I know your views are more peculiarly directed, and I think wisely, to the Copts; but should you be able, by the bye, to learn any thing of the other, it might be of use. There are few for whom I feel more ardently alive, than for the Copts. They have suffered many buffetings and mortifications, on account of Christianity. They are a feeble folk, and they are asleep and while I hope, that, through the goodness of God, you may be the means of quickening and strengthening their zeal, yet, still, the grand camp of the enemy in those countries would be unassailed. It is but beating in the videttes and outposts of Satan. The fortress of Anti christ is in the midst of their Rulers. Let that be cautiously and vigorously attacked. Let there once be obtained for Mussulmans the liberty of becoming Christians-which must be a work of private exertion, and neither of sword nor of diplomacy—and I should think the time was at no great distance, when there would be but one Shepherd and one Fold. The Mussulmans are, in truth, as ignorant of Christians as the Christians are of them. They do not see us pray, at our stated periods, our daily form of prayer; and therefore imagine that we neglect God, and are odious in his sight: not knowing the retiring nature of our religion, and that a Christian's secret, are often his happiest hours. A confidential intercourse would speedily remove these misapprehensions. There is nothing in the garniture of an English Church to offend a Mussulman. We have no stumbling blocks of graven Images and painted Saints; and, if we kept out dogs from them, and put off our slippers when we entered, a Mussulman might walk through an English Church in those countries, and know very little difference from his own Mosque. It is no bad medium of success, to please the eye. On introducing the Scriptures among Mahomedans, Mr. Burckhardt writes As to the obstacles in the way of the Turks reading the Bible, the principal one is, that Mahomedans are not permitted to read printed books. There exists, to the best of my infor mation, no prohibition in their laws against reading the Bible. A great quantity of Bibles might be sold. It would not be proper to make presents of them. Curiosity always attracts purchasers. An establishment ought to be formed for Lithography. The stone of Caïro and of Palestine appears well adapted for this purpose. Very sure am I, that Providence will, in time, cause the Bible to be read by Mahomedans. What lies in our power is, to avail ourselves of their curiosity, and thus disperse the Bible in Turkish Countries. I entreat you to send me Arabic Bibles in great number, for multitudes desire them. Universities right furnish you with men-men of approved health, talent, study, and piety. The business of such a Committee might be, to seek out these men, to direct their pursuits, and to prepare their minds for entering on their great work when their Academical Course should be finished. For want of such assistance, some who have been endued with an ardent zeal for the propagation of the Gospel, have nevertheless neglected adequately to furnish their minds with useful knowledge. I long to see the day when our Senior Wranglers and our Senior Medalists shall proceed to the Mediterranean. Your Mission here has now existed three years. Three years form the period of a University Generation. May another generation not pass without sending some five or learned and devoted men from College to this honourable scene of labour! That we aim (he adds) in moving Three Continents, is true. You have printed an avowal of it. But how move them? By wielding the only lawful weapon of offence, the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. For this we want a PrintingPress. With this, so employed, we may leave Fleets and Armies, Cabinets and Congresses, to settle the inferior matters of this miserable world, while we render our aid to the noblest of all designs-that of giving to mankind their only light in darknesstheir only refreshing comfort, in the multitude of the thoughts which pain and weary their souls. RELIGIOUS TRACT SOCIETY. Printing Greek Tracts at Constan- THE Rev. Charles Williamson, British Chaplain at Smyrna, writes. from Constantinople, under date of Aug. 10, 1818 This city possesses only one Greek Press, principally occupied in printing books for the Greek Church. I have five Tracts printing at it: four of them are large. By getting the Tracts printed at the Patriarchal Press, we have the great advantage of having the Patriarch's Arms in the title-page of the Tracts, which is the best recommendation for them in this country that can be procured. I hope to have four finished by the end of this week; and, by the first ships, I shall send you specimens of them. They are printing with good types and on excellent paper. I am very happy to inform you, that a Greek Gentleman of Constantinople has translated and printed one of your Tracts at his own expense, a copy of which 1 shall send you with the rest. Before twelve months are over, I hope to have one or two Tracts translated into Turkish, notwithstanding the great difficulties that exist. The Committee have voted £.60 to this object. One of the Tracts, mentioned above, is an admirable selection from the Works of Chrysostom, recommending the reading of the Scriptures. Dr. Naudi's Italian Tract on that subject first put them, Mr. Jowett writes, on searching the Fathers for passages nature. RUSSIA. of that PEACE SOCIETIES: Sentiments of the Emperor Alexander. A SOCIETY formed in this country, for the promotion of Peace throughout the world, addressed a Letter on the subject to the Emperor of Russia. His Majesty returned an Answer, written in English, and signed by himself, which he entrusted