feeling the honour of the character of that distinguished man, and cherishing gratitude to God, who endowed him with a spirit for the Missionary service? Who, again, can think without affection of one now living-the venerable James Read, more than threescore years and ten, and, as a missionary, junior to Dr. Vanderkemp only by two years-enjoying a green old age, and labouring to-day with as much assiduity and zeal as he did the first hour that he set his foot upon African soil? Who, again, can ever forget the man that we have lately seen-Robert Moffatt, whose honour it has been to give the Word of God in a new language to people far beyond the boundaries of the Colony, and who, if he were now called to his rest-(and God preserve his valuable life many years!)-would have wrought, in a few years, a work that shall render him immortal among the Churches of the Bechuanas as long as Christianity and piety shall exist on the earth?

But in sending our dear brother Freeman to South Africa, we are brought into near position and tender sympathy with our venerable friend Dr. Philip: were he what he was when he went out thirty years ago, probably the mission of our dear brother would be altogether superfluous. But he is now bordering on seventy-four years of age: he is still vigorous in mind, but feeble, and growing feebler, in point of physical power. He has most earnestly entreated the Directors, that, before he is called to his rest, he may have from amongst them some kindred spirit to whom he may give his last thoughts and his most fervent wishes in relation to the future progress of the Gospel in the land of his adoption. There are, as you may suppose, from the wide extension of our Mission, new interests continually arising, and some times perplexed questions that need to be ad justed. You will remember that, under the influence of such events, the late John Campbell went out in the year 1812, and made a second visit in the year 1818. Great were the advantages resulting from his temporary mission; and if, when our labours were so restricted, such a measure were necessary, you will easily suppose that now, when they are so much more enlarged, extended, and multifarious, it is requisite that we should send a friend who shall see with his own eyes, and hear with his own ears, and come back to his fathers and brethren to report to them what appears to be most desirable for the permanency and prosperity of the South African Mission.

This is simply the object for which my friend is now going forth. There are some particular things to which his attention will be immediately directed. How can Dr. Philip's lack of service, when he shall be removed to heaven, be best supplied? How can those Churches, that have now been in existence nearly half a century, be brought to

the practical exemplification of that great Christian principle-self-sustentation? How can the Gospel be extended among the aboriginal tribes, which become more and more numerous, and more and more barbarous, to the North? How can a Christian Ministry be raised up, and properly trained and qualified both for the Colony and the regions beyond it? How can Christian Education generally be best promoted, and especially promoted by the discharge of those parental duties which every parent owes to his child, in securing for him the benefits of intelligent and Christian tuition? These, and other topics that might be mentioned, will form some of the interesting and very important objects to which our brother's time, and attention, and labour will be devoted.

I do not say that his work will end with his visit to Africa. I venture to hope, that, by that day, the movements of God's providence and the voice of his mercy may be seen and heard near to Madagascar ; and in that case could our brother return from a land where he so long laboured with tokens of God's blessing, without at least glancing at the scene, and encouraging the noble confessors who have been ready to become also martyrs for the cause of Christ? But whether he shall be denied that high gratification or not, the scenes that await him in South Africa are sufficient to challenge the zeal and the self-denial of every Christian man; and in the blessings which, we doubt not, he will be honoured to accomplish, there will be an ample compensation for the sacri. fice and trial which he may be called to endure. Let me say, for myself and for my brethren connected with the Society, that we part with our dear friend with the deepest feelings of reluctance that it is a sacrifice of feeling and of interest on our part ; but we know that, on his part, he has other keener and dearer sacrifices to make; and, while we give him up for a great object, we are thank ful that he has been enabled, through God's gracious influence, to give himself up and those most near to him. We will follow him by our most affectionate sympathy, our deepest interest, and I hope, our humble, but be lieving prayers. We shall follow him across the mighty deep, and when he is travelling through the widely-extended deserts of that distant land, we have confidence concerning him, that God will protect and guide him, and make his way prosper; and if, in answer to our petitions, he shall be returned to us, and that at no distant period, then we will welcome him home with grateful hearts; and in the prospect of his return, we believe that God will render him eminently useful, not only to the Churches and Missionary brethren of South Africa, but in awakening, strengthening, and extending the spirit of Missionary zeal and benevolence among our Churches at home.

