desire it, for our further experience and observation have served the more deeply to convince us of the eminent importance of such schools, and of their powerful agency in the diffusion of Christian knowledge. With the hope and confidence, that the benevolent Christian public will cheerfully continue to furnish the requisite means for continuing and extending these schools, we would submit a few additional remarks concerning them. 1. With respect to the actual expense of the schools. As a general rule, we give the teachers at the rate of 20 rupees a month for 100 boys, and from one to three rupees a month for the rent of a school room. Allowing, on an average, 50 boys to a school, and two rupees for rent, the monthly expense for teaching 100 boys is 24 rupees, or about 11 dollars. From this statement any one may judge with sufficient accuracy of the actual expense of that plan of schooling which we have adopted, and which we wish to extend. 2. As a motive to encourage the patronage of this schooling system, we briefly state what is taught in the schools, though it will be in part a repetition of what we have before communicated. As a thing of course, the children are taught reading, writing, and arithmetic, in their own language. Special pains are taken to bring them forward in reading, -an exercise greatly undervalued and very little encouraged in their own schools. Besides, as the schools are chiefly designed for the poor, who do not think themselves able to provide instruction for their children, by means of them large numbers are instructed in the art of reading, &c. who otherwise would never be able to read, and consequently, in no capacity to be benefitted by the Scriptures, if given to them. To increase the proportion of people in a community who are furnished with the art of reading, writing, and arithmetic, is to raise that community in the scale of intellectual being; and as charity schools for the education of the poor and destitute obviously effect this, they certainly claim the approbation and patronage of every friend of humanity. But this is by no means the chief motive, It will be remembered that these schools are filled with heathen children, who, in a few years, are in no small degree to give a character to the community to which they belong. In these schools, in addition to the ordinary branches of learning, these heathen youth are taught the fundamental principles of Christianity. Instead of heathen fables, the first thing put into their hands to read is the pure Word of God, which is able to make them wise unto salvation, through faith in Jesus Christ. Such portions are selected for them as are best calculated to store their tender minds with divine knowledge. The most important moral precepts are enforced upon their hearts. They commit to memory the Decalogue, and forms of prayer. Thus are these heathen children daily employed. Is not this simple statement enough? Will can the disciples of Jesus, can the friends of mankind withhold their silver and their gold, so long as there is a call for another such school among the heathen? If more argument were necessary, much more might be said. But we must forbear to amplify. We would only add, that this method of schooling has very far exceeded our anticipations. We find no obstacle to the multiplying of our schools, and none in our way of teaching in them whatever we please. If we only had time, we might visit and catechise each school every day, and, in 'some respects, we are under as great advantages for imparting a religious education to these heathen children, as if they were brought up in our families. We are therefore earnest in pleading for these schools, that they may not only continue to be supported, but that they may be greatly extended. At the same time would we desire to acknowledge with unfeigned gratitude, that liberal patronage, which the Christian public in our native land have hitherto extended to the various objects of our mission, and which we hope never to forfeit. The demand for books has been greatly increased during the last four or five months. A large number has been distributed, and some of them have been sent to a considerable distance on the continent. A few copies of the reading school-book were sent, some months since, to a large town about 20 miles to the east of Bankote, and were so highly approved, that they were immediately introduced into the principal schools there, and a further supply was requested through an English gentleman residing at that place. The supply desired has since been forwarded. A number of copies of the Gospels, and of the Acts, and tracts were distributed in the same place through the same gentleman. He also remarked, concerning a copy of Matthew and Acts bound together, that an officiating bramhun of the principal temple in that place, asked for it, and it was given him on condition that it should be publicly deposited in the temple, for the use of all that might wish to read it. On this condition it was received, and the gentleman had ascertained