But the missionaries needed a patron: and a patron was provided. Among the natives found wandering on our shores, was the son of Tamoree, king of one of the leeward islands. This son had been taken under the care of the American churches, and was sent home to his father in the same ship that carried the missionaries. This secured the warm friendship and kindest services of Tamoree, which have been continued to this day. And when some foreigners, anxious to prejudice the natives against the missionaries, endeavoured to make the islanders believe, that, if they listened to such men, they would incur the displeasure of the English nation; and when, also, these foreigners propagated the most erroneous reports, with respect to the influence of missions on the South Sea Islands, with the same object in view; all their machin ations were overthrown unexpectedly and at once. God put it into the heart of the British government to purchase a vessel at the distant colony of New South Wales, and send it as a present to the king of the Sandwich Islands. This vessel, on the way to its destined place, touched at the particular island, in the cluster of the Society islands, where Messrs. Tyerman and Bennet, a deputation from the London Missionary Society, happened then to be. The captain, who had this vessel in charge, offered to take a mission to the Marquesas, by way of the Sandwich Islands; and the brethren resolved that such a mission should be sent. These gentlemen accompanied by a missionary, who had long been on these favoured islands, and one or two of the converted natives, arrived at Woahoo just in the crisis produced by these evil reports. The visitors were Englishmen; they were also from the Society Islands; they came, too, in a vessel belonging to the king of England: and Mr. Ellis, and Auna. and his wife, could speak in the language of the Sandwich Islanders. The false reports were contradicted; the false impressions were removed; and the American Missionaries then rose higher in the general estimation, than they had ever been before! Nor was this all. The plan for proceeding to the Marquesas was providentially defeated. Instead of remaining at the Sandwich Islands but three weeks, as they had contemplated, the deputation were confined there more than as many months, and made a strong impression on the natives, and greatly strengthening the hands of the missionaries: and finally, at the earnest request of the king and his chiefs, Mr. Ellis, and the Taheitean chief were induced, contrary to all their original plans and expectations, to take up a permanent residence there. Thus, the language of the islands has been soon er acquired by our missionaries, the Gospel has been sooner preached, and books have been sooner prepared, printed, distributed and read. We think, moreover, that we have the key to the mystery, why Mr. Ellis was not permitted, in the Providence of God, to accompany the king to England: but not being quite certain of the fact, we shall not at present make use of it. Thus much we can say. Every providence seems to have had a merciful bearing upon the mission: and we can see how almost every thing, which, at the time appeared adverse, has been overruled for good. The preceding remarks we have been led into, by a consideration of the influence, which the king's death might have on the mission to his subjects. As the Lord hath done in time past, so we trust he will do in time to come. He has provided for the exigencies of that mission, when man could not fores e them, and of course could not provide for them. Man is short-sighted and feeble; kings and rulers are subject to death: but the "Lord reigneth-let the multitude of isles be glad thereof." SAMARITANS. [THE following account of an interview, with the Samaritans dwelling at Sychar is from the Journal of Mr. Fisk, published in the Missionary Herald.] After taking some refreshment we went to visit the Samaritans, having first sent to the Kohen, or Priest, to know if a visit would be agreeable. His name is Shalmar ben Tabiah. His first name he sometimes pronounces Salomer. I believe it is the same as Solomon, which the Jews in received us in a neat apartment, and we Jerusalem now pronounce Shloma. He immediately entered into conversation. Ten or twelve other members of the sect soon came in. Our conversation was in Arabic. They represent the number of their houses to be 20 or 30,-about 60 pay the capitation tax. They say there are no other Samaritans in this country, but they are quite disposed to think they are numerous