ready to favour any wise attempt of Christian Friends to save their Nation from the two great dangers in which it might easily fall, if either of the other two parties should become the oracle of the people. In this body may also be reckoned a few men, more or less attached to one of the two former classes: but whose minds are open to new impressions; and who, if properly treated, will be ready to support any enterprise directed to enlighten Greece. Lastly, a virtue of all classes, except perhaps the ignorant leaders of the first, is a general, almost painful, feeling of backwardness in science and morals; and, therefore, a desire to learn, and a feeling that a change is necessary for them. This happy inclination of the Greeks renders their country the most promising field for Christian Exertions; and must awaken in the servants of Christ peculiar interest for this Nation, newly arising, like the phoenix, out of its ashes. Deficiency of the Means of Knowledge. The friendly assistance of the three Allies will soon accomplish the political regeneration of Greece; but, for its moral and spiritual renovation, it wants as much the assistance of its richly-endowed Christian Friends of Europe: as I know many of these want only to know how they can render the most effectual aid, I shall endeavour to point out this way. But, to shew them the way to help Greece forward toward a spiritual regeneration, it must first be considered what means Greece possesses, and what she wants. There are, in Greece, for all the Islands, still some Elementary Schools, kept by old priests, in which reading, writing, and arithmetic are taught; but all this in a very imperfect manner, and still only accessible to a few individuals. If parents desire to give their children a better education, they are compelled to take private teachers at a high rate; and, after all, their children learn comparatively little. I have it from the mouth of one of the very best teachers, that he himself instructed for a long time, before he went into foreign countries, without understanding what he taught; and this is generally the case, with the exception of the former schools in Haivali, Athens, &c. The consequence is, that the children learn also without understanding: you will be, perhaps, astonished to hear children read Greek, French, Italian, and even German; but, ask them, and you will find that they only read their lessons, which they know by heart like a parrot, and are ignorant of what a verb or noun means. Still, Greece possesses men, who only want means, in order to change quickly the face of things: many Young Men have been sent, during the Revolution, to Europe, to gather knowledge of every kind; who have already tried to translate some few Elementary Works for the use of the Schools in this country, but who, with all their desire to help, have been of little use, because of their want of means, and through the difficulty of their political situation. I have till now been occupied in investigating what books really exist; but with very little success, for generally none have books: if a work has been printed, it has been given up with a first edition, and thus copies are seldom to be found. Importance of Scriptural Education to Greece. A friend of the Gospel in Greece must be a supporter of general knowledge; for sound scientific knowledge cannot but promote the Gospel. In this, it will be easy to unite all parties, if his steady endeavour be to connect religion and science in a proper way, so that the Superstitious cannot say that religion is neglected, nor the Infidels that inquiry is neglected: and the third party will support them with all their influence; for if these are not yet happy enough to know Christ, still they highly esteem His Word. These Greeks had already established a Philanthropic Society; the object of which was, at first, relief of the poor, but has since changed to the establishment of Schools. I found it in this state; and my endeavour has been to recommend to them some regulations in harmony with the present object, in order to extend its influence and increase its means in Greece; and, at the same time, to give it such a form, as will procure to it, I hope, the confidence and the co-operation of all friends of Greece in Europe: for this reason I proposed it as a fundamental law of the Society, that the Holy Scriptures shall be introduced into all its Schools. This has hitherto gained the approbation of all to whom I have stated it. It would be cruel and unwise, to expose the nakedness and absurdity of the Superstition which pervades the mass of the Nation, and is the only bridle to govern men who are still filled with the : vices of slaves; and thus, perhaps, become the cause of still more bloody commotions: for without commotions, a reformation could not for the present be attempted, because of the attachment of the people to their superstitions, which they consider as the only signs of Christianity. My principle is-Give good things, before you take away those which are bad a child will never give up his tinsel, before you make him understand the value of real gold. Schools, in which the Scriptures are read, must first give the Greeks a general taste of real Christianity, before we can attempt to give them just views of what they think to be Christianity; and can we but obtain a general introduction of the Holy Word into all their Schools, the inherent power of it will, I am confident, soon give, with the blessing of God, the ascendancy