in the diocess of Travancore, belonging to this ancient branch of an ancient churchthat the diocess is an extensive one, reaching in length 150 or 200 miles, and in breadth 40 or 50 miles-that the Metropolitan is very anxious, even to a degree that it is difficult to express in writing, for the cultivation of sound learning, and especially sound Biblical learning, among his people; and more particularly among the clergy, and those destined for the clerical office-that the college is an object of considerable interest, both among the Syrians themselves and the other classes of the inhabitants of the country that, after a trial of four years, it is clearly proved, that, with proper support, an establishment of this kind will succeed; but that the support at present afforded the Metropolitan herein is wholly insufficient for the purpose.

Syrian Churches, and Translations. Under this head, the Rev. Mr. Bailey writes as follows:

In reviewing the proceedings of the past year, it is not in my power to furnish the corresponding committee with a report of much having been done, in that department of the mission which falls to me.

I much wished for some homilies of our church, and some short sermons, to have been translated into Malayalim, and distributed among the Syrian clergy, in order that they might read them to the people; but this has not been done, for want of a person capable of translating from English into Malayalim: were I to commence translating these works myself, I should be greatly impeded in the revision of the Malayalim translation of the sacred Scriptures; and I should be sorry for this, as I consider the translation and distribution of the Scriptures of primary importance, and consequently continue to devote much of my time to them.

When the Scriptues, or some parts of them, are printed, we can get the Catanars to read them regularly to the people, on the Sabbath day at least and this I doubt not will be attended with blessed effects, as the people in general are very anxious to have the Seriptures among them; and nothing can exceed the desire of the Metropolitan for the Scriptures to be printed and circulated among his people.

During the past year, three of the most respectable Catanars have been removed by death, and six students have been ordained from the college to the sacred office of priesthood.

In the revision of the Malayalim translation of the New Testament, I have proceeded as far as the eleventh chapter of the Epistle to the Hebrews. I was in hopes that I should have finished the New Testament, by this time; but have not been able to accomplish my wishes. Of some parts of

the Epistles which I have gone through, I have been obliged to make a fresh translation; which has, in a great measure, pre'vented me from making the progress which I had anticipated. Sickness also, with which it has pleased the Lord to visit me and my family lately, has retarded my progress in the revision of the translation, and prevented me from visiting the churches so much as is desirable.

During the past year, some of the Syrian churches have been repaired, and others are now under repair. Two new ones are in a state of great forwardness; one at Edatotte in the parish of Neranam, and the other in the parish of Mamalicheri: and we hope they will be finished in the course of six months.

In a short tour, which I made a few months ago, to some of the churches south of Cotym, I was gratified to see a little activity excited among some of the Catanars; as well as to hear that the congregations on the Sabbath days had considerably increased. This was the effect produced by the distribution of the Pastoral Letter of the Metropolitan among the different churches, and its being read to the people on the Sabbath; and we trust, that, through the blessing of God, that letter will be the means of much good among the whole body of Syrians.

It is gratifying, as well as encouraging to us, to see the increasing desire evinced by the Metropolitan, for every possible means to be adopted for the melioration of the people over whom it has pleased God to make him overseer. May the Lord pour down abundantly the sacred influences of His Holy Spirit upon the Metropolitan, his clergy, and all his people; and make them a blessing to the Heathen around them!

ALLEPIE.

The Madras Committee, in their sixth Report, give the following view of the

State of the Mission.

From Allepie Mr. Norton writes

"I am thankful to observe, that, notwithstanding my excessive depression of spirits in consequence of my severe loss, I have been enabled to continue my usual labours with but little abatement; and I hope that He, who has hitherto supported me, will graciously give me to experience, that, as my day is, so shall my strength be."

The two converts from Heathenism, Daniel and Sandappen, continue to afford satisfactory evidence of the reality of their conversion. Of the latter, Mr. Norton says

"As a Heathen, he is of a high caste, a Nair; and I can assure you, that his embracing the Christian religion could not be for

the gain of this world, neither has he had it, but has gone on patiently, both at Palmacottah, and here, with bare supplies for rice and clothing."

