which they never can be displaced, in the biblical literature of the East," &c. &c. Vol. vii. p. 574. Now what would this Reviewer have said of us, if, taking up the two or three volumes of Baptist Reports which have been published, we should have remarked, as we might have done with far more appearance of truth and fairness, "We read with a very perverted apprehension, if there is not in these Reports a systematick avoidance to give due prominence of representation to the energy, the talents, and the performances of the missionaries employed by the Society for promoting Christian Knowledge, of the Rev. Dr. Brown, the Rev. Dr. Buchanan, the Rev. Henry Martyn, and others, belonging to the Church of England, or even of the missionaries of the London Missionary Society; if there is not an obvious disposition to throw a richer, fuller light on their own exertions; if there are not, in short, some indications of a sectarian feeling, that is far from pleased that persons connected with the Church of England, or with any other church than their own, should have taken precedence of them in the great work of evangelizing India, or should be thought to have borne or to be bearing any part in advancing those very biblical undertakings which form their chief ground of claim as publick benefactors." Had we thus written, we should have felt that we had written most unfairly. The editor would have properly and briefly replied, "It is not for us to give account of any but our own proceedings." But how much more unfair and uncandid is the attack of the Reviewer, than even the case which we have supposed. Dr. Buchanan felt, as we hope and believe, a deeper interest in the exertions of the church of which he is a minister, than in those of other churches. But is it possible for any individual, whose mind is not absolutely perverted by prejudice, to read his various works, his Memoir on an Ecclesiastical Establishment for India, his Star in the East, his Christian Researches, and to say that Dr. Buchanan has systematically avoided to give due prominence to the energy, talents, and performances of the Baptist Mis sioners? We shall next expect to be accused ourselves, and it would be with the same justice, of invidiously and systematically throwing the exertions of these va luable men into the shade. But we are desirous rather of apologizing for the Reviewer, although, perhaps, he may thank us as little for our apology as for our censure. We take it for granted, that he is a member of the Baptist Society, and great allowances should be made for him on this score. Every Baptist cannot be expected to be a Hall or a Hughes in respect to expansion of mind. The members of small divisions of Christians generally labour under this disadvantage, that every small sect is apt to account itself the purest of all sects, and its great men the greatest of all men. The Reviewer appears to have had the whole field of his view filled up with his own society, and probably knew very little about the proceedings of the Church of England or of the other denominations of Christians. When Dr. Buchanan, therefore, published a book giving some honour to these as well as to the Baptists, he is both surprised and offended. Montaigne's fable is applicable to such a case." A young rat, who had lived all his life in a large chest, serambled up to the top one day, when the lid chanced to be open, and, looking over the edge, exclaimed with great surprise, how wide the world is!" When the Reviewer gets out of the chest, and takes a larger view, he will probably speak less harshly of Dr. Buchanan.

We may appear to have given a disproportionate space to this discussion; but we were desirous not to let slip so far an opportunity of giving a lesson of candour to our Christian brethren generally, as well as to the Eclectick Reviewer; and we trust that what we have said may prevent the repetition of such unfounded and unseemly imputations, as those on which we have animadverted. We must now return to the Baptist Missionaries.

Calcutta, March 8th, 1811.

"Our friend, Mrs. W. of the Fort, who invited the missionaries to preach in her house, made us a visit yesterday, with some others, for the first time. I was much gratified by the zealous spirit which she evinced, as well as by her anxiety to join the church. She has hitherto waited to see if the Lord would bless her endeavours to draw her husband into the right way. See what a blessing this native woman aims to be to her European husband. She was, if I mistake not, before he took her as a slave, a Hindoo of the vilest description. This man was sergeant of ar tillery in the late war, under Lord Lake, and had an active part in most of the bloody conflicts of the time. This woman's attachment to her partner was so strong, that she accompanied him in the heat of every battle, and often lent him a hand when exhausted, and supplied his place at the guns. In one of these scenes Mr. W. received a musket-ball about the temples, which penetrated nearly through his

skull, carrying a part of the brass hoop of his hat along with it. He instantly dropped down, to all appearance dead. She, however, neither lost her fortitude nor her affection: even in this trying moment, when, in addition to the situation of her partner, the shot were falling like hail-stones about her own head, she took him upon her back, with the intent of performing the last friendly office, that of burying him, and carried him clear out of the scene of action! It pleased God to restore him; and, to make the most grateful return he conceived himself capable of, on his recovery he made her his wife."

