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870. £.4, boards, and on royal paper, £.6. boards.

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The Philosophical Transactions of the Society of London, abridged. By Charles Hutton, LL. D. George Shaw, M. D. and Richard Pearson, M. D. Vol. I. Demy quarto, £.2. 2s. royal, £.3. 12s. boards.'

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RELIGIOUS INTELLIGENCE.

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ABSTRACT OF THE ACCOUNT OF THE PROTESTANT MISSIONS IN THE EAST INDIES FOR THE YEAR 1802, FROM THE LAST ANNUAL REPORT OF THE SOCIETY FOR PROMOTING CHRISTIAN KNOWLEDGE.

THE Reverend Mr. Gerické, in a letter dated at Vepery, October 15, 1801, mentions a journey he had taken to the southern parts, in April and May, and that at Tanjore he had held repeated conferences with the Missionaries, the country priest, and the other native assistants, and had regulated the labours and emoluments of them all, both at Tanjore and in all the congregations dependent on Tanjore Church, as also the expences and conduct of the native schools, and charitable institutions of the late Mr. Swartz. Some rules had also been laid down for regularly keeping the accounts. According to the regulations then made, in which all heartily concurred, the work was carried on. The country priest continued at Tanjore, and was of great assistance to Mr. Kolhoff; but, as soon as the war in the south should

be over, which had recently taken a favourable turn, he was to resume his journies; and in many places they were anxiously waiting for him.

Mr. Gerické laments the want of more assistance at Tanjore. "How happy a thing," he observes, "would it be, if God were to furnish a faithful Missionary for the assistance of Mr. Kolhoff, and another or two for the congregations southward of Tanjore. It is delightful to see the growth of the Tanjore Mission, and the southern congregations dependent on it. The inhabitants of whole villages flock to it. What a pity that there are not labourers for such a great and delightful harvest! At Jeffna, and all the coast of Ceylon, there is another great harvest. We have sent such of our native catechists, as could be spared, but many are required for that extensive work."

He also mentions that they were then printing a new Malabar grammar, and that if God should spare his life, he intended also to publish a new Malabar dictionary to facilitate the learning of that language, in which many young gentlemen,

în the honourable company's service had then engaged.

A considerable number of persons had been baptized by Mr. Gerické at Vepery, Cuddalore, Negapatnam, Sudras, and Pullicat; and by Mr. Pohle at Trichinapally, of whom many were adults.

The Reverend Mr. Pohle, in a letter dated at Trichinapally, February 23, 1802, states that the inembers of his mission congregations, of different casts, amounted to three hundred and seventy-nine. The work of the Mission had been duly carried on by himself and his fellow-labourers, the catechists and school-masters.

The Reverend the Danish Missionaries, in a letter dated at Tranqueber, Jan. 12, 1802, mention the very favourable circumstances that had attended their Mission and themselves, in the political changes, that had last year occurred at Tranquebar. By order of the English government the Mission had remained in full possession of its former privileges, and even an increase of them was generously suggested; and Colonel Campbell, and his successor Colone! Cullen, had been particularly kind to them; other gentlemen too had tendered to them their good offices. Mr. Gerické had been with them for a few days, when on his journey to Tanjore; by whose zeal and piety they had been much edified, especially in the circumstances attending the conference at Tanjore. The Rajah of Tanjore had recently been at Tranquebar. In several conversations with him, he had discovered the most tender and filial remembrance of the late Mr. Swartz, and expressed much friendship for Messrs. Gerické and Kolhoff, and for all the Missionaries, in whom he discovered the same sentiments and zeal. He expressed his wish, and had declared on several occasions, that none but such as would follow the steps of Mr. Swartz, and were like him, at least in piety, might be sent out to the Mission. The piety of Mr. Kolhoff's mother had recommended her to the Rajah's attention, and had induced him to take her second son into his service as a writer. Their lengthened and various conversation with the Rajah had ended to the mutual satisfaction both of him and of themselves. There seems to be, these worthy Missionaries observe, an evident and gradual preparation in India, for the reception of the Gospel. If a sufficient number of pious labourers could be sent into their vineyard, the happiest effects, they doubt not, would soon appear. In the mean while they are thankful for what God bath hitherto done amongst them. In the last year one hundred and sixty-three had been baptized, amongst whom were thirty-one Heathens of different countries in Asia and Africa; eighty-eight had died; eighteen couple had been married; and one thousand had been admitted to the 'Lord's Supper; and more than two hun

dred children continued to be instructed in their schools.

