Our labors among the seamen have been considerable. The particulars you will find in our public journal. We only remark here, that we are not left to mourn that we have labored in vain, but are called to rejoice, that the pleasure of the Lord has prospered in our hands.

Agreeably to your directions, Dr. Scudder has devoted all the time he could to the study of Theology, in which the rest of us have assisted him. The course of our other studies has been shaped by each individual, so as to prepare him for future usefulness.

For eight weeks after we left Boston our passage was very pleasant. Not a gale of wind or sea-swell, except in one instance, occurred to alarm us. Public worship in the cabin and on deck was uninterrupted. While doubling the Cape, it was different, and for seven weeks after the first Sabbath in August, we were deprived of the privilege of public worship on deck. During all this time we 13 had high winds, a rough sea, and unpleasant weather.

Of Captain Wills we have reason to speak with much gratitude. He is a Christian brother dear to us. From him we have had many favors to render our situation agreeable and our passage pleasant. We shall ever remember him with affection. The other officers have been obliging. The seamen have treated us with great respect, and listened to our instructions with much attention.

Though our passage has been longer than we hoped it would be, it has been much more pleasant than we anticipated. On the whole, our sea has been smooth-our accommodations good,-and our long passage the journey of a day. We have much reason to speak of the mercy of God, and to bless him, that he ever inclined our hearts to be missionaries to the heathen. We remain affectionately, your servants in the Lord Jesus,

MIRON WINSLOW,
HENRY WOODWARD,

PALESTINE MISSION.

LEVI SPAULDING,
JOHN SCUDDER.

SINCE our last number was published, letters have been received from Messrs. Fisk and Parsons, dated at Malta. From a letter of Mr. Fisk to the Treasurer, by the Arab, the following extract is made.

"Dear Sir,

"Malta Harbor, Jan. 7, 1820).

You will learn by a letter from brother Parsons, and by our joint letter to Dr. Worcester, both sent by the brig Frances, how the Lord has hitherto prospered us. It is not easy to tell you how much advantage we have derived from our intercourse with the missionaries here. We have been the whole time in quarantine; yet they have met us almost every day, though every visit has been attended with expense to them. We have received from them a number of books, which will be of great use to us. We have become members of the Malta Bible Society."

"Our circumstances and our prospects are, on the whole, more favorable than we anticipated."

EXPLORING TOUR AMONG THE INDIANS.

It is a source of joy with the Christian community generally, that our National Administration are so cordially disposed to promote the civilization of the Aborigines within our borders. The funds appropriated to this object by Congress are not so large, as the wants of the Indians and our resources would seem to require. It may be hoped, however, that the Legislature will hereafter greatly increase the appropriation for a purpose so noble in itself, and preferring such irresistible claims on our pity and benevolence, as well as our justice.

The Rev. Dr. Morse, late of Charlestown, (Mass.) has received from the Department of War, which embraces all Indian affairs, a commission, authorizing him to visit as many of the Indian tribes as possible, with a view to collect information, and report to the government every thing, which may have a bearing on the civilization of these tribes. That this is a most important subject no

wise politician, no philanthropist, no Christian, can hesitate to admit. It is a delightful consideration, that men of intelligence and enlarged minds are now employed in making journies and voyages of benevolence. While the Hendersons and Pinkertons of Europe are hailed as messengers of mercy to ignorant and supplicating nations, we hope our own countrymen will not be backward in the same work of compassion to the destitute and perishing. The Rev. gentleman, to whose mission we are now adverting, will be aided by the good wishes and prayers of all true friends of their country and of mankind; and, it may be hoped, that this system will be pursued, till we shall be thoroughly acquainted with the condition of all the Indians within our reach, and till their great interests for this life and the life to come shall be effectually consulted.

'The plan of Dr. Morse's first journey is, to visit the remnants of tribes in the state of New York, take the steamboat at Buffalo, stop at Erie and Detroit, pass up to the entrance of lake Superior, then down to the bottom of Green Bay, on the west side of lake Michigan, up the Fox river, and down the Ouisconsin to its junction with the Mississippi, down the Mississippi to St. Louis, and homeward through Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. The whole distance will be nearly 4000 miles, and will occupy the whole summer at least.

In the autumn a second journey is contemplated to the southwestern parts of the United States, in which all the larger tribes will be visited.

"His instructions from the government require of him to direct his attention, among other things, to the actual condition of the Indian tribes that he shall visit, as it respects their moral, religious and political character-to ascertain the ir numbers-the extent and description of country which they severally occupy, their modes of life, customs, laws, and political institutions-the character and disposition of their most influential men -the numbers, situation, and character of their schools and teachers, their plans of instruction and education-and the success that has attended the attempts already made to educate their youththe feelings of their chiefs with regard to the introduction of education and civilization among their people-the state of trade with them, &c."

REVIVAL OF RELIGION ON BOARD THE INDUS.

