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the observance of fasts and feasts, and some other points. But I could not find a single thing on which Catholics and Protestants differ, concerning which he favored the Catholic side, though he is a member of that church. He has, I trust, unlearned the principal errors, which he had been taught to believe. God grant that he may soon understand and love the truth as it is in Jesus."

The following letter from the same hand, and of later date, gives an interesting account of Mr. F.'s missionary labors in Egypt.

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Soon after we arrived here, Mr. Lee, the English consul, invited me to preach, on the Sabbath, at his house, so long as I should remain in the place. The congregation has consisted of from ten to fifteen persons, comprising the English who reside here, and the masters of vessels now in port. One Roman Catholic has attended twice. In some instances, English travellers, who were in town, have attended.

Testimony in favor of missions.

Maj. Gen. Sir John Malcolm, who was going from India to England, was with us two Sabbaths. With him. I had some interesting conversation respecting India and Persia, in which countries he has spent about 30 years of his life. He says the progress of knowledge and civilization in India is astonishing. Though he has some fears that young missionaries who go to India, will be too zealous, and endeavor to "go too fast" at first, yet he entertains no doubt of their ultimate success. He speaks in the highest terms of the learning, piety, and prudence, of the missionaries at Seram pore, says they are "men of primitive piety, and real Christian simplicity." Dr. Marshman is one of his correspondents. "Dr. Carey," he says, "is the greatest Sanscrit scholar in India, and a most wonderful man."

Reformation among seamen.

I have also become acquainted with the masters of several English merchant vessels,"

one of whom, I learn, has prayers daily with his men, and reads a sermon to them, regularly, on the Sabbath. Another bas given me an interesting account of the "Floating Ark," for the support of which he is a subscriber, and in which he attends worship when at London. This vessel, he says, was originally a 64 gun ship, was purchased by a company of merchants in London, and application was then made to them by the "Port of London Society," to obtain it as a place of worship for seamen. The merchants replied, "if you want it for that purpose, we make a donation of it, if for any other object we charge you £3,000." Some hundreds of sailors now assemble in

it, from Sabbath to Sabbath, to hear the Gospel. The captain who gave me this account, says there is a great change, since his recollection, among English sailors. Many of them now wish to spend the Sabbath in no other way, than in attending public worship, or in reading their Bibles.I have given, to the captains of three vessels, a small supply of tracts for their

men.

Catholics in Alexandria.

Some

I have become acquainted with a few Catholics. To one I lent an Italian Bible, with which, after reading a little, he was so much pleased that he purchased it. To three I have given Italian Testaments, and to three others a number of tracts. of the Copts of Egypt, are, by religion, Catholics. In an interview with one of these, he took great pains to convince me that he was not a bigotted Catholic, and that he viewed in the same light, all good men, of whatever denomination they might be. I have had several opportunities for conversation with Mr. G., a Maltese merchant and friend of Dr. Naudi. He said, one day, "the only thing I am dissatisfied with, in our religion, (i. e. the Catholic,) is, the great number of our priests. They are quite too numerous.

Their peculiar opinions.

I spoke to him, at some length, on the points of difference between Catholics and Protestants, the use of images, praying to saints, purgatory, confession to priests, transubstantiation, &c. He defended confession, by saying that it has a great effect on the populace in keeping them from crimes. He quoted the well known words of our Savior in proof of transubstantiation. I then read to him 1 Cor. xi, 26-29, where, after the consecration of the bread, the apostle still calls it bread, whereas the popish doctrine is, that it is no longer bread, but merely the body of Christ. He finally admitted that it must be physically bread

still, and the body of Christ only in some spiritual sense.

Their ignorance of the Bible.