The state of the schools is pleasing, both as to the numbers in attendance and the progress of the scholars.

Several Roman Catholic children have recommenced attendance at the schools, notwithstanding the opposition which they have met with from their parents. Mr. Norton writes

"I should have observed, that now I have public worship every feast day, as appointed by our church, and think it is likely to have a good effect. It, in a measure, disarms the clergy of the Church of Rome in speaking against us, and wears away the prejudices of their people. The other day I was pleased by seeing almost all the children of that persuasion at church, which, here, is a circumstance scarcely to be looked for."

In compliance with the usages of the country, Mr. Norton has deemed it expedient, to compose a Form of Abjuration for the use of converts from Popery.

"I find, that, unless something of the kind were done, neither party and no persons would consider the persons as decided in leaving one church and joining another; and that they might recant when they pleased, without being considered as having violated conscience or any thing else: therefore I drew up a short simple form, which is translated into Malayalim, Tamul, and Portuguese. It is done at the Communion Table, where the person publicly renounces the Church of Rome, with all its idolatrous worship; and promises in future to worship God agreeably to the Sacred Scriptures. He is formally received into the Protestant Church; and the whole is accompanied with prayer and a short suitable exhortation: and this is considered as sacred and most binding on all sides."

The numbers of the English congregation are about the same as those of last year; the Native congregation has experienced a small increase but Mr. Norton does not expect many additions from among the Natives, until the Scriptures in Malayalim shall have been distributed more largely.

NEW ZEALAND.

Recent Intelligence from New-Zealand gives an encouraging view of the Mission, after all the difficulties which it has had to encounter.

The following extracts of a letter from the Rev. Henry Williams to the Secretary, dated in November, at Marsden's Vale, Bay of Islands, will be read with pleasure.

The time is fast approaching when our

valued friend, Mr. Marsden, will leave us to rejoin his family, Numerous and varied have been the scenes which have presented themselves before us: and though I know it would be your wish to possess as many particulars as possible, yet from the unsettled state in which we have been, and our num→ berless calls and occupations, I shall be unable to mention minute circumstances.

On Sunday, the 3d of August, we worked into the Bay of Islands; and narrowly escaped shipwreck, by striking with considerable force against a sunken rock; but the blow being in an oblique direction, we did not sustain much damage.

The sensations of our minds were great, on beholding the canoes with our new countrymen ; with their reddled bodies and bushy bair. They manifested great joy when the ship drew near any of them; but none were on board till we came to an anchor. About two o'clock we were in sight of Ranghehoo

-a

singularly looking place, one house above another; being built directly upon the side of a high hill. It was, however, exceedingly pleasing to view English dwellings, also, near so rude a spot, with the banner flying, as a signal of the Sacred Day.

About sunset we anchored directly between Rangheehoo and Kiddeekiddee; and, though the whole day had been occupied by the working of the ship and in the greatest confusion and bustle, yet we had the satisfaction of assembling in Mr. Marsden's cabin, for prayer and the celebration of the Holy Communion-in all, seven in number. In the evening, we collected the seamen, as had been the case every evening during the passage; and addressed them on the importance of eternal things. Their attention was very great on these occasions, and they came with apparent cheerfulness.

The first news which we heard, was, that the Chiefs were gone to the war to the river Thames.

The following morning, the deck was crowded with Natives, friends of Mr. Marsden; among whom we were glad to discover several Chiefs.

On returning to the ship, we met Mr. Butler, who kindly proposed that Mrs. Williams and the children should go the following morning to his house, which was thankfully accepted.

It became my next thought and care, what station we should select for ourselves. This is a case of much serious consideration, as an individual cannot remove from one place to another.

After much consultation with different Chiefs on the subject, Mr. Marsden and myself went to a district, under a Chief of great authority, but absent at the war: he is well known to Mr. Marsden, having been at Parramatta. The spot was, in every respect, desirable; having several aeres upon a flat,

and being surrounded by high hills, with children in every direction.