to the care of the Rev. Lewis Way, with a request that he would himself deliver it to the Chairman of the Committee who had addressed him. This Imperial Letter was written at Aix-la-Chapelle, and dated the 6th of October, 1818, O. S. It manifests a sound and discriminating mind, as well as benevolence and piety. I received, Sir, with satisfaction, the communications of a Society, established upon principles conducive to permanent and universal Peace. The mixture of good and evil observable in recent events has ex emplified, in a signal manner, the discriminating dispensations of Divine Providence, in mercy and judgment. As a Christian, I cannot but desire the establishment of Peace on earth, by every lawful and practicable means. As a Christian Sovereign, I must anticipate a time when nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. The unanimity of other Christian Powers is yet uninterrupted; and, founded on the principles of our holy faith, has the fairest prospect of stability. Permanent and universal Peace is not altogether at man's disposal. It is encouraging to observe the growth of pacific dispositions in the world; and Societies, conducted in a moderate and Christian Spirit, may contribute to their extension and maintenance. With these views, the object of your Society cannot fail of my cordial approbation, without involving an implied concurrence in measures adopted for its attainment, over which I have no controul. ALEXANDER. To Robert Marsden, Esq. INDIA BEYOND THE GANGES. AMERICAN BAPTIST MISSION. RANGOON. Principles on which the Missionaries have formed a Solemn Union. WE referred to this Union at p. 19 of the "Survey ;" and now add the principles on which it has been formed. In associating ourselves together, we have adopted those principles only which we think we can inviolably maintain; and which will secure our uninterrupted harmony, and prevent the springing up of any root of bitterness, whereby any among us would be defiled. Instead of the thorn, we hope there will flourish among us the fir-tree; and instead of the brier, the myrtle-tree. Our articles of agreement are these: In order more effectually, under the blessing of our Lord and Master, to accomplish the important work for which we have come into this Heathen Land, we, the Undersigned, form a Union on the following principles; viz. 1. We give ourselves to the Lord Jesus Christ and to one another, by the will of God. 2. We agree to be kindly affectioned one toward another, with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; feeling that we have one Master, even Christ, and that all we are Brethren. 3. We agree in the opinion, that our sole object on earth is, to introduce the religion of Jesus Christ into the Empire of Burmah: and that the means by which we hope to effect this, are-translating, printing, and distributing the Holy Scriptures; preaching the Gospel; circulating Religious Tracts; and promoting the instruction of Native Children. 4. We, therefore, agree to engage in no secular business, for the purpose of individual emolument; and not at all, unless, in the opinion of the Brethren, the great object of the Mission can be best promoted thereby. 5. We agree to relinquish all private right to remittances from America, proceeds of labour, and compensation for service; in a word, to place all money and property, from whatever quarter accruing, in the Mission Fund provided that nothing in this Article be construed to affect our private right to inheritances, or personal favours not made in compensation for service. 6. We agree, that all the Members of the Mission Family have claims on the Mission Fund, for equal support in similar circumstances; the claims of widows and orphans not to be, in the least, affected by the death of the head of their family: but it is to be understood, that no one shall have a right to adopt a child into the Mission Family, so as to entitle it to the claims secured in this Article, but by consent of the Brethren. 7. We agree to educate our Children with a particular reference to the object of the Mission; and if any expense be necessary or expedient for such education, it shall be defrayed from the Mission Fund. 8. All appropriations from the Mission Fund shall be made by a majority of the Missionary Brethren, united in this compact; subject, however, to the inspection of our Patrons, the Board. (Signed) ADONIRAM JUDSON, G. H. HOUGH. INDIA WITHIN THE GANGES. CHRISTIAN KNOWLEdge sociETY. Establishment of Native Schools. We have great pleasure in reporting, that the Diocesan Committee of the Society have taken up, under the sanction of the Lord Bishop of Calcutta, the subject of Native Education. The Minutes of two Meetings of the Committee now lie before us, just received from India, which we shall give to our Readers; as we confidently anticipate that these proceedings will prove, under the blessing of God, to be the beginning of a great ex tension of Native Education in India. CALCUTTA DIOCESAN COMMITTEE. On Monday, August 3d, 1818, at a Special General Meeting of the Committee, convened pursuant to notice and agreeably to Regulation, at the Bishop's House, PRESENT, The Right Reverend the Lord Bishop of Rev. Archdeacon Loring, Rev. J. Parson, Rev. T. Thomason, R. C. Plowden, Esq. Secretaries. 1. That it is expedient that Schools be established by this Committee for the pur. pose of diffusing useful knowledge among the inhabitants of the territory subject to this Presidency. 