them; and of whom they have made an idol image which they worship morning and evening.

LETTER FROM THE REV. MR. SLOPER, SECRETARY OF THE "PORT OF LONDON SOCIETY FOR PROMOTING RELIGION AMONG SEAMEN,' ΤΟ THE CORRESPONDING SECRETARY,

THE following letter brings to view several topics, which are particularly interesting to our readers generally, and which are therefore laid before them without further introduction. Some paragraphs, of a more private nature, are omitted.

Oh, Sir, could my voice reach to every cor ner of Christendom, I would say, Christians! The cry which is heard from Jerusalem "come over and help us," is loud and piercing. May it constantly vibrate in your ears, and give you no rest, till its inhabitants, (who are now perishing for lack of knowledge,) blest with a fervent and enlightened ministry sent thither by your heaven-born charity, shall again exclaim, "How beautiful are the feet of them, who preach the Gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things."

The anxiety of Polycarp, the present Pa triarch of Jerusalem,-the decision of the American Board, composed as it is of men possessing no small share of wisdom and prudence, and the readiness of those devoted young men, who have volunteered in this good work-all-all should stimulate you, and,

The appointment of Messrs. Parsons and Fisk, by the American Board of Missions, to attempt a mission at Jerusalem, rejoiced the hearts of hundreds in this country. In your instructions, you say, 'you are persuaded, that if it can be realized, the importance of the station will outweigh many difficulties.' It is evident you have viewed the subject in all its bearings; and I de rejoice, more than 1 can express, at the determination to which you have arrived.

Sorry am I, therefore, to find by the Missionary Register, that Mr. Connor has written to dissuade them from attempting it,-considering it as ineligible.

The reasons were, I doubt not, strong to his own mind;-but I do most devoutly hope, that your missionaries will bear in mind their instructions, and not give it up, unless, (to adopt the language of your Committee,) "it cannot be established without hazards not to be incurred, and embarrassments not to be undergone."

I am perhaps as little inclined to be romantic as any one; but I reject the apathy, which can stand unmoved amid the memorials of glory and divinity, which may still, though imperfectly, be traced amid the ruins of Jerusalem. Nor can I forget, that though the ploughshare of ruin has been driven over the walls and palaces of Zion; yet there first sprung up the fountain of celestial truth, and the streams of hope and consolation,-of life and healing, have poured their spreading waters over our own beloved country, beginning at Jerusalem. Nor can I forget, that this propensity of the human mind to catch the inspiration of place, has incited not only, to deeds of noble daring, but also of holy patience and exertion.

In these feelings, Sir, I rejoice to assure you I am not alone. I trust that the time to favor Zion; yea, the set time, is now at length fully come. I shall write more largely on this subject hereafter. At present, I have only time to say, that so deeply impressed am I with the vast desirableness of it, that I now pledge myself to leave a legacy of Two Hundred Pounds to the Missionary Society who shall send the First Missionary to Jerusalem, provided he shall have established a Bible Soeiety.

all things are now ready.

In conclusion, I have only to say, that many, with whom I have conversed, and to whose superior judgment I am accustomed to look up with deference, think with me on this subject.

"The Port of London Society for promot ing Religion among Seamen," to which I am Secretary, begs cordially to congratulate their transatlantic brethren, in that they are now vying with us,in paying attention to the spiritual interests of those, "who go down to the sea in ships, and do business in the great waters;" and to acknowledge with gratitude the receipt of a most pleasing letter from the Secretary of the Seaman's Society at New York. Let us, my dear brother, continue to "cast our bread upon the waters, for we shall find it after many days."

I am well aware how valuable your time is, and am exceedingly loth to make the least demand upon it; but if you will favor me with a letter by the first conveyance, giving me your opinion on the subject of this letter, I shall feel it a very great personal obligation; and if, at the same time, you will give me any infor mation respecting the progress of your Seaman's Society, "The Port of London Society" will esteem it a very great favor.

That you may long continue a burning and shining light in the Church of God, and, at a very distant day, when the Chief Shepherd, and Bishop of souls shall appear, receive a crown of unfading glory, is the prayer of,

Rev. and Dear Sir, Your fellow laborer in the Gospel, NATHANIEL ELGAR SLOPER.

EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM THE REV. JOSIAH PRATT, SRC. OF THE CHURCH MISS. SO. TO THE REV. DR. WORCESTER.

"I BEG you will convey to the "Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions" my acknowledgments for the honor which they have conferred on me, in electing me a corresponding member of the Board. Deeply engaged as I am in missionary labors, every institution, which has for its object the communication of the Gospel of Christ to the Heathen, has, and I trust ever will have, my best wishes and prayers for its prosperity and success.

VOL. XVII.

JOURNAL OF THE MISSIONARIES.

(Continued from p. 187.)

Smyrna, May 10, 1820. At 5 o'clock set sail for Scio. On leaving this place we would remark, that we have attended worship every Sabbath in the British chapel. We have enjoyed the privilege of hearing the truth as it is in Jesus, in that city, where once was one of "the seven churches of Asia." O how should Christians pray, without ceasing, that the Gospel may return, with all its privileges, to bless this once favored and beloved city. At present there are but a few Protestant families. The great mass of the inhabitants are Mahommedans. But we rejoice in the hope, that the time is near, when this city shall become the theatre of faithful and successful missionary exertions.

