attended the boarding school of Maul- | by lectures, and sermonizing. All the

pupils were required to attend one recitation a day in arithmetic, geography or history; but the recitations in these branches were not heard by the theological teacher.

main or Sandoway for a longer or shorter time. The assistants who had been engaged to some extent in evangelizing labors in the Maulmain district, did not, as formerly, attend the boarding, but the theological school. They were regarded as irregular members, and were distributed among the regular classes according to their attainments and capabil- | (For a full account of the course of in

ities.

The one great object was to teach the bible and its subjects, and to qualify the pupils to teach the gospel to others.

struction, see Missionary Magazine for March, 1846, and August, 1847.) A very fair proportion of the members of this school have devoted themselves to the work of the ministry. We have heard of four or five only who have

During vacations, the younger members of the school occasionally went to visit the jungle and preach in an informal manner; but more commonly were employed at coolies' work-repairing their dormitories and the other mission build- | turned aside to secular employments.

In estimating the results of theological teaching, it would be difficult to draw the line between the effects of individual labor and the results of the schools established for that object. Many of the native preachers have enjoyed the ad

ings. When their teacher visited the jungle, several always accompanied him. The older pupils usually spent their vacations in preaching. The oldest class of each successive year, (and in some instances the middle class,) and all irregular members of the school, invariably ❘ vantages of both methods. Of those

went out as preachers during the dry season. And hence the school was ordinarily about one third smaller during the dry, than during the rainy season.

instructed by missionaries severally as they had opportunity, it may be said, that as a body they have been faithful and successful evangelists; and some of them have been competent pastors, that is, able to meet the wants of their people. But much the larger propor❘tion have made better evangelists than pastors. Their knowledge of the doctrines of the gospel has been in most cases very limited. They have not

With respect to the course of study, the language of Mr. Binney in reference to the first class we believe to be applicable to all the classes. "Their studies have been directed with special reference to their abilities and necessities, and not at all by what is done at home, or what would have been deemed best even here | known how to draw spiritual nourishunder other circumstances." The fol

ment from the Scriptures, to any considerable extent, either for themselves or

for others.

lowing will indicate the subjects and method: - Exegesis of Matthew, verse by verse, with frequent reviews; Harmony of the gospels, followed by the Acts of the Apostles and the Epistles, in chronological order, with exegesis; - the pupils being required to express their own views of the passages studied, and when the teacher had explained the meaning, committing the result to writing, for future reference: - the his torical and prophetical portions of the Old Testament; exercises in original composition throughout the course; and in the older classes systematic theology | of the assistants before they entered the

How many native preachers have died in the different districts, we have no means to ascertain. The present number employed is as follows: of those taught in Tavoy, two ordained ministers and nine assistants; taught in Mergui, nine assistants; in Maulmain, of those instructed in the boarding schools, one ordained minister and seven assistants; and from the theological seminary, three ordained ministers and twelve assistants (the three ordained were among the best

desiring education.

seminary); and in Rangoon district | ministry, and the number of candidates twenty-five or more assistants, who also received their education, so far as it has gone, at Maulmain. Several who have attended the schools at Maulmain are laboring in Bassein, one ordained. Two members of the seminary, belonging to the Rangoon district, were ordained about six years ago; one of these has deceased and one has apostatized. Among the number instructed at Sandoway four have been ordained, two of the oldest of whom have lately died. There are now laboring in connection with the Sandoway mission three ordained ministers and fifty-one assistants.

A few of the preachers above referred to have been under the instruction of a missionary five years; but the larger proportion from one to two years; some have enjoyed a few months' instruction. On an average, the whole one hundred and twenty or thirty have probably re

(a) The field among the Karens is wide. The preaching of the gospel in it in former years has been attended with unparalleled success; we know of no reason to doubt that it will be in the future. Half the churches already gathered are without competent pastors. Without a more rigid supervision of the native pastors on the part of the missionary than it is possible to give at present, or their further instruction, a large proportion of the pastors will not be able long to keep their flocks together.

We do not think it is to be expected that all or even half of the native preachers can obtain a theological education; nor is it indispensable; men may be successful preachers with a very limited knowledge of the bible. But we think that a portion of the ministers, especially among an ignorant and super

ceived each about a year's instruction | stitious people like the Karens, in whom

from a missionary.

Some of the embarrassments met in attempting to realize the highest advantages from the theological school were, a want of suitable text books, a want of suitable attainments in knowledge and mental discipline on the part of the pupils, and a want of general coöperation in the missions. No more labor is required to teach large classes than small ones, while the large are equally profited with the small. Whatever hinders the largest practicable attendance on such a school, detracts from its benefits. All the pupils but two were from Arracan, ❘ Rangoon and Maulmain. Again, from. the districts that patronized the school, the supply of pupils was not equal to the re-demands of the respective fields from ❘ which they came.

there is a strong tendency to mix up traditions of men with the teachings of Christ, ought to be educated. Men possessing correct and full views of the doctrines of the gospel, and understanding how to apply them in practicė, are needed to direct evangelizing efforts among the heathen; and still more are they needed to instruct the churches, to be examples as pastors, and to take the lead in the councils of the people.

(b) The present number of candidates of suitable qualifications, who are ready to enter upon a course of theological studies, is at least thirty; ten from Bassein, ten or more from Rangoon, six from Tavoy, and six from Mergui. The number in future years will depend upon the state of the churches and the progress of Christianity among the heathen. We hope the churches will

In answer to the inquiries whether further provision for theological training | maintain a healthy state and make yearis requisite, and what; we would re- | ly aggressions.

ply:

2. In regard to the provision that

1. In our opinion further provision should be made, we think that one is called for. The demand for theologi- general institution for the instruction of cal training among any people is as the ❘ the most promising portion of the native extent of the field needing an educated | preachers is required, and that one is all that is desirable on account either of | in each other, and thus serve to promote

1. Because they would afford opportunities for missionaries to become per- | make the following summary report on sonally acquainted with and interested | these very important topics.