The Rev. J. HILL, of Clapham, having offered up the valedictory prayer,

The Rev. Dr. LEIFCHILD addressed Mr. Freeman and the Congregation to the following effect :-My dear friend and brother, I have complied with your request and that of the Directors, to address a few words to you on this most solemn and interesting occasion, not with any intention of presuming to counsel or advise you in the arduous undertaking to which you are called, but as an expression of my sympathy with you, and my esteem and affection for you. For a period of between twenty and thirty years it has been your lot to move in different stations, far and wide-it has been mine to remain stationary at two or three parts of this country. During that period you have been a Pastor, a Missionary, a representative of this Society in other lands, and of late one of its efficient and devoted Secretaries. In all these engagements you have been enabled to conduct yourself so as to secure the esteem and win the affection of all acquainted with your spirit and deportment. "Not I," I am persuaded you will say, "but the grace of Christ that was with me." I have known you in trials of a domestic character,-in separation from your beloved friends, for awhile from the partner of your days, in perils abroad, in perils on the mighty deep, and I now behold you meditating an undertaking which will renew some of those trials, and involve you in great responsibility.

It is not a light thing to represent such a body as the London Missionary Society in scenes and interests requiring supervision. The confidence reposed in you by the Direc tors in this undertaking is not easily to be overrated. When I think of the qualifications necessary for such an enterprise,-a constitution that can brave the danger of tempest and climate,-a temper steady and equable, not easily cooled in its ardour, nor at the mercy of caprice and impulse, -a shrewd insight into human nature,-a knowledge of different countries and their inhabitants, a sound theological knowledge,-a correct taste, combined with habits of business, a tact for financial matters,-above all, a long and intimate acquaintance with the proceedings of the Society,—an unconquerable zeal for its prosperity,-I do think that the choice of the Directors, when this mission was determined upon, could have fallen upon no individual so fully qualified for it as yourself. Although we do not live in the time when matters of this kind were determined by lot, and the will of God concerning persons delegated to a particular work was made known by that method, or by an audible and visible manifestation, yet still we have reason to believe that, by His operation on human minds and the conjunction of circumstances, those are not left in doubt and difficulty who look up to Him for direction. The concur

rence of the choice of the Directors, and your consent to engage in this work, make it clear to my mind that we have strong grounds to expect the sanction and benediction of Heaven. Although it is probable that the period of your absence may not be so extended as to forbid the hope of our seeing each other again in the flesh, yet I cannot forget that, at my time of life, it is by no means improbable that this may be the last time that I shall hear your voice, or utter to you my own. You go to serve your God in one direction, I remain to serve Him in another; and whether we shall meet together again at His footstool on earth or not, I trust we may cherish the humble hope that we shall meet at His throne in Heaven.

It is not a tour of pleasure and relaxation that you have to make. The demands upon your time and energies will be incessant. You will have to make yourself acquainted with the characters and labours of the Missionaries and Teachers in different countries and in different parts of the same country; to investigate facts; to balance evidence. You will have to ascertain the state of Missionary Institutions, and to consider whether it may not be desirable to substitute, for a general superintendence, district and financial Committees in correspondence with the Parent Society, and to collect such a body of information upon these and kindred subjects, from all sources, as shall enable the Directors in this country to be in a manner present with their agents in those distant lands, so as to give them the most suitable counsels and directions. Where misunderstandings may have arisen, what occasion will there be, on your part, for the exercise of patience, forbearance, impartiality, calm, deliberate judgment; to mediate so as to forfeit the esteem of none; and to obtain an acknowledgment from all of the justice and propriety of your decisions. This is no slight and easy task; and, with all your tact and experience, you will not be able to perform it without special assistance from above. I cannot forget the manner in which you discharged your delicate embassy to the West, and I advert to it to encourage the pleasing hope that, in your present enterprise, you will not be less successful.

