town and country, all pursuing the same general direction, and apparently reckless of the dangers to which they expose themselves. For some days past we learn they have been emigrating southwardly, and that some of the boys have enjoyed much sport in watching for them and killing them with clubs, as they land after swimming the river; or in pursuing them in canoes while yet in the water. Their emigration has but just commenced, and they will no doubt become more numerous.

The cause of these movements we have not seen satisfactorily explained. Some regard them as indicative of an approaching severe winter; but we suspect the destruction of the mast by the frost of last spring, has some connexion with their movements.-Zanesville Gazette.

Mr. Audubon.-A letter from this gentleman, dated London, states that five subscribers for his great work have recently presented themselves, in that city,, and one in Germany. One of the former subscribers, Lord Kingsborough, has subscribed for a second copy. The Grand Duke of Tuscany is also a subscriber, at the instance of Marquis Charles Torrigiani, of Florence, who visited the United States last year, and is well remembered by many of our citizens as an intelligent and accomplished traveller. It will be remembered that the cost of Mr. Audubon's work is of necessity very large, and it is gratifying to learn that the subscription to it is advancing in Europe.

Religious Entelligence.

From the Foreign Missionary Chronicle.

LATE FROM THE MISSION TO NORTHERN INDIA.

The publication of the present number of the Chronicle has been somewhat delayed by our printing an additional half-sheet, to make room for the following communication from India. It is a joint letter of Messrs. Lowrie and Reed, addressed to the corresponding secretary of the W. F. Missionary Society. While it represents India as an open and encouraging field of Christian enterprise and exertion, and shows that our brethren feel deeply interested in the objects of their mission, it brings the painful intelligence that Mr. Reed was suffering under bodily indisposition (a pulmonary disease, as stated in other letters) which would prevent him and Mrs. Reed from accompanying Mr. Lowrie to the place selected for a missionary station among the Seiks of Lahore. Thus the Lord is again rebuking us for our iniquities, and teaching us a lesson which, alas! we are slow to learn-that, while we use every practical effort to promote his kingdom on earth, our reliance for success ought not to be placed on human agency, but on his own unfailing wisdom, power, mercy, and faithfulness in Christ. Some time since, it was announced, that the executive committee had resolved to send out, this season, with the permission of Providence, Messrs. Wilson and Newton, as a reinforcement to their mission in India. The committee are now taking measures to carry this resolution into effect; and will probably associate with these brethren one or two assistants in the missionary work; and it is hoped that the Christian public will sustain them in this, and in other operations for the benefit of the heathen, by their liberal contributions and their fervent, incessant supplications.

REV. AND DEAR BROTHER SWIFT,

Howra, April 24, 1834.

You have most probably received the letters which we sent last fall, mentioning the region we had selected as the field of our future labour, the north-western part of India. It was our wish to have proceeded directly, to commence operations; but the leadings of Providence seemed to render it expedient to tarry for some time at this place. For various reasons, we now desire to acknowledge with gratitude the goodness of the Lord in disposing our minds to that conclusion. We think the general objects of the mission will be greatly facilitated by the information we have been able to acquire, and by the acquaintance we have formed, and the favour which the Lord has given us in the sight of many of his people in this city. We can see also his gracious care to ourselves, in regard both to the bereavement with which we have been visited, and to the trying, and we fear hopeless illness which one of us is now suffering. At the same time, we do not know that any loss has resulted, either in a pecuniary point of view, or in regard to learning the language. To the language we have been applying ourselves here; and, though our progress has not been at all as great as we could wish, it has, perhaps, been as great as we could expect.

We do not purpose to dwell, in this letter, on the general aspects of our mission. You will have perceived, with thankfulness no doubt, that we have before us a most important sphere of missionary exertion; that all the circumstances in relation to our

proposed mission, except our own health and our unworthiness, have been of the most favourable character; not even one obstacle having as yet been interposed, apart from the general difficulties with which all exertions for the welfare of the heathen, have to meet that we greatly wish, and greatly need several additional missionaries, as soon as possible, to join us; in short, that we think there is every reason to bless God, that the attention of our Society has been directed to this part of our world. But we wish, at this time to state, more particularly than we have done in former letters, our views respecting our future operations, which we feel justified in forming from our present information. Perhaps the direct efforts of missionaries may be reduced to three classes; Preaching the Gospel to many or few, as opportunity occurs, and in whatever way circumstances permit; Preparation of Books, including especially the translation of the sacred Scriptures and the distribution of them; and the Establishment and Superintendence of Schools. A single missionary may engage more or less in all these ways of doing good, if he have the requisite talents, health, and grace; but probably his labours would, in ordinary circumstances, be more efficient, if devoted chiefly to one of these departments. All these modes are open to our choice. As to the first, we have been able to hear of only one missionary that has ever gone among the Seiks, or into the Protected Seik States; and he went only on a short tour, and was not acquainted with the language principally spoken. In regard to the second, the only books in the Punjabee dialect, are a translation of some parts of the Bible, and a small grammar of the language, both said to be very defective; at least, we have not yet heard of any other books, such as a missionary society would prepare, nor indeed of any kind. And as to schools, we believe there is not, and never has been one, under European or Christian direction, among the Seiks. There is one at Subathoo, among the Hill people, not under missionary direction, nor of high order, which succeeds well. The native schools throughout the country are of no value in any point of view, except as to the mere rudiments of reading and writing; and even these are taught to very few.

