In the School, there are 14 Children of Missionaries and 2 Ransomed Boys. this Station into the translating, printing, and circulating of the Scriptures and other religious books-the preaching of the Gospel to the Tartars-and the instruction of the Persians in the same Di-A town in Asiatic Russia, north-by-east of the vine Truth. In the department of the PRESS, Mr. Dickson is proceeding with the translation of the Old Testament into TartarTurkish and into plain Tartar: the edition of the Tartar-Turkish, mentioned in the last Survey, had proceeded as far as the middle of Leviticus: the main expense is borne by the Bible Societies of Britain and Russia. In 1821, there were printed 500 Persian Tracts, 8000 Tartar-Turkish and 2000 Genesis, 3000 Tartar, and 7000 Armenian. Of Books and Tracts, with copies of the Scriptures, 6252 copies have been circulated, independently of the 7000 Armenian Tracts which were printed for the Russian Bible Society. The labours of the Missionaries among the 25,000 TARTARS of the vicinity have 'been continued. Some listen to the things spoken-others reject them with contempt: some receive the Scriptures-others will not touch the "infidel" publications. The Committee state The Missionaries do every thing in their power to avoid the disputatious turn. which their conyersations with these bigoted Mahomedans are so apt to assume; and, by reading to them the Word of God, and avoiding as much as possible in conversation the subjects which are apt to excite their prejudices, endeavour to lead them to the knowledge of Divine Truth. In respect of the PERSIANS, the Committee observe Until the present year, neither Mr. Glen nor Mr. M'Pherson had acquired a sufficient knowledge of Persic to enable them to address the Persians in Astrachan, on the subject of religion. This difficulty being now retnoved, a portion of their time is devoted to this duty. The mildness of the Persian character, and their readiness to enter into discussion, afford great facilities to labours among them but, as yet, none acknowledge themselves convinced of the truth of the Gospel, though much interest respecting it has been excited among them. ORENBURG. Caspian, and about 600 miles from Astrachansituated in a vast plain-contains 2000 houses the great thoroughfare, by Caravans, between Siberia and European Russia. SCOTTISH MISSIONARY SOCIETY. C. Fraser, G. M'Alpine, John Gray. Walter Buchanan, a Cabardian. The following extracts from the last Report will shew the state of this Mission:The Missionaries continue to visit the Kirghia somewhat attentive audience. The plan of folsians, and frequently meet with a kind reception and lowing this tribe into the extensive Steppe occupied by them, which is beyond the precincts of the Russian territory, is thought to be dangerous. There are, however, other tribes of Tartars to be found in the neighbourhood of Orenburg besides the Kirghisians. The permanent Tartar population, while numbers take up their temporary residence residing in the town, is likewise very considerable; in the place, from distant parts of the province, and even from the most remote districts of Tartary. Besides the efforts which are making to impart a knowledge of Christianity to those Kirghisians who are within the reach of the Missionaries, an extensive circulation of the New Testament and of other suitable Books and Tracts is maintained at this station: and, in addition to the regular distribution which is made among the strangers who visit Orenburg, two extensive tours have been undertaken this year, with this object more imme. diately in view. Mr. M'Alpine took the first of these Journeys, accompanied by Walter Buchanan. Of this, it is said They proceeded as far as Kazan, a city upwards of 300 miles to the north-west of Orenburg, taking one road in going from home and returning by another. He stopped at all the different vil lages on the two routes; waiting on the Mollahs; conversing with them on the subject of religion : and distributing copies of the Scriptures and of Tracts, to those who by actual trial shewed that they could read them. Mr. Gray, with the same companion, proceeded to Oufa, the seat of Government of the Province, which had been visited the preceding year, as stated in the last Survey. On each Journey, about 600 Testaments, Books, and Tracts were distributed. Siberia. THE Emperor of Russia, in May of last year, granted land to the Missionaries at Selinginsk, on the same terms as had been just before prescribed to the German Missionaries, and, some years since, to the Scottish. These terms, by which greater privileges are conceded to the Missionaries than to any other foreigners, are as follows: 1. The land accorded to them must, under no pretence, pass from the Missionaries into other hands; not by selling nor by mortgaging it: as they have no right to dispose of it, for objects foreign to their views, i. e. their professed designs as Missionaries of Christ. 