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Proceedings of other Societies.

FOREIGN.

MISSIONS OF THE CHURCH MISSIONARY
SOCIETY IN NORTHERN INDIA.

MR. Weitbrecht, missionary at Kishnaghur, relates the following instances of the

Degrading Influence of Idolatry.

day. How grieved I felt for these poor people, whose very religion degrades them to the beasts of the earth! And yet the Hindoo defends his wretched idolatry; and cleaves to these things with a fondness and predilection which, to a thinking mind, is inconceivable. May the Spirit of the Lord soon shake these dead bones.

Oct. 22. The festival of the goddess Kalee is celebrated to-day. I drove, with the Rev. J. T. Linke, to the village: on entering which, we were soon surrounded by people of every age, and women likewise, the sight of whom is rather rare here: they were just returning from the dance, before the image of the idol. I read to them Col. iii.: "If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above." I explained the first verses, in a simple and intelligible manner; endeavoring particularly to impress on the people the importance of the apostolic exhortation, to "seek those things which are above;" and showing, that, in their subjection to idolatry, and every kind of vice attending it, they could never obtain peace in their souls, nor find salvation in another world. For a while, they all listened with great attention. At last, an old brahmin said, "All you have now told us is good, and may be true; but you must not expect to make any impression upon us. Never shall we agree together on points of religion: we are, and will remain, Hindoos, and will keep to the faith of our fathers, in the same way as you Christians are cleaving to yours: accordingly, your preaching to us is in vain." I answered, in conclusion, "I preach to you this gospel in the name, and upon the command, of that God who created you and me, and who will not that any man should perish. You acknowledge that the doctrine I have delivered is good and true: if you reject it, it will be a witness against you before the judgment-seat of him who sent it for your good, in that awful day when every man will receive according to his work." On our return home, Mr. Linke told me, that an old man, on hear

Aug. 15th, 1833. This morning we accompanied capt. Vetch into the jungle (wood): we rode upon elephants. Three hundred prisoners, furnished with axes, hoes, and other tools commenced opening a passage through the wilds: others carried soil, to raise the ground intended for the new road. In the afternoon, we went to the market-place. My catechist, Shundor, read the history of the prodigal son; which I explained, and applied to the people. Those who could read, received tracts; and to a few, who seemed more serious than the rest, I gave the gospel of St. Luke: the people behaved very politely. | From thence we went to another part of the village. Here we found about a thousand Hindoos, of every age, assembled: they were celebrating a festival in honor of Monusa, the creator and patroness deity of snakes, and every beast creeping on its belly. Her image was carried about upon a bier, by four men: she is represented sitting on a throne, holding two poisonous serpents in her hand, their tails being wound round her neck. The noise of the besotted crowd was deafening. Fain would I have addressed them on a subject more glorious than that in which they were exulting; but there was no hearing to be expected. An old man raised the attention of the multitude by singing a muntra or charm: a chorus of singers soon joined him. In the mean while, he opened a basket, from which a snake of the most poisonous kind slowly raised its head; and, to my surprise, the animal appeared charmed by the song, so as to directing me pronounce the name of Jesus Christ, its motions according to the melody of the singers; sometimes showing its tongue, and, with a whizzing noise, darting upon its master. Another part of the idolatrous ceremony was acted by a number of boys, holding earthen pots, with flowers and leaves, upon their heads. With their eyes shut, and arms raised above the head, to support the pot, they moved round in a circle, nodding with their heads, and staggering in a manner which made me think that they had been made drunk pre-sembled, who stared at the idol, which was vious to the commencement of the ceremony. I pitied the poor creatures when they fell to the ground and wallowed in the mire: however, afterward, the people gave me to under-focating to be among the throng of people, stand, that even this beastly act constituted a part of the religious ceremonies of this festival

pushed his friend who was standing by, and went away with indignation. So hateful is the very name of Jesus to them, that the very sound of it is, to many, a signal to go away as fast as possible. It was now night. We walked through the village. Hearing a great noise, with music, we followed the sound; and came to a house, evidently belonging to a wealthy Hindoo. In the court-yard, a motley group of men, women, and children, were as

illuminated by lamps: a chorus of young people were dancing to the boisterous sound of drums: the night was moonlight. It was suf

who seemed intoxicated from dance and riot. A real synagogue of Satan is such a place:

here he literally receives offerings and worship from his devoted subjects. The Christian rejoices in the prospects of the glorious time approaching, when Jesus shall be adored by every nation, and in every tongue. A view of these heathen festivals, in the interior of Bengal, where idolatry, vice and superstition are still exhibited in their strongest features, have a strong tendency to becloud such glorious prospects, and to fill the heart with sorrow and grief. We have, indeed, need of patience; and how comforting the word, that, after having "done the will of God," we shall "receive the promise! For yet a little while and he that shall come, will come, and will not tarry." Even so, come quickly, Lord Jesus!

