tion and spirit during all that time have been most exemplary.

Mr. Philip adds" You may rest assured that these conversations are reported as they took place; no attempt has been made to embellish them. The scepticism excited in some by the perusal of the answers given by Africaner is groundless; but I shall soon have an opportunity of presenting that interesting character before the public, in a light which will not lessen surprise, but which will satisfy such as require satisfaction, that the former picture was not overcharged "

By letters from Mr. Philip, of later dates, viz. July 29th, and August 9th, we are informed that Mr. Campbell has returned in safety to Lattakoo, after an absence of two months employed in a journey of discovery, north-east of that city; and that he was expected shortly on the borders of the colony, in his return to Bethelsdorp, and from thence to Cape Town.

Mr. Campbell, in a letter to Mr. Philip, dated Lattakoo, April 8th, 1820, says"They have been very industrious here in cultivating fields and gardens, without which they could not have existed. They have led out water from the Krooman. river, for three miles; which is a great work in so warm a climate. They have also built comfortable houses on the south side of the town, behind which are their gardens.

"Some favourable changes have taken place among the Matchappees, the inhabitants of Lattakoo, &c. Expeditions for the purpose of stealing cattle are abandoned; scarcely any are now put to death, because they know more of the value of human life. Pumpkins, melons, beans, &c. have been introduced, because among themselves they have something resembling them; but, though fond of potatoes, they cannot be prevailed upon to plant any, because they fear it would occasion some alteration in their old system, of which they are as tenacious as the Hindoos themselves.

"As yet they cannot comprehend reading and writing. Only about six persons attend the school, and these can only join two letters together. Could one only be taught to read, it would lead others to conceive of its meaning. I expect little improvement until some person, well instructed in the Lancasterian plan, shall come to teach them. The want of their language is a great obstacle; as yet the missionaries are obliged to speak to them by interpreters, and it is a thousand to one if they have ability to place the truth before the natives in a proper manner. But I think Mr. Moffat will be able to acquire the language in a few months.

They think themselves safe from the attacks of the neighbouring tribes, in consequence of white men living among VOL. V.

them. In a public conversation with the king, I perceived that he took consider. able merit to himself for having, at the request of the missionaries, relinquished the practice of cattle-stealing. He expressed his hope that, as he had taken our advice, I would take his, and not visit Mak. kabba, king of the Wanketzens, against whom he seems to entertain a mortal antipathy. I advised Dr. Cowan and Dono. van,' said he, 'not to go; yet they went, and have never since been heard of.' He added, 'You are going to the Marootzees; you will pass near him; he will send for you, but do not go.'

"I design to set out, on Monday next, to visit a people who live about 250 miles higher up, towards the north-east-From every thing I hear, it seems to me likely to be an important missionary station, From thence come all the iron and copper used here. The king of Mashow, who lives on this side of them, was here when I arrived. I design to visit his place also. I am still more confirmed in my opinion that Lattakoo is only the commencement of peopled Africa.

"The other night the Bushmen stole 19 cattle belonging to the mission, 11 of which belonged to the interpreter; this will be a most serious loss to him. We have heard that another party of Bushmen robbed the Griquas about the same time, taking the advantage, probably, of the absence of many of them at Beaufort Fair. A good parcel of small black and white beads would enable the interpreter to purchase some cattle instead of those he has lost. Beads are the only sort of money that passes here, and only black and white ones (about one-eighth of an inch in diameter) are valuable-except large dark blue ones. I have many necklaces, given by my friends at Kingsland, but they are not acceptable. If Messrs. to send a large quantity of such as I have described to Beaufort Fair in 12 months, it would be a good speculation," &c. &c.

were

The

Mr. Philip says" Mr. Campbell's friends need be under no apprehension for his safety. Travelling in the interior of South Africa is now, through the influence of our missionaries, nearly as safe as in England. If Africa be explored, it must be by the progress of missions. mission to Lattakoo has already opened the way some hundreds of miles beyond that place; and, if that mission be strengthened, and another mission be established among the Marootzees, we shall have a field laid open to us from the Cape to De Lagoa Bay."

mounted in obtaining a printing-press, Mr. F. says "Before our beginning to print the New Testament, (in the Guzerat language) and for the purpose of bringing our press and types into proper order, we judged it proper to print several small tracts, of eight pages each. Mr. Skinner has prepared four of this kind-selections from the Scriptures. I have prepared a small catechism, prayers, &c. and a tract entitled 'The way of Salvation.' These were greatly needed. O that the reading of them may be accompanied with the Divine blessing!

