enings to drive us away and burn our houses, to leave us and depart where we could not come, were perpetually ringing in our ears. As may be conceived, these things rendered our circumstances any thing but pleasant. The scene is materially altered. They are now friendly and familiar enough, ready to communicate whatever takes place among them, and in some cases have asked our advice on subjects of some importance. We are now no longer exposed to mockery and abuse because we disapprove of their mendicant spirit, and refuse to gratify their insatiable dispositions. We are not held up as the butt of public indignation, charged with withholding the rain; not a word is heard of their leaving us, nor a syllable uttered of driving us from them. It is true, we have many things to bear, principally from thieves, who embrace every opportunity of carrying off what they can; and after all our diligence and care to prevent it, we are very often obliged to be resigned to destruction and losses in the house, garden, and fold, perpetrated at night, and sometimes in open day. The water for the supply of the station, and on which our gardens depend, is almost every day by the women (mostly chiefs' wives, Mahutu, the queen, setting the example) turned into their gardens to run at random. In order to have water in the morning, one of us must set off at noon, with a scorching sun above, and burning sand beneath, to the distance of three miles, to close the outlets. All our expostulations are in vain. For the sake of the cause, that it be not hindered, we would rather see sometimes our vegetables dried to hay, than wage war to the destruction of our object, which I trust we hold dearer than life itself.

As to our encouragements they are few, except what arise from faith in the declarations and promises of Jehovah, who cannot lie, in whom we trust, waiting with anxiety the longed-for period, when the dead shall hear his voice, and rise to light and life through the all-prevailing name of Jesus. We have often reason to repent that our hands hang down, and our eyes fail with looking upward, and we adopt the prophet's complaint, and ask, "To whom is the arm of the Lord revealed?" Though the greatest indifference is manifested to every kind of scriptural instruction, which is surely the greatest of all discouragements, we nevertheless hold on, assured that he that will come shall

come, and bring his reward with him. The events of Greenland and the South Seas establish our hope; and we trust that the little that has been accomplished here will form a prelude to the glorious event, when this people, who are evidently descendants of Ishmael, will say, Surely, O God, thou art our father, though Abraham know us not.

Difficulty of learning the Language

The language, the acquiring of which forms, at least should form, the chief part of our labour, is still unacquired. We do not yet enjoy the happiness of making known to them the Gospel in their native tongue. This may naturally lead some to infer that we must be either very dull, or indolent. That the former may be the truth, I will not dispute, but the latter is far from being the case. Were you thoroughly acquainted with our situation, you would wonder less at our apparent backwardness. The want of regular retirement, nothing like a competent interpreter, and an influx of unavoidable hard labour in a warm climate, form very important barriers to the object of our pursuit. Were wein possession of time and an able inter preter, a few months would accomplish the work which years cannot do, circumstanced as we are. At the close of this summer, it is my intention to relinquish all domestic pursuits, and adopt a scheme for becoming familiar with the language. The station being now on that footing which will easily admit of my absence for a season, I intend to visit some tribes in the interior, which, though attended with many inconveniences, will be the most speedy way of becoming acquainted with the language by familiar conversation.

I lately returned from an itinerating journey among the Boschuanas, to the westward, on the Krooman river, where the same inattention prevailed as on this station: they were all happy to see me, but took no interest in what they heard. Seraits still expects a mission ary, and, depending on Mr. Campbe promise, I continue to cherish his hopes.

We have all felt the extreme heat of the season. Thermometer at noon from 100 to 120 degrees in the shade, and at bed-time 80 and 90 degrees. Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton are well. Mr. H. has felt the effect of this summer's heat more than any former. Mrs. M. had an attack, of sickness of the same nature as the former one at Griqua Town, but less. severe, and of shorter duration, and for

Extract of a Letter of Mr. Laidler, con

cluded from our last, page 390.

I LATELY visited a place about 16 miles distant, to which many people resort. A rich native expended 2,000 pagodas on a tank, and in making a road through a jungle which leads to the sacred spot. The miraculous virtues ascribed to the water, and the way in which it was at first discovered, are too ridiculous to be narrated. On our way, we passed a large pagoda at the foot of the hill, which we ascended before we came to the tank. On the top of the hill, we saw a small building, which contained the figure of Vishnoo, as he appeared in one of his incarnations. A little on the left, we observed a cleft in the rock, nine feet in length, two in breadth, and three in depth, filled with water. When Vishnoo was hunting, (say they) his arrow missing the game, struck the rock, which immediately opened, and was filled with water which has a healing quality. As we approached the tank, we saw on every side numerous monuments of wretched superstition which the poor devotees had raised. Many came from the distance of 200 miles, to be healed of their diseases, to wash away their sins, or to pay their vows.

