recommends all the members of the Churches during the time. There is also a servant which compose this body, on all suitable to witness the opening of the door "when occasions, to petition and protest against the idol wakes," with the view of making all such profane usurpations; and at this, sure that the seal on the door had not been and all elections, to endeavour to return broken during the slumbers of the idol; and such members to parliament as shall com- there are farther twenty keepers of the keys, pel the government, however reluctant, to and twenty keepers of the doors, to complete listen to their prayers, speedily to abolish the list of officers to the temple of Jugger. these courts, or relieve all dissenters from naut-there being, therefore, no fewer than their jurisdiction, as well as from the pay. 641 persons, whose sole duty it is to take ment of those local and unrighteous exactions charge of this once celebrated Indian temfor the support of episcopal worship, which ple! An admirable illustration of church are usually denominated church rates. establishments.-Nonconformist. ALLEGED FALL OF MANNA-By a despatch from Vau, in Turkish Armenia, an authenticated statement has been received at Constantinople, of a copious fall of manna from the skies. Enough was vouchsafed to cover the earth two inches deep, and to afford food for many days to the people. Specimens were forwarded with the despatch, which the Porte intends to have chemically analyzed. The following passage, trans. lated from the Arabic, in the Multa Times, seems to be connected with this subject: 66 Aleppo, May 3.-A great famine has happened in Aleppo, Malitia, and Karbat, insomuch that the people died with hunger, and sold their sons and daughters to get bread to eat. But the Almighty God rained upon them seed and fed them withal." "Of the authenticity of these few words," adds the Malta Times, "extracted from an Arabic letter, we are perfectly satisfied. The seed alluded to is known in Malta, being nearly like hab, or aziz, and which, being kept a little while, becomes white, like semola (very fine wheaten flour).” THE JUGGERNAUT "ESTABLISHMENT." -From a return prepared for the House of Lords, we learn that there are about sixty officers to dress and ornament the idol of the temple of Juggernaut, and 300 watch men, day and night, who, if they allow any one to enter who is not admissible, and thereby defile the food for the idol, have to make good the food if they do not secure the offender. There are twenty keepers of the wardrobe of the idol, forty to ornament and perfume the idol, three "duts" to paint the eye brows, &c., of the idol different colours, and three servants to see that the several officers perform their several duties. There are, further, three hundred cooks, to prepare rice, &c., to make sweetmeats and the like; ten persons to take charge of the vessels with which the "pundahs" perform "poojah," and to hand them to the latter; ten to supply water whenever required; one (entitled Talebo Mahapatur) to keep watch at the door whilst the idol is asleep, and to affix a seal on the door AMERICA.-Free-will Baptists. From the register, or almanack, of this body of translantic brethren, for 1841, we learn that there were seventy-four quarterly meetings, or local associations of Churches, eight hundred and twenty ordained, or licensed hundred and fifty-s -seven Churches, seven hundred members at their last returns; and preachers, and forty-one thousand, seven two thousand nine hundred and ninety. As that the increase for the previous year was they are kindred to us in sentiment and mention the locality of their chief associ feeling, it may not be uninteresting to ations. asssociations, 134 churches, 132 preachers, In New Hampshire, there are six and 9710 members. In Maine, there are sixteen associations, 275 churches, 217 In Verpreachers, and 13,986 members. mont, seven associations, 99 churches, 77 preachers, and 4095 members. Conference of this body, held in 1839, we extract the following: From the Minutes of the tenth General Slavery. The committee on Slavery submitted the following resolutions, which were adopted, viz. 1. Resolved, That nothing can be more evident to the unsophisticated mind, than that slavery, under any circumstances, is contrary to the self-evident truth, "that all men have certain inalienable rights." 2. Resolved, That it is equally evident that slavery is contrary to the law of Moses, to the Gospel of Christ, and to every moral obligation. 3. Resolved, That in view of these undeniable facts, that man who will not examine the subject impartially, or who examines it, and still advocates the continu. ance of slavery, is not worthy of being esteemed a disciple of Christ, and after due but unsuccessful admonition ought not to be fellowshiped as a Christian. 4. Resolved, That it is with sorrow of heart that we learn that slavery is tolerated, practiced, and defended, in certain portions of the christian Church. 5. Resolved, That it is the duty of the American Church, thoroughly and faith fully, to examine the moral character of slavery. 