that it was accordingly deposited and actually read. We have now given a general view of our missionary operations to the present time. While we regret that we cannot send you the joyful tidings of wandering souls gathered into the fold of Christ through our ministry, we think we have great occasion to bless God, who has enabled us to do so much for the diffusion of divine knowledge in this heathen land; and we would indulge the consoling hope, that the precious seed which has already been sown, and which is daily spreading more widely around us, will not be suffered to perish, but will, in due time, be made to spring up and bring forth fruit to the glory of God, and the salvation of some of this heathen people. Nothing of special interest relative to missionary operations in this country, has recently come to our knowledge Some time since a communication was received, through the missionaries at Surat, from Mr. Mead, a missionary from the London Society, in Travancore. In that letter, Mr. Mead says, that "Things are very encouraging-that many are embracing Christianity." It affords us great joy to hear of the exertions which are making for the salvation of the poor savages, and of all the success with which God is pleased to crown those exertions, and also to hear of the great variety of plans and labors going forward in our native land for the enlargement of Zion. May God increase them an hundred fold, and crown every one with abundant success. We conclude by offering our affectionate salutations to you, dear Sir. and through you to the Board,-renewedly commending ourselves to the Christian remembrance and continual prayers of all, while we remain, Your brethren and fellow servants in the Lord— Bombay, Dec. 31, 1818. G. HALL, S. NEWELL, H. BARDWELL, P. S. Since the date of this letter, a note dated Jan. 8th, has been received from brother Nichols, in which he writes: "I have established a school with favorable prospects in Tanna, and also one at Cullian, which I intend soon to visit. I have had repeated conversation with a bramhun from Basseen, and expect him in a few days to go there and commence a school. I am much encouraged with the prospect of schools in other places in this quarter." DONATIONS TO THE AMERICAN BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS FOR FOREIGN MISSIONS FROM AUGUST 16th. to 31st. Total. $1.00 3 20 Andover, Ms. a charity box, by Mr. H. Bingham, $120.00 5,080 61 7 02 Dracut, Ms. (W. parish,) the monthly concert, by Mr. H. Bingham, Durham, Con Heath. School Soc, by Timothy Stone, for ed. heath. youth, remitted by H. Hudson, Esq. Franklin, Con Fem. For. Miss. Soc. by H. Hudson, Esq. 22 00 59.25 185 00 Granby, Con. Fem. Beneficent Soc. by Mrs. Robbins, Treas. for the For. Great Bend, Pen. The Fem. Society by do. 5 14 Hatfield, Mass. Mrs. L. Partridge, of which one half, is for the miss. to Jeru. salem, by the Rev Dr. Lyman, 10 00 Holden, Ms. Individuals, to purchase Bibles for the Choctaw Mission, by Mr. 12.00 17.00 Guilford, Con. (1st. Soc.) monthly con. for prayer,by the Rev. Mr. Dutton, $4 72 Young gentlemen in the same school, for ed. children at Brainerd, 9 00 S 00 Total. 57 00 30 00 $60 00 155 00 Part of a legacy of $200, bequeathed by Capt. Perez Graves, for Christianizing the aborigines of this country, paid by his executors, Levi and Timothy Graves to the Rev. Dr. Lyman, Herkimer, N. Y. Fem. Cent Assoc. for Am. Indians at Brainerd, by Margaretta B. Fosgate, Treas Keene, N. H. the monthly concert, by Mr. A. Kingsbury, Meriden, Con. Fem. Cent Soc. by Mrs. Ripley, remitted by T. Dwight, Esq. 14 00 Middlebury, Ver. The monthly concert in M. College, 550 Monson, Mass. the monthly concert, by the Rev. Alfred Ely, New Bedford, Ms. two mite boxes, by the Rev. Sylvester Holmes, Newburyport, Ms. by Samuel Tenney, Esq. the following, viz. An unknown person for the Cherokee Mission, by Capt. Paul Couch, The Merrimac Miss. and Translation Soc. by Capt. Edmund Kimball, Tr. 85 00 1,787 00 Collection in the monthly concert in the Soc. of the late Dr. Spring, for the miss. to Jerusalem 2 00, for general objects $27 27, New Canaan, Con. The Mite Soc. by E. St. John Treas. for the Sch. fund Mr. Stiles Hawley, New Haven, Con. from three little girls, obtained by abstaining from sugar; by "a mother," New Milford, Con. The Fem. Mite Soc. for the School at Cornwall, Puris, N. Y. (South settlement) Fem. Soc. for the ed. of hea. youth, Another lady, by Do. Saybrook, Con. a few young ladies, for the For. Miss. Sch. by Rev. Dr. Chapin 4 45 100 1.00 Trumbull, Con. Collection at a prayer meeting, by the Rev. Dr. Chapin, Thetford, Ver. A Legacy by the late Mrs. Rhoda Burton, paid at her request by Mr. Charles White, 100 00 12 57 Wethersfield, Con. Fem. For. Miss, Soc. by Ann Marsh, remitted by the Windsor, Con. the Young Ladies Soc. for ed. h. children in our own country, the avails of their labor one half day in each fortnight of the year, by Sarah M. Gillet, Treas. The Residence of the following Persons is unknown. Sept. 9. From "a friend of Missions, a