An account is afterwards given of the successful intercession of this Hindoo woman with the commander-in-chief, to prevent the discontinuance of the religious meet ings held at her house, of which some one had reported unfavourably.

Government has given Mr. Ward leave to publish a work on the religion and manners of the Hindoos.

On the subject of biblical translations the following intelligence is given.

"In the month of March, 1811, the New Testament in the Hindee and Mahratta languages, the Pentateuch in Sungskrit, and the prophetick books in the Orissa language were finished at press. The progress of the translations is as follows: "1. Bengalee.-The whole Old and New Testament translated and printed. A second edition of the Pentateuch in the press, and printed to about the middle of Leviticus.

"2. Sungskrit.-An edition of one thousand five hundred copies of the N. T. translated and printed. The O. T. translated to Ruth, and printed to the end of the Pentateuch.

"3. Hindee, or Hindoost'hannee.-The N. T. translated and printed. The O. T. translated, except the Pentateuch.

"4. The Mahratta.-The N. T. translated and printed. The Hagiographa nearly translated.

"5. The Orissa.-The N. T. the poetick and prophetick books, translated and printed.

"6. The Punjabee, or the language of the Seiks.-The N. T. translated, and the printing of it begun. The O. T. translated to Numbers.

"7. The Chinese-Matthew and Mark translated and printed.

"8. The Telinga.-The N. T. translated; and the O. T. to Numbers.-N.B. A fount of Telinga types about finished.

"9. The Kurnata, or Carnata.-The N. T. translated, and the O. T. to Numbers.

"10. The Gujuratte.-The N. T. translated.

"11. The Cashmeera.-The translation of the N. T. begun, and a fount of types about completed.

"12. The Burman.-A pamphlet containing important Scripture extracts translated and printed for immediate circulation."

(To be continued.)

The Epistle from the Yearly Meeting, held in London, by adjournments, from the 20th of the fifth month, to the 30th of the same, inclusive, 1812.

To the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends, in Great-Britain, Ireland,

DEAR FRIENDS,

and elsewhere.

BEING permitted to meet at the present time, to investigate the state of our religious Society, and participating together in that love which, we believe, takes its origin in the boundless mercy of Go through Christ our Holy Redeemer, through HIM who died for us, and who ever liveth to make intercession for us; we have found this love to extend to you our brethren. We have considered your situation, whether in your larger or smaller meetings; and as we have again been impressed with the belief, that in renewing the written salutation of our love, we shall be found in the way of our duty; we have desired to be directed to impart to you such information and counsel as may tend to your increase in the fear of the Lord, and in the consolations of his presence.

Seeing therefore the infinite value of love, that indispensable qualification of a true disciple, we are desirous of pressing it on every individual, to examine impar

tially how far he feels it to flourish in his own mind, and to influence all his actions, thus inducing others to follow him, as he is endeavouring to follow Christ. And we believe that nothing will be so favourable to the preservation of this holy disposition as humility of heart, a temper in which we constantly see ourselves unworthy of the least of the Lord's mercies, and dependent only on his compassion for our final acceptance. Seeing also that no awakened mind can be without a view to a better and an enduring state, and that no one knows how soon he may be called to put off mutability; let us bear in perpetual recollection, that, in the state to which we aspire, there is nothing but eternal love, joy, and adoration, in the presence of Him through whose love we were first awakened.

In contemplating this copious subject, though we are not apprehensive of more symptoms of deficiency than in former years, we feel disposed afresh to encourage friends to be prompt in undertaking, and prudent in executing, the blessed office of peace-maker. And we believe the patient endeavours of faithful friends will be ge nerally crowned with success, in proportion as their own minds are seeking to Jesus, for assistance in performing an office on which he has pronounced his blessing; and in endeavouring to lead the minds of any contending persons, to a sense of the absolute necessity for all true disciples to live in peace one with another, and to forgive one another, even as God for Christ's sake has forgiven them*.

Before we quit the subject of Christian love, let us remind you that no limit of name can bound its influence. In this season of almost unprecedented pressure on some of the poorer classes of our countrymen, we deem it particularly desirable, that our dear friends every where should not be backward in examining into their distresses; but liberal in contributing a due proportion of relief. Many are allowed to have temporal possessions sufficient to do this with comparative ease. Let these therefore remember that they are but stewards, and let them seek to be good and faithful stewards. And it is probable that others, not equally abounding in the good things of this life, may find that in using moderation in their own expenditure, they may have wherewith to supply the wants of others, and to make the heart of the poor man sing for joy. O, the blessing of clothing the naked and feeding the hungry! who would not desire to be entitled to a share in it!