"We have received, from the Calcutta Bible Society, sufficient paper for printing one thousand copies of the New Testament. We hope also to receive some assistance from the Bombay Bible Society, towards the printing of it. We expect to begin one of the Gospels in a few days. I trust we feel that, in conducting a work so important to the interests of Christianity in this land, much wisdom, and a constant supply of the grace of the Holy Spirit are necessary, and I doubt not that the numerous friends of missions in Britain will persevere in earnest prayer, that the blessing of God may succeed our labours. "In translating, my attention has been directed principally to the Old Testament. I have gone over the Books of Moses twice, and the Historical Books once. These, with the Acts of the Apostles, which I have translated, and am now going over the fourth time, in order to its being printed, will be, I think, nearly half of the Sacred Scriptures. Mr. Skinner takes the other half.

"I have prepared a selection of the parables of the New Testament, with an explanation attached to each, which I find useful to read when I am out among the natives-am, also preparing a course of short sermons on the principal doctrines and precepts of Christianity, for the instruction of the heathen; these may be printed at some future time. In giving them instruction, the greatest plainness of speech is absolutely necessary, in order to their understanding the truths delivered; for they are mere children in the knowledge of every thing of real importance; it may really be said of them, that they know nothing but wickedness-but 'great is the truth, and it must prevail.' The directors have lately sent us a copy of your Sermons on the Millennium.' We have found the perusal of them very useful; and trust they will be extensively so, in the promotion of personal religion, and in rousing all who may read them to more active exertions to hasten forward the delightful period.

"I now feel at home in speaking to this people; and, notwithstanding their wretched condition, am happy in the employment, and would not exchange my situation for

that of the greatest monarch. We have much cause to bless God for the gracious, countenance he has given us in preaching the Gospel to our countrymen. The change of conduct and views in several persons who attend, are sufficient encouragement. Our friends who attend the English worship, in addition to defraying the rent of the place, &c. have been able to render us some little assistance in other things, and we are anxious for this, that the expenses of the mission may be lessened to the Society. Your's most respectfully,

WILLIAM FYVIE.

CHINSURAH.

Extract of a Letter from Mr Pearson, to

the Directors; dated Chinsurah, 31st of December, 1819. HoNoured Fathers,

THE date of my former letter, (last April) reminds me that I must not longer delay to send you tidings of what I am about; you will, I am persuaded, pardon the unfrequency of my communications, as you receive statedly those of my brethren in Calcutta. Weighing present circumstances, it will not, I conceive, be accounted matter of surprise or disappointment, not to receive details of the conversion of the heathen. The particular sphere to which I was destined seems hitherto almost to have excluded me from any direct attempt for this grand end of missionary labour. I feel happy in having, to the best of my ability, fully obeyed the letter of my instructions: I have bent. my time, my strength, and ingenuity, to the advancement of the schools To save time, I re-copy a short report made to the brethren in Calcutta, by which you will perceive the outline of what has been done during the past year.

No. of schools 25-children 2400.

It may, perhaps, appear a matter of regret, that the statement I now send is be Yow that of the former year; we conceive, however, that this deficiency is fully compensated by a superior state of discipline, and of progress in learning. It is pleasing to think that our labours for this end have appeared satisfactory to Government, by whose liberality the schools are supported. Our efforts, in the first instance, were directed to the introduction of an appropri ate system, together with the simplification and arrangement of elementary mat. ter. Of the necessity of the former, little need be urged; its existence will ever give to a school of children the like advantage in the handling of letters, that it does to a regiment of soldiers over a confused rab ble in the use of arms.

