In no part of the heathen world are schools more important than in India. Not because the whole population are illiterate. Learned men are found in almost every village and neighborhood. All the Bramhins have more or less knowledge of the sciences: but seveneighths of the other castes are held in ignorance. They are bound by their religion to believe the fables imposed upon them by the cupidity of their designing priesthood. The Hindoo religion, though it evinces great ingenuity in its founders, imposes the grossest absurdities upon the ignorant: it shuts up all the avenues by which the truth of natural science can shine upon them. The diffusion of science alone, will have a direct tendency to show them the absurdity of their own religion, if it does not convert them to Christianity.

Permit me, Mr. President, to descend to a few particulars, to illustrate my meaning. It is a well-known fact that the Hindoos number seven or eight millions of years since the formation of the world; and in this they are supported by their shasters.-Let the common people be instructed in the science of chronology, and they would at once see the absurdities of their sacred books on this point. Let the rudiments of geography be generally understood, and it would be vain for the Brahmins to tell the people, even on the authority of their shasters, of their seven Lokes, and their oceans of milk and ghee that roll between them. Let the principle on which eclipses of the heavenly bodies take place, be understood, as they are taught in our common schools, and the childish fables which the Brahmins teach, in relation to these events, would be exposed to the derision of all.

I have seen the whole city of Bombay in frantic commotion, because, according to the teaching of the Brahmins, a powerful demon was assailing the moon in her eclipse.-Brahmins flying in every direction, vociferously exhorting the people to mourn and pray--to bring their gifts and offerings to the temples, that the gods might interfere for her rescue. Great distress and agitation prevailed-consternation sat upon every countenance, till the moon emerged from the shadow of the earth. Then the praises of her deliverer were vociferated from ten thousand tongues.

On an occasion like this, I once expostulated with a Brahmin, much celebrated for his candor, liberality, and piety, on the wanton cruelty of which he was guilty, to impose such absurdities the credulous multitude, upon when he and every man of learning knew full well the real cause of such a phenomenon. "O," said he, "it is vain that one attempts to make the people believe in the revolution of the heavenly bodies-they will have some notion on the subject; and no matter what they believe, if they are but sincere."

Thus you see, sir, that aside from a religious character, missionary schools have a direct tendency to expose the absurdities of Hindoo paganism. But our missionary schools are something more than nurseries of science: they are Christian schools. The Bible and other Christian books are daily read and explained. Children who have enjoyed the benefit of a school but a few months, show a marked superiority above those around them. I have known lads in the mission schools, not

more than ten years old, exhibit arguments in opposition to idolatry which even the Brahmins could neither gainsay nor resist.

I am unhesitating in my opinion, sir, that among the means employed for the conversion of the heathen, none affords a brighter prospect of permanent success than the institution of schools. In preaching the Gospel to adults, whose religious principles are fixed, whose hearts are hard, and whose consciences are enfeebled, there seems comparatively but little hope of success. But let us have access, through the instrumentality of a school, to the tender minds of children, and what may we not expect? I might mention numerous instances, which have come within my observation, in which heathen children, thus instructed, manifest a moral sensibility, and a tenderness of conscience, unknown and unfelt by their fathers. Permit me, sir, to relate an anecdote illustrative of this. On an itinerating tour, I visited a certain school, in company with a respectable native. Some hours after leaving the school, I remarked to my Hindoo companion that I had left a glove in the school-room, and proposed to return after it. "O," said he, "the search will be in vain; for the boy who first lays his hand upon it will secrete it for his own property." I had but just returned to my lodgings, when a company of little fellows came running from the school, and one of them holding up the glove, said, it was not good for him to keep it; for the eighth commandment of Jehovah is "Thou shalt not steal."

Missionary schools afford the best means and the happiest opportunities for communicating religious instruction, not only to children, but to their parents and friends. You know, sir, how easy it is to obtain access to a parent, through the medium of a beloved child.

you

Could you go with the missionary, in his daily itinerations among the schools of his station-could witness the silent attention, with which these children of pagans listen to his explanation of the Christian lessons which they recite, your bosom would swell with the most pleasing anticipations. In the immediate presence of idols and the multitude of their worshippers, hear them simultaneously repeat-"Thou shalt have no other gods before me"-"Thou shalt not make to thyself any graven image," &c.-"The idols of the heathen are vanity and a lie"-"Thou shalt love Jehovah thy God, and him only shalt thou serve;"hear them, in their own language and in their own airs, singing hymns of praise to Jehovah and his Anointed--follow them from the school-room to their homes--see them surrounded by their parents, grand-parents, friends and neighbors, each one curious to know what new lesson they have learnt. It is not uncommon to see a whole neighborhood assembled to hear school-boys read the Gospel of Christ. In missionary schools, sir, we see a thousand hands unconsciously employed in pulling down the strong holds of paganism. Rev. Horatio Bardweli, formerly of the Bombag Mission, at the Worcester Co. Central Aux. Ann.

