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NO. VI.

Audit of the Treasurer's accounts.

Northampton, Aug. 25, 1807. The Committee appointed to audit the accounts of the Treasurer of the

Hampshire Missionary Society have

attended that service, and ask leave to report: That they have examined the Treasurer's accounts and find

them regularly charged, well vouched, and rightly cast, that there is now in the Treasury in cash, the sum of four cents. 800 04 2572 34

In promissory notes with
good sureties, the sum of

Amounting to the sum of
Which is submitted
By ASA WHITE,

JONA. WOODBRIDGE,
NATHANIEL ELY,

2572 38

Auditing Committee.

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and Abraham Albrecht, together with brother Sydenfaden, who is supported by the Netherland Society, all of whom accompanied Mr. Kicherer and the Hottentots in their return from

Holland, had departed from the Cape, in order to introduce the gospel among the Namacquas, a remote and untutored tribe, situated at about a month's journey from the station at the Great Orange River, occupied by Anderson and Kramer.

These brethren began their journey on the 22d of May, 1805, and suffered much in passing through the barren deserts. They had not only to provide for themselves, but for those who conducted their waggons, eleven persons in the whole, which they found exceedingly difficult, and were at one time ready to faint; when, according to an earnest wish they had expressed to each other, that Cornelius Kok, (a Hottentot who resided in that part of the country) would come to their assistance, they were almost immediately gratified with the appearance of his son, who assured them that his father was coming to help them with two yoke of oxen. This proved a great relief for the present; but in the prosecution of their journey fresh difficulties occurred, every one being ready to perish with hunger and thirst: they met with repeated disappointments where they expected to find water; and were obliged to lodge in places infested with wild beasts, and where the Boschemen had before murdered all the inhabitants.

In these distressing circumstances it was determined that Mr. Christian Albrecht, and some attendants, should proceed to the Great Namacquas, to explore the country, and learn the disposition of the people. This was happily effected; and he returned with the joyful news that he had discovered two fountains, which they called "The Happy Deliverance," and "The Silent Hope." At the latter they shortly arrived, rejoicing in the merciful preservation they had experienced, and still more in the apparent readiness of the poor pagans to receive the gospel message. At the close of the year 1805, their work commenced in this place. They found, however, that their settlement would be more conveniently formed at "The Happy

Deliverance," which was but a few miles distant from "The Silent Hope." Having heard that Chacab, the chief of a kraal in that neighbourhood, was inclined to receive the word, brother Sydenfaden was dispatched to the place of his residence, where, under a tree, he preached the gospel to him and his people. After the service was concluded, the chief expressed his satisfaction with what he had heard, and said: "This word is too great that we should not accept it. All the chiefs of Namacqua-land must come hither to hear; hither must they come, under this tree, to hear: then shall they find that the word of God is great. Harmony must also prevail; all the chiefs must have one heart and mind, and accept this doctrine: then the doctrine must be established in the centre of the country, that every one may have access to it."

This declaration of a person of influence, filled the heart of the missionary with joy, which was, however, soon damped by the efforts of one Absalom, who was esteemed as a kind of sorcerer among these benighted people. This wicked man laboured to fill their minds with prejudice, and to dissuade them from paying any attention to the word; and at first so far prevailed, that brother Sydenfaden thought his life in danger. But when he reproved him before the people, face to face, he was ashamed, trembled, and promised to make no further opposition. The chief, Chacab, declared that he was still attached to the missionary, and said, "I would fain accept the word of God. I shall come myself, and see if the Oorlam Hottentots accept of it; and if they do, I shall then make it my business that all the chiefs of the whole Namac qua-land shall accept it; for if I only accept it, I shall be murdered by the rest, and it will occasion a war."

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This pleasing event, together with the accession of a considerable number of the Hottentots from the surrounding country, determined the brethren to continue at the Happy

These are Hottentots who have lived with the peasants among the Christians, and are therefore considered by the Namacquas as better informed, and more civilized than themselves.

Deliverance, notwithstanding considerable difficulties with which they had to struggle. It was found necessary to erect a building in which divine service might be held, for in the open air they were exposed to danger from venemous creatures which abound; one evening, while preaching, a serpent entwined itself about the leg of Christian Albrecht, but, happily, left him without doing any injury. In the beginning of March, 1806, they were making bricks for the intended building. In the month of May last, this missionary was obliged to visit the Cape to procure necessary provisions, and expected to return to the settlement in June. The brethren were then fully determined on continuing with the people, should they be able to maintain themselves in that spot. They had laid out a garden, but were doubtful of its success; they were apprehensive also that the country would prove too dry and barren for the production of corn, so that they expected to be obliged to live wholly without bread; but they were in hopes that, from their vicinity to two large fountains, and four smaller ones, they should be preserved from the effects of excessive drought, and enabled to maintain their cattle, upon which they must principally depend for subsist

ence.

