29. The Wednesday evening conference with the seamen has at this time been very precious. The officers as well as seamen were all present. The subject brought forward was, the different operations of the Spirit on the conscience and on the heart.

30. We have increasing evidence of uncommon seriousness on board. The first mate says, it is astonishing to reflect how he has lived; and that he is now determined to testify unto all his companions the happiness of religion.

Oct. 1. A day long to be remembered. The most precious season I have ever known. In the morning before breakfast, an hour was set apart as usual, to pray unitedly for the special influences of the Spirit. It was a melting time. During the day almost every thing was laid aside, that we might “stand still and see the salvation of God."

At evening we held a general meeting on deck. The weather was uncommonly fine, a delightful moon lighting up the waters, and illuminating our floating sanctuary, so that we could even read without any other light. Every soul on board the ship except the man at helm, and brother and sister Woodward, who were sick, assembled, and the impression seemed to be universal, "God is here." Besides the common exercises by the brethren, Capt. W. made a prayer, and gave a very animated and feeling exhortation. There was scarcely a dry eye. After leaving the seamen, we all sat down on deck to sing a thanksgiving by mn.

It has, indeed, been a glorious day; such an one as probably was never before scen on the ocean. Let any one imagine the whole crew of a vessel and so many passengers, collected on deck by moonlight-all solemn as eternity. The Captain addressing his officers and sailors, as a father would his children, intreating them to break off their sins by righteousness, and their iniquities by turning to the Lord. After we left the seamen they still remained together, and Brown prayed with them. "It is the Lord's doing, and marvellous in our eyes." 6. Nothing new has occurred to-day, except increasing testimony that God is doing wonders in the midst of us. It is indeed astonishing to see the change a few days have made in every thing around us. Every day now is like a Sabbath in stillness, and nothing is seen but what brings into view the great salvation.

7. We have to-day commenced a catechetical lecture with the seamen, in which we design to spend an hour and a half each day in teaching them the principal doctrines of the Bible. All were present this afternoon and seemed interested

17. This has been a day of considerable anxiety; but thanks be to Him who ruleth the raging of the sea, we are this evening along side of a pilot vessel in the entrance of the Hoogly. Through the day the Captain was scarcely able to ascertain where we were, while we were driving with a stormy wind. Just before night we came upon the western reef, sounding constantly. We crossed in seven fathoms water, and then about dark came upon the eastern reef. This we crossed in deeper water than the western; but tacking ship to avoid the shoals, and stand out in case of wind, we made about seven fathoms. Just before tacking ship, we heard the very pleasant sound, "A light ahead!" It was some. time before it could be determined what it was. We, however, stood away for it, and providentially tacked so as to come into the midst of the pilot vessels before we were aware. Thus God has preserved us safely to the end of our voyage.

PALESTINE MISSION.

Letter from Mr. Fisk to the Rev. William Jenks.

REV. AND DEAR SIR,

In Quarantine, Malta Habor, Jan. 8, 1820.

THE deep interest you manifested in our mission, and your very generous contributions towards our library, induce me to believe, that you will offer thanksgiving in our behalf, when you learn that our merciful Redeemer has thus far been with us, and graciously prospered us. We have indeed been subjected to the usual inconveniences of a sea voyage; but our sufferings were light, and of

short continuance. If you wish to know any particulars of our voyage, you will learn them of Mr. Evarts.

My principal object in writing this letter relates to the spiritual interests of seamen. I know of no man who could be addressed on this subject with more propriety than yourself; since you are doing so much to promote this very important object.

Capt. Winslow, of the brig Arab, has just informed me, that he has on board three of the men who sailed to India in the Independence, which carried out the Baptist missionaries. You are, no doubt, well acquainted with the singular displays of divine grace on board that vessel. These three men were then hopefully made the subjects of divine grace. You know very well, dear Sir, that sailors are exposed to many temptations; and I have not probably been alone in my fears, that some, of whom our missionary brethren entertained favorable hopes, might be overcome by temptation, and thus bring reproach on the professions they had made. But it has given me peculiar pleasure to hear of these men, and to learn from Capt. Winslow, that they sustain the character of real Christians, so far as he has had opportunity to observe. It grieves me that I could not, on account of the quarantine laws, go on board and converse with them. Possibly, there may be opportunity to-morrow to go along side of their vessel, and have a short interview, at least, long enough to hear from the rest of the crew. If you do not already know these men, it may be of great use to them, when in port, to receive your spiritual counsels.

