a MISSIONARY INTELLIGENCE. essay thinks there is no scriptural authority for such an imputation. From the Evangelical History, it appears that Mary the Magdalene, was a woman out of whom there went seven devils; that she became a zealous disciple of Christ; she thought it no diminution of her rank to attend his personal ministry, with other honourable women. She ministered unto him of her substance, and thought it an honour to lay at his dear feet a part of what Heaven had but lent her. She was present with two other Marys, at the crucifixion of her Lord, where apostles (John excepted) had not courage to be seen. She went to pay him honours at his sepulchre, early on the first day of the week. She stood weeping at the sepulchre, when she found not her Lord. They who honour him, shall be honoured again by him in gracious return.She was honoured with the first sight of the risen Saviour-she was honoured with a condescending and gracious interview.* If we wish to set forth the amazing riches of divine grace in the conversion of the greatest sinners, and the efficacy of the blood of Christ to wash away their guilty 166 stains, we may say, as Christ himself have believed in him ;t" but there has said, that "publicans and harlots is no occasion to place Mary Magdalene by name, among such characters. blood of Christ cleanseth from all We may say that "the sin," and refer to that catalogue of crimes and pardons mentioned in occasion to mention Mary Magda 1 Cor. vi. 9, 10, 11, but there is no lene. We may tell of the won derful power of Christ over all the powers of hell, and then indeed we may properly refer to the case of Mary Magdalene and many others, who were once unhappy demoniacs, but that Christ cast out the evil spirits with a word. soever things are true, whatsoev"Whatthings." er things are just, think on these of the world respecting the charWhatever may be the opinion acter of Mary of Magdala, she is now beyond the reach and influreport." ence both of "evil report and good However she may be earth, she is now forever happy "robbed of her good name" in the kingdom of heaven. HANTONIENSIS, [London Evang. Mag. John xix. 25. XX. Matthew xxi. 31, 32, Philip.iv. 8 Missionary Intelligence. ADDRESS OF THE BAPTIST BOARD OF FOREIGN MISSIONS FOR THE UNITED STATES, THE Baptist Board of Foreign Missions for the United States, grateful for the support and encouragement which they have experienced in the discharge of their official duties, have again the pleasure of presenting the annual Address required by the Constitution of the Convention. that the events of another year They are happy in the reflection serve to confirm the expectations and increase the joy of the thousands who are waiting for the consolation of the latter day, and who, from the signs of the times, have concluded that the promised period cannot be distant. The ardour of the supporters of Bible Institutions discovers no indication of abatement; while endeavours to teach the young, the adult and the aged, to read for themselves the charter of salvation, have been employed and made useful, to an extent not exceeded, they believe, in any year since the introduction of Christianity. That zeal for the Lord of Hosts which has recently translated the scriptures into most of the languages of the earth, is still engaged. It presents to the world an example sought in vain in the history of the spread of false religious systems. What efforts were ever made by the disciples of Zoroaster, of Brumha, or of Mahomet to translate their sacred volumes into other languages? They had still remained in their native Chinese, Sungskrit and Arabic obscurity, had not the industry of Christians brought them forth to the light. It is, probably,to be resolved into the wrong idea formed by the Jew, that the smiles of Heaven were to be confined to his own nation, that no more attention was paid to translating the Old Testament. It is well known the Septuagint version is to be ascribed to the literary ambition of Ptolemy, and not to the desire of Hebrews for the diffusion of the Scriptures. But the time has arrived when the friends of Christ, not fearing the universal investigation of a volume which they are conscious is the record of God, and persuaded that it conveys to a dying world the words of eternal life, are using means to send it unto all people, nations and languages, that dwell in all the earth. Missionaries in lands remote are explaining to the heathen its sacred contents; and where, in the movement of a mysterious Providence, death diminishes their number, fresh servants of the Lord approach to perpetuate the work. Prophecy is illustrated and established by its glorious accomplishment, and the prayers of the saints are increasingly answered and en couraged. The Sun of Zion has risen, which shall no more go down. The Board have reason for gratitude for the mercies that have been extended to the mission at Rangoon. The gospel by Matthew has been translated by Mr. Judson, and printed by Mr. Hough in Burman, and a few tracts, designed to explain the principles of the gospel, have been published in the same language. Messrs. Colman and Wheelock, with their wives, have safely arrived at their destinatibn. The circumstance that their pious conversation and example were rendered instrumental to the conversion of several of the ship's company, offers encouragement to future missionaries, and furnishes, we trust, a token of the success that shall crown their future labours. Experience has proved that the climate of Burmah is not unfriendly to health, while its population, and its proximity to China, Siam, and other mission fields, display the importance of the station. Difficulties, nevertheless, must_be_expected. The manners of the Burmans are fierce and untractable, and their attachment to their