dour, of the venerable man; the important business which brought him; and the multiplied tokens of divine favour which attended it ;-these things made the times of his visits to Glasgow, a kind of general jubilee to the Christians of the place. His Master would no longer delay inviting him into the joy of his Lord. We are, therefore, called by Provi dence, to endeavour to supply the loss of the service, which he so ably and faithfully performed. We have formed an Auxiliary Society to the India Mission; and we hope that Christian friends will, in many places, be led to adopt the

same measure.

Independently, indeed, of the death of Mr. Fuller, the formation of such Societies is called for by the progress of Missionary undertakings. It is accordingly become a general measure, in behalf of all the leading schemes which are prosecuting for the advancement of the Redeemer's kingdom; and we may hail it as an evidence of growing zeal, and ani mating success.

The cause of Missions has always been calculated to promote Christian liberality. This is the case, not only where the Missionary Societies consist of members of different denominations, but also where they consist of those who belong exclusively to one. Where the members are of one denomination, and the contributors of many, it is the strongest possible proof of liberality. It shows that Christians are disposed to encourage what is good wherever they see it; and that those, whom they are thus led to assist, have, by wisdom and integrity, obtained the confidence of many, beyond the circle of their immediate connexions. The Baptist Missionary Society, and its numerous friends, are a happy example of this state of things. In the Auxiliary Society, which is here announced, all denominations of Christians are admissible, both among the members and the contributors. At the same time, liberality is made perfectly consistent with the strictest adherence to conscientious principle. Some feel not at liberty to promote the Baptist Mission as a whole, who can nevertheless aid it in an important branch of its operations: such can subscribe separately for the schools, or for the Oriental translations of Scripture.

Of those who confine their aid to the translations of the Scripture, some have said, it is sufficient to give more to the Bible Society, and this will enable them to add to the very liberal donations which they have repeatedly given to the Missionaries at Serampore. Those who have formed this Auxiliary Society, delight in the Bible Society, and have no

doubt of its steady friendship to the Missionaries at Serampore; but they are of opinion, that those Missionaries, and their constituents at home, deserve immediate support from the Christian public at large, and ought not to be left in a state of dependence on any other Society, however trust-worthy and powerful.

If any should yet urge, that the translations may be erroneous; it may be answered,. that no translation is absolutely perfect; yet none probably so bad as not to contain the doctrines of salvation. The first English Bible, translated by Wickliffe, was an unspeakable blessing, although it was only the version of a version, which was both imperfect and corrupt. With all its faults, the Vulgate Bible made Luther a Christian and a Protestant. We believe our Baptist brethren in India translate ably and faithfully, to the best of their knowledge and belief; and what more can be expected from men? The difference of judgment among Christians, on the subject of Baptism, is well known; but very few, we presume, would scruple to say, "Would to God that all the Brahmans in India were made like Brother Fuller or Brother Carey !"

The Oriental translations of Scripture have the immense advantage of being made upon the spot, in the midst of those who speak the respective languages, and with the assistance of their learned men. The Missionaries have an opportunity of observing the reception which their first attempts obtain from the public, and are already issuing several new editions, with all these means of correction and improvement. For the sake of these, they cheerfully expose themselves to the effects of a climate, very unfavourable to health and longevity; and they discover a remarkable degree of vigour in circumstances naturally calculated to render them feeble.

These considerations have led to the formation of "The Glasgow Auxiliary Society, in aid of the Baptist Mission and Translations in India." They are submitted to the pulic, in the humble hope that the undertaking will be sanctioned by the general approbation and support of Christians, and by the blessing of God.

[Ir was intended to insert in this place the latest intelligence received concerning the Moravian Missions. As that could not be done, without excluding other matter which it was considered proper to have in this Number, the intelligence above alluded to will be deferred to the next.]

Extract of a letter from a Minister of the Gospel, re

siding in the northern part of this State, to a Christian friend in this City. It is one among the many accounts frequently received concerning the deplorably destitute condition of the people of this country in the back settlements, with respect to religious privileges.

DEAR CHRISTIAN FRIEND,

This visit has

I HAVE lately taken a tour to the west. produced a train of ideas in my mind, which I take the liberty of communicating to you, as one who I know is deeply interested in the cause of the Redeemer. I have been several times to the north and west; five times in the Canadas; but I never was so deeply impressed with the desolate state of our frontier settlements, as on my late journey. I was from home 23 days, preached 17 sermons, and travelled 300 miles.