IN our last number we gave a brief account of a work of grace on board the vessel, in which the missionaries sailed for Ceylon last year. Soon after the number issued from the press, the vessel itself arrived at this port. All the letters from the missionaries, their journals, the letters of some of the ship's company,and the verbal statements of Capt. Wills, perfectly accord with the accounts first received, as to the facts which had transpired when these accounts were written. After reading a private journal, kept by one of the missionaries, we have a higher opinion than ever of the fidelity and earnestness, with which they discharged their duties to the seamen.

It is painful to state, that the hopes, which the missionaries and the captain were at first led to entertain with respect to all the crew, were not realized. Soon after the arrival of the vessel at Calcutta, it was found that a part were not proof against the temptations that awaited them; and that they gradually lost their seriousness.

While the missionaries staid at Calcutta, they were faithful in admonishing the whole number, those who remained stedfast and those who did not, and were heard by all with deep solemnity and with many tears. One seaman disappeared at Calcutta. The rest returned in the vessel.

On their return the case seemed to be as follows. The two mates, clerk, steward, and two seamen appeared to remain stedfast, and to have led a consistent religious life for the six months since their hopeful conversion. There were two doubtful seamen, whose external deportment was much improved. The rest appeared to have lost their interest in serious things.

Capt. Wilis fully agrees with the missionaries, that during the early part of October, there was no one, whose piety he was inclined to suspect, more than that of other new converts. All were deeply solemn, apparently penitent, humble, mild, tender-hearted, and resolved to serve God.

Passages will be published hereafter from the journals, which will illustrate the progress of the work.

It would be wrong to mention this subject, without a tribute of thanksgiving for what God has wrought in thus bringing a number, as we trust, to the knowledge of himself, by the labors of our devoted brethren.

REVIVALS OF RELIGION.

IN Boscawen, N. H. there has lately been a remarkable interposition of the divine power in renewing the hearts of sinners. In the summer of 1815 there was in that place, to use the words of the Rev. Mr. Wood, "a very refreshing shower of the divine influences." In the spring of 1819, appearances indicated that a revival had begun, and four or five obtained a hope; but the work seemed to be either silent, or to have ceased, till about the middle of September. Then it first appeared in a school, the teacher of which was very useful in promoting the. cause. From this school it extended through the parish, till it reached nearly every family.

No special events of Providence have effected this revival. During all the time the inhabitants enjoyed a remarkable season of health and tranquillity. Adopting the language of the venerable pastor above mentioned, "the work has been carried on by the Holy Spirit operating in the word, as a still, small, but powerful voice. The leading truths, which have been applied, are the fallen, lost, and ruined state of man; the holy and pure nature of the divine law; the evil of sin; the justice of God in the sinner's condemnation; the sinner without excuse, and without hope, except in the mere mercy of God in Christ Jesus..

"The church in this parish now consists of about three hundred members, of whom one hundred and thirty-six have been added as the fruit of this late work. Fifty or sixty more are considered as converts, who have not yet made a public profession.

"At present, there is but a very small number of those, who usually attend meeting on the Sabbath, who are not professors, or have a hope of themselves, or give reason for others to hope for them. The work has extended to almost every family, even into the most remote corners of the parish. All classes of people have been the subjects. But for the benefit and warning of others, it may be observed, that of all the vices which abound, intemperance forms the strongest barrier against attending to religion."

At Sherburne, N. Y. a revival commenced about the 1st of October, 1819, through the instrumentality of a surprising death. It soon after appeared in Smyrna, N. Y. and persons of all descriptions and character were the subjects of it. One hundred and seventy-five have been added to the two Congregational churches, and more are daily presenting themselves. Some have united with other Christian denominations. Homer, Smithfield, and many other towns in the vicinity have shared in this revival.

At Peterborough, N. Y. it is reckoned that one hundred and twenty have lately been the subjects of conversion. The solemn season continues, and examples of hopeful conversion are frequent.

At Plainfield, Con. a revival commenced about the 1st of Jan. last. The church at that time was reduced to about thirty members, of whom only four were males. Among the females eight or ten had observed the monthly prayer meeting, which in April, 1819, was changed into a weekly prayer meeting. In Dec, the Rev. O. Fowler began to labor in the town, and God has greatly blessed his ministrations. In some instances whole families, parents, children, and servants are, in the judgment of Christian charity, monuments of renewing grace. Persons of various ages, from fifty down to nine years of age, are subjects of the work. The little boys have a weekly prayer meeting, which is attended also by some young men. Among 1700 souls in this place, it is stated that very few had ever before called on the name of the Lord. The prayer meeting of the females has increased till it now contains forty or fifty members. The good work seems still advancing, and the greatest solemnity pervades all religious meetings.

MISSIONARY JOURNAL.

Brief notices extracted from Mr. Winslow's private journal on board the Indus which sailed from Boston June 8, 1819.

Sab. 13. The weather was too boisterous, and the missionaries too sick, to have public worship on board. A heavy swell struck the vessel, and carried away the fore-topmast, with its spars, the main top-gallant-mast and the flying gib-boom, with all their sails.

