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three hundred *.

Two Hottentots, with his Excellency, to get my wishes satisfied†; and I shall always consider myself under obligation.

one of whom I baptized in Elephant's River, on my late journey, asked me yesterday for Bibles. It was not a little cutting to me to say, I could not supply them. These two men have learned to read almost without assist

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LETTER FROM A CAFFRE.

The following may be deemed a literary curiosity. It is the translation of a letter written by the young Caffre chief who obtained his knowledge at Bethelsdorp, to a gentleman connected with Government, requesting permission for Missionaries to visit his brethren, the Caffres. It is probably the first letter ever written by a Caffre. Sir,

Bethelsdorp, Jan. 20, 1816. You will not take it amiss that I address myself to you in this letter. I should not have dared to have taken this liberty, had it not been for the kindness you shewed me at Witenhage, in Bethelsdorp.

You know that my desires are very strong that my nation should become acquainted with the things that belong to their eternal happiness, that is, to know the Lord Jesus Christ. I enjoy a privilege that not one of my uation enjoys, and I cannot rest till they enjoy the same. - Mr. Read bas written twice to government for permission for Missionaries to go; but no answer has been received. Now it is my earnest request that you and Mr. J- will use your interest

With much esteem, I sign myself,
Sir, your obedient Servant,
JAN TZAATZOE.

The gentlemen to whom this was written promised to lay it before the Governor, in Jan's own hand-writing.

+ The hesitation of Government to

grant permission was not owing to any unwillingness to extend the blessings of Christianity to the Caffres; but to the unsettled state of affairs the Caffres having recently been at war with the English Government; but when that impediment was removed, permission was readily granted.

By a letter from Mr. John Evans,

dated Griqua Town, Jan. 31, 1816, it appears, that he and his companions, having been mercifully preserved on their long and perilous journey from Bethelsdorp, had safely arrived at Griqua Town, and intended, in a few days, to proceed on their more arduous journey to Lattakoo.

Mr. Anderson had made all possithe country and people; and had ble enquiry concerning the state of learned from the Bootsuannas, that the people of Lattakoo were at war with some of their northern neighbours, and that they were in a state of commotion themselves; some of the people being anxious to remove their habitations to the Krooman River, and others still nearer to Griqua Town; but that the king would decide nothing till the Missionaries should arrive.

Under these circumstances, the brethren were unanimously of opinion, that a visit should be paid as soon as possible to Lattakoo, to learn the true state of things there, and then to proceed accordingly.

Mr. Evans's letter breathes a true spirit of devotion; and while the perils and difficulties of the undertaking were fully contemplated, he expresses a firm yet humble reliance on the divine power and premises.

In the letter referred to, Mr. Evans says, "The Missionary Society will have cause, in the great day, to rejoice that they ever exerted themselves in behalf of Africa; for many souls have been brought to the knowledge

of the truth, and some are already in glory. The Society may rest assured that not only many among the Hottentots, Namaquas, Corannas, and Griquas have been converted to God, but some also among the boors. Much has already been done in Africa, in the space of fifteen years; but there are yet extensive fields presenting themselves, and many more labourers are wanted. Should the Lord incline mechanics, and especially persons acquainted with husbandry, to offer their services, I should greatly rejoice; for persons of this description, fully devoted to the cause, might be of immense service here."

We are extremely concerned to hear of the death of Mrs. Thom, the excellent wife of the Rev. G. Thom, Missionary at the Cape of Good Hope; but her afflicted husband has the consolation of reflecting on the wonderful goodness of God to her, in her last days; a particular and affecting account of which appears in our Obituary for the present Month,

INDIA.

GANJAM.

LETTERS and a Journal have been received from Mr. Lee, dated in October last. A dangerous fever had prevailed in Ganjam, which was fatal to many; but Mr. Lee had happily escaped.

Since the Act of Parliament, relative to Missions, was known in India, the restrictions, under which Mr. L. had laboured, have been removed. His present difficulties arise chiefly from the strong prejudices of the people, which are constantly kept up by the influence of the brahmins, who dissuade them from attending the preaching. Even the children in the school are deterred from using the copies taken from Scripture, for fear of the Brahmin's curse. Mr. Lee thinks that probably the prejudices of the people at Ganjam are stronger than in some other places, on account of its vicinity to the head-quarters of Satan, at Jaggernaut.

