be necessary that each person in the church would contribute an amount not less than one shilling at a time-and that the recipient shall keep a fair account of monies he receives, and the manner of disbursements, for presentation to this Annual Assembly, or any committee appointed by them for the purpose, and that each case should be agreed upon, and recommended by the Annual Meeting or Local Board; and that each church asking aid must be able to show that it is settled by title deed on the Society, properly vested in trustees, and also that they have advanced one-fourth the estimated work of the building proposed.

The subject matter of an agent's appointment from the board in America to labor in this island being introduced, whereupon a long discussion took place, in which all present engaged, it was resolved

That as it is very probable an agent may be appointed and sent out from America to labor in the Jamaica Mission, this meeting hails with unqualified joy and pleasure the appointment and arrival of such an agent, as it cannot fail to do great good to the cause of Christ among us in this land; but in the meantime this meeting feels it right to express it as their conviction, that if in case such an agent be not appointed and sent out from the board, and that such appointment is contemplated to be made from among the native brethren, that no one should be appointed unless he has previously been actively engaged in the work of the ministry, and that he be first recommended by the Annual Meeting of the "Jamaica Christian Association, auxiliary to the "American Christian Missionary Society." (Passed with two dissenting voices.)

The progress of the brotherhood in Great Britain, &c. being brought under discussion, and much joy elicited from their success, it was resolved

That we unitedly tender to our brethren in Great Britain our sincere best wishes and prayer for their prosperity in the work of the Lord; and with a view of meeting the request made by them, that reports should be forwarded them from churches in the colonies, we would request that all and every such reports be given for their special information and publication in their missionary notices.

Resolved

That we hereby beg to convey to our brethren in the United States the sentiments of our deepest regret for the iniquitous rebellion now passing away happily,

Harbinger, Sept. 1, '65.

by which their noble country has been commotionised and their resources crippled

and entertain the hope that under God they may soon be made to fully develope His salvation, in causing the wrath of man to praise Him, and the down-cast and oppressed to go free! And that we tender through this medium, our sincere thanks for their kind consideration, rememberance, and assistance to the Mission in Jamaica and trust they shall soon be enabled, under God, to spread it throughout the country, in affording the means in order to its consummation.

Passed unanimously.

Having arrived at a late hour, halfpast 12 o'clock P.M. it was moved by D. Dick, and seconded by T. Scott, that the minutes of the assembly that have been read be confirmed. The convention was moved to an adjournment, to meet on the 9th of May next ensuing.

LETTERS FROM JAMAICA.

CHRISTIAN MOUNT, JAMAICA. Dear Bro. King,-'Tis a long time since I promised myself the treat of writing to you and also sending on a brief report of the work of the Lord in my immediate sphere of labor, and so far as practicable afford information of the progress of the cause generally.

The church at the above place was ga. thered originally by me when in connec tion with the Wesleyans; but as soon as I was brought to see the "good old way," I at once relinquished my connection with them and united myself, together with

Harbinger, Sept. 1, '65.

eight members baptized with me by Bro. Beardslee, of the Christian church. Since then I have gone on with the few, and now, under God, we number fifty-four accredited members, with a small class of candidates under instruction, whom we expect shortly to immerse into the Lord.

This church would have been doubled in membership but for the falling down of our temporary place of worship, which from the hard times we are not yet able to rebuild. We have just commenced a building 36 feet by 16, and the frame of the house is nearly up. This work has been in hand over eighteen months, and we have been unable to go further with it for want of means; but we hope, however, to get along and bring it to completion by August ensuing. We are very poor, and in our endeavor to consummate so grand an object we feel ourselves constrained to solicit your aid, be it ever so small. Ask the good brethren and sisters to aid us in the cause at once, so that the Lord's work may not be hindered for this slender, but yet so necessary help. I look with increasing impatience to hear from you on the subject, and all matters of interest in the cause.

We have a place at Oxford, where there are 16 members; but from the uncertain tenure by which the people hold their lands and provision grounds, and the constant distress of them by their landlord's cattle, they have been gradually removing away to other places; but we shall keep up the services there, and hope yet good may be effected with those who remain and others who are likely to come over, as they are hearing the proprietor is intending to sell the outlying lands.

I have commenced another place at St. Thomas ye Vale, called Lebanon. We have seven members there-two from the Baptists, two from the Wesleyans, and two removed from Oxford thither.

Yesterday, Lord's day, I visited the neighborhood of Bishop, by invitation of a Scotch lady living there, and spoke to a large company from Prov. xviii. 24. A good impression was made, and we hope to have a good cause there in a little time.

