THE AGENTS' MONTHLY REPORTS.

First and Seventh Stations.-MR. BENSON.-On the former station your Agent has met with some difficulties in obtaining congregations, yet he has at all times succeeded in collecting some hearers; and has never, except in one instance, left a vessel without having service. The attendance has not averaged more than about fourteen; but as our services have several times been held on deck, there have been many listeners in the surrounding vessels. One circumstance of a very solemn character recently occurred. A revenue officer on duty, was found drowned. It was supposed he had fallen asleep, and while asleep rolled overboard, and thus met his death. A hymn book was found in his side pocket; and his watch being stopped at ten minutes past two, it is presumed that about that time in the morning he had fallen into the river. I have had the pleasure of meeting with several of these officers on this station, and have generally found them well-informed and religiously disposed, always ready to promote the one great object,-the evangelization of our seamen. There is an increasing desire for a place of worship more devoted to sailors, on the south side of London Bridge. It, no doubt, would be well attended.

On the Blackwall and Poplar station, your agent has the pleasure of stating, that the attendance on the ministry of the word has averaged, during the month, about twenty-two;-but it has devolved on me, to conduct almost all the services alone; few, if any, who would publicly take any part in them; yet I could not but admire the conduct, both of the captains and their crews. I have been much impressed in seeing nearly thirty men and boys on their knees, while engaged imploring the divine blessing on them; and in witnessing their attention when addressing them on some important truth.-The interest manifested is truly remarkable.

First and Third Stations.-MR. ROWLAND.-J. T. Rowland has preached seven times on the first and third stations during the month, beside holding private and personal intercourse with seamen, from ship to ship, and from tier to tier, as well as at the several lodging-houses ashore. He has distributed about 400 tracts. The number of seamen who have attended the preaching of the gospel afloat is 216. Two new ships have been added to the Bethel cause. It is evident that the Spirit which "moved upon the face of the waters," at the time of the creation, is now, in a peculiar manner, moving in the work of conversion among "those who go down to the sea in ships."

Second Station. Mr. PALMER.-The meetings which I have held during the month, have been either in the holds or on the docks of the different vessels. The average attendance has been

about thirty. The moral character of our seamen, is considerably improving. I perceive this in my visitations from night to night. There is not a visit I make, but 1 meet with those who are members of some christian denomination. They cheerfully unite in our services. One night, as I was preaching on deck, there came on a violent storm. I proposed going below, when every one followed, and we there concluded the service. The rain still continuing, I was compelled to stay till near ten o'clock, and had the pleasure to be present at the evening prayers of the captain of the ship, with his wife, who are both members of a Christian church, with their two children. Not only is the captain a godly and decided man, but the principal part of his crew are also devoted to God.

Another night, the captain of the ship being prevented through particular business from being present, the mate attended in his place, and arranged the ship for the meeting. He is a good man; and told me, at the conclusion of the service, the pleasure he had at sea;—the captain having prayers on board morning and evening every day; and, weather permitting, three services on the Lord's-day when at sea. I was glad to see a revenue officer present on one occasion, and especially with the manner in which he appeared to unite in the service. He is evidently the subject of divine grace. He told me there were several of his brother-officers godly men; that they each subscribed five shillings per year towards a Library at the Custom House, Gravesend; that many of the books were of a decidedly religious character, and that the PILOT Magazine was distributed among the officers, with the perusal of which they were much pleased. The books are taken by them on board the different vessels to which they are sent.

Fourth and Fifth Stations.-MR. EDWARDS.-The meetings on these stations have been regularly held, with one exception, which was occasioned by the ship's company being unexpectedly compelled to work until late. We, however, distributed a few tracts among them, and returned to the shore.

Two masters and two mates have united with us for the first time in our services. One of the pious masters said, he had not been in London for twelve years, and was much delighted to see and hear of the exertions that were now being made to benefit the souls of his brethren, and hoped they would be crowned with abundant success.

Your agent has held two meetings in the fifth station. When he had closed the address at one of them, a pious seaman rose, and after singing a verse or two, earnestly and affectionately exhorted his brethren to seek the Lord, assuring them that true happiness is alone to be found in the ways of the Most High. He said, he had searched for happiness in various ways from the world, but in vain. But he could now testify, with joy, that since he had sought the Lord he had found what true happiness

is. He entreated those present to turn to the Lord by sincere repentance towards God, and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. Four new Bethel Ships have been obtained during the month.

Thames Missionary.-CAPT. PRYNN.-During the past month I have laboured on the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th and 7th Stations, and held eighteen religious meetings on board of ships,-preached three times at the Sailors' Chapel, and obtained forty-eight vessels for agents. At the various religious services, at least, inclusive of captains and mates, four hundred and thirty-seven have attended, and heard the word of life; and although this is a larger number than has attended on former occasions, yet have the discouragements this past month been greater than have been experienced for some time. But though cast down and disquieted, the Lord, the God of Jacob is my refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. I have held five meetings of peculiar interest. One on board the L-, lying off the Commercial Docks, where five sailors most earnestly poured out their hearts before God. The' other on board the Jon the fourth station, where four sailors most devotionally supplicated the throne of grace. Two on board the S-and E, on the same station, where the pious captain and his chief mate much encouraged us by the deep interest they took in the cause of Christ amongst sailors. This vessel appeared to be truly dedicated to God; and Capt. M-, who has sailed for Memel, in Prussia, and from thence is bound to Oporto, in Portugal, appears calculated to be rendered useful wherever Providence may cast his lot. He has left, well turnished with copies of the New Testament in the German and Portuguese languages; as also with a supply of German, Dutch, Swedish, French, Portuguese, and Spanish tracts.