He shewed me a Catholic prayer-book, in English, and also what he called the Bible, in Italian. It was the History of the Bible, written in other words, with omissions, abbreviations, and comments. I have seen a similar work in French, called "the Bible Royaumont." The general plan of these works, is much like that of Jamieson's Sacred History. The Fathers are continually quoted, as authorities, in support of the expositions given. The grand fault respecting these books is, that the priests give them to the people under the name of the Bible, and the latter often do not know that there is any other Bible, or that these books differ, in any respect, from the real scriptures.

Catholic Baptism.

One Sunday afternoon, two children were baptized in the house where we had lodgings. I had never before had opportunity to witness a Catholic baptism. The priest was a Capuchin friar, with a white robe over his usual coarse, brown dress, and an ornamented belt over his shoulders. The prayers and creed were read in Latin. The priest took spittle from his mouth, and applied it to the ears and noses of the children; he then applied oil to the foreside and backside of their necks, and salt to their teeth, with some other ceremonies. After this he baptised them by pouring water on the head, and then made the sign of the cross, on the top of the head, with consecrated ointment.

Coptic Christians.

The Copts in Alexandria, are not numerous. They have, however, a convent, with a church in it, which I have visited. Only two priests reside in the convent, with a few domestics and attendants. One of them, with whom I conversed, shewed me their garden, church, baptistery, and books, among which were their liturgy, and certain parts of the scriptures in Coptic and Arabic, together with an Arabic Bible given them by Mr. Jowett. To these, I added a Psalter and some tracts in Arabic. The prayers are performed in the church, first in Coptic, and then in Arabic. The Coptic is not understood even by the priests. They merely know how to pronounce the words. They baptise by trine immersion, and were at great pains to explain to me the ceremonies they employ on the occasion. One of the apartments belonging to the church, is a tomb, in which

they told me that seventy-two Coptic patriarchs had been buried. The church is dedicated to St. Mark, and according to the Coptic tradition, was founded in his time, or soon after, though it has been more than once destroyed and rebuilt. The priest told me that there are not less than six or seven hundred Coptic churches in Egypt, the greater part of them in Upper Egypt, where their class of Christians are numerous. I observed, in most of the Coptic books, that the letters very nearly resemble the Greek.-I told the priests that I was a minister of the Gospel from America, that I had come to see the country where our Savior and the apostles lived, to visit the churches here, and to distribute the Holy Scriptures. I was then obliged to explain to them what and where America is. I then gave them an account of the origin, design, and labors of Bible Societies. As I cannot yet converse in Arabic, and they are acquainted with no other language, this conversation was carried on by an interpreter.

Greek Christians.

Of Greeks, I believe there are not above fifty or sixty families in the city. Under the government of the present Pasha, they have been defended from such outrages as have been committed against them in other parts of Turkey, since the commencement of the present revolution. I have become acquainted with one of them, who is a merchant from Rhodes.

Their ignorance and irreligion.

I told him, I had some Greek books to sell, and showed him some Testaments. He said "if you wish to sell books to the Greeks here, you must bring Histories. They care nothing about books that treat of religion. He then spoke, in very strong terms, against the ignorance and bigotry of their priests. "If a young man," said he, "wishes to become a priest, he has only to go to the bishop, and give him about 100 piastres, more or less, according to circumstarces, and all is finished. I then stated to him the course of study, and the qualifications, requisite in order to become a priest in America; all which seemed very new, very wonderful, and very good. I endeavored also to shew him, that there is an important difference between bigotry and superstition, which are sometimes called Christianity, and Christianity itself.

Greek Convent.

