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the future make discoveries for ourselves, but we cannot, as travellers commonly do, avail ourselves of a native guide. No na tive, with whom we are acquainted, is capable of giving us precisely that information which we require. We want to ascertain the grammatical principles of the language, but with these the natives themselves are unacquainted, so far, at least, as to know nothing of system. They speak by instinct rather than by rule; and the study of their own language would be to them the most novel of all studies.

We expect another meeting of the Bible Society in a few days, when the report of the special committee will be read, and resolutions formed upon it. At this meeting, we intend to propose a new version of Genesis to be undertaken previously to that of the whole New Testament. As we feel the necessity of proceeding with diffidence, we should like to make an experiment on the Old Testament as well as on the New, before we commence a new version of both. The book of Genesis will, there is reason to believe, prove very acceptable to the natives. They are already partially acquainted with its interesting contents; and as they will meet with nothing in it to give a severe shock to their Mahummedan prejudices, they will, we hope, read it with avidity.

We continue to distribute copies of the old version of the New Testament, and of the revised version printed in Bengal, which does not differ essentially from the other, but, we confess with much less interest than formerly. Aware that the contents will be but little understood, we dare not anticipate any great benefit from their distribution; on the contrary, we are not without apprehension, that the great ambiguity, which so generally prevails, together with the erroneous sense which some passages will certainly convey, may be productive of evil. The attempt to prepare a new version has led to a more critical examination of the old one; and the result is by no means agreeable to our feelings, as Missionaries. It is indeed a painful reflection, that we are destitute of that most important auxiliary to missionary efforts, an intelligible translation of the Bible. We would gladly avail ourselves of the labours of others, and hope we have no wish to depreciate what they have done, but it is a fact, that instead of having only to raise the superstructure, we have, in a great measure, to relay the foundation. It will require years of labour before the Malays can, in reality, enjoy those facilities for becoming acquainted with the gospel which it has been long thought they enjoyed already; and we scarcely dare to hope, that we

shall live to see the completion of that most desirable work, an intelligible version of the whole Bible in Malay. Under these circumstances we cannot but regret that so much money should have been expended in multiplying copies of the old version, especially in the Arabie character, seeing they can be of little service. Among the native Christians who use the Roman character, the case is somewhat different; they have the Dutch Bible at hand, and also living teachers to give them the true sense of the scriptures. We are aware that these remarks will probably appear invidious, but conscious that they are just, we are little anxious about the light in which they may be viewed at present. The truth must sooner or later become apparent.

If this statement is correct, and that it is, few competent judges will, we think, deny, it follows, that the little success which has hitherto attended the distribution of the scriptures in Malay, can neither excite surprise, nor be considered a just ground of discouragement. The best version of the scriptures would certainly be ineffectual without a divine blessing, but we cannot reasonably expect a blessing to attend what the people do not understand. The gift of tongues is a sufficient proof, how absolutely neces sary it is, that divine truth should be conveyed in an intelligible form in order to its becoming beneficial.

On the subject of religious tracts, we have not many particulars to state. The only tract of this description which we possess at present, is that on the "Way of Salvation," of the completion of which we informed you in our last communication. This has been circulated rather extensively, not only along the coast of this island, but also on Java; and some have been seen sent to our Missionary brethren at Penang, or Prince of Wales's island. Mr. Diering states, that at Batavia it was received with great readiness, and he has written for a new supply. At Bencoolen it has not been so well received as some of our other publications, nor is this at all wonderful; it contains truths which are not relished by the unrenewed heart in any country. We intend to prepare another tract or two as soon as we can command suflicient leisure, but time must be allowed for sowing the seed, as well as for its growth after it is sown. Our means of doing good must necessarily accumulate slowly; but the close of every year sees us stand on higher ground than we occupied at its commencement. In writing and printing, patience and perseverance will insure a measure of success; but here human

effort ends. We can sow the seed, but cannot cause it to grow; we can launch the vessel, but cannot insure it a 'prosperous voyage. How needful is prayer, persevering prayer; and how difficult to abound in prayer in circumstances like ours! A Missionary ought, above all men, to be a man of prayer; but he generally breathes an atmosphere which is almost death to prayer.

