We are often put to great difficulties and inconveiencies for want of Preachers, and in many places we have had to lose excellent openings. I have sometimes thought that if the Committee could really feel the competition we have to contend with from other denominations, and the great difficulty we have in supplying the places, they would certainly send us more men, and men fit to take a stand in cities and towns. From the above remarks some may think that there is no necessity for our labours, so many denominations being in the field, but such a conclusion would be exceedingly unwise. A great change has taken place in South Australia since we first arrived. The religious wants of the people were badly supplied when we commenced our ininisteral labours. Our exertions have provoked others to love and good works, and now the various denominations are trying to excel each other in erecting chapels and multiplying ministers. We have taken our stand in many localities where there was no religious service before we visited them; but now, other denominations pressing in and trying to supply them with good, or at least "talented Ministers." We have contracted debts, and thereby involved many of our best friends; and unless we have preachers in sufficient numbers and of proper talent and stamp, we shall sink in public estimation-become bankrupt, and be disgraced.

are

South Australia wants four talented working men, in addition to the present number. Victoria ought to have four sent immediately. If the Committee could possibly send the men, I believe that in two or three years we could pay back the amount of passage with good interest. The people here are weary waiting, and are beginning to lose confidence in having a supply.

In this Colony we have comparative. ly no cause at all as yet. What could one man do in such a vast tract of country? I have no doubt but we have hundreds of our friends in the various parts of this Province, but we can do but little among them until we have more men. My time will be principally taken up here at Collingwood, and Br. Hocking's at Geelong. If we can possibly arrange, we shall try to visit the Diggings; but such visits will have to be few, partly from the want of Local Preachers in this place and Geelong, and partly on account of the great amount it will swallow up in travelling expenses. There is an immense popu lation in many parts of this colony; and if we can get the right men, we shall prosper. Let me entreat you to try to send four immediately to this very interesting field for missionary enterprise.

Mrs. Rowe joins in kind love to all the friends.

Yours affectionately,
JAMES ROWE.

The ancient Macedonian cry, "Come over and help us," has again and again reached us from our brethren in South Australia; and to that cry the Bible Christian Missionary Society have cheerfully responded; with the men and means at their disposal it might be said, "They have done what they could."

The vast field for missionary labour which Australia presents, the many doors the Great Head of the Church has opened unto us, and the earnest appeals of the brethren there for more labourers, together with other providential circumstances, led me to place myself at the disposal of the Missionary Committee, who at length decided on sending myself, Brother CHARLES LEE,

and our wives to labour in that far distant region.

Brother J. H. PRIOR engaged a passage for us in the Albemarle, 1000 Tons, A. Collett, master, to sail from the London Docks, bound to Adelaide direct.

Having waited several weeks for sailing orders, they at length came to hand, and we had to leave with all speed for the great metropolis. We left Mevagissey on Monday, October 29th, 1855. Two years of my short ministerial course were spent in the Mevagissey Circuit: the christian sympathy and kindness manifested to me by the friends there are deeply engraven on my heart, too deep to be forgotten. The hour of parting was to the natural

feelings a painful one; but we parted with a hope of standing together with the Lamb on mount Zion.

"We shall not lose our friends above,
But more enjoy them there."

About an hour after noon we were in Plymouth, at which place we were joined by Brother and sister Lee. The friends here were celebrating the Anniversary of their Chapel; and as we were necessitated to tarry in town over night, we had the opportunity of attending both at the Tea, and the public meeting.

Two subjects were in the evening brought before the audience. First the circumstances of the Chapel in which they were assembled. Secondly, the

Missionaries then before them on the platform, who were on the eve of leaving their native land. The meeting was addressed by the brethren, PRIOR, BOURNE, BLACKMORE, and HOPPER; each address was delivered with much pathos and feeling. The writer and Br. LEE also spoke a few words, after which a Resolution was passed which embodied a prayer that we might have a "speedy, safe, and comfortable voyage to Adelaide." Br. Prior then commended us in fervent prayer to Him whom winds and seas obey.

30th. We left Plymouth at 8 o'clock a. m., and arrived in London at 9 p. m. During our short stay in the great city we were kindly entertained by our good friends MR. and MRS. HOBBS, 16, King Street, Covent Garden. I pray that peace and prosperity may attend them and theirs on earth, and then a crown of glory in heaven.