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animated," he replied.-"By what, and how?” "By the great God."-"Where do you learn this?" "From the Shasters." They tell you things which never were nor will be. God is not matter, that he can be distributed into different pieces of mud. And though this could be, on what authority can you say that he ever did, or will do so?" "To this," he said, "I cannot reply." The catechist being with me, then put some questions to him; on which a dispute arose about the finite spirit and the infinite Spirit; that is, the human soul and the || Creator, between whom the Hindoo does not admit a different nature. Overcome, he asked who Jesus was. The catechist replied, that he was the Son of God, and Redeemer of mankind: to which I added, that he is Attachment to Caste and Superstitious Opin-willing to be saved, from the pit of ignorance also their Redeemer, ready to save them, if

ions.

Mr. Kruckeberg, connected with the same mission, under date of January 18th, 1834, gives the following account

Had conversation with Baboo or Molwee. Speaking of his temporal affairs, he said, "When I had a situation and money, I took a wife; but now, all is gone, except the wife and children." I advised him to make Jesus Christ his friend, and pray to him: perhaps he would help him to bread again. He replied, that Jesus had long since been his friend; but that he could not call him God. I assured

him that I could from my heart call him God; and that I felt happy because I knew him to be my Redeemer and friend. He said that he would never agree with me on this point; but, if I liked we would go to the judge, and let him decide between us. I replied, that only God could settle this matter. Sitting at my table at dinner, I offered him something; but, of course, he refused to touch it. He, however, called for some water; which being brought, he took out of doors, to drink it there out of his own vessel. "What a bondage you are in," I said. "Yes," he replied: "but this is only on account of the people, who, if they see me touch any thing of yours, will betray me; and I shall lose my caste." Once he offered me a gold ring, which of course I refused to take; and at another time he wanted some money of me, which I did not give him,

for I had none.

to me.

Now he comes but seldom

March 30. Easter Sunday. Assembled as usual with my people for divine worship. I gave them the epistle of the morning to read and consider during the day. At evening service I explained it to them, with an application. Went to Chausarack, to have some conversation with the people. Stopped at a number of newly-made images, which were to serve for a festival near at hand. I told the crowd assembled about me, near a ditch, that I did not see that those images were of any use. "You see," I said, "they are but mud." "Yes," replied one, "as we also are but mud." "True," I said, "but animated by an intelligent and immortal soul." "This will also be

and sin.

CHURCH MISSION IN THE WEST INDIES.

THE missionary societies in the British islands are prosecuting their operations among the recently emancipated colored population of the West Indies and Guiana with much vigor and apparent success. The number of missionaries has been greatly increased; schools have been established, congregations and churches collected; and all the means for ex• erting a salutary christian influence seem to be used with very encouraging prospects. The Rev. Mr. Betts commenced his labors on the island of Jamaica on the first of August, 1834. Early in October he gives the following account of the

Thirst of the Negroes for Religious Instruc

tion.

I began my ministry at Knockalva on the memorable day of freedom, the first of August, by preaching in the chapel to an overflowing congregation, from John viii, 36. I think there were about 500 persons present, chiefly negroes. Numbers could not gain admittance. I have, since that time, held divine service there every Sunday but one; and, up to this time, the congregation continues to fill the chapel, which I think would be filled if it were as large again. The people are very orderly and attentive; and many show thankfulness for instruction.

I have two services on the Sabbath in the chapel; and have also commenced a Sunday school, for the benefit of those young persons, above six years, who are at work during the week. The attendance bids fair to be as large as the chapel will admit.

