[June,

ENLIGHTENMENT OF TURKEY.

"CARLETON," in a letter from Turkey, to the Boston Journal, says: "Under outside influences Turkey has made some progress. What has been done may be seen from the following statement, given me by the Rev. Isaac G. Bliss, of the American Bible Society. Twenty years ago, the American Board of Foreign Missions had five stations and four churches, with 116 members. In 1857 the mustardseed had become quite a tree, with 18 central stations, 37 out-stations, 28 churches with 800 members, 51 preaching places, 50 schools with 1,500 pupils.

"Step over ten more years, to the present hour, and you may count 22 central stations, 138 out-stations, 152 preaching places, 56 churches with 2,484 members. The congregations have an average at tendance of nearly 11,000 persons. There are 165 schools, with 5,500 scholars, 4 theological seminaries and 4 female seminaries. This does not include Syria, and only embraces the work done by the American Board. About 30,000 copies of the Bible are sold per annum. It is estimated that not far from three hundred thousand Bibles are in use every day in the Turkish empire. Mr. Bliss, not long ago, in a journey through Eastern Turkey, passed twenty-three nights in the country, stopping with the peasants, and in twenty-one of the houses he found Bibles! In the town of Cesarea, three native women, employed as Bible-sellers, out of 860 families,

found the Bible in 763!

There is great desire among the people, old and young, to learn to read. There is no opposition to missionary effort, but on the contrary the people look upon the missionaries as their best friends. There is also a desire, especially among the young people, to acquire the English language. The old opposition to the instruction of women has ceased, and now there is no obstacle in the way of their elevation. This is in Eastern Turkey, the oldest country of the world — the land of Mount Ararat, of Noah, and Abraham.

After

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Many in Siberia have been moved by his example. The Russian Examiners wrote to the chief court of the empire that this man is not guilty, and that he was exiled without just cause. The Government conferred a pension of 800 monets, [equal, perhaps, to $700,] but he declined it. He said - What service have I rendered the Government that I should receive this?' The Government gave him his liberty, together with full permission to worship God according to his own conscience. He now lives in Erivan, and preaches freely to all who come to see him. He goes neither to church, mosque, or synagogue. His temple is his own house. The chief topic of address to those who come to see him is — Whosoever has not the spirit of Christ cannot understand the Word of God and

is not in the way of salvation.' Moslems come in companies to discuss with him, but he does not engage in discussions. He exhorts them to go and pray to God, through the mediation of Christ, and receive his Spirit, so that they may be prepared to talk about the Scriptures and examine them. He also says that the Koran does not oppose the divinity of Christ, nor the inspiration of the Bible; and they say that he can repeat nearly the whole of the Koran, and of the Old and New Testaments, by chapters and verses. Many Moslems have become his pupils. His labors are chiefly among the Moslems. Whoever beats him, or wrongs him in any way, he neither complains nor demands satisfaction. They say that his co-religionists may be found in America. This man has been the occasion of a good deal of excitement and discussion upon matters of faith, in and about Erivan. Our Bitlis merchants marveled greatly at his and conduct."

appearance

"Mr. Barnum adds, "In these days the Lord is using new and unlooked-for instruments. May this aged Moslem be clothed with power from on high, and lead many souls into the kingdom of light.”

THE HERALD OVER THE SEA.

A SINGLE number (that for March) of an excellent English monthly magazine, which in this connection shall be nameless, has no less than seven articles, occupying in all about four and a half of the large magazine pages, taken from one number of the Missionary Herald (that for January last), without a word of acknowledgment, or any reference to this publication! The editor is glad to see these pages doing good service abroad, but Americans, certainly, are not prepared to consider such methods of appropriating as in accordance with the highest standard of Christian courtesy, or morals. More than once, matter first published in the Herald, and reproduced in some English periodical without credit, has appeared again in some American journal credited to the (supposed) English source.

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BIBLIOGRAPHICAL.

"Ten Years on the Euphrates; or Primitive Missionary Policy Illustrated. By Rev. C. H. WHEELER, Missionary in Eastern Turkey. With an Introduction by Rev. N. G. CLARK, D. D., Corresponding Secretary of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions. Published by the American Tract Society, 28 Cornhill, Boston." 16mo. Pages 330.

THIS is a very instructive and valuable, as well as interesting book. In our (editorial) judgment it has faults. It would have been improved by the omission of some passages which may appear censorious; by the omission, indeed, of all reference to the supposed mistakes, in policy and practice, of other missions. The story of the course pursued and the results attained at Harpoot, would have been more effectual for good without any such allusions. Unfortunately, also, the objectionable passages are in the earlier portions of the volume, and may excite prejudice, or at least occasion unpleasant feeling on the part of some, at the outset; and thus prevent a candid and profitable reading of what follows. For some readers it might be well to pass by the first four chapters, and commence with the fifth. But with comparatively small faults the book has great merits. Dr. Clark says of it, in the Introduction: "It is an earnest, practical work, by an earnest, practical man." "No thoughtful man can rise from its perusal without new faith in the power of the gospel, and new hope of its speedy and final triumph." "The economy of men and means here illustrated will be a surprise even to most who claim to be familiar with the history of missions; while the results attained will furnish most unmistakable evidence of the presence and power of our Lord, fulfilling the promise coupled with his last command."

