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whole land, almost, is before us, and millions are accessible in every direction. We feel grateful, that the path appears to be marked out so plainly, and that it leads us to the section of country contemplated before we left the United States.

In view of the best light we can obtain, we feel clear in deciding on Umbala, Loodiana, or some other place in the Punjab, or territory between the Jumna and Sutledge rivers, as the place of our future labour, if the Lord please.

This territory is under the protection of the British government, though the chiefs enjoy a kind of independent authority. The people north of the Sutledge, in the territory of Lahore, are under the influence of Runjeet Singh, long the most formidable enemy of the British, but in friendship at present. They are all one people on both sides of the Sutledge, called Seiks or Sikhs; speaking the same language, the Punjabee; having the same religion and the same customs; so that we may hope our influence will not be confined to this side of that river. Their number is between one and two millions, among whom no efforts have yet been made to introduce the gospel; while they are described as more free from prejudice, from the influence of Brahimins, and from caste, than any other people in India. Indeed, the Seik religion is quite distinct, the founder of the sect having rejected many of the doctrines and practices both of the Hindoo and Mohammedan systems, and having endeavoured to form a more perfect system out of them. We are informed that they are in a good degree teachable, and that there is, at present, among their chiefs and better classes, a great desire to become acquainted with English, in consequence of a recent order of the English authorities of this country abolishing Persian, and substituting English, as the Court language. This desire, it is believed, may be turned to good account, and become a passport to other kinds of instruction, and more direct efforts for their good.

This region of country is connected, by commercial business, with Afghanistan, Cashmere, and Tibet, in all of which countries, no efforts whatever have been made to fulfil our Saviour's last commandment.

As to health, this region is described to us in very favourable terms. Its vicinity to the Himmaleh mountains, and its being so far north, (none of the places named being in less than 30° N. lat.,) make the information we have received very probable. Indeed, Simlah, one of the principal sanitary refuges, is not very distant from Umbala; so that if health should become impaired, it would be quite convenient as a place of resort, and perhaps render it unnecessary to return to our own country.

The communication, for some time, must be via Calcutta; though it is said that measures are now in progress to open the navigation of the Indus, and some of its branches; extending as far up as Loodiana, at least. When these are completed, the most direct communication will be to Bombay. Should the steam communication from Bombay to England be carried into effect, of which very confident hopes are entertained, the time necessary to hear from our friends in the United States, would be greatly shortened; at least, the facilities would be increased. In the mean time, letters or parcels can be sent to us by the Dak, (Dawk,) or post-office runner establishment; requiring not more than twelve or fifteen days from Calcutta for letters. The mails here are carried by men; one fellow running ten miles with the mail-bag, and then another proceeding a like distance; thus running about one-hundred miles in the twenty-four hours. Large parcels could be sent by Bangby, (a slower kind of Dak,) or by occasional boats up the rivers.

At this time of the year, which is much the most pleasant, it will require four or five months for us to make the journey, the winds being against us. Much less time is necessary when the winds are favourable.

It is supposed, that the expense will be as moderate in that region as in any other part of India, after we are established; while the productions of the country are more of the kinds we have been accustomed to, than those of the southern province.

For these reasons, we have preferred this section of country as our field of labour, and we are glad to know that our decision meets the views of all the brethren here. Rev. Mr. Duff, of the Scotch Kirk in this city, had occasion to make inquiries in reference to the expenditure, by the established Church in Scotland, of a large sum of money for the moral and religious benefit of this very region. He came to the conclusion, that it was the most promising, unoccupied field of labour in India. It is much to be regretted, that the failure of the house in which the money had been invested, frustrated the scheme. One of the gentlemen, who has strongly recommended it, and has given us much information, is Mr. Travelyah, one of the secretaries of the governor-general. We have sent a memorial to the governor-general, soliciting permission to proceed, after stating our object, and our hopes that others would follow us, thus securing encouragement for the future, if his answer should be favourable. We have not yet received a reply; but no difficulty is anticipated. The present governor-general, Lord Bentinck, is very liberal in his views, and a great friend to the native population.

