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now have a Calcutta Bible Society, chiefly supported by the Anglo-Indians, which has circulated extensive editions of the Scriptures in the various languages of India. There is also a Calcutta School Book Society; and there is a Hindoo College, in which converted natives themselves are training up in suitable knowledge, for the very purpose of becoming preachers of the everlasting Gospel and thus the difficulty arising from the distance of fifteen thousand miles is subdued and superseded, by GoD's raising up natives themselves to become Missionaries to their countrymen, who are inured to the climate and familiar with all their manners. The languages of India are now subdued; and the holy Scriptures, or a part of them at least, with a number of tracts, have already been translated and circulated in 25 languages of that country. Nay, even the prejudices of the natives have been overcome. As one proof of this, I can state, that when I left Serampore, a deputation bad come from a village at some distance, in which they were attempting to establish a School, to request one of our school-masters to visit them and afford them some instructions as to the manner of conducting their School. There cannot be a stronger proof of their prejudices being subdued, than for those natives to solicit a visit from a man whose appearance in their School would have once been thought a crime. These Schools are now so common in some parts of India, that there is scarcely a town or even a village that has not one. The ignorance of the natives has been overcome; we have found a conscience at last; and several thousands of Hindoos have turned from the worship of idols to serve the living and true God; bave renounced their superstitions, and embraced the faith of Christianity. Public opinion, which had been almost universally against us, is now almost universally for us. The foundation is laid, and we have only to go zealously and patiently forward in the work that has been so successfully begun.--I have been thus minute in my statements of the work of GoD in that extensive empire, in order that I, as an eye witness, might call forth the thankfulness of this Society for what God has done there; and that, when I am gone into those distant regions, again to aid by my feeble efforts this great cause, your prayers may be excited and encouraged by the prospect of ultimate success. And now I confess, my Christian brethren, that though I entertain some opinions different to those of the Society for which I am now pleading, yet it is a Society for which I feel the highest respect. There are no persons who come forward with more ardent zeal than they in the work of the LORD, and in the promotion of the great cause of Missions. I may add with respect to those whom they have sent out, that in the important point of self-denial, so necessary to the Missionary who leaves his country, his family, his friends, and all he holds dear,-in this respect, the Wesleyan Missionaries, yield to no Missionaries, or body of Missionaries, whatever. They have cheerfully endured fatigues, and patiently submitted to the various privations to which Missionaries are exposed. They have experienced all the inconveniences and dangers of inhospitable climates, and yet have persevered in their work with diligence and zeal, from a love to souls, and a desire to spend and be spent in the cause of CHRIST. The Wesleyan Missionaries yield to none in love to their SAVIOUR, which is so essentially necessary to keep alive the Missionary flame. And they yield to none in another grand point, which is the freeness of their invitations. Blessed be God! they feel no hesitation in their offers of mercy. This is their darling theme, and it suits the Missionary cause extremely well.-Another thing I would just mention concerning them; and that is, that they depend especially on DIVINE INFLUENCE; their eyes are always fixed on that; and feeling that they are but weak instruments in the hand of GoD, they go forward in their simple career, looking to God for his influence; and, blessed be his holy name, that influence is not withheld !— They also watch over their churches with peculiar attention. They do so in this country; but this is particularly necessary in the heathen world, where men are just emerging out of darkness, and where there are such deep-rooted prejudices to be combated. This is another reason why this Society commends itself to the whole Christian world.--Before I close, there is another observation which I would make on the subject of divine influence. I have lately come from the Continent of America, in which there is at present a great out-pouring of the HOLY SPIRIT. In Connecticut, in Massachusetts, and other places, a great degree of divine influence has been experienced.In the town of Hartford, I was informed, that there were not fewer than a

thousand persons lately brought under the most serious impressions respecting their everlasting welfare. If these things be done in America, why may not we seek and expect similar visitations in other countries?-And we want nothing else to secure the eventual success of Christian Missions. If God is pleased largely to pour out his flOLY SPIRIT, and this work go on as it has done, the whole world will soon be converted to CARIST. For this, let us be instant in prayer. It is only for us to be frequently on our knees at the throne of grace, and then shall the earth yield her increase, and GOD, even our own GOD shall give us his blessing.