Rev. H. H. Jessup, of the Syria mission, (now in this country,) in a letter just received, says of the volume: "It is a timely contribution to our missionary literature. I wish that a copy might be sent to every Christian missionary of every Missionary Society throughout the world. The Boston Tract Society could not make a better use of its benevolent funds than this. The facts in the history of that Eastern Turkey

mission are most impressive. A crucial experiment was made, and it has succeeded. The Lord has enabled the native churches there to set again before the world the example of a primitive, self-sustaining Christianity.

"Such an example was needed. Other missions, long crippled by slow progress, or the want of a complete conception of the true theory and object of missionary labor, needed such a demonstration of the practicability of founding Christian churches with their own pastors, and then trusting them to take care of themselves. Every thoughtful missionary in the world will be glad to read Mr. Wheeler's Ten Years on the Euphrates.' May he be

HOME PROCEEDINGS.

New England Women's Foreign Missionary Society. The following persons have been made Life Members of the N. E. W. F. Missionary Society since the last report, in the May Herald, by the payment of $25 each: Mrs. Elizabeth E. Taylor, Cleveland, Ohio; Mrs. Horatio Bardwell, Oxford, Mass.; Mrs. Caroline S. Hubbell, West Roxbury, Mass., by Rev. W. S. Hubbell; Mrs. Barna Snow, Berkeley Street Church, Boston; Mrs. E. B. Webb, (by the Ladies of Shawmut Church,) Boston; Mrs. Ellen E. Manney and Miss Eliza S. Josselyn, Winchester, Mass.

Additional contributions have been received as follows: Flat Prairie Sabbathschool, Randolph County, Illinois, by William B. Taylor, $5; Valatie, N. Y., from M. E. V. A., $5; Bergen, N. J., Mrs. C. T. Lewis, $2; West Meriden, Conn., S. E. Stoddard, $2; The Congregational Church, Middlebury, Vermont, for Mariane Doodoo, Constantinople, $76.65; First Congregational Church, Norwich, Conn., $18; Camden, Oneida County, N. Y., $1. Boston, Central Church, in addition, $179.50; Park Street Church, in addition, $6; Mount Vernon

Church, in addition, $30.60; Mrs. S. B. Treat, 1; Mrs. Franklin Snow, Berkeley Street, $10; Eliot Church, Roxbury, in addition, $14.50, -10 of which from Miss Mary L. Huntington's Sabbath-school class.

Received during the last month, $526.25. Total receipts, $2,659.50.

The Society has assumed the support of Miss Rebecca D. Tracy, of Andover, Mass., the daughter of Dr. Stephen Tracy, formerly a missionary of the Board. Miss Tracy expects to join her sister, Mrs. Livingston, at Sivas, to aid her in labors among the women of that region.

MISSIONS OF THE BOARD.

Gaboon. Mr. Bushnell wrote, FebruWe continue to be encouraged ary 3: “ here by frequent cases of inquiry, and by a few cases of, we trust, true conversion. Our congregations are large and attentive, and yesterday afternoon my young men's Bible-class was larger than it has been for months past. Pray for us, that these mercy drops may be only the precursors of a plentiful shower....

"Rear Admiral de Langle, who has been at the head of the French Administration at the Gaboon and on the coast,

the last two years, sailed yesterday for France. On Saturday I attended his reception at the government-house, at the Plateau, in company with other foreign residents. The Admiral, in his address, said he had great pleasure in recognizing the great work which the American mission had accomplished, in promoting the christianization and civilization of the native population of the Gaboon and vicinity. He had noticed, with great satisfaction, the improvement in intelligence, morals, etc., since his former visit here, twenty-two years before. He assured me that we had his sympathy in our good work, and that on his return to France he should bear testimony to the Government of the good results of the mission, and do all he could to advocate and promote its interests."

Zulus. A letter from Mr. Ireland (page 188) speaks of some hopeful indications, religiously, among students in the Seminary under his care, and of the cheering prospect that French missionaries will soon be permitted to resume their excellent work among the Basutas.

North China. A letter from Mr. Stanley (page 182) gives pleasing intelligence respecting religious movements in places recently visited by him, some distance south of Tientsin, and of a general willingness to hear, and in some cases, apparent preparation of heart to attend to the truth, in that section of country, such as he had not witnessed elsewhere.

Foochow. The annual report from this field and a letter from Mr. Hartwell (page 184), will be found to indicate brightening prospects in this portion of the great Chinese Empire.

Ceylon. Statistical returns from Ceylon, for the year 1867, show the admission of 47 members to mission churches by profession. The present whole number of members is 493.