Why the Christian Church does no more for the Heathen.

It is delightful to witness the exertions which, at different missionary stations, are

made to fasten on the young mind the truths of the Gospel-to breathe upon the tender heart the spirit of Christian piety. What a harvest the seed thus sown may produce. Even now, it is our blessed privilege to know that in some cases it has brought forth thirty fold, in some, sixty, and in some, an hundred;-But it is not a pleasant thing to see pagan youth and children retire from the mission-house, heavy-hearted, because they cannot be taught the things they must know, or perish. And why is this? Why is any child, who is willing to be taught, turned away from the missionschool? And why are not these schools increased up to the utmost extent to which they might be gathered? Why? Because the Church will not bear out its missionaries, I am told, in thus improving every opportunity of doing good-in thus extending to the farthest limit, the sphere of their usefulness. The missionary fund is by no means adequate to the demand for Christian instruction which is made at almost every missionary station. Pagan youth and children must live and die in fatal ignorance, because professed Christians refuse to furnish the means of instructing and saving them!

It is a most painful thing to think of, that even now-so many ages since the Son of GOD went up in triumph to the mediatorial throne, a frightful majority of the human family are living and dying in utter ignorance of his redeeming power and tender mercy. And this, when scores of pious men may be found, who burn with desire to go forth and point them to his cross. Why, then, are they not sent forth, as angels of mercy to proclaim far and wide the truths of the Gospel? Because, I am told, the missionary fund is not equal to the exigencies of the case. The Church cannot afford to send forth such a "company of Christian preachers," as the wants of the heathen world demand.

Had Paul heard the statements I have set forth, his great heart would have bled. He would have panted to multiply himself into a thousand missionaries, who "might spend and be spent" in extending the limits of the Church. And even I felt my heart ache within me. I ventured, for I could not help it, to fix my eyes upon the state of the Church, to ascertain, if I might, whether its deep poverty forbade it to afford efficient help to a needy, suffering world. The poverty, which I had been taught to expect, I did not find. Nay, I saw much of worldly enterprise and thrift.' I saw, indeed, the tug of labor-but the tug of labor largely repaid by golden gains. As the fruit of wakeful industry and careful economy, I saw professed Christians, on the right hand and on the left, surrounded with plenty, indulging in the elegancies and luxuries of life, rejoicing in the smiles of a bounteous Providence. And I said to myself: Is this the community which is so borne down with deep poverty, that they cannot pity and help the poor and needy, who without their charity must miserably perish:-so oppressed with fecbleness, that they cannot urge forward the triumphal chariot of their sacred King? For what purpose do they toil, and thrive, and heap up gain? Silver and gold-much merchandise and cattle upon a thousand hills, I see in the possession of the Church: For what end were these treasures amassed, and to what

use are they to be devoted?-After narrowly examining this matter, I perceived, that one professed Christian, moved by the lust of lucre, was raking golden straws together through ambition to be rich. Another thought verily he ought to turn the key upon his rusty dollars against the demands of wet weather, when it should arrive. But the general end, for which property was industriously hoarded and anxiously guarded, was to provide an inheri tance for beloved children. And many a man who seldom quoted a passage from the Bible for any other purpose, could tell you-prompt. ly, flippantly, and with much assurance tell you, that, "he that provideth not for his own household, hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel." And he feared to be guilty of such rank impiety, as that of filching from his own offspring a single dollar, to which on the ground of heirship, they might think themselves entitled-though that dollar were demanded by the will of the Son of GOD, and the wants of a dying world!

I clearly saw, in reviewing the state of the Church, that not the deep poverty, but the worldly spirit, of its members, prevented them from sustaining and cheering the weather beaten, toil-worn missionary in his self-denying work; from multiplying indefinitely among the pagans the means of religious instruction and eternal salvation. This, I said to myself, is the cancer on the heart of the Church, which is wasting its life-blood and eating up its fibres. Men who confess that their lives were bought with the redeeming agonies of the SON of GOD, instead of devoting those dearly-purchased lives to his service, spend their days and nights in heaping up dust-in raking together straws of the dunghill. They can inquire about the markets, and study the interest table, and with tearful anxiety divide "their living" among their children, while the groans of a dying world are urged in vain upon their ears!