7. Resolved, That we affectionately invite all the Churches of our blessed Re. deemer, and all the ministers of his holy religion, especially those of our own denomination, to bear their solemn and de. cided testimony, in public and in private, against the sin of slavery, and to use faith fully their moral and religious influence for removing this foul stain from our nation's character, and this deadly sin from the christian Church. 8. Resolved, That this Conference, believing the anti-slavery cause to be the cause of God, recommend to every christian, and every christian minister, to use all proper means to promote its interests. 10. Finally, Resolved, That while we thank God for the harmony existing throughout our connexion on the subject of Slavery, we will fervently pray that every religious denomination may hear the wailings of the poor slave, and labour for his rescue. The following paragraphs occur at the conclusion of their annual epistle : As a denomination, our present situation is prosperous, our prospects are glorious, and God is abundantly auswering our prayers for success. The effect of our efforts is seen and felt, not only in America, but also in many places upon the Eastern Contipent. Whilst we in America, are endeavouring to repair the breaches in Zion, raising an uncompromising contest with all the sins and abominations of our own country, corresponding with our European brethren, and taking measures for becoming more closely connected with those upon our own shores whose sentiments correspond to ours, our dear missionaries are attacking the foe in his own quarters, and carrying home the war to the enemies' camp; and already, through their instrumentality, God has begun to turn the howling wilderness into a fruitful field. May the God of heaven be their shield and protector. Every heart and every tongue responds the hearty Amen. But, brethren, remember that our fervent prayers alone are not sufficient. Call to mind the case of him who says "Go in peace; be thou warmed and be thou filled." Our Missionary Board have resolved to send out three new missionaries the ensuing winter to join our brethren in distant India. Consequently our funds must be increased to sustain them. New and vigirous efforts must be made to replenish our treasury from which our missionaries draw their temporal supplies. While you are permitted to remain at home in the society of your friends, and dwell in your ceiled honses, we trust you will remember in your constant prayers and contributions, our dear brethren who are toiling upon the burning sands of India, surrounded with poor idolaters, and pointing them to the Lamb of God who taketh away the sin of the world. We hope your contribu tions will continue to flow more abundantly into our treasury, and that our little missionary family will continue to increase until Christ shall have the "heathen for his inheritance and the uttermost parts of the earth for his possession." Whenever we feel the murmuring thought about to rise in our minds concerning the sacrifices we are required to make for the cause of God, let us think on our dear brethren beyond the briny deep. Thus is Zion "lengthening her cords and strengthening her stakes." The intestine broils and divisions which are rending asunder the various branches of the christian Church, are to us almost entirely unknown. Unanimity and absence of party prejudice have hitherto characterized our dear connexion. May we preserve these features and suffer them not to be marred. But "if any man thinketh he standeth let him take heed lest he fall." "When Israel was a child the Lord loved him." Pride and popularity have proved the destruction of many denominations. Let us avoid the awful precipice down which so many have plunged to rise no more. If we possess a better faith than our neighbours let us exhibit it by the infallible criterion of better works. How can a people expect to be blessed and prospered of God, whatever may be their doctrine or their economy, unless they live for God. Let us raise higher the standard of vital godliness and serve the Lord with all our hearts. Strive for holiness, keep the commands of God, and be "faithful unto death." An awful crisis is at hand-the church must soon arise or soon must sink. The watchman who can tell us "What of the night," concur in the opinion that soon the line will be drawn between "him that feareth the Lord and him that feareth him not." Let our ministers be humble and our members holy. And finally, when Missionary operations shall terminate, when Sabbath-schools shall close, when Temperance Societies shall be dissolved, when all benevolent Institutions shall cease, when time shall be no more, may you meet your unworthy delegates in an eternal Conference, beyond the reach of slavery, moral pollution, popery, temptation and death, to tune our harps to an eternal song of praise for deliverance through Jesus Christ. Amen. MISSIONARY OBSERVER. GENERAL BAPTIST MISSIONARY SOCIETY. THE Annual Meeting of the General Baptist Missionary Society