and then explained to them the way of salvation. They listened very attentively, seemed to understand what was said, and took tracts at leaving. Have had no other visiters. Those who live near me, have satisfied their curiosity, and probably will make but few more inquiries about the religion of Christ, till the truth already communicated to them is applied to their hearts and consciences by the Holy Spirit. O that God would graciously grant his influences now. 30. The head man of some remote villages, called, with one of his officers, to get tracts. After explaining the grand peculiarity of the Christian religion, salvation through the merits of Christ alone, I gave them a few, and they left, carrying to those, who have for ages sat in darkness, the light of life. Tracts are a very valuable auxiliary to the missionary, and do much to prepare his way before him. knowledge that the religion of Christ is the more excellent. After they had listened attentively for some time, I gave the young man from R. Luke and John, the View and Balance, which, with other tracts, left and sent there before, will make many, I trust, acquainted with the only living and true God, and Jesus Christ, whose blood alone can cleanse from sin. Mrs. C. had several female visiters, whom she endeavored to make acquainted with the truth as it is in Christ. At evening, had English worship. About ten were present, and listened attentively, while I tried to explain and enforce the truth contained in the 2d chapter of Hebrews. I do trust that God will bless his truth spoken at these Sunday evening meetings, to the good of souls. The day has been a precious one to me, but I look forward to the time as not far distant, when I shall be permitted to enjoy the richer blessing of engaging in the worship of God on the Sabbath, with converts from heathenism, and with them shall commemorate the dying love of our common Lord. 4. This forenoon, two men from Ramree called, heard the fundamental truths of the religion of Christ, and left with tracts. A little after noon, some men sought shelter from the scorching rays of the sun in the shade of my house. I went to a window, commenced conversation with them, and they soon came round to the front door, where I generally sit to talk with all who come. The congregation increased to a dozen or more, and listened with attention and apparent interest about an hour. that the Spirit of God would teach them what I cannot. May 1. Not a visiter to-day. Have great reason to search my heart, and humble myself before God, that he may grant me his blessing, and make me instrumental in winning many of these heathen souls to Christ. I long to point anxious inquirers to the Lamb of God. Had an opportunity to send a quantity of tracts to the ponghees at Sandoway. 3. Lord's-day. How rich a blessing is the Sabbath. It comes to us here, not with the sanctuary privileges which we enjoyed at home, but yet 'tis fraught with blessings. I endeavor to observe it as sacredly as I would in America, and to inspire the natives with respect for it, as the day of God. Having recently had so few opportunities of talking to the natives about Christ, our earnest prayer this morning, was, that God would grant us the privilege of doing so to-day. Soon after breakfast, was permitted to speak of the Eternal God, and Jesus the only Savior, to four men. They seemed to understand what was said, but as the truth declared was new to them, it rather astonished than convinced them. About noon, had another congregation of four young persons. Three had been before; the other, an intelligent looking young man, was from Ramree, and came for some books, "that he might read and learn the truth." I first obtained from them the 6. Had an opportunity of discussing admission, which they seemed to un- the Christian religion with two young derstand, that there could be but one men, who have frequently called before, God. I then compared the Christian and have tolerably correct ideas on the system, as revealed in the Bible, to their subject. They don't like the religion system, contained in the betagat, and of Christ: when asked why? one rethey were constrained at times to ac-plied, that his heart did'nt like it. I 5. Only two visiters to-day; but they seemed disposed to investigate the Christian religion candidly, and to embrace it if they found it to be true. Two more men carried to the grave to-day, (one was buried yesterday.) The heathen are rapidly passing into eternity, and what an account will they bear to the Savior, of the cruel neglect of his disciples to obey his last solemn mandate, "preach the Gospel to every crea ture." May the Lord enable me to be faithful, and make me wise in winning souls to Christ. told him the reason was, that his heart | geant and his wife, came down to meetwas not good, while the religion was, ing. These seasons of worship are inand that all men labored under the teresting, and I trust will prove profitable. same difficulty. To this he made no reply. The truth is, in all places "the carnal mind is enmity against God." 7. Two men from Eng called for tracts, that they might learn who was the more excellent, Gaudama or the Lord Jesus Christ. I tried to show them the great superiority of the latter. The rains have now commenced, and I suppose I shall have but few visiters till they close. 