our appointment, we are anxious that, as far as God may enable us, no part of the human race shall remain unvisited by the gospel of Jesus Christ for this purpose, our eyes have been directed to every quarter of the globe, desirous to follow the indications of the divine will, wherever we might perceive them.

a

In the surveys which, from time to time, we have taken of the state of religion among our fellow-men, there is a people which has frequently arrested our attention, and called forth deep, but, till lately, unavailing commiseration: people which, whether considered in a civil or religious view, is the most extraordinary that ever inha. bited the face of the globe! for ages, the favoured depositories of the knowledge of the true God and of his revealed will, they have rejected the last and clearest manifestation of his nature, counsels, and operations.

We have much lamented their protracted infidelity, and its consequent miseries; and have, at the same time, been grieved at the general unconcern with which Christians have continued spectators of their unhappy condition. While they live in Christian countries, unconscious evidences of the divine origin of that gospel which they themselves disbelieve, how little have they been the objects of that charity which Christianity inculcates ! A torpid insensibility hath restrained all those holy energies which ought to have been exerted in their behalf nor can British Christians claim an exemption from this charge. The benign nature of our civil constitution has attracted multitudes of the dispersed seed of Abraham to our country; and, under the protection of our laws, they have multiplied and prospered. We consider them to be Britons and fellow-subjects, and mingle with them in the affairs and intercourse of society. Thus, as thed derence in ou Ngiou sentiments does not intert vil relations, it has suz it tet. . . ab...!..

ad this inatedy a culp piritual

state and condition. A few endea vours have been made, at different times, to call their attention to Christianity; but they have been partial, transitory, and apparently unsuccessful.

The concern which has, for z few years past, so extensively ma. nifested itself in behalf of Heathen nations, is a happy omen that the spiritual state of the Jews will, ere long, call forth similar regard. Nothing, surely, can be more consistent and congenial, than that two kindred objects, equally the sub jects of prophecy and promise, should be prosecuted with equal ardour and conjoint endeavours. Let not that be left behind in our plans, which, for aught we know, may be first in the order of full ać. complishment. Be the divine pur poses, however, what they may, the path of our duty is obvious and plain; and we doubt not that our Christian Brethren, in every part of the united kingdom, will return a cheerful and zealous response to the invitation now given them, to embrace the object in their affections, their prayers, and their exertions. To propose it is to enforce it, for its claims are so ap parent and strong, that arguments cannot add to their weight.

While we thus excite you,, bre. thren, to serious concern and ge nerous exertions in behalf of the Jews, it will become us to state what are our own views and designs, and in what way we look for your co-operation.

When it pleased God, a few years since, to send us, as an intended Missionary, a converted descendant of Abraham, it appeared to us an intimation of the divine will, that we should turn our attention to that people; and we indulged the hope that, in the person of Mr. Frey, a suitable instrument was brought to our hands. An appropriate educa tion was therefore given him; and, as his endowments seemed well adapted to the work, and his heart deeply intent upon it, it was re solved, at the period of our last Annual Meeting, That he should commence his labours. They have been continued to the present time,

accompanied with tokens which encourage us to hope that we have not misconstrued the providential will, and cause us to desire to enlarge our endeavours. At this stage of our progress, it would have been highly gratifying merely to say, that considerable attention had been already excited among the Jews; but to that, we trust, we can add, that more than one soul has been brought to the Saviour of sinners; and that others are also, in a humble frame of spirit, desiring the knowledge of his name. We have, besides, made the important discovery, that latent convictions of the truth of the gospel exist in the breasts of many Jews, who, under the countenance which a judicious course of measures adopted by the Missionary Society would afford, might be led openly to avow their convictions, and attend public ordinances.

A field of vast importance, and of inviting appearance, thus presents itself to our view, although the entrance to it is not without difficulties, and the cultivation of it will require peculiar wisdom and discretion. In such a cause, obstacles, whatever they may be, are to be contemplated, not dreaded; and, after much deliberation and prayer, we have resolved to press forward in our labours, with increased earnestness and additional efforts.

