IN reviewing the history of the missions of the Board during the last twelve months, we meet with frequent occasions for thanksgiving and praise. It is true, indeed, that we cannot speak of such signal displays of the divine favor as have been vouchsafed, in some previous years, to the brethren who represent us in pagan lands. Still God has not left himself without witness, in that he has given many proofs of his faithfulness and tender mercy. The churches heretofore gathered by the missionaries appear to have been confirmed, more and more, in the faith and obedience of the gospel. Not a few who were recently sitting in the darkness of heathenism, have come forth into the marvellous light of the gospel; and others, though not yet rescued from the thraldom of Satan, are advancing in the path of Christian inquiry and knowledge, and will soon, it is to be hoped, attain to the liberty of the children of God. Nor should we forget the blessings enjoyed by the missionaries in their own persons and their families. If we take into consideration their number and their exposure to disease, often in its most appalling forms, we must see that the ravages of death have been less than we had reason to apprehend. And though some have been placed in circumstances of peculiar danger, God has manifestly given their enemies commandment to do his servants no harm. Even that brother who has been most tried and persecuted, and who has been compelled to flee for his life to strange cities, is still spared for a renewal of the contest, in due time, unharmed and undismayed. Equally gratifying is it to see how fields are becoming more and more ready, on every hand, for the labors of the husbandman. In Western and Southern Africa, in Western Asia, in Hindostan, and in that mighty empire, still farther to the east, whose gates are just opening to Christian effort, we find that the God of missions is altogether in advance of his people. And the active and virulent opposition, excited among the corrupt churches in the Levant and the brahmins of India, may be regarded as one of those infallible signs which indicate that the truth is dispelling the delusions of centuries. It is an interesting inquiry, as we are about to enter upon another year of missionary effort, "What does God require of us, the recipients of his grace, and the stewards of his bounty?" The temporal prosperity which he is scattering broadcast through all our borders, is without a parallel in the history of the world. Indeed, our greatest danger is from this very quarter. But while he is giving us the ability to serve him on so large a scale, he is also showing us where we may put forth all our strength, in the most hopeful circumstances, for the benefit of our fellow men. From this remarkable coincidence, do we not learn his will? Is it not irresistibly clear that he has blessed us beyond all other nations, that we may labor beyond all other nations in diffusing the knowledge of his salvation throughout the earth? AFRICA. SOUTH AFRICA. UMLAZI-Newton Adams, M. D., Missionary; INANDA. Lindley. 1FUMI. Bryant. James C. Bryant, Missionary; Mrs. Stations not known-Lewis Grout, Silas McKin- (4 stations, 8 missionaries,-one a physician,-8 female assistant missionaries, and 2 native helpers; total, 18.) Mr. and Mrs. Bryant arrived some eighteen months ago; Mr. and Mrs. Grout early in the present year; and Mr. and Mrs. McKinney are probably within the limits of the colony. Two other missionaries, Rev. Samuel D. Marsh and Rev. David Rood, with their wives, are on their way to join the brethren already in this field. And be a thousand miles nearer than the one our brethren travelled on their way to Mosika, twelve years ago. There is no reason to fear a want of room or of people. The native population of the Natal colony is nearly a hundred thousand, and is increasing. then the great route into the vast interior of Southern Africa, is to be from Port Natal through this district. Were the Board again to occupy a field in the Zulu country, the way to it through this The operations of the Board in South-district would, for all practical purposes, ern Africa are assuming a definite and permanent character. The policy of the British colonial government is exceedingly liberal and praiseworthy. Of the five commissioners appointed to locate the aborigines, two are our brethren in the mission; and the Lieutenant Governor, in his instructions, pledges every thing to the colored people which the most enlightened philanthropy could demand. At least three locations, for communities containing each