MISSIONARY HERALD. CCXXXII. APRIL, 1838. Subscriptions and Donations in aid of this Society will be thankfully received at the Baptist Mission House, No. 6, Fen Court, Fenchurch Street, London; or by any of the Ministers or Friends whose names are inserted in the Cover of the Annual Report. ANNIVERSARY OF THE BAPTIST MISSIONARY SOCIETY. The Committee have sincere pleasure in announcing to their Friends, and the Christian public at large, that on LORD'S DAY, APRIL 29, Sermons on behalf of the Society, will be preached generally in the Baptist Chapels in London and its vicinity. WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, The Rev. JOHN BIRT, of Manchester, will preach the General Sermon for the Society, at Surrey Chapel, Blackfriars' Road. Service to begin at half-past Six. THURSDAY, MAY 3. The Annual Meeting of the Society will be held at EXETER HALL, CHARLES LUSHINGTON, ESQ., M.P., in the Chair. To commence at Eleven. FRIDAY, MAY 4, The Committee of the Society will meet at the Mission House, Fen Court, when the company of all Ministers of the denomination, who may be in town, is requested. CALCUTTA. TRANSLATION OF THE SCRIPTURES. In our number for January we merely noticed the translations of the Scriptures executing by our brethren in Bengal, and promised to give more full details regarding them in a subsequent paper. We now proceed to redeem our pledge. The first translation we have to notice, is the BENGALI. This language is estimated to be spoken by about twenty-five millions, far exceeding the whole population of England. No exertions, therefore, can be considered too great to secure in it a faithful, and at the same time an idiomatic and acceptable, version of the Word of God. In the preparation and improvement of such version of the New Testament, Mr. Yates, assisted by Mr. W. H. Pearce, had been long engaged, and in January, 1837, when the latter left Bengal for England, the second edition was nearly through the press. It consisted of 500 copies of the New Testament, intended for the use of native Christians, the elder classes in schools, &c., with 1500 additional copies of each of the gospel, and 1000 of the Acts for general distribution.* The printing it appears was * Of the same edition, an impression equal to five thousand of the whole Testament was printed off, at the request of the Committee of the Calcutta Bible Society, with the original word for baptism, &c., transferred as in the English version instead of being translated as in those printed for the missionary brethren themselves. By printing both editions at the same time, the necessity of setting up the types a second time was avoided, and thus the funds of both the Bible and Missionary Society were economized. completed in April last, and several copies neatly executed, have lately reached this country. The version has been received with much approbation by Christians of all denominations in Bengal, and is found very acceptable amongst the heathen; so that another large impression, it is anticipated, will be very soon required. At the request of the committee of the Calcutta Bible Society, Mr. Yates has also put to press his improved version of the Psalms of David in Bengali. 5000 copies are now in course of being printed, at the Mission Press, at their expense. The work has been compressed into a small sized volume, for the accommodation of numerous native youth, and of others who may wish to use it. An improved version of the Old Testament in Bengali has also been prepared by our indefatigable friend Mr. Yates. The printing of the work, however, Mr. Yates wishes deferred, until the return of Mr. Pearce to India, shall allow him to give his aid in the revision of the work. It will then, Providence permitting, be put to press without delay; and as it is intended that it shall include marginal references, both to chronological dates and parallel texts, with headings to the chapters, and other improvements not adopted in any previous Bengali version; it will doubtless prove a most acceptable addition to the library of the native Christian, and especially the native preacher. In the HINDUSTANI language also, ɛn improved version of the New Testament is proceeding. It is executed by Mr. Yates, with the assistance of Mr. Thomas; and will form, it is hoped, the most intelligible and correct version which has yet been published in the language. The greater part of the impression is in the 12mo. size, designed to form a portable volume; but 1000 copies are being printed on a larger page, with marginal references. Specimens of both editions have reached us, and appear very neatly executed. At the date of the last accounts, the gospels of Matthew and Mark had been already completed. This is the first edition of the New Testament in any vernacular language of the East yet printed with marginal references, and therefore presents a gratifying illustration of the gradual progress now making in biblical efforts. In the SANSKRIT language (the Latin of the East) a translation of the New Testament, founded upon the basis of the Bengali version, is in