Purposing to take for our model that of the National Society in England, I made an abridged translation of Dr. Bell's 'Instructions,' of which an edition has been printed by the Calcutta School-book Society; and the system itself, as accommodated to Bengal, is now in use in the schools. We have at least demonstrated that it is capable of being acted upon here, in a manner nearly, if not fully, approaching to that in which we see at home. I have heard it spoken of by the natives as wonderful, to see a boy in tears at losing his place in the class. As practised in the Ghaut schools, it has been adopted by gentlemen engaged in the work of native education, and also by the Calcutta School Society.

Similar to those of the National Society, have been composed, in Bengalee, a set of Elementary Tables; a first and second edition of which have been printed by the School-book Society, to which we are indebted for the gratuitous supply of various school books, both of Calcutta and of Serampore.

In addition has been printed, after the model of the National Society's school book No. 1, the History of Joseph; also a book of Arithmetic, by Mr. Harle, containing 120 pages. We have lately completed, for the use of schools, a book containing correspondence, commercial and familiar, various forms of bonds, deeds, &c. which I have reason to think will be useful and attractive. Whilst these preliminary means for the enlightening of our fellow-subjects have happily been afforded, it need not be said that the eye of benevolence has been opened only to behold the waste that every where surrounds us. Using, therefore, our best exertions for the prosperity of this Institution, we are at the same time incessantly employed in acquiring, through conversation and study, a thorough and idiomatic knowledge of the native language. In the beginning of the year, Mr. Harle and myself, with our Testaments under our arms, were in the habit of going out daily, and, in the market-place, or beneath the shade of a tree, of reading and speaking to the people, who at least were willing to hear, and generally with much attention, what we had to say.

I enclose specimens of tables, school books, &c. &c. Our schools have been visited and approved by several; they are also regarded as models; nevertheless, we admit the absence of the chief beauty -direct Christian instruction. Let us be thankful for advances already made; who knows but that in a few years, each may become a Christian seminary? Of the importance of schools as a branch of missi. onary labour, my views are not in the least altered: however, it seems I am not to spend all my time in them, (which indeed

is no longer necessary,) but rather to busy myself in making known Christ unto the heathen.

It is really delightful to dive into the language, and to have it in one's power even in a feeble way, to diffuse the light of the glorious Gospel amidst such deplorable darkness. The eyes of people at home seem now to be opened, as to the moral degradation of the Hindoos. Their ingratitude, cruel hard-heartedness, and deep duplicity, afford many a trial to the bosom that beats only to do them good. Sometimes, however, a smile will forcibly efface the whole-Whilst Capt. J. was here, one of his native servants was seized with the Cholera Morbus. We administered medicine, and, having set to work by applying hot bandages, and rubbing well his hands and feet, through the blessing of God, his life was saved. For doing which, the next day, lest he should be in danger of loosing caste, he demanded so many rupees. On the other hand, though living under so benign a government, they doubtless frequently experience much evil, and but too frequently have presented to their view that great stumbling-block -the inconsistent lives of Christians. One who came to me the other day, and could speak tolerable English, was continually adding an oath; I asked him why he did so, pointing out the guilt. His answer was, he knew no harm, having heard the words constantly used by gentlemen, but promised never to make use of them again.

I have lately completed, in the native language, an English grammar; it is well spoken of by those who have seen it, and is likely to be in great demand by the natives, for whose use it is intended. It will be followed by a copious Vocabulary on the plan of Dufief's Nature displayed. The preface to this work ought, I conceive, to be read by every one engaged in learning or in teaching languages. By these means the English language might accompany the extension of the English Government, and be rendered universal in the same short time, throughout the millions that people the banks of the Ganges, the Candians, Hottentots, Negroes, &c. &c. As an humble attempt to put in execution a part of this suggestion, the above works have been undertaken. The Schoolbook Society have ordered to be printed 1000 copies of the grammar.