Madura. An outline of the report from this mission, for the year 1867, will be found at page 186. It will be seen that 86 members were added to the churches;

that there are now 175 places where the gospel is regularly preached on the Sabbath; that it has been preached, in connection with itinerating labors, in thousands of heathen villages and to many thousands of people; and that there are encouraging indications as to progress among females.

Mahrattas. Mr. Harding writes from Sholapoor, that Prabhakar, brother of "the brahmin baptized last September," was received to the church in February, his conduct having been very satisfactory since he returned to the station. (For previous statements respecting this case, see the Herald for January, page 20, and for April, page 133.) Mr. Bissell wrote from Ahmednuggur, March 12: "Five persons were received to the first church here on the first of March, and one a few days previous. Those who have read the letters from the Mahratta mission for the last twenty years, have often seen the name of Haripunt, the late pastor of the First Church at this place. One of those recently baptized was his aged mother. For nearly thirty years she has nourished her brahmin pride, and kept aloof from her Christian sons. She would come to their houses, sit with them, and read the Bible even, but never take a morsel of food with them. But she has been familiar with Christian truth for years, and grace seems to have triumphed at last. About two months ago she came to her son's house to live. She told him she had given up her hold of Hinduism, and wished to be received among the people of God. wished to profess Christ at once, but we delayed a few weeks to see the fruits of her faith."

She

Eastern Turkey. Mr. H. N. Barnum wrote from Harpoot, February 28: "At the time of the ordination of the pastor over the church in Malatia, May, 1866, the congregation was doubled, and the work seemed to receive a new impulse. A few weeks later, a new Armenian Vartabed from Constantinople came, and instigated a most violent persecution. The Vartabed was finally recalled, but by the free use of bribes he secured a reappoint

ment to the same place, and for the past eight or ten months he has freely applied his instruments of persecution. The little church and congregation appear now to be reaping the benefit of it. At first they were too much inclined to resist; but now, in the spirit of Christian meekness, they give themselves to their spiritual duties, regardless of their trials, and the Lord appears to be blessing them in it. The pastor writes with great cheerfulness. The persecution has strengthened the foundations, has purified the church, and begotten a spirit of Christian earnestness and self-denial which that little community never before manifested. There is also an unwonted spirit of inquiry, which might almost be characterized as a revival."

Extracts from a letter from the wife of one of the missionaries (page 189) contain statements and suggestions of interest respecting various matters and places.

Western Turkey. Mr. Livingston, of Sivas (page 192), and Mr. Farnsworth, of Cesarea (page 193), report visits to out-stations, and in several cases, encouraging facts. It is sad that there should be no native preacher for a place where "at least 150 houses would this winter have declared themselves Protestant" had there been such a preacher there.

Syria. Writing from Abeih, March 13, Mr. Bird states: "There has been quite an excitement in Deir il Komr on account of the foolish deeds of the Jesuits. Bits of wax, in triangular pieces of leather, have been distributed among the people, as having wonderful properties as charms. They were blessed at Rome at the great convocation last year, and are called, blasphemously, the Lamb of God! Children have been enticed to confess by means of sugarplums, being rewarded in proportion to the number and enormity of the alleged transgressions!"

Reporting the Abeih station, for the year 1867, Mr. Bird mentions that twelve new members had been received to the church, eight males and four females. Nine of the twelve had been educated in the mission boarding schools. Quite an

advance had been secured in contributions, $200 in gold having been raised for "maintaining the native pastor, assisting a colporter, and aiding other benevolent objects." At the close of the report he remarks: "The Governor of these mountains seems anxious to promote the welfare of his people and introduce improvements. He has started a newspaper, established telegraphic lines, commenced a carriage-road, encouraged education, and made his pashalic the safest for traveling of any in the empire. It would be too much to expect of the papal governor of a papal province to favor Protestantism, but we are permitted to open more schools than our finances authorize, and to preach wherever we can gather hearers. We may use the Bible in all our schools, and present or sell the blessed volume to any we please. We have truly a good work to do, and a vast amount of it. Our prayer is for laborers, and the presence of Him whose harvest is being gathered."

Rev. Dr. Webb, of Boston, wrote to a friend, from Beirut, in March last: "I am impressed with the wisdom of these missionary brethren as well as with their devotion. They are far-seeing, and they have an eye single to the glory of their Master. I hope I shall be made better by spending a few days with them, mingling in their deliberations, and observing their work. At Sidon we met the missionaries of the American Board, Eddy and Jessup, — true-hearted, faithful, and devoted men. I spent a day and more with them. Here I have been for a week, seeing just what interests me, the actual contact and influence of these tried and efficient brethren among the Arabs. Consider the obstacles which they have had to encounter, and the deficient and deceptive character of those for whom they have labored, and their success is remarkable. Mr. Washburn is here, from Constantinople, and I am half persuaded to go off with him to Aintab, and so on, on a tour of inspection; but I suppose I shall hardly accomplish it. My desire is to see not only the past and the dead, but also to see what is undertaken, and what can be done, in the living present, for the risen and reigning Saviour."