himself, but a most sure token that he will shortly rise-so does such an event as that' have recorded, constitute a prophetic beam in the moral horizon of benighted China; and is to the eye of faith a visible token that the Sun of Righteousness is about to rise upon that dark empire. And, if it rise, shall it not shine with increasing brightness until it attain a perfect mid-day splendor? May the Lord hasten it in his own good time! content that we should not be concerned in their quarrels and wars farther than in our attempts to make peace; and if war should arise, would both parties protect us? They answered these questions satisfactorily as to themselves, but added that there were heathen chiefs and wicked men on the islands, for whom they could not be answerable. We then expressed our determination to remain among them, and informed them of our proposed Stations; to The converts are now in a state of prepara- which they assented as the best that could be tion for church-fellowship; and, in the course chosen, though some regretted that they had of a few Sabbaths, we hope to form the first not missionaries to reside at their stations. church of Chinese Christians.-Do not cease On the next day-the Sabbath-we had a sucto pray that the Lord's work may continue to cession of most interesting services. The bre prosper in our hands. Mine is a most respon-thren, Platt, Wilson, Barff, and Buzacott, and sible and important charge. I entreat an interest in your prayers for my dear partner and myself, and the College, and for your united thanksgivings for what God has already done by us. The children of the various schools connected with our mission, above 500 in number, met on the 2d inst. to receive their new year's gift. The scene was deeply impressive and gratifying, and highly delighted those ladies and gentlemen who were present. It is pleasing to see how much prejudice is giving way, and how readily the Scriptures and other religious books are received into all the schools by the masters. At the weekly examinations, chapter after chapter is read by successive classes with considerable fluency; and a large number assemble on the Sabbath for Divine worship. Thus we continue to scatter the good seed of the word. Pray that it may be watered and fertilized by the Holy Spirit, and produce a glorious harvest.-We are all well, and living together in harmony, peace, and love. MISSION TO THE SIMOANS. In June, 1836, a mission was commenced in the Simoan Islands, in the South Seas. The missionaries give the following account of their reception by the natives. The brethren Platt and Wilson; the native teachers; the leading chiefs, Malietoa and Matetan, and several minor chiefs, were present. With them we held a public meeting in the large house of the Settlement devoted to public business. Party after party arrived with baskets full of presents. We stated, that we came in consequence of their requests made to Messrs. Williams, Barff, and Buzacott, and, first, desired to know whether they were now willing to receive us. To this we had a prompt answer in the affirmative; expressing not merely assent; but strong desire and pleasure. We then inquired, secondly, were they desirous that we should instruct them in the knowledge of the true God, and in reading, writing, and other useful arts? Thirdly, would they protect our persons, our wives, and our property? Would they be two or three native teachers, preached at dif- SOCIETY FOR EVANGELIZING THE A correspondent of the N. Y. Observer, writing from Balbec, April 19, 1837, gives some account of this Society, of which the Rev. Mr. Chabrand is President. The friends of the Gospel in France have, for some years, turned their attention to North Africa, which has lost almost every vestige of Christianity. In the primitive ages of the Christian era, it reckoned numerous and flourishing churches. Tertullian, Cyprian, Augustin, &c., rendered illustrious by their piety and writings the land of Ham. There also the bishops resisted with vigor the invasions of the Roman See. But a long and thick darkness has since covered the country. Now, since the French flag is planted on the walls of Algiers, Bougy, and Oran, a new field is open for preaching the Gospel. The Society of Toulouse, seconded by the Evangelical Society of Geneva, has sent to Algiers a pastor for the Protestant colonists who resort thither from different countries, amounting to about 800 souls; to whom must be added 1,500 or 1,800 soldiers, mostly belonging to the foreign legion. This is a flock large enough to engage all the cares of a pastor. Rev. Mr. Roussel was sent out, but family considerations obliged him to return. His place was supplied by Mr. Hoffman, a pious, unwearied evangelist of Saone and Loire. He knew the difficulties of such a mission, but went with full confidence in God. He gives a sad account of the dispo sitions of a majority of the European colonists, who consent to have a pastor, but do not wish him to tell them the truth. When he exhorts them to attend to their spiritual interests, they reply without blushing, "We came to the colony to seek our fortune, and not to seek salvation." From a population of more than 2,000 Protestants, colonists, and soldiers, scarcely 40 or 50 are regular attendants at church. Mr. Hoffman contends zealously against this apathy; but if he sees no change, he will put into execution a plan which must be interesting to Christians-that of preaching the Gospel beyond the bounds of the French dominion, to the tribes of Arabs who inhabit the lesser Atlas and the interior of Africa. These are less opposed to the Christian religion than the Moors, and a prudent missionary may succeed very well among them. In that country, too, there is a tribe of men, regarded as half-savage by the Arabs and Moors, called Kabiles, who preserve the tradition that their remote ancestors were Christians. "We Kabiles," said they lately to a principal colonist, "are more truly thy friend than the Arabs; for they have always been Mahometans; but our fathers were Christians like thee." Surely this tradition will facilitate the preaching of