inhabitants. They were obliged to land their arms and ammunition, dismantle the ship, and submit to the closest possible surveillence. 6 At first our visitors were too numerous and constant, but after the first day strangers were kept from us, and not even allowed to come afloat ; however the shore was daily crowded with spectators, a very great majority of whom were females.” “On the fourth day I was gratified by a visit from two interpreters, one of whom was a perfect master of the Dutch language, and the other knew something of Russian ; each could speak a little English.” Their inquiries manifested considerable acquaintance with the world, and especially with its politics. Russia, France, England and Holland, were all subjects of conversation and inquiry. After their application to trade was as usual refused, every thing was returned to the ship, and she was towed out of the bay by about thirty boats. “Expressing the hope," continues the captain, that I would be allowed to leave with the interpreters some trifling remembrance, they answered that the laws of the empire were so strict, that they could not receive anything whatever.

I believe that all parties regretted the circumstances under which we were quitting each other. The shore was not only thronged with spectators, but many hundreds came by water to the neighboring shores, to gratify their curiosity by a sight of the strange vessel. We were scarcely quitted by the tow boats, when some of these persons approached very near, and at length accepted our invitation to come on board.

Our decks were soon thronged in such a manner that I was glad to see a guard boat

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pull towards us for the purpose of dispersing the crowd, by whom they were no sooner recognized than they fled in every direction ; however many quickly returned, and when we would point out a guard boat afterwards, some would merely laugh, and say that they did not care for them; while at other times they would quit, and give us to understand that they were afraid of being destroyed. In the course of that day and the following, we had not less than two thousand persons on board, all of whom were eager to barter for trifles. Among other things I had the pleasure of obtaining some little books, and other specimens of the language, and distributing among our visitors two copies of the Chinese New Testament, together with some tracts written in Chinese, which language appears to be pretty generally understood in Japan. If inclined to set any value on ideas, which can be formed concerning the hearts of men, especially of 'men so accustomed to disguise their feelings, as we are informed the Japanese are, I would say with much confidence that our dismissal was universally regretted."

Here, we have the modes of benefiting this nation suggested, which have been so successfully employed by recent missionaries in China. One is, acting against their cobweb prohibitions, where their salvation is concerned ; another, freely distributing religious books

them. A third has been mentioned, in which the missionaries fully concur, and that is to go among them, if you can with their permission, if not, without it; and to make the important experiment, whether our fears and their vetoes necessarily interfere with our duty and their eternal happiness. When a na

among them.

tion's laws are opposed to the laws and the glory of the King of kings, which must be set aside ? If our object was the extension of an earthly kingdom, it might create some doubts whether we ought to disregard the regulations of an empire; but as long as those whom we oppose are opposed to the Sovereign of heaven and earth,—to their own happiness, and the best interests of the universe, we may dismiss all apprehensions, while we look simply at the command, "Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” Besides, the policy of kings in this case is as obnoxious to the wishes of their subjects, as it is fatal to their welfare. We find that at Japan, the Loo Choo islands and China, the people are favorable to a free intercourse with other nations. Let ships then be sent forth with such artioles of traffic as may be useful to the heathen, accompanied with missionaries and physicians, who can benefit their souls and bodies, and who may go in and dwell among them,

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CHAPTER XIX.

CONCLUSION:

In conclusion the writer would ask forgiveness-if it be a fault--for having wandered so far from the route of his journeyings. His object has not been, simply that of a traveler. He was sent forth as a “messenger of the churches,” to learn the condition of the kingdoms and islands, which belong to the Savior, and which the church is commanded in the name of her Sovereign to occupy.

Whatever may be the impressions produced upon the minds of the Christian public by reading the accounts here collectedhowever difficult and discouraging the accomplishment of their duty may appear-still their obligations remain imperative,—the coinmand of their Savior unrevoked, and the condition of the vast majority of their race inexpressibly wretched. The talent of a world's salvation has been laid up in a napkin, until men have forgotten that it was ever intrusted to them. This talent they are now called upon to exercise. The slumbers of ages have been broken--the dreams of God's people dissipated, and the overpowering conviction begins to flash upon every candid mind, that