in other parts of the world. In Faris they suppose they were very numerous, until, in a time of war between the French and some other nation, the Samaritans were dispersed. They say that there are, however, four still living in Paris. They inquired whether there are any Samaritans in England, and seemed not at all gratified when we told them no. On learning that I was from America, they inquired if there are Samaritans there. I old them no; but they confidently asserted the contrary, and that there are also many in India. They maintain that they are the lineal descendants of Jacob: the Kohen and his sons, only, of the tribe of Levi; one family from the tribe of Benjamin; four or five from Manasseh, and the rest from Ephraim. We asked what they would do for a priest, if the Kohen and his sons should die, and thus the tribe of Levi become extinct. They replied, (ba zah ma beseer,) "this does not happen." They all speak Arabic, but their books and public prayers are in Samaritan, They call their language Hebrew, and that which we call Hebrew they call Jewish; for they say their language is the true Hebrew in which the law was giv en. The difference consists in the use of a different alphabet and different pronunciation. They go three times a year to Mount Gerizim to worship, but do not offer sacrifices there now, as they did formerly, lest they should be molested by the Turks. But they offer their sacrifices in a more private way, in the city. We understood them to say, that they have no daily sacrifice. We visited their synagogue. It is a small dark, but neat room, with an altar, but without seats. We were obliged, before entering, to pull off not only our over-shoes, but also our slippers, which are not prohibited even in mosques; and Mr. Jowett was obliged to take off an outer garment, which he wears, that is lined with fur. No person can approach the altar, except the Kohen and bais sons. They expect a Messiah, who is to be a Prophet and King, but a mere man, to live 120 years, as Moses did, and to reign at Naploos over all the world. Those who do not receive him, are tobe destroyed with the sword. The promise concerning the woman's seed does not, they believe, refer to the Messiah ; but that, concerning a prophet like unto Moses, does refer to him, as does also that concerning Siloh, Gen. 49: 10. They admit the sense of this passage as given in our translation, and try to show that there is still a sceptre somewhere in the hands of Judah. The Messiah will come when Israel repent. They say the story of the separation between Israel and Judah, under Jeroboam and Rehoboam, is a lie of the Jews. The city of Luz or Bethel, they say, was on Mount Gerizim. Gen. 28:19. Jebus, they say, was also on this mount, and that Judges 19:10 as it stands in our copies, is not true. 20. We renewed our visit to the Samaritans. We had yesterday requested to see their ancient copy of the law. The Kohen objected, but after much persuading, and indirectly presenting the motive which generally prevails in this country, i. e. the offer of money, he at last consented to show it to us this morning. In order to do it, he said he must first bathe, and then put on a particular dress for the oc casion. On our arrival at the synagogue, we waited a short time, and he appeared, entered the synagogue, approached the altar, kneeled and put his face to the floor, then opened the little closet which contained the holy book, kneeled and put his face to the floor again, then brought out the brass case, which contained the roll, and opened it so as to show us the manuscript, but we were not allowed to touch it. It is in the Samaritan character, and the Kohen says it was written by Abishua, the grandson of Aaron, thirteen years after the death of Moses, and 3260 years ago. See 1 Chron. 6:4. Another brass copy of the original manuscript, said to case stood near this, containing an exact have been made 800 years ago. On a shelf in the synagogue, were a considerable teuch. We saw also the relic of the Polnumber of copies of the Samaritan Pentayglott Bible mentioned by Maundril. The Bible of the Samaritans contains only the five books of Moses. They have however, Joshua and Judges, but in separate books. They say that since Joshua there has been no prophet. He was the disciple of Moses, and inferior to him. David was king in Jerusalem, but not a prophet. We inquired whether the Samaritans held it lawful to read the books of Christians. They said there was no law against it, and we left with them one Testament in Arabic, and