RELIGIOUS INTELLIGENCE. AMERICAN MISSIONARIES. THE Christian public have been for some time anxious to hear from the missionaries in Asia. The impediments, which the present war has thrown in the way of correspondence with that quarter of the world, are often embarrassing. It will be recollected, that our last intelligence from Messrs. Nott and Hall left them on board ship, about the last of Nov. 1812. They had taken passage from Calcutta to Ceylon, or Bombay, (being undecided at which place they should attempt to fix themselves,) and wrote back by the pilot boat after leaving the banks of the Ganges. The last that we have heard from Mr. Newell is, that he left the Isle of France for Bombay on the 24th of February, 1813. It was not to be expected that he would arrive there before the date of the following letter; but with a prosperous passage, he would meet his brethren soon after. We have strong hopes, that the apprehensions expressed by Messrs. Nott and Hall have not been realized; and that they were permitted to remain quietly at Bombay till the new charter of the East India Company reached that place; which it probably did in Nov. or Dec. last. After the arrival of this act of parliament, it is presumed that no peaceable, prudent missionaries will be molested by the local gov ernments. The following letter has the London post mark of Oct. 7; it having been probably enclosed to some person who forwarded it. If the missionaries had been sent to England, as they thought it possible they might be, we should probably have heard from them before this time. Messrs. Nott and Hall very properly gave a brief sketch of what they had writs ten in previous letters; and as their summary is judiciously expressed, and may refresh the minds of readers, we publish their whole letter to the Corresponding Secretary of the Am. Board of Commismissioners for For. Missions. "Bombay, March 17, 1813. "Rev. and dear Sir, We sympathize with you and our distant friends in general, in the grief you must feel at the unexpected war in which our country is involved. We daily unite our prayers with yours to the "Giver of Peace and Lover of Concord," that you may speedily be delivered from the evils which it must have introduced, and that those which you fear may be averted from you. We had hoped, with the friends of Jesus we believe both in England and America, that these kindred nations would have lived in love and unity, and been joined in diffusing their religion far and wide,' We hope so still. The prayers, offered up by Christ's real friends for this, will not, we trust, remain long unanswered. That there are such prayers, indeed, does not fail to induce in us the continual expectation of hearing the good news of peace. But you will be more anxious, dear Sir, we doubt not, to learn our situation, than to hear our views of yours. "We are happy to inform you, that through the goodness of God, we are at length arrived upon the ground, which we have chosen as the seat of our missionary labors; though, as you will presently. see, not with the most flattering prospects. We arrived on the 12th ult. eleven weeks after leaving Bengal. Five weeks of this time we spent on the Coromandel coast, at the French settlement of Pondicherry, from whence we wrote you our last letter." Though we shall have room for but little in this letter, we shall, as the events of the war may have prevented your receiv ing some or all of our letters, notice such of the principal occurrences, as will give you a general view of the past, and prepare you to understand our present situa tion. "Soon after our arrival in Bengal, which was early in August, we were or dered to return to America in the ship which brought us. With expectations, which we finally gave up, we obtained leave to go to the Isle of France. Though our arrangements were made, at a very early period, to go to that place, we were detained by causes not under our control, till we were led by further inquiries to en tertain hopes of succeeding in this place, of which we had previously despaired. After this, we first thought of coming by the way of Ceylon; but finally obtained passports departing. After all this was *This letter has not been received. †This is probably the technical phrase for a general passport to leave the country. done, our passage paid, and part of our baggage on board, we were on a sudden informed, that provision was to be made for our passage to England on the fleet then to sail in five days. As both we and our captain had taken the regular steps for departure, we embarked according to our previous arrangements, and arrived at this place as was mentioned above. "This field, which we chose, we think, after deliberate and prayerful examination, is so eligible, being connected in its language with a country immeuse and populous, and, as a commercial place, with many countries immense and populous, that we presume, should we succeed in staying, our choice will not fail to meet your highest wishes. Our objections to Birmah were, the unsettled state of the country-its particular jealousy of Europeans the dangers and difficulties with which the Baptist mission there has been struggling, and the fear that an attempt by us would be followed, not only by its own defeat, but likewise by the defeat of that mission. In a word, this is the field we esteem the most desirable;-but there is some reason to fear, that we shall not be suffered to remain. "The Governor, (Sir Evan Nepean, Vice