The Greek convent I have visited very often, particularly since interring there the remains of my beloved brother. It is situated,

Fike the Coptic and Catholic convents, without the city, on the site of the ancient Alexandria. There are in it, four priests, two deacons, one young lad, and three servants. In conversation with the priests, I have uniformly found them more interested in the progress and issue of the present war between their countrymen and the Turks, than in any thing which concerns the Redeemer's kingdom. We have, however, often conversed on religious subjects, and I have supplied them with some books. Since the funeral of my brother, I have often seated myself by the grave, and read some appropriate chapter from the Greek Testament; as, 1 Cor. xv. Rev. xxi, and xxii. John xi, and xiv. On these occasions, the President of the monastery, and some of the monks, have always joined me, and listened to the chapter and some accompanying remarks, and some account of the religious views and feelings, the character and preaching, of the deceased. In conversation with one of the deacons, he spoke freely of the superstition of some of their priests, whose charitable opinions never extend beyond the limits of their own church. For his part, he thinks all who believe in Christ are Christians. There is no Greek school in the place.

(To be continued.)

EXTRACTS FROM THE REV. MR. PARSONS'S JOURNAL.

THE following extracts were taken from the original and sent us by Mr. Fisk. He commences his extracts with the date, "Samos, June 16, 1821," when he and his feeble companion, were on their way from Smyrna to Egypt. Our limits will, at present, permit us to insert only from the time of their arrival at Alexandria.

Alexandria, Jan. 15. Two men took me in my chair from the boat, and carried me safely to my room. So tender is my heavenly Father to provide for me.

Saturday, 19. My health greatly enfeebled. It seems that this shattered frame will not long endure so great weakness. With brother F. I talk freely of finishing my work, and of meeting my final Judge, the Lord of Missions. Heaven looks desirable, to obtain the perfect image of Godto know more of the existence of God as Father, Son, and Holy Ghost-to see, without a glass, the exceeding love displayed on the cross-to observe the stations, orders, and employments of angels-to know how saints are employed in relation to this and other worlds-to see how God overrules sin-and why it is through great tribulation that he brings his children to glory-in a word, to see God in all his

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attributes, and his angels and saints in all their glory.

21 Find my strength exceedingly reduced. Desire to be in readiness to meet my summons from the world. Have but little expectation of recovering strength before I go hence to be here no more. My great desire is, to honor God and religion, even to the moment of closing my eyes. As this earthly tabernacle is dissolving, I pray God to build me up into a new, vigorous, spiritual man; then can I sing, with a dying voice, "O death where is thy sting?" I did desire to slumber, till the resurrection, on the holy hill, Bethlehem, the birth place of our Savior. But I rejoice that the Lord has brought me to Egypt; and as to the future, may I say, "the will of the Lord be done."

we

22. In view of my great weakness, and in consideration that all the means could use, have not had their desired effect, we thought it our duty to set apart this day for prayer. We enjoyed a season for several prayers, and for much conversation respecting God as Physician and Parent. We read Ps. cvi, Isa. xxxviii, Sam. iii, and many precious hymns. We said, this day brings heaven near. May it hasten us towards our home.

23. Rain most of the day-the cold very uncomfortable. I am subject to constant chills-keep my bed most of the day-find the nights refreshing, the days long. Brother F. reads to me much of the time. Our morning and evening devotions are always deeply affecting. Thus, while I descend to the banks of Jordan, I can gather a flower-I can see a ray of light, from beyond the swelling flood. My flesh is literally consumed like the smoke, but nothing is impossible with God. He can make these dry bones praise him in this world, or he can lay them aside, to raise from them a spiritual and glorious tabernacle, for his kingdom.

25. In the morning, read the account of the character and doom of unfaithful ministers, Ezek. xxxiii. Afterwards, we endeavored to confess our past unfaithfulness, and to supplicate, with many cries to God, for the entire class of the clergy in Asia, of every denomination. To be ever alive to this subject, it is necessary to contemplate, often, the wretchedness of blind leaders of the blind, and of their deluded followers, beyond the grave, in the fire that is never to be quenched.

Sabbath 27. Early in the morning, read from the Epistle to the Hebrews, and prayed together for our American missionary brethren, and then for all faithful missionaries of every denomination, and for every inissionary station, beginning at China, including India, Cape of Good Hope, Sierra Leone, Malta, Astrachan, &c. &c.

