ÀҾ˹éÒ˹ѧÊ×Í
PDF
ePub
[blocks in formation]

Aug. 27. After evening worship in Burman, the Karen Christian having related the adventures of the day, said to me," there is one subject on which I wish to await your decision: I wish you would write to America, for more teachers to be sent out." It is not a little singular, that the same subject had rested with much weight on my own mind nearly all the day. Indeed, we are in very great need of at least two additional missionaries in the province of Tavoy.

Brief retrospect.

Aug. 30 and 31. We are not left wholly without encouragement. Our school is in a more flourishing state than at any former period; and one of the boys appears somewhat impressed with a sense of divine things;-many Karens have heard the gospel and professed to embrace it; and we hope that in the course of the last two months, since the zayat was opened, one or two persons have been savingly converted. Several others appear to be inquiring; and the gospel has been heard, and the Scriptures read, by several hundred persons. "God's word will not return to him void." In the divine promises alone, our hopes are fixed and firm. Whatever of good may have been, or may hereafter be done, should be wholly ascribed to the operation of the Holy Spirit. To that blessed Agent's care I commit the interests of truth in this place, and adopt the language of the praying prophet, "O Lord, revive thy work; in the midst of the years make known; in wrath remember mercy."

GEO. D. BOARDMAN.

8th, and permit me to assure you, that its contents not only afforded "instruction," but also gave me real pleasure. Fancy what it must be, to live here in this dark pagan land six months, without seeing the face of a single female, excepting these poor uncivilized Burmans, and you will form some idea of the joy with which again and again I perused your very welcome letter. But do not let me convey the idea that I feel discontented, for I am really happy in the station in which kind Providence has placed me, and can say with the greatest sincerity, that I was never more cheerful, and would not exchange my situation for any that my dear native country could pre

sent.

There are three women now learning to read in the girl's school. One of the number, is Mah Lah, who was baptized some time since, and has made such proficiency in knowledge of divine things, as gives us a great deal of pleasure. The other two, are hopeful inquirers. Could you spend one day with the young converts, or even attend one of their little meetings, and hear them all pray, I am sure you would feel delighted, and more than repaid for all your benevolent exertions to support the school. You will hear from the journals, of Mai Nyo, who is upwards of eighty years old, and was baptized with Mary Hasseltine, and Me A. She walks near a mile, three or four times every week, to see us and get religious instruction. girls who have been baptized, are very much attached to her, and she is equally fond of them, and seems to require the same kind of instruction, so that she is always counted in the class of young converts. The delightful task of leading forward these little ones in the " divine life," with the time usually devoted to the Christian women and inquirers, together with the school, must, you will readily suppose, occupy all my time, so that I find it necessary to exclude myself from all English Society.

The

I hardly need observe, that every day feel my need

of the advice and assistance of our dear and much lamented sister Judson. How dark the dispensation, and how

LETTER FROM MRS WADE TO MRS mysterious the Providence which call

B. OF SALEM.

Maulamying, Sept. 22, 1828. Respected and very dear Mrs B.

Your kind and very acceptable letter of January last, was received July

ed her away at this interesting period of the mission! But we all desire to bow in humble and silent submission, resting assured that the salvation of souls is a cause infinitely dearer to Christ than ourselves, and though his

throne is often surrounded with "clouds" and "thick darkness," yet we know it is still accessible to sinners, and that all these dark scenes will finally show forth his wisdom and glory, and enhance our eternal felicity. But we have many things here to remind us, that the days of our pilgrimage will be very few, and that it is extremely desirable that others should be ready to take our place. Are not other Missionaries already on their way to join us? May they come to us with such feelings as the great Apostle to the Gentiles expresses when he says, "And I am sure that when I come unto you, I shall come in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ." Should any Society or individual like to make up a box for the school, I would observe, that needles, thimbles, scissors, sewing cotton of all kinds, ink-powder, slates and pencils, together with work bags, all kinds of boxes, &c. &c. not forgetting emory bags which are indispensable in these hot countries, would be very valuable and acceptable. The number of scholars is now sixteen, besides the three women, and Moung Shwa-ba, their teacher, which makes the number of my Burman family twenty. I am happy, and I trust, thankful, that I can say that my health was never more perfect than at present. I think I feel some desires to give up the world, and take up my cross daily and follow after Christ. Pray much for me, my dear sister, that my feeble exertions may be owned by Christ, and that the remainder of my life may be entirely devoted to him. That the choicest of Heaven's blessings may rest upon you and yours, until we shall meet in a happier state, is the sincere prayer of your affectionate friend,

DEBORAH B. L. WADE.