The Reverend Mr. John, one of the Danish Missionaries, in a letter dated at Tranquebar, February 1, 1802, expresses their exultation at the happy return of peace, which, he trusted, would lead to the greater propagation of Christ'a religion in India and at Ceylon. The kind disposition of many gentlemen of rank and influence, and of the governor of Ceylon, the honourable Frederic North, to protect and forward the Christian religion, the sciences, and the welfare of the natives, will, he hopes, become more general; and they who have it in their power to become instrumental to this glorious work, will gradually be convinced, that there is no in struction suited to the wants of all men equal to that which Christianity furnishes. The harvest in India he describes to be now great, and wanting nothing bat a greater degree of encouragement from the rulers of the country, who could not but profit by the inculcation of that beneficent rule of the Gospel upon the minds of their numberless subjects, "Fear God and bonour the King." "I never complain," he says, " of the slow success the Christian religion has had, since the beginning of the Mission through ninety-six years; but I admire and thank God for the progress of which I have been witness, during the thirty years I have been here, observing an almost general esteem for, and appro bation of, the divine doctrine, though their political and family connections still keep the multitude of the people from embrac ing it. I see with pleasure an extensive increase of the Mission congregations, particularly from Tanjore to Cape Comorin, and in the interior parts of the country, and a gradual decrease of the destructive difference between the casts; as a number of those instructed in the Mission schools have met with honourable employments, without adverting to their casts, which formerly could not take place'; in short, a” much greater preparation of the Indiers for accepting the salutary doctrines of the Gospel. The kind disposition which the Rajah of Tanjore still shews to the Missionaries on every occasion, has also à good effect; and his sentiments are not far from those of a Cornelius, though be dare not do more than he does in the midst of the Bramins, who surround, and who would soon find out means to destroy him, if he did. Our religious books and treatises are distributed, and read throughout the country; and many more are ask ed for than we are able to give." Latterly, he had sent a number of English and Tamul books to Jaffna, where Christiet David, who had been brought up in the Tranquebar school, and was a catechist at Tanjore, had been placed as a sort of catechist, by the honourable Governor North, under the direction of the Rers

] Religious Intelligence...Account

Mr. Cordiner. One hundred and thirty-six thousand Christians, and thirtysix Churches and schools, he says, are in need of provision; and Heathens are every year baptized. More catechists and school-masters had been desired from Tranquebar than they could furnish; as the Tamil and Portuguese school-boys, who had learned to speak and to write an European language, were snatched from them as soon as they had been admitted to the Lord's Supper, at the age of fourteen or fifteen years. Mr. John says, "that the Mission finds impartial judges amongst those gentlemen who stand in no connection with it; who defend the Mission and our Christians, with much reason, against so many unjust animadversions, and shew the great advantage the whole country would derive, from the promotion of christianity amongst

the natives."

In the course of the year 1802, the society distributed 7,809 Bibles, 9,970 New Testaments, 15,515 Common Prayers, 18,640 other bound books, 98,766 small tracts. The number of children in their schools is stated to have been 7,108.

CAPE OF GOOD HOPE.

Mr. Kicherer, the Missionary, whom we mentioned in our last number as being in this country, states that when he commenced his labours at Zak River, he found there only thirty-six inhabitants, and that the people in general led a very wandering life. By his exertions six hundred persons were collected together, whom he laboured to instruct both by preaching and catechising. About three hundred now attend the worship of God; and of these he thinks about forty are sound converts. Even the children are familiar with the principles of christianity. He adds, that when these poor people begin to feel the influence of religion, a great change takes place in their outward conduct and appearance as well as in their spirit and temper. They learn to clothe themselves decently, they become cleanly and industrious, and they apply themselves to cultivation.