Missions in this country are more expensive than many suppose. The general plan is to give the missionaries a regular salary-either paying the expense of house furniture, or making the salary so large as to cover that expenditure. The Wesleyan missionaries receive £200, and house and travelling expenses, &c. Many others receive that sum without the house. The American brethren in Ceylon, who live as economically as any others, and are at as little expense, as they have not as much intercourse with Europeans, receive £150 per annum. At first a house and an allowance of furniture are given; but no subsequent allowance is made for these objects. We understand their expenses for travelling on the business of the mission are also allowed. In regard to this subject, it is our wish to be as economical as possible; but, from all we have heard, we will perhaps find it best to wait some time before any permanent arrangements are made. Much depends on the particular circumstances of each mission station; and the expense is always greater at first than after experience has been acquired. We have deemed it best to purchase, in this city, the greater part of the furniture and "things" needed in a family; as they can be had much cheaper than up the country;" and we propose that each of us be charged with the amount we may individually expend. There will be considerable expense attending the journey; when we arrive, we shall probably find it necessary immediately to build a Bungalow, as none are to be rented where there are but few Europeans, and this will involve a farther expenditure of a considerable sum, perhaps $500, at the lowest calculation.

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We have not quite decided in regard to the time of commencing the journey. In the present state of Mrs. L.'s health, it is impossible for one of us to leave until some change takes place. And whether it would be expedient for brother and sister Reed to go on at once, or for us all to remain perhaps several months, does not yet appear entirely plain.

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In regard to our operations, the first thing will be to learn the language. We may also commence an English school immediately, with a view of ultimately forming an establishment, similar in many respects to the seminary at Batticotta, in Ceylon, which is very generally approved. There is a Punjabee grammar, and a translation of the New Testament; but perhaps few other books to aid us in acquiring the language. If we form a high-school among them, as from information received will most probably appear expedient, we shall need apparatus, of instruments, maps, globes, &c. Perhaps we may obtain the confidence of the chiefs, so that they will assist us in procuring suitable books and instruments. Indeed, we are led to expect some of them will place under our care, youths for instruction, at their own expense. Concerning these points, we can write more definitely hereafter. If we walk according to the light we have, we shall receive more when the Lord sees that we have need of it.

And now, dear brother, you will bless the Lord with us, that he has made our path so plain, and that he appears to be directing us to so important a section of the country. May we have grace given to improve the opportunities of usefulness which Providence may open before us! We feel that we greatly need the prayers of the Lord's people, or rather, that we greatly need that guidance, wisdom, and help, which God is usually pleased to bestow in answer to prayer.

We wish also that there were many others to aid us. This field does seem to be very white unto the harvest; and though the missionaries have not yet been permitted to see many conversions from heathenism, they are not discouraged. The brethren whom we have seen, extend to us a cordial welcome, and express strong hopes that we may be followed by many others. A gentleman, high in political life, hopes that "India may have her share in the noble army of American missionaries." We are fully of the opinion, that if you can send out one hundred missionaries, there is as much work as they all can accomplish, and far more which must be done very soon, or millions will die without hearing that there is a Saviour.

If you can find any judicious, pious physician, willing to come, do not hesitate a moment to send him. He might commence theological reading, with a view to becoming a minister, and his medical knowledge would very greatly promote his usefulness. We do not doubt that such a man might do far more for the cause of the Saviour in this land, than in the United States.

At present, we think of nothing else of special interest to communicate, and hope to write again by the Star, expected to sail in a few weeks. Desiring our affectionate and most respectful remembrance to the several members of the Executive Committee and other missionary friends, and assuring you, dear brother, of our very sincere Christian love,

We remain yours in the cause of the Saviour,

JOHN C. LOWRie,
WILLIAM REED.

REV. E. P. SWIFT, Cor. Secretary of the Western Foreign Missionary Society.