2. After the term of 30 years from the land being put into their possession, the Missio Karies shall pay to the Government 15 copecks yearly for every "Desiative" of it [about two acres and two-thirds] that is proper to be cultivated, and fulfil the services required from all possessors of grounds by the police. But they shall be free from every other payment or charge, and from military and civil services; as also from the obligation to give lodgings in their houses to the Soldiers. SELINGINSK. A Military Station south-east of Irkutsk and Lake Baikal-about 160 miles from Irkutsk-Inhabitants about 3000, exclusive of those of several villages-in the centre of all the Buriats, on the east side of the Baikal, LONDON MISSIONARY SOCIETY. 1819. The Selinginsk Buriats amount only to about half the number of their brethren, the Chorinsky Tribe; Edw. Stallybrass, W. Swan, Rob. Yuille, but they have ten temples and not less than two Missionaries. The Emperor has shewn much favour to the Mission. The Grant of Land, just mentioned, amounting to 42 desiatives, or about 112 acres, was accompanied by the Emperor's engagement to defray the expense of 7000 rubles incurred by the erection of the Missionary Buildings. thousand Lamas, while the latter have only four temples and scarcely two hundred Lamas. Shamanism, however, is on the decline. Many have reand many more are at present halting between cently renounced it, and embraced Dalai Lamaism; these two opinions. What a pity these poor Heathen should be left thus to exchange one system of delusion for another, instead of being turned from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God! We desire to regard this as a loud call for exertion on our part; and we trust that the statement of it will excite our friends at home to earnest prayer for this people, and for us who have been sent among them. The zeal of the Lamas has led them to send Missionaries beyond the Baikal to the unlettered tribes round Irkutsk, in order to overthrow Shamanism, and set up their own unintelligible mummery in In the early part of 1821, Messrs. Stallybrass and Swan spent several weeks in the vicinity of the Gusina Lake, during the celebration of the "Festival of the White Month," when the Buriats assemble in great numbers. They were chiefly engaged in visiting their temples, in conver-regions where it has hitherto been unsation, and in the distribution of Tracts. They state, at the close of their Journal of this Tour The view now given of Lamaism, as practised here, certainly exhibits it as comparatively of a harmless character. It has no features of cruelty: and presents none of those shocking spectacles, which are common among some idolaters. But the whole system is a delusion. The people believe a lie: they take pleasure in unrighteousness, and none more than the Lamas themselves. Their books teach them no morality, for they are in an enknown tongue. Their restraints from criminal indulgences are confined to the short time which they spend in their temples; and, when they retorn home, it is to commit all uncleanness with greediness. Their services are unmeaning forms: and they hesitate not to confess them to be irksome and disagreeable; but think the performance of them, on this very account, so much more meri torious. In the Spring of last year, they undertook a journey of about 1000 versts, or CANTON. known: and Mr. Shaw met with one Buriat, who, out of 10,000 sheep left him by his Father, had disposed of SEVEN THOUSAND, and had devoted the produce, with other property, to the building of a temple! Well may these things provoke Christians to jealousy! The Missionaries continue the study of Russ and Mongolian; and have in view a Version of the whole Bible into Mongolian. A Printing-Press is to be established, the authority of the Government having been obtained: it was to be forwarded with the requisite types from Petersburg; and will be immediately employed in printing the Gospels and Tracts in Mongolian; the whole expense of printing the Scriptures being undertaken by the Russian Bible Society. China. LONDON MISSIONARY SOCIETY. 1807. Robert Morrison, D.D. Missionary. An extract from the last Report will convey the sentiments of the Directors on this Mission: Dr. Morrison continues to view with deep concern the small effect produced by his labours among the few Chinese, to whom, from time to time, he has been enabled to impart religious instruction. To persevere, for a period of fifteen years, in attempts to illuminate the dark minds of these people by the light of divine truth, and, with an exception or two, to behold all still dark, affords a fine exemplification of the patience and resolution of the Christian Missionary, and of the efficacy of the motives which his religion supplies. Those. however, who firmly believe in the fulfilment of the Scripture Prophecies, are not to te discouraged by the delays, which, on grounds as just as they are inscrutable, are permitted by Him, who rules in every heart and over every empire. The Chinese Mission