sand are Chinese.

Aug. 2, 1834. Arrived here on the 24th ult. In consequence of an unexpected delay of nearly three weeks in China, at Lintin and Macao, and a long passage of forty-seven days, I failed of meeting brothers Robinson and Johnson, who had sailed for Siam two or three weeks before. Found kind obliging friends in J. H. Moor and J. Balistier, Esqs., with the former of whom I took up my lodgings for a few days. For the purpose of acquiring the language more speedily, I soon resolved to obtain a residence in a Chinese family; but hitherto my efforts have been unsuccessful. During the delay which my circumstances caused, I often looked at the field of labor to which the Lord, my master, has called me, with mingled feelings of desire and fear. It is a wide and vastly important sphere, and affords an opportunity of doing much for the salvation of all the nations in this quarter of the world. But on the other hand, what am I, that I should dare to hope to exert any considerable influence upon them?

This evening I succeeded in commencing my work. I took a parcel of tracts and of the gospel of Luke, and went with my teacher, who understands English and acts as interpreter for me, and began to distribute them in the first Chinese shops I came to. Many had seen the tracts, but few the gospel. Both were received with gladness by almost every man to whom they were of fered. It was not indeed, judging from their actions and countenances, and the few words I could understand of their language, that deep and serious gladness with which the devoted Christian receives the bread of life; but more like the joy of children at the reception of gifs that they like. We soon disposed of our whole bundle among such persons. They seemed glad that another missionary had come to distribute books and live among them. Only one individual, an aged man, manifested dislike. I called him friend and wished him good bye immediately.

3. Sabbath. Went with my teacher to a remote part of the town early in the morning and distributed another bundle of books. Met with the same welcome reception as last evening.

At church was pleased to see a Malay and his family of little children seated with the worshippers of God, thus early teaching them to act as Christians, In

VOL. XXXI.

request, and I inquired into his history and designs. He was educated at Malacca, in the Anglo-Chinese College; speaks better English than any other Chinese I have ever seen; and has considerable knowledge of the gospel, and of various countries which he has visited. He might be very useful, if his heart were filled with love to God and man. I urged him to resolve to-day on making the salvation of his own soul and doing good to his countrymen, the object of his life. He had spent most of the day in reading Leang Afa's account of his conversion and subsequent life, by which he seemed to be affected in some degree; and he appeared to feel the solemn import of the resolutions which I urged upon him to form.

5. Despatched four boxes of "Scripture Lessons," lately received from China to Siam. It not being convenient for me to go on board the junk that carries them, I sent a few books by my teacher, who, on returning, said the people on board received them most gladly, and almost quarrelled for the right of possession. They wish for more, and urge that I come on board early in the morning, as they sail tomorrow.

In the afternoon went among the Chinese shops with books. They were received with more apparent pleasure and approbation than where I had called before. Many have read some christian books; and such, I believe, are generally more desirous of them than those who have seen none. Many are unable to read, though a large majority can. But though they receive the books with pleasure, and some come to us and ask for them; yet there is a levity in their manner that it is painful to witness. They do not feel that it is for the soul— for eternity. I could but pray earnestly, as I gave these precious volumes to one and another, that they may learn from them truths that shall put an end to their supreme devotion to this world, and make them live for heaven.

To-day a Chinese sent by my teacher for a set of Leang Afa's tracts.

6. Rain in the morning prevented my going out. Removed to my new abode, I shall now be among the Chinese all day; shall eat with them in their style; and hope thus to make more rapid progress in learning, not only their language, but also their manners, habits of thinking and feeling, and their whole character. The sacrifice of feeling and comfort may be something; but not much in comparison with his who became the 24

"friend of publicans and sinners" for the sake of doing them good. My evenings and nights I shall spend in a more healthy and pleasant situation.

left books in the morning, saw one man at least reading a book I gave him.

14. A Chinese living near me, with whom I conversed yesterday, called, and among other things, said he had been thinking all day of what we talked ofthe folly of worshipping idols. He says he saw others do it, and therefore he did

the way of embracing our doctrines: they require honesty and truth, but if a man does not cheat and lie he cannot get a living! Sad indeed, thought I as I left him, if all have become so corrupt, that no one can take the lead in becoming better without starving in consequence of it.