some eight or ten thousand natives, have been made; and these are already occupied by the mission. Others will doubtless be in readiness as soon as there are laborers to enter them. The people among whom we are permitted to labor, though degraded by sin, are a manly race; and the region is lovely and healthful, and bids fair to become one of the most productive and beautiful countries in the world. And when God shall give us success among the inhabitants of the Natal country, we shall have a base for more extended operations farther inland. We may take with us a tried and faithful band of native helpers, skilled in the native character, and speaking a dialect of that language which appears to be so widely (1 station; 1 missionary, 1 female assistant missionary;-total, 2) Mr. King is still involved in his great struggle for the right of preaching the gospel in "liberated Greece." The government seemed for a time to rise above its fear of the hierarchy, and BARAKA-William Walker, Missionary; Mrs. countermanded an order, issued by the Walker.-Five native helpers. OZYUNGA. (Vacant.) Absent.-John Leighton Wilson, Albert Bushnell, Missionaries; Mrs. Wilson, Mrs. Bushnell. (2 stations; 3 missionaries, 3 female assistant sionaries, and 5 native helpers ;-total, 11) King's Attorney, which required him to proceed to Syra for his trial. They even went so far as to punish his most violent enemy and persecutor. But subsequent mis-events induced the King and his cabinet to change their policy. In consequence Mr. and Mrs. Walker embarked for of a series of articles published in a Africa immediately after the last annual leading newspaper at Athens, falsely meeting, and arrived at the Gaboon in charging Mr. King with acts of the most December. Mrs. Walker had the accli-improper character, the public mind bemating fever lightly. Mr. and Mrs. Wil-came intensely excited against him; so son have since, at the recommendation that his continuance at Athens apparentof the Prudential Committee, made a ly endangered both his own life and the visit to this country. Mr. and Mrs. Bush-order and quiet of the city. The govnell are desirous of soon returning to the Gaboon. ernment thereupon advised him to leave the kingdom for a season, intimating, at the same time, that his refusal to go might be followed by an order for his expulsion. In these circumstances he retired to Switzerland; but he hopes to return to Athens at no distant day. It is hardly possible for Christians in this country to imagine the opposition and hatred which Mr. King is called to Mr. Wilson has been in Africa for twelve years. He hopes to be accompanied by a strong reinforcement on his return to the people of his adoption. The Committee are happy to say that two clerical brethren are now under appointment for this interesting and important field. The idea entertained by some that missions in West Africa are to be car-encounter. ried on chiefly by colored laborers, is not believed to be sustained by experience. White missionaries must go in great numbers, and raise up, as soon as possible, a far greater number of colored preachers and helpers on the ground The French have ceased to interrupt our labors among the Mpongwe people, and it is hoped they will not trouble us in future. The papal mission has thus far attempted very little. Only a few hopeful conversions have taken place in connection with the efforts of our own mission; still it is evident that the gospel is exerting no small influence upon the mass of the people. The congregations are full on the Sabbath. There is reason to hope, however, that good will come out of all this excitement. The attention of the people is drawn to the subject of a spiritual Christianity; and some are convinced that Mr. King is an honest and an injured man. WESTERN ASIA. ARMENIANS AND JEWS. CONSTANTINOPLE.-William Goodell, H. G. O. Mr. Wilson, before his departure, J. Van Lennep, Missionaries; Mrs. Hamlin, Mrs. BEEEK.-Cyrus Hamlin, George W. Wood, Henry made tours north and south along the Wood.-Three native helpers. coast, and also to the head of the navi- BROOSA.-Benjamin Schneider, Daniel Ladd, Misgable waters of the Gaboon. The re-sionaries; Mrs. Schneider, Mrs. Ladd.-One native sults show that there is a promising helper. field for missionary operations, which ought to be occupied without delay. SMYRNA.-Elias Riggs, Thomas P. Johnston, Nathan Benjamin, Missionaries: MIS. Riggs, Mrs. Johnston, Mrs. Benjamin.-Four native helpers. TREBIZOND.-Philander O. Powers, Edwin E. Bliss, Missionaries; Mrs. Powers, Mrs. Bliss.