INDIAN STATION.

blindness, with regard to spiritual things, are now earnestly seeking the path of life.

Yesterday, another full Cherokee female, gave a satisfactory account of her faith in the Lord Jesus. She seemed to be deeply sensible of the malignant nature of sin, and her own total depravity, and expressed an humble and grateful trust in the sufferings and death of the Son of God. She was baptized in the river Hiwassee, in the presence of a great number of her people. A considerable number from her own town (35 or 40 miles distant, in the mountains,) came with her, to witness the ordinance. Several of these persons are under serious impressions, which I trust will issue in a sound conversion. The inquirers are very anxious to become acquainted with the word of God, and read, with eagerness, any portion they can get hold of. I am glad to find, that this desire is likely to be gratified in some degree, by the publication of the Gospel of Matthew, in the Cherokee language. It is translated by Mr Elias Boudinot, under the direction of the Rev. S. A. Worcester, and printed at the expense of the American Board. I have received from Mr Worcester, a copy as far as the 27th chapter, and Í presume the remainder is struck off by this time. I trust the Lord will put it into the hearts of his people, to furnish us with the means of circulating this portion of his word, among those who are perishing for lack of knowledge.

We have this morning commenced a little Society, for the purchase and distribution of Cherokee books. But the people being generally poor, in this region, we cannot expect much more than a manifestation of their disposition to receive and distribute the word of God.

Through the liberality of some Christian friends in Kentucky, transmitted by our late excellent brother, the Rev. Sugg Fort, and brother John Pendleton, we have been furnished with two hundred Cherokee Hymn

REV. MR JONES TO THE CORRES- books, which are so highly prized,

PONDING SECRETARY.

that many of the Hymns are already become as familiar as some of the more Valley Towns, Aug. 17, 1829. popular English Hymns of Watts and

Rev. and dear Sir,

I have great pleasure to inform you that the work of the Lord is going on among the Cherokees. The divine influence is producing powerful and radical effects on many minds. Numbers who, a short time ago, were in total

others.

Our school is full; and the pupils appear to be more interested in their learning than usual, especially the females. We are frequently obliged, with painful sensations, to reject applications for admission.

If some kind friends should be disposed to send us some of the improved aids for Sunday School and Bible Class instructions, they would be very acceptable. And also, any plain practical works, calculated to enlighten and establish young Christians and others of limited information, in the doctrines and duties of the gospel. Books are extremely scarce in this country. Yours, &c. EVAN JONES.

published. Mr Tomlin remarks, that the barrier to a truly sound and scriptural education seems to be crumbling away. Indeed, in some places, Penang for instance, parents have come forward to request that schools which had been shut for a season, might be re-opened for the instruction of their children. May the day soon dawn and the day star arise in this dark region.

MISSION TO CHINA.

The immense empire of China, containing millions of souls, enveloped in thick darkness, has long occupied the anxieties of the church of Christ, and called forth their fervent supplications. Various efforts have been made to diffuse the light of truth among them; but they have generally concealed themselves from its brightness. We are pleased to learn, that the American Board of Foreign Missions, which held its annual meeting at Albany, October 7, have made arrangements for commencing a mission to China, and that Mr Bridgeman is about to sail from New York as the first American Missionary to China.

The American Seamen's Friend Society, of New York, have also appointed Mr Abeel, to be located at Canton, as a preacher to the many seamen visiting that port, and to the residents there. It is stated that an American missionary may preach to American seamen at Canton, without any molestation from the government, as all foreigners are allowed the enjoyment of their religion.

