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missionaires, to a friend in Boston. The date is at Calcutta, Sept. 5, 1812.

After stating several facts, which were contained in other letters, in the present communication, Mr. R. observes :

which sailed from the same port at the end of the same mouth. By these arrivals we learn, that all the missionaries, except Mr. Newell and his wife, remained at Calcutta so late as the 23d of October; that they were deliberating upon a missionary station, and obtaining all the information on that subject in their power; that they had experi

"In regard to one particular,that of endeavoring to fix a permanent footing somewhere, and con-enced severe trials on account of the centrating our whole strength in one object, I have no hesitation. But in effectuating this, if we succeed at all, a printing press will be highly important, not to say indispensable. To diffuse the Bible among a people without printing is impossible; and if we fix the mission, as it appears at present probable we shall, upon Madagascar, a press will be all important in a short time. We shall want it for our own assistance in advancing in the language, and to enable us to throw small portions of Scripture into the hands of the natives, as soon as we become able to translate."

"By the time a printer and press are in readiness, or can be got in readiness, for the mission, I hope we shall be able to say to what place they may be sent Indeed our distance from America is so great, and communication so uncertain, that I sometimes fear we may be long in want of a press, before it will be practicable for one to be conveyed to us."

"I hope the missionary spirit continues to increase. Even should the present mission fail, Christians ought not to slacken their exertions, or abate their zeal. Whatever may become of us, the missionary cause is certainly a good cause, and must finally prevail: and all Christians are bound by infinite obligations to help it forward.

After speaking of the loss experienced by the Baptist missionaries, in the burning of their printing office, Mr. R. says, "But their printing goes on again.”.

"Since the foregoing letters were in type, more recent intelligence has been received from India, by the Caravan, which left Calcutta about the first of October, and the Reaper, VOL. VI. No. 5.

change of opinion professed by a part of their number with respect to the ordinance of baptism, Mr. Rice having also become a Baptist ; that this change rendered a separation expedient, in their future operations, as it appeared to them all that Messrs. Nott and Hall, and Mrs. Nott expected to sail soon for Ceylon, with a probability of fixing themselves at or near Bombay; and that their views of the importance of sending missions to the Heathen became more impressive, in consequence of what they heard and saw. It is also stated, by one of the brethren, that the Rev. Dr. Brown, senior chaplain at Calcutta, departed this life a few months before the date of the letter; a circumstance deeply to be regretted, as the influence of that good man would doubtless have been exerted, had he been living, in favor of the missionaries. It gives us great pleasure to learn, however, that the Rev. Mr. Thomason of Calcutta, an Episcopalian clergyman, is earnestly engaged in promoting the evangelical cause in India. The following extracts from letters need no explanation.

Calcutta, July 31, 1812.

Rev, and dear Sir,

I wrote you about a fortnight since by the American ship Francis, and enclosed in one of my letters an extract from the second order of the Governor in Council, requiring our immediate return to America in the Caravan, or our departure to some place beyond the territories of the British and their allies.

By the intercession of our friends, however, we have obtained permission to go to the Isle of

*The Letters by the Francis have not yet come to hand. A a

dollars on the object. We have no reason to think that we have more ability or perseverance, than some of the missionaries who have abandoned Birmah for other more promising fields. Brother Judson

France. The Government have no | right to say, that we shall not go to any place, which is not under the Company's jurisdiction Ceylon, the Isle of France, and Bourbon belong to the Crown, and not to the Company; and the Company's gov-and I have concluded, that it is not ernment has no kind of connexion with these local governments."

expedient to make trial of Birmah in the face of these discouragements, and many more, which time will not allow me particularly to mention. In view of these circumstances I have made up my mind to embrace an opportunity which now of fers of going directly to the Isle of France, not so much with the view of settling on that island, as of getting out of the Company's jurisdiction, so that I can be at liberty to go from thence to any place where Providence may open the door for missionary work. Brother Judson would do the same; but the vessel in which I go cannot accommodate us both "

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"Considering the present state of the Chinese and Birinan empires, the only extensive fields of missions eastward of this country, the only places, indeed, in this part of the world, to which the Company's government will permit us to go, and being excluded from the whole of British India, our only alternative seems to be, either to return to America, or go to the Isle of France. The state of China and Birmah is such as forbids our attempting a mission to either of those countries for the present. There is, indeed, one missionary in each of those places, but their prospects are very My things are on board, and I unpromising, and their situations and Mrs. Newell go on board this extremely dangerous. Mr. Morri-evening. We pay six hundred ruson is allowed to reside only half pees (three hundred dollars) for our the year in Canton. He is Chinese passage, and expect to be out two interpreter to the E. I. Company. months. He goes up with the fleet, and, when "The Harmony is every day exthe trading season is closed, returns pected. The brethren wrote us to Macao, where he spends the re-twice from the Isle of France. The mainder of the year. He is obliged to keep his object a profound secret. If it were known, he would no doubt be put to death, in the most cruel manner. He occupies the only place where it is possible to attempt a mission to China. His office conceals his real object; but he can have no associate, because there is no possibility of residing either in Macao, or Canton, without some office, such as Mr. Morrison fills.