Every evening, about fifty of the negroes of this Pen attend our family worship; when I expound a portion of St. Matthew's gospel. We have also a day school here, which was opened on the seventh of last month. There are now fifty children on the books, chiefly

those under six years, who, by the abolition act, are free. The children of the negroes, in this part, have been left so destitute of instruction, that not one of those now in this school knew the alphabet when they first came. Indeed, the people in this neighborhood are so backward, that I believe not one in a hundred can read; but I am happy to say, that the desire to learn is increasing greatly. Several of the young men of the surrounding properties come here to receive a lesson in reading, whenever they get a little time, particularly on Friday afternoon; which they have to themselves, under the new system. I am also invited by Mr. Gordon to visit and instruct the negroes on the four properties of Mr. Malcolm; viz. Alexandria, Knockalva, Argyle Estate, and Argyle Pen. I have already visited those at Argyle Estate. I met about 100 of the negroes in the boiling-house; and catechised them from a catechism compiled by a clergyman of this diocese for the use of the negroes, and dedicated to the bishop. My visit was thankfully acknowledged by the people, in a manner that was very pleasing to me. From this brief statement, you will per ceive, that, even under present circumstances, I have as much to do as I can personally attend to. If I could obtain able school teachers, I might have two or more other schools in this populous district, within such a distance as I could visit weekly, or perhaps twice a month; but such assistants are difficult to be obtained here. I have engaged the services, as schoolmaster, of a young man of good education, recommended to me by the Rev. J. M'Intyre, of Montego Bay, who speaks of him as indicating piety.

Mr. Stearn, a catechist, writes, October 25th

Although the state of the people still continues to be very deplorable, yet, I am happy to say, there has been a gradual alteration for the better during the last six or eight months; at least so far as their outward conduct is concerned. The attendance at the public services is more regular, and, in point of numbers, is nearly trebled. The Sunday school, which had dwindled away till it eventually came to nothing, has been resumed; and nearly all the children and young people, and many of the adults, are tolerably regular in their attendance. They are far more clean in their appearance, and are giving great satisfaction to their overseer. One individual, who formerly bore a bad character upon the estate, now appears to manifest a concern for his soul, and, instead of breaking the Sabbath, as he formerly did, has become a reprover of others; and never absents himself, except by necessity, from the Sunday school, the public services on Sundays and Wednesdays.

or

SOCIETY FOR THE DIFFUSION OF USEFUL KNOWLEDGE IN CHINA.

Organization of the Society.

MEETINGS of merchants, literary gentlemen, and missionaries residing in Canton, and interested in the intellectual and moral improvement of the Chinese, have been held, by whom, after discussing the subject, a society has been formed, of which James Matheson, Esq. is president, D. W. C. Olyphant, Esq. treasurer, Rev. Messrs. Bridgman and Gutzlaff, Chinese secretaries, and Mr. J. R. Morrison, English secretary. The society has issued the following statement as preliminary to its constitution and proceedings.

The written character adopted by the Chinese has had a very remarkable influence both upon their civilization and their relations with other nations. They have formed an extensive literature, but it is barren in ideas; and in style and manner it is as peculiar as are the people themselves. While the want of variety in its sounds renders the spoken medium monotonous, the numerous strokes and variations in the characters of the written medium, give it a copiousness which is scarcely equalled by any other language in the world. But this system, so congenial to the Chinese mind, renders the acquisition of knowledge very difficult; for years are occupied in simply learning to read and write,attainments which merely pave the way for the acquisition of knowledge, but which, reipsa, constitutes the whole learning of many of the Chinese literati. By using this character, the Chinese have drawn a strong line of demarcation between themselves and all foreigners. They have virtually excluded others from being benefitted by their writings; and at the same time they have closed up the avenues for the introduction of knowledge from abroad. Moreover, national prejudice, founded in ignorance, has assigned to native works exclusively the honor of being literary productions.' But while the learned Chinese have affected to look down on the productions of foreigners as unworthy of their notice, many of their own number, and multitudes of the common people, whenever such books have been circulated within their reach, have sought for them with great avidity.

The favorable accounts of the Chinese empire, given by the Jesuits, have engendered in many the belief that the state of literature and morals in China is far superior to that of other countries. Hence, to attempt improvement here, would only serve to degrade a nation which has reached the climax of human perfection. On this misrepresentation, most absurd and mischievous theories have been built. Many scholars in the west have not hesitated to refer to the Chinese as the most civilized

people in the world; and as the great source from whence other nations must derive the true principles of science and knowledge. While we must reject such views as false, we cannot regard the Chinese as incapable of rising and vieing with the most enlightened nations of the earth. Of all the Asiatics we regard them as the most prepared for the reception of useful knowledge.