[Rev. Beriah Green, at the Rutland Co. Aux. For. Miss. Soc. Ann., Vermont.

The Man of Christian Liberality described.

Thanks be to GOD, a few-the Lord increase their number a hundred fold--a few have begun to taste the luxury of "doing good."Would you hear the story of a plain man of this stamp? All along, his reputation for Christian piety had been good and fair;-all along, he had given what he could conveniently spare, to promote the interests of Zion. It was a pleasant morning in the month of May, when his wife and children were gathered around him to hear him read a chapter in the Bible. It was the 28th of Matthew. When he had read the chapter, the sacred volume still lying on his knee, his family saw in his countenance the workings of a soul waked up to some new and most interesting object. At length the husband and the father-the priest of the domestic circle-spoke out the feelings of his heart-the new emotions which were agitating his bosom-the steadfast resolutions with which his soul was struggling. "I am," he said, "no preacher; I claim no skill in sacred criticism; yet I plainly see that this last injunction of the Saviour extends its obligations to me. I am bound to do what I can, to bring all nations acquainted with the Gospel"

to extend to the going down of the sun, the limits of the Church. Hitherto I have neither understood nor done my duty. Henceforth, the great object for which I will exert my powers and expend my strength, shall be--bear witness, ye, who hear me speak-the extension and upbuilding of my Saviour's kingdom. Know, my sons and daughters, that henceforth when ye see your father labor and deny himself, it is not, that he may add field to fieldthat he may augment an estate to afford you the means of sensual gratification when he is dead-to be a bait, to lure your souls into a fatal snare. The improvement of your minds -the cultivation of your hearts, is a thing he may not neglect. He is bound to train you

up for extensive usefulness in this world and for happiness in heaven-to exert your own powers, to act well your part, on the stage of Îife. Beyond this my obligations do not extend-beyond this I cannot go. Henceforth my time, my influence, my substance, are devoted to the cause of Christ-to the interests of the Church."-This declaration made, he cast himself down at the Mercy-seat, and with his household sought in prayer the universal diffusion of Christian light. And when the petition-"Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth, as it is done in heaven," fell from his lips, they fell as words of weighty import. There was a simplicity, a fervency, an ener gy in his supplications, which could not fail to give them power with GOD. As he went forth to his accustomed labors he thought his fields were clothed with a richer green than he had witnessed before; that never before had they sent forth so sweet a fragrance. When he wiped the sweat from his smooth and even brow, he felt it to be a privilege to toil for Jesus Christ. And when he filled his bosom with the golden sheaves, his harvest-joys were unspeakable. Now he exulted in the smiles of a gracious Providence, because he had learned to make those smiles subservient to the glory of his Master-to the upbuilding of the Church-to the advancement of his own eternal interests. No longer, did he make his benefactions a mere matter of custom or convenience. He acted on principle. His exertions were the result of deliberate design-of a well arranged system. To do good was his leading object-an object, to which other things were made subservient. And with him, it was as much a matter of calculation and provision, how much he should attempt to do for the Saviour's cause, as how much he should expend to support his family. This man held on his way. The pages of his history were one continued illustration of the Saviour's memorable words, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." When he died; it was an easy thing to settle his estate. It had been sent on to Heaven and transmuted to eternal gold! [Rev. Beriah Green, at ditto.

American Board of Missions.

ANNUAL MEETING OF THE BOARD.

THE Eighteenth Annual Meeting of the Board will be held in the city of New York, on Wednesday the tenth inst.. at ten o'clock. A. M.

The Rev. Lyman Beecher, D. D. of Boston, Mass. is expected to preach the Annual Ser

mon.

SANDWICH ISLANDS.

IN our last number, p. 293, the attention of the Christian public was called to the proposed reinforcement of the mission at the Sandwich Islands, which is expected to sail from Boston, in the ship Parthian, on the first of November. The reader of these lines is requested to turn back and peruse the article referred to.

It seems to be the unanimous opinion of the friends of missions, that their brethren at the islands should be comforted and strengthened, by the coming of fellow laborers to their assistance, and by having such supplies as shall tend to preserve their health, and impart new vigor to all their operations. An opinion, almost equally unanimous, urges to the support and extension of every other mission, and to the establishment of new missions. Encouraged by this support, the Committee have gone forward, without much anxiety, in preparations for doing what appeared so obviously desirable and necessary. But, though there is a gradual rise in the spirit of self-denial; and though there are instances of rare munificence; it seems proper to say, that the pecuniary means placed at the disposal of the Committee are not adequate to the imperious demands made upon them.