"There are many circumstances which discourage a mission to Birmah. Without any inquiry respecting that country, there is this discouragement to meet in the outset. The London Society have tried that country, and given it up; the Baptist missionaries too have tried it, and all of them but one have quitted the field-and this after they had resided several years in the country, had acquired the language, and expended thousands of

Governor is favorable to missions, wishes a mission to be sent to Madagascar, and has even made application to the London Society for the purpose.

"Brother Judson thinks, that he shall embrace the next opportunity of getting to the Isle of France. The other brethren will probably be obliged to take the same course, on their arrival here. They may possibly get leave to go hence to Ceylon. If they can, they will probably do it, as that Island affords a very favorable opening for missionary exertions, and they have already begun to turn their attention to that place. Whether I shall continue on the Isle of France, cr go from thence to Ceylon, or attempt a mission to Madagascar, must be determined by circumstances with which I am at present

*Another letter says 25,000 ??pees.

unacquainted. I shall endeavor to follow the leadings of Providence. I shall embrace every opportunity of informing you respecting my situation and prospects. We have received 710 rupees through the hands of the Rev. Mr. Thomason, whom I mentioned to you in my last. This money, which was intended for brother Judson and myself, we have divided equally between us."

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"I have taken a letter of credit from Dr. Carey to a house in the Isle of France, lest my resources should fail before I can receive any supplies from America. I shall certainly use all possible economy, and endeavor, as soon as possible, to find some way of contributing to my own support.

"The discouragements we have met with have not yet caused me to repent of my undertaking. On the contrary, I feel more and more attached to the work. My wife enjoys excellent health, and good spirits."

ing Bombay. It rests principally on this-the present Governor of that Presidency, Sir Evan Nepean, is said to be a pious man; and therefore would probably throw no more obstacles in the way of missionaries, than his official duties should oblige him to do.

Could we once get into Bombay, we are almost inclined to hope, that they would not force us from the country. We are, at the same time, inquiring into the state of Java, his majesty's colony, and by ap-. pointment the residence of the Governor General of all his majesty's possessions to the east of the Cape of Good Hope. Gen. Maitland, [the present commander in chief] when Governor of Ceylon, showed the missionaries particular favor. We regret that we cannot write more definitely; but, in our present undecided state, we feel a reluctance in attempting to write.

"Brother Judson and his wife have changed their sentiments on "We go hence in a greater hur- the subject of baptism. They were ry than we left America. We had baptized in Calcutta, on the first but three days notice of the oppor- Sabbath in this month. In consetunity. This circumstance must quence of this trying event, it has apologize for the shortness and oth- appeared to him and to us, and to er defects of my letter, and for neg-those with whom we have converslecting altogether to write to seve-ed upon the subject, expedient that ral others, to whom I made prom- we should separate, and labor in isesdifferent fields. Rev. and dear Sir, I remain, &c. SAMUEL NEWELL.

Rev, Dr. Worcester,
Cor. Sec.

"Calcutta, Sept. 26, 1812. Rev. and dear Sir,

In our last letter we inserted our petition that Government would permit us to return to the Isle of France, and not oblige us to go back to America. That petition they granted. Accordingly we have engaged our passage, and expect to sail in a few days. As to the field of our future labors, we are now entirely undecided. We have already mentioned our views of Madagascar. Our subsequent researches into the state of that island do not enable us to add to our former remarks any thing material.

"Recently some faint hope has been excited in our minds respect

"As to our pecuniary concerns, though God has provided Christian friends, who have generously taken us in, yet a variety of unavoidable charges makes our expenses very considerable. But of these we shall remit a more particular account. It has pleased God more or less to afflict us all with the fever of the country; but through his wonderful mercy and forbearance we are happily recovered, except brother Rice, who yesterday had a relapse.We shall be obliged to pay our physicians not less than 150 rupees. For our passage to the Isle of France we pay 1600 rupees. While at the Isle of France our expenses must be great; for living is far dearer there than we are accustomed to think of in America. A voyage

from that place must be very dear; as ship provisions in that Island are so very expensive. We

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Rev. Dr. Worcester,
Secretary.

"Calcutta, Oct. 23d, 1812. "Rev and dear Sir,

We have delayed writing you to so late an hour, on account of some particular circumstances which rendered it desirable to delay, that we have now time to say but little. We have been detained here much longer than we anticipated when we wrote last, the vessel in which we were going to the Isle of France not having yet gone. We shall not, however, go in her at all, having conceived a different design.

"Our later letters have given you reason to believe, that Madagascar did not hold the same place in our views, as when we first arrived. Not because we deem it of less importance, but because increasing information led us to think other places less inaccessible. During the time of our stay here, we have been making all the inquiries which we could to enable us to form that decision which would meet the approbation of God, the Board, and our Christian friends. We mentioned, some time since, some hopes of Bombay and Surat. Our further inquiries and reflections on these and other places have led us to determine to make an attempt at Bombay, as a first step, unless something should appear to render it unwise."