In our days, many nations have begun the race of improvement; and are now moving onward in swift career, their course being constantly made more luminous by the light of science, and more rapid by the force of truth. This has resulted from the diffusion of useful knowledge among them. But no influence of this kind has yet reached the 'central nation,' and China still stands stationary, shielding herself against the contaminating influence of barbarians. While, therefore, we must ascribe it chiefly to the apathy, the national pride, and the ignorance of the Chinese, that they have not joined other nations in the march of intellect; we are by no means prepared to excuse ourselves from the guilt of indifference and inactivity in not having placed within their reach the means of improvement, and roused their sleeping energies to inquiries after knowledge.

These remarks show, at once, the necessity of some measures being adopted, to supply what we may justly consider the existing demands of the case. And while we should duly value the knowledge which the Chinese have possessed for ages, it should be our chief endeavor, our steady aim, to supply their lack of knowledge; and by a friendly interchange of thought, produce a union of sentiment, the firmest basis of international intercourse. Though the task is arduous, the boon will be great; and great too, and in every way most safe and salutary, will be the results. Three hundred and sixty millions of immortal beings, separated from all the nations of the earth by a narrow policy, which is upheld by ignorance, now claim the attention of philanthropists. Neglected, and even given up in despair, as they have been hitherto, they will henceforth become the objects of our solicitude, and call forth our united efforts in their behalf.

As the field is so vast, comprising a population greater than that of all Europe, we, who are but on the confines of China, few in number, and limited in resources, must look to kindred spirits in the west, to co-operate with us in this arduous enterprise. We would not raise high expectations by holding out promises of great success immediately; but we are anxious to proceed with a firm and steady step, and amidst all difficulties to keep our eye constantly fixed on the glorious end. The greater the aid furnished, and the talent enlisted, the wider will be the sphere of action, and the more numerous the publications which will go forth under the auspices of the society.

We are now, then, to make the trial, whether the celestial empire, after it has de

VOL. XXXI.

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feated all efforts to bring it into an alliance with the civilized nations of the earth, will not yield to intellectual artillery, and give to knowledge the palm of victory. The end of our course is far distant; the barriers high; the ways rough; and the passes difficult; our advances, therefore, may be slow. Yet prepared for all contingencies, and aware that it is not the work of a day, we hail with delight the commencement of the undertaking, and are glad to engage in a warfare, where we are sure the victors and the vanquished will meet only to exult and rejoice together.

Objects of the Society.

The prime object of this association will be to publish such books as may enlighten the minds of the Chinese, and communicate to them the arts and sciences of the west. Such measures must be taken as will ensure a ready circulation, not solely in Canton but throughout the empire. It will be the duty of every member of this association to cooperate to this end, while those members who are conversant with the Chinese language should endeavor to furnish works for publication. There are two booksellers in this city who offer their services in sending the books to their correspondents in the principal cities of the empire, provided the books interest the general reader. A small attempt with the Chinese Magazine has answered the end; but the matter is still difficult at the commencement, though, when once fairly arranged, it promises the greatest results. Our intercourse with China has lately been extended, and will, under the auspices of a free trade, expand, until it embraces all the maritime provinces of the empire, and considers the flourishing region of the Yangtzekeang as a fair field for mercantile enterprise. There will be thus a wide door open for the dissemination of truth. The writer himself has seen his most sanguine hopes far exceeded, and can bear ample testimony to the eagerness with which foreign publications, of which an enormous number have been circulated, are hailed by the people and universally perused.

The great attention which is now directed towards China, the interest which England, the United States, Germany, and even Holland, take in the regeneration of this great nation, insure co-operation from all those countries. The correspondence proposed with kindred institutions in every quarter of the globe having met with general approbation, it now only remains to keep up that interest by unwearied efforts in this good work. It would, perhaps, also, be desirable that the society print a work or works in English, which making our fellow-laborers at home acquainted with the intellectual state of this country, might thus create a still greater interest in behalf of this nation. This subject is likewise submitted to the consideration of the committee.

35

DOMESTIC.

ANNIVERSARIES OF RELIGIOUS AND BENEVOLENT SOCIETIES.