The limits of this Address will not allow us to specify what are the means, in our judgment, best adapt ed to the desired end. Some of these will be common to every attempt to spread the gospel; others must be dictated by an attentive consideration of the genius and actual circumstances of the people, to whom we are more immediately sending it. We can only say, generally, that pointed appeals will be made to them, from the press, to rouse their attention to the sub. ject of religion; additional op portunities of hearing the gospel, from the mouth of one of their own brethren, Mr. Frey, will be presented; means of religious instruction, and of other necessary in formation, will be provided;-pro

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tection will be afforded to such as are exposed to persecution for the sake of the gospel; and the offices of humanity and charity performed towards deserving objects, who may require them at our hands & nor must such means be overlooked as will tend to perpetuate the work, to prepare fit instruments for carrying it on, and to enlarge its sphere, even beyond the limits of our own country, as God may grant' us opportunity. As in the case of Missions to the Heathen, our example will, it is hoped, excite, in other places, similar endeavours, so that we may in that way be the instruments of more good than our own hands can perform.

The subject itself, and the considerations connected with it, will be more fully presented to view at the next Annual Meeting of the Society; and a discourse, suited to the circumstances, will be delivered by a much- respected brother, whose heart always expands with generous ardour in the prospect of new attempts to extend the kingdom of the Redeemer. We anticipate with high satisfaction, the day in which hundreds of British Ministers, and thousands of British Christians, with a few of the dispersed of Jacob, will unite their supplications for the speedy accomplishment of all the good which God hath spoken concerning Israel.

But, brethren, before much attention can be expected on the part of the Jews, a more lively interest in their behalf must be felt by Christians. How much, alas, might our closets and pulpits upbraid us for forgetfulness of the state of the Jews! Let us review the glorious promises of God, with respect to, their restoration; let these promises be carried by the prayer o faith before the heavenly throne; let ministers aid their own and their people's intelligence of the subject, by bringing it to notice in their public ministrations; let Christians stir up each other to a remembrance of their duty in regard to the Jews; and as there are few places in the kingdom where Jews do not reside, let prudent and affectionate measures be taken, geBb

nerally, to call their attention to Christianity, induce them to consider the evidences by which it is supported; and, above all, to convince them, personally, of their need of that salvation which it brings for their acceptance.

We cannot but take this opportunity of reminding our brethren, that the extensive and extending sphere of the exertions of our Society naturally occasions heavy and increasing expences. The new and important object now proposed to your consideration will, naturally, enhance those expences. How necessary it is, therefore, that you should inanifest the desire you entertain for the conversion of Jews and Gentiles, by a liberal support of the measures tending to those ends, needs not be stated.

Earnestly entreating your prayers, that wisdom, fidelity, and zeal may be imparted to us, and that we may be directed to those measures by which the divine glory shall be promoted, and desiring that grace, mercy, and peace may be with you, Brethren, and the whole Israel of God, we subscribe ourselves your willing servants in the gospel of Jesus Christ, The Directors of the Missionary

Society, GEO. BURDER, Sec,

MEDINA.

aided by their neighbours the Monte negrins and Herzogovins, have made a great slaughter among the Turks.

This extraordinary event will probably render some account of Maho

met's tonb acceptable to the reader. We transcribe it from "A faithful Account of the Religion and Manners of the Mahometans, third edition, published in 1731. By Joseph Pitts, of Exeter," father, we believe, of the late Rev. Mr. Pitts, of Southwark. Mr. Pitts was taken prisoner when very young, by the Algerines, and sold for a slave. In the course of his journies with one of his masters, he visited Mecca and Medina.

