Изображения страниц
PDF
EPUB

Moung Nau went to open the zayat, to his great surprise he saw a stranger waiting in the porch, who immediately inquired if that was the residence of the foreign teacher. He said nothing of his object in coming, but ap. peared all attention while Mr. Judson was conversing with the multitude who then thronged the zayat. He had continued his visits three or four days, a silent listener to all that was said, before Mr. J. conversed with bim personally. He then took him to the Mission house, inquired particularly into the state of his mind, and, to his great surprise and joy, found that he had obtained clear views of himself as a lost, ruined sinner, and felt that the way of salvation, by Christ, was altogether suitable for a person in his situation. He felt desirous of embracing the Christian religion, and requested to be baptised. On further inquiry, Mr. J. found he was under an engagement to go to sea, and expected to sail within a few days. Thus circumstanced, the brethren were unwilling to administer the ordinance of baptism, as they had had no opportunity of knowing any thing further of him than what they had seen in so short a time. The day before he sailed, he obtained permission of his captain to visit the zayat once more, when his appearance was remarkably solemn and interesting. He seemed desirous to be released from his engagement to go to sea, but it was now too late. Mr J. furnished him with tracts and portions of Scripture, and after praying, and committing him to God, parted with him, feeling doubtful whether he should ever meet with him again in this world. A few weeks ago, just a year and a half from his departure, we had the great pleasure of seeing him come up the mission stairs. On conversing with him, we were surprised to find that he had made such advances in the divine life, with no other means of grace than the Gospel of Matthew, and a few tracts. The religion of Christ beautifully appeared through all his rusticity, and shewed itself of divine origin. He was soon after baptised, and joyfully received by every member, into our little church."

CEYLON LITERARY SOCIETY.

THOUGH Our principal business is, to notice and point out the attempts and successes of those institutions, whose direct object is the moral renovation of the world; we are not indifferent to efforts of a literary or scientific nature;-especially when these are made in the midst of heathen nations. Every institu tion, however established and supported, which is designed to throw light on the histo ry, geography, and the intellectual and physical character, of a heathen country, confers an important benefit, directly or indirectly, on the cause of missions. The information acquired and communicated will interest many who support missions; much of it may be of service to the missionary; and if the natives are engaged in these inquiries, their minds will be expanded, their views enlarged, their feelings liberalized, and more points will be presented, in which the missionary may come in contact with them.

With these views, we learn with pleasure, from the Christian Observer, that, on the 11th of December, 1820, a society, entitled "The Ceylon Literary Society" was formed at Columbo, under the patronage of the Lieut. Governor, and other principal persons resident in the island; having in view the following objects.

"The geography, geology, and mineralogy of Ceylon:-Its botany, perhaps the richest and least exhausted of any in the world; in which branch, the history of the cinnamon tree, the various palms so important to the sustenance of the people, the rice, and the numerous other kinds of grain cultivated in the island; and modes of improving agriculture will claim particular investigation. The fishes of Ceylon, which are various and yet almost undescribed; its conchology; its quadrupeds, birds, insects and amphibia, including serpents. Lastly, the study of the civil history, language, and customs of the people, for which the facility of communication with the Kandyans, offer's advantages not hitherto enjoyed. Natives of respectability who may be desirous to become honorary members of the society will be eligible without paying any subscription, but will be expected to contribute either information or specimens of natural history, &c."

BISHOP'S COLLEGE CALCUTTA.

THE foundation stone of an Episcopal Mission College, to be erected under the patronage of the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel, was laid, with the usual ceremonies, by the Bishop of Calcutta, on the 15th of December 1820. It is to be known by the name of Bishop's College. it is to consist of three piles of buildings in the plain Gothic style, disposed in a quadrangular form, the fourth side being open to the river. The principal pile will comprise a Chapel, Hall, and Library; and the wings, or side buildings, will form dwellings for the professors, and lecture-rooms, and dormitories for the students. Should this College flourish, as doubtless it will, it will prove a great benefit to India, both in respect to science and religion.

REPUBLIC OF COLOMBIA.