The three Hottentots who accompanied Mr. Kicherer to England, gave, as we understand, a very satisfactory account of their faith. They said that they believed them selves to be wicked creatures, and that they could only be reconciled to God by the blood of his son, Jesus Christ, who was ap pointed by the Father to bear our sins, and for whose sake God pardons and accepts us; that the love of Christ required from them a return of love, gratitude, and obedience, which they lamented should in their case, be so defective; but that it was their chief desire to be devoted to the service of Christ.

with Mr. Kicherer, who intends soon to
These people have left this country
take them back to the Cape, where his
greatly for his return.
Hottentot congregation are said to long

Algoa Bay, under the superintendance of, ·
The last accounts of the Mission near
Dr. Vanderkemp, state that he had lately
baptized five men, six women, and twelve
youths and children; and that it was his
intention to form another Mission near the
Great Fish River, for the instruction both
of the Caffres and Hottentots.

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the Missionaries assurances of his esteem. The Dutch governor (Jansens) has given and assistance.

TARTARY.

the Reverend Mr. Brunton, dated at CoThe following extracts from a letter of rass, 26th September, 1803, will shew the state of the Mission to the Tartar tribes at that time.

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Russian government in this place, the Notwithstanding the influence of the people are afraid to renounce their religion on account of the persecution they would be likely to meet with from their countrymen. They seem to dread their else. Several have been thoughtful, and mockery and ridicate more than any thing have confessed themselves doubtful of the truth of their religion; but we have never been able to discover in any of them, any thing like the beginnings of true repentance. They are very superstitious and wicked. They affect a solemn and religious appearance, but have many very hateful qualities. Whether God intends sion of the Gospel by our present efforts, to bring them to a knowledge and confesit is impossible to determine. We are ready to tell them of the Saviour of sinners; and, if God incline their hearts, they will hear us.

the smallest degree, with regard to the "I have not yet altered my opinion, in propriety of forming colonies and settlements in Heathen countries of the Heathens themselves. To carry on my plan of ransoming and educating children upon derable sum of money. To ransom one an extensive scale, would require a consihundred boys and one hundred girls would require £.10,300, besides the expence of clothing, feeding, and teaching them; a be expected to raise. We have now two sum much greater than our society could fine boys whom we ransomed. chief lives along with us, and learus to read English. He comes on well. His A young relations have persecuted him. The cirgeneral at a neighbouring fort, who detercumstances were referred to a Russian inned the matter in our favour. My wife, my children, and all our house, are in good health."

VIEW OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS.

WHEN the present year opened on us we had scarcely ceased from publicly expressing our thanks to the Almighty, for restoring to our exhausted country the blessing of peace: at the close of the year we find ourselves involved in another contest, still more formidable in its aspect than that from which it had pleased God recently to deliver us. What may be the ultimate purposes of Providence with respect to this country, in producing a change in our situation so awful and alarming, we presume not to determine; nor would we indulge an undue solicitude on the subject. We derive consolation from reflecting, that the course of events, as well as their final issues, are under the regulation and controul of infinite goodness and unerring wisdom. Considering the war, however, as a great national calamity, we cannot doubt, even on the most favourable interpretation of the volume of Providence, that the circumstances in which our country is now placed, afford a clear indication of the divine displeasure on account of our national sins. The intention of the Almighty in this awful visitation is, doubtless, to reclaim us to penitence; but should we slight his warning voice, should we refuse to repent and amend our ways, the chastening which we despise will, probably, prove a prelude to still heavier judgments.

In the present arduous conflict justice, we fully trust, is on our side. We may also expect, calculating according to human probabilities, that complete success will crown our efforts to prevent the menaced invasion of our coasts. Still much individual suffering and national distress are inevitable; the waste of human life will be great; the expenditure of treasure will be immense beyond former example; taxes will accumulate; com merce will suffer at least occasional interruptions; mercantile credit will be shaken; the sound of murmuring .and discontent, especially should famine again press the poor, will once more be heard among us; and should our implacable enemy escape the vigilance of our navy and effect a landing on our shores, all these evils will

be felt with redoubled weight; to say nothing of the terror and dismay which will march in the front of an invading army, or of the desolation which must mark its progress*.

These, doubtless, are no ordinary inflictions; and we only express what we believe to be the common sentiment of every serious mind in ascribing it to our sins; those sins especially which may be considered as national. But though this sentiment has, on many occasions, as well as in the service appointed for the fast day, been explicitly professed, we fear that the acknowledgment has been too much confined to generalities. That distinct specification has been wanting which could alone enlighten the national conscience with respect to the particulars of its guilt, and afford that clear perception of their nature and heinousness, which no less in nations than in individuals, is necessary to the production of godly sorrow, repentance, and reformation. In the case of individuals, we often find that general confessions of sinfulness may accompany practices which exclude men from the kingdom of heaven. In like manner, the observance of a day of public humiliation and fasting is no proof that our national sins have been either duly appreciated or properly felt. Our hopes of propitiating the divine favour and protection would have been more encouraged by the endeavour to reform even one sinful practice, than by the loudest, but otherwise empty, professions of sorrow and humiliation on account of our sinfulness in general.