When we again descended the hill, we turned to examine the large pagoda, which has four grand divisions, intended to represent the four ages of the world. Its verandah is very lofty.

The door was shut, and the Brahmin would not open it while I was there, and studiously avoided conversation. But after I left it, he entered into a long conversation with Samuel (the native Christian teacher) making many inquiries concerning the Gospel, and expressing a wish to hear more at some future time.

I shall not be able to go out into the villages so frequently as I intended, on account of the expense. At first I could hire bearers at the rate of four shillings per day; but now they are authorized to demand eight, and extra pay if they exceed 10 miles. But when native preachers increase, travelling will not be necessary for me, except on peculiar occasions. English missionaries, however, and an increase of them, will be necessary in India for many years to come.

If we had useful books to circulate among the soldiers, it might be very beneficial. Some elementary books might also be useful among the native youth, and the knowledge of the English language is almost indispensable to those who may afterwards become teachers, as it will open to them such an immense store of instruction. I have promised to request Flavel's Works for Samuel, and Boston's Body of Divinity. would afford me great pleasure to receive an assortment of good books for the use of the natives.

It

I shall close by saying, Let not Bangalore be forgotten in your prayers. STEPHEN LAIDLER

PITCAIRN'S ISLAND.

A professional Gentleman, who visited Pitcairn's Island in December last, has communicated to the Directors the following particulars:

AT the above-mentioned period, there were residing on the island 54 persons, of whom 49 were the offspring of the mutineers of the Bounty. Seven of the young men were married, having in all 27 children, of whom 23 were under 10 years of age. John Adams presides as a patriarch over this interesting population. To the utmost of his power, he has endeavoured to train them up in the principles of piety and virtue, and they appear to approach nearer to the state of primeval innocence and simplicity, than, per haps, any other community. Their condition presents a delightful picture

of social happiness.. The Bible is their Directory. Most of them who are above 10 years of age can read it. A considerable part of their time is employed in offering up praises to the Almighty. Nearly the whole of the Sabbath is spent in prayer, singing, and reading the Holy Scriptures. Every morning, at four o'clock, they assemble in their respective habitations, for family worship, when an appropriate psalm is sung. At eleven, all the families meet together on a green, in the front of their dwellings, when John Adams reads prayers, and portions of the Scriptures, and one or two psalms are sung. Before sunset, they thus assemble again. Afterwards, they have family prayer, sing the Evening Hymn, and retire to rest.

This little island is extremely healthy, and produces, with very little labour, all the necessaries of life, and some of its luxuries. The scenery where this interesting portion of the human race have fixed their habitations, is described as peculiarly picturesque and beautiful.

From this remote and in various respects desirable spot, anxiety, however, is not excluded. The number of ships which touch at the island, both English and American, is now much more numerous than formerly. John Adams is apprehensive that this may lead to an intercourse between strangers, who, impelled chiefly by curiosity, occasionally visit this little colony, and his people, injurious to their morals and happiness. Although possessing considerable physical strength, with the use of his faculties entire, he is yet sensible of his advancing age, and feels desirous, as do also the adult portion of his large family, that an individual, of weight and excellence of character to acquire over the people a personal influence at once just and beneficial, should settle in the island during his lifetime. The plans such an individual might form for promoting the education, religious improvement, and social welfare of the people, John Adams would second with all the influence which he himseif derives from their confirmed attachment and affectionate veneration.

It is the desire of Mr. Adams and his people, that the person who may settle on the island with these views should be an Englishman, a Minister, and that he should be sent out under the sanction of the London Missionary Society.

As, however, the interesting people

who thus require the intervention of the Society, do not fall within the recognised sphere of its operations, the Directors cannot pledge themselves to contribute towards the expenses either of equipment or maintenance, on be half of any person going out, as proposed, under the sanction of the So ciety; but they hereby engage to exert themselves to procure for such person, and for his wife, (if married) a free pas sage to Pitcairn's Island,

MALACCA.