12. Went early to the book depository to procure books for distribution, and took occasion to ascertain what books it contained; found and counted about thirty different works. Some of these are indeed only sheet tracts, but others consist of two or three volumes. Add to these the entire Bible, and many other books published by Dr. Morrison, Mr. Medhurst, Mr. Gutzlaff, and others, it would seem that books enough have been written, if they were but read and obeyed, to fill all China with light and holiness. After spending the day with my teacher, went out at evening to distribute books. Well received as usual. In one case met individuals who seemed not to care for any of these things; found that I could make a few sentences of Chinese intelligible to those I met, and could thus begin to convey religious instruction to them viva voce.

13. Distributed a few books, morning and evening, my teacher unable to go with me. At evening had walked but a short distance, when, stopping at the door of a Chinese, they came from other shops and houses, and surrounded me, eager for books. I gave them three or four, and pressed forward a few rods and stopped at another house, where they became more numerous than before, and almost wrenched the books from my, hands; I soon disposed of the few I had, and left them. As I passed where I had

languages, and reading in a voice as loud as they could well raise. They were not the most agreeable children that I ever saw, nor are they dressed in the best way; one of them had not a rag of cloth upon the body. How little, thought I as I left the room, do those females who sit in quiet around their own pleasant fire-sides, and enjoy the sweet intercourse of a christian family, and christian and refined society, know what self-denial is practised by some of their sex for the sake of doing good! Here among these noisy, ignorant, half naked children, a lady accustomed to the enjoyment of civilized society, and able still to enjoy them, if she preferred her own interest to those of Christ's kingdom, spends her days. Miss W. has been here but a short time, and has still to contend with the peculiar difficulties which attend the commencement of schools, especially for girls, among the heathen. But she is not discouraged and seems happy in her work.

19. A great festival among the Chinese, on which they burn paper cloth to the deceased friends, and present them offerings of a great variety of articles of food, etc. They end the day with feasting and drunkenness: for as one of them told me to-day, "they must get drunk once a year."-I walked out three times to see what was passing, each time taking a parcel of books under my arm. I offered them only to two individuals, choosing rather that they should ask for them, if they wished to read them. I had about thirty applicants-some per

sons saw me giving them to others who had stopped me to ask for them, others who came running after me to obtain them, as I walked along the street. Thus the good seed is daily sown, and daily, though feeble, testimony is given to the truth, and idolatry is denounced as useless and wrong. They at least perceive that I disapprove of it, and would have them worship the God that made them. But words are powerless, even Scripture words, without the Holy Spirit's enlightening influence. For this I pray, and pray that I and all that know how to pray, may pray more fervently and with stronger faith.

20. Was grieved exceedingly to-day at learning that my teacher who has enjoyed many advantages for improvement in knowledge and religion, has been led a willing captive in the way of vice and ruin. Oh for the Spirit to sanctify the hearts of these wretched, wicked men.

21. Distributed books in those parts of Singapore which had not been previously visited. Nothing peculiar in their reception. I have now shown myself as a distributor of sacred books in all parts of the settlement, and probably it is pretty generally known that such books may be had at any time by applying to me. If any are anxious to learn the way of salvation, they will probably come to inquire respecting it.

24. Preached again in the chapel. At three, P. M., went to my Chinese room to seek opportunities to declare the glad news of salvation, and had the satisfaction of speaking with two or three who said they had never heard of the Savior, and telling them something of his love to us inducing him to suffer for us. Gave them a few books.

this my first opportunity to teach a heathen, who seemed desirous of learning, the truth as it is in Jesus. But I felt and still feel conscious that I am not only unworthy, but unfit and unprepared, to guide souls to the Savior. I want faith to wrestle with God in prayer for them; I want wisdom to guide me in directing their thoughts in the way best adapted to bring them speedily to a knowledge of salvation by the cross of Christ.

er.

Being prevented from going out to distribute books by their calling, I sat down to converse a little with my teachHe knows his sinfulness and danger; but is like many in christian countries, in the bondage of sin; thinking he desires deliverance, but ignorant of the way to obtain it. I urged immediate surrender of himself to Christ, for life or death; but encouraged confident trust of pardon and salvation.

