OBITUARY.

DIED, At Williston, Pen. Mr. JOHN WISNER, aged 25. On account of missing money from his desk, he fixed a loaded pistol in it so as to be discharged on the desk being opened,-and was the victim of his own contrivance.

In Prussia, ANNE ELIZABETH LOUISA, relict of the renowned Prince Ferdinand, great uncle to the present King of Prussia.

At Worcester, the Hon. LEVI LINCOLN, formerly Lieut-Governor of Massachusetts, and Attorney General of the U. States.

At Lancaster, Penn. WILLIAM HAMILTON, Esq. the late editor of the Lancaster Journal.

In Paris, Col. LECOINTRE, EX Aid to Marshal Massena, killed in a duel by Col. De Esqueville of the Garde Royale. The parties were dining at a table d' hote, when Col. De E. shed tears at the distress which the murder of the Duke De Berri had occasioned. Seeing this, Lecointre wet his eyes with some water in derision; on which Col. De E. said, "there is not enough," and dashed a glass of water in his face. A challenge ensued, and the result was, that Lecointre was shot through the heart.

At Mourzuk, interior of Africa, JOSEPH RITCHIE, Esq. sent by the British Government to explore the Great Desert of Tombuctoo.

In Ireland THEODORE O'SULLIVAN aged 115; the celebrated Irish Bard. He died while engaged in sowing oats in the field of one of his grand children, and singing one of his favorite lyrics.

At Tewksbury, N. J. FREDERIC PICKLE, aged 100 years. When he was 94 he cut with a cradle 500 sheaves of rye in a day. At the age of 97 he went into the woods, and split 100 chesnut rails in less than a day.

At Charleston, S. C. HON. NATHANIEL RUSSELL, Esq. aged 82, a native of New England, and the male survivor of the families of three venerable brothers, one of whom settled at Barnstable, one at Portsmouth, N. H. and that of the deceased of Bristol.

At Meadville, Penn. April 3, MRS. ELIZABETH SHEPHERD ALDEN, aged 42, consort of the Rev. Timothy Alden, President of Allegany College.

At Epping, N. H. MRS. DOROTHY CREIGHTON, aged 100 years, 5 months and 15 days.

At Elkton, Maryland, on the 25th ult. the singular Child, called the AMERICAN LAMBERT, who was lately exhibited in this city by his parents, from Prospect, Maine. He had no apparent disorder except a cold, which affected him so slightly that he could walk about the room, and being laid on a bed he soon fell into a sleep which was apparently easy; but in ten minutes it was discovered that this was the repose of death.

At Bath, (Eng.) the REV. T. HAWEIS, L. L. D. in the 87th year of his age. He was the author of a Church History, and several other valuable religious works. It is said the mission to Islands in the Pacific Ocean originated with him. In London, BENJAMIN WEST, Esq. aged 82, President of the British Royal Academy of Arts, and one of the most eminent painters of the age. He was born in Pennsylvania in 1738, followed the profession of a painter in New-York and Philadelphia until 1760, when he embarked for Italy; where he resided three years and then settled in London. The late King of England was among the foremost to discover and reward his pre-eminent talents.

In London, THOMAS DUNDAS, Baron of Dundas, aged 70, President of the Society of Scottish Antiquaries.

At his house near Dublin, Ireland, the Rt. Hon. HENRY GRATTAN, for many years a member of Parliament for the city of Dublin, and one of the most eloquent statesmen that his native country has produced. He had reached the advanced age of 78, and was considered a candidate for the parliamentary election about to take place, at the time of his death, under the new sovereign George IV. In Sweden, the Secretary of State, LEOPOLD, a Swedish Poet, who received the appellation of "the Voltaire of the North."-Also, the BARON HARMELIN, one of the most celebrated Geographers in Europe.

In Paris, Mr. BELZAC, Architect; aged 70, well known for his fine drawings of the Monuments of Egypt, published by order of the French Government.Also, Sir CHARLES BLAGDEN, Secretary of the Royal Society of London

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

REV. AND DEAR SIR,

Smyrna, Feb. 8, 1820.