It is a matter of very sincere gratification to all the benevolent, that the rising Republic of Colombia has, in its very infancy, adopted two most important measures:

1. It has commenced a system intended to mitigate the evils of slavery; and, at no very distant day, to abolish this great evil altogether.

2. It has laid a foundation for the general education of the people, by the gradual establishment of colleges and schools.

OBITUARY.

DIED at Concord, N. H. Oct. 1, 1821, the Hon. THOMAS W. THOMPSON, aged 55.

For several years, this gentleman has been

numbered among the distinguished laymen of our country, who have taken a deep interest in the progress of evangelical religion. Having sustained some of the most important and responsible offices in the state government of New Hampshire, and held a seat, first in the House of Representatives, and theu in the Senate of the United States, he was prepared to enjoy the blessings of retirement toward the close of his life.

He had been, for a long time, a member of the Congregational church in Concord, and, for several of his last years, a deacon. In his counsels and judgment his Christian brethren had great confidence; and they cannot but feel the severe loss, which they have experienced. They have the consolation of reflecting on the usefulness of their departed friend, and on the evidence which he gave of being prepared for death. For several weeks he knew himself to be rapidly approaching the world of spirits; still he was calm and peaceful. He was a firm believer in the doctrines of grace; and reposed an unshaken confidence in the merits of Christ. After the death of the late Governor Langdon, he was chosen a member of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions. Sickness prevented his attending the late annual meeting; but he expressed a strong desire to attend, together with his wishes for the success of

the institution.

A short time since his health seemed firm, and he appeared likely to enjoy many years of activity and usefulness. His removal furnishes another admonition to ready; for in such an hour as we think not, the Son of man cometh.

endeared, in consequence of his kind attentions, and his exemplary Christian conduct. His leisure hours had regularly been set apart for reading the Scriptures, and for devotion; and he stood habitually ready for the summons of death.

DOMESTIC INTELLIGENCE.

FOREIGN MISSIONARY SOCIETY, NORTH

AMPTON.

THE Foreign Missionary Society of Northampton and the neighboring towns, auxiliary to the Board, held its annual meeting at Amherst, 2d parish, Oct. 9, 1821; when a sermon was preached by the Rev. Vinson Gould of Southampton, and the Report of the Committee read. The amount of donations for the last year, was $572 18.-We have room only for the following extract from the Report.

"Happy are your Committe to state, that the zeal and benevolence of the people within the limits of this Society has been increased materially the year past. The friends of missions and humanity have not been heedless of the crying wants of the heathen; they have emulated, they have equalled the zeal of their pious fellow laborers in other parts of the vineyard. The greater portion of the charities of the donors within our limits has been transmitted directly to the Treasurer of the American be also Board for Foreign Missions. These donations, added to what have been paid to the Treasurer of this Auxiliary Society, will afford ample evidence, that the cause of Foreign Missions has a continually grow ing interest in the conscience and affections of the benevolent and the good in our vicinity. And we humbly hope that, through the grace of our Redeemer, greater things than we have yet seen, yea, greater things than our feeble minds can now anticipate, will be done for the City of our God."

The following notice of a man in humble circumstances, may be useful, as an example to others in a similar condition, and an instance of consistent character.

ARCHIBALD SINCLAIR was born in the city of Dublin, and was educated, while a child, in the superstitions of the Romish church. At the age of ten years he was brought to this country, by capt. J. Stickney, late of Newburyport, from whom he received many kind nesses, and particularly more advantages of education, than are usually enjoyed by com. mon sailors. Though surrounded, in several voyages, by the thoughtless and profane, he resisted temptation, and preserved a character of gravity and thoughtfulness. It was under the ministry of the late Dr. Spring, that he received those deep impressions, and be. came the subject of those convictions of sin, which ended, it is believed, in a thorough conversion.

Just before entering upon his last voyage, he made his will; and, after giving some small legacies as tokens of remembrance, he left the residue of his property, to the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions. This residue amounted to nearly $300. He died at Calcutta, July 1818, aged 26 years.