We must now call your attention to another part of our Missionary work, that of preaching the gospel; and this, we are sorry to say, is precisely that part in which we meet with the least encouragement. The attendance on public worship in English is very thin, and our prayermeetings are nearly abandoned. Hitherto, the strong armed man has not only retained possession of his palace, but has, with a few exceptions, kept his goods in peace. There are but a few who seem susceptible of serious impressions; and, with respect to these few, we are con strained to allow that transient impressions are not conversion. The fetters of sin are exceedingly strong, where men form such connexions as almost exclude the possibility of their salvation. They may reform, and become much less abandoned than formerly; but to relinquish all known sin, and to aim at Christian

purity, they find too hard a task. Those who constantly attend become more enlightened; conscience in them is more awake; death and eternity excite more

alarm. Formerly, persons died here

without fear or concern; but we have lately witnessed a very different scene. An aged gentleman, who had lived a very loose life, became, in some degree, an altered man a few months before his death. He regularly attended both English and Malay preaching, but still there was one sin which he could not relinquish. In his last illness he was the subject of better regret, and of considerable alarm. "The lusts of the flesh," said he, "have ruined me." He was sensible of his danger, was desirous of religious conversation, and said, if he should recover, he would purge his house and attend every meeting, but in a few hours after he expired. Whether he was a true penitent or not, we pretend not to decide; but his case forms the first in stance of regret and alarm on a death-bed which we have seen in this place. We have better hopes of a young man who has been ill for several weeks, and who appears to be gradually approaching the gates of the grave. There seems in him some evidence of a change. His fixed attention the last few times he was able to attend public worship, shewed the in

terest he felt in what he was hearing; and the deep sense of sin which he has since expressed, united with bis earnest desires to be found in Christ, encourage us to hope that a work of grace is begun on his heart. This is all our success in English, and in the Malay department things are still worse. With the exception of one poor woman who attends regularly, and who has occasionally manifested some little concern about her soul, there is not a symptom of any thing like conversion. In the markets, and other public places, the natives seem tired of hearing us. Their curiosity is now gratified, and having no desire after salvation, they would rather we should be silent than speak to them on so uninteresting a subject.

SALATIGA, (Java.)

SINCE our last number was printed, we have received, through the medium of an esteemed correspon dent in Holland, a letter from Mr. Brückner. Our readers will know how to appreciate the spirit of humility and patient zeal with which this good man is pursuing his im portant, but unostentatious labours.

IN the month of September, I received a letter from the Bible Society of Batavia, to this effect; that I should subject my translation to the examination of one or two able men in the Javan tongue, and, after a favourable report should have been made respecting it, it should be printed at the expense of that society. The persons who are called for this work, are the interpreter to the court of justice of Samarang, and another citizen who understands the Javanese language well too. By this examination, the translation is improved; for those gentlemen make remarks on it, and if these remarks have foundation, or are real improvements, the translation must give way; and we are now busy to write ont a fair copy of the translation in order, after it is finished, to present it to the Bible Society of Batavia. This process, I own, appears rather humbling to me, but I do not care for that, if the work is but improved by it, and the spread of the gospel facilitated among this people. We are now advanced with this examination to the end of the epistle to the Romans. The Bible Society of Bencoolen had also come to a resolution,

to print, at least, a part of my translation; and had, for that purpose, ordered 500 rupees for putting in order the press there, for the same end. These resolutions I received, I think, two days after the letter, from the Batavian Bible Society. I have communicated the reasons which induced me to work together with the Batavian Bible Society, to the society of Bencoolen, and they have been received there as entirely satisfactory; thus I have been led to give no offence to either party. The Bible Society of Batavia have written for a lithographic press, in order to effect their purpose. They have proposed to me, when all should be ready, that I should come to Batavia, to have the translation printed under my own eyes; but this is a difficult point to be attended to on my part, which I have not as yet discussed with them. I should be inclined to consider all this as so many beams of light penetrating a thick dark cloud which has surrounded me hither, for which the Lord is to be praised, and which we may consider as a token for good of our future progress in our mission on this island.