another in Hebrew. from the gate we observed, on our right At noon we left Naploos. A little way hand, a mosque, which I suppose to be the one that travellers have mentioned as the place bought by Jacob "at the hand of the children of Hamor, Gen. 33:19. Jacob's well is to be seen near by, but through the ignorance of our guide we missed it. At six o'clock we arrived at Singil, and only Christian family in the place. Betook lodgings with a Greek family, the fore our arrival, we were overtaken by a heavy rain. REVIVAL OF RELIGION IN GERMANY. To the Editor of the (London) Baptist SIR, Two pious German ministers of the reformed church, named J. Christian Reichardt, and J. George Wermelskirk, gave me, this morning, the following account of the revival of religion in Germany. It was not till since the close of the war, that any general attention was excited respecting evangelical religion. Five years ago there were five or six ministers belonging to each of the churches in Berlin, which amount to twenty-one, but not any of them evangelical persons; now there is no church where there is not, at least, one pious, evangelical pastor, preaching the doctrines of the Gospel, and adorning it by their conduct. In the University of Berlin, there are thirty or forty pious students. One of the professors, of the name of Tholock, about twenty-five years of age, who knows fifteen languages, is in the practice of receiving these every Wednesday at his own house, for the purpose of giving them religious instruction. About ten of these usually associate with my informant on a Saturday evening, at the University, for praying with them, and for reading and expounding the scriptures. Four of the professors in the University are pious evangelical men. One of these, named Neander, Professor of Evangelical History, is a converted Jew, of good reputation, and considerable standing. When Professor Tholock was, some time since, at Copenhagen, he inquired for a long time in vain, at the University, after pious young men at length, by accident, a person, who called at the inn, was discovered by him as being of that character, and he introduced him to a considerable number of pious youth, who were earnestly seeking after God. The pious students, who have been mentioned as at the University at Berlin, were from different German Universities, and their statement respecting them was, that in all of them there were devoted youths, consecrating themselves to the service of God. At Erlangen, in Bavaria, there are in the University three Professors; one of whom has the reputation of being one of the most learned men on the Continent. At Basle, in Switzerland, they were in. formed, by one of their companions, that, in the year 1818, about twenty young men were brought to know the grace of God in truth. As they had no evangelical instructors, they frequently met together for reading the scriptures and prayer. One of these is engaged by the London Society for promoting the conversion of the Jews; and another named Burkhardt, brother to the late excellent Missionary, of that name, is an assistant minister with Dr. Steinkopff, in the Savoy, London. At Albufelt, in Prussia, there is a minister of the Lutheran church, named Doering, the apostle of the age. He pays particular regard to young persons. On a Monday evening he collects at his house about two hundred unmarried men ; and on a Wednesday evening, about forty young ladies; for the purposes of giving them religious instruction. He is indefatigable in visiting the prisons and hospita ls, distributing religious tracts, and ha been the instrument of the conversion of many to the knowledge of Christ. In all this vicinity, the churches are supplied with, at least, twenty evangelical pastors. The people, when they want a minister, no longer inquire for those who are distinguished by their literature; but they say, when one is recommended to them, "Is he a pious minister?" A minister named Couard, about thirty years of age, who preaches in a church in Berlin, has an excessively crowded congregation of six or seven thousand hearers: he lately preached seven sermons from "Ye must be born again." The churches are forsaken where the Gospel is not faithfully preached. The same spirit of opposition exists there as in this country against evangelical religion. If they observe any to listen attentively, or appear serious and devout, they call them by way of reproach, "Head-hangers." A person, from the neighbourhood of Brunswick, gave the following account. "Above five years since, there