At 10 o'clock, brother F. went to the house of Mr. Lee, the English consul, to preach to a few Protestants, who seem to be grateful for his services. The distant prospect of the entire conversion of this city to God, is a rich compensation for many years of toil, and suffering.

28. Weather a little more moderateRest well during the nights. The Sabbath past was highly interesting-no interruptions-a little emblem of heaven. We read Isa. liii, and the chapters relating to the love, suffering, and death of Christ. Gained new encouragement to perseve rance in our work. This morning, read from Corinthians concerning the superiority of charity, and our united prayers were, for a great increase of charity, in our own breasts, and throughout this world of sin.

30. Walked on the terrace of the house, and viewed the city. Brother F. took me in his arms, and, with ease, carried me up the stairs; so wasted is this dying body. I assured him it was my opinion, that he would take care of this dissolving body but a few days longer. Let me be waiting, and at last say, "Come Lord Jesus, come quickly." I am often very weary and sorrowful, but tears are not in heaven. O may I find the rest that remaineth for the people of God.

31. Weather very unfavorable-rain almost every day.-The Dr. informed brother F. that, in his opinion, I shall never again enjoy perfect health in this warm climate, and I am now too weak to change my situation. Why should I wish to be in any other hands, than in his who is able to save to the uttermost.

February 1. Awoke with great faintness, which continued for an hour. I tried to cast my burdens on the Lord, and after a few hours he enabled me to do it. "Come

unto me," said the blessed Savior, "all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."-God is very kind to me in my sickness. My appetite and sleep are usually excellent, my mind calm in view of death, although I see heavenly things, as through a glass, darkly, my hope is, that as my outward man decays, my inward man will be renewed day by day.

Sabbath 3. Awoke with greater weakness than ever I was sensible of before. I fear I shall complain as my body decays. How much Christians that are in health, should pray for their brethren on a dying bed. I need many prayers to day. I cry out in my distress-I do sink under the rodshall I ever see Jesus as he is? Will Jesus make my dying bed? Let me not doubt. I cry, with every breath, to him who is my only hope.

Read, prayed, and conversed with Antonio. I told him I expected to die, and my desire was, to meet him in heaven, He

promised to read the Bible, and to pray every day. How dreadfully solemn to remain fixed between two worlds-between time and eternity-between a mortal and an immortal tabernacle! How dreadful, and at the same time, how pleasing, to rest with all the saints.

4. Monthly concert. Read, in the morning, Ps. Ixxii, and 1 Chron. xxix, conversed respecting the last devotional attainments of David, and made one request to God, that we may attain to a measure of the same faith, before we pass to the clear light of eternal day. We remembered to pray for the three churches in Boston, which give their monthly contribution for the support of this mission, and for all our missionary brethren; and last evening, we thought of our duty to all the colleges in America. On this evening, we could only raise our cries to God for kings, princes, presidents, governors, all in civil and all in ecclesiastical authority, that they may all praise our God. Let every thing praise God.

Walked

5. Weather more favorable. in the public street a few moments-appetite good, but feet swollen to an extraordinary size-strength not sensibly improved. Wrote to brother and sister M. Conversed, in the morning, with our Jewish doctor, respecting the Hebrew plural name of God. He replied, "merely an idiom of the language."

6. Thermometer at 60o-rainy-cannot therefore walk abroad. Read, for our devotions, morning and evening, a chapter in Exodus, respecting the plagues sent on Pharaoh.

7. Rainy. Walked in my room-wrote to my uncle L. of G. Mr. Glidden visited

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terminate in our separation, I had begun to note down, on a separate piece of paper, some of his remarks.