In the voyage from Boston to Calentta, the ship in which he sailed, carried out several missionaries. To them Archibald was greatly

The officers for the ensuing year, are, the Rev. JOSEPH LYMAN, D. D. Pres.-the Rev, SOLOMON WILLIAMS, Vice Pres.-DANIEL STEBBINS, Esq. Sec.-Dea. EBENEZER S. PHELPS, Treas.-and the Hon. JONATHAN H. LYMAN, Auditor.

AUXILIARY EDUCATION SOCIETY OF YOUNG
MEN OF BOSTON.

THIS active auxiliary of the American Education Society lately held its annual meeting. Several interesting speeches were made, and individuals subscribed about $300 on the spot.

The Rev. Dr. JARVIS, President of the Society, preached by its request, at the Old South Church, Wednesday evening, Jan. 23. The text was Luke x, 2. The harvest truly is great, &c.

MR. TEMPLE'S EMBARKATION.

On the 2d of January, the Rev. Mr. Temple and his wife sailed from Boston for Malta, in the brig Cyprus. They were accompanied

on board by several friends, who felt a deep || interest in their personal comfort, as well as in the success of their labors. Just before parting, a prayer was offered by the Rev. Mr. Fay, of Charlestown, and the vessel im mediately put to sea with a fine breeze. While detained at Boston, they experienced many kindnesses from friends of the cause in which they were engaged; and left a very grateful impression on the minds of all, with whom they associated.

A farewell sermon was preached by Mr. Temple, at the Old South church, Sabbath evening, Dec. 16th, to a crowded audience, after which a collection was taken for the Palestine mission. The Instructions of the Prudential Committee were then delivered to Mr. Temple by the Corresponding Secretary. The Sermon and the Instructions have been published.

[blocks in formation]

ORDAINED at Greenfield, Saratoga county, N Y. Nov. 7, 1821, the Rev. JAMES B. AM. BLER, Over the Presbyterian churches of Milton and Greenfield. Sermon by the Rev. Mr. Yale, of Kingsborough.

At Rindge, N.H. the Rev. AMOS W. BURNHAM, Nov. 15th, over the Congregational church in that town. Sermon by the Rev. Mr. Hall, of New Ipswich.

At Plymouth, Mass. (parish of Monument Ponds,) on the 21st of October, the Rev. HARVEY BUSHNELL, to the pastoral care of the church and society in that place. Sermon by the Rev. William T. Torrey, of Plymouth.

At Hamilton, N. Y. Nov. 14th, the Rev. NATHANIEL LATHAM, and the Rev. IRA DUNNING, as evangelists. Sermon by the Rev. Jesse Miner, from Rom. x, 17.

At Sharon, Mass. Dec. 19th, the Rev. JoSEPH B. FELT, as pastor of the Congregational church in that place. Sermon by the Rev. Brown Emerson, of Salem.

At Trenton, N. J. the Rev. WILLIAM J. ARMSTRONG, and installed as pastor of the Presbyterian church in that place.

At Woodbridge.Con. the Rev. JESSE STRATTON, as an evangelist. Sermon by the Rev. Professor Fitch

LAST NOTICES.

MISSION AT THE SANDWICH ISLANDS.

JUST as this sheet was going to press, a private letter from Mr. and Mrs. Thurston to a

relative, who is now an accepted missionary, came to hand. The postscript is dated May 23, 1821, almost four months later than we had previously heard. It is probable that the official letters and journals of the missionaries were forwarded from Canton by a vessel which has not yet arrived.

The first part of the letter before us was written by Mrs. Thurston, in Oct. 1820, just before the king removed his government from Kirooah. It gives a brief history of the mission, from the time of its embarkation. The king, and all his attendants, were about to remove first to Mowee, and then to Woahoo, with the intention, it. would seem, of return. ing to Kirooah. Mr. Thurston and his wife were about to accompany them.