By a letter from Dr. Morrison, dated at the Anglo-Chinese College, February 19, 1823, we learn that he left Canton on the 17th of January, and arrived at Singapore on the 29th, where he had much conversation with Sie Stamford Raffles, on the subject of a Chinese and Malay College on that island. On the 14th of February he landed at Malacca, where he found Mr and Mrs. Humphrys, Mr. Collie, and Mr. Huttman, in tolerable health"But" says Dr. Morrison, "But-my dear William Milue! my faithful fellow servant-Alas! how short, the number of his years: but he lived much in a little time. His works praise him.

"I cannot express to you the great satisfaction afforded me by this house; the libraries, the Chinese printers (un awed by any Mandarins) printing the Book of God; and the Chinese youths singing in their own language the high praises of Jehovah."

Ir is stated in the Penang Gazette, Feb. 19, that a fire broke out in the town of Malacca on the 7th of Feb. at the back of the Missionary College, by which se ven houses were consumed, but happily no lives were lost.

[Dr. M. makes no mention of this in his letter of the 19th.]

SIBERIA.

The public Baptism of a Persian Priest, at Astrachan, one of the Scottish Missionary Society's Stations

AT Astrachan, the Lord has lately displayed his mighty power by making an inroad on the Mahometan world. As trachan is just on the frontiers of Mahomme lanism, a great mart for all nations; and long the missionaries have laboured there without any fruit. A short time since a young Persian Priest, who was a teacher of language to the

missionaries, became deeply convinced of his danger as a sinner, and was ultimately brought to place all his dependance on our Lord Jesus Christ. This conversion produced a wonderful effect both on the population and on the missionaries. On the 2d of this month the young convert was baptized, and Greeks and Turks, Persians and Frenchmen, Britons, Germans, and the dwellers in Armenia, were spectators of the solemn scene. The service was performed by Messrs. Glen, M'Pherson, and Ross, Missionaries of the Scottish Society, in English, Turkish, and Persian, so that all understood some part or other of the service.

Previously to the administration of the ordinance, Mirza Mahommed Ali, for that was his name, made a declaration of his faith and hope in God. The following is a translation:

"When the most high God of his boundless mercy presented to me the tidings of the gospel, I read and saw that it gave information concerning a Saviour, whom God most high had made a propitiation for his sinful servants. Í next reflected on my own sinful actions, which I had committed in times past, I saw myself a sinner, and perceived what an enemy to God sin must be. In myself I had no hope of life or salvation from the wrath of God. I then compared the gospel with other sacred books, namely, the Psalms, the Law, and the Prophets; and saw that in sense they were in perfect unison with each other, respecting the forementioned Saviour, nor could I find the slightest discrepancy between them. After this I was drowning in a multitude of thoughts, but at all times I earnestly entreated God most high to shew me that way in which alone the salvation of the soul is to be found, and that he would perfect his will concerning his servant.

And after some days, in a remarkable manner, my heart and soul, and my whole frame, gave me testimony that the blood of Christ has become a propitiation for all my sins, and if I should at this time die I had nothing to fear.

"To the praise of God, from that hour to this, my belief is, that Jesus Christ is the only begotten son of God, that his blood was shed for the sake of sinners, and that, except the holy books above mentioned, there is no oracle from God. My faith increases daily, and my hope is, that it will continue to increase."

DOMESTIC MISSIONARY INTELLIGENCE.

Formation of New Societies.

COLNE, LANCASHIRE,

ing was held in the Independent ChaON Monday, May 26, a Public Meetpel, Rev. John Calvert's, Colne, for the purpose of forming a Missionary Society in aid of the London Missionary Society. Mr. W. Hudson was called to the Chair, and the Meeting was addressed by Rev. Messrs. Partington, Greenall, Payne, Preston, Bray, Driver, Scott, Gaunt, Lee, and Crossley. In the evening a very excellent Sermon was preached by Mr. Payne, and good Collections made.

BRIDLINGTON AND QUAY AUXILIARY
MISSIONARY SOCIETY.

The first General Meeting of this Institution was held at Zion Chapel, Bridlington, on Friday, August the 8th, 1823. Mr. Henry Althans, of London, was called to the chair, who briefly stated the objects for which the Meeting was convened. After the principles, on which this Auxiliary is founded, were read, the Rev. Dr. Bogue of Gosport proposed their adoption. He expatiated largely on the great utility of the Parent Society, and traced its progress both at home and abroad, and exhibited the influence of its example in the formation of many similar institutions, which are now the glory of our country. Objections had arisen, opposition had presented itself, difficulties had been encountered, but the kind providence of God had removed these formidable impediments. The translation of the Holy Scriptures, and the instruction of Heathen Children, formed most interesting features in the Reports that had been received. He mentioned several examples of devotedness to the cause of religion, which had been presented at several of the missionary stations, and closed with an impressive appeal to the benevolence of his auditory, in behalf of missionary exertions.