Under all these discouragements, however, these new missionaries, who appear to be entirely devoted to the service of Christ, derive comfort from the prospect of usefulness to the poor heathen. They are very thankful to God for his most merciful preservation, when travelling through the desert, and guiding them to a people who seem willing to receive the gospel. "We have suffered," say they, "very much, during our journey through the barren deserts: but God shews us that he is a hearer of the prayers of his servants. We foresee that we shall be for sometime in want and poverty; but if we exert ourselves, and keep up our spirits, we trust the Lord will assist us in procuring necessary food. We have upwards of three hundred of the Oorlam and River Hottentots with us, who have now daily an opportunity of being instructed in the truths of the gospel. It appears to us that the heathen here have a desire to be acquainted with

the word of salvation. Though we suffer poverty, and are in want of all earthly comforts which we could have enjoyed in our native country, yet we are satisfied, if we perceive that our feeble endeavours are blessed from on high. We shall always rejoice, if we can be instrumental of the extension of the kingdom of Christ."

To be continned.

The following Extracts are from No. XVI. of the Periodical Accounts relative to the Baptist Missionary Socieey, published May, 1807, from the Fournals of Messrs. Marshman, Ward, and Mardon.

Continued from page 283. MR. MARSHMAN to MR. FULLER. Aug. 28, 1805. We feel the weight of responsibility attached to our conduct. If we were not to improve to the utmost the advantages we possess for spreading the word, we should sin against God, against the poor heathen, against you, and against the religious public. Situated in one of the best places perhaps in the world for a central missionary station; favour granted us in the eyes of the government ; the knowledge of several of the country languages; the means (and trust I may add the desire) of acquiring the rest; a printing press; a good number of native brethren to carry the glad tidings abroad; a body organized, experienced in some degree, and animated I hope with one spirit are these advantages given us for our sakes? Are they not rather given for the sake of the poor heath en, and of the cause of God? If Paul said, Wo is me if I preach not the gospel; surely we may say, Wo unto us if we improve not these privileges for the same end! Should the relig. ious public ever withhold their support from us, (which while we do our duty we cannot believe they will) yet we feel ourselves obliged and inclined to do the utmost in our power. Only send us out helpers, faithful and beloved, and in the strength of God cv. ery exertion shall be made on our part. The God who supported an

Elijah, a Franck, and many others who have disinterestedly engaged in his service, and who hath made our way thus far prosperous, that God will surely sustain, and not forsake us.

Among the advantages which I have enumerated is that of a body of native Christian brethren. Of their importance, one instance may give you some idea. A poor husbandman, about forty years old, who can neither read nor write, about three years ago, came to us from above seventy miles distance, and inquired about the way of life. After a while he was telling his artless story, of what he baptised and returned home. There, had found," two women were so

wrought upon that they came all that distance on foot to hear the gospel, which, when they had done, they also believed and were baptised. One of them was his sister. Some time afgospel from him, and imitated their ter a simple Mussulman heard the example. Soon after a more respectable Hindoo, who could read and write, heard the word from him, came to us, heard more, and after going home and weighing it, returned and took up his nephew, in a few months, followed his cross. This man's example. Nor did the matter end here. Another poor husbandman heard from the first, and leaving all, working some months in our garden, came to us, was baptised, and after died, leaving a good report. this the utmost extent of this brother's usefulness. About three months neighbours, who were baptised; and ago he brought two more of his gospel. we hear they both walk worthy of the And even now there are country, inquiring the way of life, two with us from that part of the of neither of whom do we despair. This simple man is our brother SHEETARAM!

Nor is

accompany a European brother even A native brother or two can often newly arrived; can catch the broken accents from his lips, and explain them with a fervour and clearness that would surprise you: while the protects them from insult, and inmere presence of a European brother spires them with boldness. Nor are Though not so well calculated to they useless when sent alone.

harangue a multitude, yet they can enter private circles, watch opportunities, and drop an effectual word, where we cannot be heard. They, silent and unobserved, can penetrate a bigotted city, stay two or three days in a house, and, unsuspected, scatter the precious seed; while only the appearance of one of us would create universal alarm. I say nothing of the advantages they derive from their intimate knowledge of the ideas, habits, and prejudices of their countrymen. What I have said is quite enough to shew that it is our duty to avail ourselves of their assistance.

It will however strike you, that while they are thus employed in disseminating the good seed, they cannot be at home supporting their families. A hundred rupees per month (about 150/. per annum) would nearly support ten of them, with their families, and a greater number of single brethren. And why should we

stop at ten, or even at ten times ten? Shall we, after having begun to reap the harvest of our toils, relax in our labours Shall we supinely suffer such opportunities to slide away unimproved? Yes, if the cry of perishing millions is not to be heard; if the religious public be impoverished, and wearied by what they have done al ready; and if the promises of God have lost their meaning: but if the contrary of these be true, it is for us to abound in the work of the Lord, knowing that our labours will not be in vain in the Lord.

BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE 80CIETY.

Extract of a Letter from the Rev. David Brown, Provost of the College of Fort William, to the British and Foreign Bible Society. Dated Calcutta, 13th Sept. 1806.

MY DEAR SIR,

"I BELIEVE no plan for the diffu. sion of true religion was ever formed, from the beginning of the world, that embraced so wide a scope, or met with such general approbation, as that of the British and Foreign Bible Society.

"On coming down this morning from Serampore, I requested the missionaries to send me a few specimens of their labours, whether in the press or in manuscript, to be forwarded to you by the packet which closes this day.

"They have sent me the following: will be ready by the end of this year. 1. Shanscrit. Two first gospels most admirable translation of the 2. Bengalee. This is a new and whole scriptures.

3. Mahratta. The four gospels are printed off.

4. Orissa. A sheet from the press not corrected. This work is in great forwardness.

"In manuscript: 5. Telinga.

6.

7.

8.

Shanscrit Hindoostanee.
Delhi Hindoostanee.
Guzerattee.

9. Persian. (Book of Psalms is

finished.)

10. Chinese.

"Mr. Professor Lassar has sent letter in the same language, the work me three Chinese specimens, with a of his own head and hand.

"As the above little specimens ing, I do not recommend them to seare the hasty production of this mornthorough Chinese, and will do the vere criticism, but Mr. Lassar is a great work of translating the scripGod to spare his life five or six years. tures into that language, if it pleases He reads every thing in the language as readily as you do English, and writes it as rapidly.

"The other manuscript specimens are in a rough state, and not fit to be submitted to critical inspection.

"The Shanscrit and Chinese (ap. parently the most difficult of access) are discovered to be the most practicable of all the languages yet undertaken.

"The first answers to Greek, as face answers to face in a glass. The translation will be perfect, while it will be almost verbal. A Shanscrit edition of the gospels will be publish. ed with the Greek on the opposite page, as soon as we can procure Greek types. You will find the verb in the corresponding mood and tense, the noun and adjective in the corresponding case and gender. The idiom

and government are the same: where the Greek is absolute, so is the Shanscrit; and in many instances the primitives or roots are the same, This will exhibit a curious phenomenon to the learned in Europe.

"While I am writing, Mr. Carey has sent to the college, for the Honourable Court of Directors, 40 copies of his Shanscrit grammar, just published, containing 1014 pages in quarto.

"I have given you the above information, my dear Sir, merely to convince you, that we are not indifferent to the cause in which you are engaged. But for a more accurate and satisfactory account you must wait till the end of the year, when the first report will be published. "I am, with sincere regard, My dear Sir,

Most truly yours."

Extract of a Letter from Capt.
Stonehouse, to the same Society.
Νου. 18, 1806.

"It is impossible to give you an adequate description of the anxiety that was manifested by the poor Spaniards to get possession of a Testament; many sought them with tears and earnest entreaties; and, although I had nearly enough for them all, yet it was with difficulty they were pacified, until they received from my hand the word of eternal life. Since which I have witnessed the most pleasing sight that ever my eyes bebeheld-nearly a thousand poor Spanish prisoners, sitting round the prison walls-doing what? Reading the word of God, with an apparent eagerness, that would have put many professing Christians to the blush!"

Literary and Philosophical Intelligence.

GREAT BRITAIN.

East India Company's Shipping. By the official list recently published at the India House, it appears that the company have in their employ 58 regular ships abroad, from 800 to 1200 tons; 16 at home, and one repairing: 20 extra ships of 500 to 600 tons abroad; 9 proceeding to India, but not sailed; and 2 at home. Total 106. The chartered tonnage of which exceeds 150,000 tons; the number of sailors is near 10,000.

Bishop of London's Donation. The bishop of London has transferred twelve hundred pounds stock to the master and fellows of Christ college, Cambridge, and directed the interest of it to be laid out annually in the pur chase of three gold medals, to be contended for by the students of that college; one of fifteen guineas, a prize for the best Latin dissertation on some evidence of Christianity; another of 15 guineas, a prize for the bestEnglish composition on some moral precept of the gospel; and one of 10 guineas, a prize to the most distinct and graceful reader in, and regular attend. ant at chapel; and the surplus, if any, to be laid out in books, and distributed by the master. His lordship 170,879 was educated at this college, and cer166,600 tainly is its greatest living ornament ; 135,972 and in this mark of his regard for it, 125,657 it is difficult to determine whether 104,251 the magnificence of his liberality, 83,004 or the wisdom of its direction, is 80,278 most to be admired. His liberality 72,580 has certainly insured an earlier atten47,388 tion than usual to the sublime sub38,554 jects of these compositions, which 37,033 cannot fail to lay a solid foundation 33,283 for piety and religion. Its effects

Breweries. Statement of the quantity of barrels of beer, denominated porter, brewed in London by the 12 principal houses, between the 5th July, 1806, and the 5th July, 1807:

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