I will not swell my letters by mentioning the interesting particulars of the missionary conference held at Calcutta the be ginning of this month, which, doubtless, you will receive from thence, along with the account of the Anniversary of the Bengal Auxiliary Missionary Society.

Our brethren are indefatigable in devis ing and pursuing every possible means of fulfilling their errand: all of us, I trust,

are striving who shall be the greatest scholar, greatest in the eyes of his Master, and least in his own esteem.

The wide distance that subsists between us and the people to whom we are sent, while it forms a barrier to our usefulness in itself, if not steadily watched against, will produce a pernicious effect upon the frame of our spirits. Pride and anger are our enemies-not stripes and imprisonments, but soft speeches, and flattery in all its forms. The fable of the Sun, the Wind, and the Traveller, may instruct us which of these is easiest to be borne. Were I to give advice, I would say, If possible, send none but such as, knowing their own hearts, know the world, and know well how to conduct themselves in society. It seems alike necessary, whether on account of heathens or Christians. Men of capacity, (for a missionary, whether preacher or teacher, be he what he may, if not a master of the language, had much better have staid at home;) men of generous and comprehensive minds, and that in every thing can bear and forbear.

O that I were what I ought to be-active, full of energy, and full of humility; under a sense of my nothingness, and of the mercy which hath hitherto followed me. It is a hard matter really to feel, and sympathize, and love, and be in earnest as we ought; and yet who, except they be stones, but must feel! A few weeks ago, a gentleman informed me he saw two females immolated on his way from Calcutta. Another who just now left me, says, yesterday evening he saw two others, at a short distance from the same spot, half dead through fear, hurried first into the water, and then into the fire, tied down and burnt to ashes on the funeral pile of their husbands. Eight hundred within the province of Fort-William in 12 months! I turned to the Brahmin sitting by me, and asked him, When will this be at an end? He answered, When the Company order it.

To this day, with little exception, I enjoy the best health, although experiencing some diminution of strength from the effect of the climate. At present, it is so cold, that, when at home, I am glad to creep to the warmest corner of the house, and could fetch ice from the ice-field on the north side of the town. I continue to receive every kindness from the Governor and people of the place. We have service twice in English, in the settlement church, on Sunday; monthly missionary prayermeeting, and weekly prayer-meeting, in my own house.

Continental Intelligence.

LETTERS from Colmar, bearing date the 20th of August, give a pleasing account of the increase of vital Christianity it Switzerland, and the French provinces border

ing on the Rhine. Two missionaries from Basle have lately devoted themselves to the service of the lost sheep of the house of Israel, and proceeded the one to Cracow in Poland; and the other to Odessa, on the shores of the Black Sea. An interesting account is given of the mode in which a young German converted Jew labours for the spiritual welfare of his mother, a woman who seems to be 'touching the righteousness which is by the law blameless:' in his letters to her he comments upon some passage of the Old Tes tament in the words of Paul's Epistle to the Hebrews, without naming the author, and asks her opinion upon that which he has offered to her consideration: she usually replies, that she approves of what he has said; upon which he rejoins by telling her that he is very happy that she approves of what he submitted to her attention, but that the whole was taken from a letter which one Paul, a follower of the hanged One' wrote to his nation. He recommends her strongly to read it : she seems to have followed his advice, not unaccompanied by a blessing.

We are sorry to learn by letters from Italy, of the 17th of August, that Mr. Jos seph Tartaro, who had made a successful tour through the greater part of the Nea politan and Pontifical States, distributing the word of God, has been arrested on this account by the Austrian government, at Milan. At some places Mr. Tartaro had so far overcome the ill-founded jealousies of the enemies of the sacred volume, that pulpits had been heard to resound with panegyrics on the English and Russians for their zeal in this cause. The Austrian government has repeatedly manifested more aversion to the dissemination of the Scriptures than even the Papal itself: we believe that up to this moment only one Bible Society exists in any part of those immense territories, namely, that at Pres burg, in Hungary, which was established some years ago by Mr. Leo, of Paris.

For the Christian Journal.