27. This morning, just after breakfast, had about fifteen visiters. One, who appeared to be well versed in the religious books of the Burmans, and who was very wise in his own conceit, was the chief speaker. Quite a spirited discussion, as to the comparative merits of the religions of Gaudama and Christ, was kept up two or three hours. Most paid good attention to what was said, and I hope, notwithstanding the 10. Sabbath. At evening an inter- dogmatical denials, &c. of the princiesting meeting with br. and sister Bu-pal speaker, that good will result. Two chanan. The Savior is true to his pro-men, from a distant village, sat an hour mise; where two or three meet togeth- or more, listening to the essential truths er in his name, he is present with them. of the Christian religion, declared that 17. Lord's-day. Talked a little with it was good, and promised to visit me two men, who were about my house. again. At evening, br. and sister B. worshipped with me. I fear religion is greatly undervalued here. However, I will persevere in efforts to do good, and leave the result with the Lord. 29. Seven visiters to-day. With five, who were present an hour or two toward evening, had an interesting conversation about the eternal God and the way of salvation through the merits of Christ alone. They said Gaudama was dead; then, replied I, he is not God; beasts die,--and men die, but God cannot die. I asked them if Gaudama could pardon sin? they answered, No, and inquired if the eternal God could ? I told them that sin is a transgression of his law, and, of course, he alone could forgive it; and that for the love he bore his son Jesus, who died for sinners, he would forgive those who repented and believed on Christ. They paid very respectful attention to my remarks, and, on leaving, took tracts. 21. Yesterday Mrs. C. had two female visiters, with whom she had before conversed; they professed to believe the religion of Christ, and to desire new hearts, but I suspect know but little of their depravity, and need of a Savior. To-day two men, (one of whom had been before,) sat an hour or two, listening, asking questions, &c. I believe they understood what I have tried to explain to others, that, according to the betagat, Myemno mount must be between the eastern and western continents, and, at the same time, it must be under the north star, both of 30. A man with two young lads which cannot be true, therefore, one of came and asked for tracts. He had the statements of the betagat is false. read Mee-Shway Ee, and wished to After having finished my remarks on know more of the religion which susgeography, &c., which were called tained her in the dying hour. I conforth by them, I preached Christ to versed with them some time, and gave them, and they really seemed to be a him a "View," and one of the lads, good deal interested in what was said. "Mee-Shway Ee," for which he asked. A man from a village at some distance 31. Eight or ten visiters to-day. I called for tracts, and listened attentive-read to them from the New Testament, ly while I announced to him the way of salvation. 24. Sunday. A ponghee called with two of his pupils, but was more disposed to talk than to hear. A physician, appearing to be a man of considerable knowledge, sat an hour or two, listening to the truths of the Christian religion. He seemed to think more about what was said, than any previous visiter. Another man sat with him part of the time, who also seemed to be a man of a good deal of intelligence. At evening, br. and sister B., with another ser explaining and enforcing what I read, as well as I was able. To some young men who had frequently listened to the truth, I read the parable of the sower, and from it endeavored to show them why they did not embrace the gospel. The chief speaker of the 27th was present about two hours, and seemed much more disposed to hear, and far less inclined to cavil, than formerly. I think the Lord has helped me to-day in communicating truth, and my hope is, that his blessing will attend those who heard it. Letter June 3. Mrs. C. conversed a long time with two women, one of whom having been twice before, and being considerably instructed in the Christian religion, proposed to worship both the eternal God and Gaudama. I tried to urge upon some young men, who have frequently visited me, and who say they are yet considering the importance and necessity of coming to a speedy decision. The first converts here, I think, will meet with a good deal of ridicule and opposition; but I trust that the Lord will ere long give some grace to profess faith in Christ-cost what it may. 5. Some eight or ten visiters to-day. The man who was so captious on the 28th ult. has very much changed his tone. He has read the View, Balance, &c., and evidently would feel better satisfied could he find stronger arguments in favor of his own religion, and in opposition to that of Christ. The others paid good attention, and seemed to feel the force of some objections to the religion of Gaudama, and of some arguments in favor of the Christian religion. I cannot, however, convince them of sin, and show them the need of the Savior. O that the Holy Spirit would teach them the things that belong to their peace. Mr. Comstock adds, The Commissioner of the province seems very favorable to our efforts, and inquired with a good deal of interest what we intend in reference to schools. I hope we shall be able to do something after the rains close. The military commandant also, appeared quite friendly. Africa. CALDWELL. Rev. A. W. Anderson, missionary at Caldwell, Liberia, writes under date Jan. 6, that in addition to the pastoral care of the church in that place, he had been teaching a school numbering, at the close of the first quarter, 78-44 boys, and 34 girls, together with a Sabbath school of 75. He had also made arrangements to receive 12 