Respecting the real effect of my preaching and talking to the natives, little can be said; some, even of them, seem to have receded, who seemed, when at first hear ing the gospel, to be inclined for it; but, this is a disappointment, how grievous it ever may be, for which each Missionary ought to be prepared; for when the carnal mind begins to perceive, that the love of sin, and practising all manner of injustice, will not agree with the demands of the gospel, it must feel an aversion against it; and the more it is urged upon them, the greater the enmity will be. Others seem to have become inclined for the gospel; but a Javan is little to be depended on, either as to his sayings, or to his steadiness. The almighty power of the Holy Ghost alone is able to raise the feelings of their brutal minds, to that degree which is required to perceive the excellence of the gospel. When these effectual workings shall take place in a more visible degree than hitherto on the minds of these natives, is hidden in the secret counsels of God, into which secrets no human eye can penetrate. That a time of visitation shall come for this brutish race of men also, we are sure, by the divine promises. Our business is to work and pray for it. How I am going on, I hope, will appear sufliciently clear to you from my journals. Sometimes I feel my self happy in my call, without seeing any of the long wished-for effects of the gospel.

JAMAICA.

SEVERAL letters have lately reached us from our brethren in this island, and the intelligence they communicate is, on the whole, as satisfactory, as, in the present state of the colony, could be expected.

Mr. Coultart had been induced, by a concurrence of favourable circumstances, to purchase some premises that were for sale at a place called Mount Charles, around which were many persons anxious to hear the gospel, and who have shewn their interest in the cause, by subscribing towards the purchase. At Kingston, eighty-eight persons were baptized, and added to Mr C.'s church in October last.

Mr. Philippo has at length received permission from the chief magistrate, at Spanish Town, to renew his public. labours there; and it is expected that no further impediment will occur, at the next Quarter Sessions, to the regular confirmation of his license. The premises belonging to the Society at Spanish Town are, however, in a very dilapidated state, and a considerable sum will be required to render them at all eligible for the purposes of public worship.

Mr. Phillips, at Auotta Bay, has experienced less opposition and hostility than our other friends have had to encounter; and his prospects, it will be seen from the following extract, are encouraging.

OUR attendance of every class is still good, which is rather an unusual circumstance for the whites. I have heard from respectable sources, (and I partly believe it) that there is already a surprising alteration in the morals of the people here. No place could possibly be more heathenish than this, before we came here: there was no observance of the sabbath, no worship of God at all, but rioting and drunkenness, and every evil work: one of the resident gentlemen told me, that he had been here 21 years, and had only been twice to church in all that period: it is, (besides the want of inclination) so for

midable to travel long distances in the sun in this hot climate. But I hope more positive good has been effected, than merely improving the morals of the people. This is only like clearing away the rubbish but we have been instrumental in "planting in the wilderness the cedar;" though, "not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto thy name be the glory." On the first sabbath in this month, we formed ourselves into a Christian church; our number was about forty, who had all been previously baptized by different persons, and of all, I have reason to entertain pleasing expectations. Our church is principally composed of negroes; many more would gladly have come, but I wished to wait a little longer, as I have exercised the strictest scrutiny, and the closest personal investigation. Our or

dinance was a solemn scene, many were in tears: I felt quite happy in my own mind, and quite at home in my master's work."

At Montego Bay, Mrs. Burchell was safely delivered of a son, about the end of September; but, we are sorry to add, that her health, which has always been delicate, appeared to decline from the period of her confinement, and, at the date of Mr. B.'s letter, (Oct. 11th) her situation was very critical and alarming.

Our Missionaries in Jamaica have peculiar reason to exclaim to their Christian friends in Britain, "Brethren, pray for us!"

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Contributions received by the Treasurer of the Baptist Missionary Society, from December 20, 1824, to January 20, 1825, not including Individual Subscriptions.

FOR THE MISSION.