We keep a day and Sunday school at Christian Mount, numbering thirty pupils. At Oxford the day school numbers fifty. eight, and the Sunday school twenty. We are intending a day school at Bishop (D.V.) where we think success will surely follow, there being a very large population there and a quantity of children; and above all, they are apparently very willing and good people.

The cause generally is progressing, but the brethren are very badly off, notwithstanding the £100 they got from the breth

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ren in the United States. I must confess that things are really bad with me having a family to support and getting nothing from the board, as we have not been long reconciled from a dispute that arose some time ago with us. If the brethren could give me any little aid in money or clothing, &c. I shall be very thankful. The people do not subscribe as they ought, and this arises out of their ignorance as to their privilege and duty.

You will have got with this, no doubt, some copies of our printed Reports, and you will perceive that I have got a resolation through the meeting to furnish all reports to the English brethren, &c.

I shall not unduly protract my letter, as have some idea of the pressure of busi ness which may be on your hands, the which I share with you, but only in a smaller degree.

I am much pleased with your Harbinger, and would gladly receive a number per packet monthly, via Pear Tree Grove P. O. if you would indulge me for awhile in the payment of the subscription. If I could get some of your valuable tracts it would give a powerful impetus to the cause. I have asked the bretl ren in America for aid in this direction over and over again, and for some school books, but have failed in my appeals. Do your best for us. In conclusion. I desire to remain, dear Bro. King, your's in the one faith and hope of life eternal, which He that cannot lie hath promised, P. M. DINGWALL.

KINGSTON.

1 am

My dear Bro. King,-I need not say the amount of pleasure it affords me again to address you, and although I have not heard directly from you, yet I am persuaded that we and the cause of Christ are not forgotten by you and the brotherhood in this far-off island of the seas. anxious that a regular correspondence, so far as you are able, should be kept up, so that we may learn of each other's state and affairs, that we may the more effectually be enabled to represent and unbosom our joys and sorrows. We as a mission feel the necessity of, and could very greatly appreciate, the co-operation of all our Christian brethren everywhere, and trust that you will not be but inclined and willing to comply with our requests. It is a very long time that we have been alone, and although we have had to meet with very many privations as a Mission, and feel the want of a few more laborers to assist in this field-and by which means we have been prevented accomplishing as much as we would, the old Macedonian cry having come and is still coming up for help; yet we are laboring as hard and as constantly

as possible. I have had, and many others of the brethren, to preach three times on the Lord's day, travelling on horseback very nearly thirty miles which, when you take into consideration our very uneven and precipitous roads, unfits us for a day or two. We are really grateful to you for your highly appreciated and valuable periodical, and would like to know when we are to renew our subscriptions, Bro. Beardslee having neglected to inform us when the time would be up. I think a few others would like to become subscribers. Please attend to this for us without fail, for we should not wish to be deprived

Harbinger, Sept. 1. '65.

of its very interesting information and instruction in every particular. I have sent half-a-dozen of our last Reports, which you will please distribute at your discretion. Will you try to obtain subscribers among the brethren in England to help along the case here, as we require help? I must now come to a close with the hope that you, Bro. Tickle (to whom have me very kindly remembered), and the brethren are enjoying health and progressing in the good work of our common Master's cause. Your's in Christian bonds and the one hope, W. D. MADDIX.

July 10, 1865.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA. The audiences at St. George's Hall are deeply interesting. crowded to overflowing, hundreds having to stand during the service, yet the most profound attention is given. The earnest look, the quivering lip, and the tearful eye are often seen; while the number of persons who remain for conversation each evening prove that Jesus has not been preached in vain.

Since my report last month I have held two interesting meetings of a few days at Bulleen and Brighton; but my labors are so much increased by the prevailing inte rest in Melbourne, and the consequent large number of inquirers, that I find it impossible to visit the country churches as I should like and their wants require. "The harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few."

The brethren, both here (Victoria) and in South Australia, have sent to America for an evangelist. I trust there will be prompt responses to their appeals, and the right kind of men-faithful, devoted, and efficient men-will soon be on the way to this fruitful field.

Our young Bro. J. Webb is fitting himself for the work of an evangelist, and bids fair to be very useful. I heartily hope that the Lord will raise up other men, to meet our pressing necessity in this

far-off land.

young

The results of my labors, by the blessing of God, during the past month are twenty-three additions to the church of Christ at Melbourne-twenty-one by faith and baptism, and two by commendation, Our new chapel is being pushed rapidly

forward-the brickwork will be finished in about three weeks. Next week I expect (p.v.) to make a visit to Ballarat, to open the new chapel built in that flourishing town. Yours in Christ,

HENRY S. EARL.