Having concluded these steps, we immediately proceeded to land the stores. While we were engaged in arranging our things, the Natives were busy in building a rush-house for me; 40 feet long, and 18 wide; having four apartments in it. We are in all eleven persons at this station-Mr. Fairburn, his wife, and three children; Mrs. Williams, myself, and our three children; and a man sent by Mr. Marsden to assist us.

In the course of a fortnight, Shunghee returned from the war, and immediately paid his respects to Mr. Marsden. He spoke of Mr. Kendall, but did not oppose his retiring to the colony. Mr. Marsden has had much conversation with him. He appears well disposed toward the missionaries; and none of those sanguinary deeds have been practised as heretofore. Great numbers were killed in their fights, but I have not heard of any sacrifices since their return. Shunghee narrowly escaped: he was struck thrice: his helmet preserved him once: he lost a very considerable force, and had all his canoes burnt.

I hope the blessing of the Lord will descend among us, and preserve us in peace, union, and brotherly affection. Mr. Marsden has taken effectual steps to break off that intercourse with the shipping, which has long existed, and has been the foundation of the mischiefs which have arisen.

When I consider the Natives, their noble and dignified appearance, their pertinent remarks and questions, their obliging disposition, with the high sense of honour which they possess, I cannot but view them as a people of great interest, and one which our Almighty Father will ere long adopt for His own. They are desirous of missionaries: they will receive instruction: both men, women, and children have the utmost confidence in us and there are many who wish to leave their little ones with us, but, for the reason above stated, I am obliged to deeline for the present. Their observance of the Sabbath is, for them, very great: they know when it arrives as well as we do; and distinguish the day by wearing their European clothes, and abstaining from work: our settlement, on that day, is perfectly quiet: the Head Chief, with his wife and many others, generally attends our services, and frequently family prayer. When a Chief expresses a desire that a missionary should be established in his district, he will usually say that he wants a man who is not fond of fighting, who does not scold and make a noise; for though the New Zealander in war is as ferocious as a human being can be, yet at home he is another man.

We were never more comfortable in our lives; nay, I will say happy: nothing interrupts our happiness but the knowledge of

our own unworthiness. That we may walk in the fear of the Lord, is our constant desire and prayer; and to be made useful to these particularly interesting people. Fear has never once entered our minds. The children are constantly among the Natives: and, from the first of our coming here to the present time, notwithstanding the great exposure of property at the landing, we know not of the loss of the value of a single nail; though for a considerable time, we were obliged to sleep without either door or window.

The Natives never think of obtruding themselves into the private apartments. Mr. Marsden will furnish you with many interesting particulars. His trials and vexations have been great indeed, and his services have not been less. He will have more to encounter on his return to the colony; but his strength of mind is great, and will bear him up beyond all.

We are much comforted by the late regulations, and begin to hope.

THE BURMAN MISSION.

BAPTIST BOARD OF FOREIGN MISSIONS,

[From the Latter-day Luminary.]

By the arrival at Philadelphia, of the ship Factor, in 107 days from Calcutta, we have received letters from our missionaries at Ava, in Burmah, several weeks later than our former advices. These communications do

not furnish any very important particulars. But the letter from Mrs. Hough of Rangoon, to her daughter in Calcutta, is uncommonly interesting. It will excite in the bosom of every friend to the Redeemer's cause, feelings of gratitude to God for the signal deliverance of the brethren, who had been sentenced to death by the infuriated heathen; and will, no doubt, encourage our denomination in every part of the United States, more earnestly to pray and labour for the ced, and has hitherto been patronised by success of this mission, which was commenthem, under peculiar evidences of the approbation and providential care of the Great Head of the Church.

Extract of a letter from Dr. Price, dated,
Ava, Jan. 28th, 1824.

MY VERY DEAR BROTHER,

I am unable to send you any thing like a journal, as war has been declared against Bengal, and our letters are all exposed to a strict examination. This circumstance must reduce us to some difficulty about funds; but the Lord will provide.

