gave him to see that we were not so helpless as he imagined. He proceeded to ask what we had done, that there was such a desire on the part of so many to drive us away. Akrah declared that we had done no injury. I had been here a long time, he said, and had always been his friend; but he was very poor and hungry, and wanted to have a Portuguese ship here. We told him that he might have a Portuguese ship, and Portuguese merchants; that it was not our work to recapture slaves, or break up slave-vessels. We asked him if we had ever interfered with him, or taken away any of his slaves. He said, No; but as long as we live here, no Portuguese merchant would attempt to do so. Thus, although we did nothing violently, or physically, to put down the trade, our being here was the same as if we did. I believe in this he told the truth. The Commander added, that we were men of peace, and he was the man that took away the slaves; and if any one wished to raise a disturbance on that account, it should be with him.

We next proceeded to see Possu, whom we found lying on his mat, apparently asleep. He was greatly abashed on our standing suddenly before him, as he doubtless thought that by keeping from us he should escape much trouble. The Commander, finding what spirit he was of, spoke to him yet more sharply than to Akrah, and assured him what the consequences would be, if he raised his hand against us. He said but very little more than declare, as he always does, his attachment to the English; but the proceedings of the morn