LEICESTER.

Last Lord's day five were received into fellowship-three by immersion, one from the Baptists, and one restored. Another was baptized on Monday night. T. L.

Obituary.

DEPARTED IN THE BLESSED HOPE, F. W. FROST, at Thetford, Norfolk, aged 37. Formerly associated with the Wesleythe will of Christ by letters and tracts ans, he was brought to see more clearly from a member of the church in Camden Town. About twelve years ago he came been zealous in endeavouring to spread to London to be baptized, and has since the truth. He collected a few in church capacity, but not possessing much ability in public speaking, together with the giving way of his health which necessitated his leaving his native town, they were after a zealous labors have been attended with few months dispersed. Doubtless his

more good than can be seen on the surface. Till within a few days of our late Annual Meeting he expressed a hope of being present with the brethren in London; but on Lord's day, July 30th, he suffered another attack of hemorrhage on the lungs. I saw him on Tuesday, August 1st, cheerful and happy with hopes of convalescence, and strong in faith that all things God would work together for his good. On Friday morning. August 18th, he suffered another attack, and at 7 o'clock he calmly and peacefully breathed his

last.

W. L.

GEORGE A. REED, of Dundee, on the 5th of August, 1865, a young brother of considerable promise, who some four years ago came from America. A severe cold taken a year since terminated in consump

Harbinger, Sept. 1, '65.

tion and death. His mind was clear and comprehensive, his heart tender and sympathising. His labors in the church and for the truth were beginning to be felt by the brethren generally, and his removal will be severely lamented. We have lost a true man, a God-fearing Christian, and one always forward to promote the welfare of the church.

MARGARET PAGE, St. Helens, on the 29th July, aged 24 years, after an illness

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of only a few days. She was a pattern of exemplary piety, and a fervent lover of the institutions of the Lord's house. She trusted in the merits of her Saviour above for salvation. It was her delight to sing, "Jesus is all I wish or want; For Him 1 pray. I thirst, I pant; Let others after earth aspire, Christ is the treasure I desire. Possessed of Him, I wish no more ; He is our ali-sufficient store: To praise Him all my powers conspireChrist is the treasure I desire "

In the July number of the Bibliotheca Sacra is an article by Prof. Hackett on "The first eleven chapters of Genesis attested by their contents." In the course of it, he mentions the local tradition respecting the Babylonian Tower (Babel) which Mr Oppert, one of the most learned of the European savans, has recently brought to light. It is met with in one of the cuneiform inscriptions, as deciphered by him, found on a cylinder which Rawlinson discovered among the ruins of Babylon. Thewriting purports to be from Nebuchadnezzar, and among other things says: "The temple of the seven lights of the earth (the planets,) the original edifice of Borsippa, was built by an ancient King; since then are reckoned forty-two generations; but the summit he did not finish. The men had abandoned it (the structure) after the flood, because they found their words confused. The earthquake and thunder had shattered the bricks, and torn down the casings of burnt tiles, and the materials of the walls were thrown together and formed hills. The great God, Merrdach, had put into my heart to build it again; I have not changed the place and have not disturbed the foundations. In the month of Salvation, on the auspicious day, I have pierced the unburnt brick of the walls, and the burnt brick of the casings with arches. I have inscribed the glory of my name on the frieze of the

arches."

Prof. Hackett remarks, "If this interpretation of Oppert be confirmed, then we have two points here, in particular, which are very important. Among the ruins of Borsippa, the castle of the ancient Babylon, which lay on the southwest of the city between the outer and inner circle of the walls, is still found a hill of ruins, which the popular tradition calls Birs Nimrud (Nimrud's Tower) and also the Tower of Languages, and concerning which it affirms

tus.

that it is the ancient Tower of Babel. Modern scholars have naturally rejected this as a myth, and have seen there only remains of the temple of Belus, built by Nebuchadnezzar and destroyed by HerodoThis inscription now, if reliable, would show that both views are correct, inasmuch as Nebuchadnezzar built his temple purposely on the site of an ancient tower. The architectural document-for so we may term that inscription-gives the local tradition respecting that famous structure of ancient times, as still well known on the ground itself. The tradition of the country relates the substance of the matter in accordance with Genesis;

it is a vast edifice, which, in consequence of a great catastrophe, remains unfinished and from it dates the confusion of tongues.

-But not less remarkable is the chronological indication. King Nebuchadnezzar reigned B.C. 604-561, and the building of the Tower, according to Biblical chronology, is to be placed in the twenty-third The intervening century before Christ. period is about 1600 years, which agrees very well with the forty-two generations of the cylinder, if we allow thirty-five and forty years to each.