Our first letter, which was sent from Malta by the brig Frances of Boston, Capt. Thompson, contained an account of our voyage to that place, and of our peculiarly gratifying and profitable interview with Messrs. Jowett and Wilson, and Dr. Naudi. Our second letter was sent from this place by the brig Washington of Boston, Capt. Gerry. That will inform you of our passage from Malta to this port, of our first visit here, and of the kind reception we met with from the Rev. Mr. Williamson, Mr. Lee, and others.

Capt. Edes very politely invited us to live on board the ship, where we had excellent accommodations, while he should remain in the harbor. We accordingly remained on board till Jan. 26, and then took rooms in the house of a Swiss gentleman, Mr. Rosset. We board with his family, have good accommodations, and in the most pleasant part of the city. The family speak French, Italian, Modern Greek, and a little Turkish, but no English. This is all in our favor, as we wish to acquire a more thorough knowledge of these languages.

And now in respect to temporal comforts, if the question be asked, "Lacked ye any thing?" we are constrained to answer, "Nothing."

Not long after our arrival we called on Mr. Werry, the British Consul. After looking at our papers, he welcomed us to Smyrna, and voluntarily offered us his protection and assistance while we remain here, and letters whenever we may wish to travel. He has twice invited us to dine with him, and in several hours of familiar conversation has given many useful hints, valuable anecdotes, and important remarks, relative to the field and the work before us. Having been 24 years consul here, and had constant intercourse with all sorts of people, he is well qualified to answer many inquiries which we wished to propose.

The Messrs. Perkins's received us very politely and assured us of their friendship and assistance. The Messrs. Van Lennep's, Dutch Merchants, to whom Capt. Edes introduced us, have been particularly attentive and friendly. We have formed a slight acquaintance with one family of French Catholics, who manifest much respect and friendship.

All with whom we have become acquainted seem kind. How they will treat our message, when that comes to be laid before them, must yet be ascertained. We are, however, disappointed in finding all classes of people, except the Turks, so easy of access. The information we have gained at Malta and at this place is, on the whole, more favorable to our plans, than we had anticipated. There are, no doubt, many adversaries. Yet we trust a great and effectual door is opening.

Our plans for the year are hardly matured. On the voyage some time was spent in studying Italian. With the help of a master one hour in the day, we are now pursuing it. The next object, as it respects languages will be the Modern Greek, then probably the Arabic, or possibly the Turkish. It is one thing to learn a language so as to sit down, and with the help of dictionaries read a well written book. It is quite another thing to learn a language so as to read it, speak VOL. XVI. $4

it, write it, and understand it when spoken rapidly, and perhaps very indistinctly and very imperfectly.

As the spring is said to be the best time for travelling in this country, it is possible we may improve that season to make an excursion to the places where were the Seven Churches. Perhaps, however, we shall defer this, till, by more knowledge of languages and other things, we shall be prepared to travel to better advantage. From the representations we have received concerning Scio, (the Chios of the Scripture,) there seem to be strong inducements to spend the sum'mer there; principally for the sake of learning Modern Greek. The Turkish might be acquired in this place; The Arabic probably much better at Jerusalem, Aleppo, or some place on Mount Lebanon. Probably it will appear expedient for us to continue in this vicinity nearly a year, possibly more.

We have cast our eyes on a vast missionary field, but have heard of few laborers. In all the populous Catholic and Mahomedan countries on the north and south sides of the Mediterranean there is not a single Protestant missionary; in the numerous islands of that sea only three:-Rev. William Jowett stationed at Malta, Rev. Isaac Lowndes at Zante,-Rev. S. S. Wilson now at Malta, but destined to one of the Ionian Islands. In all the Turkish empire, containing perhaps 20,000,000 of souls, not one missionary station permanently occupied, and but a single missionary beside ourselves. The Rev. James Connor has been some time at Constantinople. He is now on a tour through Candia, Cyprus, Syria, and probably Armenia, which will occupy his time for a year or two. It is likely he will be fixed at Constantinople. The travels and labors of these men have shown, better than a thousand arguments could show, the practicability of missionary labor and research in all these countries. From them, and others who have witnessed their operations, we receive nothing but encouragement.

But to all missionary operations in this country there are two objections, which perhaps will be considered formidable.