to true Christianity, in the hands of such an inquiring and mentally-endowed people as the Greeks are. I feel my mind peculiarly directed toward this sphere of usefulness; as I seem, by the providence of God, through the weakness of my lungs, which obliges me to avoid too much exercise of them, and also by other circumstances, called to this labour: and as this course will bring me into the way of conversing with people on the necessity of salvation through Christ, I hope the Committee will approve the design. Objects of more immediate Utility to Greece. The following objects recommend themselves to the co-operation of Christians in England 1. The establishment of Schools of Mutual Instruction-2. The Preparation of Schoolmasters-3. The placing of the common Schools on a better footing-4. The support of Orphan Institutions-5. The providing for Young Men of talent and piety the means of obtain ing a good education-6. The establishment, for this end, of an Academy in Greece-7. The formation of a Library, to consist of the best works on all branches of knowledge-8. The transla. tion of such works as are best suited for the present and future wants of Greece. If our friends would, out of their abundance, help this design with books, much might be done in a very easy way. All seems prepared for such a state: German, Italian, French, and English are at least known by the instructed Greeks, and these might easily be emApril, 1829. ployed for purposes of translation. What must, above all, recommend this plan to the Christians of England, who seem, by the peculiar grace of God, to be the blessed instruments to support and spread the light of the Gospel, is, that when they have enabled us, by the means which they may put into our hands, to obtain some influence, we might procure the better sort of Theological Works to be translated; and we might thus, perhaps, be enabled to anticipate the perni. cious books, which will find their way, sooner or later, into Greece, and will corrupt the Nation, if we do not in the mean time give them a taste for better knowledge. Greece might, in this way, reap now the fruits of the labours of their ancestors; and be recompensed for the benefits bestowed by them on other Nations. The Prince of Darkness has very active agents. Translations of the Works of Voltaire and other Infidel Writers have already been made in Greece; and even petitions have been sent to the Government to cause them to be printed. I must here, by the way, mention a fact, which may well encourage the friends of Missions in Greece. The petition for the Works of Voltaire was brought to a man, who seems, with his whole family, through the reading of the New Testament, together with conversations with Mr. Hartley, to be really converted to God; and I rejoice to think, that this now very poor man, who knows not from whence to procure bread for the morrow for his family, though once among the richest in Haivali, declined to write the petition, and thus lost two dollars, besides incurring the ridicule of his friends but he suffered all this willingly, because he knew that even to write the petition would make him an accomplice to the spiritual ruin of his nation. I was much touched, knowing his wants, at this tenderness of conscience, and have a strong conviction that the Lord will bless this man. In this open and bold way the cause of Infidelity proceeds; so as even to apply to the Government for assistance to print books, when even for common Schools others find not yet time to do any thing. Let us never forget, that the evil is quick and constantly upon our heels: if we do not take care, it will find time to establish even strong-holds in Greece: let us, therefore, meet it with activity and wisdom. Z Many infidel notions exist among those Greeks who have studied in Europe,and those who are in connection with them; but, so far I can observe, among them all there are few or none who have really employed their time in studying infidel books: the Greeks have, in general, a character of levity; and seem to employ their time in the Academies of Europe, not as they ought, knowing the wants of their country: there are few really instructed. Infidelity seems, therefore, not yet to have taken hold: this I find important, as we have the more hope for our exertions; for if we are enabled now to direct the minds of the people, who seek eagerly every thing which is called learning, without knowing whether it be or be not poison, we shall put a great stop to the evil. This, I judge, may best be done, by directing the mind to better things; and, with that view, translating for them the best works which our age possesses-putting these in circulation-and supplying Public Libraries in the different towns with such books. This is no doubt a great undertaking; but if we can accomplish it, we shall have built a strong column for the temple of God. Motives and Hopes in labouring in Greece. The welfare of Greece must depend, under God, on good Education: all the better-educated among them feel this deeply, and rejoice in the prospect of its accomplishment. They abhor as much the evils done by some of their nation, as the self-interested merchants of Smyrna can do; and powerful measures have already been taken to put a stop to them. We have much to hope for, and from, Greece: were it but once to become the receptacle of Vital Christianity, the East would soon arise, and bring about the extinction of Islamism. Though we ought to shew kindness to the children