NEW YORK.

The American Seamen's Friend Society held its annual meeting in the Chatham-street chapel, on Monday evening, May 11th, A. Van Sinderin, Esq., the president in the chair. Rev. Mr. Chickering, of Portland, led in prayer; Rev. J. Greenleaf, the secretary, read the annual report; after which resolutions were offered and addresses made by Dr. D. M. Reese, Rev. F. A. Cox, D. D., of London, Rev. Mr. Choules, Rev. Prof. Proudfit, Mr. John Wheelwright, and Rev. D. Abeel.

The Methodist Missionary Society held its annual meeting in the Methodist church in Green street, on Monday, May 11th. Addresses were delivered by Rev. Messrs. Levings, Holdich, Mervin, President Fisk, Seyes, and Mr. J. E. Hughes, a native African. At the meeting $3,300 were subscribed. Receipts for the year were $40,000; new missions established, 41; church members added, 4,000. Mr. Wilson, a colored man from Liberia, was ordained at the close of the meeting.

The American Anti-Slavery Society held its second annual meeting at the Third Free Church, on Tuesday, May 12th, Arthur Tap- || pan, Esq., the president, in the chair. The exercises were introduced with prayer by the Rev. Dr. Beman; after which Mr. Elizur Wright, the secretary, read the annual report. Resolutions were then moved and seconded by J. G. Birney, Esq., Rev. B. Stow, Rev. Mr. Kirk, and Rev. George Thompson.

The American Tract Society held its annual meeting in the Chatham-street Chapel, on Wednesday May 13th, S. V. S. Wilder, the president of the society, in the chair. The exercises were commenced with prayer, and the report was read by Rev. W. A. Hallock, the corresponding secretary. The society was favored with resolutions and addresses from Rev. David Abeel, Rev. W. S. White, Rev. Mr. Kirk, Rev. John Gridley, Governor Vroom, Rev. B. Stow, Rev. Amos Sutton; and Rev. James Hoby, and Rev. F. A. Cox, D. D., from England.

The American Home Missionary Society held its ninth annual meeting in the Chathamstreet Chapel, on Wednesday evening May 13th, Hon. Stephen Van Rensselaer, the president, in the chair. Prayer was offered, after which the annual report was read by Rev. A. Peters, D. D., the corresponding secretary, and addresses were delivered by Rev. Messrs. Hatfield, Taylor, Holmes, President Beecher, and E. W. Baldwin.

African colonization was advocated in connection with the annual meeting of the New York Colonization Society, at which President Duer, of Columbia college, presided, by whom a report was read. Addresses were delivered by Rev. Dr. Hewitt, Rev. President Fisk, and Rev. J. Breckenridge; after which the meeting was adjourned till the next evening, when addresses were also made.

The American Bible Society held its 19th anniversary in the Chatham-street Chapel on Thursday, May 14th, Hon. John Cotton Smith, the president, in the chair. Rev. Dr. Crocker opened the meeting by reading the 28th chapter of Matthew. After an address by the president, reports were read by the treasurer and secretary; and the Rev. R. C. Neale, Rev. Dr. DeWitt, Rev. Daniel Clark, Jr., Rev. Dr. F. A. Cox, Rev. Dr. Milnor, Rev. President Fisk, Rev. Amos Sutton, Rev. David Abeel, and Rev. Mr. Peck, addressed the meeting.

The General Assembly's Board of Education held a public meeting in the Brick Church, on the evening of May 12th, at which the Rev. C. Mason led in prayer, and Rev. J. Breck- The American Peace Society held its seventh enridge, the secretary, made statements rela- anniversary at the Chatham-street Chapel on tive to the Board and its operations; after Thursday, May 14th, S. V. S. Wilder presid which resolutions and addresses were offered ing. Rev. Edwin Dwight opened the meeting by Rev. R. R. Gurley, Mr. Scrymser, Mr. with prayer. William Ladd, Esq. read the Turner, Mr. Vail, Rev. C. Mason, Rev. Dr. annual report. Addresses were delivered by M'Cartee, Rev. C. Van Rensselaer, and Dr. Rev. Messrs. Norton, Patterson, and ChickerHalliday. Mr. Breckenridge also added re-ing, Dr. Cork, Mr. O. Bachelder, and Rev. L.

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