I am at present employed in superintending the construction of a Persian wheel,

which is to introduce water into the palace tank. My house is almost finished, and will cost nearly 1500 dollars. The king is very much pleased with its situation and appearance, and very desirous for similar ones to be built on the golden river. My health has been very good since getting into a permanent dwelling; and I have nearly mastered the spoken language. I shall send a full account of expenditures, so soon as a free communication shall open. In the mean time, my dear brethren may rely on my conscientious determination to live with the greatest economy. Thus far circumstances have prevented my adopting any regular plan. But the rolling stone is, I trust, now to be stationary. O that it may gather moss which shall turn to account in the last great day! My love to all the household of faith."

Since my arrival here I have put up a small house of boards, for immediate use, and with ultimate views to the accommodation of our contemplated female school. The expense is, therefore, properly chargeable to the school fund. In regard to our own future accommodation, it seems expedient, on account of exposure to fire in every part of Ava, and the intense heat of the climate, to build of brick. The expense of a small brick-house, containing three rooms and a hall for worship, will, according to the best estimate I can now make, come within fifteen hundred dollars. For an appropriation of this sum, I hereby petition, regretting that I did not make earlier application.

My last was dated at Rangoon, just before we left for this place. We were six weeks on the journey; and since our arrival, my time has been quite occupied in getting up our present shelter.

It is said that, from a variety of occurrences during the present year, the king has become less favourably disposed toward foreigners; but the absence of the court on a visit to the former capital, preparatory to the opening of the new palace in this city, has prevented me from cultivating any further acquaintance with his majesty, or the chief members of government.

We have made some extracts, says the Editor of the National Gazette, from the Calcutta papers in our hands. The letter of the American lady in relation to the capture of Rangoon, will excite concern in the breasts of many more persons than her acquaintance. The latest advices mentioned by the Calcutta editors, left the Burmese troops at Ramoo, estimated at from eight to fifteen. thousand.

་

They do not appear to have assembled at any time in greater number. The Calcutta Scotsman,' of the 28th June, mentions that an overwhelming force" was in preparation to act against them. Except the occupation of Rangoon, no important event had been authentically stated. In the skirmishes between the British and the enemy, the latter seems to have inverted, uniformly, the rule -"He's base that trusts his feet whose hands are armed."

Rangoon was taken on the 1st May. The British commander says, in his official despatch :-"I had the satisfaction of seeing the British flag flying in the town, without the troops having had occasion to fire a single musket, and without my having occasion to regret the loss of a single individual, killed or wounded, on our side. The news of our arrival in the river having reached Rangoon the preceding night, and our rapid. progress up in the morning being marked by an occasional shot in answer to the fire from the Chokies, together with the preparation of the Burmese authorities for defence, threw the inhabitants into such a state of consternation as to cause a general flight in every direction, toward the jungles, so much so, that out of a large population, I do not think one hundred men were found in the town, on our taking possession of it. The members of the government fled at the first shot, carrying with them seven out of eleven Europeans, whom they had ordered to be imprisoned and put in irons. The next day the whole seven were found safe, in different places of confinement, their guards having fled at our approach. The captured ordnance far exceeds in number any thing we supposed the country to possess, although, generally speaking, it is of a bad description."

From a Calcutta paper, of 30th June.

We beg to direct the attention of our readers to an interesting letter with which we have been favoured, from Mrs. Hough, (the wife of the American missionary at Rangoon, who was deputed by the Burmese to negotiate terms,) addressed to her daughter, a young lady at the seminary of Mrs. Lawson and Mrs. Pearce, in Calcutta. The affecting, yet artless simplicity of the detail, cannot fail to interest every reader, and to carry conviction, that the horrors of the scene it describes are faithfully depicted.

"Rangoon, May, 14, 1824.-The English have taken Rangoon, and we, through much mercy, are spared to tell you the joyful news. I thought, three days ago, that by this time you would have been an orphan. Monday 10th, news of the arrival of the English fleet at the mouth of the river, was brought to Rangoon, but we could not believe it; not that we thought it impossible, but we have been often deceived with idle reports, and placed no dependence on any thing we

