Western Africa is a question which lies in a much

narrower compass.

It is of much the same nature with that of the establishment of a vessel between New South Wales and New Zealand, which has been recently effected for the Society by Mr. Marsden. We refer our readers to the statements on this subject, in the present Number, under the head of " New Zealand."

Proceedings respecting the "William Wilberforce.”

The importance of establishing a proper intercourse with Africa had been several times a subject of consideration with the Committee. Some inquiries had been made upon the business, and negociations entered into thereon. The building and outfit of a suitable vessel, to be named, after Africa's Friend, the "William Wilberforce," would be undertaken at Hull (the birth-place of that distinguished man) at cost-price. An intelligent and worthy Captain had offered his services; and engaged, with proper officers, to train twelve of the elder liberated Black Boys to navigate her. At that time the idea was that the Society should own the vessel, and make what advantage it could from freight and passage-money; but, as it was likely to require a Jarger sum of money in the first instance than could be prudently diverted from the Society's funds, under the present rapid extension of its concerns, the consideration of the subject was deferred.

At the Second Anniversary of the Bristol Church Missionary Association, the Secretary, in his Address to the Meeting, having mentioned the subject of a vessel, was much surprised and gratified by the intelligence, a short time after, that the matter had been taken up with most affectionate zeal, and with

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unexpected success, by a few friends. An Anonymous Letter to him from the individual with whom the effort originated, is imbued with such unaffected and elevated piety, that we are sure our readers will thank us for the following extracts.

The writer, after expressing the deep interest excited by the proceedings in the Guildhall, and the earnest desires which were awakened thereby to render efficient aid to this great cause, adds, speaking of an attempt to raise from the Friends of Missions contributions for providing a ship, in order that the general funds of the Society may not be entrenched upon

I know not if the thought has been anticipated: I know not the sum that is requisite: but I do assuredly know, that if the Lord want one ship, or a fleet of ships to carry on his glorious purposes, he CAN, and he "WILL provide."

Animated by this conviction, I began the work (where I wish to begin every thing) at the Throne of Grace. I spread the case on my family altar, committing it to Him, into whose hand all power is given in heaven and in earth, and who has promised to be with his Missionaries alway, even unto the end of the world.

When our services were ended," I called on my little circle of children, ten in number, for a practical commentary upon the subject which I had brought before them. A few shillings only remained of their limited weekly stipend, which had been some time reserved for, and was now nearly exhausted by, the recent welcome demands of the Society; nothing having been held back but for the purpose of contributing, on the morrow, at our own stated place of worship.

"What can be done?" was the question eagerly agitated. They appealed to me: but I never dictate on such occasions, wishing for none but voluntary and cheerful offerings from them, in HIS cause who voluntarily became poor that we through his poverty might be rich.

It soon occurred to one of them, that they might contribute their weekly allowance for the whole of the en

suing year, if I would advance it for them. To this proposal, which was adopted with general delight, I thankfully acceded and twelve guineas were raised, in less than as many minutes, the first Donation being made by the YOUNGEST.

But, my Dear Sir, something better remains. One of my servants requested to speak to me alone. Perfectly ignorant of the transaction among my girls, she simply stated, that she wished to give something, anxious that the Heathen should hear of Him whom she has lately been brought to know as HER Saviour. She had no money left, but could do very well without butter; and begged to give what that article cost in her consumption of it: sweetly observing, that she should look on her dry bread with far greater pleasure, than if it were spread over with gold. I thanked her for the poor Heathen, in the name of Him whom her soul loves. She has since added a quarter of a year's wages, due to her in May.

Another of my servants whose heart, I trust, the Lord has opened, and brought to cry God be merciful to me a sinner! has just requested me to appropriate half-aguinea (all that remains unpaid of her wages) to the ship, and expresses great regret that she has expended the

rest.

With a heart full of joy, and overflowing with praise to Him who so immediately owned my feeble design, I carried the case to a dear friend, who has far more influence in every way than myself, offering him our 25ł. to begin with, if he would take up the cause. He cheerfully acquiesced, and added to our mite 1007. Another friend has given 301., another 10%., several others 5l.: in one word, in four days our collection amounted to 2007. (87. 12s. of which has been given by female servants) beside some ornaments of value.

I had no intention, my Dear Sir, of addressing you on the subject; but, in one instance, where I hoped for willing contributions, I was answered by an opinion, that such a measure might be disapproved by the Society. I confess, I cannot comprehend way; but aeknowledge myself quite incompetent to exercise judgment (nor is it my province so to do) upon this little scheme of love to Christ and to my Heathen Brethren. It is sufficient for me to know, that He, who looketh to the heart, has declared that a cup of cold water given

from love to him, is accepted of him, and shall be blessed by him.

The Friend to whom the Anonymous Benefactor of the Society committed its cause, was the Rev. Thomas Conolly Cowan, by whose liberality and unwearied endeavours, many hundred pounds were collected in a few days.

As Mr. Cowan purposed to attend the Annual Meeting of the Society, he was requested to bring forward the subject. The result we have already stated in our Report of the Meeting.

The Committee have since taken the matter into deliberate consideration; having the advantage of numbering among themselves men who are perfectly acquainted with these subjects, and competent, there fore, to view them in all their bearings. It appeared to them desirable, as it was in this case considered practicable, that the Society should avoid the risks attendant on the ownership of a vessel; but should secure the due controul over one, so as to answer all the great ends in view, for a stipu lated sum per annum. This plan will, in consequence, be pursued: and we are most happy to add, that, in the course of inquiry of ship-owners and ship-brokers who might be likely to enter into proper engagements with the Society for the security of all its great objects, the Committee learnt, that some liberal friends of African Civilization and Improvement have long had it in contemplation to establish a regular intercourse with Western Africa, twice a year, for the purpose of stimulating the Black Settlers, in particular, to industry, by affording them opportunities of exchanging its produce for European Articles. A negociation is on foot with these benevolent persons, to secure to the So

ciety all the objects which it proposes, by the establishment and maintenance of the good ship the "William Wilberforce;" and there is no reason to doubt but that the purposes of both parties will be thereby more certainly and speedily obtained.

'We cannot avoid calling the attention of our readers to these coincidencies of Christian Plans and Exertions, as a token for good to Africa. Grievous, indeed, are the trials which the Missionaries are still called to encounter. Bashia, the Society's principal Settlement, has been again twice set on fire, and is now little else but a deplorable scene of ruins, much valuable property of the Society having been de-' stroyed. Yet we will not despair of Africa, while we see Christians in their retirement originating schemes of mercy toward the Heathen, which others take up with zeal, and move forward with vigour ; while difficulties, which, by a religious society, should be avoided when it is practicable to do so, are voluntarily removed, by others, out of the way.

Separate Fund for the "William Wilberforce."

Our readers will hear with pleasure of the prosperity of the Separate Fund, opened thus auspiciously for the attainment of this important purpose, without trenching on the General Funds of the Society. It already amounts to about 10007, contributed by persons of various classes, from very small sums, up to 1007. each. It will be kept distinct from the Society's general fund; and it is confidently hoped, that, when this subject comes to be known to the numerous friends of injured Africa, this fund will derive ample support, not only from the members of the Society, but from many other