of our benefactors, I, as a servant of the Lord and speaking to Christians, shall not need to appeal to former times and to benefits obtained: I will only direct your mind to the importance of Greece through its political situation, for the cause of the Kingdom of Christ. It lies between Rome and Turkey, in the very heart of the two Antichrists. Should we be enabled to kindle here a clear light, placed on a candlestick and not under a bushel, the nakedness and shame of the Apostate Church would be more exposed, and we Oh should have opportunity of attacking the very hearts of these great enemies to God: we should, in fact, have built a castle in the camp itself of the enemy. Besides, what if we could gain the Grecian Nation over to Christ-to Christ, who leaves ninety and nine sheep in order to seek only one! And we may here find thousands and thousands. let our Christian Brethren look into their hearts, and remember that Christ died for them; and they will be ashamed to have done so little for the Lamb of God who was sacrificed for them: and though I hear with sorrow, that the Missionary Work in England has found less support this year than in former, I venture still to call our Brethren to new Exertions and if they will only keep Gethsemane and Calvary in sight, whither they will willingly suffer me to guide them, I am sure to find open hearts, who will even rejoice to find a new occasion to shew that they know God loved them when they were His enemies! PROCEEDINGS OF REV. JOHN HARTLEY. His beneficial Intercourse with Greeks. To the instances of such intercourse, adduced at pp. 155-157 of our last Volume, we add the following. At my Second Public Lecture in the Church of the Panagia, upward of one hundred persons were present, many of them Members of the Legislative Body: I spoke for an hour and a quarter on the evidence of Christianity, dedu. cible from the testimony of the Apostles to the miracles of Christ. In the evening, the Prior of a large Monastery in the Island of Naxos called upon me: he expressed his wish, that, when I have finished my Course of Lectures in Egina, I would accompany him to Naxos, to deliver similar Lectures there he says, there are no less than Seventy Infidel Families at Naxos. Not - In addition to my former acquaintance, I have now the pleasure of seeing A. O. seriously inquiring into the truth of the Gospel he professes to have been a Sceptic, till he heard my First Lecture in the Church of the Panagia. having seen him for some days, I began to fear that his good impressions had been effaced; but have been delighted, in calling upon him to-day, to find him attentively studying the New Testament, and receiving from him such an account of his views and feelings as leads me to hope that he is truly awakened. He said, that, for seven years, he had utterly disbelieved the Gospel; having considered it a fabrication, like the religion of Mahomet: the consequence was, that he found himself exceedingly miserable, having nothing to console him on earth, and looking for nothing but annihilation at death: but, from the first time he had heard me converse on religion, he had been powerfully affected; and, in consequence of what he had learned, he was now fully convinced of the Divine Authority of the New Testament. He found also release in the Gospel, from that distress in which he was before involved; since he found it pronouncing blessings on those who mourn and on those who are poor in spirit. expressed deep conviction of sin; especially in having cast off the faith of Christ for seven years: but he found consolation in the declaration, that Christ came to save sinners. Another proof of the spiritual bent of his mind is, that, formerly, he could find no pleasure except in Coffee Houses and in company : he now avoids such methods of spending his time, and finds his greatest happiness in the study of the Scriptures. 6 He -"I entreat that my delay in writing to you may not be imputed to neglect or indifference. You know the circumstances which at present assail us; but the will of the Lord be done. Sir, how happy we are, when we submit ourselves in every circumstance to His Divine Will; being certified that He governs the world for our advantage! Then, repinings, discontent, sorrowings, and all else cease: a peace which passeth all understanding takes possession of the mind: then we say with pleasure, As the Lord willed, so it happened! Blessed be the name of the Lord!' Temptations and distresses become tutors useful to the soul. Oh how merciful is He, and ready to receive returning sinners! He sent His only-begotten Son, and spilt His immaculate blood, to cleanse me from the infinite impurity of my sins. But how deceitful and fickle is my heart! How often the enemy severely injures it with a fatal dart, and opens a painful wound! But the all-good and all-powerful Physician is ready, not only to heal us, but also to protect us for the future, when we resort to Him in sincerity. Sir, when I examine myself, I find myself so corrupt, that, if Divine Grace assist me not, I certainly am lost; but I trust in the promises of our most kind Saviour, that His strength will be made perfect in this my weakness; and I hope, that as it has been his pleasure that my mind should be enlightened, and that I should be delivered from superstition and prejudice, He will not leave me to be lost at the last." [Letter from a Greek. Useful Labours of John Baptist, one of the Converted Jews. Mr. Hartley writes from Smyrna, early in