heard. Nearly all the English gentlemen were dining in Lansago's (a Spanish gentleman's) garden, and before they had finished their dinner, they were conveyed to the King's godown, and confined in chains. We thought that Mr. Hough and Mr. Wade would escape, being Americans, but while we were at tea, a king's linguist, with about 12 men, escorted them to the godowns, and put them with the other foreigners. Our servants nearly all took the alarm, and Mrs. Wade and myself spent a sleepless and wretched night in this lonely place, with only four servants in the house with us. Moung Shwa-ba* kept by us, and prayed with us, which was no small consolation. The other Christians went off. Tuesday morning, we sent Mr. Wade and Mr. Hough some breakfast, and hoped for a line or two, but they were not permitted to write. I wrote to Mr. Sarkis, begging him to use his influence with the government, to have Mr. Hough and Mr. Wade released, as they were Americans. He replied, that he feared for himself; that he had done all he could, but in vain. We thought we would go into town, and if we could not comfort our husbands, suffer with them; but the town was crowded, and Moung Shwa-ba thought we should either be seized, or not permitted to enter the godown. About 1 o'clock, P.M. the fleet came up to town, and received a shot from the Burmans. They returned two for one, and in a few moments every soul of the Burmans took what they could, and fled. The English prisoners had each an executioner over them, who was ordered to strike off their heads when the first English gun was fired; but they were so frightened that they crouched down in one corner of the room, expecting the whole roof to fall upon them, and the third fire made them force the door, and run away; they, however, fastened it upon the outside. Not long after, the prisoners were taken out to be executed. Your papa proposed going to the fleet for terms of peace, which the Burmans were about assenting to, when the firing commenced again, and the Yaywoon, with his officers, ran away, dragging the poor chained prisoners after them. Your papa and Mr. Wade were chained together, stripped of all their clothes, except shirt and pantaloons, (Mr. Wade's shirt was taken from him,) not even their hats were left; their arms were tight corded behind, and an executioner kept hold of the rope. In this dreadful situation Mrs. Wade and myself saw them from the window of a little hut to which we had fled, expecting every moment to be bound and treated in the same way. George ran out after your papa, who sent

* Moung Shwa-ba, a native Christian, who was baptized in April, 1820. He is an assistant in the Mission.

him back. The prisoners were taken about half way to the great Pagoda, when they released Mr. Hough, and sent him to the English fleet, though not without his first promising to procure terms of peace. He went to the Commodore, on board H. M. ship Liffey, whose terms were, that all the white prisoners should be immediately released, and if one drop of their blood was spilt, the whole country should be desolated by fire and sword. He went back with this message; but not being able to find either the Yaywoon or the English prisoners, he returned, and in the evening I saw him for the first time after he left the house on Monday evening. Mr. Wade and the other prisoners were released by the English the next day about noon. Mrs. Wade and myself suffered every thing but imprisonment and death; and the scene in the verandah of the Portuguese church, to which we first fled, was beyond all description. Mrs. Turner, Mrs. Snowball, and hundreds of the Portuguese, crowded together. Mrs. Wade and myself put on Burman clothes, and mingled with the rest. When the English landed, we went out and put ourselves under their protection. They treated us with pity and affection, took us into town with them, where we met your papa in the evening, and on Wednesday returned to the Mission House, where we found every thing nearly as we had left it. A few things were stolen from the cook-house, our horses were gone, and our cows we expect to lose, as they have not yet returned to the house, which we expected to have found plundered of every thing, and feel thankful to our merciful Father, that he spared us those comforts of which so many are deprived.

Thus have I endeavoured to give you some idea of what we have suffered; but this is written in the greatest hurry, and goes by H. M. ship Liffey to Madras.

POSTSCRIPT.

Since the foregoing was in type, we have seen lettters from the Rev. Dr. Carey and Rev. Mr. Lawson, received by the Corresponding Secretary. They represent the situation of our brethren in Burmah to be very critical; but furnish no additional particulars respecting them. Want of room prevents us from giving these letters at present. They will appear in the next number of the Luminary.

Dr. Carey has so far recovered from the effect of the fall which he had some time ago, as to be able to attend to his numerous engagements; but he is yet lame, and there is no reason to believe that he will ever recover the active use of his injured limb. health, otherwise, is good. He observes, in his letter, that he is almost overwhelmed with labours. His Bengalee Dictionary is nearly completed. The loss of the mission,

His