widow's mite," for the Choctaw Miss. 200 15. Dropped into the box, for the mission to the Sandwich Islands, From a friend of Missions, by Messrs. Fisk and Pride, 7 20 25 50 00 The Amount of the preceding donations is $1,839 99; but a part of the donations from Augusta, N. Y. viz. $91 66 was received in the month of April last, and credited to the Board at that time. The list of these first donations from that place was left unpublished at the re quest of the donors. The sum actually received therefore, in the first half of September is $1,748 33. Several articles are received for the mission to the Sandwich Islands, which will be particularly acknowledged hereafter. LETTER FROM THE REV. ALLEN GRAVES TO THE CORRESPONDING SECRETARY OF THE A. B. C. F. M. Mahim, January 11, 1819. REVEREND AND DEAR SIR, You will perceive by my journal, that the Lord has been very favorable to myself and Mrs. G. in preserving our lives and giving so much health to us, while so many poor heathens have perished around us. I would feel grateful, especially that I have now been permitted about six months to engage in daily endeavors to promote the Gospel of the Redeemer, by addressing the people in their own language. At first, I could convey but comparatively few truths, and those in a very faultering manner; but now the most necessary words and phrases have become considerably familiar, and I generally convey any idea that I wish, though not without frequent circumlocutions. I could communicate important truths some time before I could understand what was said in reply. I begin now to discover by experience, that a missionary should be made up of patience and meekness, as well as of zeal. I trust I have learned, therefore, something of my own defects and weakness. May you, Dear Sir, and others, ever pray that I may learn to be such as I ought. The manner in which divine truth is received here is perhaps as favorable as might be expected. But alas, I have not seen one individual with a serious and settled determination to reflect and inquire after the truth. Many, it is true, during the few moments in which they are addressed, appear attentive, and sometimes even solemnized. I do not so often meet large numbers together as do the brethren at Bombay. Nor have I yet seemed to gain any thing by making appointments beforehand. If I commence conversation in very public places, sometimes considerable numbers will gather around. I hope, however, that the time will ere long arrive when congregations will be gathered in Mahim to hear divine truth. He alone, who rules the hearts of men, can determine when it shali be. I have not attempted to acquire the Portuguese language, nor do I think it worth the time it would require. For, although the Catholics are very numerous here, they all speak the Mahratta or Hindoostanee languages; most of them having lost their own. There are but very few who usually speak in Portuguese, or who ever speak it correctly. The Hindoostanee and Guzerattee are far more important. There are many here who speak these languages, and cannot, in any good degree, understand any other. I distribute as many Portuguese Testaments as I find individuals able and willing to read them. This number is small. They are extremely sunk in every point of view. Yesterday, (on the Sabbath) while abroad to address the people, I saw perhaps a dozen Catholics pursuing their daily labors without scruple. They commonly allow that it is better not to work on that day. I repeat the fourth commandment to them, and assure them it is contained in the Bible. But they generally feel very secure, and are, in many respects, much further beyond the reach of reproof than the professed pagans. In two of the Mahim Mahratta schools, I have succeeded, with the consent of the parents in substituting "reverence to the true God" instead of an idol, in the first writing lesson given to the boys. Some of the parents here are very suspicious respecting the instructions given, and one or two other schools have been set up in opposition; or rather that their children may be taught agreeably to their minds. But neither of them have any large number of boys; and I cannot avoid believing that our schools will prosper, and do very much towards undermining the strong system of superstition which exists here, and establishing the kingdom of the Redeemer. But for this all reliance must be placed on the divine aid. May the blessing of God rest on the Committee and the Board. I am yours and theirs in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. A. GRAVES. SPEECH OF THE HON. WILLIAM WILBERFORCE, ESQ. BEFORE THE BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY. I AM sure, my Lord, any disinclination on my part to make the motion which I have just now received, can be supposed to arise from no other motive than that of considering myself unable to do it justice, without more preparation. But, at the same time, that preparation which is wanting in my language, will be supplied by the feelings of every individual present; and I