Arrival at Scio.

Friday, 12. Reached Scio, after a passage of 48 hours. We sailed in a Greek vessel with a crew of about 20 men and boys. Our fellow passengers were a Jew, and seven Greeks. Among them were three brothers, by the name of Rodocannachi, and Mr. J. Negrepontis. Mr. N. speaks English. Soon after landing, we went with Mr. N. and one of the other gentlemen, to call on the Greek Bishop. We were introduced as Americans; and he immediately inquired, whether we were Washington's Countrymen? After a few moments' conversation, we walked to Mr. R.'s Country seat four or five miles from town.

15. In company with Mr. R. his two brothers, Mr. N. and one other gentleman, we visited Professor Bambas, the principal instructor in the college, to whom we had letters from Mr. Jowett and Mr. Williamson. We found him in a lecture room, reading Sophocles with a class of pupils. He soon commenced VOL. XVII.

No. 7.

a lecture on chemistry, accompanied by experiments. After the lecture, we delivered our letters, and visited the college library.

At 3 o'clock we called on the Pro

fessor in his study. He offered to devote his own time to our instruction, and invited us to come daily to his study for this purpose; and also to attend his lectures in the forenoon, as often as we have time.

17. Took rooms in the city, having been till now hospitably entertained by Mr. R. at his own house.

June 1. This is a Catholic holiday. We went to the church to witness the ceremonies. On the outside of the church, near the door, was inscribed, in large capitals, Indulgentia plenaria.

11. The Turkish Ramazan begins to-day. For a month the followers of Mahommed are not allowed to eat, drink, or smoke, during the day. At sunset a cannon is fired to give notice that the time of fasting is closed, and it is now lawful to eat and drink. In the evening, the minarets of the mosques are all illuminated.

Commencement of printing Tracts.

13. Made an agreement for having a tract printed at the college press. We selected one, which was extracted from the works of Chrysostom.

26. Left the city, after having been in it about six weeks, and removed five or six miles into the country. Our teacher goes to spend a few months in the country, and we go to enjoy his instructions, hoping too that we shall find the heat more tolerable. We take rooms in the house of Mr. Z. a Greek, and find our situation very comfortable.

30. Received letters from the Rev. Mr. Jowett and Dr. Naudi of Malta, and the Rev. Mr. Williamson of Smyrna. Mr. Jowett writes, that he has just returned from Egypt, where he had succeeded in obtaining for the Bible So

26

ciety, a version of the Scriptures in the | vernacular language of Abyssinia. An important event for Africa. Dr. N. writes, that he has received from the || London Society for converting the Jews, || a quantity of Hebrew Testaments and tracts, a part of which the Society requested him to forward to us.

July 7. Went with Mr. Z. to a monasat a little distance. There are in it 25 men;-ten priests and fifteen laborers. Some of the priests have the care of churches or schools in the vicinity. The President received us very pleasantly. We ascertained that they have not the Scriptures in Modern Greek, and gave him a Testament, for which he seemed very thankful.

Lord's day, 9. Mr. Z., his son, and another lad of fifteen, came to our room, and we read in Greek the Sermon on the Mount.

15. A priest, who had been at the monastery and seen the Testament we left there, sent to us for one. We sent one, and a tract on reading the Holy Scriptures.

Lord's day, 16. The priest, to whom we sent a Testament yesterday, called on us, and we read the Sermon on the Mount, and Acts 20. He wished for another Testament, and said he would pay for one of them. He has a school of twenty small children. We gave him a dozen tracts for them, which he received very gladly.

Lord's day, 23. Today five boys have been at our room to read the Holy Scriptures; and we have had opportunity to read to two men, who were not able to read.

24. Professor Bambas informed us, that a priest had visited him to-day, and wished to be admitted into the

school. Some, he said, had discouraged him, and told him that learning was against religion. "Dont believe such men," said the Professor, "but remember that Chrysostom, Basil, Gregory, and all, who have been teachers in the church, were men of learning."

28. Rode to the city, and obtained 300 copies of the Tract from Chrysostom. The printer applied to purchase a Testament. A priest, who is a teacher in the Academy, came in, saw it, and wished to purchase one like it. Promised to send him one.

Toward evening, walked to the monastery of St. A. and left a dozen tracts.

August 1. The priest of St. Mary's church, to whom we had sold one Testament, and given another, called on us.

We read a chapter and conversed a little while, and then gave him 20 tracts, for the use of a school, which he teaches. Towards evening, we walked with Mr. Z. to the monastery of St. Menas. It is situated on a mountain, about two miles from us. There are now living in it sixteen men, of whom six are priests; ten are able to read. One of them is a man of some reputation for learning. He showed us his library, consisting of upward of 100 volumes, and also some Algebraic MSS. of his own. The President informed us, that they did not possess the Scriptures in Romaic; we gave him a Testament and a dozen tracts. As we came away, one of the monks followed us to the door, stopped Mr. Z. and begged that he would intercede with us to give him a Testament.

