at Theopolis; and was sorry to find Mrs. Barker so indisposed, that Brother Barker could find no liberty to proceed to Lattakoo. Brother Ulbricht, although very weak, was much better than he had been. 13th. I left Theopolis early, by the new road, supplied with fresh oxen, and rode to the first military post; and before day-light we proceeded, and arrived in the night at Sunday's River, where we found our cattle from Bethelsdorp. They said the Sunday's River was high; and that two of our members had lost part of a waggon, in attempting to cross it that day, likewise their clothes, and almost their own lives. I found Brother Sl nger here with the cattle belonging to Brother Messer: he was very lively; has, by his own assiduity learned to read the Bible; and gets great support from it. We went on to the river; but found it too deep to pass till near sun-set, when, having considerably sunk, we ventured, and got thro'; but not without some danger. The stream was so strong, that it took down the oxen and the waggons: they did not overturn; but every thing in the waggons was wet. We arrived at Bethelsdorp about one in the morning. 17th. We waited on the Landrost, Col. Cuyler, who was much delighted at our relation, and offered every assistance, &c. The Mission to the Caffres has at present several advantages, which it never had before: 1st, Their conquest by the English has had a good effect;2dly, The preaching of Makanna, although very defective, and, in some things, inconsistent, has had a wonderful effect, and prepared the minds of the Caffres ; 3dly, The assistance of our young chief Tzatzoo, and several pious and zealous Hottentots from Bethelsdorp, understanding the Caffre language, one of whom is a smith; 4thly, On the part of Government. The Caffres having refused to assist the Boors in the late rebellion, Government is anxious to take the advantage of this instance of good-will, and is ready to give every assistance; and has even offered to send a cargo of different articles for bartering. We were much disappointed with Caffraria, in consequence of the reports that were generally given of its fertility. Except on the mountains behind Geika's residence, there is little timber in the country. The grass, in many places, is scarce; and where it is rather plentiful, on the west side of the Keiskamma River, it is very sour. There is in general a scanty supply of water. Somerset, Keiskamma, Chumie, The and Cat Rivers, are the only streams of any importance. Those who reside on the borders of these rivers are well sup plied; but the rest of the Caffres must be dependent on rains to fill their ponds or little lakes. The Somerset and Cat Rivers may be led out with effect; but the Keiskamma and Chumie have high banks, and the ground on the banks of the first very hilly. We were astonished to see so few cattle in Caffraria, and were at a loss to know how a large kraal could subsist; and considering their customs and manner of living, we did not much wonder at their propensity to stealing. They are accustomed to live on animal food; and it would be impossible they could subsist long on their own. Their game they seem to have destroyed. We did not see one elk; a very few spring bucks, a few other small ones, such as duikers; perhaps sixty in the whole, in Caffraria; and a few hartebeests. We supposed that one object of getting cattle from the colony, is for the sake of the skins, for carosses, as many of the Caffres were badly off, and others had them of sheepskins, which formerly they would not wear. If growing corn and wearing clothes can be introduced, the temptation to stealing may be done away. We took an occasion of telling Geika, that he knew in what a state the Hottentots were before Jankanna and myself joined them, having then had nothing; but now they have waggons, oxen, cattle, horses, &c. in abundance, without stealing. The climate of Caffraria, or the manner of living of the Caffres, must be very healthy. We saw only one sick person in the whole country. We saw one dwarf; but scarcely another deformed person in all our journey. Makanna may be very useful or very injurious: it is doubtful whether he is a changed man or not; he seems to have been a peculiar person from a child. — When a boy, he was among the farmers, and speaks a little Dutch. It is evident that he has learned much of what he knows from Mr. Vanderlingen; and seems to have a good memory. He is a stout handsome man, and commands respect: he makes the Caffres believe he is a very great man; and seems under the temptation to be pleased that the Caffres thick there is something miraculous in his doings. Hoping, however, for the best, and praying that the Gospel may strike deep-rooted in that country, I remain your ready Servant in the Gospel, J. READ, RICHARD REYNOLDS, Esq. Died, on Monday, Sept. 10, 1816, at Cheltenham, in his 81st year, the truly venerable Richard Reynolds, a member of the Society of Friends, who, full of faith, of days, of riches, and of