On

November 5th. (Monday). Friday last our luggage was taken on board, and early the following morning our ship proceeded to Gravesend. Having some trifling matters to settle, and a few letters to write, I found it impracticable to sleep on board the Friday night; so we had to take train on Saturday and proceed to Gravesend. Between 2 and 3 o'clock p. m., we were all on board the vessel, which hope will carry us safely to our destined field of labour. I long to be there. On Sunday morning we weighed anchor, and we passed its sacred hours amidst one general scene of bustle and confusion. I must say I did not like leaving on a Sunday. I thought it was a bad beginning, but this was a matter over which I had no control. When we got fairly out in the Channel the wind began to blow fresh from the north, which

caused a swell, and many of the passen. gers were soon on the sick list; among them were my dear wife, and Brother and Sister Lee. Not feeling the least symptoms of sickness myself, I was enabled to render some little assistance to others. To-day the weather has been fine, and the sick ones are nicely recov ered.

6th. About 9 o'clock last night the wind sprung up and soon shifted round right in our teeth. Nearly all the pas sengers are again on the sick list. We have made but little progress to-day, if

any.

7th. Wind still ahead. Many on board are very ill with sea sickness. I am thankful that I have so far escaped it, and have been able to help the helpless. I have not read much to-day, but greatly enjoyed prayer. that all was right. Hallelujah.

I felt

8th. Not much sleep last night on account of the rolling of the vessel. Today we have had heavy rain, as well as a strong contrary wind. The seamen have been swearing because they had to tack so often. God pity them. Some of the passengers are wishing themselves ashore again.

9th. More calm to-day; the wind though light is somewhat in our favour, consequently we have made some progress; but we are no further on than we were two days ago. I find there are some on board who have no faith in the extension and triumphs of Christ's kingdom. Isaiah predicted otherwise, the Church believes otherwise.

10th. Last night a breeze sprung up and wafted us on delightfully; but we are only off Plymouth now. We hope to clear the Channel to-morrow. "Blow breezes, blow."

11th, Sunday. This afternoon I beheld for the last time the shores of my native land; nearly all appeared to be affected. As I gazed on the fading rocks and hills of Cornwall, I thought of the many friends there, with whom I had taken sweet counsel, and to whom I felt strongly united by the sacred ties of Christian affection. There was

"A lingering look-a parting sigh."

The Captain read prayers in the forenoon; but lo! they were to my soul very dry. In the afternoon I addressed a goodly company between decks. I am happy to state that the passengers are very kind, and on the whole well behaved.

12th. We are now out of the Chan

nel, but we are progressing very slowly; the moving power is wanting.

14th. Yesterday and to-day we have had a strong wind; though it has not been exactly in our favour, we have notwithstanding made considerable progress. Praise God.

16th. Yesterday we had a taste of the Bay of Biscay, and found it not very agreeable. Last night our strong and noble vessel had to encounter a heavy sea; but God be thanked, no particular damage was done. To-day we have had fine weather, but are not making much speed. I long to be in my regular work.

17th. A rough sea, the wind is roaring in the rigging, and several of the sails are furled. We expect much tossing about to-night. Omy soul trust thou in God!

18th. Our expectations were more than realized; we were tossed about in right good earnest, and could scarcely for the night find any repose. Several of our neighbours in the morning found a deal of water in their Cabins; but I am thankful that ours is tolerably dry. I had some doubts in the former part of the day as to whether we should be able to hold any public service on account of the lurching of the vessel; but at 6 p. m. I preached between decks from Psalm cxix. 11. My position was not an easy one, for I had to stand a. cross a form while preaching to keep myself from falling.

23rd. The sound of "land O!" this morning brought us on deck at rather an early hour, and we were pleased to find that we were nearing the beautiful Isles of Maderia. The one most northerly is called Porto Santo; is about 15 miles in circumference, and is for the most part mountainous and barren. The Portuguese it is said discovered it A. D. 1418. In the following year they re-visited it, and descried in a more southerly direction the large Island of Madeira, which is 120 miles in circumference. Near the latter, on the south-east, are three small Islands called Desertes, or Desertus. The Maderia has a beautiful and picturesque appearance from the sea: the mountains are steep and high, some of them lift their lofty heads far above the clouds. The climate too is delightfully mild; the chilling frosts and burning heats are alike unknown. Never were the feelings of my mind more wrought upon while beholding the works of nature than to-day; and indeed, how any one can pass over these great waters

without deep emotion I cannot tell. The lovely spots above referred to, the beautiful blue appearance of the sea, the various kinds of fish sporting therein, the splendid canopy over head, studded by night with ten thousand stars, the silvery moon pursuing her noiseless course, with numerous other objects, conspire to raise every reflecting mind to the great Architect of all.

"They shew the labour of his hands,
Or impress of his feet.

May this God be mine for ever and ever, Amen.