You may expect another letter when the Sally Ann returns, which may possibly, should not our hopes be disappointed, introduce one or two of our little congregation to your watch and care. We have had some pleasant seasons; though there have been some strong counteractions against religious influence. Public worship has been maintained every Sabbath except the first: and social prayer has been offered almost every day. Last Sabbath the sermon was from Acts xxviii, 1. After some account of Paul's shipwreck near this place,the practical lessons and religious admonitions afforded by a storm at sea, were considered. Expecting to sail soon for Smyrna, we thought of the dangers which may attend the voyage. It being the first Sabbath in the year, we considered the dangers which may await us before its close, and the possibility that with some of us life is near a termination. Alas! this possibility was soon proved an awful certainty. On Monday, John Davis, one of the sailors, fell from the main top. His head struck on a stone which lay on the deck, and, after breathing and groaning about two hours, without noticing any thing around him, he expired.

The scene was awfully solemn. It was the voice of God. We endeavored to listen. United prayers were offered for divine influence to accompany the warning. The sailors were much affected. The next day we went with the corpse in the ship's boat to the place of burial, and there again prayed, that we might not be left to reject the warning of the Almighty.

All was cheerful and pleasant before; but this event spreads melancholy over the mind Some of the men on board have treated the event with seriousness and propriety; but your heart would ache to see how little effect it has had on others, and how feeble its influence has been with regard to improper language. An attempt will be made, by a sermon adapted to the occasion, and by private conversation, to revive and perpetuate the impressions and resolutions which the scenes of this week have been calculated to produce: But how ineffectual are warnings and means without the influences of the Holy Spirit. Still, I see more and more reason to believe, that wise and faithful efforts for the good of seamen, are as likely to be successful, as when made for almost any other class of men. Surely there is ground to believe, that the time will come, when our vessels will be floating sanctuaries. Officers of ships, especially masters, have it in their power to do much. If you can find a way for truth into a sea captain's mind, you may hope for much.

The Lord give you success in all your labors, especially those in behalf of mariners. With grateful esteem and affection,

Yours,

P. FISK.

Letter from the Rev. Messrs. Fisk and Parsons, to the Corresponding Secretary of the A. B. C. F. M.

Off Gozo, Dec. 23, 1819.

REV. SIR, We are now within a short distance of Malta. Through the care and guidance of Providence, we have crossed the ocean in safety. With the exception of a considerable sea sickness, our health has been good. We have had no dangerous storms, though we have had much unpleasant squally weather, and unfavorable wind. Our accommodations have been good, we have found ourselves supplied with a variety and abundance of necessaries and comforts. Dr. Chase, our only fellow passenger, is an intelligent and agreeable companion. The officers and men have all been kind and attentive. We have made some efforts to promote their religious welfare.

Soon after we came on board, Capt. E proposed that we should have religious services at table, and preaching on the Sabbath. Beside this, one of us goes every morning into the forecastle to read, converse and pray with the sailors, and at evening we have worship in the cabin. The sailors seem to be interested. and we hope they are receiving impressions which will not be lost; though we discover no very special indications of the divine presence. The most of our time, when health would permit, has been devoted to reading and study. We have read occasionally a little Latin, Greek, French, and Italian, and have perused several volumes of travels and history relative to the countries and the people around us. The review of former studies, and miscellaneous reading, have proved pleasant; whereas we have found but little strength or inclination for new and severe studies.

Jan. 3, 1820. We are now in the harbor of Malta. The quarantine laws are such that we are not allowed to go into the town. This is a severe disappointment to us; but we must learn to bear disappointments. We have interviews every day with the missionaries here, and have received from them much valuable information. They have given us many useful hints respecting the best mode of living, of preserving health, of studying and of travelling: many important facts and opinions relating to the different classes of people who dwell around the Mediterranean; and the wisest methods of promoting truth and true religion among them.