"Medina," says this writer, "is but a little town, and poor; yet it is walled round, and hath in it a great mosque; but nothing near so big as the temple at Mecca. In one corner of the mosque is a place built about fourteen or fifteen paces square. About this place are great windows, fenced with brass grates. In the inside it is decked with some lamps and ornaments. It is arched all overhead. I find some relate, that there are no less than 3000 Tamps about Mahomet's tomb; but there are not, as I verily believe, an hundred (and these not of silver, as some report; but almost all of glass). I speak what I know, and have been an eye-witness of. In the middle of this place is the tomb of Mahomet, where the corpse of that bloody impostor is laid, which hath silk curtains all around it, like a bed; which curtains are not costly nor beautiful. There is nothing of this tomb to be seen by any, by reason of the curtains round it; nor are any of the hagges (or devotees who visit it for worship) permitted to enter there. None go in but the eunuchs, who keep the watch over it; and they only to light the lamps which, burn there by night, and to sweep and cleanse the place. All the privileges the hagges have, is only to thrust in their hands at the windows, between the brass grates, and to petition the dead juggler; which they do with a wonderful deal of re

verence.

"It is storied by some, that the coffin of Mahomet hangs up by the attractive virtue of a loadstone to the roof of the mosque; but, believe me, it is a false story. When I looked thro' the brass grate, I saw as much as any of the hagges; and the top of the curtains which covered the tomb, were not half so high as the roof or arch; so that it is impossible his coffin should be hanging there. I never heard the Mahometans say any thing like it."

CAPE OF GOOD HOPE.

On the 8th of January last, Cape Town and its dependencies were surrendered to his Majesty's forces, commanded by Sir David Baird and Sir Home Popham, after an action on the 6th; in which it is stated, that the Dutch army lost about 700 men; and his Majesty's forces about 240 in killed and wounded. We are concerned to hear of the loss of our fellow-men, and especially of our fellow-subjects; yet we indulge a hope, that the cause of Missions in that couniry may be benefitted by its reverting into the hands of the British Government.

VESUVIUS.

A Letter from a British officer, near Naples, dated Dec. 2, 1805, states, that a very considerable eruption of Mount Vesuvius took place shortly before the arrival of the English army; and the Java was still warm. "The effects of the earthquake are everywhere visible throughout the kingdom: there is scarcely a house in Naples, Torre de l' Annonciata, Castell a Mare, or anywhere along the coast, that has not a visible rent from its roof to its foundation. In Abruzzo, where its elects were particularly felt, seventeen thousand lives are said to have been lost. Every blessing has thus its counterpoise. Were it not for these disasters, to which this country has been sometimes prone, from natural causes with which Providence has thought proper to tax it, its climate would render it a paradise."

BENGAL.

The Rev. C. Buchanan, Vice Presideat of the College at Fort William, has proposed a prize of 500l. for the best work in English Prose, embracing the following subjects: -- i, The probable Design of Providence in submit

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ting so large a Portion of Asia to the British Dominion; 2, The Duty, Means, ard Consequences of translating the Scriptures into the Oriental Tongues; and promoting Christian Knowledge in Asia;-3, A Brief His toric View of the Progress of the Gospel in the different Nations, since its first Promulgation.

SUSOO MISSIONARIES.

WE are sorry to state, that the ship Margery and Mary, in which the four German Missionaries (sent out by the Society for Missions to Africa and the East) sailed from Liverpool on the 16th of February, was, on Sunday, the 23d of that month, at four o'clock in the morning, stranded off St. Margaret's (or St. Martin's) Bay, about nine miles to the westward of Wexford, in reland; but, thanks be to God, all their lives were saved, with all the crew, together with part of their property Soon after, the ship struck, when immediate destruction seemed at hand, the day dawned, and the captain with joy discovered land. The boat was seat on shore, and help procured; so that by ten o'clock in the forenoon, the Missionaries were all safe on shore, where they met with kind friends, who conveyed them to Wexford.

We have been favoured with a copy of the following Letter from one of the Missionaries:

Wexford, March 1st, 1806.