Of these remarks, we can only insert the following:

Monday, Jan. 21. I desire to record it as one of the greatest mercies of my life, that I am permitted to enjoy the heavenly society, conversation, and prayers of brother Parsons. While at Smyrna, from Dec. 4, to Jan. 9, we enjoyed seasons of social prayer, morning and evening, and were allowed some most precious seasons on the Sabbath. I do not recollect that a single season of devotion passed, without some remarks from brother P., expressive of submission to the divine will, concern for the souls of men, love to our mission, gratitude for divine mercies, confidence in God, and love to the Savior. I scarcely read a verse of Scripture but it drew from him some heavenly remark. While on our mission, we have read the 51st Ps. oftener than any other part of Scripture, and he has often remarked, "we cannot read that too often." One day he said, "I have often thought of being on missionary ground, and too feeble to labor, as one of the greatest trials that could be laid upon me, and this is now the very thing with which God sees fit to try me." *

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You and I have now lost each his most intimate fellow-laborer. May it lead us to a more entire reliance on Christ, that friend who is always with his servants, who never leaves, who never forsakes them.

Your brother in the Gospel,
PLINY FISK.

Alexandria, Feb. 15, 1822.

SANDWICH ISLAND MISSION.

LETTER FROM THE REV. HIRAM BINGHAM TO THE CORRESPONDING SECRETARY.

Very dear Sir,

Woahoo, Dec. 25, 1821.

Your most interesting letter of July 9th, 1821, and other letters, papers, and periodical publications of recent dates, were duly received by the brig Owhyhee, Capt. Henry. They announce to us the safe arrival of our communications, sent to America by Capts. Carey, Gyzelaar, Hale, and Bennett.-Our hearts are refreshed by the intelligence of the signal mercies bestowed on the churches of our dear native land, on the extending missions of the Board, and various other benevolent enterprises in the cause of human salvation. We have been cheered and animated too, by the many kind expressions of interest,

*

gratitude, joy, and hope, felt with respect to our mission. By these, have we been transported back to the very threshold of that sanctuary, highly favored of God, the nursery of our infancy, the cradle of the American Education Society, the nursing mother of the Palestine mission, and which stands as one of the palaces of Zion. We seemed to be again set down in that sanctuary, where we pledged our mutual Vows, and whence we came forth; and to be allowed to hear the elevated praise, and thanksgiving to Almighty God, who has been our hope and our shield, and to witness the joyful sacrifices ascending to heaven, from many a swelling bosom, in adoration of that sovereign goodness, which had chosen us, and had begun, through our feeble instrumentality, to scatter the blessings of the gospel on the distant shores of these isles of the gentiles. But the benignant, joyful smile of one loved countenance, we saw not there. We could rejoice, however, that you enjoyed the presence of one greater than he, and able to sustain, comfort, guide, and bless you. Nor, when we opened our packages with high expectation, and ascertained the distressing fact that "the hand of our beloved and revered DR. WORCESTER, writes no more, in this vale of tears," were we, who had looked up to him as a father, denied the consolation to think that he is now enjoying the consummation of his desires-that, having accomplished the great purpose of life with respect to himself, having labored successfully for the edification of the church, having devised, and undertaken, and achieved much for the dying heathen, and being now released from his earthly toils and cares, he is admitted into the holiest of holies, where, in a more exalted sphere, his enlarged mind is, with ineffable delight, employed in higher praises and nobler pursuits, in the presence of that Redeemer, whose devoted and indefatigable servant he was. On the Sabbath previous to the arrival of your letter, we were led to contemplate the truth that God, in the accomplishment of his designs, will select means which human reason would not dictate. Little did we then think that we should, so soon, be reminded of this truth, by an illustration so affecting. Little did we think that the revolving week would bring to our knowledge the trying, and, to our limited views, undesirable fact, that the hand which had contributed, and seemed likely still to contribute, so much to the success of our missions, now "lies, cold and powerless, in the mission burying ground at Brainerd." But although that hand has fallen, it has

* In Parkstreet, Boston; where, just before their setting off, their little mission church, in whose name Mr. B. seems to speak, was organized.-Editor. † See Journal, Dec. 9.-Editor.

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