is, however, peculiar. The public preaching of the Gospel in any one spot of the Empire is impracticable. All, therefore, that can at present be done is, to disseminate the Seriptures and other religious publications, together with such useful knowledge, either literary or scientific, as shall be adapted to enlighten and expand the mind. It is through the medium of books, almost exclusively, that Missionaries can as yet speak to the myriads who people that immense territory: and this means of introducing Christianity among them has been, for some years, in extensive operation. Upward of 100,000 copies of various publications in Chinese, including portions of the Holy Scriptures, have been dispersed by the Brethren connected with the Ultra Ganges Mission: partly among the Chinese Settlers in Malacca and Penang, and in various islands of the Malayan Archipelago; and partly among the navigators and others on board Chinese trading vessels, by which means they have obtained a circulation even in the heart of the Empire. In this way, the seed of the Gospel is scattering over the provinces of China-the hopes of a fature age are sowing-the sacred leaven of Truth is dif fusing itself: be it ours steadily to persevere in these preparatory labours; patiently to wait and earnestly to pray, until the all-quickening Spirit shall descend, and spread moral life and fertility and beauty, over this extensive portion of the globe. In furtherance of the general design adverted to in the preceding remarks, Dr. Morrison has in contemplation rather an extensive treatise of an argumentative nature," in support of the claims of Christianity, as opposed to the Polytheism and Hero-Worship of Chinese Religionists on the one hand, and of Chinese Atheistical Materialists on the other." At pp. 419-421 of the last Volume, a Document was printed illustrative of the aversion of the Chinese to Christianity, with Dr. Morrison's remarks thereon; and also some account of the Roman-Catholic At pp. 511-513, Missions in China. proofs were adduced of the prevalence of Infanticide among the Chinese. Endia beyond the Ganges.) MALACCA. The chief Town in the Peninsula of Malaccatre stored to the Dutch in 1818. LONDON MISSIONARY SOCIETY. Claudius H. Thomsen, Robert Fleming, › James Humphreys, David Collie, Missionaries. G. H. Huttmann, Printer. It is with regret that we omit the name of Dr. Milne, as a Labourer in this Mis sion. His health had been long declining with a view to its restoration, he took a voyage to Sincapore and Penang; but, finding himself grow weaker, he returned to Malacca, and died there, of pulmonary consumption, on the 2d of June, about a week after his return, having a little before attained his 37th year. He had written to the Directors from Penang, April 17th, but a few weeks before his death As to my own case, I think a great and peculiar uncertainty hangs upon it. There is a complica tion in my disorder. I believe that a long seavoyage would be useful; and yet, I am so tied at Malacca, that I cannot leave it: I must hang on, till I see persons able to carry on the work. Make haste and send them, or I shall be gone before they come. When heart and flesh fail, be thou, O God, the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever! Pray abundantly for me. Mr. Beighton, who accompanied him from Penang to Malacca, writes On the Sabbath that we spent at sea, I was near his couch, and he appeared to be frequently in prayer. On one occasion, his petition was-"O God! prepare me for life, or for 'death"-adding, with peculiar emphasis," but Death-Death-that is the thing!" He thus describes the closing scene of the life of this distinguished MissionaryAbout five o'clock on Saturday Afternoon, June 1, he was in extreme pain; and exclaimed, with great earnestness, "My God, my God, help me!" He was afterward somewhat more easy, but because gradually weaker. He asked for little during the night; and, at half-past two o'clock on Sunday Morning, June 2, our highly respected friend and brother was released from all his sufferings, and his happy spirit fled to enjoy a glorious Sabbath in the paradise of God. It was the intention of Dr. Morrison to return, this year, for a season, to Europe. The death of Dr. Milne may probabably occasion some change in his plan. Mr. and Mrs. Humphreys arrived Sept. 3, 1821; and Mr Collie in June, of last year. Mrs. Collie, after an illness of 14 days, died at Madras, in their way, on the 24th of May. Her end was triumphant. After quoting, in her last conflict, with a faltering tongue. He is the chiefest among ten thousand, and altogether lovely. Whosoever believeth in me hath everlasting life, and I will raise him up at the last day-her dying words were— The battle's fought, the prize is won! Now, O Lord, let trouble cease, And let thy servant, die in peace! The labours of the Mission, in its various departments, were prosecuted with activity during the year. In the Chinese Schools, there were about 90 Boys. A well-qualified person is to