One object of your mission, I am informed, will be to reduce as much as possible the expenditure of the Society, by urging upon the congregations abroad, and especially those which are made up, in great part, of European Residents, the duty of sustaining their own Churches, and of helping forward the great Missionary cause. It has been a strong gratification to my mind that the Directors have authorised you to assure Dr. Philip of their sympathy with him in the infirmities brought upon him by the service of the Society, and of their readiness to contribute the necessary funds for his support and

comfort, whether he return to this his own native country, or spend the remnant of his days where he now is. I am glad that the Directors have not, for fear of a splenetic outcry against the lavish expenditure of the Society, indulged here a niggardly parsimony. There are Christians who have been benefitted temporally and spiritually by the labours of God's servants, who, in strange contrast to the conduct of men of the world towards those who have toiled for them, would cast them off in old age, and forsake them when their strength faileth. I trust such persons will never find a justification for their conduct in that of the Directors of the London Missionary Society. But we live in times of great public embarrassment, and it behoves all Institutions to economise their means and expenditure to the utmost of their power, as this Society is doing; but even that may be overruled for good. It may lead them to turn their attention more earnestly than ever to the raising up of native teachers among the heathen, and the putting of the congregations formed there upon their own resources. Beyond that, I trust that your Society will never be crippled in its means. We must look to the wealthy Christians in our country, and hope that God may give them to feel the responsibility of riches, and the danger of setting their hearts upon them, so that they may respond to the calls addressed to them, and disburden themselves of their superfluous wealth by casting it into the treasury of the Lord: This is beginning to be the case; and some Christians in this country, of late, have been contributing to the cause of God at home and abroad, not by scores and fifties, but by hundreds and thousands. This Society, I believe, has been benefitted, during the past year, to some good amount, by a disposition of that kind.

An opportunity, it may be, will be presented for being again near to that island which was the early scene of your labours. You may find some remembrances of your labours there, and of those of your former colleagues. You will seize the occasion, if afforded, of promoting the re-opening of European intercourse with that island, and renewing the work, retarded, but not destroyed, for the evangelization of that land. Such a prospect, after what you have suffered in the disappointment of your former hopes, will cheer no heart like your own. My dear friend, we shall greatly miss you. Our Juvenile Society will deeply regret your absence. I doubt not that youthful hearts will be lifted up in prayer for you, and will rejoice in any tidings communicated from you through us to them. Dear friend, farewell! Think of us when you are on the bosom of the deep. Think of the affectionate and earnest prayers that have been offered up for you by this large congregation. Oh, that it may be your concern and mine, as I trust it is of all our brethren

here present, to take the language of the great Apostle for our motto: "That Christ may be magnified in my body, whether it be by life or by death."

The Rev. J. J. FREEMAN then delivered the following address:-In acceding to the wishes of beloved and honoured brethren in the Direction of our Missionary Society, to go forth as a Deputation from them to South Africa, many and varied thoughts and feelings have crowded into my heart. I have examined the reasons of the measure generally, and I am satisfied that the Directors do right in sending some one. I have weighed the reasons, as they apply to myself. I have looked at the duties, the difficulties, the responsibilities, and the dangers attendant on the service. I have sought counsel from above, and taken the advice of friends, and the result is declared in the service of this evening. I have placed myself at the disposal of our Directors, seeking to obey, not the dictates of mere inclination, but the voice of the Church and the call of Providence. I am reluctant to advert to myself in public, but, on this occasion, "necessity is laid on me," and, to omit it, would be discourteous towards you, who have so readily expressed your interest in the measure, and your sympathy with me. Of the importance of the measure itself, you will have formed your own judgment, from the explanations already given by my beloved colleague, Mr. Tidman, and my greatly esteemed brother and father, Dr. Leifchild. From the prospect of such a service, so distant from home, and involving so great a length of time, I might well shrink. But, I remember Him, who hath said, "Lo, I am with you always. My grace is sufficient for thee." I lean on His presence, His aid, and His care; and I have great confidence in the affectionate and cheerful co-operation of the Directors, and in the constant and believing prayers of the Churches on my behalf.

Hence, I am not looking forward to this service with any painful and disheartening apprehensions. On the contrary, there are many circumstances which render such a mission inviting. For me, the ocean has at tractions, and the voyage a charm. "They that go down to the sea, and have business in great waters, these see the wonders of the Lord in the deep." The seclusion of the voyage affords its golden opportunities for study, improvement, and usefulness; and, if the Father be with me, I shall not be alone, nor feel solitary amidst the wide expanse of waters. The Cape itself is a Colony I admire and love. It is a noble section of the British Empire. Its climate is delicious, its productions abundant, its fruits those of Eden, and its resources unlimited. It is a possession worthy the care of an enlightened Government, and the thoughts of the many thousands of our countrymen who contemplate emigration, as a wise and safe

measure for themselves and their rising fami lies. At the Cape, I can count many warmhearted friends, and already seem to feel the pressure of many a hand, and the cheer of many a smile. It is to me a home, and not a land of strangers. And then I anticipate much valuable intercourse with our venerable friend and father, Dr. Philip, whom I have known and loved for thirty-five years, and to whom, not only we, but all the Churches are indebted. And then, the large field of our South African Missions spreads out before me, both within and beyond the colonial boundary.