was not one pious person in all the neighbourhood, nor any evangelical minister. Two farmers were walking in their fields, when one of them, as if his mind had been instantly impressed with the subject, said, We possess all these riches, but we have never returned thanks to God, the giver of them. Surely we ought to do so. Come, let us kneel down, and give thanks, to God, and seek his pardon and blessing.' They enjoyed so much pleasure in this exercise, that they resolved to meet at one of their houses, on a Lord's-day evening, for praying and searching the scriptures. Their wives soon united with them. Others, who observed them thus assemble, asked, What are you doing? We will meet with you.' Thus, persons from different villages were collected, till the room was over crowded. These meetings were held in other adjacent villages, until there were ninety or an hundred serious persons. At length, one of the Lutheran pastors in the neighbour. hood became an enlightened man, and now they all attend upon his ministry." These revivals are attributed to the establishment of Bible and Missionary Societies; and the work of conversion has been so rapid, especially among students in the Universities, that scores of pious youths are burning with ardour to be employed in Missionary labours in any part of the globe. The two ministers, who are very serious, well-informed persons, who related the above facts, are about to visit Poland, in the service of the London Society for the Conversion of the Jews. J. I. The SOCIETY IN SCOTLAND FOR THE PROPAGATION OF CHRISTIAN KNOWLEDGE, has existed for nearly 120 years, and is incorporated by royal charter. The Directors in their last annual report dated March 1824, say "Its ordinary funds and exertions have been directed almost exclusively to the education and religious instruction of the Poor in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland." Its operations have been uniform and steady for more than a century; during all which time no extraordinary call has been made on the charity of the public.-By its teachers, missionaries and catechists, the most important benefits have been conferred on a once rude and neglected population. 264 schools with 13,541 scholars, are supported by this Society, together with 11 missionaries, 16 catechists, and 38 superannuated teachers, at an annual expense of £4251. The Marquis of Bute is President of the Institution. The Church Missionary Society have made preparation for the establishment of a Seminary for the education of their missionaries, at Islington near London. There are at least three other Missionary Seminaries in Europe-one at Gosport, (Eng.) one at Basle, (Switzerland,) one at Berlin, (Prus.) At the last Monthly Concert in Boston, a letter from Mr. Garrett, at Bombay, who had received letters from Jaffna in Ceylon, communicated the very interesting intelligence that "all the stations there ·have been favoured with the merciful visita 607 tions of the Holy Spirit, and that SIXTY OR SEVENTY NATIVES HAVE RECENTLY GIVEN EVIDENCE OF A SAVING INTEREST IN THE MERITS OF THE REDEEMER. Others are inquiring what they shall do to be saved." GERMAN TESTAMENTS. Not long since Messrs. Moser and Peters, two enterprising Germans, established in Carlisle, Pa. a foundery of Stereotype plates, and commenced the publication of an edition of the New Testament, in the German language, from the plates dy printed and sold 2500 copies, and are which they prepared. They have alreanow striking off another edition, which will make the number amount to between 3 and 4 thousand. They are retailed to subscribers well bound with clasps, after the German method, at the rate of 75 py. The demand for them has been very cents, and in sheets at 37 1-2 cents per cogreat, and the typographical execution of them does credit to the printers. DONATIONS TO RELIGIOUS AND CHARIT- (In the Month of September.) To the United Foreign Missionary Society, $935 78. To the American Education Society, $358 67. Ordinations and Installations Sept. 1.-The Rev. ABIEL PArmele, over the Presbyterian Church in Warsaw, N. Y. Sept. 15.-The Rev. NATHANIEL CHAPMAN, over the Congregational Church and Society in Bristol, Me. Ser mon by Rev. Professor Smith, of the Theological Institution at Bangor. Sept. 21.-The Rev. JOHN B. STEELE, over the Reformed Dutch Church of Boght, N. Y. Sermon by the Rev. John Ludlow, of Albany. Sept. 23.-The Rev. MICHAEL QUIN, over the Church in Patterson, N. Y.; Sermon by the Rev. J. Dewing. Sept. 26.