LETTER OF MRS. REED TO MR. AND MRS. NEWCOMB.

We have been favoured with the perusal of a letter from Mrs. Reed, wife of the Rev. William Reed, of the mission to Northern India, addressed to Mr. Hervey Newcomb and wife, of Allegheny Town; who have kindly permitted us to make some extracts for the gratification of our readers. It was written principally on board the ship Star, on her voyage from Madeira to Calcutta, but partly after her arrival at the latter place; and it bears different dates from August 13, to November 3, 1833.

Ship Star, Atlantic Ocean, South Latitude 18°, August 13, 1833. Dear Brother and Sister-I shall ever look back upon the time spent in your family as one of the happiest periods of my life. It was connected with so many interesting circumstances and important events, that I shall ever feel that it was of the Lord's doing, for which I would ever praise his holy name. From your example and precepts I am reaping daily advantage, and hope to profit more and more through life; though it is with grief I have to acknowledge, that I am slow to learn and practise what I know. Yet, through the abounding love of God, I can testify that he has been gracious to me, and caused me to make some progress in my heaven-ward course, though it was truly "by a way which I knew not." You know what seasons of depression I used to have when looking forward to my future life, on account of my unworthiness and unfitness for the work. These seasons have continued; but since I came on board the ship they have been much more frequent and severe. I have felt that the eye of the Lord was upon me continually, searching my heart and trying my motives; and sometimes I have been almost ready to despair, and fear that I have "run without being sent;" but, of late, I have been enabled to cast my worthless self at the feet of my Master, and now feel willing to be any thing or nothing, to do the most menial service, if I may but advance his cause in any respect; and I have since been much encouraged, in reading the Bible, to find that God has, in so many instances, chosen the weak things of this world to accomplish his purposes; and also, that it is "not by might nor by power, but by his Spirit" the work of the Lord is to be carried on, and the world converted to God. I feel that I cannot get low enough before the cross, or sufficiently love and adore that God who has so signally blessed me with a knowledge of the plan of salvation, and is now giving me the prospect of making that way known to the dark and benighted Hindoos. I long to have my cold and frozen heart melted, my dormant affections kindled into a constant holy flame, and my lips touched with the hallowed fire. I want more faith, more love to God and never dying souls. I feel my need of being dead to the world, and of consecrating myself entirely to the work of God. How great is the responsibility resting upon me! How solemn and awful the account I shall have to render at the bar of God! In view of these things, will not my dear brother and sister, yea, all my dear friends, be importunate in their supplications for us? In reading the memoirs of Bishop Heber, we find that there are many things to discourage, and many to encourage, the missionary of the cross. But in the Lord is our hope. To him we look for direction and success. He has promised to give the heathen to his Son for an inheritance; and his promises cannot fail. But how much faith, persevering effort, and untiring zeal, will we need! But the Lord has assured us, he can cause "one to chase a thousand, two to put ten thousand to flight." Then what can he not cause four of us to do? Our hope is in the Lord."

Speaking of the declining health of Mrs. Lowrie, Mrs. Reed says:

"I think the Lord is gently taking down her earthly tabernacle, and preparing her soul for the mansion above. It is most likely, when you read these lines which I am now writing, with my dear sister on her berth at my side, that she will be lying in her cold and silent grave; and I shall be left without one female friend to cheer and sympathize with me. But what will be loss to the churches, to her husband, and to me, will be to her infinite gain. I desire to be submissive to all the dealings of the Lord with us; but I hope her mantle will fall on some other dear sisters among you, and they will soon be treading in her steps."

"S. lat. 36°, E. long. 90, Aug. 30."-After some notice of the climate, and the progress of the ship on the mighty deep, Mrs. Reed mentions her beloved relatives at home, and says, "I frequently dream and imagine myself one of your happy number; and no one ever appears more happy than sweet little S. May her life be precious in the sight of the Lord, and her name engraven on his heart! I have felt very happy to-day while meditating on his precious promises. His declaration, "My grace is sufficient for thee," quiets my rising fears and causes me to hope that God will yet enable me to glorify him among the Heathen."