honour, was gathered to his fathers, as a shock of corn fully ripe. His Christian benevolence was not confined to the numerous charitable institutions of Bristol, but was co-extensive with the habitable globe. His influential example has given the tone to the philanthropic exertions of his fellow citizens, who will long retain an emulation of his virtues. In the spring of this year, his anxious friends thought they saw in his countenance, indications of declining health; he was, indeed, about this time, frequently complaining of weakness, and Loss of appetite. In May, he was very unwell from a cold, but had nearly recovered it, when a bilious attack reduced him considerably, and did not permanently yield to medical skill. Seeing this, he was urged to try the waters at Cheltenham, to which he submitted, evidently to satisfy his friends; for his mind was fixed on the probability that the complaint would terminate his earthly pilgrimage, and with this view he frequently expressed himself quite satisfied, having brought his mind to a dependance only on the mercy of God in Christ Jesus. He went to Cheltenham, August 7th, and continued, with but little variation as to his disorder, till Sept. 6th, (walking and riding out every day, and even driving the carriage himself, accompanied by his daughter or cousin only) on which day he walked out before breakfast, but soon after became much weaker, and towards evening declined rapidly. On Sunday, the 8th, however, he revived so much, as to give hopes that it would be possible to remove him to Bristol the next day, the prospect of which had before appeared to be agreeable to him. But these hopes were disappointed; he sunk again in the course of that night, never to revive. For many years, he had not been confined to his bed a whole day; and during this illness, he got up, and sat at table with the family at all their meals, till Monday, his last day, when he was induced by his friends to lie in bed till the afternoon; then he arose, drank tea with them in another room, and went to bed at his usual time. At five o'clock next morning, an alteration for the worse appearing in his breathing, some of his relatives, who had retired for a while, were called to him; but none of them thought his end so near. He had before XXIV. desired that his daughter would be with him at his close; and now, about six o'clock, raising himself a little, he signified that she should go to the other side of the bed; when, turning on his side, and taking her hand in his, and pressing it, he quietly, and almost imperceptibly, expired!- A silence, which can hardly be described, pervaded the room, no one quitting the awful scene for more than an hour. "Know ye not that there is a prince and a great man fallen this day in Israel?" A few days previously to this event, after something consolatory had been administered by a dear female friend, he said," My faith and hope are, as they have long been, on the mercy of GoD, through JESUS CHRIST, who was the propitiation for my sins, and not for mine only, but for the sins of the whole world." During his illness, he was exceedingly placid and kind to every body; his countenance and conduct indicating that all within was peace.---No alarm, no regret at leaving a world in which no one perhaps had more of its real blessings to relinquish--the love, the veneration of all around him; but, on the contrary, a willingness to yield up his spirit to him who gave it, and had sanctified it by the blood of the Redeemer. On Tuesday, the 18th, soon after eight in the morning, about five hun. dred boys, from the benevolent schools of St. James and St. Paul, and the Royal Lancastrian School, formed in two open colunins, extending from each side of the good man's late dwelling, across St. James's Square. On the appearance of the remains of the deceased, the boys pulled off their hats, and stood uncovered till the procession had passed. Their youthful artlessness formed a pleasing contrast to the sorrowful countenances of the surrounding poor, who filled the area of the square, and lined the streets, eager to testify their last tribute of respect to their common benefactor. Most of the shops in the streets through which the procession passed were shut. In the characteristic and primitive simplicity of the funeral of a Friend all is natural, solemn, and impressive. About seventy relatives of the deceased followed in mournful procession, who were joined by many males and females of the Society of Friends, and also by above three hundred of the most respectable of his fellow-citizens, of various religious denominations, in mourning: among whom were noticed, Aldermen Daniel, Fripp, and Birch, Mr. Sheriff Barrow, and other members of the corporation; J. Butterworth, Esq. M. P. several of the resident clergymen, and dissenting 3 L ministers of different persuasions; the gentlemen of the committees of the Bible Society, the Infirmary, the Dispensary, the Samaritan, the Prudent Man's Friend, and the