The Rev. Mr. Jowett has visited Egypt and some parts of Turkey, and has maintained for some time an extensive correspondence in those regions. The Rev. Mr. Wilson has been here but about a year, and has been principally occupied in learning Italian and Modern Greek. Dr. Naudi, a native of the island and Professor of Chemistry in an Institution here, is a zealous friend to Bible Societies and Missions. These gentlemen "have had it in their power, and not less in their hearts, to render us very essential aid." From them we have received some late Missionary publications from England,-some small books and pamphlets in Italian, in French, in Modern Greek, in Persian, in Arabic, and in Hebrew, for distribution. They will also give us letters to the Chaplain at Smyrna, to a professor in the Greek college at Scio, and to the British Consul at Aleppo, with all of whom they have a regular correspondence.

We cannot be grateful enough, that we have been favored with these interviews: They have made us feel quite at home in the Mediterranean. We reckon the last 10 days among the most interesting of our lives. We expect to be from one to two thousand miles distant from these men; yet we shall call them our neighbors.

Jan. 6. We have to day had an interview, probably our last, with Mr. and Mrs. Jowett. Mrs. J.gave us for our present comfort, a basket of fine oranges, and for the improvement of our missionary character, the memoirs of the Rev. Henry Martyn. Mr. J. gave us the letters he had promised, likewise one to yourself; he also gave us a number of valuable books relating either to the countries we are to visit, or the languages we are to learn, or to missionary transactions in England, or by English Missionaries.

Hitherto we have been prospered, and prospects for the future are more favorable than we anticipated. The vessel is to sail in a few days for Smyrna, We

are now anxious to be there, and see what prospects open before us. The sky is now clear and serene; but this is a stormy world, and we are now in a tempestuous part of it. We desire therefore to feel habitually, that we are liable to dis appointments and trials. The history of other missions, and the state of society in all these countries, admonish us, that we must expect different events from any we have yet met with. If the Lord Jesus support us, we shall stand; if he teach and direct us, we shall pursue the right, the safe, course; if he clothe us with strength, we shall be able to accomplish our work: if he bless our labors we shall meet with success. To him we would commend ourselves. To him we trust our Christian friends will often commend us. With sentiments of esteem and affection we are, Rev. and Dear Sir, Yours, LEVI PARSONS, PLINY FISK.

MISCELLANEOUS NOTICES RELATIVE TO RELIGION AND MISSIONS. SOMETIME Since, a lady transmitted for the mission at Brainerd 36 writing books, and 12 garments for girls. The latter were the proceeds of relinquished ornaments. May so interesting an example be followed,

A clergyman, in a country town, having received a small donation for the school-fund from the child of a pious widow, found, that it was earned by the child in consequence of being permitted to raise potatoes by his own exertions. "This circumstance," says our correspondent, "revived in my own mind the following reflections. If pious parents were all engaged to encourage special exertions in their children for religious charitable purposes, very beneficial consequences would result from it. Let farmers invite their boys to redeem leisure moments in cultivating the ground with this object in view. Let girls knit, or sew, or braid straw, for the same purpose. In this way, considerable sums would be raised for religious charities, without any diminution of property. Idleness would often be prevented. Habits of industry and economy would be strengthened. Selfishness would be early repressed. Benevolent affections would be invigorated. And if parents were guided by the spirit of the Gospel, they might confidently hope, that God would "pour his Spirit on their seed, and his blessing on their offspring."

A clergyman, who lives several hundred miles to the west, more than a year since wrote to the Treasurer of the A. B. C. F. M. as follows:

"We send you of our penury fifteen dollars collected at our monthly concerts, during the last quarter. Though we have a thousand objects around us, pleading for our charity, we claim the privilege of casting something into your treasury. We think it helps our prayers. We intend continuing our little monthly offerings.