From that field have been gathered some of the earliest and fairest fruits of modern Missions. In my early youth, I remember the interest created by the visit of Mr. Kicherer with Mary, Martha, and John, three Hottentot Converts. Not only are our Missions there other labourers have entered the same field-there are now American, French, and German Missions in South Africa, and their various denominations, Episcopalian, Wesleyan, Presbyterian, Congregational. I hope to witness their labours, and rejoice in their successes, often saying with them, "Now thanks be unto God, who always causeth us to triumph in Christ." I deem it an honour to tread in the steps of Vanderkemp, Campbell, and Philip,-to go forth and see the work of God among Hottentots and Bushmen, Griquas and Corannas, Caffres and Bechuanas, Fingoes, Bassutos, and Zoolus; and to converse with Elliott, and Read, and Moffatt, and a host of faithful and devoted men, who have hazarded their lives for the name of the Lord Jesus. All these are refreshing points of interest to my mind, to which I may add the gratification of seeing a vast Colony rising daily into higher importance with the freshness of youth, yet combined with the experience of some maturity-its freedom of the Press, once ungraciously denied it-and its numerous educational and religious institutions. The Cape contains within itself all the essential elements of greatness, and unless some untoward circumstances arise, or a suspicious and illiberal policy be exercised towards it, that greatness must continue to develope itself, and the Colony become large, wealthy, powerful, and influential, as it ought to be. Under such circumstances, you will not be surprised that I look with deep interest on the mission now entrusted to me.

Suffer me to add one or two remarks relative to our Missions in Africa. You have heard that we have nearly forty brethren there, with thirty churches, and various institutions for the improvement of the people under their care. Some of these men are veterans in the

spiritual gift, such as, in an age when miracles and extraordinary gifts have long ceased, one Christian brother may, by his spirit and communion, convey to another. I go to carry to them also, as I am sure I may, the affectionate salutations of our churches and their kindred wishes, and to assure them of earnest prayers and undiminished support. The uni versal cause of modern Missions is indebted to those of South Africa. It has been a field of large and successful experiment, and has taught lessons to others. Success there has also given an impulse to effort in every other field. Africaner and Berends converted, what spot of missionary toil could be despaired of? Aged Libey, of modern times, subdued to Christ, what heart can withstand the grace of God? Hottentot and Bushman transformed and elevated, what is there too hard for the Lord?"The things that are impossible with men are possible with God."

Mis

But though forty years have passed since we commenced our labours in South Africa, it still presents an immense field for missionary efforts, and numerous tribes are found, stretching beyond our present limits, accessible to the Gospel. This field was entered with difficulty in the first instance. sions were viewed with jealousy, fear, and hatred. Possibly, prejudice has not yet wholly subsided in all quarters; but, amidst contempt and opposition, the cause of Christ has advanced, and the deserts are now glad for the messengers of mercy, and the wilderness has many a garden of the Lord. In the early history of our Society, we did well to attempt the evangelization of South Africa, and the Isles of the South. These were almost the only open doors. But, with the progress of years, the aspect of the whole missionary field has changed. God has opened India and unlocked China, and the grave question is forced on the Churches, Ought we to continue to toil among the scattered tribes of Africa while the teeming nations of the East are before us? Ought we to expend our energies in trying to convert the waste, howling wilderness into a fruitful field while the richer soils of Hindostan and the lands of Sinim promise immense harvests?" Sanguine spirits might at once bid us pass from the lesser field to the greater, and plant the feet of our Missionaries on the coral strand of India, and among the open mercantile cities of China. Yet calmer thoughts might bid us pause before we neglect a work to which we are committed-a field which the Lord hath blessed, and whose fragrance is as the smell of Lebanon, and where our faithful brethren are fulfilling their work. It might be a temptation now to overlook the claims of Ham in conceding those of Shem-to desert the scene of our fathers' adoption and prayers, for the glory of evangelising the vast and boundless regions that spread out beneath the eastern sun. A de