the Gospel among them. Besides regular service in the church, the pastor holds religious worship in the military hospital, which contains many soldiers. He has founded three libraries-one for the city of Algiers, one for the hospital, and the third for the casba-the barracks. The books are read by a good number. A young converted Jew sells daily, in the public square of Algiers, copies of the Scriptures. The Spaniards are the chief purchasers; while the French show a chilling indifference to the Bible. The London Tract Society has sent to the pastor, through the depository at Malta, tracts in the Arabic language, which have been readily distributed. Schools have not been forgotten. There are at Algiers an infant school, a boys' school, and a girls' school. SOCIETY FOR PRINTING RELIGIOUS BOOKS AT TOULOUSE. placed in the hands of pious members of their churches. Among the books issued are several English works, translated into French; as Baxter's Call to the Unconverted, the Life of Newton, Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress, Life of Halyburton, Scott's Essays, Chalmer's Evidences of Christianity. SUMMARY OF RELIGIOUS INTEL LIGENCE. Christianity the Means of Civilization.-The fact stated in this title is proved by evidence given before the British House of Commons, by D. Coates, Esq., Rev. J. Beecham, and Rev. W. Ellis, Secretaries, respectively of the Church, Wesleyan, and London Missionary Societies. There is a general concurrence in the views of these witnesses, as to the tendency and efficacy of Christianity to civilize mankind and promote their social well-being. There was no concert among them antecedently to the delivery of their evidence. This coincidence in their evidence tends, therefore, to substantiate the important fact, that there is no means so effectual, under the divine blessing, to benefit man for the life that now is, as w as that which is to come, as the glorious Gospel of the blessed God. well Deplorable Want of Church Room in London. The population of London is now about two. millions, a ninth part of the population of England, Wales, and Scotland. These reside within a radius of eight miles from St. Paul's Cathedral. All places where the doctrines of Christianity are professedly taught amount to but 618, affording accommodation for 497,678 persons. Three-eighths of the whole population, Dr. Chalmers calculates, may be legitimate absentees, amounting, in London, to 637,358; so that, if every place were full, 511,252 persons, according to the population of 1831, would be compelled to be absent. The increase of the population within five years is about 353,712. If, by the variation of congregations, 100,000 of this number are regularly accommodated, and 124,962 are legitimately absent, then the remaining 128,750 must be added to the 511,252; making a total of 640,002 neglecting public worship in London. The venerable Mr. Chabrand is President of this Society. A taste for reading is prevalent The Asylum for the Houseless Poor, in Lonamong all classes of the community. The don, closed its operation May 1, after a most country is flooded with licentious novels and severe and trying winter. The doors had other impious and obscene books. The socie- been open for 126 nights from Dec. 26, 1836; ty, by publishing religious books, offer the anti- during which time, 3317 men, 1255 women, dote to the poison of bad books. Their desire and 549 children, making together 5121 indiand aim is to place in every laborer's house, inviduals, were admitted within its walls; most every cottage, by the side of the Bible, a small, instructive, and interesting library, and thus contribute powerfully to propagate sentiments of religion and morality. They have, in three or four years since their organization, published fifty-four thousand copies of religious works, which have been distributed by colporteurs, or of whom were in a state of great want and wretchedness; and several of whom said, had it not been for the relief afforded, they must have perished. The nightly lodges given them amounted to 42,136, and the rations of bread distributed were 99,806. Divine service was regularly performed every Sabbath, to atten tive auditories; numerous tracts, kindly given, by the Tract Society, were distributed among them, and received with avidity. London Female Mission.-The object of this Society is to promote the welfare of the female population of the metropolis-to meet, by appropriate measures, the temptations to which they are peculiarly exposed, and to administer such advice and assistance as the situation of the parties may most favorably admit. It contemplates the instruction of mothers, young women, and little girls, by females of suitable attainments; and it will encourage the establishment of lodging houses, under the care of respectable females, for the accommodation of young women of good character, seeking situations, and thus preserve them-especially those from the country-from the dangers to which they are especially liable. A Prize Essay on Sailors, by Rev. John Harris, author of "Mammon" and other works, has been recently published in London, and is highly recommended. Last year the British and Foreign Sailors' Society offered, by advertisement, a premium of £50 for the best essay on the moral claims of British seamen. Several essays were sent to the Committee; but this was selected as entitled to the premium. It consists of three parts; 1. The present condition of British seamen. 2. Reasons why the public should promote their moral and religious improvement. 