S. T. ARMSTRONG, ESQ. of Boston, in America, in moving a resolution, on the subject of the West-India Missions, apologized for his addressing such an audience, but said that the proceedings of this meeting were enough to make even the tongue of a stammerer to speak plainly. When, however, said Mr. A. we propose resolutions of this kind we bind ourselves to do something more than speak: we must therefore take care what we do on this occasion; for 1 behold on every side a great cloud of witnesses to condemn us if we fail in the performance of what we this day pledge ourselves to do. Mr. A. proceeded to shew that Christianity is the best boon we can give to the negroslaves to whom his motion more particularly alluded, and then added, "It has been stated, that I am from America, and it may please you to know, that British Christians are there considered as our elder brethren, and we are treading in your steps. I hope it will not be deemed presumption in me to say, that we have our Missionary and Bible Societies, our Societies for Education, and our Sunday Schools; and in these labours of love, these works of mercy, we, like yourselves, have received much assistance from pious females. About ten years ago the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions was founded, with whose operations I have been more connected than with any other. In the first year we raised 2001. ; but the last year we raised about 8,0001. or 35,000 dollars. There were some fears among our friends lest our exertions for foreign Missions should diminish our funds for promoting Christianity at home; but this has not been the case; for there has been more done at home in consequence of what has been done abroad. We have now Missionaries at the Sandwich Islands, and in India. Americans take a deep interest (I speak the words of truth and soberness) in all the great designs of British Christians; and I have no doubt, but that the transactions of this day will be read in the remotest parts of my native land, and will gladden the hearts of my countrymen, as they have gladdened my heart to-day. We shall rejoice in your success, and sympathise in your sorrows, (if any befal you,) for we feel that all we are brethren,-we worship the same Gon, we hold the same hope, we have in view the same objects. One object of my coming across the Atlantic was to be present at these far-famed meetings, and to see the men who are known throughout the world. I feel grateful that the desire of my heart has been granted; and long will the sacred pleasures of this day be impressed on my memory. I pray that the peace which now subsists between our countries may be perpetual. But should, unhappily, our statesman disagree, with the Wesleyan Methodists we shall still be at peace. Before another year shall bring to your joyful eyes an Anniversary like this, death or the ocean will divide between you and me; but, having the same hope, we shall still be joined in heart, and meet again where there will be no name of METHODIST OF CONGREGATIONALIST, but all shall be one in CHRIST. With these feelings and anticipations, permit me to say, in conclusion, to each and all of you, Farewell! farewell!—but not for ever!

PROGRESS OF RELIGION IN ALABAMA.

Br information received from Rev. Thomas Griffin, presiding elder of Alabama district, it appears that the work of reformation is progressing in that wilderness part of our country. It is certainly cause of exultation to witness the growing prosperity of the Redeemer's kingdom, in our newly settled states and territories. While the hardy emigrants are felling the trees of the forest, and opening the bosom of the earth for the reception of seed, the heralds of salvation are itinerating through their scattered settlements, breaking VOL. IV. 55

up the fallow ground of their hearts, and sowing the seeds of eternal life. May they witness a plentiful harvest!

The writer observes, that at a Camp-Meeting held on the 6th of July last, on "Pearl-river, a few miles from Montecello, the congregation was large and attentive, many were awakened to a sense of their need of Christ, and five or six, gave evidence of a change of heart."

"On the 20th we held another meeting on the river Chickasawhay, about fifty miles from the town of Mobile, where we have a large, flourishing society. There were two travelling and four local preachers, and one Presbyterian minister at this meeting. On Friday and Saturday, the Lord favoured us with a solemn sense of His presence. Sinners were struck with awe, and stood with respectful silence, while believers rejoiced in God their Saviour. On Sabbath we administered the Lord's Supper. All were solemn as night. The word of God was heard with great attention, and, I believe much good was done. About ten professed justifying grace.'

"On the 27th of July we held another meeting, about thirty miles from St. Stephen's, near the Tom-Beckbee and Alabama rivers. Though the principal part of the people were irreligious, yet they behaved with great order and decorum, and five or six professed to be converted."

"On the 2nd of August we commenced a Camp Meeting on the banks of the Alabama river, thirty miles below the town of Cabawba, the seat of government for this state. From the paucity of the inhabitants, and the affliction many were suffering from a prevailing fever, there were not many that attended this meeting. Some disorder was witnessed; but He that commanded the boisterous winds to be still, appeared in our behalf, and, before the exercises closed, some were brought, as we have reason to believe, to the knowledge of the truth."

"August 10th, another meeting began thirty miles above Cahawba, on the bank of the above-mentioned river. A numerous concourse of people attended, and much good was done. On Tuesday morning, I requested all who had obtained an evidence of their conversion to God, to come forward to the altar, when thirty-seven presented themselves. The two last meetings were held in a forest, and the Indians were fishing in the river, while we were preaching and praying; the bears were ravaging the corn-fields, and the wolf and tygers were bowling and screaming in the very woods in the neighbourhood of our meeting."