We have, therefore, dear brother, the entire field before us, unoccupied, unattempted. It is indeed an inspiring thought, that our Society has the prospect of beginning all that shall yet be done in communicating the blessings of science and religion to millions. May the Lord still prepare the way, and prosper the efforts you make! But it has been a matter of anxious thought what shall be the system of education which we should attempt. As to preaching, and in respect to books, it is but little we can do until we have learned the language. In this country, we find, that missionaries think from two to three years are necessary to enable a person to speak with any confidence in a native language; and the knowledge requisite to the preparation or translation of books, can hardly be acquired in less time; perhaps it requires more. This is not the case in reference to schools. Even to superintend a native school, we mean one taught by native teachers, and in the native language, a slighter acquaintance with the language is required, than is necessary in preaching. In teaching an English school, the missionary might begin almost immediately after his location. Some diversity of sentiment exists as to the prominence which should be given to education in English. We are thankful that our minds are now clearly satisfied that this should be made the chief department in education. What is the object which we should keep chiefly in view in our efforts to communicate instruction? Not merely to teach the mass of the population to read, so as to prepare the way for efforts more directly ministerial; but to train up, by the Lord's blessing and grace, a race of native preachers. To the former object (though to a certain extent it should, and we hope will, receive our attention) our number is quite inadequate. It must, indeed, be manifest, that the church cannot send forth a sufficient number of missionaries to educate the entire population in a proper manner. The men, suitable in qualifications and circumstances, are not to be had. Moreover, it would be at a vast expense of money, of time, and of life, that that plan could be, even in the attempt, carried into execution. But all concur, that the best plan is to train up native preachers, by sending forth a sufficient number of persons to conduct the system by which they are to be prepared. Persuaded that yourself and the committee will fully accord with these views, though so imperfectly presented, we proceed to mention directly, but briefly, the considerations which induce us to think that English education should be made prominent. Here it will be recollected, that our chief object in education is to prepare native ministers who should be possessed of all the knowledge necessary to understand, explain, and enforce the meaning of the sacred volume. Any other kind of ministers would be of little service. But this knowledge does not exist in their language. Shall we then endeavour to translate all the store of English theology into Punjabee; or shall we educate young men in the English language, and spread before them the vast treasures of our biblical, systematic and practical works? The former plan is much the most expensive of the two, and much the least practicable. All the missionaries in

India could not accomplish the former, though aided by the funds of all the existing missionaries' societies. The latter plan is simple, and, with the divine blessing, may be carried into effect by a few individuals. It is indeed only applying to a heathen land the principles recognized by our beloved church concerning our ministers, though with greatly increased force of application in a heathen land. English will become to this country what the Latin was to our forefathers-the learned language of the people. And it is worthy of special notice by every observer of Providence in this land, that just at the time when many natives are wishing to acquire English, the Sancrit, Arabic, and Persian, as if by common consent, are beginning to be laid on the shelf. The former contains all that is good, though with much that is bad; the latter contains almost unmixed evil. So far as there is any experience on this subject, it decidedly confirms this statement. It is but recently, at least in this Presidency, that the views just expressed have been acted on; and very probably this is one of the chief causes for the want of greater success in India missions. There are, however, some native preachers trained on the former plan, viz. by the aid of the few books translated into their language and the instructions given by their missionary teacher. -A worthy and judicious Baptist missionary who conducts an English school near Calcutta, and under whom a preacher of this class was labouring, informed us that he did not know near as much about the Christian system as some of the scholars in this school, although they had not completed their course, and he was in the ministry.

We may further mention, concerning this matter, that, in addition to its being the only way of preparing suitable ministers, this kind of effort does not prevent the missionary from preaching, or preparing books, according to the measure of his time and talents; while it seems peculiarly recommended to our notice in this land, where Europeans and Americans cannot engage in preaching the gospel, nor perhaps in any kind of duty, but at considerable hazard, exposure, and brevity of life. It is hardly necessary to explain, that we do not entertain the sentiments expressed above, to the exclusion of wishes and purposes for both common and female education; but we think it expedient to present them thus at length, because it is probable this will be our first kind of labour; as we can commence soon after we reach the scene of operation. We think we shall possess encouraging prospects as to both the other kinds of instruction.