January, that John Baptist, from Constantinople, had been with him for a few weeks; and thus speaks of his active and useful labours He has great zeal for the conversion of his countrymen and of others, and has already been rendered useful to several persons. There are from eight to twelve Jews at Constantinople, who thirst for an opportunity of being baptized. To one of them, in particular, I wish to direct your attention: he is a young man, 18 years old, of a very rich family, and related by marriage to a late distinguished Jew at Constantinople: after John Baptist's release from prison, he came to visit him, in order to hold controversies with him; the issue has been, that he has become a believer in Jesus Christ, and is exceedingly eager to be baptized: he professes himself willing to lose all the wealth of his family, and to part with father, mother, and friends, for the sake of Jesus Christ: nay, what is most extraordinary, undeterred by the sufferings from which our two young friends have so recently escaped, he expresses a willingness to prove all the horrors of the prison, and of death itself, if God should call him to that trial. John Baptist has also been the means of bringing two Turks to an acknowledgment of the truth as it is in Jesus. One of them is a man of some consequence: having heard of the cause for which our friends were imprisoned, he sent for John Baptist, and laboured to convince him of the truth of the Mussulman Religion: day after day the controversy was renewed: the common Mahomedan arguments, of the corruption of the Sacred Writings by the Christians, were examined and exploded; and, after some time, John Baptist procured for his antagonist the Arabic Scriptures, both of the Old and New Testaments: he read them with much attention nay, appeared to abandon every other occupation: finally, he expressed himself, both to John Baptist and an Armenian Friend, fully persuaded of the truth of Christianity and of the necessity of baptism: soon afterwards, he was compelled to accompany one of the Pachas to the Russian War, in character of Secretary. After our friend's release from prison, another Turk sent for him, to converse on the subject of religion: this individual adhered obstinately to the creed of his nation; but one of his officers became convinced of the truth, and secretly confessed his faith to John Baptist. Benefit has also been conferred on several Armenians by means of our friend's conversations. Not a few persons of this communion appear to be opening their eyes to the corruptions which have so long disfigured their Church. Here, at Smyrna, I have become acquainted with an interesting character, who is one of the chief Masters of the Armenian School: he rejects all doctrines not founded on the Scriptures; and is now on the point of introducing the reading of the New Testament into the School: he assures me that the Armenians have no law which authorises the use of pictures in Churches; and that the practice is merely a custom, which has gained ground without any authority. John Baptist has been treated with much kindness by the Armenians, nor am I aware that they have exacted from him any observance inconsistent with a good conscience: he partook daily of the table of the Arme nian Bishop, and has also been furnished by him with lodgings. I feel myself much interested for the Armenian Church; and, as I am gradually laying hold of the Turkish Language, I hope daily to be better acquainted with them. Intended Journey by Mr. Hartley. Mr. Hartley writes, in the same Letter It is my wish, should Providence favour the design, to set out on a considerable Journey in Asia Minor, as soon as the season for travelling shall arrive, and I hope to direct much inquiry into the state of the Armenians. I have many very interesting objects in view in this journey; and, should it please God to bless my endeavours, I indulge the hope that it may be rendered useful: the route which I have proposed is-Kutareh, Angouri, and Tokat. In this tour I purpose visiting the grave of Martyn, and making inquiries into the circumstances of his death. Should the war not prevent, I hope to proceed from thence into Armenia, and to spend some time there. May I beg the prayers of my dear friends and brethren, in behalf of this journey. I hope to be accompanied by Mr. Hadja Dur, an Armenian Gentleman, who knew Martyn; and I think also of taking John Baptist along with me. Silent Progress of the Truth. I am more than ever convinced of the importance of cultivating the friendship of the Christians of the East, and it is with this disposition that I appear among them. It is also to me a ground of peculiar gratitude, that, almost every. where, I find the Christians of these countries regard us as their friends; and I think that if a kind and conciliatory line of conduct be always adopted by Protestant Missionaries, there will, in the end, be most happy results. Ob stacles, indeed, there are, in the Turkish Empire, of a gigantic description: but, should the truth continue to impart its leaven silently but effectually for many years, it will at last triumph over all. The instance of the two Turks above mentioned are not the only evidence which might be brought forward to prove that the religion of the Korân is not invincible, even in its strongest fortress. Mr. Hadja Dur, the Armenian, informs me that his Turkish Master weeps over the New Testament, and not a few Turks have shewn eagerness to become possessed of the Sacred Volume. |