"These accounts may seem unimportant to those who are accustomed to more numerous congregations, and who have the privilege of assembling in convenient houses; but to us, who are struggling with many difficulties in this newly settled country, it is highly gratifying, and fills us with a pleasing hope of yet seeing the desert blossom as the rose."

DEAR SIR,

From the London Evangelical Magazine for August.

Chateau de Bellevue, pres Paris, July 1, 1821.

THE Circumstances which I have simply and faithfully narrated, happened to one of my intimate friends resident in Paris. A considerable diminution of interest must result from a translation of the idiomatic and forcible phraseology of the French departments into the ordinary medium of British conversation; but I have thought it not uninteresting to your readers to know, that while the Pagan world is prepared to receive the Gospel, God, without any visible agency, is also disposing the Continent of Europe, and especially this once enlightened country, to welcome the free and faithful proclamation of his grace. I could record similar facts in the Departments du Nord, pas de Calais, Vaucluse, and Pyrennees, &c.

Yours, most truly,

MARK WILKS.

M. a merchant at the head of one of the first commercial houses in Paris, had lately occasion to visit the manufactories established in the mountainous tracts of the Departments of the Loire and of the Puy de Dome. The road that conducted him back to Lyons traversed a country rich in natural productions, and glowing with all the charms of an advanced and promising

Spring. The nearer view was unusually diversified; not only by the fantas tic forms of mountains, the uncertain course of small and tributary streams, and the varying hues of fields of pasture, corn, vines, and vegetables; but by the combinations and contrasts of nature and of art, and the occupations of rural and commercial industry. Factories and furnaces were seen rising amidst barns and bergeries-peasants were digging and ploughs were gliding amidst forges and founderies of fire-arms-verdant slopes and graceful clumps were scattered amidst the black and ugly mouths of exhausted coal-pits, and the gentle murmur of the rill was subdued by the loud rattle of the loom. Sometimes M, and his friend, halted amidst all that is delightful and soothing; and, after a short advance, found themselves amidst barrenness, deformity and confusion. The remoter scenery was not less impressive. Be hind them were the ragged mountains of Puy de Dome; the lofty Tavare lifted its majestic head beside them, and far before appeared the brilliant summit of Mount Blanc.

Though engaged in great mercantile enterprises, and returning from a visit which was to give employment to hundreds of families in the districts he was about to quit, M. felt powerfully the effects of the objects that passed upon his sight; his thoughts were abstracted from the immediate end of his journey, and he was insensibly disposed for serious contemplation and reli gious sentiment.

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In this state of mind he arrived at the skirts of a hamlet, placed on the declivity of a mountain; and being desirous of finding a shorter and more retired track, he stopped at a little house to inquire the way. From the windows, several females were watching the movements of a little child; and, just, as M inquired for a road across the mountains, the infant was in danger of being crushed by a coal-cart which had entered the street. The cries and alarms of the females were met by the activity of the travellers, and the companion of M. -set off to snatch the infant from danger, and place him in security. An elderly female from the second story, gave M. was still on his horse, the directions he desired; and, at the same time, expressed her uneasiness that the gentleman should have had the trouble to seek the child. "Madam, (interrupted M.,) My friend is only performing his duty we ought to do to another as we would that another should do to us; and, in this wretched world, we are bound to assist each other. You are kind enough to direct us travellers in the right road, and surely the least we can do is to rescue your child from danger. The Holy Scriptures teach us these duties, and the Gospel presents us the example of our Lord Jesus Christ, who when we were in ignorance and danger, came to our world to seek and to save that which was lost." "Ah! Šir, (replied the good woman,) you are very condescending, and what you say is very true; but your language surprises me: it is so many years since in this village we have heard such truths, and especially from the lips of a stranger." Madam, (resumed M.,) we are all strangers here, and sojourners bound to eternity: there is but one road, one guide, one Saviour, who can conduct us safely if we feel this, young or old, rich or poor, we are all one in Christ; and, however scattered on earth, shall all arrive at the heavenly city, to which he is gone to prepare mansions for us.` "These doctrines, Sir, (exclaimed the female,) support the hearts of many of us, who have scarcely travelled beyond our own commune; and it is so rare and so delightful to hear them from others, that if it will not be an abuse of your Christian politeness, I would request you to alight and to visit my humble apartment." "I shall comply most cheerfully with your request, (replied M.,) for though time is precious, 1 shall be thankful to spend a few minutes in these mountains, among those with whom I hope to dwell for ever on Mount Zion. My friend M. mounted to the second story, followed by his companion. He found the female with whom he had conversed, surrounded by her daughters and her grand daughters, all busily employed in five looms, filled with galoons and ribbons, destined for the capí tal and the most distant cities in the world. The good widow was between sixty and seventy years of age: her appearance was neat and clean: and all the arrangements of her apartment, bespoke industry, frugality, and piety. "Ah! Sir, (she exclaimed, as M. entered,) how happy am I to receive such a visitor!" "Madam, (replied M. ——) I am not worthy to enter under this roof." "Why, Sir, (exclaimed the widow,) you talked to us of Jesus.