"South lat. 28°, Sept. 2."-After describing the tremendous gale which commenced on the 3d of September, and the dangers to which all on board were subjected, Mrs.

R. says, "The captain pulled down his hat over his eyes, and now and then brushed away the falling tears. I felt solemn, and that this was the time to experience the comforts of religion; and they were not few nor small. While all was still as the grave within, I commenced singing the hymn, 'How firm a foundation,' &c., though my voice trembled so that I could scarcely sound a note. It was like an electric shock; and, before we were done, every one seemed to look more cheerful and happy. I felt, that I had great cause of thankfulness, that my hope did not fail at that trying hour. I can truly say, I was not sensible of fear. The prospect of being so soon delivered from sin and of going home filled my heart with joy. Still, if it was the will of the Lord, I was willing to live and suffer much more, if I might but glorify him." Speaking of Mrs. Lowrie, under the influence of her disease, Mrs. Reed says, "She is perfectly resigned, and is an example of patience and loveliness, and testifies daily in her example the excellencies of her religion."

"South lat. 29', E. lon. 82°, Oct. 1.-You see by this, that we are now within twentynine minutes of the Equator, yet, even here, we do not suffer with the heat. We have had favourable winds, and most of the time, pleasant weather, since we left the Southern latitudes. These mercies cause us to forget, in some measure, the terrors through which we have passed, and feel a kind of security in our vessel, and a sanguine hope that we shall arrive in safety to our destined port."

"Bay of Bengal, N. lat. 14°, Oct. 7.-We have been nearly becalmed for the last 24 hours. The captain says, we are just five days too late for the northwest monsoon, and have no winds on which we can depend to take us into port. But I believe the Lord knows what is the best time to land in this sickly country. The cool season has hardly commenced; and if the air is as Bishop Heber describes it, like the heat from the mouth of a furnace, I do not feel very anxious to leave our cool sea breezes. Yesterday was a very rainy, unpleasant day without; but we had preaching in the cabin in the morning, and at 4 o'clock, P. M., we had the sacrament of the Lord's supper. We had several reasons for this. One was the uncertainty of Mrs. Lowrie being able to attend church, if she should reach Calcutta; and her desire, as well as our own, once more to celebrate it together here on earth, caused us finally to do so. Our usual congregation attended, and manifested much solemnity; and I could not but hope it was a blessing to them, as well as ourselves. But I am more and more convinced that, without the Spirit of God, all the truths which have been spoken will only prove a "savour of death unto death."

DEATH OF MRS. LOWRIE.

On the 25th of March, the ship Star, on her return from Calcutta, arrived at the port of Philadelphia. She brought as passenger, Rev. Miron Winslow, of the Ceylon Mission. Letters, received by this arrival, communicate the mournful tidings of the decease of Mrs. Lowrie. No official intelligence of this painful occurrence has been received at the office of the Western Foreign Missionary Society. But we learn from a letter of Mrs. Reed in the Presbyterian, and from other sources, that she died in November last. During the day of her decease, she appeared as well as usual, and slept sweetly in the evening. About nine o'clock, she awoke with a severe pain about her heart. She asked to be raised up; which was done by the kind friends standing at her bed-side; who saw that she was dying. She retained the exercise of her reason to the last; but was able to speak little. All that could be understood was-"Is this dying?" -and "O, my Saviour!" After four or five minutes she expired; and we trust is now singing in heaven the praises of God and the Lamb. The letters published in the present number of the Chronicle bear ample testimony to the excellence of her Christian character. Her undissembled piety, fervent zeal for the glory of God and the conversion of the world, self-denial in his cause, patience under affliction, and entire resignation to the will of heaven, even in prospect of a speedy dissolution, ought to be long remembered, and imitated by all the professed followers of Christ. Her bereaved friendsespecially her affectionate husband-felt deeply their loss, in circumstances in some respects peculiarly trying; but they appeared to bow in humble submission to the will of God. It is hoped, that her decease will be so far from damping missionary zeal in the churches that it will tend to kindle a holy flame, which will excite many devoted servants of the Lord, to go speedily forth as labourers in the extensive field of the heathen world.