Moderation in personal and domestick expense, every way becomes the followers of a lowly-hearted Saviour. We are therefore engaged to press it upon our young friends just setting out in life, to beware of needless expense in the furniture of their houses, and in their general domestick habits. Even those who think their property may entitle them to abundance or to elegance, by indulging in costly ha bits are setting but an ill example to those of more contracted means, and as we are but too apt to copy that which coincides with our natural disposition, our want of circumspection may prove an incitement to extravagance in others, and prompt them to use exertions for supporting an appearance, which may divert them from the true business of life-the daily study to be approved in the sight of God.

And, dear youth in general, especially you whose period of life may not be so advanced as that of those whom we have just addressed, even you who have left, or are about to leave, the protection of a parent, and to enter into the busy scenes of life; some of you, probably in populous towns, far different from the retirement of your paternal abodes; we beseech you to guard against the new temptations which may now assail you. Oppose the first incitement to any liberty inconsistent with your principles, and be willing to seek the society of experienced friends in the places where you may be situated, and to receive their admonition with meekness and attention. Never forget that the season of early youth is a season of peculiar danger; and if you grow up under this sense, you will from time to time be led to ery for preservation to Him, who has said, (and his words are Amen for ever,) "Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast outt."

The usual accounts of sufferings brought in this year, chiefly for tithes and those called church-rates, and for military demands, amount to thirteen thousand six hun dred and forty-five pounds. Five young men have been imprisoned for refusing to serve in the local militia.-Besides these and other accounts which we have received from our several Quarterly Meetings, we have an epistle from Ireland, and one

* Eph. iv. 32.

† John vi. 37. ‡ An opinion being sometimes entertained with regard to these sufferings, that individuals are reimbursed by the Society, it is desired, if occasion should occur, that friends would refute it; as no such practicę exists.

from each of the Yearly Meetings on the American continent. The Yearly Meetings of our American brethren seem vigilant in their attention to the support of our testimonies, and to purposes of general benevolence. The due education of our youth still forms a part of the concern of the Yearly Meeting of Pennsylvania; which has also, together with those of Maryland and NewYork, continued to care for the native inhabitants of the wilderness; and those of Carolina, Virginia, and Maryland, testify in their epistles, their unremitting concern for the state of the enslaved Africans in their land. Although in our country, as well as in theirs, the infamous traffick with Africa in slaves has been abolished by law, we desire friends not to forget that slavery still exists within the British empire, and to suffer their sympathy still to flow towards its oppressed victims.

Thus, dear friends, we trust we may say that both abroad and at home, the Lord is influencing his servants to remain on the watch. Though the subjects of our concern may be somewhat various, it is still pleasant to reflect that all are aiming at the same object, and all looking to the same Lord for his gracious assistance. Having the same faith, and being baptized with the same baptism, even those plunges into exercise and conflict which wash us from confidence in our own exertions; how can it be otherwise than that we should rely, as we have just hinted, on the same Lord? May this unity of travail encourage us all to abide steadfast in our allegiance to him, that in due season we may reap the unfading reward of his holy peace.

Having touched on some of the subjects which have warmed our hearts in desire that we may be built up a spiritual house, we entreat you to consider that it is by means of individual exertions, under the direction of the omnipotent Master-builder, that the work is to be effected to his praise. Be vigilant therefore, we beseech you; be constant, when cases require it, in faithful and tender admonition. Neglect in this point gives countenance to defects and increases them, whilst the faithful admonisher may hope to partake of the reward of those who "turn many to righteousness;" who, saith the prophet, "shall shine as the stars for ever and ever."

Now, dear friends, in conclusion, let us observe, that love, Christian love, is the parent of every virtue: it restrains our immoderate gratification of personal indulgence; it expands our hearts to every class of society, and to every modification of the human species; it makes us prompt to lend a hand of help to such as may stray from the path of safety; it leads to universal benevolence: and as it is the origin of every good work, so through the grace of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, it will be the reward of a life passed in his service, in its native region, the realm of unmix. ed love with him for ever. Amen.