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Christ, and-" "Yes, Madam; but I am a poor guilty sinner, and hope only for salvation through the cross. I was yesterday at St., where they were planting a cross with great ceremony; were you there?" "No, Sir; for it is of little use to erect crosses in the streets, if we do not carry the cross in our hearts, and are not crucified to the world. But, Sir, if you will not be offended, may I ask, what you are called?" M. 1 -, pretending to give a general sense to the French phraseology, answered, "My name, Madam, is "Thank you, Sir, I shall not forget; but this is not what I meant I wished to know whether you are a Protestant or Catholic, a pastor or a priest?" "Madam, I have not the honour to be either; I am a merchant: I desire to be a Christian, and to have no other title but a disciple of Christ.' "That is exactly as we are here, Sir, (exclaimed the good widow, and added,) but, as you are so frank, are you, Sir, Catholic or Protestant?" "Catholic," replied M. Madam looked confused, and observed, "That it was rare for the Catholics to talk as her visitor had done." "I am a Catholic, (resumed M. -,) but not a member of the Roman Catholic Church. I love all that love our Lord Jesus in sincerity. I do not ask in what fold they feed, so that they are guided and nourished by the Good Shepherd and bishop of souls." O what a favour the Lord has granted us to meet with a Christian like our selves, (said the affected widow, looking round her,) we desire to live in charity with all mankind. But, to be frank also, Sir, we do not go to mass, nor to confession, nor yet to church; for we do not learn from our Testament, which indeed is almost worn out, that we are required to confess to sinners like our selves, nor to worship the host, nor to perform penance for the salvation of souls; and, we believe, we can serve God as acceptably on a mountain, or in a chamber or in a cave, as in the finest church.""I confess, Madam, in my turn, (said M. ——————,) that I am exceedingly astonished to find such persons on such a spot; pray how many may there be of your sentiments?" "liere, Sir, and scattered over the mountains, there are from three to four hundred. We meet on the Sunday evenings, and as often as we can, to pray to Jesus, to read the Testament, and to converse about the salvation of our souls. We are so much persecuted by the clergy, that we cannot appear as publicly as we wish. We are called beguines and fools: but we can bear this, and, I hope, a great deal more, for Him who has suffered so much for us."

While the conversation, of which this is a sketch, transpired, the rooms had filled, the neighbours had been informed and introduced, at the request of the worthy hostess; and as many as could quit their occupations, pressed to hear of the things of the kingdom of God. M. - desired to see the New-Testament. It was presented. The title page was gone, the leaves were almost worn to shreads by the hard fingers of the weavers and laborers, and M. could not discover the edition. A female, of respectable appearance, approached M., and said, "Sir, for several years I have sought every where a New Testament, and I have offered any price for one, in all the neighbouring communes, but in vain. Could you, sir, possibly procure me a copy. I will gladly pay any sum you demand-" Madam, I will not only procure you one, (replied M. eagerly,) but in forty-eight hours I will send you half a dozen." "Is it possible? (exclaimed the astonished villagers.) May we, Sir, believe the good news? May we rely on your promise? It ap pears too great, too good-we will pay for them now, Sir, if you please." You may depend on receiving them (said M. ——,) if God prolongs my life. But I entreat you to do me the favour to accept them, as a proof of my Christian regard, and an expression of my gratitude, for having been permitted to enjoy, in this unpromising spot, the refreshing company of the followers of Christ.

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The conversation then turned on the value of the sacred volume, and the sinfulaess of those who withheld it from perishing and dejected sinners. After some time, the hostess interrupted the chain by demanding, “Pray Sir, can you tell us if any thing extraordinary is passing in the world? We are shut out from all intercourse; but we have an impression that God is commencing a great work in the earth, and that wonderful events are coming to pass." "Great events have taken place, and news is arriving every day (said M.,) from all parts of the world of the progress of the Gospel, and the fulfilments of the promises of the Holy Scriptures." Ile then gave to his attentive and enraptured auditory, an outline of the moral changes accomplished by the diffusion of the Bible, the labours of Missionaries, and the establish

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