-The Rev. WILLIAM WITHINGTON, was admitted to the order of Deacons, at Newburyport, by the Rt. Rev. Bishop Griswold. Sermon by the Bish op. Sept. 28.-The Rev. ERASTUS MALT Missionary Society, and the Rev. LEON- Sept. 29.-The Rev. THOMAS WILLIAMS, over the Congregational Church borough, Mass. Sermon by the Rev. Dr. and Society, of the West Parish in AttleEmmons. Sept. 29.-The Rev. ROBERT G. ARMSTRONG, over the Church and Congrega. tion in Smithfield, N. Y. Sermon by the Rev. J. Dewing. Sept. 30.-Messrs. HEMAN M. BLODGETT, JOSEPH 1. FOOTE, STEPHEN FOSTER, JAMES NOYES, EDWARD PALMER, ZABDIEL ROGERS and ROYAL WASHBURN, as Evangelists, at Boxford, Mass. Sermon by the Rev. Mr. Perry, of Boxford. Oct. 6. The Rev. HORACE SESSIONS, and the Rev. ELBRIDGE G. Howe, as Evangelists at South Wilbraham, Mass. Sermon by the Rev. Mr. Strong, of Somers, Con. Oct. 6. The Rev. H. HERSEY, at Barnstable, Mass. Sermon by the Rev. Mr. Palfrey, of Boston. Oct. 6 The Rev. JUBILEE WELLMAN, over the Congregational Church in Frankfort, Me. Sermon by the Rev. Professor Fowler, of the Theological Seminary at Bangor. Oct. 12-The Rev. JAMES Marsh, Professor of Languages and Belles Lettres in Hampden Sidney College, was ordained at Hanover, N. H. to the work of the Ministry. Oct. 20.-The Rev. WILLIAM MITCHELL, at Watertown, as an Evangelist, by the South Consociation of Litchfield, Con. View of Public Affairs. FOREIGN. SPAIN. The fortress of Tariffa, mentioned in our last as having been taken on the 4th of August by a body of exiled Constitutionalists, was retaken by storm on the 19th, by the French and Spanish troops. The prisoners were delivered up for trial. We hear nothing further of the prospect of a "simultaneous struggle" throughout Spain. The affair of Tariffa seems to have been a mere act of desperation on the part of the exiles, FRANCE.-The death of Louis XVIII. was announced at London, on the 13th of September. He is succeeded by his brother, the Count d'Artois, whose title is Charles X. GREECE. Among the most interesting events in the history of the Greek revolution are the taking and retaking_of the island of Ipsara. The Captain Pacha, after spending a month at Mytilene in raising and concentrating his force, set sail on the 3d of July, with a fleet said to consist of more than 180 vessels, and carrying from 30 to 40,000 men. The forces of ipsara amounted to about 7000. On the morning of the 4th the Pacha commenced landing which he effected without difficulty in consequence of the treachery of 300 Albanians to whom the only two places favourable for a landing had been confided, and who insteau of defending these important posts turned their arms upon the Greeks. It became necessary that the Greeks should abandon the town and castle and retire to their monasteries on the hills. Under one of these was a mine of powder. The Turks after two unsuccessful attacks upon it, increased their numbers for a third attempt, when the Greeks suffered them to rush in and then blew up themselves and enemies together. Many of their women and children also perished with them. The destruction of lives was great on both sides.-The Turks massacreing all that fell in their way, and the Greeks defending themselves with desperation. Even women were seen contending hand to hand with the barbarians, and when they had no other means of avoiding captivity, throwing themselves and their children into the sea. The Captain Pacha, having accomplished the object of the expedition, returned to Mytilene, leaving the desolated island in possession of 2000 of his Egyptian troops. But the possession of Ipsara by the Turks was of short duration. Three days after its capture, the Greek government at Napoli di Romania sent to its aid a fleet of more than 50 sail; the résult of which was that nearly the whole of the Turkish fleet and garrison left at the island were destroyed. Various accounts estimate the aggregate loss of the Turks at from eight to upwards of twenty thousand men. Among them were the 300 traitors, whom the enraged Greeks annihilated during the first attack, S. W. is received. Answers to Correspondents. I. P. W. and A. B. are necessarily deferred. cate. . B. will probably hear from us through the friend whom he undertakes to vindi We handed W. L.'s communication to K. as he requested. Our only objection to publishing it, is its inconclusiveness. It is written with an excellent spirit, but discovers a want of that knowledge of the Scriptures in their original languages, and of Bibli oal Archaology which is indispensable to a proper investigation of the subject. |