"In October last, having mastered the difficulties of the language, I
was induced to commence a weekly prayer-meeting. At this meeting we
opened with a hymn, after which I prayed, and then delivered a short
Gospel address, at the close of which I invited those of them who
understood the solemnity and responsibility of prayer, and to whom God
had given hearts to pray, to lead briefly and successively in audible
prayer.

"This mode of conducting the prayer-meeting was attended with good
results, as it united those who were in earnest, and who had received
the truth into their hearts, more closely together, and led several of
those who were halting between heathenism and the truth to decide for
the latter.

"Thus a band was formed (amongst whom were several of the chiefs and
principal men) which confronted the heathen customs on the one hand,
and drunkenness and gambling on the other, and, having come out boldly
on the side of the truth, their influence was soon perceptible.

"I dare not attempt to convey to you in words the intense earnestness
and fervour of the petitions which they offered up on behalf of
themselves, their families, and the surrounding villages; whilst, at
the same time, there was nothing like excitement, but rather a calm
solemnity and quiet earnestness prevailed amongst all.

"And surely our united petitions were graciously answered, and a great
change was soon apparent.

"The Lord's Day was observed by the majority, and the services of the
day attended by almost all encamped, as well as by a number from the