The Meeting was then addressed by the Rev. Messrs. Thonger of Hull, Sykes of Hornsey, Saunderson of Nottingham, Morley of Hull, Moase of Homerton, Morley of Bridlington, and Mr. Waters Brambles.

These gentlemen severally urged, in a pleasing and energetic manner, the claims of the Missionary Society, and the necessity of increased exertions, from the deplorable state of the heathen, from the success which had already

On Monday, August 18th, a very large and respectable assembly was convened at Exeter, when a Branch Society for the East district was formed. Rev. Rowland Hill and Rev. Thomas Jackson, the deputation from the Parent Society, greatly interested the Meeting, by communicating what God had done for Pagan nations by means of the Society. Several other Ministers and Christian friends expressed their high gratitification with the services of the day, and their ardent zeal to the great objects and fundamental principle of the Missionary Society.

On Thursday, 21st, a Meeting was held at Bideford, for the purpose of forming a Branch Society for the North district. Rev. H. W. Gardiner, of Barnstaple, was called to the Chair; and several resolutions were proposed, expressive of cordial approbation of the liberal principle of the Parent Society, and a determination to co-operate with it in promoting its important designs. The assembly was addressed by the Rev. Messrs. Hill, Rooker, Gribble, Diffey, Jackson, Baker (a Wesleyan Missionary) Bromley, and Moase. Řev. T. Jackson preached in the morning of the day, and Rev. R. Hill in the evening.

On the 28th of the same month, the Deputation visited Ashburton, and in conjunction with the Rev. J. Kelly, the excellent minister of the place, and several other ministers in the neighbourhood, employed means for the formation of a Branch Society for the South district. Several addresses were given, and many found it to be a time of refreshing from the presence of the Lord. In the Plymouth district, where an Auxiliary has been for several years, another Branch Society was formed, · whilst the deputation was in the county,

designated "Princes Street Chapel Ladies" Association." As the whole county of Devon is now brought into active șervice, the Directors may anticipate the most pleasing results.

KIDDERMINSTER.

On the 8th and 9th September, a Missionary Society was formed in Kidderminster. Rev. R. Vaughan of Worcester preached on the Monday evening at Ebenezer Chapel; and a public Meet ing was held at the Old Meeting House on the Tuesday evening, William Hogan, Esq. of Dublin, in the Chair. The attendance was highly encouraging and gratifying. The Rev. H. Townley of Calcutta, Rev. R. Vaughan, Rev. L. Wake of Bromyard, Rev. J. Morris, of the Wesleyan connexion, Rev. J. Durant of Ebenezer Chapel, Rev. J. Freeman of the Old Meeting, and several lay gentlemen, supported the different resolutions. Upwards of 681. was remitted the next day to the Parent Society, through the County Auxiliary, of which this is a branch.

WHITCHURCH AND DODINGTON AUX

ILIARY MISSIONARY SOCIETY.

On Wednesday the 26th September, a Meeting was held in the Chapel of the Rev. G. B. Kidd, at Dodington, adjoining Whitchurch, Salop, for the purpose of forming a Society auxiliary to the London Missionary Society. Mr. Cooke of Trinity Square, London, being on a visit in the town, was requested to take the Chair. The Rev. John Jones (Wesleyan) was requested to supplicate the divine blessing; at the conclusion of which, the Chairman stated the object of the Meeting, particularly adverting to the advantage which this country has derived from the dissemination of the Holy Scriptures, and the preaching of the gospel, to the encouraging results of missionary labours among several idolatrous and pagan nations, and to the invaluable testimony borne by the late Khrisna Pal, the first Indian convert, and by other individuals; and also to the reflective influence of foreign missions on those of our own countrymen, who have been thrown in the course of providence within the sphere of missionary labours, especially our seamen. He adverted also to the lamented decease of that excellent man, Mr. Ward, whose brief account of Khrisna Pal derived peculiar interest, from the circumstance that it was the last publication of that distinguished missionary.

The first resolution was moved by the