2. That the Schools be primarily for the conveyance of knowledge in the Languages of the Country; but that Boys, distinguished by their proficiency in these, be removable to separate Schools, where English shall be taught. s. That Donations be solicited from Members of the Diocesan Committee and others, for carrying into effect the preceding Resolutions, and also Annual Subscriptions, the amount to be left to the option of the Subscribers; and that the Sums thus accruing shall be applied exclusively and entirely to the aforesaid object, and be annually accounted for in the General Report. 4. That a separate Committee be formed for carrying into effect the above purposes, to be called the School Committee, the time being, and four additional Mem and to consist of the Select Committee for bers, being also Members of the Diocesan Committee. 5. That Messrs. Gordon Forbes, J. W. Sherer, J. Robinson, and Rev. T. Robertson, be the four Members to be added to the present Select Committee to form the School Committee. 6. That the Treasurer be requested to keep a distinct account of all Moneys that may be received on account of the Schools. At a second Special General Meeting, held on Monday the 17th August, the Resolutions of the above Meeting were ratified and confirmed; a Book was opened for Donations and Subscriptions; and it was Resolved 1. That Annual Subscriptions for the purposes of the School Committee be payable from the 1st August in every year; but that persons becoming Subscribers at any other period, be liable only to be called upon for a proportion of their Subscription, from the commencement of the quarter in which they may subscribe; the four quarters being computed from the 1st August, 1st November, 1st February, and 1st May. 2. That the School Committee be requested to hold an early Meeting, on a day to be fixed by the President, for the purpose of considering and adopting any further measures, which may be advisable, for carrying their general purposes into immediate effect; and that future Meetings of the School Committee be called The Select Committee consist of the President; the Archdeacon; the Rev. Messrs. Shepherd, Parson, and Thomason; Mr. Udny; and the Secretaries. by the President, from time to time, as may seem expedient; a notice being given three days previously to any such Meeting. 3. That any Five Members of the School Committee be competent to transact business, and to appropriate any part of the funds contributed for Schools to the objects of such contributions, subject to the controul of the General Committee. 4. That one thousand copies of the Proceedings of the last and present Special Meetings be printed and circulated amongst the Members of the Diocesan Committee and the Public in general, without delay. August 17, 1818. BIBLE SOCIETIES, MADRAS. Formation of a Tamul Bible Association. AT P 33 of the "Survey," we promised a Report of the discussions which took place at the establishment of this First Native Bible Association. The Rev. M. Thompson writes to the Secretary of the Church Missionary Society, under date of Nov. 8, 1817 An event has just taken place at our Missionary House, from which we may reasonably expect great benefitthe forming of a Native Bible Association, on the 5th instant. Mr. Rhenius had proposed this to his Congregation a few weeks ago, and they all seemed ready to approve and desire it. Last week he circulated a Tamul Hand-Bill, inviting all who were inclined to favour such a measure to mect at his house, on the 5th of November. About 100 came, Ileathens and Christians. Among them were two Brahmin Shastries, both of whom made speeches on the occasion. Subscriptions were immediately entered into, from half a fanam (a penny) a week, to one rupee (2s. 3d.) per month. A Committee was formed, consisting of Heathens and Christians. Two Secretaries were appointed, the first of whom is our Catechist, Rayappen; a Treasurer, &c. Halfyearly General Meetings were agreed upon. This is the first Association in which the Heathen have engaged with Christians. The event is very remarkable. The result is with the Lord. Let us observe its progresswait patiently-and watch and pray. The following Letter of Rayappen, the Secretary, to the Rev. T. Thomason, as Secretary to the Calcutta Bible Society, announces the establishment of the Association. Rev. and Dear Sir The speedy advent of Our Lord is undoubtedly nigh at hand. The pitiful prospect of the people on this coast stimulates the heart and soul of every friend of the True Religion to benefit the said people, their fellowcreatures, by the distribution of the Holy Word, which is quick, and the power of God unto salvation, to every one that walketh in the valley of darkness. It was therefore by the gracious direction of Providence, that a Tamul Bible Association was here of November last, in the house of formed, at a Meeting held on the 5th the Reverend Missionaries of the Church Missionary Society, which was lively attended by the Natives of different religions and castes. Encouraged by the noble example which the prudent and persevering exertions of the British and Foreign Bible Society have exhibited, it was determined to promote the grand object of the Bible Cause, as amply as the Committee be enabled. While I have the pleasure, agreeably to the charge which I have received from the Committee of the Tamul Bible Association, to inform you, Reverend Sir, of the establishment of the same, and to inclose a translation of its Rules, I take the liberty to request the Auxiliary Bible Society at Calcutta to accept this Tamul Association, as attached to the same, until, by the gracious direction of God, an English Auxiliary Bible Society will be formed here in Madras. Moreover, I humbly request you, agreeably to one of the Resolutions, kindly to allow to this Association any number of Testaments or Bibles in the Native Languages, which may be required by the same, at such a price as the Subscriptions will enable them to pay; since we cannot |