Clipston, Collections after Sermons, by the Rev. Messrs. Hall, Page, and Franklin

by Ditto

....

.......

Cardiff, collected at the English Baptist Meeting, by Rev.T. Hopkins
Nairnshire, Society for Propagating the Gospel, by Rev. W. Barclay
Nairn, Juvenile Missionary Society,.....
Towcester, Subscriptions by Mr. Barker and Mr. Allen
Devonport, Pembroke-street, Collection and Subscriptions, by Rev.
J. Wilcox....

....

....

Huntingdonshire, Society in Aid of Missions, by W. Foster, Esq.
Monk's Kirby, Collection, by Rev. S. Sutton.....
Sutton in the Elms, Ditto, by Ditto.
Gloucester, Auxiliary Society, by Mr. G. B. Drayton
Dundee, Auxiliary Society, by Mr. Gourlay, Treasurer
Inverkeithing, Bible and Missionary Society

....

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Devizes, Collection at Rev. J. Biggs's, by Rev. S. Sutton.
Bratton, by the Rev. R. Edminson:

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Devonshire-square Auxiliary Society, (Mr. E. Smith, Treasurer)...
Edinburgh, Auxiliary Missionary Society, by George Yule, Esq...
Reading, Annual Contributions, by Rev. J. H. Hinton 97 3
Penny Subscriptions, by Mrs. Wayland... 5 0
Collection at New-street, Henley, by Rev.
S. Sutton

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Glasgow, Auxiliary Society, by James Deakin, Esq.:

Mission..

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Including the following Legacies, Donations from Societies, &c.
Collection in the Burgher Church, Lanark, by Rev. A. Harper
Monthly Prayer Meeting, Inverkep, by Rev. Mr. Law...
St. John's Parish, Glasgow, Association, by Mr. Falconer.
Kirkintulloch Missionary Society, by Mr. Baird, Jan. 5, 1824
Ditto....
·Ditto...
Dec. 23, 1824
Balmano-street, Glasgow, Association, by Mr. J. Wilson, Jun,
Glasgow Youths' Auxiliary Missionary Society, by Ditto, Ditto
Hutchinson Town Relief Congregation Auxiliary Bible and
Missionary Society, by Mr. M'Cane

.....

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Part of a Legacy of the late Mrs. Halyburton, Glasgow, by Mr.
R. Duncan

....

Greenock and Port Glasgow, West Renfrewshire Bible Society,
by Mr. R. D. Kerr

Glasgow Female Association for Oriental Translations of the
Scriptures, by Mrs. Deakin

Paisley Auxiliary Bible Society, by Mr. R. D. Symington.....
Campsie Bible and Missionary Society

Greenock Female Missionary Association, by Mr. John Kerr...
Legacy of the late Mr. Hugh Wilson, Duntochen Cotton Mills,
(Duty deducted,) by Mr. Duncan

....

Legacy of the late Mr. Gibson, Stewarton, by the Rev. Mr.
Douglas

......

Bible and Missionary Society Relief Congregation, by Rev. Mr.
Barr, Glasgow.

Hamilton Bible and Missionary Association, by Mr. Mather.........
Penny-a-Week Association, Rev. Messrs. Kidston and Brash's
Congregation, Glasgow, by Mr. Thomson..

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Samuel Pope, Esq. The late, by T. Bickham, Esq... Ditto

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Mr. Scoones, East Malling, by Rev. J. Upton............. .Ditto

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Glasgow, Female Education Society, by Mrs. Buchan, Treasurer, for

Schools at Serampore ·

.....

........

Cardiff, Female Society, for "Cardiff School," by Mrs. Hopkins.........
Dundee, Auxiliary Society, by Mr. Gourlay,.

100

15

0

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

The thanks of the Committee are presented to a Friend at Dudley, for several Volumes of the Evangelical Magazine, and other pamphlets, forwarded by the Rev. C. Hardcastle; and for similar parcels, to Mrs. Taylor of Shacklewell, and Mr. Avery, Benham.

London; Printed by J. BARFIELD, 91, Wardour-street, Soho.

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