Mr. Lee is of opinion that the greatest probability of doing good, in that part of India, is by means of schools;

through the medium of which, if managed with caution and prudence, religious instruction may be gradually communicated. He thinks that schools might be established in seve, ral large towns, within 50 or 60 miles of Ganjam; but for this purpose more labourers must be sent out.

·

We We are glad to find that Mr. Lee is now making progress in the work of translation (into the Telinga language.) By the good hand of God upon me, I have finished the book of Genesis, and am now revising it for the first time. Should my health be continued, I hope to have it ready for the press, by the time I write again. I intend, after a second revision, to translate it into the Woddie. This I can easily accomplish by means of one of my scholars. I am now employing him in translating a tract from that language into the Gentoo. I now enclose a copy of the catechism, with the prayers, and the ten commandments.'

Mr. Lee mentious in his Journal, many particulars concerning a Sepoy, of whose conversion he entertains pleasing hopes. 'I shall think,' says he, all my labours amply rewarded, if he shall prove to be a real convert. I am not in haste to baptize him; though, from the satisfaction I feel respecting him, I think I might properly do it. The Lord only knows the heart. His wife refuses to be with him, on account of his profession; and all his relations are become his enemies; but he esteems the friendship of Christ above all. I hope to make him useful in some way or other. He has a strong desire to do good. Perhaps I may, at first, employ him as a reader, for which he seems to be well qualified; and hereafter he may be still more usefully employed.'

'The other Sepoy, who it was reported is mad, is removed to a distance, and cannot now attend my instructions, which, I doubt not, he would gladly do. I hear a good report of him, and have reason to hope that his former visits have not been in vain. I learn that he is greatly persecuted, and I hope it is for righteousness sake. These two men in particular need your prayers. Pray also for me, and for all the heathen in this part of Satan's dominions, that they

may be delivered from their cruel master.'

I have distributed a great number of the Gentoo New Testament: my second supply is all gone. I have applied for more to Vizagapatam, but have not yet received an answer. I intend to apply to Mr. Thomason for a supply of the Orissa Testament, which I can distribute very widely.

SURAT.

LETTERS have been received from Mr. Skinner, dated at Surat, Dec. 15, 1815, and at Bombay, Jan. 15, 1816, stating, that Mr. Fyvie, who arrived at Surat, Sept. 16, had been dangerously ill of a bilions fever. Dr. Ogil vie (son of a clergyman of Aberdeen) had paid the utmost attention to him, and recommended his removal to Bombay, as the best expedient for his recovery. The good providence of God afforded unexpected means to effect this. Mr. Corsellis, the Hon. Company's commercial resident at Surat, most kindly offered a convey ance to Mr. F. in his own private vessel; in which he sailed to Bombay, on the 6th of January, and arrived on the 9th.

By a letter from Mrs. Fyvie, written on the 24th of January, we rejoice to learn that Mr. Fyvie was then considerably better, and that strong hopes were entertained of his recovery.

This affliction has been a very trying dispensation to all the parties concerned, not only on account of the severe illness of Mr. F. but in respect of the Mission also. Mr. Skinner was under the necessity of leaving Surat for Bombay, but it was expected

that both would return as soon as Mr. Fyvie's-health-was re-established.

By a letter from Mr. Dawson, dated Vizagapatam, Oct. 4, 1815, just received, it appears that he and Mrs. Dawson arrived at Madras, Sept. 4; and had soon a favourable opportunity of proceeding to the place of their destination. We are happy to learn that they were in good health, and much pleased with the situation.

Extracts of a Letter from Rev. G. Thom, Cape of Good Hope. Questions put to several Candidates for Baptism, with their Answers.

[Concluded from p. 243.]

6. Franscina (free) aged about 56 years, was baptized in the Dutch Church two years ago. Without addressing her, she thus spoke :-I have come to Christ as a sinner, and he has taken me up as a sinner (here the last person, Candasa, says to her, This meeting is for the candidates for baptism) still, still let me speak of Christ. I will keep on till the end. He is able and willing to save She then spoke largely and accurately on the nature of the gospel and

me.

and her love of it.

7. Amelia (a slave) aged about 36. How can a sinner be saved?--By be lieving in Christ.

Is a sinner saved only because of his faith, or because of Christ?—No, not because or for the sake of his faith.