course of execution by an intelligent and experienced pundit, superintended and compared with the original Greek, by Mr. Yates. A metrical version of the Psalms into the same language is also in progress under Mr. Yates's superintendance. In addition to these languages, designed for distribution among the inhabitants of India exclusively, another version of the Scriptures is being printed in Calcutta, designed for usefulness among the numbers of an ancient Christian church scattered in different parts of the globe. We allude to the ARMEINAN, originally made about the fifth century, in the version of which (as intimated in our last number,) one worthy missionary, Mr. Carapeit, is now engaged. His principal object is, to give to his countrymen the Testament with marginal references (an improvement not yet introduced into any preceding edition), and in a portable form. In order to render it more intelligible to his countrymen, he proposes to exchange a few words, now become obsolete in the lapse of ages; and will endeavour to secure much more typographical accuracy than, from circumstances over which the editors could have little control, distinguished the last edition of the work printed at Moscow. The volume was already in the press at the date of our last accounts, and Mr. Carapeit had freely offered the sum of £35, as his contribution towards the expense. Our Calcutta brethren feel that, considering his large family and very slender resources, they ought not to accept so large a sum from Mr. Carapeit, and we trust that the contributions which they may receive for translations from other sources, will enable them to return at least a part of the amount to their too generous associate. We cannot conclude this article without alluding to the liberal encouragement afforded to our Calcutta brethren in these labours, by the American and Foreign Bible Society. In addition to the two handsome donations of £2500 each, acknowledged in our last report, the board of that Society have lately voted a further noble donation of 5000 dollars (upwards of £1000 sterling) to be applied to the printing and distribution of the Scriptures in Bengali, and other languages of the East, at the discretion of the Calcutta Missionaries." While the generous assistance for which the committee are indebted to the American and Foreign Bible Society, will thus greatly augment the usefulness of our missionaries in the East, it must, at the same time, tend to promote a feeling of affectionate union and cordial co-operation with our transatlantic brethren, and may serve also to stimulate Christians in this country, who may possess the ability, to corresponding exertions in favour of the important objects which their fellow Christians in another hemisphere have so nobly supported. That it is therefore with much disappointment and deep regret your Memorialists have learned that with the exception of releasing the peasantry from coercion in drawing the idol cars at certain heathen festivals, no steps have been taken by the authe orders of your Honourable Court. thorities in India to carry into execution question on the allegiance due to the SuThat, considering the bearing of this preme Ruler of the Universe,—on the moral condition of so many millions of immortal beings, whose prejudices are strengthened by the open sanction now given to their idolatrous superstitions,--and on the con The Memorial of the Committee of the scientious feelings of our own countrymen Baptist Missionary Society. Humbly Showeth, That your Memorialists represent a Society, formed in the year 1792, for "the propagation of the Gospel among the Heathen," and that this object has been pursued by its missionaries in Bengal, and other parts of British India, from that time to the present. That this Society acknowledges, with gratitude to Divine Providence, that many misconceptions respecting the nature of their undertaking, and the proceedings of their missionaries, which formerly prevailed, have been removed; and that great facilities have been secured for the prosecution of those labours in which the ministers and teachers of the Christian Religion have been engaged. in the East, many of whom recently transmitted through the late venerable Bishop of Madras, a forcible representation on the subject to the Governor of that Presidency, your Memorialists do earnestly, but respectfully implore your Honourable Court to take prompt and effectual measures to secure the execution of your former orders, viz., "That the interference of British functionaries in the interior management of native temples, in the customs, habits, and religious proceedings of their priests and attendants, in the arrangements of their ceremonies, rites, and festivals, and generally in the conduct of their interior economy, shall cease. 