In regard to the reinforcement above mentioned, donations of stores for the voyage, and of various articles for use after the arrival at the islands, would save many purchases, which must otherwise be made with money. But as

a general invitation to contribute in this manner would occasion too great an influx of some articles, it is thought best to make more private applications for them to certain towns and districts, wherever they can be most conveniently furnished.

All the friends of this cause will bear in mind, that great exertions are necessary to bring up the pecuniary contributions to such a standard, as reason and conscience will approve; and that a deep sense of personal responsibility in this matter needs to be extensively diffused. Unless this can be done, the labors of American Christians, in the great work of spreading the Gospel, must be painfully restricted; the stations now in existence must languish for want of vigorous support; and many heathen tribes must remain unvisited by the heralds of mercy. Moreover, in the view of him who searches the heart, there will be a great deficiency in the performance of duty, on the part of our churches.

and an accumulation of guilt; and the blessings, which we withhold from the heathen, we may be in danger of losing in a measure ourselves: for Paul may plant, and Apollos water; but God giveth the increase.

Anniversaries of Auxiliaries.

NEW HAMPSHIRE. The Southern Auxiliary of Hillsborough Coun held its third annual meeting on the 18th of September, at New Ipswich. E. A. Newton, Esq. of Pittsfield, Mass. and Mr. Elisha Loomis, of the Sandwich Island mission, were present as a Deputation. A sermon was preached by the Rev. Nathan Lord, of Amherst, the usual Reports were read by the Secretary and Treasurer, and addresses were made by the Deputation. Rev. Thomas Savage, of Bedford, Secretary: -Treasurer.

The Auxiliary Society of New Boston and Vicinity held its third annual meeting at Lyndeborough, September 19th. A sermon was preached by Rev. Nathan Lord, the Secretary and Treasurer read their Reports, and an address was made by Mr. Loomis, of the Sandwich Island mission.-Rev. N. Merrill, of Lyndeborough, Secretary; Treasurer.

FORMATION OF AUXILARIES. NEW YORK. The Auxiliary Society of Tompkins, Cayuga, and Onondaga Counties, was formed at Auburn, August 16. The officers are as follows:

Rev. James Richards, D. D. Auburn, President; Rev. James Wisner, Ithaca,

Elihu Ewers, Manlius,

Dea. W. Bradley, Geneva,

Dea. Ebenezer Gould, Scipio,

Rev. M. Pomeroy, Cayuga,

Thaddeus Edwards, Skeneateles, Vice Presidents.
M. D. Burnet, Esq. Syracuse,
Daniel Gilbert, Esq. Salina,

Henry Howe, Pompey,

Rev. R. G. Cooning. Otisco,

Dan Bradley, Esq. Marcellus,

Rev. D. C. Lansing, D. D. Auburn, Secretary;
Eleazer Hills, Auburn, Treasurer;

The President, Secretary, and Treasurer, together with the Rev. J. Parsons, Marcellus; Richard Steel, Auburn; and Rev. S. Smith, Geneva, Executive Committee, Horace Hills, Auburn, Auditor.

NEW HAMPSHIRE. The Northern Auxiliary Society of Cheshire County, was formed, October, 1826. The officers are as follows:

Rev. Joseph Rowell, Cornish, President; Rev. Jonathan Nye, Claremont, Vice President, Israel Newell, Plainfield, Secretary, James Breck, Esq. Newport, Treasurer. MASSACHUSETTS. The Religious Charitable Society of Worcester Co. held its 16th Annual Meeting at Ward, Sept. 19. The usual Reports were read, and business transacted: after which the Society voted to become auxiliary to the American Board of Foreign Missions. The officers are as follows:

Manlius. 2d Pres. Ch. Gent, and Lad. Asso. R. Cushman, Pres. Ebenezer Rowe and Elihu Ewers. V. Prest. Thomas Moseley, Sec. Asa Rowe, Treas. 2 male and 2 female coll. August 6. Salina. Not reported. Otisco. Not reported.

July 23. Aug. 19.

Cayuga Co. Cayuga. Gent. and Lad. Asso. Rev. M. Pomeroy, Pres. Doct. Jonathan Whitney, V. Pres. Thomas Mumford, Esq. Sec. Bradley Ben edict, Treas. 1 male and 1 female coll. Aug. 12.

Auburn. Gent. and Lad. Asso. Horace Hills, Pres. Asa Munger, V. Pres. Miron C. Reed, Sec.-Clark B. Hotchkiss, Treas. 2 male and 2 female coll. Aug. 16.