1. The prevalence of the plague. This scourge of nations sometimes cuts down thousands in a short time. In 1814, it is said 40,000 or more died of it in a few months in Smyrna. For some time past it has raged dreadfully at Constantinople. Hundreds, some reports say thousands, have died daily. It has now abated. Several cases have occurred since our arrival here, and serious apprehensions are entertained in regard to the approaching spring. That such a contagious disease should spread rapidly among Turks will not seem strange, to those who know how it is viewed. Mahomedans are fatalists in theory, and probably are influenced more in practice by their theory, than any other class of men who ever lived. Hence they view the most dreadful ravages of the plague with extreme apathy and stoical indifference. Nor do they hesitate at all to wear the apparel of those who die with it. Indeed they are said to consider it an high honor and peculiar privilege to be summoned to Paradise by this messenger. This fact is strikingly illustrated by an anecdote related to us the other day by a respectable English physician of this city. Nine Mahomedans were together. The plague was introduced among them, and only one survived. When the circumstance of his escape was afterward mentioned, he said "he supposed the Almighty and he were not then on good terms, but that he was not without hopes of going yet in the same way.'

But alarming as the subject may appear in this aspect, there is another view to be taken, which may, in great measure, relieve our apprehensions. Europeans who reside in the city use precautions; and as the plague is communicated not by infected air but by contact, they almost invariably escape. And excepting the plague, we are assured by all of whom we inquire, that the city and the surrounding country are uncommonly healthy. A few days ago a man died above a hundred years old. Aged men are numerous, and the people generally healthy, and robust. On the whole, we do not see more reason to apprehend danger from the plague here, than from the fever in the southern states of our country. Perhaps a missionary in New England is in as much danger of consumption, as he would be of the plague in Asia Minor. Merchants come with their families, and reside here at all times of the year. Let not then the servants of God be afraid.

2. The nature of the Turkish government may be considered unfavorable to Christian missions. Once Mahomedans were engaged in disseminating their religion by the sword. Then conversion or death was the only alternative offered

to those under their power. Now death is the penalty of apostasy from their religion, but almost no efforts are made to induce others to embrace it. Probably half or nearly half the people in Turkey are nominally Christians, and though deeply immersed in ignorance and superstition, they still enjoy their religious opinions and ceremonies. All who are not Mahomedans are allowed to change their religion as they please, and to make what efforts they please to convert each other. The government never interferes. Merchants from all countries reside in Smyrna, hold property, and enjoy their political and religious opinions and practices. There are at least 6 or 8 foreign consuls in the city, who afford protection to the people of their respective countries, and decide all differences among them, and between them and the Smyrneans, according to the laws of civilized nations. As to any molestation from government, we feel almost as safe as we should in Boston. Should a Christian mission acquire considerable influence, it may attract notice; nor is it easy to predict what would be the consequences. So far, however, as we can discover, this objection seems to have very little weight. As much safety and liberty will be enjoyed at Smyrna, as can be rationally expected. We hear of no instance in which Turks have molested a Christian merely on account of his religion. There is reason to believe, that American missionaries will enjoy as much safety as merchants and other Christians who reside here and think of no danger.

Yesterday Mr. Williamson came to our room and united with us in the Monthly Concert. This was probably the first time it was ever observed in Turkey. It was a pleasant season.

There is to be a meeting of the Smyrna Bible Society soon; after which we shall write again by a vessel from Boston now in the harbor. Should missionaries come to Smyrna, it is desirable that they should be furnished with money for distributing Bibles, and for schools.

With unwavering confidence in the judgment and decisions of the Committee, and with sentiments of personal esteem and filial affection for yourself, We are, Rev. Sir, Yours, LEVI PARSONS,

PLINY FISK.

Letter from the Rev. William Jowett to the Rev. Dr. Worcester.

REV. AND DEAR SIR,

Malta, Jan. 5, 1820,

I have just closed a short paper of "Hints," which I hope may be of some use to the Rev. Messrs. Parsons and Fisk, whom you did me the honor to introduce to me. I only lament that, not having myself travelled in Palestine, I am unable to enter so much into detail as might be advantageous to them; I have aimed, however, when I could not give them clear directions, at saying nothing which might lead them wrong: for the rest, their own good sense will supply what was wanting in my information.