View of Public Affairs.

European intelligence has been received to the 5th of April from Liverpool, and to the 3d of that month from London. There had been an interval of twenty days between the last arrival and any that had preceded it; and yet no news or changes of importance are announced. Indeed it is expressly stated, that the political affairs of England, France, Spain, Portugal, and the Continent generally, remain in the same state as at the last advices. The only articles of any interest that we have seen, relate to some transactions in the French Chambers. The project of a law for indemnities has been discussed and passed. General La Fayette was not present, but sent a statement of facts in favour of the claims of the United States. These claims were under discussion in the Chambers, and not decided on, at the date of the last accounts. An indemnity to the amount of 25 millions of francs, for losses sustained by American merchants, by the operation of the Milan and Berlin decrees, has been awarded by the Commissioners appointed to settle the American claims; but the former Chambers were dissolved without anaking any provision for payment. Appearances are now said to be auspicious."

A law has passed the Chambers, relative to the suppression of certain associations, or societies, supposed by the government to be dangerous to the peace of the nationOne of the most conspicuous and offensive of these associations was The Society of the Rights of Man. The law was passed by a large majority in the Chamber of Deputies -246 to 154; but it is represented as exceedingly unpopular. General La Fayette was not in the Chamber of Deputies at its passage, but he immediately sent in a short, but very pointed and energetic protest against it, in writing. Its details are represented as oppressive and tyrannical in a high degree; and the English paragraphists do not hesitate to predict that it will produce another revolution, and overthrow the throne of Louis Philippe.

The English Journals are principally filled with news from the United States. The debates in Congress, the correspondence with Mr. Duane, the petitions to Congress, together with the distresses of the country, are all spread before the English readers, with the remarks of editors.

The Republics of Southern America are still in an unsettled state. In Mexico and Colombia the Popish superstition has, in a great measure, lost its dominant influence; but in both these States there are still civil broils, and in the latter some very serious commotions. But the most noticeable occurrence which has arrested our attention during the past month, is an awful earthquake, which took place in the south-western part of Colombia, in January last. The following is a condensed account of this tremendous visitation:

The City of Pasto destroyed.--One of those fearful convulsions of nature, which sometimes occur to make man feel his impotence, as compared with the omnipotent power of his Creator, occurred in the mountainous districts of New Grenada, near the western frontier, and also near the Equator, on the 20th and 22d of January, which has been attended with results of the most terrible fatality. The city of Pasto, with a population of from 12,000 to 15,000 inhabitants, has been almost completely destroyed, and upwards of fifty lives lost. The city of Popayan, containing near 30,000 inhabitants, has also been destroyed. The entire country, for leagues around Pasto, has been converted into a scene of complete desolation and mourning. A volcanic mountain overhangs the city of Pasto, which is situated in latitude 1° 13′ N. long. 77° 11'-and as the ridge of the Andes, which stretches a little to the westward, was severely affected, there is every reason to apprehend that the city of Quito and the republic of Equador have experienced the effects of the same calamity.-Two letters, addressed to the Secretary of State, give full and melancholy details of this appalling visitation. From them it appears that the shock was experienced at seven o'clock in the morning of the 20th January, when an awful motion of the earth commenced, which continued for nearly four hours without interruption, and which on the 22d were again succeeded by several others still more violent-which completed in one chaos of destruction what parts of the city the former had spared.

The state of our own country is as well known to the most of our readers as to ourselves. In another part of this Number, the duty of praying for rulers is particularly explained and inculcated; and to what is there said we have at present nothing to add.

*Since writing as above, the information has reached us, and it appears to be authentic, that the Chamber of Deputies has, by a majority of 8, absolutely refused to provide for the stipulated indemnity to our merchants, of 25 million of francs.

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