25th (Sunday). This is our fourth Sunday on board the Albemarle, and several more we must necessarily spend before we get to Port Adelaide. The general behaviour of the crew and passengers on the Lord's day is much better than were my anticipations: notwithstanding this, vital religion, I fear, is neither enjoyed nor understood. I have not found one since I came on board-beyond our little party-who know anything about the forgiveness of sin. This is lamentable. May God Almighty abundantly pour out his Spirit upon our home population. Brother Lee being recovered from his seasickness, addressed the people from Deut. v. 29.

28th. The wind has been very light the last two or three days, consequently our motion has been slow; we are expecting the trade winds daily. We got within the tropic of Cancer about 8 A.M.

29th. Danger everywhere attends us; but how often are we mercifully preserved. To-day a fire broke out, and the results no doubt would have been serious had it not been discovered the moment it was. A large tarpauling spread over a horse-stall just by the foremast, by some means took fire, (it is thought by some sparks from one of the funnels near by) and fanned by the breeze was soon enveloped in flames. Providentially there was a vat of water close at hand, which being vigorously applied, soon proved victorious. Had the devouring element reached the rigging (and it all but got there) the vessel undoubtedly would have been burnt, and many lives would have been lost. "Salvation is of the Lord."

December 3. How it is that we have not yet had the trade-winds is rather a mystery. Some of the seamen have told me that they generally get them at about 269 or 289 N. latitude: we are now more than ten degrees be

yond that; our latitude to-day at noon was 159.52. N. The wind the last seven or eight days has been almost at rest, but I am trying to believe that all is right. God be thanked for the daily mercies we receive; nothing happens to us but what is common to men. His grace is sufficient for us. I preached yesterday from 2 Chron. xxxiii 12,13; and endeavoured to show that WE as well as Manasseh, must in this world have our hearts changed, and our natures purified, and that without this, there was no happiness-no heaven.

5th. Books! Time with me on board ship would hang heavily were it not for books. I have read "Cheever's Lectures on the Pilgrim's Progress ;" there are many good things there, but his views on in-dwelling sin and my own differ very widely. I am now reading Binney's book for young men, "Is it Possible to make the Best of both Worlds ?" I hope to profit much by its perusal. Yesterday soon after sunrise a favourable breeze sprung up and wafted us on 5 knots an hour; but it left us again after a few hours. We are now between the African coast and the Cape de Verd Islands, but not in sight of either.

7th. Who has not heard the old adage, "Better late than never"? We often use it when a friend for whom we have long waited, arrives. So said the writer when we got into the tradewinds some 30 hours since. We hope to cross the equator in a few days. Latitude 10° 30' N.

10th. During the last 48 hours we have had lightning, thunder, sultry heats, heavy rains, variable winds and calms. Brother Lee preached to the people yesterday, from 1 John, xii.

31.

13th, Light and darkness can have no communion. Christ and Belial cannot agree together. A few are chagrined because Brother Lee reproved them for being near his cabin till a very late hour, card-playing and swearing. They will no doubt be watching our movements very narrowly in future; but we hope that by well-doing we shall put to silence the ignorance of foolish men. The brethren, Way, Rowe, and others had much to contend with, and can we expect to be more favoured than they?

15th. "Hope deferred maketh the heart sick; but when the desire cometh it is a tree of life." We have been desiring and longing for the south-east trade-winds; now the desire is come,

and we are averaging from 7 to 8 knots an hour. Glory to God for the wind, which both wafts us on, and is in this torrid zone abundantly refreshing. We crossed the equator about 5 o'clock this afternoon, at 25° W. lon. and shortly after sunset the sailors commenced playing the old game of washing, shaving, and be-smearing with tar sundry persons who had not heretofore crossed the line. All the males had either to submit to this ordeal, or pay the fine of a half-crown, excepting such as had entered the holy "estate of matrimony." How long will people submit to such indignity. 17th. We are going on delightfully; the breeze is steady and constant. may I as steadily and constantly pursue the track leading to the heavenly Zion. I spoke to the people last evening from Luke xviii. 13. Rather a heavy season. O for more of the heavenly fire!

20th. I thought to-day that I should like my friends in dear old England to be here, and look at these beautiful blue waters. I know they would be struck with the sight. How often is religious emotion awakened within me while beholding the wonderful works of God. "Teach me by this stupendous scaffolding, Creation's golden steps, to climb to thee. Lat 13° 22's.

22. All I have to record to-day is, 1. The trade winds continue to blow, 2. During the last seven days we have been wafted over nearly 1200 miles of these mighty waters.