idolatries blindly ardent. The recent military measures in the hither India, have created a spirit of jealousy among them, and induced the suspicion that white men are emissa, ries. The Board would be ready to conclude that the stay of the brethren in Burmah depended on the caprice of the emperor, were they not satisfied that the hearts of kings are in the hands of the Lord. The design of the late expedition of Mr. Judson, undertaken with a view of obtaining a convert from among the Mugs to assist in the mission, is fully approved by the Board, and will, they have no doubt, meet the approbation of all the friends of: Zion. The disappointments attendant on the voyage were such as no human prudence could foresee. They affectionately sympa, thize with their brother under the trial he has experienced, and pray that, as the means of surmounting every obstruction, himself and his associates may be favoured with an abundant "supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ." The Board has viewed with satisfaction the labours of their missionary brethren Peck and Welch, at St. Louis. A Baptist church has been formed there, which is gradually increasing. A new place of worship, in a pleasant and conspicuous part of the town, has been erected. It is already in part paid for. The church at Salem, Massachusetts, has generously aided the attempt by presenting the sum of one hundred and seventy-three dollars. It is hoped the benevolence of other churches and brethren will assist in extinguishing the remaining incumbrance. The brethren there have done much in opening and encouraging schools, in seeking acquaintance with Indian chiefs, and ascertaining the circumstances of the tribes scattered through the territories. They have travelled in various directions, preaching the everlasting gospel, animated with the expectation that the Lord will make the wilderness of the west "like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the Lord; joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving, and the voice of melody." The high expense of living at St. Louis has produced regret and difficulty. The brethren have proposed that one of them remove to St. Charles, a neighbouring situation, where subsistence can be procured on easier terms, and the prospect of establishing a permanent school is fair and inviting. The Board have approved the measure, and recommended its adoption. The assiduous and self-denying labours of their missionary, the Rev. Isaac M'Coy, in the Illinois state, have imparted the liveliest pleasure. He has shown himself willing to forego the conveniences of a settled country, and to share, with the hope of diminishing, the afflictions of an uncivilized state of society. He is ready to live and die among the aborigines, if he may but be the means of teaching them the way to heaven through the knowledge of the Lord Jesus. He had put up a plain building for his family, and as a place where the Indians might receive religious ininstruction. Since which he has found encouragement to settle on lands belonging to the United States, under circumstances which promise a greater sphere of usefulness. The Board are of opinion the change proposed is desirable, and the more so, as the disposal of the building he has erected will probably more than remunerate the original cost. The nearness of the new site for missionary exertions to the brethren in the Missouri territory, will enable them to strengthen each other's hands. The labours of the Rev. Humphrey Posey among the Cherokees, have been zealous, and marked with holy prudence. His schools have been well attended. A temporary suspension of them has arisen, chiefly owing to the unsettled state of the nation; the question being as yet undecided whether they will continue to occupy the soil of their fathers, or retire farther westward. The Sandusky Indians, during the year past, have been repeatedly visited by Rev. Henry George, of Owl Creek, Ohio, who has expressed much satisfaction at observing their solemn attention. The Rev. Mr. Eastman has be gun his labours in the vicinity of Natches and St. Francisville. He feels himself greatly encouraged. May the blessing of the Lord accompany his endeavours. Among the occurrences which have recently taken place west of the mountains, the Board has witnessed, with no ordinary satisfaction, the removal of a misapprehension on the part of their brethren of the Kentucky Baptist Mis sion Society. It has been the general opinion of the Board, that the reformation and spiritual welfare of the Indians, would be best promoted by missionaries opening schools and preaching the gospel in the vicinity of the tent and wigThe Kentucky brethren were in favour of sending for Indian youth from the wilderness, and educating them in Kentucky. The Board sincerely wished them success. They were far from supposing that because the settling of missionaries in the bosom of the tribes seemed most promising, that this consideration ought to preclude attempts at instructing, in any way, the children of the aborigines; but to assist that Society in its endeavours, by appropriating any of the funds intrusted to their management, it was believed their responsibilities would not warrant. At a period when it became, for several reasons, peculiarly desirable that the sentiments both of the Board and of the Society should be understood in the clearest manner, the Rev. Mr. Rice, agent of the Board, was at the Great Crossings. The exposition of mutual views which then took place, terminated in a manner most pleasing and satisfactory. The Society voted itself an auxiliary to the Board, and the Board engaged to appropriate its funds to such objects, only, as the Society shall designate, and in every way to facilitate, to the utmost of their power, a common design. Such mutual and