31. Preached again on the example of Christ in doing good; had considerable freedom and pleasure. Went to my house at four, P. M., earnestly wishing to speak with these poor heathen respecting their souls, the Savior, and heaven. But none came, although several promised to do so. Talking with my teacher and boy. The latter refused to burn incense to-day, when desired by his father to do it. On my asking the reason of his refusal, he said he used to do it, but now he has heard a little from me about God, and thinks it very improper. But he has, I fear, no seriousness-no conviction of sin. My heart sinks within me-it aches, when I remember how long books have been distributed here by missionaries, and see no good effects resulting from what they have done. Perhaps, however, there may be some good in the general impression made on the minds of the people respecting Christianity; but no souls have been converted, so far as I know; no, not one. They are all going on in the way of death: and where-howshall I apply my hand to stay their fatal progress? At Malacca, also, where able men, and fluent speakers of the language have labored nearly twenty years, scarce two or three have been converted. One thing is wanting in this mission: it is the

experienced in American revivals. Ol may Christians plead for this in behalf of China-great, but perishing China. I am sometimes half resolved to give up every other employment and give myself to fasting and prayer to God for this gift till I obtain it.

[To be continued.]

Worship of Deceased Men. February 21, 1833. At Kooldhurrun. Having observed in a temple not far from us, an image, in a human form and in the attire of a man, with a face of brass, we inquired of a brahmin what god it was designed to represent. He said that the disciple of a distinguished gooroo (religious teacher), who lived many years ago in that village, caused an image of him to be made after his decease to cherish a lively remembrance of his appearance and a veneration for his doctrines; and that this image gradually became an object of worship; the people believing that the man it represented had been exalted among the gods. Thus a man, who was a deceiver while he lived, has been deified since his death. This image has become an idol, and is now the principal object of worship in this village.

The proneness of the Hindoos to idolatry would appear incredible to people who have always lived in christian countries, and whose views of the attributes of God and the nature of religious worship have been formed from the Scriptures. A striking instance of this superstition came within my observation a few weeks ago. While on my way from Bombay to Ahmednuggur I stopped one day to rest a few hours in the village of Seroor; and while there I went into the burying-ground belonging to the cantonment near that place. I remembered having heard it mentioned two or three years before, that natives were in the habit of worshipping at the tomb of a British officer buried there. On approaching the monument erected where he was buried, I observed several of the usual emblems of idolatrous worship, as flowers apparently fresh and just placed there, vessels for burning incense, etc. I inquired of some persons standing near, why these things were placed there; and they replied that the flowers were the offerings of some who had been there to worship, and that the vessels were for burning incense. On further inquiry I was told that a number of people came there every day for this purpose. A man who was employed in erecting a monument over a grave near, and who appeared to be well acquainted with the place, having erected most of the monuments for many years past, said he had often seen fifteen or twenty persons assembled there for worship at once; and sometimes a hundred came there for this purpose in the course of a day. He zealously defended the prac

tice, saying, that the people fully believed that colonel W. had been exalted among the gods; and he urged as evidence of this, that those who came and worshipped here succeeded as well in their business, and as often realized the fulfilment of their vows, as those who of the temples around. I told him I had worshipped and made their vows at any no doubt they did, for the idols in those temples were only wood and stone, having neither life nor power; and that the gods whom their idols were intended to and that the worship of all such, as well represent were only imaginary beings; as of dead men, was not only useless and vain, but exceedingly offensive to the true God. Similar to this was probably of antiquity, as well as of those whose the origin of most of the heathen gods worship continues until the present time.

Arrived at Rosseen, a village containing two or three hundred houses. There are here three large temples, which were built by one individual, a native merchant of this village, who died a few years ago. They are built entirely of stone, and seem fitted as far as possible to resist the effects of time. They are consecrated to Sheeva. The workmanship in many parts of them is of a very superior kind, and the expense of erecting them must have been great-enough to erect several large convenient chapels in our native land. Such works show the strong influence which error and superstition exercise over the minds of men in this dark part of the world. And might we not expect yet more from men in christian lands, who have, at least, equal ability, and whose understandings are enlightened by the word of God; who cherish the hope of eternal happiness through the Redeemer, and who daily pray that the people of this, as well as of other heathen lands, may be given to him for his inheritance.

At Wangee, a village of two or three hundred houses. Near our meetingplace an assembly of fifty or sixty persons, including the most intelligent men in the village, were engaged in discussing and transacting some business of a public nature. To some who appeared to be less engaged than the rest we remarked that after their business should be finished, we should like to talk with them on religious subjects. Accordingly, having finished their business about noon, nearly all of them came to the meeting-place, and the conversation was continued, though carried on chiefly on our part, in the way of inquiry, remarks,