66 That the pilgrim-tax shall everywhere be abolished. And your Memorialists will ever pray, &c. That while your Memorialists rejoice that "That in all matters relating to their the exertions of their missionaries have been temples, their worship, their festivals, their successful, to a considerable extent, not religious practices, their ceremonial observonly in the direct and principal object theyances, our native subjects be left entirely to have had in view, but also in promoting the themselves." interests of literature, civilization, and humanity, among the population of that great empire, they deeply lament the continuance and encouragement which are afforded by the present regulations of the Government of the Honourable East India Company, to the cruel, licentious, and degrading idolatries of India; whereby the prejudices of the natives against Christianity are materially strengthened, and its progress greatly obstructed. That, as several years have elapsed since the subject was brought under the notice of your Honourable Court, and more especially as a despatch in which it was fully and very ably reviewed in all its bearings, was forwarded by your Honourable Court to the Governor-General in February, 1833, wherein your decision was explicitly made known, that the evils complained of should be brought to a termination, your Memorialists were induced to hope that our holy religion would no longer be dishonoured in the eyes of pagan idolators, and the whole Christian world. From the Government departments we have received mere official acknowledgments of the receipt of the above Memorial. The reply from the East India House stated that, "this subject has for a long time engaged, and still continues to engage, the attentive consideration of the Court of Directors." 66 con We trust that this lengthened sideration" will, ere long, issue in some effective proceedings; and we are in some measure encouraged by observing what has lately taken place in reference to the temple of Deogur, or Bydenath, situate to the south of Calcutta, and one of the most renowned in Bengal. Though this is not one of these places of idolatrous resort from which the Indian Government derives a revenue, yet the appointment of the High-Priest, which is a very lucrative office, has always been made by the British authorities. Surba to a larger congregation than I ever saw From Mrs. Phillippo, Spanish Town, ing sight to see perhaps a dozen poor ne28th Jan., 1838. groes sitting round a table, with their Tesanswering the questions proposed, or asking taments open before them, and hear them such as occur to their minds; while upwards of forty others, who cannot read, form an outer circle, watching with intense interest the proceedings, and striving to catch a word or two of instruction from the passages which are read, or the answers given. I have great hope from this method, and trust that, under the divine blessing, it will have a very beneficial influence on the people. Mrs. Phillippo begs to say, that as frequent inquiries are made of her by kind friends in different parts of England (who are anxious to show their good will to the schools in Jamaica, by donations of useful and fancy articles) as to what are really useful and saleable there, and on the contrary; she would be much obliged by the insertion of the following list in the Herald, as the most effectual mode of making known the information required. Saleable and useful articles :-Dresses made of print, gingham, or muslin; girls' frocks, white or of a light color (neat patterns), suitable for children from three years old and upwards, made with long sleeves and high necks; baby's short frocks; caps and shoes, such as are worn in England in the summer; girls' and babies' under garments, made with round bosoms, drawn with a string, as two articles only are usually worn. Little boys' dresses, ladies' collars, shirts, capes, and aprons, day and night caps, &c, &c. Gentlemen's collars, stocks, watchguards, purses, &c. Dressed dolls, bags of all descriptions, pen wipers, tea-pot and urn rugs; toilet, emery, and other pincushions; fans, and any articles of haberdashery or millinery, suited for summer On the 22nd of October I baptized 80 wear. Articles of cutlery would be very acceptable, and books, bound or in boards. Any tion reports. I had been several months persons, making 139 since our last associaarticles stuffed with bran, as well as fine examining them previously, and also apscreens and chimney ornaments are unsale-pointed messengers to inquire into their able and useless articles in Jamaica, LUCEA, From Mr. Oughton, Dec. 12, 1837 :— I am happy to say that my prospects at all my stations are of the most pleasing de. scription. At this place and Green Island the congregations increase rapidly. I preached at the latter place last Lord's-day morning, for the third time, and administered the ordinance of the Lord's supper; after which I (as usual) returned to Lucea (12 miles), where I preached in the evening crown; the people there appear to be truly Gurney's Mount is still my joy and walking in the fear of the Lord and the comforts of the Holy Ghost. I am on every visit delighted with their zeal and affection, and nothing distresses me so much as the idea of parting with them. They, nually asking me whether some arrangement too, appear to feel it deeply, and are conticannot