Another meeting was held on the second station, where three pious captains implored the divine blessing, and a more than usual interest was manifested. May it appear in the great day when the Lord shall make up his jewels, that the bread thus cast upon the waters has not been lost, and that the word was made the power of God unto the salvation of many immortal souls!

Visitation of Shipping.-A great portion of my time has been spent in this department of labour, and I have had much to contend with from those who ridicule religion,-who, under the influence of infidel principles, deny the truth as it is in Christ, and scoff at almost everything sacred. My soul in these sore conflicts has been much cast down. I have seen (which I never observed before) sailors running below, as soon as I have made my appearance near the ship; for fear, I believe, of being spoken to on the important truths of salvation. Nevertheless I have felt it my duty in some cases to follow them to forecastles and half decks, and thereby clear my soul of their blood. This requires much boldness and firmness of purpose. There are the disciples

of Christ among our brother sailors; but the great mass appear bent upon doing evil. I have visited four hundred and five vessels, distributed one thousand handbills and tracts, besides back numbers of the PILOT.

Sailors' Chapel.-There is little variation either in the numbers of attendants, the nature of the services, or the general good doing amongst the Sailors who visit this place. Yet tokens of good are manifest. Two sailors have this month joined themselves to the society there, and three others have made application for admission. Thus are we led to take courage and go forward, knowing that the Lord will own and honour his own work.

Loan Libraries.-Three loan libraries have been sent on board of ships bound to the Cape of Good Hope, the Mauritius, and Hobart Town. One also has been returned from the Frances Charlotte,' being out two years. Thirty-seven volumes have been supplied to individual sailors, besides German, Dutch, French, Spanish, and Portuguese Tracts. Many pleasing testimonies have been received of the benefits derived from the reading of these volumes. One sailor, on returning BROOKES' PRECIOUS REMEDIES, said," Sir, I have reason to thank God that ever you lent me that book; it has been a blessing to me. I hope you will allow me to have it during another voyage."

Temperance Meeting.—At our last monthly temperance meeting, it appeared that several had resolved on a new course of life and action. Five or six signed the Society's pledge or declaration.

Open Air Preaching. This has been continued every sabbath morning, at seven o'clock, in Dean Street, near the Sailors' Chapel, and though the numbers have not been great, yet there is sufficient ground on which to proceed with this work of faith.

Thames Missionary.-Mr. J. WELCH.-Events of both a painful and pleasing nature have filled up the report of another Bethel month, and are in eternal remembrance against the great day of dread decision. The state of many a Sailor has been for ever decided during the past month. Scarcely a day has passed without one or more having been drowned in the river. To some of these, I believe, it has fallen to my lot to administer the last offer of Divine mercy through Christ. Oh! that a blessing may have followed the proclamation! But the past cannot be recalled, it remains for me and others to 'work while it is day, for the night cometh when no man can work.'

How often may it be said of the young Sailor;-"the sun hath set at noon day." So spoke the tears of a lonely mother, who came to the house of God a few mornings since, to give vent to her sorrows on the death of her son. "Ah Sir! (she said,) he

was drowned yesterday in the river, and I am afraid of his poor soul!" Thus the harvest of opportunities is past, before the summer of youth is ended!

Much is doing, but much more is necessary to be done, to meet the spiritual necessities of the dying multitudse who occupy this river, and go down to the sea in ships.

I trust I may say the cause of Christ is on the advance among seamen; my meetings have been marked by a visible increase; the numbers averaging about twenty-six at each, and have eenb held as follows:

On the fourth station, one service;-on the fifth station, six ;on the sixth station, five;—and on the seventh station, two ;-at which services, ninety-seven sailors have engaged in solemn prayer. I have held ten services on shore, at the Sailors' Chapel, and in the open air. I have obtained during the month thirtyeight ships for Agents-distributed back numbers of the PILOT, Tracts and Bills about eight-hundred, and visited three-hundred and thirty ships in the river, docks, and canals, &c. Have had the honour of dedicating to the Lord and the Bethel cause five ships, three of which were new, and four captains have subscribed their names to the Bethel list.

Sixth Station. Mr. MuscUTT.-The river Thames, with her ships and her craft, her steamers and her sails, presents an interesting and an imposing sight. On her tide floats the productions and the men of foreign countries, and the commerce and the sailors of our own land. Here the veteran sons of the ocean, and the young adventurers of the deep, are seen in numbers in active employ. Here crowds of living beings pass and repass in pursuit of pleasure, and the amusements of the day. On her waters is heard the voice of the mechanic, and the din of business,she is the mariner's highway to our great metropolis, and usually appears all life and bustle. Amidst the scenes of pleasure and of trade, many a wanton song and profane oath is heard, in sounds that are appalling to the pious ear; and many a witness moves on her streams, to prove that man is more eager to obtain perishable riches, than the pearl of great price. It is, however, very refreshing to visit one of our Bethel meetings, and to find there are some who love and fear God. A vessel is seen with the signal for worship-The busy work of the day is for the most part over. The men are preparing for the service. In some cases few, in others many,-collect together for prayer and praise. They stand and sing,-kneel and pray,-sit and listen to the word of life. Sometimes the best tear,-the tear of repentance, is seen in some eye: sometimes the first public prayer, from a man who has lately become pious, is heard in broken accents, and in penitential strains. Here one, who has long been on his passage to the port of bliss, will pour forth, in glowing fervour, the aspiration of his soul to God. God is evidently, at times, in the midst of these delightful assemblies; and we cheerfully say