16. All the late damage repaired.

17. All our number pretty well recovered from sea-sickness. A little more life in religion appears manifest. Some pleasing signs among the sailors. Walking on deck this evening about sunset with dear H. when the weather was very fine, I found most of them collected forward around one, who was reading a tract aloud. Took this opportunity of conversing with them, and distributing some tracts. Afterwards prayed with them. They seemed attentive and interested. O may the Divine Spirit descend by his blessed influences to touch their hearts, and form them for his service. We all do long and sometimes hope to see a work of grace commenced among this neglected class of people. What a glorious event a revival of religion here.

18. A most delightful day. Held our first meeting for prayer as a body of missionaries. The spirit of prayer seemed to be somewhat prevalent. The poor seamen were affectionately remembered, and we agreed to distribute to each of them a Bible from our mission stock, as there are but two in the ship's company. Sabbath, 20. This sabbath has been pleasant to me, though separated from the great congregation of God's people. In the morning we had a public service in the cabin, which reminded us of our former privileges, and in the afternoon we had preaching on deck. Our American friends would have rejoiced to see us assembled in this before untrodden sanctuary; the preacher standing by the capstan for a pulpit, and his audience to the number of more than twenty, seated around on all the variety of seats which a ship's deck affords. The thought of erecting an altar for God on the great deep, at the distance of more than 1200 miles from our native country, and uniting in the worship of Jehovah with those who have rarely joined in his worship, was very interesting; while the concern beginning to manifest itself among some on board rendered the season peculiarly solcnn.

July 20. This morning we were all alarmed by the cry of "a man is overboard!" Those who know the danger of falling into the water when a ship is under sail, especially with a good breeze, may well conceive, that our emotions were the same as if it had been said "a man is dying." There was a great bustle on deck to save him: the sails instantly thrown aback.-and the boat prepared to be let down. Providentially the man fell into the bite of a rope, called the majn-brace, which had dropped into the water in tacking ship, a few minutes before. This probably saved his life, as he was a poor swimmer, and we were going through the water at the rate of four or five miles an hour. It was likewise providential, that the man in falling did not strike the deck; as he was on some rigging aloft, from which a fall on any thing solid would probably have killed him instantly. We have this evening addressed the seamen on this providence, and do hope it will not pass without exciting some attention.

23. Crossed the equator to day in 26 W. Lon. Wind light. Thermometer at 81 low deck. This is the greatest heat we have had. A constant circulation of air, even in a calm, makes a tropical sun quite tolerable.

28. This evening I enjoyed a pleasant hour with the sailors. They seem interested in religious subjects. One of them named Brown, inquired, "Can any man keep the commandments? Are they not too strict?" Ans. "No one ever does keep all the commandments: but he could, were it not for his wicked heart." "But when I see another have a thing I want, I can't help wishing it was mine, and that is coveting."-"That is only because your heart is bad; and your being so wicked that you cannot keep the commandments, shows how much need there is of a new heart, and a Savior to intercede for you." All seemed to feel a little their need of Christ.

31. Another day and week and month has passed, and we are still protected on the deep waters. Our passage continues to be uncommonly pleasant. There has been no storm with violent wind, no thunder and lightning since we started; and we have had every comfort and convenience we could expect.

(To be continued.)

CXXXVIII. A Sermon preached at the meeting of the Church Missionary' Society, (Eng.) on the Eighteenth Anniversary of the Society. Br THE REV. PROFESSOR FARISH. London: L. B. Seeley and J. Hatchard. 1818. pp. 32.

A Sermon preached at the parish Church of St. Bride, Fleet Street, on Monday evening, May 3, 1819, before the Church Missionary Society. Br THE HON. AND REV. GERARD T. NOEL, M. A. Vicar of Bainham, Kent. London: L. B. Seeley and J. Hatchard. 1819. pp. 35.

THE highly respectable Society, before which these two discourses were pronounced, has now just completed its twentieth year. Under the name of "the Society for missions in Africa and the East," it commenced its foreign operations among the long injured and neglected children of West Africa. Its first missionaries were sent out to the Susoo country, in 1804. With advancing years it has received great accessions of talent and wealth, in the primary officers who manage its concerns and in many honorary members; its resources have increased with a steady and firm movement; many of its missionaries and agents have been men of very considerable attainments, have, so far as appears, produced on the public mind highly favorable impressions, and done much towards elevating the missionary character. The proceedings of the Society are managed with great ability; in the number of its missionaries, it holds a prominent place among those institutions now supported by all Protestant denominations, and in resources it unquestionably surpasses all others.

But not all the dignity of character, nor a long life of unimpeachable integrity, nor the excellent spirit of their labors,-can exonerate the members or friends of this Society from reproach. Like the patrons and supporters of missions in other countries, the Church Missionary Society has been obliged to contend not only with the vices and prejudices of Pagans abroad, but with a strong current of opposition at home. However, as we intend to notice this hostile spirit in another place, we shall for the present only remark, that if the Established Church of England, cannot exert herself to extend the blessing of the Gospel among seventy or an hundred millions of British subjects, without encountering the storms of persecution, and that even from members of her own communion, we know not by what precedent, or

The number of missionaries employed by the Church Missionary Society, at the latest intelligence was 105. VOL. XVI.

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