president of the British and Foreign Bible Society,) bears the character of a. religious man; and is, we have much reason to believe, himself inclined to favor us. The only difficulty arises from the strong recommendation of the supreme government that we should be sent away. This strong recommendation results from their own original desire, and from their displeasure at the manner of our leaving Bengal; with the regularity of which we believe they were not thoroughly acquainted. We have stated our desires and explained our conduct to the Governor; and are informed by him, that he has nothing further to say to us at present. Our hopes of staying are so strong that we have already commenced learning the Mahratta language. "As the general government have been offended, you must not be surprised, if, when we write again, our letter should be dated in England; or if you should hear from our own lips the story of our trials and disappointments. God forbid that we should be so severely afflicted in this way, and give us rather our sufferings in our work than by taking us from it. Pray for us, that we may never faint in our minds, and may be prepared, if that be the will of God, to enter upon a new course of wanderings and to be baffled by new disappointments.. "We repeat a wish contained in our former letters, that the communications made to us by the way of Bengal may, for ī the present, be committed to the care of Dr. Carey. "As to our funds, you may well suppose them low. We hope some effectual method of replenishing them has already been adopted. Should we remain in this place, an economy, which you would call rigid, will not more than make our salaries support us. Besides, we shall soon be in need of many native books, which can be obtained only at a very high rate, and we must immediately be at considerable ex pense for native instructors. We state these things that the truth may be known, and must leave the measure of your remittances to your power and your judg. ment; assuring you that at present we have no plans of spending, and hope we never shall have, but such as we are willing to submit to you, and that we shall do all in our power for our own support, which can be done without injury to our plans of usefulness. We are thus partic ular, because we may not soon have another opportunity of writing, and an early arrangement on these points will be very important to our progress in our work. We beg leave to mention, (if that way has not already been adopted,) as probably the best way of remitting, that your money should be lodged in some mercantile house in London, and they be directed to give us immediate advice. This indeed is the only safe way in our present uncertainty, and will at any time furnish us with money at the least loss. Dear Sir, if we stay here, we shall greatly need your prayers, and the prayers of the Christian public. "The three islands of Bombay, Salsette, and Carauja, contain about three hundred thousand natives, mostly Mahrattas; and the adjacent Mahratta territories, many millions; while to the south and the north there stretch unevangelized regions, which present a pitiful but attractive spectacle to Christian benevolence. You will perceive, from the greatness of the field, that we shall desire to be strengthened by two brethen. Nor need they delay to learn the success of our attempt. Should we fail, it will be for reasons which will not affect them, if, instead of coming to Calcutta, they should come to Madras, Ceylon, the Isle of France, Batavia, or even to the Cape of Good Hope, and then directly to this place. We do hope, that be our destiny as it may, this field will not be neglected; -a field than which we believe none pos sesses more claims or more facilities, both for immediate and final usefulness. In case our brethren must be long delayed, or come to Calcutta, we wish they may come thither. They may succeed as many Europeans have done as we hope to do-and we will forward to Calcutta some remarks that may enable them to be more discreet than we were. "To the Prudential Committee, and the Board of Commissioners, we tender our highest respect and our Christian affection; and in their prayers and yours beg a Continual remembrance. We are, Rev. Sir, yours in the Gospel, SAMUEL NOTT, GORDON HALL.” Rev. Samuel Worcester, D. D. "P. S. If our letters have been received, you will know in full the history of the other brethren. Brother Newell is at the Isle of France, and we hope will join us. Brethren J. and R. will pursue a sepárate mission, having changed their sentiments on baptism, and been baptised at Calcutta." VERMONT BIBLE SOCIETY. THE First Report of this Society was made at the annual meeting, Oct. 21, 1813. The Directors state, that they had appointed agents in different parts, to enable them to carry into effect the designs of the Society; that they had procured 500 Bibles and 200 Testaments, the greater part of which had been distributed; that 200 Bibles had been received as a donation from the Bible Society of Connecticut; and that the want of the Bible is much greater than had been apprehended. The Directors state the following facts, and ground suitable reasoning upon them: "Another poor woman, in a message to one of the Directors, begging for a Bible, stated that her son was fifteen years old, and that she had never had a Bible in her house, since her marriage. Several others came, or sent, to the same person, informing that they neither had a Bible, nor