The Epistle of the Society of Sierra Leone, in Africa. To the Saints and faithful Brethren in Christ: grace be unto you, and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

WE desire to humble ourselves with that thankful acknowledgment to the Father and Fountain of all our mercies, for the liberty and freedom we enjoy. And our prayer to God is, that our Brethren, who live in distant lands, and are held in bondage, and groan under the galling chain of slavery, that they may be liberated, and enjoy the liberty that God has granted unto all his faithful saints. Dearly beloved brethren in the Lord, may the power and peace of God rule in all your hearts, for we feel, from an awful experience, the distresses that many of our African brethren groan under; therefore we feel our minds engaged to desire all the saints and professors in Christ, to diligently consider our cause, and to put our cause to the Christian query: whether it is agreeable to the testimony of Jesus Christ, for one professor to make merchandise of another? We are desirous, that this may be made manifest to all professors of all Christian denominations, who have not abolished the holding of slaves.

We salute you, dearly beloved brethren, in the Lord, with sincere desire that the works of regeneration may be more and more experienced. It would be a consolation to us, to hear from the saints in distant lands, and we could receive all who are disposed to come unto us with open arms.

Our dearly beloved African brethen, we also salute you in the love of God, to be obedient unto your masters, with your prayers lifted up to God, whom we would

recommend you to confide in, who is just as able in these days, to deliver you from the yoke of oppression, as he hath in time past brought your fore-fathers out of the Egyptian bondage: finally brethren, may the power and peace of God rule in all your hearts.

Grace be unto you, and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

JOHN GORDON*, Preacher; WARWICK FRANCIS*; JAMES REED; JOSEPH BROWN; MOSES WILKINSON*; S. JONES; JOHN ELLIS*; ADAM JONES"; GEORGE CLARK*; PETER FRANCIS; GEORGE CARREL; EDWARD WILLOUGHLEY*; TH: RICHARDS, Senior*; ELI AIKIM; JNO. STEVENSON*; JAMES WISE.

Sierra Leone, 20th April, 1811.

ttt The persons to whose names this mark is subjoined, not being able to write, affixed a cross as their signatures. They are all men of colour.

SINGULAR INSTANCE OF CHRISTIAN FORGIVENESS.

We extract the following affecting relation, from the Literary Panorama. It is part of a conversation which the Rev. Mr. Wilson had with Bellingham, (the assas sin of Mr. Perceval,) the day previous to his execution. "I told him I had an anec. dote to relate to him, which was sufficient, I thought, to melt a heart of stone; and then read to him a letter, stating, that the afflicted Mrs. Perceval, with her orphan children, had knelt round the corpse of her murdered husband, and had put up ear nest prayers to God for his murderer. Thus,' said I, while you, on a mere presumption of injury in your own mind, have assassinated a man who had never per sonally injured you, and whose amiable and benevolent character you cannot but acknowledge, his widowed partner, whose injuries from you are incalculably greater than any you can even pretend to have received from Mr. Perceval, has, in all the poignancy of her anguish, been offering up prayers to God on your behalf.'

"As I was standing up to read the letter by a dimly burning candle against the wall of the cell, my friend took particular notice of the murderer's countenance, and distinctly observed, that, on hearing this touching account, he hung down his head for an instant, (for he had before been steadfastly looking at us,) as though he was much affected. He soon, however, resumed his former attitude, and said, as one recol. lecting himself, This was a Christian spirit! she must be a good woman. Her con. duct was more like a Christian's than my own, certainly. "

·

This anecdote needs no comment!-To return to the prisoner: Mr. W's friend "afterwards asked him, whether he had received a religious education, and whether his parents were pious persons?

"He said, that his father died when he was young; but his mother was a very pious woman. At the mention of her name he was sensibly affected: he wept. He added, that his mother was a truly good woman, and that her dying words were, that she wished to meet him in heaven. He was greatly moved when he gave this ac

count.

"His pious mother had long fallen a victim to afflictions occasioned chiefly by her unprincipled child. She died at Liverpool, weighed down with trouble, in the year 1802."

Mr. W. very justly observes,

"The neglect of the religious instruction of his mother, may be considered in his ease, as it undoubtedly is in that of thousands, the first step which he took in the way of evil. How considerable the influence of his mother originally was, may be gathered from the poignant regret which the mention of her name excited, even after all the obduracy he had manifested on every other point. It is certain, that few depart very far from the paths of rectitude, so long as they continue to cherish any due reverence for their parents. And we may fairly regard his rejection of this sacred yoke, as the one great cause of his future ruin."

To this we add from another part of the same work, the observations of the editors respecting the religious character of the deceased. To a Christian it will afford no small pleasure thus to be told, that he who was so suddenly cut off from the enjoyment of life had been active in the duties of religion, and had left behind him to his afflicted friends, the consolatory belief that he was "righteous before God, walking in the commandments and ordinances of the Lord, blameless."

"And now, when the catastrophe has demonstrated the fate that awaited him, is it