MORE THAN WE WANT, AND ALL FOR NOTHING.

"So you won't give me anything." "You needn't put it in that way. I have got nothing to give," said old Allan Barrow. "Nobody gives to me. I get nothing but what I work for and pay for, and its rather hard to come upon such folks. You should go to them, as you may say, that gets plenty for nothing and have more than they want."

"And old Allan Barrow leaned both his elbows on his garden fence, and turned away from the person he spoke to. The person to whom he spoke was a greyheaded man, in workman's clothes. He carried a little book in one hand, and in the other held a pencil, ready to write.

"You have told me of two sorts of people," said Silas Pyne, "that I don't expect to meet with those that have nothing but what they pay for, and those that have more than they want."

"Very likely," said Allan; "but there's some of both in the world, for all that. I've got nothing but what I pay for, but I haven't got more than I want."

Silas smiled and shook his head. "What d'ye shake your head at?" asked Allan gruffly.

"Why at the mistake you are in, friend, in thinking you pay for everything," answered Silas.

"Make it out that its a mistake, and I'll give you leave to put me down five shillings in your book," said Allan.

"Thank you," said Silas; "but before I begin to do it will you just give me a draught from your well? Its the best water anywhere about."

"That it is," answered Allan readily, getting a cup for him; "and its a prime thing for me, that can't drink much of anything else."

Aye; what should we do without water," said Silas, taking a deep draught, "when you come to think how it comes into all the things that keep life together?" "Oh, its wonderful useful !" replied Allan; may be the most useful thing in

life."

"As to that," said Silas, "We could'nt live in it, though we couldn't live well without it. Air, good fresh air, is the thing we couldn't by any means do with

out.

"And for that," said Allan, "you'll never have finer than this that blows over the common. I take it its worth ten years of life to be in good air."

"You are right there," said Silas, "and I should say you're a proof of it. You look as firm as a rock and as red as a rose. "Not amiss," said Allan; 66 never knew much about sickness."

"And yet you've lived many years," said Silas.

"Just up to my threescore and ten," answered Allan, nodding.

Silas began to write in his book. "What are you putting down?" asked Allan.

"Your name for five shillings," said Silas. "Didn't you say that I should have it if I could prove that you had things more than you want that you neither work for nor pay for ?"

"Yes, but you've never begun to do that yet," said Allan.

"What do you pay for air?" asked Silas

"Pooh! nonsense!" said Allan.
"For water?" said Silas.
"Pooh!" said Allan again.

Harbinger, Sept. 1. '65

"For health, and having been brought through threescore years and ten ?" continued Silas.

"Oh as to them-of course we never count up the things that God gives us," said Allen. "I wasn't thinking of them."

"No, friend; few people do think of them," said Silas. "The best blessings -I mean of those belonging to this life -are such as cannot be bought with silver or gold; and they are freely given to the rich and poor without any difference-yes, and more than they wantand are taken as matters of course, without any praise or thanks to the Giver. Come, now I have shewn you that you don't pay for the things that you couldn ́t live without, and I could tell you of many more."

"Well," said Allen, putting his hand in his pocket, "I'm not against giving you a trifle, but I didn't know you was going to talk that way when I said about the five shillings."

"Name your own sum," said Silas. "Give what you will, it must be trifling, looking at what you have received. I've told you of four blessings that the bank couldn't buy; aren't they worth a shilling apiece?"

Old Allen smiled, and taking out two half crowns-"Well, and there's a fifth that's worth another; and that's a friend that is faithful to mind one of one's duty; so you needn't scratch out my namehere's the five shillings."

BE NOT WEARY.

CHRIST Continued working while He continued living His life and labor ended together. He fainted not in flis last work. Nay, the greatest work He ever did in this world was His last work. Oh, be like Christ in this; be not weary of well-doing. Give not over the work of God, while you can move hand or tongue to promote it. And see that your last works be more than your first. Oh, let the motions of your soul after God be, as all natural motions are, swiftest when nearest the centre. Say not it is enough, while there is any capa city of doing more for God. In these things, Christians, be like your Saviour. -Flavel.

WANTS.

WE want a Christianity that is Christian across counters, over dinner tables, behind your neighbor's back as in his face We want a Christianity that we can find in the temperance of the meal, in moderation of the dress, in respect for authority, in amiability at home, in veracity and sim. plicity in mixed society. We want fewer gossiping, slandering, gluttonous, peevish, conceited, bigoted Christians.