The close of the letter was written in May. We make the following extracts:

"Again," says Mrs. T. "I take my pen. From Kirooah we passed by Mowee, and there spent a month in comfortable circumstauces; after which we arrived here, and were received into the bosom of the family at Woahoo. After the perils I had experienced, I cannot describe to you my emotions, in reaching this establishment. It seemed like getting home to a father's house. Here now, on an extensive plain, in a grass-thatched cottage, with half a dozen pupils, having the daily society of a Christian community, my time passes almost imperceptibly away. Eleven children and adults are members of the family, and about thirty of the school. Seven, long since, could read the Scriptures intelligibly: several have committed to memory Watts's catechism for children; and several have practised the art of writing with much success. The king is becoming more temperate. Several of his last interviews with the family have given us much encouragement. Last week be made his yearly splendid entertainment in honor of his father's memory. Two tables were spread in the midst of many thousand natives, where himself, the mission family, captains, officers, and residents, were seated. At his request a minister was situated at each table, and God acknowledged as the Giver of those good things, which were spread before them.

"We are now building the house sent out from America. When that is completed, he says he intends to taboo* dancing on the Sabbath, and to attend meeting. He wishes to have a house sent out to him, by the good people of America, three stories high;-one story for the worship of Jehovah, as by and by he intends to pray. He wishes to have us get all the sounds, and print books and prayers in the Owhyhean language. He called the other day, and wished to know how the. abovementioned James Okahoo-hoo, and John E-e,t had proceeded in their spelling-books and Testaments. When he was informed, and had looked at their writing, he threc times mentioned how very sorry he was, that he had left off learning. He felt vexed with

* That is, forbid dancing on the Sabbath. t Boys mentioned in the preceding parts of the letter, as being most advanced in leurning.

himself for so doing;-was ashamed to begin a second time; and many people told him, by way of discouragement, they should think he would be. There is a prospect that his little brother will become a member of the family, and be educated in it.

"At Atooi prospects of usefulness are very flattering. Tamoree calls the brethren and sisters stationed there his children; and sup. plies their wants with all the indulgence of a fond father. Himself and his wife have commenced taking their meals at the table of the brethren, are very desirous to learn to read, and become acquainted with the contents of the Bible. The king has placed thirty children under their instruction, to be educated as children are in America."

From the part of the letter written by Mr. Thurston we give the following extracts.

"I should have been glad to have written you a long letter, if time and circumstances would permit. Mrs. T. has given you a gen. eral view of our trials and privations;-ot our reception among the heathen;-of what we have done;-and of our prospects of usefulness. Truly the Lord has done great things for us, whereof we are glad. We have done but little as yet towards accomplishing the great object for which we were sent to these Isles. Still, we bless God that we have been enabled to do something.

"We could now find employment for many more missionaries; and, in a few years, should the Lord prosper our efforts, we shall need a host of faithful servants of the Lord Jesus. We need none, and we shall expect none, but such as are devoted, heart and soul, to the Redeemer and his cause. We want men and women, who have souls, and who are crucified to the world and the world to them;-who have their eyes and their hearts fixed on the glory of God, in the salvation of the heathen; -who will feel willing to sacrifice every interest but Christ's;-who will cheerfully and constantly labor to promote His cause: in a word, those who are real pilgrims and strangers, such as the apostle mentions in the Xith of Hebrews. Men like these we want; many such we nced, to complete the work which God, in his providence, has permitted

[blocks in formation]

Mr. Aaron Mitchell made a similar offer to take any articles, which the Board might wish to send, to the missionaries already there. The Board could not avail itself of the liberal proposal of a passage for missionaries, as none could be sent on so short a notice. In regard to articles for the comfort of the missionaries, a supply had just before been shipped by the Houqua; the owners, Messrs. J. & T. H. Perkins, politely offering to take them without freight.

We doubt not, that instances of this kind of generosity will be multiplied, as the nature and tendency of missionary exertions comes to be more known, and better understood.

ENGRAVING OF DR. WORCESTER.

SEVERAL friends of the late Dr. Worcester have procured a likeness of him to be engraved from an excellent portrait which was painted by Mr. Morse about four years ago. The size of the engraving is such, that it may be bound in an 8vo volume, by those who do not choose to preserve it in a frame.

As the copies are presented to the family of Dr. Worcester, by the friends who have caused the impression to be taken, and as nothing will be charged as a commission for selling them; the whole amount received for copies sold will be applied to the benefit of the widow and children of this eminent man, whose constant employment in the service of the Christian public shortened his days, while it prevented his paying that attention to his private concerns, which he otherwise might have done. It is extensively known, that the family of Dr. Worcester are left without a provision for their present wants, or future support.