am perfectly convinced, there is not a single person in this meeting, who does not feel what thanks we owe to their Royal Highnesses, the Dukes of York, Kent, Cumberland, Sussex, Cambridge and Gloucester, for their kind and continued patronage of this Society. VOL. XV. 60 own. We all know, my Lord, the great advantages that have resulted to us in other countries, from our having been honored with that high patronage, and general countenance of men of distinguished rank in our own, for which we have reason to be thankful to a bountiful Providence. But, while we are bound to acknowlelge him, as your Lordship truly remarked, as the Author of all good, we yet are not unconscious of those means by which the Almighty effects his purposes: and it cannot be at all questioned, but that the willingness of persons of high rank, and great power, in other countries to combine with us in our operations, is, in a very great degree, promoted by our receiving the same distinctions in our And then, my Lord, another consequence results; and of a still higher and more gratifying nature; for I think no one can have listened to what we have heard, respecting the Emperor of Russia, and other Sovereigns, without being fully persuaded, that it is not a cold and formal patronage which they confer on our institution, but it is the real suffrage of a warm heart and a decided judgment, feeling, justly feeling the debt which they owe to their subjects of gratitude and attachment, and knowing that they shall have to answer to God hereafter for the use they have made of that power of which he has made them the depositaries: they are sensible that there is no way by which they can so well acquit themselves of these obligations, and confer on their subjects the most lasting benefits here and hereafter, as by co-operating with us, and promoting the great objects of our Society. My Lord, what has been said on other occasions is strictly true, that, when we come to form any adequate idea of the real benefits which result from our Institution, the very magnitude of them, the very immensity of the scale of the building, prevents our having any just and due feeling concerning it. It is too large for us to comprehend, and to grasp with the ordinary feelings of our nature. In order to form a more just conception of the benefits to arise from our labors, we shall do better to banish from our minds all the ideas of empires and nations, and take a single copy of the Scriptures, follow it into the little dwelling in which it is delivered, and see those who have not enjoyed the benefits of instruction with which a bounteous Providence has favored us, hanging upon the words of truth and mercy that are there recorded for the consolation of the sorrowful, and for easing the guilty heart of its pangs. Then we behold them with a deep feeling of compunction reading of a Savior who died for sinners, of a Holy Spirit promised them for the change of their natures, while a principle of gratitude begins to warm their hearts: soon you find them engaging in one common prayer, and a prayer I trust, in which we ourselves shall not be forgotten. "But when we consider that this is but a single individual case, taken from among those two million three hundred thousand of which we have been speaking; when we recollect, that the benefit conferred, adapts itself to all circumstances, suits all individuals, from the monarch upon the throne to the peasant in the cottage, and becomes, to both alike, a spring of new life, and thought, and action; that it is productive of individual improvement, of individual comfort, of domestic peace and happiness, of social delight and enjoyment; and that it goes on, enlarging its sphere, till it enlightens kingdoms, and forms the cement of political society; I say, when, my Lord, you trace it in all its effects, from man to man, from society to society, from nation to nation, the world at length becomes too narrow for its operations, and you are carried on to that better and future state, where its blessings shall be seen in all their vast and endless dimensions. "There is something to my mind, I must confess, peculiarly delightful in those instances that are continually occurring, in which we find our labors attended with the approbation of other countries, and even of some that had been hitherto the objects of our jealousy, and even hostility. I cannot doubt but every one here present, shared in the feelings which I experienced, upon hearing the address of the Gentleman, who, with a singular felicity of circumstances, was called on this day of his birth, to attend our meeting: and who assured us, that he was resolved (a resolution which we shall all do well to make) to endeavor to carry into his life and practice the contents of that volume which he was dispensing to others. The habits of my life, and the nature of my occupations, have naturally led me to regard things in a political way; and I well remember, especially in the *Professor Kieffer of Paris, Interpreting Secretary to the King of France. |