"We read your doings; we rejoice in the success of your missions, and would venture, even from the outer border of Zion, to repeat in your ears-"ONWARD" ATTEMPT GREAT THINGS."-Reveal to us the extent of your plans, and march forward in the execution of them; and the Christian public will not suffer you to lack for means."

A letter, inclosing $60 for the education of heathen children, contains the following passages:

"Many of the dear young contributors of this little sum have been hearing much of the Brainerd and Elliot missions. They have been told, by one who visited Brainerd, about the interesting children of the Indians, and have had read very acceptable letters from Catharine Brown and Lydia Lowry. It is devoutly hoped, that in time the youth here, and some at those establishments, may commence a correspondence, which, if properly conducted, may greatly contribute to the advancement of the Redeemer's glory."

"A cause like the one which your Board is so successfully and delightfully promoting, this sum will aid but little. In itself, it is indeed a trifling contribu tion, compared with the offerings of benevolence and piety, which are daily passing into the best and noblest treasury, which I know of on earth. This

remittance in a scale of natural weights and measures, will appear as a feather, but in a moral scale it will be somewhat different. The reason is this: it is the amount of contributions made principatly by 280 or 300 children."

After stating, that four Societies of children are formed for that purpose, our correspondent adds:

"Each Society has its officers and managers. A very agreeable, and we trust,profitable correspondence is kept up between them. There are a few dear youth, who are enabled through grace to meet privately, and implore the Lord's blessing on their intended beneficiaries. The children are taught and furged to beware of selfishness, and to give as unto the Lord."

A letter to the Editor of the Panoplist, from a gentleman in Ohio, contains the pleasing intelligence, that in Athens, where is an infant college, "a general attention to religion prevails. Thirty were added to the church the last Sabbath in March, mostly young persons, a number of whom are students. Several persons of influence, who have been violent opposers, are now either rejoicing in hope, or mourning under a sense of sin.

A correspondent suggested, above a year ago, that much good might be done in country villages, by little associations of young persons agreeing to take the Missionary Herald, and pay 25 cents a year each for the perusal of it, with a view of collecting four or five dollars in each circle for the aid of Foreign Missions. No doubt much good may be done in this way; but much more good 2 might be done by every young person, in ordinary circumstances, taking the Herald for himself, and making himself thoroughly acquainted with all the intelligence it contains. Great and extended and persevering benevolence cannot be expected from the community, unless religious intelligence is extensively diffused.

EARLY BENEFICENCE.

[The following letter accompanied a donation, and would have been published earlier, had our limits permitted.]

Feb. 16, 1820.

"THE inclosed small sum has been made up in the following manner.

"A minister of the Gospel has a little son, whom he much wishes to see truly pious; and hopes that, in this event, he may one day become a preacher of the Gospel himself. About a year since the father, happening to read the "memoirs of Mrs. Smelt," and perceiving the good effects which had resulted from setting apart special seasons for tender conversation and particular prayer with a child, resolved to add this to the other means which he had already used to lead his son to the knowledge of the truth as it is in Jesus. Sabbath evening was the season fixed on for this purpose; and except in a few extraordinary cases, it has been carefully observed ever since.

"The child, at the time this plan was adopted, was in his eighth year, and was a great reader of missionary narratives. In this he was encouraged, in hope that an attention to the state of the poor heathen might, under the divine blessing, have a beneficial influence on his own mind. It was also recollected, that in the case of Cornelius, it is said, "Thy prayers and thy alms are come up for a memorial before God." The child had been in the habit of acquiring pocket money by receiving a cent for every lesson which he learned and recited accurately: and it was now proposed to him to earn three cents every week, to be deposited on Sabbath evening, immediately after conversation and prayer, for the purpose of sending the Gospel to the heathen. The proposition was readily complied with, and he has made the whole of his deposits throughout the year. The father, at the same time agreed to deposit twenty-five cents weekly, for himself. In the course of the year the deposits have amounted to nearly the enclosed sum. The inclination of the child has been consulted, and the money is appropriated to help forward the missionary establishment at Elliot." CLERICUS." SO

VOL. XVI.