THE ORPHAN'S DEATH. Beneath Delusion's reign of hopes and fears, The wearied wheels of life at last stood stills Far from this vale of bitterness and tears,

Thy spotless soul ascends to Zion's Hill. The bloom of youth upon thy glowing cheek, To feed the hopes of future days began ; When Death insatiate, came his spoil to seek,

Long ere thy years attain'd to those of man. Thy heart its fevered beat has ceased at last The anguish of thy bosom now is o'erThe reign of feelings and of passions past, Can fire thine eye or nerve thy heart no more. *He died delirious.

around,

For thee no marble its memorial rears; But those who were to thee by nature bound, Bewail thy loss in wretchedness and tears. With thee we all must share the robe of dust, And rest our aching heads beneath the olay ; Yet firm remains the dying Christian's trustDeath is the dawning of eternal day. Be this our struggle--this our one desire

To gain the haven and outride the storm; And by the beams of Faith's eternal fire, Dispel the clouds that earthly sorrows form. Whatever anguish racks the soul below,

Hope bids us view that distant promised shore;

Where streams of pleasure shall for ever flow, And care and sorrow wring the heart no more. So let us live, that when the dart of death

Shall pierce the veil that clouds our mortal view,

A brighter sun may cheer our parting breath, And all the life of life within renew.

That freed from trouble, sorrow, pain, and care, Our souls may launch on that unbounded wave;

In life and bliss immortal ever share,

And shout triumphant o'er the conquered

grave.

The fairest flower may wither on its stem,

Long ere the heam that bade it bloom, decay;

And coldness chill the vigour of the gem,

That opes beneath the spring's reviving ray. And such is man!-how swift his moments fly, Whom being's self doth hasten to his doom! To-day he is-to-morrow sees him die,

Frail as the sod that rankles o'er his tomb.

Whose lot is next? we know not: to prepare

Is our's to meet in smiles that summons dread, Which soon must call this mortal frame to share The dreamless slumbers of the silent dead. S, of the South.

For the Christian Journal. WRITTEN FOR MY PRAYER BOOK. Almighty Fountain of eternal bliss, Great God! in tender mercy grant me this, That as I read this sacred book, inspire My soul with ardent zeal, and heavenly fire; Let me with faith thy holy truths pursue, And keep my God for ever in my view. Sprung from thy bounty, all I have is thine; O fill my breast with gratitude divine; Accept the contrite breathings of my heart, And what my weakness wants, thy grace impart;

Be thou, my God, for ever in my view.

Trembling I kneel before thy awful throne, To thee my thoughts and all my wants are known;

O cleanse these thoughts, and pure affections give,

And, through thy merey, bid a sinner live. And may thy Spirit inward strength renew, To keep my God for ever in my view.

HENRY POPE.

Specimen of Hindoo Flattery. WE extract from Mr. Horner's Journal an instance of Native Flattery, which may serve to make the Hindoo character better understood:

The chief Brahmin of the place, with ten or fifteen others of his fraternity, accompanied us from one temple to another, and gave us what little information he could, or rather PLEASED to give, on the history of the place, &c He was very reserved on any subjects connected with the temples and their religion.

I sat down with them at the porch of one of the temples, and conversed on the subject of religion. They spoke with a great deal of trepidation, and an appearance of uneasy suspicion; and often looked at one another, as if to ascertain by their countenances whether it was their general opinion that such or such things ought to be said to an European stranger. In reply to some remarks which I had made on the inconsistency of endeavouring to represent an invisible and immaterial God by the images of stone or metal, the old Brahmin quickly answered, "We know that God is invisible, but how can we worship him as such? We cannot form any ideas of an Invisible Being; and consequently cannot worship him, but by means of images representing the forms which he has assumed. in different incarnations." "But," "rejoined I, "Christians worship God as a Spirit, and consequently as an Invisible Being, who is every where present, and possessing every excellency in infinite perfection." "Yes, but you do not consider the difference; Chrisyou tians know every thing: YOU ARE PERFECT IN KNOWLEDGE, whereas we know