the means of procuring one. There was one family, also, whose house and furniture was burnt about six months before, which had no book, nor even a single page of a book of any kind. While it is deeply to be lamented, that many similar cases are to be found, in this favored country, it is with much pleasure, that the Directors observe, that the Bibles which have been distributed, have been very thankfully received, and, there is reason to believe, have already, in some happy instances, been instrumental of great good. "On the whole, the Board have the happiness to state, that the success of this infant Society, to procure and distribute Bibles, has hitherto exceeded expectation; that many, to whom the word of the Lord is precious, have been made exceed ing glad by the gift of this inestimable treasure; and that others, who have been indifferent towards it, or treated it with contempt, have been induced to read it, with serious attention, and to realize their own concern in its interesting and solemn truths. Far, therefore, from despising the day of small things, we have great reason to take encouragement from these promising beginnings, to persevere in, and increase our endeavors to extend the knowledge of salvation by grace, by the distribution of the Bible. The unparalleled exertions, and the wonderful success of similar Societies both in Europe and America, while they call aloud for the liveliest expressions of gratitude to Him, by whose inspiration the Scriptures were given, which are able to make us wise unto salvation, through faith in Christ Jesus, should also excite, in us, a fervent zeal, to co-operate with our brethren, in diffusing the knowledge of the truth, and ushering in the glorious day, when the Bible shall be read in every tongue, and its saving truths made known to every inhabitant of the globe." The report closes with the most weighty considerations, which can be addressed to men: "There is reason to believe, that the happy influence of Bible Societies will not be confined to those, to whom their char ity extends. Many others, beholding what exertions are made to give the Bible to the destitute, and perceiving the blessed effects of these exertions, in the saving conversion of sinners, who were ready to perish, and the consolation drawn by the humble believer from this well of salvation, will be excited to inquire into its importance to themselves. More Bibles will be purchased; they will be more read;" the knowledge of divine truth, drawn from this uncorrupted fountain, will increase; and there is reason to hope, that it wills by many, be received with faith and love, and thus become the power of God to their salvation. These Societies, it is apprehended, are calculated to do great good, as they have a happy tendency to break down the wall of separation, which prejudice and party spirit have too long placed between many, of different religious denominations, who really love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. As the Bible is the standard, to which professing Christians, of all denominations appeal, because the great truths of religion are here made known, not in words, which man's wis-. dom teacheth, but which the Holy Spirit. teacheth, all the real disciples of Jesus can cheerfully harmonize in exertions for causing every one to be supplied with this precious source of divine instruction. And having an object, of such vast impor tance, to concentrate their exertions, and harmonize their views, and coming together, with the spirit of the Gospel, their prejudices against each other gradually subside; they feel themselves drawn together, by the cords of Christian affection, and learn how good, and how pleasant it is, for brethren to dwell together in unity. Nor is this all. Those, who become engaged in the good work, of putting the Bible into the hands, and recommending it to the attention of others, can hardly fail to be excited to give more attention to it themselves, and to receive proportionable benefit. The more the Scriptures are studied, with a disposition to receive instruction, in the things of God, the more light and comfort will be drawn from them. This, again, will tend to enliven zeal for causing the instructions of the Bible to be received by others. For, "certainly, the more the love of God, and the love of Christ, are perceived and felt, the more fervent must be our desires, and the more active our exertions, that others, also, may taste and see that the Lord is good. "Were it only in relation to the happiness of the present world, the universal distribution of the Bible, and influence of our holy Religion, would be vastly important. Let all become possessed of the amiable temper, and be governed by the benevolent precepts, of the blessed Gospel, animosity, and hatred, and discord, and bloodshed, would be banished from our now distracted and miserable world. Men would love as brethren. Righteousness would every where prevail; and the work of righteousness would be peace, and the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance forever. In relation to the eternal happiness of guilty men, however, the importance of the instructions of the Bible, rises immeasurably high. Here it is, that life and immortality are brought to light. Here, only, a way of salvation is made known. The situation of those, who are destitute of the Bible, as described by an Apostle is, That they are aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, strangers