of christianity. Here, as in other parts of the continent and the West Indies, the ocean groans with the burdens of this iniquitous traffic. On this occasion, the Monasteries, Nunneries, and other public places were illuminated, and joy and pleasure appeared evident in most of the inhabitants. On the following day, the distressed and unoffending Africans were landed, and publicly sold in the market to the highest bidders. It may not be improper to remind those persons who call themselves christians, who are found stealing and selling their fellow-creatures, that these are crimes ranked among the blackest and foulest recorded in the sacred scriptures; and that the eternal, and sin-avenging God, with whom we have to do, is both holy and jealous, and cannot, consistent with his character, with any allowance look upon, or pass by sin. See 1st Tim. 1st ch. 10th v. wherein it will be observed that "men-stealers" are particularly noticed; and against whom the sword of divine justice is unsheathed, which must (without repentance) inevitably sink them lower than the grave.

Many who purchase these unoffending stolen creatures, pretend to justify themselves by a futile argument. It has been observed that they did not go to the coast of Africa to steal them; and to purchase them when in this situation, will no doubt ameliorate their condition. It will only be necessary to remark, that, if there were no receivers of stolen property, there would be but few thieves; and that the receivers of stolen property, knowing it to be stolen, are in the eye of the law considered more nefarious than

the thief. "Let him that stole steal no more; but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth."

There is a great number of monks, friars, and nuns, in this city; and images representing the crucifixion are placed in various parts, on the front of many of the private as well as public buildings. Idolatry, ignorance, and superstition apparently reign here triumphant. Wooden gods are with some professing christians in as great estimation, as with the most barbarous pagans. After having procured a supply of fresh provisions and water, on the 20th Nov. at 10 A. M. weighed anchor and proceeded to sea; at 7 P. M. lost sight of the coast.

29th. Wind fair, and pleasant weather through this day. Lat 34° 55' S. At half past 10 P. M. the wind freshened and began to draw forward; at 11 P. M. came on a heavy squall, accompanied with lightning and rain. This being the first severe weather experienced since leaving England, it created no little disquietude among the Missionaries. The ship heeling very considerably, together with the seas frequently breaking in upon the decks, they were soon awaked by the confusion, and supposed the ship had struck upon a sand-bank. Their fears were, however, soon dispelled by a message from the deck, stating the situation of the ship, the weather, &c.

Dec. 3d. Having laboured since the 29th against contrary and strong gales, and heavy seas frequently breaking in upon the decks, and no prospect of the

C

weather moderating, captain W. gave up his intention of sailing round Cape Horn, being apprehensive that in persevering in endeavouring to double the Cape, the unseasoned company of landmen, women, and children, might fall victims to the repeated storms which might be expected; and concluded to make the eastern passage by the Cape of Good Hope. Shaped the vessel's course accordingly, setting what sail the ship could bear. In the course of the four first days we ran by the log, about six hundred and forty miles.

This gale continued about three weeks with little variation, blowing with great violence; the ship scudding under close reefed topsails and foresail, and running, on an average by the log, every day about two hundred miles.

The rapid advances we were making towards the place of our destination, were truly pleasant. Nothing particular occurred for four weeks. The time was principally employed by the Missionaries in making the necessary arrangements for the regulation of their future conduct. We were visited by great numbers of birds, and also whales and porpoises frequently played about the ship. There being an harpoon on board, I watched the opportunity, while the porpoises were playing under the bows, and succeeded in striking several, only one of which was got on board; some parts of it afforded a fresh meal, and the blubber produced four gallons of good oil.

On the 29th Jan. we passed the meridian of the south cape of New Holland; and on the 14th Feb.

were thirty-two leagues to the southward of the south cape of New Zealand. On the 15th we were nearly antipodes to our friends in London. On the 17th we

most severe of

our vessel was

met with an awful storm, by far the any we had hitherto experienced laid to, under her main stay sail, and mounted over the waves like a duck. On the 21st in the afternoon, the pitch-kettle being placed on the fire by the carpenter, whilst caulking the decks, the man who was left to take care of it, suffered it to boil over: immediately it blazed up with surprising fury; he had, however, the presence of mind to lift it off the fire, and so prevented the dreaded conflagration. Though the cabouse was remarkably dry, and the foresail hanging down over it, (which, had the fire caught the sail, must have instantly communicated the flames to the rigging:) providentially no harm was done; and by the great exertions of Mr. Wm. Wilson and others, the fire was quickly extinguished.

Ninety-seven days had now elapsed since we left Rio Janeiro, and except one vessel which we met about a week after our departure, we did not in all this time see either ship or shore; and had sailed by the log near fourteen thousand miles: a greater distance probably than was ever before run without touching at any place for refreshment, or seeing land.

In the month of February 1797, we arrived in sight of the island Toobouai, but did not make any stay there. Shortly after, we were visited by one of the most tremendous thunder-storms that we ever had witnessed; and one that astonished the oldest seamen

on board. The clouds dashed furiously against each other, and the whole atmosphere was in general confusion the night dark, together with the vivid and incessant lightning, presented a scene very interesting, and awfully grand: but the tempest abated, after a continuance of about two or three hours, without any material injury. One of the officers, and two of the sailors were slightly touched with the lightning.

March 4th, we arrived in sight of the long-wishedfor island Otaheite; discovered the land at the distance of about sixty miles: pleasant weather, but light breezes throughout the day. At night approached within a few miles of the shore: continued to lay off and on till the morning. As soon as daylight appeared, and our ship could be seen from the land, we discovered canoes paddling from various parts towards us; on their nearing the ship, we observed they were mostly laden with the delicious fruits of their prolific island, together with hogs, poultry, cloth, and sundry other merchandize; which, after such a lengthy voyage, were very acceptable and refreshing. The following day continued beating against the trade winds, between the islands Otaheite and Eimeo. This day, from eighty to an hundred canoes of various sizes were counted alongside, containing on an average about six or eight natives.— They were uniformly laden with hogs, plantains, bread-fruit, &c. The next day came to an anchor in Matavai Bay, when the ship was immediately surrounded with vast numbers of canoes which had assembled here from every part of the island, and a