object it in a very limited degree pretends: but the Institution, whose interests we are this day met to serve, embraces two objects having supplied our home deficiency, it extends its efforts to foreign climes, and its generous end will not be accomplished while there is one dark corner of the earth unexplored." BRISTOL CHURCH-MISSIONARY ASSOCIATION. The Anniversary of this Association will be held in the Guildhall of that city, on Thursday, the 6th of April next. In the course of the same week several sermons will be preached in the different churches, to promote the important objects of the Association. CHINA. Mr. Milne, colleague with Mr. Morrison in the Chinese Mission, not being permitted to reside at the Portuguese Island of Macao, near Canton, resolved to visit various places in which the Chinese reside, and to distribute among them the Chinese New Testament, which Mr. Morrison had translated and printed, together with a catechism and tracts, in the same tongue. In a letter to the Directors of the Missionary Society, he informs them of an extensive tour of fourteen hundred miles which he made in the island of Java, the opportunities he enjoyed of distributing the Scriptures and tracts, the kindness he received from all ranks of persons, and the probability of good being effected by these exertions. From this letter, dated at Batavia, July 1st and 2d, 1814, we give the following extract:-" I am just returned from a journey through the eastern parts of Java, and through the island of Madura. During this journey, by the good hand of God upon me, I have travelled about fourteen hundred miles over land without a hurt or a fall-visited Bencallan, the seat of the Sultan of Madura, and slept a night in the palace; and also Solo, the metropolis of the Sosoon-ham, or Emperor of Java, to whom I was introduced. He reigns over more than a million of people. I have also visited all the towns and villages of any importance, where there are Chinese, from Batavia, near the west end of Java, to Sumanap, on the farther extremity of the island of Madura; except Djoc-joo carta, the capital of the Sultan of Java, which is within about 50 miles of Solo. At all these places I have distributed Chinese New Testaments, catechisms, tracts, &c. to a considerable amount, and made arrangements for sending some to the Chinese at Banger-masen, Pontiano, and Sambas, on the great island of Borneo. "The Chinese are my first object; and my chief attention has been paid to them during my late tour, which lasted for six weeks. But other objects were not neglected. I baptized one hundred and fourteen children, belonging, some to English parents, but chiefly to the Dutch and their descendants; and I was commissioned to this effect by the two Dutch clergymen, who, through age and infirmity, cannot remove far from the places of their residence-viz. Batavia aud Samarang. This service af forded me some pleasing opportunities of stating the great doctrines of the Sacred Scriptures-of endeavouring to prevent the total extinction of the light of the Gospel among the descendants of the once highly-favoured Dutch-and of attempting to prevent their entire relapse to Mahomedanism and Heathen. ism, points to which, in my own opinion, they are fast hastening, for want of public instruction. I had also some opportunities of preaching among my own countrymen, who are equally destitute of the ordinances of religion. "To several Dutch gentlemen I am much indebted for kindness received during some parts of my journey; particularly to the Rev. Professor Ross, who gave me a general letter of introduction to all the Christians on the east side of Java; and to Mr. Hulft Van Koorn, Sourabaya, who rendered me very material aid. "In consequence of letters of introduction from the Hon. the Governor, I was received every where by the British officers, both civil and military, with the utmost kindness, and treated with a hospitality which has scarcely a parallel; and not only so, but they also shewed a readiness to forward the objects of my mission. I am under strong obligations to them all, especially to the Hon. Thomas Stampford Raffles, the Governor. "The Chinese of all ranks, and in every place, received my books gladly, and listened with patience to what I had to say about the true God. So that what from opportunities of attending to the object of my mission among the Chinese-what from seasons of religious instruction to Dutch and English-what from intercourse with gentlemen of education and knowledge of the world -what from occasions of stating clearly the object of Missions, and of endeavouring to remove prejudices against them -and what from the view of a highly cultivated country, happy under an enlightened and liberal government, I. have much reason to be satisfied with this journey, though attended with some personal inconvenience, and occasionally with extreme fatigue, both by sea and land. "You will not, of course, in a letter where so many points must be touched on, expect the particulars of my tour: they must be reserved to another time. I shall, however, give you a general character of the island, and of its inhabitants,―a character which I have form ed for myself, partly from what has come under personal observation, and partly from information drawn from the most undoubted sources. "In regard to climate, Java affords considerable variety. The sea coast being generally low, and often abounding with jungle, stagnate water, and superfluous vegetation, cannot be generally reckoned healthy. As you approach the mountains, and in proportion as you ascend them, the climate becomes cooler, the water more pure, vegetables more esculent, and a proportionable improvement in regard to salubrity. "As the length of the island of Java is from east to west, and as its greatest breadth does not far exceed 100 miles, we cannot expect much difference as to health, arising from latitude. But if the theory of Dr. Tongue, of America, be true-viz. 