I. The missionary's dependence for ❘ my sake, for a testimony against them success on the Holy Spirit. and the Gentiles; - but take no thought how or what ye shall speak; for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak; for it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which

Here we are reminded of Christ's words to his disciples, John 15:5, "Without me ye can do nothing." He is the vine, we are the branches; he is the agent, we are the instruments, ❘ speaketh in you."

The above Scriptures teach, and the personal experience and observation of every faithful thinking missionary corroborate the sentiment, that it is not by might, nor by power, but by the Spirit of the Lord only, that the missionary enterprise can, and will, be crowned with success.

powerless in ourselves, effective only as used by him. Hence his blessed assurance to the twelve, and to all his ambassadors, sent forth to preach the gospel to every creature. "Lo, I am with you alway, even to the end of the world." Christ spake these words and ascended to the Father; he was no longer with the disciples bodily and visibly, as he had been; but the promise was to be fulfilled in the giving of the Holy Spirit. Hence Christ says, John 15: 7, "It is expedient for you that I go away; for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart I will send him unto you," (14: 16,) " that he may abide with you forever." The dependence of the missionary for success on the Holy Spirit is also manifest by the Saviour's direction to the apostles to remain in Jerusalem until they should be endued with power from on high. No intellectual gifts, no literary or theological training, no ecclesiatical or civil patronage, could have and of judgment; it is he who takes

ensured success to their mission, if unaccompanied by this special endowment. Therefore being assembled together with them, he commanded them (Acts 1:4) "that they should not depart

from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which saith he, ye have heard of me." "Ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you, (v. 8,) and ye shall be witnesses unto me, both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and uuto the uttermost part of the earth." | When he first called and sent forth the twelve, (Mat. 10:) he said, "Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves; - they will deliver you up to the councils, they will scourge you in their synagogues, and ye shall be brought before governors and kings for

II. What is the work of the Spirit? The missionary is sent to preach the gospel to those who are dead in trespasses and sins. Such are to be quickened and made alive to God. The power to do this belongs to the Holy Ghost. "It is the Spirit that quickeneth, the flesh profiteth nothing;" John 6: 63. The resurrection of the dead sinner to spiritual life being the work of the Holy Spirit as a whole, the process by which it is accomplished is, also, in all its parts the work of the Holy Spirit. It is he who reproves, or convinces the world of sin, of righteousness,

away the impenitent heart and gives a contrite one; it is he who takes away the unbelieving heart and gives a believing one; it is he who takes of the things of Jesus and shows them to the convicted, despairing sinner, that he may believe on him and be saved. It is he who takes away the enmity, and sheds abroad the love of God in the heart.

Moreover, as it is the work of the divine Spirit to convert the soul to God, so it is the same Spirit that evermore worketh in the converted soul both to will and to do according to his own good pleasure; sustaining and comforting him under all his afflictions and discouragements, giving him power against all temptations, guiding him into all truth, enduing him with power to accomplish all the work assigned him on earth, and

purifying the soul, preparatory to his ❘ he shall be able to pull down the strong admission among the saints in light.

holds of Satan, he may not hope that There were in apostolic times certain the Spirit of God will go forth with him special gifts of the Holy Ghost, enabling to the battle. "For ye see your calling, those on whom they were bestowed to brethren, how that not many wise men work miracles. "There are diversities after the flesh, not many mighty, not of gifts, but the same Spirit. To one is many noble, are called; but God hath given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; ❘ chosen the foolish things of the world to another, the word of knowledge; to to confound the wisdom of the wise; another, faith; to another, the gifts of and things which are not to bring to healing; to another, the working of naught things that are, that no flesh miracles; to another, prophecy; to should glory in his presence." Hear another, discerning of spirits; to another, what the Spirit saith to the angel of the tongues; to another, the interpretation church of the Laodiceans: "Because of tongues; but all these worketh the thou sayest I am rich, and increased self same Spirit, dividing to every man with goods, and have need of nothing, severally as he will." and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked; I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire that thou mayest be rich, and white raiment that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eye salve, that thou mayest see." "Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him

Admitting that the time for these miraculous manifestations of the Spirit to be given to the church is past, yet his operations, briefly noticed above, continue to be bestowed on them that believe. Christ when he ascended on high, received gifts for men, and these he confers through the Holy Spirit. ❘ He gave some apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors; and some, teachers. | bccome a fool that he may be wise; for

Why? for what purpose? "For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: till we all come in the unity of the faith and the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ." Eph. ch. 4.

the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God." God hath purposed in the ministration of the Spirit, to stain the pride of human glory, that he that glorieth may glory in the Lord.

2. Another condition on which the Spirit bestows his influences, is, that we ask for them, and ask in faith, believing

III. On what conditions does he be- that we shall receive. "If a son shall stow his influences ?

On this topic many particulars might be noticed, but they may be included in the following:

1. We must feel our dependence on his influences. "God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble." Jam. 4: 6. 1st Pet. 5: 5. The treasure of the gospel is put in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God and not of us. If a man go forth to the work of evangelizing the heathen in the confidence that by his own intellectual power aided by his literary and theological training,

2

ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? or if he ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?" When the Holy Spirit was poured out, on the day of Pentecost, it is said that all the disciples were with one accord together in one place, and this doubtless was for the purpose of prayer. When Philip preached with such success in Samaria, and the