How then?---For Christ's sake. What does Faith do then in justification?-He that believes shall be saved. 8. Spadilie (free) born in the East, was baptised by me last April. aged about 76, was a Mahometan, but

How is it with you after your baptism? More love, more joy. Every day is not a like, but sometimes I am like a bird who would flee away, and be at rest.

to others?—Yes; but my old comrades I hope you endeavour to be useful the Mahometans will not listen; but I speak much with others. I visited Mr.

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who is now very sick; and I said to him, Some will tell you that God is angry with you. No, he is merciful, he loves you, so I found in my sickness.' I am happy. I like to be sick, for it is good for me.

Is your knowledge increased since your baptism?-I have more than I had; but as I cannot read, I find my

memory short.

What is your belief?-My belief is, that by believing we come to Christ, and Christ brings us to the Father.

What is the work of the Spirit?—He gives us grace to open our'eyes. This I believe every day; but I must pray and beseech God every day also.

Are you not sometimes sorry that you left the Mahometans?-No, not at

all.

They pass by me, and my old friends with whom I did eat, they will not angry with you, but pray for you. not speak to me. I say to them, I am May God convert you!

What is the difference between a

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I had no feelings. The only change I know in myself is, that now I know that I am a sinner; also that my mind is taken off from every thing I see.

Where then do you set your heart?It is in Christ. Day and night I pray to him to cleanse me by his blood. On him, and on his Spirit, do I depend, that he may send me grace. Now I have nothing more to ask.

Nothing more?--I do not know what the Lord may give me by his Spirit; but that is what I now wish.

What do you understand by good works?-To leave the evil and to do good.

Mahometan and a Christian ?-O, Sir, come to meeting; but I do not know the difference is great! The Mahomet- what was the matter with me then, ans keep by the Old Testament only; but not by the gospels. (He here alludes to the Jewish part of the Malometan religion.) The gospel contains salvation they receive not the New Testament. I tell them that there were many offerings before Christ; but at all sacrifices and watchings are put an end to by Christ. They be lieve not that Christ is the Son of God. They say how can God have a wife; stupid creatures! I tell them that we nor they cannot understand all things. God can make a stone to live and speak. I cannot understand all; but this I believe because I hear it from the Scriptures. The new laws of Christ they will not receive. The Mahometans are all wrong, because they depend intirely on themselves to be able to pray and serve God, We do not, and my own experience tells me that I cannot; but the gospel is pure truth: all is pleasing and satisfy ing to the heart. I can comprehend much of the Bible,-the most of what I bear; but I cannot understand the Mahometan Bible. It is so dark. It is now near three years since I left the Mahometans. Here he related, that by sickness and conversation with Cupido, he was first awakened; and afterwards had more accurate views of the gospel by means of another.

9. Candasa, the second of that name (a

slave) aged 68 years of age. When did you begin to feel your misery as a sinner?-About 18 months ago, when you began to hold this meeting for conversation.

What change in your thoughts have you experienced? I always heard something of the gospel, and used to

* There are many sects of Mahometans in Cape Town, and they are perpetually at variance in their religions

controversies; but I am inclined to think that the most are corrupted Mahometans; that the original faith is not much known. There are very few that are learned, if any at all; but the Arabic is understood by a few, and the Malay in that character by many. As this colony is now ceded to our country, it is very likely that no more Malays and natives of Dutch India will come here: the Malay language will therefore, I think, begin to decline. I wish I could think so of the Mahometan faith.

Can good works or doing good assist in your justification?---How can I keep myself? God must do it.

Who is the foundation of good works? -Christ.

But can any man get to Heaven without good works, or doing good works?-No, that is impossible.

Do you desire to be baptized ?--If it is God's will I wish it; but if not it shall not come to pass. I am too weak for it; I cannot speak what I feel. All lies shut up in my heart.

AMERICA.

SOME of the zealous friends of religion in America, have solicited, in the newspapers, donations for the assistance of Mr. Morrison and Mr. Milne, in printing and circulating the Sacred Scriptures in the Chinese language. Several donations had been received, amounting, when the infor mation was dated, to about 200 dollars, which, with whatever more might be received, probably 400 or 500 dollars in all, would be immediately transPacific, to China. This is a pleasing mitted, in Mr. Ralstone's ship, the instance of the zeal of our Foreign Directors, particularly of Mr. Bethune, in New York, and Mr. Ralstone, in Philadelphia.