be made, to prevent our separation. They have said that they should be perfectly satisfied, if I would spend one week in three with them; and on other Lord's days they would come to Lucea, which is only about thirteen miles by the mountain footroad. moral character; so that every precaution was used to prevent the reception of improper persons. I have reason to hope that they are sincere followers of the Lamb. The day of baptism was a deeply interesting one to me. At six o'clock, A.M., an inmense congregation was assembled, containing a larger number of overseers and white persons than I had ever observed conducted before. The ceremony was with the greatest propriety; indeed, from the deportment of the spectators, I should think that curiosity was least influencing principle. At 10 o'clock the chapel was crowded to excess, when I the addressed the newly baptized persons from John viii. 31: "If ye continue in my word, then are ye disciples indeed." It was a solemn season; many were in tears, and I hope a lasting impression was made. At the urgent request of the people, I have resolved to establish a day-school at this station. BAHAMAS. We have the pleasure to announce that Mr. and Mrs. Applegate arrived at Nassau, in safety, on the 9th of November. Two vessels which sailed previously from New York had been lost in the disastrous hurricane which visited those seas in the preceding month; and the vessel in which our friends sailed, narrowly escaped shipwreck, so that we have peculiar reason to praise that portecting hand which guided them in safety to their desired haven. A subsequent letter announces that Mr. and Mrs. Leaver also had arrived at Nassau on Lord's-day, the 14th January. In a letter written by Mr. L., previously to his leaving New York, he speaks, in terms of lively and affectionate gratitude, of the great kindness they had experienced during their sojourn in New York, from many Christian friends in and near that city. In these acknowledgments the Committee would heartily join. It is very delightful to witness such proofs that, substantially, the friends of the Redeemer in every region of the globe are one. In a recent letter from Mr. Burton, he made mention of several agents, raised up in the scene of his labours, whom he was instructing and employing in various ways for the spiritual benefit of their neighbours. From one of these, Mr. Archibald Taylor, we have lately received a brief and artless account of the manner in which he was first impressed by divine truth, and of his present engagements. Our readers will not be unwilling to peruse this, which we presume to be the first epistolary effort of a negro brother, rescued from ignorance and sin by a divine blessing on the labours of our Society. The letter is addressed to the Secretary, and dated Nassau, Aug. 12, 1837. Dear Sir, This is the first time I have written to you. I thank God that I am permitted to do so I thank God and the Society for sending missionaries to the Bahamas, for they were the means of bringing me to Christ. Before Mr. Burton came here, I was in a poor state, for I cared nothing about my soul; I never felt any concern about it at all. Through God's mercy, I have been convinced of my sins by his preaching. My first conviction was on a Sabbath morning, when the ordinance of baptism was attended to by poor Mr. Pearson, who is now with "the spirits of just men made perfect." Mr. Burton was not here at the time; he was at one of the outislands. I, a spectator, went to look at the candidates who were standing around, ready to follow the example of their Saviour, not knowing that soon after I should have to cast my lot among them. When I heard Mr. Pearson say, "See, here is water, what doth hinder me from being baptized?" the words sunk down into my heart. question was with myself, What was hindering me? I felt myself a poor sinner, who had never before offered an acceptable prayer to God. Soon after, my sins were troublesome to me; my soul appeared to Yet I did not despair; I be lost for ever. still could exclaim, "Though I have sinned, The After I was called to the service of The Lord yet will I look towards his holy temple." Christ, I was desirous of making known Christ to my fellow-creatures. heard my prayers, and has called me to it; and I am receiving instruction from Mr. Burton, to prepare for the work which Christ has called me to. When called at first to this work, I felt doubtful, because of not being worthy; but after thinking about the souls of my fellow-creatures, I made up my mind to do what I could for the cause of Christ. I am engaged mostly at Grant's Town, twice on the Sabbath, and once through the week, and am endeavouring to point my fellow-sinners to Christ. The sabbath-school at Grant's Town is in a prosperous state. There are in it upwards of one hundred children, and a few grown persons. I am engaged through the day with Mr. Burton in reading, writing, grammar, arithmetic, and copying theological lectures. I am also writing out sermons for him to correct. I am, dear Sir, Your obedient servant, ARCHIBALD TAYLOR. |