3. The means by which this may be effected. It is said, Mr. Harris, with admirable tact and force, has described the case, and pleaded the cause of seamen. American Board of Commissioners. From the report presented at the late meeting of this Board, it appears that, during the last year, the receipts have been $252,076 55; the expenditures, inclusive of the debt of last year, $293,456,08; the number of missions, 30; stations, 79; ordained missionaries, 122; physicians, besides the 6 ordained, 11; teachers, 28; printers and bookbinders, 8; other lay assistants, 13; married and unmarried females, 179; in all, 316 laborers from this country. Ádd 5 native preachers and 100 other native helpers, and the number is 466 laboring in their missions. The ordained missionaries sent the past year are 14; lay assistant missionaries, 16; females, 33; in all 73. The number from the beginning, of ordained missionaries is 180; phisicians, teachers, printers, and other lay assistants, 113. To these, add 65 unmarried females and 280 married, and the whole will be 638. Of the ordained missionaries, 22 have died in connexion with the mission, and 36 have been dismissed chiefly in consequence of the failure of health. The number of mission churches formed and existing is 52. They contain 2147 native members in good standing. There are 8 seminaries, to educate natives to labor in connexion with the missions, and, by the blessing of God, to take their place in due time. These contain 418 scholars. In Ceylon there is a seminary for females, containing 75 pupils The free schools, 350 in number, contain about 13,000 children and youth. There are 13 printing establishments, at which 24 presses are in operation. There are three type foundries and two stereotype-foundries. The printing last year amounted to 642,160 book and tracts, and 26,208,729 pages; and from the beginning it has been 1,339,720 books and tracts, and 142,300,197 pages, in 20 different languages. LIST OF CONTRIBUTIONS To the Presbyterian Foreign Missionary Society, from September 15 to October Bedford Presbytery, by Rev. Jonathan 15, 1837. Dickerson, Lower Greenburgh do. 22,62 Charleston, S. C. James Adger, Esq. South Salem Female Benevolent Society, treasurer of the Southern Board of to constitute their pastor, Rev. Reuben Frame, a life director, South Salem Cong. 38,50 Mrs. Mary Norton, in part, to consti Charleston, Ill. Mrs. Christiana Bovell, (50 cents being for the Chronicle) Presbyterian Church, 5,00 10 00 tute her a life member, 15,00 Hudson Presbytery, 90,00 Yorktown Female Missionary Society, 30,00 Yorktown Congregation, 13,15 5,00 Connellsville, Pa. from ladies, by Mr. Alexander Johnston, a box of clothing not valued. Edwards Co. Ill. Union Female Mission Society, yearly contribution, by Mrs. Elizabeth Knowlton, Treasurer, 20,00 FOREIGN MISSIONARY CHRONICLE. VOL. V....No. 12. NEW YORK, DECEMBER, 1837. WHOLE NO. 56. BOARD OF FOREIGN MISSIONS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY. THE BRITISH RULE AND THE ENGLISH LAN- THE establishment of the British authority in India is one of the greatest blessings which God, in his merciful providence, has ever conferred on the Hindus. There were, it is true, in the early history of the English in India, many instances of gross injustice and perversion of power on the part of the individuals through whose efforts the East India Company acquired territory and sovereignty amongst the people. Nor can the general policy, in regard to some measures and events pursued by that Company in former years, be fully justified. Yet He, whose glory it is to bring good out of evil, has so over-ruled and directed the progress of the British power in that country, that it is now, and has long been, an upright, liberal, and beneficent administration of supreme authority. The English Government in India, though still conducted by the East India Company, must be regarded as a part of the general government of Great Britain, inasmuch as the charter of that Company has been so modified, that all the proceedings of its authorities are under the control of Parliament; and the reigning policy of England, whether free or intolerant, will be the policy of the government of their Eastern empire. It is certainly a most remarkable dispensation of Divine Providence, that so great a country as India, containing so many millions of people, should be brought under the government of the inhabitants of a little island, situated almost on the opposite side of the globe. And it is still more wonderful, when we recollect that these islanders, 2,000 years ago, were a barbarous people, while the Hindus were as civilized then as they are at the present day. In the subsequent history of these two nations we have a beautiful exemplification of the civilizing and elevating influence of the Gospel, which has made Britain, notwithstanding her limited territories, the first nation on the earth in power, as she is among the first in intelligence, refinement, and prosperity; while, on the other hand, we have a mournful and impressive proof that heathenism presses like an incubus on the energies of a people; for India now is scarcely at all different from what she was at that period. The supremacy of the English in India has procured for the native inhabitants rulers who are friendly to the welfare of the mass of the people, instead of oppressors who ruled over them with a rod of iron; it has conferred on them the blessings of a liberal and intelligent administration of their affairs; of justice impartially administered, in so far at least as the falsehood and depravity of the native character render it practicable; of trade and commerce unfettered by arbitrary and violent exactions; of property acquired openly and possessed without fear; of foreign capital employed so as to develope the resources of the country, and to introduce the superior improvements and comforts of other lands; of access to European knowledge, schools, books, and printing establishments, and the residence amongst them of many well-informed and benevolent men, whose example and influence are favorable to every thing that is good; and, which is of more importance than all other things, the free and secure employment of God's appointed means of grace for their eternal salvation. There may be evils connected with the Government of the British in India, some incidental, others growing out of the difference in the character and in the customs of the rulers and the ruled, and still others and more numerous resulting from the evil disposition of human nature; but the blessings we have mentioned above, are great, substantial, and so important as incomparably to outweigh every attendant evil. |