Elbridge. Gent. and Lad. Asso. Dea. S. R. Curtis, Pres. Levi Clark, V. Pres. H. F. Mather, Esq. Sec. Nathan Munroe, Treas. 5 male and 5 female coll. Aug. 22.

Geneva. 1st Pres. Ch. Gent. and Lad. Asso. Rev. S. Smith, Pres. Doct. N. Aspinwall, V. Pres. Thomas Chadwick, Esq. Sec. Dea. Wm. Bradley, Treas. 7 male coll. Aug. 26.

MASSACHUSETTS. Bristol Co. Fall River. Gent. Asso. Rev. Thomas M. Smith. Pres. Dea. S. C. Allen, V. Pres. M. C. Durfee, Esq. Sec. L. P. Lovell, Treas. 3 coll.-Lad. Asso. Mrs. M. G. W. Smith, Pres. Mrs. Dorcas Ford, V. Pres. Mrs. Emma Morris, Sec. Mrs. Ann Glazier, Treas. 5 coll. September.

Norfolk Co. Dedham. Rev. Mr. Cogswell's Society. Lad. Asso. Mrs. Joanna S. Cogswell, Pres. Mrs. Nancy Morse, 1st Vice Pres. Miss. Abigail Guild, 2nd V. Pres. Mrs. Hannah C. Briggs, Sec. Miss Mar tha M. Guild, Treas. 5 coll. Sept. 12.

NEW HAMPSHIRE. Amherst Co. Nottingham West. Gent. Asso. Rev. Wm. K. Talbot, Pres. Capt. Caleb S. Ford, V. Pres. Mr. Jefferson Smith, Sec. Capt. I. Page, Treas. 4 coll.-Lad. Asso. Mrs. Mary Talbot, Pres. Mrs. Anna Blodget, V. Pres. Miss Eliza Talbot, Sec. Miss Elizabeth Field, Treas. 4 coll. Formed September.

TIONS.

Amherst, Ms. Mon. con. in S. chh. Andover, Ma. M. L. Bigelow, av. of purses, &c. for Pal. miss.

Avan, N. Y. Gent. ass. 4; la. asso. 4;

Brainerd, Cher. na. Read. so. for hea. chil.
Bristol, Vt. H. Parmelee, av. of gold beads,
Canandaigua, N. Y. Gent. asso. 64.12; Juv.

sewing so. for Mrs. Bingham at the Sandw.
Isl. 13; Mrs. Hubbell, for do. 5;

Catskill, N. Y. O. Day,

3 75

Emmitsburg, Md. Jane Williams, 16; contrib.
for Henry Martyn, by Margaret Witherow, 12; 22 00
Groton, Ms. La. union asso.

Harmony, Osage na. Rev. NATHANIEL B.
DODGE, part av. of property which he
left in Vermont, (which constitutes him an
Honorary Member of the Board,)
Hopewell. N. Y. Rev. J. Merrili, for Moses P.
Merrill in Ceylon,

Lyme, Ct. M. box of Miss C. Marvin,

New Lebanon, N. Y. R. Woodworth, a rev. pensioner,

25 00

146 75

26 00

7 00

5.00

Ogden, N. Y. Mon. con.

10 00

6 00

Palmer, Ms. Mon, con.

8 92

Pickaway, O. By J. Peebles,

11 50

3 00

Quincy, Ms. Fem. evang. so. for Cher. miss.

20 64

8.00

Richmond, Va. A friend,

100 00

13 50

Vergennes, Vt. Mrs. M. Wheeler,

50

Whitehall, N. Y. Juv. miss. asso.

2.50

Williamsburg, O. Asso.

3 00

Erie, N. Y. Two lads, m. f. 2.50; ladies, 5.50;
Fayetteville, N. C. Rev. J. G. Hamner, 2;
a lady, 1; a lady in Johnston co. 2;
Fort Covington, N. Y. Fem. char. so.
Framingham, Ms. I. Warren,
Frankfort, Ky. A gentleman, by Rev. A.
Rand,

Granville, N. Y. Gent. juv. hea. sch. so. 2d. pay. for Ebenezer Walker, Nathaniel Raymond, Benjamin Leavins, Nathaniel Parker, and Mary Dayton in Ceylon, Greensboro, N. C. Fem. benev. so. 3d pay. for David Caldwell at Mackinaw, Greenwich, Ct. Fem. miss. so. 52.22; young la. asso. for Elizabeth Stilson in Ceylon, 13.12;

Hanover, N. J. Fem. cent so. to constitute the Rev. AARON CONDIT (now a member for life of the U. F. M. S.) an Honorary Member of the Board,

8 00

5 00

13 00 1 00

10 00

120 00

12 00

65 34

20 00