-Two native helpers. ERZEROOM.-Josiah Peabody, Isaac G. Bliss, Missionaries; Mrs. Peabody, Mrs. Bliss.-One native helper. ALEPPO-Azariah Smith, M. D., Missionary.One native helper. OUT-STATIONS.-Nicomedia, one native helper; Ada Bazar, one native helper; 'Aintab, one native helper. sions have visited this region, and have beheld results of divine grace which show how easy it is for the King of Zion to give the truth effect on the hearts and lives of men. The Prudential Committee are taking measures for the permanent and vigorous prosecution of missionary labors in this region, in both the Armenian and Arabic languages. Mr. Powers visited Tocat last spring; In this country.—William C. Jackson, Missionary; and he found that the Spirit had been Mrs. Jackson. (7 stations, 3 out-stations; 19 missionaries,-one a physician,-19 female assistant missionaries, 21 native helpers, 2 of them preachers ;-total, 59.) operating upon the minds of many Armenians in that city. "Hundreds," he wrote subsequently, "have begun to read, think and converse. Very conThe organization of Protestant church-siderable numbers are convinced of the es among the Armenians at Constantino- errors of their church, pay a most conple, Nicomedia, Ada Bazar and Trebi- strained submission (if any at all) to its zond, was mentioned in the annual sur-rites and ceremonies, frequent the church vey of January, 1847. The number of communicants in these churches, according to the latest information, was as follows:-at Constantinople ninety-three; at Nicomedia twenty-three; at Ada Bazar twelve; at Trebizond fifteen. Our Armenian brethren are cautious in admitting members, feeling that their strength depends on their piety, rather than their numbers. only once where they formerly did four times, resist the worldly and oppressive bodies of the priesthood, and sigh for a day of redemption." Mr. Powers thinks that six or seven individuals give good evidence of piety. It is very desirable that two missionaries be sent to this field at an early day. The Armenian Patriarch and his coadjutors are ingenious in methods for inIf the Lord continue to grant his bless- flicting evil on those who reject their ing, the time is near when there will be traditions and authority. Even at Connative pastors for these churches, and for stantinople, under the eye of the ambasother churches yet to be gathered in sadors and of the government, they are different parts of Asiatic Turkey. Two ever finding new means of annoyance. have successively been ordained over Their disregard of truth is astonishing. the church in the metropolis, the first Our native brethren continue, by persehaving died soon after his ordination. cutions based on falsehood, to be turned The seminary at Bebek, six miles up the out of their shops and their dwellingBosphorus, is an important school of houses; to lose debts which are justly due theology. Of the thirty-five pupils in to them; to choose between an abode in this institution, twelve are church mem- noisome prison-houses and the payment bers, and others are candidates for bap- of debts which they never owed. On tism. The female seminary in Pera also every conceivable false pretence, since exerts a powerful influence, intellectual, the Turks have constrained the Patriarch religious and social, upon the female sex, to regard appearances, is the law made and is scarcely less valuable than the an instrument of harassing and impoverinstitution at Bebek. The present num- ishing the evangelical Armenians, and of ber of pupils is sixteen. Religious tol- wearing out, if possible, their fortitude eration is evidently gaining ground in and patience. And in every case it is Turkey, and there is a steady progress found that these annoyances cease whentowards the final and complete recog-ever the individual yields to the demands nition, by the government, of the right of the hierarchy. of our native brethren to worship God More than five millions of pages have according to the dictates of their own been added to the evangelical literature consciences. of the Armenians. Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin have returned to the mission, and Mr. and Mrs. Bliss have been added to it. Doct. Smith has been requested to take charge of the Armenian department of labor at Aleppo and 'Aintab. Mr. and Mrs. Adger have been released from their connection with the Board. The past year has afforded striking indications of the progress of this reformation in other parts of the empire. The most remarkable instance is at Aleppo, the great centre of commerce in northern Syria, and at 'Aintab, about seventyfive miles north of Aleppo. Brethren from both the Syrian and Armenian mis The Scotch Free Church have made such additions to their force among the | the hour of deliverance arrives. Such Jews of Constantinople, that the Pruden- an apparently abortive attempt there was tial Committee look now to Salonica as the field for the contemplated Jewish mission of this Board, hoping to occupy it without delay, and soon to have a strong mission there. Mr. Schauffler, however, will remain at the metropolis; where he will find no hinderance to his operations, which are alike important to all laborers among the Spanish Jews. In this country-John F. Lanneau, Simeon H. Calhoun, Thomas Laurie, Missionaries; Mrs. Lanneau. (2 stations, and 5 out-stations; 8 missionaries,-one a physician,-1 physician, I printer, 8 female assistant missionaries, and 5 native helpers ;-total, 23.) It is a settled principle in Mohammedan law, that a Druse is an "infidel," so far as Islamism is concerned, and, therefore, is not liable to a legal prosecution should he become a Christian. This is important; for the same rule must of course extend to the more numerous sect of the Nusairiyeh, dwelling in the northern regions of Lebanon. in a village adjacent to one of the stations, during the year; and we shall probably hear more of it, as we have done of the now well known movement at Hasbeiya. The Hasbeiya Protestants lately sent a petition by one of their number to the Porte, to be protected in their religion, and they have received a favorable answer. It remains to be seen how far the instructions of the government will be respected in so distant a province. A seminary has been opened at 'Abeih, on Mount Lebanon, to be under the special superintendence of Mr. Calhoun, who is now on a visit to this country. There are eighteen common schools besides, containing more than five hundred pupils. These schools, with few exceptions, are all preaching stations. The press has sent forth about four hundred thousand Arabic pages; and the mission is about commencing a new translation of the Scriptures in the Arabic language. The principal labor has been assigned by the mission to Mr. Smith, now returned with Mrs. Smith to Beirût. Mr. and Mrs. Lanneau and Mr. Laurie are still in this country on a visit. Mr. and Mrs. Benton are already in Syria; and two or three clerical missionaries are hoping to enter that field very soon. is expected that new stations will be formed farther north. It The missionaries have been greatly cheered by the addition of ten individuThere is manifest progress in Syria. als to the church during the past year. Evangelical principles are spreading One of these is a son of the late Gregory with increasing rapidity among the more Wortabet; he was a pupil in the first intelligent class of young men at Beirût, seminary. Of the others, three are from at present the chief city in Syria. More Hasbeiya, two are teachers of schools, than fifty young men in a single church and one is a young man from Jaffa. As have there refused, it is said, to confess no person had received baptism from the for more than a year, and regard them-mission for several years, these accesselves as having finally renounced its sions have imparted much joy, not only authority. Indications of a similar spirit to our brethren, but to their native asare seen elsewhere. But though a spirit of inquiry is abroad in Lebanon which no human device can put down, we must expect to see many abortive attempts to throw off the yoke of superstition and error which has so long burdened the land. The strength necessary for success cannot be acquired in a month or a year. But not a single movement of the inquiring mind in different parts of the mountains, though unsuccessful for a time, will be in vain. Every effort will secure additional strength for succeeding efforts; and these will become more frequent and resistless, till sistants. NESTORIANS. OROOMIAH-William R. Stocking, Austin H. Wright, M. D., Joseph G. Cochran, Missionaries; Mrs. Stocking, Mrs. Wright, Mrs. Cochran, Miss Fifour of them being preachers. delia Fisk, Miss Mary S. Rice.-Eight native helpers, SEIR.-Justin Perkins, D. D., David T. Stoddard, Missionaries; Mrs. Perkins, Mrs. Stoddard.-Four native helpers, two of them being preachers. In this country.-Edward Breath, Printer. (2 stations; 5 missionaries,-one a physician,-1 printer, 7 female assistant missionaries, 6 native preachers, and 6 other native helpers ;-total, 25.) The fruits of the revival of religion enjoyed in the province of Oroomiah in |