But let us consider the matter more closely. We have fasted, it is true; but have we repented? We have confessed our sinfulness; but have we forsaken our sins? National judgments are intended to awaken natio nal consideration and reflection, and to lead to national amendment. But

* "A fire devoureth before them, and behind them a flame burueth; the land is as the garden of Eden before them, and behind them a desolate wilderness." Joel i. 3.

1803.] Public Affairs...Reflections on the has this effect been produced? Is the amount of the general profligacy at all lessened? Has that practical infidelity, which leads men to contemn the principles and neglect the precepts of christianity, lost any part of its influence? Is the authority of the Supreme Being-is the agency of a superintending Providence more generally recognized? What marks do we find of this? Are our legislative assemblies more disposed to tolerate a reference to the authority of scripture, or do they still treat with levity every attempt to measure the national practice by that standard*? Have our clergy laboured with more zeal in their pastoral office, watching more assiduously over their flocks, exhibiting more prominently the purifying efficacy of the cross of Christ, and forwarding by the brightness of their example, no less than by the soundness of their instructions, the interests of their divine master? Have the different denominations of Christians in the land, manifested less of the narrowness of party spirit, and been more studious to discourage "all rancour of religious dissension," and to promote, among the various members of Christ's mystical body, that mutual love which as his new, his great commandment, and as the distinguishing badge of their profession, our dying Lord required his disciples to cultivate? (John xiii. 34.)

But to be more particular. Has the general tendency to profane the sabbath been counteracted by salutary regulations? On the contrary, has not its infraction been legalized, and has not the temptation of interest been added to induce a compromise with conscience on this point, while the clergy have, in too many instances, silently and supinely acquiesced in this national violation of the rights of the Almighty? It was to be hoped that the example of France would have convinced us, that the divine

* It is remarkable to observe the contrast in this respect, between the parliamentary debates at the commencement of the last century and those of the present day. Then, scriptural allusions and illustrations were common, and no man seemed to be afraid of quoting the authority of Christ or his Apostles in vindication of his opinions. Now, it would be difficult for any one who should do the same, to escape the brand of some opprobrious name, CHRIST, OBSERV. No. 24.

Danger arising from NationalSins. 765 institutions cannot be disregarded with impunity; and would have led those, whose short-sighted policy has authorized and encouraged the infringement in question, to fear lest they themselves should be among the first to feel the pernicious effects of that general relaxation of moral and religious ties which cannot fail to follow.

would likewise ask, been taken to Have any effectual means, we lessen the horrid profanation of the of venal purjuries which spring from name of God, and the heavy amount the endless multiplicity of oaths enjoined by our revenue laws?

lation of the seventh commandment, Not to mention the shameless vioby which some, in the very highest anks of life, outrage public decency and fill with grief every serious mind; has any successful effort been made to prevent the farther extension of this growing evil? A pledge was, indeed, given to the public on this subject, but it is still unredeemed. The profligate are still allowed, without any penal restraint, to violate the peace of families, and to poison all the sources of domestic enjoyment; while prostitution, without any ade quate measures for its repression, stalks abroad in open day, practising every art of seduction, and tainting to the very core the morals of society.

Can we, notwithstanding our pubcongratulate our country on any abate! lic profession of humiliation, with truth ment of that proud self-confident spirit, which leads us to turn our back on God, and to seek and security in our own inventions?"+ our peace But if, trusting in our wealth, and boasting ourselves in the multitude of our riches, we make not God our strength; if relying on "the arm of flesh," on our own exertions, on the extent of our naval force, on the vigilance and valour of our seamen, on the number, the spirit, and the gallantry of our armies, our hearts should favour alone safety is to be found; continue to depart from him in whose may we not expect farther tokens of the divine displeasure, even if the following picture of the probable conwill not) be realized? sequences of a national disregard of God should not (and we trust that it

+ Form of Prayer for the Fast Day,

P. 5.

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