native pupils, four of whom had already joined the school. Mr. A. was formerly in the employ of the Liberia Missionary Society, and entered into the service of the Board the past year. Mrs. Anderson, whose experience as a teacher, and devotedness to her work, bad rendered her highly useful in the school department, died Dec. 24. A letter has also been received from Mr. Mylne, dated Edina, Grand Bassa, Dec. 30, 1835, from which we select the following: EXTRACTS FROM MR. MYLNE'S LET TER. During my sickness, (in October,) I suffered a good deal from pain, &c., but my mind was peaceful, trusting in God. No desponding thoughts troubled I me. I sometimes felt a desire to depart, and the thought of immediately entering into the possession of joys unmingled and eternal, was at times indescribably delightful. At other times, when I looked at this vast mora! waste, felt in a strait betwixt two, and left the matter with God; and had it not been that the Lord thus accomplished his the waters I will be with thee," &c., promise," When thou passest through most probably I should have sunk into the grave. But, blessed be his holy name, he has redeemed my life from destruction; may it be unreservedly devoted to his cause in this heathen land. I have had a second attack of fever, which I think would have been pretty severe but for the prompt measures taken to throw it off. On account of my sickness we were obliged to dismiss our evening class. We have had, however, a Sabbath School at Millsburg that is well attended, with a superintendent, four male and five female teachers, and upwards of 50 scholars. One of the classes is a Bible class, including ten young men, who are very attentive. On the 26th inst. we started from Monrovia on a visit to Grand Bassa, in a small vessel of 7 tons burthen, that had been chartered by the Governor to take down the goods of the emigrants to Port Cresson. We embraced this conveyance, although attended with many inconveniences, as the opportunities of going down are few. We were longer on the voyage than we anticipated, and br. C., who had been unwell the day previous to our leaving Monrovia, became rather seriously indisposed by exposure to the sun, and night air, &c. We sailed at one o'clock, P. M. The third day we arrived opposite Bassa, about three o'clock, P. M., but were obliged, with much reluctance, to remain on board another night, the bar at the mouth of the St. John's river being exceedingly rough. Next morning we landed on the beach at Port Cresson in canoes, which the Kroomen manage on the waves with great dexterity; the one I was in, however, was upset in the surf; and the kind reception we met | with from some of the brethren at Port Cresson was cheering indeed, as I was completely drenched in the sea, and br. C. was quite sick. At this place, the houses of the former settlers are all demolished, except a large framed building on the beach, formerly the public store, in which the emigrants who have lately gone down to occupy this place are living, until they get houses built on the new site which they have selected for a town, having the sea on the west, Benson's River on the east, and the cove on the north. We are more pleased with Bassa, on the whole, than any other place we have yet seen in Africa. The cove, formed by the junction of the St. John's, Mechlin's and Benson's rivers, presents a beautiful view; but its greatest recommendation is, that it is believed to be very healthy; especially Edina, as the land breeze comes down the St. John's river, where there is very little swamp, while on the west there is nothing between it and the sea, from which the breezes blow all the day from 10 or 11 o'clock, A. M. There is, however, a swamp 4 miles long, and perhaps 15 or 20 roods wide, running along the coast, north of west of Edina; but this the Governor proposes to drain in a few weeks, as it could be done with little trouble, and would make excellent land, besides add to the health of the place generally. King Bob Gray's town is about half a mile north from Edina. It is thought that in all the towns belonging to him there must be more than 850 souls, but over what extent of country they are scattered, I have not been able to learn. We have concluded, all things considered, to come down to Edina to live. The place is more healthy than the Cape or Millsburg, and we can study the Bassa language to more advantage, get acquainted with the habits and views of this tribe, survey the field, and watch the leadings of Providence. We shall commence immediately to build a schoolhouse, of native construction, on an eminence about half way between Bob Gray's town and Edina. The probable expense will be about $15,00. The settlers here are much in want of a good school, and we shall have children from Edina on the one side, and King Bob Gray's town on the other. We think of employing a br. Revy, at present living in Monrovia, as a teacher in this school. He formerly taught a native school at Cape Mount, and is said to be very successful in communicating in struction to the natives. He was lately ordained as an Evangelist, by the First Baptist Church in Monrovia, and has good report, as an excellent, judicious brother. Br. Crocker and myself wish to become familiar with the Bassa language, as soon as possible, that we may be able to proclaim to these benighted and perishing souls the glad tidings of salvation in their own tongue: we will, however, take a general superintendence of the school while we are studying the language, and if there can be a higher class got up of young men who promise to be useful, one or both of us will then turn our attention, in part, at least, to instructing them. We went up the St. John's yesterday afternoon, with the Governor, to see Fac tory Island, situated about 2 miles above Edina. I should think it a very healthy place; the land also seems to be very good indeed, and would be easily cleared. We found a cotton tree growing wild, where we landed, from which we pulled a number of pods of very beautiful cotton. Governor Skinner proposes having a Literary Institution here, and in many respects the location would be very suitable. LETTER OF REV. EVAN JONES DATED VALLEY TOWNS, NOV. 20, 1835.