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ment will allow us to go to Ceylon, we have chosen to go thither, as that route will cost less time, expense, and trouble. There are no vessels, however, going to that Island as yet; and we may still be detained some weeks in Calcutta We hope that God will continue to shed light on our path, and that he will bless the attempt we expect to make. Pray for us, dear sir, for a divine blessing upon us, that we may be enabled to guide our affairs with discretion, and be made eminently useful in the church of God. Before we write you again we hope to have gone forth to attempt something for his honorsomething for the Heathen who are perishing for lack of knowledge.

"You will be surprised to receive a letter written from us alone; and we are surprised, and distressed, that it is so. Brother Rice has been led to change his sentiments on the subject of baptism; and brother Judson and himself will probably attempt a mission to Java. What the Lord means by thus dividing us in sentiments, and separating us from each other we cannot tell. This we know; the Lord seeth not as man seeth; and it ill becomes us to be dissatisfied with what he does. We hope, and pray, that these unexpected things may not damp the missionary spirit which has been kindled; but that it may burn with a brighter and purer flame. We know nothing yet of Brother Newell, but hope he has arrived at the Isle of France. You will hear from us again by the Harmony, if we live; and should we have acted then, we shall give you a full detail of the ground of our decision. With much respect and Christian affection,

GORDON HALL.
SAMUEL NOTT."

Rev. Dr. Worcester,
Cor. Sec.

Extracts from a letter from Mr.
Nott to the Rev. Dr Griffin
"Calcutta, Oct. 18, 1812.
Rev. and dear Sir,

The places which now seem to us next in order to Bombay, are Java, Prince of Wales' Island, and Malacca. Though we have thought it" most likely that we should go to Bombay for some weeks, it is but a little while since we have given up the idea of going to the Isle of France. But finding that Govern

It is now about ten weeks since we landed in India, during which we have enjoyed many mercies, and suffered many trials. We [the four who sailed from Philadelphia] have

all been more or less afflicted with sickness; and brother Rice is still in the doctor's hands. Messrs. Hall, Judson and myself, and our wives are all well, and all as yet remain at Calcutta.

Presidency; and lately in that of Mr. Corric, who is stationed up in the northern parts of Hindostan. They are indeed men of a great savor of godliness; men from whose company one cannot go away un"Our last letter to our friends profited; men deeply engaged for mentioned our expectation of sailing the salvation of sinners, and very in a few days to the Isle of France. faithful in the dispensation of divine But the ship in which we had en- truth. To these, as laboring in this gaged our passage has been detain- denomination, may be added Mr. ed a month; and now we cannot Martyn, who is now in Persia persay when we shall go. The proba- fecting his knowledge of the Persian bility is that we shall be away from language, in order to complete a Calcutta ere long, either for the Isle translation of the Scriptures into of France, or Ceylon, neither of that language. Mr. Thomason is which places will probably be our engaged in the Arabic, and Mr. final destination. There are so maCorrie in the Hindostanee; and is ny uncertainties attending any mis- also much engaged in laboring at sionary plan, and so many difficul- his station among nominal Christies in knowing what should be done, tisns and heathens. An Auxiliary that we hope to be forgiven if we Bible Society was formed here last speak variously when we speak, and winter, and another very lately if, for a season, we sometimes choose at Colombo in the island of Ceylon. not to speak at all. Most sincerely Though there is abounding wickdo I hope, that we are not neglectedness here, there is a grain of musing our work; and the various views we entertain result from an attention to it in some degree,

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"We think much less of Madagascar than we did, and because we have some hopes of succeeding in some of the places contemplated by us with strong desire when we came out, but which once appeared as almost impracticable. Should any thing appear to render them really so, Madagascar has the same calls to our minds that it ever had.

tard seed. It will, we hope, shoot forth its branches to a wide extent. Do all you can, my dear Sir, to excite those that love Christ in your flock, in the affection of some of whom I think I enjoy a share, to pray much for me, and for all who are with me, that we may have wisdom and grace, and, if the Lord please, a blessing."

Yours with respect and affection, S. NOTT." Rev. Dr. Griffin.

Missions of the United Brethren among the Esquimaux Indians on the Coast of Labrador.

"You may well think we have indeed been tried. Our situation has been responsible, our way difficult, our prospects dark, God's dealings with us distressing and mysterious. But after he has chastened us, we hope he will take us by the hand and lead us forth, and say to us, 'Sit [The Missionaries of the United down here; labor for me; and you Brethren have been more successshall have a crown of rejoicing. I ful than any other, in the conversion pray daily that it may be soon; and of ignorant Heathen.-They are an that we and you may have occasion eminent example for the imitation for much rejoicing in the goodness of of all other Christian denominations. God. The King's business requir-Their Missionaries are plain, pious eth haste; not a moment is to be men; possessed of sound natural unlost, while the miserable pagans are derstanding, who have devoted their dying without the offer of salvation. lives to the business, and instruct

"I have found much comfort and elification since I have been here in

the company of Mr. Thomason, one

*This Society was formed Jan.

of the episcopal clergymen of this 1, 1811.

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