[At this place commences the journal, as published in our numbers for March and April, which came to hand some time before we received the extracts now published.]

JOURNAL OF MESSRS. PARSONS AND FISK, DURING THEIR TOUR IN ASIA MINOR.

Smyrna, Oct. 31, 1820. Called on the Greek Archbishop, and gave him 40 tracts, which he said he should distribute. Spent most of the day in preparing to set out to-morrow, on a Tour in Asia Minor.

na.

Nov. 1. At half past eight left Smyr

We took Martino* to provide food and interpret for us. Had agreed before hand with Serkish, an Armenian, to furnish horses, and go as our guide. He provides one horse for our baggage, one for Martino, and two for us. He takes a servant to assist him in the care of the horses, so that we are, in all, He defive men with six horses. frays all expenses for himself, his servant, and his horses, and we pay him 37 piastres (85) a day. We carry a trunk, and two large sacks, filled with Testaments, tracts, clothes, &c.

We took a circuitous course around the east end of the Gulf of Smyrna, left Bournabat on the right, passed along the northeastern shores of the gulf, having on our right broken mountains, apparently of granite.

At half past twelve stopped for dinner, at a Turkish coffee house. It was built of mud and small stones; and was about 10 feet square and 10 high. The roof was of pine bushes. The

This man had lived with the missionaries at Scio, in the capacity of interpreter, &c.

ground served for a floor. The front was entirely open to the road. The furniture consisted of a sofa, pipes, and coffee cups. The Turkish landlord sat on the sofa, with a pipe in his hand and a sword and pistols behind him. He invited us to sit down with him, and a young Arab slave brought us sweetmeats and coffee. After eating of food, which we carried with us, we obtained a watermelon of the Turk, paid 30 cents, and resumed our journey. In the course of the day passed three similar taverns. In the afternoon, our course was nearly north. Passed in sight of a few scattered houses, and three small villages, one of which had a mosque. At half past three reached the village Menimen. Our road all day was level, passing over a rich plain, having the sea at no great distance on our left, and a range of barren mountains on our right. Met with many camels on the road, and saw some flocks of sheep and herds of cattle, feeding on the plains.

Description of Menimen.

At Menimen put up at the house of an Armenian. After resting a few moments, went out to visit the Greek priests and schools. The first school, which we found, was in a room adjoining the Greek church, and consists of 25 boys. A second school consists of 10, and a third of 5 scholars. There are five Greek priests belonging to the church. Among them and the scholars, and others who were with them, we distributed 50 tracts. We shewed the priests a Romaic Testament. They told us they had one like it, and we then spoke of reserving this for some other place; but when they told us, that five priests and 1000 people had only one, and earnestly requested this, we gave it to them.

The town is situated on the south side of the plains, through which the Hermus runs: it is about 20 miles from Smyrna, a little W. of N. and is the seat of an Aga, who commands 20 or 30 villages in the vicinity, which are said to contain 10 or 12,000 people. The houses of Menimen are small and low, generally 8 or 10 feet high, built of mud, or of small stones and mud, with flat roofs. The public buildings are 7 mosques with minarets, (or steeples,)

A Turkish officer, who preserves order and administers justice.

one Greek church, one Armenian church, and several Turkish baths. The population is estimated at 2,000; 60 of them Armenians, the rest half Greeks and half Turks.

On the north and west is a large plain, affording rich meadows for grain and pasturage. Through this plain runs the Yediz, (the ancient Hermus.)

In the evening three or four Armenians came to our lodgings, and spent some time in conversation. They say, that they have no books, except such as belong to the church; and these they cannot understand, because the style is so ancient. We showed them a Testament printed in the Turkish language, with the Armenian letters. One young man read in it, and seemed highly delighted.

Thursday, Nov. 2. Paid about 90 cents for our supper and lodgings; left the Turco-Armenian Testament for the priest, (who is now out of town,) with a request, that it may be read in the church, and that all, who know how to read, may have the perusal of it.

Journey from Menimen to Haivali.

At 7'o'clock commenced our journey. In three quarters of an hour, crossed the Hermus. It is now about 6 or 8 rods wide, and not above three feet deep, but sometimes, in rainy seasons, it swells into a torrent. Passed in sight of 10 small villages, one of which has a minaret. At 12 stopped at a Greek tavern. It was a small mud house, without a floor, and almost without furniture. Dined on food, which we carried with us. Left 24 tracts for a Greek school in the vicinity, which we had not time to visit. At half past four we saw, on our left hand, near the road, the ruins of a town, which, we concluded, must have been the ancient Myrina. The place is near the sea shore, at the head of a gulf. Strabo speaks of Myrina as situated here, or not far distant; and some maps insert the name in this place. Many pillars of granite 8 or 10 feet long, and a foot and a half thick, and some fragments of marble, were scattered on the ground. Among them was a large statue of white marble. The arms and part of the head are gone. The body is about 6 feet long and three thick. Once, perhaps, it was an object of worship; now it lies entirely neglected, as we trust all relics of idolatry will be, at some future day.