proceed to this Station, in order to organize Native Schools, as far as practicable on the British System, for the benefit of the Chinese and Malay population. The usual daily exercises of Christian Worship, for the benefit of the Heathen, are continued. In a few of the Heathen, an increased attention to the Gospel is apparent. The press has been actively employed, and has been well conducted by Mr. SINCAPORE. Peninsula of Malacca taken possession of by the English, in February 1819-rapidly increased since, both in commerce and population-Inhabitants, 10,000.! LONDON MISSIONARY SOCIETY. Hattmann. The Chinese Magazine continues to be regularly published and cir-A small Island, at the southern extremity of the culated a sixth volume of this work has been completed. The First Number of the "Malay Magazine," a quarterly publication, conducted by Mr. Thomsen, was issued, as proposed, in January 1821. An edition of a tract, by Dr. Milne, entitled. "Sau Paou," or the "Three Pearls," Containing an account of the Missionary, Tract, and Bible Societies, treated accord ing to the order of their establishment, has also been printed. On the completion of the Chinese Translation of the Old Testament, Dr. Milne proceeded to compile, in that language, a "Practical Exposition of the Epistle to the Ephesians;" considering this part of the New Testament as being peculiarly adapted to the condition of the Heathen. This work was brought to a conclusion before his death. In reference to the circulation of books, the Report states The distribution of the Scriptures and Religious Tracts, in the native languages, is less extensive than formerly in the peninsula of Malacca; the people of the Colony being now, in a considerable degree, supplied. It however appears, that the distribution upon the whole, especially among the islands of the Malayan Archipelago, is much enlarged; and better conducted than it was, from the greater number of persons employed, and their local opportunities for promoting an effective circulation. In the Anglo-Chinese College there were six Students; but they have since increased. On the subject of the College, the Directors say— Considerable accessions had been made to the Library, and endeavours were making to collect useful Malay and Siamese Books. Chinese, Malay, and Siamese Teachers were employed in the Institution. The two latter were partly occupied in transcribing native books for the use of the College. The contributions received in this country, in aid of the Anglo-Chinese College, during the past year, we are concerned to state, have not much exceeded the sum of 100/. The additional subscriptions received abroad for the same object, advices of which have been received by the Directors since the last Anniversary, amount to 400 dollars. CHINESE-SAMARITAN SOCIety. 1819. The formation of this Society was no 1819. Samuel Milton, Missionary. The Chinese and English Services on The the Sunday have been continued. Chinese and Malay Schools prosper; the children improving, some of them in particular, with rapidity. On In the Spring of 1821 Mr. Milton visited Batavia, and married there. his return, he opened an English School for the Settlers, and Mrs. Milton (daughter of the late General Wilson, of the Madras Service) who is well acquainted with Malabar, employed this knowledge to the benefit of the Mission. Mr. Milton was still studying Malay. PULO PENANG. Or, Prince of Wales Island, lying off the coast of the Malay Peninsula-contains about 160 square miles-Inhabitants, according to a census in 1818 were 30,200; but since increased to between 35 and 40,000 of whom about 1300 are Native Christians, 8000 Chinese, and the rest Malay and other Settlers transferred, in 1786, to the East India Company, and has a regular Government, subordinate only to the Governor General. LONDON MISSIONARY SOCIETY. 1819. GEORGE TOWN. T. Beighton, John Ince, Missionaries. JAMES TOWN. Walter H. Medhurst, Missionary. Mrs. Ince died in peace, within a few days of Dr. Milne. She had spent, with Mr. Ince, several months at Malacca, in the latter half of 1821, in the hope of restoring her health. An additional Chinese School now makes the number six-two Chinese, three Malay, and one Female Malay. In all, the Scriptures and Tracts are more or less used, even by the Chinese and Mabomedan Teachers. These indications of ticed in the last Survey. It is under the regard to the Scriptures may encourage The direction of trust-worthy Chinese. Persons, disposed to afford pecuniary aid to this favourable expectations respecting the fu- On the increase of Schools, the Report states- Native Schools, in which the Scriptures might be The Brethren are solicitous to avail themselves of these facilities for the multiplication of Native Schools, but are checked by considerations of expense. They are desirous, however, that the British Public should know, that a Malay School, after the charges of its establishment, might be supported for 10 dollars per month (the Chinese