There are two orders or kinds of schools in this country, having the same object as that we have been explaining. The one is that of our American brethren in Ceylonthe boarding school, where the scholars are lodged, boarded, clothed, and instructed, entirely at the expense of the mission. There are two small schools on this plan in the vicinity of Calcutta. The other is that of the Scotch missionaries in this city-Rev. Messrs. Duff and Mackay-a school of a more general nature as to the scholars, not as to the course of instruction; where the scholars live with their parents, buy their own books, and receive only their tuition free from expense. Each mode has its peculiar advantages. The former secures better opportunities for producing religious impressions, and, after conversion, for perfecting the Christian character of the convert. It probably affords greater advantages for acquiring a thorough education. Yet it is believed to have its disadvantages. It is very expensive in many parts of the country. None but the lower classes could be prevailed on to become boarders, on account of the prejudices of caste. They then become like hot-house plants, knowing but little of heathenism in experience (and certainly, for themselves the less they know of it the better; yet, for usefulness to others, their influence is diminished) and they become objects of rooted dislike to their countrymen. The latter plan is, of course, much less expensive. It opens a door for all classes; and, in the Scotch school, amongst 400 boys, every grade of caste may actually be found; and it affords a greater hope, when any become pious, that they have counted the cost, have a full knowledge of both the Hindoo and Christian systems, and will be better qualified for usefulness to their countrymen. This kind of school can only be contemplated in a place where a desire already exists, from whatever cause, to become acquainted with the English language.

We seem to have scarcely any option left to us at present in regard to this point. You will learn from other letters, that brother Reed's health is in such a state, that there is no probability of him and Mrs. Reed being able to proceed at the time we had contemplated to set out on the journey; while, from the intelligence we have received, it seems very desirable that the ground should be occupied as soon as possible; and, accordingly, brother Lowrie is expecting to set out alone about the middle of June. He will not, of course, be able to take charge of a boarding school; but he may commence on the other plan; and, when others arrive, whatever appears then advisable may be determined on. We incline to the opinion, at present, that a modification of the two plans will be found best adapted to the protected Seik people, that is, to establish a general school like the one in this city, which is one of great efficiency and pro

mise; and afterwards to select a limited number of the more hopeful boys for board

ers.

For girls, there seems to be little doubt that the boarding system is preferable. This department of education, we trust, will be made as prominent as it is important. As to the details, we are not prepared to write. We can probably procure the necessary elementary books in this city, until we have a press connected with the mission. As we do not contemplate a less efficient system than that pursued in the schools already referred to, we shall, in time, need suitable apparatus. If we could procure a native assistant at any fair salary, it would greatly relieve the one in charge of the school from the mere mechanical drudgery which, in this climate, is very exhausting, and would leave him at liberty to pursue more important objects-yet exercising the superintendence; and as, for some time, there will be but one of us, it seems the more important. If he should be taken ill for a day or two (to mention only a common contingency) the school would have to be suspended. This is peculiarly to be guarded against among the natives of this country. A day's suspension, under such circumstances, might introduce derangement for weeks. We do not know whether any person of the description mentioned can be obtained.

We wish strongly to urge on the attention of the committee and yourself the importance of sending more missionaries to join us. There are at least two other places which ought to be occupied-Ambala, also among the Seiks (for we think of settling at Loodianeh) and Subathoo, among the Protected Hill States, inhabited by a people much resembling the Seiks. At all these places, the political agents, men of the greatest influence, wish to encourage education, which you know is common ground where political and religious men may co-operate. We have every evidence, that the way is in a great degree prepared-that the arrival of missionaries would be welcomed by the English residents, and by many of the natives. On the claims of this entire region we can say no more than we have said in former letters. We think it altogether probable, that there are few, if any, more important fields for missionary work on the face of the earth; and perhaps there is no perfectly new field more ripe for the harvest. There are, however, many, very many, other places in Upper India where the fields are white for the harvest; but, alas! the labourers are none at all. By referring to a missionary gazetteer, you will find that hardly any thing has been done, and hardly any thing is now doing in Northern India, for the salvation of the millions of souls that are there sinking beyond the reach of Christian exertion and Christian hope. Dear Christian Fathers and Brethren-our hearts are sorrowful. We know not what to say more than to ask you, and the churches through you, to look at the facts. Think of those poor, dying, hopeless beings; and then think what is proposed to be done for them. The Lord seems to be showing, that only one of us shall even attempt to go to their aid; and how soon may he fall!-We entreat, that none will be deterred from engaging in this field of labour by the trials which we have met with and are still enduring. They may be chiefly personal; and, even if they are general, we trust they are designed to purify, not to consume.-There are quite a number of English gentlemen, chiefly officers in the army, at Loodianeh and other places in that region; and there are many thousands in India-men influenced in coming to this land by proper, it may be, but principally secular motives. Shall not the love of Christ excite as strongly to sustain dangers, to endure privations, to meet death even, as the considerations which have brought so many to acquire wealth, which perisheth; and an earthly crown, which fadeth? But we would remember whom we are addressing. We need your prayers for ourselves, rather than to be sending exhortations. And, commending you to God, and the word of his grace, we subscribe ourselves, with sincere respect and affection to you and to all the members of the executive committee, your brethren in the Saviour's grace, JOHN C. LOWRIe, Rev. E. P. Swift. WILLIAM REED.