I can assure yourself and the Board in America, that it has afforded us in Malta no small matter of exultation to behold new laborers-and from so distant portion of the globe-coming in "swift ships" to take their station in due time near or in that City, which shall yet become a praise in the earth. Jerusalem will no longer be called the forsaken City. The day of malediction is quickly passing away, during which, literally no right-minded Christian man turned aside to ask her, How doest thou? You have sent two who are, I trust, men of an excellent spirit; and more we hear are yet to come. You will stir up England to a holy emulation, as probably you will acknowledge, England stirred up you.

The Quarantine has proved an interruption to our free communication, but I have seen much of these gentlemen notwithstanding; as also the Rev. Mr. Wilson, Dr. Naudi, and others to whom they have been introduced. I must mention what seems to me greatly to their credit: that when certain advantages, likely to result from stopping here in Malta 2 or 3 months, were pointed out to them, and appeared to have weight; yet they showed an honorable delicacy as to deviating from the Instructions of their Patrons, and declined changing their plan, I think princ pally from a fear of hurting the spirit of their countrymen by an appearance of versatility. I am induced to augur well from their stedfastness.

I am much obliged to you for the present of your American publications, and wish exceedingly that I knew how to correspond and interchange things of this kind more directly. I shall write, however, on the subject to Mr. Pratt, Secretary to the Church Missionary Society.

I unite with you in prayer, that these our labors may not be in vain in the Lord, and that while we endeavor to bless others, we may likewise ourselves be blessed indeed. I remain, Dear Sir, very sincerely and respectfully,

Yours,

WILLIAM JOWETT.

Extract of a letter from the Rev. James Richards to his brother.

MY DEAR BROTHER,

"I rejoice to hear that the Lord enables you to pursue your studies, and to keep the sacred office in view. Were I to pass through life a thousand times, I would still preach the Gospel. It is a most glorious and important work. What I most regret is, that I did not begin younger;-that I did not preach to every person I met with, when circumstances would allow. I rejoice to hear, that you have not relinquished the design of being a missionary. I have never repented, for a single hour, that I engaged in this arduous work. But one of my greatest distresses has been, that I have done so little, and could do so little, for the eternal good of perishing pagans.

"Do not be alarmed at the early death of some of our number. Ministers must die, missionaries must die; and some when they have scarcely commenced their labors. However, if any are greatly terrified at the early death of missionaries, let them remain at home, where those fears will not so often trouble their minds. But, my dear brother, if these things do not alarm you; if your compassion is strongly excited for the poor heathen,-if you entertain a constant desire to preach Christ where he has not been known, and if you hope that you have been moved to this work by the Spirit of God, then go forward, and endeavor to be prepared as fast as possible. In all your studies, and in all your conduct, keep your eye upon this object. And while you give those studies that direction, which you think will best prepare you for your employment, you will not fail to look to God in fervent prayer for that measure of heavenly wisdom and grace, and for that state of mind and of thought, which would best prepare you to be a humble, persevering, and successful missionary.

"I recommend this work to all who are prepared for it; not because they may expect more spiritual comfort in India than in America. No, by no means; for I believe the contrary will be found true. But I recommend it because I conceive it to be more important to preach the Gospel among Pagans than among Christians; and because few will engage in this work. Many will promise to be missionaries who will never find their way to pagan lands. Examples of such failure have been within my knowledge, and no doubt they will be repeated. I recommend this work, because a Gospel minister may do as much good to his own country by leaving it in the character of a missionary, as by staying at home. I conceive, that this position is well established both by the nature of Christianity and by fact.

"But should you become a missionary, you must expect great trials. I do not now refer to the dangers of a stormy ocean, of rocks or of shoals, I do not refer to the pestilence that walketh in darkness and the destruction that wasteth at noon-day, nor to the danger arising from savage beasts and venomous reptiles: but to those trials which originate in the depravity of the human heart, trials which you would not be likely to anticipate.

[Mr. R. here mentions the improper conduct of certain missionaries who' have been sent out by other societies, among whom some have lost the true spirit of their office, and brought reproach on the great cause in which they were engaged, and on religion in general.]

"These are trials indeed; but they ought to be looked for and guarded against, as well as others. The Christian public expect too much of missionaries, and missionaries expect too much of each other. The best of them are fallible sin