'That health does not depend so much on latitude, as on altitude, then we may expect that Java will not be deficient, as the mountains are numerous and high, beginning generally at from eight to fifteen miles from the sea. "The state of actual cultivation in Java is considerable, greatly improving, and, in some of the eastern parts, carried almost to the highest pitch. "As the mountains are high, and abounding with water, which, by proper irrigation, might be carried over a vast extent of good soil, the capability of improvement is almost incredible. The island, in its present state, nourishes five millions of people on its own surface, and abundantly supplies its neighbours, and is capable, in my opinion, by progressive improvement, to support thirty millions of inhabitants! "The character of the people seems to improve in proportion as they are removed from commercial towns on the coast, where, alas! they have learned to impose and to oppress, from the example of Europeans. They are not the savage malicious race which they have been represented to be. I travelled among them unarmed and without fear. "If after having known the present system of government in theory, and, in some measure, seen its operation on the circumstances of the people, I were allowed to give my opinion, it would be this :-The people are contented, prosper ous, and attached to their rulers. But I seem to forget that I am writing only a letter. “On my return from the east, I found three Dutch Missionary Brethren arrived from London. Their coming here is most seasonable, as both the ministers in the Reformed Church are advanced in age, and the people in many places destitute of the ordinances of religion. Mr. Supper is chosen and appointed to assist Professor Ross. Mr. Bruckner goes to Samarang, to take the place of Mr. Montanus, who is now unable to preach; and Mr. Kam goes to Sourabaya, to wait there for a passage to Amboyna, where there is a considerable number of Christians, entirely without a minister, and very desirous of having one. This last step was particularly recommended by our friend, Professor Ross. "These worthy brethren are stationed in spheres of immediate and, I hope, of great usefulness, and two of them freed from charge on the Society. I sincerely hope, however, that as you have judiciously recommended in their instructions, they will not forget the primary object, the conversion of the Heathen, and will estimate the importance of their present situations only in as far as they may subserve this. "After having been here for some time, and obtained information on various subjects, it would have been particularly gratifying to me, if, as I mentioned to you in my last, one had taken up the Chinese language; another, the Malay; and a third, the Javanese, with a view to missions in these languages. I have mentioned this to them, but they have not yet had time to decide. "I am very desirous that some one would take up the Chinese Mission here. --The work has been partly begun, and the full effect of the books which have been extensively circulated among them cannot be expected without living in structors. "Some friends seem to think that I ought to return to the Chinese here, as they imagine I have gained their confidence; and that, were I able to preach, I should be heard without prejudice. "I highly value the judgment of these worthy friends, and I hope shall ever be ready to obey the call of Providence to a useful situation. I must confess, however, that, though in all probability it would be more for my own personal comfort and that of my family to be here, I still feel my mind binding me to China itself. "There are some reasons which weigh much with me; among others, the close union formed between Mr. Morrison and me; the precarious state of his health; the progress of the translations, dictionary, &c.; my own imperfect knowledge of the language; the great propriety of two being together, in case of sickness or death; the vast importance of continuing the mission at Canton, &c.;-all these, with many others, strongly induce me to continue with Mr. Morrison, should it be the will of God to carry me back in safety, "I am truly glad to inform you, that in consequence of the kindness of the Governor, the expense of my last journey has not been very heavy. It would have amounted to 1600 rupees had I been obliged to pay for the horses." VIEW OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS. THIS department of our work will occupy but a very narrow space. When we have said that there is a strong rumour that the Congress at Vienna has terminated its labours, we have exhausted all that we can venture to state on that subject; and from the Continent no other authentic intelligence of the slightest interest has been received during the present month.-The Duke of Wellington has quitted Paris, and has replaced Lord Castlereagh at Vienna. The latter nobleman is daily expected in this country. We are happy to state that the American frigate President, commanded by Commodore Decatur, has been captured by the British frigate Endymion, Capt. Hope, after a close action of two hours and a half. The Endymion was part of a squadron of four ships engaged in the pursuit of the President, but the action had terminated before any of the other ships came up. The President had six feet water in the hold, when taken possession of. On board the Endymion, eleven men were killed, and fourteen wounded. The loss on board the President is stated to have been much greater. The President had more guns and heavier metal than the Endymion, and about one hundred and thirty more men. Parliament met, pursuant to adjournment, on the 9th inst. A bill has been brought in for regulating the trade of Malta, and for permitting a direct intercourse, between that island and the West Indies. Another bill has been brought in for continuing the restriction of cash payments at the bank. The chief measures, however, which have been introduced, are those which respect the corn laws, and our financial system. On the former subject, the resolutions which it has been proposed to Parliament to adopt, are, Ist, That the importation, and warehousing for re-exportation, of foreign grain, should be at all times freely permitted: 2d, That when the average price of wheat shall reach 80s. per quarter, then foreign grain may be freely imported for home consumption: 3d, That from our own colonies in North America, such importation may take place when the average price of wheat shall reach 67s. per quarter.