View of Public Affairs.

EUROPE.

Advices have been received from Europe as late as to the 7th of September, but the recent intelligence is not of great interest-no changes or occurrences of prime importance have taken place within the last month. We shall briefly and cursorily chronicle those that appear to be most worthy of notice.

The BRITISH PARLIAMENT was prorogued on the 15th of August, by the king in person, and with a speech of considerable length, in which he notices the state of Europe, the peace of which he thinks is not likely to be disturbed; mentions what has been done, and what needs still to be done, for the prosperity of his people; and thanks both houses for their diligent attention to the great concerns of the nation, through a long and most important session of Parliament. It is believed that the next session will not commence till some time in the month of January, although the prorogation was only to the 25th of September. The nation seems to be comparatively quiet, except in Ireland, where great discontent still exists-Dublin is suffering dreadfully from the cholera. The harvest in England has been abundant. Gold was becoming scarce in the kingdom-Enormous exportations of it had lately taken place, and a governmental prohibition of its further exportation, was looked for.

FRANCE.-Contrary to the general expectation, the French chambers voted the usual address in reply to the speech of the king, almost without debate. The Liberals are down, and the court party is triumphant. The nation appears to be tranquil. The last accounts state that Marshal Gerard, the head of the French ministry, was dangerously ill. No provision has yet been made to indemnify the loss of our merchants.

SPAIN. The Cortes was opened at Madrid, notwithstanding the prevalence of the cholera, on the 24th of July, the queen's birth-day. Her majesty's speech at the opening, and the response of the Cortes, have been published. The conflict between the adherents of Don Carlos and the troops of the queen, is continued. There has been hard fighting, and the success has been various. On the whole, the cause of the queen has gained ground. But the contest, as we predicted it would be, has been severe, and is likely to continue. Conspiracies against the queen have taken place even in the capital; arrests have been numerous, and of persons of distinction. But we think the existing government will ultimately triumph. The wife of Don Carlos, lately died in London. The inquisition is abolished, throughout the kingdom-laus Deo.

PORTUGAL.-Don Pedro has been elected, by the Portuguese Cortes, as regent. It is suspected that he aims at the permanent possession of the throne. The marriage of Donna Maria was talked of, but to whom is not mentioned. The suppression of the convents, and the appropriation of their revenues to the state, is said to be popular. The nation seems to be gradually returning to tranquillity and order.

Among most of the powers of continental Europe, we have seen nothing worthy of notice in this summary sketch. Greece seems to be advancing to order and prosperity. The Grand Senior is reported to have actually declared war again, against Mehemet Ali, the Pacha of Egypt; and that the Russians are to assist their new ally. We question the truth of the report; but if true, it will probably be followed by very serious consequences.

In a large district of ASIA, which is under the British government, it appears there existed at the date of the last accounts, an awful famine-destructive of life, and productive of misery, at the very recital of which humanity shudders and recoils. The most recent information from China, would lead us to believe, that this immense empire, embracing about a third of the whole human race, will speedily be open, if it be not so already, to the free circulation of the Bible. This must gladden the heart of every real Christian.

In AFRICA, the Pacha of Egypt, and his son, Ibrahim, are doing much to render the Egyptian Pachalic independent of the Grand Senior; and present appearances seem to promise them success.

SOUTHERN AMERICA is still in a very unsettled state. The Republic of the Equator is yet deeply embroiled and agitated; and in Mexico there has been a revolution, favourable for the moment, to a return of the dominancy of Papal influence. Santa Anna, the once apparent friend and hero of freedom, has turned out to be a devoted partisan of priestly bigotry and superstition; and has used his military prowess in favour of exclusive papacy. But this cannot last.

THE UNITED STATES are at present in a greater political agitation than we ever before witnessed, in a time of exemption from foreign war. Our journal never has mixed, and never shall mix itself, with political questions, which do not directly involve moral and religious principles and interests. Our prayer at present is, that the peace of our country may be preserved. That God may restrain the intemperate passions of men, of whatever name: That political parties may mutually concede to each other, the liberty of speech and action which each wishes and seeks for itself; and that the pending elections may have that result, which the omniscient One may see to be best calculated to preserve and perpetuate the civil and religious liberty and privileges of our beloved country.