Schools are more expensive); and hope that the plan which has been so happily adopted as to the maintenance of Native Teachers in Travancore, will be acted upon by some benevolent friends in Great Britain, for the support of Native Schools in Penang. Mr. Medhurst, at James Town, is engaged in the education and religious instruction of Chinese and Malays. Many of the Chinese Settlers call daily to converse and read. Mr. Medhurst administers medicine to the people: we quoted at pp. 511 and 512 of the last Volume, a shocking instance of the cruel indifference of one of his patients on the murder of his female children. Penang is divided by a chain of mountains running from north to south. The Europeans occupy the eastern side only, Mr. Medhurst having passed over the hills to the western side, found about 2000 Chinese, whom he purposes visiting occasionally, in order to preach to and converse with them. In the Letter written by Dr. Milne from Penang, before quoted, he thus speaks of this Mission :- The Mission here is doing well. There seems to be a good deal of Christian Truth communicated directly to the Heathen, weekly and daily-a thing of much importance in this stage of our Missions. We are already in possession of many books; but more preaching, catechising, &c. is wanted. The Brethren have set up, what I may ca!l a Form of Public Worship." by which I mean Sabbath Services, consisting of public prayer, reading the Scriptures, singing, preaching, &c. I consider this a high missionary attainment, and a good sign at a Mission. RANGOON. The chief Sea-port of the Burman Empire-about Adoniram Judson, Dr. Price, Missionaries. The return of Mr. and Mrs. Judson from their visit to Bengal, and the subsequent arrival of Mrs. Judson in England on her way to America, were noticed at p. 258 of our last Volume; and the proposal of some friends in London to raise funds for the ransom and education of 25 Burman Girls, at pp. 315 and 316. Dr. Price and Mrs. Price had reached Rangoon before Mrs. Judson left; and Mr. and Mrs. Hough, who had left that Station for Serampore, were about to return thither. An American Publication has the following notice respecting Mr. Judson's proceedings :. The Journal of Mr. Judson, up to the 11th o March 1821, has been received. On the 4th of January he arrived at Rangoon from Bengal, whither he had accompanied his wife for the benefit of her health. The converts, though so long deprived of his instructions and example, had maintained a consistent 'course. Some agitation resulted from the preparations for war with the Siamese; but there seemed to be no cause to apprehend an interruption of the Mission. On the contrary its concerns wore a brightening aspect. The Viceroy had given unequivocal evidences of his disposition not to interfere; and had defeated the efforts of some of the Native Priests to injure Moung Shwa Gnong, the most prominent of the converts. Moung Ing was baptized on the 4th of March. Mr. Judson himself writes We had the most pleasant assembly yesterday at Worship, that I can recollect: ten disciples, five hopeful inquirers, (respectable people,) and others to the amount of about twenty-five adults in all. exhibited a spectacle, which would have seemed two years ago a perfect miracle. 1 have engaged Moung Shwa Gnong to assist in revising Acts; but he is so particular and thorough, that we get on very slowly-not more than ten verses a day, though he is with me from nine in the. morning till sunset. India within the Ganges. On the favourable prospect which opens for the diffusion of Christianity in India, we have much satisfaction in quoting the following passage of a Letter from Calcutta, addressed by the Rev. Principal of Bishops' Collegeto the Society for Propagating the Gospel: : The impulse given to the public mind here, with respect to the obligation of improving the state of the Native Population, is indeed remarkable; and the conviction among the more reflecting and religious part of the European Society seems to be gaining ground, that this improvement must involve in it the introduction of Christianity. Apprehensions of danger from the native prejudices, are, in the judgment of almost every observer here, without foundation. The experience of the Diocesan Schools, and others where the children of Pagans are instructed, proves that they will admit any thing, provided their errors be not the direct objects of attack; and that, while the indolence and sensuality of their native habits bind them most to their superstitions, the hopes of their children's advancement are sufficient to make them consent to the method, which, more effectually than any other, tends to undermine the same superstitions in them. I can speak with confidence to the fact, that the Scriptures and other Christian Books, even in passages the most contradictory to the whole System of Idolatry, MAY be read in Heathen Schools, where Brahmin Pundits are the hearers and teachers, without exciting any alarm or offence whatever. |