Dear Sir and Madam,

What shall I say, or how shall I excuse myself? I seem to be in the condition of Pharaoh's butler, who remembered not his good friend Joseph, but forgat him: yet be assured that I have not forgot your kindness. The reason for my not acknowledging your favours sooner are these: first, I am very imperfect in the English language, as well in speaking as in writing. Secondly, I thought to be soon in Africa, where I could give you a better account of our voyage: but the Lord our God went and her way with me and my brethren, You will have heard that we set sail from Liverpool the 16th of February; we had at that time tolerably fair wind, and I was pleased and rejoiced in the Lord: but on the following days we had generally contrary winds.

Feb. 20th, we had a storm, not very strong; but poor Butscher was afraid, yet I committed myself to the Lord, in whose name I and my brethren go among the Heathen to proclaim his precious gospel. After

this I lost my fear, and the storm began to cease.

The 21st, we had a storm again from eleven o'clock in the morning till twelve o'clock at night, and much stronger than the day before; yet I - was not so afraid as on the 20th. In the afternoon, when the storm was very strong, I and my brethren went into our cabin, and committed ourselves, and all the people in the ship, to the Lord our God; and I went to bed very easy in my mlud, and rejoicing in the Lord; after nine o'clock in the evening, though the storm was yet very strong, I had the promise in my heart that the Lord will not forsake us, but deliver us out of all danger.

The 22d in the morning, about five o'clock, came such a strong wind as we never had before; yet I was not so much afraid, hecause the promise of the Lord, I will not forsake thee," kept me from great fear. My bed was near the opening of our cabin; and whilst I lay yet in bed, a mighty wave came over the ship, and through the opening of our cabin upon my bed, as heavy as hailstones, I leaped up, went on the deck, and saw how the mighty waves came over the ship; but the Lord commanded them to do us no harm; and in the afternoon the wind was quiet.

The 23d, about four o'clock in the morning, we felt and heard a very strong shaking of the ship; the captain, avery active man, leaped out of his bed, went on the deck, and exclaimed, "Good God! we are all lost, our ship is stranded !" As soon as I heard this I leaped out of my bed, went on deck; and my brethren and the other passengers followed me.

The captain commanded the sailors to loose the boats and put them in the water, to save somebody if possible; but the sailors, terrified in their minds

that moment, could not labour! The cries of them were dreadful: one cried Lord! Lord! we are lost;" and others swere! And now we all stood on the deck, expecting the monent of our death, because the captain thought the bottom was perhaps broken; yet I was not afraid, assured in my heart, if I die this moment, in the next I shall be with my dear Saviour, who has redeemed

me; and I shall adore his holy name in eternal happiness.

Soon after this, the captain called out, "I see land!" What joyful intelligence was this for us!" The captain then examined whether we had much water in the ship, and found hut little; and as soon as it was day he sent his first mate in a boat to the land, to enquire where we were; who on his return informed us we were near Wexford, in Ireland, and that a rich gentleman had received him very kindly and asked for the captain, who with the mate went on shore and was received very kindly by the gentleman; who, when he heard from the captain that there were four missionaries on board, he sent to Christian friends in the neighbourhood, and made known to them our distress. About ten o'clock in the forenoon we went on shore, and in the afternoon the Christian friends came and received us very kindly to their houses, where we resided till the 27th. After this we came to Wexford, where we now are; an our goods are brought from the ship. We have written to our honourable committee, and are waiting for directions. Blessed be the Lord, that he has saved our lives in a wonderful manner! we were near death, but he has delivered us from it. O that my heart may rest more and more upon our all-suflicient God and Saviour!

I can say, by the grace of God, I feel no fear of going again upon the mighty waters; I wish with all my heart that the Lord may soon shew as another opportunity of going to the poor Susoo Nation, to proclaim his precious gospel.

This letter would have been longer if I could express myself properly in English. I cannot conclude without wishing you all joy and peace in believing. May God be the strength of your hearts and your portion! [ frequently make mention of you in my poor prayers; the dearly beloved of the Father remembers you, now he is in his kingdo..

I and my brethren unite in kindest respects to you, and to the two ladies and the gentleman in your house. The Lord be with you all, and with your obedient Servant, LEOPOLD BUTSCHER.

L. S. ¿.

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