British and Foreign School Societies; the Orphan Asylum, the Blind Asylum, the Benevolent Schools of St. James and St. Paul, the Penitentiary, the Strangers' Friend, the Friend in Need, and of several other charities; of many of which, till within a few months of his decease, Mr. Reynolds was an active member and liberal benefactor. To the credit of the attending thousands, the strictest decorum and silence were maintained. Amidst the tolling of several of the church bells, the procession reached the grave yard of the Friends' Meeting House in the Friars, in Rosemary Street, where, after placing the remains of the deceased over the grave, a solemn stillness, a silence that might be felt, ensued. Several male and female Friends, in orderly and timely succession, addressed the spectators, reminding the survivors of the vanity of all things below; warning them not to put their trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, after the example of their deceased friend; to evidence their faith by their works, disclaiming all merit in them, considering themselves but as stewards, who must soon render an account of their stewardship, and be accepted by the Father, through the alone merit of the Son, and the sanctifying influences of the Holy Spirit. These services were closed with a very fervent and appropriate prayer. and if the gates of heaven had been closed, and fire lanes of hell extinguished, he would have loved mercy, and delighted in acts of charity! He laid claim to no distinctions, assumed no airs of superiority, and never attempted to catch the public eye, lence. His goodness often descended in secret, and by an ostentations display of extraordinary excellike the Providence of Heaven, concealed the hand light, and would have no man know it. But he could that sent the refier.-He was a burning and a shining not be hid. To hide goodness like his was impossible. How have I seen the good man shrink within himthe binsh of modesty, when the mention of his selt, and his venerable countenance crimsoned with name has been hailed in this place with a thunder of applause! "His charity was of heavenly origin, and bore the impress of his Maker's image. It was derived from an immediate union with the greatest of all beings, and the fountain of all happiness; and as the mind naturally assimilates itself to those objects with which it is familiarly conversant, by immediate intercourse with his God, he caught the resemblance of his glory. For God is love; and he that dwelleth in love, dwelleth in God, and God in him. His body was the temple of the Holy Ghost; built indeed with a lowly roof, but at tended with Cherubim and Seraphim.-There an altar was erected to the living God, whence thre flaine of devotion, and the incense of praise, ascended, day and night. In that temple, as in the Jewish sanctuary, the Shekinah, the visible symbol of a present Deity, was enshrined above the mercy all around. In his measure he was filled with the seat, and occasionally shone forth, and shed a glory fulness of God." Mr. Thorp was followed by J. Butterworth, Esq. M. P. who gave a testimony equally strong to the benevolence and piety of the deceased, adding the following anecdote, as of his own knowledge. When the first subscription was opened to relieve the distress in Germany, I took some part in that instituI had some conversation with Mr. Reytion. Being in Bristol soon afterwards, nolds on the subject. He made many judicious observations and enquiries as to mode of distribution, which served as the nature of the distress, and the best valuable hints to the Committee in London. He then modestly subscribed a moderate sum with his name; but shortly after, the Committee received a blank letter, having the post mark of Bristol, and enclosing a Bank of England bill, for five hundred pounds." Smith, The other speakers were, Pole, and Dr. Stock. Wednesday, Oct. 2, a numerous and respectable meeting took place at the Guildhall, Bristol, for the purpose of forming a charitable institution, to perpetuate the memory of the late distinguished philanthropist, Richard Reyholds," J. Haythorne, Esq. Mayor, in the Chair. On this occasion, the Rev. Mr. Thorp delivered a speech of uncommon eloquence, which was received with enthusiastic approbation. We should have been happy to have inserted the copious statement we have received, but we must make room for one paragraph, under the patronage of the Mayor and The proposed institution was formed, referring to his religious character.