Several young students in the Theological Seminary in Princeton, New Jersey, who constitute a Committee of Enquiry, have written to the Secretary of the Missionary Society in London, desiring to be supplied with their Reports and those of other similar Institutions.

AUXILIARY SOCIETY.

THE Cornwall Auxiliary Missionary Society held its Fourth Anniversary, June 25, 1816, at the Rev. J. Guard's Meeting-house, Mevagissey; when two very appropriate sermons were preached by Mr. Moore, from Isaiah Ix. 11; and Mr. Hart, from Zepb. ii. 11. The devotional parts of the services were conducted by the Rev. Messrs. Smith, Wildhore, jun. Wilkins, Winnicott,

and Trevor.

after a passage of 29 days; after a week's stay, he proceeded on his voyage to Sierra Leone.

The schools at Goree, consisting chiefly of Mulatto children, appear to flourish; they contain 87 boys and girls. Mr. Bickersteth is of opinion that Goree and Senegal would be useful stations for Missionaries. Of Goree, he says, On this spot of land, about half a mile long, by a quarter broad, there are from 5000 to 6000 inhabitants, chiefly natives, speaking the Jaloof language.'

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The business of the Society was transacted in public in the afternoon, in the presence of a large assembly, P. Mr. Butscher, of Sierra Leone, Ball, jun. Esq. in the chair, - -a concise having slept a night at a settlement, account being given of the Society, now forming for the education of chiland a statement of its funds made.-Mr. dren at Leicester Mountain, perceived, M'Dowell, of Falmouth, was unani- in the morning early, a number of men, mously re-elected Treasurer; and the Rev. T. Wildbore, of Penryn, Secretary, for the year ensuing. In moving and seconding the various Resolutions which were adopted the meeting was enlivened by some very impressive speeches and it appeared that the several services of the day, were connected with times of refreshing from the presence of the Lord.

Church Missionary Society.

LETTERS have been received from the Rev.Mr. Bickersteth, dated Goree, Feb. 27, where he arrived Feb. 22,

about 25 inhabitants of the neighbouring place called Leicester Town, approaching, with their headman at the front of the body, and when asked what they came for, they replied, ‘To pray, Massa. Dat white man you put here, pray with us every morning and evening, and we like dis fashion. Before we be bushmen; but now we wish to pray, and learn to know God.'

We are sorry to learn that an attempt was made, on the evening of the first Sunday in Advent, to burn the church at Bashia; the roof only was consumed. [For the Baptist Mission, see Intelligence.}

MISSIONARY COLLECTIONS.

[Collections and Anonymous Donations, from 15th June to 15th July, inclusive.} Collection at Chudleigh, by Rev. James Davison,...

Do. at Sherborne, at the Anniversary of the Dorsetshire Auxiliary
Society, by Rev. Dr. Cracknell, Secretary...

Do. at Wooburn, Bucks, after a Sermon by Rev. Mr. Campbell, Rev.
Joshua Williams, Minister..

Do. at Dartmouth, by Rev. T. Stenner.

...

Dundee Miss. Soc. by Rev. Malcolm Colquhoun, Sec... £20 0 0
From the Juvenile Miss. Soc. first Relief Con. by do....

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A Friend, by the Rev. Mr. Lake, Worcester.
Penny-a-Week Society, Barking, Essex, by Rev. J. K. Parker.

Rev. David Garrett and Friends, Buckfastleigh.

0 0 5 5 0

Oakham Auxiliary Society, by Rev Mr. Foster.
A. S. H. J. C. by Rev. E. Lake, Worcester..
Penny-a-Week Society at Sion Chapel, Folkstone, by Rev. J. Brick.. 7
Prince Risborough' Aux. Soc. in Aid of Foreign Missions, by Mr. W. Dorsett, jun.
Third Part of the Annual Produce by Donations and
Subscriptions .

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A Friend, by Rev. Mr. Chaman, Greenwich
Auxiliary Society, Dorchester, by Rev. L. Hall
Boys at the Orphan Working School, City Road

[Hampstead and other Collections in our next.]

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