affectionate harmony among fellow-labourers in the service of the Son of God, is sweet as the ointment of Aaron, and refreshing as the dews of Hermon. To the plans that are in operation for colonizing a part of the world that has for ages been sunk in ignorance, bondage and affliction, the Board wishes the most ample success. It cannot reasonably be supposed that numerous bands of men, in possession of the knowledge of useful arts, and es [September, pecially of the word of life, can settle on African shores without meliorating the state of society. Such a course must tend to elevate the character of the people of colour to that point which shall open before them the advantages, and excite the habits, of self-government and industry. The Christian will surely discover in the National Colorization Society, a new and and encouraging presage of the spread of the kingdom of Christ, and cheerfully wait the fulfilment of the prophecy, "From beyond the rivers of Ethiopia my suppliants, even the daughter of my dis persed, shall bring mine offering." A communication has been received from the Rev. O. B. Brown, of Washington city, stating that there are two coloured brethren of the church at Richmond, of good moral character, of ardent piety, and possessing talents for the ministry, that have been tried for several years, and are much approved. They are willing to leave America, and attempt, on the soil of their forefathers, to preach the unsearchable riches of Christ. In the fall, it is expected, they will have an opportunity of going out in a vessel which will sail under the sanction. of the President of the United States. They wish to place themselves under the direction of the Baptist Board of Missions, not so much for the sake of funds, for these they in a good degree possess, as for the purpose of receiving such counsel and information as the Convention or its Board may be able, time after time, to communicate, and to enjoy the assurances of their affection and co-operation. The Board have taken these brethren under their patronage, and encouraged them to spend the interval between the present time and their sailing, in improving their minds to the utmost practicable extent. The recommendation of the Convention to the people of colour to form and encourage mission societies, has been the means of exciting the zeal of these brethren to seek a home on Afric's coast. Various communications have been received on the subject of the Institution connected with the Board, for affording education to such pious youth as shall have been approved by the churches as candidates for the ministry. Some parts of the plan proposed for consideration are objected to, particularly in reference to the qualifica tions for a pupil's entering, which are thought discouraging, because too high. This, and any other objections that may offer, will become the subject of deliberation at the meeting of the Convention in April next, to which period the adoption of a plan, and the organizing the Institution, are laid over. It will be gratifying at that time to know the wishes of the churches and brethren generally, as they will, no doubt, be attentively regarded. In the mean time the young brethren, now in Philadelphia, will continue to be boarded and instructed, as during the past year, from funds wholly distinct from those collect ed for missionary purposes. The Board feel it their duty to state, that they are increasingly gratified with the active services of their agent, the Rev. Mr. Rice. They pray that his health and life may be continued, and that the God of Abraham may be his shield and his exceeding great reward. He is affectionately commended to public attention and respect. Brethren, it is our happiness to live in an age when the cause of Christ is pressed on the attention of his people by the most reviving considerations. To each of us He is saying, "It is good that thou shouldest take hold of this; yea, also from this withdraw not thine hand." In the days of Nehemiah, when the wall about Jerusalem was building, it is mentioned, to the reproach of the nobles of Tekoa, that "they put not their 22 VOL. 11 necks to the work of the Lord." Others, however, as if incited by their inaction to greater assiduity, applied themselves vigorously to the sacred task. Several rulers of Jerusalem and neighbouring cities, engaged in the work, and the men of Jericho and of Gibeon, of Mizpah and Zanoah joined them. "Goldsmiths, apothecaries, merchants" united their labours. Pious ladies were also employed. "Shallum, the son of Halosheth, the ruler of the half part of Jerusalem," repaired, "he and his DAUGHTERS." To the prompt and generous endeavours of females, the friends of missions are under the strongest obligations. It is believed that their amiable exertions, so far from abat ing, increase. Of the female engaged as was Priscilla and others, in the service of the Lord Jesus, it may be said, "strength and honour are her clothing, and she shall rejoice in time to come." It is recorded of Baruch, the son of Zabbai, that he "earnestly repaired." Earnestly to engage in advancing the kingdom of Immanu el, in diffusing the oracles of truth, in lessening the miseries of man, and expending time and talent in the service of Him who has redeemed us to God by his blood, is a most solemn duty. Work is placed be fore us, and requires to be executed with all the MIGHT that can be commanded, while the eye of faith is directed for a blessing to the arm and promise of the LORD. EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM THE REV. MR. JUDSON, TO ONE OF THE EDI TORS, DATED Rangoon, Oct. 9, 1818. Rev. and Dear Sir, YOURS of March 12 and 18, 1817, arrived here during my absence, or I should have replied long ago. Yours of the following November was brought by the brethren, who |