We have no doubt that a large number of our readers will be glad to obtain and preserve a likeness of one, whose loss they so much deplore; especially, when the whole price is devoted to an object which all will approve.

Notice will probably be given, in our next number, of the places where copies may be obtained.

The price of the engraving will be a dollar.

[blocks in formation]

IT is with pleasure and gratitude that we acknowledge so rapid an increase of our subscription list, as to render it expedient to enlarge the edition of the Missionary Herald. It is yet uncertain how many copies will be printed through the year; but enough of the February number are struck off to meet any probable demand. The January number must be reprinted; and the edition for the other months will be regulated by the call for the work. There are which make it very desirable, that the friends of missions should exert themselves to obtain new subscribers immediately.

two reasons,

1. That the current volume may be had complete, by all who would wish to take it before the close of the year.

2. That the number of persons may be increased, who enjoy a high gratification, by cuttivating an expanded Christian benevolence.

[blocks in formation]

REPORT OF THE PRUDENTIAL COMMMIT | recapitulation is all that the present occasion requires.

TEE.

(Continued from p. 12.)

MISSION TO THE SANDWICH ISLANDS.

IT was not till the 21st of March last, that intelligence was received from the missionaries, who sailed for the Pacific Ocean seventeen months before, announcing the completion of their voyage, and the establishment of their mission. This will long be considered as a memorable day, in the history of those movements, by which the Gospel is communicated to distant heathens. The Committee, and all who felt a peculiar interest in the cause, had been anxiously waiting for intelligence. Much appeared to depend on the first reception of the missionaries. Great changes were known to have taken place at the islands, in consequence of the old king's death, and the subsequent renunciation of idolatry by the natives. Though this wonderful revolution seemed, in a high degree, favorable to the introduction of Christianity, yet it was impossible to tell what course things would take among a people without any fixed principles of action, ignorant of true religion, volatile in their dispositions, and fickle in their purposes. Well might the considerate Christian look with some anxiety to the time, when the messengers of salvation should first come in contact with these pagan islanders. The ultimate triumph of the Gospel, in every dark region in the globe, is rendered certain; but it does not appear how many disappointments are to be experienced, and how long the faith of the church is to be tried, before Satan shall be expelled from his strong holds.

Most joyful, therefore, were the tidings, that the missionaries had been safely conveyed to the desired scene of their labors, and had established themselves at different places, by the permission and request of the rulers, and with the favor of the people. The particulars of these interesting events have been so widely made known, that a brief

VOL. XVIII.

[The Report relates the most important circumstances, respecting the arrival of the missionaries, March 30, 1820, and their preparations for landing.]

On the 12th of April, Mr. Thurston and Dr. Holman with their wives, and two of the native youths, Thomas Hopoo, and William Tennooe, were landed, to take up their permanent residence at Kirooah. Many circumstances conspired to make this separation a tender scene. To Mr. Thurston and Mr. Bingham, who had been associated as pastors of the mission church, it was peculiarly so. But a sense of duty led them cheerfully to submit to this trial, and gave them faith to commend each other and their common cause to the protection of God.

In two days the vessel cast anchor opposite to Hanaroorah, a convenient harbor at Woahoo, and on the 19th, the remainder of the mission family, consisting of Messrs. Bingham, Chamberlain, Whitney, Ruggles, and Loomis, with their wives, and John Honooree, took up their residence among heathens and strangers. As a preparation for their comfort, they had received an offer from various residents, Americans and others, of small houses for their own shelter, and the storage of their goods.

Immediately on landing, the missionaries commenced the public and private worship of God, which they had regularly maintained down to the last intelligence from them. On the Sabbath, they preached not only to the mission family, but to many residents, officers of vessels, and seamen, who were occasionally present. In some instances, they preached on board of ships, at the request of the masters. Thus many immortal beings, speaking our language, most of them our countrymen, were again favored with the proclamation of the Gospel, after a long absence from the means of grace. It is, indeed, a very important consideration, respecting this mission, that it brings divine truth to some, who have voluntarily, through a long portion of their

9

« ПредыдущаяПродолжить »