cision in such a case requires careful deliberation. But may it not be clearly our first duty, with new facilities for action, to create the new resources that they demand? To do the one and not leave the other undone?-to take care of India and China, and yet not forget Africa?to maintain our efforts there, and enlarge them also elsewhere? So far as our resources go, we must try to accomplish both branches of service, economising our means in both, that the one may not unfairly be sacrificed to the other. It may be, too, that, with enlarged colonial interests at the Cape, the Missions at the Cape should be placed more largely on the Church of the Colony and on Native Agency; and so, with enlarged colonial possessions in India, the Christian Churches planted there must consecrate increasing energies to the evangelisation of British India.

There are two other points to which I must briefly solicit attention before I close, connected with this visit to South Africa: I refer to the French Missions among the Bassutos, and the question of Emigration from the mother-country to the Colony. The French Missions I hope to see. God has greatly honoured them. I trust they will be sustained, though they may demand some temporary aid from the British Churches. And a blessed thing it is the union of France and England in such a service,-the holy alliance of the generosity and zeal of these two nations for the conversion of African Pagans. We have welcomed them into our field as brethren and coadjutors. How many soever they be, the Lord increase them a thousandfold! And, on the question of Emigration to our Colonies, the Cape merits a large share of the attention of our statesmen and philanthropists. There is ample room for thousands and tens of thousands of our countrymen;-not as paupers, but as cultivators of the soil and to tend the flocks. The land will yield prodigious increase. I greatly honour Dr. Lang for his indefatigable and disinterested labours in promoting emigration to Australia; but I cannot leave England without bearing my testimony in favour of the Cape, as an inviting field for emigration -aland so long our own, so extensively tried, so easily reached, and with resources so rich and varied. There is room for the Aborigines without destroying them,-room for our existing colonists, and ample space for extensive immigration.

In the prospect of leaving Europe for a season, may I say, I watch with strong interest the great social and political movements of this portion of the globe, and shall anxiously await intelligence of the future. It amounts almost to a trial to be absent from England at such a juncture, and amidst events of such accumulative importance. Watch, my friends, the movements of Divine Providence. "The

Lord cometh out of His place," and "ariseth to shake terribly the nations." May Britain be preserved beneath the shadow of his wings! May the ark ride in safety through the storm! The dissolution of the social fabric of Europe seems impending. We are not gifted with prescience. Prophecy has ceased, but the times are ominous, and coming events forecast their shadows. The Missionary spirit of our country is one of the guarantees of her safety. We are working for Christ. Let us

aim to be faithful. Other lands may be smitten and dashed to the ground without loss to the kingdom of Christ, but with humility and gratitude I would say, England cannot well be spared.

And now, beloved friends, I commend to your continued affections and prayers our honoured Society. Let us not sink amidst difficulties. Identify yourselves with the work of God. All human interests are evanescent, but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. Amidst the contingencies and uncertainties of human life, how can I say, "Farewell" to-night, without the passing solemn thought, we may not meet again? My course may terminate in Africa, and my ashes slumber there till the morning of the resurrection. Thus I leave, anxious only to be found in Christ, having on his righteousness, and prepared for his summons. But, if spared to return, how many in this assembly may be numbered with the departed? Some of my venerable fathers and elder brethren may have "finished their testimony." Yet, may God preserve them, and render their latest their most successful labours! Yet if some whom I now address are summoned hence, I would ask, is it well? Is it all well? Will it be all well, sin pardoned,-your hopes resting on the one sure foundation,-the mark of God in the forehead,-owned of the Saviour as faithful disciples? I ask again,-will it be all well? I think I can hear a response from the depth of some hearts before me. I know they would say so, if this were the place to give utterance to their thoughts and hopes; and many a beloved brother and friend would re-echo it too. I ask all around me the same momentous question. May the reply you give approve itself to God! May you be found in that Saviour whom you are helping to make known to others; and "the Lord grant that we may obtain mercy of the Lord in the final day!" Amen. Farewell! Farewell! Farewell!

The Rev. H. TOWNLEY concluded the service by prayer.

A collection was then made, amounting to 261. 4s. 8d., in aid of the Institutions for Training a Native Ministry in Africa.

Mr. FREEMAN embarked, 24th ult., on board the Lady Flora, at Gravesend, with the expectation of sailing almost immediately for Cape Town.