* It is with unfeigned gratitude, I have the pleasure to say, that in one division of our field of labor, the prospect is increasingly cheering. Not so much, however, from the accession of numbers, as on account of the indications of advancing piety in the members of the church. Notwithstanding the agitations, arising from political troubles, they appear to be growing in spiritual discernment and affection for the truth and holiness exhibited in the word of God. On Sabbath, we had an interesting meeting at Oodeluhee. Five persons came forward to request baptism. Two were received. The other three we thought it prudent to defer for a while, The congregation was large and attentive. We had the privilege of the company and assistance of the Rev. Mr. Butrick, of the Presbyterian Mission. preached on Saturday and Sunday, and He * In consequence of this letter being mislaid, the publication of it has been delayed to the present number. I trust the seed sown will, under the Divine influence, become abundantly fruitful. The various exercises having occupied the time till late in the evening, we adjourned the meeting till Wednesday at Galaneeya. Monday night Rev. Mr. B. preached, at the mission house, an edifying discourse. May the Lord add his blessing to this visit. We parted, greatly refreshed and encouraged, in the hope that the Lord is about to revive his gracious work in this vicinity. Western Creeks, Mr. Rollin mentions, under date Dec. 7, 1835, that the members of the Mission had recovered their health, with the exception of Miss Rice, who still remained feeble, having suffered from continued illness about five months. Mr. R. adds:-"Sickness has deranged our operations since the middle of July. Our schools were dismissed about that time, and although we notified the people, a Wednesday morning, met the deacons and native preachers, to consult on the best measures to advance the cause of the Redeemer within the bounds of our labors. The weather being quite unfavorable, those from very distant places did not attend, but I had great encouragement from the communications of those who did attend. I few weeks since, that they would again be found that several of the more intelli-opened, the health of the children and other gent members at Oodeluhee, had associated themselves together to visit, in rotation, several dark settlements beyond their town, so as to have meetings, at each place once a fortnight. This is altogether a spontaneous movement, suggested, I trust, by the Holy Spirit for the advancement of his own glory. At noon, brother Oganaya preached, after which I baptized the two females, received on Sunday. The day was very wet, but our little meeting-house was nearly full. After the baptism, those who desired to seek the Lord and forsake their sins were invited to a separate seat. Five persons came forward, who appeared under deep concern. After dismissing the public meeting, the Church assembled to attend to some matters of discipline and to give special instructions suited to some individual cases. At dark adjourned, till morning. Thursday, the whole day was employed in imparting instruction to the church and administering discipline in a few instances. We were under the painful necessity to excommunicate two persons for unworthy conduct. In the course of conversations which occurred, I was rejoiced to find evidence of substantial improvement in the knowledge of Gospel truth, and I trust in the exercise of Christian tempers also. In the evening, we had a most encouraging meeting. Every heart seemed to be filled with love and with a determination to be more devoted to God. I hope a spirit of believing prayer pervaded the assembly. A man who had been excluded in the morning, came forward in great agony of mind, to join in the concluding prayers for poor lost sinners. circumstances are such that but three or four 7. To-day, according to appointment, some of the brethren met in church capacity, and it was a time of refreshing from the presence of the Lord. Two individuals offered themselves, and were received as fit subjects for baptism. 8. To-day br. Davis preached to an attentive assembly; after which we repaired to the river side, where prayer was wont to be made, and br. Davis administered the ordinance of baptism to the individuals mentioned above. Order and propriety were apparent while attending this sacred rite. It was a scene of solemnity to many. My own heart was comforted and refreshed-and it was my happiness to welcome these two young female Indians to the privileges of the church. Dec. 4. To-day, heard the mournful intelligence of br. Aldrich's death. His Master has called him away from earth to receive his reward. O may I fulfil the appointed duties of the day, for the night of death cometh, wherein no man can work. Mr. Rollin adds, under date Dec. 7, "At this time are a few hopeful inquirers among us. Since br. Davis' return from Shawanoe, he has been considerably confined by sickness in his family." |