An American Mission to China is highly interesting, and will engage the prayers of the disciples of Christ of every name. The labors of the estimable Dr Morrison have long been indefatigably directed to this portion of the heathen world. Some encouraging statements occasionally reach us in relation to the efforts which have been made in this empire. A letter from Mr Jacob Tomlin, which has appeared in several of the periodicals, dated Singapore, Sept. 4, 1827, remarks, that the translation of the Scriptures into Chinese, and their dispersion through various channels, afford a sure pledge that the labor of the servants of the Lord shall not be in vain; that the prejudices of the people are diminishing; and that they have a readiness to receive and candidly read the books which have been

BURNING OF WIDOWS IN BENGAL.

As the English Government is permanently established in Bengal, the long protracted and murderous practice of burning widows with the bodies of their deceased husbands, might well excite surprise through the civilized world, were we not enured to existing evils in every land. It is believed by competent judges, that very little opposition would now be made by the natives of India, if the English government were to prohibit the practice, which humanity and duty imperiously urge. Petitions are presented to Parliament for legislative interference. Dr William Johns, who resided several years in India, in a letter to the Editor of the London Baptist Magazine, remarks: "To extinguish the dreadful fires which burn throughout the whole year in Bengal, and its adjacent provinces-fires which are kindled to destroy the bodies of the dead, and to immolate the surviving widows, requires but a word, the breath of an enlightened government. Let us hear no more of our philanthrophy and Christian zeal, until, by presenting our respectful petition to Parliament, we shall have wiped off the stain of blood which attaches to us as a nation. In vain do we disguise the fact; we palliate a crime, and are partakers of it, if when in our power we do not use the only means at command to do away with the responsibility, the odium, and the guilt."

At a Quarterly General Court of Proprietors of East India Stock, in London, Dec. 17, 1828, the subject was introduced. It appeared from the reports presented, that on an average, about fifty widows had been burned a month in the Presidency of Bengal, during the years 1824, 1825, and 1826. Mr Poynder remarked, that he thought the attention of that court, and of the public at large, ought to be called to the continuance of this iniquitous and unnecessary system. Mr Hume observ

ed, that it behoved the East India Company to put an end to it; and his decided feeling was, that no danger whatever would arise in India, if the Company interfered to abolish the prac tice.

Notwithstanding the intelligence which Missionaries have imparted on this subject, multitudes in Christian lands appear not to be sensible of the extent of the evil at present existing. Persons unfriendly to Missionary efforts have represented the evil of a few widows being burnt as not of sufficient magnitude to call forth the strenuous efforts which have been urged on the religious community for evangelizing the world. But the extent of this barbarous practice is very appalling, as will appear from the number of Suttees in the Presidency of Bengal alone for ten years, viz. from 1815 to 1824, published in the New Baptist Miscellany for Jan. 1829.

[blocks in formation]

THE SALEM ASSOCIATION

Held its annual meeting with the Second Baptist Church in Haverhill, Mass. Sept. 23 and 24. Rev. Lucius Bolles was chosen Moderator, and Rev. C. O. Kimball, Clerk. The introductory sermon was preached by Rev. Rufus Babcock, jr. from 1 Cor. xv. 58. The contributions were 351 dollars for

Foreign Missions, 92 for Domestic, and 293 for Education. The Association consists of 19 churches, has 16 ordained ministers, received by baptism the last year 168, and contains 2460 members. The churches at Lowell, Amesbury, and Marblehead are enjoying seasons of refreshing, and the general prospects of the churches are gratifying.

ORDINATIONS.

Sept. 8. Mr Washington Christian was ordained to the work of the ministry, in New York. Sermon by Rev. D. Dunbar.

Sept. 10. Rev. Thomas B. Ripley was installed Pastor of the Baptist church at Bangor, Maine. Sermon by Rev. A. King.

Sept. 10. Mr Joshua Fletcher, a graduate from the Hamilton Seminary, was ordained at Saratoga Springs. Sermon by Elder E. D. Hubbel.

Sept. 14. Mr John Middletown was ordained as Pastor of the East Baptist Rev. John Stanford. Church in New York. Sermon by

dained to the work of the ministry, at Sept. 24. Mr Levi Walker was orHubbardton, Vt. Sermon by Rev. R. Sawyer.

dained missionaries and evangelists, at Oct. 1. Sixteen young men were orPark Street Meeting House, Boston.