was held at Derby, on Wednesday, June 30th, 1841. Brother Hollinrake, of Birchcliffe, Yorkshire, offered prayer. Mr. Butters, of Spalding, presided; and introduced the business of the meeting with an appropriate address. The Secretary then read an abstract of the Report, from which we gleaned the following particulars. The Report commenced with a reference to the promise, "He that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal." The field of missionary labour is the world. The part allotted to our mission is not small. We have a nation to care for, and fruit has already been gathered unto eternal life. The Report of the past year furnishes matter for humiliation, that we have not done more; and of encouragement, that God has blessed us in our feeble and limited efforts. The brethren in India have laid the claims of our mission before the British public in India, and have published a very interesting report of their operations and successes for distribution. They detail their actual success, and remark, that this hears no more proportion to the real progress of christianity in Orissa, than the light foam on the top of the rolling surges of the ocean, does to the unfathomable depths of the ocean itself. Ganjam is a new station, occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Wilkinson. At first he was discouraged at the prospect, there being no Europeans or christians there, but they soon found a pious captain and his lady, who co-operated with them, and afterwards a medical gentleman went to reside there, of whose conversion hopes were entertained. Pooroosootum and Balaji, native preachers, had alternately assisted at this station. An orphan asylum had been formed there. Khundita, the new christian village, had a chapel, and was prospering. Seboo saho, and Lokindas, native preachers, supplied the place with christian ordinances. A signal and delightful instance of the conversion of a neighbouring Oreah, through the ministry of these brethren, was recorded. Berhampore. Mr. and Mrs. Stubbins were actively and usefully employed here. This is an interesting station. Several of the young persons from the orphan asylum at this place had become decided christians, and been baptized. Pooree had been the scene of considerable occasional labours of the missionaries at the festivals of Juggernaut. The abolition of the pilgrim tax has already occasioned a great diminution of pilgrims to this odious temple. Piplee. We have no notes of this station, but that it is desirable to have another station between Piplee and Pooree. Cuttack. At this station are Messrs. Sutton and Lacey. The former is much confined at home by the increasing and important labours of the printing press, translations, &c. Lacey's labours are varied, extended, and effective. The number of converts is considerable. A native missionary meeting had been held here. One of the speakers said, We were told that no converts would ever be made from Hindooism to Christianity. Fifty years ago this land was dark, but to-day we have a meeting of christian Hindoos, and what will be the result of fifty more years labour. VOL. 1.-N.S. 2 K The number of native preachers is thirteen or fourteen. Five have been ordained during the past year. Several young men in the schools are anxious for instructions to qualify them to preach the Gospel, and oppose the folly of Hindooism effectively. Mr. Sutton is desirous to take charge of their education for this purpose, but is too much occupied by the press. A printer is now going out, Mr. W. Brooks, who will, it is hoped, soon be able to relieve him, as well as to give instructions to the Oreah youths in printing, binding, &c. This will be a great advantage. A vast many publications, tracts, &c., have already issued from the Oreah press. Midnapore. A very brief allusion was made to this station. A written report has been requested by the Cuttack Conference. The ordination of Mr. Grant, at Nottingham, was referred to. Messrs. Hunter, of Nottingham; Goadby, of Leicester; J. B. Pike, of Newberry; Burns, of London; Peggs, of Bourne; and Pickering, of Nottingham, addressed the meeting. The assembly was large, and the meeting interesting. The writer has not the means of furnishing an outline of these addresses, but cannot pass without noticing some of the very impressive observations of the venerable Mr. Pickering. He was the last speaker, and observed that it was now fifty-four years since he began to preach the Gospel. He felt that it was a new world he now lived in. The friends of his youth were nearly all gone, and those now around him were a new race. There was a great difference between the new world and the old. In his early days the members of our Churches were in the habit of attending the house of God with their families as regularly, or even more regularly, than they were at the present time. But then there were no such efforts or movements as there are now. There were no Sunday-schools, or next to none: no tract societies: no missionary societies: no such spirit-stirring meetings as this amongst christians. In