-We mean not at present, to enter into any discussion of this very extensive, delicate, and complicated subject. The general leaning of our minds, we confess, at the same time, is in favour of the system of interfering with it as little as possible by legislative enactments. Mr. Vansittart has in part developed IN our last Number we communicated to our readers the afflicting intelligence of the death of Henry Thornton, Esq. M. P. for the Borough of Southwark. We ventured at that time to express an earnest hope-a hope which we still cherish-that an authentic memorial of this excellent and extraordinary man would be given to the world by some person qualified for the undertaking. In the mean time, we thankfully avail ourselves of permission to publish a sermon delivered on this melancholy occasion, by a clerical friend, on the first Sunday after the funeral (Jan. 29). All who had the happiness to be acquainted with Mr. Thornton will readily bear witness, that the preacher has not erred on the side of panegyric. The text was taken from Malachi iii. 16, 17.And a book of remembrance was written before him, for them that feared the Lord and that thought upon his Name: and they shall be mine, saith the Lord of Hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels. FUNERAL SERMON ON HENRY THORNTON, Esq. The dispensations of the Almighty, in the moral government of the world, are of a nature so dark and mysterious, that the wise and the good have sometimes beheld them with wonder, and sometimes almost with dismay. The same causes which exercise the faith and patience of the righteous have a tendency to give confidence to the wicked. They see no remarkable instances of Divine retribution, and therefore they learn to fear none: they perceive that the blasphemer and the proflgiate pursue their course with impunity; that they even make a boast of sin, and flourish in their crimes: hence it is that their own hearts are fully set in them to do evil. Of this class were the infidels of Judea, whom the Prophet reprehends in the chapter before us. They were stout against the Lord; and said, "It is vain to serve God: what profit is it that we have kept his ordinance, and that we have walked mournfully before the Lord of Hosts? and now we call the proud happy; yea they that work wickedness are set up; yea they that tempt God are even delivered." The fallacy of this reasoning is beautifully displayed in the words of the text. The Prophet calls our attention to a future day he informs us, that however the righteous may seem at present to be depressed, they are not forgotten; and that a marked distinction will assuredly be made between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not. The passage seems from its connexion to relate, in the first place, to the visitation which, according to the warning of our Saviour, came afterwards upon Judea; when the believing Jews were in general delivered from the ruin that over whelmed their countrymen. But we shall catch very little of the spirit of the sacred writer, if we confine the interpretation of his prophecy within such narrow limits. Like other prophets, who had preceded him, he seems to rise from the description of earthly scenes, to a higher subject he appears to glance at the judgment of the Great Day, when an eternal sepa ration shall be made between the righteous and the wicked, and those that have done good shall come forth unto the resurrection of life. In this light I shall consider the declaration of the text: "A book of remembrance was written before him, for them that feared the Lord and that thought upon his Name: and they shall be mine, saith the Lord of Hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels." These words present us with three subjects of reflection ;-the description of the righteous-their present honour-and their future reward. The description which is given of the righteous, is very brief; but it is decisive with respect to their character: they fear the Lord, and they think upon his Name. There is, indeed, a sense in which all men that are possessed of reason may occasionally be said to fear the Lord. Few persons are so entirely degraded as not to experience some impressions, however short and transient, of the Majesty and the Power of God. An awful providence will for the moment awaken alarm in the minds even of the most daring contemners of the Divine law; and the voice of conscience will sometimes proclaim, in tones that pierce to the inmost recesses of the soul, that God is jealous, and that the Lord avengeth, At such times the wicked are compelled to think upon God. But the subject is painful: they derive no comfort from their reflections; their fear is slavish; they are anxious to escape from thoughts which obtrude only to oppress them, and endeavour to live, at whatever hazard, in such quiet and repose as the world can bestow. In How different is that fear of the Lord which the Scriptures enjoin! How excellent are those meditations which give delight and comfort to the soul! The fear which is characteristic of the sons of God, is a holy affection of the mind, implanted in the heart by the sacred Spirit, and productive of those fruits which indicate its heavenly origin. It is the veneration of a child to its parents, full of hope and confidence, and gratitude and love. It regards the Most High not as a God of justice alone, but of justice tempered with compassion. seasons even of the deepest affliction, it points out the way to his mercy-seat, and pours forth the language of praise for his favour in all that he gives, and for his goodness, whatever he taketh away. It includes, in truth, Divine knowledge, and all those heavenly dis positions which combine to form the character of the Christian; and it is closely associated with peace and joy in believing. The man that is possessed of this fear will, amidst all the revolutions and changes of the world, be bold and courageous: he will be animated by a trust and dependence upon God, which neither death, nor life, nor things present, nor things to come, can effectually disturb. Such is the declaration of one that feared the Lord. "God is our refuge and strength; therefore will we not fear though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea.' "Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me: thy rod and thy staff they comfort me." |