3. The sun is nearly over our head at noon; we shall soon be out of the tropics. Lat 18° 43's.

23rd. (Sunday) I am neither tired of the sea, nor dissatisfied with myself for taking the steps I have in reference to the foreign work; though to be on board ship so long requires no ordinary degree of patience. I both see and feel my unworthiness and weakness, and groan beneath the burden. I hope however I shall have sufficient grace to enable me to serve the cause of Christ among the people with whom I have the honour to be identified. The dear brethren and friends at home often spring up before the eye of my mind, especially on the holy Sabbath, when they go into the tabernacles of the Most High, and worship Him in the beauty of holiness. Happy day! Blessed employment! O that all mankind would come to these living waters! Blessed Redeemer hasten the Jubilee of the world. Brother Lee has been ad

In

dressingthe people from Isaiah lii.13-15. 25th. I spent my last Christmas day in London, with Brother Hocking and some of our Queen-street friends: this, on the bosom of the great Atlantic, 26 degrees south of the equator. comparing the two I find the former to be far more pregnant with joy and good feeling than the latter, though the scenes witnessed to-day and last evening will not I think be without their use to me in my future career as an ambassador of Christ. Yes

terday afternoon, a first class passenger, a spirit merchant by profession, privately conveyed some of his "liquid fire" to the forecastle and had evidently ready custom there; for in a short time the sailors just like himself became drunk and noisy, yea, uproarious, while their mouths were full of cursing and bitterness. On obtaining knowledge of what was going on the Captain at once arrested this great worshipper of Bacchus in his deep devotion, and severely reprimanded him for his conduct. The following is just a sample.-"Sir, I never witnessed a meaner thing than a first class passenger, and a gentleman, going to the forecastle for such a purpose.' -"You have no right to take any thing of that kind to my sailors without my knowledge."-" I am master of this ship, sir, and shall see to it that the principles of temperance and sobriety be carried out."-Query. Are not many precious lives lost at sea in consequence of strong drink? Had a sudden storm overtaken us with so much canvass on the results might have been most fearful, as only a few of the sailors were fit for duty. To-day the poor inebriates have been gradually getting to themselves, but every thing seems unhinged and out of order.

So uninviting did things appear, that I abandoned, though very reluctantly, the idea of holding a public service. The prince of darkness however was not idle, he strove hard to get up a dance, and had as a leader a woman half intoxicated. If I ever prayed that a hook might be put in the enemy's jaws it was then, and thank God my desire was granted! The leader, notwithstanding her persuasive eloquence, failed in all her attempts, and finally went below not a little mortified. O that I may be clear of the blood of this people! We passed the tropic of Capricorn yesterday morning. The weather is fine, and the wind favourable.

29th. The mad freak of Tuesday is passed away, and things generally have

again found their level. God grant that teetotalism may soon achieve her anticipated victories. The wind has been contrary the last two days which has necessitated us to go a few points out of our right course.

31st. Time! Time! fleeting time. Another year is gone, gone to return no more. O my soul humble thyself on account of the non-improvement of many of its precious hours.-Covenant thyself anew with God-let thy earnest cry be,

"My spirit, soul, and flesh receive,

A holy, living sacrifice."

The brethren and friends at home will soon be engaged in their watchnight services. O how I should like to be with them! Nothing on earth would yield such sweet delight. Last evening a goodly number listened to some observations grounded on 1 Kings, xiv. 13. If all the seed fell by the way side, it yielded some benefit to the sower. Lat. 33° 51'-Long 20° 0′ W.

January 1st, 1856. I had been expecting a rattling, noisy time at the expiration of the old year, but was pleasingly disappointed: all were exceedingly quiet. This morning the usual salutation, "I wish you a happy new year," went very freely round among the people. In giving the usual reply, I inwardly prayed they might all understand that man cannot be truly happy till his heart is changed :"Till all things shall have passed away,

And all things new become." God grant that the year 1856 may be to our beloved Connexion and to the universal church of Christ, a year of unprecedented prosperity.

2nd. A bright and sunny morning is sometimes followed by a dull and cloudy evening. Joy on the New Year's morn beamed on many a countenance on board our ship, but before night's shadows fell upon us there was much consternation and alarm. About 5 o'clock P'M., with a fair breeze, going full 7 knots an hour, our ship struck upon an invisible something (probably a rock) and jutted and grated her way over it, shaking meanwhile as though she was going to pieces. I suppose it was about the space of one minute from the time she struck before she got clear off. It is scarcely necessary for me to say that there was a great panic on board; the most trifling for once in their life became serious, and turned pale with fear. The Captain gave orders to shorten sail, to get ready the boats, and work the pumps. Anxious