Messrs C. M. Putnam, P. W. Warriner, C. W. Babbit, H. Shedd, J. M. Wead, J. M. Rowland, H. O. Higley, A. H. Reed, and M. M. Post, who are expected to become missionaries in the Western States, under the patronage of the American Home Missionary Society: Messrs. Harrison Allen, William Harvey, Cutting March, and Hollis Reed, as Missionaries to the heathen, under the direction of the American Board of Foreign Missions; and Messrs. A. R. Clark, H. Little, and J. K. Young expected to become agents of the American Education Society. Messrs. Allen and Marsh are expected to join some of the Indian Missionaries among the Indians of this continent. Messrs. Harvey and Hollis Reed will probably join the mission at Bombay.

The introductory prayer was by the Rev. Dr Spring of the city of New York; the sermon by the Rev. Dr. from Luke xiv. 21, 23; the consecratM'Dowell, of Elizabethtown, N. J. ing prayer by the Rev. Mr. Perry, of Bradford; the charge by the Rev. Dr. Dana, of Newburyport; the right hand of fellowship by the Rev. Mr. Proudfit of Newburyport; and the concluding prayer by the Rev. Mr. White, of John's Island, S. C.

Oct. 7, Mr Harvey Fittz was ordained at Waterville, Me. Sermon by Professor Ripley.

Oct. 21. Mr Elijah Foster was ordained Pastor of the Baptist Church at Dover, N. H. Sermon by Rev. N. W. Williams.

MEETING-HOUSES OPENED.

Sept. 22, a new Baptist meetinghouse was opened at Brockport, N. Y. Sermon by Dr Comstock.

Oct. 14, a new Baptist MeetingHouse, erected in Brunswick, Me. was dedicated to the service of God. Sermon by Rev. Mr Titcomb.

Oct. 21, the new Baptist meetinghouse at Dover, N. H. was dedicated. Sermon by Rev. Mr Stow.

Oct. 22, the Baptist church at New Bedford opened a new and commodious place of worship. Sermon by Rev. Dr Sharp, of Boston.

Account of Moneys received by the Treasurer of the General Convention of the Baptist denomination in the United States, for Foreign Missions, from Sept. 22, to Oct. 20, 1829.

·

By cash from a professed Christian,' for the Burman mission,
From Levi Farwell, Esq. Treasurer of the Boston Baptist Associ-
ation, it having been received by him at the late annual meeting
in Boston, and was contributed as follows, viz.

From the Female Prayer Meeting, Cambridge,

Monthly Concert, Dedham,

A friend in Dedham, for Burman Bible,

Baptist Church and Soc. Woburn,

Female Primary Society, Charlestown,

10,00

3,28

35,50

3,00

3,00

42,41

Lord's day School Mission Soc. do.

4,00

[blocks in formation]

Missionary and Education box, kept by Mrs Aldrich, Dedham, 2,50

Brother Joshua Tucker, for Burman mission,

10,00

Miss. and Education Soc. connected with the Sturbridge As

sociation, by Rev. Mr Parker,

20,00

Mary Buckman, Lexington,

,50

Monthly Concert, Chelmsford, by C. Blanchard, Treas.

[blocks in formation]

Master Daniel Sharp Bird, for education of heathen children,
Bible Class in the Baptist Soc. Canton,

[blocks in formation]

Philadelphia Bible Society, to aid in printing the Scriptures in

[blocks in formation]

Baptist Aux. Soc. Maine, by Hezekiah Prince, Esq. Treas. 100,00
Lincoln Bap. Cent Soc. Maine, in aid of Foreign Missions,
by Mrs Isabella Prince, Treas.

[blocks in formation]

Rev. Hadley Proctor, it having been received by him from the Executor of the Estate of Eleanor Blakely, of Paulet, Vt. being one year's interest on 50 dollars, bequeathed by her to the Convention, 3,00 From Mission box kept by a friend, per Rev. Mr Knowles, Young Men's Bap. Tract Soc. Cambridge, per Mr Stephen Brown, Treas. for publishing Tracts in Burmah,

2,11

10,00

Calvin Blanchard, Treas. of the Middlesex Bap. Miss. Soc. for Foreign Missions, per Mr E. Lincoln,

[blocks in formation]
« ¡è͹˹éÒ´Óà¹Ô¹¡ÒõèÍ
 »