from the covenant of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world. What benevolent heart, then, but must bleed, in view of the vast multitudes, the hundreds of millions of our fallen race, who are, at this moment, in this most affecting and awful situation! Who but must ardently desire, that they may be delivered from this deplorable state, and obtain salvation with eternal glory! Would you, dear brethren, be instrumental in promoting this benevolent and glorious object? Lend your aid, then, in sending them the Bible, in which are contained the words of eternal life. Send them . this treasure, and by the blessing of God, they may receive instruction, and become wise unto salvation. Then, a single Bible, which many very lightly esteem, will be worth more, to these now benighted souls, than all the wealth of the Indies-Yes, and the blessing of some poor soul, now ready to perish, may come on you. "If any thing more is wanting, to arouse us to the most vigorous and active exertions, let us go to the cross of our bleeding, dying Savior. There let us remember, that God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, to sufferings and to death, that whosoever believeth in him, might not perish, but have everlasting life. Let us remember, that our Lord Jesus Christ, though he was rich, for our sakes became poor, that we through his poverty might be rich. Let our hearts here be warmed with love, and gratitude, for what has been done for our own salvation, and melted into tenderness and compassion for others, for whose salvation the blood of Jesus flowed. Let us behold this wonderful display of the love of our Redeemer, and remember that the voice of inspiration has declared, If any man have not the spirit of Christ he is noue of his. "In behalf of the Directors; CHARLES MARSH, President." The Society had received $765 27, and had expended $353; leaving a balance of $412 27. The following gentlemen were chosen officers; "At the annual meeting of the Vermont Bible Society, at Montpelier, Oct. 21, 1813, the following officers were elected, viz; Hon. Charles Marsh, Esq. Pres. Rev. Leonard Worcester, It is in contemplation to form an Auxiliary Bible Society, in each county in Vermont. We believe some of these Societies are already formed. NEW YORK BIBLE SOCIETY. THE fourth annual report of this Society, which was made at the annual meeting in Dec. last, contains a particular account of the doings of the Society during the year preceding. Since the last report 1355 Bibles had been distributed in the city of New York, on board of vessels, and by the managers, and 954 in the countr making 2,309 in the whole.* The Trustees mention with pleaure the formation of An Auxiliary Bible Society by young men of different religious denominations in the city of New York. They speak also in terms of high commendation of the exertions of Messrs. Schermerhorn and Mills, in the course of their missionary tour through the western states. The Trustees close their report with the following paragraph: "Men and brethren! Can you behold this spiritual need of your fellow-creatures, and "shut up your bowels of compassion against them?" The pressure of the times is indeed heavy, and the claims on your benevolence are already numerous and increasing. But can there be an object more deserving of your Christian charity, than that of dispensing the bread and the water of life to perishing sinners? Has a kind Providence blessed you abundantly in your basket and your store? Remember that to whom much is given, from him much will be required: "Freely ye have received, freely give." Have you but little to spare? The Lord accepteth according to what a man hath." He who made such honorable mention in his Gospel of the widow's two mites, and who has declared that "a cup of cold water given in his name, shall not lose its reward," will surely not withhold his blessing from those who become "fellowworkers with Him," in contributing to sup ply poor sinners with the rich treasures of his word, which is able to save the soul through faith that is in Christ Jesus." Let us then be excited to renewed exertions in this glorious work, in order to replenish the exhausted funds of the Society, and to enable it to effect the important desigas in contemplation. We are groaning under the desolating scourge of war: come, then, and let us present upon this altar a portion of our substance as "a peace-offering to the Prince of peace" Who can tell, but for his own name's sake, his righteous anger may be turned away from us, and that he may again smile upon us, and upon our land, and bless us with the return of peace upon all our borders, and cause us to "sing of merey as well as of judgment." Let us not be weary in well doing: for "in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” ” The receipts of the Society, during the preceding year were, * Since the institution of the Society 8,239 Bibles have been distributed. VOL. X. Balance remaining in the Treasury, $266 92 Though this balance was inadequate to the immediate engagements of the Society, yet the Trustees express a confidence, that their funds will be replenished, and that the Society will be enabled to print the French Bible for distribution in Louisiana. The following gentlemen were chosen officers of the Society. Officers and other Managers for the Dr. Alexander Mc Leod, Samuel Whiting Clerk. Other Managers. John B. Romeyn, Dr. J. R. B. Rodgers, Elisha Coit, John Mills, 24 |