many respects there was a great change, and he blessed God for that change. He did not hope to be alive or able to attend another annual meeting, but he wished all success and prosperity in the name of the Lord. THE BAZAAR of the Association was held at the newly-purchased mansion of Mr. Evans, in Mary-gate. It was efficiently superintended by a number of ladies, and produced upwards of £120 for the missionary funds. LETTER FROM MR. GRANT. On board the Pekin, Opposite the Isle of Wight, June 18, 1841. VERY DEAR SIR,-As I understand the Pilot will be going on shore to-day, I feel anxious to send a few lines to you, as I know you, and many dear friends at Derby, will be glad to hear from us. We bid farewell to dear christian friends at Portsmouth about a quarter after six last evening, when we all got into a small boat, which conveyed us to a larger one in about a quarter of an hour, by means of which we reached the ship, and went on board about eight o'clock. The evening was most delightful, and we all enjoyed the passage from shore to the ship very much. After getting on board we were very busily employed in putting our cabins a little in order for the night. We retired between one and two, and I arose about four this morning to work again. We expect to sail in two or three hours. Our captain, at present, is very kind and obliging, and is very much concerned for our comfort. There are two missionaries on board, who are returning to India, Rev. Mr. Morrison, and Mr. Payne, a printer. Mr. Payne says the Orissa language is very different from that spoken in the part of India where he resided, so that I am afraid he will not be able to teach us any thing of the Orissa language. We have not had any personal conversation with Mr. Morrison. My heart, yesterday, was a little sorrowful at the thought of leaving England and friends; but I thought of calvary, and then of the perishing multitudes in India, and rejoiced that I was being borne towards that land of darkness and death, for the purpose of preaching the Gospel of the blessed God, which shall ultimately gladden the "wilderness and the solitary place," and cause the moral desert to rejoice and blossom as the rose. The nearer I approach the great and important work the more I love it. I hope the time we are sailing to distant India will not be lost, but besides pursuing our studies, as the captain is friendly to religion, I do hope and believe that we shall, by the blessing of God, be rendered useful to some on board. Give my love to all that ask after my welfare; tell them I love my dear friends at Derby, but I would rather be where I am. I love D., but I love poor India more. I wish to live only that I may be useful in that distant land. Farewell. May every blessing given to you, and Mrs. P., and family, is the prayer of Yours affectionately, J. GRANT. P. S. Mrs. G. joins me in love to you all. We are all here, and well. Miss Derry came from London to Portsmouth yesterday. We have set sail. 20th. Sabbath. We are all very sick indeed. We cannot one help another. Mrs. G. and I have been about two hours trying to dress ourselves, but have not done it yet. I should like to write more, but cannot. The winds are against us. Pray for us. JOURNAL OF MR. WILKINSON. Dec. 9 1840 Moonshepant. Left home early this morning, in company with Gunga and Balaji, and arrived here about nine a. m. On our way we stopped at a sinall village named Kawpanda. Gunga has an advan tage possessed by few for making people bear. Perhaps not more than twenty came near us to listen, but there was scarcely one in the whole place that did not hear all he said, We first inquired for the books we left there four months before, and what use they had made of them. One man said, "What use we have made of them, that use they have been." They were reminded that they resembled the prescriptions of a physician-of no use unless read, believed, and obeyed. Balaji spoke in Telinga, and Gunga exposed the folly of their idolatry, by telling them they worshiped their servants; he said, "You go to the river, and wash the filth from your bodies with the water, and then pray to it; you boil your rice with one part of a tree, and worship the other; you break a stone in two, make one part a step to your door and the other a god." Our tracts were all gone forward, so we could not leave any here. In the afternoon we took our stand on the basement of an altar, that contained the sacred tolsee tree. We soon had a crowd round us. Gunga, by way of arresting their attention, said, "Now tell me what things you think are sinful, and I will write them on this stone with this chalk." One man said killing insects was sin; another man called out set down disregard to brahmins and gooroos, for that is great sin; another man said lying and adultery were sin. Gunga said, "I'll put them down." A respectable man quoted the shastras to prove that worshiping idols was sin. Gunga after making a very large mark for idolatry, mentioned many things which he thought were sinful, and proved that they were all guilty of them-showed |