-"All this prudence and benevolence was adorned Corporation, the Dean of Bristol, and with modesty and humility. So far was he from other respectable gentlemen, to be called, being inflated with the pride of wealth, that he spoke The Reynolds Commemoration Society." the genuine sentiments of his heart, when he said to W. Fripp, Esq. Treasurer, and the Sea friend who applied to him with a case of distress, My talent is the meanest of all talents-a little cretaries, J. G. Smith, G. Fisher, jun. -sordid dnst; but the man in the parable, who had and J. M. Gritch. Among the Combut one talent, was accountable, and for the talent that I possess, humble as it is, I am also accountable mittee, we observed the names of the to the great LORD of ALL. His bounty was not Rev. Messrs. Biddulph and Day, Drs. trembles under the scourge of a hanghty tyrant. It Ryland and Estlin, &c. as proofs that it was not excited by the prospect of remuneration, was no concern of any party. Nearly nor extorted by the dread of punishment, nor per £400. was immediately put down as dokingdom of heaven. All such sentiments he rejected nation, and above £100. as annual subwith abhorrence-placed his whole dependance for scriptions. eternal life upon the Sovereign Mercy of GOD, the result of fear, like the obedience of a slave who formed with a view to merit an inheritance in the through the propitiating sacrifice of his Redeemer; [ Some further Anecdotes of Mr. Reynolds in our next.] Essays in Rhyme on Morals and Manners, by Jane Taylor, Author of Dis play, &c. 12mo. 6s. We have had repeated occasions to pay our respects to this lady, and indeed to the whole family to which she belongs, as having devoted talents of a superior order to the service of evangelical religion. The volume before us makes a nearer approach to the style, the manner, and the sentiments of Cowper, than any thing we have seen since his decease. It has his ease, variety, and simplicity; the archness of his satire, and his decided attachment to truth and piety. We ---Crossing the poet's sacred haunt, behold, In that fine shade, St. Something's church and trees; The bright reflection on the gothic pane; Nurs'd up and cherish'd with the fondest care, Who takes his cross and follows Christ the Lord. That persecution, which whoever will Love Jesus Christ in truth, shall suffer still; A Charge delivered to the Clergy of the 66 additional suggestions; and in the first place on the nature of our public ministrations," in which he shews that the mere " punctual performance of duty will not suffice; upon the nature and spirit of its performance, (says Dr. R.) your ministerial character and success depend." The worthy prelate then refers to what he terms "the distinguishing privileges of the ministry-the form of prayer, and series of public services; these he not only extols, as might be expected, but extols at the expence of those who do not use them; for he "It has been admirably THIS primary charge commences with a high eulogium of the prelate who preceded Dr. Ryder in this diocese, and a modest claim to the good opinion of the clergy. He observes, that the object of a charge consists in general exhortation, and in appropriate instruction, and admonitions suited to peculiar circumstances. On the first, he presumes to offer to the clergy nothing new; but would stir up their pure minds by way of remembrance, observes, referring them to the directions of St. said, that, if we were to compare the Paul to his first bishops, Timothy prayers used in the 10,000 churches of and Titus,” and to that solemn day the country during each Sabbath of the when every servant of Christ must give year, with the contemporary prayers an account of himself to his great in other places of worship, we should Master. The bishop then addresses an excellent series of questions to the consciences of his clergy, which are to the following effect: "Am I the very messenger, watchman, and steward of my Lord, which I was ex. horted, and which I promised to be, in my ordination vows? As a messenger, instant in season and out of season,' in sounding the message and call of my God in every ear that will hear: as a watch man on my post, on the alert, endeavour ing to ward off every danger, to scize every opportunity of duty: as a steward, wisely and faithfully dispensing the blessed mysteries 'committed to me, so that, He that gathereth little shall have no lack? Am I the good shepherd, guid ing, feeding, guarding, rearing when young, directing when at riper years, supporting and cherishing when old, the flock over which I am appointed overseer --regarding their souls, not as worthless or insignificant, but as a treasure of infinite value entrusted to my charge, even the purchase of Christ's death, and the price of his blood, his spouse, and his body?" With much more to the same purpose, well calculated to rouse the ministers of the church to serious examination and diligent exertion. His lordship proceeds to offer some be constrained to fall down upon our "Be His lordship condescends to advert briefly to some ministers who have lately seceded from the church, and adopted erroneous doctrines. ware," says he, "of this (Antinomian) error, which, however it may have sprung up upon this occasion, in well intentioned and pious persons, is, we must fear, but a snare of the devil, and an awful wresting of Scripture, to the destruction of those who hear." His next allusion is to the late con * See our last Number, p. 399. |