I will give you a statement of towns which came within my own knowledge, that are wholly destitute of regular Ministers, with a single exception in a corner of Richland :-Western, Lee, Florence, Campden, Bengal, Ellisburgh, Richland, Rotterdam, and Oswego. Some of these are populous towns, and all of them are able to support the Gospel; but, alas! there are none to break the bread of life to precious souls. Here is a district containing 10, 15, or 20 thousand inhabitants, and but one individual to proclaim salvation to perishing sinners. To the north as far as the St. Lawrence, and east to Champlain, there are probably not six Gospel Ministers; an extent of territory including the quarter of the State of New-York, with a population of 70 or 80,000 souls, sitting. comparatively in a state of darkness and death. I present to your view a subject sufficient to draw tears of blood from the eyes of Christians. Who could refrain, after viewing the melancholy picture, from exclaiming, Who is on the Lord's side? Are there any who have a spark of grace, who will refuse to give every aid in their power, to send the means of salvation to their fellow-citizens? My bowels yearn over my brethren, and I am willing to do all in my power for their relief.

After stating the subject in a very imperfect manner, an important and momentous question presents itself to every Christian in the State: How shall the evils which carry death

In

and destruction to thousands, be remedied? In answer, I observe, it is the cause of God which presents itself to every Christian's view, who are bound by every principle, moral and religious, to bring into operation all the means in their power, and rely upon the divine blessing for success. place of sending Missionaries to the East-Indies, or even to the heathen in the wilderness, charity requires that we should begin at home, and turn our attention first to our neighbours. But you will see, that all the Missionary Societies in the State, with the aid of the other States, in their present condition, are inadequate to remedy the evils. It will require an hundred additional Ministers, to supply the wants of this State but where can they be found? In reply, God is pouring out his Spirit on our seminaries, and thus fitting and inclining the minds of our youth to consecrate themselves to his service. God always fits instruments for his work. The great day of his power and grace In the mean is at hand. time, let Missionary Societies unite in sending forth as many pious, zealous, and prudent Ministers as they can support; give particular directions and instructions to preach the Gospel of our Lord Jesus, distribute books, form libraries, organize Churches, and do all the work of Evangelists.

I have, dear friend, laid before you a subject I feel deeply interested in, and hope you will coincide with me in its importance; and I doubt not you will bring into operation all the Christian energies of your mind, to promote the cause of our common Lord.

I remain your friend, and servant in the Lord.

1040

(CIRCULAR.)

To the several Bible Societies in the United States of America.

• BRETHREN,

It is with peculiar pleasure that I once more address you, on the interesting subject of the extension of the Redeemer's Kingdom, by disseminating his Gospel wherever it is not known. After serious reflection, I determined again to solicit a meeting of Delegates from such Bible Societies as shall cordially join in this measure. Having laid this proposal before the Bible Society of New-York, it took a more enlarged view of the plan, and adopted the following resolutions:

"Resolved, 1st. That it is highly desirable to obtain, upon as large a scale as possible, a co-operation of the efforts of the Christian community throughout the United States, for the efficient distribution of the Holy Scriptures.

2d. That as a mean for the attainment of this end, it will be expedient to have a Convention of Delegates from such Bible Societies, as shall be disposed to concur in this measure, to meet at on the day of next, for the purpose of considering whether such a co-operation may be effected in a better manner than by the correspondence of the different Societies, as now established; and if so, that they prepare the draft of a plan for such co-operation, to be submitted to the different Societies for their decision.

3d. That the Secretary transmit the above resolutions to the President of the New-Jersey Bible Society, as expressive of the opinion of this Board, on the measures therein contained, and at the same time signifying the wish of this Board that he would exercise his own discretion in bringing the subject before the public."

In pursuance of the foregoing resolutions, requesting me to designate the time and place at which the proposed meeting of Delegates from the different Bible Societies in the United States shall take place; after mature deliberation, and consulting with judicious friends on this important subject, I am decidedly of opinion that the most suitable place for the proposed meeting is in the City of New-York, and the most convenient time, the second Wednesday of May next; and I do appoint and recommend the said meeting to be held at that time and place. Should it please a merciful God to raise me from the bed of sickness to which I am now confined, it will afford me the highest satisfaction to attend at that time, and contribute all in my power toward the establishment and organization of a Society which, with the blessing of God, I have not the least doubt will in time, in point of usefulness, be second only to the parent institution (the British and Foreign Bible Society), shed an unfading lustre on our Christian community, and prove a blessing to our country and the world. ELIAS BOUDINOT, President of N. J. Bible Society.

Burlington, Jan. 17th, 1816.

The Board of Managers of the New-York Bible Society have appointed five of their members, Delegates to the above-mentioned Convention.

THE Stereotype Plates for the Bible, to be edited in this City, by the NewYork and Auxiliary New-York Bible Societies, are about half done. The printing of the first edition is delayed by the want of suitable paper for the work. Persons desirous of contracting for the supply of common medium pa per, are requested to send in their terms to the Editor of this publication.